A Winter Wonderland
Imported from SF2 with no description.
A hot shower did help after waking up so forlorn that morning. And I had to lightly reprimand myself while looking into the mirror afterwards. I could not get too hung up on a dream. I had to focus on what was happening around me at that time. I had one full day to myself on Capricorn Island and I wanted to spend it well. I would have to return home the next day like I promised. As tempting as it was to remain for even a week with Novo, I knew better. Novo was to become my wife, but not my mistress. I should not let my heart put one beloved before the others.
One day. That was all I had left. And maybe most of a morning the next day. And I did have some plans for the evening. Plans I had not yet told Novo. She would need to know as soon as possible. But as I suddenly realized how disorganized I was when it came to my schedule for the day, I made a decision. "That's it. I gotta write out a to do list. Does Novo keep a notepad anywhere around her place?"
I promptly got dressed and took a look around Novo's bedroom. I did not search long. On an elegant vanity of white and gold was indeed a notepad. And propped up bedside it was a rather pretty ink pen. As well as a humble pencil for less formal uses. Taking the pen in hand, I started to jot down a list. "Let's see here... In order now... Spend morning hours with Novo... Mention the sleepover with Silverstream... Do some souvenir hunting... Explore the island in winter with friends... Dinner with Novo... Then probably the sleepover."
I tore off the note and placed it in my pocket. Having come to Capricorn Island while not knowing if my attempt to get there with only teleportation magic would even work, I did not have much of a timetable of what I would actually do there. I was still mostly winging the whole experience even with a list of activities to follow. But now that I was rested and washed up, it was time for breakfast.
Where was Novo anyway? She said she was going to get something special set up to start my day after waking up unhappy. I started to reach for the door leading out to the hall. Only to hear the muffled tapping of hooves on the hard floor. I stepped back. Was she approaching? The handle on the door turned to indeed reveal my beautiful queen. And on one upturned hand was a large silver platter with a domed lid over it. I could see that sly smirk on her beak as she asked, "Going somewhere, honey? Not without a full stomach. Not on my watch."
"Wait... Did you cook this yourself?" I asked before wondering why Novo was alone without any of the palace's aides bringing up that platter instead. Novo's broadening smile told me all I needed to know without even having to say anything. She truly is a mare of many gifts. "Wow... A queen cooking for her king? And breakfast in bed?"
"Any good mama knows her way around a kitchen, honey. I cooked most of Skystar's meals myself when she was still a little thing. And besides, I know I'm not the only mare with a crown who cooks. Have you seen the goodies Celestia can cook up? She especially has a thing for breakfast foods." Novo replied while carrying the platter in with the other three limbs keeping herself up. Such balance and grace. Although such a skill was hardly unique to her. Pony waiters I have seen in restaurants often do the same thing when they only have a small plate to carry.
Novo's words did jog my memory of my beautiful sun queen back home. I replied with a hungry smile, "Yeah, she's treated me to some amazing pancakes. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it."
"Then I hope you'll think mama's cooking is just as heavenly. Get comfy, honey. We're having breakfast in bed today." Novo said confidently while setting the platter upon her bed's uneven surface. She rested before it while I took a seat beside her. I took hold of the domed lid's top and lifted to release a plume of fragrant steam. Novo then asked, "Looking good enough for you, baby?"
My eyes widened as my appetite soared. Under the lid rested three large plates with matching contents. Eggs benedict over medium with a side of spiced steamed potatoes and apple pastries drizzled in lines of honey. I did not even mind that there were no beverages with our meal. It looked so scrumptious that I would be satisfied either way. "Oh man... Mama knows how to cook."
"You better believe she does, honey. Now lets dig in. You've got one whole day to yourself and I want to see you use it well." Novo replied while sneaking a quick kiss upon my cheek. I kept my plate set upon my lap while Novo kept her plate where it was. And what more can I say about my beloved's cooking? The results of Novo's endeavors were simply delicious. Novo eventually asked after finishing her eggs, "Do you cook, James? Or does the mare of the household handle all the meals?"
"Fluttershy does cook for the family and she is good at it, but I think I cook more often than she does. And I'd say I'm pretty good at it. I'm no master chef, but everyone likes my cooking when they try it." I replied while not wanting to make myself sound more competent that I actually am. My words produced a proud smile on Novo's beak. I noticed that smile and said, "It's fun to experiment and find out how to improve your dishes with new ingredients, you know?"
"That it is, honey. And we ladies love a man who cooks. Next time I'm in town, I'll have to give my hubby's cooking a try. I know you won't disappoint." Novo replied sweetly before nuzzling her beak against my cheek. Now I was excited. A chance to treat my beloved to the best cooking a commoner can provide? If my cooking could put a big smile on Novo's beak, then I knew I was good at what I was doing.
But there was still one topic I needed to discuss with Novo. And the sooner we got it out of the way, the better. I was apprehensive. I came to Capricorn Island with only her on my mind. Only to be reminded there were other people on the island who had been hoping to see me again soon. I waited for Novo to finish her meal before speaking up. "Before anything happens... Silverstream has asked me to spend the night with her at her place. A sleepover. And I told her I'd ask you about it."
Novo turned her head rather sharply as she gazed at me with a surprised gaze. "Really now? And you'd rather share a bedroom with her and not your queen? After coming all this way?"
She sounded as disappointed as I expected, but also curious. And so I said honestly with a small fear in my heart, "She's a good friend, Novo. And she'll be disappointed if we can't spend more time together. I do wish to spend my time with you, but... It's not easy having to choose. If you absolutely need me with you tonight, then..."
"No. No, don't say anymore, honey. I missed you. Goodness knows I did. But I shouldn't let myself get in the way of everything else in your life. It's all about striking a balance, right?" Novo said confidently while holding up a hand to shush me. She still had a look of disappointment in her eyes, but she still wore a soft smile. Although she then held up one finger and said, "But! If you're not going to be here with me tonight, then I say...I won't complain about it. On the condition that we take a nap together this afternoon. I need to spend at least a little time sharing sleep with my hubby. Agreed?"
I almost laughed at that bargain. If I could not sleep the night away with Novo at my side, then why not an afternoon nap with her instead? But would I find myself sleepy enough in the middle of the day to pass out for a nap? I would have to insure I would tire myself out by then. "Can't argue with that. Agreed. How about...maybe 2 PM today?"
"Sounds good, honey. Now go ahead and finish your breakfast before it cools." Novo said with a smile as she pointed at my plate. I did not have much left to go and was done in less than two minutes.
Novo rested her head on my shoulder and let out the loveliest churr while I brought my hand to the side of her head to hold her against me. What a wonderful start to my day. And I wanted her to know that. "I'm so happy to be here, Novo."
"As am I, my love." Novo cooed into my ear to send a shiver down my spine. She put an arm around me from behind for an embrace. Only to gently drag me down onto my back. I started to try and push myself up only for Novo to quickly pin me under her large equine body. She may have been lighter than even Celestia in general, but her larger wings only added to her weight to help keep me comfortably pinned under my beloved. She smirked so lovingly down at me with a finger tracing along the base of my neck. "Ah ah, not so fast. Mama wants a little more time with daddy."
So gentle, yet so dominant. And I loved that about her. Novo truly was at the top of Capricorn Island's hierarchy and it was a position she had earned through nothing more than the passage of time. I had so much faith in the wonderful and powerful woman above me. I would never match her confidence and experience. And I was fine with that fact. I reached up and slid my hands down Novo's neck and over her shoulder while her hand just as gently ran her fingers through my hair. All while I spoke with a soft whisper. "You're truly a queen among queens. I'll always be happy letting you lead while I follow."
"Oh James... Don't ever think you're less of a man by letting mama here take charge all the time.. Just focus on what you can do with what you have. And I promise that I'll never lead you astray." Novo spoke with a solemn smile on her beak. She caressed my face in a comforting manner while I did the same with my hands sliding over her shoulders and arms, fingertips reaching through her feathers. I loved her. And she loved me. Novo brought her beak down to kiss me between the eyes before whispering with those oh so beautiful eyes taking up most of my vision. "Please don't ever let yourself feel inferior if the lady in your arms is the one wearing the pants in the relationship, baby. You don't have to be in charge to be a real man. And I think you know that."
"Being in love with royalty has a way of humbling a man... I'm OK with being humble. I just...shouldn't let myself feel inadequate." I whispered back to my beloved. Even if I was eventually crowned king, I would never be able to hold a candle to the leadership skills of those who had been wearing a crown for far longer. I had never been a leader. I even remembered the conversation I had with Ember out on the Empty Plains. Even my name basically translates to 'one who follows' in the end.
Novo began to slowly place many kisses all over my face. Her firm pursed beak gently pecked at me before her final kiss touched my lips, those beautiful eyes gazing at me with Novo's gorgeous eyeshadow displayed prominently over her halfway closed eyelids. "I love you. And you will never be less of a man to me as long as you continue to be the wonderful man who convinced me to let myself fall in love again. Even if you follow instead of lead, you are a true king of a man in my eyes. And in my heart. You've done so much for me. And for Equestria as a whole. You are a true champion, even if you do not lead. So please, baby... Don't doubt yourself. Especially not when you're holding and being held by your precious brides."
"You're always so good to me... Please... Hold me." I replied as I found tears rapidly building in my eyes. Novo's tender tone combined with her low and luscious voice just broke my inhibitions. Novo held my head from below with one hand while using her other to wipe my tears away one at a time. She shushed me with soft whistles from her beak, the mother in her coming to the surface. She had surely soothed the tears of her own child many times when Skystar was so young and so much more prone to being brought to tears. I sniffled at my beloved's touch while unable to hold back the tide of tears. "I love you... Love you so much, Novo..."
"Shhhhhh... Oh James... How many cracks are still lining your heart, my sweet man? My dear husband should not be weeping like this... I remember. I know you've been hurt. It's so easy to forget an old injury is even there until something pokes it just right to make it hurt again... I love you, baby. Don't be afraid to show weakness when mama holds you. It's OK for daddies to cry. Goodness knows I've been weak in your arms too..." My wonderful future wife cooed to me as even her own tears began to flow down her face and to the tip of her beak. Tears that dripped one drop at a time onto my chest. But her voice never wavered. Novo never once let out a sob. But I still raised a hand to her beautiful face to gently wipe away her tears. We may have been shedding tears, but they were not tears of sorrow. We were just so happy. Happy to belong to each other.
I felt so comfortable and safe under the protective weight of Novo's glorious body. And as the tears we shed finally began to slow, Novo cracked a smugger smile across her beak as she rain her fingers through my hair. "We really need to do this more often once we have a little bundle of joy of our own. Mama and daddy snuggling up like this with our babies..."
"Novo, that... I love the sound of it." I muttered as I could imagine us in such a situation. Novo dominantly pinning me under her in such a manner with our child tenderly tucked atop my chest. Our foal...kept between his mother and father in the safety of the Ivory Palace's master bedroom. A moment of serene peace between us and our children... I found my heart painfully longing for that experience. Novo soon rested her hands over the top of my chest, one resting over the other. I brought my hands up and rested them atop hers with my heart beating away under our palms. We gazed at each in longing. And an idea came to mind. "We should practice with Gladesong sometime."
"I was just about to suggest the same thing, honey. Please do bring your baby girl next time. And little Fluttershy too. I'd be more than happy to have some mom time with your first mare." Novo cooed to me while I felt her fingers rubbing my chest under my palms. She was already imagining such a time in the hopefully near future. It was a reminder that while Fluttershy was the mare I chose to walk down the aisle with in the end, she was not the only love of my life. There were others. Wonderful women equally precious to me and in their own unique ways. There was no jealousy. No doubts. We were all family. A family that would grow as Gladesong would be blessed with brothers and sisters from more than just the mare who gave birth to her.
But those thoughts still filled my heart with an unpleasant sensation. Not doubt, but concern. I gazed up at Novo while she just looked down at me with such beauty on display. We were so in love. And yet...the concept of polygamy was not generally known to the people of Capricorn Island. Novo has been around for a very long time. And she was still very new to the concept. I asked with uncertainty in my heart, "Novo... You know I love you. But...are you sure you've really come to terms with the whole thing with me, Fluttershy, and...everyone else?"
Novo's eyes widened just slightly as she quickly understood what I was concerned about. And she lowered her head to rest it beside mine before speaking. "Ah... That? I know, honey. It's not in a hippogriff's nature to be like that. One for one. Together forever. But don't worry yourself over that, honey. I promise. I don't feel any doubts or envy over this whole situation. Because of your sincerity. Even when you were still not entirely sure of how things might go, you were always so sincere in your integrity for your wife and the other lovely ladies who have become yours. That was the incentive I needed to put my faith in loving you and giving this a chance. And I haven't regretted it once. I'm proud to be part of this family you're building, my love."
"Is it wrong that I keep having doubts like this, Novo?" I asked while relieved by Novo's words. Even if I was growing annoyed with my own weaknesses. I knew it myself. There was no room for doubts or pessimism when a part of a polygamous relationship. I needed to believe in tomorrow. And I did. As I should while a part of a wonderful world like Equestria. But it was so hard to believe in myself.
My beautiful queen lifted her head and once again kissed me between the eyes. Her lovely voice cooed to me reassuringly, "Not at all, baby. You're young. Inexperienced. You haven't been around anywhere near long enough to have finally gotten everything figured out. It's all right to have doubts about you heart. But just know that I'll be here to give you a little nudge to keep you on the path we're on. And I won't be the only lucky lady to do so. Fluttershy's been doing her part to make sure her man doesn't get cold feet about how much he loves all of his mares, right?"
While I do not document every day where it happens, Novo was right. Fluttershy has always been supportive of me when I start to wonder if what we are doing is worth it. My wife. The mare I swore my vows to. My first. And the one who decided she did not have to be my last. It all started with a conversation with her best friend. A mare who could have been my wife instead of her had I made different choices early on. A mare I loved dearly. And together, they set the foundation of the family I was now building with more than just the two of them.
And now it was too late to turn back. Because of two little fillies. One, adopted into our family when she had no one and nowhere to call her own. And the other, born right into our embrace. The first of many. And that precious newborn knew she had many mothers who love her. It was too late to change that. Gladesong knows. She has imprinted onto the wonderful women in our family as her other mothers. To let go now... She would know something was no longer right as she aged and wondered why her mothers were no longer coming by to see her. If there was one beacon that would continue to guide me and give me every possible incentive to not doubt myself, it would be Gladesong. The first child to be born into our family. The first of many. She would have so many brothers and sisters in the coming years. Of many different species. And she and her elder sister would not care that they were not all ponies like them. All that mattered was that they all shared the same father. A man who, even right now, loves them dearly. And as I reminded myself of the beautiful reality that I was living in, I let out a sigh of blissful resignation. "Sorry... Moment of weakness. I really need to stop having these thoughts."
"Hey, that's what mama's here for. And all the rest of your mares. Gotta keep our man's chin up while he does the same for us." Novo chuckled before giving me a big kiss right on the forehead. And in a much more playful manner. She then nuzzled the sides of my head with hers with her hands still resting under mine. "Five more minutes, please? I don't want to let go of you yet."
"Let's make it ten." I replied with my fingers curling to hold her hands from beneath. Novo answered with a delighted and deep giggle before we continued to bask in each other's presence. So few words were said in that time. Holding each other. Caressing and kissing. We were just...being a couple. And the way Novo was loving me was unique to her. With our time together in bed reaching its end, I whispered a lovely thing to her. "I adore how all of you... You all show love in your own ways. No one does this to me like how you do."
"Then let's keep it that way, baby. Variety is the spice of life. Love us all in your own special way and we'll do the same to you." Novo cooed as she began to very reluctantly shift her body to roll off of me. No longer atop me, Novo rested on her side with her left hand still clutching mine. She looked so beautiful and serene, almost like she was inviting me for a nap while tucked against her feathery body. But it was too soon for that and we knew it. She finally asked something important. "I really need to send some goodies back with you for the girls and your ladies. Got any ideas, honey?"
Souvenirs. It was a good place to start for our day. But then, my eyes looked around the room as I sat up. And I saw my DSi sitting on a dresser near my backpack. I glanced down at Novo and asked, "How about we start with some photos?"
Novo raised an eyebrow as I went over and grabbed my DSi. Her eyes then widened in realization with her asking, "That really is a camera, isn't it? I've seen you pointing that at things sometimes. Did we take some photos together with it? Can't quite remember... But mama's always down for a photo shoot. Just be sure to get my good side, honey. Mama wants to look her best."
"Novo, I'm pretty sure every single angle of you is a good side. How about we start with some solo shots of you first? Look pretty for the camera?" I asked as I booted up the device with the gentle ambience of its menu screen breaking the silence around us. And Novo was all too happy to pose for the camera. She got herself up and prone again with her elbows on the bed and her head resting atop her intertwined fingers. She was constantly looking at me out of the corner of her eye with that proud smile on her beak. I pressed the button to get a few clicks. "Have you ever posed for photo shoots? Maybe for fashion magazines?"
"I was rarely in a good enough mood for that before you showed up, honey. But once in a while, I would look pretty for the camera when it came to photo shoots for travel magazines. Capricorn Island has been a nice tourist destination for several decades now as travel has gotten more modernized over time." My beloved explained while she adjusted her position for more photos with me stepping around her bed. I even positioned myself above her when she was on her back with wings halfway spread. She would even turn her head and parted her beak almost like she was posing for a more risqué type of magazine. She must have noticed the shifting of my eyebrows from behind the device in my hands since she then asked, "Mama looking sexy enough for daddy right now?"
"Novo, come on... I'm taking photos to show the rest of the family when I get back." I said with a snicker. Novo just could not help herself when it came to making herself look as enticing as possible. It was not out of lust. She was just that in love with her fiancé and wanted to make me happy.
"All right, I get it. Keep it clean for the kids. But...just one more, honey." Novo said with a sly gleam in her eye. I started to wonder if I should play along with whatever she had in mind. "Get off for a minute, honey. Let me get in position."
I was back to standing beside the bed while Novo rolled back over into a prone position. She guided me further and further along until... I was right behind her. "This one's for you, James. Keep this one safe for whenever you need to see me and I'm not around."
Novo was shamelessly displaying herself to me while looking back. Making sure I could see her beautiful face while her...shapely rear was taking up much of the foreground. The only thing preventing me from seeing what was between her rounded and curvy flanks were her strategically positioned tail feathers. Not that I needed to see it to know what was there. I was buried deep inside my beloved's body just the previous night. With a deep breath, I took one last photo of my queen. Novo could sense my palpable hesitation and asked cheekily, "Does daddy like what he sees?"
I closed the DSi in my hand without bothering to turn it off just yet. I then climbed back into bed and held Novo in an embrace without a word. I did not want to let any sense of lust take root in me just yet. I just wanted to hold Novo for the moment. And she returned my affections with her wing draping itself over me. "Oh James... I love you. Let me hold you too, baby."
A long sigh wheezed from my lips. I knew I would not be able to distract myself from my desire for the rest of the day. After decided to be bold and whispered to my beloved queen. "Novo. Before the day is done... Before I leave to spend the night at Silverstream's place... I want to make love to you."
I am rarely so brazen in voicing my desires. But Novo took no offense. She instead nuzzled my head and said softly, "James. My body is always ready to receive the love of my dear husband and king. If you need me, just remember that I'm always horny for you. You want to make love? Just let me know. Doesn't matter when or where. My love for you takes precedence over everything else."
I had to start wondering if Novo always being able to set time aside on a dime for her previous husband worked the same way. Even her queenly duties would take a backseat if her love for her husband and his love for her became too fiery to ignore any longer. What a queen... She must have concocted a unique system to govern her homeland without neglecting her family. Perhaps a small enclave of aides and confidants who could manage some tasks she was normally responsible for while leaving the most important decisions for her to handle once she became available again. But I did not ask. For I would never understand the mindset of sovereigns. Especially those with extremely long lifespans well beyond anything humans can live through. I still felt some concern in my heart. A leader cannot let their personal needs and desires outweigh those of their nation and its people. I asked softly with my face nestled in the fluffy blue ring of feathers at the base of her neck, "I hope I won't be too much of a distraction, dear."
Novo stroked her fingers over my head and through my hair in such a comforting manner. A very nurturing and motherly manner. "Oh honey... Don't you worry about a thing. Anyone who's been in power for as long as me have their ways of figuring out how to strike a work-life balance. I suspect even Celestia and her sisters haven't fully figured out how to handle that themselves just yet. But mama's an old pro by now. I've worked out the kinks. Part of putting together a proper support network for a leader is to treat my aides well and more like friends than employees. I appreciate those who serve me by helping me serve Capricorn Island. Every king and queen is still a mare and stallion under their crowns. And their heirs are still their children. And every child needs to be raised as sons and daughters. Not as princes and princesses. Family life is important. And that's something I've always put first in my values."
It was no wonder I viewed Novo as a perfect woman. A level of perfection only the passage of time could bestow upon anyone. I felt so blessed to be her man... And for her to be my mare. And yet I still could not shake the sense of inadequacy from my heart. I let out a sigh, face still buried in Novo ring of blue fluff and nostrils inhaling her unique subtle scent, and asked sincerely. "Did...Cygnus ever doubt himself as much as I do?"
A long sigh wheezed from Novo's beak. I constantly wondered if even mentioning her previous husband, a stallion Novo had been so madly in love with that it took nearly a century of mourning for her to begin to let her heart heal, would be a good idea. I did not want to reopen old wounds. But she still whispered to me calmly, "I don't think he ever truly got the hang of serving as king. Don't get me wrong. He tried. He loved his people and truly wanted to do his part once he was crowned as my king, but... He never fully got it. He just wasn't competent enough where it was needed. But that didn't matter to me. I didn't marry him because I thought he would make a useful partner to help me govern my people. I married him because I fell in love with him. Because I wanted to have a family with him. And I was competent enough to not need much assistance in the long run. Cygnus was my king...but he was my husband first. Just like you will be in due time."
My embrace around Novo only tightened. Such gentle confidence in her voice. And her hand gently pushed the back of my head to keep my face securely nestled against her while she cooed to me. "You will be my king... And I will be your queen. But first and foremost, I will be your wife. And you will e my husband. And eventually... We will have sons and daughters to love and raise. Not as heirs to the throne, but as our children. That's how it should always be, baby. Right?"
"Right... I never want my kids to feel the pressure of a crown on their heads when they're not ready for it. Let them be kids. The throne is no place for a child... I just want my children to grow up happy as themselves." I said with a sigh of longing. I always felt so safe and secure in Novo's embrace. With or without her soulful sassiness, she felt like a true matriarch who would always keep those under her wings in good tidings. I sighed again and whispered, "I hope I'll be as worthy of the crown as Cygnus was..."
"You already are, James. Just in different ways. I didn't fall in love with you because I thought I saw Cygnus in you. I fell in love with the man. Not the stallion who was. I know I'll never stop loving that wonderful stallion. But right now... You're the only man I want, my love." Novo cooed so sweetly to me as I felt her beak beginning to preen my hair. Doing all she could as a wife to soothe her future husband. I held her, running my fingers through her luxurious coat of feathers. At least until I realized I still had my DSi stilled grasped in my hand. Novo took noticed of the narrow plastic device rubbing down the length of her spine like a massage device and said, "Wait, is that... Oh? I have an idea, honey. How about some photos of the two of us like this?"
"More pho... Oh yeah. There's a lens on the inside for taking pictures of yourself. Hang on." I replied before turning myself over to look up at my device. I opened the DSi again to get it out of sleep mode and found the camera action still active. There in the device's own hinge holding the two halves together was a round camera lens. And with a press of a button or two, I swapped the current view to the inner camera lens that was facing us. I could see the two of us being shown on the top screen with Novo's eyes widening at the sight of her own face in real time. "Never seen yourself in a camera before the picture was taken before?"
"Nope. I didn't know cameras like this were even possible. Your world has some interesting little gadgets, honey." Novo replied while she watched herself on the screen. She started fidgeting under me with her head angled down to display her face mostly from the side. I saw her left wing unfold and rise up behind her before she brought the end of it forward and draped it over my shoulder. The details of her long and sturdy feathers were prominently displayed in the corner of the screen. Novo, satisfied with her current pose, whispered to me. "Nuzzle up closer to me, honey. Closer... Right there against my chest... Nice. Look at us now. I could see us like this in a portrait hanging in the halls. Take the shot, James."
"Gotcha. Smile for the camera, pretty bird." I replied while displaying a very calm smile. There was a click as I pressed the button with the screen's display of us becoming totally still for a few seconds before time resumed on it. The photo was now safely tucked away on the DSi's internal storage. I quickly opened up the gallery for all of the photos and brought up the newest one. We looked so happy in it... Such dreamy and pleasant smiles like we were a happily married couple who knew nothing would ever go wrong between us. "That's perfect, Novo... I don't think we can top that."
Novo went even further than that. "More than perfect, baby. Be sure to send me a copy of this photo when you can. I want one on standby so I can commission one of the local painters to make a portrait of us for the palace. But only after I get some photos of you looking a bit more...kingly."
"Uh... I'm not sure if I can even do that, Novo. I mean this thing does have an external storage device I can remove, but I'm not sure if Equestria has the kind of technology that can interface with it. Although I do know someone in Ponyville who might be able to help with that... It wouldn't be the first time she would've jury-rigged something to download data off of my devices from back home..." I replied before thinking back to probably the most tech savvy pony in Ponyville. The local DJ. Vinyl Scratch. How did she even access the entire collection of music I had stored on my PSP to broadcast during the war on the Empty Plains? Granted, she fulfilled her role as a bard quite well with the music she chose. But still...
My attention was directed to Novo when she gave the side of my head a gentle nuzzle. "I'm sure you'll figure something out, honey. Just be sure to send me a copy of that photo when you can. No rush, of course. You haven't been crowned just yet."
"Right... Crowned. I can't believe that's really going to happen." I muttered before sitting up. I looked around at the master bedroom of the Ivory Palace. It was just a fancy guestroom for me at the time, but it would become my own bedroom in due time. The luxury and the burden of royalty. I felt an avian hand rest atop mine, my gaze turning to meet Novo's as her eyes looked at me with tender concern. I let out a long sigh before speaking with barely more than a whisper. "I love you... Please don't ever lead me astray."
"Love you too, my sweet swan king. Just let me do all the heavy lifting like I've always done and you do what you can. Even if it's not much. Being a friend to my people is enough already." Novo cooed as we gently leaned into each other. I was dreading having to return home the next day. I was eager to return home to see my wife and family, but...not if it meant having to leave a part of my family behind. It will take time for me to truly adapt to this tricky yet fulfilling relationship...
It was finally time to really start our day. Everyone was probably wondering where Novo even was as the morning hours ticked by. All she did was bring up our breakfast only for the two of us to become very distracted with no one else around. I started finishing dressing up for a long day as I muttered, "I think we really do distract each other too much sometimes..."
"You make it sound like a bad thing." Novo said with a deep and soulful giggle before sneaking a peck of a kiss on my cheek. I snickered in return to her loving touch. It was normal to get lost in each other's embrace when so deeply in love. I felt Novo trace her beak around the circumference of my scalp while letting out a rather giddy chuckle in the process. "Mmmmhmhmhm, can't wait to see my sweet swan king wearing a real crown. You're gonna look so good in it, baby."
Her enthusiasm got me to recoil with laughter instead of being nervous about the approaching coronation. But when I thought of wearing a crown, I suddenly realized... What would I wear with it? No monarch wears a crown while clad in commoner attire. Me with a crown on my head, but while wearing boots, a polo shirt, and blue jeans? The style would clash so hard... And so I had to ask, "Hang on. What would I wear with the crown? I'm not supposed to wear it with...this, am I?"
Novo just stared at me with wide unblinking eyes when I said that. I could see her eyes glance back up and down to take in my casually dressed form. Instead of saying anything, Novo reached up to her head and removed her own crown from her brow before placing it on my head. Its design was a poor match for the shape of my skull, but its aesthetic was enough to be paired up with my clothing. Novo held a fist under her beak while her eyes narrowed in observation. That contemplative scowl soon became a much more amused look while her muttering, "Oh my goodness... Looks like I failed a spot check here. It's not like we hippogriffs usually wear much all that often to begin with. That ring of gold doesn't go with the rest of your attire at all. We better fix that."
"Yeah, that's what I thought." I snickered now that we were on the same page. I placed Novo's crown back on her head while making sure the long blue feathers rising from her forehead were not pinned under it. And as I did, I suddenly had an idea on who to commission for a royal set of clothing. "If you need someone to weave clothes for me to go with that crown... How about Rarity back in Ponyville? She knows all my measurements and regularly makes clothing for the fancy folks in Canterlot. I'm sure straight up royal ensembles are within her skill level."
My future queen's eyes lit up as she burst into a hearty chuckle. "Ohohoho, her?! Yes, I've seen her stuff in fashion magazines plenty of times. I bet she'd be more than happy to have that honor. And just imagine the look on her face when she finds out she's weaving some royal raiments for her own sweet hubby."
My eyes opened wide at the sudden realization I had. I knew more about Rarity than Novo did at the time. And as I imagined how that conversation would go down... I hunkered over with hands on my head and spoke with an amused groan, "Oh my god... Rarity's gonna lose her mind when she finds out her prince is really going to be crowned king... It was her dream for a time to become a princess by marrying into a royal family. Which means..."
"Your little lady's gonna skip that step and go straight to being your little queen, hm?" Novo said smugly before letting out another hearty laugh. Good lord, I can imagine Rarity all but fainting when that information reaches her ears. To go from a commoner to an actual queen by proxy? I hope that paradigm shift does not go too far to her head. We still need to use discretion with our relationship for the time being. Novo then cleared her throat and said, "But anyway... Yeah. Miss Rarity of Ponyville sounds like she'd be a fine choice for that task. And I'll see to it she's paid handsomely for making sure our king has a proper ensemble to go with his crown."
"Just...be sure to approach her gently about that bit of information. Rarity can be...overly dramatic when too stimulated." I said with a crooked smile on my lips. I did miss that lovely little lady. Just bursting with elegant charm that was entirely hers. I do not know where she got the idea to develop such an elegant and posh persona, but it was definitely a trait I adored about Rarity.
With all that said, it was time to head out. I bundled up in my winter jacket with Novo taking note of me wearing something meant for outdoor winter use. We stepped out into the hall and still finding my armor's liquid form at the very end with wet floor signs keeping anyone away from it. Novo rolled her eyes and said, "I need to get a designated tub or something for you to store that in if you need it just to visit us on short notice. Pretty sure I can set aside a spot for it in the armory..."
"That sounds like a good idea. I mean it's in a pretty out of the way spot right here already, but... You never know if someone might be curious enough to try poking it." I grumbled while still so amused at Seaspray's idea of keeping my armor undisturbed actually working so well. I was just glad that the enchanted liquid metal would not leave any stains on the floor.
Novo then set a hand on my padded shoulder and asked, "But anyway... Why dressed so warm, honey? You got something to do somewhere?"
I am sure Novo was expecting me to come with her to the throne room to take care of some morning tasks while serving her kingdom from the throne. But I did have some tasks of my own to carry out. "Oh, uh... I was going to do some souvenir shopping for my family back home. I shouldn't return empty-handed after leaving on short notice."
"Ooh! Good idea then. In that case, let's be off. Family comes first after all." Novo replied happily before leading me down the hall with a bit of a spring in her step. Her motherly instincts were kicking in again now that it was time to get something nice for the kids. I knew better than to even try to suggest that we reconsider our schedules. Novo has always been a mother first and a queen second. And now that she more or less had a daughter or two to help raise, she was more than happy to do her part.
We were greeted by various palace personnel in the morning hours while we passed them. From aides to guards, they all bowed to their queen in greeting. The tapping of hooves and avian hands were constant as we strode along the polished stone floor. The morning winter light shone through the various windows in the outermost hall with our destination ahead of us. I muttered softly to myself, "I appreciate how different your castle feels compared to Canterlot's. In both layout and aesthetic."
"The Ivory Palace was constructed long before we even made first contact with the mainland. But it's still had a number of renovations over time. What with society modernizing itself as time has gone by." Novo replied while I noticed her glance over her shoulder at me. She sounded proud of her home. As she should have been. The Ivory Palace looked vastly different on the inside than on the outside. A pure white and gold exterior with an extravagant and beautiful interior right out of the Turkish palaces from the world I came from. It almost felt like the Ivory Palace itself was an extension of Novo herself. A very defined outward beauty hiding many complex layers just under the surface. All it would take is just hearing Novo talk to see that she is not like most over monarchs.
I smiled at our avian peers as they greeted us in passing. At least until we were approached by one specific member of the royal guard. Admiral Seaspray himself trotted our way with a smile on his beak. "Good morning to you, your majesties! Being late risers today?"
"What can I say, admiral? Your king and I had some lost time to make up for." Novo replied while I sheepishly averted my gaze. But I still found myself reaching out to my royal beloved as she stepped towards me. As if on instinct, we began to lean into each other to confirm that we had a very good reason to leave the bedroom a little later than we should have. Just as Seaspray was about to speak, Novo reached out and touched a finger to his beak while speaking with a confident gaze on her face. "Whatever you have to say about any business waiting for me in the throne room, save it for later. Mama's got some shopping to do for the kids back home."
"I... Uh... Yes! Understood! And do give my regards to the little ones. I shall relay your decree to the rest and see to it that they cover for you until your return. Now if you'll excuse me..." Seaspray replied with barely any protest. He knew his queen well. He and I shared a smile while the commander of Capricorn Island's security force gave me a very knowing wink while passing by.
I once again felt a flicker of doubt in my heart. As if I was being a detrimental distraction to Novo and her duties. She was not like Celestia back in Canterlot. A monarch who had her duties split between two equally capable sisters with a pair of very wise and capable advisors who could shoulder some of the burden when needed. I asked softly, "Novo... Are you sure I'm not getting in the way here? Should I let you take care of the orders of the day before we...do anything personal like this?"
Novo had just started to step away only to lean back against me with her head lovingly rubbing against the side of mine. She draped a wing over me to pull me along while she strode through the halls with a show of serene and happy grace. "I'm sure, James. Trust me when I say I have a support network to handle things for me in the short term when I have things to do away from any royal duties. They'll hold down the fort while we take care of business elsewhere."
"All right. I just don't want to be a burden." I replied with a humble heart. I new I was nothing special at the end of the day. Even after everything that had happened during my time in Equestria, I was still one of the common folk.
But Novo was not having it. She pulled me even more into herslef with her wing wrapping around me. She pressed her brow to mine, her beautiful eyes gazing into my own. At the bottom of my vision was a smile spreading across her beak. "A burden? James. My love. You're the best thing to happen to me in a very...very long time. And to my people. You will never be a burden. Because burdens don't get to wear crowns."
"Novo... I love you. Don't ever let me fall." I whispered before I gave up and put my arms around my beloved. Her reassuring words, words fueled by centuries or even millennia of wisdom, were a powerful weapon to combat my own doubts.
The majestic hippogriff queen in my arms cooed to me most beautifully. "Oh sweetie... I'm no stranger to nurturing a humble king. Mama will make sure daddy never doubts himself for too long."
My hand began to reach as we embraced. I was looking for a hand or hoof to hold. An instinct driven by my heart. But I could not find one because they were both on the floor. Novo took note of my roaming hand and asked, "Looking for something, dear?"
I sighed upon realizing that I had been caught. A bitter chuckle slipped past my lips as I spoke to her, "Oh... Sorry, I... I just wanted to hold your hand for a while."
"Then say no more, baby. Just let me free them up." Novo replied as she released me from her wing's embrace. And for very good reason. She lowered herself to build up strength before pushing down on her arms to essentially jump back. Her wings spread wide and reached back as she rose onto just her hind limbs to stand tall like a woman instead of a mare. I still marveled at her height when assuming a biped stance, something no other winged creature in Equestria could do with such ease. The reach of those massive hippogriff wings were such an effective counterweight to keep their bodies upright. Novo rested her opposite hand on her flank before holding out her left hand, palm upturned. "Shall we, honey?"
Even with Novo standing several heads taller than me, I still gently rested my hand in hers. And our hands took hold. Whether standing as a mare or rising tall as a woman, Novo's seasoned display of grace was constant. Our eyes met, my queen towering over me, and my lips found their way to the back of her hand. A pleasantly surprised giggle was muffled in my queen's beak before I whispered to her. "You are...always so beautiful, my love."
"Only the most radiant beauty for the love of my life." Novo said with such a sensual churr following her words. One that sent shudders down my spine. I breathed deeply to try and restrain my libido. I wanted her. Dearly. How I wanted to make tender love to the woman who would be my wife before long. But not then. Not when we had some things to do. Novo's leg elegantly took a step forward, my eyes glancing down to see her polished and exposed pink hoof. "Let's go, James. Together."
And so we continued on down the hall. Hand in hand and so in love. I dare say Novo walked with even more elegance and grace when strolling with a biped stance. Her hips swayed in much the same manner as a human woman, her increased narrow height drastically altering her center of balance. My face was flushed as I watched her out of the corner of my eye, her gaze focused on what was ahead while I still held her hand. I was just so...madly in love with that angelic bird of paradise. She was truly feminine perfection given form. Novo did finally glance down at me out of the corner of her eye with a smirk spreading across her beak. Knowing I had been caught, I asked quietly, "Is it wrong that I can't take my eyes off you like this?"
Novo chuckled before wrapping her fingers more firmly around my hand. "Stare all you want, baby. All you see right here belongs only to you. I'm your real crown jewel of Capricorn Island. Right?"
"Tch... You bet you are." I replied with a snicker in my throat. Novo truly made me feel like the luckiest man alive. I will always love my beloveds in my own way, but Novo will always feel just...a little more special. A woman all mares should strive to be a little more like. At least that is what my heart says.
As we started to come within sight of the great front doors of the palace, Novo suddenly brought up a thought I had not been asked before. "Come to think of it... You've seen my place. You've seen Canterlot Castle. But what about little Ember? Does she have an impressive castle of her own out there in the dragon lands?"
Novo had seen the homes of her oldest and newest royal friends. The castle of Canterlot. The simple village of the Grove of Silence. But there was one she had not seen just yet. And even I had only seen it once before. I scowled to myself in some bitter amusement while I said, "Ember...lives inside a mountain. With tunnels carved out for Dragon Lords who were much bigger than her. The place is going to need a massive overhaul once she figures out how to open up the borders to foreign trade."
Even Novo herself stared down at me with a perplexed gaze. As if she could not imagine a place stuck so far in the past that the dragon lands might as well have been a lost world forever locked in the Stone Age. "You're serious? Even the Dragon Lord lives like a beast instead of a queen?"
"Yeah. And I bet Ember is always looking for an opportunity to get out of there and see more of the world. I hope a day comes where that mountain becomes a proper palace for her. That beautiful blue rose deserves it." I replied before suddenly realizing the choice of words I had chosen to describe Ember. I glanced up at Novo while she looked down at me with a knowing smirk. She knew I was dearly in love with Ember. She had seen it for herself and had been told straight from my lips.
I felt Novo rub her fingers over mine while she said to me, "I hope that day comes soon. It wouldn't do for her kids to grow up in a simple rocky cave. They deserve all the good stuff their brothers and sisters have. Right, daddy?"
She got me good. I did not respond with words, but I did fluster a bit. And my thoughts raced. Ember had already requested that I sire her heirs. A formal and preemptive way of declaring that I was the man she wanted. We would be blessed with beautiful dragon children someday. Ones like...him.
I suddenly became weak in the knees as my memories of that night came back to me. A dream I somehow ended up sharing with Ember without any outside interference. Somewhere between lucidity and ambiguity. We met him. That beautiful dragon boy who ran to us with such bright eyes filled with happiness and love. Eyes that contained a perfect fusion of my own earthy brown and his mother's vibrant scarlet. A boy with fingers that masterfully tapped away on piano keys to produce true art to the ears of all who heard it. And with a gentle voice that told me words I would never forget. That he loved me. That he loved her. That he loved his mother and father.
Novo could see something was wrong. She quickly dropped back down on all fours as my stance became unsteady. My legs felt like they were about to give out on me as I felt my head swimming almost in a trance. And I felt them. Warm tears starting to flow down my cheeks. Novo took a seat beside me and pulled me into her arms and glorious wings. "Honey... James, look at me. What's wrong, dear? Why are you crying?"
I was filled with an explicit sense of loss. My heart was longing for the beautiful son I had only known for one night. I never even learned his name... But he was still mine. And I was so proud of him. Doing all I could to restrain my urge to weep, I spoke to Novo with a quivering voice. "I... We... Ember and I... We somehow... A dream. We were sleeping together on the flight home and... We met him. He... Oh my god, Novo... You would've loved him. Such a beautiful dragon boy... And he was ours."
The beautiful hippogriff queen who was cradling me in her wings gazed at me with widening eyes. Her beak was agape for a moment as she processed what I was saying. Images were probably being formed in her mind as she tried to picture a precious dragon prince born from a union between Ember and myself. "You actually saw your son... A little boy? A dragon prince?"
"It felt so real, Novo... I remember holding him. I remember him saying he loved me... He even played the piano. And he was so good at it... I miss him, Novo. I don't even know his name, but I miss my boy..." I said with quiet sobs. I squinted my eyes shut as Novo held me. My face was buried into the layer of feathers coating her neck while I tried to ride out the sudden wave of sorrow in my heart.
Even Novo's voice began to waver as I heard a sniffle from her. "Oh my goodness... Your baby boy knew how to play piano? Now that's a true prince right there... I wish I could've been there to see him... I would've let him know his Mama Novo loves him too... Tell me, honey. Did he have his daddy's eyes?"
Those eyes... Oh my lord, those beautiful eyes filled with such happiness and gentleness. Set into that face of dark blue with two little fangs extending from his upper jaw... I clung to my queen as I replied, "He had ours... Not brown. Not scarlet. It was...somewhere between the two."
"That... Oh my, sounds like...a cordovan hue. I can already picture it, honey. What beautiful eyes... James, no. Shhhh... Shhhh... Don't cry, my love. Don't cry. I know you miss him. And that's because you're a great daddy. I haven't even met that baby boy, but I already miss him. Give it time, honey... I want to mother your precious dragon babies as much as you want to be their father. Easy there... Easy." Novo cooed sweetly to me even as I felt her own tears touch my face. I felt so ashamed. I did not want our day to have us both breaking down in tears more than once. I whispered a bunch of apologies to Novo, but she nuzzled the top of my head. "Don't apologize, my love. Please... There's nothing wrong with a father longing to see his wonderful son."
Novo kept whispering tender loving words to me with her own tears flowing as well. I could already imagine that precious boy meeting Novo for the first time. She would be over the moon to hold her son from another mother. Kissing his head, preening his hair, cradling him in her wings... He would love her too. He would...surely be such good friends with Novo's little ones as well. I could already picture him meeting our firstborn son for the first time. Dragon prince and hippogriff prince sharing a big hug together. I knew my boys would not be shy about being held and holding others. I was suddenly filled with more hope than ever that the family I was building with my beloveds would truly be a wonderful thing in the long run. I had to stay the course. For them. And for the precious little lives who did not exist yet. "I'll let you know right away if it happens, Novo... I want him to know who his mama bird is."
"And I'll be holding you to that, honey. I want to know and love all the children this family of ours will have." Novo cooed with her beak tenderly touching my lips for a kiss. A show of love to distract from our tearful longing. But as we held each other for a moment, we came to a realization. We were not alone. A few of the palace's guards had gathered around when we were too distracted with each other under the cover of Novo's wings. Novo's somber gaze was replaced with one of confusion as she asked, "Um... Can we help you, gentlemen?"
"We happened to notice you two looked...distressed, your majesty. Is something wrong?" One of the armored avian stallions asked and upturned hand offering support. I did not blame them for worrying about their queen. I am sure that Novo was still strong enough to not break down in tears in the halls of her own home before she met me. She was as stalwart as the mountain her castle served as its crown.
Novo let out an amused chuckle while I tried to shrink away under her wing. It was my fault we were in that situation at all. "Don't you worry about us. These tears aren't entirely sad ones. Let's just say your future king and I have had a lot to catch up on in very little time. Lots of emotions going on here. We're fine. Really. Carry on."
The gazes of concerns in the eyes of Novo's men were replaced with looks of relief. And maybe even a hint of amusement. They knew their queen was in good hands when with the man she loves most. They all casually dispersed to return to their posts while Novo helped me back up onto my feet. But I could barely look at her. I felt so embarrassed to bring her to tears in such an open location of her own castle.
Being the wise and experienced wife she had been for most of her life, Novo did not let me wallow in my guilt for long. She hooked a finger under my jaw and guided my face to look at her. She then whispered to me softly, "Don't be ashamed about the tears, baby. You were just being a good father. And I'm happy to share my tears with you."
I had no words. All I could do was embrace my beloved while she did the same. I still had a lot to learn about being in love with someone I know will never leave me like my first ever did. There is always more to learn about the art of love. And I followed my queen out the front door of her palace and onto the bridge I first arrived upon. With the biting cold of winter all around us atop that very tall mountain, Novo then asked, "Come to think of it... Isn't this where you said you appeared when you tried to teleport out here in the first place?"
"Yeah. Right...here. At least I think this is the spot. It was the one spot I had the clearest memory of." I replied while leading Novo a little further across the white stone bridge. I then turned around to get a good look at the Ivory Palace itself. Just to ingrain that majestic view into my memory to insure I would not forget where I wanted to be next time I found the time to visit Capricorn Island.
Novo noticed a clever bit of symbolism that I had not thought of first. "In other words, this bridge connects Canterlot to my place."
"It bridged the gap between us... Fitting." I said with a big stupid smile spreading across my face at the pun. That bridge was supposed to connect the Ivory Palace to the Omega sector over yonder. But it also connected me to Novo. We then continued across the bridge with such a view all around us. The mountain reached high while being miles across at its base. It really is truly difficult to describe the scale of a mountain that tall. But out over the horizon was the vast ocean. And rising high ahead of us was the mornign sun on a very clear winter day. But the rays of Celestia's sun did nothing to combat the frigid temperatures around us. I breathed harshly as I could already feel my nose starting to run. "How do you handle this cold? Does it even faze you? Even on your face?"
"I don't know what to tell you, honey. I feel just fine right now all over. I mean yes, I do feel that cold more in some places than others, but I guess birds like us are just built different. Why? Is it too much for you?" Novo asked with some casual concern while we strolled along.
I did not even want to take my hands out of my pockets. But I had to in order to wipe my nose with a few tissues stashed in my jacket. "Ugh, I really should've brought a scarf. And I normally don't mind the cold that much. It's not so bad on lower elevations when the snow is coming down, but up here... Maybe the humidity has something to do with the cold being more bearable..."
"That might be it right there. We are very high up. And this is some serious dry cold right now. No wonder you're having a hard time. Let's hurry along and get indoors so we can find you a little something for winter up here." Novo replied while hastening her pace. She did not quite break out into a trot, but I did have to walk briskly to keep up. We descended the stairs at the far end of the bridge to enter the Omega sector. We had our eyes peeled for the first shop of any kind just so we could get out of that miserable high-altitude cold.
Novo was more familiar with the layout of the town nearest her home and led me inside a white building that blended in with most of the other architecture around us. But the interior was another story. It was decked out for the holidays with all the Hearth's Warming Eve staples. Glowing light bulbs with ropes of green false pine needles, brass bells and candy canes, and everything else one would expect to see during this time of year. There was even some holiday music being broadcast around the shop. And barely five seconds after we entered, a hippogriff mare spoke up from behind the counter nearby. "Welco... Oh! Your majesty! Hello! Can I help you?"
"Just doing some browsing and maybe a little buying, sweetie. Don't mind us." Novo said with a confidant smile. I just offered a quiet wave in greeting while I suspected the shopkeeper knew enough about what was going on between Novo and I at the time. The Omega sector had a front row seat of anything that happened on Novo's home turf. It was probably the first place any sort of gossip about the royal family would happen. The shopkeeper left us to our browsing while Novo got a few greetings from other customers. And while I stood back and let Novo mingle with her people, they would always be sure to greet me as well. They would even bow a little to me in a manner that I knew was not a casual greeting among hippogriffs. After a few such encounters in the shop, Novo noticed the odd look on my face and asked, "Something on your mind, honey?"
"Do they... Are your people aware of you and I...being together?" I asked while not sure if I could recall being told of the finer details of what gossip or information had been spreading around the mountain. But it was my first time back on Capricorn Island in months. Surely most of the people there had forgotten about me by then.
Novo smiled smugly at me and said, "James. Honey, my people are going to find out something is up when they notice their queen is a lot happier than she's been in ages. They know their queen is courting a potential future king. And they definitely know it has to be you."
I had to remind myself of how blessed we were that Novo and I were together out of love and not for any sort of perks that came from what we had to offer each other. But I still had to ask, "And they're OK with it? A commoner and a foreigner possibly becoming their queen's husband? Let alone a man who's officially married to another?"
My beloved's smile became just a bit more solemn as she replied, "I admit that last part might throw a wrench into how this might play out, but... They know you're making me happy. And that you're not some scoundrel who looks at women as just a mark on your score list. Besides, my first husband was a common stallion and that didn't stop me from falling in love with him. And even then, you're not just some commoner, baby. You're a knight. Officially and royally knighted for outstanding service for our world. Even the most prudish folk would see that as enough leverage for a man to court royalty."
She was right. Even though I was still trying to get used to that fact. I was not simply a man who had been granted access to enchanted armor and weapons. I was a knight. Both in form, ability, and in public standing. It was such an honor to comprehend that. But I then had a clever response in mind. I smirked at Novo abruptly and asked, "Is that why you don't have any guards escorting you right now? Because I'm with you?"
"Well that wasn't the original intention! But now that you mention it... Sure. Let's go with that. I have nothing to worry about when I have a fine example of a knight at my side." Novo chirped with her wings even abruptly unfolding halfway. Thank goodness Novo was aware enough to not let her wings completely unfold or they would have knocked something over in the confines of the shop. But she got her wings folded up against her body before reaching out and giving me a loving peck on the cheek. "Seriously though, I love you. Now let's really start looking around for some goodies for you to bring home for the kids."
The shop around us seemed to be the kind of place that had a little bit of everything. And it looked like it was outfitted for tourists. With the Omega sector set right outside the Ivory Place, it was a good place to be to capitalize on tourists since surely most vacationers and travelers would want to get a good look at the home of Capricorn Island's royal family. Plenty of the pretty items locked inside glass display cases were basically fancy shelf decorations with little in the way of function. But some were more practical. Music boxes, jewelry boxes, fancy stands to hang necklaces on... The only person who came to mind when looking at such fancy items was Rarity. I did not want to get anything too extravagant when it came to souvenirs. Certainly not with Hearth's Warming Eve being just a few weeks away. Novo even noticed my prolonged silence and how long I kept scanning the items on display. "Need a second opinion, honey?"
"The thing is... The big holiday events are just a few weeks off. I shouldn't bring home something really nice only to have to double down on it a few weeks later. I should probably get things for them that are...basic? Practical?" I replied while knowing Novo would have no problem pitching in to help pay for any gifts for the rest of our family back home. She has much deeper pockets than I do and is not shy about using her resources for the sake of friends and family.
"That's a good idea. Save the best gifts for the day everyone's passing gifts around in front of the fireplace. But if you want to go simple... I say food and drink. No one can complain about anything that tastes good." Novo replied before guiding me over to a section of the shop that had rows of thick bottles lined up. Bottles of mead. My beloved then asked, "Remind me again who we're buying for?"
I pondered that question. Who indeed. I should not load up on souvenirs for my entire circle of friends. Only those who were closest. If I was going to hand out gifts to all of them, it would be for Hearth's Warming Eve itself. I crossed my arms and started to think of names. "Fluttershy... Scootaloo and Gladesong... I shouldn't leave out Rarity. Smolder and Ocellus are waiting for me too... You know what? Let's add Gallus to the list. He deserves something nice."
"So seven friends and lovers to surprise with goodies? Got it. I say...a bottle of mead for each of your mares?" Novo replied while picking out two bottles of different types of mead. I had no idea which brand they were or if they were the same type, but that added a nice bit of mystery to the gift. Fluttershy does like sweeter drinks and Rarity loves her wine, which mead basically is.
I was about to object to Novo grabbing another bottle of mead since I know she was thinking of Smolder. Just because Smolder was more mature than most girls her age did not mean she could legally drink yet. I am also not certain how alcohol would even affect a Changeling like little Ocellus. But when I thought of Gallus and what I found out about Equestria's drinking laws during that victory party some months back... I finally had an idea of what to get for my blue feathered friend. "Actually... Yeah, let's get a bottle for Gallus too. He's old enough to drink while supervised."
"Sounds like a plan, honey. Here. This one's a good choice for those getting their first taste of mead. Sweet and accessible. Just don't down too much too fast or you'll regret it." Novo replied as she handed me another bottle. I took note of the label and the color of the glass to make sure I would not forget who it was for. There were even folding cardboard carrying frames for bottles provided next to the shelves. With there being room for four bottles, I picked up a bottle of mead for myself to balance it out.
Now it was time to decide on gifts for the youngest ones on my list. I first thought of Ocellus and Smolder. The two little ladies currently living under my own roof. What does one give a dragon and a Changeling when they need so little? Dragons can eat just about anything and Ocellus would never want for anything as long as she had access to my love for her. But then I noticed candy that was produced locally. And among them was hard pure honey drops. Both of those little ladies would enjoy those. Even if Ocellus would not really need them, I know she enjoys sweet foods for the sake of their flavor. Must be the insect side of her Changeling physiology. I grabbed two big bags of those and then started to brainstorm. "Now then... What do I get for my girls? One's about to turn thirteen, but what do you get for an infant?"
"Hmmm... Let your baby girl's mama bird pick something out for her. I know babies better than you do, dear." Novo replied before kissing the side of my forehead. I stood back with folded arms and let Novo do some browsing of her own. She looked very tempted to examine the fancier items on display. No doubt a result of her wanting to spoil her daughter from another mother a little bit. But she was also experienced enough to know someone as young as Gladesong would have no use for something like an expensive music box. But her eyes then scanned some other items that looked perfect for a nursery. Pastel colored ceramic items that reminded me of decorative decor during my days as a child that I even saw in storage years later in my family's home. "Ooh... Does Gladesong have any of these?"
"Come to think of it... No, not yet." I muttered while taking a closer look. They were definitely cheaper than the fancy music boxes nearby. Definitely meant to be pleasing to the eyes of a young child. There were a number of shapes, but what caught my eye most was one in the shape of a steam locomotive. All kids like trains. They have always had a timeless aura about them. And it was large enough to hold items in the coal tender behind the rest of it. I remember the one I had as a child having a set of fake flowers in it. Something that Gladesong would also appreciate. But there was also something atop it. A turning key for a music box. And I felt the urge to test it. "This one looks exactly like one I even had as a kid..."
Novo said nothing and allowed me to give the key several twists. The clicking of a music box winding up could be heard from within that ceramic shell. And once the resistance became too great, I let it go. The key began to very slowly rotate in the opposite direction. And I felt such a painful sense of nostalgia as I heard a tune I remembered. The actual title of the song the music box was replicating still escapes me, but deep in my soul... It stirred something within me. Taking my heart back to much simpler times. Such times that were now my own daughter's to experience. I gently rested my hand on the ceramic train as the music box's tempo slowed to a stop. "This is the one. Gladesong will love it."
"You got it, honey." Novo said with such a prideful smile on her beak. She definitely approved. All that was left was getting something special for Scootaloo. Novo and I began to step around the display shelves to see what else was available. But as we did so, we started to notice the voice of a child. A boy. A very excited boy and his parents. Novo turned her head and said, "Sounds like we're not the only couple here."
I was distracted too and let my gaze wander. Sure enough, there was a small hippogriff family nearby. A very happy stallion and mare standing over an excited little colt. He must have been around the same age as those in the flock I remember meeting time and again during my previous stay. I even remember the colors of his coat. A light pastel blue with tail feathers and a mane of a sunset. And with bright purple eyes. He kept pointing and asking about the items on the lower shelves while Novo spoke up to her subjects. "Hey there, lovebirds. How are things?"
Novo was so casual when interacting with her subjects on their turf. More like a friendly neighbor than their ruler. And the married hippogriff couple responded with big smiles while the wife of the couple spoke first. "Your majesty! Hello! We're just out doing some holiday shopping for the cousins."
That was when the little hippogriff colt happened to noticed the two of us. He was about to bow to the beautiful queen standing tall before his parents, but his eyes then lit up with his beak parting when he happened to notice me. He took a few quick steps forward and chirped, "Wow! Sir James! It's you! Hi!"
"Uh... You know me?" I stammered when I heard myself being addressed with that honorific. Just how far had word of my knighting spread? Did word about me being the only human visitor really get around that much?
"Yeah! You're so cool! You're the knight who beat the bad guys during that war a few months ago! It's so great to meet you!" That precious little boy chirped so excitedly. And I was at a loss for words. To be randomly approached by a young child who knew of me and was responding to my presence like a celebrity's biggest fan was...a completely alien experience to me.
But my body did respond accordingly to the situation. And Novo noticed it too while she smirked at me. "Oh my, just look at you blush. Didn't know there's some kids who think you're a real hero, hm?"
She was right. I could feel my face getting too warm. While I flustered a bit with my hands full with the goods we were planning on purchasing, the boy's father spoke up with a chuckle. "Haha. Easy now, Savoy. Don't give our friend here a hard time. He's here on official business. At least I think you are, sir?"
"Sa... Savoy? That's your name?" I asked with my attention being directed to the coot standing at my feet. I got down on one knee to set aside the stuff in my arms and gently rested my hand on the colt's head. I could not resist the urge to pet him. And judging by how he closed his eyes and let out an involuntary tweet, he appreciated my fingers tussling his head and his feathery mane. I then looked up at his parents while they looked down at me with smiles on their beaks. "If you don't mind me asking... Where did you get the idea to name him that? I don't think I've ever heard that word."
"Savoy is a certain shade of blue. And that was the first thing that came to mind when he was born. Doesn't it fit him?" The colt's mother asked while he continued to push his head up into my hand with a pleased smile. Equestria's naming conventions are definitely something that would never really work where I come from and I need to keep that in mind. And all I could do was smile at the adorable little blue bird colt before me. The mother mare then looked at Novo and asked, "What brings you out to our place, your majesty? Stocking up on mead for those cold winter knights?"
"No, those bottles aren't for me. This sweet man is just gathering up souvenirs for everyone back home. Don't want him going home empty-handed, do we?" Novo retorted while I saw her smirk down at me. She was being mindful to not say too much. My family situation is unorthodox, especially to the people of Capricorn Island. But how would we break the news to the public? How many even knew at the time?
But while the married couple above chatted up Novo like a few neighbors sharing some gossip, their son was content to just let me pet his head. He was letting out the cutest trilling sounds from his throat. What a precious little boy. A growing urge was swelling up in my heart. Petting that boy was not enough. I wanted to hold him. To cradle him in my arms like I have done with Gladesong and even Scootaloo. I finally locked eyes with Savoy's father while my hand rose from the colt's head, prompting the little boy to open his eyes as he wondered why I had stopped. I glanced down at Savoy while he looked up at me with curious silence. With a sigh, I readied myself for whatever response I would get as my eyes met the gaze of the stallion above me. "May I...hold him?"
I saw Novo's eyes widen at my request. Only for her to display a huge knowing smile while she nodded at the married couple to let them know they had nothing to fear. Their concerned gazes became calmer before they nodded at me with smiles on their beaks. Even Savoy, bless his heart, gazed up at me with his beak opened wide with an avian smile. He sat on his haunches and held up his arms with his little wings spread wide. His little avian hands were held open as he spoke with a quick chirp. "Up!"
That face filled with joyful anticipation... The outstretched arms inviting me to hold him... An image flashed through my mind. And for just an instant, I did not see a hippogriff colt before me. I saw a dark blue dragon boy. One who had invited me for an embrace in exactly the same way. A child without a name, but one who knew who his father was. The image faded as I struggled to restrain the temptation to let a single tear trickle down my face. I reached out with my hands, gently yet firmly took hold of the colt around his ribs, and rose to my feet with the boy in my hands. He was remarkably light. And I all too happily cradled him to my chest.
I looked down at the colt while he gazed up at me with a big smile on his beak. He must have been thrilled to be so gently cradled in the arms of a knight he respected. As the moments went by with my body starting to sway as my instincts kicked in to rock the child to sleep as I have before when holding Gladesong in the exact same way, I felt the overwhelming urge to let my tears flow. He was just so precious... That little feathered foal of a boy. So happy and so calm, never saying a word and letting his smile speak for him. All while all who were witnessing that moment said nothing.
Was that how it felt to be a father to a son? To cradle one's own little boy in his arms with nothing but the highest hopes for his future? I finally squinted my eyes shut and nestled my face against the top of the colt's head, gently swaying as the minutes went by. My nostrils were filled with the vague scent of a bird's feathers. And the faint scent of sweet pea flowers. The shampoo used when bathing him? Savoy may not have been mine, but a part of my heart loved him regardless. I had only just met that bright-eyed little boy and I already adored him. And before long, I heard Novo speak with a very proud whisper. "That...is a man...who is going to be a wonderful father someday."
My eyes were closed as the colt in my arms never said a word. He only let out long and dreamy churrs as he rested his head against my chest. The stallion and two mares watching me kindly stepped back and left me and that colt to ourselves. They continued to speak, but only in whispers. I heard mention of questioning if Novo and I had any children of our own only for Novo to confirm that we did not and were actively trying for some. The mother and father of the colt in my arms happily bid us good fortune and hopes that we would succeed. For that moment, I was satisfied with what I was holding for the moment. A beautiful little boy who would grow up happy.
Minutes went by. And I continued to sway with nothing more than the whispers of polite conversation and the gentle ambience of quiet music playing through the shop's audio setup reaching my ears. At least for a time. It took me a good while to notice that the boy in my arms was no longer churring. He was...snoring? I finally came back to my senses and looked down at little Savoy. His eyes were closed. And he looked so happy and serene while clearly fast asleep. And I was filled with a sense of silly embarrassment. I only wanted to comfort the small colt in my arms. I never intended to put him to sleep. Novo and Savoy's parents looked at me when they noticed that I was not quite in the zone anymore. I looked at them, then down at their son, and then back to them with a crooked grimace on my lips. "I... Uh... He's... I wasn't trying to rock him to sleep, but... Sorry."
Savoy's father grinned as he chuckled under his breath. "That's perfectly fine, sir. This was going to be our last stop for shopping today anyway. Savoy would probably have ended up taking a nap once we got home anyway. You just saved us the of getting him comfortable."
Novo then winked at he two subjects and said with a confident whisper, "Told you he'd make a great daddy."
"Novo, please..." I muttered while knowing that the at was out of the bag when it came to our relationship. There really was no hiding that she and I were very much in love by then. And true to Novo's word, her subjects were taking no issue with their queen romancing a man from another land. Let alone one who was not royally born. But it remained to be seen how they would react upon discovering that her beloved was already married to another. They had thankfully not noticed my wedding ring. Or perhaps they did and assumed it was an engagement ring. Regardless, I knew it was time to say goodbye. But as I was reminded of the gentle weight of the slumbering colt in my arms, I looked down at him. I did not want to let go. Not yet.
But I had to. Savoy was a beautiful little boy. And he was not mine. With a sigh, I lifted my gaze to look at his parents and pleaded with a whisper, "Please be good to him. He's a wonderful child."
"He is. And we will. Now then... If you could just put him down here, please?" Savoy's mother turned sideways before motioning her head towards the middle of her back. I started to get the idea and stepped forward, the colt still held in my arms. I had to very carefully slide my arms out from under him in a way that would not cause him to suddenly feel like he was not being supported from below. It was a trick I had plenty of practice with when carrying Gladesong and I managed to pull it off. But once that slumbering colt was resting on his mother's back and between her folded glorious wings, I witnessed a neat trick. His mother slightly unfolded both wings just enough to rise them up. She then lifted then in a way where they would have bending over her back for a downward flap and had her two mostly folded wings rest over her child to form a feathery tunnel to keep him securely locked in place. He would not be rolling off by accident. Savoy's mother then winked at me and asked with a smiling beak, "Cute trick, right?"
"Huh... That's actually really clever. And he looks comfy too." I replied while looking over the mare before me and seeing her son's sleeping face inside that tunnel of feathers. He looked very safe in there. And I felt a certain hint of playful anticipation in my heart when I realized Novo would carry our sleeping children in the same way. They would probably even playfully hide there during some games. And now I knew what to watch out for if I was playing hide and seek with my children only to find Novo with her wings folded in a strange way. But now that little Savoy was fast asleep, it was time to get him home so he could rest in a familiar safe space. I smiled with a sigh as I looked away from the boy and said, "It was great meeting all of you. Take care out there."
"And it was good meeting you, Sir James. Thank you for all you've done for our world. And happy holidays." Savoy's father replied while he and his wife shook my hand before bowing to Novo in farewell. We watched them carry their bags over to the counter near the shop's entrance. Novo stood by my side as I pondered the boy I had just met. It hurt to say goodbye. "That kid's gonna be a full grown stallion in just fifteen years."
"Mmhm. And he's never going to forget you. You made a friend today, honey." Novo cooed before gently bringing her beak to the side of my face and placing the softest kiss possible on my cheek. I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye. Those beautiful eyes were filled with longing. I know she wished that it had been our son I had just rocked to sleep in my arms. She wanted to be the one to carry that beautiful little boy home tucked under her overlapping wings. We unconsciously found ourselves leaning together, heads resting against each other without a care in the world over who would see us. My beloved soon whispered to me, "You just about ready for a nap, honey?"
"Yeah... A bit more rest before I do anything more strenuous in the afternoon sounds like a good idea." I said with a yawn sneaking up on me. We had been out on the town for not even two hours, but I was already tempted to just turn in for some more sleep. Freezing winter days... They tend to make one lazy. Although I did suddenly remember we had not yet decided on a little souvenir for Scootaloo thanks to that very pleasant distraction from minutes earlier. Now even more drained than when I first walked into the store, I settled on another bag of hard honey candy. No kid would ever be disappointed with exotic edible treats.
Novo was more alert than I was. On our way over to the counter, Novo passed by a tall stand displaying small winter ensembles. Mittens, scarves, and other such items. And she quickly snatched something off it. "Hold on there, baby. Daddy needs his own scarf if he's gonna be out and about on the island at this time of year. How's this one looking?"
Novo took a seat beside me and held the scarf out wide with it completely unfurled. It was adequately long, being able to wrap around my head well enough to have enough length to get it tucked in. The colors of the scarf... They were all shades of blue. A dark blue at the bottom with the rows of thread growing progressively brighter towards the top. It brought to mind the ocean and the clouds above it. A fitting color scheme for a mountainous island with a close connection to the ocean surrounding it. "Mm... I like this one. Thank you, dear."
"Just making sure my man stays warm in the coldest place on the island during winter. We'll keep this one here just for you." Novo said happily while folding up the scarf and adding it to the bag with the rest of our goods. We then headed over to the cashier for checkout, where the clerk was watching us with a smile. Novo turned the bag on its side and casually slid everything out by letting gravity do the work. "This will be all for today, hun. Send the bill to the Ivory Palace and they'll take care of it."
"You got it, your majesty. Did you find everything to your liking today?" The mare behind the counter asked as she began to ring up all the items one by one. I loved the tapping and jingles of that old fashioned cash register.
"I dunno, none of it was for me. What about it, honey? Everything turned out nice while we were here?" Novo cheekily replied before giving me a nudge with her elbow. And I saw that wink of her eye. What a woman.
Having not expected to be put on the spot out of nowhere, I did stammer for a second. But I did reply with a smile. "Huh?! Oh... Well... Yeah, everything's great. I think everyone back home will be happy with all of this."
Novo then smirked at me before turning her attention to the clerk once again. "Don't worry about this sweet man. He's always been a bit of a quiet type."
"I wouldn't really say that. I merely listen more than I talk." I said in correction. I think I have made it clear through all these journals of mine that I can be very conservative when the situation calls for it. But when it does not, I prefer to listen and only speak when needed.
The clerk was very understanding of my response and even had kind words to say about it. "That's a very admirable quality to have, sir. I'm sure our queen gives you a lot to listen to."
Oh my word, that very special kind of smirk Novo gave me at that moment. She was waiting for a response. And so I gave an honest one. "I never get tired of her voice."
"You better not, baby. Mama's always got plenty to say to her sweet knight here." Novo replied with absolutely no shame. And in front of one of her subjects! The clerk struggled to hold back a laugh with her beak growing crooked with a tight smile. She did eventually got the whole collection of goods wrapped up in a closed bag with the four bottles of mead being placed back in their cardboard cradle. The clerk withheld the receipt instead of handing it over to us. Any payment for the goods would surely be handled in private with the staff of the Ivory Palace. Novo bowed her head in thanks and said, "Thank you, honey. You have a good one."
"You too, your majesty. And you as well, Sir James. Come again!" The clerk happily chirped while we saw ourselves out. Although I did take a moment to get my new scarf wrapped around me and getting one end tucked down into my jacket. My face felt so much better now that it was being properly shielded from the bitter mountain air around us. I still have no idea how avian races handle the cold so well. There must be something about their beaks that regulates temperatures in the head regarding airflow...
And yet... We did not get far before there was a wrench thrown into our plans in all the best ways. While Novo and I continued along the street back towards the bridge connecting to the Ivory Palace, I thought I heard a faint call. I did not think much of it and kept walking beside my beloved. That voice could have been calling for anything or anyone. But a moment went by before I heard the tapping of...something. Not the clip clop of hooves. The tapping of avian hands and...something much softer. Something with a much lighter tread. I was honestly startled when I suddenly picked up those faint sounds from behind me and glanced down and to my right. Only for an avian hand covered in firm yellow flesh to tug on my jacket. "James! Did you hear me? Hi! What're the odds of seeing you here?"
I was stunned. What were the odds of running into Gabby on Capricorn Island? I recognized the adorable gray griffon hen instantly, even with her head wrapped in a cute wool hat and with a matching scarf of seafoam hues wrapped around her neck and draped over her back. I stammered a bit with her having completely catching me by surprise. "Wha... You're... Gabby?! Uh... Hello!"
Gabby was only barely resisting the urge to leap onto me for a full body embrace since she could see my hands were full. I had no reason to expect to find anyone I knew from the mainland on Capricorn Island, but I do recall the island is a popular destination for tourists that happen to be griffons. They share a love of fish with their hippogriff cousins. Gabby then happily chirped, "Crazy, right? I never thought I'd see you out here with...the queen?! Hello, your majesty! Is James here on official business after everything that happened out on the Empty Plains? Some kinda follow-up?"
"Oh he's here for some very important business, you better believe that. But not this. We're just gathering up some goodies for everyone back home. No good man returns home empty-handed. But who're you, honey? I think I recall seeing you coming and going from the field HQ every now and then during that mess on the Empty Plains." Novo replied while clearly very amused by Gabby's sudden arrival. That peppy little hen does a good job at endearing herself to others. Her positive energy is more akin to a hippogriff than a griffon. No wonder she was there.
Gabby held out her hand in greeting only to receive a casual handshake from Novo that she clearly was not expecting from royalty. "I'm Gabriella. But you... Ooh! Uh... Thank you! Anyway, you can just call me Gabby. All of my friends do."
"A pleasure, Miss Gabby. Although you picked a weird time to visit my place. Tourism tends to die down for a while in winter. But I guess we birds of a feather know how to handle the cold." Novo replied with a bemused chuckle. I was not surprised by what I heard. If I was having as bad a time with the cold on the summit, who else would be put off by winter there?
My little feathered friend replied with a giggle, "Oh I'm not a tourist out here! It's just that around this time of year, everyone's sending bigger packages in bulk for the holidays. Way too big to fit in any satchel. So I requested a transfer and I'm bunking here for the winter where I'm flying parcels up and down the island. And all the locals are so nice! And the fish! Just all the fish we can eat here! I've never seen so much of a supply anywhere on the mainland!"
"Yeah, this place is packed with seafood. It's one of my favorite things about Capricorn Island. And there's just such a ridiculous variety of ways they prepare it here too. Filets, pasta, sushi... They've got it all here." I interjected at the mention of fine seafood. I was already wondering what Novo and I would do for lunch and dinner.
"Sounds like you two have good taste in fine dining. And you two are friends? How about I let you two catch up on things for a bit? I can go ahead and put these away for when you get back, baby." Novo spoke while giving me an encouraging nudge of her elbow. I was unsure about that statement, but Novo looked confident and encouraging with her gaze. I suspect she could sense that Gabby dearly wanted to ask if I could spend time with her, but was compelled not to make any requests that would interfere with me being in Novo's company. My beautiful queen then whispered into my ear, "Go ahead, honey. I shouldn't keep you all to myself. Just make sure you're worn out enough for a nap when you get back."
While I had originally only arrived on Capricorn Island to spend time with Novo, I was quickly reminded about my feathery family nearby in the form of Sky Beak and his wife and children. And now I had suddenly bumped into another good friend entirely out of the blue. With a sigh, I then asked, "In that case... You got time for... I dunno. Some hot tea? Maybe a snack?"
"I was hoping you'd say that! My favorite café is just down the road. They even know me by name now. At least... Are you sure you don't mind me taking him away for a little while, your majesty? I mean I know having a knight from the mainland visit is a big deal..." Gabby replied excitedly before becoming more reserved when she turned her attention to Novo. She clearly was not used to interacting with royalty at all. She was even tapping two fingertips together while tilting her head down. All while looking so cute doing it.
Novo smiled with her best smirk on her beak. She could tell Gabby was not familiar with what kind of a woman she really is, even though her manner of speaking should have given away the fact that Novo does not operate like most other royals. "Of course you can, honey. This sweet man might be here for my sake, but that doesn't mean he should neglect everyone else he's on good terms with. Go ahead, have a good time together. Just don't keep him for too long. He needs to head home tomorrow, so James here can't be distracted from his schedule."
I nodded towards Gabby in confirmation to show I was perfectly fine with spending some time with her. And Gabby graciously bowed to the hippogriff queen in thanks. "Thank you! I won't take up too much of his time."
I held out the bag and cardboard carrier in my hands while Novo sat down on her haunches to free up her hands. I asked cautiously, "You sure you can do this without spilling anything? I'd hate for any of these bottles to fall out."
"I've got it, honey. That's what these hands are for anyway. See you soon." Novo replied before taking hold of the items I was handing her. I then got to see a magnificent sight. Novo spread her glorious wings wide before flinging herself upward with a series of great flaps. I watched the queen of Capricorn Island ascend over the rooftops of the Omega sector before gracefully turning back towards the Ivory Palace and gliding out of sight. All without spilling anything out of what she was carrying.
Gabby and I watched with equal enthrallment as Novo put on a brief aerial show with her departure. And I suddenly came to an amusing realization while I looked down at Gabby. "You know what? I seldom ever see Novo fly."
"Really?! She should do it more often. She looks sooooo good when she's flying!" Gabby said with a laugh before she started to lead me back down the street. And she was right. All hippogriffs are a sight to see when airborne, but Novo looked downright angelic when in flight. She truly is my bird of paradise. But that was not the time to be thinking to much about that beautiful queen. I had an adorable griffon friend to focus on.
We did not go far before Gabby led me inside a cozy little café that was fairly busy. I think it could only seat around twenty customers and the number of hippogriffs in there was easily more than half. I saw hippogriff youths who were probably planning out their next snowball fight, a few young couples most likely out on a date, and even a family consisting of a mother and father out with their two children. One of which being just a little baby that instantly made my heart swell in adoration. I had seen young hippogriff children before, but never a mere toddler. And unlike me, Gabby was happy to approach without any hesitation. "Hello! Hi, I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but I just gotta say... Your baby is soooo precious! Ooh! Hello there, sweetie! Oh wow, I can tell you're one happy little lady!"
I was cracking a crooked smile at Gabby's enthusiasm. i could recall the last time she stopped by my home and had a conversation with me. How she hoped to find a good man and raise a family with him. And she was definitely showing that it was not just a flight of fancy. Gabby really did love babies. And that little hippogriff filly's face lit up with her big bright eyes showing she was happy to see the perky griffon hen. Instead of responding with words, the little girl greeted Gabby with cute little peeping. And her parents were more than happy to let Gabby greet their child. Their oldest child, a little colt, chirped up to speak up how proud he was of his little sister having just starting figuring out how to fly. And I just watched while failing to keep a straight face. At least until that little filly looked my way.
The little filly instantly took an interest in me. Probably because she had never seen anything like me before. She even fluttered her wings while letting out a series of chirps that blended in with the cacophony of voices bouncing around the café. Upon realizing what their little girl was so excited about, the filly's family noticed me and instantly greeted me. Sir James. That was who they knew me as. It was such an odd experience being greeted like a local legend. The little hippogriff colt even asked if he could shake my hand, which I did do. But more than anything, my eyes were on the fluffy little filly standing on the table. She was just so fluffy. I mean all hippogriffs have a certain fluffy look to them, but her plumage looked even softer than that. Do hippogriff babies have an even softer soft of feathers until they reach a certain age?
I was at a loss of what to do while Gabby chatted up our fellow customers. I wanted to cradle that little filly in my arms, but she would definitely nod off for a nap like the last child I held. But that was when she did something unexpected. The little feathered filly toddled closer to me before just bowing her head. And she just stood there waiting. Some sort of avian instinct? And Gabby was quick to recognize that behavior. "Huh? Oh! She wants to be preened!"
That word jogged my memory. Yes, I have seen some birds bow their heads in such a way in invitation for them to be preened. But doing so requires a beak, which I did not have. But I did know how to give scritches. And I felt such an urge to give the little filly a pleasant experience. I started to reach out with my hands, but hesitated. I turned to her parents and asked, "May I?"
They both nodded. And so I gently brought my fingers to the sides of the filly's head. My fingers carefully reached through her fluffy feathers to gently glide the tips over her skin hidden underneath. And oh, what a melodious sound to come from that happy little bird foal. I brought my head closer to get a better way to actually hear her over all the noise around us. She was churring so happily all while all the feathers on her body started to puff up even more. I almost laughed. She looked like a ball of fluff with eyes and a beak. I asked softly, "How's that, sweetheart? Are you a happy birdie right now?"
The little filly before me still had not figured out how to properly talk even though I am sure she was a number of months older than Gladesong. But I am sure she would get there soon. Right when I was about ready to let go of the little thing, I happened to notice her brother cheekily bowing his head towards me too. Just hoping he could get some of those glorious scritches for himself. I let out a snicker and said, "Fine, can't forget the little man too."
The boy let out such a giggle when I gave him the same treatment. My fingers glided under the feathers on his head while he started to churr happily as well. All while his plumage got all puffy too. Gabby got a good giggle out of seeing just how much hippogriff children enjoy scritches. Just as much as even ordinary birds do. But we could not stay there much longer. The more distracted I became, the longer I would keep Novo waiting. Gabby and I soon said our goodbyes to the family and got in line to place our orders. My friend then asked me with a big smile, "Aren't baby birds just the best?"
"Like nothing else in the world. They're just oozing with charm. And they're always so easy to please." I said with a delighted smile on my face. Making those two hippogriff siblings happy just made me feel good about myself. Gabby started chatting me up about the variety of teas the café had to offer with it sounding like she had tried them all by then. As tempting as it was to try many of them, I made an effort to focus on just one specific type of tea. Anything that focused on chamomile. That tea is a natural sedative and is perfect for consuming before taking a nap. It would help get me ready for when I got back to Novo.
The clerk recognized both Gabby and me. Always addressing me as Sir James. Word must have really gotten around in the prior months. I tried to not be bothered by it. The honor of knighthood is something I am still proud of and carry with some pride. And Gabby must be a regular customer for that café. She probably has even delivered parcels to and from them. Gabby purchased a cup of hot black tea that sounded like it was spiced with a lot of holiday ingredients like allspice, but I settled on a cup of chamomile tea infused with mint for a crisp winter freshness. We also ordered a few honey vanilla scones to share. Upon finding out Gabby and I were together, the clerk waived the fee while citing my service to their people. While I appreciated saving money, it did not feel right in my heart to just be treated to handouts too often. Gabby also tried to insist with a laugh that she was happy with paying despite the clerk's insistence, but we ended up slipping the clerk a few bits for a tip regardless. We soon carried our drinks and snacks over to an empty table in the far corner of the shop with Gabby saying, "The people of Capricorn Island are just so friendly! A lot friendlier than most griffons, huh? I've been wondering if I've always been a hippogriff in a griffon's body."
Gabby did have to raise her voice a bit to be heard clearly over the clamor of the other customers. How is it that all it takes is several simultaneous conversations to turn an enclosed space into such a noisy echo chamber? There has to be a scientific explanation for it... Regardless of my observations in hindsight, I did speak up in response as we set our goods on the little table. "I'd have to say Capricorn Island is probably one of my favorite places in the world so far. The people here are just great. Always so happy and positive. They're a good influence."
The café included something with their hot tea orders that ended up being quite genius. Gabby and I were provided a golden yellow ice cube to place in our drinks. A solid chunk of frozen honey. Something to sweeten our drinks while also cooling it down faster. It was fascinating to water that thick viscous substance melt away slowly into my drink in a different manner than simple ice. But the tea was still too hot to drink for the moment. We instead started on the scones while Gabby asked, "So then... What brings you way out here to Capricorn Island? Come to think of it, how'd you get here anywhere? Did you take a ferry? Maybe fly in on an airship?"
There was a certain impishness in my heart since I knew she would never guess how I actually got out there. I set down my partially eaten scone and said smugly, "Teleportation."
Gabby stared. And she stared with those bright eyes and with an inquisitive smile on her beak. Only for her to give a very brief response with an amusingly flat tone in her voice. "What?"
"Teleportation. Magic. With the armor I was using during the war. I don't think you ever saw me wearing it during the war. I didn't really need it during any downtime. We always keep it...somewhere when it's not needed, but I'm allowed to take it whenever I need it." I replied while knowing that no one outside the royal family of Canterlot were permitted to know exactly where my equipment is normally stored when not in use. I can only imagine what extremes they had to go to in order for those who actually constructed that vault under the throne room to never reveal its purpose. Perhaps they claimed it would be a wine cellar with a wash basin?
My feathered friend started to scratch the top of her head with such an amusingly confused look set into her face. "Wow and... Your armor lets you use magic? And...it's actually possible to teleport from Canterlot to here? That's...uh... Wow. Was it easy? Because you make it sound easy."
"Nah, it wasn't easy at all. I wasn't even sure if it'd work. Teleportation isn't an easy spell to master to begin with, but teleporting hundreds of miles at once? I mean yeah, it worked. But I felt like I had a concussion for several hours after I got here. That stuff takes a lot outta you mentally. At least now I know I can get to and from this place without having to bother with using aircraft." I explained while I was already pondering when I would visit again. I would need to make visits to Capricorn Island a regular thing for Novo's sake. And next time, I would definitely be bringing Gladesong. Adding her tiny body's mass to the payload I would have to transport would probably not make the trip that much more difficult.
"But you made it! Quick and easy, even if it made you dizzy for a while. But for you to come out here all on your own like this... I bet it was for something really important. Did you receive a summons? Did Mr. Seaspray wanted to talk to you about something?" Gabby asked with bright eyes now that she was fully interested in the subject of my presence there. A part of me wished I had worn my armor while out with Novo. Gabby would have reveled in being able to see it.
A part of me wanted to come up with a silly little lie just to entertain Gabby. That arriving on Capricorn Island in full armor carried some weight to it. But I could not speak lightly of the true reason I was there. I averted my gaze for a moment, letting my eyes watch Novo's many subjects before I provided an answer. "I came here for Novo."
"The queen? She wanted to see you?" Gabby asked in true ignorance. She never would have imagined what was truly happening between myself and a genuine queen of the hippogriff species.
"No. I needed to see her. She and I... We..." My heart was betraying me. It was difficult to hide just how madly in love I am with Novo. And even Novo herself was not trying very hard to hide her affection for me when Gabby first approached us.
I noticed Gabby's eyes open wider as she noticed something in how I was acting. The rising of her eyebrows told me much. But she still smiled when noticing my hesitation and brought a finger before her beak to signal silence. She then spoke quietly over the clamor around us. "It's OK. I'm already keeping some secrets for you, remember? You can tell me."
Right. The last time Gabby happened to knock on my own front door when no one else was home. We had a good chat and Gabby learned some things about me and my family that she was very understanding about. With myself being reminded of our friendship, I spoke the truth with no one around us hearing me. "Novo and I... We're trying for a baby. And I came out here to find out if it took... And it didn't."
The happiness in Gabby's eyes faded as she brought a hand just under her beak. "Oh no... You two were... I am so sorry. Did you find out why? Is there something wrong with either of you?"
"No, nothing's wrong like that. It's just because of...genetics. Some folks in Canterlot did some extensive testing and found that the success rate of crossbreeding with humans is a near universal 10% for all species in Equestria. Even magic can only do so much to twist one's genes enough to...create offspring together." I explained while the sting in my heart returned. It was duller than when Novo finally revealed that all of our very desperate attempts to insure she would become pregnant with my child did not bear fruit. My gaze wandered again and saw the happy hippogriff families around us with their children. Some of those foals being little infants. And my heart was full of longing as I wished Novo and I would have a little angel like them someday soon.
Gabby then asked with as soft a whisper as she could that could still be heard over the noise around us. "Are you two in love?"
"Like you would not believe. Novo is... She's the closest thing to a perfect woman I've ever known. She's the best. And I'm...honored that I'm hers as much as she's mine. I can only imagine what she'd have to say about me if she was here." I said while getting a bit flustered as I found myself having to restrain myself from gushing. I muttered under my breath how I hoped Novo would not be too impatient in waiting for my return.
"Wow, I can see in your face. You really love her. But wow... You and the hippogriff queen? I bet there's a good story behind that. How'd you two end up becoming so close? If you don't mind me asking, that is." Gabby asked again with a look of happy intrigue in her eyes. She really was being quite supportive of my unorthodox family situation and I was very grateful for that.
It is hard to believe that Novo and I met each other not even a full year ago at this time. And yet... Love is a powerful force. "She...was in mourning. Novo's been a widow for very nearly a century. Her king died of illness back in a time where there wasn't a means to treat him yet. And she's been best friends with Celestia for eons. And Celestia... She enlisted me to come along sometime because she was convinced I could help heal Novo's heart. Maybe everything that happened with Nightmare Moon convinced her of that."
Gabby looked so melancholy as I explained Novo's very long period of being in constant mourning for the first love of her life. But towards the end of that statement, she started to smirk a bit. "Oh right, you did have something to do with that back then. I remember reading the headlines and wondering how anyone could convince the evil Mare in the Moon to be a good person. And that was you! And because of what you did for Nightmare Moon, Princess Celestia thought you could help Queen Novo?"
"Yeah, basically. I wasn't really sure what I could do, but I've always listened better than I talk. But then one night... We had a breakthrough. Because Novo and I understood each other's pain. Since we've experienced very similar trauma." I replied as I suddenly remembered that night. The last thing I ever expected to discover through the magic of conversation is just how alone we were when in so much pain.
My friend did not speak. She only listened. And so I explained, "She lost her husband. I...experienced my first ever romantic relationship crumble rapidly and out of nowhere due to factors that were unforeseen and entirely out of my control. Different circumstances, but with the same outcome. That emotional devastation and the isolation that comes with it. You can't truly talk to anyone about it when it's at its worst, so they can't comfort you in the way you need most. It's just you...and the gaping hole in your heart that you desperately need to fill with the one person who could, but is suddenly no longer present in your life..."
I still remembered that night. When I dropped to my knees and whimpered my beloved's name when I knew it was all over. To think it feels like so long ago when it has not even been three years at this time of writing. I was younger. I was naive. I was so happily in love, yet could not see any warning signs. And in the end, after three precious years, I was left wondering just how much of that relationship was real. When my beloved became my enemy. With a sigh, I said more than I needed to. "I cried that night. I didn't know I still had a wound on my heart that still hadn't quite healed. But Novo was there. She held me and soothed me in a way only someone experienced in the art of love could. And that... I think that was where it all started."
Gabby was resting her head atop her hands while she let out a sigh. A long and dreamy sigh with a soft gaze set into her round eyes. "That's so beautiful... Like really, what you're describing sounds like something out of those romance novels I used to read back in high school. Two lovers suffering in the same way, finding comfort with each other and healing each other's broken hearts, and then coming together and finding their happily ever after together? I guess even queens still love the same way normal people like us do... James, I'm sorry for everything you and Novo had to go through to find each other, but I hope you'll always be happy together. She was really happy with you just a little while ago. I didn't really notice then, but now I see why."
There was not a hint of reservation in Gabby's words. I could see and hear just how accepting she was of my family situation. But then my feathery friend had more to ask. "But if you don't mind me asking... Right now? Just how many ladies are there in your life who've joined your little family?"
My heart sudden began to quicken. Why was I suddenly fearful? Was I worried that Gabby would be more concerned if the number of my beloveds was higher? I was tempted to downplay the situation, but that was a fool's game. She would find out the truth eventually. Hiding the truth would never end well. And so I began to count. I even began to gesture to myself with my hands to try and remember just how many wonderful women had become more than just friends to me. How many whose lips had touched mine only to be followed by a dance with our tongues. How many had known the magic of intimacy with me in the bedroom. How many had shared the precious words of 'I love you' in a way that carried more weight than most. The more names I could remember, the more tense I became. And with a deep breath, I spoke the truth. "Around...ten at this time."
Gabby responded by letting out a long whistle with her eyes being wide with amazement. She lifted her head from her folded fingers and asked, "Wow... That many? I mean I won't ask for any names, but... Are you all happy together?"
The look of pleasant surprise in Gabby's face soothed my concerns. No hint of disgust to be seen. "We all found love for different reasons and in different ways. I adore how...different they all are. No two are alike. I mean some of them I'm only just getting started with...and some don't live anywhere near Ponyville. But...I'm confidant we'll make this work in the end. I get a little more confidant with the situation every day. Just need to focus on the future. I can't let myself doubt now... Not when they believe in me."
"I believe in you too." Gabby said softly while still loudly enough to be heard over the clamor around us. We really were in a sea of white noise. Hiding in plain sight while discussing what would be very taboo topics throughout most of the world. A quick glance revealed that none of our hippogriff neighbors were listening in. My eyes met Gabby's while she rested her head atop her hands again. She then said softly with a big smile on her beak, "Your secret's safe with me. I want all of you to be happy together. They have good things to say about the situation too, right?"
While I was not willing to divulge too much information, I did remember a harrowing night that resulted in three of my most important beloveds being summoned for a meeting in the depths of my dreams. Fluttershy, Novo, and Ember. All three in very different positions and situations that found love with me for different reasons. Fluttershy, my first. My wife and the matriarch of our family. She who gets the final say in whether or not someone can join us. Novo, the finest queen of them all. A widow who had loved and lost, blessed with eons of experience who found love with me over shared pain and finally finding the strength to let herself love again. And Ember. A dragoness bound by her own blood into abstaining from a more transparent pursuit of her heart's desires. One who, despite her claims of otherwise, was just as deeply in love with me as I was with her. One who found value in me for being one who listens when she speaks. They were summoned. And they all provided some truly beautiful testimonies. To both me...and the one who had believed such a love was too good to be true. One who was now adrift in my mind somewhere... Someone dear to me. And as I remembered the climax of that night, I spoke with a sigh. "Yeah... If you ask them about the situation, they'll have good things to say. We're all in this together."
"Sounds like it. If I see any of them, I'll ask. But I'll be really discreet about it. Gotta keep this under wraps like last time, right?" Gabby replied while playfully holding a finger before her closed beak. All while winking one eye at me. Such a good girl. Gabby knew how to make me smile.
And yet... The mention of our prior encounter... When we first discussed such things... I felt like I was forgetting something. Did Gabby bring up something important? Something about her age? I suddenly remembered that Gabby was only nineteen years old at the time. A revelation that shocked me. That adorable griffon hen was remarkably outgoing for being so young. And then I remembered. "Hang on... Didn't you just have a birthday?"
"Hey, you remembered! Yep! Just turned the big two zero last month. And I celebrated it here. And when the locals at the bar I visited found out, they threw a party on the spot. Hippogriffs are such great hosts, right?" Gabby replied happily while clearly sounding like she had a good time. Although it sounded like no one she knew had any idea she was there. And birthdays should be spent with family. Or at least friends.
I felt like I was overreaching myself, but I felt compelled to ask while Gabby and I sipped at our tea. "Did any of your family attend? Did your parents know you were here?"
That look of happiness on my friend's fluffy face wavered just slightly. As if she knew something I should not know. But she did relent and say, "No, none of my... You know what? I'm keeping a lotta secrets for you, so I guess you can know one of mine. We're friends, you know? Anyway... No. I spent my birthday by myself. Because... I was always an only child. And...my parents aren't really around anymore. I mean I do have some distant cousins, but I haven't spoken to them in years..."
With what I had heard from Gallus and Gilda, I started to suspect it was a borderline stereotype that griffons had unfortunate examples of parents more often than not. Given Gabby's cheerful and happy demeanor, I was impressed she had defied the odds to become a better person than her parents. I spoke softly, "Oh... Sorry. I mean Gallus and Gilda don't have the best family background either. I get if your parents aren't involved in your life anymore."
"Huh?! Oh no no no no, I didn't mean it like that! My parents were great! I have no bad things to say about them. One thing they taught me was to always greet strangers with a smile instead of a frown. Because you make more friends that way. And they were right!" Gabby chirped while waving her hands between us in an almost defensive manner. All while showing a smile on her beak.
My eyes widened. It was a pleasant surprise to hear that griffons can be great parents. No wonder Gabby turned out to be such a fine young lady. She had a good upbringing. But if her parents were no longer involved in her life despite being such good parents... A dark thought dawned on me. "Oh! Sorry, I didn't mean to assume. But...if... They're not...around anymore? Both of them?"
Gabby's smile faded entirely. She directed her gaze to the wall and closed her eyes. I knew what was coming. "I was seventeen... It happened so suddenly. Illness. Both of them. I didn't even get to say goodbye..."
I had no words to say to that. To think that someone like Gabby had been alone for the past three years. All before she could truly find herself. Out of ideas, I asked the only thing I could. "Is there...anything I can do?"
My feathered friend opened her eyes and turned her gaze to me. That gaze was filled with pain. And the beginnings of tears could be seen along her lower eyelids. She spoke with the clamor around us all but drowning her out, "Can you...just...hold me for a minute?"
I did. I rose from my seat and went to the other side of the table beside Gabby's stool. She fell into my arms while I was down on one knee. She did not weep. Did not sob. But I felt those tears soak into my shoulder. "It gets a little easier every year, but... It doesn't stop hurting, you know?"
A long sigh passed my lips. It was not the first time I was there to hold a woman in mourning. "Fluttershy lost her mom too... She never knew her father. No siblings. I'm sorry you both had to be so alone..."
"At least she found really good friends. And she found you." Gabby whimpered while holding me tightly in her arms and wings. It felt like no one was watching. I did not get the creeping suspicion that the many customers around us were watching out of curiosity. This was our moment and no one else's. I heard my friend whisper into my ear, "You don't have any family in this world, right? Do you miss them?"
"Most of them, yeah. I came from a good family. Good parents when I was a kid, but... Well... Let's just say there's a good reason I had to stop talking to my father." I said with a long sigh. I did not want to say too much to Gabby about my old family on Earth. I already said too much to others already. "Leaving them behind was a price I had to pay for being brought to this world. At least I have my own family to worry about now."
"You're such a lucky guy... So many friends. And such an amazing family you're building with your wives... I mean I know you're not officially married to all of them, but... They still count, right?" Gabby whispered as her tears began to slow. And upon realizing how fortunate I had been... I tightened my embrace around Gabby. Someone like her was not meant to be alone.
I could not find any words. But I could not stay silent. I needed to soothe that tearful little hen. And I found what I was sure to be the right words. "You'll find someone eventually. A good man who will always be there to hold you when you need him. You deserve to be loved... And to have a family of your own."
Gabby tightened her embrace around me. And noticeably so. I heard a long sigh from her as I felt that tender little griffon hen let her entire body slump into me. She had completely let go and was putting all her faith in me not letting her fall out of her seat. And I did not betray that trust. I remained where I was and stroked my fingers through the feathers on her head. She finally whispered to me, "Maybe he's closer than I think he is... I see why Gilda asks about you a lot when we meet up."
Something about those words... It awakened a strange whirlwind of emotions in my heart. Hope? Tension? Worry? Before I could even ask, Gabby whispered to me again. "James... Do you think...we might have a future together?"
I sighed harshly. Gabby was good. She had always been such a ray of sunshine. And in a manner that felt so rare among griffons. I was never not happy to see her. But...to become something more? I wish I had a true answer for her as I closed my eyes. "I don't know... I really don't. Would you want to become a part of the family I'm building with Fluttershy? With...them?"
"The more I hear about it, the nicer it sounds. I think...maybe? I'd have so many friends... I'd be yours like they are and they'd be my friends. And... We wouldn't have to worry about your kids being friends with my kids...if our kids were brothers and sisters with each other.... Do you think your ladies would want me?" Gabby asked softly with her head still resting against my shoulder. The tears had stopped. And only hopeful words came from her. Until she finally asked, "Would you...want me like you want them?"
My heart was pained. And I regretted what I said next. "I...don't know. Maybe it's too soon to say. Just...give it some thought over time. I don't want any woman to come into this situation only to regret it and decide they want out later."
"Yeah... Divorces aren't fun. I...wouldn't want to fall in love only to find out later that he's just not the right guy. It would be hard on you...and on them." Gabby said with a wistful sigh. It felt so wrong to see a feathery ray of sunshine so dour. I was afraid to let her out of my grasp until she was smiling again. Gabby soon whispered to my ear, "I don't think Gilda has any worries like that... Whenever I talk to her and she brings you up... I don't think she just misses you. She probably wants to be with you. Would you...want her? And would you want me?"
I bowed my head. It had been some time since I last saw Gilda. And we went through so much together during the War of Preservation. And with Gabby forlornly resting in my arms... I came to the realization I had never known the love of a griffon. Avian and feline majesty in one package. How would a griffon love compared to a hippogriff? There was an exciting mystery to it. But Gabby was my friend. And so was Gilda. Both of them being very good friends. But to go from that...to something more? I asked cautiously, "Do you want to be with me?"
Gabby let out a sigh before she provided an admirable response. "I... My heart's saying yes, but... The rest of me isn't so sure."
"Same here. My heart's telling me to hold you and never let go, but the rest of me... It's telling me to wait a while and see what happens. And I shouldn't let my heart get the full say in everything I do." I replied with some resignation. And yet, Gabby even got a giggle out of my response. Probably because there was some comfort to be had in knowing she was not the only one feeling indecisive. I then said with a small smile, "Let's wait and see where things go before we start committing to anything. And once you're back in Ponyville, stop by sometime on weekdays. Get to know Fluttershy and the kids while I'm away at work. I know they'll be happy to get to know you as a friend."
"Hmmm... Yeah, that's a good idea. Start small. Baby steps. And I still wanna meet your little filly..." Gabby said softly while sounding like her prior sorrow was fading. She even began to right herself to not be leaning so hard into me. She then whispered to me, "Just don't forget about Gilda. I think she really wants to be with you someday."
My heart was so conflicted as I remembered that wildcat of a griffon hen. Our time together on the Empty Plains was a roller coaster. Our first encounter having her behave in exactly the way I expected from what I had be told about her only for her to display a remarkable capacity to seek out new information and embrace self-improvement. We became actual friends out there. That wildcat went to war as the brute she had always been and came home a changed woman. And not because of the trials of combat. She even patched up any lingering loose ends with my wife after apparently wronging her well before I even came to Equestria. Gilda is...a special kind of woman. And her beak had met my lips more than once. Was there truly a future waiting for us? I had to glumly mutter, "I won't know what's in store for us until we meet again. I'll have more answers next time."
"And...if she says she wants to be with you?" Gabby asked with curiosity. It was time for me to truly consider my answer for when Gilda and I would next meet. I was not sure if I should make the first move. A wildcat like Gilda would be better off taking that first step.
But if she did... If she said she wanted to be mine... I closed my eyes and spoke what was in my heart. "I wouldn't say no."
"Good. She deserves a man like you. Now...uh... You think you can help me back up into my seat? I think I'm done crying. And I'm a bit too close to the edge now." Gabby replied softly before I did what she asked me to. I then returned to my seat as we both fell silent for a short while. Just to enjoy our drinks and snacks and to let our voices rest.
Gabby soon rested her head against her right raised fist with an elbow on the table. Just to prop up her head as she looked at the wall to her left. She just had some thinking to do, so I let her be. I drank the last of my tea and rested my right hand on the table with it being closer to the middle than usual. I turned my gaze towards the rest of the café to just observe all the happy customers enjoying a winter day out of the cold. But out of the corner of my eye, I soon noticed Gabby's eyebrows rise when her eyes happened to glance down at my hand. Why? What was it about my hand that interested her? I feigned ignorance by never looking directly at her and watched indirectly.
My feathered friend soon reached for my hand with her left. I thought she wanted to hold it. But instead... It was my turn to widen my gaze. Gabby was resting a single clawed fingertip atop my wedding ring. She lazily rubbed that band of gold from one side to the other, her gaze becoming softer and more smitten by the moment. Such a dreamy smile formed on her beak as she watched her finger rub my wedding ring. What was she thinking about? I never once saw a ring on any of her fingers. Was she imagining a day where a man would slide one onto hers? A man who would stand with her at the altar with a veil over her face? I dared not move my hand as I allowed Gabby this moment of respite. But she soon said something truly lovely. "My mom told me that only the best guys wear these rings. Its a sign he's a good man."
"I hope so... Not every man who gets married turns out to be a good husband, sad as that is to say." I retorted while trying to add a healthy dose of realism to Gabby's observations. But lord help me, I know I am trying to be a good man to every woman in my growing family.
My friend sighed while that smile never left her beak. She then lifted her gaze to look right at me before asking, "What's it like being married?"
I did not have an immediate answer for once. My gaze wandered as I tried to put into words the joy of a genuinely good marriage. "When you're married...and the one you're sworn to is truly the one... No matter whatever bumps in the roads there are... Even if you get annoyed with each other at times... It feels like you can take on the world together. As long as you have each other, everything will turn out fine and you'll always find happiness together at the end of the day. That's...the best way I can describe how it feels to be happily married."
Gabby's eyes lowered as my words ceased. And along with that dreamy smile and narrowing eyes was...a blush on her face. A subtle rosy glow peaking through the feathers on her face. Those words must have been very heartwarming to her. But the words she said then while continuing to rub my wedding ring... "I wanna get married too."
She deserved it. A lovely lady like Gabby deserved to know the love of a husband. I looked down at Gabby's left hand and decided to give her a pleasant surprise. I turned my hand over to hold hers in its grasp. And it was my turn to feel warm and fuzzy inside as my friend's gaze met mine. I felt a crooked smile form on my lips as I said, "If you ever become mine...and I become yours... I'll definitely have to put a ring on one of these fingers."
And what a reaction I got. Gabby's wings partially spread while her eyes went as wide as saucers. But she did not pull her hand away from mine. Blushing even more profusely than before, Gabby squinted her eyes shut and turned to face the wall. She laughed so heartily with her right fist under her beak. And then the tears. Big wet tears started flowing from her eyes. But clearly not out of sorrow. Her bout of laughter soon running its course, Gabby looked at me with a tearful smile. "No one's ever said that to me before... And I think you really would too."
My eyes focused on Gabby's right hand as its fingers uncurled. I was already pondering what sort of ring would look best on her. A silver ring that would contrast the yellow flesh of her hands? I quickly shook that thought from my head. I was already thinking too far ahead too fast. But I still had an answer for what she said as I released Gabby's left hand from my grasp. "I...try to make sure all of my ladies have a single and very special piece of jewelry. A bracelet, a ring, maybe a pair of earrings..."
"Even if you can't officially marry them, you make sure they get to wear something that marks them as taken, hm? That's such a sweet sentiment. I need to ask them to show me theirs sometime." Gabby giggled with a big smile on her beak. Only for her eyes to fall upon my wedding ring again. She then said with a sigh, "Except for you. I mean you're taken, but...you still have room in your heart for more, right?"
"I'll put it like this. If I don't feel something for a woman, then I don't want her. I can't imagine myself...getting intimate with a woman unless I want to hold her. To want to kiss her and tell her that I love her." I replied with complete sincerity. And I could see in Gabby's eyes that my answer was a very pleasant surprise. Her eyes widened with her beak parting with no words coming. It was not an answer most men would give. At least not without a hint of dishonesty to it.
Now it was Gabby's turn to speak. And it was a question I was not ready to answer. "Do you feel something for me?"
My breath caught in my throat. And I pondered my answer while my eyes scanned Gabby. She sat there across the table in patient silence, her big round eyes seldom blinking at she watched me. Wings folded, tip of her tail gently waving back and forth in the air behind, hands resting over each other. And I began to feel uncomfortably warm. Gabby had always been a very cute example of a griffon hen. But...why did she look so beautiful before at that moment. So beautiful that I wanted to reach out and embrace her against me?
I knew what my answer was. And it was an answer I could not give. Not yet. So I gave the only answer I could as my gaze wandered away from the beautiful young woman before me. "I'll...have an answer next time we meet."
I heard a long sigh come from Gabby. Those bright eyes displayed a look of quiet disappointment. But that soft smile on her beak contrasted it while she also averted her gaze. "Yeah... Next time. We really should take a step back and actually about things first, right?"
Now I felt bad for clearly not giving Gabby the answer her heart probably wanted to hear. She may have been a happy little lady, but she wanted more than just friends. She wanted to know the love of a man who would always be there for her. And that was not something I should give her so easily. But now I felt compelled to do something to make sure she would be walking out of that café in a good mood. And then I suddenly remembered what had happened very recently. "Say... Can you excuse me for a moment? I just remembered there's something I need to take care of before we finish up here."
"Huh? Oh sure! Just don't leave without me, all right?" Gabby replied with a chipper tone. She did not suspect anything and did not watch me as I left the table. The element of surprise was still on my side.
I went across the café and to the front counter. No customers were lined up and allowed me to get right down to business with the shopkeeper. I told the mare behind the counter that Gabby had just had her birthday and I still needed to get a gift for her. The hippogriff mare recommended a selection of mead that they sold by the bottle. I recognized one that I was sure Gabby would enjoy. An apple-infused mead that I remember really enjoying during my first visit to Capricorn Island. I requested one of those and watched as the shopkeeper went the extra mile in making the bottle presentable as a gift, putting it in a shiny green paper sleeve and tying the top with a bright red ribbon. Even though it was a birthday gift, that contrasting red and green made it more than fitting as a holiday gift too for that time of year. I insisted on paying for the bottle, which the shopkeeper did not object to.
Birthday gift secured, I approached our table with the bottle tucked behind my back. Gabby did not see me coming and appeared to be inspecting the talons on her fingers. Perhaps even using the tips of those on her other hand to groom and pick out any lingering debris on them. She only looked my way once I was right next to the table. I leaned towards my friend and said, "Hey, before anything else happens... I know it's late, but... Happy birthday."
Gabby's beak dropped open as her eyes sparkled in joyful surprise. I held out the wrapped bottle to the delighted griffon hen with her excitedly snatching it from my hands. She was very tempted to unwrap it right then and there, but apparently chose not to in order to not leave more of a mess on the table. She giggled at me, "Eeeeee, thank you! What is it?!"
"It's mead. But a very specific type of mead. You're gonna love it." I replied while trying to maintain a bit of mystery around my gift to her. But it was then that I took note of our table and its contents. All of our snacks had been consumed and our cups had all their tea consumed to the last drop. We had really indulged in each other for quite a bit. And how long had I kept Novo waiting? With us no longer having a reason to take up space in the café especially now that a few more customers had just walked in, I extended a hand to Gabby. "You think we're done here? I really enjoyed my time, but..."
"No, it's perfectly fine! I know there's a very special queen waiting for you to get back." Gabby replied while even giving me a cheeky wink of her eye. We bundled up in our winter attire while I secured my new scarf around my face. Gabby kept her bottle of mead securely tucked under her left wing for the moment. She would probably carry it by hand once she set off for home.
The air became very quiet and cold once we stepped outside. A stark contrast of the cozy warmth of the café's interior. We stepped away from the front door to not get in the way of approaching customers. Gabby let out a yawn as we strolled to the very edge of the shop's exterior while carefully setting down her bottle of mead, "I'm definitely gonna crash for a nap when I get back. You and Novo gonna get some sleep too?"
"Yep. And that tea is doing a good job of getting me ready for that." I replied while also letting out a yawn of my own. Literally everything about the current situation was trying to put me in the mood to get some sleep in the middle of the day. Those winter doldrums, I swear...
I looked down at Gabby while she looked up at me. Her gaze was tired, but happy. But it then began to look a bit forlorn. I knew she and I would most likely not see each other again for the rest of my time there. She sat on her haunches, but not in a way that looked to be resting. She was bracing her legs to push herself straight up. "I really enjoyed our time... How about a hug for the road?"
"Gladly. Come here, pretty kitty." I replied while Gabby got a good giggle out of my playful words. I got down on one knee while Gabby rose tall on her paws and put her arms around me. I adjusted my height to make certain her head was level with mine now that she was standing taller than any average pony on just their hind legs. Gabby even put her majestic wings around me as all that bitter cold around us just seemed to...go away for the moment.
It was just to be a friendly hug. Nothing more. And yet...our hearts had other plans. We said too much while enjoying tea and scones together. Knew feelings and thoughts came to be in both of us. It should have been just a hug between friends. But...it began to become something a bit more. Gabby began to nuzzle her fluffy feathered head against the side of mine. Her wings only tightened their embrace around me to form a cocoon of long and sturdy feathers. And my hands began to roam over and caress her smooth feline backside. The fur of a panther lined her body. And with my left hand between her shoulders my right slid further down. And rested right above the base of her tail. A place on a woman's back a man only holds when he wants her to know she is safe with him or more.
Gabby responded to my touch. Her back became more arched. She leaned into me while letting out a beautiful purr into my ear. A very happy and lovely purr. I suddenly realized where my hand was resting and began to move it up her back. Only for Gabby to whisper with a plea. "No... Keep it there. Hold me... Hold me like a man does."
I did not refuse. I closed my eyes and just...let things happen. I returned my hand to the base of Gabby's tail and just continued to hold her. The bitter chill of that high altitude winter cold no longer registered with us. There was something else keeping us warm by then. I whispered to the beautiful hen in my arms while she continued to purr to me. "I got you."
"Yes you do... You got me good." Gabby cooed with a tone of voice I had never heard out of her before. One that sent a shiver down my spine. All for her to whisper to me, "I...want to kiss you."
"Me too... But...not this time." I confessed while still beeping aware enough to know that we had to wait. The scarf draped over my mouth also helped in serving as a deterrent. But even with all that... I knew we needed to wait. Even by my own society's standards, Gabby was a grown woman at twenty years old. And I had learn that avian races mature exceptionally quickly in Equestria. But she was still so young... So inexperienced in the concept of love. I had been there. A young man in my early twenties who fell in love so hard, but was too experienced and naive to even consider the possibility of anything going wrong. I did not want Gabby to make the mistakes I did. I wanted her to take the time to think about what she wants out of a man. And so I pulled my head back to gaze into those beautiful eyes filled with an uncharacteristic longing. "Next time... Next time, we'll have answers for each other. Just...think long and hard about what you really want until then."
"I'm gonna be thinking about you all day after this." Gabby said almost mournfully. There was no joy in her eyes. No smile on her beak. She did not want to say goodbye. And neither did I. We reluctantly released each other from our embrace with Gabby taking her birthday bottle of mead into her hands. She tried to smile, but I could see how forced it was. "I'll miss you... Be safe getting home, all right?"
"You too, Gabby. Be safe out there. See you soon..." I muttered as Gabby finally took to the air. She hovered just above the rooftops on her majestic wings while gazing down at me. And I did not let her out of my sight until Gabby disappeared over the white architecture surrounding us. She was gone. And I felt such a sense of longing as Gabby's absence heralded the return of the full effect of the winter cold around me. But I had to scold myself into not admitting anything that I should not. I needed to wait until next time. "Don't say it... Don't say it... Not even to yourself. Not yet."
I hastened my pace to return to the Ivory Palace as swiftly as I could. I was not even certain of how much time had gone by while I was in Gabby's company. My thoughts were stuck on that sweet little lady at the time. I learned much more about her than I could have ever expected. It was daunting to think such a lovely young woman was all alone in the world with no immediate family to go home to. And a part of my heart was hoping that next time we met, those budding feelings would have blossomed into something more. Gabby deserved to have a family. Even if that family...was my own.
It was for the best I did not dwell on such a thought. Only time would tell. And I was not there for Gabby. That sweet little hen was a pleasant distraction, but I knew who I had truly come to Capricorn Island for in the first place. The most beautiful queen in the world. The queen whose heirs I would father. Thinking back on what I learned upon arriving, I felt a powerful urge to return to Novo's side. I even broke into a jog once I reached the bridge that connected the Omega sector to the Ivory Palace. I had kept Novo waiting long enough.
The guards standing at the door informed me that Novo was waiting in her bedroom. I did not ask how long it had been since she got back. And I expected her to be rather cross with me. I reached the royal chambers high in the palace and was once again met with the liquid form of my armor sitting at the far end with wet floor signs warding off anyone who might be foolish enough to touch it. "I still can't believe this is the best Seaspray could come up with..."
Whatever the case, I turned to the door on my right. Novo was near. And upon stepping inside, I found her reclining on her bed while savoring a mug of warm tea. All while looking over...a takeout menu? She glanced at me out of the corner of her eye and spoke with a smug smile on her beak. "Someone took their time. You had a lot of catching up to do with that pretty young thing?"
"I really didn't mean to keep you waiting, dear. Let's just say I had a lot more to talk about with Gabby than just the weather." I retorted while taking some comfort in seeing Novo greet me with a smile instead of an impatient scowl. But why that menu? "You planning on ordering out for dinner tonight?"
"Not at all, honey. I'm just planning ahead. Seaspray went ahead and booked us a reservation at a restaurant nearby. For 7 PM, so don't be late with whatever you have planned for later." Novo replied while my eyebrows rose. A dinner date? With my dear Novo? Oh how I was looking forward to that. I rarely had the chance to do any real fine dining during my previous stay on Capricorn Island that was not provided by the palace chefs. Most of the food I purchased while out and about was lunch fare with very few restaurant visits in the evening while most of my morning and evening meals were with Celestia and Novo in the Ivory Palace. It would be a new experience to actually get out there and sit down at a nice restaurant for some quality dining. Especially as a true couple.
My eyes wandered the room and saw everything we had purchased earlier set in a neat pile in the corner with the rest of the things I brought along with me. I was hoping all that added mass would not make teleporting back to Canterlot anymore difficult than it was to get out there in the first place. I started to undress a bit, setting aside my scarf and jacket before stepping out of my boots. I took a seat on the bed by Novo while she passed me that menu to give me an idea of what to expect. I skimmed it a bit and found much of the menu featured seafood. And I could tell by the food listed that the restaurant was easily on the fancier side. Although I did put it aside after just a moment to avoid getting myself hungry. I needed a nap first. I glanced at Novo and said, "That scarf you gave me was just what I needed. Thank you."
"Anytime, honey. Daddy's gotta stay warm up here. You have no idea how many tourists keep underestimating how chilly it gets up here around the summit." Novo chuckled before raising a wing in invitation. She smiled sweetly at me and said, "But I think daddy's ready for an afternoon nap with mama."
"That I am... Yeah. I really need this right now." I replied while getting comfortable under Novo's wing. We did not bother getting tucked in. All we had were some pillows and each other. And in that insulating embrace of my queen, I gradually drifted off to sleep with only the winter gusts whistling against the outer walls of the palace.
I dreamed well. And I dreamed of little birds. Chirping and tweeting, soaring through the sky as I rose high on angel wings. No armor over my body. Just a pair of great white wings as I rose through the sky while surrounded by little avian cherubs. We rested on clouds while my little companions would snuggle up with me, eager for scritches. But were those precious hippogriff foals mine? And how many were there? Were they just the children of the kingdom who were spending a day with their king?
These questions remain unanswered even now as I write this. And they will probably remain unanswered. But I still awoke in the previous of one specific bird mare. My beloved Novo. But in her sleep, she had managed to release me from her winged embrace and roll over. She now had her back to me while gently snoring. I only then realized I have never heard a hippogriff or any other avian creature snore noisily. Maybe the way their nostrils work on their beaks prevents it.
The light beyond the curtains was fairly bright. Still plenty of time left in the day. I suspected we were not even asleep for two hours. But how would I wake Novo? She looked so serene lying on her side, back to me with the wing she had once draped over me now being sprawled out under her.
I decided to take a moment to look my beloved over. My fingers glided over her side and across her feathers. Barely skirting along the surface without reaching deeper. I doubt she sensed my touch at all. Such a smooth texture. Clean and pure, the product of a mare who knows how to maintain her beauty. What majesty I beheld. My unaging and undying queen. Time had been very kind to her. Or perhaps she had been kind to herself.
My hand slid further until I felt a slight and gentle incline over her body. The rise that was Novo's right flank. And so my hand rose over that gentle hill. That smoothly curved and rounded hill. I marveled at the impressive roundness of Novo's rump. The round curves only motherhood could provide. Such perfect equine femininity. The hips of a mare who was built to bear foals. My foals. Hips that would birth new life into the world. And my gaze wandered under Novo's lavish tail feathers. Her equine vulva, so vibrantly pink, remained still. And I found myself craving my beautiful queen. What better way to rouse her from slumber than with the love of her future husband?
Her body was just so perfect. And she was all mine. I would be the only man to ever make love to her. And my hands went to work on lovingly appreciating that beautiful fusion of mare and hen. Sliding my hands over her side. And then below. Caressing her feathery and slender frame. So strong, yet so sleek. And then my hands drifted further. Between her legs to feel a pair of soft mounds coated in those luxurious feathers. My hand began to tenderly knead Novo's motherly mounds. Soft mare teats hidden under a layer of feathers. Not bloated with mother's milk, but too plump to be those of a maiden. Those soft and tender mounds had fed foals before.
I managed to get both hands over Novo's sensitive mammaries. How I longed to finally see our own children nursing from their mother in the not too distant future. But until then, they would serve another purpose. To simply bring my beloved pleasure. I wanted to rouse my slumbering queen gently. It was tempting to undo my pants and take her from behind, but... I had been in a similar situation before. The very first time Novo and I shared a bed together. It was a test. And I passed by never once touching her against her will. And it would be rude to find pleasure with my dear Novo if she was not conscious enough to experience it with me. I rested my head against her back as my hands expertly kneaded those plump mounds between her legs. Waiting to hear her quiet snores become gentle moans of need.
And those sounds soon reached my ears. Novo stirred with muffled grumbles deep in her throat. Only for those sounds to become...increasingly pleased. Long happy sighs as my hands gently kneaded her teats and glorious round flanks. Those rounded equine hips... Layers of powerful muscle coated by a soft layer of motherly flesh. Curves and width that Novo was very proud of. Just when I saw Novo's eyelids starting to twitch did I speak lovingly. "Hello, my love."
Novo took no time in realizing what she was feeling as she lazily raised her head. Not entirely awake, she grumbled almost playfully. "Mmm... Oh my... Whatcha doing back there, daddy?"
"Daddy needs mama right now. He loves her too much to keep his hands off her." I replied while bringing a single finger to the lips of my beloved's winking vulva. My fingertip traced along their lips, prompting Novo to shudder with a raspy breath. "I want you, Novo. So bad."
"Then what're you waiting for, baby? You know my body's always ready to receive you. And only you." Novo replied with a low and sultry coo. Fully awake yet still so unwilling to move, that gorgeous queen looked back at me with her beautiful body before me. "Go ahead, honey. Do what good daddies do best. I'm yours. All yours. Forever."
I could not resist the call of my queen. I hastily got my pants and undergarments lowered and aligned my eager shaft with Novo's vibrant vulva. And with a push of my hips, I was once again deep inside her. And that long deep sigh from Novo sang my praises. I was back where I belonged, my length sheathed in the warm and waiting depths of my beloved. That musky familiar scent that began to fill the air. The scent of two lovers doing what needed to be done. Man and mare together again. And I did not want to rush. To take my time and slowly climb towards a deserved climax. All while Novo moaned to me. "Ooooh yes, baby... Mmmm... The king has returned."
"I'll be king just for you, Novo. I love you enough to wear a crown for you." I whispered to my beloved as I held her left leg high for leverage. In and out, but never forceful. Now was not the time for a frenzied and frantic mating session. We still had the rest of the day ahead of us. But oh, how Novo's plush flanks gave when my lower body pressed against hers. The soft motherly mass just under the surface... A constant reminder of Novo's womanly perfection. "You're perfect... So perfect..."
"James... I'm only your perfect woman. And I hope I always will be that perfect mare for you. My king deserves nothing but perfection." Novo whimpered with her beautiful eyes displaying that love in her heart. A mare who had mastered the art of love a very long time ago. A mare I am forever thankful to have come to know.
I was gentle. And Novo was submissive. She gave me full reign of our lovemaking session as I thrust deep into her moist depths. Her right wing soon raised high in a lustful courtship display. My bird of paradise had spread her wings in invitation to sow my seed in her. Her soft little gasps as she rested her head back on its side. Novo was offering herself to me. A rare show of weakness from such a proud and experienced queen. And I would not betray that trust. As I began to hasten my gentle thrusting to a more meaningful tempo, I leaned forward and whispered to her. "What do good daddies do?"
"They...always finish...inside..." Novo gasped with her deep luscious voice beginning to crack. She was close. And so was I.
As my waits began to slam into Novo's soft curvy rump, I asked another question through clenched teeth. "And what...do good mommies do?"
"We... We..." Novo gasped, her body on the brink. And in response, her right wing lowered and reached back. Her wing draped itself over me, keeping me from pulling away as I thrust into her. I could see a joyous smile on her beak with eyes clenched shut. "We always...let daddy fill us... Always make sure his seed...ends up where it's needed...!"
And so it happened. I pushed deep and stayed there. All while the pressure in my loins began to rapidly subside. I moaned her name. All while Novo sang with that beautiful voice. Her inner walls convulsed around me while jets of my seed flooded forward and into my queen's waiting womb. We were doing what only came natural for those who were so in love. We were husband and wife. King and queen. Mother and father. Love and pleasure was something that came naturally
I remained buried to the hilt as I saw Novo's wings go lax while she appeared to be in a daze. From slumber to orgasm, she did not have time to completely wake herself up in time. My hand caressed the curves of her right flank as I came to a realization. At that moment, it had been just us. Mother and father, but with no mention of a desire to create a family together. No pleas for me to sire her children. No whispers from me hoping that Novo would become pregnant with my child. It was just us. A welcome moment of respite for us to explore our love for each other and nothing else. And I welcomed it.
I embraced my beloved from behind as she sighed deeply. An indicator of her satisfaction with my efforts. My dear queen cooed to me, "Oh my... Daddy gave mama quite a way to wake up..."
"I couldn't help myself, Novo. I just...wanted you so bad at the moment. I tried to make sure you were awake before I started. Didn't wanna be rude." I replied while caressing my hand over her chest. She remained in my embrace as we basked in that wonderful afterglow.
"Oh honey... You didn't have to wait for me. You know my tail feathers are always raised for you. You can make love to your queen anytime. Just as long as you finish inside like any good daddy should. If I'm gonna sleep through this, I want to wake up feeling your gift inside me." Novo giggled beautifully while finally lifting her head to look back at me. She was drowsy, but that was such a beautiful look on her face.
"Duly noted. I'll keep that in mind." I whispered before resting my head against her back. Neither of us wanted to move for a while. Not until the afterglow had faded. I had waited too long to hold my queen again. Waited too long to know pleasure with her. For once, I was honestly excited to finally have a crown placed on my head so that I could experience all life had to offer alongside the queen who would become my wife. And I whispered that desire to her. "I think...I'm actually ready to be your king, dear."
"You'll be a fine king, James. Especially to your queen. Just give me time. I'm already thinking up when and how that day will play out. Until then... Just be my man while I be your mare." Novo cooed too me while leaning further back into my embrace. I had nothing but the highest order of faith in her. If she needed something to happen, Novo would find a way. It was all a matter of time.
But just when we were starting to come down from our wonderful lovemaking session, a most unwelcome sound reached our ears. A knock at the door. Thank goodness it was locked. Novo and I simultaneously displayed irritated scowls on our faces before she lifted her head and looked at the door over yonder. "Ugh... Yes?"
The muffled voice on the other side was none other than Seaspray's. And he spoke with an apologetic tone. "I am so very sorry to be disturbing you, your majesties. But a Miss Silverstream has arrived unannounced and is requesting an audience with Sir James. Shall I send her away?"
"Silverstream? Oh no, tell her I'll be down shortly. Just give me a little while." I replied while it sounded like Seaspray departed just after that. No matter the circumstances, I did not want to turn away one of my dearest friends on Capricorn Island. Although I then glanced at Novo and asked, "Remind me. Silverstream's allowed to come and go as she pleases?"
"It's one of the perks of being good friends with the princess of the island. And of her daddy being one of our best men in the royal guard. And it's not like she and her brother are ever any trouble. That girl's a sparkplug, but she never makes a mess." Novo replied while a very amused smirk spread across her beak. I knew Skystar was good friends with Silverstream and Terramar. I just had forgotten how much free reign those two have in the Ivory Palace itself. Novo must have taken them aside and had a word with them early on to set some ground rules.
"Anyway, better see what she wants with me... Oh..." I started to say as I finally retracted from Novo's rump with my flaccid shaft sliding out of her relaxed vulva. While her body did not waste a drop, my shaft was slathered in our combined juices. "I better...wash up before I head down."
Novo got a good snicker at watching me awkwardly do my best to make sure nothing dripped onto her bed or the floor. I waddled to the bathroom and used a wet rag to make sure I was completely cleaned off before getting my pants back up. The scent of our lovemaking still clung to my flesh, all while the air of the bedroom still had that scent lingering as well, but it was not like anyone would notice. I did not even bother fetching any footwear for my feet as I reached for the door. "I'll be right back."
I stepped out into the hall and turned to my left only to see a familiar face waiting right at the end before the stairs. Silverstream had followed Seaspray just to wait right at the end for me to emerge. She waved at me while I found myself cracking a smirk at seeing that silly little lady in a place where she did not really belong. "Hey there, silly filly. Looking for me?"
"Yep! We were going for a walk through one of the forests and thought you'd like to come along. Wanna go for a winter stroll?" Silverstream replied while I could already picture such a place. Perhaps it was a forest with all the trees having lost their leaves for the winter, their many bare branches reaching high. Or maybe it would be an evergreen forest with all those vibrant green needles coated with that pale white. Whatever kind of forest I was expecting, it was not an experience I would want to miss out on.
"Sure! Just a second." I replied before stepping to my right. And right into the puddle of liquid metal on the floor. Silverstream chirped in confusion over why I had just trespassed beyond the wet floor sings there only to watch as my armor liquid form crawled up and over my body before hardening into a familiar winged suit of plate armor. All while Silverstream's wide eyes and giddy smile told me she never got tired of watching that happen. If I was going out with my extended family on Capricorn Island, I would need a means to keep up with them in the air. Only for me to remember what happened the last time I tried flying at a higher speed without my helmet. "Wait a minute... Am I forgetting something here?"
It all came back to me. When I first tried going into a diving glide without my helmet's enchantments keeping the wind out of my face. Eyes forced to close from the pressure of the wind against it and my nostrils not being able to suck in air that was passing by too fast to be drawn in. And it if was that bad during summer, I could not imagine how much more unbearable it would be to feel the sting of freezing air against my face and eyes. "Uh... Hang on. I need to make some preparations."
I entered Novo's bedroom and found her having just gotten out of bed. I promptly explained, "Silverstream's family has invited me for a little outing in one of the forests on the mountain. I think I can get that in before we have dinner."
"Now that sounds magical. I haven't done that in ages. Maybe we should plan that sometime next time you visit in winter. But sure thing, honey. You go and enjoy yourself. Just be sure to bundle up out there." Novo replied while I fetched my new scarf. The only problem was that I was having a much harder time manipulating it with the plating on my gauntlets making my hands feel much bulkier and more clunky than they should have been. And I was not wearing a jacket to tuck the tips into in order to keep it bound. Novo quickly realized what the problem was and stepped over to me. "Hang on there, honey. Let mama take care of that for you. Gotta stay warm out there."
Novo took a seat before me and went to work on setting up my scarf. She definitely had done that before when Skystar was just a filly and she had not quite figured out how to tie a scarf around her neck. But in my case, I almost laughed because I was being reminded of a housewife helping her husband secure his necktie before he left for work. And Novo did the task well. My scarf was securely wrapped around my head while secured in a way where it would not come loose on its own. And for good measure, she brought her beak to my brow and placed a kiss on it. "There you go, daddy. Have to admit the scarf doesn't really mesh with that armor, but whatever works."
I did not blame her observations. I did not want to go through the trouble of summoning my helmet just to keep out the winter gusts. But while I now had a means to breathe in the face of a freezing gale, there was still the matter of keeping my eyes open while in flight. "Thanks, dear... Wait. Do we have anything to protect my eyes? If I try flying fast enough to keep up with everyone, the wind will force me to close them. I need to be able to see when I'm flying. Almost had a nasty crash last time I tried."
"Hmmm... That's a good point. Try asking any of the guards around the palace. When my men do have to do some cloud work during bad weather conditions, they do wear goggles just to be safe. I think a pair would work for you." Novo replied while the mention of goggles did bring back memories of Rainbow Dash. While she does not normally wear goggles despite being so fast in flight, I have often seen her wearing a pair during her weather team duties. And that was nothing to say of the Wonderbolts always wearing goggles when on duty. I suppose even creatures built for flight need some extra protection during risky weather situations.
"Gotcha. I'll do that. Thanks again, dear. I'll... Oops." I replied before trying to give Novo a goodbye kiss. Only for my scarf to prevent me from doing so. Novo got a good snicker when my scarf pressed against her beak while I could only roll my eyes. "Um... Never mind then. I'll save the kisses for tonight."
"And I'll be waiting, honey. Hurry on back soon." Novo replied before giving me another kiss between the eyes. While she could not see it I was wearing a very wide smile on my lips when I left the bedroom.
I found Silverstream pacing the hall when I stepped outside. And she had a cute little tappy dance going with her hands and hooves when she turned to face me. That smile was just an attempt to hide her impatience. My little friend spoke with widening eyes, "Ooh! Nice scarf! You ready to go?"
"Almost. Just need to get a pair of goggles. I think they've got them in the armory? Maybe?" I retorted while knowing we would have to track down one of the guards to escort us to wherever they store their gear. And there were plenty stationed in the Ivory Palace.
"The armory? I know where that is! And yeah, I've seen Dad grab some goggles from there. You go wait by the front door and I'll meet you there!" Silverstream chirped happily before she went galloping off before I could stop her. But would the royal guards really mind the daughter of one of their own raiding the armory for a pair of goggles? I suspected it was not the first time Silverstream had been poking around in there. Hoping that she would not get in trouble, I continued on down the hall.
I passed a few guards and palace aides on my way through the elaborately decorated halls of that majestic palace. But no sign of Silverstream. Although I was not kept waiting once I was near the great doors leading outside. I soon heard a tapping sound echoing down the halls. Hooves and something else. And I soon saw the source rounding the bend. Silverstream came into view while galloping along with a pair of flight goggles hanging from her beak. I called out to her, "Everything OK?"
"Yep! They let me in and everything!" Silverstream chirped before flinging the goggles up and into my armored hands. They were indeed flight goggles akin to the ones I see Rainbow Dash wear now and then. Although I did have to adjust the strap to securely fit the shape of my head. Or so I tried. The plating on my gauntlets made the act of making precise movements with my fingers more difficult than usual. Silverstream noticed that I was struggling with delicately gripping and tugging on the strap before asking, "Hey, uh... You need a hand there?"
"Peh... These gauntlets were designed for holding a sword instead of this... Hang on." I grumbled before finally deciding to take a more whimsical approach. I started to focus the magic in my gauntlets to simply use the levitation spell to manipulate the goggles as they floated before me. If unicorns can do it, why not me? It took a few tries as my eyes focused on where the magic auras holding the goggles would pull and tug before I finally got them on my head. My eyes were shielded behind the round lenses while not feeling too tight or too loose. "There we go. Ready?"
"Yep! Everyone's waiting for us at home!" Silverstream chirped before promptly leading me out the great doors before us. My little friend immediately took to the air on her wings while I did the same. And to be several dozen feet above the summit of Capricorn Island... It made for quite a sight. I had forgotten just how high up I was and just hovered high above the summit to get a good look at the frigid ocean spanning for miles all around me. Silverstream even noticed and came back up to me just to share in the experience. "Amazing view, huh? It a totally different feeling in winter."
"Yeah... Not even the mountain Canterlot is on reaches this high. Do you ever stop noticing the view? Since you're here all the time?" I asked as I wondered if such majesty ever becomes mundane to those who experience it daily. It was nothing to mourn. But it is a shame one appreciates something less they should the longer they have it.
Silverstream responded happily, "Yeah, I stop noticing it as soon as I land! Can't really see the horizon through the buildings when I'm in town. But when I wanna get away from it all and be reminded of where I am, I just fly straight up and take a good look around. Just like this. All you gotta do is fly a little higher to see everything!"
My friend and her family really were blessed to live at the highest point of the island. I could not think of a single island on Earth that had similar geography. And there we hovered while surrounded by the frigid air of winter at very high altitudes. But I was comfortable enough inside the insulating enchantments of my armor and the goggles and scarf over my face. Silverstream soon took a look at me and suddenly cracked a giggly grin. "Wow, I didn't notice that you look like those explorers way up north with that scarf and goggles on you. Looks like you're ready to take on the arctic!"
"Haha, no way. Not without my full armor. But how about we put these two to the test?" I snickered before deciding it was time to descend. But I was going to do so in style. I propelled myself forward on my armor's wings and went into a gradual descent while circling the mountain's summit. Gradually picking up speed along the way. Silverstream quickly caught on and caught up to me with my fluffy friend gliding beside me. We circled the summit in a counterclockwise fashion with that bitter wind blowing ever harder against us. But my scarf and goggles did their job well in keeping that stinging wind chill away. And besides that, it was just a lot of fun."
"Wooooooo!!! We just keep getting faster!" My silly friend screeched beside me with our speedy yet gentle descent. I wonder how we looked from below with us just flying great circles around the mountaintop. I was just wondering where we should land. We kept passing over the Omega sector, but we kept rushing by so fast that the entire place looked like rows of white blocks. Although Silverstream then said, "Let's swing by my place on the next pass! Don't wanna keep everyone waiting!"
"Sure! You lead! I can't tell where anything is at this speed!" I hung back just a bit to let Silverstream take the lead. She could surely see things I could only imagine with those sharp avian eyes of hers. She began to descend more sharply for an increase of speed while I followed. But when Silverstream suddenly pulled out of her descent with her wings spread wide to slow herself down, I did not anticipate it and went right past her! "Wait! We... Oh crap!"
I had to think fast with my wings trying to brake. The wingspan of my armor was much more massive compared to Silverstream, but I was still coming in too fast too quick! I could feel my entire suit of armor rattle against the wind as that wall of air hit me. Almost like how it feels inside an airliner during landing. Running out of time, I adjusted my glide to direct myself to the flat rooftops. And what followed was...rather fun in the end.
The instant I landed, I had to jump with my momentum carrying me forward. From one rooftop to the next I hopped with my wings trying to slow me down. I jumped across maybe four rooftops before I was able to come to a stumbling stop. Silverstream came swooping over to me out of concern and amazement. "Whoahoho did you wipe out?! Everything OK here?"
"Yeah, I'm good... Gave myself a good scare though. Anyway... Where's your house again?" I replied before I thought I heard some kind of whistle. We both approached the edge of the roof that overlooked the nearest street and peered over the side. And just down the road was a family of three hippogriffs all bundled up in wool hats and scarves with the stallion of the group whistling for us. They even waved their wings at us to try and get our attention. "Oh! Right over there."
Sure enough, there they were. Sky Beak, Ocean Flow, and Terramar were already outside waiting for us. But Silverstream had not bothered grabbing her winter gear with that short trip to the Ivory Palace. She had to duck back inside for a minute to get ready for a longer outing in the cold. But I was quickly caught up in the wings of my papa bird and his lovely wife. "Welcome back, my boy! Ready to see the forests of the island with a fresh snowy coating?"
"I can't wait. We got any evergreen forests around here? I just can't remember." I retorted with one hand reaching down to gently tussle Terramar's mane. While I came and went from the Ivory Palace often enough to have enough of a mental image of where to go when using the teleportation spell, there were very few places on Capricorn Island I visited more than once. The only other place I could remember well enough was that jellyfish pond in a waterfall basin somewhere. And that spot was frozen over by then.
"We do have some evergreen forests on the island, especially on the higher elevations. And it is the holidays." Ocean Flow said with a playful tone. There are no trees that better convey the holiday spirit than firs and pines coated in a layer of snow. I wanted to see a forest like that at least once every holiday season.
Silverstream did not even take a full minute to get herself bundled up in her hat and scarf. She came bounding out the door with wings spread and ready to fly. "I'm here! Let's go!"
"Yes! Let's! Come with us, my boy! I know just the place!" The wonderful patriarch of the family called as all four of them spread their wings. They took to the air with Sky Beak leading the flock while I followed along on the wings of my armor. We soared above the town before clearing its borders and going on a gentle descent. We began to circle around the massive mountain standing tall out in the ocean. I stayed behind the soaring family of pinks, blues, greens, and yellows with their forms standing out beautifully from all the frigid whites below us. I absentmindedly closed the gap at one point and flew closer to the family of hippogriffs. Sky Beak then happened to notice and called out to me, "Come to think of it, this is the first time we've ever flown together as a family, isn't it?"
"It... You know what? I think it is." I replied before realizing that such a statement was true. While we had spent time together as a family before, I never wear my armor unless I really need it. And I certainly did not need it during our trip to Cantercun.
"And it's the first time we've flown together since you were here last time. Feels good to get out in the open air, right?" Terramar called out while I thought back fondly to my first trip to Capricorn Island. He and Silverstream were my constant companions around the island. And Skystar too when she had time to join us. I was getting a sense of nostalgia for my first time on the island. I would have to return in summer once the island was back in full bloom.
So much cold white spread out below us and to our right. For as beautiful as it was, the normally lush Capricorn Island looked so much less inviting from a distance in the dead of winter. But among the mountainside was an eventual field of white spires. Evergreen trees coated in snow. An entire forest of them. Sky Beak called out to me, "Just a heads up for you, James! They don't really clear the unpaved paths on the island during winter. You think you can push a path through if the snow gets too deep?"
"Pretty sure I can do that, yeah. Just let us land first." I replied with my four guides banking back towards the mountain. The forest below us became much larger as we landed just outside the edge of it. And the snow was deep. It reached up more than halfway past my shins. I did not have to worry about snow getting into my shoes, but trudging through thick snow was tiring. It would be best to get it out of the way. "OK, lemme see what I can do here..."
My four feathered companions watched with great interest as I contemplated my options. The most obvious choice would be to use fire magic to melt the snow, but that would just leave water behind that would freeze and possibly cause problems to anyone else who came along. So the only over option would be to remove the snow physically. But how? I lacked a shovel. Perhaps if I just...pushed it aside? "Hm... I think I've got an idea here."
I held out my armored hands as I channeled the magical power in each of them. I tried to create two separate magic barriers, each being a shade of sparkling blue and golden yellow. But I projected them away from me while molding them into flat shapes and turning them to be like two walls touching each other. I guided them down into the snow while moving my hands. I know it was not necessary to move my hands to guide anything I was manipulating with magic, but it did help me focus on exactly where I wanted them to go. The two walls of magical force lowered into the snow before I sensed resistance from the solid ground below us. And with a swift swing of my arms out to my sides, those two walls of magic pushed the snow aside to reveal the frosty ground below. My four companion let out calls of varying degrees of awe, but Silverstream was the most impressed. "Woo! Do it again!"
And so I did. I brought my two magic walls back together and began to proceed. Waves of snow were thrown to the side with little trouble until we reached the very edge of the forest. I allowed my mind to relax once we entered the forest itself. Indeed, it was filled with evergreens. Specifically pine trees. I recognized that scent anywhere. And I swear the frigid air only intensified the crisp aroma. The forest path before us was not so heavily covered in snow with the vast canopies above us holding up most of the snow that had fallen. And it was quiet. Refreshingly so. Like something out of a storybook. Ocean Flow then glanced at us and said, "Shall we?"
There was something enchanting in the air as we walked along the forest. The frosty trees around us with the branches above lined with deep green needles that held up all those layers of white. The snow around us absorbed so much sound that I felt compelled to be as silent as possible. I did not speak a word. Nor did I even mumble to myself. Even the family of hippogriffs around me were very quiet even if their faces displayed varying looks of intrigue. My armored footsteps were softened by the thin layer of snow coating the forest floor. But my armor still rattled a bit when I moved. It only made me notice sounds it made that I normally did not notice.
I was especially impressed with how Silverstream managed to stay so quiet. Her eyes glistened in enchanted delight as she went galloping off the path while leaving a clear trail in the snow of where she had tread. I think Sky Beak and Ocean Flow even found what they thought was mistletoe on a low branch and had their beaks locked in a kiss. I respectfully turned away to let the two lovebirds share a moment together. Only to suddenly feel an impact against my armored back. "What the..."
Had I just been pelted with a snowball? I immediately assumed it was from Silverstream. Only to see my silly friend having flown up to some lower branches while playfully shaking the snow on them loose to reveal all that vibrant green beneath them. She was too preoccupied to consider getting into another snowball fight. Which only left... "OK then... Where are you hiding, Terramar?"
The colt was hiding well. Out of his entire family, the color of his body was the palest. It would be harder to spot him hiding in the snow than the others. But I also kept an eye out for the colors of his hat or scarf. No sign of him though. He must have been hiding behind a tree and I had already forgotten which direction that snowball had come from. Until I saw it. A bit of green sticking out from behind one pine tree. And it was a brighter green than all the needles above us.
I smirked. He was waiting for me to turn around. But now I knew where he was. And I had an idea. I looked up and saw the pine tree above me loaded down with snow. Just waiting to fall and bury anyone under the tree. I reached out with my right hand as all of the tree's branches were coated in a billowing golden aura. And in a manner not unlike trying to strip an ear of corn of its leaves, I pulled down and dragged the snow off the tree all at once. At least a few feet of snow suddenly fell all around the base of the tree's trunk. And when it did, I heard a yelp of surprise that was instantly muffled. "Gotcha."
Knowing that Terramar was most definitely pinned down by his frosty tomb, I went strolling over to the other side of the tree. There was no sign of him, but I knew he was in there. I held out my hand to the pile and asked, "Need a hand, Terramar?"
"Yep. You got me." I heard his voice speak with a snicker from somewhere in the pile of snow. I reached into it and soon felt his hand grab mine. I easily dragged him out of the snow with his feathery body utterly caked in that glistening white. I admit I got a good laugh while my young friend displayed a crooked grin at the silliness of the whole situation. But we then had to hurry along to catch up to the rest of his family. While they were easy to see in that forest of frigid white, we did not want to fall behind.
The entire stroll through the forest was an exercise of having less be more. There were fewer words said and fewer events happening around us. Even the wildlife in the forest was rarely seen. Mostly just beautiful white owls that blended in a little too well with our surroundings. They never had anything to say, but I am sure Silverstream would have responded to them with a very convincing hoot had they ever called out to us. And the forest of white with barely visible deep green. So still and silent, yet so grand. The towering trees above draped in white robes as if monks in a monastery bound in perpetual prayer until the first signs of spring. The forest was not locked in a state of hibernation or stasis. It was savoring a time of peace.
We found frozen brooks locked in time, the absolutely frigid temperatures having frozen the water down to the bed of rocks below. I think I could even make out the forms of hibernating frogs somewhere below. I was often tempted to use fire magic to melt some ice somewhere. Perhaps even gather up some stray sticks and fallen branches to create a small fire pit. But I resisted the urge. We had nothing with us to enjoy around a camp fire. We were just visitors passing through while being one with winter's grandness.
Silverstream eventually tapped on the side of my greave to get my attention. I looked down and was impressed to see that she looked entirely unfazed by the cold, even as clouds of steam escaped her nostrils with every breath. She asked with an intentionally soft whisper that carried well in the still winter air. "Having fun?"
"I'm not sure if 'fun' is the right word, but this is proving itself to be a very meaningful experience." I replied while Silverstream beamed at my response. I think she likes it when I use more profound words when I talk. Something about the silent beauty of that snowy forest brought out my inner poet. I think it even still reflects in my writings right now as I recall that moment. I remember being tempted to go on a poetic ramble while gazing at my surroundings, but I resisted the temptation. I just wanted to listen to everything and nothing undisturbed.
The path remained clear through the forest as we followed it. I am not even certain of how much time was spent out there. Although I am certain it was getting late. The bright snow around us was deceptively bright regardless of how little natural light was shining into the forest. And when we finally did emerge out onto the mountainside, the sun was starting to sink into the ocean far to the west for a gorgeous sunset. It was a little hard to make out from the ground though.
"Ahhh, suddenly I just want to sing! Being quiet for so long does that to a stallion." Sky Beak laughed as his voice rang out through the air. After so much silence in that forest of frigid stillness, it was refreshing to hear his voice. He then turned to all of us and asked, "So then, how was that? Did we all have a refreshing time in there or what?"
Everyone around us burst into a chorus of agreement while I heartily nodded in silence. That was indeed a good time. Definitely not something I would experience anywhere near Ponyville. Terramar then shook a layer of snow from his body and asked, "Anyone wanna have some hot cocoa when we get home?"
"Oooh, good idea! Nothing like that with marshmallows after being out in the cold for so long! I think the chill's finally getting through my feathers too." Silverstream retorted giddily before looking up at me with a smile. A very knowing smile. "And you're gonna be coming over tonight, right? Maybe in a few hours?"
"I do have to meet up with Novo first. We're supposed to be going out for dinner and she might already be waiting for me somewhere in town. But yeah, expect me to show up in...maybe three or four hours? I don't have a precise schedule to stick to, but I'll be there." I replied while wondering just how long we were even in that forest. It felt literally frozen in time.
Ocean Flow strolled up beside me and nuzzled her head against mine. I think she wanted to kiss me on the cheek, but that was out of the question with my scarf in the way. "Then we won't keep you from her, dear. But it was lovely having you along today. Have a good time out there!"
I gave all of my companions a farewell embrace and watched them soar high above. Only for them to hover in place for a moment to gaze over the canopy of the forest we have just emerged from. I took to the air as well once the four of them set off for home. And only then did I see what got their attention. The forest was to the west. And beyond it was that beautiful sunset. That orange beacon of warmth slowly melting into the sea. But I did not stay to stare for long. Someone was waiting for me. And on the wings of my armor I soared back towards the Omega sector.
Where was I even supposed to go? The entirety of the town below me looked the same once I was gliding over it. But someone saw me and promptly swooped up to me on his grand wings. Seaspray himself had spotted me and came up alongside me. "Ah, there you are! Come with me, my good sir. Your queen awaits."
"You're my chauffer this even, admiral? Heh. Lead on then." I retorted with my good friend gliding over the rooftops. The air was so quiet aside from the gentle winter breezes. It had been a long day and I was ready to get seated and sample some fine food. We soon landed outside a building that I assumed was a local café with the outdoor seating closed for the winter. But when I was led inside, I was very pleasantly surprised. "Oh wow... This brings back memories."
The restaurant before me was one that carried a strong Italian vibe. Like many of the restaurants from the neighborhood I once called home on Earth. Even the quiet music being broadcast throughout the dining room had a strong Italian feeling with guitars and accordions. I felt a sudden rush of nostalgia as I surveyed the confines of the restaurant. Plenty of wall decors of colorful glass and framed pictures of far off lands. The paint on the walls were done in ways that it became much thicker in curved lines that almost brought to mind crashing waves in the surf. A very familiar detail to me. And a very fine looked bar with rows of expensive liquor at the back. There were even a pair of armored hippogriff stallions seated at the end closest to the door of matching colors. Mick and Mundy, if I recall. While they looked like they were there for a good time, I suspected they were on duty and were strategically positioned close to the entrance to block any chance of escape should trouble show up. And there was a good reason for them to be there. Far across the dining room was Novo seated at a table in a booth while sipping wine from a glass. Seaspray then whispered to me, "She's waiting for you, your majesty. And with that, I shall take my leave."
I felt strangely nervous at the sight of my beloved Novo far across the dining room filled with colorful hippogriff couples. And maybe a few griffon couples as well. And that was when I noticed that aside from Seaspray and his two men seated at the bar, every customer in the restaurant were in pairs. The lights were dimmed with a candle or two on teach table in use casting a warm glow. Novo's table even had a candelabra with five little tea lights on display. Although a hand reached out to me as the fine gentleman of a hippogriff reached out to me from the other side of the receptionist's podium. "Shall I take your scarf and goggles, sir?"
"Uh... Oh! Sure, just a sec." I replied while all but forgetting what I was wrapped up in. I pulled off my goggles and unwrapped my scarf from my head. Only to suddenly realize that I had not bothered to remove my armor yet. And where could I put it? I already was getting flashbacks of when Silverstream got too curious and poked its liquid form only to end up wearing it. We had to call Celestia to show up and get it off her. After passing my headwear to the receptionist, I had to ask an important question. "Hey, uh... Do you happen to have an isolated corner somewhere that won't be disturbed by anyone? I need to get my armor off and it's...not like other suits of armor."
"Actually, sir... We were informed ahead of time by Admiral Seaspray himself. Right this way." The dapper gentleman replied as he led me to the corridor leading to the restrooms. They already had a few wet floor signs ready in the little alcove just beyond the doors. "He told us exactly what to expect. If you don't mind me asking, may I see how it works? It sounds too...unorthodox to believe."
"Trust me, I thought it was weird the first time I ever wore this suit too. But it's pretty genius when you consider how it works. Just a second." I replied before stepping right up to the wall and facing my companion. A quick cast of the right spell resulted in my armor sliding smoothly off my body and into a puddle around my feet. It did not even stick to me as I stepped out of it. "I hope you don't mind me not having any shoes on right now. No one where's sabatons over a pair of shoes anyway."
"Oh it's quite all right, sir! Most customers don't wear shoes anyway. Now then, I'll just set these up so it won't be disturbed and you enjoy your stay, sir." The fine stallion replied while looking quite impressed with how my armor worked. I stepped past him while he set up the signs to keep anyone away from it. I could already feel my appetite surging as I observed the various dishes many of the other customers were enjoying. So colorful and rich with seafood. They were giving me plenty of ideas on what to order. But first, I needed to reach Novo.
My beautiful beloved was already waiting for me at a cozy booth in the corner with a single semicircular seat around it. It even had separate parts that could adjust the height for anyone who would be seated high like me or those whose hips are closer to the ground when seated like hippogriffs. A genius bit of foresight on the designer's part. I took a seat beside Novo while she leaned closer. Those eyes told me everything. She did not want to be greeted with words, but with a kiss. And so I did. My lips met her beak before I whispered to her. "I had a wonderful time with the family today."
"Good to hear, baby. But now it's just us. You haven't dined here before, right?" Novo asked softly with a gentleness to her soulful voice. The air was filled with a clamor that was to be expected for a restaurant combined with the musical ambience being broadcast from a few speakers placed strategically around the dining room, but it was noticeably gentler than what I would expect from the café Gabby and I had a good time in. This was in the evening when everyone there was wanting to relax instead of talk loudly and laugh. The clamor in the air was quiet enough to take a nap to. We could easily hide our conversations with barely more than a whisper.
"Nope. First time. But it does bring back memories of home. Good memories too. Restaurants like this are all over the place where I used to live." I replied while looking around at our fellow patrons. It was definitely couples night. No one seated at the tables were dining alone. Except for the few seated at the bar aside from the three royal guards seated in a line at the far left. Just two. Both of them stallions. Although they seemed to be friends who were quietly chatting over a drink. It is not in the nature of a hippogriff to go through life alone. If not with a spouse, then with friends. I whispered to Novo with my eyes observing my surroundings, "You picked a good place tonight."
Novo rested her hand over mine without a word. I glanced down at the vibrant pink avian flesh of her hand with it rested over mine. A part of me was cautious, wondering if it would be a good idea for anyone there to suspect that their queen was basically on a date with an outsider. I was especially tempted to hide my wedding ring. One glance at that while Novo was not wearing one herself would be a clue that their queen was courting a married man. How much did they know? I asked softly, "Should I take off my ring while we're here?"
My beloved leaned closer and kissed me right on the cheek. All without checking to see if anyone was watching. She cooed to me tenderly, "Keep it on, honey. Always keep it on. You're wearing that for more than just one mare after all."
I did not question Novo further. Her constant air of shrewd confidence was reassuring. If anyone had questions, she would handle it. My worries soothed for the moment, I turned my hand over to hold hers. It was then that one of the servers approached, another dapper stallion of a hippogriff with a white collar and red bowtie at the base of his neck. All while bringing us a basket of freshly baked rolls wrapped in a towel with a side of butter. "Good evening, your majesties. So good to have you here this dreary winter evening. Do you need a moment more to order?"
"Give us another five minutes. My man only just sat down." Novo said with a big smile on her face. She was not even trying to hide our connection to each other. The server bowed his head and stepped away. I immediately took a peek under the towel and found six soft rolls of bread that were warm to the touch. Soft and easy to pull apart. Novo asked sweetly, "You said you're familiar with these kinds of restaurants? Then would you mind showing me the best way to enjoy these?"
"Oh yeah, let me show you how it's done." I retorted while reaching for a small saucer on the table. I went to work with what was provided. A layer of olive oil sprinkling with black pepper and a squirt of balsamic vinegar and then topped with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. I dipped my roll's soft exposed interior into the resulting concoction and mixed it all together. I then took a bite of my roll soaked in the tasty result. "Mmm... Simple but tasty."
Novo did not hesitate to try the results of my work with the other half of the roll. And her eyes widened while letting out a chuckle. "Mmhmhmhm, I didn't know daddy knows his way around food."
"Runs in the family, I guess. I'm no slouch when it comes to cooking. Fluttershy and I take turns with making dinner for the most part." I replied while also trying a spread of melting butter on the exposed interior of the other half of my roll. But I did not want to use up all the bread right away. I wanted to keep some on hand in case I could find another use for them.
The server soon returned and provided a list of specials that quickly took our mind off the menus. I have always been a sucker for a good pasta dish and the one the server mentioned sounded exquisite. Linguine in an olive oil sauce with lobster and shrimp with a variety of diced vegetables mixed in. And Novo loved the sound of that sea bas dish. The appetizers as well... We went ahead and ordered one of everything on the special's menu. It was a special night for us, so why not indulge?
Once the server had departed, Novo passed me the bottle of wine she had ordered. It was a luscious red and one I was happy to try. I also took the opportunity to fill Novo's glass. But only a third full. Novo took notice of how high I filled our glasses and cast me a big smirk. "You know how to serve wine, don't you?"
"A third full for reds, half full for whites, and two thirds full for sparkling wines. My family back home on Earth always loved their wine." I replied with a smile. While Earth itself is a blighted world tearing itself apart, there are some things about the culture I grew up around that I look back on with some pride. And there is nothing blighted about the cultures surrounding food and dining.
"Very good, honey. That's correct." Novo replied while she gently clinked our glasses together for a toast. I sipped lightly and found the wine to be very dry. But I still appreciated its robust flavor. I cannot really describe its overall flavor profile. While I can potentially see myself being a competent food critic, being a wine critic is something I cannot trust myself with. But what I did taste was some very fine red wine. Probably a merlot.
The server soon returned with something sweet to balance out the dryness of that bottle of red wine. A bottle of chilled mead in an ice bucket. But for the moment, Novo and I savored some of that red with gentle sips. I took a moment to survey our surroundings, taking comfort in the interior design bringing back fond memories of Italian restaurants back home. I practically grew up in one after all. A gentle clamor filled the air with many quiet conversations happening all at once. Many happy couples, all of them some form of lovebird whether they be hippogriffs or vacationing griffons. The few griffon couples looked genuinely and refreshingly happy as I recalled the times I shared with Gabby and Gilda. And a faint uncertainty ignited in my heart. Those two griffon hens. What did the future hold for us? What would I find next time I laid eyes on them?
It was best to not think about them for the moment. I was there for Novo and she had been waiting for me. I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye, her vibrant and bright plumage making her stand out against the darker colors all around us. Although when I thought back to the other times we had gone out to eat with Celestia during my previous visit, I suddenly realized that someone was missing. "Say... Where's Skystar? She staying at home tonight?"
"Her? My girl's down at a sports bar down the road tonight. They've got a hoofball game going on somewhere and her favorite team is playing. And they've got a party going on. The girl knows how to enjoy herself." Novo explained while I was not that surprised. Skystar would be one to enjoy something festive. I bet she would draw a lot of attention as the princess of Capricorn Island too while being the life of a party.
I soon felt something on my hand. Avian fingers tenderly rubbing the top. I glanced at Novo and saw a knowing smile on her beak. No words were needed. We scooted closer and leaned into each other before just...closing our eyes. Savoring the sounds all around us while our hands were held. I whispered to my beloved, "I'm so glad I came here when I did... I'm glad I didn't wait another day."
"And I'll be waiting very impatiently for the next time. But only after I come see you first. It's my turn after all." Novo cooed to me while her feathery head rubbed against mine. I was already imagining the Alabaster coming in to dock near my house with Novo loudly announcing her arrival the instant she burst through the door. All to see her daughter from another mother. Gladesong had learned to love her mama bird... I found myself grinning as I imagined the coming years. How would things go as Gladesong grew older into a spry little girl? She and Novo would probably go for strolls together in the woods and park nearby just to talk about everything happening in their lives. I can only hope Novo does not spoil Gladesong rotten with her very deep pockets.
"Gladesong will be so happy to see you again. Scootaloo thinks your really cool too." I replied as I thought back to my family out there in frozen little Ponyville. They surely missed me and were eagerly awaiting my return. Thank goodness I picked up some goodies for them as an apology for leaving on short notice.
Novo let out a deep soulful giggle when she heard those words. "Gotta keep the baby girls happy. Be sure to tell them their Mama Novo misses them when you get home, all right? And to tell your first love I wish her the best. And if she needs anything, she just has to send me a note."
"Will do, dear. I want you all to be good friends in the end." I whispered back with hope in my heart. Every woman who becomes part of my family... Mare, dragoness, hen, or anything between... I want them to all get along. We are in this together in the end. While they will all love me while I will love them, they will also need to be happy with each other too. A family of friendship without rivalries. There is no room for competition here.
We waited patiently in each other's embrace while basking in the lovely classical music playing throughout the restaurant and the pleasant ambience of happy couples quietly chatting along with the clinks of drinking glasses and cutlery tapping against ceramic dinnerware. We alternated between that bottle of dry wine and the sweet potent mead while also enjoying some more rolls with our cheese and oil mix. Gazing about at our surroundings and then back at the beautiful avian mare beside me. Novo happened to notice my gaze and smiled broadly at me. She did not speak. Instead allowing me to speak first. And so I said what was on my heart. "I'm happy to be here."
Novo rested her hand over mine while her soulful eyes softened their gaze. She spoke with an almost wistful yet happy sigh. "My kingdom will always be your home, baby. If anything happens and you need some time away from it all to find some peace, come to me. I'll be here to hold you in my wings."
"My sanctuary? Yeah... I think I will. I would...need someone experienced to soothe me if I was ever a mess. Someone who's been through enough to really know how to soothe a troubled heart... That's you, right?" I asked while knowing the pain of being extremely distraught in a manner one cannot openly talk about. Where one needs to be soothed, but where no just anyone can provide that comfort. But Novo could. She had enough experience as a wife, a mother, and a lover to know what to do to soothe her beloved's troubled soul if he needed her.
"You better believe it is, honey. I promise. If your heart's in turmoil and you need someone, come to me. I promise I'll make it all better. Because I love you more than you can possibly know." Novo said with a soft yet reassuring whisper. Her fingers rubbed over the back of my hand in a manner that felt as if she was trying to find some sort of emotional injury to heal. Did she mistake my words for a show of distress? She would find no pain that night, but her diligence was comforting.
At last, the server arrived with a tray carrying our orders. And what a sight it was. That pasta dish of mine was a feast for the eyes as well as for my tongue. And that sea bass steak for Novo was beautifully garnished. Even the lesser side dishes like steamed vegetables in a sauce composed of lemon, white wine, and sage was beautiful to behold. I made a mental note to tip the server well that night before we would depart.
All we said for a time afterward were words complimenting our food and noting how scrumptious it all was. We even shared bits and pieces of our entrees with each other. I almost regretted choosing the pasta special over that sea bass steak. I did not know it is possible to pack so much flavor into a chunk of fish. Novo chose well. But my entree was not at all a disappointment. Everything in it came together for a fantastic result. And when our plates were finally empty, I took the remaining rolls of bread in the basket and used them to sop up any remaining sauce and juices before eating it. Novo found it amusing that I would let nothing go to waste and joined in with whatever liquid remnants she could find before devouring them. We abstained from taking part in any desert with how full we were in the end. That, and the mead we were drinking was sweet enough. Both its bottle and the bottle of red wine was virtually empty by the time we departed. But not after I left a pile of bits on the table out of my own pocket, even if the bill would be handled by the Ivory Palace staff. Although I did momentarily forget my armor on my way out. No doubt a result of the wine and mead in my system even with my dinner keeping my body from absorbing some of the alcohol. I only had the sense to rush back to my armor's liquid form after stepping outside and feeling an almost painful chill through my socks.
Seaspray and his two men followed us outside once I was suited back up with my scarf around my face. But when I started to put my goggles back on, Seaspray happened to speak up. "My word, your majesty. You already had equal shares of two bottles of wine. Surely you're not planning on flying back to the Ivory Palace in your condition? That would be a misdemeanor offense, I should have you know."
"Oh... Yeah, it would be a bad idea to drink and fly, wouldn't it? I've seen it happen to Rainbow Dash back home, but she's a lot sturdier than me." I said with a crooked smile. I still remember one time after a party where she crashed into several outdoor structures just while trying to say goodbye before taking off and crashing yet again out of sight. Loudly. I do not know what it is about the ponies of Equestria, but they are most definitely built tougher than I am. Rainbow Dash looked hardly bruised the next time I saw her.
Novo was not entirely convinced of our current state, but I do not think she was speaking out of dismissive pride. "I don't know about that, admiral. I think James and I know ourselves well enough to know when we've had too much to drink. Any suggestions on how we can be sure?"
"Nothing like a simple sobriety test. Both of you watch my finger here. Track its movements without moving your heads, all right?" Seaspray replied before raising a hand with a single finger raised. With the two of us standing beside each other, we followed his movements with just our eyes. While I certainly felt the influence of alcohol on me, I had no trouble tracking the finger's movements while Novo did the same. Seaspray then lowered his hand and said, "Very good on that one your majesties. Now then. Mick? Mundy? If you would?"
The two virtually identical armored stallions stepped out into the road and stood beside each other. One of them then said, "Stand before us and walk up to us in a straight line. That's all there is to it."
Seeing Novo go along with the whole routine was rather funny in hindsight. No sass or witty banter. She took everything completely seriously as she played along. She and I walked towards the two royal guardsmen as if treading a tightrope and did not stray off to the sides once. And I managed to do so in full armor. Seaspray then spoke up happily while putting my goggles back onto my face himself, "I say you both check out! Safe travels, your majesties. We'll see you back at the palace."
Full of food and drink, Novo and I were all too ready to get back home under the cover of night. We soared together over the Omega sector with my eyes surveying Novo in flight. To see her flying on her own two wings was a rarity to me. But she clearly was enjoying herself as we rushed through the frigid winter winds for relatively brief flight. "We really should fly together more often. You look amazing in the air."
"Hm... Yes, we really should. Once spring gets here we need to set aside time to just go wherever we want on the island. I haven't been out and about for a family outing in...ages. I miss those days." Novo replied with a nostalgic tone. I knew why. With her only child all grown up with her own interests to pursue and her first husband long gone, Novo had no opportunities or incentives to really get out and explore the island with anyone very close to her. But that will be changing in time. I know it.
We soared across the great bridge reaching out to the Ivory Palace while coming in for a gentle glide. We both landed before the castle's impressive doors while being saluted by the two guards just beyond the entrance. The lighting inside the elaborate halls had been dimmed for the night with little sounds reaching our ears. But before we got far while being just out of earshot of anyone who might be nearby, Novo reached out and whispered into my ear. "James. Go put your armor away and come meet me in the throne room. I think now's a good time to show you something. And don't ask questions. Mama's got a surprise for you."
"Oh my, you and your surprises. In that case, I'll be right back." I replied while we shared a quick kiss. I was in a good mood after such a fulfilling dining experience and was sure Novo wanted to end our last night together on a high note. I made my way through the halls and back up into the royal living quarters. It was very quiet up there. Too quiet for Skystar to have gotten home before us. The girl was definitely partying until closing time wherever she was.
I found the wet floor signs folded against the wall at the far end of the hall. Right where Seaspray had left them. I let out a sigh before setting them up again and standing against the wall. My armor melted into a fine fluid as it soon melted off of me while I stepped out of the resulting puddle. Once I was beyond the wet floor signs with my unraveled scarf in my hand, I snickered to myself as I beheld the mystical yet mundane sight before me. "We really need to find a better solution for this next time... Luna would probably be offended if she new this is how the armor would be stored if she could see a thousand years into the future back then."
I stepped into Novo's bedroom and chucked my scarf over on the bed before leaving and hurrying down the halls at a brisk pace. It felt nice walking along the smooth polished stone floor in just my socks. Quiet too. I savored being able to move around stealthily with barely any effort. I have always been one with a preference for discretion. I found myself actively trying to be discreet and silent as I moved about. To the point where I almost felt uneasy whenever I caught the eye of any guards of palace aides going about their evening duties. But it was a good thing that they noticed me. If I could sneak past them, I dread to imagine what a trained assassin could do on their watch.
Finding the throne room was not a challenge. The architecture of the halls had a way of guiding a visitor there due to the sheer importance of it as being where the entire island was governed from. There were no guards present outside the doors. A sign that no one was supposed to be inside. And yet upon entering, there she was. Novo stood alone in the center of the dimly lit throne room. I almost expected her to be lounging on her very comfortable throne, but the fact she was standing carried an air of initiative. "Hey there, honey. Did you get lost?"
"No, I still remembered where to go. It's just this place takes a while to get around. It's big. Maybe even bigger than Canterlot's castle." I replied before approaching my beloved to give her a reassuring embrace. But I knew we were not there just for cuddles. We could do that even more comfortably in her bedroom. "So then... You got something to show me?"
"That I do, honey. I think now's a good time to let you see something...important. But first, right over here." Novo replied before leading me to the rear of the room. On two pillars embedded in the rear wall at opposite sides were electric candle sconces with their elegant light bulbs glowing dimly. "See this? Hold onto it for a moment."
I started to suspect there was a hidden function about those two sconces. There were others around the throne room, but those two were the only ones aligned with the far wall. I did as I was requested and grasped the brass support below the false candles. I watched as Novo went trotting over to the other matching sconce at the other end of the wall. She looked my way as I saw a knowing smile on her beak. She did not even have to tell me what to do. Together, we both pulled on the sconces as they tilted towards us. When they did, I heard the sound of stone sliding against stone somewhere. "Hello? What's happening?"
"Right over here, baby." Novo replied with a bit of a giddiness in her step. She led me to the center of the room as a long row of the floor began to open out to the side. It revealed a narrow descending stairwell that went towards the throne. It was nothing but darkness at the very bottom. And Novo was quick to notice I did not look as surprised as she expected. "Not surprised? Really, baby?"
"At this point, I have to wonder if every throne room in Equestria has a hidden sanctum stored under the throne." I said with a smirk. First Canterlot's castle and now the Ivory Palace? Was it standard construction protocol to include such a thing?
"Ha! Celestia had one installed too? To be fair, we've known each other since before Canterlot was even a thing. Maybe she did take some inspiration from this." Novo replied before glancing around and listening carefully. While she had been less cautious about showing me that secret on short notice and I had to assume the Ivory Palace's entire guard detail were aware of it, it was still something the public was generally not allowed to know about. Novo soon glanced at me and spoke with a somewhat urgent tone, "Come with me, honey."
I followed the hippogriff queen down the narrow stairwell into a darkened hallway that widened somewhat. And just beyond the stairs were two more scones on opposite sides. Novo immediately had me pull on one while she did so with the other. They function in exactly the same way as the two upstairs, tilting far outwards and causing the entrance to close and leave no traces of it behind. And with that, the room went black. And silent. It was nothing short of eerie down there. Only for Novo to whisper to me. "Wait for it..."
Light. A gentle glow began to emanate from the sconces that had returned to an upright position. But instead of light bulbs or even candles or torches, they were...round. Crystals? Or perhaps enchanted pearls? The general color of the glow they produced was...warm. Soothing. Like the hues of a sunset on the ocean. And lining the walls of the hallway stretching out before were similar sconces topped with more round glowing orbs small enough to roll around in my palm. Novo looked at me with a gentle yet proud smile before she began to lead me through the simple stone hallway. "Right this way, my love."
The queen of Capricorn Island strode through the stone hall with a clear purpose. She had called me there for something important. Although while her hooves and hands gently tapped against the stone floor in contrast to my muffled footsteps, I was left wondering exactly where that stone sanctum was in comparison to the rest of the Ivory Palace. I suspected we had descended into the mountain below it by then. But ahead... In an expanded chamber at the end of the hall... There was a light. A gentle round glow. Not quite orange, yet not quite pink. The color of an ocean sunset at its most radiant.
The hallway led to a much large room with a high ceiling. Carved out of stone with an almost pale blue color, it was elegantly forged. A true inner sanctum. The layout of the room was that of a great hexagon. And there in the center atop a podium... The source of the light within that chamber. Round and perhaps half the size of my head... A pearl. A round glowing pearl with a surface that constantly shifted with layers of an ocean sunset's hues. I could see instantly that this artifact was one of extreme importance. A royal treasure. I asked with a stunned whisper, "Novo... Is this...?"
"This room... This chamber. This is where every king and queen of Capricorn Island is crowned. And this pearl, more ancient than this world's sun, is the symbol of my family's reign." Novo replied with a profound tone of voice devoid of her usual playful and sassy inflections. She was being entirely serious without any shred of humor. But she still turned her head to look at me with a smile. "This room is where your coronation will take place, James. This is where you will become my king. And I felt it was the right time to show you what to expect."
"Then this pearl... It reminds me of the Bloodstone Scepter. It's basically the crown jewel of your people." I replied in awe as I stepped closer to bask in the pearl's radiant glow. It was clearly not just a pearl. There was a special magical power infused in it. Something ancient and primordial. Definitely a product of the sea surrounding the island. With it even predating the planet's own sun, forged by Queen Sunflare herself... It must have played a vital role in keeping the hippogriffs of Capricorn Island united during those literal dark ages. "No one knows where it came from, do they? It's just...always been there, hasn't it?"
"Yes, dear. I've been around for a very long time and even I have no answers on this thing's origins. But it's always been here. Even before the Ivory Palace was constructed before my time. And this..." Novo replied with some of her usual flair coming back to her voice now that introductions had been taken care of. She sat beside the podium and gently caressed a hand over the smooth surface of that glorious pearl. "This pearl is also the source of every king and queen's longevity. It's through this that I've lived as long as I have."
My eyes widened in both awe and alarm. The pearl before me... The power it bestowed on the royal family of Capricorn Island. It was the source of their immortality. And... I had seen what immortality could to do one who held too many close to their heart. And a sense of horror filled me as I suddenly realized what might happen if I were to become king. I turned to Novo as she also glanced at me with widening eyes of concern. "Will I...also become immortal if we..."
Novo shook her head and spoke tenderly to me. "No. You don't have to get the full treatment if you don't want to, baby. There is a ceremony involved where the one marrying into the royal family is fully exposed to the magical energies in the pearl. When that happens, they become connected to it. They stop aging... Letting them rule alongside their king or queen for as long as they must."
It was haunting...yet fascinating to imagine such a fate. Decades...centuries...even millennia as Novo's king? Her and I together... Madly in love... And the children we would create together... Over the centuries we would have so many... Dozens? Perhaps hundreds in due time? It was a truly beautiful thought. We would love them all. So many sons and daughters. Princes and princesses of our kingdom. Tiny fillies and colts who would grow up into truly glorious mares and stallions. Some staying close to home on majestic Capricorn Island. Others spreading their wings and journeying across the world while bringing our love and ideals with them to the rest of Equestria. And I would always love my people of Capricorn Island. Novo and I would always love each other. With her at my side, I could potentially see myself facing eternity.
But Novo was not the only one who held a place in my heart. There were others. Some had come before Novo. And there were more who would surely come after. And very few...would still be there with us in the coming millennia. Even Rain Shine and Ember, as long-lived as their kind is, would fade from this world eventually. I would have to watch all of them...and all of my children...fade away while only those mothered by Novo and Celestia would continue to live on. To lose so many... I had seen what devastation so much inevitable loss had done to the heart and mind of an absolute immortal. Let alone one whose mortal mind would never be fit for an immortal existence. And I could not bear the thought of sharing in the same endless agony of that broken king of chaos...
Novo was keenly aware of my immense unease as my mind raced. And she spoke as if she could read my mind. "Cygnus...had to make sacrifices when he was crowned as my king. He eventually had to say goodbye to his entire family. His grandparents. Then his parents. And finally his siblings and lifelong friends. All while he remained as radiant as the day I fell in love with him. But through all that loss, he still had me. And he had Skystar. And he kept us very close to his heart to mend the hole let behind by his family and friends. He adapted. And he thrived. And he lived very happily with us. But you... You, James..."
My beloved gazed forlornly at the pearl. The pearl that was sustaining her very long life. And her smile faded entirely. "You have so many friends. So many beloveds... And the children you will father with them will be many as well. And someday... You'll outlive them. And...I don't want to imagine how much worse you'll have it than Cygnus did when those days come. As much as I would cherish an eternity with you... I would never wish that upon you. But if you think you would want an eternity with..."
"No." I said firmly while placing my hand atop Novo's. It was the only thing between me and the pearl filled with the blessing and curse that is immortality. I looked at the pearl's glow. And then my eyes met my future queen's. "I can't. I've seen what it does to those who have too much to lose. Maybe if you were the only one in my life... If I somehow ended up on Capricorn Island when I first came to this world and met you... If I only loved you, then maybe. Just maybe I could see myself living arguably forever with you at my side. But not now... I have too much to lose... Too many in my heart to go on forever without."
"Then stay mortal, my love. So you will live...and die with all those you hold dear." Novo cooed before reaching out and placing a kiss upon my cheek. Her eyes were filled with such a beautiful wisdom. And her next words carried the weight of the very mountain we stood on. "And when it's your time to go... I promise I won't keep you waiting long before I follow you to the next world."
I felt blessed...yet so guilty. There was not another woman, let alone queen, in the world like Novo. Capricorn Island had thrived under her experience and growing wisdom. And yet she was ready to let it all go just for me. When I eventually die... She will truly join me? But how when she no longer ages? "Wait... Please don't slit your wrists for me, Novo..."
"Huh? Where'd you get that idea? You'd think I'd commit suicide like that?" Novo retorted with an unexpected show of sassy humor. She almost looked offended that I would ever suspect her of doing such a thing to herself, yet still found a way to smirk at me for the thought. She then asked, "Let me ask you something. Have you noticed that I'm the queen instead of my own mama? And that my parents aren't exactly around?"
It was a thought that never crossed my mind. Novo was so confidant, so matriarchal in how she carried herself, that I never once considered her origins. But even as a true queen who had attained near womanly perfection over the course of millennia, she had been born into the royal family. She had been a princess once. No doubt born to an absolutely radiant excuse of a hippogriff king and queen. And if all in the royal family are immune to the flow of time... Where were they?
Novo could see what I was wondering. And before I could even ask, she gently explained the truth to me. "It is true that all born into the royal family and those who marry into it are gifted with immortality. But for the king and queen, that immortality is relinquished once the crown is passed onto the next heir. When the time has come for a prince or princess to become queen, the current king and queen lose their connection to the pearl and time begins to flow for them again. As it does for the new king or queen. But only for another ten years or so before it stops for good. And then... Well... I think you can understand what happens after that."
I seem to recall some time ago that Novo had already told me an abridged version of how that process works. Or maybe not? It is hard to remember at this time. But it was still an interesting version of immortality. Born with it or given when becoming part of the royal family, but given up along with the crown. At least there was a way out if one decided they were tired of life and just want to let go... But to see Novo still there so long into her reign... I did not even have to ask. I knew that she was likely the single longest serving monarch in her kingdom's history. A testament to her resolve and strength of heart. And so I whispered, "I hope your reign will continue to be long... I can't imagine anyone replacing you."
"To be fair, I would be leaving some very big shoes to be filled if I ever passed on the crown. It's a consequence of being the best, honey. Can't leave anyone else in charge if they won't live up to my expectations. But..." Novo replied with her sassy confidence on full display. Only for her to lean closer before whispering in my ear. All with words that sent an excited shiver down my spine. "If there's anyone who would make for a worthy heir, I just know it will be one of our sons or daughters."
"Ours... Only those born from the best can become the best, right?" I asked as I felt a profound flush upon my face. Would any of our future children truly be able to match their mother in her leadership skills? Only time would tell. And it was an exciting mystery I wanted to see answered.
Novo smiled at me knowingly. But she then began to lift her hand from the pearl. Just as an indication she wanted me to remove my hand from the back of hers. But once I did, she tenderly scooped the pearl into her palms and held it before her. It did not even occur to me the pearl could even be removed from its podium. Although I strongly suspect removing it from that chamber has always been strictly forbidden. She then looked at me with a smile on her beak. Her hands reached out to me as she asked, "You wanna hold it?"
"Is it safe? Nothing will happen without the proper ceremony, right?" I asked with Novo nodding in reassurance. So I did let her roll the pearl out of her hands and into mine. It was lighter than it seemed. And the glow was not simply there for its own sake. I whispered in awe, "It's warm... Like it's...full of life."
"Eternal life, dear. The warmth of life instead of the chill of death. Only fitting that it would feel warm like a comforting hand." Novo cooed softly in a poetic fashion. My hand rubbed over the perfectly smooth and round artifact in my left palm. What a mysterious object filled with its own unique magic. It really did remind me of the Bloodstone Scepter. But I took notice of Novo's lack of mentioning any legends around it. Ember had claimed that many believe the Bloodstone itself was forged from the blood of the very first Dragon Lord. And considering its connections to the departed souls of the previous generation of Dragon Lords, there might be some truth to that. But the pearl I held in my hands? I am certain it was found in the ocean itself. And who knows what ancient secrets the ocean depths hold about the world from before its first sunrise? There are mysteries surrounding that artifact that would surely never be solved.
I continued to gently caress the greatest treasure of Capricorn Island in my hands while casting my gaze around the stone chamber. It was so cool in there. The air still with the scent of ancient stone. The pearl itself... It generated enough warmth to keep the air around it from becoming too frigid. Perhaps only as low as the low 50s. The cold color of stone with the warm glow of life cast upon it. I gazed upon the pearl as its surface constantly shifted in its radiance. I then looked at Novo while she smiled back at me. "It's a thing of beauty."
"Maybe that's why everyone in my family line has always looked so good. Maybe not as good as me except for my sweet mama, may she rest her soul, but always beautiful in the end." Novo said sassily yet sweetly. Perhaps there was truth to those claims. Perhaps the enchanted pearl in my hands granted not only immortality, but also exceptional natural beauty onto those born into the royal family. And hippogriffs in general tend to be quite gorgeous on their own.
But it was time to depart. There was only so much we could do down there and our journey to that sanctum had fulfilled its purpose. I gently set the pearl back atop its podium and rested my hand atop it one last time. The next time I would see it would be when a crown was finally set atop my head. A thought that filled me with uncertainty. But there was one last thing for me to say. Even if the pearl would not hear me. "Please let my children be born healthy."
Novo responded silently. She rested her hand atop mind while our eyes met. There were no words. Just a shared gaze of hope. We had been denied the children we hoped to love and raise twice over. But there was always next time. And perhaps the pearl of eternal life itself would see to it that new life would bloom within the womb of Capricorn Island's queen. We gazed upon the pearl one last time before sharing a tender kiss in the light of it warm glow. Only then did we depart and headed back up the stairs to the throne room. Although Novo did not let us leave until we had hidden the entrance yet again.
"This visit to Capricorn Island is proving to be...very enlightening, my love." I spoke as we both surveyed the floor in the middle of the throne room together. It was very well hidden. No subtle narrow lines in the floor to hint at them being able to separate. A treasure as mystical and precious as that pearl needed to be kept hidden.
"It was the right time to show you, honey. I've made up my mind. You will be my king someday and you needed to know where it will happen. Just please keep this between us, all right? Although you can still bring it up around Celestia and her family. Royal secrets are shared freely between the royal families out of friendship. And she is technically my boss in a way." Novo replied with a calm smile that soon turned into an amused smirk. She can never stay completely straight faced when talking about her best friend.
With all traces of a hidden entrance to the sanctum covered, we departed out the great doors of the throne room and into the silent halls of the Ivory Palace. There were not even any guards in sight around there. So dark... I then asked with a whisper, "Time for bed, dear?"
Novo looked at me with her beak parting only for her eyes to widen and wander with some contemplation. She was about to agree, but it looked like inspiration had struck. Her beak closed while she almost looked like she was trying to look at her right ear tuft while considering her options. But she then spoke with a smile, "On the contrary... Come with me, honey. There's one last thing I want to show you before we turn in tonight. While no one's watching."
Quiet curiosity filled my heart. I suspected where we were going was not important, but was still worth seeing. I was guided down the halls and made many turns while occasionally passing one of the guards strolling along for the night shift. Until I started to notice something about where we were. "I don't think I've come down this way before... Yeah, I know I haven't walked these halls yet."
"I didn't think you had, honey. But that just means I get to surprise you." Novo said while barely suppressing a giggle. I followed along until we one against stood between a tall set of double doors covered in intricate carvings. And just to our sides were matching flights of stairs that led upward. Perhaps as another entrance to what was on the other side? Something special was on the other side. Novo extended her hand to the door and said smugly, "After you, my king."
I did not know what to expect, but knew I should not doubt Novo. I pushed the doors open as they swung inward easily despite their great weight. And what stood out before me was a vast chamber illuminated quite beautifully by the pale rays of the moon shining in through many windows high above. It seemed to be...a ballroom? The room was very large and was longer than it was wide. Great pillars held up a balcony wrapping around the upper edges of the entire chamber with tall arched windows standing even higher still. I could only imagine the grand parties and banquets that chamber had seen over the centuries. Were I wearing shoes, my steps would have echoed all around me. But Novo proved that herself as she strolled in after me with the light clopping of her hooves reaching far beyond what was expected. We sounded like we were in a cave. "Impressive, wouldn't you say? This is where all the parties happen when they're thrown here."
"Certainly looks like it... The castle's ballroom, right? When was the last time it happened?" I replied before I happened to notice motes of dust floating in the beautiful moonbeams shining into the room on a gentle angle. It must have been some time since someone last entered.
Novo left out a sigh before casting her gaze out at the vast open space before us. "A good while. I would throw parties at least a few times a year during my happier days. Usually one every season. And invitations were handed out at random to everyone across the island. An opportunity to get to socialize with those they don't normally meet while also maintaining a healthy social connection with those who are in charge here. But they...became fewer after I lost Cygnus. I seldom had the heart to really... You know what it's like, right?"
"Yeah... Just being alone with your sorrows. I'm sorry..." I replied before we shared an embrace. But I knew Novo's heart was healing rapidly. It would probably not be much longer before her original schedule would resume and the people of the island would finally get to have a good time and mingle in that grand ballroom once again. But I then suddenly had a realization. "Is this what you wanted to show me though? Just take a stroll through the ballroom with us having the whole place to ourselves tonight?"
"That...and I wanted to do a little something for you, honey. Right this way." Novo replied before she started to lead me right down the middle of the ballroom. Her tapping hooves echoed around us while I basked in the gentle glow of the moon. There was a silent beauty about the situation. But it also felt wrong with how silent the room was. I could almost hear phantom chattering around me like a party of phantoms from a bygone era were having a fine time during one of the Ivory Palace's grand parties.
I started to notice something ahead at the very opposite end of the room. Between the pillars that held up the balcony that wrapped around the upper walls of the ballroom. Between all the dark yet intricate patterns of the Ivory Palace's interior design was something that stood out in the darkness. White. And upon drawing closer, I saw what they were. I assumed they were simply white tablecloths that had been draped over something to prevent dust from building up on something. And they were set atop a square platform that was clearly meant to be a stage. I recognized the vague silhouettes of musical instruments. Including what was clearly a grand piano. The parties were serenaded by a live band and the instruments were kept on site for the next one. "Nice looking variety here."
Novo began to step around the stage while we were surrounded by the silence of an empty ballroom. She spoke softly, "I've been around for a long time and I've taken the time to broaden my horizons. But one field I never really found much talent in the art of music. My hands are good at a lot of things, but not making music."
That was a shame to hear. But I understood Novo's plight. Not everyone can make art. I know I never had any real aptitude for music myself. And I did try my hand at painting for a time only to find I was rather mediocre on average. It is a gift not everyone has. And those who do have it may not necessarily have a gift for the field they want to do work in the most. I wish I could weave beautiful images on canvas instead of only tales spoken through text. But as I pondered this dilemma, I noticed Novo stop before one of the shrouded instruments. And it was the tallest of them all. She then cast a smirk at me before saying, "All except for one. Can you guess what's under this?"
A twinge of intrigue filled my heart as my eyes narrowed. What could possibly be hidden under that tall cloth? It could be anything. Perhaps a cello leaning against its stand? Or something even large. An acoustic bass? Wait... If Novo had skill in the use of a single stringed instrument that requires the use of a bow, then she could play virtually any similar instrument. And it sounded like she had skill in only a single type of instrument. So if not that...
I paid closer attention to how the tablecloth was draped over what was hidden underneath. I rested my chin atop my closed fist. It was tall. And it was wide yet narrow. After a moment, only one thing came to mind. And my heart was tickled at the thought. "A harp?"
Novo's smirk only widened. She then took hold of the tablecloth with one hand and flung it towards the nearby wall with a plume of dust being carried with it. Indeed, a glorious polished wooden harp stood before us. Spotless and silent, waiting for the next party for its melody to be heard. Novo then looked my way as she caressed the frame of her favorite instrument with one hand, "She's a beauty, isn't she? This is the only instrument I ever found myself to have a knack for. Let me show you, honey."
I made no attempt to dissuade Novo from performing. I seldom see or hear the beautiful call of a harp and to see such a thing was all too fitting. The harp is an instrument that absolutely suits a woman like Novo. She took a seat before the knee of the harp and reached out to start plucking on the strings seemingly at random. Not necessarily following any sort of song from memory. Was she just warming up since it had been a while since her last performance? Even the smile on her beak had faded and was replaced by a contemplative scowl as she listened closely to the harp's sounds. "Sounds tuned enough already... Give me a minute, baby. Mama's a little rusty."
"Take your time." I said in reply while watching the old master at work. Even if what I was hearing could not be called music, every pluck on the strings generated a sound that echoed around the vast stone ballroom. And every chime was a beautiful thing to hear. But after only a moment, Novo sat ready with both arms outstretched at each side of the harp. She smiled at me with a serene smile while I stood ready. And so it began.
Nov began to tenderly pluck at the strings of the harp. And in a meticulous and meaningful manner that generated a series of notes blending together to create a melody. All with no audience to be seen. There under the cool rays of moonlight shining in through the many tall windows of the ballroom. It was like something out of a gothic novel. Something beautiful yet mournful. But I was there. Novo had the only audience she wanted. The love of her life was the only one whose ears were being caressed by the song her fingers were rousing from the majestic form of the harp.
Musical ecstasy graced my ears. No instrument is comparable to the harp. It is in a class of its own. To watch my beloved creating such beautiful sounds with such masterful skill... The queen of Capricorn Island herself taming the beautiful harp with her fingers plucking away... It truly suited her so. I did not even know the name of the song she was playing from memory. All I knew is that it was beauty itself in the form of sound.
I began to step around the stage to get a better look at Novo from every angle. The glorious hippogriff queen truly seemed to be in her element. While she did glance at me with a proud smile now and then, she never missed a beat. Beautiful... Angelic even. I drew closer from behind. I dropped to my knees and...held her. Embracing my future queen while she continued to pluck away to produce auditory art. She whispered to me softly, "Is my king enjoying my performance?"
I was on the verge of tears. I struggled to hold them back as I processed what I was seeing and hearing. It was all just so...wonderful. If I started to weep, it would alarm Novo and distract her from that beautiful performance. Steeling my will, I whispered something of equal beauty. "I think I just fell in love with you all over again."
A gentle chuckle came from my beloved's throat. But her performance was not interrupted. As she plucked along the strings, Novo whispered to me. "Hold me, baby. Hold me until the music stops."
And so I did. I remained on my knees with my eyes closed. Face buried between Novo's feathery shoulders. Listening to the melody that was carried throughout the entire ballroom. What a shame that no on else was hearing this display of masterful skill. On and on those wonderful chimes went. Until the air finally fell silent. But I did not budge from where I was. I continued to hold Novo with my eyes squinted shut. The tears had flowed, but they had soon ceased. And with a long sigh, Novo spoke. "That felt good... Haven't done that in too long."
"You should do it more often. I'd be happy to be a witness." I replied while keeping my arms wrapped around my lover. Waiting for her to decide when we would rise to our feet. But she did not for a time. Just sitting there in my arms while basking in the returning silence. A silence only barely disturbed by the winter gales outside the windows. I challenged those whistles with words spoken from the heart. "The harp truly suits you, Novo."
"I always thought so too... I'm always reminded of a wing when I see one. Like I'm plucking on the feathers of a wing whenever I play... Fitting, isn't it?" Novo cooed while leaning back into my embrace. So strong a queen, yet as fragile as any woman. And she was leaving herself entirely at my mercy. My queen needed her moments of rest. She was and has always been Capricorn Island itself. A mountain that is larger than life holding up her people and their society.
But even mountains can crumbled in time. And the mountain of a woman in my arms had been in danger of such for too long.
"I love you." I whispered into my lover's ear. I did not need to say it. She knew. Novo knew how madly in love I was with her. But one can never say those three sacred words too many times. I cradled her soft feathery form against me as I whispered again. All while we were surrounded by the silent phantoms of the ballroom. "I wish...I could truly explain to you how much I love you. You are just...perfection. Perfection that's been earned. And I want...to always be worthy of you."
Novo's hand rested over my wrist while she whispered back to me. "You are, James. You've always been. I've tested you. I've watched you. I've held you. And I've never been given reason to doubt you. Worthy of the crown, yet still a humble man. I want to stay by your side...and watch you achieve your own perfection in the years to come. As a husband to your perfect woman."
I could find no words to say to such a beautiful thing. All I could find the will to do was tighten my embrace around my perfect queen. I knew I would never achieve the perfection that Novo had reached. Perfection that was the product of centuries or even millennia of being tested by time. Nor could I. Humanity is not meant for such mastery. And my kind are not built for eons of existing. And that was fine by me. For all that mattered was being perfect enough for my queen. For all of my queens, whether or not they wear crowns atop their heads.
"James... Before anything else happens. May we dance? Alone?" Novo whispered back to me with a tender tone in her beautiful voice. A dance? To the silence around us? Even then, I had never been much of a dancer outside of improvising when wired up enough to do so. But I did not want to say no.
"Um... Dance to what exactly? Kind of hard to get into a groove when there is none." I asked in return with my mood becoming less somber. And I doubt any musicians were available at the time to get some music going on the rest of the instruments before us. I then also had to add, "I should mention that I...uh...can't really dance. It's another art I just have no real aptitude in."
"Don't worry about that, honey. Anyone can do a simple slow dance. But let me get things set up first." Novo replied confidently before she started to rise. I released her from my embrace and watched while she stepped over into the shadows of the balcony towards the wall. I took the time to place the harp's tablecloth back over it before seeing what Novo was approaching. There was a phonograph set up on a fancy wooden cabinet that held a few dozen vinyl albums. It must have been connected to an audio system with speakers set up around the ballroom that I had overlooked. While I am sure the guests always prefer watching a band performing live, even they need to take breaks now and then and to partake in the festivities themselves. I suppose the phonograph was installed as a means to keep the music going while the band was away from the stage.
Novo went browsing through the list of records and soon pulled one from its sleeve. I saw that smile on her beak as she spoke. "Ooh... Haven't heard this album in a while. This is a good one."
I did not get an opportunity to see the album's cover, but I did not mind. I could look into it later on my own time. Novo set the needle of the phonograph at the edge of the disc once it was in place and turned it on. Throughout the entire ballroom was a subtle white noise. That pleasant scratching sound of a vinyl record during a moment with no music being read. Something every vinyl aficionado adores. Novo began to lead me towards the very center of the room in the precious seconds before the music could start and once it began to play...
There was something special about that album. One filled with beautiful female vocals and truly loving lyrics. An album full of not just melodies about love, but sung by a singer who was intimately experienced in being in love. Whoever she may be, I hope she is well and happy with the one who makes her happiest. But she was not the only one in love at the time. Novo and I faced each other with my beloved casting me a very calm and inviting smile. I began to reach out with my hand, but Novo did not reach for me with her own. She intend extended her impressive left wing and tilted it forward. Beckoning me to take hold as she bent it in a manner that kept it close to me.
My left hand rested on Novo's shoulder with my right reaching higher to gently grasp the frame of Novo's wing. Eyes gazing into each other's while basking in the glow of the moon shining through the windows above, we began to dance. A subtle shuffle as we stepped back and forth, Novo guiding me along with her two hands and two hooves lightly tapping on the floor. But that music... It was everywhere. Serenading us atop a mountain reaching high into the heavens out in the middle of the ocean. We were truly alone. Devoid of distractions. It was only her and I. Two betrotheds impatiently waiting for the day when we would become something more.
Novo began to expertly guide me into making more extravagant motions. She made wider steps that encouraged me to do the same, swaying her lower body in a manner that caused her long and luxurious tail feathers to swish elegantly through the air. As if she was a beautiful bird of the tropics performing a glorious courtship dance. And she was my beautiful bird of paradise. A perfect fusion of equine and avian elements. She was my hen. My mare. My queen. My love.
We went from gently shuffling to lovingly swaying to gently twirling. Novo would put her amazing wings to good use as she would step around me while momentarily assuming a bipedal stance, performing a glorious spin with both wings spread wide. Only for her to come back down and have only her opposite wing bent forward for me to hold. For being someone with no skill in dancing, I was doing a decent job of keeping up and following Novo's lead. Perhaps...it was my heart that was guiding me.
Our eyes met as we danced in that colossal echo chamber, the pale rays of the moon outside illuminating us in an almost ghostly glow. Was Luna watching somehow? Even all the way from Canterlot? As Novo and I held each other, I began to feel so blessed while gazing into her beautiful eyes. I had missed her so dearly... The tears began to form at the edges of my eyes. I desperately did not want to take her for granted. Her or anyone else. Because I never would have found them had I never been called tot he wonderful world of Equestria.
Novo was not the only one with dry eyes. Even as we never missed a step, our tears... They began to flow while beautiful melodies and vocals called out to us from all sides. My beloved soon spoke to me, "To think that the man I needed... The one I didn't even know I wanted...was out there among the stars... Just waiting to be called home."
"I never would've found someone like you... Someone like them... If I never left Earth. I couldn't imagine such paradise was even possible..." I whispered back to my beloved with a quivering voice. It could have been someone else. Someone who would not have my qualities or values. Someone with their own qualities that could have benefited Equestria in the long run in a different way, but had it been someone else... Would Novo's heart have ever been mended? Would Ember have discovered the wonders of the world beyond the borders of her territories? Would Gallus have ever found a place to call home after ending up on the Empty Plains? Would Smolder still be drifting as an illiterate vagabond with no one to come home to? Would my dear Gladesong even exist? Would...the War of Preservation have ended in victory?
It all came down to a simple choice. All weighing on the shoulders of the two royal sisters of Equestria. It could have been me. Or it could have been someone else. And Novo knew this as she spoke through her tears. "How many were there to choose from? Thousands? Maybe...millions? They could've chosen anyone else on your world. But...they chose you. Celestia... You chose well, old friend. You chose very well... And I don't think you know how fortunate your choice was just yet."
Between the soothing music, beautiful loving vocals, and just...being there with her... It soon became too much. My knees weakened. I released Novo from my grasp before completely throwing my arms around her as my tears flowed freely. As did hers. Our dancing ceased as we embraced. Novo's magnificent wings wrapped around me as we carefully slumped to the floor in the very center of the ballroom. The weight of the truth was weighing on us too much. All it would have taken was choosing someone else and Novo and I would never have met. We would have never found what we needed. And that was without considering all the other wonderful people who had come into my life. Friends, lovers, and family. But at that moment, Novo was the only one I could think about. And she deserved it even as the needle of the phonograph went from song to song with us barely paying any mind to the lyrics being spoken.
We remained there on the cool stone floor in each other's arms and wings. Eyes squinted shut as tears flowed, neither of us daring to speak. We did not need to. Our hearts were doing all the talking by then. Holding and caressing each other without a word. All under the pale glow of the moon. Until finally the only sound filling the vast ballroom was a subtle scratching sound being emitted from the many hidden speakers around us. The vinyl album had run its course and needed its needle to be reset. With our tears finally slowing, Novo whispered to me clearly. "I needed that..."
"Me too... Love you, dear." I whispered back as I basked in that wonderful feathery embrace. I dared not be the one to try and stand up. It was Novo's time. And our time was short. I did not even have a full twenty-four hours remaining on Capricorn Island. Whatever happened next would be up to her.
We stayed down for a short while longer while savoring the gentle ambience that only a phonograph can provide. Only when I felt the embrace of Novo's wings loosing their grasp around me did I start to climb to my feet. But we remained against each other while I asked, "I appreciated all that... But what now?"
Novo nuzzled the side of my head with hers as she whispered to me, "We still have a bit of time before you head out for your little sleepover, right? How about...you do me a little favor first? And I'll see to it you're compensated."
Now I was curious. And I would be remiss to turn my beautiful queen down. Once the phonograph had been turned off for the night, we saw ourselves out with Novo leading me all the way back up to her private bedchambers. She then got comfortable on her bed before my eyes while casting me an inviting smirk. "Does daddy have time to give mama one of his world class massages? I forgot to schedule mine lately and could use some deep tissue treatment."
I got a laugh out of that. And I thankfully still had enough time on my hands to get one full massage in before rendezvousing with Silverstream that night. "Hmmm... I dunno, I'm off the clock right now. What's your offer?"
"How about cash? I've got my checkbook on hand. And I like to tip generously." Novo giggled playfully. It would not be the first time she actually compensated me for my massages. I am still surprised by how many zeros were on that previous check she gave me. The clerk at the bank gave me such a weird look and had to inquire if it was legitimate before I got word back a few days later that it all checked out.
I cracked my knuckles to prepare myself while the room was basked in the gentle glow of the lamp at Novo's bedside. There was a truly cozy atmosphere in the air. I held out my hand to beckon Novo to extend her wing so I could tend to its joints. It would be best to get those out of the way before starting on her body. While my delicate fingers kneaded the muscles around the joints, I just had to ask. "You don't get a whole lot of use out of these, do you?"
"Not as much as you'd think. That's not to say I don't enjoy a good flight now and then. But life in the Ivory Palace combined with royal duties tends to keep you grounded." Novo said with a mirthful chuckle. I knew she did not mind taking it easy, but it seemed like Novo did a good job of keeping herself in shape. Her wings did not feel weak in the slightest.
I have to say giving massages to hippogriffs is one of my favorite things to do in my career as a masseuse. Their coat of feathers makes for a pleasant change of pace from all the ponies I usually give massages to. And once I had straddled Novo with her getting thoroughly relaxed under me, my fingers went to work sliding through that forest of feathers coating her body. Pressing in to feel that strong muscle beneath. And being careful to not let myself get too distracted by the rounded fullness of her motherly flanks once I started on those. And Novo knew I was aware of how shapely they were after having been blessed with a foal so long ago.
Our conversations were brief and few with us only focusing on the task at hand. I just wanted to see Novo rested and happy. For as gracefully as she carries herself with her royal duties, I know even she can feel the weight of her kingdom on her shoulders. And it was eventually time for her underside. Novo eventually rolled onto her back while I once again straddled her with my palms and fingers pressing against her feathery pectoral muscles. All while she smiled back at me. "Mmm... Daddy's so good to me tonight. Hoo... Didn't know how much I needed it right there."
"You'd be surprised. A lot of my clients don't normally get their undersides massaged. It's always a big surprise when they try it for the first time. Especially my pegasi clients. They never realize how much their pecs can be stressed by hard flying." I replied as I gradually made my way down Novo's powerful equine body. So strong, yet so comparatively light. I would not be surprised if hippogriffs have hollow bones. But the body underneath me was indeed that of a mare.
I massaged through Novo's layer of feathers as I inched further and further down her body. From her chest to her belly. And as I massaged lower, I realized my hands rested over my beloved's empty womb. But I knew Novo was watching. I did not want her to know my mind was wandering to more loving desires. As well as being reminded of recent disappointments. Our nest was still empty and we had been denied a chance to fill it. All because of something as base as genetics. But the odds were not impossible. There was always next time.
"I wish I could pay you in more than just cash, James... I really do." Novo said with a wistful sigh. While I had tried to hide my own thoughts, it would seem my caresses over her empty womb had stirred some sentimentality in my beloved's mind. I lifted my gaze to look upon Novo while she looked back at me. Her gentle smile had faded. All that remained was a soft frown on her beak. "I wish I could pay you with a son. A beautiful baby boy for you to love."
With the massage process having all but concluded, I bowed my head at the words that graced my ears. I could only imagine how darling that beautiful hippogriff prince would be. "Me too, dear... I wish we didn't have to wait."
Novo sneakily reached out and hooked her wings behind me. I was pulled forward and right onto her chest as her waiting arms embraced me with a hand on the back of my head. And for a moment, she just held me there with my face resting in the ring of beautiful blue fluffy wrapped around her neck. And she whispered sweet words to me. "I wish we could try again right now..."
The temptation was great. What was stopping us from trying again? While Novo's heat cycle had come and gone for the time, I felt like there was still a tiny chance of success. If we desired it hard enough... If we wanted it badly enough, Novo's body would yield to the need and give us another chance. I started to reach for my waist to loosen my pants and whisper with a subtle loving lust building in me. "Then what's stopping us?"
My beloved's next move surprised me. Novo would never turn down an opportunity to make tender love with the love of her life. And yet... She refused. "No, honey. No... Not tonight. We already tried very hard last night. And besides... If we do that now, you won't want to leave. And there's one pretty little thing still waiting for you out there, right?"
Right... Silverstream. She was waiting for me. And it would be rude to suddenly choose to not show up. If Novo and I were to make love, I would be too comfortable in the afterglow to leave her side. How does one make love to their beloved and then leave immediately afterward? The heart would simply not allow it. Almost begrudgingly, I relented. "Right... I don't want to disappoint her..."
"Then go to her, baby. I'm grateful you came all this way to see me, but I'm not the only one on the island who appreciates you. You have friends and family here, James. So go. Be with them. You and I can make up for more lost time later. I'll be fine here tonight. Just make sure you come spend some decent time with me tomorrow before you head home." Novo cooed to me while running her fingers through my hair. There was no disappointment in her tone. Perhaps she had grown accustomed to sleeping without her husband by her side.
"Then...I guess I better be off. I hope my services didn't disappoint, m'lady." I replied while trying to maintain a bit of faux professionalism over the massage I had just given my lover.
"Mmhm, that you did. I'll be sure to write out a very generous check for you to take home tomorrow. Mama's feeling better already." Novo cooed to me while releasing me from her embrace. I rolled to the edge of the bed and went about getting myself dressed up for the cold outside. Before I could get my scarf on, Novo beckoned me over to her. Whereupon I received one last kiss upon my lips. "Have a good night, honey. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yeah... See you soon. Love you, Novo." I whispered back with an ache in my heart. I felt bad leaving Novo's side for the night even if there was someone who was also dear to me waiting for my presence. We had already made the arrangements. It would not do for me to back out now. With my scarf wrapped around my head, I saw myself out of Novo's bedroom and quietly made my way out of the Ivory Palace.
The air was filled with a solemn tranquility as I crossed the bridge and ventured into the Omega sector. The streets were empty in the dead of night. And yet, even where there were no lampposts casting a warm glow, the architecture was easy to see out there far from the mainland. White is the brightest color of them all and it was perplexing how easy it was to see on such a dark night. But I did soon found my way to the home of my feathered extended family. I was tempted to knock, but was worried I would wake someone up. Only to find much to my surprise that the door opened easily. "Unlocked...?"
Only a single lamp was on in the immediate area when I entered. And only Silverstream was there as she rested on the couch nearby. She greeted me with a wave and whispered excitedly, "Hey, you made it! Everyone else is in bed, so let's keep it down. You wanna go wash up while I get everything ready?"
"Yeah, a hot shower before bed sounds great. I'll try to not keep you waiting." I replied while I headed for the bathroom as Silverstream made her way to the kitchen. It sounded like he was really busy in there from what I heard from inside the bathroom, but she was still being quiet about it. Does Silverstream even know how to cook? I do not think most girls her age do, even if most creatures in Equestria do mature faster than humans.
What can be said about a hot shower on a cold winter night? I honestly did not expect it to feel as good as it did. I eventually left the bathroom with a towel around my waist and in just my pair of boxers. The entire house had gone dark by then. But I still found my way to Silverstream's room. It was the only one with light peeking out from under the door. And upon peeking in, I was greeted by my perky friend. And what a slumber party she had prepared.
Silverstream's room was dimly lit by a single lamp next to her bed. And that bed was where all the good stuff was happening. She had set out a tray lined with fresh shrimp with a small bowl of cocktail sauce, a filet of smoked salmon, and even two big strips of squid jerky. And beside that was a plate holding triangular pastries drizzled in fresh honey. Baklava. An ideal treat for pairing with honey. She even brought in two big glass bottles of fresh mineral water to wash it all down with. I marveled at the setup and said, "Wow... You did good on this."
"Thanks! Only the best for my best friend!" My little friend whispered excitedly. I felt rather sheepish at those words. Was I really that special to the little lady beside me? Then again, the people of Capricorn Island are very well off under Novo's guidance. Very generous too. They must love sharing their blessings with visitors.
Silverstream locked the door while I took a moment to set aside my towel now that I was almost completely dried off by then. I always adored Silverstream's style with how she decorated her room. I sat on the bed, but then noticed her reach into a small box lined with cassette tapes. She quickly popped one into a simple tape deck next to it and turned it on with a click. Although she did suddenly look back to it when starting to step away just in time to turn the volume down low. I was expecting something lively and full of energy. It would suit Silverstream's personality. But instead... All I heard was soft classical music. I muttered gently, "I was almost expecting something...louder."
"Nope. I asked Mom what the best kind of music for a slumber party is and she recommended quieter and gentler music if we're winding down to go to bed." Silverstream replied while not looking like she was disappointed with the choice of music at all. And she quickly bounded up onto the bed before promptly helping herself to some shrimp cocktail. "Dig in! I hope you still have room after dinner."
While dinner was filling, some room had opened up in my stomach for a light snack before bed. And I enjoyed everything that was offered. Silverstream did most of the talking while I enjoyed listening to her. She also asked a lot of questions about my family back home. And about my relationship with Novo. And I answered honestly. She already learned the truth. Even having her suspicions when she came to my own home for the first time. And yet she listened. And she understood. All at a tender twelve years of age. Just a filly... Or was she?
I watched her during a moment of my little friend munching on her share of squid jerky. Her size. Her voice. Her build. Everything about her looked like a mare instead of a filly. And her choice in music that night... I never knew any kids growing up who would choose classical music when other options were available. But Silverstream seemed to be enjoying the album as it went from song to song. I needed to know. And so I asked, "Silver... How do you feel? Like a girl? Or like a woman?"
"Huh? You mean...am I a filly or a mare?" She asked while I waited for an answer. Silverstream appeared to understand and soon replied, "I guess I... I feel like I'm somewhere in the middle? I don't feel like a little kid anymore, but I don't think I'm like my Mom yet. So I guess I can say...I'm just me?"
"Heh... Yeah, that sounds like something you'd say. Sorry for asking... Humans don't grow at the same rate as hippogriffs... Or anything else in this worlds. I've had to deal with a weird learning curve in figuring out how the people of this world work when it comes physical development. I know you're only twelve. Maybe thirteen soon. But you still look and sound like a young woman to me. And that confuses me." I replied while not wanting Silverstream to think I had a problem with how her people mature and the rate of which it happens. It was a simple case of culture class and nothing more.
"I guess we hippogriffs are just early bloomers. And humans are late bloomers instead?" Silverstream asked while turning the tables on me. For as much as I have asked about the creatures of Equestria, I have seldom discussed my own species.
"Compared to the people of this world? Yeah, definitely. Human children are pathetically helpless when just infants. It takes weeks for them just to be strong enough to crawl while ponies can walk in a matter of days. But...I guess that's the tradeoff. A very weak start in exchange for immense long-term potential. Can't forget what happened on the Empty Plains and why..." I retorted before my thoughts veered into darker territories. Human potential... And the best and the worst of what it had to offer had been seen upon the Empty Plains.
I am still very grateful that my worst memories of my time out there were dulled. But there were still unpleasant memories left vividly intact in my mind. Silverstream could see this and responded in a way she was familiar with. She reached out and placed a kiss on my cheek when I was not looking. When I glanced at her, she smiled sweetly at me. "You're a good human, James. And I'm glad the best human in Equestria is my best friend."
"Silver... You're great. Come here." I snickered before the two of us embraced. I really needed to feel a soft fluffy bird in my arms all while she started to churr soothingly.
The minutes went by. And we continued to talk and enjoy each other's company. And a loud click from the tape deck reminded Silverstream to flip the tape to listen to the other side. But our plates were eventually left empty and I could not eat another bite. It was just enough to fill me up to the brim. And with the lights turned off and the winter winds outside the window starting to pick up, it was time for bed. And I felt very comfortable with Silverstream's fluffy body pressed up against me.
It had been a wonderful day and a day well spent. I would sleep well that night. And my time on Capricorn Island was drawing to yet another close. I hoped to spend what little time I had left well when morning came.