Polaris and Pyrite disembarked from the airship and made their way into the small town of Silver Shade. They had traveled across the Silver Sea and landed on mainland near Concordia. The Silver Isles still had some towns and villages near the sea, and this was one of them. It was a dreary place, it’s citizens averted the gaze of Pyrite and Polaris as they walked to the post office.

“I’m going to go find a map,” Polaris said with a smile, “I’ll be right back.”

Pyrite nodded and yawned, the trip had taken longer than expected. Andromeda appeared next to him and draped a wing over his side. “Tired buddy?”

“Just a bit,” Pyrite replied with another yawn. Andromeda grinned and nuzzled him. “I’ll make sure you get a good night’s sleep tonight.”

Polaris trotted out of the post office with the map and a smile on his face. “Interesting, looks like some things changed in the past thousand years.”

“You don’t say,” Andromeda droned.

“I know, crazy right?” Polaris fired back in an equally sarcastic tone, making Pyrite chuckle. “There appears to be a forest between here and our destination. That wasn’t there before. I think we’ll end up camping out for at least one or two nights before we get there.”

“How will we do that?” Pyrite asked.

“Don’t worry, I came prepared.” Polaris said with wink. “We can’t use transportation to get there anyway. These ponies don’t take well to strangers close to their homes.”

Pyrite shrugged and followed Polaris out of the town and noticed all the townsfolk watching them leave. It made his hair stand up.

After traveling for about three or four hours, it began to get dark. Polaris set up the tent and cooked Pyrite some dinner before turning in for the night. Their tent was sizable for two occupants, which left ample space for Pyrite. Space that Andromeda used to snuggle with him. Later in the night, Pyrite woke up and untangled himself from Andromeda’s hooves. He was thirsty and scanned the tent for any water, but couldn’t find any. Then he remembered a stream nearby. Pyrite glanced over at Andromeda and didn’t move. Almost every time he tried to sneak away from her at night she caught him, so he needed to be extra careful. Slowly he stood up and crept across the tent. Polaris was turned over on his side, barely making any sounds at all.

Now came the most challenging part, unzipping the tent flap. Pyrite gingerly grasped the zipper and moved it down, he turned over his shoulder to see Andromeda let out a tranquil sigh and roll over. The zipper reached the bottom and Pyrite stepped out into the night. The cool air hit his muzzle causing him to smile. It was peaceful out under the moonlight. He perked his ears up to ascertain the direction of the river, then began to trot toward it. He passed through a thicket of trees and bushes to get to the bank, unaware he was being watched.

The water was crystal clear and refreshing. Pyrite wiped his mouth with a hoof and turned around to head back to camp. As he approached the thicket and trees. Something dropped down from a branch and startled him. It was a pony... hanging upside down from a tree branch. It’s slitted eyes glowed gold in the moonlight.

“Hullo!” the pony said with a somewhat low voice, but Pyrite still knew it belonged to a mare.

“Who are you?” Pyrite asked while catching his breath from the jump scare.

The pony dropped down from the branch with a chuckle and trotted over to Pyrite. When she stepped into the moonlight, he began to back up a few paces in apprehension. She looked like a normal filly, but her ears were pointy and furrier than normal. Aside from her eyes, her wings were webbed and leathery, and she had fangs that glistened in the moonlight.

“Evening Rose,” the filly replied, “But my friends just call me Eve, for short.” She flicked her blue mane away from her eyes and grinned at Pyrite, who continued to retreat.

“You’re a bat pony!” Pyrite shouted as he backed into a rock.

The filly raised an eyebrow and giggled, “Yes, though we usually prefer to be called something else. What are you doing out here? Are you lost, little earth pony?”

Pyrite scrunched his muzzle in irritation. She was barely bigger than he was, and he guessed she was around the same age, too. “No, I’m not lost. I’m Pyrite, by the way.”

Eve inched closer and batted her eyelashes at him, “Then... you’re a tourist, Pyrite?”

“Tourist? I guess that’s true.” he said.

Eve turned around and leaned against the rock beside him, “You really shouldn’t be out by yourself like this, there are dangerous things in these woods. Things that wouldn’t hesitate to gobble up a cutie like you.” She looked back at the forest and sniffed the air, “You aren’t all the way out here by yourself then, your parents must be with you, or some other adults?”

“Yeah, I’m with my...um, my uncle.” Pyrite said while scratching his head. “We’re camped just over there beyond those trees.”

Eve’s smile brightened and she nodded happily. “That’s perfect. Come with me, Pyrite. I have something to show you! It’s really cool!” she grabbed him by the hoof and dragged him along the bank and across the shallows to the other side. They ran through more trees before coming to a clearing. Eve motioned him to follow her up a hill. As Pyrite followed, several white flowers were in bloom near the top. Dew was beginning to collect at their tips and caught against his fur. “What do you think?” Eve asked “Pretty, isn’t it?” she sat down and motioned for Pyrite to join her. “Isn’t the sky pretty? Princess Luna does a wonderful job, it’s like a painting.”

“Yeah,”  Pyrite agreed.

Eve’s eyes shot open and she fluttered into the air happily. “Hey! Do you want to dance with me, Pyrite?”

“What?” the colt asked, perplexed.

“Dancing under the moonlight! Just like in the old stories, it’s so romantic. C’mon don’t be shy! We’re friends, right?”

“Well, we only just met.” Pyrite said, rubbing his hoof, “I’m really not good at dancing, and there’s no music.”

“Isn’t there?” Eve asked, “You don’t hear it?”

Pyrite twitched his ears and heard crickets, tree frogs, and some birds. The gentle breeze made a soft cadence as it passed through the trees and their branches. The flow of the river nearby only added to the symphony. He could see what she meant. Slowly he got up and trotted over to her. “How do I-?”

“Don’t worry, cutie. I’ll take the lead.” she said while bringing him to stand on his hind legs with her.

They swayed back and forth together while Eve began to hum a quiet song. She squeezed him and whispered into his ear, “Isn’t this nice?”

Pyrite felt like his mind was slipping into a daydream, he snapped himself out of it and looked up into Eve’s eyes. They were turning red now for some reason. “Nice? Yeah, it’s nice.”

Eve chuckled and continued the gentle motions while humming her song. She briefly unfurled her leather wings and rubbed them against Pyrite’s back, further dulling his senses. Eve looked at Pyrite and saw he was staring ahead in a daze. With a smile she gently turned him around and moved his mane away, exposing his neck.

Pyrite jerked suddenly feeling a pinch, then a soothing warmth began to spread across his neck and back. He let out a moan and slumped backward, still swaying from side to side with his dancing partner. Eve moved him back and forth while she fed, her venom beginning to take effect around the colt’s upper body. She squeezed him tighter as she sucked the warm red liquid, then broke away and licked her fangs. “Mmm... I told you there were dangerous things out here, didn’t I?” she said with a low giggle.

“Yeah,” Pyrite murmured, half in a trance thanks to Eve’s nocturnal powers.

The filly gripped Pyrite tightly and flapped into the air to take him away. As she turned toward the mountains, a sound jolted her around.

“Pyrite! Pyrite!” a voice called, getting closer.

“Sun be cursed!” she hissed. She thought they’d gone far enough away to avoid this exact situation. The filly fluttered to the ground and grinned, “Thanks for the dance, handsome. See you around.”

As the voice came closer, Eve’s mouth curled upward into a proper smirk. She planted a wet kiss on the colt’s cheek before disappearing into the night sky.

“Pyrite! Where are you?! Pyrite!!”

Pyrite shook his head and came out of the daze. “What happened?” he groaned. Suddenly his eyes shot open and he looked at his neck. There were bite marks! That filly bit him! Pyrite wheezed as his blood ran cold. He heard Andromeda coming, she was close. He wiped away the red on his face from Eve’s kiss and looked at his neck. He wasn’t bleeding, that was good. He flipped his silver mane over and covered the bite.

Andromeda flew up to the top of the hill wearing a scowl. “What are you doing out here, Pyrite?!”

“I- um, I got up to get a drink from the river and uh- I saw this hill with all these flowers and wanted to come see what it was like.” Pyrite said.

Andromeda narrowed her eyes and looked around, “You came all the way out here to look at moon flowers?”

“Well, yeah. Moon flowers. I’ve never seen them before. When Princess Luna comes to visit I’ll be able to tell her that I saw them.” Pyrite picked a flower and slid it into Andromeda’s mane. “Blue and white, you look so pretty.”

Andromeda looked at the flowers and her features softened. “Think so?”

“I know so,” Pyrite said. “You aren’t mad at me are you?”

Andromeda looked down at the colt and let out a sigh, “How could I be mad at you?” She picked him up and nuzzled him, “But you aren’t doing this again!” Andromeda flew back down to their camp and shook her head. “Next time you won’t be waking up until I say so.”

-----------------

Aldus munched on some crackers as he filed away tax reports from Luna’s Canterlot office. Celestia had delegated several matters to Luna since her return and she quickly found herself swamped with busy work. Lucky for her, Aldus had his share of experience running things and brought some of the work with him to the Silver Isles. He yawned and reclined in his chair while putting the morning paper over his head. Just as he was about to nod off the paper was ripped away and a pair of violet eyes dominated his vision.

“What do you want, Ciaran?” Aldus groaned.

“I’ve been doing some digging, and I think I found a way for us to help Frost find this missing filly.”

Aldus yawned, “I can’t get involved, Ciaran. And it’s probably for the best anyway. Frost is a resourceful pony, he can handle this himself.”

“Aldus, we really should help... we should do something, anything. We’re right here. Desalia doesn’t have to know.” Ciaran argued.

Aldus raised an eyebrow and smiled, “Worried that your little colt might get into trouble and do something naughty? Seeing you be this motherly is a nice change of pace.”

Ciaran blushed for a moment then turned and flicked her tail in Aldus’ face. “Well one of us should be worried about him, don’t you think?”

“Frost grew up on the streets, he knows what to avoid. This will be a good lesson for him. Plus Iris is with him and she’s even smarter than he is. Besides, I have to get everything ready for when Thule gets here...”

“Sounds stressful,” Ciaran said with a sigh.

“You’ve no idea,” Aldus replied.

“Oh! That reminds me,” Ciaran remembered, “This came for you today. The royal seal, looks important.”

Aldus took the letter from the changeling and opened it. He squinted at the fine print. “You are cordially invited to a dinner party honoring the bride and groom to be. It will serve as a meet and greet for the foreign guests who plan to attend the wedding. Party and catering hosted by the Hoofague family?!” Aldus exclaimed, “Augh! They’re still alive, too?! Goddess!”

“Hoofague family?” Ciaran asked.

“Only the most stuffed up, hoity toity, arrogant, insufferable family I’ve ever encountered.” Aldus fumed.

“I’m sure they can’t be that bad, all the ones you knew are long gone.” Ciaran suggested.

“Oh no, I’m sure they’ll be equally awful. Just you wait.”

“If it’s going to be that bad then don’t go.” Ciaran offered with a shrug.

“Don’t go?” Aldus said with a laugh, “I have to go, it’s part of my job. I’m still head of the night court. They’ll expect me there. Plus they’ll all want to know how I’m still alive in the first place. I’m getting a migraine just thinking about it. I need a drink.” he said as he walked over to the cider cabinet on the other side of the room.

“Aldus wait,” Ciaran said.

“What?” he asked. Now irritated.

“That place I was talking about that might have a lead to help Frost? It’s a bar. We can go together and enjoy an evening, all while investigating to help Frost and Iris. I’m sure Rigel and Marigold would want to come, too.” Ciaran transformed into Willow and wrapped her hooves around Aldus from behind. “Please...” she cooed.

Aldus thought about Frost, Thule, the upcoming wedding, and now this party. “Alright, we’ll go. You help Frost by investigating, I’ll help Frost by drinking excessively.”

-------------------

Frost, Iris, and Denova tumbled out of the sack and onto hard cement floor. Each of them were placed beside each other and made to kneel. They heard voices around them and laughter. Suddenly their blindfolds and bags were removed. Blinding light hit their eyes as a voice spoke up to silence the others.

“Now boys, lets not be rude to our new guests. Welcome little foals, so glad to have you here.” Frost regained most of his vision and looked around the room. The voice was coming from a speaker. The stallion that owned it was not here. “To the unicorn and gryphon, your wings and horn pose, shall we say, safety hazards for both your co-workers and my staff. They have thusly been restrained.”

Frost looked at the ring around his horn, guessing it would absorb magic if he tried to summon it. Frost tested that hypothesis, and to his surprise he received a shock when the magic collected in his horn. He fell to the ground and yelped in pain.

“Frost!” Iris squeaked, trying to scoot over to him. She screeched as large hand impacted the back of her head. It hit her so hard she rolled into a wall, bending her wings in an obtuse angle.

Frost snarled in rage and turned around to ascertain what hit Iris.

“Now, now Steel Slab, don’t damage them. We need them to work.”

“Yes, boss. Sorry boss.” a low voice rumbled.

Frost fell backward in fear. If a mountain could move and talk, it would look like this. A minotaur stalked over to Iris and picked her up by her bound wings. He planted her back next to Denova, who looked like he was about to have an accident all over the floor. The minotaur was pure white, an albino. Several tattoos adorned it’s gargantuan shoulders and arms. Three golden rings hung from it’s muzzle as decorative pieces, while it’s horns were curved to menacing points facing outward, easily utilized as piercing weapons.

“Now, where was I? Ah yes. You young children now have glorious purpose in your lives. You’re in on the ground floor of a booming business here in the Silver Isles!” the voice said with a high pitched laugh. “You can call me Fine Print. I specialize in the synthesis and distribution of Star Dust, a very popular substance enjoyed by mares and stallions, colts and fillies, and all manner of non pony folk. And there’s great news, you start right now. Work hard! I’ll be watching...”

The microphone clicked off as Steel Slab grabbed all three foals and dragged them into a warehouse basement where at least ten other foals were working. Frost saw empty tables and benches, he wondered why there weren’t more foals around. Steel slab forcefully placed Denova and Frost down at a table with three other foals, one of them another zebra colt. An earth pony trotted over to them and handed them each a mortar and pestle. A bag of blue crystals and a purple paste was given to each of them, the pony instructed them on their tasks, then moved on to inspect the other children.

Frost looked over to Iris and saw her planted at another table. She appeared to be instructed to do the same thing. At the far side of the warehouse, there was a large mixer that seemed to be breaking down whatever the purple substance was into the paste that Frost was using. It was being turned by three foals, each harnessed to a pole forced to walk in circles around the machine.

Frost whispered to Denova, “We’d better just keep our heads down and work, then we’ll start trying to find your sister and Orianna.”

Denova nodded and began his work, “That sounds smart.”

Frost worked for at least two hours grinding crystals into paste. A bell rang near the warehouse door signalling a break. Denova and the rest of the foals at the table all got up and were escorted to the bathrooms, leaving Frost alone with the other zebra.

“Hey,” Frost said. The zebra ignored him and kept working. “Hey, um.. so how did you end up in this mess?”

The zebra finally acknowledged Frost and moved some of his black and white mane from his face, “I wandered into a place where I didn’t belong, almost got killed in the process. Not very smart, is it Frost?”

Frost was taken aback, “I’m sorry, how do you know my name?”

“Your friend said it while you were whispering to each other.” the colt said while he motioned to where Denova was sitting.

“Oh, well, alright then.” Frost said with small smile. He didn’t remember that, but it was possible.

“Are you from around here, Frost?” the zebra colt asked. “I feel like I’ve seen you before, but from someplace far away.”

“Oh, really?” Frost asked. “Well, I’m from Manehatten. That’s a city in Equestria. It’s pretty far away.”

“I see,” the zebra said. “I’ve been to Equestria before. I stayed in Bridle’borough for a while.”

Frost raised an eyebrow, “Huh? Bridle’borough? Don’t you mean Fillydelphia?”

“What?” The zebra asked, then quickly nodded, “Oh right, Fillydelphia. Sorry, it’s been a while since I left there. I’m Kethona, by the way.” the zebra said as he reached out and shook Frost’s hoof.

“Frost!” Iris called from behind.

Frost turned around and saw the gryphon trot up to him. “Iris! Are you okay? You aren’t hurt, are you? That minotaur really hit you hard.”

“I’m alright,” she whispered, “Black Star has been healing the injuries. I’ll be fine. What about you? Who were you talking to?”

“That’s Kethona, I think he might be able to help us find Sohara.” Frost replied.

Iris shot Frost a worried glance, then looked around. “Frost, there’s nopony there.”

“What are you talking about?” he asked, “He’s right... there...” Frost turned around and found the table empty. “I don’t understand, he was right there. I was talking to him!”

Iris ran a claw through Frost’s mane and nuzzled him, “Are you okay? That thing on your horn didn’t shock you too much, did it?”

Frost’s ears fell against his head, “I swear I saw him, Iris.

“Frosty, the only zebra here is Denova. I don’t know what to tell you.” Iris cooed. “I think after this we’ll be sent to our beds. I heard some of the other ponies talking about it. We can figure out what to do there.”

Frost nodded as the guards came back with the other foals. Iris nuzzled him again before leaving to return to her table. He looked at where Kethona was sitting and shook his head. “Strange.”

---------------------

“Get to sleep runts, you get most of the day off tomorrow until the new shipment comes. So make the most of it.” a guard said while slamming the door behind the children.

Frost and Denova walked over to Iris as she slumped against the wall. “You okay?” Denova asked.

“I’m fine, don’t worry about me.” she said with a small smile.

There were three other foals sharing their small bunk room. Spring Shot, a pegasus filly, and two young earth pony colts, Silver Spark and Flint. The two of them were about Pyrite’s age.

Each of the three foals came over and smiled at Iris. “Hullo.” Flint said with a thick Trottingham accent. “I’ve never seen a gryphon before. Nice to meet ya.”

Iris smiled and ruffled the colt’s mane, “Right back at ya, cutie. Where are the rest of the foals? Theres lots of beds here.”

“They move everypony around to keep us isolated, they think it’ll stop trouble from happening if we aren’t together all the time.” Spring Shot said while rubbing Silver Spark’s back.

“That’s probably why we haven’t seen Sohara and Orianna yet.” Frost said to Denova. “I bet we’ll see them soon.”

“What are you talking about?” Spring Shot asked. “You’re here looking for somepony?”

“Yeah,” Denova answered. “My sister and a filly named Orianna.”

“We found out they got captured, so we figured this would be the best way to find them. Now just comes that matter of getting out.” Iris said with a sigh.

“Getting out?” Spring Shot asked with a laugh, “There is no getting out of here. Ponies have tried, I’ve tried. You only get caught and beaten by Steel Slab.”

Silver Spark, who had been quiet till now, jumped when Spring mentioned the minotaur. “Aww I’m sorry, buddy. I know you don’t like to remember that.”

“Remember what?” Iris asked.

Silver Spark shook his head and turned around, part of his left foreleg was out of place, causing him to limp. A product of being punished by Steel Slab. It appeared to have healed, but not properly.

Iris frowned and picked up the colt with her tail, causing him to jump. She cradled him against her breast and let some tears escape her eyes. “How could ponies allow cruelty like this to happen? Why doesn’t Desalia do something?”

Frost rubbed the colt’s back as Iris held him, “It’s okay, we’re going to get out of here. I don’t know how yet. But we’ll think of something.” he said while trotting over to stand beside Spring Shot. “And I’m going to kill that minotaur.”

“He’s been the source of many nightmares for us,” Spring said. “He’s a psychopath. Been in several gangs, each of them kicked him out for being too brutal and violent. Those three rings on his muzzle? Each of them taken from minotaurs bigger than him, he beat them all to death with his bare hands.”

Iris huffed, “I wouldn’t worry about nightmares anymore. There’s somepony I want you to meet.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea, Iris?” Frost asked.

“It’s fine, we need him now. And he’ll disappear if anypony comes by. Do you normally get checked on at night?” Iris asked.

“Nah,” Spring replied. “That door is six inches of steel. Nothing’s breaking that down. No reason to check on us, no way out.”

Iris nodded, “Come out Black Star, time to meet our new friends.”

Iris’ shadow bulged and rippled as part of it peeled away and took the form of a large four winged, three tailed gryphon. “Hello there, little ones.”

Denova and Spring were staring at Black Star with their mouths agape, while Silver Spark buried his head in Iris’ feathers. Flint however stared at him with a bright smile. “Woah... that’s so cool!” He ran forward and jumped on Black Star’s back, examining and prodding his four wings. “This is so cool! You use all four of these to fly? You even have three tails!”

Spring chuckled and flapped over to Black Star, “That is pretty neat, what are you?”

“I’m a friend,” he said with a smile, “What’s wrong with the little one?” he motioned to Silver Spark.

Iris trotted over to Black Star and rubbed the colt’s mane. “It’s okay, he’s not going to hurt you. I know he looks big, mean, and ugly. But he can’t help it. He’s really just a big softy.” she said with a wink. Black Star twitched and eyebrow and grumbled something under his breath.

Silver Spark giggled a bit and turned around to face Black Star. Iris sat him down and watched him stare up at the large gryphon. Black Star leaned down smiled, “Nightmares tormenting you, kiddo?”

Silver Spark nodded and lowered his head in shame, “Yeah, I haven’t slept well in a long time. I’m not brave enough.”

Black Star picked the colt’s chin up with a talon. “You won’t have nightmares anymore, Silver Spark. Not while I’m here. You just need some help, we’ll be brave together.”

Silver Spark sighed, “But the nightmares are scary, especially the minotaur.”

Black Star smirked and opened his third green eye, “I’m scarier.” He picked up Flint with one of his tails and sat the giggling child next to Silver Spark. “Tonight, we’re going to give those nightmares a taste of their own medicine.”

Frost sat down with Denova and Spring while Iris entertained the two colts. “Tell me about this place. Where do you think we are? Any details will help. I need to get word to my master.”

As he listened to Denova and Spring try to reason out their location. Frost prayed to the first alicorn that Aldus would help him, despite being forbidden to lend aid.

---------------------

At the cottage, Rigel watched the sun set on the patio outside his room. He preened his feathers and let out a sigh. Polaris would return soon with that troublesome member of the court. He had never gotten along with Thule, even though Thule liked him. In fact, he was one of the only ponies Thule seemed to respect. Rigel never understood why, perhaps it was because of his heritage? It didn’t matter, he banished the thoughts from his mind as a knock came from the door.

Rigel flew in and opened it to find Marigold standing outside. “Marigold! Come in!” Rigel said with a smile. He extended a wing to hold the door open for her as she trotted inside. Rigel shut the door and realized she was out of her night guard armor. Her shapely curves and toned muscles now fully visible and marvelous.

She turned around and smiled. “Rigel, Aldus and Ciaran have discovered a place that might have information to help Frost and Iris. It’s a bar.”

“That’s great!” Rigel exclaimed, “I’m sure they’ll be able to get some information that’ll help them. And between you and me, Aldus could use some time away and a few drinks.”

Marigold smiled and looked away for a moment, she began playing with her mane and cleared her throat. “Well, Rigel, you see... it’s a classy upscale bar, and Ciaran and Aldus are going together. So they were wondering, and uh, I was wondering too if maybe you’d like to come with me.”

Rigel chuckled at the adorable mare. She reminded him of himself when he first asked out a mare, it didn’t go well at all.

“Of course I’ll come with you.” Rigel answered with a grin. “It’s a date!”

Marigold turned the brightest shade of red and jumped into Rigel’s forehooves. “Oh thank you! I was afraid you’d think I was being too pushy.”

Rigel laughed and looked down at the mare, “It’s not a problem. I happen to like pushy mares anyway.”

Marigold giggled and continued to play with her mane, “Well, thanks Rigel. I’ll leave you alone now. Goodnight.”

As she reached the door, something happened that she’d never thought possible. Not in a million years.

“Marigold, you don’t have to leave. Why don’t you stay with me a while?”

Despite being an attractive mare, Marigold considered herself a bumbling idiot around stallions she liked. It was a fault her sisters constantly ridiculed her for. And in her later years, she grew increasingly self conscious about it. What few relationships she’d attempted while in the nightguard never got off the ground due of her impulsive and odd nature.

“Really?” she squeaked.

“Really,” Rigel replied. He motioned her over with his wing and poured her a glass of cider, “You said it would be nice to get to know each other better.”

Marigold smiled and fluttered over beside him. They talked for about an hour before she found herself laying next to him on his bed. Rigel listened intently as Marigold told him about her various times of turning down the Wonderbolts.

“I’m sure you would’ve made a great addition to their team, but staying with Luna was a great choice. I really respect that Marigold. I’m happy you stuck by her when she needed it.” Rigel said.

Marigold was just a bit tipsy after a few drinks, and laughed. She rolled over and took hold of Rigel’s wing. She wrapped it around herself and rested her head on his chest. “You fought the Wonderbolts, what was that like?”

“Exhilarating, and terrifying,” Rigel replied. “Their highest ranking members were the best fliers in Equestria.”

“Highest ranking members? They must’ve been good. What happened to them?”

“I shot them down.”

Marigold looked Rigel in the eye, “You did?”

“Yes,” Rigel replied. “All of their number were expert combat fliers, each fought against us in the civil war. Even my mentor, the legendary flier to first perform a sonic rainboom, Sun Streaker.”

“You shot down your mentor?” Marigold asked, now pressing both hooves into Rigel’s chest.

“I did... it’s not a fond memory.” he trailed off.

Marigold realized she was practically on top of him and was being awkward again. She quickly switched topics to her sisters and their kids. Rigel seemed to enjoy hearing about them. He listened intently until Marigold fell asleep against his side. He smiled and moved the mane out of her face. “Epsilon would’ve loved you, Marigold. Such a sweet mare.” He gently moved her to the side with his wing and pulled a blanket over her. “Goodnight.” he whispered before turning in himself.