Celestia hosted a picnic in the beautiful gardens of the castle grounds with her griffon guests and several members of the search parties, albeit with plenty of on-duty guards protecting the area. The warming weather and relaxed atmosphere led to most of the griffons shedding their uniforms. Béarn managed to convince her superior to do the same despite how much he prized his uniform that he had inherited from his uncle.
Many varieties of scones were on offer and Voss talked Celestia through various types of Griffon scones; he had plenty of praise for Gilda's recipes that had been licensed in many countries to raise money for her slowly recovering homeland.
“It's nice to hear you talk about something besides your career, Voss.” Celestia smiled warmly, “Maybe you can turn your logistical talents to something baking related when the war is won.”
“I don't know what I'd like to do after the Changelings are defeated.” he shrugged, “And there's more pressing issues such as interrogating that collaborator. She hasn't yielded anything yet-”
“My friend, we have to enjoy this peaceful moments whilst we can.” Celestia spoke softly, “Right after we solve one more problem. Fly with me to the balcony at my tower, please.”
They swiftly made their way up. Celestia looked at him for a moment.
“Ow!” Voss winced as the quill was extracted from his wing,
“I know that the real Voss would not have waved around such a grisly souvenir, but I must know the truth of the matter if we are to work together effectively.”
“Well... yes. That was plucked from Moriset. I was not present for the beheading but I did buy that feather off a fellow officer...” he felt less than confident without his uniform, “...I'm so sorry Faux Voss dug up that ugly piece of history... burn the damned thing... I promise you that the rest of my anti-monarchist sentiments will be firmly kept out of this war.”
The feather spontaneously combusted and its ashes swirled away into the breeze.
“Thank you, Voss. I appreciate that.” Celestia's smile was infectious, “Before we go back, will you accept my friendship?”
“Yes.” Voss blushed, “I guess some monarchs are... kind of okay if...”
“I'm your friend, not your princess.” she winked,
Celestia brought him in for a hug. Voss welcomed the break from what would have been unthinkable exchange during the revolution.
“You're really warm.” he observed,
Celestia explained to him that it was a perk of being the Princess of the Sun and that her sun-based magic could range from dramatically melting metal to the most subtle of temperature changes. They talked and laughed together before returning to the picnic.
“You seem awfully happy to be around a princess, mon amie.” said the sassy Major with a wink,
“Um...” he stuttered,
“Did you want a hug too?” Celestia grinned,
“Be careful, it might melt your republican heart.” Voss teased her,
The trio burst out laughing. It was a moment they would savour in the hard months that were about to unravel...