I'd gotten myself into a decent routine after a full week of service, Sonambula selected me for an evening post on the wall, where I got a nice view of the road from the palace into town. Every morning I watched the Mail pony come to the front gate, as well as the newspaper delivery. In the distance I could make out the streets of Canterlot, and just make out ponies coming and going on the streets.
Obsidian and I would see each other whenever we could, she liked spending time in my room since I had Windows to look out on the night sky, though she barely fit into my average sized-bed, and feeling playful one night she jumped into the bed, breaking one of the legs. I had to put a discarded box underneath it to even it out, we had a good laugh at that one. Being alone with her was wonderful, but we spent a little time with Four Speed, Morning Blast and Star Shine, greeting them when we could, and I found them to be good ponies, whom I was happy to serve with. They continued to be amazed at how much Obsidian opened up,
Neither of us spoke about Obsidian's upcoming discharge, even though every day brought it closer. The subject was avoided and almost forgotten, but when somepony brought up Obsidian going back to college in Baltomare, or how soon she'd be leaving we both felt a pang of sadness. We weren't sure what we would do. . .or even if there was anything we should do other than drift apart. We avoided the topic, but every day worrying about it more and more.
Friday Morning, without explanation Sonmbula ordered Obsidian, me, Morning Blast, Star shine and Four Speed to follow him and we left the Palace grounds, walking t the streets of Canterlot. We were Joined by the other Line breakers in Osidian's squad, a trio of earth ponies I learned were aimed Bricker, Mason and Stonewall. As always, he never explained anything until we needed to know. We were standing in front of a low rent department store, not a fancy retail outlet like you'd find in he ritzy neighborhoods but more of a one-stop shop for run of the mill clothing and household goods. Sonambula turned to us and levitated a small certificate to each of us, it was in a typeface I couldn't read but I recognized the Royal seal near the bottom.
"Okay fillies and Gentlecolts, listen up!" The unicorn shouted. "Her Majesty Princess Celestia has been invited to go on the Maiden voyage of the Pelecan, Free Wind cruise lines brand new luxury airship. They mainly want to be able to claim real royalty has stayed in the Royal suite, but the princess likes to take break when she can, so she's going. Now, the cruise line doesn't want a bunch of armored soldiers stomping around the deck, but we will be going anyway."
"So we just fly alongside? We might get a bit tired carrying Obsidian and the boys around," Four speed joked, indicating the line breakers.
"No, smart guy, we're going covert. We will shadow the princess and keep an eye on her, but we're gonna be nondescript and quiet. Since the ship has a dress code, we're here to get you ponies some new outfits. Your mission today is to get yourself some spiffy new duds, these certificates entitle you a new outfit but don't go overboard. treasury isn't bottomless."
"What about you, Master Sargent?" Starshine asked.
"Corporal, I'll have you know I already own a suit, and It's sharp as hell." Sonambula said with a smirk, "Now let's move ponies,"
We stepped inside, the store with without frills, it was just racks of clothing and accessories on wooden racks. A modest selection of jewelry and accessories. I learned at some point that this modest department store was contracted to the palace to do all the staff's outfits and do alterations and tailoring for the Guard's dress uniforms. Few of the ponies buying belts and jackets here had any idea.
The entire unit soon found themselves swarmed by tailors and sales ponies, all of us being whisked away to fitting rooms to trying on a series out outfits. The petite unicorn who was helping me having me try on a number of suits and vests. At one point she heard me mention being half-saddle Arabian and had me try on a fancy turban, but I decided I looked silly, and went without a hat.
As I was putting the turban back on its stand I noticed a silver locket on the jewelry counter, and I thought of how it would look on Obsidian's neck. It seemed interesting,
I settled on a simple dark grey suit with a gold silk ascot to match my coat. I knew nothing about fashion but decided it would at least keep me nondescript..
Looking at myself in the three full-bodied mirrors I realized it was more than adequate, though the tailor insisted I add as sash. I'd never had a reason to wear anything this nice, and was pretty happy with how I looked.
"Yowza," I heard Obsidian say, "Look at you! I'm gonna have trouble keeping my eyes on the Princess,"
I turned to give a witty remark, but seeing Obsidian in her silvery cocktail dress made me at a loss for words. The satin of the dress shimmered and flowed over the curves of Obsidian's body, and I could only stare wth slack-jawed admiration.
"W-wow," I stammered.
"I think you broke him, Obsidian." Morning blast said, himself sporting a green pin-striped vest and black tie.
I heard Four Speed whistle. "Obsidian, you look great," He himself wore a wide collared powder-blue leisure suit. On any other pony that outfit would look absurd but four-speed made it work.
Star Shine wore a fluffy dress and suddenly instead of a battle mage she looked like a beautiful debutant, as did Obsidian.
"Girl, we are gonna turn so many heads no one will think of touching the princess," Star Shine said.
"That is a fact!" Sonambula said, a hint of sarcasm. "Yes indeed, we are going to be the most well-dressed military unit in all Equestria, damn fine."
Gaining my senses I smiled, reaching out to grasp Obsidian's hoof and kissing it gently,
"You look stunning," I said,
Obsidian blushed, "Ohh, come on,"
"I would only make one change, your neckline is a little bare." I said, "I got my Reparations from the Tajir, so I got you a little something.
The store's selection of jewelry was limited, but I finally selected a modest locket just before I'd tried on my suit. It was silver, and I lifted it clumsily to hang it around Obsidian's large neck. She lifted it to look at it, and smiled.
"It's beautiful Windjammer" She said, hugging my tightly and nuzzling me. "Thank you so much,"
I kissed the base of her neck gently as she let me go. It was a spur of the moment purchase, I had seen It and thought of Obsidian. . .but there was part of me who knew she'd be leaving soon and I wanted her to have some kind of memento. Something she could carry with her, that remind her of me.
As we purchased our new outfits and headed back for base, carrying boxes and bags down the street with us as we went. I felt a pang of fear, a surge of regret. I had simply accepted that I was going to loose Obsidian, and part of me wanted to put up a fight. I had recently gained so much, but if I just gave up and lost her it would all be moot. I decided I'd at least start the conversation.
"So, What are you going to school for?" I asked, restarting the conversation her and I started a week before.
Obsidian shrugged. "Business," She said.
"I expected something a bit more, Exotic. You know, like archeology or something" I said with a shrug.
"I'm not Daring Do," She laughed, "My family runs a bunch of furniture stores. I was gonna go to work for Grandpa here in Canterlot. Once he retires I'll run the store."
"So you'll be coming back to Canterlot after you finish school,"
"Yeah, I almost got enough credits to graduate." She said. "Should be just another year, maybe six months if I push myself."
I nodded, "That won't be so bad."
Obsidian looked at me with her gentle eyes, "Windy, I just don't like how long distance things usually work out, I don't want to drift apart."
I looked into her eyes and I could be nothing but honest with Obsidian.
"I know we haven't know each other very long," I said, "But I've grown up fighting the odds, and I don't want to give up. you're too special for that."
Obsidian brushed up against me, bending to nuzzle my neck.
"I'll write you all I can," she said.
"And I'll visit you, when I get leave time."
Obsidian sighed, "If we get a chance, on the ship, will you spare me a dance?"
I had no idea how to dance, but she didn't know that. "Of course."
----*----
We had donned our new outfits and, adding only a hidden dagger and a breastplate we wore under our outfits that, in an emergency, could be removed and used as shields. We trotted to the river docks where the Pelecan sat in the water, awaiting it's first passengers.
The ship was a four ballooned ship, absolutely massive for an airship but small compared to ocean going liners. The ship had a cantina, A spa, and a huge dining room that doubled as a ballroom complete with grand piano. Everything was clean, brightly painted and smelled of new lumber. I'd served on a number of airships, all cramped troop transports dwarfed by this palace in the sky, crewed by griffons in smart white shirts. The ship had few defenses and only a small security staff armed with simple wooden clubs, but it was almost impossible to attack an Airship without another airship, and anyone who could afford to own an airship was rich enough that thy didn't need to engage in Piracy.
Our final inspection was the Royal suite where Celestia would staying, three bedrooms, gold-veined white marble floors, chandlers, a bar and a full wait staff that included two butlers and a cook in a private galley. Sonambula had this staff dismissed as none of them had been security checked and Celestia would bring her own servants who had worked for her for years and were well trusted. The suite actually had two floors, with an ornate spiral staircase leading up to a second level.
As we stepped into the Hallway outside the Royal suite the captain, a middle aged griffon with a wide beak, smiled at us. He was called Gillburry, and according to his
"What do you think, Sergeant?" He asked proudly, "Will the Princess be comfortable on board my humble vessel?"
Sonambula nodded shallowly, "Room is fine." He said. "Who's staying in these other suites?"
The captain shrugged, "The other VIPs invited On the maiden voyage." He explained.
Sonambula shook his head, "No, we'll need them to be cleared out, the guards are going to take these rooms."
"You guards quartered two decks down in steerage," Gillburry said, "These suites are 800 bits a night!"
"I know they're not cheap, but we have to stay close to the princess at all times, especially when she sleeps. Just send a bill to the palace, we'll give you a good review."
"Why not stay with her in the Royal suite?" The captain offered.
"Yeah, right we'll all just sleep on her foot of her bed like loyal puppies." Sonambula joked, "She's gotta have her privacy like anypony."
The Captain sighed, "Very well, we have other nice rooms for the other VIPs."
"Okay, Bricker, Mason, Stonewall you get the room at the end of the hall." Sonambula said, "Four Speed, Star Shine you share that one."
"Yes sir!" Four speed said gleefully,
"You make a move on Star-Shine I'll tell Nebula," Sonambula said, "She'll give you more hell than I ever could."
"I'll keep him in line, Master Sergeant." Star Shine said with a grin.
"Okay, Windjammer, Obsidian, you get that room, and may I remind you, if there's an alarm we need you on deck no matter what you're in the middle of, we clear?"
"Yes Maser Sergeant," I said, having trouble hiding my smile.
"That leaves you and me Morning Blast," Sonambua said.
"I gotta share a room with YOU?" Morning blast complained,
"Don't you worry about it," Sonambula said with a devious smile, "You and I are gonna share stories, make s'mores, do some serious bonding, that clear?"
"Yes Master Sergeant," Morning Blast said.
We dropped our bags in the room and headed toward the deck for the reception. I took notice of Sonambula's suit, it was indeed pretty sharp, a grey tux with corsage and tails. I found myself wondering where a four-year guard veteran got his hooves on it.
We Walked to the gangway to see the princess and her entourage entering, standing on the rail looking just as other passengers. Princess Celestia, flanked by her servants entered, as we kept a close eye on the modest crowd. In more ceremonial settings the princess would require us to march alongside her, but this three-day cruise was not an official function, it was a chance for her to relax so we would blend into the background. Always ready as the motto demanded, but not making her feel smothered.
The next to arrive was a short griffon, his porters carrying stacks of books with only a single chest. Most griffons were fairly bulky, but his one was a bit thin and lanky with wide eyes, he almost looked feminine, walking with a graceful saunter.
"That's the scholar Gregory Griffon." Sonambula explained, "He translates old books, documents, knows dozens of languages."
"Didn't I see him at the Equestria games once?" Morning Blast asked.
"He's also an expert archer." Sonambula explained, "Medaled in the last two games."
Next I recognized Count Valeris, whom I last saw in the throne room. Instead of porters, the stallion had five veiled unicorn mares in elaborate robes following him, all with bright exotic eyes.
"Count Valeris, Ambassador to Saddle Arabia," Sonambula explained. "Also a talented Mage, physician and philosopher."
"What's with all the pretty lady servants?" Star Shine asked.
"Those aren't his servants, those are his wives." Sonambula explained.
"Holy crap," Four speed said with wide eyes, "Windjammer, why the hell did you ever leave that county?"
"It's more of a Political thing than a marriage like you know it," I explained, "The harem of a noble are really just mares he respects and likes to have around, they're usually musicians writers, or artists. If the count wants a family he'll have a more traditional marriage."
"Still, I like their system!" Four Speed laughed.
The Next and Last of the VIPs was a dark coated Pegasus with whitish freckles and wide eyes. He was wearing a smart suit with a short-brimmed Fedora and was carrying his own bags. I had the strange sensation that I'd seen him before, but I had no idea from here. He wore a rapier in a scabbard but tripped over his own hooves halfway up the gangplank and almost fell off into the water but Princess Celestia caught him, levitating him with her horn and setting him on the deck. The Stallion lifted his fedora to smooth out his blue mane before bowing to the princess.
"Who's the klutz?" Morning blast asked.
Sonambula read over his scrolls, "Says his name is Night Glade, never heard of him."
"He's cute!" Star Shine said, "I call dibs!"
"He's here on Personal invitation of the princess, says he's a. . . Hero of Equestria?" Sonambula said questionably,
"If the princess Invited him you might have some completion, Star Shine." Obsidian said, pointing to were Night Glade was giving Princess Celesta a hug.
"I called dibs before he was on the ship!" Star shine said, as if she were explaining something to a class "The Princess is far too classy to ignore dibs law."
"What the heck is a Hero of Equestria?" Morning Blast asked.
"I got no idea, sounds like something out of a role playing game." Sonambula said. "I sure hope he isn't some kind of wannabe,"
We were about to head down to the main deck to greet the princess but just before we could we spotted another pony flying toward the ship, we soon recognized the late arrival to be Princess Luna who landed directly in front of us.
"Greetings, Guard ponies!" She shouted, "I was concerned that my duties would not allow me to join my sister on this wonderful journey! But Behold! My work is done and I will now join you!"
We bowed, surprised not only to see Princes Luna in he day but see her just. . .show up out of nowhere. While none of us were part of Princess Luna's personal guard, we knew she often had a habit of escaping them for a time to go on "Adventures" or just show up at some local watering hole, offering to buy rounds of drinks. We appreciated that she had the courtesy to let us know she was here at least, so we could make at least a cursory effort at protect her.
"Your Majesty," Sonambula said, "We of the Helios guard are at your service,"
"Thank you sir Knight!" Luna said with a smile. "But I doubt that the trade of a warrior will be required, there will be celebration! Feasting and libations! Away!"
The Princess Dashed back toward her sister before Sonambula could explain to her he wasn't a knight, though I heard he tried numerous times to explain this.
"Well now we have two princesses to look After," Morning Blast said,
"Princess Luna is going to be awake most nights, but probably spend most of that time in dreams, as usual." Sonambula said, "so, just keep an eye out when she's on deck and that'll be fine."
Soon after the passengers were aboard, the Pelican inflated it's broad red balloons and we began to ascend. Celestia and Luna stood near the deck rail and watched the world shrink below as we climbed into the Sky. Being a Pegasus I've see the word from far above, and doubtless so had the Royal sisters, I Guess the advantage of the ship was that one could enjoy the view with a meal service.
When we were above the clouds, the open deck was windy and cold so the aforementioned meal service was served in a dining room under a glass dome that offered a stunning view of the sky around us. There was bright wispy clouds along the violet evening sky, a perfect twilight to enjoy.
Sonambula humbly offered to eat later in the galley but Princess Celestia, being who she was, insisted we all eat in the dining room, since we were dressed for the occasion. The Princess and her sister usually did not want to be bothered while they ate, so they sat alone at the head table with the other VIPs and the guards sharing a long banquet table.
I was wearing the nicest cloths I'd Ever worn, sitting next to Obsidian, who in her silver dress, locket and bright rouge was more beautiful as I've ever seen her. I was at a table with counts, scholars and Heroes, on a ship in the sky. Yes, I was on duty as the short sword hidden under my jacket reminded me, but the reflection stunned me, at how much my life had changed in a scant few weeks.
The ship's cuisine was very good, and there was a lot of it. The servings of spaghetti and garlic bread were huge, and desert was a slice of cake the size of my head. As usual Obsidian ate her food in a fraction of the time I did and somehow ate half of my plate. I could never muster o courage to tell the beautiful mare not to eat half my food, though I feared in a Long term relationship I would begin to loose weight.
After the meal the staff of the ship moved our table away, and the three VIPs presented the Princesses with gifts which was something many ponies did when meeting them. Gregory griffon presented Princess Celestia with a black leather tome, which he examined was a rare and ancient Grimoire from his collection. Night Glade gave the princess a black lacquered box that contained a long chrome tube decorated with a strange array of colorful buttons and dials. I didn't hear what he called the bizarre object, only that it was a kind of saber, which puzzled me. It was just a piece of metal, not an elegant weapons of a more civilized age. Count Valeris presented Princess Celestia with a piece of carved turquoise, and was the only VIP to present Princess Luna with a gift: a shimming black broach that the princess pinned to her dress, giving Count Valeris a polite kiss on the cheek. The count shrank back with a look of surprise, being a very conservative Arabian open shows of affection like this were unthinkable. The grey unicorn blushed and tried to hide a smile, despite his embarrassment at the gesture.
As the sun began to set, a light rain began to drip onto the dome under the rapidly darkening sky. A grand piano was wheeled out Along with a griffon with a violin who began playing soft music. The meal had turned into a reception, the captain and VIPs being encouraged to mingle and the area where the tables sat was now a dance floor, though for now everypony was content to just make polite conversation.
"So, what is it you do again?" Sonambula asked Night Glade,
"I do, different jobs for the princess."
"How come I've never heard of you?" Sonambula said, "I've worked with her for years,"
The Pegasus smiled, "Well, she only bothers me for the important stuff,"
Sonambula narrowed his eyes, "Is that so?" He said.
Gregory Griffon was talking with Morning Blast and Four Speed, almost putting them to sleep with diatribe about some forgotten bit of history.
"Lord Guraan was probably the most interesting griffon of the third dynasty, he was the one who thought of gold coinage and understood a flexible market, he founded the Market hall of Griffonstone where he introduced rings as credit markets when . . "
The pair were doing their best to pay attention but seemed intent on finding a way out of the conversation.
Star Shine had made her way to Night Glade, The Pegasus bowing to her as she arrived.
"Hi, I'm Star Shine," She said cheerfully, playing with her curly red mane.
"Pleasure to meet you, I'm Night Glade." He replied. "My, that dress is beautiful."
Star Shine blushed. "W-Well I was hoping to catch somepony's attention,"
Night Glade looked surprised and looked around, "Oh. . .well I'm sure whoever he is he won't be able to ignore a pretty mare like you."
Star Shine Was transformed into a giggling mess at the compliment, "Oh, thank you," She said quietly.
"But if he sees me talking with you he'll think we're together, I better go. . . .good luck!"
Before Star shine could say another word Night Glade walked off greet Princess Luna, it seemed he was totally oblivious to poor star shine.
Obsidian bumped star shine, "Well. . .you tried."
"Oh I'm not giving up!" Star shine said with a smirk,
"Why did you call dibs on that one?" Obsidian said, "He's kind of a weirdo,"
"Are you kidding?" Star Shine said with a smile, "He's got those fluffy wings, and that blue mane and those freckles! I just wanna pick him up and hug him!"
I had promised Obsidian we would share a dance, but every time I looked at that beautiful mare the words stuck in my throat. We'd shared far more than just a dance, but here on this ship in the sky in front of royalty, with Obsidian as beautiful as she's ever been in the light of the lanterns on deck I had trouble feeling worthy of being with her. She smiled at me, as she understood, though her disappoint was also visible in her soft eyes.
Before I could get my nerve I saw Night Glade returning and Star Shine's eyes lit up brightly, but was instantly disappointed as he approached Obsidian.
"Madam," I head Night Glade said, extending a hoof to the Black coated mare. "May I have this dance?"
Obsidian looked baffled, but Night Glade whisked her onto the dance floor before Anypony knew what to do. I didn't mind, Obsidian seemed a little uncomfortable but I was glad she was dancing with somepony. Star shine sat beside me, Dejected, with a pout on her face. Princess Luna was sitting next to me, having walked up to me without so much as a sound.
"Hail, Windjammer," She said softly.
"Your Majesty," I replied with a bow.
"I have noticed, that your dreams as of late are far more pleasant." She said casually.
"Your sister has been very good to me." I explained.
"Strange, I see another mare far more prominently in your dreams," Luna said.
I blushed, wondering just how much of those dreams the princess could see.
"But alas, she dances with another, and how can this be?" Luna asked.
"I. . .don't know how to dance your Majesty, I fear I would embarrass her."
We took a moment, observing Obsidian and Night Glade clumsily dancing to the music, Obsidian smiling shallowly, but glancing at me hopefully every few steps.
"Night Glade is not an experienced Dancer either, but yet. . .he dances."
"I know your Majesty," I said. "It's just. . . She's so beautiful tonight,"
Luna smiled brightly, "Indeed, but she wishes to dance with you. I can understand your apprehension, you are a humble one. Perhaps, the song I ordered the bards to play will help you gain your courage."
I had no idea what the princess was referring too, until the next song played, and I recognized it Instantly. Las Pegasus Serenade, the song that played when Obsidian and I shared our first kiss. Luna said no more, only slyly smiling at me as I strode onto the dance floor, tapping Night Glade on the shoulder.
"Excuse me," I said, "May I cut in? It's our song."
Night Glade smile, and nodded. Obsidian whispered something in his ear, pointing to Star Shine who was sitting by the dance floor, sadly and he smiled.
"She's waiting for somepony," he said. "As if I had a chance with a mare like her,"
"You do," I said, taking Obsidian into an embrace "Trust us,"
Night glade trotted to Star Shine, who didn't even give him a chance to finish asking her to dance Before pouncing him and dragging him to the dance floor, laying her head on his shoulder as he danced.
I held Obsidian close to me as we moved slowly, it was true I couldn't dace but we were just swaying to the music, making me feel that familiar warm, content feeling I did whenever I had Obsidian close to me. I noticed Luna walk to Sonambula who was trying his best to be ignored.
"Sir Knight," Luna said a bit louder than I expected. "I wish you to dance with me."
"Your Majesty, It would be crass of me to do without without your sister giving me-"
"Sergeant, Dance with my sister." Princess Celestia interrupted.
"Huzah!" Luna exclaimed happily.
"Of course My Liege." Sonambula said, bowing to Luna, and dancing with her with surprising skill.
I Laughed as I held Obsidian close suddenly noticing Four Speed on the other side of the dance floor, with Gregory Griffon dancing with him, the griffon's feathery head laying on his shoulder. When Four Speed saw me looking he gave me a confused glance and shrugged, as If to say "I have not idea how this happened".
"You got me just in time," Obsidian said, "I almost stepped on that other guy."
I laughed softy, "I been around you enough to know to keep out from under hoof,"
That night didn't feel like a night in a military unit. It was a good night, dancing to soft music until the light faded and Luna brought up the moon, the silvery light pouring though the dome. I kissed obsidian that night, under that silver light, in front of everyone without caring. And just as Princess Celestia yawned, and expressed her desire to return to her room, I almost told Obsidian how I felt. I didn't. . .everything I loved I had lost, and I was afraid just saying the world's would drive her and I apart. She kissed my ear, and whispered.
"I'm having a wonderful night," She said, "But I really want to get out of this dress."
"Of course," I said as Obsidian walked back toward the stairwell to the Suites.
"Sergeant Windjammer!" I heard count Valeris said,
"Yes, my count." I said as I gave a shallow bow.
"I was just speaking with Princess Celestia, about an idea that occurred to me," He said. "My loyal bodyguard Iba is retiring, and the princess has offered to assign one of her guards to serve me on my travels. Since you know Saddle Arabia well, and speak the language I have requested you."
I was surprised that being chosen after being so new, "I am honored, my liege." I said, "Certainly there are warriors more experienced,"
"Your humility is admirable, Sergeant." The Count said, "But with the Tajir losing their hold on the Markets my homeland is in a state of change. Perhaps there are better warriors but Celestia has assured me that you know our land."
"If it is the wish of my Princess," I said, "Then I will be at your service."
The count smiled, "Now, It is late, I wish to rest."
"Of course your grace."
"Okay guard, let's all get some sleep since we-," Sonambula said, before being interrupted by Luna giving him a tight hug
"You dance skillfully sir knight!" Luna said, then quickly dropping him to dart down the stairs without another word.
"Used to teach ballroom dancing at Canterlot high," Sonambula explained to the empty air where Luna just was. "I'm still not a knight. . ."
I headed back down to suite hallway, seeing Night Glade wandering around the posh hallway.
"Evening, Night Glade." I said. "Are you lost?"
"I don't think so," He said, "Starshine said to meet her here and I don't see her. . ."
Suddenly Star Shine's door flew open and she quickly levitated Night Glade into the room, the shocked and surprised look on Night Glade's face barely registering before he disappeared behind the closed door. A Split Second later Four-Speed was ejected though the open door, still with his blanket around him.
"Hey!" Four speed said at the closed door. "Where am I supposed to sleep?"
"Maybe you could go to Gregory's room," I offered with grin.
Four Speed Smirked, "Trust me, I could If I wanted to." He knocked on Sonambula's door.
Sonambula opened the door, "Star Shine closed the deal huh? Well come on in, you can have the couch."
I stepped into the room I shared with Obsidian, surprised to see it wasn't much smaller than the Royal suite. Obsidian wasn't in the main hall, but on the couch I noticed her dress layed out, invitingly. I had to open three doors before I figured out which was the bedroom, surprised to find our suite had both a sauna and a very nice bathtub.
In the bedroom, I first noticed the canopy bed, then what was in it. On the silk sheets, laid obsidian wearing shimmering silk robe which draped invitingly over her curves. It was just one of the seeping robes that came with the room, and she was eating from a bag of peanuts from the Minibar and reading a magazine. She looks up and me, her tail twitching as she noticed me.
"You look amazing," I said with my heart racing.
She giggled, "Like the robe?" She said. "It came with the room,"
I crawled into bed next to her, sliding the sink robe off her shoulder to give it gently kisses.
"Oh, windy," She said with a sigh.
"Think they'll notice if we stole it?" I whispered in her ear.
"Mm, If it'll get you this worked up I'll risk it," She said as she quivered, "You up for some fun then?"
"Yes, my beautiful lady of the night," I said
That night we shared our love once more, why would I ever need to speak the words when our bodies, together in that night and all the nights before, spoke of our love so much better? There we were, alone together and vulnerable. Even if I never told her that I loved her with words, as I looked at her resting next to me, thoroughly satisfied, I realized she knew it. I never, never wanted loose her but what else could I do? I leaned in to kiss her neck as she slept. I decided I needed some air, I pulled the blankets up to Obsidian's neck and stepped out of the room onto my room's balcony, taking in the chilly night air outside the ship.
We were high in the night sky, and the Balcony was on an ocean of black marble. As Much as I loved being with Obsidian just then. . .it came with the realization that soon I'd be in service of Count Valaris, and even when Obsidian moved back to Canterlot her and I would get precious little time together. How was it that fate would bring us together, only for my duty to my princess drive us apart? The love of my life and It was likely these scant few weeks would be our only time together.
I saw Gregory flying around the night sky, and he waved. I returned his greeting, and the Griffon landed on my balcony.
"Evening, Gregory. Having trouble sleeping?"
Gregory leaned his chin on a talon, nodding with a pout on his beak. "Four-Speed din't want to keep me company tonight."
I patted the Griffon on the back, "Well, you have two more nights,"
"I don't think I'll crack this one, he seems to like the mares to much," Gregory said, churring a bit at the attention.
"Well, you can't win them all."
"My room's right under yours, it sounds like you won just fine. Was it that pretty mare with the locket?"
"That's her." I said. "We're sort of involved."
"Oooh, I should have figured. Stallions don't look at mares like that unless they're in love."
I nodded, "I do love her." I said quietly, glad I was capable of just voicing the words.
"Something wrong?" Gregory asked. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
I wasn't sure why but I felt as if I could talk to him, "She's leaving the service soon."
"Aww, so you'll still be in." Gregory sighed, as if he understood. "Hey, It's gonna be okay sweetie, I rarely get to see my wife anymore with how much I travel."
"You're married?" I asked, honestly surprised.
Gregory giggled, "I know, seems odd. But I love her, and she loves me. . .even if our relationship is pretty open."
"How do you make it work?"
Gregory shrugged, "There's no on trick to it. There's a lot of little things you have to do to make it work. It comes down to this: I waited my whole life to meet her, I can wait a little while to see her. "
I grinned, perhaps we could work it out after all.
"You're allright, Gregory." I said.
The Griffon giggled and drew a silvery cigarette case from his bag, lighting one of the cigarettes with a flint.
"You do realize Equestra has a Smoking ban," I said, half joking.
"No need to arrest me honey," Gregory said, enjoying his cigarette. "I heard one of the Porters talking, we're going to be setting down on the Sandee River in Gomar canyon, we're in the griffon realm."
That was news to me, we were all briefed on the ship's travel itinerary and while we were going to be near the border we were not meant to be anywhere near the Sandee, which was almost thirty miles into the Griffon Realm.
"Why are we diverting?" I asked.
"Just dropping below a storm." Gregory said, pointing to a distant thunderhead that strobe with silent lighting.
"Gregroy, the weather In Equestria is controlled, we shouldn't be running into any storms."
"Is that a bad thing?"
I thought for a moment. "It might be, I better go tell Sonambula."
"Okay, g'night pony." Gregory said, flying back to his own balcony.
I yawned wondering what time it was as I walked into the hallway and knocking on Sonambula's door. The Unicorn Stallion groggily answered the door.
"What's up, Windjammer?" He asked.
"I just heard we were Diverting to the Sandee River because of an unscheduled Storm," I reported.
Sonambula yawned as he listened, "Sure, the griffons probably put a storm together and lost control over it."
"The River is going to leave us a bit exposed," I offered.
"It won't be a problem Windjammer, if any of the wardens see a problem they'll wake us up." Sonambula said. "Get some sleep, we'll need to be sharp tomorrow okay?"
"Yes Sergeant."
Before I went back to bed stepped back out on the balcony, looking down at the broad Sandee River, visible only as a silver ribbon of reflected moonlight. I could swear, for the briefest moment I could see a lantern on that River but it was snuffed out as quickly as it came up. What barge or fisher griffon would be on the river at this time of night?
We would know come morning just who was on that River.