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I looked at the clock on the wall as I set aside my prior journal entry. It was several hours off compared to where we likely were out over the ocean after departing Capricorn Island. I had finished the collection of sushi pieces Ocean Flow had prepared for me before my departure and had cast the remaining junk into the nearest waste bin. It sounded like dinner would start being prepared soon and I was ready for something from a little closer to home. Delicious as all that seafood was on Capricorn Island, it is nice to get some variety in now and then.

I hoisted the stack of pages into my arms and departed from the office before making my way down the hall and to my own private chambers. It looked exactly as it did days ago when I first traveled to the island and instilled a feeling of familiarity as I stepped inside. I went to the empty wardrobe nearby and pulled the drawers open. Stacked neatly inside were every last journal entry I have written over the past ten days. Finding an empty spot, I set the new stack of pages inside and pushed the drawers closed. "I wonder if I should consider printing all these as an autobiography someday..."

I looked over to the corner of my room. The Lunar Shield was propped up in the corner with the Celestial Sword's hilt jutting up from its scabbard on the backside. My helmet was resting on a chair and the liquid form of my armor sat in a plastic tub that Celestia went out of her way to procure to insure I would have an easier time retrieving it. Finding myself in the mood for some fresh air, I put one foot into the tub to allow my armor to mold itself over my body before hardening and stepping out into the hall and heading up the stairs to step out onto the deck.

The buzz of the Olympia's propellers filled the air from aft of the airship as I closed the door behind me. The pilot was still standing at the helm, so I made certain to provide no distractions. I walked to the front of the bow and gazed out at the horizon. But we were flying east, so the sunset was behind the Olympia. Instead of the sun melting into the sea, all I saw was the encroaching night sky on the horizon. Not quite as mesmerizing as a sunset, but it still grabbed my attention. But probably for the wrong reasons. It almost felt ominous. Especially...the clouds on the horizon.

I could almost feel it in the air. A subtle change in air pressure. The telltale signs of approaching rain. And we were miles from the nearest port. Out of concern, I approached the pilot and asked, "Hey, are we expecting rain tonight?"

"Yeah, that's what the schedule said. No worries, all airships are designed to handle bad weather. We'll be fine, though you should probably head back below deck once it starts coming down." He replied while minding the helm and the various gauges beside him. I returned to the front of the bow and continued to watch as the Olympia flew further and further away from Capricorn Island's time zone. It was like the day was going by faster as we flew away from the sun. Eventually, I noticed a noise coming from above and saw what looked like a type of film coating my vision. What I was seeing were countless raindrops coming down before me and the sound was said raindrops pelting the Olympia's gas sack above me. Not wanting to be too close to the edge of the deck with the risk of turbulence coming up, I beat a hasty retreat back below deck and returned my armor to my chambers.

I returned to my chambers and melted my armor off into its tub before getting my shoes back on. Even though the cannon deck on the other side of the wall meant there was no way to see outside, I could hear a sort of ambiance adding the faint hum of the engines. The rain was coming down pretty hard and pelting the side of the hull. For all the danger this could mean, it actually added a certain lazy atmosphere that made me want to just take it easy for a while. I took the opportunity to pull my DSi out and reclined on my bed before opening the device's camera function to browse the gallery of photos I had taken during the trip.

I saw the photos of my time at the aquarium followed by every other incident I had the incentive to photograph. I made sure to get photos of everyone I had come to know. I got some of Sky Beak and Ocean Flow together, one of Sky Beak dressed up in his armor, Admiral Seaspray posing regally beside a few of his men, and even old McBurbsten when I happened to pass close to his place again. I wonder what I am going to say to try and explain that weirdo...

And lastly... Photos of Novo. During one of our nights together, Novo found out about my DSi and essentially asked me to give her a private photo shoot. So I did. That was on the second last night I was on Capricorn Island. I felt myself cringe, but in a good way, as I observed the photos of Novo just looking so sexy on her bed. If her eyes were open, they were always looking at me. And then I found one photo I had all but forgotten about. One where the shot was mostly from behind with Novo looking back at me flirtatiously, her tail feathers only barely concealing what was hidden between her full rounded flanks. "God, you can be such a tease, Novo..."

I spent a good minute looking at that last one while admittedly having some very indecent thoughts about that gorgeous queen. Thoughts that I am sure she would have loved to hear. I cupped myself between my legs, my body responding accordingly to this visual stimulation. "Ugh... Moving on."

With my DSi in hand, I suddenly got the idea to get in some last minute photos while I was on the Olympia. After sliding my shoes back on, I stepped out into the hall and started going about the place while snapping photos of the interior. Just to remember how this luxury royal airship looked like on the inside. The only place I did not really take any photos of aside from the private chambers was the deck. Certainly not during a rainstorm.

It was while I was snapping a photo of the hall that something lightly tapped me on the shoulder. I turned to look and found Celestia smiling at me. "Taking a few mementos, my sunshine?"

"Yep. And now for one more." I replied before turning to face her and snapping a photo of the Princess of the Dawn standing in the middle of the corridor. She must have found some humor in this since the instant I snapped the photo, she had her eyes closed and was clearing snickering under her breath. "Great shot. Thanks for that."

"Anytime, James. Mind if I see what you have?" She asked before stepping forward and taking the DSi into her magical grasp. I did not object and even started to wonder how she would respond to some of my earlier photos. "Hmmm, you were having a good time at that aquarium... I know these faces... Wait... Oooooh my goodness, Novo. What were you doing with my sunshine behind closed doors?"

I facepalmed as I tried my hardest to not laugh too loud. "I swear we didn't go all the way. She even said that we shouldn't during my first visit. But...well... Yeah."

Celestia snickered as she closed the DSi and gave it back to me. A most devious smirk settled upon her lips. "Oh, I know she's all over you. She's really bad at hiding her love for a man. But I am so going to bring those photos up next time I see her. That'll be enough to get her back for all those Sunbutt quips of hers."

I then leaned forward and whispered into her ear, "Hey, don't be jealous. Novo may be the sexiest bird in the world, but you're still the sexiest mare."

"Is that so, my sunshine?" Celestia asked playfully while batting her eyelashes at me. "Then would you care to join me in my chambers tonight to indulge in my beauty once again? I have so missed you during our stay. I know Novo's had you all to herself for a while, but I'd like to catch up on lost time."

Knowing just how sincere her words were, I stepped closer and put my arms around her in genuine tenderness. "I'd love to, Celestia. I've...missed you too."

The beautiful Princess of the Dawn took the opportunity that was presented to us with no prying eyes around to witness our banter. She embraced me with her wing as her head rested against my own. "I love you, James..."

"I love you too, dear..." I whispered back to her as my fingers dragged themselves through her billowing mane. As we held each other for a moment longer, I started to notice an aroma of sorts filling the air. "Is it time for dinner already?"

"Smells like it. And...Novo supplied us with a little something to serve you up for dinner. One last serving from Capricorn Island, seeing as how you like fish so much." Celestia replied as we pulled away from each other. "Meet me in the galley in maybe twenty minutes. Everything should be ready by then."

"Will do. See you then, Celestia." I retorted as we both stepped back into our private chambers. I was tempted to follow her, but it would be better to wait until that night. The wait would only make it sweeter. While waiting for dinner, I checked and sorted all of my journal entries written over the course of the trip. I listed them in order of time they were written and made certain the pages were centered. The stacks were much too thick for a paperclip or even a stapler. What do they use to hold documents with so many pages? I would to ask about that.

Eventually, a glance at the clock revealed that twenty minutes had gone by, so I made my way out the door and to the galley at the bow of the ship. Most of the crew had gathered to get their meal for the evening. But I was in for a surprise as Celestia approached me with our plates. It was curry over a layer of basmati rice like on the trip to Capricorn Island, but mine was loaded down with a hefty addition of shrimp to the veggies. "Ooooh man, Novo knows what I like."

"She most certainly does." Celestia whispered with a smirk before sneaking a kiss upon my cheek. I was expecting Celestia to have had a personal dish made for herself, but she was merely helping herself to some of the curry too. I cannot fault her. Curry is always extremely flavorful. As we dined together, she whispered to me. "Will you please join me in my chambers tonight?"

"Of course. I'd love to hold you in bed again." I relied quietly while starting to become warm in anticipation of what might occur that night. Our prior night together was wonderful and preciously intimate. I think I was even starting to sweat as Celestia cracked a smirk while looking at me. "What...? Can you tell I'm really looking forward to it?"

"Oh, I know the look of nervousness when I see it. I've seen it in Twilight too many times to count." Celestia explained with a brief chuckle. "To be honest... I'm a little antsy too. We...don't get to see that side of each other very often. And that was...the first time I've...ever been touched by a man in such a way."

"You've never had time for romance, huh? Not even once?" I asked between spoonfuls of my curry. With how long Celestia has been around, I found it almost impossible to imagine her heart never once desiring another.

"No, not really... I mean not entirely." She retorted while sipping some cider to counter the curry's signature spiciness. "There have been times when I have felt the twinge of attraction to other gentlemen. I simply just did not have the time to devote myself to pursuing a relationship. Not with the weight of the world on my shoulders. The chain of command ultimately comes back to the royal family at the end of the day. That, and all of these potential suitors have always been from faraway regions, so the factor of distance helped keep my heart at bay."

"But...not with me?" I asked in confusion, knowing we were both very much in love while also knowing how extremely special our relationship is.

The beautiful Princess of the Dawn smiled at me as she spoke softly, "Well, when considering your proximity to Canterlot and the nature of your presence in Equestria, I can't exactly stay away from you for very long. You're the herald of something important, my dear. Something the royal family itself is orchestrating. And even then... As I've said before, you're hard not to fall in love with. You understand the value of the simple things in life. And few things are as simple, yet as precious, as love."

I noticed her eyes glance back and forth as if to scan her surroundings for some sort of threat. A second later, she placed a brief kiss upon my cheek as I cringed in delight. "I do not regret falling in love with you, my sunshine. Not many are able to bring themselves to see past my crown."

"I admit that it hasn't always been easy, but I think I have gotten the hang of it after a while." I whispered back as I caressed her lower jaw with my hand. "You've done an admirable job in balancing being a sovereign with being yourself. And that's on top of guiding Equestria as well as you have."

"I have to say... It's very encouraging to hear that from someone who is not of this world. I'm delighted that you've taken to Equestria as well as you have." Celestia whispered as she enjoyed another spoonful of her curry on rice.

I too helped myself to another bite as I said, "A world doesn't need to be insanely complex to be great. Sometimes the simpler approach is better. And I am a simple man with simple desires. This world is everything I could hope for."

Before long, our plates had been cleaned thoroughly. Fantastic cooking. I wonder if Saffron Masala or Coriander Cumin provided the crew with any cooking tips. Celestia then looked at me with a smirk and asked, "Care for another round of Equestrian Heroes, my paladin?"

"Sounds like a jolly good idea for an evening, arch mage." I retorted in an attempt to be witty. She and I both know which class we excel at most. We made our ways to the bottom deck of the Olympia and into the game hall. I have tried out some of the other game cabinets, including one that is a golf simulator that uses a trackball, but nothing is better for co-op than Equestrian Heroes or any other side-scrolling beat-em-up. We went on with that game for maybe an hour or two before we finally got taken out at the third last level. The more players you have, the easier the game is, though Celestia and I got impressively far despite being only two players and one a single coin limit. Our experience with the game probably helped with that.

We would have gone for another round to try and see the game through to the end, but it was getting very close to closing time for the game lounge. Not even fifteen minutes left. Celestia flexed her neck as the game cabinet went silent while displaying demos on the screen along with the high score list. It was only then that I noticed how quiet the Olympia was at that time aside from the faint buzzing of the propellers beyond the stern. "I think that's enough for one night. Don't want to keep the crew awake."

"Is it really that late? I know time is kinda moving faster since we're moving away from the sun, but still..." I mused while looking at the clock on the far wall. It was probably set to Canterlot's time and did not match how it felt out there over the open sea. I tried not to look at the time for too long out of concern that it would mess with my ability to sleep that night.

Celestia stood up from her spot and nuzzled my head. "Just about everyone will be asleep before long. Since you like to bathe before bed... Would you like to join me this evening? One last time before we return home?"

"I wouldn't have it any other way, Celestia." I said softly before standing from my seat and giving the beautiful princess a tender embrace. I followed her out into the break lounge and up the stairs to the galley before returning to my chambers for the night. Or at least until I was ready to sleep.

The rocking of the ship combined with the occasional rumbling of thunder sounded oddly relaxing as I relaxed in my chambers for a little while. I took some time to inspect the souvenirs I picked up, mostly consisting of bottles of mead ad other edible goods. Although the last item I inspected were the pearl earrings I had purchased for Smolder and I felt a twinge of apprehension as I held the little jewelry box in my hand with my eyes focused on the two iridescent orbs nestled in the velvet-lined box.

I was beginning to have second thoughts. Maybe this was a bad idea. Was I going too far too fast? Would she be able to truly appreciate the value of such a gift as well as the meaning behind it? I still had to remind myself that dear little Smolder is only fourteen years old. At least in body. Her mind is not that of a child though. I just cannot help seeing the woman in her.

My hand tenderly cradled the box in it as if grasping a small hand. I missed her touch right then... A touch that only she could give me. Or at least up until I met the likes of Novo. Holding a hoof is one thing, but to feel another hand clinging to yours as much as yours clings to theirs... It carried a sentiment to it that I had not felt in some time. I wanted to hold her hand again. To see those beautiful exotic blue eyes gazing at me the way they always do.

I began to wonder how Smolder would respond once I returned home. Maybe some time away from her would be good. Our interactions... I could see the love in her eyes and hear it in her words. But was it the confused desperate love of a naive girl or the deep sincere love of a woman? Smolder is...such a paradox. Young and naive, yet mature and weathered all at once. And...I think I love that about her.

Finally realizing that I was distracting myself with something that was probably too early to pass judgment on and that I was overthinking it, I closed the jewelry box and set it back with the rest of the goods before making my way to the bathroom. I promptly undressed and stepped into the shower stall, the rocking of the ship and the sound of the storm outside making my shower a little more fun as I faintly swayed with the Olympia's own movements. Once all done, I pulled on a clean pair of boxers and made sure I was dry before approaching the door. I knew I was being expected next door.

A quick scanning of the hall outside my door revealed not a soul in sight, the lights dimmed for the night. I quietly closed the door behind me and stepped over to the next door before gently pushing it open. It was unlocked. She knew I was coming. And relaxing upon her bed in the gentle glow of a nearby lamp was the radiant Princess of the Dawn herself completely bereft of her golden regalia. She smiled invitingly at me as she said softly, "Welcome, my love."

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting." I replied with equal softness. The moment I closed the door and locked it, a familiar veil of magic light covered the walls before fading away. I recognized it. A sound muffling spell that Celestia had used the last time we spent a night together in her chambers. We would not be disturbed that night.

"Nonsense. And besides, we have plenty of time until we return to Canterlot." She beckoned me with her wing outstretched. I stepped right into her embrace as Celestia pulled me to the bed. Our lips quickly found each other as we kissed in the sacred confines of her bedchambers. "How I've missed this..."

"I didn't realize how much I missed this until now..." I muttered as my lips found their way to hers again. My hands stroked Celestia sleek elegant body, beauty found only in royalty. I breathed deeply after a particularly long kiss as I gazed into her beautiful purple eyes. "It is so hard to decide... You or Novo? I can't really choose whose beauty is superior."

"Mmmmhmhmhm, it doesn't matter if Novo's beauty surpasses my own." Celestia whispered as her wing held me against her. "Tonight, I have you all to myself."

"I almost feel bad that you and I didn't get more...quality time together during the trip. I mean I enjoyed myself, but..." I whispered, my hand sliding down Celestia's back to the superb rounded curves of her flanks. I was mindful of her cutie marks. I did not want to escalate things too quickly. Novo was indeed correct. Celestia has always had a very well defined set of hips, those feminine curves likely superior to most mares throughout the world. Not quite as full and soft as Novo's, but that could change one day.

"Then let's start making up for it. Kiss me, my love." Celestia whispered with a smile. I did not hesitate. My lips found their ways to hers, our eyes closing as we pressed most deeply in the kiss. Our voices sang deep in our throats as passion drove up to part our lips. Our song serenaded the dance of our tongues, twirling and caressing each other as we tasted each other. Celestia's wings both embraced me in constant motion as she desperately held onto me. My arms responded in kind, holding her as my fingers dragged through her mane against the back of her neck. My other hand reached lower, rubbing and grasping at her royal flank with my fingers periodically digging into her sensitive cutie mark.

God, I wanted her... I could feel my body starting to lust for the immortal princess before me. The princess I love. Her song became increasingly shrill as my touch began to relocate. I reached between her hind legs and down her belly, grasping at her soft teats. I held one in my hand, fingers clenching it in alternating movements. Finally, Celestia pulled away from the kiss with a gasp as a powerful desire settled in her eyes. "You are so good to me, my love... I..."

Before I could even say anything, I noticed a brief flash of light below my field of vision. A quick glance down revealed that my boxers had vanished. And I was most erect. Celestia brought her head low and took my entire shaft into her eager maw, sucking along its length with eagerness while I gasped and groaned with my hand on her head.

She moaned as her tongue slid along my shaft. But only for a minute or so. Celestia soon began to place soft kisses up my body even as her magical grasp continued to slide along my shaft like an unseen hand. My hand continued to pleasure her all the same, holding and fondling her soft teat and its malleable flesh just below her alabaster coat. Our lips found each other, eyes closed as we held and kissed each other in deepening passion. How I loved that wonderful mare.

Our voices sang deep in our throats, our tongues dancing to the chorus of our muffled moans. The beautiful Princess of the Dawn made her heart's desires known to me through her touch as I did the same to her. Our kiss ended all too soon, our eyes gazing deep into the other during a brief moment of respite. I was at a loss for words. I just wanted to hold and love her and nothing more. But as our eyes read each other, Celestia whispered to me with sweet honey to her words. "My love... Take me..."

"I will, dear. I'll make you feel..." I began to mutter sweetly to her before I felt her hoof upon my lips to silence me. The haze in her eyes cleared just slightly, her mouth curving into a faint smile.

"No, James... Not like last time..." She whispered lovingly as she leaned back with her wings around me, pulling me down atop her as she relaxed upon her back. "I mean it... Take me... Make me yours... I can't wait any longer, my love..."

"Celestia... You... You're not really..." I muttered as I tried to comprehend the gravity of her plea. I did sincerely love the mare behind the crown. And yet, a part of my heart was telling me to exercise caution. Her beautiful form beckoned my eyes. Her voice was like ambrosia to my ears. Her deepening musky scent tickled my nose. My senses demanded that I listen to my heart and take my relationship with dear Celestia further. My love for her was true, even if that accursed crown never truly disappeared.

Celestia must have sensed my hesitation since she then used her magic to pull me down to her as I pushed myself back up. She whispered tenderly to me, "Everything I said that night... On our voyage to the island... I meant it... I want you to be my king, my love..."

She then whispered directly into my ear, "Make me your queen, my sunshine. I beg of you."

My resistance was faltering. Our lips found their way to each other, our tongues once more inviting the other to a dance. My mind was telling me I should not, but my body and heart strongly disagreed. Our love was true. There was no denying that. Our eyes closed. My arms embraced her. And soon...I was inside her.

Celestia shuddered and let out a muffled yelp as I entered her for the first time. A yelp of pain that mixed with her moans of delight and longing. It was true. No man had ever touched her before me. And now, here we were. A princess and commoner tearing down the invisible barriers that separated our hearts. I felt a twinge of guilt as I knew that even though she wanted me to make her mine and myself hers, I had to inflict a moment of pain upon her. Pain that she would never feel again. "Celestia... I'm... Are you all right?"

"Yes, my love... Think nothing of it. It'll never happen again. And...I'm glad it was you who claimed it." She whispered to me as I remained hilted to her, my length caressed by her warm needy passage. Her hooves hooked over my shoulders, her face flushed with a pink hue as her gently billowing mane began to lose some of its composure. "Now please... Take me, my love."

And so I did. I scooped my arms under my beloved, holding her tall elegant body against mine as I began to make gentle yet deep thrusts into her immortal body. So warm and moist, as if begging for my entrance. Celestia tilted her head back to rest and allow me full control over the situation. Her round and full royal flanks provided ample cushioning for my hips even as I nibbled along her neck. Her breaths were short and sharp, sometimes taking long hissing breaths as she inhaled through her teeth.

As I caressed my fingers along her slender torso, I began to notice her mane once more losing its ethereal composure. Much like before, it started to become still. Like natural hair. A blanket of colors drawn straight out of an aurora that lay spread over the bed and under her. And she just looked.....so amazingly sexy with her hair like that. It only made me lust for her more as I placed eager kisses along her jaw and neck.

"Ooooh, my king... You... So good to me..." Celestia cooed as I felt her wings fold over me like a pair of inviting arms, my tempo increasing as I found the drive to push myself harder. Firm thumps filled the air as my hips slapped against her cushy flanks. But she then tickled my heart with a sacred plea spoken through a whisper. "I want to bear you a prince... A darling prince, my love..."

"Celestia... Oh god..." I groaned as her words registered with me. I thought back to the previous night we spent in her bedchambers aboard the Olympia. Her sacred desires buried in her heart that she shared with me that night. Desires that were now resurfacing in the throes of love and passion. And my heart beat in unison with hers as it too felt a kindred desire. My embrace only tightened as I began to hasten my thrusts with sincere earnestness. "You would...make a wonderful queen, dear... Would you...really give me a son...?"

"Nothing would make me happier, my love...!" Celestia gasped as the stench of sex filled the room, our voices mute to all throughout the airship. Her breaths became shrill gasps as her limbs held onto me along with her comforting wings. "James... I'm... Oh heavens, I'm almost...!"

"Oh god, Celestia... I'm..." I could feel the pressure in my loins reaching its breaking point. I thrust rapidly, tilting my head back as I became desperate to find release. To plant my seed deep within this beautiful mare and claim her as mine. "Celestia... My love... I... Oh god! I love you! I'm...!"

I held onto her tightly as Celestia groaned loudly even as I pushed as deep as I could without moving. We moaned together as our climaxes hit. I felt her inner walls become thick with her juices even as my seed burst forth, touching and filling her where no man has ever touched her before. Spurt after spurt of my seed gushed forward until all too quickly, it was over. We held onto each other, gasping in the rapidly encroaching afterglow.

I could scarcely even process what just happened. It happened. As man and mare, not as commoner and princess, we made love. As my thoughts started to collect themselves, I began to push myself up. But I did not get far before feeling myself coated in Celestia's magic aura. I did not even get to question it before getting yanked back down and finding myself being aggressively and madly kissed by the moaning Princess of the Dawn, her tongue invading my mouth as I gave in and kissed her back with just as much love. This went on for a moment before we gazed almost drunkenly into each others eyes. Her words were brief, but oozing with love. "My king..."

That title tickled my heart. It was not a simple display of affection. It felt as if she was officially bestowing that title upon me. And I could see why. I was hers. And she was mine. And no one was ever going to take that away from us. And so I sighed happily as my hand caressed her beautiful face. "My queen..."

It was late. And we were exhausted in more ways than one. With the use of nothing but levitation magic, Celestia pulled the covers on her bed down and secured us both under them. We remained in a locking embrace, afraid to let go of the other. Words were no longer needed for the night. We had each other and that was all that mattered. Together, we fell into a deep and much desired slumber.

I barely recall much of what my dream consisted of. All I know was that it was an exceptionally peaceful one among a heavenly cloud field. But as I awoke in the darkness of Celestia's private chambers, I could feel someone in my embrace. And the sound of soft snoring reached my ears. With no windows to the outside, I flipped on the nearest lamp to bathe the room in soft light. And beside me was my beloved Celestia still slumbering after such a fulfilling night.

Her mane and tail were still as she slept, their ethereal properties not present as she looked surprisingly mortal for once. An extremely beautiful mortal mare. Her hair had lost its consistency during our lovemaking, holding no trace of its prior billowing form. And yet...I swear she looked more gorgeous that way.

A faint scent still lingered in the air. A sign of what we had done that night. But while I still looked back on that moment fondly, I only then came to the realization of what had occurred. We did it. We made love. A married mortal man and the unaging Princess of the Dawn. What was I going to tell Fluttershy? Rarity and Rainbow Dash were one thing, but Celestia? My heart still pined for my precious wife, so I knew I was not in danger of being taken away from her. Not that I could ever leave that wonderful mare. But this...?

A twinge of anxiety filled my heart. This absolutely could not be known to the public. It had to remain a secret at all costs. My hand stroked Celestia's side, her ribs rising and falling with each breath. The clock on the wall was probably not the correct time when considering our current location on the globe, but it still felt like morning. I placed soft tender kisses along her neck, trying to rouse her as gently as possible.

"Mmm... My...king..." Celestia cooed in her slumber. Her words registered with me. She knew I was there. And so I rested behind her and held her against me in an embrace. I dragged my fingers down her chest. And moments later, she began to raise her head from the bed. With a groggy yawn, I watched Celestia lift her head high while her mane hung from her scalp with no magical force holding it aloft. She soon looked back at me with her drowsy expression brightening as she recognized someone she loved. "Well... Good morning, my king. Sleep well?"

Those tender and sincere words touched my heart and pushed my worries away for the moment. To refer to me by that title... There was actual power in that declaration. I pushed myself up and put an arm around her, our heads resting against the other. "How could I not when I had my queen beside me?"

Celestia draped her wing over me in a surprisingly firm embrace. She sighed in bliss, very rested and happy. "I love it when you call me that..."

"But isn't it true, my queen?" I whispered almost playfully into her ear, prompting a delighted giggle from the glorious princess. In another time, during different circumstances, I would have gladly become her king. I doubt a crown would suit me, but I would happily assist Celestia in her duties if she needed me in any way. But my thoughts then focused on the here and now. And I remembered what we did. "But...what am I going to tell Fluttershy?"

A chill filled the air as Celestia's senses likely became fully awake. True as our love was, we did something that carries heavy context. Fluttershy knows how my heart works and she has the utmost faith in me. And I have no desire to leave her or our child. And yet... The Princess of the Dawn. Last night, we became much more than friends. We became just shy of king and queen. She pleaded that I claim her. And I did. She is now mine as much as I am hers. "This isn't like with Rarity..."

"Well... About that..." Celestia muttered while not looking as uneasy as I expected. We pulled our heads away to look at each other, her mane still a sagging yet luxurious mess. "Luna came to me in my dreams last night. I told her what we did and...she brought me to Fluttershy in the dream world. I have to say... She took the news quite well. Very surprised, yet...not all that surprised, now that I think about it."

"You mean...she already knows?" I asked while surprised that Luna would provide an opportunity to relay this new development to my wife.

"I think so... I mean I'm not sure if Fluttershy will remember it all that well. She might have thought it was just a dream all along and that I wasn't really there, but..." Celestia muttered as her gaze wandered. "At the very least, the chat we had last night will likely soften the blow when you get home."

"Yeah... I have to tell her about this. I shouldn't hide it. She knows I won't leave her. And I have to sustain that trust by not keeping these things from her." I retorted while my thoughts went to my wife. I had not seen her in nearly two weeks. Despite the wonderful experiences I have had recently, I was more than ready to get back home and hold her in my arms again.

Celestia then put an arm around me along with her wing, whispering softly into my ear. "Before anything else... Please know this, James. I love you. And I would gladly have you as my king if I could. And I do not want to get between you and Fluttershy. And I especially don't want to take you away from dear little Gladesong. I want this to work... But if I...ever start to get between you..."

"Celestia... It's all right. You won't." I whispered at the first pause in her words. I kissed her softly upon the nose and looked into those beautiful royal eyes. "I'm not going to leave her. I mean I get that the public can't ever find out about this, but... I want this to work too. I love you. And I...want to continue to be your king."

The two of us continued to hold each other in a quiet embrace, my face nuzzling against her still mane as it continued to remain draped over the bed. I could not help noticing how far it was from its prior composure and whispered, "I think you might have some trouble getting that bed head back to normal..."

Celestia did not overlook the state of her glorious mane and tail as she let out an uneasy chuckle. "Oh yes, I may be a little late to breakfast this morning... I almost never wake up with my hair in such a state... But considering last night, it was worth it."

Our lips came together as we shared a long and tender kiss, sighing blissfully one last time. I then gazed into her lovely eyes and whispered, "I love you."

"And I love you, my king." She whispered back to me with a loving deep coo to her voice. I noticed her horn's magic aura flare up with its signature mystical sound that was always all too easy to not notice. "I really shouldn't keep you any longer. I'm not even sure of how long it'll be before we reach Canterlot. We had best wash up to make certain we're presentable. See you in a little while, my sunshine."

Before I could even object, I found myself seated on my own bed in the room next door. I almost chuckled at how abrupt that teleportation spell had been. Still, it was a good time for me to prepare myself for the day. I stepped into the bathroom and got a hot shower going. I could vaguely hear another source of running water through the walls as Celestia was likely doing the same thing.

I was certain to wash myself thoroughly to remove the stench of sex from my body. Wonderful as the experience was last night, it would not do to have myself carrying that scent. I took the time to indulge and easily went a full half hour in there, though it was partially to give Celestia some time to catch up. Prepping that glorious mane and tail has got to take time when it gets that messy.

A little later, I had dressed myself in clean clothes and headed into the galley to find most of the crew making their rounds for a hearty breakfast. I did not want Celestia to trouble herself with cooking me breakfast again, so I helped myself to whatever was being offered. Omelets, pastries, fruit and jam for toast, and even little bowls of assorted cereal with cold milk on the side. It felt like a bit of a change to most of my morning routines, so everything tasted fresh and even a little exotic. Almost like something one might eat when on vacation and they just stepped out into a hotel cafeteria for breakfast.

Even by the time I had finished my breakfast for the morning, Celestia still was nowhere to be seen. I took the time to read the newspaper, even if it was a day out of date, though I mostly just read through the comic strips. I rolled my eyes when I saw some of the titles. Especially the one titled as Cashews. I still got a good laugh at some of them, but soon set it aside and stepped back out into the main hallway. I pressed my ear to Celestia's door, hearing her humming away while likely styling up her mane and tail. Not wanting to disturb her, I returned to my chambers and equipped my armor before heading up to the deck to check out the view.

It certainly did not feel like it was all that early in the morning. The sun was too high in the sky for that, but it clearly was not noon where we were. I was just hoping my internal clock would not have any issues adjusting for Ponyville's time zone that night. I soon approached the side and peered over it while holding on to one of the airship's cables that connected the ship to its buoyant gasbag. We were no longer flying over the ocean. The lush green countryside lay sprawled out in every direction, giving me a sense of familiarity. Even if we still had a ways to go before reaching Canterlot, it at least felt like I was back home. "Funny... After all that time surrounded by ocean, I never thought I'd be so happy to see so much green again."

I suppose I could have gone back below deck to enjoy a few of the arcade games deep in the ship's hull, but I really just wanted to enjoy the fresh air for a while and enjoy a few I could seldom get. I wandered along the deck, seeing as far as the eye could see. The sprawling meadows, verdant forests, and even a number of towns peppered the horizon and the world passing below the Olympia. I even saw a small mountain or two, some looking vaguely familiar from the first trip we took. I must have spent a good hour or so up there before I felt some tug on my armor's wing. "Enjoying the view?"

I turned and saw none other than Celestia looking at me with a subdued smile. She chuckled almost nervously as she added, "So sorry that it took longer than desired for me to finish up in there. These two have never been in such a state before."

"I can imagine why." I retorted with a smirk, knowing that what happened last night was definitely a first for her. Even so, her glorious mane and tail had regained their ethereal composition and billowed gently without the aid of wind. "Looks like it was worth the wait. You look utterly radiant as always."

"Ohoho thank you, my love." She said with a chuckle before placing a kiss upon my cheek. She then turned her gaze to the horizon ahead of us as we both stood at the edge of the bow. It seemed we were now heading towards a very large and vast forest that spread for miles. And beyond that, the summit of a mountain was beginning to peak over the edge of the horizon. "The Everfree Forest... It won't be long now. We should prepare to disembark."

"Almost home already? I'm cool with that. Mind if I stay up here a while longer?" I asked while wanting to see the entire return trip from that point onward.

Celestia did not seem to have a problem with that. "All right then. Just make sure you come back below deck so I can properly put your armor away. It'll need to go back in its chalice if we're going to return it to the vault."

"Gotcha. I'll see you in a while." I replied before watching Celestia head back inside. She probably wanted to make sure her sisters knew we were coming.

I watched intently as we passed over the vast Everfree Forest. I knew it was big, but never that vast. It spread for miles. Easily one of the most expansive forests I have ever heard of. I guess when it has been allowed to grow wild for millennia, it really could get to that size. I even caught sight of the royal sisters' castle ruins in the clearing that it sat in. A slew of conflicting thoughts passed through my mind as I beheld what little remained of that stone stronghold. So much had happened there. Having to hide out there after less than ten days in Equestria, returning there to try and save Nightmare Moon, and even paying a visit just for fun with Rainbow Dash that one time. Every visit carried a different context to it. I am somehow relieved that my most recent visit was on much happier terms.

There was one other thing that came to mind as we soared over the vast Everfree Forest. I scanned the canopy, but gaps in the treetops were few and far between. I noticed a familiar bog, a river or two flowing through the forest with mostly bare riverbanks, but not what I was searching for. Sunny Town could not be seen from above. I suppose I should not have been surprised. The very few times I have been to that den of evil, I could barely even see the sky. I might have taken a few magical potshots at the town if I could have seen it.

Finally, as the mountain that held Canterlot began to loom increasingly on the horizon, I saw it. The sprawling form of Ponyville. As much as I adored Capricorn Island and everything it had to offer, the very sight of that humble town filled me with a sense of quiet delight. I was almost home and I quickly remembered why I love that town so much. I noticed the buzz of the Olympia's engines becoming a bit more quiet. While difficult to discern from such a height, it seemed that we were slowing down to prepare for docking.

It was around then that I noticed what seemed to be a long rainbow ribbon swooping through the air as it appeared to be rapidly ascending. A smile spread across my face as I knew who it was. Rainbow Dash had likely spotted the Olympia overhead and was coming up to take a closer look. She veered to the left and came flying up alongside the Olympia from perhaps a stone's throw away. She spotted me almost instantly as I waved at her. "Huh...? Oh hey! You only now just got back?!"

"Yeah, we'll be docking in Canterlot in a little while! How were things while I was gone?!" I called back, wondering why Rainbow Dash did not just come on over and set herself down on the deck. But when considering that the guards came running when Silverstream tried it, I am guessing boarding a royal transport without invitation is cause for alarm.

Rainbow Dash came drifting closer as she kept up with the Olympia, probably so we would not have to yell at each other. I reached out and tussled her windswept mane, glad to see such a familiar face up close. She then asked, "You want me to let all the girls know you're back?"

I was about to agree to that, but then took notice of the fact that the feeling of being back home after a trip far away was leaving me with the urge to just relax and ease myself back into some familiar routines. "To be honest... Let's wait until tomorrow. I'm gonna go straight home and relax for the rest of the day. Vacations, while fun, do tend to leave you feeling worn out."

"Hehehahaha, I know exactly where you're coming from. OK, I'll just let you take it easy today. Just make sure you steer clear of Sugarcube Corner. If Pinkie Pie sees you, she's gonna wanna hear about all of it." Rainbow Dash said with some understanding before she glanced over at the pilot standing at the helm. I saw that he was keeping a constant eye on her as if he was obligated to summon security if an unknown party were to board the ship. She then looked back to me and said, "Anyway, I better leave you to it. Look me up tomorrow so we can catch up. It's been kinda lonely not seeing you around when I'm not hanging with the rest of the girls."

I reached out and pulled Rainbow into a hugging nuzzle while being mindful of her flapping wings. After seeing just how massive and majestic the wings of hippogriffs are, I was actually rather puzzled by how great a flier Rainbow Dash is when hers are so much smaller than theirs. "I didn't realize how much I missed you either until I saw you just now. And I brought gifts home. I'll start passing them out tomorrow."

"You did?! Well, now I've got even more reason to chase you down! I'll see you tomorrow, big guy!" Rainbow Dash said as her eyes lit up. I know she loves Applejack's homemade cider, but how would she like booze whose main ingredient is honey? I would be finding out tomorrow. Regardless, I waved goodbye as Rainbow did the same while she drifted away and began to descend back towards Ponyville.

I once more turned my gaze to the approaching mountain as the Olympia began to circle it until we exactly east of it. It speeds had dropped drastically for more precise maneuvering as the massive steel doors to the docks inside the mountain itself stood open for us. I gazed up in awe as instead of departing from the mountain, we slowly floated back inside it. The docks were fairly noisy with the business of the day, sound reverberating all over the place as the entire hollow room served as a natural echo chamber. We drifted closer to an empty space as a number of guardsmen and dock workers used levitation magic to help guide the ship and secure its moorings. Only once the Olympia had come to a complete stop did I head back inside and down to my room to prepare to disembark.

Before I could even get into my room, Celestia met me in the hall with a familiar silver chalice floating beside her. "May I?"

"Sure. I think I've had enough of this armor for now." I retorted as I felt my armor starting to ooze off of me in liquid form. The resulting puddle then floated into the air while coated in a billowing golden yellow magic aura like a liquid snake and pooled itself into the chalice before Celestia secured its lid. "Thanks. We just docked, by the way."

"I know. The only time the engines go quiet is when we've reached our destination. Or when we have to stop for an emergency. I'll wait for you up on deck, all right?" She replied before I headed back inside and brought my helmet to Celestia along with the Lunar Shield and the Celestial Sword stowed on its backside. She carried those up and away for me while I slipped on my shoes and secured the rest of my luggage. I forgot how much stuff I had brought home with me as gifts or souvenirs and had to reluctantly ask one of the crew members to carry it out for me.

I soon joined Celestia up on the deck and carefully followed her down the gangway with my suitcase rolling behind me. Nightmare Moon and Luna were waiting for us at the bottom with expecting smiles upon their faces. Celestia stepped forward first and gave her sisters a hug without once losing her grip on my equipment. "Did anypony miss us?"

"I'm not so sure about missing you, but it's so good to see you home." Nightmare Moon retorted with a hint of snark. Celestia's only response was a brief chuckle before she pulled away. The Princess of Dreams then asked, "I trust Novo is faring better, if what you told me was true?"

"Oh, absolutely. I suppose you could say mission accomplished. I don't think she's been in such high spirits in a very long time." Celestia replied with a delighted smile. Considering that Novo tends to be very happy when around Celestia, she could probably see the underlying nuances of Novo's mood. A pleasant distraction is different from being genuinely happy.

It was then that Luna noticed that there were more enchanted objects floating beside her sister than we had departed with. "Hm? Wait a moment, I could swear some of these were not sent along with you..."

"Yeah, I kinda had to teleport those straight to myself at one point. Flying without that helmet is a bad idea and Novo wanted to spar with me a few times while I was there." I retorted, wondering in hindsight why I had left Canterlot without at least my helmet. Oh well. Lesson learned.

Nightmare Moon's eyes opened a bit wider when I said that. "You summoned them? Over such a distance?! Most impressive!"

"It wasn't really that hard, to be honest. There's not a lot of mass in those things, so my focus didn't need to be that sharp." I explained while I thought back to when I had used nothing but memory and teleportation magic to summon my missing equipment. "Either that, or the magic in those gauntlets really is just that strong."

Luna then asked, "But why the Lunar Shield? Surely... Oh dear, you say Novo wished to spar with you? Last I heard, she is the finest duelist on the planet. Undefeated for centuries! Surely she didn't..."

I let out a laugh as I thought back to that sexy, yet deadly duelist and especially how thoroughly she had bested me at our first spar. "Yeeeeah, they weren't kidding. I doubt I'll ever be as good as her. Although I did manage to get the drop on her during our last sparring session. Even if I did cheat a bit..."

Celestia's ears perked up upon hearing this. She sharply turned her head to look at me as she asked, "Wait, you did? I wasn't made aware of this. What did you do?"

"I restrained her sword with levitation magic and held her at swordpoint. She was a good sport about it." I said with a bit of a laugh while one of the crewmembers brought over my package filled with everything I had picked up while on Capricorn Island. I had a lot of good stuff to pass around tomorrow. I then looked at the box and realized I had a minor dilemma to deal with. "Say... I don't think I'm gonna be able to get this back home on my own..."

"Do not fret. I will see to it that the royal guard deliver it to your home tomorrow afternoon." Nightmare Moon promptly spoke up. "You should just focus on settling back into your routines in Ponyville for now."

"Phew, thanks. That'll... Oh, hold on!" I said before suddenly having an idea. I reached into the box and rooted around with my hand before finding what I was looking for. I pulled out a little jewelry box and stashed it in my pocket. "I won't have any trouble transporting this."

"Oh? A gift for your wife?" Luna asked while catching a glimpse of the little jewelry box before it vanished from sight.

"Kind of. It's a surprise." I replied while trying to be brief about it. I had not forgotten who it was really for. Someone very dear to me. Someone who was probably already waiting for me down at the train station if her reaction to my departure was anything to go by.

"Well, let us not keep you away from home any longer. Your friends and family are most likely eagerly awaiting your return. You two go on ahead. Luna and I shall handle the remaining duties with the Olympia's return." Nightmare Moon then said as we were approached by one of the stewards from the Olympia. Probably just doing his duty of providing some sort of report.

"Much obliged, sisters. Let's be on our way, James." Celestia spoke before she began to lead me away from the docks with my luggage in tow. We passed through the halls of the facility and soon stepped out into the city of Canterlot. I paused to breathe deep, the crisp mountain air smelling vaguely different from the air of the much taller mountain of Capricorn Island surrounded by the ocean. "This was your first time spent away from home for some time, wasn't it?"

"Yeah, it was... Didn't think I'd be this happy to be back somewhere familiar." I retorted while looking around at the elegant pastel colored architecture of Equestria's capital. While Canterlot is by no means my favorite place, I felt pleased to be somewhere I recognized. "When does the next train leave?"

"Less than an hour, if memory serves. There's no hurry. Let's take our time, all right?" Celestia said before we began to casually stroll through the elegant city. The feeling I got as I walked by nothing but ponies without a single hippogriff in sight gave me a slight twinge of culture shock that quickly subsided. I had gotten so used to being surrounded by those beautiful bird horses that it was almost jarring to now find myself somewhere without them. Celestia must have noticed something off about my face since she then asked, "Is...something wrong?"

"I think...I miss the hippogriffs." I muttered as I felt a bit of longing for the wonderful land I had left behind. Only a handful of names stood out to me in my memory, but the very presence of those wonderful creatures was pleasant to me. Kind and fatherly Sky Beak. Supportive and optimistic Silverstream. Beautiful and loving Novo. I found my heart longing for those familiar faces to the point where I felt my chest tense up for a moment. "I kind of wish I did not leave..."

"It seems they left quite an impression on you, dear." Celestia said softly while she put her wing around me in a fashion I found very familiar. "I promise you'll see them again. I doubt Novo would be fine with me keeping you away from her."

"Heh... She would get mad if you didn't bring me by more often... I did promise her we'd meet again." I said with a bit of a chuckle. I did not want to think about Novo too much at the time. We did part ways on bittersweet terms. I was only hoping I would not regret what I said to her.

"And you will, my dear. You will." Celestia whispered while sneaking a kiss when no one was looking. "I'll see if I can squeeze in another visit in the coming months. Maybe even boost the stay up to around two weeks next time if you'd want."

"We'll have to see. And I'd really want to bring some friends along next time too." I replied while trying to imagine how well my closest circle of friends would enjoy such a time on the island.

"You mean...all of them? Hmm... We might have to use a different means of transportation for that. The Olympia can only carry so many extra passengers." Celestia spoke as her gaze wandered, probably while trying to imagine where my six closest friends would stay during the voyage. I know Fluttershy would stay with me, although I have to wonder if Gladesong would be able to handle the trip at her age.

After a good while of wandering the streets, we finally came to the train station. A locomotive was sitting idle with a number of cars behind it, ready to depart in the coming minutes. Celestia glanced at a large clock nearby and moved me towards the nearest car. "It should be departing soon. Let's get you onboard."

I was too tired from the whole trip on top of feeling melancholic from having to leave that wonderful island behind. I stepped into the car and looked back at Celestia while she gazed at me. My eyes glanced to my sides, checking for any passengers. There were a few at the far end of the car, so I looked back at the beautiful Princess of the Dawn and whispered to her. "I love you."

She beamed at me while trying to not draw attention to herself. I leaned forward to brign myself out of view of any potential gawkers and placed a kiss upon her lips while she did the same to me. She spoke softly to me, "I love you too, my sunshine. Have a wonderful evening. I'll see you again before long."

With reluctance, I took a seat and watched Celestia from the window. The conductor came by and inspected my pass before the doors closed and the train began to roll out of the station. As I waved goodbye to my beloved, Celestia blew a kiss at me with the use of her wing like a large hand. Once out of the station, I let out a yawn as the train began to make its way down the mountain.

Riding a train down a mountain carries a different sensation to it than going up one. Especially if one is retreading old ground. Where it always feels like a little adventure of sorts when I take the train to Canterlot, it always feels more subdued on the return trip while descending that mighty mountain. Like I am simply going home into familiar territory. Which I was. The ride down the mountain felt like the last step on my voyage home and carried with it some sort of bittersweet finality to it. I was finally almost back where I belonged, but it would be remiss of me to say I was ready to part ways with everything I just welcomed into my life before then.

After all this time, I think I have noticed that the return trip to Ponyville takes a bit longer than the trip to Canterlot. Probably because the engineer has to be even more careful when going down the curves instead of up. Probably like how when going down curving road on a hill feels a lot more perilous than when going up it. Regardless, the train eventually pulled into Ponyville without incident and I watched as a number of passengers disembarked. I pulled my luggage along with me and stood out on the train platform, beholding Ponyville beyond it.

I breathed deeply. The crisp mountain air of Capricorn Island and Canterlot's mountain had been replaced with the lush fresh air of a verdant valley. After being away from so long, I could actually detect a difference in the air much like how one might notice a familiar smell of wood panel walls in an older home when visiting their grandparents on the weekends. Instead of missing what I was not smelling, I felt grateful to be back somewhere I was familiar with. Especially since it is a place that I love. I was home. And I was fine with that.

No one even seemed to know I was back yet. No one was out on the train platform. A clock was set behind the window of the ticket booth. Too late for lunch, but too early for dinner. Now I was really looking forward to a hearty Equestrian dinner. As much as I love fish, I have developed a love for vegetarian cuisine in Ponyville... Wow, all that time away from home has really caused me to ramble a lot in retrospect. I suppose this is normal for anyone who has been away from home for an extensive amount of time in a land very different from what they are familiar with.

I was eager to get back to my house and see my family, even if it was situated on the far side of Ponyville. With a long walk ahead of me, I set off for home with my suitcase rolling behind me on its wheels. As much as I cherish my friends, I really was not in the mood to be stopped for a conversation. Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and my beloved Rarity. They were the ones I would be happiest to see, and yet I went well out of my way to steer clear of where I might find them. Except Rainbow Dash. I knew she was giving me space to relax after a long trip. I did see a few of my other friends and waved hello. Lyra Heartstrings, Mitta, and even Derpy to name a few. Aside from them, I was mostly just alone with my thoughts during the walk home as I took the time to process what I had been through and everything around me. The cicadas were out in force around that time, their hissing serving as a reminder that summer was in its late stages.

After a rather uneventful trek across Ponyville, I finally began to cross the meadow to the west of Ponyville. Without the sound of commerce in town, I found myself really appreciating the silence aside from the faint whistle of wind and the rustling of countless blades of grass. That sound awoke a feeling of tranquil bliss in me. I had not heard it in some time and it was wonderful to hear it again. It did not help that I associated the sounds, sights, and smells around me to my childhood weekends...

It did not take long for that familiar verdant cottage to come into view. Finally, almost home. But as I approached, I allowed my eyes to wander. Little critters of all kinds could be seen scampering here and there. The roof caught my eye as I noticed birds flittering about the foliage. But it was then that a splash of orange rose out of the green with a hint of fuchsia to it. I stopped in my tracks. Was it Scootaloo? No, she could never get up onto the roof on her own power. So it could only be one other person.

I set my rolling suitcase up and waved at the familiar face. Sure enough, it shot up into the air on dragon wings and came swooping in at me while I stood ready with arms outstretched. Seconds later, I found a familiar dragon girl clinging to me as I held her up in a firm embrace. "Ooooooh man, I can't believe how much I missed you..."

"I missed you too, Smolder... Like...a lot." I muttered into her ear as I held that precious dragoness in my arms. She had been on my mind frequently while I was away, but now... Holding her in my arms again... I was feeling rather conflicted. I had come to terms over what it was my heart wanted, but I was now feeling a sense of caution in my heart. The same urge of discretion that I have felt for a while.

"Just...hold me for a minute. I wanna enjoy this." Smolder mumbled to me as I even felt her wings wrap around me for maximum grip. I did as she said without objection. Just standing out there on that little dirt path while holding my precious young friend. In some ways, I was reminded of Silverstream as I did so. Young, but mature beyond her years. Although with Smolder, it was an inverse of Silverstream since that adorable bird seems more mature physically than mentally.

My fingers on my upper hand made minute movements along the smooth scales that covered Smolder's skull, stroking her gently. She really did not want to let go. "What were you while I was gone?"

She let out a long sigh without even looking at me, her limbs wrapping around me as much as they could. "A bit of this and a bit of that... But...I guess more than anything, I was just trying to pass the time... I've just been waiting for you to come home."

I tilted my head to the side and rested it against hers. "I thought about you a lot while I was out there... I've missed you too, sweetheart."

"Can we...hold hands for a little while? I've missed feeling your touch..." Smolder whispered to me, one hand resting upon my upper arm as if trying to find her way to its hand at the far end.

"Me too... But first... I better check in with Fluttershy and Gladesong. And Scootaloo if she's home." I said as I managed to find a comfortable grasp on Smolder with one arm while pulling my luggage behind me with the other. "How's Gladesong been anyway? You been helping take good care of her?"

"Uh huh. She still calls me her dra dra. I never get tired of that." Smolder muttered with a bit of a chuckle to her voice. I could not help snickering at the thought the little filly talking to the tall dragon lady looking after her.

"Maybe someday she'll start calling you Auntie Smolder." I whispered cheekily to my little friend. Smolder sounded like she was trying to not laugh, but also sounded like she was squealing in embarrassment. "What? You don't like the sound of that?"

"I don't know! It just... I feel like I'm a little young for something like that! Sounds nice though..." She stammered as I could only laugh under my breath at her complicated response to such a notion.

Minutes later, I stood outside my house with Smolder at my side. I felt a faint tension in the air. It was the first time I had gone away on a trip after becoming the man of a household and now had come home to my family for the first time. I was being expected. Smolder extended her arm towards the door as she spoke, "After you."

I took a deep breath to steady my nerves and opened the door before stepping inside. The first thing I saw was Scootaloo lying in the middle of the living room while doing homework. I did not even get a word out before she looked my way and galloped right at me. "Dad! You're home! How was the trip? Did you get me anything?"

I reached down and scooped the filly into my arms, finding her smaller size to be a welcome change of pace after all the times I carried Silverstream around. Lighter too. I almost laughed at Scootaloo's eagerness for an exotic gift, such excitement to be expected for kids. "It was an awesome time, but I had too much stuff to bring home with me. Everything will be delivered here tomorrow."

"Awww, I gotta wait a day? Not cool." Scootaloo groaned before rolling her eyes and nuzzling against my chest. "It's great to have you home, Dad. I missed seeing you with us at dinner."

"Missed you too, Scoot. Where's Fluttershy and your sister?" I then asked while wondering where everyone else was. I could hear one of Fluttershy's relaxation albums playing on the phonograph in the corner, but I did not see her.

"I'll go get her. She's in the back with Gladesong." Scootaloo replied before I set her down. I then watched her scamper over to the door at the back of the room that led into the new nursery and pushed it open. Smolder was watching from just outside the house with a patient smile. And soon enough, a familiar yellow mare with a vibrant pink mane peeked past the door.

Fluttershy did not say a word, but she did let out a delighted gasp before trotting gleefully over and into my arms. I noticed she had styled her mane differently too, that long flowing pink mane now being held high in a sporty ponytail. Probably to keep it from hanging too low so Gladesong would not tug on it. I said nothing as well as the two of us held each other in a tender embrace. For all the love I had felt in recent days towards the likes of Novo and Celestia, I could never forget my adoration for the mare I asked to be my wife. And the mother of my firstborn. I whispered softly to her, "I missed you, dear."

"I missed you so much, honey..." She whispered back to me in that delightfully quiet voice of hers. We gazed into each other's eyes for a moment before our lips joined together for a kiss. Our embrace tightened as our lips caressed each other in passion. I knew we were going to make up for lost time in the bedroom that night.

Our embrace was interrupted by the sound of Scootaloo calling out from the nursery, although it did not sound like she was talking to us. When we looked to the back of the room, we saw little Gladesong stumble through the doorway. The instant she saw me, her little brown eyes lit up as she started stumbling our way. She kept babbling as she approached us, trying to run when she only knew how to walk. I think she was trying to say 'papa' or 'daddy', but it just kept coming out as 'dada'. I released my grip on Fluttershy while holding my hands out to the tiny filly, so happy to see her father come home. "Hey there, little one. You miss daddy?"

I scooped Gladesong into my arms and nuzzled my cheek against hers, her incoherent babbling quieting down quite a bit now that she was in my arms. For a moment, I completely forgot about everything and everyone else around me. I think I recall seeing Fluttershy go over to Scootaloo and whispering something to her followed by her and Smolder going outside only for that familiar buzzing of Scootaloo's wings to be heard in the distance. Because by the time Fluttershy guided me to the sofa at the back of the room, the three of us were alone together.

"How was your trip, dear?" Fluttershy whispered to me as we snuggled together, little Gladesong still nestled in my arms.

"Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. Capricorn Island is... It's beautiful, it has delicious cuisine, and I adore its people. I've got to bring you with me next time." I replied quietly while rubbing a finger along our daughter's scalp. Her mane was still very short, so not much of her head was covered yet. "Were things OK while I was gone?"

"Mmhm. Rarity was a big help like always and Smolder was almost always around when I needed her. And our little friends are always ready to help out." She said while placing a kiss on Gladesong's head. Although it was then that she brought up something I had all but forgotten about by that time. "Although...I had the strangest dream last night. Princess Celestia herself joined me for tea and...we talked about some interesting things."

I tensed up upon hearing that. The moment had come. I had to be brave and not hide this from her. "Yeah... About that. She told me."

"She told you...? Told you what... Wait. Was that really her? Did I see Princess Celestia herself last night? Is that why...I remember it so well?" Fluttershy muttered as she pondered the unusual lucidity of her prior dream last night.

"Yeah, she told me. Luna arranged for her and you to talk. Do you remember what was discussed?" I replied while trying to ease into the subject at hand. Rarity is one thing. As is Rainbow Dash. But the Princess of the Dawn?

Fluttershy's gaze wandered as she took a moment to think back to what she could remember. "I think...we were talking about you... How much she loved you and...things that happened between you. I wasn't angry. I mean I knew she loved you. I remember...being surprised when she said you were now her king, but she insisted that she did not want to get between us. She wanted us to stay close. I felt...happy for her. And I was wondering... Wait... James. Did you...?"

I nodded solemnly as the pieces started to fall into place. "We did... Last night. Aboard the Olympia. We...made love."

"Oh... Oh my... I mean...I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but... Oh my..." Fluttershy mumbled as she brought a hoof to her lips, her gaze wandering as she struggled to process what she was hearing. She knows me. And she understands how my heart works. But the concept of such a thing happening between me and one of the three royal sisters who preside over the world was definitely something that took a while for her to comprehend. Even I could scarcely believe that such a thing could happen between a royal family member and a commoner in Equestria. I know what happened last night, and yet...it still feels too surreal in hindsight.

"Yeah... I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around it too. I mean...Celestia? Her? What are the odds of that?" I muttered quietly while being glad Gladesong could not comprehend what we were discussing. She was more interested in taking a nap in my arms.

"I know... I... Wow..." Fluttershy mumbled before she turned her gaze to me. "Then...it's true? You and her? In love?"

"We've been in love for a while, but it wasn't until last night that we..." I said softly as my nerve started to waver. I felt like I might have made a genuine mistake this time. "I understand if you're not OK with this... I mean it's not like the public can be allowed to find out. If you don't approve, I can..."

I did not even get a chance to finish. Fluttershy reached out and silenced me with a kiss on the cheek before smiling at me with those beautiful eyes showing no signs of doubt. "James. It's OK. I know Princess Celestia is my ruler, but she is still a mare. And she can fall in love just like I can. And...you just happen to be the one her heart longs for. I can't change that."

I still was unsure of how to respond or what to say. And so Fluttershy continued to speak quietly without ever looking away. "I know this can't go public. Moreso than what has happened with Rarity. And I know she can't really...be a part of our family. But if you two truly love each other so much, I won't object. I know you won't leave me for her. She and I will have to talk about this eventually, of course, but... It's OK, James. Really, it's OK. She's just another mare who has found a place in your heart, right?"

Maybe it is just me, but I keep forgetting how faithful Fluttershy is to me. She really does never doubt me, even when I doubt myself. I let out a long sigh, so grateful for her reassurance. "Thank you... I don't know what I'd do without you, dear."

Fluttershy reached out and placed a kiss upon my cheek as she once more smiled quietly at me. "I know I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I lost you too, James. And I know you won't leave me for another."

It was that last sentence that reminded me. There was another mare who had just come into my life. Someone very dear to me. "Before I can forget... There is someone else."

"There is? Who? I don't think I know of anypony else who has that kind of an attraction or relationship with you." Fluttershy asked while looking noticeably confused. And I could not fault her.

"That's because...I only just met her. On Capricorn Island." I said as I started to pull my DSi out of my pocket while being careful to not disturb Gladesong, who was now slumbering in my spare arm. I got the device open and turned it on before starting up the camera function to open its photo gallery. "It might be best if I show you."

"You took photos while you were there? Ooh, I have to see these... Oh my! Is that... Who is this?" Fluttershy asked as I selected a photo of Queen Novo herself. It was in her bedroom with her relaxing upon her bed while giving me a knowing smirk.

"That's her. That's the mare who recently came into my life." I replied cautiously. "Novo. Queen of the hippogriffs."

Fluttershy's eyes opened wide at those words. She seemed to scan Novo's regal form carefully as if to take in her royal visage. "The queen...? Oh my goodness, she's so beautiful... And...this is what a hippogriff looks like? I've never even seen one before. I haven't even heard about them very much. And...she loves you?"

"She does. And...I love her. We haven't directly said that to each other yet, but...we both know. I've insisted we wait until our next encounter to confirm our feelings, but... Yeah. Novo. She's amazing." I mumbled quietly while trying to not hide anything. Fluttershy needed to know this.

"I can tell. She's gorgeous... Maybe even more than Princess Celestia. And...I think I like that look in her eye. She looks...fun somehow." Fluttershy said quietly while starting to crack a bit of a smile in response to Novo's sultry and sassy gaze. I would never be able to describe her personality or her manner of speech, so I did not even bother. "But how did this happen? How did you and...the queen end up developing feelings for each other? And during just one visit?"

"I will say this. It was not planned." I replied while gazing up at the ceiling, a few of Fluttershy's little bird friends perched upon the rafters. "The entire point of my presence there was to help heal Novo's heart. She's...a widow. And she has been one for a very long time."

"I did get the feeling that she might have been immortal..." Fluttershy muttered as I scrolled to another photo of Novo. "Then...how did everything happen?"

I sighed as I thought back to the early days of my visit. "Like I said, we didn't plan on it. Celestia was hoping I could help her stop mourning, but we never intended for the two of us to fall in love. I think...the catalyst of that was...when we discussed the pain of being so in love only to have everything built around that love come crashing down out of nowhere. Different experiences, but the same pain and outcome. We understood each other in ways no one else did."

Fluttershy appeared confused at first, likely not immediately understanding where I was coming from. "But...you and I never... Oooooh, I see... You did tell me about Christina. Yes, that did hurt you..."

"Exactly. I knew how isolated she felt, yet how no one could really understand what she was going through. We...grew close very quickly. We understood each other's pain and helped heal the other. We quickly became friends and...became so much more. She pleaded with me to stay longer on the last day. And...I did not want to leave either." I explained somberly while thinking back to that beautiful queen without equal. I know it was still too soon to assume anything, but I was longing for her at that moment.

My wife leaned against me in calmness while she placed a kiss upon my cheek. "It does sound like you two were good for each other. Did things...go further than that?"

"Well... We did pleasure each other a few times, if that's what your asking, but no. We never actually made love." I replied while trying to ease into that topic. Fluttershy needed to know, but it was still awkward to discuss. "Even she told me that no one goes to third base on the first date... Really, she said that."

That got a snicker out of Fluttershy. "Wha... Really?! I can't imagine Princess Celestia talking like that... What kind of queen is she?"

"Probably the most entertaining queen you will ever meet. Really, I can't describe her thoroughly enough. You'd have to meet her to understand what she's like." I retorted while also remembering how she floored me with her very unorthodox behavior and voice. I doubt everyone she ever met ever saw it coming. Although I then had to ask the question. "But anyway... Yeah. Novo and I... We're in love."

"And I understand why. You do sound like you understand each other in ways nopony else does." Fluttershy whispered as she rested her head against me. "I'd like to meet her sometime. Maybe discuss how you two got along from her point of view. And...it sounds like she needs you. Don't be afraid to see her again, dear. She sounds like someone who is very important to you in quite a few ways."

"Thank you, honey... I love you." I whispered back to my wife, relieved that this discussion turned out as well as it did.

"Love you too, James." Fluttershy spoke softly as we shared a brief kiss. She then looked back to the screens of my DSi and asked, "While we're here... Did you take lots of photos?"

"Sure did. Let's start at the beginning." I replied before scrolling a few pages to the left. We started at the photos I took at that aquarium. "I admit I didn't really take any for a couple of days. I was just taking it easy and focused on getting acquainted with my surroundings."

Fluttershy adored the photos of the various aquatic creatures that were on display. "Ooooh, I have to go there when we visit... But who are these hippogriffs? This pink one...and this green one...and this tall yellow one?"

"They're some friends I made during my visit. The pink one here is Silverstream and the colt is her brother. Terramar. And the tall lass here is Skystar. She's Novo's daughter and she's been around for a long time too."

Fluttershy then gave me a strange glance. "You mean...Novo had a foal?"

"I did say she is a widow. And she is a queen. So...yeah, she did at one point. A really long time ago. We're both still trying to figure out how to go about that, but Skystar kinda knows about the two of us by now and is mostly OK with it. She views me as a friend too after all." I said as I acknowledged the awkward situation of me essentially courting a woman with a daughter from a prior marriage. A situation I never dreamed I would find myself in.

"She is? All right then. She does kind of have a bit of a royal look to her too. Maybe its the necklace and that flower in her mane." Fluttershy replied thoughtfully while she started to chuckle at the more amusing photos of my three friends interacting with the sea life with situational poses. "Looks like they were having fun."

We eventually got to a photo of Silverstream's parents. Fluttershy's eyes lit up as she saw the two gorgeous hippogriffs. "Oh my goodness, are all hippogriffs that beautiful?"

"They sure are. I didn't see a single mare or stallion who wasn't gorgeous while I was there." I retorted, although I probably forgot about the rather comical McBurbsten. I decided to withhold any information about those two wacky clans until maybe when we all go there next time. Better to keep it a surprise. Still, I did at least explain who the two were. "Anyway, that's Silverstream and Terramar's parents. Ocean Flow and Sky Beak. Really nice folks. Sky's even like a father to me. Such a sweet guy."

As we spent the next hour or so looking through my photo album, I started to wonder how much more space was left on the DSi's internal storage. I know it roughly has a gigabyte of space on it and the SD card in it adds an extra 50% of storage space, but I know I may run out eventually. I have to remember to look around town to see if we can get those photos off there for printing and clear up some space someday. Although I did finally get the idea to ask an important question. "So, anything happen while I was gone?"

"You mean aside from Pinkie Pie finding a weird cave out in the Everfree Forest with a magic pond in it that spawned dozens of copies of her that were somehow less intelligent that swarmed the town and made it hard for us to figure out which was the real one? Yes, something did happen that I'm pretty happy with." Fluttershy replied with a crooked grin as I wondered what exactly happened while I was not present in town that day.

"OK, I'm afraid to ask and I'm not sure I should count myself lucky that I wasn't here to see it... Anyway, what happened besides that?" I asked while trying to stay on the topic at hand, my hand closing the DSi now that we had finished browsing the list of photos I took.

Fluttershy nestled herself between me and the sofa while she looked at me out of the corner of her eye. "Well... It's been kind of a dream of mine to establish my own wildlife reserve. Although I've finally come to terms with the fact that a town like Ponyville just isn't ideal for something that grand... So instead...I've found a compromise."

"Really now? That's pretty ambitious, to be honest. What did you settle for if Plan A didn't work?" I asked while having no prior knowledge of this side of my wife. I know Fluttershy does not talk about herself that much, but I was still surprised that she had such big plans.

"Well... You know that forest nearby? Not the Everfree Forest. I mean the other one? The one with that path winding through it that's good for nature walks? Near the park? I was thinking of turning that forest into its own protected reserve. It's pretty big too and is home to quite a wide variety of wildlife. I tried looking into it and...I have to say I'm confident I can make it happen." Fluttershy explained while I did indeed know what she was referring to. I am fond of that forest myself and like to take walks there. Especially with Gladesong in my arms.

"Wow... That's great news! I get that place is largely left alone by the locals, so having it be protected might benefit the place." I replied while not really grasping how the whole process works, but knowing that it was something Fluttershy has a lot of passion for. I was happy for my wife and this little project she was embarking on. "You as the warden of your own little forest. Mama's dreaming big."

Fluttershy giggled in delight as she definitely blushed in response to my praise. "Well, I used to dream bigger, but this sounds like a happy little compromise. I wonder if any new little critters will move in once the place is protected..."

Before anything else could happen, we both looked towards the front door as the telltale almost motorized buzz of Scootaloo's wings reached our ears. Whatever it was that she and Smolder were up to, it sounded like they were about to come inside. Only a couple of minutes later with the sound soon dying, the door opened to reveal the filly and dragoness. "Hey there, you two. Where'd you go?"

"Oh, just for a ride and flight. It's always fun when I can race Smolder through town." Scootaloo replied while she took off her helmet and safety equipment. "And she always cheats by flying over houses."

Smolder smugly crossed her arms while showing a familiar smirk. "Not my fault that thing can't fly. And when're you gonna start flying on your own anyway?"

"Yeah, so I'm a late bloomer! Big deal! I promise I'll be flying all over Ponyville by this time next year! Just you wait!" Scootaloo sharply turned to Smolder while pointing her hoof up at her. Even though it seemed like Smolder hit a sore spot, Scootaloo sounded genuinely confident. Of course, I know that may never happen. We still have not tested her for Stunted Wing Syndrome. I wonder how Apple Bloom is doing on that little project I brought up to her a while back...

Scootaloo's rise in volume woke up Gladesong right there, prompting the tiny filly to moan in annoyance as her nap was interrupted. I rocked my daughter in my arms to try and calm her while I gave Scootaloo a dry smirk. "And now you've gone and woken up your sister. That means you get to play with her until dinner is ready."

"Oops..." Scootaloo mumbled as she froze in place, her right eye looking at us while Fluttershy just snickered a bit. Scootaloo then trotted our way before reaching up and taking the squirming filly into her arms. "Hey, hey, sorry. Big sis didn't mean to wake you up. Wanna nap in my bed instead?"

Gladesong calmed down quickly in her big sister's embrace. Scootaloo then set her little sister upon her back and headed into her bedroom. Fluttershy then climbed down from the sofa and looked back at me. "I'll get started on dinner. I'll be a little while."

"Thanks, honey. I'm looking forward to some classic Ponyville cooking." I retorted while genuinely meaning that. After all that delicious seafood, I was ready for something I had not eaten in a while. But as Fluttershy made her way to the kitchen, I turned to Smolder while she remained where she was with arms crossed. Her smug smirk faded while her eyes perked up as if asking a question without words. We were alone together. And that gave me an idea. "Wanna take a walk while we wait for dinner?"

"I thought you'd never ask." She said with some sarcasm before making her way to the door and holding it open for me. Once we were on our way down the path and away from the cottage, Smolder looked up at me and asked, "How about we go through that forest? You know... That one?"

"Sounds good. I could use a forest stroll." I replied as we began to make a beeline to the south. Not really entering Ponyville, but also not really cutting through Sweet Apple Acres either. I did not want to bump into Applejack just yet. Along the way, Smolder's hand found its way to mine and gently grasped it. I looked down at her as she looked back up at me with those beautiful blue reptilian eyes. Her touch felt almost nostalgic, reminding me how I had found myself longing for her at times while I was away. "I missed you..."

"I missed you so much..." Smolder said softly as the smile faded from her face. She then grabbed at my leg with her other hand to make me stop. "Could you...hold me for a little while?"

"Gladly." I said softly as I reached down and lifted the little lady into my arms. She wrapped her wings around me in an embrace and clung to my body to ease the strain on my arms. Her jaw rested upon my shoulder while her head turned just enough so her horn would not bump my face. "Comfy?"

"Mmhm... Let's keep going." She whispered into my ear. I carried on while carrying her in my arms. I had missed this gentle side to Smolder. A side I am sure she only shows to me. But as we walked, she whispered to me once again. "I can feel your heart..."

I stopped upon hearing those words. Her smooth scaled chest was pressed against mine. And while she felt mine, I could feel a faint thumping through the fabric of my shirt. Not from me, but from her. "I can feel yours too."

"Heh... I wonder what they're saying to each other." Smolder mumbled with a faint chuckle. "I've been listening to my heart for a while... But I wonder what it's like for two hearts to chat with each other."

I cracked an uneasy grin as I continued along. I too have tried to listen to the wisdom in my own heart. But thinking about what she said... Maybe our hearts were sharing some secrets with the other. I felt Smolder's grip tighten. Not so much like she was holding on, but more like an embrace.

I think she knew... I know that I love her. I will not deny that to myself. But I think... I think she knew it at the time. Maybe she had always known. Maybe she could hear it through my heart. Feeling that tightening embrace, I felt both ecstatic yet uneasy at the same time. I adore her, and yet I know I cannot have her. Not yet. Not now. And maybe...not ever.

That thought hit me right in the heart. As much as I love her, I know Smolder is still young and is still trying to figure out who she is. The love of the young and naive is different from that of the mature and experienced. It can be fickle and indecisive. What if the feelings she may hold for me were to fade someday? What if someone else came along? Someone her heart gravitated towards more? I tried my best to hide my thoughts, to keep these worries to myself. And yet...

I felt Smolder bring one hand to my chest. Her palm firmly planted upon it. I then heard her whisper into my ear, "Why is your heart crying...?"

I froze in my tracks. She could tell? I was left at a loss for words. She continued to whisper to me, "It's crying so hard... It's...afraid..."

Any attempts to change the subject would be futile. And so I tried to tell her what I was fearing without revealing too much. "I... I just had a thought... That... I don't want to ever see you go..."

Smolder pulled her head back so that she was looking right into my eyes from mere inches away. Those lovely eyes... Full of almost childlike naiveté, but buried under layers of self-imposed maturity during difficult times. And so she whispered...something to me. A term I did not understand. A term spoken in a foreign tongue? "Wha... I'm sorry, what? I didn't...catch that."

She said it again. And then again as her hand cupped my cheek. And on the trail of the third time, she added another word to it. Perhaps I am misspelling it, but... It sounded like the term was...toujours.

She said it three more times, each time with a look of stern reassurance in her gaze. Not anger, but a sincere forcefulness. She was firmly trying to get a point across to me. And I was unsure what it was. She did eventually write down what she said to me later today so I could actually write it myself, but its meaning eluded me even if it felt like I had seen it somewhere before. Je t'aime toujours.

"Do you get it?" Smolder asked as I think it registered with her that the meaning of those words were going over my head. She then said, "I will NEVER leave you. So stop thinking I will, all right? I can't even imagine what I'd do with myself without you..."

I still had doubts. I was sure she was grossly overestimating herself. And yet...those doubts were countered by the gaze she was giving me. A stare that no girl her age would ever make. It was the gaze only a woman would show. What a paradox Smolder is... And I love that about her.

Smolder tilted her head down as if to look at my heart. Her hand was still upon my chest. "It stopped crying... But it's still sad..."

I tightened my embrace around Smolder, partially out of fear. I did not want to lose her to anyone or anything. And I think she knew as she too clung to me in an embrace with her head once again nestled upon my shoulder. I tried to distract myself from the unhappy thoughts on my mind with a question. "Where did you learn those words back there...?"

"I was taught them... Except for toujours." Smolder whispered into my ear as she sounded a little proud of herself. "I picked that one up on my own."

"Clever girl." I muttered as a smirk came to my own lips. She giggled for a few seconds in response to my praise. We carried on in silence as I kept holding Smolder in my arms. No words were spoken as we savored the quiet summer afternoon with the silence broken only by the hum of the wind and the distant hissing of cicadas. We did eventually come to the western outskirts of the park with the forest within sight. My arms were getting quite tired by then. "OK, we're here... Lemme set you down. My arms need the rest."

Smolder all too happily allowed herself to be lowered to the ground, but her hand immediately snatched mine while I started to stand back up. She did not say anything. All she did was look up at me with a knowing smile. I smiled right back at her, my worries having been pushed away for the moment after allowing my mind to wander for the duration of the walk to our destination. We then turned our gaze to the forest ahead, the path winding through it in plain sight. "To think that this forest is going to officially be under Fluttershy's watch before long..."

"Huh? Really? News to me. She never brought it up while you were away." Smolder replied before she headed into the forest and down the path with me close behind her. The sounds of the forest felt like a proper reintroduction to a place I was more familiar with, the air feeling different from that of the forests on Capricorn Island. I must have been really lost in my surroundings since Smolder eventually spoke up. "James...? James? You OK up there? Feels like you're not even really paying attention..."

Smolder's use of my name brought me back to my senses as I looked down at the little dragoness beside me. "Huh? Oh, uh... I guess I'm just absorbing the feel of my surroundings. I haven't been away from home for that long until recently so I feel a bit out of touch with what I'm used to."

My little friend crossed her arms as she then asked, "In other words...you were missing the forest for the trees?"

"I think that saying is the other way around. Besides, the context behind that idiom is completely irrelevant to this." I retorted while wondering where she even heard of that saying. My guess is Smolder heard someone say it, thought it sounded funny, and internalized the quote for use at what she felt were fitting situation while not getting the meaning behind it. Although I did then say, "But...I suppose I did miss the environment of the mainland valleys. Capricorn Island's forests are lovely, but...this one has a different feel to it. The air smells different... Even the air pressure isn't the same."

"Huh? It doesn't mean that literally? Hm... Could've fooled me." Smolder grumbled as she averted her eyes before she looked up at me before leaning against a falling trunk of a tree encrusted with moss. "What's Capricorn Island like anyway?"

"Well, it's an island. And it's almost nothing but mountain. Like...a huge mountain. Bigger than the one Canterlot is on." I explained while Smolder rested. "It's not all rocky terrain either. The environment is extremely varied. Forests, rivers, even some plateaus here and there. It's kinda hard to wrap my head around just how much space is on that mountain."

"Sounds like I'd have to see it to get it." Smolder interjected while showing a slight smile. I think she could tell just how much fun I had during the trip. "Think you could take me with you next time?"

"Count on it. Anyone who can fly will get the most out of a visit, so you'll be fine." I spoke with a smile. I know Smolder would definitely enjoy her time there. And she would surely love the seafood due to her status as a particularly extreme omnivore.

We then continued on along the forest path with only modest amounts of light making it through the canopy. The foliage was thick at the end of summer, but I knew before much longer the leaves would begin to change color and then start to fall and leave the canopy bare. Where all of the flora in Ponyville stays lush and green all year round, that forest was one such place where nature's grasp remains fully intact. Which reminds me. It even has a name because of that feature. The Forest of Seasons. No wonder Fluttershy thought it is a good idea to have it become a protected landmark.

Smolder could not keep up with my longer strides and frequently broke into a jog to close the distance between us. The twittering of songbirds above seemed to perk her up since Smolder began to happily skip along as if to an unheard melody being played with nothing more than the wind blowing through the canopy above us. Seeing her enjoying herself put a smile on my face. The sound of tricking water reached my ears as we passed a little brook flowing gently right beside the path. Smolder slowed down and eyed the shallow water before stepping into it as she squatted to examine a few tiny frogs on the other side of the water's edge.

I placed one hand in my pocket as I observed the little dragoness enjoying herself in the simplest way possible. And as I did so, I was reminded of the contents. A little jewelry box rested within. And the person the contents were meant for stood before me. My train of thought was interrupted as I felt conflicted over when or how I should present the gift to Smolder. My eyes scanned her horns, now only a third of their original length or so with smooth rounded tips. I could imagine her having earrings hang from them by threads. With some reluctance, I pulled my hand out of my pocket while keeping its contents where they were. Not yet. At least not until we could find a place to sit down for a moment. And I knew of one such place.

While I was distracted with my own thoughts, Smolder stepped out of the brook and shook her feet dry before getting my attention by grasping my hand. I looked down at her while she looked back up at me, beckoning me to continue along the path with her. And so I did. We continued to walk along with nary a word spoken. Although when Smolder once more began to fall behind, I expected her to catch up again. Instead, I suddenly felt something tug on my pants before feeling something crawling up my back. Instead of speaking, I just let out a laugh before looking over my shoulder to see Smolder holding on with her head right behind me as she displayed a big grin on her face. She gave me a wink as if she expected me to know what she was suggesting.

I continued to walk along, but now with a bit of a spring in my step to emulate Smolder's own skipping from a short while ago. I could feel her swinging vaguely along with my upper torso with every step. No words were needed. She said nothing, as did I. The closest things to words that came out were laughs and pleasant humming. Although after a while of having a jaunty stroll down some more uneven terrain, we came to a spot I was quite familiar with. A bit of an informal rest stop in the form of a large rock. I have seen it with every visit to the forest and it is tied to some stronger memories of mine from this year. Upon approaching it, I turned my back to it in order to allow Smolder to detach from me and stand on it. I then took a seat beside her while she too lounged around on it. Smolder then looked at me and asked, "Glad to be home?"

"Absolutely... Capricorn Island is wonderful, but... I wouldn't trade Ponyville for the world." I spoke while gazing at the canopy. It felt good to be home in a place I have come to love in recent years. I would much rather be a man of the forest than of the sea. I noticed Smolder give me a big smile while idly kicking her legs off the side of the rock. As I sat there, I finally reached into my pocket and pulled out the jewelry box within.

"Whatcha got there?" Smolder asked while having no clue of what I was even holding. For as much as she likes eating gemstones, she is completely ignorant to the purpose of their functions in civilized society. At least for now.

"A gift I picked up while on Capricorn Island. It was the only one small enough for me to fit in my pocket when I got back." I explained before turning to look at her as she looked back. "And it's for you."

Smolder's eyes brightened up considerably. A smile spread across her lips as she started to reach for the box. "For me?! James, that's... That's sweet. I mean it doesn't look like there's much in it, but I..."

Before her hand could grasp the box, I slowly pulled it out of her reach. "It's not like that rock candy I got you that one time. This is something you're supposed to cherish for a long time. And... Well..."

The dragoness gazed at me in confusion while lowering her hand. "Oh, it's not something to eat? Then...what's wrong?"

I let out a long sigh while looking at the box again. My mind went back to what Celestia herself suggested when I showed her. She had a good point and I was sharing the sentiment. "I'm not sure if now is the best time to give it to you. It's something very special. I feel like it should be reserved for an equally special occasion."

Smolder gazed at me and then at the little box. I am sure she was very eager to find out what was inside, but she had enough restraint to understand where I was coming from. She then asked, "What did you say about birthdays? That they're something special and that...you get stuff on them?"

That coaxed a small smile out of me. I quickly put together a plan as I looked at her. "Yeah... They are. You traditionally receive gifts from family and friends on them. And when was yours? Did you say the eleventh of November?"

Dear little Smolder nodded as she smiled back at me. "The eleventh day of the eleventh month. Remember? That's just a few months from now, right?"

"Yeah... Can you wait that long? I'd love to see you open this then." I asked while hoping Smolder would not mind being patient for a while longer.

To my mild surprise, Smolder nodded while looking vaguely excited. "Sure. If this is gonna be my first birthday in Ponyville, I want it to be something special. And nothing's gonna be more special than whatever's in that box."

I cracked an amused smirk while sliding the box back into my pocket. "Really? And why's that?"

Her hand reached out and rested upon mine as it slid back out of my pocket while those beautiful blue eyes gazed up at me. Her words were soft and her tone sincere. "Because it came from you."

I felt my heart skip a beat. That gaze. Her voice. I had seen and heard them many times before by then. And Smolder was quick to notice the shift in my mood. "You're getting a little sweaty... And you're getting goose bumps."

"I am? I mean... Yeah, I guess I am." I mumbled while averting my gaze and turning my view to the canopy again. Smolder's hand did not leave mine and it only made me feel even giddier. And I could feel that uncomfortable warmth in my face building the longer she held it. Out of the corner of my eye, I could barely see Smolder smirking at me. "Am I blushing?"

"Yep. And you're always adorable when you are." Smolder hissed at me teasingly while I snorted under my breath in a stifled laugh. Smolder let out an adorable giggle as well before she scooted closer to me. I turned my head just slightly so I can see all of her out of the corner of my eyes. She pulled her legs up against her in almost a fetal position and held them there in her arms while she leaned against me. "How many dragons have you known in Equestria?"

A rather innocuous, if unexpected, question to bring up. I saw no harm in answering it. "Dragons? Well, aside from Spike...just you. I haven't really had the opportunity to find any."

I put my arm around Smolder to hold her against me, which she seemed to appreciate. "I'm glad you and him were the first I met though. I've always held dragons in high regard, so I'm grateful you two made a good first impression on me."

"You've always liked dragons? But...I thought you're not from this world." Smolder asked with some believable confusion. We have not known each other very long, so she does not know as much about my origin as some of my closer friends.

I turned my gaze towards her in earnest to give my companion my direct attention. "I'm not. Though where I'm from, dragons a popular topic in fiction and fantasy. Considering that they are referenced in cultures all over the world, it seems plausible that dragons did exist at one time. Although it's likely that are extinct if they ever existed at all."

"Oh... That's a shame. And weird..." Smolder mumbled while sounding rather bothered. "I can't imagine us dragons all disappearing like that... We're way too tough to just go extinct."

"Well, if dragons did exist, they were no different than any other wild beast on the planet. The reptiles of my world are cut from a very different cloth than your kind." I explained as I contemplated the wonder of knowing how so many other races in Equestria are on par with humans in terms of cognitive functionality and awareness. "Even so... I've always been deeply fascinated with dragons even since I was a fairly young kid. The exoticness of their physiology and the sheer majesty they have over all other creatures... I adored them... I even loved them. And while my fascination with them has dulled over time, it never really died. Dragons...deserve their reputation as marvels among their kind."

Smolder giggled almost in embarrassment with how heavy I was laying down the praise for her own kind. I am sure that the dragons of Equestria really are as barbaric as she has described, but my personal experiences with the subject of dragons was much more idealistic. And so she said to me, "Well...maybe there's a dragon out there who really loves you too."

"That would be nice..." I muttered as I felt my heart swell in my chest. There was a dragon out there that my heart longed for. And she was already in my embrace. And I could feel her drape her wing across my back.

I closed my eyes, the sound of the forest around me as I savored Smolder's presence with my arm around her. I think I may have started to even drift off into a daydream, not quite falling asleep while not really being aware of my situation either. I could almost feel myself drifting through a void. Having no control of my movements. I remember seeing the sky. And clouds all around me. I lazily drifted along even as...she was before me.

I recognized her immediately. Smolder. But...taller. Still very recognizable, but the girl was no longer a girl at all. She was a woman, the outside now showing what she was on the inside. She held a hand out to me and I took hold. She smiled at me and came closer. And closer as her lips neared mine. And then...

Almost as if my own daydream was trying to spite me, I began to awake from it. And I froze as I saw what was before me. Little Smolder with her head tilted back, lips slightly parted as they were mere inches from my own. Her eyes opened and gazed at me, almost in confusion. I felt the urge to cry as such bitter disappointment filled my heart. I so very dearly wanted to kiss her without reservations, even though I knew it was too soon. But as Smolder pulled back just slightly, tears began to flow from her eyes as she looked at me with a gaze of confusion, longing, and disappointment. "Why does waiting have to be so hard..."

I could not find an answer to that, but I knew why she was weeping. I pulled the little dragoness into my embrace as she held on tightly, a sniffle escaping her nose as her tears stained my shirt. I let a long sigh, wishing I did not have to hide my heart's desires. I began to wonder... What we said to each other back then. To wait. Was that...all a lie? A pleasant lie to keep us out of trouble? Such a bitter thought... Even moreso if such a thing was the truth. "Can we just...stay here a while?"

"Yeah... I'm not hungry yet anyway... Dinner can wait." Smolder whispered mournfully back to me as we held each other. Deep in that forest with only oblivious wildlife around us, we held each other as our hearts reached out to each other. I felt like that was one of the few times where we could truly be open with our desires within reason. I wanted to tell her... To tell her those three special words. And it pained me to know I could not.

"I missed you..." Smolder muttered with her head nestled against my chest with my hand resting against the back to her skull. She crawled over to me, seating herself on my lap with her wings wrapping around me. "I had a hard time figuring out what to do with myself while you were gone... I'm not used to not being around you anymore..."

"I missed you too... A lot more than I thought I would." I said softly with my eyes closed. I rested my cheek atop her head, the relatively stiff fibers of her purplish crest bending under my weight. "Next time...I'd really like you to come with me."

"I will... I'll stow away on the ship if I have to." Smolder whispered as her hand grasped mine very firmly. "I don't want to be away from you again for that long... It was...hard sometimes."

"Smolder..." I muttered as I found myself unable to form a proper response. I embraced her more firmly with my arm to essentially pin her to me. I felt bad about leaving her behind so soon after she finally came back into my life to stay for good. Maybe I should have asked Celestia if Smolder could have come along regardless. Maybe she would have gotten along quite well with Silverstream and Terramar. They are of similar ages, now that I think about it, with Smolder being just two years their senior. Next time... Next time for sure, I will bring her with me.

Very reluctantly, I eventually stood up with Smolder still in my arms before I began to carry her along the path to loop back around to the end of the path leading through and out of the forest. Fluttershy was probably getting close to finishing cooking dinner by then and we should get back before the food could cool. Once we emerged from the forest at the far end of the park, Smolder pulled herself up so that her head was parallel to mine. She looked into my eyes with no one around to see us. "Time to go home...?"

"Yeah... It's a long walk back and we shouldn't keep them waiting for us with dinner probably almost done by now." I said while not able to even try to smile. I felt so dissatisfied. While the walk through the forest was pleasant, my heart felt unfulfilled. I wanted to tell her. To tell Smolder what my heart wanted to say. And yet...I feel like she knew. And I have little doubt that the feelings in her heart are the same as mine. Then why does is it not enough? Why do I crave to hear her vocally confirm it?

As if she was detecting my inner turmoil, Smolder did something I did not anticipate. She reached out and placed a kiss upon my cheek. I froze. The tender touch of her scaled lips was something I had not felt before. She gazed into my eyes, looking so uncertain of herself with those beautiful blue eyes frequently glancing elsewhere. I took a deep breath as I felt obligated to return the favor, reaching out and placing a brief kiss upon her cheek as well. Her wavering gaze calmed, as did mine. We tilted our heads forward, our brows resting against each other while our shared gaze remained unbroken. She broke the silence with whisper. "You're always so good to me..."

"Because...I want to see you happy." I replied with genuine sincerity. It is true. I do want to see Smolder happy at all times. I know life has been hard for her after having to leave home. And I am very grateful she found me. My hand idly traced its fingers along her back and between her folded wings. "And...you've been good to me too."

"Because I... I..." Smolder stuttered as if struggling to find the right words. She looked as if she was in pain while we pulled our heads back to get some distance between us. "I... I just..."

I felt now was as good a time as any. There was a question she asked me not that long ago. A question I could not answer. But maybe... "Smolder... Do you...love me?"

I immediately felt like I had made a mistake. Her eyes opened wide. And mere seconds afterward, tears began to cascade down her face. And then...she wept. It was the hardest I had seen her cry since the day she came back into my life to stay. Smolder buried her face in the crook of my neck as she wailed. I asked her a question. And this was her answer. Or rather...if she was weeping for the same reason I did when she asked me that same question, then the truth was...she could not give me an answer. And crying was the only way to cope with it. Even though I already knew in my heart what her answer is, it still hurt. Just knowing the answer was not enough. I wanted to hear it. To have my hopes validated.

I did not pursue the subject further. Without a word, I began to make my way back to town with Smolder in my arms as her weeping turned into erratic incoherent chokes and sniffles. I felt terrible. I did not want to make her cry. I did not say a word. She had wept enough already. But as we crossed the southern bridge that spanned the narrow river at the edge of town, Smolder whispered mournfully into my ear an answer I did not expect. "You're everything to me..."

That hit me hard. I stopped right in the middle of the bridge with hardly anyone around. It was neither a yes or a no and hardly sounded like she was answering the question I had asked a little while ago. Or was it? But as I stood there, she wrapped her wings around me in an embrace as she once again said those strange words I still do not know the meaning of. "Je t'aime toujours... Je t'aime toujours..."

I could not find a response to that. All I could do was tighten my embrace. While I knew not what she was saying, I could feel that...those words held some sort of precious meaning to them. And every once in a while during the walk home, she would whisper those three words to me again and again. Without fail. There was something about those foreign words that just tickled my heart. They soothed my worries. And they seemed to be boosting Smolder's mood the more she said them. Almost like they were therapeutic to her. I was grateful that we did not come across anyone who might have been eager to welcome me home from the trip abroad. I was not in the mood to have this long moment with that precious dragoness interrupted.

It was only once we were drawing close to home that Smolder finally began to slide out of my grasp. I stopped at the middle of the earthen bridge out in front of Fluttershy's cottage before dropping to my knees and setting Smolder upon her feet. She had long ceased crying, even though trails of salty residue remained cake upon her cheeks. Her eyes looked tired and she seemed ready for a nap. But as I was about to stand back up, Smolder reached out and grabbed my hand. Both of them.

I remained where I was on just one knee as I patiently observed what Smolder was doing. She brought my hands together and tenderly grasped them between both of hers as if cradling a precious treasure between her palms. As she titled her head down to look at our hands, her eyes gazed up at me. And again, she softly spoke those strange words again. "Je t'aime toujours, James... Je t'aime toujours."

Never before have I been left so puzzled yet so touched. All I could do was nod in order to confirm that I had at least a base understanding of what she was saying. They were indecipherable, but precious and heartfelt nonetheless. She then whispered, "Your eyes are still giving me that look they always do... I like what they're saying to me... Can you tell what mine are saying?"

A strange question to ask, to be sure. I looked intently at those beautiful blue eyes while they seldom blinked. Never looking away, her gaze locked upon mine. The eyes of not a young foolish girl, but a cautious and mature woman. It was not a gaze of innocent unconditional adoration of a child. It was sincere and inquisitive. And...I saw something wonderful in that gaze. "I'm not as fluent in reading eyes as you, but...I see something...lovely. I...adore that look you always give me. The one you're giving me right now."

"Same here..." Smolder muttered as she finally began to smile. She then whispered to me as the aroma of Fluttershy's cooking reached our noses, "Waiting's hard...but I'll keep waiting. It's not so bad when...I have you here with me. It reminds me that I have something good to look forward to."

I sighed hard, knowing where she was coming from. That foolish lie we told ourselves... It had to be a lie. A lie we did not want to tell each other. But someday... Maybe someday, the lie can stop and we can tell each other what truly lies in our hearts. Desperately trying to change the subject and get ourselves back in the house before we could get sidetracked any longer, I finally said, "Yeah... Anyway, smells like dinner's ready. You hungry?"

A faint gurgle reached my ears as Smolder's sincere smile became a bit more crooked. "Yeah, kind of... I guess all that crying got me hungry. And thirsty. I could use a long drink."

That sounded wrong for a girl her age, but I knew what she meant. But upon following Smolder into the house, a flash of white came swooping in at me. Instinctively, I threw up my arm to shield my face. But I then felt two little feet grasp my hand and saw Angela perched upon it. She cooed loudly as if giving me a hearty greeting after being gone for two weeks. "Oh, Angela! Almost forgot about you, pretty bird."

I put off entering the kitchen for a minute as I focused on the little dove upon my hand. She nuzzled against my cheek while I stroked my hand over her body. All the while, she cooed rather loudly and incessantly. Not that I minded. I knew she missed me. "It's OK, sweetheart. I'm not going anywhere for a while."

Angela soon made herself comfortable upon my shoulder while I entered the kitchen. Everyone was seated around the table with Gladesong strapped into a booster chair. Dinner time has always made the kitchen get rather crowded ever since Gladesong was born and Smolder started living with us. Not that I minded. I was glad to be back home and surrounded by those I adore.

I was not expecting to enjoy Fluttershy's cooking as much as I did. I must have missed it more than I had realized. All of those delicious veggies... As taken as I was with the food, everyone would not stop asking me about the trip. And so I told them about Novo and Silverstream's family. I told them about the jellyfish and the kiwis, the time spent exploring the island, and especially the warring Wabush and Woodech clans. And how I got roped into all of that. They all burst into laughter when I started do an impersonation of those wacky birds. Wa indeed.

With my thoughts about Capricorn Island being fresh in my mind by the time we started to clear the table at the end of the meal, something came to mind that I had omitted from my retelling of events. That globe in the palace library... The Empty Plains. I still cannot get that name out of my head. I found myself staring out the window as I contemplated that discovery. I examined that globe multiple times during my stay, but I never found anything out there to serve as any sort of landmark. The rest of the planet seems reasonably populated and colonized, but...that single massive patch of nothing... And that name. The Empty Plains. It does not give me a good feeling. Not a term that was given to the region out of endearment. Probably best to stay away...

"James...? Are you going to bring those over?" Fluttershy asked while I looked out the window in idle thought. I suppose I was thinking too hard about that. Scootaloo and Smolder had left the kitchen by then and were playing with Gladesong out in the living room.

"Huh? Oh sure. Just...thinking about Capricorn Island ad all that." I muttered before bringing the last of the dishes to the sink. Not entirely true, but not exactly false either. It probably meant nothing anyway. I doubt I would get an answer out of the royal sisters if I asked them anyway.

Fluttershy just looked my way as she started to clean the dishes. "You do miss that place, hm? You were pretty happy when you showed us the photos."

"Yeah... The hippogriffs are wonderful people. I'd say I adore them just as much as I adore you ponies, if not more. They're my kind of people." I retorted as I started to make my way to the laundry room nearby and the typewriter situated in the corner. "Is it all right if I take the time to write down some things? Inspiration is pretty strong right now and I'd like to get the most out of it while it's fresh."

Fluttershy was all too understanding of my muse. "Go right ahead, dear. I'll just be here."

I spent a good while seated at my typewriter while documenting the events of yesterday, though I did not have enough time to jot down everything. Angela stayed close to me the entire time, frequently perching upon my shoulder for a nuzzle. She must have really missed me while I was away.

It was not until well past sundown that I finally decided I had written up enough pages for the night and could just finish the rest the next day. I stepped out into the living room, only a lamp providing some modest light from within the nursery in the next room over. I peeked in on Scootaloo and Smolder in the side room and found them both fast asleep. Scootaloo tucked in her bed with Smolder covered by a quilt on her air mattress. I hope we can get her a proper bed someday.

Trying my best to not rouse them, I quietly closed the door behind me and stepped into the nursery. Fluttershy had her arms resting on the sides of the crib that Gladesong was resting in. I could hear her softly humming a lullaby. My wife looked over her shoulder just enough to notice me, but what happened next surprised me. She swayed her hips from side to side in subtle motions and lifted her tail to give me a perfect unobstructed view of her vulva. And it winked at me.

I bit my lip as I realized that Fluttershy was likely sexually frustrated due to my nearly two week absence. While she is certainly a timid and reserved mare, she can be a very different person in the bedroom with me. And I too was finding myself lusting for my beautiful wife. I stepped forward and caressed my hand over her full curvy flank while looking down at Gladesong. The little filly looked like she was trying to stay awake, but was rapidly succumbing to her mother's soothing humming.

"I'm glad I got to see you one more time before bed, sweetheart. Pleasant dreams, princess." I whispered before caressing Gladesong's forehead as a sense of fatherly pride came over me. Fluttershy and I made that precious filly. And I was finding myself adoring her more than I ever thought I would.

"See you in the morning, my little blossom." Fluttershy whispered lovingly as her wing tip caressed our child's forehead. Soon enough, Gladesong's eyes closed while her head rolled onto its side. Very quiet snoring followed, confirming that she was off to dreamland. Fluttershy then looked up at the rafters to look upon a few bats and an owl. "If she wakes up, you make sure she gets back to sleep just fine. All right?"

Our nocturnal friends nodded or waved at us in confirmation before I turned off the lamp nearby. I swear, raising Gladesong would be far harder without them. I do not think they know how much I appreciate their contributions in letting the rest of us get a full night's sleep when infants have such an inconsistent sleep cycle. They have made this transition far smoother than it would have been otherwise.

I could sense the sexual tension in the air as Fluttershy and I made our way to the stairs. She went first, lifting her hips higher than usual as she quietly walked up them. I watched those full bobbing flanks while my wife kept her tail to the side. She desperately wanted me and I could feel a hardening bulge in my pants. What better way to finish my first day back home?

Once up in our bedroom, I quietly secured the hatch leading downstairs to insure we would not be disturbed under any circumstances. The sound insulation in that cottage is not particularly good, so we would have to keep our voices down. Which we always do. As I began to undress, I watched Fluttershy relax upon the bed before reaching up to her mane and pulling the thread free, allowing her ponytail to unfurl into the luxuriously long mane she has always had. Something about seeing that adorable ponytail become something so much more elegant somehow got to me more than I thought it would. "Mm, Mama's making herself look pretty for Daddy."

Fluttershy swished her equally long tail while beckoning me closer once I was in just my boxers. Her eyes carried a certain allure in the dim glow of a nearby lamp that she never showed when someone else was around. "That's because Mama missed Daddy so much. And she wants to make up for lost time."

I crawled on the bed to my beautiful wife and quickly found her in my embrace as we most passionately and noisily kissed. Our tongues danced in longing, welcoming each other home. As she clung to me, my hands slid down her back and over the contours of her flanks. Fluttershy has always had a very feminine figure, but the grasp of my fingers confirmed that her flanks were undoubtedly fuller than when we first met. She cooed and quietly squealed in our kiss as my fingers caressed and squeezed those round hips, the firm muscle underneath her coat now enhanced by a soft layer of flesh gifted to her through the experience of motherhood. My fingers dug into her sensitive cutie marks as I broke the kiss to whisper into her ear, "Novo was right... You are a MILF."

Fluttershy inhaled sharply through her teeth as I bestowed such heavy praise on her maternal beauty. She moaned quietly to me, "Ooooh, honey... You made me this way, you know... If I'm a sexy mother, it's because of you..."

"And I'd do it again." I whispered teasingly into her ear, feeling such pride over having made this beautiful little mare even more beautiful than I could have ever expected her to become.

Fluttershy wiggled her full motherly hips in my hands before she gazed at me in adoration and longing, her hoof rubbing me between my legs. "I want you to do it again, James."

Her words were ambrosia to my ears. The first time was a magical experience for us both and I would savor the opportunity to do it again. Our bodies lusting for each other, we once again kissed lovingly while I managed to whisper to her during brief lulls. "You really enjoyed that, didn't you?"

"Oh, I loved it... I mean the morning sickness was something I could do without, but... The feeling of our little one in me... Ooooh, it was bliss..." Fluttershy cooed as I kissed along her neck. "I loved being pregnant...with our baby..."

I felt her hoof yank down my boxers to reveal my very eager hardened shaft as Fluttershy gazed lustfully into my ears. She then whispered sultrily to me, "Let's have another."

"Oh god, Fluttershy... You make me so proud to be a daddy..." I groaned as her hoof continued to caress my shaft as love and pride flooded my senses. I wanted to breed her again. To put my foal in her womb a second time.

"And I'm so happy to be a mother to our foal, dear..." Fluttershy cooed as my hands slid to her underside and began to caress her soft teats. So plump and heavy with milk, I tenderly squeezed them to spark a yelp of delight from my wife. "Ooooh goodness... They're so tender... Does Daddy...want some warm milk tonight?"

"I think I could use a little first." I whispered back to her as I reluctantly pulled away. Fluttershy rolled onto her back with her hind legs spread wide, revealing her plump teats in the dark. Her nipples were so dark and swollen and her bloated mammaries jiggled at the slightest touch. I clamped my lips over one and began to suckle, warm creamy mother's milk flowing free all too readily. All the while, I could smell her. Our bedroom was becoming thick with the aroma of Fluttershy's desire.

"Ooooh... There's plenty in there, dear... Help yourself to...as much as you'd like..." Fluttershy gasped as I sucked firmly on her heavy teat. She was enjoying this far too much. It still amazed me how healthy mare's milk is, even when compared to that from cattle. I traced my fingers over her chest, feeling the rapidly thumping tempo of her excited heart. Even as I moved on to the other teat, that tempo of pure eagerness never subsided. She was so desperate to get started.

"Mm, I see why foals like this so much. Creamy." I whispered as I relented from feasting on her milk now that my thirst was sated. Fluttershy panted while remaining on her back, gazing up at me as I began to position myself before her. The air reeked of a very needy mare and I was going to do something about it. "Are you ready for me, dear?"

"I've been ready, James... Mama needs you." She gasped while reaching out to me with her arms. "Come to Mama, Daddy."

"Gladly." I whispered before bringing myself into her embrace even as I pushed into her warm moist depths. That familiar wet heat engulfed my length as I pushed in as far as I could, the two of us groaning and gasping as we became one once more. "Oh god, I missed this, Flutterhsy... I missed you..."

"I missed you so much, dear... Mmmm, do what you will, James. I am yours..." Fluttershy cooed as I began to piston in and out of her needy depths. Her arms wrapped around me even as I scooped my arms under her to keep us close at all times.

Our lips rarely left each other's. We constantly kissed in longing, all too happy to be together again as we made sweet tender love together. I felt Fluttershy pin her hind legs against my lower back. She was not going to allow me to pull away until I filled her with my seed. And she voiced this very clearly to me. "I...mmm... I meant it, James... I...want to have another foal with you someday..."

Her words awoke a desire in my heart and brought back wonderful memories of not very long ago. I could still remember how radiant Fluttershy looked during her final months of carrying Gladesong. How she seemed to glow with life. The feeling of that life stirring within as I caressed that round belly. And the pride of knowing that the child within her was ours. I wanted to experience that again. I wanted to become a father again. And so I whispered into her ear, "Me too, dear... Make me a daddy again, please?"

"Oh, James... Yes, my love..." Fluttershy whispered to me as we once more kissed deeply with our tongues dancing, our bodies grinding against each other as I plunged deep into her needy body. She cooed in my embrace, our eyes closed as we felt, heard, tasted, and smelled each other. "I want...to have a colt this time... To give...our girls a brother..."

"A little boy, honey...?" I groaned as I began to thrust even more eagerly into her, loving the thought of changing things up with a son in the family. What would he look like? What would we name him? But I barely had time to even process these thoughts as I felt a growing pressure in my loins. I was getting close. Heat or no heat, I was going to at least try to sire another foal with my wife. "Oh god... Yes, baby. Let's... Let's have a son, Fluttershy..."

I finally gazed down into her eyes. Mouth agape as she panted with me, my hips slamming against the soft plush flesh of her motherly flanks. She looked so joyous. As if so dearly wishing to carry another child within her. I felt her limbs wrap around me, pulling me closer as she happily pleaded with me, "Do it, James... I'm ready... I'm ready for your foal... No... OUR foal...!"

Our foal. God, that hit me right in the heart. I thrust into her as hard and fast as I could. Not for her. Not for me. But for us. We were doing this together. We wanted another foal and we were going to do all we could to have it. Groaning my wife's name as boldly as I could get away with it, I pushed as deep as I could as I felt Fluttershy quiver around my shaft in a gush of fluid. I arched my back as my gift of human seed flooded forth into her needy womb. Nothing would come of it this time. It would not find fresh soil to take root in. But it felt wonderful to imagine if it did.

As our climaxes faded, I draped myself across my wife as we both panted together in the glorious afterglow. I was reminded then of why I married that wonderful mare and not anyone else. All I could think about at that moment was her. The mare right in front of me. And so I whispered, "God, I love you so much..."

"Love...you...forever, James..." Fluttershy gasped as she almost sounded like she had nearly fainted. She then gazed into my eyes, a big smile upon her lips. "I...love being...a hot MILF for you..."

"And I wanna be a hunky daddy for you." I whispered back to her in equal glee. She really does bring out the family man in me. We once again kissed as I remained rooted inside her to prevent anything from spilling out. "Next time you're in heat... Let's do it for real."

"Mmhm... As many times as it takes." Fluttershy said softly to me as a look of love and purpose filled her eyes. She so dearly wanted to have another child with me. I just hope it will not take too many attempts to make it happen. With our lust sated for the night, I soon carried my wife to the bathroom for a cleansing shower before bed.

I have been spending much of the early day after that night to try and finish up this entry. As a precaution in case the trip to Capricorn Island took longer than expected or our return ended up delayed by bad weather over the ocean, my employers gave me the remainder of the week off. That will give me some more time to spend with my family to make up for my absence.

I think that will do for now. It is so good to be back home. I did not realize how much I missed Ponyville and everyone in it until today. Everything is back to normal. And from the sound of it, it seems someone has just showed up with the box of souvenirs I brought home from Capricorn Island. I better go bring it all in. And then I better set out on getting all those gifts to everyone they were meant for. It is going to be a long yet happy day, I just know it.