Sensed faint light from shades on hair. Knew only had half hour before shift started. Never had time for breakfast; trek was too long, but wasn’t hungry. Could feel Florence snuggled up next to side. Warmth from her was nice, and before long she blew mane out of lovely eyes and sighed. Never liked this part of day.
“Really have to go to work today?” Florence was always asking same question each night. Not every night, but many. Don’t blame her, really. Most stallions of same would be too busy raising foals or planning own future, but needed peace and quiet more than anything else. Rolled eyes and grinned at Florence’s hopeful but futile expression. Was cute every time noticed it, and seeing her gave me some ideas.
“Sorry, but duty calls, love,” I said to her. Nearly three months now. Showed very subtle signs, but were there. Kissed Florence on tip of muzzle and she scrunched up pretty face of hers. Got out of bed and felt near-transparent wings flutter.
“Promise you’ll be back by six? I have a little gift for you, and hate to spoil it by you being late,” she said sternly. “Won’t have that happen again anytime soon, right?”
“Can’t say for certain, but will definitely try,” which was code phrase for probably after dinner but before bedtime. “Probably have some drinks with colleagues.” At that moment, Florence frowned at me knowingly, telling that said fellows were no good. I knew that, we both knew that, but didn’t have much of choice. They were only stallions in all of Polaris who told interesting stories, a new one every day, for what seemed ages. Too fun to leave behind, but too stubborn to hang around. Oh well.
“You be careful now, Lambda honey. Some tourists might not be so kind to you or me,” she said, although could tell she was mainly referring to herself as well as mares in general. Stallions were too intimidating to mess with, even for new chums who didn’t know how local things were. Ladies of Polaris on other hoof were smart, fast, strong, and incredibly beautiful, which new chums adore little too much. Not to say was bad thing, but made for some bad trouble on occasion.
“Don’t worry about that. Will be back before you even realize I was gone.” Silently kissed Florence on forehead, bless her soul, before moving out of slanted flat. Walls were sleek and adapted to cold, hard surroundings. Cavern environment made light coming from outside appear more luminous than really was. Had to squint at first, but knew didn’t have to for long. Ancient rock made for very good path material if augmented right.
Looked out at foot of cave and remembered how bright Polaris looked during this time of day. Could see fellow thestral going about businesses, and even saw palace in distance. If not for seeing same thing a thousand times before, and hopefully a thousand times more, would be more openly impressed, but after too long even most amazing things fly right over head. Spread wings and took flight without any effort, as had been doing for many years, and felt wind blowing through mane. No doubt feeling was still there.
Nightfall had come once again.