//------------------------------// // 2. The Long Night // Story: Out of Love // by Carapace //------------------------------// It wasn’t the feeling of the slime pod seat she was sitting on which made Sure Stroke shift and rustle her wings. Rather, it was the way Cool Breeze carried himself as soon as they were out of sight. Gone were his playful smile and waggling ears, his wings seemed to sag a little, his posture and the little frown which tugged at his lips spoke more of a pensive stallion struggling with how to feel than the mischievous foal in a stallion’s body she’d come to know over the course of the last two and a half years. He didn’t speak much. Save for a murmured invitation to take a seat at the little kitchen table at which he dined with the Queen and her entourage while he trotted over to set a kettle on the stove and rummage about in the cabinets for the pot and a pair of teacups. He came over for a moment to set the cups on the table, setting his directly across from her, then headed over to collect the tin of tea leaves from the counter. Cool Breeze sighed as he set about scooping a couple pinches of leaves—that forest brew of mixed herbs, a hint of citrus, and cornflowers plucked from the meadow a short walk down the east path. Sure Stroke’s ears twitched. Cool Breeze sighing so heavily wasn’t a good sign. The Queen’s husband was known for his pranks, his carefree attitude, and his love for teaching all the little pegasi of Respite how to fly. He never carried himself like this. With such a morose air about him. Definitely not right. She licked her lips, her tail flicking anxiously. “Is something the matter with Regale, Breezy?” The stallion took a sharp breath. “Well,” he said slowly, “in a matter of speaking, yes. I’m trying to decide how best to broach the subject.” A cold lump fell into the pit of her stomach. “She’s not sick, is she? I just saw her up and about the other day.” Her wings rustled again. For a moment, she thought to rise. “She’s not coming down with something like feather flu at her age, is she?” “She’s not sick,” Cool Breeze replied softly. “Neither is Gale. They’re … well, physically fine.” That cold lump sank deeper. “Then what’s wrong?” He turned to look her in the eye, his own shone with pain. The stallion rustled his feathers and made to speak, then bit his lip and took a deep breath. “There’s no easy way to say this,” he said with yet another heavy sigh. His head hung low. “They’re gone, honey. They left the village last night.” Save for the boiling, hissing water, there was a heavy silence which hung over them like a wild thunderhead, ready to dump its payload and send angry bolts down upon those below. Sure Stroke felt her breath catch in the back of her throat, her chest felt numb. Her eyes flitted to the saddlebags resting at her side, the pages of notes and scribblings within made her insides twist. She made to speak, but couldn’t find the words. Cool Breeze closed his eyes. “From what little Gale could tell me, they received a message by changeling fire. Regale’s cousin, another who left the hive and was estranged from her for decades, fell ill. It … doesn’t seem good.” A shrill whistling made his ear flick, the kettle cried out to alert them that the water within was ready. But he didn’t move toward it. “Regale panicked. I don’t know what she was thinking or if she could even think of anything else, but she started throwing things into her bags to leave. Gale came over just to let us know and ask that we relay their apologies, and then—” the stallion shook his head, finally turning to go lift the kettle off the stove and pour the water into the pot. He sighed for a third time and let his ears lay flat. “I’m sorry, honey, but I don’t know if they’re coming back.” The cold lump froze everything within her. Sure Stroke’s breath came shakily, she covered her mouth, fighting back tears as she felt the familiar sting at the corner of her eyes. So much time spent preparing for this trade, for the chance to work together on her book. All that time listening to advice on how to get it all set up and organized, even before her trade was declared. All of it gone. Up in smoke. A single question reverberated in her head. The only one she could find the strength to ask. “Why couldn’t they just tell me?” she whispered, her voice choked. “I—I would’ve—I could’ve—” Words simply failed her. Cool Breeze took the pot in hoof and trotted over to the table. “I won’t pretend what they did was right by you, leaving without taking the time to say goodbye,” he said as he filled their cups. “Or others in the village, for that matter. But, I’ve been in that position before, and I can’t say I handled it any better. In fact, I did just about the same.” She looked up to meet his eyes, blinking away tears. At her silent question, he set the pot down and sat in his pod seat. “I was raised by a pair of earth pony mares,” he began, “my mothers. My father died when I was too young to remember, and my birth mother fell in love with a mare after. They raised me together, we came here because I needed to learn to fly but we didn’t have enough money for me to go to flight school in Cloudsdale.” A ghost of a smile flitted across his face. “Cloudfluff taught me. Anyway, we lived here for years. And when I got older, I fell in love with the village, with Phory, and decided I wanted to stay. My mothers missed their friends in Ponyville and decided to move back.” As he spoke, Cool Breeze moved to spoon a bit of sugar into both of their cups. The right amount, she noticed. Not the obscene load Queen Euphoria or the rest of the changelings were prone to putting into their tea. “Thank you,” she muttered, taking up her own spoon to mix it in. “Of course.” He began to stir his own, his eyes looked off into the distance. “I … I lost my second mother unexpectedly, the same year the twins were born. She passed in her sleep one night. As you might expect, I was utterly grief-stricken, destroyed. I went from thinking nothing of having my mothers around to suddenly having to face the reality that the one remaining was old. I thought I was ready for when she passed.” With a mirthless chuckle, he took a sip of his tea. “No one’s ready for when family passes. I got a letter from a young nurse, telling me that my mother was sick and that I needed to be there because it might be my last chance to see her.” Sure Stroke saw Cool Breeze’s wings unfurl just slightly, as if to wrap around himself. He licked his lips. “And suddenly, I was a little foal. I scrambled to throw everything into my bags and ran off to the station after just kinda shouting something to Phory. She had to go run and grab someone—I think it was Merryweather—to take my classes and wake up Neat so she could keep an eye on the village. Then she came after me so I wouldn’t be alone.” Breathing a heavy sigh, he shuddered. “I fell apart when my mothers died, so … I’m not saying it’s right, but I can understand. And I know that doesn’t make it better for you, honey, but that’s the best way I can explain it. Some, myself included, don’t handle grief well.” “I guess,” she said softly, sighing as she looked down at her untouched cup and stared into its depths. Shaking her head, she muttered, “Is it wrong of me to wonder what I’m supposed to do about this book now? When they’re worrying about family?” A soft laugh made her ears flick. Cool Breeze laid a hoof upon her shoulder and gave it a little squeeze. “Honey, my little freak out was the first time Phory and I left Neat in charge of the village by herself, and she found that out maybe three hours before she and Clanger went to bed. Poor mare didn’t sleep all night.” She looked up to meet his gaze and found his smile returned. “It might not come as a result of a trade with her, but we’re not going to just forget what you want to do to help the ponies who visit Respite because this fell through. We’ll help in any way we can.” Sure Stroke stayed silent for a moment. Her feathers flicking, she chewed on the inside of her lip, thinking hard. No Gale, no Regale, but a chance to figure out a way to write her book another way. Could she? Her thoughts wandered to Altocumulus. Namely, all the times his experiments literally blew up in his face—and often Maple’s. Slowly, a fond smile began to tug at her lips. Altocumulus didn’t give up because things went awry. She nodded once. “So how do I move forward with this, then?” she asked. “I’ve never written a book before.” Cool Breeze took another sip. “We stayed up late discussing that, actually,” he mused. “All of us. We have a few ideas on what you could do, if you wanted.” A knowing grin began to spread across his face. “And I may know a mare with connections in Canterlot and Manehattan publishing houses.” Her ears perked up. “I’m definitely open to suggestions. And talking to whoever this mare is.” “I’ll send her a letter. It may take a little time for her to reply or come visit because she does have another job, but I trust her. As for the rest, I think we can talk about that when things settle down after moving day.” The stallion waggled his ears. “For now, finish that, or I’ll have to tell Phory you’re so sad you’re wasting her favorite tea.” She couldn’t help but throw back her head and laugh. “Oh, don’t you dare!” she cried, bringing a hoof to cover her eyes. “She’ll start doting on me like I’m still a filly! That’s playing dirty!” His eyes glinted so much like the changelings he loved. “I grew up with and fell in love with changelings, honey. Playing dirty is what I do.” After their trades were confirmed, the young couple found themselves free for about an hour or so. They opted to take a walk along the long dirt pathway home so they could put their bags away, their pace slowed to a leisurely stroll so they might enjoy some alone time together. No teasing, no flirting, not even a hint of banter. Just the two of them walking together, her head laying upon his strong shoulder, savoring his warm, smooth chitin, and her left wing draped across his back. Though, as they reached the halfway point between their houses and the village, Aspire did lean over to nip at her ear and murmur, “I don’t recall losing any pegasus courtship challenges,” He nuzzled just below the base, then planted a kiss. “It seems someone is getting a little ahead of herself laying claim here.” Sure Stroke turned away to hide her flushing cheeks. He knew what it meant for a pegasus to drape a wing across a lover’s back. Of course he did. He’d done his digging into her culture almost as soon as they’d gotten together two years prior. Pegasus challenges were, naturally, of great interest to him. It was almost similar to the changelings’ penchant for answering them, in a way. Just more focused on the relationship dynamics. Why shouldn’t he take such keen interest in that? She delivered a gentle shoulder bump in reply. “M-Maybe I just wanted to hold you close!” she retorted. “Not everything has to be about challenges, smugling!” Chittering, he kissed her cheek. “True. I suppose you’re right. But, I must admit—” his voice dropped an octave “—I could get quite used to this, I think.” If her smile wavered for even a second while they dropped off their bags and made the long trek back to help with preparations, Sure Stroke would’ve been utterly shocked. She certainly had trouble voicing herself in anything but a sputtering, squeaky tone for several minutes, much to her mischievous boyfriend’s delight. Such were the trials and tribulations of a pony in love with a changeling. The young mare did manage to bring her giddiness under control before they entered the bustling town center, enough so that she could at least force that silly ear-to-ear grin into a more sedate smile while she and Aspire walked over to Warm Welcome’s side. Not enough, though, that the taste of her joy didn’t earn a few licking lips and eager looks from some of the changelings they passed. Even the little nymphs running about under hoof with the foals stopped, their tongues flicking, and waggled their ears at her in silent askance for a drink. Aspire fixed them each with an amused look and shook his head. “No feeding on Doodle or guilting her into a sip,” he chided gently, rolling his eyes at their whining. “None of that! She needs her strength to help set things up for the party. Run along and play.” A flicker of tiny forked tongues were stuck out in reply, then the nymphs hurried away before he could take offense. Giggling, Sure Stroke pressed up against his side. “My hero, saving me from the horde of hungry little nymphs and their wiles,” she teased. He waggled his brows. “Always, Doodle. Always.” As they came to Warm Welcome’s side, Sure Stroke saw Esalen and Toola Roola coming from the other direction, both wearing bright smiles and seemingly prancing their way to join the group. “Hello, everyone,” Warm greeted. He flicked his tongue, his brows raised and a toothy grin lit up his face. “Well, I taste four happy young ones. Trade Day went well, then?” “Absolutely perfect!” Toola sang, leaning up against Esalen’s side. “Essy and I are going to be studying directly under Caress for a while so she can watch us work, she was really pleased with how well we did taking care of Morning Dew!” Esalen bobbed her head. “Missus Dew was practically a puddle by the end of the massage. And then Toola’s yoga had her feeling about ten years younger, so we probably just got our first regular.” Her eyes brimming with pride, she added, “If we do well enough, Caress said she has some connections in the Manehattan University School of therapy she can talk to about getting us admitted to get licenses throughout Equestria! We could practice anywhere if we wanted!” “That’s great, girls!” Aspire grinned. “So, just turn everyone into happy puddles, then have Toola mould them back together, eh?” “That’s the basic plan, yes.” “Sounds like a solid one.” “How was class?” Toola asked, a teasing tone creeping into her voice. “Give out any detentions yet, Mister Aspire?” He shook his head. “No, Miss Roola, so you’ll be alone in detention today.” She huffed. “Aw, crabapples! Essy!” she whined, fluttering her eyes at Esalen. “Tell your brother to stop being mean and let me have fun!” “Not my classroom,” Esalen drawled, a smirk playing upon her lips. “I couldn’t slight my brother like that, giggle box. And you know it.” Pulling a face, Toola was only able to hold her sour look for a half second before she broke into one of her giggle fits and turned her bright eyes upon Sure Stroke. “How about you, Doodly-Doodle?” Sure Stroke smiled. “It … well, not all good, I’m afraid.” Her ears drooped. “Unfortunately … it seems I won’t be working together with Gale and Regale. They, ah, seem to have up and left.” The group gaped. “What?” Warm blurted. He glanced about, as if thinking he might find them wandering the village to prove her wrong. “But—what—why—without even a—I just saw them days ago!” She could feel Aspire’s gaze upon her. Concerned, but holding something else. There was the tiniest flash of indignation and hurt. Sure Stroke sighed and offered a small, sad smile. “Breezy and I talked. They didn’t just leave for no reasons. There was—” How to word it best? Honestly, and without too much sugarcoating or heat. “—There was a family emergency and Regale didn’t handle the news well. So. She panicked and scrambled to leave, Gale barely had time to tell Breezy and Queen Euphoria before they were gone.” Her friends and Warm stood silently a moment, their mouths working wordlessly, as if they hoped to offer some small comfort. But each failed. Their eyes told her enough. They were just as hurt. Aspire found his voice first. “Are you okay?” he asked softly. The young mare bobbed her head. “Disappointed, sad, but okay. And Breezy and Queen Euphoria had an idea on how to make things work out, which … well, I think it could turn out even better, all due respects.” She shrugged, swishing her tail eagerly. “One door closes, another opens, I suppose. All in all, I’d say today was brilliant, all things considered!” A half chuckle made her ears twitch and drew her attention to Warm again. “I’m glad you’re all happy with how things went today. You’ve all made us proud,” he said, offering a supportive smile. Coughing into a hoof, he took up the the clipboard he’d kept tucked under his leg. “Let’s see … Essy, Toola, why don’t you go give Sweet Treat and Vigil a hoof getting things set on the food  tables? And try to keep the twins from starting a food fight with their mates.” Groaning, Esalen shuddered. “Easier said than done,” she grumbled. “Thanks a lot, dad.” He grinned. “Better you than me, sweetheart. Have fun.” Shooing them away with a wave of his clipboard, he turned to Aspire and Sure Stroke, glancing down at his list again. “Hmmm, well, you could see if the weather team needs help doing a patrol for stray thunderheads, Sure Stroke. Your dad would definitely appreciate the help.” “That, I can definitely do,” Sure Stroke replied with a meaningful rustle of her wings. “Excellent. Son, why don’t you come with me then? I’ve got to check up on how things are coming together and you know how all this goes. Oh, and let’s keep the dancing circle nice and clear so we don’t have anyone tripping like last year.” Both Aspire and Sure Stroke winced. “Yeah,” he replied, sheepishly running a hoof through his messy blue mane. “Let’s not repeat that. Especially with visiting ponies and their foals here.” “My thoughts exactly. So, let’s do our best to make sure this goes off without a hitch—ack! Breezy! Don’t you start!” Warm threw his clipboard aside and dashed off, cursing as he chased the laughing stallion, out of his funk and up to his old tricks, away from the food he’d been trying to swipe. No doubt for one of his pranks. Chuckling, Aspire shook his head. “I’d better go start looking things over while dad hunts Breezy.” He said softly, pressing his cheek against hers. His frown returned. “You sure you’re okay, Sure Stroke?” Sure Stroke drew back to look him in the eye. He never used her real name unless he was angry or serious about something. With a sad smile, she leaned forward to plant a soft kiss on his lips. “I’m a little hurt,” she admitted when she drew back. “But I’m fine. I have my most important changeling right here, and my best friends all around me.” “Okay. Just wanted to be sure.” He nuzzled her nose, murmuring, “See you in the circle?” “Of course.” Sure Stroke turned, pecking his lips again. “My favorite faerie dancer has to show me how ungraceful my hooves are.” “Hey,” he teased, his eyes dazzling. “You’re a dang fine dancer yourself.” He leaned in and pressed his lips against hers, a low hum rolled deep within his throat. “Nothing clumsy or ungraceful about my Doodle.” The burn returned to her cheeks. “Away with you, smug boyfriend!” she cried, playfully shoving him in the direction Warm had chased after Breezy. “Go do your job! And see if you can keep your dad from throttling Breezy.” Aspire snorted. “Doodle, please. I’m not getting anywhere near in the middle of that mess.” He blew a raspberry, then turned to trot off to oversee proceedings. Always has to have the last word. Or raspberry. Rolling her eyes, she unfurled her wings and gave them another rustle before taking to the sky. The night promised to be quite a delightful evening. The festivities began in earnest almost as soon as the sun sank beneath the horizon. While quite a bit earlier than traditional Summer Sun Celebrations across Equestria, Sure Stroke found every changeling, pony, foal, and nymph brimming with energy and eager to start. Even she, disappointed though she was that one of her partnerships had fallen through, wasn’t immune. An early morning wouldn’t stop them from taking part. Though it didn’t come without a flurry of questions from a few newcomers. They were drawn to the Respite ponies like moths to an open flame. A family of pegasi, straight from Bridleton, flocked to Sure Stroke’s side before she could find Aspire in the crowd. “Why is everything starting so early? It’s not supposed to start until midnight!” one of the mares asked, glancing down at the wide eyed fillies all but attached to her legs like lampreys. Her gaze was stern, as if she might scold them for being so clingy, but then softened after a second. Pain flashing in her eyes, she leaned down to whisper soothing words in their wears and nuzzle their manes. The fillies tightened their grips and cast frightened looks at the changelings and nymphs drifting a short distance away—all fixing them with concerned stars and wrinkled snouts at their taste—before burying their little faces in her coat. Her wife gave a crooked smile. “Go easy on them, Sleet. They’re just as nervous as we are.” Turning to Sure Stroke, she rustled her wings. “I do apologize for how … skittish we’ve all been. But when we came to talk with somepony about things—” “We all understand,” Sure Stroke cut across her with a smile. “The Caretakers—the changelings, I mean—empathize with what you’re going through, and a lot of us ponies went through it ourselves.” She brought a hoof to her chest. “I hid behind my mother’s legs when we first came to Respite, too. And I would flinch and stare at all the changelings’ fangs.” Little Sunshower’s pale yellow ears perked up. “Really?” she squeaked. “If you meet my boyfriend, he’ll be happy to tell you all about it. He was one of the ones I hid from.”Twice over, in fact. Shaking her head fondly, she brushed those memories aside. “But you were asking about the party, Missus Sleet. Well … it’s a bit complicated.” The snowy white mare’s brows raised. “Is there a way to uncomplicate it?” she ground out. The look in her eyes betrayed just what she  thought of that statement. All the more reason to get moving on that book, actually. “Sleet,” her wife warned. “It’s a legitimate question, Snow Flurry!” Sure Stroke flicked her tail anxiously. Arguing couples weren’t her thing. Still, she knew she should try to answer as best she could so they weren’t left out of the loop. She’d been in their place plenty of times. “The Caretakers—well, changelings in general, really—are a bit odd, as you’ve probably noticed.” At the flat looks she received, she chuckled. “They … well, there are a lot of question as to where they came from. But, games, tricks, and parties, and the like most often happen around dawn and dusk—not that they don’t happen during the day or night, but that’s when it gets more frequent. It’s all something to do with their belief that they came from the Faerie Glen deep within the heart of the Eternal Forest.” This time, it was Hail Storm who spoke up, her icy blue eyes wide with wonder. “All the way from the Emerald Isle?” “Exactly.” “I … see.” Snow Flurry blinked. “How exactly did you learn all this?” “And what does it have to do with the Summer Sun Celebration starting up so soon?” Sleet pressed. Two years of being in your horseshoes, she thought wryly. “I’ve had time to learn,” she replied smoothly. “Dating one of the village’s brightest and regularly asking Queen Euphoria about the hive’s history did help a lot.” Almost on cue, a strong, warm, smooth hoof wrapped around her shoulders and tugged her into a tight embrace. Her cheek was pressed against the smooth surface of Aspire’s shoulder plate. Little Sunshower and Hail Storm let out frightened squeaks and dashed behind Sleet to hide once more, only daring to poke their little heads out as if to make sure he was’t about to hurt her. Out of the corner of her eye, Sure Stroke saw his dazzling blue eyes fixed upon her. Aspire gave her an affectionate squeeze. “Heya, Doodle,” he greeted before turning to the family. “Ah, and guests! Telling them about our version of the Summer Sun Celebration?” He waggled his ears at them, smiling gaily. “Hope you all like dancing, because we do a lot of that!” “I was, uh …” Her eyes flitted between he and the fillies, who were gaping at Aspire like they expected him to lunge at her face at any instant. “Just telling them about it, actually.” “Oh, good, good.” He pressed a kiss into her cheek, then turned his gaze back to the family of newcomers. Sure Stroke saw the tips of his forked tongue poke between his lips, his smile faltered a fraction, but he fixed it into place before they could notice. Aspire’s eyes lingered on the fillies. Sure Stroke could almost see him drawing the comparison—it had been her standing before him in their spot just two years prior. Aspire released her from his embrace so he could approach. Lowering his head to their level, he aimed his kindest smile at the frightened little fillies. Though it was far too late to hide his fangs, what with their wide eyes locked directly upon his, it wasn’t too late to be friendly. “You know,” he stage whispered, a conspiritorial look flitting across his features. He glanced left and right as if he were about to reveal some grave secret. “While I was checking on things, I saw my sister and her girlfriend—” Aspire pointed across the path to where Esalen and Toola Roola were chatting with Sweet Treat “—setting up Missus Sweet Treat’s Super Ultra Chocolatey cake. And I happen to know for certain that Sweets loves giving new foals the first taste of her baking … if they hurry and get to it before the nymphs crowd around her.” Their eyes lit up and sparkled like stars. The fillies turned to fix their mothers with their best, most pleading looks, complete with quivering lips. It almost made Sure Stroke croon. Snow Flurry hid a grin. “You may,” she said. “But only if you walk over with Mister Aspire so he can introduce you to Sweet Treat, and ask politely for a slice each.” “And,” Aspire added, a familiar tone creeping into his voice. He was about to make a deal. “You both have to introduce yourselves to me before I introduce you to her.” Their little ears perked right up. Sure Stroke had to hide a smile. Oh, you sly changeling. If Sure Stroke hadn’t known better, she’d have thought the pair were seasoned Wonderbolts rather than excited fillies wanting sweets with how quickly they zipped over to Aspire’s side and looped their tiny hooves around his legs. Any sign of fear was long gone. Instead, they tugged at his forelegs, trying to drag him toward Sweet Treat and the food table, babbling their names, their hobbies, anything that could come to mind to satisfy the amused changeling while he allowed them to take control. Two years had certainly taught him quite a bit on how to draw newcomers into the hive. Sure Stroke caught the backward glance and triumphant wink he shot over his shoulder. Yes, yes, well done. Another roll of her eyes, Sure Stroke turned her smile back upon the waiting mothers. “Why don’t we head over with them?” she offered. “We can talk a little more about how tonight is going to work.” Before Sleet could grouse, Snow Flurry placed a hoof upon her shoulder and returned Sure Stroke’s smile. “I think both of us would appreciate that very much, dear. Lead the way.” As they turned to follow Aspire and the fillies, Sure Stroke noticed Queen Euphoria and Cool Breeze, at last corralled away from the food tables, trotting toward the center of the dancing circle, where a neat stack of wood awaited them. Perfect for the bonfire. Husband and wife each bore a flaming torch. They stopped just before the pile, all eyes fell upon them and conversation died to a dull murmur. The Queen and her stallion shared a smile and a quick kiss, then dropped their torches onto the stack and stepped back as the fire leapt to life. An uncertain hum drew a flick of Sure Stroke’s ear. She turned to find Sleet blinking at the flames. “Is the fire supposed to be some sort of tribute to Princess Celestia or is this for the, ah, Emerald Isle heritage?” Sure Stroke bobbed her head from one side to the other. “A bit of both really. This … well, it’s best if you experience it yourselves.” She fluttered her feathers. “Why don’t you stay with us, actually? That way, you’re not lost for anything.” The mares shared a silent look. Snow Flurry shrugged, then laid her wing across Sleet’s shoulders to allow the smaller mare to press against her side. “I would,” Sleet said softly. “Thank you. And thank you for helping even though I’ve been a bit testy.” Laughing, Sure Stroke waved her off. “Please. If there’s anyone in this village who understands, it’s me and my parents. You’ve got nothing to apologize for.” The little smile her comment earned was fleeting, but just as bright as the fillies’. Sure Stroke could happily say she knew where they got theirs from. The great bonfire danced and flickered, bathing the town center in a warm orange glow. Shadows of ponies, changelings, nymphs, and foals walked along the wooden houses and dirt path, springing and kicking their hooves about in unison with their owners. Sure Stroke laughed and sang out along with her fellow villagers in a language few even knew to exist—the Old Tongue of the Eternal Forest—while she watched Esalen and Toola dance in the circle, following behind Nimble Hooves and Peppermint as they joined the precession, led by Queen Euphoria, Cool Breeze, and their entourage. Even Prim ’n Proper, that prissy little mare, cast aside that cool, snooty look of hers and beamed while she sang and laughed with all the rest. Hooves stomped out a steady rhythm. Full pony legs and those holed legs of changelings kept the time with perfection and grace unmatched. Her heart raced, her breaths came in needy panting gasps as she tried to fill her lungs after a lengthy dance of her own. She watched as Vector, smiling beneath his messy mane, offered his hoof to a blushing young mare from outside and coaxed her to join, his lips moving in what was no doubt a whispered promise to guide her along while Zephyr stepped up to offer the same to her friend. “This is … quite different,” Sleet called, though standing just a step away from Aspire and Sure Stroke, her voice was only just audible over the noise. The mare’s eyes, meanwhile, tracked her young fillies with hawklike focus. Sunshower and Hail Storm, curious as most foals were, dared to drift close to the faerie dancers, their eyes wide in wonder and ears erect. They’d all but held up painted signs, begging for one or two eager nymphs to flick their tongues, taste the budding interest, and invite them to join with winning smiles and waggling ears. And so it had come to pass. The little fillies were approached by two young nymphs, both colts, named Cordial Tidings and Flit. The nymphs wore kind smiles and bowed their heads just slightly, offering a hoof to guide them into the circle. After a quick check with their mothers for permission, the fillies accepted it, albeit with Sunshower biting her lip and Hail Storm trying to hide a hint of pink in her cheeks as they took the nymphs’ hooves and followed them over. They hadn’t stopped dancing since. And the bright smiles and merry laughter both let out filled Sure Stroke’s heart with utmost joy. It was like looking at herself—nervous at first, needing a friend to hold out a hoof and lead her into the fold. “You’ll find a lot of things different about Respite if you stay here long enough,” she replied at last. “Singing and dances like this are typically reserved for the bigger holidays.” “It’s our little way of celebrating them a little more,” Aspire added. “I’m sure you’re familiar with the magic of pony songs?” As both mares bobbed their heads, he smiled. “We tend to believe it the same, but … well, more like this. Less spontaneous, more on our most special days.” That earned a flick of Snow Flurry’s ear. She hummed—or at least it looked like she had, Sure Stroke couldn’t quite hear it—idly swishing her tail. “It does look like a rather lovely dance. If a bit—” she rolled a hoof as if to snatch the word out of thin air “—I don’t want to say disorganized, but it’s …” Sure Stroke nodded in understanding. “It’s a bit disorganized, yes,” she admitted, pointing out how Queen Euphoria seemed content to join Cool Breeze and their lovers in a little step-step-skip number which drifted lazily from side to side while others like Faith and Warm Welcome seemed more keen to add a little turn or spin to engage her and Toola’s parents. “It’s all about keeping time, just like any dance,” Aspire chimed in. “However you keep time is up to you.” Before they could question further, he gave Sure Stroke a little nudge toward the circle. He wanted another dance. A wish she was happy to grant. But not just with her. He stepped over to the mares and offered a warm smile to both. “Why don’t you join us? You don’t have to sing like us villagers. And I promise, no one’s going to laugh if you take a bit to find your time.” Sure Stroke watched their faces. Snow Flurry gave a small smile, intrigued by the looks of it, and turned to check with Sleet. Her wife bit her bottom lip, feathers rustling nervously. Still unsure. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a flash of pink. Aspire tasted it. His smile turned mischievous, he was ready to move in for the proverbial kill. “If you’re afraid you can’t keep time with us, that’s fine too,” he said casually. “There’s plenty of food and places to sit and watch, after all.” Icy blue eyes hardened. “Are you implying I can’t dance?” Sleet asked. His ears waggled. “I prefer to think of it as a challenge—I haven’t seen you dance, of course, but it’s up to you if you want to prove me wrong.” With his piece said, he took Sure Stroke’s hoof, gave it a little squeeze, and tugged her back toward the circle. His short, messy tail swishing as he kissed her nose and leaned up to whisper, “Care to come dance with me, little pony?” Wrinkling her snout, Sure Stroke returned the kiss and replied, “Can I really trust you, oh sly, mischievous changeling?” “You can trust me to laugh and play and show you a good time.” He stopped just outside the circle to beam at her. “And love you with all my smug heart, of course.” The heat returning to her cheeks, Sure Stroke ducked her head to hide a smile. Her feathers fluffed gaily as she joined him in tapping out the rhythm . Once ready, they slipped seamlessly into the circle and danced to their hearts’ content, their voices joining the chorus as they sang out in the Old Tongue to offer praise and gratitude to the Princess of Day. The festivities lasted all the way through the night. Dancers switched in and out, keeping the songs and circle going while their fellows rested and fed themselves. Sure Stroke smiled as she watched Sleet and Snow Flurry all but throw themselves into the fun a couple hours in. For the first time since meeting her, she saw a genuine smile make its way across Sleet’s snowy white face as her wife, still dancing, dotted the end of her nose with a kiss. The move spurred a giddy fluffing of feathers and laugh, then a little shuffling jig which earned the approval of several villagers, changeling and pony alike. While not as graceful as the changelings, the outsiders could hold their own in the faerie dancing circle just fine. At long last, the hour came. The songs and dancing grew to a fever pitch, changeling magic seemed to thrum in the very air around them, enticing all to rise from their places resting on the side and return to the circle for one last dance. One more to give glory and thanks to Princess Celestia for the wonderful days she brought every morning, along with the safe, beautiful land she governed over with all her heart and soul. Then, Queen Euphoria stopped and stood to full height, her gaze sweeping over the circle. All song and dance ceased without an utterance of any command. With a warm smile, Queen Euphoria spoke in her rich, melodious voice, “Dear friends, guests, thank you all for sharing this wonderful evening and early morning with me.” A murmured reply, gratitude in return, spread through the crowd like ripples across the lake’s surface. Her gossamer wings buzzed, telling of her merriment, before she nodded in kind. “There are few words or songs that truly come close enough to expressing the gratitude we all owe Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria and Herald of Day.” She paused a moment to allow a polite rumble of hooves stomping in applause. “Though it may surprise our visitors to know, Respite and the Crown have a long, amicable history together—from the day my ancestor, Queen Serenitatem, approached her, disguised, to purchase a small, forgotten spot of land nestled in the heart of Neighagara Forest, in fact. Since that day, it has been customary to give thanks, much as you do, for her eternal duty to bring forth the sun, as well as the chance to make our home here.” To her right, Sure Stroke heard Sleet whisper, “The Princess? She knows of this place?” “News to me,” Snow Flurry replied. “I thought it was a secret.” “Indeed it is,” Queen Euphoria addressed them, her smile never faltering. “The best, and worst, kept secret in all the land, thanks in no small part to her influence.” Sure Stroke’s ears stood straight. This was different from her usual speech. By Celestia, just her direct answers were beyond the norm! Was it some flight of fancy? A moment of charity, perhaps? Or, more likely, did the debt she felt her Caretakers owed Princess Celestia compel her to drop pretense and speak so candidly? As all these questions buzzed about within her head, Queen Euphoria directed her gaze eastward. A fond smile, almost like a young nymph awaiting her grandmother’s arrival, spread across her features. “And now, the time has come,” she said. “The longest day in all the year begins as soon as her sun’s light comes forth, brought out of its nightly rest. Let us watch and pay our respects together, as one village. One hive.” Together, they turned to face east. Sure Stroke pressed herself against Aspire’s side, breaming at him when he turned to waggle his ears and steal a quick kiss before wrapping a hoof around her shoulders. Squeezing her tight, he laid his head atop hers and directed his eyes to the horizon. Another day, another Summer Sun Celebration together in Respite with her favorite changeling. Her Aspire. Time seemed to crawl along, deliberately, a conscious effort to delay the sun’s rising and tease them all. But then those few minutes they knew they were meant to wait passed them by. Sure Stroke knew it was time. Deep within her very bones, every bit of her instincts told her that it was dawn. Dawn had come at last. Without the sun. The first murmurs were of confusion. With each passing moment, as a scant few turned to ten, then twenty, and then a half hour, it grew to a dull roar. Where was the sun? Why, today, of all days, was its rising late? Surely, Princess Celestia wouldn’t dally. Surely, she wouldn’t do something silly like oversleep on the day of her own celebration, right? It was that notion, along with a question from innocent lips, which turned confusion into the icy grip of fear’s claw: “Where’s the sun?” Sunshower asked. She turned to fix Cordial Tidings with a quizzical stare. “Does sunrise come later in Respite, Cordy?” Like a spell had been cast, the murmurs turned to a frenzied, fearful cacophony. All around them, ponies and changelings huddled close, gathering friends, loved ones, and family together so that the hive and its guest were near while they tried to make sense of this travesty. Aspire’s hoof gripped her tight, his eyes flitted this way and that, scanning the crowd. Sure Stroke felt something brush against her side. She turned and found Esalen pressing Toola against her, leaving herself on the opposite side as though she and Aspire meant to guard over them. Then, came their parents and Nimble and Pepperming, all huddling as close as they could. The entire group, the entire hive shifted closer and closer to Queen Euphoria. Survival instincts. Protecting their own—our own—until they know what to fight against to keep us all safest, she realized. Queen Euphoria was the first to act. “I want everyone under cover either in Sweet Treat’s shop or the ice cream parlor immediately,” she commanded, her voice quiet, yet still carrying over the din. “No hatchling or newborn foal is to be left unwatched. No guards or adults are to be outside until we’re certain it’s safe. No exceptions.” Stricken by the anxiety in her tone, everyone hastened to obey her command. Mothers quickly scooped up their foals and nymphs and carried them off to the shops. Sweet Treat, Vigil, Creamy, Frosty, and Chocolate Almond hurried to unlock the doors and shepherd everyone inside, guiding them to open spaces in the dining areas, the kitchen, even their own living space and basements! “What’s going on?” Snow Flurry babbled, her wing draped over her family. “What happened?” “We’re not sure,” Esalen replied, nudging her to follow the crowd. “Queen Euphoria is worried, so the plan is to keep everyone close. The hive gathers to itself for safety.” The mares blinked. “Like a pegasus flock,” Sleet murmured. Aspire nodded. “Yes, exactly. Now please, hurry!” He tugged Sure Stroke forward, enough that she could see his fangs beginning to lengthen. “I don’t like this!” A quick look around showed that he wasn’t alone. Esalen, Warm Welcome, Faith, Mantis, Ladybug, all of the changelings and nymphs’ fangs were growing, ready for a fight. But none so impressive as Queen Euphoria’s. As Sure Stroke was guided inside, she was able to sneak a one last look at the changeling Queen. Queen Euphoria stood at the rear of the crowd, facing away from the buildings to watch for attack. Her lips were peeled back in a threatening snarl, her eyes glowing an angry green in open challenge to any who threatened what was hers. Once everyone was inside, her horn flashed. All the plates and food leapt off the tables and hovered lazily after her as she moved to join them. Queen Euphoria strode into Sweet Treat’s shop, straight over to the table where Breezy and their lovers awaited, and sat down and swept them into her embrace. With one flick of magic, she set the food down on the waiting countertop. After a moment, she closed her eyes and drew in a deep, shaking breath. “Stalward,” she called. “Your Highness?” the changeling replied from the corner he and Abacus stood. “When you’re able, go over to the parlor and tell them this—” she drew in another breath “—we will wait until the sun rises, then the Village Guard and I will patrol. Once we’re certain the village is safe, I will speak with Hawkeye, Merriweather, Duplicitous, and Façade about an assignment. Then, we make the call to let our villagers and guests return to their homes.” She turned to the other guards lingering nearby. “Is that understood?” A ripple of murmurs confirming her orders came in reply. Satisfied, Queen Euphoria held her husband and lovers close, like they were her very lifeline. Twin pairs of strong hooves wrapped around Sure Stroke. She let out a squeak, glancing left and right to find herself sandwiched between Toola Roola and Aspire, with Esalen on Toola’s opposite side. All around them, ponies and changelings were gathered together similarly—friends, lovers, families, even guests were all huddled together to protect one another on this night. The longest Equestria had known in a thousand years.