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Not long after finishing my prior journal entry, I made my way downstairs to notice Smolder examining the armory at the far end of the command center's main room. Shining Armor was keeping a close eye on her, though I am sure he just wanted to make certain she would not hurt herself with anything. My attention was then directed to the corner of the command center that was reserved for the radar devices.

I stood outside the little corner as a couple of guards surveyed the readings they were getting. My eyes scanned the large crystal panels that displayed the topography of the Empty Plains that the sensors were transmitting to us. No signs of movement. Nothing out of the ordinary. But that only made me all the more concerned.

We have been out on the Empty Plains for a while now. More than a week by this point. Progress in preparing the militia has been steady and smooth, but how much longer would it be until the next wave arrived? Would we head out to advance before they could get here, or would we have to fight them off to prevent them from overrunning the camp? The fact that it had been that long since that first clash had me worried. How long would it take for the emperor to amass another army of drones to send our way? And how big would the next one be?

I held a fist to my chin as I kept my arms crossed. I scanned the panels more closely, wondering if they were even functioning correctly. The emperor is about as well versed in warfare as the rest of Equestria. War has never had a place in Equestria. What was he doing at that time? Brainstorming new tactics? Revising the equipment and variety of his troops? As much as it pains me to say this, humans have always been adept in adapting to war. I feared that he had an advantage over us in terms of natural talent. Only time would tell who would have the superior tactics.

I overheard the guards before me muttering to each other. The room was rather quiet at the time, providing a sense of security out on the Empty Plains. The only sounds that reached my ears were quiet conversation like ones you might hear in a library and the gentle inconsistent hymn of the crystal panels projecting the images of the lay of the terrain out east. It was almost too relaxing. I could only hope we would finally head out soon before we got too comfortable out here by staying in one place for too long.

"Hey... Something's coming in from the west." I heard one of the guards say. He pointed to the panel that displayed the camp and the immediate area around it. There were no sensors placed to the west, but the sensors set around the perimeter of the camp could still reach far enough to detect an impending arrival. I could see it too. One single little dot. And were a cast of a spell from the guard's horn, the perspective zoomed in. "Huh... Just one... And it's not an airship."

"West... Hang on, I'm gonna go out and check." I retorted before grabbing a pair of binoculars that I had noticed on a counter nearby and stepped outside. Judging by the speed at which the target was approaching, it must have been going by air. I could probably spot it without even going over to the walls.

I held the binoculars up to my eyes while facing west, scanning the horizon over the walls. I was quick to remember just how much binoculars can limit your field of vision. I had to slowly turn my head to try and maximize my field of vision while adjusting the focus of the lenses. But after a minute or so, I finally saw something come into view. Very far away, but I remained focused on it. It appeared to have a gold sheen to it. As it drew closer, I noticed bits of blue. And off of one side, a round red spot. "Hang on... Is that...Ember?"

Not once did I look away. And as the moments went by, I confirmed the identity of the arrival. Ember was on her way towards us. Clad in her gilded armor and with the Bloodstone Scepter in hand. I found myself smiling as I saw my friend soaring towards the camp. But...she was alone. No signs of any other dragons. Had she failed to convince any of her people to pitch in with the war effort?

Regardless of how that went, I knew that Ember would still be there to stay. With or without aid, she would still face the enemy alongside us. I remembered that promise. I lowered the binoculars from my face and watched as the armored dragoness soared over the walls with the sentries making no effort to stop her. They knew who she was by then.

I stood outside the command center and waited. I even raised my hand to wave at Ember once she began to descend. The Dragon Lord soon swooped down to me and came in for a landing on my feet. Once on her feet, she promptly removed her helmet to reveal that pretty blue face. "You knew I was coming?"

"Our sensors detected your approach, but I didn't think it would be you." I replied while holding out an arm for a hug. However, Ember mistook the gesture for something else and simply shook my hand in greeting while tucking her helmet in the crook of her other arm while holding the Bloodstone Scepter. I did not mind, but I then asked, "Um... Are you alone? Are there no reinforcements?"

"Yes and no... I'll need to speak with your superiors about that. Are they here?" Ember asked before pushing the door to the command center open. I stayed close behind her, not certain how well the personnel inside would take Ember's arrival. She must have been thinking the same thing since she then held up her spare hand and spoke, "Hello! It's me again! No need to raise your weapons this time."

It was then that Celestia happened to enter the room. She was quick to recognize the Dragon Lord and stepped our way as I returned the binoculars to where I had gotten them. "Oh, Ember! Welcome back. Although...did you return by yourself?"

Ember promptly dropped to one knee to bow before the Princess of the Dawn, Bloodstone Scepter in her grasp to provide leverage for when she needed to stand again. "Yes, for the moment. I need to talk to you about that, if you have a minute."

"Of course. Make yourself comfortable. We're just about ready to sit down for lunch." Celestia replied as the three of us approached the table nearby. Ember's eyes lit up at the mention of lunch, no doubt excited to try some more Equestrian cuisine. Once the three of us were seated around the table, Celestia asked, "I'm assuming that you met some complications when you returned home?"

"Well, it wasn't a complete failure... It took a few days, but I did succeed in rounding up a dozen potential volunteers. The issue is... How do I put this..." Ember muttered as she closed one hand over the other, elbows on the table. With her scarlet eyes wandering for a moment, she then said, "Basically, they want to know what's in it for them."

"You mean aside from preventing their home from being inevitably invaded and overrun in due time?" I asked while not surprised a bunch of barbaric savages would not have the mind to really understand what kind of danger they were in.

That smirk Ember gave me showed even she could not overlook her people's shortsightedness. "No, really. If they're going to put their lives on the line, they're demanding that they be compensated. Their words, not mine."

"That's not an unjustified complaint... They would have to be compensated for their services. But what to offer..." Celestia muttered as she rubbed a hoof under her chin. She probably knew more about dragons than I did, so I could not offer a suggestion. "Well, I seem to recall your people are not very difficult to satisfy... How about this? Fifty pounds of assorted gemstones for each volunteer?"

If that look of hunger in Ember's eyes was of any indication, that sounded like a good offer for a dragon. "Ooh, that does sound tempting... But how to sweeten it?"

Celestia was quick to provide another offer. "I was thinking gemstones that are not commonly found around the dragon lands. We could round up some turquoise from the south. Perhaps some jade from far out east. A little smorgasbord of flavors for your men to try."

"I don't think they'll be disappointed. Yes, that might be enough incentive to get them to cooperate. I'll pass along the message and get back to you right away." Ember replied as she sounded like she was about to stand up and leave. But just as it looked like she was about to stand up from her seat, Ember displayed a rather sheepish smile. "But before that, would it be all right if I stay for lunch? I can already smell it."

She was right. The telltale aroma of tasty home cooking was wafting out of the kitchen nearby. And we were all too happy to have her. Ember watched with eager eyes as the buffet was set out on a long table against the wall. A big bowl of salad in a dark balsamic dressing, veggie sandwiches of soft baguettes that had been lightly toasted and smeared with a layer of honey mustard, and freshly grilled corn on the cob. Ember went first, loading up a plate with as much as she could before we all followed her to the table. She took a fork and gave the salad a few pokes, skewering a few leaves of lettuce and greens on the prongs. "Are these just leaves off a tree? Do you really eat these?"

"No, those are all ground plants. And they're perfectly edible. Really good for cleaning out your system too." I replied while Ember added more and more to her fork until she had quite a sizeable bite ready. I was quick to add, "And please don't eat the cutlery this time..."

"Don't worry, I haven't forgotten that." She replied while we all watched as Ember tried the first bite of leafy greens she had ever eaten in her life. She chewed patiently, savoring the crunchy morsel like any professional food critic. "Mmm... Crisp and crunchy, but still kind of soft... And this dark fluid... Kind of sweet...but makes my tongue tingle!"

"Balsamic dressing will do that." Celestia said with a chuckle before she got started on her lunch. It was right around then that the front door opened to reveal Luna and Nightmare Moon having returned for lunch. Their eldest sister was quick to greet them and said, "Welcome back. And we have a guest."

"Hm? Ah, Ember! I trust you have returned with good news?" Nightmare Moon asked as she and Luna made their way to the buffet line.

"Can we discuss it later? I'm...really taken with this amazing food right now." Ember replied while continuing to feast on her lunch. And she was still only on her salad. If a simple appetizer was pleasing her that much, I could only imagine what she would say to the rest.

"Fair enough. You must be famished. Just be sure to give your compliments to the chef when you're done." Luna said while they loaded up their plates.

As soon as Ember was done with her salad, she started to poke her sandwich with her fork as if trying to figure out how she would lift it. This got a chuckle out of me before I said, "Um... You don't use utensils for some foods. You normally eat sandwiches with your hands."

"You do? Oh.... Then...like this?" Ember asked while setting her fork down and lifting the sandwich with both hands. With a little added pressure from her fingers, the outer crust of the top half of the bread cracked ad bent inward. "Oh? Crispy on the outside, but soft and white on the inside... What is this stuff?"

"That would be bread. You bake it from dough made from grinding wheat." Luna explained as they all gathered around the table with their own lunch.

"And I have no idea what any of that is." Ember replied while seemingly smirking at her own ignorance. But one bite later, she smiled brightly. "Ooh, I like this stuff. Especially with how this tangy sweet liquid just adds to the whole thing."

I was especially curious of how Ember would eat the corn on the cob. In hindsight, I should not have been surprised. She looked it over, picked it up in her hand, and then crunched it between her jaws cob and all. We all stared in surprise to see her effortlessly munching down the whole thing in one go along with the toughest and most unappetizing part of the corn. And she seemed quite pleased. "Mmm, all these little seeds just pop when you bite. Although that tough part in the middle isn't very flavorful..."

"That's...not how you're supposed to eat corn, Ember..." Nightmare Moon muttered while failing to hide a crooked smile. "The cob is supposed to be left alone while you eat the kernels that cover it."

"It's not?" Ember asked in confusion. Celestia then held up hers for Ember to see before taking several consecutive bites to remove the kernels into her mouth. "Ooooh... Oops. I'll see if I can get it right the second time."

It was right around then that I noticed Smolder stepping out of the armory while adjusting the crest of purple hair on her head. Probably after trying on a helmet. "Man, something smells great. Is it time for lun..."

Smolder froze in her tracks when she was halfway past the table. Eyes wide, never saying a word, she gazed right at Ember. I could see the alarm in her eyes and I knew why. Ember then asked, "You... You're the one in that picture..."

Without a word, Smolder began to take long slow steps backwards without ever looking away. Once she was almost past the table again, she suddenly stepped to her right and ducked behind me. I felt her hands cling to me while she only barely peeked out from behind me. While I knew why she was so wary of our draconic guest, I could not help back be amused by her sudden show of timidity. "Smolder, it's OK... Ember's the best the dragon lands have to offer. She's not here to cause trouble."

She looked up at me while still not showing any easing in her emotions. Although Smolder then looked out from behind me and asked, "You're...not here to take me back?"

"Take you ba... Oh... Right, I heard." Ember retorted as a much more sympathetic gaze formed in her scarlet eyes. "Just let me say I know what you've been through and I'm sorry there wasn't more I could do for you. I just don't have any jurisdiction over the wild sectors of the dragon lands. And I'm not sure how to bring them under my control..."

Sharp as always, Smolder was quick to put together Ember's words together. Her look of fear became a much more analytical gaze as she examined the gilded plate armor that covered most of Ember's body. As well as the Bloodstone Scepter propped up nearby. She then asked, "Are you...the Dragon Lord?"

"I am. And I'm glad to be here... Smolder, right? I think that's what James called you?" Ember replied while even starting to smile.

Smolder nodded, but still looked confused. Maybe even a little disappointed. "Uh huh... But...I always though the Dragon Lord would be...bigger."

"Pfft, that's what they all say." Ember snorted while crossing her arms. It was hard for us not to laugh.

It was at this point that I noticed Smolder starting to relax. I think she knew she could trust Ember. And she even smirked a little as she said, "I also didn't think the Dragon Lord would be so pretty."

"Oh come on! Not you too!" Ember barked in annoyance while the royal sisters around us began to snicker at her expense. Even Smolder and I could not keep a straight face.

That was when I said, "You mean only I can say you're beautiful?"

Smolder then started howling in laughter as Ember gave me...that look. Just...that look. I wish I could describe it, but it got us all laughing. As the laughter eventually began to die down, all while Ember gave us all a painfully frozen glare of frustration, Smolder finally stepped out from behind me. "Yeah, she is all right. Glad to finally meet someone from back home who's kind of cool."

"Told you she's the best the dragon lands have." I added while patting Smolder on the head. This got a slight smile out of Ember. I then sweetened the deal as I said, "She's pleasant, yet reliable. I have nothing but respect for her."

"James, you're too kind. Really." Ember finally said as she relaxed into smiling at me. It was only then that Smolder made her way to the buffet line to fill a plate. But once her impromptu conversation partner had left the table for a minute, a much more insecure expression settled into Ember's face. She then glanced back and forth at the three royal sisters and asked, "If I may ask you all something?"

"Go right ahead, Ember. What do you need to know?" Celestia asked right as they all finished with their lunch. All forks were down with all eyes on Ember.

"How do I put this..." Ember muttered as she rather adorably tapped two fingers together with her eyes averted for a moment. Was she even aware of how demure she was making herself look. She then finally asked, "Is it possible to be beautiful, yet still be respected by your subjects?"

I should have anticipated that this question would come up eventually. The three royal sisters looked at each other while appearing to be completely mystified. Nightmare Moon then gave Ember a most perplexed gaze while even smiling in a crooked manner. "What sort of question is that? Of course you can. I mean just look at us."

Luna then joined in as her magic aura surrounded her horn just as a small pillar of magic ice formed on the middle of the table. "Yes, we have been blessed with great beauty as the royal family is rather famous for it..."

A second later, Celestia's golden magic aura coated the ice pillar. As it quivered with the sound of ice cracking filling the air, it sudden snapped in two at the middle. And I knew that Luna and Nightmare Moon's ice magic was much tougher than natural ice. Celestia then said confidently, "But that does not mean we can't snap someone in two like a twig if we so wished it."

Ember froze as she watched that pillar of magic ice get snapped like a toothpick. As if she had momentarily forgotten how powerful the royal sisters' magic output is. Celestia then smiled quite brightly at the Dragon Lord and said, "Don't be afraid to embrace beauty if you think it suits you. Beauty is not a handicap in times of conflict. If anything, it only makes it easier to surprise the opposition."

While she had nothing to say, Ember just smiled gratefully while just giving a nod. But it was then that we noticed Smolder standing at the side of the table while holding a tray of food in her hands. Her eyes were wide as if she had just witnessed quite the spectacle. "Whoa, is that what you royal ponies can do? You can whip up magic ice like that? And break it like it's nothing?"

"Actually, only Luna and I have access to the freezing polarities of ice magic. Celestia here is on the other end of the spectrum. As one should expect from the princess who moves the sun." Nightmare Moon explained while displaying a proud smirk.

Smolder suddenly glanced at Celestia without a word. As if to confirm her suspicions, Celestia's horn was coated by her magic aura before also becoming coated in wavering magic flames for a few seconds. All while showing Smolder a knowing smile. Her curiosity satisfied, Smolder quickly sat herself down beside me with tray on the table. "No wonder almost no one ever messes with you ponies."

Ember went back for seconds as the three royal sisters started chatting amongst themselves. I just listened in while Smolder feasted on her lunch, paying attention to the conversation happening around me. Something about how Cadence is holding things together on the homefront, the rate of progress among training the infantry, and so on. But a minute or so later, I felt something rest upon my hand under the table. A quick glance revealed it to be Smolder's hand resting atop mine.

I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye. In her other hand was a sandwich, but Smolder was looking right back at me out of the corner of her eye. I saw her smile as I felt her fingers curl around mine. I did the same, grasping her hand under the table where no one could see it. We had not forgotten about last night. And even if we could not say it, we could still express it to each other as long as we were subtle enough.

Once Ember returned to the table with her tray lined with the goods, she turned her attention to Smolder. "So, um... Smolder, right? If you don't mind me asking... What's it like living among the ponies of Equestria?"

Smolder released my hand from her grasp as she answered the Dragon Lord's invitation to a conversation. She paused at first as she seemed to be debating her answer. "The dragons back home have no idea what they're missing out on. I just don't get how dragons can think they're at the top of the food chain when the rest of Equestria has left them all in the dust. The food's better. The environment's better. The way they live is better... If I had known how good the rest of Equestria has things, I would've tried to find a place to settle down as soon as my parents kicked me out."

"That's quite a review..." Ember muttered between bites of her second ear of corn. I had already explained some of Equestria's advances in modernity to her before and she had even been exposed to a taste of modern living just by being in the camp with us, but to hear such a thing from one of her own carried a special kind of weight to it. "Equestria really has it that good, huh?"

"Yep. You gotta see it to believe it." Smolder said as she feasted on her meal while I just listened in on the conversations going on around me.

"I definitely will... When this mess is all sorted out." Ember mumbled as she went silent in thought. Although she then did say, "But let it be said I'm happy for you. I'm glad to know you found a good place to live and good people to be around. I perfectly understand if those boulderheads back home are unappealing to you."

Smolder let out a sudden snicker, no doubt at the sound of the dragon lands' own ruler taking potshots at her people's reputation. "Boulderheads?! Whoa, what're you doing dissing your own people like that? I mean you're not exactly wrong, but..."

Ember leaned forward with her elbow on the table as a snarky smirk spread across her lips. "What, you think I actually like them? Do you have any idea what a challenge it is to keep those idiots in line? Nothing but brawn and bravado with not much for brains."

Smolder then leaned my way while looking at me out of the corner of her eye. There was quite a smirk on her lips as well when she said, "I like this lady. She's pretty cool."

"I did say she's the best the dragon lands have." I reiterated while Ember just rolled her eyes, even as that smirk became a much more earnest smile.

Before long, I heard what sounded like the Morse code station receiving a message. I did not pay any mind to it at the time, but the guardsman who was manning it trotted our way after decoding the message. He then said, "Excuse me, your majesties. The R.A.S. Alabaster is en route and is heavy with cargo and equipment."

"Good to hear. Send word to the docks to ready the moorings." Celestia replied while the guardsman bowed and headed out the door to relay the message. But as for me, hearing the name of that airship elicited a very different feeling in my heart. Novo was on her way back and would be here soon. And she no doubt had some very personal news for me.

A complex combination of excitement and anxiety filled me. I needed to see her as soon as possible. I scarfed down what remained on my tray and stood up from the table. "Excuse me, ladies. I need to be somewhere right now."

"Huh? Where you going?" Smolder asked with a look of concern in her eyes. She surely thought something was amiss.

Right as I reached the door leading outside, I turned to look at the royal sisters and their guests. "I'm just going to the airship docks to be there when the Alabaster arrives. They'll probably send for me anyway if I'm not there regardless."

"I don't really get what's happening, but you do what you have to. We'll be here. I'm not going anywhere for a while anyway." Ember replied as they all said their goodbyes. I did not want to leave Smolder alone, but I knew Novo would want some time alone with me.

Once outside, I walked at a brisk pace through the camp while not stopping for conversation. My heart pounded in my chest. I could still remember the previous night we spent together. She was in heat. And I... We actually did it. By then, Novo surely must have been able to get some results. And I was both eager and afraid of what they might be. What would I tell Fluttershy if it turned out I was having a child with a woman she had not even met yet? No matter how much she trusted me, that would be a massive breach in protocol.

I tried not to work myself up too much as I neared the docks. And I could see it. Right here over the western horizon was a large and mostly white object. The Alabaster was already coming in to dock. I watched with arms crossed as that majestic airship drew near as the buzzing of its propellers reached my ears. It was rather calming to observe such a beautiful designed aircraft just floating through the air like that. The dock personnel were quick to start securing the ballasts as they were dropped. Heavy thuds were heard with each striking the ground even as the propellers became still and silent. I even found myself muttering, "Good to see you back, old girl."

The gangplank was lowered as the familiar forms of graceful hippogriffs dove over the side of the deck and down to the ground to speak to the ground crews. But among them was one particular stallion who was clad in armor that had a beautiful iridescent sheen to it. And he came right over to me before landing before me. "Ah, Sir James! I was just on my way to find you! Many thanks for saving me the trouble."

"Good to see you, admiral. Is Novo up there?" I asked Seaspray while my thoughts went back to the beautiful queen my heart was aching for.

"Why, yes she is. In fact..." Seaspray replied as he began to pass me with a knowing smirk on his beak. "I do believe she is expecting you. Please, do not let me keep you. I must report to Shining Armor immediately as well."

"Uh... Right! Excuse me, admiral." I retorted before I broke into a jog as I hurried over to the gangplank. I did not walk. I ran. I was that eager to see Novo again. And as soon as I reached the top of the gangplank and stepped out onto the deck, there she was. That wonderful queen stood ahead of me as if she had known I would be there soon.

It almost felt surreal to see her again after our prior departure. We in tears when we said goodbye. And while I did keep myself distracted since then, to see her there again, knowing how much we loved and needed each other, was such an experience. We did not speak as our eyes locked. And after maybe a ten second pause, I briskly approached her with arms outstretched. She sat herself down and held out her arms to me. Seconds later, we embraced as her glorious wings wrapped around me in a wonderful feathered embrace. My eyes closed as I held my queen. I breathed deeply, inhaling the faintly perfumed scent of her soft feathers while neither of us spoke. Words were not needed at that moment. We knew how much we had missed each other.

No one even approached or interrupted us. As if the crew aboard the Alabaster knew full well what was going on between their queen and the man in her embrace. But Novo soon whispered into my ear with that luxuriously deep voice, "My room. Now."

"Yes, please... Lead on." I replied quietly while only then opening my eyes. Those beautiful magenta gazed longingly into my own as her arms and wings released me. We soon stepped towards the stern and through the door that led below deck. An unbearable anxiousness filled my nerves and my gait was painfully stiff. Novo herself walked with a stiff and stressful gait. We were together again and were desperate to lock ourselves behind closed doors and indulge in our feelings for each other.

Not a word was spoken during that brief stroll. And as soon as we stepped into her private chambers, Novo promptly locked the door and pushed me down onto my back upon her soft bed. She practically jumped up onto the bed and crawled across me, pinning me under her soft fluffy body before her beak opened wide and clamped itself over my face for a wonderful kiss. Her gorgeous voice hummed and sang to me as our eyes closed, tongues dancing in a loving tango while her hands scooped under my head and neck to hold me. How we had missed each other...

"It's only been less than a week...but it feels like it's been a month." Novo cooed to my face as the kiss ended while those gorgeous eyes gazed down at me. Her fingers stroked through my hair as I returned the favor, stroking my hands down the sides of her soft feathery neck and shoulders. "Love you so much, baby... Missed you so bad too."

"Missed you too, my queen..." I whispered back to her as we shared a long and loving gaze. Just taking a moment to bask in each other's presence. The matters of each day had provided a welcome distraction to my thoughts about Novo, but my mind was focused entirely upon the beautiful woman above me now that we were together again. Novo began to place firm kisses all over my face as I closed my eyes to let her do as she pleased. But as I slid my hands down past her shoulders, they stopped when I reached her midsection. I was only then reminded of what had happened that night. And the risk we took when we...

She welcomed me to try to start a family with her. Pleaded with me to give her a son. And I all too happily answered that call. We were madly in love that night. And I do not believe I have ever so desperately wanted to be a father than I was at that moment. And now... Did our efforts bear fruit? Was Novo now carrying our child within her?

My prolonged caress of her lower body did not escape her attention for long. Novo looked down at me with a gaze of longing, her voice a soft whisper. "You really wanna know, huh?"

"Yes... Did you find out?" I asked quietly, a glimmer of hope in my heart. Even if it was too soon to really consider having children, I... I sincerely wanted it. To someday hold a precious little hippogriff foal in my arms. One that was my own flesh and blood.

"Well, I have some bad news, honey... Or good news, depending on how you look at it." Novo replied quietly, though I could see a look of profound disappointment in those lovely magenta eyes. "I did take a test. And...it came back negative. Seems it'll be a while longer before we finally have a bouncing baby boy in our lives."

My heart sank. Against all sense, I was dearly hoping that our efforts had succeeded. A family with Novo sounded nothing short of wonderful, and yet... Not this time. I let out a long sigh as I processed the unfortunate news. "I see... I mean...I guess it's for the best that it doesn't happen yet, but...I... I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hoping that...we'd have a child on the way."

"Mmhm... I guess humans aren't the most compatible choice of lovers for us lovebirds." Novo said with a long and quiet sigh. Her hand continued to stroke my head as she began to show a more mournful smile. "But that means we'll just have to try again next time, right?"

All I did was nod in agreement. We would just have to wait for her next heat cycle. It did take Fluttershy and I more than one attempt to have Gladesong. And I really should check in with the hospital when I get back home to see if that research with the sperm bank has resulted in any findings. Although Novo then whispered, "But as much as I so dearly want to have a precious baby boy with you... We really shouldn't go rushing into something like that so soon. Even a hot mama like me knows better than to have kids right after meeting my new lover boy."

I grimaced at her observations. We were madly in love and I was no stranger to fatherhood by then, but it was nothing short of reckless to start having children so early in a relationship. I let out a sigh before reaching up with one hand to stroke the tuft of feathers on the side of her head that indicated the location of her ear. "Right... And I still need to introduce you to Fluttershy too. Can't go doing stuff like that with someone who hasn't been welcomed into my family yet."

"You think she'll be OK with me, James?" Novo asked with a look of concern in her eyes. She looked afraid and I could not fault her. She did not want to have to say goodbye forever and neither did I.

"Oh, she's gonna love you, Novo. I can't imagine Fluttershy not liking you." I whispered back to my beloved queen. "And she has a big soft spot for birds in general. She'll probably want to fluff up your feathers for a snuggle."

"Mmmmhmhmhm, you think so? Your wife might wanna cuddle with this fluffy queen?" Novo asked with a boost to her mood being evident in her tone. "Well, I hope I don't disappoint. She's lucky to have you as her man. Her and her baby girl."

"She'll be more than happy to have you as part of our family, dear... I know she will. Just have faith." I whispered back to her as I brought both hands to that beautiful face to gently apply scritches through the soft feathers that covered it. "You're a wonderful woman, Novo. Tempered by time and with a huge heart. I can't imagine anyone not liking you, to be completely honest."

"Oh, sugar bear... You really are too good to me." She said with a soft thrill to her voice that sounded like the coo of a dove. Her eyes gazing down at me, she then whispered, "But really... Let's just take things one day at a time for a while, honey. No rushing things along. No talk about having little baby bird foals. Right now, I just wanna focus on us. All right?"

"Good idea." I said with a soft smile. I would hate to ruin my relationship with Novo by being too hasty with anything. We had technically only just met. It was time to simply take it easy and let things happen as they come for now. But with that said, I still felt compelled to say something sacred to her. Something sincere and precious. "But...may I tell you something one last time?"

Novo beamed at me with a very happy smile on her beak. "Let's hear it, baby. Lay it on me."

I held her avian face in my hands as I found the courage to say what my heart was telling me. "I really...want to have children with you someday, love."

Rather than reprimand me for musing over something she had just told me to push out of my mind for a good while, Novo's gaze narrowed as her smile only softened further. She caressed my face and hair with one hand, her voice low and filled with loving passion. "And I'll have as many as you can give me, dear."

My eyes went wide. Such a bold proclamation. Was she serious? As many as possible? Surely this was just her being a big tease. But as I stammered and stuttered as I tried to word a response, Novo silence me by placing a finger on her lips. That confident and loving look in her eyes never faded. And neither did that smile. "Did I stutter?"

Excitement and joy filled my heart. She was dead serious. I had to wonder. Just how many precious royal children waited in our future? How many would we be blessed with? Trying to contain my excitement, I stroked my fingers along her arm and asked, "Our own...little flock, Novo?"

"As many as you can give me." She repeated sweetly before we shared a long and passionate yet quiet kiss. I wrapped my arms around my beloved. Oh, we were just so happy. I could only imagine what joys our future had ready for us. With her, I felt like I could take on the world. That everything would be all right if she had my back. Though she soon whispered directly into my ear, "When the time is right, sugar bear. All right?"

"Yeah... When... Ooh?" I yelped quietly as my train of thought was interrupted by a knock at the door. And it sounded urgent. "Ugh, of all times..."

Novo too scowled in irritation. We had barely fifteen minutes or so together in her room, but we were already being interrupted. The voice of Seaspray spoke from the other side, his voice muffled by the door. "Your majesty? Is Sir James with you?"

"Yes, admiral. He is with me. What's the issue?" Novo replied while I was left wondering if it was a good idea to inform anyone that I was alone with the queen of Capricorn Island in her own bedroom.

Seaspray continued to speak with urgency in his voice. "I regret to inform you that he is needed at the command center immediately. If you can, please send him on his way as soon as you are able. Now, if you will excuse me..."

With that, I heard him stepping away from the door and down the hall. I was needed at the command center? And he had specifically been sent to fetch me? Something serious must have come up. I let out a groan of annoyance as I pushed myself up with Novo pushing herself off me. She then asked, "Duty calls, huh?"

"I suppose... I wonder what the deal is. We haven't had any disturbances out here yet." I mumbled as I sat up at the side of the bed. I really did not want to have to leave Novo alone so soon after another reunion, even if I was needed elsewhere. Although I then looked over at her and asked, "Um... Does Seaspray know about us? It's almost like he knew I was with you in here...

Novo surprised me with quite a smirk on her beak. "Not much happens in the Ivory Palace or on the Alabaster that Seaspray doesn't know about. Believe me, he knows what's going on between us and he knows to keep his beak shut about it."

"Oh... Well... Does he have a problem with it?" I then asked while knowing that any discourse between the top of the chain of command in the royal guard of her kingdom and her could have dire consequences.

Novo's smirk only became more smug as she said, "Not at all, honey. In fact, I'd say he already sees you as my king in waiting."

My eyes went wide. That much support from the head of her security forces? "He's really OK with me being your lover, huh? I...uh..."

"Honey, as much as I'd love to keep you any longer, I don't think old Sunbutt would appreciate having to send for you twice. You'd best get going before we catch an earful from them." Novo then pointed out rather firmly, prompting me to stand up from the bed. But she then said, "Just remember. The Alabaster will be docked here for a while as we unload and refuel. You know what that means."

I smiled in anticipation. I could remember what she requested from me during her prior stay. "Right. I'll be here tonight. See you soon, dear."

"You better be, honey. I'll be waiting." Novo spoke with such a loving and sultry tone. As if trying to get across what she was looking forward to that night. Not wanting to keep everyone at the command center waiting any longer, I hurried down the hall and back up on deck before disembarking from the Alabaster and making my way across the camp at a brisk pace. I had no time to waste.

I reached the command center without incident and quickly noticed something was not right. Everyone was gathered over at the corner of the main room that had the radar panels on display. All three of the royal sisters had gathered along with Ember and Seaspray standing behind them. I then stepped over to see for myself. "Something come up?"

"We've detected movement coming from the east." Shining Armor said as he pointed up at the crystal panel that was displaying the topographical information around the sensor that had been deployed the furthest east. Indeed, something was there that I had never seen on it before. A purplish blip that was nearing the center of the panel. That purple hue... Just like with all of those soldiers the emperor had sent our way for that first clash upon the Empty Plains. I felt a chill in my spine. The next wave was approaching. And yet... How many were there?

"I suppose that what we're seeing here is the enemy approaching? Just how many are there?" Seaspray asked while rubbing a finger along the underside of his beak.

"Just a second... This doesn't look right even from here." Shining Armor said as his magic aura flared up around his horn. The view on the crystal panel seemed to zoom in. And the blip spread out to reveal many other purple blips tightly packed together. But even from that perspective, there did not seem to be very many at all. "Huh... I'd have to say no less than several dozen... That's way too small for a direct engagement. What's the emperor aiming for?"

I quickly glanced at the other crystal panels and the data they were receiving. There did not seem to be any other groups of the emperor's minions trying to flank us from the north or south. This tiny detachment of units was not supporting a larger group. I quickly tried to discern what this could mean and said, "I think...it's just a light infantry battalion. They'll probably disperse and spread out once they get close to the camp."

"Light infantry?" Ember asked while no doubt not familiar with terms traditionally used with warfare.

"Yeah. Light infantry. They're not used for direct attack. They are lightly armed and armored and mainly work to harass and demoralize the enemy with sporadic hit-and-run tactics..." I retorted as my eyes went wide. Now I knew what they were up to. "There's bound to be lots of archers in there. They'll probably be firing arrows into the camp when they get close enough."

"Well, we can't have that now, can we?" Seaspray replied with a confident tone in as he faced the royal sisters. "My men and I will make short work of them, if you'll just give the word. We'll lay out an ambush and pick them off before they even have time to return fire."

"A sound proposition, admiral. However... I do believe a more direct approach would be more beneficial." Nightmare Moon replied as all eyes fell upon her and the commander of Capricorn Island's archers. "A relatively small unit comprised of lightly armed combatants... This would make for a prime opportunity to test our progress."

"What are you suggesting?" Ember asked with arms crossed. Even I was not sure of where they were going with this. Even the emperor seemed to be experimenting with different tactics to see what works if such an undersized battalion was being sent our way without support.

Nightmare Moon then said with a smirk, "What I am saying is that we should let our fighters test themselves against such an ill-equipped unit. With the proper tactics, I'm certain a unit less than half that one's size should easily overwhelm it. Shining Armor?"

The captain of the guard promptly stood at attention. "Yes, your highness?"

The Princess of Dreams then declared, "Gather no more than thirty of your men and prepare to depart. You will engage and dispose of the enemy before they can disperse and reach our location."

"Got it. At the rate they're moving, it'll probably be another three to four hours before they get here. More than enough time to cut them off." Shining Armor replied while sounding confident about this course of action. Although he then said, "But before that... I've gotten word from the R&D lab that the team there are having issues in developing defenses for our aerial units. From the sound of things, they need a live sample."

"Yes, that was relayed to us recently... If you can, do try to capture at least one specimen alive. We will leave it to your discretion on how to go about it." Luna replied as I was immediately reminded of the complications the lab had run into in regards of supplementing the aerials units' suits of brigandine. Sunburst would be pleased if we could capture one of those things on the battlefield and it would be much easier to do when contending with a much smaller battalion instead of a whole army.

Shining Armor then turned to Seaspray and looked up at him with a smile. "Well then, admiral. Looks like we'll be working together a lot sooner than expected."

"And I am most certainly looking forward to it, captain. Shall we go round up our most eager volunteers? It would be wise to balance them out to not leave us understaffed in any vital categories." Seaspray replied with a smile as they began to make their ways out of the command center. There was much to do and not much time to do it.

I looked up at the radar panels again as everyone began to disperse. Our first taste of action since that first clash. And it looked like this one would be easy pickings by comparison. Even more importantly, we knew they were coming and had time to plan and get the jump on them. Even so, I was not in a hurry to set foot on a battlefield again. I let out a sigh. I knew I could not run from this. I had come this far. I could not run away now. Not with so many standing by me.

"You going to join them out there?" Ember asked as she stepped up beside me. I let out another sigh of resignation and just nodded. But I then glanced down at Ember when I felt her hand rest on the side of my arm. She gave me a rather confident smirk as she asked, "Got room for one more?"

"Huh? You... You mean you wanna join in? Shouldn't you be on your way back to relay that offer to your men?" I asked in return. I was honestly surprised Ember had not already departed by then.

Ember flashed me a confident smirk. "And miss out on this? I'd like to see what these ponies are capable of. Might even help my convince those boulderheads to chip in if they know the ponies of Equestria aren't a bunch of pansies like they seem to believe. If there's one thing even they respect, it's strength."

"In that case, it is good to have you with us, Ember. Is there anything you need before they set out?" Celestia asked as when the three royal sisters turned to face the Dragon Lord.

Ember looked like she was not going to say anything at first, but her eyes then went wide upon noticing something that we had all overlooked. "Now that you mention it... I didn't exactly bring a weapon. Do you think you could provide me with one?"

Nightmare Moon was quick to reply. "That should be no problem. What do you prefer? Swords? An axe? Perhaps archery?"

"I would be most comfortable using a spear. It's what I'm most experienced with." Ember said while not surprising anyone. And it was hard to imagine her using anything that was not a polearm.

Luna did not seem so sure about this choice of weaponry. She then spoke, "Hmmm... I am not so certain we have any that are ideal for you. They might be too short for someone of your stature..."

Nightmare then took a step forward with a flash of inspiration in her eyes. "Wait, I think I have a means to satisfy your request. James. Fetch your equipment and meet Ember and I at the armory. We'll make this work."

"All right then. I'll go grab my stuff. See you there." I retorted as Nightmare Moon began to see herself out of the command center. Luna and Celestia followed after her to see to their own duties, but Ember waited where she was. But as I turned towards the stairs leading up in the corner, I saw Smolder seated at the table near it. She had never said a thing, but definitely overheard and saw everything. She was not smiling and even looked a bit uneasy. I stepped over to her and spoke with a smile. "Looks like your services paid off. Now we can get the jump on the enemy."

This got a small smile out of her, but it quickly faded. "Glad I could help. But...are you going out there to fight now? Will you be OK?"

I was unsure of how to respond. Smolder knew that danger was afoot, but probably still did not understand the nature of war. Thankfully, Ember stepped forward and rested her hand atop Smolder's head. All while showing a comforting smile. "I'll make sure he makes it back just fine. Don't worry about him."

Smolder started to smile even as she gently pushed Ember's hand off her head. She really was not used to being around adult dragons that were legitimately pleasant. Although Ember then said, "But while I'm here... Could I ask a small favor of you?"

Smolder's eyes lit up in surprise. No doubt because of who was addressing her. "For you?! Uh... Sure! Whatcha need?"

Ember smiled in gratitude before stepping towards the corner and retrieving the Bloodstone Scepter. She then came back around with it and held it out to Smolder in both hands. "Could I ask you to keep this safe somewhere until I get back? I can't bring this into a fight and I can't return home without it."

"Whoa... That's the Bloodstone Scepter, right?" Smolder asked in quiet awe as she took the craggy staff in hand. I suppose even those from the wild sectors of the dragon lands know of the symbol of the Dragon Lord's power. "Sure! I'll take good care of it! But...um..."

Smolder began to eye the bold red Bloodstone being housed atop the scepter. That look of hunger in her eyes... She wanted a taste. When she looked at Ember in silence, as if asking for permission, Ember crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "Fine... Lick it as much as you want. But don't try to eat it. No one's ever been able to even crack it."

Without further ado, Smolder happily dragged her tongue along the Bloodstone. She then promptly licked her lips and said, "Yum! Why wouldn't someone wanna eat this?! It's awesome!"

I reached out for her as Smolder then tried to take a bite out of the Bloodstone, but Ember just watched with a knowing smirk. Try as she might, Smolder's tough fangs could not even scratch the red crystalline gemstone. She soon relented and rubbed her jaws, no doubt sore from the failed attempt. "Wow... I didn't even know there was stuff out there dragons can't eat."

"Told you. But really, just keep it safe until I get back. Please." Ember replied with some genuine sincerity. I think even she was impressed by just what a good lass Smolder really is.

"Yeah, I'll just hang out upstairs until you two get back. I won't go anywhere without it." Smolder said before hopping down from the chair with the Bloodstone Scepter in hand. I then followed her up the stairs to my room to retrieve my gear. I then closed the door behind me once inside while Smolder propped the scepter up in a corner. She then turned to me and said, "Ember's pretty cool. I didn't know what to expect from the Dragon Lord, but I like her."

"Yeah, she is. I think the dragon lands are in good hands with her in charge." I retorted before I noticed the Bloodstone glowing for a moment. The two of us just stopped and stared before the glow eventually faded. "Huh... Right, it does that sometimes. Not sure why."

"Maybe it doesn't like me." Smolder said with a snarky smirk on her lips. I doubted that was true, but it was a funny thought to imagine the Bloodstone Scepter glowing out of irritation over who had been carrying it. Smolder then sat herself down on my bed and asked, "Anyway, you gotta be somewhere, right?"

"Uh huh. I better suit up." I then slipped my shoes off and stepped into the tub on the floor that held my armor's liquid form. It steady climbed over me before hardening into a familiar winged suit of armor. Smolder watched with unwavering interest while I turned to her and asked, "You'll be seeing me wearing this a lot until we get back home."

"Nice. It never gets old watching it do that." Smolder said while I reached for my helmet nearby. But when I placed it on my head, Smolder spoke up in awe once more. "Whoa, it gets its own mane?! That looks just like the ones on the princesses!"

"It's actually more of a helmet plume than anything. And you can't actually touch it. See?" I replied in amusement before reaching back and trying to grab my helmet's wavering ethereal plume. I felt nothing in my grasp no matter how much reached.

Smolder got curious and reached out to my helmet's plume and quickly found that it really was entirely intangible. She tried to tug on it to no avail. "Huh... There really is nothing there... Guess that means you don't have to worry about closing the door on it."

"You know, that's a really good point there! I have enough trouble ducking through the doorways in most places already!" I replied with a laugh as those words jogged a few memories of mine. I wonder if that was why Celestia and Luna explicitly made that large wavering helmet plume entirely without physical mass. But before we could be distracted any further, I remembered where I was needed and attached the Lunar Shield to my left arm. "Anyway, I better not stall any longer. I shouldn't keep the Dragon Lord waiting."

"Right, right, I won't keep you. And I'll keep the Bloodstone Scepter safe. Have fun out there!" Smolder called back as I made my way back down the stairs. And I could not help rolling my eyes in response to her naive farewell. Having fun on a battlefield? Maybe I would, assuming we ended up completely steamrolling the opposition out there.

As soon as I stepped out into the command center's main room, Ember flashed me a pleased smile while holding her helmet in one arm. "Just as radiant as the last time I saw you. Compliments to the blacksmith who forged all that for you."

"If you really wanna compliment someone for it, tell it to Celestia and Luna. They're the ones who forged this stuff in the first place." I explained while following her out of the command center. Ember immediately cast a sudden glance at me in surprise right as she placed her helmet upon her head. "Yes, they really did. I don't think you could forge stuff like this through traditional means."

"Now that you mention it, I suppose they would have had to forge it to get those colors and features that I would normally only expect from them... That plume spilling out of your helmet almost looks like they snipped off bits of their mane and attached them to it." Ember replied while sounding quite amused as she put the pieces together. But she then asked, "Anyway, bring me up to speed on what we're up against out here. Don't leave out any details. Remind me what we're facing today? Just to make sure I haven't forgotten anything from last time."

"I think I already explained that the last emperor of the human empire from more than a thousand years ago. But as for what he's commanding..." I began to say while trying to word things in a way that Ember would understand. "We've only had one encounter so far, so we don't have much information on them yet. He commands hoards of...human facsimiles that look a lot like human warriors, but... You'll know them when you see them. Their dark purple colorations make them stand out. Very unnatural."

"Our enemies are human...and yet not human?" Ember asked with some confusion, her eye looking at me through her helmet's eye slit. She crossed her arms as she walked in thought for a moment. "I have to admit I'm having a hard time picturing all of that... Guess I'll just have to wait and see."

"Good thing you got some practice against me, huh?" I asked with a smirk while Ember gave me a light poke of her elbow. While I could not see past her helmet, I knew she was smiling. "Though they don't have wings, so that's one trait they don't share with my armor."

Ember seemed to like the sound of that. "Ground targets, huh? Easy pickings for us dragons then. I'm already thinking up some strategies once I can get those brutes out here. Passing overhead for sweeping dives and just unloading on them with a fire barrage sounds effective."

I too liked the sound of that. "If you don't have to worry about archers, then yeah. That would utterly decimate them if you kept your distance."

I remembered seeing where the pikemen had been practicing after passing by more than once, so I had little trouble in winding my way through the camp to get to it. Ember got a lot of funny looks as we wandered around. I doubt she had really socialized while she had been shown around the place during her prior visit. But once again, I found myself concerned over her presence. While we could use all the help we could get, Ember plus another dozen dragons did not sound like that big of a game changer. We would probably be fine without them. And so I asked, "Are you sure you wanna do this? We'll probably be OK if you sit the war out."

"Do I have to remind you?" Ember spoke firmly as she grasped my armored wrist. I looked down to my right, seeing her glaring back at me. Not in anger, but most likely in irritation. I know I have asked her that a lot and she probably was getting sick of it by that point. "When you said that the emperor would inevitably overrun us in due time, I believed you. I don't know much about humanity, but I've seen and heard enough to know even dragons must not underestimate them. I'm here to help put down an imminent threat. Not just for Equestria, but for my own people."

"Right..." I muttered while feeling some pride for Ember. She truly was a responsible leader. I would not have known that she had been the Dragon Lord for a measly five years had I only met her that day. And for that, I dearly did not want to see her fall on the battlefield. For her sake as well as for the big picture. "I just...don't want to see anything happen to you out here."

Ember's grasp loosened followed by the touch of her bare hand sliding down my gauntlet before touching the soft covered palm of my hand. Her touch was tender, yet meaningful as if trying to get my attention as gingerly as possible. I stopped in my tracks and looked down at the Dragon Lord beside me. Her beautiful scarlet eyes gazed back at me from behind her helmet. "And I don't want to lose you."

I closed my fingers around hers as we just stood there with no one around us. I felt her fingers curl against mine, even if the metal plating lining the back of my fingers dulled some of her touch. As if in response to this embrace of sorts, Ember spoke softly yet firmly to me. "I won't abandon you. All right?"

"And I'll always be willing to listen." I replied as I recalled a recurring topic that Ember was always willing to bring up. I could tell by the shift in her gaze that she was smiling. As if delighted that I had remembered something she valued so dearly about us.

"And please... Let me listen as well." Ember said so sweetly as she brought her other hand forward and held mine between both of hers. Her scarlet eyes gazing up at me with such a demure gaze one would never expect out of a dragoness, let alone one in full armor, were followed by another tender statement. "I don't want your words to ever fall on deaf ears with me."

"I..." I mumbled as I was struggling to find something to say. Something important. Ember is truly something special. Something one would never expect to find in the dragon lands. And so I said as sincerely as possible, "I'm glad I got to know you."

The grasp of her hand atop my armored gauntlet tightened to the point where I swear I heard the metal plating starting to buckle from the pressure. "The feeling is mutual."

I motioned my head in the direction we had been previously walking. I did not want to suggest we move on, but I needed to remind her that we were needed elsewhere. Ember understood and nodded as we continued on our way. But while her right hand left the top of my hand, her left reminded in my grasp. She did eventually start to loosen her grasp, but I felt compelled to hold on. I tightened my grasp over her fingers, beckoning her to stay. And she did. Ember's grasp tightened once more. And...I think she was smiling too.

At one point, Ember even began to lean in my direction. Her armored head rested against my arm. I felt compelled to say something, but she beat me to it. "Why...do you make me feel so calm... Why is it so hard to be...angry when I'm with you..."

"Because I'm not...like them back home...?" I asked in return while not sure where this was coming from. Although I then did say, "I'm glad I don't make you angry... You shouldn't be angry all the time. It's...tiring."

"It is... I really appreciate it when...you make me feel happy." She whispered to me without even lifting her gaze to look me in the eye. Although we both then saw the open training field ahead, rows of training dummies with long poles imitating enemy spears propped up with them. And there were some familiar faces out there waiting for us. "Ugh, right... Duty calls."

"We'll catch up later." I said as I too reluctantly released my grasp on Ember's hand. While we had work to do, it was still a buzzkill. I was enjoying my time with her and wanted to just sit down somewhere and hold her in my arms. With as much as she surely has on her plate back home, Ember was more than deserving of some respite.

"Ah, there you are. I hope you had no trouble finding your way here." Nightmare Moon said as she stepped our way. Shining Armor stood behind her with long tables holding many of the pikes that our vanguard would be using. "Now then, you requested a spear to use? Shining Armor?"

The captain of the guard trotted our way with one pike floating beside him. "Here you go. It's a little on the long side, but... Well, it's this or one of our standard issue spears."

Ember stumbled as the massive pike was tossed her way. It was light enough for her to grab, but... Are pikes really supposed to be that long? It had to have been at least twice my height. Maybe fifteen feet at most. But if they were designed to run the enemy through while also holding them at bay, I could see why they would have to be so long. And Ember was rightfully bewitched by the utterly massive polearm in her hands. "What is this?! How do use it in a fight?! It's way too long for distributing the weight efficiently!"

"That's a pike... And it's not exactly meant for anything outside of formation tactics." Shining Armor explained as Ember struggled to find a stable point to hold the shaft with. Even for someone of my height, it was much too long for traditional spear techniques.

That was when Nightmare Moon spoke up. "If I might make a suggestion, we could simply cut the shaft down to a more manageable size if you think this weapon would suit you."

Ember pulled the pike's long shaft back until her hands made their way up to the steel spearhead. It was long and sturdy with the base offset by a pair of short prongs that could be used to snag or repel an enemy's weapon. They could probably make for a nasty surprise if Ember were to swing it into an enemy's head. The very end of the shaft even seemed to have a type of bulbous metal pommel, almost as if it was meant to be locked into some sort of lance rest on the side of the pikeman's armor. Upon closer inspection, Ember seemed pleased with the overall craftsmanship of the weapon. "I have to say I like I'm seeing, even if the length is a problem... What's this shaft made of anyway?"

"Wood. From trees. Oak, specifically. It's not as hard as stone, but will long outlast it in terms of wear and tear on the battlefield. So long as it does not endure too many strikes from a blade." Nightmare Moon explained before taking a step forward. "My proposition is that you decide how long you need it to be and we will chop off the rest to cut it down to a more manageable size."

"Not a bad idea... I do like how the spearhead is designed. It's just way too long for me to get the hang of." Ember replied before she suddenly let go of the pike while it was engulfed by Nightmare Moon's billowing magic aura. She then began to step backwards while holding the pike's shaft in a manner as if she was already pointing it towards an enemy. She kept stepping back, trying to find the ideal length. She eventually came to a stop not even halfway down the pike's entire length and patted the shaft with her lower hand. "Right here feels about right."

"Very well then. James, may I see your sword for a moment?" Nightmare Moon asked while I promptly drew the Celestial Sword from its scabbard. It began to float out of my grasp as its hilt was coated in the same magic aura. Ember released the pike from her grasp and stepped away as Nightmare Moon lined up the glowing blade with the spot that Ember had pointed at, her eyes focused on a bare spot that where her magic aura split in twain to give her a clear target. With a quick chop, the Celestial Sword cut quite cleanly through the tough oaken shaft. "And there you have it. Is it to your liking?"

"Hmm... Just a second." Ember muttered as she took the new shorter spear in hand with the magic aura that surrounding it fading. I then took my sword and returned it to its scabbard on the back of the Lunar Shield and watched as Ember held her new spear. Her right hand grasped it low, the entire thing now roughly five feet in length. A little short for someone of my height, but no doubt ideal for someone of Ember's shorter stature. She performed a few quick stabs, adjusting her grip higher for more control. She then looked our way and said, "Much better. I think this'll do nicely."

"Glad to hear. I'll see if my men can repurposed the rest of this old shaft. And if you don't mind, I'll have our smiths polish this up before we head out." Shining Armor said with a smile while using his levitation magic to take the two halves of the pike and bring them to his side. "I'll get this back to you when we head out. Now, if you'll excuse me..."

The captain of the guard trotted away and left the field to likely visit the blacksmiths at their forges. Nightmare Moon then turned to Ember and I before saying, "With that said, I recommend you two wait at the east gate. I will see to my sisters and make certain we round up the ideal volunteers."

I could not even get a word in before Nightmare Moon took to the air and flew off on her sable wings. While spirits were high, the impending encounter with this first wave of enemy troops was leaving little time to chat. They were still hours away, but it was debatable of how ready we were for the real deal by this point. Even that first clash was against units that looked more ready to capture instead of kill. Even Ember took notice of the lack of conversation that had just occurred. "Not much time for talk, huh?"

"Yeah, I guess not... Let's get over there quick." I said before spreading my armor's wings to go airborne. Ember followed as we soared at a low altitude over the camp and came to the east gate in a couple of minutes. It was only from up there that I noticed just how large the camp was. Easily thousands of ponies and goodness knows who else in just one place.

We stood at the gate without a word. The sentries atop the walls paid us no mind as they scanned the eastern horizon with crossbows ready. The air was calm, but a quiet tension lingered in the air. The knowledge that conflict was coming. Even if just a taste of what was to come. Ember eventually looked up at me and asked, "You think you're ready for this?"

"Absolutely not, but I can't exactly go home yet." I retorted as bluntly as possible while even letting out a sarcastic chuckle at the predicament. I was no warrior, but I knew what I had to do.

"Heh... Yeah, me neither." Ember retorted as she crossed her arms. After another moment of silence between us, I felt her tap her tough metal tail spikes against my leg as if to get my attention. When I looked at her, she looked at me out of the corners of her scarlet eyes. I could tell she was smiling even through her helmet. "I've got your back, all right?"

"I really appreciate that, Ember." I said softly as I sensed the genuine sincerity in her words. From that point on, we seldom made a sound. Although I did eventually mutter without looking at Ember, "I'm glad you're here."

"Thank you. It's good to be here, James." She said softly with tenderness one would not expect from someone ready to take the fight to the enemy. Although she eventually looked ahead down the gap between the rows of tents and said, "Is that them?"

Sure enough, Shining Armor was trotting our way. And behind him was a ragtag bunch of armored personnel with many familiar faces. Most were infantry, clad in suits of silver and gold barding. Two of them were mages, one of them Twilight Sparkle and the other being...someone else. A mare who kept a hood over her head, but she had a very warm yellow coat while her bangs of red and yellow hair strangely brought to mind ketchup and mustard. Four aerial evacuation units were among them. Rainbow Dash, Gilda, Spitfire, and Lightning Dust. And at the rear were four hippogriff archers. Admiral Seaspray himself along with Sky Beak, Mick, and Mundy. Seeing that wonderful papa bird among them brought a smile to my lips. And with Estoc, Trixie, Big Macintosh, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie and Maud Pie among the infantry... With everyone there before me, there were thirty of them. And that was without including Ember and I.

"Huh? Whoa, hold on there. Who's this? I didn't hear anypony bring up anythin' about dragons here..." Applejack spoke as they all came closer before slowing down. They more than likely had not really seen Ember during her prior visit.

"Oh, right. I guess you haven't heard yet, but..." Shining Armor said before turning to face everyone behind him. "The Dragon Lord has volunteered to lend us some aid during this war. Reinforcements have not arrived yet, but they should be here in the coming days. But for now, she will be assisting us in this upcoming skirmish."

"She...?" Gilda asked while Ember waved at our comrades. She then took off her helmet and smiled rather uneasily at them. Gilda then exclaimed, "Wait, really?! The Dragon Lord is a chick?!"

Ember tried not to laugh as she cracked a crooked smile at everyone. There was definitely some confusion how a woman could carry a title that consists of 'lord' when it is a term exclusively tied to male individuals. Even so, she at least managed to introduce herself. "Um... Hello! I am Dragon Lord Ember. And I will be taking part in this exercise with you! Is that OK?"

"Why, I do say having the mightiest of all dragons among us would provide quite the boost to morale! Good to have you with us, Dragon Lord!" Seaspray exclaimed without a hint of distrust. His men also showed their agreement with their big smiles.

Rarity in particular took quite an interest in Ember's armor. "Color me surprised! I never would have imagined the lord of all dragons would have such impressive taste in gorgeous battle gear! Fierce, yet beautiful!"

"Why does everyone keep saying I'm beautiful...?" Ember grumbled as she glanced at me out of the corner of her eye. I think she was more confused than annoyed by then.

"Well, it doesn't help that you have such a pretty face." I retorted as almost everyone burst into laughter and snickering. Ember's eyes shot open with a look of shock. But even then, I could see her crack just the slightest smile. Almost as if she was thanking me for that. I then asked, "Anyway, is this everyone? We ready?"

"Not quite!" A voice from above called out. We all looked skyward and saw Princess Luna descending with a long and narrow object floating beside her. "Ember, it would be reckless to go unarmed. Do take this with you."

Upon landing, Luna held out the very same spear that we had prepared earlier. But by then, a pommel had been affixed over the blunt bottom of the shaft where it had been cut from the rest. It differed significantly from the pommel you might see on a sword. On top of serving as a counterbalance, it almost looked like the head of a simple mace that could be used to brutally bludgeon any armored enemy that the spearhead could not pierce. Ember's eyes lit up in intrigue as she took her new weapon in hand. "I was just starting to wonder about this thing... Can't wait to try it out. Thank you."

Luna nodded to Ember with a confident smile before facing the rest of us. "As you are no doubt aware, a rather small contingent of enemy troops is approaching. This will not be so much a battle as much as a means to gauge yourselves as well as the enemy. You are still outnumbered roughly three to one, but I trust that you will all still triumph with the proper tactics. Do not be reckless. We expect to hear of your results upon your return. Now go!"

"Yes, your highness! Let's move!" Shining Armor replied before we all turned towards the east gate. It began to open outward, revealing the vast expanse of the Empty Plains beyond. I steeled my nerves as we all departed with Shining Armor leading the march. Ember remained at my side with her new spear hoisted over her shoulder. I should not have been worried after all the precautions that had been taken up to that point, and yet I could not help but feel apprehensive. I wanted nothing to do with this operation, but the fear of what would happen if I ran kept me going forward. I took one backward glance at the walls of the encampment behind us just as the sturdy wooden gates closed. The sentries atop the walls watched us depart and waved enthusiastically at us with crossbows raised high. At least it felt good knowing they had faith in us.

The clanking of armor and the thumping of many hooves filled the air as we marched east. I was mostly on autopilot, not really thinking about what was happening around me as my eyes scanned the horizon for any signs of trouble or anything that should not be there. Although someone did come up alongside me and spoke softly, as if afraid to speak in anything more than a whisper. "It's good to be serving here with you, sir. I'm glad they let me volunteer for this one."

I thought I recognized the voice. I glanced to my left and below my shield. A pegasus stallion walked beside me, but not quite... It took me a moment, but I was quick to notice that he was not quite the same as his nearly identical comrades who marched in gilded armor. A spear was grasped in one wing while the other clung to a round shield. He was no longer a colt, but not quite a stallion either. I only then remembered his name. "Phalanx?"

"Yeah, it's me. I thought it would be a good idea to start small, so I signed up for this little operation. You think we're ready for them?" He replied while trying to smile, even if he sounded rather unsure of himself. Not that I could fault him.

I did not want to sugarcoat anything, but I did not want to be so pessimistic that I ran the risk of bringing morale down. Turning my gaze east again, I said softly, "I certainly hope so... If we catch them by surprise, we'll probably decimate them. Force multipliers are something to keep in mind."

"Right, right... I hope I won't disappoint you, sir." Phalanx replied humbly while trying to keep a smile up. I felt bad for him. He was still too young to be seeing active duty like that. I could only hope that he would be kept to the back lines unless absolutely necessary.

Estoc began to drift closer to us, his long narrow sword contained in teh scabbard affixed to he side of his armor. As if mirroring my own thoughts, he then said, "Phalanx, I would like you to stay close to me during this operation."

"Yes, sir. I'll stay close." Phalanx retorted as the two of them stepped away from me to maintain formation. I was not about to object. I knew Estoc had a hoof in training new recruits and was likely obligated to keep a close eye on the freshest cadets.

It was then that I noticed while not a closely knit formation, there was a pattern to how the unit was spread out. Shining Armor stood at the front, spear and shield affixed to his armor's sides. Ember and I stood immediately behind him while the rest of the infantry took up the bulk of the formation. Our four aerial specialists stood at the outer edges with one row of infantry shielding them from direct assault. Our two mages stood at the rear with our four hippogriff archers at the back row behind them, their tall stature and keen avian eyes allowing them to scan ahead even from the rear. I was convinced that it was all a microcosm of what to expect when the militia would finally be ready to advance. And I was confident that we would be fine if they were already getting the hang of an effective formation so quickly.

The weather was clear with barely a cloud in the sky. Almost as if the weather was trying to tell us that we had little to fear. It was just a light infantry battalion. It just had to be. Nothing that would last against a direct assault, especially if we caught them entirely unprepared. I must not have been the only one to feel like the situation was a bit too idealistic. I could hear little whispers of conversation being spoken between the various units around me. Although I was especially quick to pick up on the conversation between Twilight Sparkle and her fellow unicorn mage. "So, uh... I don't think we've really had a chance to talk yet. My name is Twilight Sparkle. And you're...?"

I glanced back at them over my left pauldron while trying to keep my path straight. The unicorn mare walking beside Twilight did not appear to be entirely interested in having a conversation with her, but she still at least provided a response. And with a rather deep voice that gave me the impression that she was several years older than Twilight and myself. "Sunset Shimmer... Princess Celestia's private student, right?"

"Uh huh, that's me. Although my studies are kind of on hold while this is happening." Twilight replied while smiling at her colleague. "I've heard Sunburst say some really good things about you. Like you're one of the best we have among our mages. You think we could chat over tea sometime?"

I too thought I recognized that name in retrospect. Sunset Shimmer. Yes, Sunburst had mentioned that name to me at least once. Although Sunset herself seemed too aloof to take Twilight up on the offer. "Not to sound rude or anything, but I'm not exactly here to make friends. You do what you have to do and I'll do my part. All right?"

"Oh, uh... Right. Good point. We have a job to do, right?" Twilight retorted as she just seemed to let that conversation go. Although I could swear I detected a hint of bitterness in Sunset's voice... Was I just overthinking things? Was I so uneasy that I was starting to expect the worst from my own allies?

My thoughts were distracted as I felt a tapping on my right hand. I glanced down at Ember, who then looked back up at me. "It's a little too relaxing out here. Almost makes you think there's nothing to worry about..."

"That's what the enemy wants to you to think... Come to think of it..." Shining Armor said before coming to a stop. The entire formation stopped with him, as did Ember and I. He then looked back at his sister and said, "Twily? Any changes in the enemy's approach?"

Twilight then levitated a glowing crystal panel right out of her own saddlebag and held it out before us while everyone gathered around. It seemed to e linked to the sensors that were broadcasting information back to the command center. It displayed the topographical information of all of the sensors at once, but was far more zoomed out than all the others. I could still see the tiny dot that pointed to the enemy. They had since proceeded further west, but were still quite a ways off. Twilight then said, "They are still on course... No changes in direction and no other groups of enemy troops are being displayed. It'll probably be at least another hour before we can actually see them."

"I guess it really is a little group being sent just to mess with us." Ember muttered with some confirmation. Definitely light infantry trying to whittle down morale while the militia was still not quite ready to advance.

"If I may? Let me see here..." Seaspray spoke before stepping forward and moving his finger over the panel to adjust the perspective. Moving around the view of the lay of the land while adjusting the altitude to display more and less. "If I am reading this right... It would seem that they will eventually pass just south of these woods here. And there is another set of woods just south. If we set up an ambush here, we could easy catch them in an ambush from the north and south."

"Yeah... Yeah, we really could. Good eye, admiral. But let's maintain formation for now. We'll discuss the ambush when we get there." Shining Armor replied while sounding very pleased with Seaspray's observations. He then turned to face the east and began to march once more. "Twilight, mark that spot on the map. Let us know when we're getting close."

"Got it!" She replied before we all began to follow her brother. Now I was feeling much more confident. A pair of skilled leaders providing guidance and suggestions born from experience was just what I needed to see to settle any worries I had at the time. We were going to be just fine at this rate.

While we continued on, my eyes scanned my comrades. Impressive suits of armor properly designed for the battlefield. But one of them stood out more than the others. Trixie walked nearby me, her suit of silver armor covered by her usual cap and wizard hat. Why would she insist on wearing that stuff on top of her armor? From what I could see, she was not even armed. Exactly what did she have up her sleeve for the battlefield?

My eyes fell upon many other familiar faces. I dearly wanted to approach Gilda now that she was nearby for the first time in days, but I felt compelled to not break formation. She and Rainbow Dash were locked in quiet conversation, but she paused when she happened to look my way. Our eyes locked for a moment before she smiled rather demurely and spread her right wing to wave at me. I waved back while returning that smile. And...that smirk Rainbow Dash gave Gilda when she did. Gilda promptly gave her old friend a defiant scowl. I snickered under my breath as I remembered what Rainbow Dash and I had discussed just the other day. Rainbow knew exactly what was going on there.

I had very little to say to anyone for the next hour or so. It was actually quite a relaxing stroll across the Empty Plains. It only helped that I knew exactly where to go by the end of the day. Friends were waiting for us all back at the camp. But eventually, I could see something coming up on the horizon. Some woods on the left. And on the right. Exactly as the map said.

"There! That's the spot. Woods to the north and south. Right here." Twilight called out as we all came to a stop. She had that crystal map panel floating before her while we all looked back at her. And not only were there two perfectly feasible ambush points to the north and south. The ground between them dipped into a shallow ravine. We not only had the environment providing cover. We even had the high ground. "Wow, this is even better than expected..."

"Right then! Shall we set up our positions?" Seaspray asked while he started to reach for the longbow that was slung over his back. He looked all too ready to let some arrows fly.

Shining Armor instead pointed his hoof towards the woods that lied to the north. "Not just yet. We shouldn't make any plans until we know what we're up against. Let's lay low to the north and then split half to the south when we're ready."

The majority of the group looked confused over how one could even do that without emerging from the woods and blowing their cover, but I knew someone like Twilight could just teleport half of the group over to the southern woods. No one objected regardless and we all veered towards the northern woods. All the while, Twilight was checking the map she had. "They're still on course. Will probably be passing between the two woods in maybe an hour from now at this rate."

The trees in the woods were more spread out and sporadic than those of a proper forest, so we had little difficulty navigating. We stopped roughly at the center and watched near the southern edge. No sign of trouble at the time. It was all one big waiting game by then. And Twilight kept a constant eye on the crystal map panel she had in her bag. All I could do was lean against a tree nearby as we rested and waited.

Waiting in ambush was not something I was expecting to have to do. And it is most definitely not for just anyone. I found myself growing more bored than anxious. Even Pinkie Pie started passing out snacks she had stashed...somewhere. Actually, it was only then that I noticed something up with her equipment. Her armor was covered by what I assumed was a yellow plastic raincoat. But that was not it at all. It was a type of blast suit. To protect herself from her own firecracker explosives?

My eyes fell upon Gilda. She was not taking part in any quiet discussions. She was fiddling with the little crossbow on the back of her wrist. It was not loaded, but she kept resetting the drawstring and firing it as if to refresh herself on how it functioned. I could see the bolt resting on the ground beside her, the spike replaced with an explosive crystal. But now that there was nothing going on and she seemed relatively distracted, I felt it was a good time to talk to her.

Gilda was too distracted to even notice my approach. I dropped to one knee beside her and said, "You holding up OK over here?"

She flinched before looking my way. I really did catch her by surprise. "Oh, uh.. Yo. Yeah, I'm good. Just making sure this thing works before things get crazy."

"Good on you." I retorted in brief. Gilda turned her attention back to the little crossbow. Almost she was actively trying to distract herself for the moment. I then quietly asked, "Have you been all right lately? I haven't really seen you for a few days."

Gilda stopped doing what she was doing and looked to the ground for a moment. A harsh sigh hissed from her beak before she glanced at me from the corner of her eye. "Yeah, yeah, I'm OK... Just...had a lot on my mind lately."

"About that night?" I asked while remembering that moment. That kiss. Powerful and passionate, but also entirely unexpected. An act of sheer impulse? Or something more? "Why'd you do that?"

"I've been trying to figure that out myself..." She muttered while now too still and too uneasy to really focus on anything. We were at the edge of the group, so it was unlikely anyone would hear us. "I dunno... I just... I guess I...I saw how much your women mean so much to you... Got me wondering..."

I quietly asked, "You looking to settle down with a good man someday?"

A crooked smile spread across her beak. She then turned to look at me, a much softer look in her eyes that you would not expect out of such a tough lady. "I wasn't so sure before. But after reading all that... Yeah... Yeah, that would be nice. Knowing I got someone waiting for me at home after a long day. Someone who can...hold me. Make me feel like I'm something worth cherishing, you know? I mean, sure. Who would think a tough chick like me would be interested in that, right?"

A few seconds of silence passed between us. We did not look away, although I then asked, "And...you think that guy might be me?"

"Maybe... Even just on the surface, you're a sweet guy. But...after reading what you wrote..." Gilda muttered before she looked at me with a big blushing yet shy smile. "Is it weird that I kinda think you're a hunk?"

I just about busted out laughing at that. I snickered and looked away as I said, "Come on, Gilda... I'm nowhere near studly enough for that."

She too averted her eyes briefly as she chuckled, "Eheheheh, right... It's just... Seeing how much you really care about the women in your life like that... It's just... That's a...really attractive trait for a guy to have. Like knowing you cherish them that much shows that any girl who loves you would be in a really good place if they hooked up with you..."

I never really thought about how my real thoughts about those I am in a relationship with... Those I love most in the most intimate way... It never occurred to me how others would perceive that if they ever read my dearest thoughts about them. I quietly asked, "Am I really that good a guy to you?"

"I'd say you're probably the best guy I've ever known." Gilda replied softly. She then asked, "But what about me? You think I'm any good?"

I decided to not mince any words with my response. "Yeah... I mean we did get off on the wrong foot, but... You're a good person and good friend despite your rough exterior. You're kinder than you seem... Very beautiful too. You're extremely attractive in your own unique way."

I noticed the white feathers on Gilda's head starting to puff up. Probably a good sign. She looked unbearably nervous, like she had no idea what to even say to that. But she did look extremely flattered. I was worried that someone would start to think something was up between us and I did not want someone to start getting the wrong idea. And so I whispered, "You wanna stop by my place for another jam session tonight?"

Gilda's eyes glanced around in uncertainty. I knew she had been keeping her distance from me lately and I wanted to ease her back into seeing me on a regular basis. I really did appreciate her and the friendship we had been building. She quietly asked, "You...wanna see me again?"

"I've missed you. Please don't think you should keep your distance from me." I explained as sincerely as I could. I knew we should not try and pursue anything beyond being mere friends too soon, but I had missed her company lately. And her skill at the guitar.

A soft smile formed on the griffon hen's beak. "All right... I'll swing by tonight. And I'll bring the tunes."

"Great. I've missed those acoustic guitar tunes. You take care of yourself until then, all right?" I said softly while stroking the top of her head. She let out a soft churr as her long tail swished about. Gilda was in a good mood. Not wanting to stay distracted too long, I stepped away and looked over Twilight's shoulder at the crystal panel. Had there been any changes?

My friend was constantly looking over the topographic data that was being broadcast to her. Just trying to check for any other battalions that may be trying to approach us from another direction while that smaller detachment served as a distraction. No matter where she looked, there were no signs of any other unusual blips on the map. That approaching group of enemy troops really was all that was out there. The emperor was most likely just testing the waters much like we were.

With nothing else to do for the moment, I looked around at my comrades. Trying to see who was doing what. Virtually everyone there was locked in quiet conversation like in a corner of a library. I was almost tempted to get comfortable and take a nap. The atmosphere was calmer than it had any right to be, though there was a faint air of caution hanging over us.

I needed to keep myself stimulated somehow. Just to avoid getting too complacent. My eyes scanned the people around me. Who was willing to chat with me? The archers were talking with each other. Spitfire was discussing tactics with her wingmen. Sunset Shimmer was serving as one of the lookouts who were keeping a constant eye on everything beyond the edge of the woods. That brought my gaze to Ember. She had her spear propped straight up and had both hands on its long shaft. She was standing a short distance away from the rest of us, leaning gently on her weapon while scanning the horizon. It almost looked like she was keeping her distance from everyone else.

With her gilded armor, comparatively tall stature, and bold blue wings hanging behind her, Ember stood out like a sore thumb. Maybe she felt she did not fit in. So I stepped over to her and placed my right hand upon her left spaulder. "You ready for this?"

"About as ready as I'll ever be." She retorted while glancing up at me with her face still concealed behind her helmet. For just an instant, I saw a rather intense glare in her scarlet eyes. But it quickly faded with her gaze softening once her eyes fell upon me. I too found myself smiling at her, albeit only slightly. Ember's presence was somewhat calming. I could trust her in a tight spot. I was sure of it. "What about you? You think you're up for this?"

"Not at all, but what choice do I have here?" I retorted while trying to laugh at the situation I had found myself in. "If it wasn't for the fact that we need to capture one of those things alive, I could probably wipe the only thing out in one blast if I got the drop on them. But if I steal everyone's thunder, they might get complacent."

"Hey, don't go stealing the spotlight from us. I'm sure even you have your limits." Ember wisely declared while lightly swatting my right tasset with her hand. I strongly doubt Ember knew the full extent of what kind of power my armor bestows upon me, but see was certainly correct that I was not invincible. And when considering that the emperor likely had infinite resources in terms of manpower... If he had enough time and observed me enough, I am sure even he could find a way for his minions to take me out.

"Yeah, true..." I muttered as I turned my gaze back out to the southern edge of the woods. It was a safe position. Close enough to see clearly beyond the trees, but just deep enough in so that we could not be easily seen amongst the shade of the trees. My eyes glance back down at Ember while she went silent in observation. She hardly budged, though her spiked tail slowly swayed from side to side. Even in her armor, she truly came off as both powerful and beautiful. A rarity amongst her kind. But I knew such compliments would have to wait for a different time. But I still found the will to say, "I'm glad you're here."

Ember looked up at me. Not from the corners of her eyes. She turned her entirely head to gaze up at me. Those lovely scarlet eyes truly looked happy. "I'm glad to be here. If it means keeping you safe."

"And you make me feel safe." I all but whispered to her. The Dragon Lord herself stood by me. How could I not feel confident? In spite of her almost Napoleonic stature, I knew she is a force to be reckoned with in the heat of battle. She could have killed me at our first encounter if I got careless. While my thoughts went back to that moment, I felt silly over the fact that we even got into a fight in the first place. "Hey, uh... No hard feelings about that first time, right?"

"You really think I'm bitter about that?" Ember said with a muffled chuckle as she lightly slapped the exposed middle of her tail against my leg. "I was the one who was too hasty to listen to the morons who harassed you in the first place. I should be apologizing to you for that."

"You already did. And it's fine. Besides, something good came out of that squabble." I retorted with a crooked smile on my lips. Ember looked up at me with a gaze of confusion. And so I said, "I got to meet you."

I saw her eyes squint just ever so slightly. I am certain she was utterly beaming under that helmet. Her left hand rose to touch my right as it remained on her spaulder. "Same... Let's get through this together."

All I could do was nod. Words were not necessary. I was glad to have my new friend with us. The two of us fell silent as we remained focused on the task at hand. Barely fifteen minutes went by before Twilight finally spoke up for us all to hear. "OK, it looks like they should be here soon. Can anypony see anything out there?"

"From the east, right? That means from the left?" Estoc replied as some of us drew a little closer to the edge of the woods in order to get a better vantage point. We looked as far left as we could without getting too close. I started to wonder exactly how far away they must have been in relation to what was shown on the map panel Twilight was observing. But barely another fifteen minutes later... "There... There! That's them!"

We all froze as a new tension settled over us. I too could see them. Beyond the trees, a mass of purple. That same dark purple as before. Marching along at a steady unfaltering pace. A group of seemingly human entities approaching from the left as they went right down the middle of the tiny valley between us and the woods to the south. Ember squinted her eyes as she muttered, "They... They really do almost look human... But why all the purple? That doesn't look natural..."

"It's not. Whenever one is slain, they just dissolve into a purple mist. Definitely some sort of magical construct." Shining Armor replied while looking through a collapsible telescope. "Right then... Only those at the front and the very last row look properly armed and armored... I'm seeing most of them carrying longbows... You called it, James. There's almost nothing but archers out there. They'll probably disperse once they get closer to the encampment."

"Then let's get ready to roll!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she reached into one of the satchels at her sides and pulled out a type of primitive bomb. She promptly lit the fuse as she looked ready to run to the edge of the woods and chuck it at the approaching enemy.

"Huh?! No, no, not yet! Have you no sense of strategy?!" Trixie barked at Pinkie Pie as we all looked at her in shock. Was she really so eager for some action that she would just charge in with bombs blasting like that?!

"Oh, whoops! Sorry! I'll just put that away for now." Pinkie said with a giggle before stashing the bomb back in her satchel. We all went silent while waiting for Shining Armor to finish his observations of the light infantry battalion that was on the verge of passing by. But as the seconds went by, we all started to look at Pinkie Pie one by one. A thing trail of smoke was rising from her satchel. A trail of smoke that could only be coming from a fuse that had not been extinguished. Pinkie Pie soon caught on that everyone was looking at her and asked, "Um... What?"

Everyone, literally everyone, was giving Pinkie Pie all manner of funny looks. Rarity then asked very stiffly, "Did you just place a live explosive...in a satchel full of other explosive devices?"

Pinkie Pie's big blue eyes glanced back and forth at us. "Um... Maybe?"

We all scattered. Just up and bolted in every direction except for south. Just to get away before that entire bag of bombs could blow! As we fled, Pinkie Pie called out to us, "Wait! It's all right! Rule of funny, everypony! Rule of fu..."

She did not even get the chance to finish. A massive fiery explosion just about blew us right off our feet as a colossal boom blew through the air. Every single bomb in that satchel most definitely went off at once. And while rattled and relieved that I had managed to get away in time, I was suddenly consumed with panic over Pinkie Pie's fate. Had she just blown herself to pieces?!

I could barely even speak as I turned to survey the damage along with everyone else who had run for the hills. The trees that had been closest to the epicenter of the blast had either been blown apart or partially uprooted. Everything else beyond that had been scorched black and was smoldering with soot while not quite igniting. And there, sitting in the middle of the scorched ground while being coated in black soot while being otherwise just fine was Pinkie Pie. She even waved at us as she called out, "See?!"

"How... Wha... I... How'd you even survive something like that?!" Ember all but shrieked in utter disbelief as we all rushed back over to our sooty accomplice.

"Eeheeheehee, you silly fillies! It wouldn't have been funny if I got blown up! And I know someone out there is laughing!" Pinkie Pie retorted in glee before taking out an undamaged notepad and quill from seemingly nowhere. "There... Quota met!"

I had nothing to say myself, but just about everyone else could only stare in confused silence. Ember at least leaned towards me and asked, "Is this normal for ponies? Should I even be trying to understand her?"

Maud, who looked completely unfazed now that her sister had revealed that she was just fine, looked up at Ember and said, "I wouldn't even bother trying. I stopped trying to figure out how Pinkie Pie works a long time ago."

"Yeah, what she said. You'll give yourself a seizure trying to dissect her." I added while not sure if I should be annoyed, relieved, or frustrated with this completely random act of explosive comedy from my friend. Especially with the enemy... Oh no.

As if responding to my sudden realization, Shining Armor jumped forward while looking just about furious. "Whatever the case, what were you thinking?! That explosion just alerted the enemy to our...presence...?"

It was only then that we looked south again. And much to my disbelief, the enemy battalion was just marching along without even remotely showing a change in their course. As if they had no idea that a massive explosion had gone off just to their right. Rainbow Dash then muttered, "No... No way. There's no way they didn't hear that..."

"I concur, captain. I'm not seeing any of them branching off from the rest to investigate the commotion..." Estoc added while looking through another telescope.

Seaspray then brought a hand to his brow and focused his keen avian eyes. "They are not even so much as looking our way... We're still concealed enough, but for them to have not heard or even felt such a tremor..."

"Maybe...they're deaf? They're not exactly living creatures to begin with... They always dissolve into mist upon being destroyed." Rarity muttered in confusion as we all went silent while we observed the enemy marching along at a steady pace.

After a moment of confused silence, Twilight then spoke up. "I think this calls for an experiment... Shining? If you don't mind, could Pinkie Pie, James, and I try a little something? I swear we won't engage the enemy."

I was curious of what Twilight had in mind and even Pinkie Pie's eyes perked up in interest. Shining Armor rolled his eyes as he said, "Well, since we still have the element of surprise on our side... Fine, do what you have to. Just get back to us immediately once you're done with your observations."

"Got it. James? Pinkie? Get close to me." Twilight replied before Pinkie Pie and I stepped over to her while everyone else took a step back. That hot pink magic aura of hers coated Twilight's horn for a second before a flash of light burst from it. Next thing I knew, we were standing out in the open and directly behind the enemy battalion. Twilight then said, "There we go. You two ready?"

"Twilight, seriously?! They could just turn around and... Huh... They really don't know we're here." I yelped quietly before seeing that the enemy minions just not respond to our presence at all. "Huh... OK, maybe we're still safe. What now?"

Twilight then smirked knowingly at me before turning to Pinkie Pie. I quickly saw where this was going. "All right, Pinkie Pie. It's all you. Do your thing."

Our friend's big blue eyes opened wide in delight before she violently and rapidly shook herself to shake all the soot from her body. "OK, Twilight! I'll be the best Pinkie Pie I can be!"

"This is gonna be good..." I muttered while keeping my right hand on the Celestial Sword's hilt, ready to draw my weapon at a moment's notice. While I knew we were still in the clear, I could not help being that anxious when that close to a bunch of clearly armed opponents. "Just don't screw this up..."

Pinkie Pie trotted up behind the back row while Twilight and I followed at a steady pace to not fall behind. Pinkie Pie then pulled out a megaphone from nowhere and just bellowed at the enemy from not even five paces away. "Yoo hooooo! Nice day we're having, aren't we?! Wanna come over to my place for cupcakes?!"

Nothing. The enemy minions did not even slow down. Still trying to be as obnoxious as possible, Pinkie Pie then put her megaphone away as she pulled out a big drum that hung on her chest with a pair of big beating tools to pound of the sides clutched in her ankle joints. She then started prancing back and forth behind them as I found it increasingly difficult to keep a straight face. "Ooh, I know what'll work! You gotta shaaaaaare! You gotta caaaaaare! It's the right thing to do!"

"Oh no, not this song again..." Twilight grumbled as she cringed very strongly while Pinkie Pie seemed to be going out of her way to sing the worst song she had ever come up with. I started snickering under my breath as I wondered if Pinkie Pie was actually liking that she was being ignored. "Pinkie, please! Choose another song! We don't want to start another stampede!"

"Did something happen before I first got here a few years back?" I asked while Pinkie Pie did not seem to hear Twilight over the pounding of that drum and her own voice. I then looked north and could make out where that explosion had gone off. "I bet they're having a laugh..."

"I'll tell you some other time... Pinkie, please! Next song!" Twilight shouted while the enemy troops still failed to provide a response. Now I was really curious over the origin of that song Pinkie Pie was singing.

"Huh... Tough crowd. Even that didn't get their attention?" Pinkie Pie said as she just stood there on her hind legs while honestly looking quite annoyed. I guess she really hates being ignored when she puts on a performance, regardless of who it is for. "That's it! I'm bringing out the big one for these guys!"

I looked on in bewilderment as Pinkie Pie stashed her drum away and pulled out...um... Whatever that was I was seeing. How do I even begin to describe that hulking mess of musical engineering? She... Um... Hold on. In total, I counted a total of five musical instruments strapped to her that she was...somehow...operating all at once. An accordion, a harmonica, a banjo, a large brass instrument that I suspect was a tuba, and even a pair of little cymbals attached to her elbows. And she sounded like a full polka band! I looked down at Twilight after just staring in bemusement and asked, "Has she done this before?"

"Not in a long time. And the story behind...that is ridiculously convoluted. Trust me, I'd have to grab a bottle of cider before I even try to talk about that day." Twilight retorted while cracking a crooked yet amused grin. It was hard not to find this spectacle ridiculously entertaining. Finally, we hurried up behind Pinkie Pie as Twilight shouted over the music. "Pinkie, that's enough! I think they get the point!"

Pinkie Pie let out a gasp as she finally took a second to rest her lungs. "Ugh, this is the toughest crowd I've ever had! Nopony can resist listening to this!"

She was not wrong. Yet again, the entire light infantry battalion carried on without a care. Nothing Pinkie Pie did got through to them. I finally exclaimed in exasperation, "These dingbats are completely deaf?! They didn't even respond to the vibrations in the air..."

"Well, that at least makes for some valuable intel. Let's head on back." Twilight declared while Pinkie Pie stuffed her contraption away...somewhere. By that point, I had learned to not question how she does that. Pinkie and I then stood near Twilight while our friend once again cast a teleportation spell to transport us back into that scorched clearing in the woods. "OK, we've got some new information to share... Um... Was it really that funny?"

Everyone suddenly applauded quite modestly. Well, almost everyone. Sky Beak then spoke up as he said, "That was pretty good! We could hear you from here! Think we could ask you to perform tonight at dinner?"

"Well, at least somepony appreciates a good show! Sure, I'd be happy to!" Pinkie Pie said happily before taking a bow. Even I had to applaud Pinkie Pie for being legitimately entertaining with that last part. She then said, "But anyway, they really don't hear a thing you say to them! I gave them my best performance and they didn't even give me a look!"

Twilight then added, "Exactly. Now matter how loud or obnoxious she was, the enemy did not respond to sound or even the vibrations in the air. They seem to be deaf and maybe even numb. They probably respond entirely by sight."

"Yeah, that's what we were assuming too... That'll make it even easier to stage an ambush." Shining Armor mumbled before once more before looking past the trees at the enemy units. "Great work. That's some useful intel we'll have to forward to the rest when we get back. But if we don't act soon, we'll loose the environmental advantage we have now. Let's revise what we have."

"If I may?" Seaspray spoke up while we all glanced at him. "If we are ready, I would recommend splitting this battalion in half with Miss Sparkle here teleporting said half to the southern woods just over there. Once we are in position, we will charge in for a pincer attack from both sides."

"My thoughts exactly, admiral. Now then, let's divide us up." Shining Armor replied before he began doing a roll call to pair up people for the southern woods. The battalion was split evenly down the middle with an equal number of types of fighters as well. Sunset Shimmer was with the north half while Twilight would be going south, Mick and Mundy would be serving as the southern archers, Spitfire and Lightning Dust would be watching over them should any fall injured, and so on. Ember and I were the odd ones out. "That seems to be everyone. Anything else?"

Seaspray was quick to speak up yet again. "One last thing. A reminder. We must bring one of those back alive. To that end... When the number of enemy units drops below ten, cease fire. We can't risk accidentally leaving no survivors."

"Got it. All mages and archers are to stand down when the enemy drops into the single digits. Any objections?" Spitfire added before looking back and forth at everyone. "Then let's get started. Twilight?"

"Right. We'll wait for the first blow and then attack. Let's do this." Twilight said firmly while also sounding rather excited. With a flash of light, the half of the battalion she was stationed with vanished. We all looked south and saw a blinking pink light between the trees. Twilight was surely signaling us to their position.

"I guess that's it as far as preparations go. What now?" Ember asked as she took her spear into both hands. She was ready to roll, but we should not charge without a plan. If they saw us coming, the archers would strike first.

All eyes fell upon me. I could see what they needed. A diversion was required. And so I said, "Right... I'll get their attention from behind. You guys know what to do."

Without any further delay, I used the teleportation spell to once again transport myself right behind the enemy battalion. This time, I was feeling a little more smug now that I knew they could not detect my presence. I walked up behind them as I drew my sword. "Right then... Stab stab stab."

With a long stride, I stepped forward and plunged my sword through the back of the very middle enemy trooper as its armor provided no resistance for the supernaturally sharp blade of the Celestial Sword. It twitched for a second before suddenly dissolving into dark purple mist that dissipated in seconds. But immediately afterward, the tremor I was feeling through the ground from their march suddenly stopped. As did they. I froze as an almost giddy kind of dread welled up in my heart. "Uh oh..."

They all turned around. Every last one of them. While numb to sound or touch, they would all know if one of their own had been slain. That much was certain by this point. They all stared at me, their featureless faces mostly concealed by their helmets. I cracked a crooked grin, feeling like I had been caught with my pants down. "Uh... Good afternoon, gentlemen. Is there a problem?"

I was expecting them to draw their weapons and rush me. But much to my confusion... They did not. These soulless minions merely stared at me. Why? Was it because I was human? I squinted my eyes, puzzled by this lack of hostility. How much longer until they deemed me a threat and attacked? "Guys...? Now would be a good time to do something...!"

I flinched and took a step back. The back row of six archers were drawing their daggers. I was much too close for them to really take aim at, but they still had sidearms to utilize. But instead of me... They plunged their daggers into the necks of the much more armored infantrymen that stood at the very back of the line! The damage proved critical as each unfortunate victim collapsed and dissolved into mist. I stammered in shock, wondering where this had come from. But then I noticed it. A shimmering haze of sorts surrounding their heads. And the color... It was a very pale blue. "Wait... Trixie? This is what you came up with?!"

The archers then turned to face the next row of archers and readied their daggers instead of reaching for their longbows. The other minions seemed confused. Unable to determine if these archers were still working with them. As if gauging if something had gone wrong with their puppeteer's control over them. Had Trixie truly cast a spell that hijacked control of these minions away from that of the emperor himself? She has always excelled in magic that weaves illusions...

Before I could think much on it, I thought I heard a sound of sorts. Like a boom of some kind from inside a tube. I was then quick to notice several small objects flying through the air from the woods to the south. And when they fell at the edge of the enemy battalion... I jumped back. Several impressively sized firecracker explosions burst into the air as maybe ten of the minions before me were utterly vaporized. A shot from Pinkie Pie's party cannon?! With the other minions now glancing around in confusion over where this attack was coming from, I smirked as I readied my sword. "Right. Time to make some heads roll!"

And right then, from the north and south, my allies burst from the woods. Galloping in rows with weapons at the ready, they charged in to catch the enemy in a pincer attack from both sides. And among them was Ember swooping in on her azure wings, her spear ready at her side. And from the forests, magic mortars flew high and rained down with explosive power while targeting the very center of the enemy group as they specifically targeted the archers the more heavily armed and armored infantrymen were trying to protect. And even then, arrows flew through the air and struck the archers in their thinly armored torsos before they could even try to nock an arrow in their bowstrings. We had struck first and we were not about to let up to give them time to fight back.

A quick glance up revealed four winged figures beginning to circle the skirmish happening below them. Rainbow Dash, Gilda, Spitfire, and Lightning Dust were watching. Staying far above us to give them as much time to react as possible if any of the archers just happened to try and take a shot at them. But between being tossed about by the falling magic mortars, being sniped by the arrows being fired from our elite hippogriff archers, and the fact that they were struggling to try and get their bows ready to try and fire over their own vanguard at the ponies that were so much closer to the ground than they were rendered the archers virtually useless. And just then, I happened to notice something fall from one of the circling pegasi. And the fiery blast that burst squarely in the middle of the enemy battalion utterly obliterated several of the enemy archers. It looked like Lightning Dust had gotten impatient and fired her sole crossbow bolt just to pitch in. And that raw explosive power proved that they were more than effective against our foes.

Trixie's hijacked minions tried to grapple with the other archers while the more heavily armored infantry took the brunt of our frontline fighters. Their daggers plunged deep while the enemy archers tried to do the same. It did not seem that they were specifically being controlled by her. More like they had been convinced into registering their own allies as enemies and were attacking at will. And for every one of Trixie's minions that fell, the one that slew it would then have that magical haze appear around its head and begin attacking its allies. That vexing enchantress was like a parasite! I could only imagine the frustration the emperor must have been feeling to lose complete control over his own troops to magic he could not counter.

With Trixie's minions now taking up the entire back row, I relented from my own assault just to watch things unfold even as I stood with shield ready just in case. The archers truly could not line up a shot with their own allies in the way. The ponies' smaller bodies truly made them far more difficult to attack. And I was impressed by just how smart they were fighting. Applejack and Pinkie Pie, or really anyone using a bludgeoning weapon of any sort were going for the legs and especially the knees. One good smash would cause the leg to buckle and send the crippled foe to the ground to allow for a finishing barrage to the head. Big Macintosh did not even need to bother. With his head held higher than most, he had no problem swinging his mighty hammer directly into even the hardened cuirasses of the most armored opponents and obliterating them with one crushing blow. And Maud... My goodness, Maud Pie. It was only then that I saw exactly what she meant.

Despite being weighed down in armor made out of solid stone, Maud was horrifyingly swift in her movements. She carried no weapons. Her only means of attack were kicks and punches that pierced right through the bodies of our enemies. They burst like balloons full of smoke and their weapons glanced off her stone armor with useless clinks and clanks. Against traditional weapons, she was virtually invincible. In fact, all of the revised suits of armor were proving to be holding up very well. Though I did notice that our enemies were not carrying any tools that could be used to capture anyone. They really had been intended to harass the camp from afar and nothing more.

But easily the one who ready caught my attention was Ember herself. She was every bit as fierce and focused as the first time she and I wound up in a scuffle. She kept a safe distance from her enemies, trying to jab her spearhead into the softer gaps between the armor plating on the toughest troopers. She had a hard time getting by those who had shields, but she put her spearhead's design to good use in terms of defense. She was quick to catch her enemy's blades with the prongs set at the side. And more than once I saw her use such a counter move to throw her enemy's balance off in order to swing her tail in and show exactly what would have happened had she tried that on me. The way the metal spikes dug into the back of the opponent's knee had a similar effect to how our hammers and maces were working on them. The leg buckled and sent the fighter right to the floor, giving Ember the opportunity to dispatch them by plunging her spearhead into their throats. Brutal, but efficient. I was not about to start complaining about her methods. Especially when she got too frustrated with some of the more stubborn fighters and turned her spear around to start smashing them over their armored heads with the hard pommel at the end of the shaft. A spear and a mace all rolled into one. She had great taste in weapons.

Once the entire legion of frontline fighters had been reduced to mist, the archers began to be decimated with shocking speed. My allies moved to box them in, the dwindling enemy force becoming completely surrounded. Ember in particular had a far easier time using her spear on the more lightly armored archers. In only a few minutes, we were on the verge of eliminating an entire battalion at least three times our size. But before long, I noticed that the magic mortars had stopped falling. I did not see any signs of arrows being fired into the squad of remaining minions. And before I knew it, there was only one left. And Shining Armor was quick to shout, "All right, weapons down! Last one!"

Everyone jumped back as the last remaining enemy trooper stood with dagger raised. There was no sign of its allies. They had all been reduced to mist that had been carried away on the wind with even their weapons dissolving shortly afterward. I did not even see a bewitching magic haze over its head. Even Trixie was not taking chances with this one. A lot was riding on getting this one back to camp while still in one piece.

I sheathed my own sword to avoid being tempted to lash out with a slash. The lone archer was stuck entirely on the defensive, waiting for an enemy to draw near rather than go on the offensive. But what more could just one fighter do? It was not trying to retreat. Should we try to restrain it with levitation magic?

We soon got an answer. Just to my left, a lasso flew through the air and fell around the minion before suddenly pulling tightly closed. Its arms were pinned to its side and even dropped its dagger. Sure enough, Applejack proved that she never leaves home without her lasso. She gripped the other end in her teeth while trying to tug the last minion into submission. "Yeehaw, I got this varmint now! Just hang tight for a minute, fellas!"

"Eyup. She's got 'im." Big Macintosh said calmly as he stowed his hammer upon the holster at his armor's side. He knew his sister better than the rest of us and even I had never seen someone slip out of her lasso before. But a moment later, the minion just...stopped. It became still and even slumped forward. Applejack did not notice in time and tugged hard to bring the whole thing falling to the ground on its back. Big Macintosh's eyes opened wider than they usually do as he asked, "Uh... Did she get 'im?"

"Uh oh... I didn't break anythin', did I?" Applejack asked as the situation became deathly quiet. The archers and our two mages began to emerge from the woods now that this fight was pretty much done. Even our aerial units came swooping down to the ground for a landing. We all inched closed, cautiously keeping our defenses up should a last trick still be ready to be sprung on us.

"I doubt it... This thing would've just burst like the rest if you really hurt it." Shining Armor muttered as he took his spear and very gently poked our captive to try and provoke a response. Nothing. Not even the faintest twice. I mean I doubt those things even feel pain to begin with, but it was very strange to see it so dormant. "Yeah, this thing isn't getting back up... Twi? Any idea?"

Twilight Sparkle came trotting over and began to look the minion over. She looked just as perplexed as the rest of us. "Um... It's still technically alive, I think... If I had to guess...whoever was controlling it...severed control of it?"

"Guess the big man knew it was a lost cause and just let this one go." Gilda said as she stepped forward while looking pretty proud of herself. "Looks like no one got busted up either. No trips to the hospital and we've got ourselves a souvenir. I'd say it's a good day."

"Indeed... I just want to say now that I'm...very impressed with how you all handled yourselves." Ember said as she stepped forward. She looked back and forth with what I am sure was a smile under that helmet. "I have no idea why my people look down on your kind. You're not to be trifled with."

"That's really big of you, especially after what happened last time we paid your place a visit! Glad to see one of those dragon morons is pretty cool up close." Rainbow Dash said with a big grin. Did I hear that she was there once? I forget... But she then backed away with hooves held up as she stuttered, "Whoa, wait! I wasn't saying you're a moron!"

"Ha! It's fine. You have no idea what it's like being surrounded by those boulder heads all the time. Your scorn is perfectly justified. Feel free to insult them all you want! Really, don't let me stop you." Ember retorted as quite a few of our comrades laughed at her taking potshots at her own people. But she then stepped forward and tapped the side of her spear against the head of the dormant minion. "You sure it's not a threat now?"

"Might not be a bad idea to take some precautions... If I may?" Rarity replied while taking a few more strands of rope and tying some dainty knots with them. The minion's knees, ankles, and wrists were tied up with an addition three lassos. It would not be getting free under any circumstances now. "There! Let's see the scoundrel wiggle its way out of this now!"

While we took a moment to savor this victory, Twilight tapped on Trixie's side when our illusionist friend came closer. "Nicely done on turning our enemies against each other. Were you controlling them directly?"

Trixie smiled proudly as she proceeded to correct our suspicions. "Oh, I didn't have any direct control over them. I just made them see things that weren't there. I'm an illusionist, you know. Instead of seeing friends, they saw enemies. And...well, you saw what they do to their enemies."

"Cunning. And fitting for someone like you. Nicely done, Trixie." I said with some genuine praise. But while Pinkie Pie started circling our quarry out of curiosity, I then asked, "Hey, wait... Didn't you blow up your entire stash of bombs before the fight even started? Where'd you get the rest for that first shot?"

Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes and patted the satchel at her side. "What? You thought I didn't bring a spare? Come on, I never go and do gags like that unless I have some spares to replace the stage props!"

"I don't think I will ever understand her..." Ember muttered before sliding her spearhead under the front of the minion's helmet to lift it just enough for her to peer underneath. But upon doing so, she stepped back abruptly and pulled her spear away. "There's...nothing under there. It's just blank."

"There's...no face at all? Huh... Now I can't wait to look this thing over back at the lab. Shall we head on back?" Twilight asked while Applejack grabbed her lasso in her teeth to start dragging the helpless captive back to field HQ. She then pulled out the crystal panel to check for any other enemy troop movements. There was nothing out there at all. No signs of a second wave. "I'm not seeing anything else on here... Anything else you think needs to be cover, Shiny?"

Shining Armor looked back and forth while we all listened in silence. "Nah, I'd say that's all for now. And we've gotten a lot of intel with just this one skirmish. Well done. You all performed excellently. This will give a huge boost to morale when the rest hear about it."

"Yeah, it felt like this was just a microcosm of what's to come... If this is the kind of performance we can expect, this whole thing might go by smoothly after all." I added while looking down at the completely motionless captive in Applejack's clutches. It was nothing short of relieving to see us get through this first test without so much as needing a single unit evacuated. It was a good day.

"Right then. Shall we?" Seaspray asked before everyone turned to travel back west and report to our headquarters. I followed for a moment, but paused after only a few steps. I then turned east, my eyes scanning the horizon. No signs of trouble. Nothing that looked unnatural, but still no signs of some sort of tower on the horizon no matter how hard I squinted my eyes. Although my hesitation did not go unnoticed for long. "Sir James...? Are you coming?"

I turned west again to see everyone looking at me. Some looked impatient while others looked concerned. While getting back to camp sounded good, I really just wanted a little time to myself now that I was finally out from behind those walls after so long. "Um... You know what? You all go ahead. I'm just gonna do some scouting for a bit. Survey the landscape and then head on back. I guess I'm just a little stir-crazy after being stuck at the encampment for so long."

They did not seem so sure at first. Although Shining Armor did eventually relent and say, "All right then. But if you run into any trouble, you report back to us immediately. Got it?"

"Will do. Take care you yourselves." I retorted before we turned away and carried on. They headed west while I began to stroll east. It was still late in the afternoon with the sun drifting west behind me. After being stuck in that sprawling camp for more than a week, I found myself having a newfound appreciation for the vast untouched wilderness around me. "I think I'm starting to like the Empty Plains. At least in controlled doses."

Minutes passed as I just wandered east. But before long, I began to suspect I was not alone. I stopped in my tracks and listened. Was I being watched? Eventually, I did hear something. Armored footsteps upon soft grass. And so I turned to face the west. I had been followed by just one person. "Ember...?"

She stood before me, spear in hand. Although she had apparently left her helmet behind with our allies. She stared at me in silence, almost as if she was not sure if she should speak now that I had detected her presence. Of everyone who could have been sent to keep an eye on me... "Is something wrong?"

"It didn't feel right letting you wander off alone right after engaging the enemy like this... I know your friend said there's nothing else nearby, but..." Ember replied softly before she took another step forward. "Just a gut feeling. So I volunteered to watch over you. Is that...all right?"

I let out a sigh even as I found myself smiling a little bit. I could not bring myself to reject Ember's company. "Yeah, it's OK. You can stick with me if you want."

"Thanks... I missed spending time with you like this anyway." Ember said while showing a gentle smile. As she came closer, she soon placed her spear's pommel on the ground and leaned on the whole thing. "I have to say I'm really impressed with how well this kind of spear worked. I could feel it bend whenever I swung it around. Those stone spears I've used could never do that."

"Yeah, wooden weapons tend to flex more than something harder yet more brittle than stone. Even metal sword blades are supposed to bend a little to disperse pressure. Make something too hard and it'll straight up crack or break if hit hard enough." I explained while also glad to see that Ember had done so well with a weapon composed of materials she was not used to.

"Harder's not always better, huh?" Ember asked while looking quite pleased with herself. She then pushed off her spear and then hoisted it over her shoulder. She scanned the area around us while inhaling deeply through her nostrils. "I rarely get to be in this kind of environment. The air is so clean... I like it."

"Me too. The Empty Plains are...well...empty, but still beautiful. I'm honestly surprised it's never been a nature reserve." I added while examining the vast expanse of nature out in the wilds. And as I happened to gaze up at the sky, a thought came to mind. "Ember. Would you like to come fly with me?"

Her beautiful scarlet eyes opened wider than usual for an instant before she cast me an inviting smile. "I thought you'd never ask."

Together, we spread our wings wide before launching ourselves skyward in a spiraling ascent. We soon broke out of that spiral and began to soar east. After spending so much time out in the Empty Plains at first while overcome with dreadful uncertainty, I felt genuinely happy. Things were looking up. I was in the company of good familiar faces and friends. And even out here, I had found even more friends. Including the wonderful Dragon Lord herself. And there she was, soaring through the empty skies alongside me.

We had little to say for a good while. We ascended and dove to adjust our altitude without a plan. Just gliding about and surveying the raw natural beauty of the landscape below us. We would often bank around each other to avoid drifting into each other. Although Ember soon reached out to me with her empty left hand. That big smile and look of joy in her eyes was enough to coax me to do the same. But when our hands met, Ember pulled the two of us into a spiraling corkscrew spin as we spun around each other. It was actually fun! Just spiraling around each other by nothing more than the grasp of one hand for each of us while hardly losing altitude. We even found ourselves laughing and cheering in glee over this fun little stunt. Although we did eventually have to let go and right ourselves once we started to get a bit too dizzy. It would not do to endanger ourselves while away from our comrades.

That smile Ember was showing was all she had to do to tell me she was having a good time. And it brought a smile to my face to know she was finding respite from the rigors of just lording over those brutes back home. She deserved to find peace now and then. And as we flew along, a river came into view. Bodies of water were few and far between on the Empty Plains aside from a few shallow streams and a number of lakes I had spotted, but this was the first real river I had seen. I was initially concerned that it would be an issue for my allies, but I quickly pushed it out of my mind. There must have been some shallows we could cross at. And if the emperor's own troops could cross, then so too could we.

Ember and I descended while we adjusted course. We followed the river, skimming just over the surface. I tilted to one side to allow my wingtip to drag just along the surface. Ember did the same, but with her left hand. After a moment of that, she tilted to the right and dragged the tip of her spear along the surface as if she was trying to snag a fish with a harpoon. She never caught anything, but it was entertaining to watch the spearhead splitting a path through the water's surface.

After following the river for a while, we ascended once more and began to fly back north while also drifting east. The air became cooler and quieter the higher we flew. To the point where it became almost enchanting. It was just us. Me and the Dragon Lord herself. And the view was utterly breathtaking. Miles upon miles of valleys, meadows, hills, and forests while dotted with the occasional spot of blue. It was so easy to forget about the somber history of the Empty Plains while just drinking it all in from that height.

I finally decided now would be a good time to just find a nice cloud to rest on for a spell. And at that altitude, there were more to choose from than down low. Even if there were not that many with it being a bright sunny day. Ember even looked surprised when I set down on one that was just large enough to hold two of me. She came flying back and hovered before me, her eyes wide in confusion. "You can do that?! You can actually touch clouds?!"

"Yeah! This armor grants me some pegasus traits. Come to think of it, I think anything with wings can touch and push clouds in Equestria." I replied as I sat down and reclined upon the cloud. I even removed my helmet and set it aside to feel that unparalleled cushiony softness under my head. I reached out to Ember and said, "Come on down. It's really comfy."

She was more than happy to try something new. Ember began to descend with her feet out to make a landing. "Anything with wings, huh? The more you know. It sure looks soaaaah!"

It turned out Ember was not so lucky. As soon as she relaxed her wings to try and stand on the cloud, she fell right through. I stared in a weird combination of amusement and confusion, wondering if I had gotten that wrong after all. "Uh... Ember?"

Seconds later, she shot right back and began to hover before me. And she looked rightfully annoyed. "Oh, come on! Do I need feathers too?!"

"Eheheheh, guess dragons don't count..." I chuckled while a little embarrassed that I had unwittingly lured Ember into a kind of trap. At least she had more than enough distance between her and the ground below to start flying again. I then had an idea and held out my hand to her. "Here, try holding onto me. Maybe you won't fall through if you're making contact with something that does repel clouds."

"That does sound like a smart idea. Hold on a second." Ember said before she began to descend once more. Right when her feet were almost close enough to stand upon the cloud, she placed her hand on the back of my gauntlet. She held her breath. And...she did not fall through. "I'm...not falling? Is this...how a cloud feels?"

"Well, now we know that works. Um..." I muttered before trying to figure out how to give Ember a means to rest without holding onto me. I then extended my armor's right wing towards her and position it in a way to rest her head on. "OK, set yourself down here."

Ember did not object. Her hand did not release my arm from its grasp until she was partially scooped up in my wing. And once she did, that smile on her lips told me everything I needed to know. "Soft feathers and soft clouds... Wow, I wish I could do this whenever I wanted."

"Would you believe me if I said though feathers are actually metal? Yeah, even I wouldn't have known unless I was told about it." I interjected while trying to just be at least a little witty. Ember gave me a look of surprise and dragged her fingers through my wing's feathers. "Doesn't feel like metal, right?"

"Not in the slightest. And Celestia and Luna made this? Very impressive..." Ember mumbled while looking quite impressed. With at out of the way, she set her spear across our laps and just relaxed upon the cushion beneath us. She soon looked my way and said, "Thank you for letting me come along. I missed spending time with you like this."

"Same here, Ember. You're always a pleasure to have around." I replied as we shared a smile. I then gazed at the eastern horizon and just let my thoughts wander up there in the silent sky. "You did well today."

"So did everyone else. I was really impressed. I'll be sure to spread the word when I get back. If my people know for sure that the ponies aren't the pushovers they think they are, I might have an easier time getting them to cooperate." Ember retorted as I felt her starting to lean against me, though she was mindful of the small spines on the outer curves of my pauldron.

"If all they respect is strength, I can see why that would be an issue." I said softly while trying to not think about those barbaric idiots that Ember has to struggle to keep in line. I tried to change the subject while I thought back to just minutes before. When we were flying about for the sheer fun of it. And just how elegant someone like Ember could be in the air. "Have you always been that graceful while in flight?"

"You and your use of big flattering words." Ember snorted before letting out a loud and surprisingly adorable giggle. She then looked at me and said, "But really, I do appreciate your praise. I don't get much of that back home."

"I'm glad I can fill the gap. You're wonderful, Ember. And far more than I could've ever expected from the Dragon Lord." I said quietly while Ember squinted her eyes shut and brought her hands to her cheeks to hold her face. Utterly adorable. I doubt she would ever display such a gesture in the company of her people. I had never seen her respond to a compliment like that before and said, "Um... You don't have to talk about what you're feeling. I know you don't..."

"No, no, I can talk about this. I know what this feeling is." Ember giggled in utter glee while keeping her eyes shut. "I'm just so...happy! I'm not used to this...but I like it."

I cracked a shier than before, wondering if I had said too much. But Ember then took hold of my arm and showed me such a sincere smile. "You always make me happy and I'm not even entirely sure how. Thank you."

"I'm glad to hear that. Someone like you deserves to be happy." I spoke softly while genuinely relieved to see Ember in such good spirits. She really deserved the best after all the irritation she likely gets on the job. I debated over whether or not I should say more. But I did relent and whisper, "I want you to make it through this mess just fine. If there's anything I can do..."

Ember's gaze softened further while those beautiful scarlet eyes gazed at me as I was silenced by the act of her hand rising to my face. She ever so tenderly cupped my cheek as she whispered to me. "Don't worry about me. I'm the one who should be worried about you. When you go into battle, I'll be right there by you. Watch my back and I'll watch yours. All right?"

She was not joking around at all. And I would be a fool to reject her offer. And so I nodded while I said, "Thank you... I don't think there's anyone I'd rather have at my side than you in a fight at this point."

"Likewise. We'll get through this together.....friend." She whispered with some hesitation. Had she ever even said that word before? Was that the first time? Whether or not it was, I felt deeply touched to receive that title from the Dragon Lord herself. I leaned closer to her while she did the same. We rested our brows against each other, our eyes closing for a moment. I felt so very fortunate that even by a twist of fate we had come into each other's lives. Ember truly is wonderful in her own way and... Well, I can only imagine her reaction if she read all of this at some point.

We eventually continued to gaze out at the eastern horizon in relative silence upon our lofty floating cloud cushion. Although my eyes eventually noticed something that I had overlooked earlier. And something I probably would not have noticed from ground level. A mountain range of sorts could be seen far to the east, though also far to the north of the path we would surely end up taking. "Huh... That looks noteworthy."

"What does? That...mountain out there?" Ember asked while also squinting her eyes to gaze into the distance. It was certainly visible from our elevation, but what little I saw looked...rather intimidating. Many jagged peaks could be seen spread out that almost looked like sharp spines lining the backside of a sleeping leviathan of some sort that could wake up at any time. Ember even let out a very quiet whistle in response to what she was seeing. "Huh... I've seen lots of rocky crags and mountaintops, but those look especially unwelcoming. Not too scary from here, but just imagine how'd they look with the moon behind them."

"Yeah, that looks like the kind of place that would be the subject of spooky bedtime stories. But...I could swear there wasn't any sort of name for it on any map I've seen... Don't most mountains have names anyway?" I retorted while baffled over what I was seeing. I could vaguely remember seeing the lumpy brown texture of a mountain range on that globe I saw in the Ivory Palace's library, but I distinctly do not recall seeing any text on that section of the globe aside from the title of the Empty Plains. I searched that section of the globe very thoroughly more than once. Why would such a conspicuous mountain range not have a name when it is featured on a map? To avoid drawing attention to it? That place must have claimed the lives of many daring mountaineers in times long past...

"I wouldn't know... Most of the mountains in the dragon lands don't have names either, but something that stands out that much does look like something that should be identified in some way, huh?" Ember replied before relaxing back against my armor's wing. I decided to just let the topic go and got comfortable again. But only for another five minutes or so before Ember brought up something important. "You think we should head back now?"

"Hm... Yeah, we probably should. I don't want you to get stuck here overnight a second time if there's somewhere you need to be." I spoke in response while starting to push myself up. Ember did the same, but we had completely forgotten about her lack of buoyancy upon clouds and she fell right through it the instant she was no longer making contact with me. I flinched when she suddenly disappeared through the cloud under me along with her spear and became worried when she did not come back up right away. Roughly ten seconds later, she did suddenly rise back up upon her azure wings and hovered in place with spear in hand as a most annoyed glare had settled into her eyes. "You OK there?!"

"Yes! Forgot all about that little detail!" Ember growled in irritation before she and I chuckled a little over that little scare. Not wanting to delay any longer, I placed my helmet back upon my head and took a diving fall off the cloud before breaking out into a glide. Ember stayed close as we swooped back to the west. Maybe our comrades had reached the camp by then.

After a scenic and quiet flight, the encampment came into view on the horizon. The sun was just starting to get low in the sky, but not quite ready to begin setting. Ember still had time to make it back home without getting lost. And upon glancing down, we did indeed see the platoon of our comrades coming within view of the camp up ahead. Ember and I went into a rapid descent and soon landed behind them. She then called out, "We're back! Anything new?"

Estoc was standing at the rear and was the first to face us. He was even quick to pass Ember's helmet back to her. "Oh, hey! It's been pretty uneventful on the return trip. Did you two find anything out there?"

"Nope. Nothing to report. No signs of anything that could spell trouble." I replied before I looked past him. That captured minion still remained tied up in ropes awhile being dragged along the ground. "I take it our prisoner has been behaving?"

"Hey, no problem on that end. It's been...really quiet. No signs of life." Estoc replied while looking more than just a little uneasy around it. Even I found that thing's presence to be more than just a little uncomfortable. Just...something unnatural about it. He then said, "Actually, why don't you two go on ahead and let them know that we're coming? The guys at the lab will want to know we managed to get one of these things."

"Right, we're on it. You coming, Ember?" I said while Ember nodded in agreement. We both took to the air once more and flew west, reaching the camp in less than a minute. Upon landing beyond the walls, I turned to one of the sentries who stood just beyond the gate. "Hey, they're just about back. And they've brought a live specimen. Could you send word to the labs to let them know they got one?"

"You guys actually managed to capture one of those things?! Whoa, the eggheads will flip when they hear this. I'm on it!" The stallion before us replied in utter surprise before galloping off. I decided to wait there at the gate just to insure they would make it in just fine.

While Ember and I waited patiently, I looked at her and asked, "You have to head back soon, right?"

"Yeah, I really should. I'd love to stay for dinner again, but it would be best that I get back as soon as possible. And I'll get lost if night falls before I can at least make it beyond the dragon land's borders." Ember replied as she leaned on her spear. But she then looked at me from under her helmet and said, "I really enjoyed my time with you today."

"I enjoyed having you here too. It'll be nice to see you every day once you and your men are set for the road ahead." I retorted while finding myself smiling at her as she undoubtedly smiled back at me. And yet, I found myself unsure of what to say beyond that. I turned my gaze towards the heavy wooden doors that stood between us and the Empty Plains beyond. Our comrades would surely be arriving in a matter of minutes. I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Ember was beginning to inch ever closer to me, her spear being moved bit by bit like it was hopping along on its pommel in a strangely adorable fashion. She probably wanted to talk, but was unable to find the right icebreaker. I decided to at least try to find something to talk about before our friends got back and asked, "You think a big gem feast would be enough to really sway them into helping us out?"

"Peh, I swear those brutes aren't difficult to satisfy. That'll be more than enough to get them to pitch in, especially if the gems being offered aren't commonly found in the dragon lands." Ember barked with a laugh. Although her scarlet eyes showed a gaze of concern. "I'm just worried over how well they'll fit in with everyone else. I'll do what I can to keep them in line, but I can't make any promises how they'll react to all of the ponies even after seeing them in action."

I then cracked a smirk as one little memory came to mind. "If that's the case, maybe you should let Nightmare Moon reprimand them whenever they act up."

Ember suddenly burst into hearty laughter with her helmet muffling her voice quite heavily the louder she got. "Ha! I think I will!"

We just got lost in conversation. Talking about developments in the camp and even our experiences in battle. I was especially surprised to learn that using a spear or any polearm is the exact opposite of using a longsword as you need to keep your dominant hand on the lower end of the shaft instead of towards the top. I doubt I would ever get the hang of that. We lost track of time so badly that we almost did not even notice the gate starting to open inward. "Huh? Oh hey, they're here."

"Already? Doesn't feel like it was that long..." Ember muttered in confusion. Did that much time go by that quickly or were they just that quick on their feet?

Right as everyone wandered in, I noticed Sunburst come galloping our way with a pair of lab assistants dressed in white coats. And rolling between the two was a long stretcher on wheels. "I heard! You got one?! You caught one of those things?!"

"Sure did, pardner. Take a look." Applejack replied before giving a hard tug of the rope in her mouth to gently fling her captive forward. It hit the ground with a firm thump, but was still completely unresponsive. "The varmint just stopped movin' pretty much as soon as I got 'im all lassoed up. I don't think it'll give ya any trouble, but ya might wanna keep 'im tied just in case."

Sunburst and his assistants looked the motionless minion over in awe. He then quietly muttered, "Most intriguing... Let's get to work right away. Twilight? Sunset? I'd appreciate your assistance, please."

"Right. Easy now..." Twilight muttered as she and her fellow mage used their levitation spell to lift the minion up onto the stretcher before it was secured even further to the moving table. "I'll carry its weapons. Let's get going."

Without much ceremony, the five unicorns trotted off for the lab. The rest of our battalion was dismissed to rest for the night. Shining Armor then stepped past Ember and I as he said, "I better report back to the command center. They'll want a full debriefing on what happened out there."

"You do that, captain. I'll be along shortly." I replied as he trotted off. I then looked at Ember while she looked up at me. "I guess...you should be on your way too?"

"Yeah, I really should... I can't leave without the Bloodstone Scepter though." She replied before she spread her wings to take flight. Time was of the essence at the moment. If she waited too long, she might have to turn back from her trip home and spend the night in the camp again. "You coming?"

"Sure. I'd like to see you off properly." I replied before we both took to the air and flew over the camp. We even passed over Shining Armor and beat him to the command center by a wide margin. As soon as we stepped inside, Celestia was quick to approach the two of us. "Ah, you're back! How'd it go?"

"Very well. No significant injuries. Although...you might want to just let Shining Armor give you the full details. He's on his way here right now." I replied while already on my way to the stairs with Ember to head up into my private quarters. Ember left her spear propped up against the nearest corner to free up her hands. "Anyway, Ember has to head out soon, so please excuse us."

Celestia provided no objections and left us alone. Although as soon as Ember and I stepped into my room, we were greeted by an amusing sight. Smolder was sprawled out on my bed. With a Power Ponies comic book in one hand and with the Bloodstone Scepter in the other. She had the Bloodstone itself tilted towards her and was idly gnawing on it while she looked through the pages. The instant she locked eyes with Ember, Smolder glanced back and forth between the scepter and the Dragon Lord herself. "Uh... Um... Couldn't resist."

"Told you that it can't be eaten." Ember said smugly with her arms crossed. Smolder then pushed herself up to be seated at the edge of my bed and held out the Bloodstone Scepter to her. Ember took her scepter in hand and said, "Thanks for keeping it safe. I hope you didn't crack any teeth while gnawing on it."

"Is it that obvious? I get that I can't eat that thing, but... Mmm, tastes so good!" Smolder spoke while licking her lips enthusiastically. But she then asked, "Wait! You just got back from a big fight, right? How'd it go?"

"Very well. I'd say Equestria is in good hands at this rate. Um... Or is it good hooves?" Ember muttered while rubbing a hand under her armored jaw. Though she then added, "Meh, whatever. I think this war will go very smoothly if we can replicate what happened today. But I can't stay. I need to get back home and round up some men to help out here. I'll try to get back as soon as I can."

Smolder nodded with an understanding smile on her face. "Yeah, got it. You're pretty cool, Ember. You keep those jerks in line."

Ember liked what she was hearing. That soft gaze was the sign that there was a smile on her face. But she only then turned to me after I had set my helmet and weapons to the side and was removing my armor into the tub near my typewriter. She had voiced skepticism over my claims that my armor is kept in a liquid state when not in use and that look of utter bewilderment served as a reflection of that claim. "That...uh...really does melt right off you, huh?"

"Told ya." I retorted while just loving that flabbergasted gaze in her eyes. Although as soon as I stepped out and back into my shoes, I said, "Right... I'm gonna see Ember off now. I'll be right back up, OK?"

As soon as Ember made her way out of my room, Smolder's eyes narrowed just slightly while a much more whimsical smile formed on her face. "All right. Just don't be gone too long. I missed you."

"Right... Be right back." I muttered as I felt a twinge of a certain kind of tension flow through my nerves. I followed Ember down and out of the command center, Smolder's soft inflections in her voice still on my mind. And as my eyes fell upon Ember, a new kind of question came up. And she seemed like the right kind of person to ask. "Ember? Um... I don't wanna take up too much of your time, but... A quick question?"

"Um... Well, if I can give you an answer, sure. What's on your mind?" She asked before stabbing the tip of the Bloodstone Scepter's rocky shaft into the ground before she started to remove her helmet. Just to finally get it off for a moment while she was not going anywhere.

While Ember began to set her helmet on the scepter much like a coat rack, I steeled myself for a question I knew she would not expect me to ask. "I was hoping I could ask you about...dragon courtship."

I knew Ember would most likely respond in an unusual manner to such a touchy subject. What I did not expect was for her to just about fall over in shock as I said that word. She then turned sharply to face me, eyes wider than I had ever seen them as she all but shouted at me, "Co... Courtship?!"

I immediately threw up my hands and held them out between us. "I swear it has nothing to do with you! I was just curious and was wondering if you could tell me anything about it!"

Her breathing still harsh and unsteady, Ember relaxed only slightly at my claims. I could never tell her about Smolder and I. Or really anyone. But more than anything, I just wanted to know the intricacies of romance between dragons. Just so I would be less likely to make a mistake with Smolder in the future. "Well... If you really want to know... Yes, I can tell you about how dragons have...courted each other."

I waited and listened as Ember took a moment to compose herself. She patted herself on her armored chest before she began to speak. "If we're talking about how dragons have always done so since the dawn of time... I'm sure you've seen how rough things are in the dragon lands. It's always been that way. And even though we dragons don't need much to survive, such settings tend to make them...the way you've seen."

"What's your point then?" I asked while already well aware of just how belligerent dragons tend to be. Even to each other.

"What I'm saying is during their most primitive eras, dragons developed a means to find...a potential mate. It's hard to find someone you can really put that kind of faith in out there." Ember explained with a softening tone. "When a dragon finds a potential mate, they...pursue them. By which I mean they observe and gauge them. And when they are absolutely sure that who they found is the one, they approach them and offer them the opportunity to become mates."

"They...confess? And that's it?" I asked while finding the description to be rather...basic, as far as courting goes. Maybe it was a waste of time to ask Ember for the details. Was that really all there was to it?

"No, it's not so simple. With how rough it is in the dragon lands, they can't waste time pursuing a lost cause. If a potential mate refuses the offer, that's it. The choice is final. And the suitor knows better than to try again. But when the answer is yes... When they both desire and trust each other, it is equally final. Dragons mate for life." Ember explained as I was enlightened to an unexpected nuance to her people's means of romancing each other.

I paused in providing a response. When a proposal is rejected, the suitor...gives up? "What do you mean by that? When they know better than to try courting the same person twice?"

Ember's tone became more somber, as did the gaze in her scarlet eyes. "I don't really know... Maybe it's just from the pain of rejection. Maybe it's just in our blood. But if a suitor is rejected, they will never allow themselves to feel an attraction towards that person again."

This opened my eyes to something I had almost forgotten about. When Smolder learned that I was marrying Fluttershy, she... The way she seemed to die inside... Now I understood. She thought I had rejected her. That she and I could never have such a future together. But I never actually rejected her... That might have been our saving grace when we crossed paths again later. I was able to convince her to stay and give me more time.

The pain of a failed romance is always harrowing, but for a dragon... For one whose heart stakes so much on finding a future when that special someone comes into their lives... It is an experience they desperately do not want to risk suffering twice from the same person? "I have to say... That's...kind of beautiful."

A soft smile formed on Ember's lips. "Mmhm. For being such a bunch of brutes, I have to say the way my people handle love is the nicest thing I can say about them. Dragons are very sincere and earnest towards their mates. And fiercely loyal. My father only had the nicest things to say about my mother..."

"I'm sure he did... But if that's how things have always been with dragons... What about today? Has anything changed over time? Any more sophisticated means of courting?" I then asked as I was sure Ember was only referring to how traditional dragon courtship applies out in the wild sectors of the dragon lands. What I was really interested in is how things are done in the Dragon Lord's realm.

"Oh, you mean the modern way? To be honest, not a whole lot has changed. But in my territory... There has been an important change to how its done. An added protocol." Ember explained before tapping her breastplate. "As you can see, my people have learned how to forge metal. And that's used in courtship these days. When a dragon finds a potential mate and are certain they're the one, they craft a piece of jewelry using a precious metal and a gemstone and give it to them as a sign of their sincerity. You could say that if the offer is accepted, that jewelry becomes an enduring symbol of their bond."

"Now that sounds even more beautiful... Like a family heirloom..." I retorted while feeling a certain kind of appreciation for how dragons show love to each other. And it gave me ideas on how to pursue my love with Smolder. Knowing how powerful a dragon's love truly is... It made me feel all the more fortunate that Smolder had come back into my life when she did. And that there was no way she would abandon me for someone else. But the fact that she fled from me when she thought she lost me to someone else... But was willing to try again after she returned to me... "Wait... What if the suitor is not outright rejected? What if the one they ask isn't sure where they stand on the issue?"

"That's a good point... If the target of their attraction doesn't have a surefire answer at the time, they can stall for time. Just tell their suitor that they don't know yet. But they have to give an answer eventually. Dragons never lie when it comes to what their hearts say. It always comes down to yes or no." Ember said softly before stepping forward and looking up at me. She placed a hand upon my chest and looked very sincerely into my eyes. "Remember. When you say no to a dragon who wants you, it's forever. They will never pursue you again. Think carefully before you give your answer to them."

I could not comprehend how the mind of a dragon works. To be that certain about what their heart wants... It was an incredibly endearing quality for them to possess. I placed my hand over Ember's while I gave her a smile. "Thank you for telling me this. I really appreciate knowing all of this now."

"I'm glad I could help. Although..." Ember replied before pulling her hand away. But the way she was looking at me... Such an curious and inquisitive gaze she was giving me. And so she asked, "Why did you want to know about dragon courtship anyway?"

I felt myself tense up. I could not mention Smolder at all. And yet, that gaze... I do not believe Ember suspected anything about the young dragon lady who was waiting for my return up in my quarters. "Um... No significant reason..."

"Is there...someone you have your eye on?" Ember asked again as she put her hands behind her back and began to step quite gingerly around me in an unexpectedly adorably feminine fashion, her body leaning forward while her gaze never left mine. The fact that she was doing so in a full suit of gilded armor only made her posture even more bizarrely contradictory. "Someone you're pursuing?"

"Ember, I swear... I only got curious." I muttered as I took a step back. This could get ugly very quickly if I said just the wrong thing.

Ember's inquisitive gaze narrowed as she started to show me a worrisome smirk. "James, I'm not an idiot. I'm not convinced you don't have someone in mind. Who's on your mind right now?"

This was bad. If I told her about my relationship with Smolder, she could very easily jump to the wrong conclusion. I had to think quickly to diffuse the situation. And so I came up with an answer that was not exactly a lie. "Really, Ember... I asked because... Do you still have time for me to explain?"

Ember quickly glanced to the west to check the sun's height. "Yeah, I can spare a few more minutes. Now, what are you hiding?"

"The truth is... Even when I was a child, I've had a powerful interest in dragons. Partially because of their fantastical nature. Where I come from, they're entirely fictional. But I always found them to be some of the most enthralling and beautiful creatures one could imagine. I admit that interest did fade over time, but when I found myself in Equestria, that interest...was rekindled. And I'm thrilled that I got to meet real dragons like you and Smolder." I explained in an attempt to convince Ember that I was not referring to anyone in particular. I was being entirely honest, even if the topic had little to do with my reasons for asking.

"Really...? Dragons fascinate you, huh? In that case, I'm glad I didn't disappoint when we first met." Ember replied while looking quite pleased with my response. But she then asked, "But what does that have to do with your interest in dragon courtship?"

I decided to not hide my most precious thoughts about the matter. I averted my eyes, gazing out at the horizon beyond the walls of the camp. "The truth is... One of my biggest fantasies when I was younger was the concept of finding love with a dragon. They have often been portrayed in an antagonistic light in ancient legends and literature, but I found that they could be genuinely wonderful and intelligent creatures. Often even portrayed as being equal to humans in intellect. I guess...I just wanted to know the ins and outs of dragon courtship because in Equestria, that fantasy...can now be a reality. And for the best results, I needed to know exactly how the dragons of Equestria handle romance. And I'm grateful you could tell me."

When I turned my gaze back down to Ember, I saw her looking at me with a much more endearing smile. She then said softly, "In that case, I'm sure that whoever you choose to pursue, you will make her very happy in the end."

"Thanks... Really." I muttered as I felt the tenderness in those words. She really did believe me and I did not even really have to lie to her. Although...I then took note of Ember's demeanor as she spoke of her people's way of romancing each other. She did not seem repulsed by the idea. She even sounded quite sincere and serious about the whole thing. Had she ever known love before? "Say... What about you? Has there ever been some lucky drake back home that you've had your eyes on?"

Ember lifted her head and let out a hearty laugh out of nowhere. "Haha! Are you kidding me?! What could I ever see in those boulderheads?! I'm not interested in males who only know brawn and bravado."

Maybe it was just me, but I think I noticed a hint of bitterness in that laughter. And so I asked, "But...have you ever desired someone to love like that?"

Her look of amusement faded in an instant. A forlorn gaze the likes of which I had never seen from her filled Ember's eyes. She turned her gaze away, her scarlet eyes looking at nothing in particular. She seemed hesitant to speak, so I spoke softly. "I won't tell anyone. I promise."

"I know you won't." She muttered before forcing herself to look up at me. "I... Well... Yes. I've wondered at times... Wondered if there was someone out there for me. Someone who isn't like the rest. Even before the Bloodstone Scepter was passed down to me, I've kept an eye out for such a male. But no luck... I don't think there's a single male in the entire dragon lands who I can put that kind of faith in."

She looked so lonely... Almost as if she had given up on ever finding someone to open her heart to. Which was utterly tragic when considering how wonderful a woman Ember truly is. She deserved to be loved. I then asked, "What if who you're looking for isn't in the dragon lands? Or what if they're not a dragon at all?"

Ember turned her gaze to me with such a look of profound uncertainty in those eyes. "Do you really think there's someone out there who could really cherish the Dragon Lord? Someone who reigns over the most boorish barbarians in the world?"

"Ember... You're not like them. You're the best thing the dragon lands has to offer." I said before dropping to one knee to look her directly in the eye. I placed my hands upon her spaulders and said firmly, "You are extremely attractive. You're tough, yes. But you're not overbearing or unapproachable. You actually care. And you're utterly beautiful as well. I don't think there's a single dragon female out there that can compare to you. You're the best. Really."

She did not even blink. Ember just stood there and took in every word I said. Her hand rose and rested upon my wrist. Those scarlet eyes... A look of need had settled into her gaze along with a lingering stare of surprise. She then whispered softly to me, "Do you...really mean that? You think...I'm that desirable?"

I nodded in silence Although I did feel a certain uneasiness growing in my heart. And then, as she tightened her grip on my wrist, Ember asked, "Do you...desire me?"

It took me a few seconds to register exactly what she was asking me and what the answer would mean to her. I was alarmed. And I had to choose carefully. My eyes darted around, having difficulty looking her in the eye. But Ember never once looked away. She waited. And after a moment of careful deliberation, I said, "I... I'm not sure... I haven't known you long enough to really think about that."

"Wise answer." She said softly with a look of satisfaction in those eyes. Ember only then released her grip on my wrist, but then tapped a finger on my chest. "Never toy with the heart of a dragon, James. We don't take kindly to being manipulated."

"I would never do that to you..." I muttered while once more having difficulty looking her in the eye.

I did not expect what came next. Ember brought a hand to my cheek and turned my head to look right at her. That warrior's hand held my face with such tenderness that I would have never even guessed that they routinely held weapons. She smiled most sincerely at me as a whisper escaped her lips. "I know you won't."

The sound of a door starting to open startled us. Ember sharply pulled her hand from me while I did the same, rising to my feet to look towards the command center. Celestia was stepping outside before she paused upon seeing us. "Oh, Ember! Good thing I caught you. You forgot something."

"I did?" Ember asked before something came floating past Celestia while coated in her golden magic aura. The spear Ember had used that day. Upon taking it in her hands, she gave the Princess of the Dawn a glance of confusion. "This? But...this is yours, right? I don't need it."

"Wasn't that modified just for you? Go ahead, keep it. And use it when you return." Celestia replied as she began to step backwards into the command center. "Oh, and should we have left by the time you return, just keep heading east. You shouldn't have any trouble finding us."

"Oh, uh... I'll do that. And thank you." Ember retorted while waving goodbye to Celestia while she disappeared back inside the command center. She took a moment to look her spear over before glancing at me. "I... I really should be going... I need to get back before nightfall."

"Right... You take care of yourself, OK?" I replied while feeling a certain awkwardness settle over the area. Now I was not so sure of what to even say to her. And the nature of our conversation felt...uncomfortable in hindsight.

"Uh huh..." Ember muttered as she placed her helmet upon her head and stood ready for flight, the Bloodstone Scepter in one hand and her new spear in the other. But with the hiss of a long sigh, she looked back at me with those scarlet eyes now peeking out of her helmet. "With or without reinforcements, I will return. As promised."

I knew there was no talking her out of returning alone, so I did not even bother. And I felt grateful to know she would be returning regardless of the outcome. "I'm looking forward to it. See you soon, Ember."

"You too, James. Take care out there." She said softly before spreading those majestic azure wings and launching herself skyward. I watching as the rays of the setting sun shone off of her gilded armor while she soared to the west. Even then, I was already missing her. I brought a hand to my chest and rested it over my heart. Of all the new friends I have made in recent weeks, I do not believe there is one I value more than Ember. She...truly is wonderful in spite of everything.

With new knowledge in my mind, I headed back inside. Although I was surprised to see Shining Armor now seated in the war room with the three royal sisters as he provided a debriefing on that skirmish from a short while earlier. Was I so engrossed with my conversation with Ember that I failed to notice anyone coming and going from the command center?

I thought little of it and went right back up to my room. Smolder was seated at my typewriter and was trying out the keys without any paper set up in it. Just to figure out what makes it tick. She looked my way once I stepped through the door and said, "This typewriter thing is weird. And it's really noisy."

"Yeah, it's pretty archaic. But it's a lot easier on your wrist than writing." I said before Smolder hopped out of her seat and grabbed me by the hand. She pulled me right over to the bed and had me take a seat while she climbed up onto it. That look of hers... Such an amorous gaze. I could not help muttering, "I...uh... I'm still getting used to this whole thing..."

"Me too..." Smolder whispered as she cupped my face and brought her lips to mine for a brief little kiss. "But it feels so good."

"It does." I said softly as I held that precious little lady in my arms as she rested her palms upon my chest. She gazed into my eyes before lifting her jaw, bringing her lips to mine once more. Smolder rested a hand on the back of my head to hold me close. Our eyes closed even as our lips parted. That long slender tongue reached out to mine, performing a slow and delicate waltz with my tongue. That familiar faint hint of sulfur on her breath tickled my taste buds. When our kiss eventually ended, we gazed lovingly into each other's eyes as I whispered, "I think you're more confident about this than I am."

"Maybe I am... It's OK if you're still figuring things out. We've got plenty of time." Smolder whispered while her other hand tenderly stroked the side of my face. That gaze of uter adoration never faded. "Je t'aime, mi amor."

"Ti amo tanto..." I whispered back as we once again hid behind the veil of a foreign dialect. We were in love, that much was clear to us now. But we still had to exercise more caution than usual for the time being. Less than two years remained. "Be patient with me, please... I want to make this work."

"Me too, James. Me too." She whispered to me before gently pushing me down to the bed and beginning to place many soft kisses all over my face. "I just can't stop kissing you... Is it supposed to feel this nice?"

"Actually, yeah... Kissing is something that makes you feel good." I retorted while finding myself smiling as I was showered with tender little kisses along with the comforting weight of Smolder's body atop mine. But as I gazed up at that precious little lady, Ember's words echoed in the back of my mind. I only then knew just how precious and genuine a dragon's love is. I placed my fingers upon her chest and whispered, "When I told you...about me marrying Fluttershy, did you think I...rejected you?"

She let out a sigh as those beautiful blue eyes looked elsewhere. "I dunno... It felt like you did, but... I dunno. I just felt so confused back then... Like one half of my mind was telling me to never look back, but he other half was telling me to give it another chance... I'm glad I did go back. And I'm glad you...you lo..."

I could see it. We knew the truth, but it felt like truly saying those three beautiful words without any sort of a filter could carry dire consequences if spoken too soon. But that was fine. We knew the truth anyway. I traced my fingers over Smolder's smooth scales, eventually feeling the gentle pulsing of her heart. "I asked Ember about how dragons show love to each other. And it turns out you kind have such a beautiful way of showing it. Really, it might be the best quality dragons have."

"She did...?" Smolder asked as her eyes lit up in intrigue. She placed her hands over mine to keep my hand pinned to her chest. "Can you tell me? I don't really know about hat stuff myself. I've only been listening to my heart so far, even if I don't really know everything it tells me..."

"She said that...they are very careful with who they pursue. And when they finally confess... Whether the answer is yes or no, that choice is forever. Forever together or forever apart. They mate for life, right?" I explained while waiting for Smolder to confirm whether or not she knew that.

"Yeah, I know that... Dragons do mate for life, but..." Smolder muttered softly, her gaze becoming unfocused. "I thought I lost you forever...but you never refused me... I guess dragons are weird like that, huh?"

"I think it's a wonderful quality to have." I whispered as I brought my spare hand to her face to slide a finger under her jaw. "So cautious, but so sincere and loyal. You won't ever leave me, will you?"

"Never. I won't even consider it." Smolder spoke firmly as her grasp on my hand tightened considerably. She almost looked angry at the very notion of ever abandoning me. But she then leaned closer to me and asked with a look of concern or even fear in those beautiful blue eyes. "But...will you? You won't...ever stop loving me, will you?"

"Smolder... Dear, I..." I muttered as I began to push myself up so that I was properly seated. Smolder remained upon my lap, her eyes gazing into mine from inches away. As I held her in an embrace, I spoke sincerely to her. "My heart might not work the same way as a dragon's, but I could never replace you... I'll never leave you. I'll never think less of you. Do you believe me?"

"Yes." Smolder said firmly as she moved her hands to grasp my shoulders. A look of unease and need filled her eyes as she whispered, "Kiss me? Please?"

I quivered as I smiled at her. We once again embraced, our lips upon each other's. Our tongues danced. Our voices sang. Our hands roamed. We were in love and that would never change. And as that kiss ended with the two of us gazing at each other in a haze, Smolder whispered to me. "Forever... Je t'aime...forever..."

"Forever." I whispered back to her. Forever may be a long time, but I could not imagine ever letting go of my feelings for such a wonderful young lady like Smolder. And I was genuinely excited of where the future would take us. How would she grow? How would she change? What would she be like in five years? In ten years? I could not care less. Because she would always be Smolder and I would always love her.

But as my thoughts wondered about our surely wonderful future together, Smolder's gaze lowered as she too seemed to be having similar thoughts. But not happy ones. "James... When you were in the dragon lands when you met Ember... Did you see others?"

"I did, yes. And a lot of them were pretty ugly brutes, to be honest." I replied as I thought back to that rather unpleasant first encounter with those rowdy juveniles. If I had not been wearing my helmet at the time, that rock to the head would have likely killed me. What a reckless disregard of safety.

"But...what if I end up looking like them later on?" Smolder asked as she gazed at me with a look of uncertainty. "I'm still growing... What if I turn out as ugly as them? Will you still love me?"

"Smolder... Really, what kind of logic is that?" I whispered to her as I stroked a finger through the stiff fibers of the purple crest atop her head. "I mean yes, you are very attractive even on the outside, but what I cherish most about you is how you are. Not what you are. You're a beautiful young lady in body and soul. And if your body decides to become bulky and rough in several years, so be it. It won't change how I feel about you. All right?"

Smolder squinted her eyes shut, a growing grin forming between her lips as she bared her shiny white teeth. "I... I really hope you mean that. I don't want to scare you away by being all scary."

"Come on, you know you won't do that. I mean just look at Ember. She's about six times my age and she's still gorgeous by dragon standards." I replied while Smolder just chuckled loudly at my observations. I suppose even she found Ember quite visually appealing. Although I then asked, "Now that you mention it... Not one of those dragons looked alike. They were extremely diverse in their physical appearances. Much more so than any other race I've seen. What exactly determines what a dragon looks like as they age?"

"They... Wow, that's a really good question... What does make them look that way?" Smolder asked while looking at nothing in particular, her fingers rubbing her head. I had to wonder myself. Some sort of evolutionary trait for the sake of survival? Is it in response to their lifestyle? Maybe the environment around them? Smolder seemed to be thinking along the same lines since she then said, "I guess the dragon lands just do that to dragons... I wonder what I'll grow up to look like if I keep living in Ponyville? And what about Spike?"

"Huh... I can't recall ever hearing about adolescent dragons growing up in Equestrian society. I don't think there's an example to go by." I mumbled in thought. Smolder and Spike were the only dragons I knew of who do not spend most of their time in the land of their origins. But I still playfully placed my fingertip upon her nose and said, "But I'm sure if you stick with life in Ponyville, you'll grow up to look absolutely lovely."

Smolder squinted her eyes shut while such a cute giggle came from her lips. "I hope so! Now I can't wait to see how I turn out."

For a while longer, Smolder sat on my lap and rested in my arms. Her head was tucked right under my chin. She quietly asked, "How'd it go out there today? Sounded like you guys did all right."

"Yeah, we did. I barely even had to do anything. Everyone else had everything under control." I replied with my hand on her lower back. "It was good for morale. If we can keep getting those kinds of results, this war should go by very smoothly."

"Nice. I'll keep doing my part too." Smolder whispered while just enjoying my embrace. Although as I thought back to that skirmish, my thoughts went to the spoils we acquired. One of those minions was now most likely being examined in the R&D lab at that instant. All of a sudden, my curiosity flared up. What did they find?

I kow I had only just got back to Smolder, but I really wanted to see what they had found out about our enemies. I began to stand up and gently pushed Smolder to the side. "Hey, I hate to head out again so soon, but there's something I really need to check on before dinner. Can we catch up again in a little bit?"

"Already? Awww... Well, if you have to, fine. But I'll be expecting you up here again after we eat." Smolder said with an almost playful growl. But she then gave me a much more endearing gaze as her hand rested upon mine, her voice softening into that angelic sweet tone without the slightest hint of a growl. "Don't go running, mi amor."

"Oh, I'll be here. I won't stay away, mia poca draghessa." I whispered back to her while giving her my softest smile. I was still getting used to the reality of our relationship, trying to find the right balance of distance and intimacy. But I was feeling so much more at ease now that we were not hiding our feelings anymore. After one little kiss, I stood up and made my way out and across the camp. I could already smell dinner being prepared before I left the building, so I did not want to delay.

I weaved through the many rows of tents at a brisk pace before finding the long tent that served as the magic R&D lab. And upon stepping inside, I found the place rather quiet. Only a few test chambers were in use at the time. This was normal since the place starts to become less active late in the day as they prepare to turn in for the evening. But right at the middle was Sunburst and Twilight Sparkle standing around the table. Along with a few other lab assistants, they examined the unmoving form of our captive.

I felt incredibly uncomfortable approaching that thing without so much as a weapon on me, even though it was still plainly restrained. With caution, I drew near. And it never moved once. "Hey... Any new findings on this thing?"

Twilight was taking notes while the other assistants muttered quietly to one another. Sunburst then turned my way and said, "I can still barely believe you managed to capture one of these. I mean I know I said that we needed to examine one, but still... But yes, we have made some discoveries here."

"Yeah, that was kinda crazy, but Applejack never leaves home without her lasso. Whatcha got here?" I retorted while looking over the motionless minion. It was entirely still. No sign of a struggle. It was not even so much as breathing. Completely lifeless, yet not dead.

"Well... Uh... I'll say this. Whatever this thing is made of, I've never seen anything like it. Its armor, its weapons, even its body is all made from the same substance. Just of wildly varying levels of density and concentration." Sunburst replied while I took note of the minion's gear. Its dagger, quiver full of arrows, and its long bow were set out in a row next to it. All consisting of varying hues of purple. But why purple? Because of its association with royalty? Even if so, I found something ominous about it...

Regardless of my discomfort, I then noticed that if they had access to the more metallic properties of the minion's weapons and armor, they could probably get exactly what they needed. "You said something about coming up with an enchantment for the armor of our fliers that would repel the arrows of these guys... You think you can do that now that that you know what the arrows are made of?"

"Oh, definitely! We might not have a match on the material, but we can still work with it. We've already got a formula in the works. If we can apply it, these arrows will veer away hard enough to completely miss our fliers no matter how fast they fly." Sunburst declared while looking and sounding very pleased with our results. But as he looked over some papers, his smile faded and was replaced with one of confusion. "But still...what even are these things? There's...nothing in them."

"Nothing?" I asked before finally deciding to take a look under the helmet. While it had been stripped of its gear, the minion's attire had been left intact. I could still remember how disturbed Ember was when she took a peek. Now it was my turn. I stepped to the far end of the table and took hold of the helmet. But when I pulled it off... "There's... It's..."

There was no face. And no features that one would expected. No point of a nose. Not even a chin. It held only the vaguest resemblance of the contours of a human head. Little more than a faceless puppet. I quickly slid the helmet back on as I realized exactly why they had chosen to leave its head covered. Utterly unsettling. "What are these things?"

"Believe me, we tried to figure it out. We even scanned it with an x-ray to try and see what makes it tick, but... Nothing. No bones. No organs. Nothing at all." Sunburst said while looked at the empty husk before him. "They're just.....hollow."

"Hollow..." I repeated while gazing down at the hollow soldier. A strangely fitting term. "Hollow, huh...? Well, if we have to call these things something... I guess the title of Hollow fits pretty well."

"I was thinking the same thing... Anyway, we're just about done here for the evening. And we'll make sure this thing can't get up and walk away. You've done enough just getting this thing to us. We'll take it from here." Sunburst said while Twilight Sparkle looked my way and flashed me a quick smile. I could tell she wanted to talk, but she had things to do. It would have to wait for tomorrow. Satisfied with their findings, I saw myself out and hurried back to the command center for a hot meal.

Dinner was delightful. They decided to try something zesty and went for a buffet with cuisine like something served at the Tasty Treat. I have ot seen Saffron Masala in a while. I really should stop by next time I am in Canterlot. Smolder especially loved the fairly spicy yet extremely flavorful cooking of that curry over rice and other fitting staples. But while I got my fill in only two trips, Smolder walked through the buffet line four times. I swear those dragons have bottomless bellies when they get hungry enough...

After dinner, Smolder and I just laid sprawled out on my bed. We simultaneously let out long and almost drowsy sighs. She groaned, "Wow... Is that stuff supposed to fill you up this much?"

"Yep... I can only handle two trips before I'm stuffed. Makes you sleepy too... I'll never know how you could handle four trips of that stuff." I wheezed while feeling absolutely stuffed. I could not even think about food by that point.

Smolder just chuckled weakly. It was getting dark by then, but I did not want to turn on the light. Instead, Smolder sat up for a moment and blew a light spout of flame at the candle on the nightstand to our left. That resulted in a soft fiery glow as the candle's wick began to burn. Although it was then that I remembered. Someone was waiting for me. "Smolder... I just want you to know that I can't stay here tonight."

"You have to head out again? When will you be back? I'll see you again by bedtime, right?" She asked while lying down once more and looking at me with our heads turned on their sides.

"No, not tonight... I promised someone that whenever they stay overnight in the camp, I spend the night with them. And I don't want to disappoint them." I replied while knowing exactly who was expecting me that evening. Beautiful Novo aboard the Alabaster. It would not sit well with her if I bailed on a meeting with my beloved queen.

Smolder then asked, "Well...who is it?"

"You remember the hippogriffs and the island they live on? I told you about Novo, right? She's here and wants me to stay the night with her every time she is here aboard her private airship." I explained while knowing I had spoken at length about my trip to Capricorn Island after I returned.

"The queen? And she wants... Wait a second..." Smolder muttered as her eyes narrowed in thought. But I began to wince as that thoughtful gaze turned into a very smug stare. "Are you two in love?"

She got me. I snickered and snorted as I tried to find a way to downplay my response. But that just would not do. And so I relented and said, "Madly in love."

Smolder turned her face to the ceiling and let out a very tired but hearty laugh. Eyes squinted shut, she spoke through those guffaws. "Ohoho I get it. You wouldn't stop talking about how gorgeous she is either. Or how funny she can be."

"Yeah, she really is awesome. Sweet as heaven, but hot as hell." I added while glad that Smolder was taking it well enough. "But you understand, right? Whenever she's here, I stay with her. But I don't think she ever stays overnight here more than once before having to fly back for another supply run. You're OK with that, right?"

Smolder reached out and cupped my cheek with her hand while smiling tenderly at me. "Yeah, I get it. I already know about things with you, Fluttershy, and Rarity. But it is pretty crazy that the hippogriff queen also has something special going on with you. You two must be really good for each other. Just...don't leave me alone too many nights in a row, all right?"

"That's a promise, Smolder. You know I love it when I can hold you in bed at night." I whispered before kissing her wrist. "You have the place to yourself tonight. Enjoy yourself, all right?"

"Yeah, I will. Too bad there isn't someone I can call to have a sleepover with." Smolder retorted with a snicker. But she then rolled over towards me until she was atop me, straddling my body before lying atop my chest. She whispered sweetly, "But until you leave, can I just stay with you right now?"

"Please do... I missed you." I whispered sincerely to her, my hands resting upon her sides to hold her. We rested there, just looking at each other frequently and trying to let our very filling dinner digest. But before long, there was a knock at the window. "Ugh... Who is it now?"

Smolder tilted her head up to look ahead and through the curtains. It was quite dark out there by then, but she could see clearly enough. "Some sort of...bird?"

"Bird...? Oh, Gilda!" I yelped as I remembered what I had been promised. Smolder rolled off of me as I found the energy to turn myself over and get on my knees. I then reached for the window after parting the curtains and lifting it open.

"Someone order a jam session tonight?" Gilda asked with a smile before crawling through the window with a familiar guitar case in tow. It was good to see her again after so many days. But upon making it inside and closing the window, she only then noticed the little dragon lady standing nearby. "Huh? Wait... Who's the kid?"

"Young lady, Gilda. And this is Smolder. She's a noncombatant who's helping out with our sensor array." I explained while Smolder crossed her arms while looking both annoyed by Gilda's dismissal of her as a child as well as looking proud at my insistence on referring to her as an adult. I then looked at her and said, "Smolder, this is Gilda. She's a friend of mine who stops by sometimes to play the guitar in private."

"Guitar? What, you mean...what's in there?" Smolder asked while pointing at the case hanging from Gilda's hand. I doubt she had much knowledge in the field of musical instruments.

"Not big on music? Then I'm just gonna blow your mind. Get comfy." Gilda said smugly as she pulled up a stool in the space between the candle and the dresser against the far wall. She then popped open the guitar case while Smolder looked on in curiosity. Had she never seen a guitar before? I took a seat on the bed to watch the show and really enjoyed the soft glow that candlelight was casting on Gilda. She took a seat, tuned the strings, and began to strum away for a gentle melody. "Just sit back and enjoy some smooth tunes."

Smolder joined me on the bed, her big blue eyes open wide as she drank in the gentle hums of the guitar strings. Gilda knew what she as doing and was providing a very pleasant song that fit the relaxing atmosphere of the late evening after a long day. Smolder then spoke up, "You know... I think I like guitars."

"Nothing like the twang and plinks of this strings, huh?" Gilda asked with a smug smile on her beak. Even while looking at us, she was not missing or stumbling over any notes. "Maybe when this whole war thing is over, I can try going pro."

"If you do, come by Ponyville sometime. It'd be nice to attend a concert." I replied while wondering if Gilda would rather stay solo or even try putting a band together. Whatever the case, it would be good to see her start to get her life in order after the war. It did sound like she has had it rough since a few years ago.

"Count on it. I just hope I can show my face there without trouble." Gilda retorted while bringing her eyes back to the strings below her. Most likely due to a sudden increase in tempo that required more attention.

As that song eventually began to wind down, I had an idea. I then looked at Smolder and said, "Smolder, could you please go put a plate of that buffet line together for Gilda?"

"Yeah, sure. Be right back." She replied before pushing herself off the bed and hurrying out of the room and down the stairs. I could only hope they did not put everything away yet.

Gilda looked at me with surprise as she put the guitar down and began to stand up. "Huh? I already grabbed a bite with Dash. I don't need anymore grub tonight."

"Oh, you'd be missing out then. They served up some awesome stuff here tonight. It'd be nice if you could try it." I said while knowing just how amazing that brand of cuisine really is. I would not be surprised if Gilda had not ever tried it before.

"Heh... Well, if you're offering." Gilda retorted while standing on just her paws while leaning on my dresser to maintain balance. She then pushed herself off it and began to walk towards me without ever falling back onto her hands as well. Her tail and partially spread wings were serving as a counterbalance. And her gently swaying gait was quite elegant. I suppose I should expect no less from someone who was half feline. But as I stood up to be ready for her to come closer, she reached out and placed her hands upon my chest to maintain balance while stationary. She gazed up at me with a very tender look in her eyes. "Sorry for staying away. Believe me, I've missed you."

"I know, Gilda... I've missed you too." I said softly as we held each other in an embrace. "You're welcome at my place anytime, all right?"

"Yeah, I know... Just...thanks for being good to me. I feel like signing up was...a really good decision, you know? I'm getting stuff out of this whole trip that has nothing to do with fighting." She cooed to me as a soft yet shrill churr began to rise from her throat as I began to apply soft scritches to her head. "Man, that always feels so nice."

"Yeah, that's serendipity for you. I've been making lots of new friends out here too ever since I first set out. Including you." I whispered back down to the relaxing griffon hen. I then decided to be entirely honest with her and said, "And of everyone I've met so far, you're one of the people I'm the most thankful for meeting."

She suddenly looked up at me with a look of genuine surprise in her eyes. "Whoa, you serious?"

All I did was nod. "I'm happy I got to meet you. Even if we had a...less than ideal first encounter. You have some beautiful shades of a wonderful person under that rough exterior. You just needed some help bringing it to the surface."

Gilda just stared in silence up at me. She did not speak. But as the seconds went by, that look of shock slowly became a much more cunning stare. I could tell she was happy to hear what I said, but what came next surprised me. I winced as she reached higher and firmly grasped my shoulders. Gilda then made a strong hop to push herself up before clinging to me with her legs wrapped around me. Now that she was hanging off of me, she smirked at me while placing a hand on the back of my head. "Pucker up."

"Wha...?! Mmph!" I grunted before once again, Gilda silenced me with a very powerful kiss. Her curved predatory beak securely clamped itself over my face, her tongue invading my mouth to caress my own tongue. She was very direct... Almost domineering. But she was so very good at what she was doing. Her voice hummed beautifully and the way her eyes closed... She was savoring this. And so was I. I held onto her as I just let myself enjoy this show of affection from a deceptively lovely woman hiding under a craggy exterior. After a moment of sharing that kiss, Gilda slowly and reluctantly pulled her head away to look me in the eye with a hazy gaze. I then whispered to her, "You're...really good at that..."

"Funny... Because that was the second smooch I've ever done... Guess I'm a naturally, huh?" Gilda retorted with an almost drunken smile on her beak. Although she then averted her eyes as she muttered, "This is why I've been staying away the past few days... When you're this good to me... And when knowing how much you really love the women in your life... It makes me...want you."

"You want to know what it's like?" I asked quietly while Gilda just nodded quietly, a look of profound vulnerability in her golden eyes. "Do you...really think there's a future for us together?"

"I... I really hope so..." Gilda whispered as she moved both hands to hold onto the back of my neck. "I just...want to be held by someone. To have someone who won't ditch me. Who won't use me. Who'll make me feel special. Make me feel wanted. Like I belong..."

I almost got a word in, but Gilda kept me quiet by bringing her face a little closer to my own. "And you always make me feel like I belong."

"I... Well... I do appreciate your presence... You always feel like someone I can rely on." I muttered while unsure of how to really diffuse the situation. It is true that I find Gilda exceptionally attractive and I always enjoy her company. But...for this to be developing so quickly... "We... We really shouldn't be moving so fast over something like this... We shouldn't rush into a relationship."

"Then why do you have to make it so hard for me?" Gilda asked with a hint of frustration in her voice. Her gaze sharpened just slightly to reflect that tone. "I totally see why you have more than one woman in your life. You really are just that good to them. And...I..."

"Gilda... Please..." I whispered while placing my hand on her back just above the base of her tail. It was mostly just to help support her body, but I also suspected being held there would be comforting to her. "I'm not saying I don't find you attractive, but... Let's wait and see, all right? This really isn't the best time to really consider starting a relationship with anyone anyway..."

She reluctantly nodded while those gorgeous yellow eyes looked elsewhere in a lack of focus. But she soon looked at me again and asked, "Tell me I'm a good person?"

"You are a good person, Gilda." I whispered to her in complete sincerity as I even found myself smiling a little. I rubbed my fingers up and down her back with what little movement I could afford them and said, "You're good, Gilda. And I'm I know you."

"Thanks... And I'm lucky to know you." She whispered back to me while just looking so much happier at that moment. "I know that... We shouldn't...go too fast, but... Can I just visit when I wanna hold you for a while? And for you to hold me?"

"That sounds.....really nice, actually." I replied quietly while knowing I have found myself missing Gilda at times. Although I still needed to convey something to her. "But just so you know, Smolder will be my roommate until the war ends. You don't mind her possibly being around when you visit?"

"Eh... I guess we can figure something out. I mean it's not like we're gonna be making out around her... Uh oh..." Gilda retorted before she likely realized who could be coming up the stairs at any second. "Uh... Right. Some other time then."

She quickly lowered herself back to the floor and stepped away from me. And good time too. Barely five seconds later, Smolder emerged through the door with a plate on hand. And it was loaded with a little of everything from the buffet line. Smolder then said, "That was close. They were just starting to put everything away and they had to warm this up a bit."

"Whoa... That looks like some good stuff. What is it?" Gilda asked as she took a seat while taking the plate in her hands. "Smells...really awesome."

"That's the kind of food you only find way out east. I think... There's a restaurant in Canterlot called The Tasty Treat that serves stuff like that and it's all amazing." I explained while thinking back to my last visit. I wonder if that review I wrote for the place has resulted in more customers by now.

Gilda decided to take a bite of the curry first. As good a place to start as any, I suppose. After one spoonful, her eyes opened wide. "Whoa... Now that's some good stuff. Spicy...but the good kind of spicy!"

She began to chow down with some impressive gusto, even though she had not been hungry prior to her arrival. "Man, why do you guys over here get the good stuff? We need some of this in the mess halls."

"They don't have this kind of stuff on the menu? Maybe they'll update that soon now that things have settled into a steady routine." I replied while seeing just how much my guest was digging this awesome cooking. Although a quick glance revealed that Smolder was holding the guitar and plucking at the strings rather ineptly. More than likely just trying to figure out how to make it work. "Yeah, musical instruments is something you need some talent to use right. Not everyone has the necessary skills."

"I don't even know where to start with this thing..." Smolder muttered before propping it back up in the corner. Although before long, Gilda sat herself back down on the stool and started strumming away on the guitar. "You make it look easy. What's your secret?"

"Practice, kid. I mean yeah, you need to actually have a knack to get the most outta this stuff, but no one starts out knowing exactly how to get the best results." Gilda explained without missing a beat on her tunes. Smolder sat herself down on the edge of the bed and just watched the golden griffon work her magic through her fingers. I decided to take the time to get some writing done on my typewriter and began clicking away.

I do not think Gilda minded that I was not paying her that much mind now that I was working my fingers much like how she was. We were making art in our own ways. And Smolder was enjoying the show whenever I glanced over to check on her.

After maybe another hour of going about our business, I heard the room go quiet. And Gilda was starting to put away her guitar into its case. "All done? You heading out?"

"Yeah, I shouldn't stay out too late. Don't wanna deal with a scolding from the sentries." Gilda replied as she locked the case up as Smolder hopped down from the bed to let her reach the window. Though Gilda then looked at us and said with a smile, "Thanks for letting me jam here. It felt good to unwind with some tunes after that mess today."

"And it was good to have you here. Pleasant results as always." I said while Smolder almost looked disappointed that it was time for the music to stop. "Swing by anytime. It'll be nice to see you."

"Sounds like a plan." Gilda said with a smile. She then turned to Smolder and touched a claw to her nose. "Don't give him any trouble, all right? Guy's had a long day."

"Heh! I'm be good for him. And thanks for the music. You're good at that." Smolder replied before we saw Gilda off. Although she then looked up at me and asked, "I guess you gotta go see your queen now, huh?"

"Yeah, I really should. And I wouldn't be surprised if she will send her men to escort me if I delay for too long." I said while taking Smolder's satchel in hand. "Is it all right if I borrow this? Would be nice to have a clean set of clothes on hand along with the other necessities."

"That's technically yours anyway. I borrowed it myself when I came out here to find you." Smolder retorted while taking a seat on the bed with that Project H issue by her side. I really need to set aside some time to read that before long.

I packed the satchel with anything I would need for an overnight stay from clothes to anything from the bathroom. But just as I slung it over my shoulder, Smolder snapped her fingers to get my attention. I then saw her tapping a finger to her lips while a smirk was upon them. "Aren't you forgetting something?"

"How could I forget?" I said with some amusement. I then kneeled before Smolder as she placed a hand upon my cheek. Our lips met for a tender kiss that lingered for a moment. I then said with a sigh while gazing into those gorgeous blue eyes, "Have a good night, dear."

"You too. See you in the morning, mi amor." Smolder whispered to me most sweetly. I was almost reluctant to leave the room, but I did find the will to step outside and head down the stairs. The command center was getting quiet now that they were settling into the graveyard shift. There was no sign of the royal sisters anywhere. They must have turned in for the night.

I decided to see myself out and hurry on my way. It would not do to keep Novo waiting. But right when I stepped outside... "Eh? Seaspray? And...Mick and Mundy? What's up? Did Novo send you?"

The admiral and two of his men were standing before me while still decked out in their armor. Seaspray's armor gleamed most beautifully under the silver rays of the moon. "Ah, Sir James! We...uh... We were just here to remind you that Queen Novo is still expecting your company!"

"No need to remind me, admiral. I was just on my way over... Wait..." I said before noticing Mick sitting down with a large burlap sack being held in his hands. "What's with the sack? And why does it look like you're ready to yank it over me?"

"Uh... If you're on your way... Does that mean we don't need this anymore, admiral?" Mick asked while all three of the hippogriffs before me started to look quite embarrassed about something.

The gears in my head started to turn as I analyzed the scene before me. "Guys... Were you going to drag me off in a sack?"

Seaspray cleared his throat as he became rigidly stiff. "Her royal majesty was becoming concerned with your absence at this hour and entrusted us with insuring your arrival. By any means necessary."

I... That just killed me. I burst into the heartiest laughter I have had in a long time and even found myself slumping in the doorway as I laughed myself silly. "Ohohohoho my god, Novo! Guys, just tell her I'm on my way! Dear god, this is too much..."

"Yes, quite! Gentlemen? Let us be off." Seaspray said hastily as he and his men spread their impressive wings and took to the night sky to return to the Alabaster. Once I shook my laughter off, I too set out for the Alabaster and the wonderful queen that was waiting for my arrival.

I actually found the walk through the camp under the cover of a nearly cloudless night to be quite pleasant. The chittering of crickets and the distant hoot of a prowling owl filled the air on the Empty Plains while I was alone with my thoughts. The only company I had was the occasional sentry patrolling the camp. Almost everyone else had settled in for the night.

The airship docks were very quiet with every airship floating off the ground. The Alabaster's spotless white finish made it easy to spot in the darkness. A quick stroll up the gangplank revealed a few hippogriff archers stationed up on the deck with their longbows at their sides. Sky Beak was among them and called out to me. "Evening, James! Better head on down. She's waiting for you."

"Peh... Yeah, I know. See you tomorrow, Sky." I replied before quickly making my way indoors at the stern of the ship. The interior had its lighting dimmed to reflect what time of the day it was. Pleasantly silent. Once I was in the main hall, I walked along the carpet before knocking on the door to Novo's private chambers. "Novo? Are you there?"

"Sure took your sweet time, huh? Get in here, baby. Mama misses you." I heard her muffled voice respond. I wasted no time in stepping inside and locking the door behind me. Only the glow of a lamp nearby lit the room to reveal that gorgeous creature relaxing upon her bed. Those beautiful eyes looked at me smugly let tenderly as her long tail feathers swayed just slightly. "Looks like Seaspray didn't have to abduct you after all."

"Seriously, Novo? I said I would be here every time you stay overnight, right? I mean that whole situation was funny as hell, but was that really necessary?" I asked while starting to crack up again. It was not a joke after all.

"You promised you'd be here, honey. And when you didn't show by sundown, I decided to make sure you kept that promise." Novo explained as she reached out for me when I came near after leaving my satchel by the door. I sat by her side and held that beautiful mare in my arms, savoring her luxuriously plush plumage. "But I see they didn't need to do anything. What kept you, baby?"

"I had a guest or two. A little jam session from someone who has a knack with a guitar. But really, don't ever think I would bail on a night with you, Novo. I love you too much to do that to you." I whispered to Novo as she gazed into my eyes with an ever softening stare.

"And I believe you, James. I won't be sending my men out to escort you from now on. Although it sounds like you got a laugh out of it anyway." Novo retorted with a brief chuckle in her throat. "So, how'd it go? Seaspray had good things to say about that little scuffle out there, but what about you?"

"Yeah, it went very well. I barely even had to do anything. They had the situation completely under control. Really good for our morale." I explained as I dragged my fingers down her soft feathery neck and upper back. "I've got a good feeling about the rest of this war. I'm not exactly looking forward to more action, but at least I know our preparations are paying off."

"Sounds like it. But as for right now, how about we wash up before I give my sugar bear some sweet cuddles after a long day?" Novo cooed as her finely filed talon dragged itself along my jaw while sending a shudder down my spine. She really knew how to make me feel like the luckiest man alive.

"Oh yes, please." I whispered while helping Novo set her crown aside for the night. Once she stood up from the bed, Novo began to help me disrobe. Even sensually sliding her hands under my shirt and over my chest. "You just have the loveliest touch, dear... Love it."

"You're doing a good thing for my world and its people, honey. I can't be out there on the battlefield with you, but I can do my part during some downtime." Novo whispered to me while giving a gentle nibble on my ear. She then brought her face up beside mine and promptly placed a kiss upon my lips when I turned my head to look at her. "I love you. And I'm gonna look into reserving a vacation when this is all over so we can catch up on lost time and relax. Cantercun sound like a nice spot?"

"Ooh, if it stays warm and sunny even in the coming winter months, then that sounds like a great place for it. Let me know how that goes, all right?" I replied while remembering just what a good time it was during my honeymoon there. The warm surf, the exotic cuisine, and the friendly and fun locals. I could hardly wait to go back.

"Consider it done, honey. Now then, let's get you all washed up. Smells like you worked up a sweat out there." She retorted while leading my now naked body into the bathroom. She quickly got the water going and turned to face me with such an alluring gaze in those beautiful eyes. "Does my hunky king want a little sugar from Mama tonight?"

"Um... Maybe in the morning. I'm actually pretty beat, now that I think about it. I wanna be rested to make sure I make you feel as good as you will for me." I said after a moment of brief thought. I was more than ready to make love to my gorgeous queen, but even I knew that being too tired would not help my performance in the bedroom.

"Wanna save it for morning, hm? Ooh, then I can't wait to give your day the best possible start." Novo cooed while giving me a playful wink. I watched as she strode into the steamy shower stall with alluring grace, only turning to look at me as her fluffy plumage became adorably soaked in water. "You coming?"

I was more than ready to feel that relaxing warm deluge of falling water washing over me. I closed the glass door behind me as I too became soaked along with Novo. While she reached for a bottle of shower gel, I could not help cracking a smirk as I beheld how her feathers became so much heavier with water than the coat of a pony would in the shower. Novo was quick to notice my grimace and asked, "What's with that look, hun?"

"Oh, sorry. It's just that... With how soaked to the bone you are, you remind of a big swan who just surfaced from a lake after a dive." I retorted as I stroked my fingers through her soaked fluffy coat of feathers. She looked gorgeous, yet utterly adorable.

"A swan? Why honey, I'm flattered. And you know what they say about swans, right?" Novo churred so beautifully while stepping right up to me, those gorgeous eyes looking right at me wit ha profound smirk on her beak. "Swans are said to be the most devoted and fiercely loyal lovers of all birds out there."

"And they are just as majestic as a certain queen of the lovebirds, right?" I retorted wittily before we embraced. Her beak parted wide and held my face as we partook in a powerful and loving kiss. Even as we stood there in the shower, our tongues did that tender tango once more. I whispered to her as the kiss soon ended, "I just love you so much, Novo..."

"Love you too, baby. Now, you just stand there and let Mama take care of you for a little bit. Daddy gets first rites tonight." Novo cooed as she turned the shower off for the moment. It was disappointing to have to go without the constant feeling of hot water washing over me, but I was promptly relieved as Novo filled her palms with shower gel and began to rub it all over me. "You can take care of your hair while I handle the rest of you, baby."

I did as she requested and started to lather up my hair for a good rinse. Although she did start to get a little more...handsy with me once she reached my waist. Novo grabbed at my butt rather firmly and got a yelp out of me. And when she reached my groin... I felt her hands tenderly cupping the sack between my legs and the stiffening shaft just above them. "Mmmm, can't wait for morning... I'll give you a good start to your day, my king."

"Ooh... Uh... Let's not get ahead of ourselves, dear." I retorted while trying to not get too excited. As wonderful as she was in bed that first time, I was really quite tired that night and probably would not be able to satisfy her. And for a woman like Novo, I wanted to be at my best.

"Oh, don't you worry, honey. Mama will be patient." She churred to me before focusing her attention to my legs. Moments later, the water began to fall again and rinsed me from head to toe. And now it was Novo's turn. And it was going to be a lot more work to get that soaked feathery body all lathered up.

I filled my palms with her fragrant feather shampoo and began to help her apply it to her gorgeous body. Novo chuckled happily as she said, "This goes by so much faster when I've got two sets of hands getting me all slick and gooey. Being pretty isn't always easy, James."

"I'm sure it isn't, but aren't all hippogriffs just as soft and fluffy as you? That's a lot of feathers to lather up." I asked while scrubbing the lather into her long wings.

"They sure are, baby. The good news is feathers generally don't need to be washed up as often as hair, but I do love me a hot shower and looking my best. Most hippogriffs tend to go a few days between bathing." Novo explained to me while she stroked her fingers through that gorgeous crest of magenta feathers on her head. I suppose she had a point. Birds tend to not have that much of an issue with staying clean, even though hippogriffs are easily half horse.

"Hey, nothing wrong with staying extra clean. I can't go one day without a full shower. And nothing perks you up like a quick morning shower to start your day." I replied while totally understanding where she was coming from. And I was more than happy to help her get extra clean.

Before long, the two of us were thoroughly rinsed and stepped out of the shower after drying each other off as much as possible with just some soft towels. While that was enough for me, I knew by then that it was not enough for a hippogriff like Novo. While we did at least dry her off enough to insure that she would not be tracking water everywhere, it would take a couple of hairdryers to get her ready for bed.

She and I both took a hairdryer in hand and began to direct their currents of hot air wherever they were needed as the bathroom was filled with their whirring roars. Although when Novo held hers towards her face, she began to sing loudly into it as if the hairdryer was a microphone. "Moon river! Wider than a mile!"

"Oh, don't go singing that around Luna! She just might take it the wrong way!" I spoke loudly while letting out a laugh. And knowing how cheeky Novo can be with Celestia, I would not be surprised if she did plan on doing just that at some point.

"Awww, but it would be funny if she did!" Novo laughed while setting aside her singing for the moment. As the minutes went by, her big beautiful body became drier and fluffier. And once we finally shut the hairdryers off... I could only gaze in bemusement at the beautiful queen before me. She then said with a smirk on her beak, "Does my king like his queen fluffy?"

"How can you be so sexy yet so adorable at the same time?" I asked before stepping over to her and grabbing her in a huge. She looked utterly precious with her usually sleek pale coat now as puffy as that of an excited parrot. And she felt so very good to hold and hug. Novo giggled deeply yet beautifully as I stroked my hands all over that supple soft fluff. "You adorable fluffy bird."

"I'll be even better to cuddle in bed. Let's get comfy, honey." She whispered to me before striding out of the bathroom with her usual royal grace. While Novo pulled the sheets down, I got comfortable in a clean pair of boxers and climbed in bed with her. And I went right back to snuggling with that gorgeous fluffy bird mare. "Mmmm, I love what you do wit hose hands and arms. Feels so good to be held like this."

"And you feel wonderful with that extra fluffy plumage." I replied as I practically clung to her with Novo's wing and the cozy bed sheets pulled over us. I knew I would sleep heavenly tonight. Even when Novo reached over and turned the lamp off, I could still make out her pale face in the shadows. The halls of the Alabaster had gone quiet. It was time to rest. Novo and I brought her beak and my lips together for one last little kiss as I whispered to her, "Sweet dreams, love."

"And sweetest dreams for you, my sweet sugar bear." Novo cooed with such sweetness in that luxuriously deep voice. Wrapped in her warm feathery embrace, I soon drifted off to sleep.

My dreams were unfortunately not as peaceful as I would have hoped. I do not recall much, but I remember being in a city. I was sent outside to do...something. Some sort of brief task. But when I returned, I found I was locked out. Then in the distance, I saw signal flares flying into the sky. And then the call of air raid sirens. I knew what was coming and decided I was not going to wait and see what would happen. So I woke up.

Upon awakening from a dream that left me feeling like I was going to have a bad day, I found myself still wrapped in the feathery embrace of my beloved queen. Novo still slumbered peacefully beside me while her bedroom was filled with the gentle glow of soft morning light, but I hardly felt rested. It was not a nightmare, but still a bad dream that left me feeling less than ideal. Even Novo's presence did little to soothe my nerves.

I tried to find solace in her embrace and rolled towards her, putting my arms around that beautiful fluffy creature. Minutes later, Novo opened her eyes and looked at me with such a delighted if somewhat groggy smile. But she was quick to notice something was wrong. "What's the matter, hun? No smile for your queen?"

"Bad dream. I don't feel right." I said in brief while tightening my grip on her. Novo's fluffy unkempt plumage still felt delightful to caress and I wanted to just lose myself in her touch for a moment.

"Oh, no no no no, that ain't happening on my watch. Mama's hugs are supposed to keep her man safe and happy even in dreamland. Now I gotta go the extra mile to make sure my sugar bear starts his day right." Novo spoke boldly with an almost angry tone to her voice. She threw the sheets that were covering us right towards the edge of her circular bed. She then looked me in the eye with a confident smirk and said, "Meet me in the bathroom, honey. Mama's gotta make you happy."

"Novo... You really are the best." I muttered while both confused and flattered at the sheer effort she was putting in to make me happy and to fight off the feel bads from one untimely bad dream. She had been barely awake for a full minute and she was already declaring war on my bad mood.

"You know it, honey. Now then, don't delay." She said before standing up and bounding down from her bed before trotting into the bathroom. She was on a mission and would not be dissuaded.

I knew better than to keep Novo waiting when she was sounding that serious. I cast aside what little clothing I had and stepped into the bathroom to find the shower already on and starting to get hot. Novo held out a hand to me and guided me in as her fluffy plumage once again became heavily weighed down by that hot water. She then spoke with a smirk, "Now then, just let this sexy queen work her magic on her sweet dove of a king."

"Huh? How... Oh..." I started to say before Novo pushed me up against he wall and into the corner of the shower stall. She reached out with her wing to adjust the trajectory of the falling water to try and keep me at least partially exposed to it for the sake of comfort. And her hand went straight between my legs to cup my equipment. "Oh my... Not wasting any time today?"

"You need this more than me, baby. We agreed to this, but it sounds like you genuinely need it today." Novo said softly as her hand tenderly and expertly caressed me while my shaft became increasingly stiff. Her caress turned into a gentle yet firm grip as she grasped my tool slowly sliding her fist up and down its length while the shower provided plenty of lubrication. "I'm gonna destroy that bad mood of yours by giving you all the love only a real wife can."

"Oh god, Novo... You really are the be... Oooh god...!" I gasped as Novo placed a hand on my hip and brought her head forward, her beak parting as she took my entire shaft into her maw. Those gorgeous loving eyes gazed up at me with such tender passion in them as she pistoned back and forth, her tongue caressing me at all times. I was not sure what to expect when it came to a beak sucking my shaft, but Novo is a true master in the art of love. She knew how to manipulate her beak in a way that carried no risk to her lover. "You really are the best... Just the best..."

"Mmmm... Just for you, baby..." She cooed to me as I felt my lust rising and forcing my lingering angst out of my heart. I could only think about the beautiful creature before me who was giving me such pleasure. A woman I was madly in love with. Not wanting to force me to climax too soon, Novo released me from her grasp and lifted her head to look me in the eye. "I'd say you're done warming up, honey. Ready for the real thing?"

I was about to agree, but then took note of one little thing she told me once. "Wait a second... Isn't sex in the shower a bit...risky?"

"Only if you have no leverage, honey. That's why I've got you in the corner here." Novo said with a smirk. She then began to turn around and presented her curvy mother mare rump to me, the soaked feathers lining her flanks now clinging to her form and accentuating her curves like ever before. "Just let Mama do all the work for you this time. You deserve it, love."

Novo swayed her full curvy hips before me to entice me further and it was working. I was craving that wonderful woman. She began to step back towards me, those curvy flanks rubbing along the sides of my shaft while I remained planted against the wall. And then, with one push, Novo pressed her gorgeous curvy rump against me and took my entire length into her.

I inhaled sharply through my teeth as I felt my entire length sink to the hilt into her warm moist depths. Novo lifted her head high with a beautiful trill as her rump pinned me to the wall. "Mmmm, that's it... Now then... Just hold on and let your queen do all the work this time."

Even as Novo began lifting and lowering that gorgeous curvy rump against me, I at least tried to return the favor. My hands held her round and soft flanks, fingers pressing into that compact layer of thoroughly soaked feathers. I beheld that gorgeous creature before me as she looked back over her shoulder, her soaked wings beginning to spread wide while completely unfit to fly while heavy with water. Even though she looked utterly adorable while soaked, her waterlogged form still came off as alluring. "Mmmm, yes... Is Mama doing a good job, honey?"

"I don't think it's...even possible for you to fail in showing me your love, dear...!" I gasped as my glorious queen pleasured me with a master's touch. And I responded in kind with my own touch. My hands slid over her sides with every splash and slap of those round plump flanks thumping against pelvis, feeling along her gorgeous sleek body. "God, you're just so sexy..."

"Sexiest thing in the world, aren't I?" Novo cooed lustfully as that lovely deep voice of hers moaned beautifully. She felt so perfect around my eager erection as she masterfully tried to coax me to climax, though not in a rush. She knew what tempo to move to for the best results. Slow rises and falls with sudden yet brief swifter motions of her rump. And when she slowed down, my hands pounced upon that royal motherly rump. I marveled at the toned yet soft mass of her flanks, squeezing and kneading them in my grasp while Novo churred in response. "Oooooh my... Does my king love y curvy MILF hips? You just can't keep your hands off of my best assets, can you?"

"I don't know how I can... You have the best hips of any mare I've ever seen, dear...!" I groaned as Novo began to thump her rump against me in a quicker tempo than before while not slowing down. She was finally working to bring us to the height of our lovemaking. "You're wonderful... So wonderful... Keep going, my queen... Let me fill you..."

"Yes, James... Mmmm, yes, my love...!" Novo sang as she gazed back at me, her head held high with beak parted with gentle panting hissing from her lungs. She then smiled preciously at me and asked, "What do good daddies do again?"

"They... Mmph...! They always finish inside..." I retorted as I remembered that wonderful first time. The first time we ever made love. As well as the first time we...very dearly tried to start a family together.....

In that instant, that sacred desired filled my heart. I knew she was not in heat. Our attempts to sire a precious royal child had failed even though we agreed we should not rush into doing so afterwards. And yet, as that memory rose to the forefront of my mind, that desire flared up in my heart. I was so close. And I wanted to do it. I wanted to fill my wonderful queen. I wanted us to have a darling prince someday. With my hands grasping her soft rump like a vice, I began to respond to Novo's quickening motions with firm deseperate thumps of my own. I called out to her with my climax nigh, "I wanna fill you, Novo... I wanna... Please, dear, make me a daddy...! I...wanna...have children with you, my love!"

"James?! We... We said... Oh god, yes! James! My king! My... My everything....! Oh, give it to me, baby...! Give me...your...baby boy..." Novo groaned desperately, if futilely, as we both gasped in blissful climax. I felt her quiver around my shaft as I exploded into her. My seed flooding into her womb as her limbs shook while trying to remain standing in the shower. As quickly as it came, that rush began to fade and left a delightful warm afterglow in its wake. I remained pinned to the wall, my hands upon the hips of that wonderful queen who loved me as dearly as I loved her.

I knew it was too soon to be making those kinds of plans. And so did she. And yet that sacred desire leaked out again. I could scarcely even remember why I was in such a dismal mood as soon as I woke up that morning. Novo had driven it out of me. All by bringing to mind a precious desire we both shared. Even if unintentionally. I could not lie to myself at that moment. How I wanted to sire a child with her... To hold that precious baby bird foal in my arms with her someday...

"Just...couldn't help yourself... Could you?" Novo gasped and wheezed as she pulled herself forward, my flaccid shaft hanging while coated in our juices. She then turned to face me while still being soaked by the falling warm water of the shower. Those beautiful eyes gazed into mine without a shred of regret or shame. "You are a good daddy, honey. You filled me up good."

I grinned and chuckled nervously as I was once again cornered against the wall while Novo smirked with a very knowing smile. I muttered, "I... I couldn't help myself. I know we agree that we shouldn't until..."

"James, James, honey... Don't say that." Novo shushed me promptly with a hand caressing my cheek. She stared into my eyes with a beautiful smile on her beak. "Don't act like you made a mistake, my sweet sugar bear. You know I wanna have babies with you too. You can whisper those sweet little daddy desires to me whenever you want. I'm always happy to hear them from my king."

"Oh, Novo... You really are just that wonderful..." I muttered in defeat as I embraced my beloved. It was hard not to think of the potential future family we could have together someday. And it gave me even more incentive to get this war over with so I can go home and be with my loved ones. "I love you..."

"And I love you." Novo cooed as her beak met my lips for a sweet and tender kiss. Over and over, they touched. Though she soon whispered more wistfully, "Just please do be careful out there, hun. I don't know what I'll do with myself if I lose you now. Not this soon..."

"I know... I'll try." I replied while feeling that angst starting to well up in my heart again. For all her effort to push it out of me, that lingering bad feeling right when I woke up was not so easily vanquished. And so I whispered to her, "Please... Tell me more. About what I can look forward to when this is over."

"Aw, still feeling blue? Then I have some very sweet things to say to you." Novo churred as she looked me in the eye with her hand holding my face. Her beautiful voice spoke softly, "When this is all over, you will have so many friends and family waiting for you at home. Just think about how nice it'll be to get back home. And that's not even getting to what'll happen next time you're on my island."

Her words were like honey to my ears and the inflections of her voice were like a mantra I could take a nap to. I listened closely to everything she said as her other hand grasped at mine, her fingers rubbing over my wedding ring. "I'll find a way to make it happen, James. I'll make sure you and I walk down the aisle someday so I can finally call you my hubby. And I'll be wearing a ring on my finger just for you. A ring that that compliments yours. I'll be your queen for real someday, honey. And then... Then we'll have our family. I don't care how many tries it takes. We'll have our baby boy someday, my love. We'll have our prince...and any other precious little ones that come after. So please... Look forward to that for me, all right? Be happy knowing just how wonderful our future will be?"

I all but burst into tears. Deeply touched and know just so very happy, I stepped forward and held my beloved in my arms. "God, I just love you so much... I'm so lucky to have you, Novo..."

"No, James. I'm the lucky one here. If you never showed up... I'd still be a miserable mourning swan longing for days long past. You gave me the love I needed, James. And there is not another man in the world like you. I'm grateful to have you. I really am." She whispered to me as her arms and those massive sopping wet wings wrapped themselves round me. So heavy too... Although she then whispered, "But maybe now's a good time to finish washing up in here? That hot water won't last forever."

"Oh, shoot... Yeah, we should." I retorted before the mood was derailed quite promptly. We wasted no time in getting washed up, although there was not enough time to get Novo completely lathered up before we noticed the temperature of the falling water starting to drop. At least she did not really need the full treatment after last night.

After drying off and getting Novo so adorably fluffed up again, I got dressed and joined her in the galley. Along with some fresh fruit and a tasty seafood omelet, I was also treated to a helping of some fantastic smoked salmon. Novo spared no expense in giving my day the best start possible. She truly is a woman few can match.

But just as I as finishing my fill with Novo by my side, Seaspray himself came trotting over to our table as soon as he entered the galley. "Ah, there you are! Good morning! I have the morning report ready, your majesty."

"Let's hear it, admiral. And be quick about it." Novo retorted while idly stirring her finger through a glass of fresh juice. I said nothing and just listened in.

"Actually, all I have is one little thing to mention. And I was instructed to bring it to both of your attentions." He said before his tone became more sincere. "Her royal highness, Princess Celestia, has decreed that we shall begin advancing on the enemy. They have concluded that our men have prepared enough to begin marching east once more."

"We're...moving? Already? But is everyone really ready for the next real battle?" I asked while having not expected this at all. Perhaps it was just me, but it still felt too soon.

"If you were to ask me... I would say no. Everyone, especially our newest arrivals, could stand to be trained further. But when considering that the amount of time between now and the next clash factors in distance and the amount of time our enemy spends to amass its forces and devise their own brand of strategies, I can understand the logic behind this decision. We still have time to hone ourselves further while staying on the move." Seaspray explained while making quite a lot of sense. And with how long it took between the first real battle and that tiny skirmish yesterday... The emperor must have spent a lot of time considering his options before sending out that light infantry battalion.

"Huh... Well, thanks for the heads up." I replied while Seaspray bowed respectfully and left the two of us alone so he could fetch his own morning meal. I then looked at Novo, who looked back at me with a look of unease in her eyes. "I guess...you won't be following us when we head out?"

"Doubt it... I'm pretty sure airships can't exactly dock when there are no docks." Novo replied while placing her hand upon mine as it rested on the table. She then whispered to me, "I'll come find you before you all set off. Just so we can say goodbye."

"Thank you... I love you." I whispered back to her. Novo did not even provide a reply. She simply leaned forward and brought her beak to my lips. We kissed without a care in the world, even though there were many eyes in the galley who could have seen us. And yet not a word of objection or shock was uttered. Not a single hippogriff had anything to say about seeing their queen sharing a long and loving kiss with the human man before them.

I sit here now in my private chambers within the command center as I have spent most of the morning chronicling this most recent chain of events. I have not seen Smolder today, although she clearly enjoyed dozing in my bed last night if the untidy sheets I found were anything to go by. I heard from Shining Armor that Twilight Sparkle had stopped by earlier and invited Smolder to join her and our friends for breakfast. They must have lost track of time. No sign of Ember either...

It feels strange to finally be moving from this spot after having gotten so used to it over the past couple of weeks. But I do understand no one wins a war by staying put, especially when inside enemy territory. And the emperor more than likely has endless reserves in terms of enemy soldiers. He will just keep sending more and more minions until all opposition is crushed. He will learn from every clash just like we will. And unlike him, our resources and manpower are much more finite. I am confident in my allies and their capabilities. Our crushing victory yesterday was certainly a testament of how well prepared we are. And yet...

We have earned ourselves ample time until the next encounter. Best get ready to march. The farther we advance, the sooner we can put an end to this war. I better start checking around before we pack up and go. Best be ready.