I awoke from my slumber to a room darkened by the night. And while rested, I felt lethargic. I did not find that wonderful little dragoness waiting for me on the other side. My dreams upon returning to the dream realm were impossible to recall as I sat up in bed. But fortunately, I was not left undisturbed for long.

            Novo's great wing pulled me back down into another embrace in a very deliberate manner. And I soon felt Novo's arm drape itself over me before pulling me up against her fluffy feathery body. A low giggle rumbled in her throat, prompting me to turn my head and find myself gazing into those beautiful eyes. Even in the dark, she was radiant as always. "Good morning, honey. Sleep well?"

            "You mean the first or second time I passed out tonight?" I replied while Novo raised an eyebrow at me in uncertainty. I then explained, "I woke up in the middle of the night feeling pretty nice, but it was still dark. So I went back to sleep. And I just woke up and don't feel as good as the first time."

            "Really now? That won't do. Come here, baby. Mama's here for daddy." Novo cooed before she began to cling to me in a warm and feathery embrace. Her arms wrapped around me with even her legs trying to lock around me. I closed my eyes and rested my brow into her soft plumage. "I won't stand for my sweet hubby having even a single bad morning. Stay here with me a little longer, dear. I love you."

            "Love you too, Novo... God, you're just the best." I said with a mirthful chuckle. I held that glorious bird of paradise while she held me. My listless funk began to gradually make way for the beautiful memories we had made together very recently. What was I so down about? I had one of the loves of my life in my arms and we were so in love with each other. This was a time of celebration and making more than just memories together. But...there was a problem I suddenly realized. "Wait... Novo, what time is it? Why is it still so dark here?"

            "You only just now noticed, honey? That's thanks to sexy old Sunbutt. I had a little chat with her last night and she agreed to do me a favor. Speaking of which..." Novo spoke with a sultry chuckle. Only then did she finally release me from her embrace. I saw Novo sit up in the dark with her brightly colored body being easy to see even with situations with low light. She looked back at me before rolling off the bed and onto her hands and hooves. "Grab your shorts, baby. There's something I wanna do with you while we're down here."

            I fumbled around in the dark to find my trunks in spite of my grogginess. Whatever it was Novo had in mind for our morning routine, I did not want to miss it. I would only become more awake and aware as the minutes went by. I departed our room with her and found the hallways and lobby of the hotel only dimly lit. But when I saw the first clock, I saw it was only slightly past 8 AM. The sun should have been high above us by then. I whispered to my beloved, "Novo, what did you ask Celestia to do?"

            The smug hippogriff queen replied as she led me outside, "I asked her to delay on the sunrise over this part of the world for a little while. And she said she's only doing this once, so let's not waste it."

            The delayed sunrise was having the unexpected effect of tricking people into sleeping in. The beach was entirely deserted as we strode through the cool sand. That cool early morning air was so crisp and invigorating with nothing but my trunks on. I felt that delightful breeze against my skin while I am sure Novo was enjoying it too. She had fluffed up her plumage a bit to allow the wind to more easily reach her skin beneath all those feathers. She let out a sigh and said, "Now this reminds me of home. Those cool mornings on the summit... Really wakes you up."

            "Wanna have a bottle of cider out on the patio like old times?" I asked with a smug smirk. Only to suddenly realize what I was suggesting and quickly retracted that idea. "Wait, I forgot! Not a drop, right?"

            "That's right, daddy. Not a drop for mama until eleven months from now. You know what's happening inside your queen right now." Novo said playfully as my face became flushed with warmth. It must have been happening at that moment. It needed to be happening. There within the womb of my beloved, life was surely beginning. Although Novo then caught my attention again. "But...there's gotta be some kind of cold tropical beverage to have around here. Maybe something with guava in it."

            I tried to get my mind off of that topic. Not that my heart made it easy for me. I was very distracted as I beheld Novo walking beside me as we approached the ocean. She was just so radiant. And even moreso knowing that she would soon be carrying our first child. To be denied the joy of motherhood for so long... Such a cruel injustice forced upon her by nothing but the whims of fate. I prayed that my seed had taken root. I prayed that Novo's wish to have a family again would be answered.

            We finally reached the edge of the beach where the sand was still dry. Not a soul was around. Just the way we wanted it. We were all alone out there with nothing to disturb us during this very precious moment. But what exactly was it Novo wanted Celestia's cooperation with? All I saw out there on the eastern horizon was the gently orange of the sun's glow lighting up the skyline while it remained hidden by the ocean. "Uh... Novo? What exactly are we doing here?"

            "Take a seat, honey." Novo replied before she sat down on the sand. I did the same and got comfortable. And when I noticed Novo slightly leaning towards me, I reached around her and draped one arm across her back. The beautiful queen beside me then explained, "I just wanted to do something at least once with you, James. And that's to watch the sunrise with my king and the father of my heirs."

            "That's...so beautifully romantic that I can't even try to argue with that. Will it be long? I'm pretty sure the locals won't like it if Celestia messes with their schedules like this." I replied while gently rubbing my hand up and down the side of her body. Although when my hand slid low enough to reach the side of her slender belly, I stopped. I took note of Novo's precious choice of words and moved my hand inward to try and hold Novo's belly from below. And she responded to my touch with a beautiful churr. We rested against each other in loving anticipation. It was just me, her...and our little one.

            Something in the air compelled me to keep silent. Just watching that glow on the horizon reaching further with every passing minute. And I understood the sentiment. Watching the sunrise with one's true love... A magical experience that Celestia was more than happy to make happen for her best friend. And then... I saw it. That shining beacon just barely peaking over the vast layer of dark water reaching as far as the eye can see. Almost like the brightest tiny flame casting its shine out over the sea. "There it is..."

            "It's a completely different feeling seeing it at sea level..." Novo too muttered as we basked in nothing but the sound of the waves washing over the beach before us. We sighed collectively in that early morning serenity. Just us and the sea with only the morning light of the fledgling sunrise peaking over the horizon. It was beautiful. Even if the sun was a couple of hours behind schedule.

            I could almost feel the growing warmth of the sun being cast out over the beach. Minute by minute went by as that tiny peeping orb of celestial light rose higher until it finally rose just above the sea. I let out a long sigh with my head resting against Novo, "I see why you wanted to do this..."

            "I had to do this just once, dear. Don't expect me to ask Celestia to mess around with her duties like this again. The world needs the sun's movements to be balanced, but I reckon you already know that. You dealt with that extra long night yourself a little while back, didn't you?" Novo replied with a curious tone. She must have known of the legend of Nightmare Moon. And there was no possible way Celestia would not have told her about it shortly after it happened. Novo must have worked hard to comfort her best friend after what happened to her sister.

            I spoke with a sigh as I recalled that night. And was careful to keep some sacred truths hidden. "Yeah... I was there. I swear I didn't want to hurt Nightmare Moon. I was only there to save her. The poor thing... She just wanted to be accepted by her people."

            "And it looks like that worked out just fine in the end. You wonderful man. That Princess of Dreams is something else. And she really rounds out the royal trifecta with her sisters." Novo said without once sounding like she was aware of the hidden budding romance between Nightmare Moon and I. A romance that simultaneously was and was not. I sighed to myself as I made a silent promise to make time for myself and Nightmare Moon during that vacation. And...

            I suddenly smirked. By thinking of Nightmare Moon, I remembered Luna. And I remembered that I owed her some payback. My mind started going to a devious place. I definitely owed her for that unwanted ride during my previous dreaming experience. Novo just happened to notice that smirk on my face and asked, "Honey...? What's with that look?"

            "Huh? Oh, uh... You didn't need to see that. I just remembered Luna did something really not OK to me last night in my dreams and I need to get her back for that. Any ideas?" I replied while knowing someone as playful as Novo would definitely be a good person to ask for ideas. She already had earned a reputation of messing with Celestia on the regular.

            Novo rubbed the back of a finger under her jaw for a moment as she too started to display a smug smirk. "Hmmm... Little miss night crown messed with daddy last night, huh? Then count me in, honey. Tell you what. I'll arrange for Celestia and her sisters to try shots at the bar today. And I'll tell the server to add a little something...special to Luna's. Something that'll really get her taste buds going."

            I suddenly had an idea of where that was going. "Really now? I don't suppose...adding some spicy pepper extract to hers? God, downing liquor when your tongue is reeling from spicy food only makes the burning worse... I love it. Make it happen, Novo."

            "You got it, baby. Just remember that if anyone asks, it was all you." Novo said with a snicker. Although we soon remembered why we were out there on the beach in the first place. I leaned into Novo with my arm reaching over her back while she leaned against me. And my hand once again rubbed against the side of her belly. But before long, Novo spoke softly to me. "James. Let go for a moment."

            I did as she requested and released Novo from my embrace only to watch as that majestic queen stood up. She then spread her wings wide and suddenly pushed herself up to a bipedal stance with those massive wings reaching back to serve as a counterweight. I stood up beside Novo, thinking she was wanting to go for a stroll, but more as a woman than a mare with a stance like that. But instead, she then looked down at me and said, "Hold me, honey. Please."

            My eyes widened in realization and recollection. We had done something like this before. And only once. Out there on a cliff on Capricorn Island under the cover of night. I stood behind Novo, rested my face against her back, and wrapped my arms around her. And my hands once again found their way to her belly. With my hands resting over that slender feathery abdomen, Novo did the same. She lovingly rested her hands over mine as we stood there in the glow of the morning sunrise.

            There were no words. And I closed my eyes to focus only on my other senses. My hands pressed gently into Novo's belly. That precious cradle that would carry our children. And in the glow of the sunrise... It was as if Celestia was using her sacred sun to give her blessings to us. As I pressed more firmly into her belly, Novo whispered to me with such longing in her voice. "Our baby..."

            "Our child." I whispered back to my beloved. I prayed in my heart... Please... Please, let it happen that time. Let us be blessed with the child we both desire. Novo had already been forced to go far too long with that dream being kept on hold. And I so dearly wanted to be a father to such precious little bird foals. Our children would be wonderful fluffy angels. I just knew it. My heart swelling with hope, I spoke with a sigh. "I love you."

            "And I love you. My king." Novo whispered sincerely to me as she adjusted one hand. And I felt one finger rest over one of mine. The one that held my wedding ring. A reminder of what would hopefully be on her finger one day. And for a while longer, we just stood there in the spreading light of the rising tropical sun. As lovers. And as mother and father dearly hoping for a child to cherish together. All we could do was wait and hope that fate would not be too cruel.

            Novo was hesitant to bring herself back down to the ground. She adored the feeling of my hands resting over her delicate womb. I felt a warmth in my heart as I imagined that she would surely be demanding often that I hold her and her gradually swelling belly as our children grew within her. And I savored that thought. But we could not stand out there forever. With a long sigh, Novo slowly brought herself back down with her hands touching the sand. She then turned to face with a smile while just looking so radiant with the sunrise behind her. "Thank you for coming out here with me, dear. I really enjoyed myself."

            "Me too... It's good to make memories like this." I whispered back to her before my lips met her beak. We shared a number of kisses before...the sun started to get a bit brighter. And a bit higher. I glanced up and said, "Wait... Is the sun...actually moving?"

            Novo glanced up while shielding her eyes with her wing. "Looks like it. I guess now that we're done out here, Celestia's getting the sun back to where it should be. And they should be serving breakfast soon at this rate. Shall we head on in?"

            "Yeah... We should. Just let me go take a quick shower. Gotta start my day right." I replied while Novo and I headed back towards the resort with the area around us becoming brighter at a very unnatural rate. The beach would soon start to get busier and we did not want to be seen together at the time. We strode along through the sand, hand in wing. Novo kept her right wing draped over me while I kept my arm across her shoulder. It was a wonderful start to our day. And for the rest of our vacation together.

            I appreciated being able to bathe alone for once. For as madly in love with Novo I am and how special our bathing experiences are together, I did not want any distractions as I got my day started. Feeling the cool and crisp morning air made that hot shower all the more special. I dressed myself up in shorts and a tropical polo shirt that Rarity herself had made for me a while back before slipping on my sandals. But I did not leave the room just yet.

            I stood in the entry way to the room as I beheld the first class accommodations Novo and I had been provided. I had enjoyed the start of my morning well enough, but seeing the bed that Novo and I had shared made me wonder about the future. I was no stranger to married life by then. And while I knew I would not be able to see Capricorn Island as often as I should, I still had to wonder...

            My right hand rose to let me gaze upon my wedding ring. Novo would find a way. I was sure of it. She would never settle for us being just lovers. She would surely find a way to officially allow us to walk down the aisle together. Where I could finally and truly put a ring on her finger. Married life in the Ivory Palace... I quivered in anticipation. Being married to that wonderful queen sounded like paradise. And I would have easy access to the commoner's life in the Omega sector right outside the door. Joyous days were ahead of me, I was certain of it. I was only reminded of what time it was I happened to glance at a clock on the wall and turned to leave. But not before muttering under my breath. "God, I just love you so much, Novo."

            The lobby of the hotel was starting to bustle with vacationing families who looked and sounded like they had just finished up at the breakfast buffet and were eager to get on with their day there in Cantercun. And I saw many familiar faces in line once I stepped out onto the dining patio. My mouth was watering at the sight of so many delectable goods on display, especially the seafood options.

            My entourage were all seated at the same long table as always. And I carefully scanned them from a distance. Who did I want to sit next to and what seats were still available. And then I found one. Rain Shine had an empty seat next to her. I felt my heart swell. Even from such a distance I could sense her spiritual aura calling out to mine. Even without her directly noticing me as I gazed upon that beautiful creature feasting on a colorful assortment of vegetarian dishes. But she was also not adverse to treating herself to a poached egg or two. I remembered what we had promised on for that day. My destination set, I made my way over to that beautiful kirin queen and took a seat beside her. "Another wonderful start to our day, hm?"

            Rain Shine had somehow overlooked my approach and glanced at me with a surprised smile. She giggled sweetly and said, "Very, my dear. I've been savoring every opportunity to try new things during our stay. As have you, from the looks of it. Always such a variety on your plate."

            "Humans aren't exactly picky eaters. Usually." I retorted before we both clinked our glasses of cold juice together. But I then whispered into Rain Shine's ear, "When should we head off for that little stroll?"

            The beautiful kirin queen cast me a serene glance from the corner of her eye. Along with an equally serene and knowing smile. She quietly replied, "Perhaps just past noon? Once we've had time to get settled in for the day."

            "Got it. Until then..." I replied before carefully glancing around. Everyone on the patio were distracted by everything and everyone. With the two of us hiding in plain sight, I reached out and planted a kiss on my beloved's cheek. "Love you."

            Rain Shine let out such an adorable giggle as she squinted her eyes shut. She felt that kiss in more ways than one. I expected her to return the favor, but she then instead spoke slyly. "I will save my kisses for you later. When we're alone."

            My mind was so distracted as I dined that it was difficult for me to even focus on or enjoy my meal. Rain Shine's aura reached out to my constantly. The connection between man and kirin really is something unlike anything else in the world and I struggle to describe it. Even without looking at me or speaking to me, I could feel Rain Shine's soul calling out to me. As if it was caressing my own aura with countless caresses, kisses, and embraces. If I had to describe what it is like to receive such love from another, it would be that.

            I had to put down my spoon for a moment. Her presence was just so distracting. I looked at the beautiful goddess of the grove beside me. And it looked like she too was not doing much better than me. That serene grace Rain Shine exuded constantly was hardly noticeable. She looked like she was being tickled and was trying to keep a straight face. Was my aura calling out to her just as loudly? At last, she finished her plate and stood up from the table before speaking to Cadence beside her. "Excuse me, Cadence. I forgot something back in my room."

            "Oh? Don't let me stop you. We'll be here." Cadence replied in some small confusion. It was strange that Rain Shine would speak to her instead of me when she did not interact with Cadence once while I was seated beside her. Unless Rain Shine was trying to engage in some subterfuge by not directly speaking to me. And as she stepped away, I could feel it. Her aura was calling me. Beckoning me to follow. She needed me as much as I needed her.

            My heart aflutter, I waited until Rain Shine was out of sight before resuming dining. I was able to truly enjoy my meal without such a distraction being present. But my mind and heart were still preoccupied. My beloved was waiting for me. I quietly excused myself from the table while feigning the need to use the restroom and departed the dining patio. I knew where I was needed.

            I was almost in a haze as I walked across the hotel lobby to reach the hall leading to my beloved's room. I did not even need to ask where it was. I could literally feel Rain Shine's aura on the other side of the door. I gazed at the door and inhaled deeply. I just wanted to pull her into my arms and hold that majestic mare. And as I prepared to knock, I heard a click. The door slowly swung open. She already knew I was there.

            Our eyes met. Rain Shine was standing at end of the tiny hallway. And there was such a nervous need in those beautiful crimson eyes. I stepped forward as the door swung close behind me. Rain Shine even used her levitation magic to close the chained latch to insure we would not be disturbed even by those who had a key to the room. My nerves were on fire as we gazed into each other's eyes. "Rain..."

            "James..." She whispered with a hushed whisper. And then... We embraced. I threw my arms around that beautiful creature as the wonderful scent of pine needles flooded my nostrils. Rain Shine's voluminous wild mane of verdant green filled my vision before I closed my eyes. Her head rested beside mine as she sighed harshly. We were basking in each other's auras. To feel her soul embracing mine as mine embraced hers... The love of man and kirin is truly without compare. "My love..."

            "Rain, I love you... Good god, I love you..." I whispered to that wonderful woman in my embrace. I whispered those words directly into her ear. And even without opening our eyes, our lips found their way to each other. That kiss upon my lips. And soon the taste of her tongue upon mine. We hummed and sang. Our tongues caressed and danced. Such love... Oh how blessed I felt to be hers. "Rain, my love..."

            The kirin queen in my embrace was silent, but she responded with her body. With her n my arms, she began to step back. I could not see with my eyes squinted shut, but I was vaguely aware of being guided deeper into the room. And with one swift and cheeky nudge, Rain Shine turned her body to trip me up with the bed beside me. My legs gave out from under me before she pushed me with an impressively hard shove to get me to fall right in the middle of the bed. I barely even had time to register what happened before my beloved let out a cheeky yet beautiful giggle. And with a quick bound, my beloved was atop me. And she looked down at me with that serene smile once again. "Stay with me a while, my love. Please."

            "I...don't think I have a choice at the moment." I replied with a bit of a snicker. She was...heavy! Every bit as grand and majestic as Novo and Celestia, but noticeably heavier. And I quickly understood why. She was not a mare of the sky like Novo. Nor even a mare of all walks of pony kind like Celestia. Rain Shine was a true mare of the earth. Not at all meant for flight, but to tread mightily across the land. I reached up and gently caressed m beloved down the sides of her neck and then along her shoulders. I was thoroughly pinned under her. "You feel...as heavy as the earth itself..."

            Rain Shine's eyes widened in concern as I spoke. She quickly asked, "Oh dear... I'm not crushing you, am I?"

            "Wha... No! No, I'm fine! This is...comfortable. I feel secure here. You're heavy, but not like a boulder." I replied as I swiftly brought my hands to the sides of Rain Shine's face. She smiled brightly as I began to caress her cheeks and jaw like a large pet. That silken coat lining her face was just as enjoyable for me to feel too. "You just feel so...powerful. Are all kirin as capable as you?"

            "We all have the same potential when it comes to wielding the might of nature. But few are able to wield it as a weapon like I do. For few kirin possess the fire within them to wield a blade." My powerful beloved explained while I recalled some of her most impressive feats during the war of preservation. Summoning walls of sturdy roots to serve as barriers. Willing massive piercing thorns to skewer her enemies from below. Even upending the earth itself with towering roots lifting layers of soil from the ground. Rain Shine was able and ready to destroy with nature's might. She then spoke calmly to me, "It is the responsibility of a kirin chieftain... A kirin queen, if you will. We are the leaders of our people. And we are their guardians. We kirin are pacifists by nature, but the natures of others may require us to defy our nature to preserve the lives of others."

            "Kirin queens are required to be ready to become warriors... You truly are an amazing people, my love." I said softly to her while continuing to please my dear Rain Shine with caresses to the side of her face. I could remember our times together on and off the battlefield. And even...the terrifying form she assumed when I was struck down. That demonic howl followed my the sight of Rain Shine having become dark as ash with her locks of verdant green hair consumed with ethereal spirit fire. Wrath born of grief. The wrath of a kirin is truly a deadly thing. Even moreso when that kirin is a skilled warrior. I gazed up at my beloved and said, "I feel like you would burn the world for me."

            "No, not the world. I would never. But I shall burn those who would harm you... Who would take you from me through blade or bludgeon... I will...show no mercy to them. To such evil..." Rain Shine said almost bitterly. I knew she remembered that day. Both she and Ember saw me fall. And I saw their love transition into rage and grief all at once. How many of the enemy did the two of them destroy that day? The body count under Rain Shine must have been staggering. She was untouchable as she charged into the fray. Anything that even got near her would burst into flames. She thought she lost me that day. The sheer destruction she unleashed upon the enemy army was a testament to what she thought she lost. Her eyes closed as such a look of discomfort fell across her face. A painful memory. As while my hands continued to hold her face, Rain Shine muttered softly to herself. "Mother... I now understand the love you and Father held for each other... I know what it means to have a husband... To feel the wrath of seeing him harmed and dishonored... I know now."

            "Rain... I love you. I'm here, dear." I whispered to my distraught beloved. Her beautiful crimson eyes opened once more as that serene joy returned to her face. I then took note of one of her words. Husband... How I wish I could truly be hers in such a way. I removed my right hand from her face to gaze upon my wedding ring. Both a reminder of my love for my beloved Fluttershy and as a reminder that I most likely could not give the same wonderful vows to the other wonderful women in my life. Women I loved who also loved me. Women who would become part of our growing family. Women who would even surely bear my children in time. And yet... They would never be able to be officially recognized as my wives. And me as their husband.

            Rain Shine must have surely sensed the disappointment in my soul. But she did not respond with any comforting words and a gaze of shared sorrow. She smiled. And when then reached out and placed a kiss upon my hand. But not just my hand. Her lips touched my finger. The one that held my wedding ring. Was she trying to tell me something? I asked with wide eyes, "Rain... Is there a way? Could I truly be your husband for real?"

            The beautiful creature atop me giggled with such joy on her face. That loving voice said sweetly, "The Grove of Silence has been outside the jurisdiction of the rest of Equestria for a very long time, my dear. And even if it was not, we kirin...do things a little differently."

            My heart fluttered with hope. Was there a way? Even if the rest of Equestria would never know, could Rain Shine and I... Could we truly become husband and wife? I then asked cautiously, "Tell me more. Please."

            Rain Shine brought her face down to my ear so she could whisper directly to me. Most likely just out of sheer caution. There was no telling if someone or anyone might have been within earshot. "A ceremony. With the entire village present. I assure you that it would be best if you see it instead of me telling you about it. But yes, James... It can happen. When the time is right... Would you return to us? And allow me to become your bride?"

            "Rain... Oh my lord, yes. Yes, we... We need to make that happen." I whispered excitedly to my beloved. Her lips soon met mine as we wordlessly promised each other. If there was a way for me to become her husband in the eyes of her people, then it was something that needed to be done. Even if the rest of Equestria would likely never know, it would be enough. A kirin wife... My soul squealed in anticipation.

            "Oh my love... To be yours and for you to be mine..." Rain Shine sighed with such dreamlike joy in her eyes. She kissed me again and again in joyful anticipation for our future. Although she then spoke most poetically, "My summer has gone on for far too long. I hope I may bear fruit soon."

            Her summer? That sounded...cryptic yet meaningful. I then said, "I get the feeling there's a certain meaning in those words. A kirin's summer?"

            Rain Shine let out a giggle while she adjusted herself atop me. Doing what she could to keep me comfortable under her heavy and majestic body. "Ah, you haven't been told? I was referring to one of the four stages of a kirin's lifespan. A kirin's life begins in spring. And once the filly becomes a mare, her summer begins. When she is at her most vibrant and filled with vigor... When a mare is at her most fertile... These summers go on for very long, centuries or millennia at a time."

            What a poetic and beautiful allegory. I too must agree that spring fits all too well as another way of describing childhood. It always feels shorter than it truly is. And summer is truly a long season. But that still left two. "And...what of autumn and winter?"

            There was no somberness in my beloved's eyes. She spoke tenderly of a kirin mare's twilight years. "When autumn comes, a kirin mare's colors begin to fade. Time once again begins to catch up to her. But she ages with grace as even a kirin's autumn can take a great deal of time to come to an end. And even then, it may not be too late for her to bear fruit. For autumn is the harvest season after all. And then... When winter comes... The vibrant colors of nature are covered in the frigid empty white of snow. She begins to wither as her body shrivels like the leaves and flowers around her. Until finally... She falls and returns to nature until only her bones remain as enduring as the stalwart trees. But the fruit she bore live on after having experienced spring."

            It was such a beautiful way to describe such a thing. The kirin truly are one with nature to the point where even death just feels like another part of nature's cycle. But as I pondered Rain Shine's words... Especially the symbolism of a mare bearing fruit... "You told me that a kirin's natural lifespan is five thousand years... But that lifespan gets cut in half with every child she has. I take it that...few kirin ever live that long."

            "You are correct, my love. I cannot recall the last time I heard of a kirin mare going through her entire life as a maiden. All except for Red Lotus, but I know we spoke of her recently. I have to wonder how such a pure limit was ever discovered." Rain Shine whispered before lowering her head and placing a kiss upon my brow. She seemed happy, yet thoughtful. Pondering her own kind and how they work. "But I cannot imagine why a kirin mare would. Certainly not after meeting you, my dear James. For I am all too eager to bless you with daughters to love."

            Such wonderful words... They sang right to my heart. I reached up and tenderly caressed my beloved's face as I asked, "Is motherhood in a kirin's nature?"

            The beautiful kirin queen's gaze only softened at my words. "It is. Like the dandelion spreading its tufts of seeds on the wind or the towering trees scattering acorns from its great branches, we kirin are very much in tune with the need to let our bodies bring new life into the world through our love with a wonderful husband. To nurture the saplings our bodies produce so that they may bloom gloriously. I have seen so many of my people bring daughters into the world. All under the watch of their beloved husbands. Autumn Blaze was the last to be born in the Grove of Silence and I can assure you she was raised in a loving manner between her mother and father."

            Every word she said truly sang to my heart. I too was a man with a mind to bring precious little lives into that wonderful world of Equestria. I loved that world. And I wanted my children to know that world like I had. And yet... I pondered an unfortunate thing that I had heard recently. A reminder of a project I had agreed to participate in. One that I had all but forgotten until King Orbash reminded me of it. I rested my hand on Rain Shine's shoulder and said somberly, "I just hope I can give you what you need someday. I fear my kind...might not be the most compatible with Equestria's people."

            Rather than be concerned with my tone, Rain Shine only smiled at me with such           faith in her voice. "Why has your soul dimmed, my love? Of course you will. Must I remind you? We kirin are creatures of fertility. Our soil is always rich and ready to produce ripe bountiful fruit. I assure you... There will be no difficulties when the time comes for you to bless me with daughters."

            My eyes widened at Rain Shine's words. I did recall being told how they needed to be compatible with all other races due to their kind being a species exclusively of females. But...were they truly so fertile? The only other species of creatures I knew of that were surely perfectly compatible with humans are Changelings. I could still remember dear little Ocellus deep in her heat... How she claimed that she absolutely would bear my child if I were to make love to her during that time. And how she almost seemed to want it... I gazed into the serene crimson eyes of my beloved and asked, "Is it really that simple? Would I really be able to...give you that with just one try?"

            Rain Shine giggled at my doubts at ignorance. She then brought her lips to my ear and whispered a beautiful thing to me. "When my heat cycle arrives, all you must do is make love to me. Sow you seed into my fertile fields and I promise you... I promise I will bear you a daughter. Without fail."

            I needed to have faith in her. Perhaps Rain Shine was right. Perhaps the kirin are women of such boundless fertility that literally any man of any species would be able to bless them with children. I put my arms around my beloved Rain Shine and buried my face into the side of her fragrant mane. And in that moment, I spoke my heart to her. "I hope so... I want to know what it's like... To be a father to kirin children..."

            "And I vow to make it so, my love. How I have longed to bless you with daughters. I only wish Mother was still here... How she would have reveled at the opportunity to meet her grandchildren. She would have blessed our union for certain." My beloved whispered to me. I felt her soul glowing within her. Brimming with a loving desire. And my soul responded to hers with equal need. How I wanted to make my precious Rain Shine a mother. She had found love with me after so long. I wanted to make it all worth it.

            And so we rested there in each other's embrace. Holding each other. Sharing kiss after kiss. All while Rain Shine's beautiful yet heavy body draped itself across me. And I remembered our promise to each other from the previous day. A long stroll across the beach. Far and away from prying eyes with nature around us. She would be in her element. And perhaps we could slip away into the underbrush to be very well hidden. Just to love each other.

            I could lose myself in Rain Shine's aura. Her soul comforted mine in a way only a kirin could. But she was aware enough to bring up the reason why we were even in her room to begin with. "My love... Have you had you fill of me for now? We probably should return to the dining patio before they put everything away. I still want to sample more of the buffet."

            That reminder was enough to bring to mind my unsatisfied appetite. And my soul's desire for my beloved's embrace had been fulfilled for the moment. I cracked a crooked smirk upon realizing how long we had been away from everyone else and said, "Yeah, I...think I'm good now. And maybe we should sit at opposite ends of the table this time. So we don't get distracted with each other."

            "Mmhmhmhm, very true. I have such difficulty taking my attention away from you when you are near, but today was...different. I was longing for you so dearly. I just needed to be held in your arms for a while. And I do believe you have scratched that itch for now, my dear." Rain Shine giggled before placing a kiss right between my eyes. She then slowly and carefully stood up and stepped down from the bed. It was time to get back to the buffet and see what else there was to try.

            Breakfast went by without a hitch once we returned to the dining patio. Although I did notice Novo give me such a sly smirk as I made my way back to the table with a new platter in hand. No doubt she suspected Rain Shine and I were busy in bed with each other. And the two of us did seat ourselves at the furthest end of the table to insure we would not be distracted by each other.

            I tried to pace myself as I dined. I did not want to fill myself so much that I could not eat another bite. That was liable to make me sleepy after breakfast. But maybe there was no way around it anyway. I would probably feel the need to take a nap eventually. The breakfast hall began to go empty as the table grew gradually more empty. It was time to hit the beach. And whatever else the area around the resort had to offer. And that was when I muttered to myself, "I really need to remember to start scrounging up some souvenirs for everyone back home..."

            What would I even get for everyone? I did not want to get anyone simple knickknacks. They had to be something practical. Something they would be able to use. But perhaps I was trying to think of too much too soon. I still had at least a week left in the resort to plan something out. I shrugged my shoulders while heading for the far end of the lobby. "When in doubt, go for edible goods."

            I made a beeline for the VIP area off to the side. Plenty of familiar faces had already turned out for a soak or swim in the pool or had pulled up for a drink at the bar. And when I saw the three royal sisters gathered around at the poolside, I felt a twinge of anticipation. Luna was amongst them. And I still recalled that unwanted wild ride she took me on in my dream the previous night. I said I would get her back for that. And I meant it.

            As if on cue, I happened to notice Novo sitting at the bar while sipping a fruit drink. Some kind of nonalcoholic martini, it seemed. And she soon smirked at me when she noticed my gaze. She knew what needed to be done and headed my way. The cunning queen whispered into my ear, "Ready to set Luna's taste buds on fire, honey?"

            "You bet. Give me a minute to get them set up." I replied before strolling on past her to the bar. The bartender was shaking cleaning some glasses at the time when I asked, "Excuse me, sir. Three shots of fruit flavored vodka. And make one of them pineapple."

            The bartender did not suspect a thing. I paid no mind to the other two flavors he chose, but I kept a close eye on the shot glass holding the pineapple vodka. I knew Luna had a taste for that particular fruit. And with vodka being colorless most of the time, I wanted to make sure that it did not end up in the wrong person's mouth. Once the three had been poured, I then whispered to the bartender. "Could you add something...spicy to this one? The spiciest stuff you got? Luna likes it hot."

            While the guy did give me a bit of a skeptical glance, he did not question it. I knew Luna better than he did. He then brought up a tiny bottle of what I thought were bitters. Until I got a good look at the label. I am very sure it was something like ghost pepper extract. The bartender placed a few drops into the glass and gently stirred the contents together. There was hardly any change in the drink's color. Luna would not suspect a thing. Once the drinks were ready, I looked over at Novo and winked at her. It was time.

            "Excuse me, ladies. How about a toast to start our day?" Novo spoke as she stepped over to speak to the three royal sisters and successfully began to lead them over to the bar. I sat down on a stool and kept a close eye on the drink meant for Luna. Novo soon spoke up to me, "Whatcha got for us, honey?"

            "It's all vodka. Fruit flavored." I replied while the royal sisters drew near. Novo was doing a good job at keeping a straight face. We had to keep up the facade for the moment. I then carefully held out Luna's drink to her and said, "You'll want this one, Luna. It's pineapple."

            "A fine choice, my friend. Many thanks." Luna replied as the shot glass became engulfed in her billowing blue magic aura. The other two were soon coated in the magic auras of Celestia and Nightmare Moon before floating up to them. I think the three of them were tempted to clink their glasses together, but there was too much of a risk of those tiny things spilling their contents. "Cheers, my sisters!"

            All at once, the three royal sisters threw their heads back and gulped down their drinks in one shot. But Novo and I kept quiet as we watched. Celestia spoke first as she licked her lips. "Mm, I think that was raspberry! What about yours, Nightmare Moon?"

            "I do believe I got a dose of lime flavor there. What about you, Luna?" Nightmare Moon replied before she and Celestia turned to the most diminutive of the royal family. But their gazes became much more confused or concerned. "Luna...?"

            I began to smirk. That potent burn began to register with Luna's taste buds. Her eyes were wide as her jaws clenched. And I think her dark blue face was darkening further. "Wha... What was in that?! Spicy! Bartender! Another shot! Of the sweetest option you have!"

            The bartender was quick to oblige. He poured Luna another shot of pure pineapple vodka only for her to hastily chug it. And sure enough, that potent alcohol only made the burning worse. Luna flapped her hooves towards her open mouth as I started to snicker like a fool. "Ack, the alcohol only makes the fire burn hotter!"

            Luna then did something none of us saw coming. She bolted past her sisters and dunked her head into the swimming pool. And she was surely gulping down the water in it! I almost fell over laughing as I called out to her, "Luna, that water's all chlorinated! You don't want that!"

            Novo could not even get a word in. That spectacle had her howling more than I think she expected to. Luna finally lifted her head from the pool in order to gasp for breath with her mane soaked to the roots. She looked back at me and shouted, "The water does nothing! James, that was your doing, wasn't it?! What did you do?! And why?!"

            I only barely managed to compose myself enough to ask a question in response. "Does an unwanted roller coaster ride across the sky ring any bells?"

            Celestia and Nightmare Moon looked at each other in utter bewilderment. They came over just to share a drink and were now bearing witness to such random shenanigans out of nowhere. As for Luna, she visibly flinched at being reminded of just what she did to me in that dream the previous night. All she had to do was have that catapulted carriage glide gently down to land safely, but she had to put her own ridiculous spin on it. At least now I know who to ask in the royal family if I want a partner in crime for a prank war. As for Luna, she scowled in defeat. "Touché."

            Luna did not even try to counter my reasoning for spiking her drink. She stiffly walked past us while trying to keep a straight face as she endured the burning sensations in her mouth. She took a seat at the far end of the bar and called out for the bartender. "One piña colada. Light on the rum, extra juice!"

            "Nothing like creamy dairy to soothe your tongue. But good lord, James... Really?" Celestia asked with a cockeyed glance at me. Novo then stepped past us to finish the drink she left on the counter. The Princess of the Dawn then asked, "Were you in on this too, Novo?"

            "From what I heard, your little sister over there gave my man a hard time last night. Of course I'm complicit, honey. And it's not like we poisoned her or anything." Novo spoke with a smug smirk on her beak. She had no shame and I was actually proud of her for it. I smiled smugly at her while Luna began to nurse her burning tongue with a cold soothing drink ahead of us. She would be fine in a matter of minutes. Novo then set her empty glass down at said, "Anyway, I think I'm in the mood for another swim out there with my girl. I'm gonna see if they're renting out those necklaces around here. See you girls later."

            Novo began to stride past us, but she pulled a fast one on me. She walked right past me before lifting her tail feathers in a more pronounced arc and dragging them along the underside of my jaw. Those fine fibers sent a shiver down my spine as I heard my beloved speak to me. "And I'll especially be seeing you soon, daddy."

            "Guh... Love you too, Novo." I spoke with a shudder. I watched that beautiful creature gracefully walk towards the open beach. Vacationers were once again lining the vast expanse of sand spread out before the distant ocean. But while Celestia quietly excused herself, Nightmare Moon stepped up beside me. Her gaze displayed a look of curiosity instead of disappointment. I then said, "Kind of a shame you weren't there last night. I'm sure you wouldn't have been so mischievous."

            "Of course I wouldn't have, my dear. What even did Luna do to you exactly? It must have been a harrowing experience. Had I been present in your dream last night, I would've put a stop to it." The Princess of Dreams replied before we both took a seat at the bar. And at the other end to keep us far away from Luna. The Princess of the Night was not having a good time at the moment.

            We both ordered cold daiquiris to have as we took a seat at the bar. With a sip of mine, I then explained, "To be fair, I wasn't the only one Luna messed with. Cynder had an even harder time than me. She couldn't even stand for a while afterward, she was just that shaken."

            That familiar name caused Nightmare Moon's eyes to widen in intrigue. "Cynder? She was there? That little dream wyrm? I must ask then. Are things...well between you two by now?"

            No one was more concerned with Cynder than Nightmare Moon. And I pondered her question for a moment with my eyes focused on the colorful frosty drink before me. And I finally came to a conclusion with a sigh. "Yeah... We've put that night behind us. We're OK now."

            "So good to hear. I know that night was harrowing for you. She was a fool then, but she was a fool who wished to be enlightened. To forgive such a mistake is no easy task. I pray it will never happen again." Nightmare Moon replied with such a relieved smile upon her lips. She took a long swig of her drink before adding, "She is a tragic soul. When she returned to you for the first time, I knew there was something special about her. I feel for that little wyrm. Luna and I shall continue in our studies to try and bridge that gap between dream and reality."

            She sounded very dedicated to that task. Perhaps moreso than Luna. While I may have been the one to request that Nightmare Moon try to find a means to bring a dream entity into the realm of reality, I was starting to suspect she had some sort of personal investment in the project by then. I asked quietly, "Do you want to see Cynder become real?"

            The Princess of Dreams let out a soft snort before looking at me out of the corner of her eye. "I do. I...see much of myself in that little creature. From the moment we first encountered her when she was cursed by her master... The parallels were uncanny. Although I did assume she was no different from the others. Where she would have faded to a mere memory in the back of your mind. But she did not fade. She merely drifted away. And when she returned... That was when I knew there was something...different about her."

            Nightmare Moon was not wrong. Thinking back to how she came to be... Born from a dark curse placed upon Luna by an unknown third party... Who could have cast the curse that created Nightmare Moon? Who or what is Nightmare Moon's Malefor? Or does it even matter anymore? I looked at my beautiful secret beloved and said softly, "I think you're right. The two of you do have a lot in common."

            She smiled. Nightmare Moon turned her gaze towards me and said, "I do not wish to see the poor thing be denied happiness. You have given me much and she will never know what that is until we can make her a reality. And she will be very comfortable in this world of Equestria. She will not look out of place amongst the other dragons of this world. Although I certainly hope they will not try to convince her to eat gemstones."

            That got a snicker out of me. "Oh no, I hope they don't! I never even considered that... I don't think she even has the fangs for it. I can't even understand how even the smallest dragon jaws can be strong enough to crush diamonds."

            Nightmare Moon groaned at the thought. If someone with Cynder's jaw strength even tried to chomp a diamond, they would surely break their teeth. We took a moment to savor our drinks before the Princess of Dreams asked, "Were you two happy together last night?"

            "Very happy. It...felt nice being able to just be happy together like old times. I...forgot how happy we used to make each other. She even...protected me too. Viciously. Went to extreme lengths to destroy a threat to me." I replied while still a bit shaken over what Cynder did when I was unaware. It was not the fact that she had killed an evil one. It was the sheer vindictiveness and cold resolution she employed to destroy someone foul who had tried to have me murdered. She did the right thing... But the way she did so was startling. And I came to a sudden realization. I looked at Nightmare Moon and said, "She really is just like you. She doesn't negotiate with those who try to destroy me. She eliminates them." 

            "She did, hm? I must confess that I never took her...for a violent type. Capable of fighting, yes. But to actively seek out one just to destroy them? And just for your sake? Bold, little wyrm. Very bold." Nightmare Moon said in soft contemplation. She took another drink of her brew while I did the same with mine. But Nightmare Moon then something unexpected. "She loves you."

            "I'm not so sure about that... Kinda hard to imagine someone having the capacity to fall in love with... With..." I started to say as those awful memories came back. I cringed as I recalled a great blade slicing across my torso. But...I also recalled something that generated a faint phantom pain on the left side of my abdomen. From another dark night, but when I was very much awake. An impalement wound. From a dark yet beautiful creature...who came to love me dearly.

            It was not that long ago at all. Despite the relatively short time we have had together, the night when Nightmare Moon brought about another eternal night felt like half a lifetime ago by then. We hurt each other that night... The emotions and pain driving Nightmare Moon to lash out at me after nearly being destroyed by the Elements of Harmony once again... It was not so different from Cynder's motivations that night, even if hers were much harder to rationalize. And yet... There we were. So deeply in love, even if it was a love that could not truly be. I considered my next words carefully before asking, "Do you really thinks she loves me so?"

            "I do. If Cynder and I share so many similarities... Then yes. I do believe she longs for you dearly. That she would be yours forever if you would have her. If not now, then surely someday soon." Nightmare Moon said with calm conviction in her voice. But it was time for her to ask the same of me. "But what of you? Has she found a place in your heart alongside all of your beloveds?"

            A harsh sigh hissed from my lungs. I bowed my head and said, "I...really can't say yet. I shouldn't allow myself to desire someone I can't have. Cynder isn't real. Not yet, at least."

            "I suppose that is a wise answer. Very well then. I shall not press you further on that matter. Let your heart come to that conclusion on its own." Nightmare Moon replied with unexpected understanding. It was just such a sad situation all around. All I could do was hope that we would not keep Cynder waiting too long. And that we could keep the reality of her existence hidden from her long enough.

            A moment of silence passed between us while I eyed the beautiful mare beside me. The beautiful Princess of Dreams. Someone I came to sympathize with greatly the more I learned about her legend. Whether a mare or demon, I just wanted to save her that night. And there she was beside me as a result of those efforts. Seeing Nightmare Moon happy and accepted by the people of Equestria as their Princess of Dreams is probably the single greatest accomplishment I have ever achieved during my time in Equestria. Equestria gained a wise princess to help guide them. And I...gained someone very special and dear to me. Nightmare Moon noticed my prolonged gaze and cast me an unsuspecting smile. "Yes, my dear?"

            I sighed before speaking what was in my heart. "Could you...meet me back at my room in five minutes? I'm sharing a room with Novo, if you need to know which one."

            "Gladly. Let me finish my drink and I'll be on my way." Nightmare Moon replied before continuing to sip at her drink while listening to the radio set at the back of the bar. Tropical tunes were playing from local stations that helped set the mood. I quickly gulped down the rest of my drink and made my way back towards the hotel. But not before glancing back to check on Luna. She looked like she had ordered another milky cold drink to soothe her tongue, but she seemed to have been past the worst of it by then.

            I went straight to my room in the hotel and sat on the bed in waiting. I counted the minutes with my eyes focusing on the clock nearby. I had been hoping to find a moment with Nightmare Moon and I had found such an opportunity. And barely five minutes after I had sat down, there was a knock at the door. I approached carefully and asked, "Were you followed?"

            It very well could have been Novo on the other side. But I was thankfully answered by a different voice. "I was not."

            With a twist of the handle, I opened the door. And there she was, bare as the night sky. Nightmare Moon stepped into the room while looking the door behind her. Although she looked somewhat curious once we were alone in my assigned room. "Now then, what is it you wished to see me about?"

            I was surprised that she had no suspicions over my request to see her in private. I took a seat on the bed and gently patted my hand on it. "I just wanted to be with you for a while."

            Her beautiful and exotic eyes widened. And they soon narrowed as an almost embarrassed smile spread across her lips. "Oh James... Yes... Yes, my love. Let's."

            The Princess of Dreams approached my bed with a trot as I pushed myself back to lie across it. She bounded up onto the bed before rolling right onto her side in invitation. With nothing between us, I put my arms around Nightmare Moon as she draped her sable wing over me. And for a time, we had only each other. Even if it was something that could never truly be, I knew what was in my heart. "I love you."

            "And I love you, my guiding light. For you always will be." The Princess of Dreams whispered to me. I nestled my head under her jaw and in the crook of her neck. My fingers slid over her beautiful black and silken coat. Just such a beautiful creature... How could anyone be frightened of her form? Her beauty was easily a match for my beloved Celestia.

            I had no words. I just wanted to hold my beloved who would never be. And I was tempted to ask if she had changed her mind. But that was only wishful thinking. I knew her heart was selfish. That she would never be happy being with me while others found a place in my heart. It was just such a shame... But the love we held for each other... It was enough. I was in her embrace and I was happy. And I knew she was too.

            I listened to the deep and happy breaths of the princess in my arms. And I felt the touch of her lips upon my head. She then finally whispered to me, "I heard a wondrous thing through the grapevine just recently. Is it true, my love? Have you and Novo sired an heir?"

            A giddy feeling bloomed in my heart. How could I not be thrilled to know that? I giggled to myself before saying, "I certainly hope so. She... She had gone so long wondering if it would ever happen. I... Oh god, I hope it takes. I think I'm just as eager to have children with her as she is."

            Nightmare Moon let out a surprisingly sincere chuckle at my excitement. And she then whispered something to me I might have already suspected in the back of my mind. "Celestia is so very jealous, you know. My sister feels inadequate at times in the face of her friend's matronly wisdom. She longs for the day when she can finally give you an heir to love and raise together."

            That was old news to me by then. Celestia had told me wonderful things directly from her heart. Oh, what a day it would be when we would finally be blessed with a prince or princess. But I did not forget about the beautiful mare in my arms at that time. "She...does want that... I do too. But...when that day comes... Could I ask you to be active in our children's lives?"

            A long sigh wheezed past Nightmare Moon's lips. And she spoke forlornly to me. "I...hope I will. I know that...we cannot truly be together. But...I will try. I hope I will come to love your children as if they were my own. If I am yours, then surely they will be mine as well?"

            She had such a strong heart beating within her chest. A heart that wanted to love and be loved. And I loved her. I loved her enough to... My mind ventured to a forbidden place. Something I knew I could not have. No matter how dearly I desired it. And when Nightmare Moon's gaze met mine, she noticed something was amiss. "Whatever is wrong, my love?"

            It would be wrong to tell her. I should not. My gaze wandered as I said in longing, "I can't say it... I shouldn't."

            "James. My love. My guiding light." Nightmare Moon said lovingly yet firmly. She lowered her gaze to have her beautiful eyes right before mine. And she then gently demanded, "Tell me."

            And so I did. I took a deep breath, steeled my nerves, and spoke what was in my heart. "Do you think...we would ever...be able to have little ones of our own?"

            Nightmare Moon's eyes did not widen as much as I expected. But they did display a certain surprise. And her eyes too averted their gaze from my own. She did not speak at first. Her mind was surely carefully considering the best possible response. But when she did finally whisper to me... What a beautiful thing to say. "James... I... My love... I... It would...be an honor if... One of my deepest wishes...would be to bless you with a darling prince. If only I could be your queen..."

            Tears began to flow. A steady trickle of glistening fluid from the corners of her beautiful eyes. My fingers gently brushed one tear away as I whispered, "My angel of the night... You would give me that honor?"

            "Yes... By the stars, yes... I would gladly carry your heir... Bless you with a darling son. A prince for us to love... But...we could never... We would have..." She was so very conflicted. Nightmare Moon's heart knew what it wanted. And what it wanted was such a beautiful thing. But trying to achieve it would mean defying who she was as a person. It was just so cruel. We were so very in love... And it was a love that could not be without dire consequence.

            It was a love that virtually no one knew of. But at least one did. The majestic King Orbash. Her own father. He knew of our love. And he had given us his blessings. He was most likely even keeping his knowledge of that hidden romance from his own wife. And...he would most likely be overjoyed if his black sheep of a daughter provided him with a grandchild. And as I pondered this, I quickly devised a question to distract my beloved from the dilemma in her heart. "Nightmare Moon... If we did... Would they be nightmares? Like you?"

            It was a welcome distraction. Nightmare Moon's eyes displayed confused contemplation before she closed them. "They... Yes. Most definitely. Our children...would be children of the night. Nightmares. Like me. I have no reason to doubt they would be."

            Nightmare foals... Born, not created. I whispered to her, "But...a nightmare child has never been born before. The only nightmares that have ever existed were the product of some kind of curse, right?"

            "That...is true. We still have not determined the source of my creation either. And it is not like it has been a priority for us to investigate lately..." Nightmare Moon whispered as she started to look more curious than troubled. She then asked, "But...why do you ask, my love?"

            "That means... Our children would be the first of their kind. We...would be mother and father to an entirely new species." I whispered as a quiet excitement filled my heart. To be a father to such foals... Of nightmare foals. The very first of their kind to ever be born. They would surely be just as magnificent as their mother. Nightmare Moon's eyes widened as she understood where I was coming from. And she surely could see the hope blooming in my eyes. I rested my hand on her hoof and said, "I would be honored if you would let me be the father of this world's first generation of nightmare children."

            "James... I... Heavens, I can see it in your eyes. You...truly want this. Is the desire to be a father to children of Equestria truly something that burns so vibrantly in your heart?" My beloved asked while I actually felt a twinge of embarrassment. And I weakly fidgeted in her embrace. It must be so odd for a man to voice a desire to become a parent to children. Let alone to so many. But I loved my little Gladesong. And if I could become a father to the children of all my beloveds... Could there be any greater joy?

            I tried to reign in my heart. Tried to think logically. I found the will to meet my beloved's gaze and asked, "Wait... Would that be dangerous? Would a nightmare child... One that was born instead of being created... Would they be...a threat to this world?"

            Nightmare Moon closed her eyes in deep thought. It was a profound thing to consider when given the grim history of the only known nightmare who had ever existed. She soon began to speak to me, "I was born from a curse cast upon Luna. And for a time, Luna and I were the same. I was Luna. The darkest part of her. A part born of her resentment and desire to be accepted and appreciated by her people. Very negative traits... But understandable traits. The emotions and desires that curse took hold of were justified. She was unjustly trapped in Celestia's shadow for too long for reasons out of her control. I was born from that negativity. From that desire to be appreciated."

            "You were. And I always knew that. Even if the origins of the curse were evil... You were not. That's why I had to save you." I whispered to the Princess of Dreams as my grasp on her hoof tightened. That was something that should never be forgotten about her. And I could only hope the history books would get that right.

            "Yes... And I thank you for that, my love. But...a nightmare child... Not one created from a curse... A child born from the love of their mother and father..." Nightmare Moon muttered in contemplation. But at last, her eyes then opened. And I saw the faintest hopeful smile form on her lips. "No... No, I cannot imagine such a child would be one of evil. Even as a child of the night, I am certain that even nightmare children born through natural means would be just as pure as any other child at the moment of their birth. Our children... Our heirs... They would be precious royal angels, same as Celestia's. I mean...when the two of you do finally get around to that."

            That little quip at the end got a chuckle out of me. I really hope Celestia and I will not be kept waiting too long for the day when we can finally start a family. But my heart was then filled with excitement at such a prospect. To become a father to nightmare foals... To an entire new species of magical ponies... It was such a primal desire. But a desire also born from the heart. With one hand holding Nightmare Moon's hoof, my other slid down her underside and soon caressed her slender belly. Such a majestic and sleek form that was only accentuated by her gorgeous black coat. At my touch, my beloved shuddered as my hand caressed her over her precious womb. "James... I..."

            I bowed my head. My brow rested against my beloved's neck as I whispered what was in my heart. "I love you. And I want to be the father of our nightmare children."

            Nightmare Moon did not speak. She inhaled sharply through her teeth as I think I heard the faintest sob. Tears were surely flowing again. But she soon composed herself and tucked my head under hers before whispering lovingly to me. "I know... And I would be honored to be the mother of yours. I know that...my heart would never allow us to...be together... I love you so...yet I just...cannot accept being with you while you have them. But...maybe... Just maybe..."

            I felt her lips right beside my ear. And only then did Nightmare Moon whisper very quietly to me. "Perhaps...an opportunity may arise. Perhaps fate will smile upon us. If fate permits it... Then maybe... Maybe...we may conspire to bring this world's first nightmare child into existence. I can make no promises, but... Who can say? This world is no stranger to miracles after all."

            It would be foolish to try and compromise with Nightmare Moon any further. We were so dearly in love. Even if her heart would not allow us to truly be together. But our love was true. A love so strong that we even shared a desire to take all that love and use it to create a new little life for us both to adore. But would it ever happen? Not being able to truly be together, yet...find a way for us to bring such an angel of the night into this world? It was a question that we were better off not contemplating too deeply. For at that moment, we only had each other. And that was enough.

            We cradled each other as our lips touched. Tender soothing caresses with our lips placing kiss after kiss upon each other. And that was enough. I was hers and she was mine. No matter what, Nightmare Moon was my queen. And I would always love her, even if it had to be from afar. My angel of the night. A mare I wish I understood my love for sooner. After another brief moment of our lips touching, I whispered with my eyes closed. "I love you... Always."

            "And I love you. Forever." The Princess of Dreams whispered back with her elegant wing curling itself over me. I was held against her beautiful body with my fingers gliding over her chest. So elegant and feminine, not at all the demon the history books believed she was. She may have been born of evil magic, but she was a mare all the same. A woman. And I was honored to be hers and for her to be mine. And she whispered to those thoughts in my head. "Ah... If only I could place a crown upon your head... You would make a fine king, my love. I can only hope I would be worthy of being a queen at your side."

            "You would be. Especially when considering who you take after." I replied with a hint of wit in my voice. Despite her affiliation with the night, Nightmare Moon shared blatant similarities with another royal mare who was as fiery and radiant as her own sun. "You have so much in common with your mother. You've taken drastic measures to protect your people. Made difficult decisions when needed... If anyone in the royal family is worthy of being crowned as queen, it's you."

            A harsh sigh of disbelief reached my ears. It must have been so surreal for her to be compared to a powerful mare who was and was not like her at all. Nightmare Moon giggled with her head tucking mine under her jaw, "You flatter me, my love. What a scandal it would be if I, the dreaded Mare in the Moon, were to rise to the throne as queen before everyone's beloved Princess Celestia. Oh, I can already imagine her stewing in frustration."

            "I will admit... She does have some problems to work out before she could ever qualify for that..." I replied as I contemplated recent events. And the act of learning things I was probably not meant to know. While Nightmare Moon had never given me reason to doubt her, Celestia had. And I hoped my doubts would be fruitless in the end.

            Nightmare Moon detected the concern in my voice. And she whispered softly to me with her body clinging to me. "Please do not doubt my sister now, my love. For she already doubts herself enough. Luna and I are staying vigilant in monitoring her. For there is too much at stake. If she is about to make a dire mistake, we will intervene. Celestia loves you. And I believe her love for you may aid her in making the right choices when they come."

            "I hope so... I love her, but... God, I hope she doesn't what I think she will. Celestia's better than that." I tried to not think about what I learned out there on the Empty Plains. And from Celestia's own former student, no less. Whatever became of Sunset Shimmer anyway? A question I doubt even the royal family had an answer for. But when considering what Twilight Sparkle became after Sunset Shimmer was cast out... "She's better than she thinks she is. She doesn't need a replacement."

            Nightmare Moon then delivered a cheeky sting that I did not anticipate. Certainly not from her. "In that case... If she is so concerned over finding someone to replace her on the throne, why not give her an heir just for that?"

            My word, if only Celestia was present to hear that... Perhaps that would be the best way to go about things. But would our child be worthy of the throne? The crown is a heavy thing to bear... But that jab did get a chuckle out of me. "You know what? Maybe I should. Oh, who am I kidding... I most likely will. Someday..."

            "You will, my dear. One day. I assure you that she does long to have you at her side as her king. And to be the mother of your heirs. Bless her with a prince or princess and I assure you she will have no reason to seek to pass off the crown to one who is far from qualified for the role in the long term." Nightmare Moon replied with a tender tone. And for as lovely a concept that was... I hated how it sounded like political scheming. As if we were merely viewing my future child as a pawn in some sort of plot.

            I would not stand for it. I love Celestia. And I dear hope she and I will be blessed with wonderful foals to love and raise. But to have them...just for the sake of replacing her on the throne... No. Absolutely not. "Can we...not talk about things like that? Sure, they would be our heirs. But they would first and foremost be our children. Our sons and daughters. They're not supposed to be tools for the kingdom... I want them to grow up happy. And to only take the throne if that's what they want. What they're ready for."

            Nightmare Moon quickly understood where I was coming from and tightened her embrace around me. Wings and legs encompassing me, the Princess of Dreams spoke apologetically. "Ah... Forgive me. I meant no such pretentiousness. Yes, you are right. Your little ones are your children and not some cog in Equestria's government. Mother and Father raised my sisters as their children. Not as heirs to the crown. They only came into those roles as circumstances demanded of them. And they just happened to excel at the roles they had taken. I would want nothing more for your royal children to be given the same treatment as their mothers received."

            When considering how Sunflare and Orbash would no doubt be present in my children's lives... Perhaps no such risk would be a factor. My children's royal grandparents would be quick to advise their daughters on how to raise their little ones without imposing such unreasonable expectations on them. I sighed in relief and said with my eyes closed, "Your parents really are amazing... With them serving as royal advisors, I'm sure that advisory role will extend to more than just diplomatic matters."

            "Mhmhmhm, very true. If nothing else, have faith in them. They would not return as a permanent fixture in the royal family on a whim." Nightmare Moon chuckled before nuzzling the top of my head. And when I lifted my face to gaze into her eyes, she eagerly brought her lips to mine for another kiss. The Princess of Dreams whispered to me with those beautiful exotic eyes gazing into mine, "Even if you and I cannot truly belong to each other, I wish nothing but the best for your children. Whether they be heirs to the crown or mere commoners, they all deserve to grow up happy and loved. Be good to your little ones, my love."

            "I will. I want them all to find happiness in Equestria like I did." I whispered back to my angel of the night. We embraced again. And we rested there with few words being spoken. What a dizzying concept to comprehend. Would I truly be the father of so many royal children? And from how many royal lineages? I pray there will be no power struggles or rivalries between my children. No ridiculous conniving politics at play. That is not how Equestria operates. Certainly not with all governments answering to the royal family of Equestria. Their wisdom has guided this world for ages. As it should be. But as I tried to push those thoughts out of my mind, I focused only on the one person in my arms. "I love you."

            "And I love you, my dear James. My guiding light." My queen of the night replied softly. Our lips met again for another series of kisses. Until finally Nightmare Moon brought up the unfortunate truth we could only ignore for so long. "Now then... Do you suppose we should return to the shoreline? It's only a matter of time before someone comes looking for us."

            As much as I wanted to stay there a while longer in my beloved's embrace, there was no denying that the two of us slipping away behind closed doors the way we did must have appeared suspicious to anyone who knew us. We tried to be discreet, but who knows if anyone saw us? Our love was something only the select few could know about. I could not even tell Fluttershy about it... With a sigh, I buried my face into the crook of my beloved's neck. "Yeah... We should. But I enjoyed our time together."

            "And we will find more moments to share with each other, my love. This is enough... These moments make it all worth it. No matter what... Know that I am always yours, my love. My king without a crown." Nightmare Moon spoke most lovingly to me. And I never wanted to betray that love. Just taking things one day at a time. Living in the moment. That was enough for us.

            Nightmare Moon made her exit with a use of the teleportation spell. Probably as a means of transporting herself to her own chambers to emerge from alone. A little deception to throw off anyone who might have wondered where we had gone to. I decided to wait there upon the bed for another five minutes to allow Nightmare Moon to put some distance between us. And as I just lied there while gazing at the ceiling, I thought of her. And Celestia. And...Ember. Rain Shine. And Novo...

            Five beautiful royal women. All carrying a crown of sorts. All five I was dearly in love with. And each were equally in love with me. And all five...had voiced a desire to bless me with a family. It was a reckless thought. A genuine yet hasty desire. The father in me could not stop fanaticizing about the precious royal children that would surely be born from their royal mothers. A hippogriff prince. Royal alicorn foals. Beautiful kirin sisters. Darling dragon lordlings. I even found myself crossing my arms over my chest with my eyes closed. Hoping to feel something... Someone small in my embrace.

            I had known the joy of becoming a father. And how dearly I wanted to experience that again. Many times over, if fate would allow it. I sighed harshly to myself as my eyes opened to reveal that I was alone. "What is wrong with me...?"

            At some point or another, I had discussed the possibility of having children with my five royal beloveds. All in just the first few days of our vacation. But to discuss something so heavy... And for them to all voice a desire for that in some way... Even Ember, who could not speak her heart's true desires without consequence, voiced a heartfelt desire to make me a father of dragon children. Why were we all so open to such a profound and heavy concept? Was there something in the air? In the water? No, we should not dabble in conspiracy theories...

            I eventually wandered out of my room and started to make my way down the hall to the lobby. And I saw a family or two of vacationing ponies. The mothers and fathers with their little ones excited to get back to having fun in an unfamiliar tropical land. I saw one such filly prancing after her parents... I immediately thought of my beloved wife back in Ponyville. And our two precious daughters. One, an unfortunate soul who came under my care. First as a little friend, and then as my own adopted daughter. The other, a beautiful little filly born from Fluttershy and I. A child who contained the blood of a human father. My little Gladesong... The first of many. At that moment, I missed her dearly. I felt compelled to scoop that little filly into my arms and whisper sweet loving words to her. To remind her of just how much her father loved her. I missed my little girl. I missed my wife. With a sigh, I closed my eyes and hurried out the door.

            I did not return to my party's designated pleasure area. I went straight for the beach and snatched up a towel and large beach umbrella they had lined up in rows along the walkway. There was no desire for company or conversation in me at the time. I just wanted to relax and be alone with my very confused thoughts. I found a spot out on the beach in spite of everyone around me, set up my parasol and spread out my towel, and just lied down in my own personal shade.

            My mind would not stop wandering. It kept going back to the wonderful royal women nearby who my heart desired. Women who had joyously found love with me. And I just could not stop thinking about them. And of our future together. And most importantly, the new little lives we would bring into the world together. How many would be sons? How many would be daughters? But they would all be heirs to their thrones. Champions of their people's futures. My heart swelled. What amazing people our children would surely be.

            And there I went again. As soon as I began to ponder the wonderful future of my beloveds, my mind immediately began to wonder about the family that would be born from it. I turned my head to the side as I chastised myself for not restraining my heart's desires. I tried to distract myself by just watching the many vacationers around me. Seeing if there was anyone in the crowd I might recognize. There were none, but I was still reminded of what I was trying to not think about. There were many friends and couples out there. And there were families. Mothers, fathers, and little foals prancing about eager to go do one thing or another with their parents following along. Even out there, children were a constant. And my thoughts immediately went back to my daughters back home. Should I have brought Gladesong along too? Novo would have been over the moon to see her again and probably would have volunteered to be her babysitter during the whole vacation. Scootaloo might have been a harder sell since she surely would have tried to convince everyone to let her two best friends come...

            I sighed to myself in annoyance. I was there to have a good time and I was still thinking about the family I had left behind back home. Even if only temporarily. I should have been savoring an opportunity to get my mind off of the usual routine back home, yet I was longing for my children. And even for the little ones that had not yet come to exist. And as my eyes wandered, I suddenly saw her in the crowd. A mare I did not know, but a mare that drew my eyes to her. The slower tread of her pace. And when she turned further away from the ocean, I saw how wide she was. Her belly hanging low as well and pushed out to the sides. She was with child. A very heavily pregnant mare who was being doted on by her loving husband. They were very much in love and were surely enjoying the last few weeks before their firstborn would enter their lives. I was reminded of my honeymoon with Fluttershy not so long ago. When she was just as gloriously gravid with Gladesong nestled in her womb. The joy we felt, just the two of us. So in love as husband and wife. And as mother and father anticipating the imminent arrival of our first child...

            What was wrong with me? Why was my heart obsessing over my beloveds and what our future held? Was being in a place with nothing to do but relax and savor such respite allowing my aimless mind to focus on what my heart desired most? I turned my gaze straight up at the umbrella's underside. And for a short while, I just stared with my arms tucked under my head. Trying to not think of anything at all. At least until someone stuck their head under the umbrella to smile down at me. "Hey there, honey. Napping on the beach?"

            Novo had returned from the sea. And she was still dripping with seawater. Seeing my beautiful beloved gazing down at me instantly soothed my heart to some extent. Easily one of the most admirable women I have ever known, Novo had a way of making me happy just by being there. I replied with a question of my own, "Had your fill of the surf already?"

            "I have, but my girl's still out there with her friends. I think she's taken a little too well to the ocean lately." Novo replied as she set herself down on the sand beside my towel. But I must not have been hiding my inner thoughts as well as I suspected. Novo's warm soulful smile began to fade as she gazed right into my eyes. "James? You all right, honey? Those...aren't very happy eyes you've got right now."

            Very insightful of her... Millennia of experience must have taught her how to read people in ways mortals would never know. And for once, I did not know how to answer. I averted my eyes, but Novo responded appropriately. She gently placed her hand over my heart and said, "Tell me, honey. I'll listen."

            I let out a long sigh. It was something I should not hide from her. She was part of the problem after all. My eyes met hers again as I said, "It's just... My mind keeps going places it shouldn't. I should be focusing on having a good time out here. But...I can't help myself. I can't stop...thinking about them... About you. And...about what might come later."

            Novo cast me a confused smile when I mentioned her. "About them...and me? What's wrong? You so lovesick that you miss us that bad when we're not around?"

            "I...don't mean it like that. I mean...I can't stop thinking about our future. And...about who will come into our lives eventually..." I tried to explain as I gazed listlessly up at the parasol above us. Another sigh escaped my nostrils. How would I explain it? "You... Them... I just... I keep finding myself longing for it. For...what's waiting for us. And...I especially just can't stop thinking about...the children we'll have. I keep wondering what they'll look like. What they'll be like... How much I want to just hold them..."

            "James, that's... I really don't see what the problem is. That's a wonderful thing to think about. Why are you so bothered by that? You know I'm just as onboard with you when it comes to the little baby birds we'll have together. Why so glum about it?" Novo asked with a bit of a perplexed chuckle. Instead of looking concerned, she looked quietly joyous over the topic. She knew she may very well be carrying our first child at that moment, so what was there to not be happy about?

            "Mainly that I just can't stop thinking about it, for one. And... Also because..." I replied while trying to think of my words carefully. How would I explain my distress? I was obsessing over what should have been a wonderful thing that was surely set to happen. But I knew what the dissonance was about. "Because...I shouldn't be romanticizing it like this. It's not as simple as my heart's making it out to be. It's not easy... I know having children to love and raise...is a daunting commitment to have..."

            Novo had no words for me. That quiet joy in her eyes was replaced with shocked surprise. And with her not speaking, I continued. "Fluttershy and I have been very fortunate. The only reason we haven't had to wake up in the middle of the night is because of the many little friends she has living around us. When Gladesong wakes up after dark, they always come to her and help ease her back to sleep. Without them, things with Gladesong would be...much harder. And I've seen what happens when a couple has a child they're far from ready for... Just before I came to this world. My brother screwed up. And I saw what it was like. And...I shouldn't be so eager to..."

            I lost my train of thought. I did not want to ramble. I was trying to temper my desires by reminding myself of the reality surrounding the situation. And Novo... She reached behind my head to take hold of my hand. She clutched it above me as she spoke to me. "You're right, honey. You're right. No matter how beautiful it sounds... No matter how fulfilling it is... Having babies is never all sunshine and rainbows. It will challenge you. Especially on your first time through it. Even for me, it took me some time to find my footing after I had Skystar. And from the sound of it, you and little Fluttershy really got lucky with your first time."

            "So you do understand..." I muttered before turning my head to one side. My eyes closed as I pondered the words of that weathered and wise mother. "Then...what's wrong with me? Why can't I stop thinking so much...and so fondly...of something that will surely be so hard on me when it happens?"

            Novo's hand clutched more firmly at mine. And she had no answer at first. Was she brainstorming? When I finally looked up at her, Novo was in the process of observing her surroundings. And her beak began to display a smile that began to become more confident by the second. "Hmmmm... I think I'm starting to get an idea of why your mind keeps going to that place. This really is the location for it."

            "Location? Wait... You think it's something in the water? Maybe...in the food we've been eating lately?" I asked with confusion and some apprehension. Was there something going on behind the scenes I did not know about? Were the hotel staff spiking our food and drink? No, that would be too ridiculous... But what conclusion had Novo come to?

            That sassy queen began to smirk down at me. And she then asked, "Tell me something first, honey. During your time down here with your lovely little wife, how many times did you make love to her?"

            A brazen question, but one Novo had the right to know. She was no different than Fluttershy by that point. "Every single day. Sometimes more than once. Why?"

            What a giddy smirk on that beak. Novo liked what she was hearing. "Did you ever wonder why you two were so hot for each other? Why your eyes kept drifting to each other during that time?"

            Now I was thoroughly confused. And Novo had quite the answer. "Because you were in love, baby. And the usual distractions that were around you back home weren't there to keep you away from each other. And just look at the situation here. Ember. Celestia. Rain Shine. And yours truly. Four lovely ladies you're so in love with. Here with you in the tropics... It's like we're all on our own little honeymoon with our sweet hubby right here."

            I felt my heart flutter at those words. She was not too far off. While it was meant to be a vacation earned for our services in the War of Preservation, there was a certain...air about us. Novo. Rain Shine. Ember. Celestia. Even my beloved Nightmare Moon. We have...had such difficulty focusing on enjoying the vacation happening around us at times due to being so drawn to each other. And as my mind raced, Novo whispered something unexpected to me. "And don't you know what newlyweds tend to do on their honeymoon?"

            "Um... Get plenty of sleep?" I replied while knowing that the actual wedding tends to be tiring on new couples. Fluttershy and I spent most of the train ride down to Cantercun napping, even during daylight hours. And we had our share of naps by the seaside after arrival.

            Novo got a good snicker out of my response. But she continued to grasp my hand before whispering into my ear. "Good guess. But realistically... Many newlyweds use it as an opportunity to start a family. Just like you did with me..."

            My heart began to race. Both in surprise and overwhelming love. She was right. Novo had arrived in Cantercun while deep in her heat. And we did not miss that opportunity. How we desperately tried for a child... To see to it she would not be returning home without an heir in her womb. But the other wonderful four royal women I loved... Ember. Rain Shine. Celestia. Even Nightmare Moon. We had all whispered lovely things to each other about the topic. About blessing each other with the children that would serve as the foundations of our family... I was just as happy to whisper those words to them as they were to me. But was that why? Because of the time and place? Was there just something about living the simple life in an idyllic tropical seaside paradise that drew our attention...to simpler desires? The desire to love... To be loved... And to breed. To let our love for each other overflow and bring new little lives into this wonderful world of Equestria?

            Novo took advantage of my wandering mind to kiss me right on the lips. Regardless of who might have been watching. And she then dropped something I could not have seen coming. All while giving me such a soulful smirk. "And to be honest with you, honey... I've got a hunch you're not the only man in our entourage who's been in a baby-making mood lately."

            "Wha...?" I stammered as I tried to process that statement. There was another? A couple amongst us who were likely using the opportunity to conceive a child together? Who was it? Did Orbash and Sunflare have plans? No, very unlikely... But what about... Shining Armor and Cadence? Had they finally decided now was the time to try for their first foal? And that is assuming Cadence had recovered from the trauma of those weird nightmares she has been experiencing... Or... Wait!

            I remembered just the previous night. While I was on my way back into the hotel for the night, I saw Sky Beak and Ocean Flow on their way out to the beach. While displaying amorous intent towards each other even with Ocean Flow wearing one of those seapony necklaces. Was my very own papa bird and his wife really sneaking away so they create one more child to love and raise together? To conceive a foal as a stallion of the sky and a mare of the sea? What a poetic concept... But...they had never spoken of it to me. Or to Silverstream and Terramar. And what a strange coincidence, my own Equestrian father trying for one more child with his wife even while I am trying to have children of my own with my beloveds... I then looked up at Novo and asked, "I don't suppose you know who they might be."

            "Not so fast, honey. I'm not about to spread gossip about our companions here. I don't even know if it took. But it probably did. You know what they say about stallions and their virility." Novo said with a smirk as I tried to not let my mind wander to that topic. Not just because it was an indecent thing to picture, but I also did not want to feel inadequate amongst my equine male peers. Although Novo then kissed me on the brow and whispered, "But besides that, honey... I'm just saying there's something about this place... Living the good life and the simple life here in the lively tropics... It tends to bring familial instincts to the surface. And there's nothing simpler than just listening to your heart and making babies with your beloveds. Am I right?"

            "Very right. Probably the simplest desire one could have. At least when it comes to those driven by love." I replied as I felt my heart starting to relax. Maybe I really had been overthinking things. It was still early in our time down there in Cantercun. Maybe the rest of my mind had not yet settled into a proper vacation mode yet. I sighed and closed my eyes for a moment. "I guess...the desire to become a father just comes naturally in these environments."

            "And you are going to be a wonderful father, my love." Novo whispered lovingly to me as I felt her hand more tenderly grasp my hand. That wonderful queen spoke softly to me, "The fact that you keep thinking about it... Having beautiful little babies with your lovely ladies despite the challenges it'll bring... I think that says you'll really excel at being a daddy in the end. So don't worry too much if your mind keeps going there, honey. It's just what your heart wants. And it's what we want too. We're all family here, baby. Aren't we?"

            "Yeah... You really are. I guess I still have a lot to learn. No sense worrying too much if we're not even there yet, I guess." I muttered while trying to just get my mind off of my heart's deepest desires. But if that vacation was truly akin to a honeymoon with my royal beloveds, then I would have to do my part for the rest of our time there. And with a yawn, I then asked, "Well then... I think daddy here needs a nap. Just to reset my thoughts and...enjoy being away from the kids for a while."

            "I should say so, honey. Mind if I join you?" Novo replied before she reached under my head. She went to work and scooping some of the beach's sand into a pile under my towel. Just a means to set up a soft mound under it to serve as a pillow. And I found it quite comfortable when I set my head down. Novo draped her wing over me and I was pleased to find how soothingly cool it felt while still wet with seawater. I got comfortable very quickly and started to drift off to sleep in the shade. "Sweet dreams, baby. Mama will be right here for daddy when he wakes up."

            I slept very well under Novo's wet and cooling wing. My dreams we pleasant and I felt pretty good when I woke up. But I did not awaken on my own terms. Instead of coming out of my nap organically, I awoke due to a certain...fluffiness nuzzling up against my face. Fluffy...feathers. And when I groggily opened my eyes, I found something of bright pink in my face. "Did you sleep well?"

            Silverstream had come to find me. And she was being very quiet about it too. Novo still had her big wet wing draped over me, but it had become much drier by then. And she still reeked of the salty sea. The beautiful hippogriff queen continued to snore softly beside me with no response to my young friend's presence. I whispered softly to Silverstream, "What's up? Someone looking for me?"

            "Nah. Skystar and Terramar wanted to go for a walk up north and wanted to know if you wanted to come along. Just to see what's out there. You up for it?" Silverstream replied excitedly while trying to keep her voice down for Novo's sake. Maybe even someone as silly and young as her knew that the queen of her people needed as much rest as she could get.

            My sleepy mind took a moment to process that mention. A stroll along the beach... To the north where there was no civilization. Seaspray would surely insist that one of his guards accompany us just to keep Princess Skystar safe. And I knew of someone who also voiced a desire to take one such stroll with me that day. One who would be a force to be reckoned with if we were harassed by any threats. "Mind if we also have Rain Shine come along? She's been wanting to take a long walk up the beach too."

            "The kirin queen? Wow, sure! I'll go let them know you're coming, all right?" Silverstream replied before quickly standing up and trotting off. Even when excited, she still kept her voice down. I took one look back at Novo beside me and carefully slipped out from under her wing. She did not even stir. And with one little kiss on her head, I headed off back to our designated area to meet up with everyone. I could use a walk to wake myself up anyway.

            I found Silverstream with her brother and Skystar just outside the perimeter of the VIP area our entourage were using. And sure enough, Seaspray was standing before them with Skystar apparently having an argument with him. "Come on, admiral! It's just a little stroll on the beach! It's not like we'll be going that far."

            Seaspray was not having it. He stood his ground and said firmly, "Your highness, if anything were to happen to you under my watch, your mother would have my head on a pike! If you are to wander outside the resort area, you must be under escort. No exceptions. Now then, who shall I assign to watch over you? You can decide."

            Skystar scowled in annoyance with her coat of feathers puffing up in frustration. Silverstream and Terramar had nothing to say over the situation due to their lack of authority, but they did take a step away from their fluffy friend. I then stepped forward and asked, "You sure they really need an escort? I could keep an eye on them. Just give me a spear to carry and I should be good."

            Rather than be elated at me volunteering, Seaspray only recoiled with horror. "What?! Oh no no no! Certainly not you, my liege! Do not forget that you are our king-in-waiting! If you're going to be with them, I shall have to double the guard! If anything happens to you under my watch, her majesty will personally strangle me! And then put my head on a pike!"

            That Seaspray and his unwavering devotion and loyalty... I had momentarily forgotten that he had completely accepted me as Novo's future king. And all the protocol that came with it. "Yeah, and I believe she would... Well, if we really need some extra security..."

            "Gentlemen? If I may?" Just the person I was thinking of strode our way. Rain Shine stood before us with a serene smile on her lips. "I sensed some tension in the air over here. Is something amiss?"

            "Ah, Miss Rain Shine! I was simply trying to make clear that the royal family of Capricorn Island requires an armed escort if they are to venture into less civilized sections of an unfamiliar land. Our princess here wishes to wander about for a bit, but I must assign some of our men to watch over her and her little friends here." Seaspray explained with his usual flair. Always a joy listening to that stallion talk.

            I cast a smirk at Rain Shine while she noticed and wiggled her eyebrows at me. The mighty kirin queen then said, "Allow me then. I shall watch over your princess. And if any danger draws near, I will know."

            Seaspray's eyes widened while he sputtered a bit in uncertainty. Although his brow then furrowed as he pondered her words. I stepped over to him and said softly, "You've seen what she can do on the battlefield, admiral. We'll be in good company with her."

            "You would know, wouldn't you? The two of you served together after all." Seaspray retorted before letting out a sigh of relief. He then turned to our volunteer and said, "Very well then, Miss Rain Shine. I hereby entrust these four to you. Please do keep them safe."

            Skystar immediately relaxed with her friends also perking up in excitement. Now that we had been cleared, the five of us immediately began to head north through the crowded beach to reach quieter land. Terramar then spoke as I had to jog to keep up with the quick trotting of my companions. "Come to think of it, how does a kirin fight? You have some special magic to protect us with?"

            "Mother earth herself will answer my call, friends. For nature is a mighty force." Rain Shine replied cryptically while looking quite amused with our companion's curiosity. But they did not pursue the topic further. We were there to have fun and not to talk about acts of violence.

            Skystar found a twist in the topic when she asked, "Say, you and James served together in that war a little while ago, right? How'd that go?"

            I decided to provide an answer. "Us? Rain Shine and I served alongside Ember. We were a three-man unit."

            "Ember too? The dragon queen? Wow, you guys must've looked amazing out there!" Silverstream chirped while I was unsure of how to describe our tactics. Basically drawing the enemy's attention before holding them back with walls of roots and striking from between the gaps? It does not sound very thrilling on paper.

            Bit by bit, we ventured north. And the further we went, the fewer people we saw. Until there was nothing but a stretch of empty beach to the north, the vast ocean to our right, and a tropical forest to our left. And it was there that the three hippogriffs in our company took off. Rushing across the empty quiet beach and savoring having the whole place to themselves. Or to go diving into the sea and putting their seapony necklaces to good use. It was total freedom for them out there. There were not even any local seaponies swimming in the shallows. The splashing of the water, the sun glistening off of their shimmering fins... I scoffed at myself and grumbled aloud, "Why do hippogriffs have to be so gorgeous no matter what they look like?"

            Rain Shine cast me an amused smirk. And I did not like that look she was giving me. "My dear... Your spirit quivers. Flustered, are we? Whatever is the matter?"

            I grimaced at the kirin queen's insight. She was not wrong. I was basically seeing the mermaid equivalent of those beautiful bird horses. Terramar was one handsome boy, Silverstream was more beautiful than she had any right to be, and Skystar... Well, it seemed that beauty really does run in her family after all. I hunched over and groaned, "Can't help it, Rain. There's something about maidens of the sea that carry a certain...temptation. Maybe it's just me. Mermaids and all that."

            "No, I... I don't get it, James. And what these mermaids that you speak of?" Rain Shine asked with some genuine curiosity.

            With my attention drifting away from the frolicking seaponies in the shallows, I turned to my beloved. "For one thing, they're not modest. Or at least that's how the myths go. They're entirely fictional in my world. A fish body from the waist down and a human woman's body from the waist up. Always naked and with a reputation for tempting sailors. I don't think I need to explain more, do I?"

            What a crooked smile Rain Shine suddenly displayed. She snickered to herself and said, "Oh dear... I certainly see where you're coming from. I'm well aware of female human modesty. Our female human visitors were hesitant to disrobe their upper bodies around men. I can see where you're coming from."

            I then looked back out at the sea as I saw Silverstream before an impressive and enthusiastic leap from the waves before diving back in. And then Skystar did the same, who was easily the most beautiful of the three of them. Her seapony form even had bits of color and features that could not have translated to her hippogriff form. Those vibrant reds... But being a mare born from someone are ridiculously beautiful as Novo, it was no wonder she had the potential to be so gorgeous as well. "Ugh... I don't appreciate these thoughts wandering into my head. I mean I get they don't have the...assets that mermaids are known for, but..."

            "It sounds like you could use a distraction, my love. Come with me. Over here. Let us be...alone." Rain Shine cooed into my ear in a manner that sent a shiver down my spine. But I then looked out at the three frolicking seaponies. Rain Shine was supposed to be keeping them safe from any possible danger. She must have sensed my concern since she then whispered, "Do not worry about them. While I cannot hear anything above the submerged sands, I do not sense any miasmas of malevolence nearby. No stalking predators in the shallows. They will be well so long as they do not venture far without us."

            With my concerns answered for the moment, I began to sneak away with Rain Shine into the forest nearby. I had to be mindful of my feet since I was not even wearing sandals, but Rain Shine solved that problem by wrapping my feet in intertwining leaves. Almost like thick socks summoned from the soil. The sounds of that tropical forest filled the air. Especially the sounds of exotic bird calls I never hear anywhere else. Although I was surprised to see flocks of butterflies fluttering through the rays of the sun shining through the canopy. And they were species I would normally see around Ponyville. "These butterflies must be migrating."

            "Such hearty insects. So delicate, yet their wings carry them so far every year." Rain Shine said as she remained still in a the middle of a tiny clearing. I did not notice she had stopped at first. When I looked back, I saw that elegant kirin queen being surrounded by colorful butterflies. Almost like something out of a fairytale. I was awestruck as I beheld just how comfortable they were around her. One even perched atop her horn. Rain Shine soon noticed my lingering gaze and smiled at me. "Many insects harbor an intimate connection to the world's flora. And they too sense the kirin's connection to nature. They are very at home around us."

            I began to wonder if the insects of Equestria were so comfortable around other creatures. But when I drew near... Well, I would not say the butterflies fled, but they did scatter a bit and began to once again flutter around us to keep some distance. I smiled in some bitterness before saying, "They don't trust humans, huh? Understandable."

            "Oh, do not be that way, my love." Rain Shine whispered to me before sneaking a kiss onto my cheek. She then whispered to me, "It is natural to be wary of creatures much larger than yourself. Surely you felt the same when you stood before Ember's parents, yes?"

            I snorted as a grimace spread across my lips. "You know what? That's a good point. I guess it's just a natural instinct to be worried around something that can squish you under its finger. Even if they don't want to hurt you, they could so easily."

            We continued to observe the fluttering swarm of butterflies around us before another perched atop Rain Shine's horn again. The vibrant yellow and black wings as well as its remarkable size told me that this one was a tiger swallowtail butterfly. My beloved glanced up at the butterfly before glancing at me. She then smirked a bit before the runes on her horn began to glow. Nothing appeared to be happening though. But she still said to me, "Go on, my dear. Beckon this little one to you."

            Was Rain Shine communicating with butterfly somehow? Unsure of how to interact with our little guest, I tried bringing a single finger up to it. Before I could even reach Rain Shine's horn, the butterfly quickly fluttered over to my hand and perched gingerly upon my finger. I could not recall the last time such a delicate insect trusted me enough to let me hold it. I was tempted to caress it. But when I did try to stroke my finger down the middle of its body, the butterfly reacted in a strange way. Upon touching it, the butterflies wings rose and held my finger between them. What was that response? A sign of comfort? Did it not like my touch? I snickered as the butterfly held my finger firmly between its wings and said, "Kind of a shame that no one really knows how to talk to bugs... Not these kinds, at least."

            Bug... That term triggered an unexpected memory in me. And from not so long ago. Rain Shine sensed my spirit waver and asked, "James...? I sense a...subtle sorrow in you. What's wrong?"

            I felt foolish to let my memories over something so inconsequential sour my mood. But that night... What a vivid experience. I let out a long sigh and pulled my finger away from the butterfly. "It's nothing... Just... Dreams can be strange things, you know? And I tend to have very strange dreams now and then. It's amazing what your mind can cook up for you when your imagination runs wild with recent events."

            Rain Shine smiled broadly at me as she sound tempted to chuckle. "Oh? I see then. And when considering the company you keep with Luna and Nightmare Moon, I assume they visit you often. What tends to happen when they arrive?"

            "As much as I hope we never have to deal with another major crisis, they often use these...uh...shared dreams as a means to train me and sharpen my skills in combat. Usually against fictional opponents from my memories." I explained before looking down at the butterfly on my finger. It gently raised and lowered its colorful wings sporadically. I sighed before saying, "Some are more fulfilling than others. I can't say I don't get a certain thrill out of most of them. But others have been...harrowing."

            The kirin queen beside me stepped forward and brought her lips to my cheek. And she whispered  softly to me, "Then please, my love. Come to me tonight. Be by my side and I will see to it that you will awaken in the presence of my aura. Let mine comfort you as yours soothes me. Please? I wish to be there for you should you dreams betray you."

            I was about to say yes, but I then recalled a certain detail regarding Rain Shine's bunking arrangements. "Hang on... Aren't you sharing a room with Ember?"

            "Mhmhmhm, I am. That means you will be watched over by a dragon of the east and west. And you would not refuse an evening with your blue rose, would you?" Rain Shine chuckled as that butterfly on my finger finally took to the air again. I had to wonder what Ember was up to at that moment. Our interactions with each other had been very minor that day. But that term... Rain Shine was very aware of Ember's love for me and mine for her. Ember had witnessed Rain Shine and I make love to each other for the first time after all. The kirin queen then giggled as she then whispered, "Ah, your heart swells within you. Are you longing for your dragon queen?"

            Then was no hiding my heart from a kirin. Rain Shine especially possessed wisdom beyond all mortals. I snickered under my breath before saying, "Rain, you know how madly in love I am with that wonderful woman. Yes, I'm longing for her. Just...don't tell her how much I want her, OK?"

            That look in her eyes... Rain Shine smirked at me in a manner that made me tempted to back away. "I don't think I need to say anything, my love. For I have heard through the vines that you wish to sire her heirs. And she wishes you bless you with dragon children when the time comes."

            There really is no hiding from a kirin who wishes to listen in. Be it through the earth itself or through structures of wood, they can listen in on anything. I sputtered a bit before feeling my face flush red. "I...hope she's not the one in season right now... I don't know if I'd be able to resist the opportunity."

            My words confused her. Rain Shine titled her head to one side with her eyes widening in curiosity. I noticed her inquisitive gaze and said, "Novo... She told me there's someone with us who's currently...at her most fertile. Someone I love. It's not Ember, is it?"

            Rain Shine's widening eyes displayed surprise, but I doubt she could tell with Ember. I am doubtful reptilian fertility cycles work in the same way as with mammals. She probably was not releasing pheromones at the time. But then... It occurred to me. That beautiful mare before me. A mare of boundless fertility. I gently rested my hand on Rain Shine's shoulder and spoke as that sacred desire began to burn in my heart again. "Is it...you? Are you the one who's ready, love? Is it time?"

            She reacted in a way I seldom see. The serene and graceful Rain Shine began to fluster with such a profound blush forming in her cheeks. Her eyes wandered, her voice giggled, and her words tripped over themselves. "Oh my! You... Goodness, my love! The urge to spread your seed... The need to see new blossoms bloom... It sings to me! But..."

            My beloved quickly composed herself and gazed at me with...a look of almost sorrowful longing. "But no. No, it is not I. As much as I wish it was so, my body is not currently ready to receive...your little ones."

            "Not you? Then...who? Novo said she could tell that one of you was, but...not who. Do you know which of you is...ready?" I asked with some disappointment.

            The answer I received was not the one I was expecting. Rain Shine smiled at me and said, "I am aware that humans do not have as keen a nose as most. But if you must know which of your beloveds is emitting the scent of fertility... It is Celestia."

            Celestia? The Princess of the Dawn herself? But...why? She and I have whispered sweet desires to each other. Voiced the desire for a family together. And just the previous night... We could have. Right there in that hot tub. We could have tried for our first child. So then why... Why did she hide that detail from me? I looked at Rain Shine and said, "But...she never told me about it."

            Rain Shine's eyes widened. "She has not? Whatever for? I have sensed it within her. When the two of you are together... The way your hearts swell in each other's presence... It is not merely love for each other. You desire to be more. To create together. For her to have such love for you, yet not act upon that loving desire... Why indeed. The opportunity is there. And if you miss it, you will have to wait months for the next chance. Why not tell you?"

            I had to ponder that too. Celestia dearly wanted to become my queen. To have our royal courtship sealed by the birth of a royal child. A child we would love. What a wonderful mother she would be... But then why risk missing out on this opportunity? I scowled in confusion before saying, "I'll bring this up with Novo next chance I get. If there's anyone who understands Celestia better than most, it's her."

            Rain Shine seemed to be in agreement. While the Empty Plains had resulted in radio silence between her and the royal family for too long, she still had history with Celestia. Although she then spoke with a rather smug smile, "Although I must say... I'm amused you assumed I was at my most fertile at this time. Because if I was in heat... You would have known. You would...have felt it in your soul."

            "Huh? Wait, you mean I would've been able to... I mean I known human olfactory senses aren't keen enough to pick up on that, but... I'd still know?" I asked in some confusion. I still did not know much about the kirin. And I was about to learn more.

            Rain Shine took a step towards me as she spoke with such a smile on her face. "Yes. Because my very spiritual energies would have alerted yours. If I was ready to receive your child, you would sense in me. You would feel my fertility. My need for you. And how dearly my body and soul would be inviting you to...spread seeds through my fertile fields."

            Enticing... Too enticing. With how Rain Shine took step after step towards me, forcing me to back up... Was she trying to seduce me? Because it was working. But...she was right. I felt nothing unusual about her presence. Nothing...calling out to me in an unusual manner. But Rain Shine then whispered to me almost forlornly, "It is such a shame my body decided this is not the time for it. If I were at my most fertile, I would gladly accept you, my love... I would be honored to have you sire our first daughter here and now."

            That desire was burning in my heart. Oh, my dear Rain Shine... My mind raced as I fanaticized what our beautiful kirin foals would look like. All precious little girls. Prancing little fillies who would fill the Grove of Silence with laughter. And as Rain Shine gently nuzzled her full voluminous mane against the side of my face, she then whispered to me. "But soon... I hope that when the time comes... It will be when you and I are finally back in the home of my people's origin. What a perfect time it would be... If our firstborn would be sired during the lunar new year in the distant lands of the east."

            That day was coming. It had been agreed upon that the royal family would be present for the lunar new year celebrations in the far east. The land from which all kirin originate. If while we are there... That Rain Shine would go into heat... It was perfect. There was no better time and place for us to finally start our family than there. And so I whispered to my beloved, "I hope it will... I love you."

            "And I love you, my dear James." Rain Shine cooed to me before we lost ourselves in our auras. My arms wrapped around her as that majestic more pressed into me. There surrounded by fluttering butterflies, we kissed. Oh, how we kissed. Nosily as our tongues danced. Her voice... So elegantly she moaned for me. My heart was filled with hope for the not so distant future. Just a little longer and we would be blessed...

            For just a small eternity, she was all I saw. All I felt. My beloved kirin queen in my arms as our lips touched and our tongues danced. What a wonderful thing the love between a man and kirin is. It was bliss. There surrounded by nature. But we were not as alone as I suspected. For Rain Shine soon pulled her face away from mine before whispering with a smile. All while her eyes glanced to the right in their corners. "Hm. How in love with you must I be to take leave of my senses enough for one to approach us undetected? How long have you been standing there, your highness?"

            We had been found. With how deeply entranced Rain Shine and I were with each other, we had not noticed Skystar having tracked us down from the east. She was watching us with wide eyes, her beak parted in astonishment. She soon let out a quiet whistle before saying, "Wow... I knew that you were...in a weird relationship, James. But...wow. You two...really are into each other."

            Skystar had caught us in the act. While I am sure she knew something of my unorthodox relationship with my beloveds, she had never actually seen me being sweet on anyone besides her mother. Now she knew exactly what was going on. I gently embraced Rain Shine before saying, "I hope you don't think less of me. There's no lust going on here. Just love. That's how it's always been."

            Rain Shine was quick to interject as well. "I sense...uncertainty in you, your highness. You understand the value of fidelity, yet what you see clashes with all you know. I assure you that there is no deception in this man's heart. No desire to sow his seed for its own sake. The only ones he desires...are those who have found a place in his heart. And the love between a man and kirin...is a most potent love indeed."

            "You really sound sure of yourself. Kirin have a special magic, right? Like they can...sense things in people?" Skystar asked as she stepped into the clearing. There was no sign of Silverstream or Terramar with her, but they would surely come running eventually.

            "Of course. My people are connected to the earth itself. We are in tune with the natural energies of nature. And these energies are found in all that is natural. Including you. We sense the ebb and flow of one's spiritual presence. But when it comes to him..." Rain Shine explained before turning her gaze to me. Her eyes met mine for a moment before her lips touched mine. She showed no shame in our love for each other. her presence was comforting. Any apprehension in me faded in the presence of her love. Rain Shine then turned her gaze to our guest and spoke with a serene smile, "My people have always harbored an intrinsic harmony with humanity. Especially the men..."

            Skystar's eyes widen further at Rain Shine's earnest answer. With no words to share, she could only watch as Rain Shine gazed into my eyes while I smiled back at her. "I am honored to be his. And he is mine. Just as he belongs to the very fortunate women who have found love with him. I pray you understand."

            "I... Um... I mean this is all new to me. It's not normal for hippogriffs to...do what you're doing... But..." Skystar stumbled over her words. She was flustered. I could see the faintest blush shining through her feathers on her face. As a lifelong maiden, she was not accustomed to romance. But she then grinned with wings partially spread, "I'll just...keep watching. I mean Mom really has faith in you, James. And if she thinks this will work, then... I'll believe in you too."

            "Thanks. I know this isn't normal. And there's no easy way to explain how it works. But...I know it is working." I replied before turning my gaze back to Rain Shine. My hand tenderly caressed under her jaw. And with another kiss upon her lips, I said, "It gets a little easier every day. Just need to...keep going. Love you, Rain."

            "And I love you, my dear." Rain Shine replied as we once again indulged in our love for each other despite having an audience. Our embrace and our kisses. In her presence, I really only noticed Rain Shine. Our brows touched as I gazed into those bold and beautiful crimson eyes. "So many miles of empty green. We could have missed each other so easily. But you found us. And then you found me. I feel like...it was fate that brought us together."

            What fortune indeed. I would have passed by that verdant mountain of a hill that contained the Grove of Silence had I not just happened to spot one of its residents out there on the Empty Plains trotting on home. I never would have known the kirin were there. What a twist. Had I arrived sooner, maybe I would not have ever seen that lone mare. If I had not tumbled down that earthen tunnel and twisted my ankle... Had I not been distracted by my untimely encounter with the mystical Mistmane... Timing was everything. Knowing how easily I could have overlooked the Grove of Silence and never known it was there... I leaned harder into my embrace with my arms around my beloved. "I would've been so poorer for it if I never found you..."

            Our words were not being shared with just each other. Skystar heard everything. And the hippogriff princess had questions. "How...did you two first meet? Out on the Empty Plains, right?"

            Rain Shine was all too happy to explain. She turned her head while still in my arms and smiled serenely at our guest. "We met on the winds of pure chance. One of my village's people had just returned from a stroll out on the Empty Plains and this wonderful man happened to notice and followed her. We welcomed him with open arms once we discerned he meant no harm. The Grove of Silence served as his oasis for a night before he departed. And once war found him and we overheard of the growing struggles he and his allies were facing, I took it upon myself to provide assistance. And so I ventured out with blade at my side and joined my beloved on the battlefield."

            I allowed my lover to speak while I slid my hand over her shoulder. Rain Shine then turned her head to gaze at me while continuing to speak to Skystar. "And in the days that followed... We found love. I was so drawn to his presence. As is the nature of a kirin. My heart longed for his. But his heart... Scarred and cautious. His heart had been shattered before. Betrayed by his first love. It longed for mine, but his mind kept it tightly bound in protective chains. But time was kind to us. Eventually, those binds were loosened. And now our hearts mingle leisurely."

            "I'm sorry I kept you waiting, dear. It's just... For love to bloom so easily between man and kirin... It seemed too good to be true. I couldn't let myself believe it at the time. But I do now. I love you, Rain." I said softly while so glad to have finally let go of those doubts. We stood there together and embraced. There was no shame to be had.

            Skystar sighed dreamily as she observed us. The princess of Capricorn Island soon said kindly, "You two are a really good couple. I hope things work out well for you. You both deserve it."

            "You honor us, your highness. And I have faith our hearts are not misguided. I am his and he is mine. Am I not, my love?" Rain Shine replied before turning her attention to me. There was only one answer I could give. Without words, my lips met hers as we kissed most passionately. Tongues dancing, voices humming, there was nothing to hide from our guest. But then... Rain Shine suddenly pulled away from the kiss with her eyes wide in giddy nervousness. "Oh my... Someone very young draws near."

            A pair of voices were calling out from the east. And the rustling of the underbrush revealed their approach. Silverstream and Terramar had left the ocean and were on their way to us. I quickly released Rain Shine from my embrace as we both wisely took a step back from each other. The hippogriff siblings were too young. There was no way of predicting how they would respond to me and Rain Shine being in a relationship. That needed to be kept hidden from them for the moment. When we looked at Skystar, she winked at us with a cheeky grin on her beak. "I didn't see anything."

            Seconds later, hues of pale pink and green emerged from the eastern edge of the clearing. And Silverstream was the first to speak. "There you all are! What's... Ooooooh, so that's why you're over here."

            The two siblings turned their gaze up as rays of sunlight shone through the canopy. The many butterflies that served as witnesses to my love for Rain Shine were still fluttering about above us. Almost as if in some form of dance. I am convinced it was just a mass courtship display. Terramar stepped out into the open with his head titled back to gaze upward. "Wow, you don't see so many butterflies like this back home."

            "They're probably migrating south. It's getting cold up north. I'm guessing Capricorn Island doesn't see many migratory creatures?" I replied while also beholding the spectacle above us. Butterflies just have a certain delicate flair to them. I think only moths can compete with them.

            Skystar shook her head and said, "Nope! Expect maybe for ocean birds that travel far. We sometimes see flocks of terns down the mountain."

            We started to follow the butterflies. Some were coming and going deeper into the forest. And after a short trek, we found what seemed to be drawing them. A large boulder of a rock sat out in another clearing. Covered in patches of moss and even some flowers, it drew attention from a lot of local creatures. Butterflies fluttered about and rested on it. There were even some small lizards scurrying about. Silverstream then asked, "Wanna chill out on there for a bit?"

            The timing could not have been more appropriate. As if to provide and answer, something burst out from a crevasse in that rock. A large spider grabbed a butterfly and dragged it back into its lair. We all recoiled at the sudden ambush and took a step back. The rest of the creatures making their home on that rock paid no mind to that spider snagging itself a meal. A long awkward pause passed before I finally said, "Yeah, about that... Let's not?"

            "Yes... We probably should avoid drawing the attention of unfamiliar beasts. Nature is not always gentle." Rain Shine replied while she even put herself between us and the rock. As if to confirm her claims, another beastly bug came crawling over the rock. A centipede. It even seemed to look at us, but Rain Shine stood her ground. I could feel her aura...exert itself. That centipede was just living in nature. Was she communicating with it? Regardless, it went scurrying off and out of sight.

            "Uh... Who wants to go for another swim? Away from all these bugs." Terramar asked while we all agreed in some form or another. The lot of us quickly headed back east and left the forest for the beach. I wonder how Fluttershy would have reacted to that sight... Nature gets wild in the tropics, I suppose.

            I got those leaf wraps off my feet and went for a swim in the shallows. I almost forgot about those necklaces around the necks of my companions and was soon beset by three beautiful seaponies. The way they burst from the sea around me told me that they were actively trying to surprise me out of nowhere. I recoiled, but still got a laugh out of their surprise. "Heh... Why are you hippogriffs so gorgeous no matter what you look like?"

            "Maybe it's because we're pretty birds?" Silverstream giggled before lightly poking my cheek with her equine snout. She remembered that sweet little name I liked to call her. Because she had always been a very pretty bird. She then asked while giving me a playful wink, "But I guess now we're pretty fishies now?"

            Terramar slid his hand fin over her chest and said, "I dunno about that... I don't have any scales on me. I don't feel slimy. You think we're more like dolphins or something?"

            "Yeah, probably! I mean look at this!" Skystar replied before lifting her tailfin above the ocean's surface. It glistened in the sun beautifully as she explained, "Look at this fin! Only fish have vertical fins, but ours are horizontal. That means we must have more in common with cetaceans than fish. You know, like whales?"

            "You sure know your ocean trivia, huh?" I replied while Skystar beamed at me proudly. I wonder if that necklace will serve a special purpose in her oceanography hobbies once she is back home. Although I then noticed who was not with us. I looked back and saw Rain Shine just watching us all from the shoreline. "You coming in or what?"

            "I believe I shall remain on dry land. We kirin were not made for the ocean. Perhaps ponds and lakes, but not the open sea." The serene kirin queen replied while not even able to bring herself to set foot into the waves washing over the beach. Was seawater uncomfortable to her? That salty brine would ruin most plants...

            We did not question her further. Rain Shine had the right to enjoy her vacation on her own terms. My three aquatic friends went frolicking in the surf again and even took me for a ride at times too. I would hold onto them from behind while they would go rushing ahead like a torpedo. They were mindful to keep me above water since I had no goggles to use. Skystar provided the best experience. Her larger form was easier to hold onto and she was even faster than her two friends.

            It is hard to say how much time we even spent out there. Rain Shine would trot along the beach to keep up with us like a diligent babysitter. But at long last, my three aquatic friends beached themselves before suddenly reverting back to their avian forms in a swirling flash of their necklaces' magic. They shook themselves free of the seawater, but remained adorably soaked with their feathers sagging. I crawled out of the sea after them and asked, "Time to head back?"

            Surprisingly, the three of them looked more tired than anything. Maybe they needed a nap after a long swim. There were yawns aplenty as we strolled along the beach back to the south. With how little resistance water puts up against aquatic creatures like seaponies, one would think even unnatural seaponies would conserve energy. Maybe some other factor had worn them out. Sure enough, Silverstream hung back for a bit before she looked up at me. "When we get back, you wanna take a nap with us?"

            "That sounds like a good idea, really. But we really shouldn't make afternoon naps a habit while we're here. This vacation will be over before you know it, I swear..." I replied before I was betrayed by a yawn from my own body. Rain Shine giggled softly beside me and placed a kiss upon my cheek when no one was looking. While Silverstream hastened her pace to get herself beside her friend and brother, Rain Shine gazed at me with an almost pleading gaze of adoration. I was reminded of why in seconds. "I know, dear. I know. Tonight. I'll be there."

            "Ember and I will be waiting, my love." Rain Shine whispered to me while she and I shared a kiss. Only Skystar happened to notice out of the corner of her eye, but she merely smiled at us before turning her attention back to her two younger friends. Our secret was safe with her.

            We soon began to pass a few vacationers. And then that number grew. Until we were having to navigate the crowds of the busiest beaches on that side of Cantercun. And we were immediately beset by a very antsy Seaspray who came swooping in once we had reached some open sand. "Ah, you're back! Anything to report? Are you all well, your highness?"

            Skystar just rolled her eyes with such an amused grin on her beak. "It's OK, admiral. We had a great time! Miss Rain Shine didn't have to deal with anything up there."

            Rain Shine nodded with a serene smile on her lips. That was enough to reassure Novo's captain of the guard. He let out a rather shrill sigh and said, "Phew, my apologies if I seem overbearing. I am not used to placing the safety of our princess in the hands...or hooves of another when overseas."

            "You're just doing your job, Seaspray. And you're very good at it." I replied before finding myself letting out a yawn. I was so annoyed with myself. I did not want to take a nap, but it sounded so inviting to do so. I then looked down at my youngest friends and asked, "Where are we napping? Your place?"

            "Sounds good. I'll go get our room ready." Terramar replied before he and Silverstream went trotting off towards the hotel with Skystar. They all stood in the showers to rinse all that lingering seawater from their feathers before parting ways. Skystar went back over to our VIP area while Terramar and Silverstream disappeared into the hotel.

            I glanced over at Rain Shine and saw that she looked hardly sleepy at all. Serene and relaxed, but not tried. Then again, she normally looks a little too relaxed whenever I happen to see her. I asked softly, "You sleepy too?"

            "Hardly, my love. But I will not deprive you of sweet slumber. I shall go find Ember and let her know that we are to be expecting you this evening." Rain Shine replied before strolling away. I set my sights on the hotel and also partook in a quick rinse in the showers to get any seawater and sand off me before finally heading inside.

            I had forgotten which room was being used by the two hippogriff siblings and had to knock on each door in the hallway where my entire entourage had been assigned. I has really hoping I would not disturb anyone. Although the correct door quickly opened after a few taps to reveal Terramar on the other side. He looked dry and adorably fluffy, so  I assume he had used a hairdryer to get himself dried off nice and quick. "Hey, you made it! Did you see Silverstream out there?"

            "Huh? She's not here?" I replied before stepping inside. Sure enough, Silverstream was nowhere to be seen. She did not even tell her brother where she was going? "She didn't come with you? Where'd that silly bird go?"

            "She said she had to get something first. Dunno what though." Terramar replied before letting out another yawn. He blinked a few times while looking easily the most exhausted I had ever seen. "Wow... The sun and the sea really wear you out down here. I never felt this tired after a swim back home."

            "To be fair, Capricorn Island isn't a tropical island. Anyway, excuse me a minute. I don't wanna get your bed wet." I replied before stepping into the bathroom. A few minutes with a hairdryer was enough to get my trunks all dried off. But just when I was about to step out, I heard a knock on the door just outside the bathroom. "She's back already?"

            "Hey there, boys! I got lunch!" I heard Silverstream's muffled voice reply. She had just been let in once I exited the bathroom and was carrying a big paper bag in her hand. My fatigue was quickly pushed aside by the subtle aroma coming from it. In all of our fun on the beach, we had forgotten about it being lunchtime. My silly friend then winked at me and said, "Who wants more seafood sandwiches?"

            Silverstream knew exactly where to go to get some good eats. She had brought back sandwiches from the same place she had gotten me and her lunch the previous day. And what a feast it was. Silverstream had gotten all three of us fried crab sandwiches. And they were still piping hot right out of the bag. I could almost see Terramar's beak watering at just the sight of his. "Oh wow... Good find, sis!"

            We completely ignored our exhaustion to get in some good eating. But once we had finished, our fatigue came back with a vengeance. I do not know what it is about trying to sleep on a full stomach in the middle of the day, but we were going to pass out for a nap whether we wanted to or not. Silverstream carried all of our leftover trash to the bin while letting out a yawn. "Wow, that really hit the spot... And I'm ready to just...catch some Zs."

            "Yeah, me too... James, you wanna get up there first?" Terramar asked while I found myself barely keeping my eyes open. I fell back on one of their beds and got a pillow under my head. But before I could even consider draping myself in a blanket, my two little friends bounded up on each side of me and held me in a feathery embrace. There was just enough room for all three of us to squeeze onto the bed without rolling off the side. Terramar let out a little snicker as his head rested beside mine. "Comfy?"

            "Heh. You cuddly fluffy birds love to socialize." I replied as I got my arms behind them and held the two fluffy hippogriff siblings against me. Soft and comforting, their wings and bodies did a lot to ease me into sleep. With a long yawn, I spoke one last time while noticing Silverstream had already started to lightly snore. "Sweet dreams, you two."

            I was out like a light in a matter of minutes in the embrace of those cuddly bird horses. With no royal friends peeking in on my dreams, I slumbered with my mind drifting aimlessly. All I remember of that time was...a sense of intrigue. It was not a nightmare, but it was also not a restful dream. My mind was very active. And while I cannot recall the finer details... The end of it all. It stuck with me.

            There was darkness. And a single beacon of light. A warm orange glow that gradually grew brighter. And the sound... It pulsed weakly. Like a beating heart. And that orange color... Why did it feel familiar? And in a way that made me uneasy?

            That beating heart grew louder. And then the shadows closed around it. But only partially. Like claws or even a rib cage, several black slender shadows clamped down around the orange light. I remember hearing what sounded like a loud and deep hiss echoing through a cave before something clamped onto my ear. My eyes suddenly opened as my dream ended. But while I was awake, the sensation of something clamping onto my right ear did not subside. And that hiss... Right into my ear?

            I almost laughed. Silverstream was snoring right into my ear while her beak was gently gnawing on it. And very gently too. I rolled my eyes as I had to wonder just how much my two young friends had influenced my dream. I pushed my lingering thoughts of that strange orange glow aside. What was that supposed to be? The afternoon tropical sun? At least Terramar was sleeping less awkwardly than his sister.

            Without waking my friends, I managed to force myself up. Or so I tried. When I lifted my head, I felt a lot of weight pulling on my ear. Silverstream would not let go and I was starting to drag her up like a fish on a line. Those hippogriffs really are a lot lighter than they look. That ridiculous situation was too much. I cracked up and said, "Come on, Silver! I'm not your lunch!"

            "Huh? Hey, where's my squid jerky?!" My silly friend snapped awake instantly and let go of my ear. Terramar rose from his sleep with his eyes blinking weakly. They both stretched their wings and yawned in unison. Silverstream shook off her sleepiness quicker, as usual, while her brother took some time to really get up. He must have really needed that nap. She then sat up and asked, "Did I wake you up? Popped your dream too soon? Oops..."

            "Nah, I think you woke me up at a good time. We don't wanna waste too much of our vacation napping, right?" I replied while also lazily getting out of bed to stretch. Terramar was especially quiet as he just lied there with his head up. Silverstream was wide awake at that point, but Terramar looked like he could pass out again at any second. "You OK there, Terra?"

            He just mumbled something under his breath that neither of us could make out. And Silverstream had an idea with such a smug smirk on her beak. "I know what'll get him up. Come here, bro!"

            Silverstream pretty much pounced on her brother and had him pinned. What followed was Terramar suddenly bursting into frantic laughter as his sister started tickling him in ways I never would have had the mind to. Terramar flailed and squawked as his sister invigorated him with nothing but laughter. "Ahahahaha OK! OK, I'm up! Uncle, Uncle!"

            "Works every time!" Silverstream giggled as she hopped back. Terramar wheezed while splayed out on his back. I could only shake my head in amusement. The brother and sister had a healthy playful relationship. With her brother wide awake, Silverstream then turned to me with a big smile on her beak. "OK then! Nap's over! Whatcha wanna do next, best friend?"

            A glance at the clock on the wall showed that it was only in the mid afternoon at that time. Still too early to be worrying about dinner. And I was still in my trunks. I looked towards the windows and said, "How about you two head on out to have some fun? I'm gonna head back to my room and get some real clothes on. I think I'm done with the beach for today."

            Terramar and Silverstream did not have any objections. They were out the door before me. But when I stopped to unlock the door to my room, I noticed Silverstream had returned to my side. I glanced down at my friend and asked, "Did you forget something?"

            "Yep. I forgot to ask if my hero needed anything. Something I can do for you? Anything at all?" She replied with a concerned smile. I only then remembered her offer from the previous day. That she would look after me if I needed anyone. I was far past the point of injury at the time. Even with all the old scars I got during the war, I was not as bad off as Silverstream thought I was. But I did dearly appreciate her constant concern. She was the first friend I made on Capricorn Island and that friendship was still staying strong, even in a foreign land.

            I could not turn Silverstream away without taking her up on such an offer. Not wanting to keep her too long, I got down on one knee and held out my arms to her. "How about a hug from the pretty bird?"

            "Yes! All the fluffiest hugs for my hero!" Silverstream chirped before all but jumping into my embrace. I grinned from ear to ear with a snicker hissing through my teeth. She was squeezing me so hard in that hug. If Silverstream had more upper body strength, she might have ended up hurting me. "Mmmmmm, squeezing you enough?"

            "Mmph, let's see if I can put the squeeze on you too." I snickered as I tried to tighten my own embrace on my fluffy friend. We squeezed each other harder and harder...until our arms finally gave out. We both released each other with some minor fatigue setting in. Almost as if we had tried to compete with each other. It strangely brought back memories of that one time when Big Macintosh almost crippled Shining Armor during that game of spin the bottle where things went too far... "Wow, you hippogriffs got some grip there. Did I break anything?"

            "Nah, I'm fine. You really squeezed me tight though. Need another one?" Silverstream asked with her arms and wings held wide. And it was very tempting to take her up on such an offer. Hugging fluffy birds always feels nice and hippogriffs have the arms for it.

            I almost gave in, but resorted to just placing my hand on Silverstream's head and rubbing her forehead. "I say we've had enough for now. Get out there and have a good time, pretty bird. We'll catch up later."

            "Eheheh, OK! See you soon, James!" Silverstream chirped before she finally made her way down the hall with a springy step in her trot. Finally alone with myself, I stepped into my room and quickly swapped out into some proper tropical attire. I got into a pair of shorts and even a tropical style polo shirt that Rarity had put together for me a while back. I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror and was pleased to see I was really looking the part of a vacationer out for a stroll in the sun.

             I could have returned to the beachside VIP area my entourage had been assigned to, but I felt like I could use some time to myself. Instead of heading out the eastern door towards the beach, I departed the hotel through the west exit. Some vacationers were arriving and others were departing via pony-drawn carriages. Probably the closest thing to a taxi service Equestria has. I followed the road and eventually came into town. And I had to remind myself of something I promised myself. "Gotta remember to pick up some souvenirs while I'm down here..."

            Fluttershy and I seldom traveled far from the resort we had our honeymoon at. I did not know much of what waited beyond the perimeter. The exterior design of Cantercun architecture definitely had a certain...flavor to it. I am certain the Republic of Aquila even further south had influenced the culture of the area down to how architecture was designed. And sure enough, while ponies were the most common sight among the locals, I did spot a few harpies in the mix.

            My attention to the local stores was redirected at the tall avian creatures I saw occasionally strolling the streets. And much like Celaeno and her crew, they all had something in common. Every harpy I saw had elements associated with tropical birds. Mostly parrots and maybe some birds of paradise. I suppose that adds more variety to them amongst the other avian races, what with griffons mostly having elements of birds of prey and hippogriffs displaying traits of ocean birds.

            Despite being in an unfamiliar land, I did not feel in danger or lost. I had a good sense of direction and could easily find my way back to the hotel when needed. I did not have my wallet on me, so buying souvenirs was out of the question for the moment. I was just scoping out the local shops to figure out what was wear and to plan my inevitable shopping spree. But what exactly should I get my friends and family back in Ponyville? With a roll of my eyes, I almost spoke to myself with a laugh. "When in doubt, go for edible goods."

            I strolled about for a moment longer before I happened to notice a large shadow pass over me. Much too large for any of the local wildlife. And when I glanced up, something came swooping back towards me and came in for a quick landing before me. But this bird was also just as much of a stallion as a rooster. "Ah, there you are! Her royal majesty requested I track you down after you went too long without anyone catching sight of you. Everything well, my good sir?"

            Had I really been away from the resort for that long? It was a surprise to see good old Seaspray standing before me in that glorious iridescent armor. I then asked out of concern, "Did something happen? Does Novo need me for anything?"

            Seaspray shook his head while maintaining his chipper and endearing presence. "No, nothing of the sort. It was just that no one had seen you in some time and we found no trace of you in any of the hotel rooms. Not that we feared you were in danger, but I was requested to track you down and see to your safety. Protocol and all that."

            I had to wonder if it was really Novo who asked Seaspray to come find me. It might have been anyone from Equestria's royal family for all I knew. We were far from familiar territory and that was enough to raise concerns if one of us wandered off for too long. I just shrugged my shoulders and said, "All right, I get it. I guess I'm done out here for today anyway. I was just scouting around to get a feel for the shop locations. Don't wanna go home without gifts for friends and family."

            "I understand completely, Sir James. If you have finished your business in town, shall I escort you back to our party?" Capricorn Island's admiral asked before I relented. With that fine stallion of a man at my side, we began to make our way back east towards the seaside.

            I seldom ever get to spend much time alone with Seaspray, even on his home turf. I was a bit at a loss of how to break the silence. Thankfully, the proud admiral was always eager to chat up his company. I think the guy just really likes hearing himself talk. Not that I can blame him with just how charismatic his voice always is. "How has our venture into these vibrant tropical lands been? We've only been here for a few days, but we still have at least a full week ahead of us. Everything to your liking, my lord?"

            "Yeah, I'd say so. I've pretty much settled into a routine by now. And it's been a good time. A good...prologue, you could say. I'm looking forward to whatever the rest of our stay brings." I replied while now wondering how we would expand our horizons. There was no point in staying just on the hotel grounds. We should make a point to venture into town and see what there was to partake in. But I then looked at Seaspray and asked, "What about you, admiral? Have you been having a good time?"

            "Oh, but of course! I know I'm in charge of the guard detail around here, but I've been finding time now and then to find some time to myself. I've shared a few drinks with my men, savored some shrimp cocktail, and even gone for a swim in the ocean. And I must say I think we hippogriffs must have been seaponies in another life if we make that transition so smoothly! Maybe there really is a link between us hippogriffs and hippocampi after all."

            Seaspray had tried out those seapony necklaces when I was not looking? I bet he was as much a feast for the eyes as Novo and Skystar. Although my friend then glanced at me and asked, "And I trust you have been quite generous with your time in regards to our queen. Her royal majesty longs for you when you are not with her, my liege. She hides it well, but I have seen a different sense of longing in her ever since she came home from the Empty Plains. It's not one of sorrow. It's one of hope. Always looking forward to the day when she is beside her king again."

            I felt a certain tingling sensation flow down my spine when I heard that line. I do not see Novo often enough... And I cannot imagine what happens in the halls of the Ivory Palace when I am not there. After a moment of thought, I turned to Seaspray asked, "You see and hear a lot from Novo, right?"

            The hippogriff champion of Capricorn Island let out a laugh before looking right at me. "More than you'd think! I may be admiral of Capricorn Island, but I have largely served as a confidant to our queen for years. I know many secrets surrounding the royal family and am her most valued advisor. A close friend of the family, if you would. Why, just recently... She even asked me for my input on wallpaper choices for future plans involving a nursery she wishes to have installed."

            That sounded like Novo. Always the mother, of course she would be planning ahead for the family we were hoping to start together. But Seaspray... With all that talk of romance and family, I had to wonder... Seaspray must have been in his 50s by then. Or at least his late 40s. He felt like a very shrewd and experienced man whenever I spoke to him. One with decades of experience. And he looked phenomenal for a stallion at such an age. And so I asked, "Seaspray... Do you have any plans for a wife?"

            There was a surprising lack of hesitation in his response. Seaspray beamed at me as he held his head high. "Oh, not at all, my lord! For I have always been a humble servant of the people and of the royal family. I need not trouble myself with hunting for a wife when I assure you that I am quite happy watching over those who carry the crowns of Capricorn Island. And it is not like that there isn't a certain family connection between us. I swear that her royal highness Skystar has even come to view me as a type of uncle figure in time. Strange, when considering that she is many times my age..."

            A snort of laughter burst from me when I heard that last bit. Mortal minds will never be able to truly understand the minds of immortals or how time shapes them. Although Seaspray then smiled at me and asked more sincerely, "And speaking of the royal family... I must ask. Are you and her royal majesty Novo... Are you two finally considering when the time will come when you are blessed with an heir?"

            If anyone on Capricorn Island knew the full story of Novo's desire for a new family with her betrothed, it was Seaspray. But I doubt he knew every last detail. With a long sigh, I then smiled at him while glancing at my escort out of the corner of my eye. "Heirs."

            Seaspray took maybe a good five seconds to process what I was implying. He then glanced my way again and asked, "I beg your pardon?"

            "Heirs, Seaspray. Plural. Multiple. Novo and I... We hope to have many. As many as fate will allow." I replied as such a profound warmth filled my heart. A twinge of excitement. At that moment, Novo very well may have entered the earliest stages of pregnancy. And Seaspray absolutely had the right to know of his queen's current condition. "And...we've been trying since we arrived. We're hoping it takes."

            The charismatic stallion came to a stop as he gazed at me with his beak hanging open. At least for a moment. But he then began to smile proudly at me before speaking. "Well then... If that is the case, then I am certain your children will be the brightest stars amongst our people. Beacons of a bright future. And I will be honored to protect and serve them for as long as I can."

            So proud and charming, yet so humble and devoted. Seaspray was truly a man among men. And I adored him for that. Thinking of Novo... And the little lives we would create together... I turned to Seaspray and said softly, "Seaspray... I'm sure I've said this before, but... I won't be able to always be there for her. I can't be by Novo's side all the time. And...I won't always be there for our children. Please... Watch over them for me. Please keep them safe and happy when I'm not there."

            My friend brought a fist to his shimmering peytral and bowed his head to me. "You have my word, my lord. I will protect my queen...and your precious heirs with my life. I will see to it your sons and daughters are well when their father returns."

            My emotions got the better of me. I stepped forward and surprised Seaspray with a warm embrace. He stood frozen as my arms wrapped around him. "You're a good friend, Seaspray. Thank you. And don't ever change..."

            Seaspray was left stunned for a moment. How often does Novo display such affection to her closest confidant? Surely not so much for what I was showering him with. After a moment of stunned silence, Seaspray answered in kind. His great wings folded over me for a winged embrace. "If I had only known when you arrived that day... That the glorious knight stepping off the gangplank would be the next man to wear a crown at our queen's side... My good man. My dear friend. Thank you. For everything."

            Fate threw us all quite the curveball that day. When I arrived on Capricorn Island, I was expecting simply to have a good time. I did not expect to fall in love...or to be loved by the queen of Capricorn Island herself. Let alone the most stunning and reliable woman I may have ever known in Equestria. I am certain I state this more often than necessary, but Novo has truly proven herself to be the closest example of a perfect woman I have ever known. A paragon of a mare tempered by experience and time. And to think that she is mine while I am hers... I truly found paradise back then. "I...didn't know what I was about to find that day... I'm grateful for everything I was given during my stay. Your people...are simply wonderful."

            "And my people will come to be grateful for you in due time, I am sure." Seaspray spoke softly with his head resting against mine. But only for a moment longer. He suddenly pulled his head back and folded his impressive wings before beaming at me with such a smile. "Now then! Enough delays! How about you and I share a drink when we get back, my lord? A toast between gentlemen!"

            "You know what? I'm surprised you and I haven't had a drink together yet. Sure, let's!" I retorted while feeling I could go for a cold daiquiri at the time. Instead of a leisurely stroll, Seaspray and I hastened our pace with a jog and trot. But even that was not quick enough for my escort. He suddenly went airborne, swooped back and scooped me up with his arms under mine. "Whoa, hey! You sure this is a good idea, admiral?!"

            "I'd hate to keep her majesty waiting, my lord! Just hold tight and I'll have you there in a minute!" Seaspray spoke from jus behind my head. Ad with that, we were off. I dangled helplessly from the arms of my mighty hippogriff escort as we soared over Cantercun. It was a much scarier trip than it should have been with Seaspray carrying me along. I wiggled and squirmed as all sorts of nervous sounds spilled forth from my lips. Seaspray was quick to comfort me as he said, "Fear not, my liege! Her royal majesty would have my head if I were to drop you! And that's if you survived in one piece!"

            He had quite the grip under my arms. I keep forgetting just how much upper body strength the finest hippogriff archers tend to have. And Seaspray was the best they had to offer. We went soaring over the hotel while I could even see the airship docks further to the south. I had never seen the Olympia from above before. I was having fun, but was oh so jittery too. The only time I have ever been comfortable flying freely was on the wings of my own enchanted armor. With a swoop, Seaspray expertly set us down by the pool where Novo was having a long soak in the shallows with Celestia. "Here he is, your majesty! Safe and sound!"

            "That'll do, admiral. Now then... Where'd you run off to, honey? People were starting to wonder." Novo replied while sipping on a martini in hand.

            "Just scouting around to figure out the lay of the local shops. I'm gonna have to do some gift hunting before we head home. But I think I'll wait until tomorrow before I really get started." I replied before heading over to the bar with Seaspray for that promised drink. We pulled up a seat with Seaspray setting aside his helmet for the moment. I listened in on what Seaspray was ordering. A martini. Shaken, not stirred. Feeling daring, I spoke up to the bartender. "I'll have a martini too. Surprise me."

            Once the bartender went to work on our drinks, Seaspray turned to me wit a smile on his beak. "I seem to recall you never having a martini before, my good sir. At least not on my watch."

            "I don't have the best history with martinis. My first real drink ever was some sort of dessert martini and I remember really not liking it. But some years have gone by, I've expanded my horizons on stiff drinks, so maybe it's time to give it another try." I replied while not having the slightest clue of what the bartender was putting together.

            Seaspray rested an arm on the counter while looking at me out of the corner of his eye. "If you like gin, then you'll like a martini. That's the defining spirit to use, my lord."

            "I do like gin. I especially like to take one shot and pour a can of cold flavored seltzer over it during summer. Gin seems like one of those liquors that's best kept simple for some reason. Maybe revisiting the art of the martini will convince me otherwise." I replied while watching our bartender go about with our drinks. He had two metal tumblers shaking about in the air with levitation magic. The clacking of ice cubes made the two of them sound like maracas. A strangely fitting sound given our location. And with one quick pour into a pair of wide martini glasses, our drinks were served.

            Except not quite. Seaspray cast our bartender a bit of a cockeyed glare. The bartender appeared confused at first as he glanced back and forth at the two glasses between us. Only for the bartender to laugh and set a toothpick in each glass with an olive skewered on it. Seaspray immediately smiled and said, "Much obliged!"

            "Can't forget the garnish, huh?" I said with a snicker. With a light tap of the rims of our glasses together, Seaspray and I took that first sip. And I recoiled a bit from the bite of that gin mixed with lord knows what else. "Mmph... That's got some kick to it. I need to get used to this stuff."

            I watched Seaspray as he set his glass down after that first sip. He appeared much more pleased with his drink than I was. He then took the toothpick in hand and plucked the olive from it for a little snack. I seem to recall olives being a common ingredient in some of Capricorn Island's cuisine, now that I think back on my time there. My friend then glanced at my glass before his eyes met mine. I raised an eyebrow in silence, inquiring if there was something he wanted to ask me. Seaspray then asked in response, "Are you going to eat that, my lord?"

            A barely contained laugh choked in my throat. I took that little toothpick in hand and held it up for him. "Heh, help yourself. I could never get a taste for olives. Too weirdly salty for me."

            Seaspray's response was quick. He swiftly plucked that olive off the toothpick with a very precise and sudden peck before chewing it past his beak. I did not even know hippogriffs could display such speed and precision with their beaks. Until I remembered what they even are. "Oh right. Half horse. Half bird."

            The hippogriff admiral let out a chuckle as he smirked at me with glass in hand. "I seem to recall the correct term for my people is 'birb' at this point in time. As decreed by our newest princess?"

            "Seaspray, come on! You know Gladesong's not even six months old!" I suddenly burst out laughing as I recalled when my firstborn daughter met Novo for the first time. And tried to speak for the first time. She just does not have her D's down yet, resulting in her botching the first attempt in saying 'bird'. But Novo just rolled with it. Has Novo been enforcing Gladesong's 'decree' even after returning home?

            Capricorn Island's admiral snickered at the memory of his first visit to Ponyville. "Tell that to our queen! You are her king, thus making your daughter our princess! And to think she even outranked me for an afternoon..."

            Oh my lord, the shenanigans Novo will get up to with the many children that will surely be born into our family. If Novo is my queen and wife along with the likes of Celestia and Ember... Would that technically make them all royal blood? I rubbed my fingers along my temples as I spoke with an amused groan. "Oh man, Novo... I really hope my kids don't end up spoiled in the end..."

            "While I was not there during her childhood, I must assume that Princess Skystar was raised quite responsibly. I do not believe you have any reason to believe our queen would spoil your little ones rotten, my lord." Seaspray replied as he savored another sip from his glass. I tried another taste, but that martini bite was not something I was used to. Maybe I was given the wrong recipe.

            "It's not like they'll be eligible for the throne anyway... Or would they? I mean royal blood doesn't decide whether or not someone is a good leader. My world's history books can vouch for that..." I muttered in contemplation as I pondered if... Could it happen? Could any of my children, born as outsiders, possibly display the necessary traits to reign over foreign people? Could a pony qualify as Dragon Lord? Or could a kirin rule as queen over Capricorn Island?

            Seaspray took a long swig of his drink before casting a smile at me. "Whoever it is who ends up next in line for the crown, I am certain my people will be very well off. I have faith in our mighty monarchs being able to vet potential candidates among their successors. Of course...that is assuming they feel the need to step down. Which I find unlikely. So many of those who wear crowns in this world have far more experience than any mortal leader could. And with so many years comes great wisdom. I have no need to doubt the future."

            "I wish my world had such wisdom in its leaders... But no such thing exists there. Immortality is just pure fantasy to my world. And it would be more likely to corrupt and twist the psyches of human leaders if it was ever made possible. Humans are not meant for immortal lives..." I mumbled before finding my mind drifting back to some very dark thoughts that I had tried to leave behind. Sensing what this was doing to me, I went to work to fix the situation. I downed the rest of my drink quickly before calling for a shot of the bar's strongest bourbon.

            My feathered friend looked on in confused concern as I downed that burning golden fluid in one go. I had to cough when I made the mistake of trying to inhale through my mouth afterwards. The fumes rising from my throat irritated my lungs. Seaspray asked cautiously, "Um... Are you quite all right?"

            "Yeah... Yeah, I needed that. My thoughts were going to a bad place and I had to stop that. Thank goodness I'm a happy drunk." I said with a choking laugh. But just to be on the safe side, I called out to the bartender one more time. "One more shot of whisky. You decide which."

            The bartender set me up with a very unexpected drink. A shot of a clear liquid lacking whisky's golden brown color. I lifted the shot glass to my nose and took a quick sniff. "I didn't even know whisky could be colorless... Ugh, but I don't care for that smell. What do you think this is, admiral?"

            "This? Seems to be...malt whisky. It's usually left pure." Seaspray replied as he looked my drink over.

            With nothing more to do, I took a deep breath and chugged the contents of my glass in one shot. And I was not ready for the flavor that would assail my tongue. I coughed and let tongue hang out of my mouth. What a thoroughly unpleasant flavor! "Good lord, what is that?! I can't describe it! The flavor is just filling my mouth! Bartender, you have anything to cleanse my palette?"

            I was promptly given a few orange slices from the fruit tray meant for garnishing drinks. That tangy citrus flavor really helped after a few bites. Seaspray was watching the whole time as I unwittingly amused him. While that sweet and tart orange fruit soothed my tongue, that unpleasant aftertaste still lingered. "OK then... Note to self. Stay away from malt whisky. I don't care how potent it is. That flavor was just...unpleasant. It didn't have that strong whisky bite. It was...something else entirely and I don't like it."

            "At the end of the day, experimentation is how we learn. At least it will get you the desired results, yes?" Seaspray replied as I began to feel the effects of the alcohol I had consumed. How potent was that malt whisky anyway? It must have been at least 50%. Seaspray, always one with a sharp eye, raised an eyebrow as I leaned a bit to one side in my seat. "Yes, I'd say you're looking rather liquored up, my good sir. Shall we...say...hit the pool tables?"

            I was by no means drunk, but I was sufficiently intoxicated by that point. I ended up following Seaspray over to the entertainment lounge nearby where he and I were joined by some of his men. Our first course of action was a game of pool. Where I miserably failed. That is one game I doubt I will ever get the hang of. But my company were good sports about it. And I was too tipsy to really get mad about it. Every time I fumbled a shot, I just found myself laughing at it. And my fine feathered friends cheered me on anyway.

            Hours went by with me routinely heading back over to the bar to replenish my alcohol supply. Being even mildly intoxicated does inhibit one's ability to retain new memories of a recent experience. I remember just having a good time all around. I can recall lounging in the pool with Ember. Sharing some tropical fruit snacks with friends and loved ones. But most of the details elude me at this time. At the end of the day, I was happy and entertained in the company of good friends. And that is what a vacation is supposed to be about.

            By the time I finally stopped making routine visits to the bar, the sun was setting somewhere far over the western horizon. And instead of the usual dining deck leading out from our hotel, the lot of my entourage had gathered at a nearby patio that drew the attention of many vacationers nearby. We were provided with dinner and a show. With a scrumptious buffet set out nearby, we were serenaded by a local band. And it was karaoke night.

            I was seated at a table with many friends and loved ones seated all around me. The band of ponies up on stage would serenade the singer with their own cover of the song live. The food was fine and the karaoke performances varied from impressively good to being amusingly amateurish. But at one point, I noticed Novo and Celestia whispering to each other off to my left. And I also noticed them happening to cast me a few glances out of the corners of their eyes. What were those two royal friends up to?

            I was too busy savoring some fresh seafood to mind them too much. At least up until the two of them left their seats and wandered off in opposite directions. Moments after the current performer left the stage, Celestia herself approached the stage as the audience burst into wild applause. The Princess of the Dawn herself was about to sing? I set my fork down as I gave my beloved my undivided attention. "Celestia on vocals? This is gonna be good."

           
            Celestia took hold of a microphone in her magical grasp up on stage as the band reset their instruments and began to put out a melody that sounded like some kind of old time jazz. She even began to jive a bit to the tempo before bringing the mic to her lips. And with a voice fit for royalty, my beloved began to sing...with the lyrics being a little too fitting for what I knew about her culinary preferences. "I like cake. And make no mistake. But baby... If you insist."

            I happened to notice Celestia turn her gaze in my direction. And when her eyes met mine from far across the patio, I could see her smirking. "I'll cut out cake just for your sake. Baby, come on. Knock me a kiss."

            Something that almost eluded my attention was Novo as she came in off the side swooping in for a sliding landing across a raised platform that the band was standing on. And as she did, she gave the necklace around her neck a tap before being engulfed by that swirling aura of purples and pale golds for just an instant. When she came to a stop at the edge of the platform, she had assumed that sleek and beautiful seapony form I had seen very recently. With her tailfin raised, she strongly brought to mind a lounge singer in a long flowing dress reclining on stage. All in a way that I swear was done just to entice everyone there.

            In Novo's hand fin was yet another microphone that she began to sing into as that gorgeous mermaid queen reclined and posed oh so sexily on stage. All while that deep soulful and sultry voice gave me shudders in all the best ways. "I like pie. Just don't ask me why. And baby, get a looooad of this."

            The way Novo said the next line of that verse... I think she was looking at Celestia with such an amorous smirk. All while her best friend returned that gaze. "When you're flying high, forget the pie. And baby, come here and knock me a kiss."

            "When you press your sweet lips to mine, then I understood. They taste like candy, brandy, and wine, peaches, bananas, and everything fine." Celestia replied in turn as she and Novo completely stole the show with all eyes on them. What was with this duet they had planned together? So undeniably sultry with how they were looking at each other. Were they singing to each other? Or...were they singing to me? I did have plenty of fruit and even some flavored brandy that afternoon.

            "I love jam and no flim flam. Scratch that off my list. This ain't no jam. The jam can scram. And baby, come on and knock me a kiss." Novo was not one to be outdone. Especially not in the face of her best friend. That sexy as hell queen of soul followed Celestia's verse with her own. Back and forth, the two most beautiful mares in the entire world performed their little duet while looking oh so sexy for their audience. And the way they directed their gazes towards each other with the last line of lyrics being sang in unison between each other... Was there something going on between them I had never been told about?

            The band wrapped up the song like any good jazz tune with the audience all around us bursting into applause with the two royal ladies taking a bow. Although Novo then brought her mic to her lips while smirking at her best friend. When the applause quieted down, the sexy mermaid queen then spoke with her voice being projected throughout the patio, "You know the tabloids are gonna be all over this in the morning, right?"

            Where did that come from?! Everyone burst out laughing. Myself included. Even Celestia almost fell over from cracking up so hard. Novo then tapped the necklace on her neck to quickly revert to her natural hippogriff form and took a proper bow to the audience once back on her feet. "Thank you, I'll be here all week!"

            We all applauded together as the queen and princess left the stage and passed the microphones to the next couple who were volunteering to come up on stage. And when they returned to my sides, I whispered to them with a bit of a smirk on display. "What was that all about? You singing a little love song to each other?"

            "To each other? James, my love... That was for you!" Celestia giggled before placing a quick kiss on my cheek with no one noticing.

            Novo chuckled under her breath before saying, "A little something from you future queens, baby. And just taking a minute to mess with all those gossiping hens."

            "Huh? Gossip? What, something I don't know about?" I asked in genuine and amused confusion. And what was that Novo mentioned about the tabloids?

            Celestia just rolled her eyes and held a hoof to her brow. She was trying very hard to not laugh. Novo was more than able to provide me an explanation though. "Oh you know how it is. There's a not insubstantially sized demographic in Equestria that thinks that when two gorgeous royal mares spend too much time together, they must be munching carpets together half the time. I'm sure there are even some kinky weirdos out there who think there's some scandalous stuff going on behind closed doors with the sisters in the family."

            "Oh my god..." I groaned at Novo's very peculiar choice of words. Words that even had Celestia shaking her head with a disgusted scowl on her face. I mean I get it. Novo and Celestia have been best friends for a very long time. Centuries even. Maybe even millennia. With my face buried in my palm, I understood what she was saying. "Right... I get it now. Shippers... And shippers be crazy."

            We were given quite a bit of variety with the karaoke performances. Cadence and Shining Armor sang a love song together. Rain Shine surprised us all by singing a song in a beautiful yet unintelligible dialect that was surely a song rooted in her homeland to the far east. Even Skystar got up on stage and performed her rendition of some kind of peppy pop song. There was variety abound during our dinner with a show.

            At last, things quieted down for the night. With the booze in my system having largely been filtered out over the evening, I went for a stroll around the hotel's premises under the moon. Just savoring the sounds of a tropical night. All while stopping short of the beach to avoid getting sand in my sandals. It had been another good day. And I was in the mood for one last drink before bed.

            I made my way out to the VIP area behind the hotel and found a few of our entourage still up late for a dip in the pool or lounging around on beach chairs in the glow of torches. King Orbash and Queen Sunflare were sharing few cocktails and were speaking too softly to overhear as they gazed out at the distant ocean. It was simply a time of peace between a married couple. I knew better than to even walk over and say hello to them. So I pulled up a seat at the bar and ordered a local beer to drink with nothing but the ocean breeze and some soft music reaching my ears.

            I was not the only one who just wanted to have a light drink at the end of the day. A familiar face came up beside me and asked, "Is this seat taken?"

            Sky Beak had arrived all by himself. And I immediately replied with a smile. "Hey there, papa bird. Help yourself."

            And there we sat as father and son. Man and stallion sharing a drink and savoring the sweet cool breeze of the ocean. After a long swig, Sky Beak smiled at me out of the corner of his eye. "That makes day #3. We have a whole week left ahead of us. How's your time been down here, my boy?"

            I let out a long sigh with my gaze rising to meet nothing. "It's been...lovely. Things are simpler down here. The simplest of the simple life... It...kind of causes one to simplify their desires. I've been...focusing a lot on just...loving my beloveds. Wanting...to do things together with them..."

            "Oooh, I know exactly what you mean. Something about this tropical paradise does bring out one's appreciation for the simple things in life. And there's nothing simpler than food, drink, and...pleasurable company. Goodness knows Ocean and I haven't missed the opportunity to...catch up." Sky Beak replied quietly as I noticed his feathers puffing up adorably. He had someone special on the mind. The mare of his dreams.

            How could I forget the previous night? I remembered noticing Sky Beak and Ocean Flow slipping out of the hotel under the cover of dark. All while displaying gazes of amorous intent with one of those seapony necklaces being around Ocean's neck. I asked playfully, "Come to think of it, what were you two up to last night? I saw you leaving the hotel when I came back to go to bed."

            Sky Beak snickered as his entire body became so adorably fluffy. He smirked at me and said, "Oh, you know... Ocean Flow wanted to try out that necklace for...something special. Away from prying eyes. And you know what it's like to be in love, my boy."

            "Oooh... I get it. And I'm not surprised." I retorted before taking another swig of my beer. I then almost laughed as I added, "Then I guess that means we both know what it's like to make love to a mermaid."

            The two of us cracked up laughing together. I am sure Sky Beak had assumed Novo and I had gotten intimate together very regularly. With another swig, Sky Beak calmed himself as his feathers smoothed out over him. "Ocean Flow really has taken well to that new form. Just make sure you let our queen know to not sleep in that form overnight. Ocean tried that and we woke up to find her dangerously dehydrated. I had to haul her into the shower and let her soak for a while before it was safe for her to change back. That was quite the scare. I'm glad we didn't wake anyone up."

            "Wait, staying out of water for too long in a seapony form is dangerous? I mean...I guess it makes sense. Seaponies are mostly mammals, but I guess they do have fish elements to them. And fish aren't meant to be out of water." I stammered with wide eyes. I never would have guessed that staying out of water in a seapony form could be hazardous to one's health. I can only imagine what Ocean Flow looked like when she woke up. Shriveled fins like dead leaves?

            Seaspray at least got a bit of an uneasy chuckle out of the memory. He took another swig of his drink and spoke, "At least we were laughing after it afterwards. And that's what matters, right? Looking back on close calls and being able to laugh about it. I just hope going through that phase didn't...endanger the results."

            I raised an eyebrow at that inflection in Sky Beak's voice. And his gaze seemed to wander. That smile... One of hopeful longing. I asked carefully, "Results...? Of what?"

            The stallion who had become a father to me bowed his head with his eyes closing. A wide smile spread across his beak before my loving papa bird looked at me. "Better keep this to yourself, all right? I don't want anyone finding out about this too soon. Especially the kids."

            It began to dawn on me. And what Novo said to me earlier that day. I spoke with a hushed voice, "You... You didn't. You and Ocean are..."

            Sky Beak and I were both fathers. But what I did not expect for us to share was the desire to let our families grow. He and his wife already had two wonderful kids. Both on the verge of entering their teens. And now... Sky Beak smirked in a rather giddy fashion as he spoke with a whisper. "Ocean and I... We've been discussing this for a while. Wondering if we could have another. Just one last time. And when we got here... Oh, she could not resist the thrill. Neither could I. So we tried...to have a child truly born between a mare of the sea and a stallion of the sky. And I have a strong hunch it'll take."

            I was stunned. My beloved papa bird and his wonderful wife... They had come to Cantercun with the plans to have another baby together. And last night... My lord, I was at a loss for words. "I...uh... Wow. Congrats. I mean really. With how Silverstream and Terramar turned out, I know your kid will grow up happy and loved."

            That wonderful father of a stallion then dropped something on me that I simply had not considered at the moment. And with such a proud smile on his beak. "And that means you will be a big brother by this time next year. I know you can't always be around on Capricorn Island, but I hope you'll find time to be in our foal's life. They'll want to know you."

            To most others, those words would have been quite flattering. But to me... It triggered a very different response in my heart. One of shame. My gaze wandered. My smile faded. I struggled to find words to say. When I spoke, I all but forced the words out. "I... Sure... I can do that."

            Sky Beak was not fooled. His delighted and optimistic smile faded as he could see something was not right. I failed to hide my true emotions in the face of that wonderful news. And my response to such news was...not what many would have assumed it would be. Sky Beak's own smile faded with concern building in his eyes. "James... What's wrong? Aren't you happy to know you'll have a little brother or sister in about a year?"

            My eyes wandered away from his gaze. What I was about to tell him was risky. But he had the right to know. "You know about my father... I haven't told you about my brother. And about myself."

            The eyes of the fatherly stallion before me widened in unease. But he then set his drink aside and leaned towards me. "I'm listening."

            "Before I say anything... There's one thing I think I should say to preface where I'm going with this." I said as I found it hard to even look at him. I leaned harder on the counter before us and gathered my thoughts. With a sigh, I began to speak cautiously. "Over the years, I've come to realize something about families. Which is that first time parents almost never have the foresight to discuss with and consider the feelings of their firstborn about their desires to have more children. And...not every firstborn wants to have siblings."

            Sky Beak was patiently silent as he watched and listened. I finally turned my head to look right at him as I continued. "I was one of those kinds of kids. I was the first to be born to my family. And at around the age of three, my parents had another child. And I didn't want that."

            The stallion who had become a father to me listened with his eyes widening. His beak parted just slightly. But no words came. I think he knew where I was going with the topic. I turned away and leaned on the counter, fingers rubbing my temples as I recalled a part of my life I was not proud of. "I was...not a good big brother. For the longest time, my brother and I didn't get along. And it all started with me. As a child, I almost couldn't stand him. I did...cruel things to him. Things...I really didn't...want to remember right now."

            My feathered father reached out to me. I could see his hand reaching for me, but I turned away. I was not comfortable in receiving any acts of tenderness from anyone at the moment. I bowed my head and spoke after a long sigh. "I don't know what my brother is up to now. Not since leaving that world behind for Equestria. I hope he's happy... He has the right to be."

            A moment of silence went by. There was nothing else I could say on the subject. After waiting to see if it was safe to speak, Sky Beak still rested his hand on my shoulder. "I really don't know what to say to all this... It doesn't feel like it could be true. I know you. I know you don't have the capacity for such things as the man you are now. But...truly? It shouldn't be true, but...I can tell that you're not lying. Were you really such a cruel child?"

            Sky Beak's response surprised me in a pleasant way. I do not know why I expected him to be furious. He was shocked and confused, but not angry. I sighed again with my head bowed. "No, I wasn't a cruel child. I just...couldn't stand him. Like it came naturally. I was much wilder as a kid... Strange how we can change so profoundly over the years to the point of being unrecognizable. I don't hate my brother today...and I can't explain my animosity for him as a boy. It just...was. It shouldn't have been, but it was. And...I don't want to do that again."

            It took some effort to bring myself to gaze upon the stallion who had become a father to me. And there was no fury or disgust in his eyes. I asked quietly, "Now that you know this...do you still think...I should be around your child?"

            "Of course I do, my boy." Sky Beak draped his great wing over me and pulled himself closer to me. He rested his head against mine and spoke with barely more than a whisper. "I... I'm glad you told me this. It was very brave of you to tell me. But I think you'll do just fine when our little one gets here. The boy you described... I just don't see it in you. I'm not saying we should forget the past. Just...focus on being better. On being the fine young man I know and love."

            I leaned into the comforting embrace of my papa bird. And he was quick to order me another shot of strong booze. I think it was gin that time. Anything to help get my mind off of such an unpleasant memory. I spoke quietly to him, "Just...don't let me hurt them if you think I might. I don't want to, but...you never know."

            "James, you're worrying too much. I absolutely can't imagine you ever being cruel to our little ones. That boy you described doesn't exist anymore. You love your family. Why would you ever want to harm ours?" Sky Beak replied as he took a moment to preen my hair. Straining clumps of the strands through his beak. And I wanted to believe him. I wanted to believe I am better now than I was then.

            Words failed me. All I could do was lean into the embrace of that wonderful winged stallion. Son or daughter, I hoped his next child would be one I could give a reason to look up to me. It was a new chance to be a big brother. A better brother than I had ever been. And with a whisper, Sky Beak ordered a glass of cold white wine for us to share a proper toast with. "Here's to us, my boy. From one father to another, may our little ones grow up happy and healthy."

            "Yeah... Cheers." I replied with my spirits gently lifted. If Sky Beak trusted me, then I would have faith in his judgement. But in hindsight... How strange it will be to have my children grow up alongside the third child of Sky Beak and Ocean Flow. If my children are their grandchildren by proxy, what would they be to their own child? Our family tree is only going to get more tangled in the coming years...

            It was finally time to turn in for the night. The beaches had gone empty and the area around the hotel had gone quiet. It was another fulfilling day in the tropical paradise of Cantercun. And I knew where I was needed. But before I could go where I had been called, I needed to check in with Novo first. We were sharing the same room. She needed to know if I would not be there with here that night. Open opening the door, I found that glorious hippogriff queen reclining on our bed with a book in hand. Or rather a pamphlet. It appeared to be one provided in the lobby that listed various attractions nearby for tourists. Novo glanced over it and spoke with that sultry smile of hers. "Evening, baby. Had another long day?"

            "Yeah... Good company and good drink... I think I'll sleep well tonight." I replied while stepping forward towards my beloved. She set aside the pamphlet and reached for my hand while I reached for hers. I gently placed a kiss on the back of it before saying, "But...not here. Rain Shine asked me to be with her tonight. Please, dear? You won't mind, will you?"

            "Your glorious queen of the grove? Of course I don't mind, honey. I know I'm not your only mare. I love you to the moon and back, but daddy needs to have time for all his queens. But thank you for telling me. I'll be fine here by myself tonight. I'm...used to sharing a bed with only myself." Novo replied before reaching out and placing a kiss upon my lips. But there was no sorrow or longing in her eyes. If anything, she appeared proud of me for showing concern for more than just her. 

            I felt compelled to say more. Like I should not come to Novo only to leave after just a minute. And Novo thankfully gave me a reason to linger. She patted the spot on the bed beside her and said, "But first... Please. Just...be with me for a few minutes, dear. Be with you wife?"

            "Oh Novo... Of course I will, dear." I said with a joyous sigh. I took my seat beside that glorious queen as we leaned into each other. Our hands met and took hold. For just a little while, we were a couple. Two betrotheds savoring a moment. My fingers gently rubbed over Novo's fingers to remind myself how there was no ring on her finger. She would find a way. A day would come where we would truly walk down the aisle and be wed to each other. To be husband and wife... I know I will shed tears that day.

            After a moment of basking in her presence, Novo finally found something to talk about. "James... Tell me something. What's it like...being in love with a kirin? There's something special between you and Rain Shine. Like...you two have a natural thing going on. Very comfortable with each other."

            "Natural is...pretty much how I would describe it. I don't know what it is about humans and kirin, but they have a certain...almost...symbiotic relationship. Rain Shine's aura... I feel at ease around her and she feels the same way. I'm always comfortable around kirin. And from what I understand, romance tends to blossom easily between man and kirin. I wish I could explain it better. I don't think anyone besides humans can...sense a kirin's aura that way." I explained as I could vaguely sense Rain Shine's own presence nearby. I knew she was waiting for me. Maybe she was even calling for me. I looked towards the wall behind the bed. She was close. All I had to do was go to her.

            Novo let out a dreamy churr as her head rested against the side of mine. "Oh my... Now that does sound romantic. A romance between heart and soul? I envy her, being able to connect with you on such a deep level... The things my heart would sing to you if you could feel it."

            "Why speak with you soul when you can speak with that gorgeous voice of yours?" I replied as I snuck a kiss onto the side of Novo's beak. As if to prove my point, she let out a giggle that sounded sultrier than it should have due to her deep and soulful voice. My hand clutched hers more firmly as I added, "You have one of the most...intoxicating voices I've ever heard, love. And you proved it tonight up onstage."

            "Mmhm, you better believe it. Celestia and I picked out that song just for you, baby." Novo cooed with her returning my kiss with one to the cheek.

            At the mention of Celestia, I was reminded of something I had been told. From someone with a keener nose than mine. I whispered to Novo, "Dear... I was told. You said someone I love is in heat right now. It's...Celestia, right? Because if it is her... She hasn't told me."

            I almost expected Novo's response to be one of amusement over my sleuthing having found the right answer. But instead, she looked at me with eyes wide with some concerned surprise. "She didn't? I almost expected her to have dragged you into bed with her by today."

            Novo had always known her best friend well. Very well. Even during the millennium when Luna had been sealed within the moon, Celestia still had Novo. I asked softly, "Do you think...she doesn't want to?"

            Novo shook her head and spoke with a firmer gaze than usual. "No. Don't forget, honey. I saw that little conversation you had with Celestia the night before you first showed up on Capricorn Island. You know... When you were balls deep in her."

            "Oh, you had to remind me of that!" I groaned as Novo burst into a laughing fit at that memory. I swear I had only shown her my prior journal entry so she could see how well I do in terms of freestyle writing. I had completely forgotten about what happened in Celestia's bedroom! Although the resulting scene between her and Celestia was really funny in hindsight...

            With her laughter spent, Novo regained her firmer tone as she looked me in the eye. "But about that... I saw what she said to you, honey. How she dearly wanted to have an heir with you. She wants you, James. And she wants to you to be the father of her foals. And as someone who's known her longer than most, I believe her. I do believe she would make for a fine mother when the time comes. I've already met little Cadence back with she was just a filly. Celestia showed me back then that motherhood is in her nature."

            Those words confused me. I had not forgotten of Celestia's sacred confession to me that night. Her hopes of being blessed enough to mother a foal born from her and the ambassador of humanity's return. But now that the opportunity was there... Now that her body was ready to receive my child... Why hide it from me? I asked y beloved softly, "Then... You tell me. Why do you think she's not pursuing the chance now that it's here?"

            Novo shook her head while letting out a long sigh. And she spoke with steadfast sincerity with almost no signs of her usual soulful rhetoric. "Personally? I think...she's doubting herself too much. You have no idea how hard Celestia is on herself when she thinks she screwed up big time. After that whole Mare in the Moon business first happened, poor Celestia was a wreck behind closed doors. We started seeing each other much more often just so I could be there with her. I had to do a lot to reassure her that she made the right call and that it wasn't really her fault. The poor thing... And I think those doubts are bleeding into her choices lately. I think she's getting cold feet because she doesn't trust herself. Even though she really should. Celestia is a fine ruler. Better than she thinks she is. And as someone who's served on a throne even longer than her, I can say that with confidence."

            "You really are the best, Novo. Thank you for being there for Celestia during her darkest times. But in that case... What should we do? Just...let it go? Wait for another day when her heat cycle starts up again?" I asked while feeling so proud of my wonderful queen. Such a friendship spanning centuries is truly one for the history books.

            "No way, honey. This kind of opportunity only comes up a few times a year for a mare. And I would hate to see my best friend pass up on an opportunity for her to make her dreams with her man come true." Novo replied firmly as a playful gleam began to return to her eyes. There was the bold and reliable queen I adored. She then spoke with a confident smirk, "Tomorrow night, honey. That's when mama here is gonna play cupid. She's ready, James. She just doesn't know it. Tomorrow night... We'll do this together. But are you ready, dear? Do you think you're ready to have a little bundle of joy with your future sun queen?"

            "Of course I'm ready. If I'm ready to have a beautiful little prince with you, then I'm just as ready for her. Just...don't force her, OK?" I replied with some concern. Novo and Celestia had been best friends for ages. One wrong move the next day could ruin everything between them. But surely Novo would not be so reckless, would she?

            The confident queen gazed at me with wide eyes, but not a wide beak parted in astonishment. "Force? Oh no perish the thought. I'm just going to remind her of what she really wants. It'll be OK, honey. She's been waiting a long time for this. Celestia was always the kind of mare I thought would never find a king. And then you came along. She's ready. I know she is. She just needs a little...motivation. By the time we all return home, I swear she'll be carrying your little ones. Just like me."

            I had faith in Novo. She understood Celestia in ways even Luna did not. And those last words... I whispered to my queen, "Novo... How've you been feeling lately? Are they...in there yet?"

            It took her a moment to understand what I meant. And such a warm smile formed on Novo's speak as she glanced backwards. "Daddy's eager, I see. No, not yet. It takes days for that to really take root, honey. It might even be a week or two before I feel symptoms. But I'll know for sure once I get back home. And you'll be the first to know."

            I looked back as well along Novo's majestic equine torso. So slender yet strong. Far too soon for her to show any signs of pregnancy. With my hand still holding hers, I asked quietly, "Before I go for the night... May I have a word with them?"

            Novo's eyes widened, but with a stunned joy in them. She fidgeted a bit before whispering with glistening eyes. "Go ahead, dear. Talk to them all you want. Even if they can't hear you."

            My beloved released my hand and rolled onto her side to present her belly to me. I reached out and tendered caressed Novo's underside. Such smooth feathers hiding the strong muscles of a mare underneath. And I found no signs of life under them. Not even the faintest signs of additional firmness or the rounding of her womb. It was just too soon. But I was sure of it. Deep in Novo's womb, our genetic codes were combining to create something beautiful. A foal composed of our own flesh and blood. And as my lips touched Novo's feathery belly, I whispered to our precious unborn. "Please don't keep us waiting too long... We're so eager to meet you."

            As I rested my face against Novo's belly, her hand rested atop my head. Her fingers gently tussled the hair on my head as her voice gasped with a subtle sob. A loud sniffle reached my ears. And with love filling her voice, Novo whispered to me. "You're going to be such an amazing father, James. Our little baby birds will adore you."

            "And I'm gonna love them so much..." I whispered with a single tear escaping my eyes. Never before has waiting been so hard. Novo and I were no longer just lovers. We were a mother and father eagerly awaiting the arrival of our children. And hopefully Celestia would not be kept waiting much longer either. Reluctantly, I finally rose from the bed and gazed down upon my queen. Fresh tears were staining her face. "I shouldn't keep Rain Shine waiting. I'll...see you in the morning, my love."

            "I know. Don't let me keep you, baby. I... We will be right here when morning comes." Novo replied with a loving smile as her hand rested on her belly. I felt a surging warmth and sense of pride fill me. She was right. It was no longer just us. Someone was beginning to exist right there inside her. My heart swelling with hope, I departed the room and headed down the hall.

            I did not even have to guess which room I needed to enter. I could sense Rain Shine on the other side. Before I could even knocked, the door swung inward to reveal that glorious kirin queen on the other side. "We've been expecting you."

            "We...?" I asked before following her in. Only to be reminded that Rain Shine was not the only one who would be with me that night. Ember was resting on her belly while looking through a pamphlet of her own on the other bed in the room. She glanced my way in surprise before I said, "Oh, right! You two are sharing a room."

            "Hey, what's up? We didn't have much time to talk today. Was it another good one for you?" Ember replied as she cast her pamphlet aside. It was always a pleasure to see that wonderful woman of a dragoness, even if we had been mostly distracted from each other all day.

            "Uh...yeah. A really good day." I replied before turning my gaze to meet Rain Shine's. That beautiful creature smiled serenely before I looked back at Ember. "I hope you don't mind... Rain asked me to be here with her tonight."

            Ember started to smirk as she rubbed a finger under her chin. "Hmmm... No objections...on the condition I get to have you by my side too."

            "Agreed. On the condition I am to his east and you are to his west." Rain Shine spoke with a cheeky giggle. Of course. Dragons of the east and west. Why not have some fun with that dichotomy?

            Before anything else could happen, Ember happened to glance over at the Bloodstone Scepter. It was propped up in the corner. And we all felt like we were being watched despite the Bloodstone not glowing. With missing a beat, Ember quickly draped a towel over the whole thing to keep it covered. "Go to bed, you two. This is our time. We'll talk in the morning."

            "Pfft... You think they were really watching just now?" I asked while trying so hard to not laugh. Rain Shine merely rolled her eyes. One never knows when the previous two Dragon Lords are watching.

            Ember merely shrugged her shoulders and said, "I don't know, but it's a bit late for taking calls. Besides, Mom and Dad really like you, so they might have been watching as soon as you came in."

            What followed was a delightful warm shower between the three of us. It was a good thing I actually did down as much liquor as I did that evening. Superficially because my libido in check. Had I entirely sober, I probably would have succumbed to my heart's desires and made tender love with Rain Shine and whatever sexual escapades Ember would be comfortable with. It had been a long day and really just wanted to relax in the arms of my beloveds more than anything.

            I eventually laid myself down in bed with Rain Shine on my left and Ember on my right. There was just enough room for us both under the covers. And I found the almost claustrophobic embrace between the two of them to be comforting. Even in the dark, I could see their eyes of scarlet and crimson hues. "Let's try something new tomorrow. Maybe in town. See what else there is to do."

            "Count me in. I'm always up for trying new things." Ember said softly in the shadows. Although with a more subdued tone than I was used to. We were exhausted and eager to rest for the coming day.

            Rain Shine kissed me on the cheek before joining in. "I too wish to see what there is to see in this exotic land. I have only heard whispers from this corner of the world. Now is the time to actually see what is here."

            We shared quiet farewells and loving wishes to each other before closing our eyes. It was time to sleep. And to see where our dreams would take us. If only I could have guessed my dream would have been influenced by an incident that was not even remotely on my mind at the time my body began to slumber...