The Visitor.

The Countess was already seated at a four-pony table in the corner when Fluttershy arrived, and although the table was overwhelmed with trays, cups, boxes and asietts, she still was ordering her dragonborn servant for more stuff.

"Spike, darling, please bring me some more raspberry jam! No not that colour on the napkins, I said dark green, that's moss green, darling. Make sure the samovar keeps its temperature!" "They're out of cream? How dreadful! *sigh* I guess we have to settle with milk. Oh, but there you are, Fluttershy DARLING!

Please, have a seat! Let's see if we have everything... Canapés, scones, cupcakes, éclairs... Hmmm... Will that be enough?" "Oh, please darling! Do not restrain yourself, a lady shall have their curves to be really beautiful. And your hips darling, très magnifique! Spike! Spike, serve Lady Fluttershy her tea! Now let’s begin la fête! "

Canapés with Dandelions, Buttercups, Daisies, Salmon and Caviar. Cupcakes with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and even such exotics as cloudberries and buckthorn. Scones, straight from the oven with melting butter inside and éclairs, filled with the most delicious chocolate and vanilla cream. Fluttershy could have eaten for hours. She was worried at first that her sweet tooth would create an awkward silence, but the countess kept the conversation alive, through the eating.

"Please, Miss Le Clairvaux, don't be so formal! Please, just call me Rairty. And I will call you Fluttershy! So! Spike! Spike, have a scone.”  “No, you may not have an éclair! So, you have any gossip from Canterlot? Oh, these cupcakes are the best! I must order some to bring home."

The Countess took a long sip of her tea, and let her eyes wander over the café. Fluttershy followed her. Le Pince à Sucres had a large variety of customers. There were farmers, eating hearty sandwiches with strong coffee, the clerks having soup or a pie for lunch, kids buying candy and young lovers who didn't care what they ate as long as they had each other. And watching over all was the Gâtaeu Family, with monsieur Gâtaeu in the kitchen, Madame Gâtaeu at the counter, and their kids Kilogramme and Citrouille working as servants.

The Countess took another sip, and started to speak. "Look at all them ponies. What do we really know of the ponies we have around us? We see only the outside, but who they really are...of that we know nothing. Look at those two, playing domino in the corner. They look like two ruffians. But who knows? They might just be unfortunate stallions who fell down from a roof and damaged their clothing. Or the family over there? They look so united, but who knows? They may be fighting like wolfs when no one’s looking, or never saying a word to each other in private.  And the old couple in the corner. The look fairly respectable, but who knows, they might have been wild lovers as young, then separated by cruel fate and just now, in the autumn ears reunited? And then there’s us."

She leaned closer to Fluttershy and whispered in her ear:

"One may think we've just met, but we have known each other for a long time, haven't we? Oh yes." And then, she lightly touched Fluttershy's cheek and whispered even lower "My love"

All Fluttershy's vague ideas suddenly jumped to the conclusion. The Countess ... Rairty...was the white mare from her dreams. How could she been so stupid? In retrospective, it was pretty obvious.

"That is why I am here, my love. I want you. And you want me."

Fluttershy didn't know what to do. Part of her wanted to scream and run. She looked around the café for support. There was at least four stallions in the cafe, including Mr. Noteworthy and monsieur Gâteau. She could cry for help, they would come to her rescue, nothing more would happen. There was just Rairty and Spike! No match for four... But there was also the other part of her, the part that wanted those fingers to go lower... She let out a small "eep", and blushed, equally of fear and lust. The Countess draw back her hand and looked at Fluttershy with what had to be mock concern.

"You do not look well, my dear. Perhaps you need something stronger..." Rairty took a small flask from her purse and filled a cup by a third.  "A Prussian speciality, my dear. Two thumbs ice cold Vodka, topped with steaming hot tea and some honey. This will... Oh, dear, the tea's gone cold. Spike, be a dear and heat up this tea, darling?"

Spike arose from his chair, inhaled, and green fire erupted from his mouth and Nostrils. Soon the samovar was glowing with heat, and he poured a cup of boiling tea into the cup of Vodka.

"This will do you good, dear. I suggest you drink it slowly, though. It might be a bit strong."

Fluttershy took the cup, and resigned. Rairty could do magic. Of course she could, she was a unicorn. And Spike could breathe fire. Of course the Countess had noticed her thoughts about escape, and decided to show her strength. Fluttershy sank into her chair. She was cornered. Damn her sweet tooth to put her in this situation. She sipped her tea. The taste of the alcohol was strong, yet smooth, and the warmth wrapped itself round Fluttershy’s stomach like a warm blanket. She suddenly felt at ease, and the warmth from her unmentionable parts spread.

"You look much better, my dear. So, what do you say? Shall we be... friends?"

"Yes...yes, Rairty. I would like that. Very much" Fluttershy felt like one of her pets meating a superior opponent, and she behaved like an animal as well. Roll over, show that you´re not a threat. Play along.

"That's good, dear, that’s good. Just one thing, though."

Once more she took her hands and locked her eyes on Fluttershy.

"When we are such GOOD friends, you invite me to your house, don't you?"

Fluttershy was once again mesmerised by the eyes. They were so deep blue and so beautiful. She felt that she would, from this moment on, do everything in the world for this mare. If she wanted the moon, she would give it to her. And that voice. Melodic and insistent. Like a promise, "I give you more of this, just do as I say". She was so taken in by the whole appearance she could only nod in responce. However, this was apparently not enough for the Countess.

"Darling, I need to hear you say yes. I will ask you again. May I come and go as I wish, with your permission to do so?"

"...Yes"

"Good. And why do you give me that permission?"

"Because... I love you...I want to do everything for you. my love. "

A satisfied smirk appeared on the Countess muzzle.

"Good. Good. I'm looking forward to see all of your house. Ah, look at the time! We must not miss supper! Lets retire, shall we?"

The spell was over the moment Rairty spoke. Fluttershy felt dizzy again, and a bit ashamed. Why was she speaking so frivolous? Why did she feel like she wanted to do Rairtys every biding? No, she was not going to give in to her that easy again!

The Countess paid for their treats, and also ordered another bag of those exotic cloudberry muffins. "Thank you so much, monsieur Gâteau, I will definitely come back to your wonderful petite établissement." Fluttershy waved. Soon she found herself and the Countess in her dark green landau, with Spike in the harness pulling them away from Ponyville at an incredible speed. He was much smaller than Macintosh, but didn't lack any strenght, quite the opposite.

On the way up, Fluttershy thought about the Countess. She was a mare with many faces. Gentle. Rough. Kind. Reckless. Well-bred. Rude. A real lady. A succubus.

And how much she tried to deny it, Fluttershy loved every part of her. She loved her voice, her eyes, her mane, her lips. Yes, those lips. She wanted to feel them, touch them, kiss them... NO! SHE was NOT raised that way. She was a good mare. But oh, how hard it was to keep the breath steady.

The road home took just a little over half an hour, and that was lucky for Fluttershy. Ten minutes more, and she would have jumped the Countess. Rairty, on her side, made no attempts at her. She talked about the wonderful muffins, and the wheater.

When they drove into the courtyard, a big blue barouche was parked in front of the main gate. It had two emblems, the royal mark of Princess Celestia and the mark of the Equestrian Army, airborn wing. This apparently made the Countess uneasy, because it took a bit of persuation to get her inside.

Fluttershy found the guest in the Library, drinking Port with her father. The guest was an elderly Pegasus stallion, with huge grey mustasches. The countess looked downright repulsed,  but Fluttershy greeted the guest heartily. "General! How nice to see you! Did you bring the family? Pray tell me, how is Rainbow?"

The guest was indeed General Dash of the Equestrian Royal army. He was an old friend of her father, and also the father of Fluttershy's best friend, Rainbow Isabelle Dash.

"The pleasure is all mine, Miss Fluttershy! No, my wife and young Scoots left for Canterlot by train yesterday. School, you know. I had some business to take care of nearby, and I decided to make a quick stop here on the way home. Rainbow is very well, she wanted me to tell you how sorry she was for not attending, but you know how it is... for an officer, her country always comes first. But she sends her condoleances, and hope that you will see her on her next leave."

"Please tell her that I will be delighted to meet her and..." Rairty cleared her throat very loudly. Fluttershy blushed at her annoyance. "Oh, I'm sorry Countess, how rude of me. General Prism Dash, this is Countess Rairty Van Bellemont. Countess, this is Genreal Dash. And you have met my father."

Mr Le Clairvaux kissed the countess hand with a Chevaleresque gesture, but the General stood as turned into stone. He stared at the Countess, like he could not believe his eyes as witnesses. "I'm sorry, Miss... what was your name again."

"Countess Rairty Van Bellemont", she replied with a voice cool enogh to froze a lake. The General was still staring, but with great effort, he got control of his limbs again, and kissed her hand, although his movements where a bit stiff. "Delighted to make your aquaintance."

"Very nice to meet you, Gentlemen. Now, Lady Le Clairvaux, shall we leave the Gentlecolts alone? We hade some things to discuss..."

"Oh... Oh, yes... yes of course! Let me show you... our garden, Countess."

They had been walking for some time, Fluttershy had shown Rairty her pets, and the greenhouses. Then the had walked by the pond, and the Neighponese Rock Garden. The Countess had been polite, but not really interested. She spent most of the time trying to hold Fluttershy's hand, which Fluttershy did her best to avoid. As they walked through the English garden, Rairty suddenly exclaimed:

"Oh, such a lovely berceau! Lets go inside, shall we?"

Fluttershy had never heard that word before, and she was confused. "Sorry, Rairty, but...what did you call it? It's just a shrubbery."

"Call it whatever you want, darling. It's secluded. Perfect for confidences. And we NEED to talk."

They sat down on the grass. Fluttershy placed her self a good distance from Rairty, but she moved after her, sitting barely a few inches apart in the end. Then Rairty put her arms around Fluttershy, who let out an "eep", but didn't move. Neither did she remove Rairtys arms. They sat in silence for some time, and then Rairty said:

"You are so beautiful. I do hope you know that."

Fluttershy blushed and turned away her head. "p-please, there is nothing special about me"

The frown on her mouth was audible in her voice when Rairty answered.

"Darling, PLEASE. Don't give me that crap. You are tall, curvy, you have excellent taste in clothes, you have beautiful eyes, and your mane and tail are in perfect shape. You. Are. The. Most. Beautiful. Mare. In. Equestria. Remember at the cafe? Did you not see the eyes on the stallions, how they turned around after you? Did you not see the jealousy in their eyes when you sat down at my table? Oh, Fluttershy... You are such an innocent little delicate flower. Perhaps that is why I love you."

Once again Fluttershy turned away her head. "Please, Rairty...don't talk like that."

"And, pray tell, why shouldn't I? Are you ashamed?"

Fluttershy was silent. "Oh. So it is so. You are ashamed. You fear the opinion of others. And yet, you

want this."

She moved her muzzle closer to Fluttershy's ear, and whispered. "Such beautiful fur... just waiting to be touched. Such beautiful cheeks, just waiting to be caressed. Such beutiful thighs, just waiting to be parted. You want this, I know. I can give it to you. So what do you say? Are you mine? Are you my little pony to play with and love forever?"

Fluttershy had stiffened. The moment Rairty had started to whisper, her voiced had changed to a hungry purring. Rairty took her hand and scratched her hand like her nails had been claws. Fluttershy was scared to death, and yet, she wanted to stay. She needed to stay. Rairty whispered again "I love you, you beautiful creature. You excite me, you make me lust for you, you make me want to feel every part of you. You can try to run, I will find you. You can try to slip from me, my arms will not lose their grip. You are like the mouse, and I am the cat. You can try to escape my claws, darling, but before morning, I will have you between my teeth. I will not let anything stop me from having you. Nothing!"

Rairty had let go of Fluttershys waist and started to caress her neck instead, and when she said "nothing", she had kissed her neck, letting her teeth gently touch Fluttershys skin. Fluttershy jumped in her seat, and let out an "eep". She wanted to run away, she wanted to fly away! This mare was dangerous, and she needed to escape!  Rarity was a unicorn, she couldn't follow her into the sky, and... Fluttershy suddenly noticed how her wings stood right out on her back, ready for flight... Or mating. She realized that most ponies would interpret her behavior that way, and she blushed heavily, trying to calm down. Rairty leaned back in the grass with a smug smile.

"My, my... your wings speak more than your mouth, apparently. You need to control yourself, darling. People might get the crudest ideas of you." She leaned foward again, and whispered "I certainly do... Let me take care of you. I will not hurt you, darling." She licked her lips hungrily. "not more than I have to, anyway." And the she kissed her. Fluttershy felt the kiss burn on her lips. It was godless, it was sinful, it was against all common sense and it felt so good that she could scream. The moment their lips parted, Fluttershy already wanted another.

She leaned forward, opened her mouth, and...

"Miss Fluttershy? Countess? Are ya'all in there? Dinners ready!"

Fluttershy had actually flewn over the bush to Macintosh, and the walk back to the mansion had been silent. Macintosh shot them both queer glances, but said nothing.

Inside the mansion, they found Fluttershy's father sitting in his favourite chair, chin in hoof, apparently in deep thoughts.

"Father? What seems to be the matter?"

"AAAHH...oh...hi, Fluttershy. Oh, it's nothing. Just some business. Go on, take a seat. Dinners ready.

But as the two mares made their way to the dining room, Mr Le Clairvaux stood there, looking at them and thinking. The General had told a strange story, indeed...

...

As the mares left for the garden, the General was still staring after them. Mr Le Clairvaux gave his old friend a worried look. "What's the matter, Dash? One might believe you saw a ghost."

"Well... I'm not convinced I didn't... You don't have anything stronger do you? I think I might need it."

"Of cource! Let me... Macintosh! Please bring us two Whiskey and two Appleschnaps!"

"Make a double one for me!" the General added.

They sat down in silence, and when the liquior came on the table, the General emptied his whiskey in one draw and asked for another one.

"So Dash, what is the matter?"

"Oh, I will tell you... And it is a bit foolish of me to react this way, but... Its strange. Really really strange. It was over 55 years ago. I was a young colt of seven. I was sent away to relatives in Baltimare, to spend summer. It was not a big family, My uncle and his wife, a young filly my age named Flitter, and an older sister... "

The General got lost in in memories, looking at something far away in the distance.

"Hah! I was so young I didn't even know what cooties were, and me and Flitter played from morning to evening. I saw very little of the older sister on the other hand. Her name was Northern Light, by the way. Very beautiful, I could say, even as a seven year old. Well, we did kids stuff, didn't really spend much time with the rest of the family. But I do remember one day. It was a beautiful day, we were sitting outside. We were playing, uncle and his wife had a glass of wine, Northern Light was sewing... and suddenly, a mare came walking towards us. 'I'm sorry to disturb you like this, but I met with your daughter yesterday. She invited me, and as I passed through the neighbourhood, I thought, why not?' She was polite, and hearty, but... there was something about her... couldn't really say what. Well, Northern Light introduced her, and they decided to go inside to chat in private.

When I think about it now, I wonder if it wasn't actually the mare that suggested it... Northern Light just tagged along. Well, anyway, over the next few days, that mare where a daily guest in the house. And her influence on Northern Light grew, in just a week she changed her wardrobe, her interests... she even persuaded her to take a Phrench class! Well, uncle decided it had went a little too far, and he asked her to leave. Well, the mare did so. She showed up one last time, telling she was going to Trottingham. That same day, Northern Light didn't come down for breakfast. And when she finally showed up at lunch, she looked...pale. Drained. She told us nothing was wrong, but... Good whiskey, this. Now, where was I...

Oh yes, the day after that, she didn't come down at all. They had to break into her room. And there, the poor girl lay. Almost, but not quite dead, with a strange wound on her neck. She had lost an enormous amount of blood, and it was pure luck that her life could be saved. The day after though... Then they found her dead. All the blood drained from her body. I was sent home immideately of cource. I never heard anything about it afterwards. But there is one more thing, that only I know. When I was sent to my room to pack, I found Flitter in tears. She was scared out of her mind, I tried to comfort her, but she kept repeating 'I thought it was a dream...I thought it was a dream...she will get me...she will take me! She will kill me!' Well, it took me some time, but I managed to calm her down. And then she told me she had been up last night. She passed her sisters room, and heard strange noices. The doors was closed, so she peeked through the keyhole. Inside the room she saw her sister. She was bleeding from her neck, and that white mare was sucking the blood from her. And then, the white mare must have noticed something, because she looked up, straight at Flitter. The poor girl ran straight to her room, how she managed to fall asleep I don't know. But she told me, she had a dream. A dream about the white mare. She bit her aswell, and said something like...not a word, or I'll come for you. Makes me almost shiver when I think of it. How much do I have left in the glass?

Oh, I needed that one. Well, that was it. Pretty strange indeed, and I was convinced at the time that Flitter had been dreaming everything. But... five years later, I heard she died... no details but... and well... over the years... I have been thinking, there was something strange about that mare. But tonight, well... I thought I lost it. Because you know what? It is impossible, because, well... it was 55 years ago, so she should be in her 70's by now. And yet, this mare can't be a day over 25. But that white mare that came with Miss Fluttershy looked EXACTLY like that mare I met at my folks. She had the same mane, the same eyes...even the same demeanor.  And then there was the name. The mare from today called herself Rairty Van Bellemont. The other mare's name was Rytair Von Belle. Close, but not really the same. And yet, it still feels like they are connected, you know."

Mr Le Clairvaux hadn't touched his glass during the Generals story, but now he emptied it in one draw as well. "Macintosh...give us two more. And make mine a double too. Dash, that was some story. Do you think I should..."

The General shook his head, a bit embarassed it seemed.

"No no no...it is probably just an old stallions imagination that gets the better of him. It's probably nothing. Oh, it's getting late. I'd better be flying, if I want to reach Cloudsdale before Dusk"

...

A bit to sudden, as he was running away from something he feared, the General had made his leave. That was another part of the reason the story had left a mark on Mr Le Clairvaux, and from that moment, until Fluttershy startled him, he had been thinking. And now,  as he stood in the hall, with the whole story fresh in memory, his eyes were on the Countess.

"Fantasy or not, I'm keeping an eye on you... Do not try anything fishy in my house... Countess Rairty Van Bellemont... or whoever you are."