The Knights Trinity

Chapter Thirteen: Two with One Stone

Anthony, Twilight, Cadence, and Shining Armor made their way to the dining hall. Their friends all waved as they walked in and got their food.

“I figured you would all be with Dustin.”, said Anthony as he sat and started to eat. “Where is Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo?”

“Nurse Redheart kicked everypony out cept those two. She said she had ta change his dressings and give him lunch.” replied Apple Jack.

“Dustin seems to be doing pretty good for the most part. He still looks banged up though.”, added Adrian.

“He was awfully happy ta have Rainbow Dash around. He was even callin her Skittles, whatever that means.” said Apple Jack.

Anthony laughed at the nickname.

“Skittles are rainbow colored candies on earth, it’s fitting.”

“So what exciting information did you find out from the princesses.” asked Rarity.

“It was amazing I finally got to see StarSwirl the Bearded, or a fragment of him he left behind anyway.” remarked Twilight excitedly.

“Thanks to him we found the journals of Celestia and Luna’s parents. Hopefully they will have some answers for us. We’re just waiting for them to call us back. In the meantime I think I’d like to see Dustin. Do you think they’ll let us?”

“Yeah, here in a bit. She told us to come back in about an hour. I’m sure it would be okay. We were all planning on going into Canterlot and getting a few things for him before we head back.”

“Anthony would you mind if Cadence and I go with you?” asked Twilight. “I’d like to introduce her to Dustin.”

“Of coarse not. We’ll head up when your both finished eating.”

“So Shining Armor is it, what exactly do you do.” asked Adrian interrupting the conversation.

“I was the Captain of the Royal Guard here in Canterlot, before Cadence and I got married. Now I am the Prince of the Crystal Empire.”

“Anthony told me that you and her beat Chrysalis at your wedding how exactly did that go down?”

Shining Armor recounted the tail while the other ponies interjected the parts they played as he went. Once Twilight and Cadence finished with their food Anthony stood and lead them to the door.

“See you guys after awhile.” he said and headed down the hall.

...

Anthony slowly pushed the door to Dustin’s room open and held it for Twilight and Cadence.

“Aaaawwww, would you look at that.” whispered Cadence at the sight.

Anthony smiled as he stepped in seeing the three snuggled up together on the bed.

“They look like they could be a family.” commented Twilight wiping a tear off her cheek.

Dustin’s eyes opened as he felt someone else was in the room.

“Ssssshhhhh. I’d hate to wake them up. Rainbow Dash has probably been up for hours waiting to get here.

“How did you know that?” asked Twilight.

“Her and Luna were with me when I woke up.”

“What?” the trio said in unison, a look of complete confusion showing on their faces.

“You mean she’s been coming to see you every night?” asked Twilight.

“Not every night, and they didn’t actually come see me either. Luna brought her into my dreams a few times, it was epic.”

“Oooohhh”, said Twilight and Cadence, as Anthony stood staring at them.

Twilight looked over and noticed Anthony was still trying to understand what they were talking about.

“Luna can link dreams together like she did your memories.”

“So what did you three do?” he asked.

I grew wings and they taught me how to fly. Just before I woke up Rainbow and I made a Sonic Flameboom.

“Don’t you mean sonic rainboom?” corrected Twilight.

“Nope, her and I did it together and instead of a rainbow we made blue and red flames.”

“That’s amazing Dustin.” Cadence exclaimed louder then she’d expected.

Rainbow Dash yawned and started to sit up.

“I apologize Rainbow Dash, I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“Its all good, I needed to get up anyway. What where you all talkin about?”

“Dustin was just telling us about the flameboom.”

“Yeah, it was pretty awesome. I wish everypony else could have seen it. That reminds me Twilight, do you have my gift for Dustin?”

“Yes I do.” she replied, levitating a book out of her saddlebag to him.

The Adventures of Daring Do

“I got laid up in the hospital for awhile with a bum wing. I started reading this book to pass the time and its pretty cool.”

“Thanks Skittles, its great.”

“If you like it, I have the entire series.”

“And you were calling Anthony and Twilight eggheads.”

“Okay maybe I’m a bit of an egghead too. I don’t go on and on about some boring history book though. Daring Do is suspense, action, and excitement. And... she happens to be as real as her adventures.”

“So you met the author?”

“Daring Do is the author, I even helped her out once, and she put me in one of her books.”

Dustin looked at Twilight questioningly, as she nodded letting him know Rainbow Dash was telling the truth.

“The story is true then, and she asked you to go on an adventure with her?”

“Well, that’s not exactly what happened. She initially told me to get away from her because she works alone. After I helped her save the world, she said she couldn’t have done it with out me.”

“I guess I’ll have to get reading then. Maybe someday we can help her out together, I’ve always wanted to be a hero.” said Dustin with a smile.

Rainbow Dash punched Dustin in the shoulder without thinking. He jerked and groaned with pain waking Scootaloo.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”she stuttered while she tried to gently massage his shoulder.

“Are you okay?” asked Scootaloo.

“Yeah I’m fine I just moved wrong and it hurt a little is all.”

“Hey Scootaloo why don’t you grab that plate of food and I’ll share it with ya. I don’t think I could eat it all myself.”

“Really?”

“Yep, and if she’s nice maybe we’ll let Rainbow Dash have some too.”

“Cool.” said Scootaloo as she grabbed the plate and sat it on Dustin’s lap. They looked it over hungrily, trying to decided where to begin.

“I’ll tell you what, you can start with the vegetable soup and I’ll share the jello with Rainbow Dash. How’s that sound?”

“Great I’m starving, I bet the palace food is better then the stuff I get at the orp... At home.”

Dustin picked up the bowl of red gelatin and dug in. As he brought the spoon to his mouth an intense pain shot through his arm causing him to drop it into the bowl.

“Here.” said Cadence lifting the spoon with her magic and carrying it to his mouth.

“And you are?” asked Dustin after swallowing the spoon full of jello.

“I apologize, I‘m Twilight’s sister-n-law Princess Cadence. Its a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Likewise. I appreciate the help.”

“You aren’t trying to add Dustin to a herd are you now Cadence.” came a voice from the doorway.

“Of coarse not Aunt Luna, I mean Princess Luna.”

“Good, because you could find yourself with some very staunch competition.” she replied walking up to the bed.

“How are you fairing Dustin?”

“Good food, a great view, and being surrounded by so much beauty. What more could a guy ask for?”

“Do not get to use to being hoof fed. Eventually, you will have to resume your duties as a Knight of Equestria. I suppose in the meantime a little spoiling won’t hurt though.”

Luna lifted another spoon full of jello and fed it to Dustin slowly. He gave her a wink as he accepted the offer.

“So what did you and Celestia find?” asked Anthony.

“Celestia believes the answers are in the journal you recovered. However, as you saw it is very large and filled with a great deal of information. It will take sometime to find what we are looking for. I have come to inform you that your rooms have been prepared. You are all welcome to stay as long as you need. Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo I will see that beds are moved in here for the two of you.”

“One for Scoots would be nice please.” replied Rainbow Dash with a smile.

“If that is what you wish, as long as Dustin has no objections.”

“Your not going to hear any from me.”

“I was hoping you and Rainbow Dash could join us in the throne room if we find anything out.”

“I damn sure ain’t walking, it still hurts to move around to much. Would you happen to have a wheel chair or something mobile I can stay on?”

“I will have nurse RedHeart fetch the largest one she can find. We can lift you into it with our magic. But if you find it to uncomfortable we will return you to your bed and Anthony can brief you on the situation later.”

“I guess we could try it and see what happens. It would be nice to get outta bed.”

“Very well, now I must return to help my sister.”

“So I don’t even get a hug before you go?”

“Due to the circumstances I was not sure if you would feel uncomfortable or that it was inappropriate.”

“Not at all.” he said as Luna carefully gave him a hug.

“Do I get to see you again, outside of my dreams that is?” asked Dustin quietly.

“I’m sure I can stop by before I have to start my royal duties.” she whispered back.

Anthony walked over and opened the door for the princess as she departed.

“Twilight since we’re going to be here for awhile why don’t you and I go have a little mare time.” said Cadence.

“That would be great Cadence. If you’ll all excuse us.”

“Scootaloo would you like to come with us.”

“ME?” asked the young filly as she looked around the room.

“Of course. Unless you don’t want to spend an afternoon with the greatest foalsitter in all of Equestria.” replied Cadence.

Scootaloo looked at Rainbow Dash and Dustin, her eyes almost pleading for them to say yes.

“Go on.” said Dustin “But, you’ll be out with two princesses so you better be on your best behavior.”

“I promise I will.” she said as she hopped off the bed and ran to join them.
Rainbow Dash settled back in to Dustin’s side and started feeding him the jello and soup that was left. Anthony pulled a near by chair up to the bedside and told Dustin everything that had transpired over the last several days.

“The changelings tried to get me in here?”

“Yeah but Sword Dancer got to them first and then Luna finished the rest.”

“Determined little bastards aren’t they. What really blows my mind is the whole thing between Adrian and Apple Jack.”

“Why’s that, I don’t think it’s to far off from what you and Rainbow Dash have goin on.”

“I ain’t his marefriend or nothing, I just think he’s pretty cool and....”

“And what?” asked Dustin, his attention turned to the sky blue pegasus.

“Don’t worry about it.” she snapped pushing a spoon full of jello into his mouth. I’m gonna go find everypony else. I thought they’d be back by now.

With that Rainbow Dash flew over to the door and let herself out.

“Way to go Romeo.”

Anthony pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to Dustin.

“Thought you might want one.”

Dustin pulled a cigarette out and lite it.

“You have no idea.”

“So why don’t you just ask her already?”

“Seriously dude, I don’t know what to do. Her and Luna have both been acting like that.

How could I say yes to one without hurting the other?”

“That’s true, and Luna is differently not the mare you want to piss off.”

“What makes you say that?”

“You know how I told you she took care of the remaining changelings?”

“She killed a couple of them, so what, how many did we kill?”

“She didn’t just kill em, she mutilated them. Adrian and I saw the guards carrying out what was left, and it wasn’t much. So I guess you need to ask yourself how do you feel about her and Rainbow Dash? Do you think you love them?”

“Yeah! Yeah I do, that’s why I don’t want to hurt either one of them.”

“I’d just tell them how you feel one at a time and explain your hang up. That puts it on them to figure out.”

“Man that’s twisted, especially coming from you. How could turning them against each other be a good idea?”

“I’m not saying you should turn them against each other. Luna is a princess so either she backs off and allows you to have a relationship with Rainbow Dash. Or, Rainbow Dash bows out to the princess and you go with Luna. This way its their choice on what to do. You expressed your feelings and concerns and it will be up to them on who makes the right choice.”

“I suppose it might work out that way. The other possibility is that they end up resenting each other, or they both wind up hating me.”

“Its your choice to make, I just thought I’d share my opinion.”

“So what about you and Twilight? Do you think that could go anywhere? Rainbow Dash said you were going to live in the castle and that you’re spending a lot of time together.”

“It’s complicated, Princess Celestia had me swear to protect her at all cost. I told Adrian we need to put Twilight and her friends safety as a top priority. They all are part of the Elements of Harmony, a very powerful magical force. If something would happen to one of them they wouldn’t be able to access that power.”

“Then I think your right. But, your saying you don’t have any feelings for her outside of following orders?”

“I don’t know. The other night she fell asleep at her desk so I carried her to bed. When I was leaving she said she loved me. But, she was asleep so I don’t know if she actually meant it. I mean I’ve only known her for a few weeks, it just seems a little weird.”

“From what I heard it took Adrian and Apple Jack about that long. Its been the same for Rainbow Dash, Luna, and I. If you don’t recall, I even insulted Luna the first day we met. Maybe you should take your own advice and just say how you feel.”

“That’s the problem, I’m not sure how I feel.”

“Just give it time brother. That’s something I think we have plenty of.”

.....

Twilight and Cadence laughed at Scootaloo’s excitement, as she ran from shop window to shop window.

“Scootaloo there is a park nearby, would you like to go play for a little while?”

“Would I ever.” she replied running back to Cadence’s side. “What did you mean about hanging out with the greatest foalsitter in Equestria?”

“Cadence is the best, she was my foalsitter, that is how she met my brother. She always had time for games and stories and she made me feel like every moment together was special.”

“Really? You’ve known each other forever.”

“Not forever but for a long time.”

They rounded the next corner and the park came into view. Scootaloo ran ahead and climbed up the stairs to the slide. She slid down, crashing into another filly at the bottom. Scootaloo apologized as she helped the other filly to her hooves and they ran off together to play.

“Anthony seems like a decent stallion.” said Cadence looking at other nearby couples.

“You really think so, I guess I hadn’t noticed.”

“As if!!! Your seriously going to try and lie to the princess of love?”

“Alright alright, I do like him. He’s smart, attractive, kind , and caring. He’s everything a mare could ask for.

“So why don’t you ask him?”

“I don’t think he’s interested in me. I’ve read books on love and romance and I just don’t see it from him”

“That’s because you don’t know what your looking for. Love isn’t something you can read about to understand. It’s something you feel from your head to your hooves. It fills you and flows out of you when you admit what it is. I feel it in you Twilight, its there, but you have to let it out. Think with your heart instead of your head for a change. Plus, sometimes the mare needs to make the first move.”

“OOOooooowwwwww.” came the cry from Scootaloo as she crashed into the ground.

Cadence and Twilight ran over to check on the little filly.

“Are you okay.” ask Cadence as she brushed her off.

“Yeah I’m fine I just scraped my knees a little. I’d like you to meet my new friend, this is Ivory Fortune.

Ivory looked up at the two mares using her hoof to block the sun. Her eyes went wide and her mouth hung open as she recognized the two Alicorns standing before her. She attempted her best curtsy as she looked down at the ground.

“It’s alright Ivory, you can stand up. We’re just here to enjoy the day like you.”

“Your friends with Princess Cadence AND Princess Twilight. How cool is that.” said Ivory to Scootaloo.

“I just kinda lucked out I guess.” she replied looking up to the princesses.

“I know what we can do.” said Cadence with a smile. “Tag your it.” she laughed bopping Ivory on the shoulder as she turned and trotted away.

Ivory stood dumbfounded for a second and then a broad smile crossed her face.

“Not for long.” she replied as she started after Scootaloo.

Twilight grinned as she watch the three of them run around the park. Several other ponies looked over in amazement at the princess playing with the two fillies.

“Maybe Cadence is right and I should just say something.” she thought to herself.

After about twenty minutes Cadence walked back over to Twilight breathing heavily.

“I guess huuuhh I need to huuuuh get out and moving a bit more often, these two are wearing me out.”

“Allow me.” said Twilight with a nod. “Who wants ice cream?” she shouted.

“I do.”

“Me to.” came the response as Ivory and Scootaloo galloped towards her.

“That’s cheating.” said Cadence giving her a shove.

After speaking with Ivory’s mother the five of them walked down the road to the ice cream shop.

........

“I bet Dustin would really like some fresh flowers in his room. If we opened the windows the butterflies might even come in.” said Fluttershy.

“I s’pose your right. It’d add a little more color to his room, that’s fer sure. I was thinkin I would find him a deck a cards. Then ya can teach me how ta play that spades game yer always talkin about Adrian.”

“He’d like both I’m sure.” replied Adrian.

“I know, we should get him a get well soon card, and a balloon, and a cake, and maybe....”

“I think a card and a balloon is a great idea Pinkie. We could find a bigger one that has room for all of us to write a little message for him.” said Adrian shaking his head at the hyperactive pony.

“The doctor probably wants to control what he is eating for now. It would be rude to bring in a cake that he couldn’t eat.” remarked Rarity as she looked at a rather fancy dress in a nearby shop window.

Pinkie Pie stopped her bouncing around for a minute to think.

“Yeah your right, it’s a good thing you came with us.”

The group decided to split up to search for the desired items and would meet in the square in one hour. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy headed towards a nearby flower cart as the other three continued on down the street. As they walked Adrian noticed some rather risque lingerie in one of the shops. He stopped and tapped on Apple Jack’s shoulder to get her attention. She turned and looked into the window at what had caught his attention.

“Oh darling, that color would so clash with your mane.” said Rarity causing Apple Jack to blush brightly. “Come by my shop and I promise I could put together something far more...alluring.”

“Sorry Rarity, but havin a friend know that much bout ma private life is kinda awkward.”

“Nonsense Apple Jack, like there are really any secrets between any of us. Perhaps I’ll put a few things together and have them delivered to the farm for you. That way you could pick the one you like, leaving me none the wiser. What do you think Adrian?”

Adrian pulled his shirt collar away from his neck and swallowed nervously.

“I uh, I think, well it, That should be up to Apple Jack and what she’s comfortable with. Is there a place around here I could find a hat AJ?” he stammered trying to take the conversation in a different direction.

“Ya wanna get a hat like mine huh. There’s a place not far from here that sells em, but I gotta whole mess of em at the house you could try.”

“That would be great, but this ones not for me. I was hoping to find one that would fit Dustin, he always wears a hat when he’s off duty. I figured it would be a good gift for him, he’s always sayin he feels naked without one.”

“Hey guys whatcha doin?” came the call from above.

Rainbow Dash flew down and joined the trio.

“Hey Skittles.”

Rainbow Dash glared up at Adrian.

“No dude, just no.”

“But, I thought..”

“No!!!”

Adrian’s shoulder’s slumped in defeat.

“We were just going to find a hat for Dustin care to join us?” asked Rarity.

“You bet I would, how else would I be sure you don’t get him something totally lame.”

Apple Jack took the lead as they made their way through the streets of Canterlot. At the shop Adrian, Rainbow Dash and Rarity argued and argued over which hat would best fit Dustin. Finally, they came to an agreement on a ball cap with embroidered red flames edged with gold thread. Apple Jack bought a deck of playing cards with different action shots of the Wondercolts printed on the back. Rarity found a small box of chocolates as well. Their shopping complete they headed back to the square to meet Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. Adrian stared in wonder as Pinkie Pie floated towards him, a mass of balloons tied to her waist. In her hooves was a rather large card and a small cake.

“Pinkie Pie what happened? I thought you were going to get a balloon, and we agreed on no cake.” said Adrian.

“I was looking at the balloons and I couldn’t decide which one to get. Then I started to worry that I would get the wrong one so I thought I would just get them all. That way I knew I would have at least one that Dustin would like.”

“And the cake?” asked Apple Jack

“Oh the cake is for me.” she replied shoving the entire thing into her mouth in one bite.

“I tried to talk her out of getting all of them.’ mumbled Fluttershy as she walked up. “But you know how Pinkie can get when it comes to decisions.”

They showed each other what they had bought and headed back towards the castle talking and laughing as they went.

.......

Dustin awoke to find he was again alone in his room. He had drifted off to sleep while chatting with Anthony. He grimaced as he tried bending and moving his arms in their full range of motion again.

“This sucks.” he thought to himself as he looked into the lavish bathroom. He had been wrapped in bandages and wearing the same uniform pants for a week. Although this was nothing new in the infantry life, the smell was even starting to bother him.

Once again Nurse RedHeart backed into the room with her cart. Fresh bandages and a plate of food sat upon it.

“Good evening Dustin, she hummed as she approached. “How are you feeling?”

“I don’t suppose you could leave the bandages off for awhile. I’d kinda like to take a bath.”

“I hardly doubt you could walk that far, let alone bath yourself.”

“Isn’t there somepony that could help me out? A unicorn that could lift me to the tub and give me a hoof. What about Sword Dancer he could at least get me into the bathroom.”

“I’m afraid not, he lacks the magical power to lift someone your size for that distance.”

“Perhaps I could be of assistance.” said Luna as she walked into the room. “Nurse remove his bandages and step outside please. I will take care of his request and notify you when we are complete.”

“Yes your highness.” replied RedHeart as she started to uncoil the wrappings around his chest.”

She placed the linen into a small bucket and quietly left the room.

“Luna, we need to talk first. Over the last few weeks I’ve done a lot of thinking. I have to tell you that I’ve fallen in love with you.”

A look of great happiness appeared on Luna’s face at the confession, which faded just as quickly.

“But, you could never see me as an equal, or are you fearful of me. Every time I have taken an interest in a stallion they all fail to see past the crown I wear. They can not see me for who I am, only what I am or once was. I am a mare unlike any other, do I not deserve a chance at love?”

“Luna it’s not like that at all, you deserve love and so much more. That is the issue I have, because I love you and Rainbow Dash. I feel I’m not deserving of either of you. How could I satisfy my own need for love by pushing away one of you. That is a choice I can’t make because hurting either of you would truly break my heart leaving what was left for the other.”

“Then choose both of us.” stated Luna with a serious expression.

“WHAT?”

“If Rainbow Dash agrees we can start our own herd.”

“What? What are you talking about? Your okay with my loving both of you?”

“I take it herding is a foreign concept to you. Here in Equestria mares outnumber stallions nearly eight to one. So herding is a recognized and legal practice of one stallion having multiple marefriends or wives. Some choose to be one mare stallions, such as Mr. Cake but herding is equally acceptable.”

“That’s what you meant when you asked Cadence about her trying to add me to a herd earlier.”

“Precisely.”

“And you’d be willing to start a herd with Rainbow Dash and I?”

“Dustin I have looked into the dreams of both you and your friends. The bond of love you three have is amazing. You would give up your lives to save each other and any innocent pony around you. But, in your dreams I felt the love you have for Rainbow Dash and I. It has the same intensity as the love you feel when you remember your family on earth. It is unwavering and filled with passion. How could I expect to keep that much love and caring all to myself. I would have to lock such a stallion away from everypony else and watch sadly as he died. If you wished to love ten mares I would not object because I know in your heart there would be enough love for us all.”

“I do love you Luna, Will you be mine forever?”

“I will and if you wish I will join you to discuss this matter with Rainbow Dash as well.”

Luna stepped up onto the bed and hugged him. Her cool black fur felt good as it softly pushed against his scarred arms and chest. Dustin reached an arm around Luna’s neck and pulled her head around for a kiss. As their lips met fifteen hundred years of locked up passion and desire was released from within Luna. She sank into him forcing her tongue into his mouth as he pushed back. They kissed as if it was the last time they would share such a precious moment. Dustin could feel his heart pounding in his chest. The intensity of the love they felt for each other was undeniable. In her excitement Luna started to pull Dustin up off the bed towards her causing pain to once again coarse though his body.

“Ooww Oooww Ooww.” he winced pulling himself back. “Gently please.”

“I am sorry, I don’t know what came over me.”

“I don’t know and I don’t care, it was wonderful.”

“I did offer to help you with a bath if you are still interested.”

“You have no idea how good that sounds right now. Especially if I have you there to help me out.”

Luna stood and headed into the bathroom to draw the bath. Dustin laid his head back against the pillow in absolute heaven. He wondered if he was actually unconscious and just experiencing the greatest dream he’d ever had. As he turned in his bed a sharp pain shot up from his rib cage proving he was really awake.

“I hope Rainbow Dash is as open to the idea as Luna.” he thought. “What if she isn’t, she could end up hating me and Luna for this. Maybe I should have talked to her first, but then I may have upset Luna.”

Dustin felt his body become weightless as a dark blue aura enveloped his body lifting him off the bed. Luna carried him into the bathroom and sat him on a large cushioned chair. Luna carefully removed his boots and socks as he reached down and unbuttoned his uniform pants. Gritting his teeth as he tried to push them down. Again the blue aura lent its assistance. Dustin watched Luna mouth the word “Wow” as his pants and boxers slid down to his knees. She worked the clothes off the rest of the way and started to lower him into the waiting tub. The hot water felt wonderful until it splashed back against his scarred flesh. Quickly Luna raised him back up.

“Are you alright? Is the water to hot?”

“No the water is great, it’s just my wounds are still a little sensitive to the heat.”

Luna opened the drain, lowering the water to a more suitable level before setting Dustin back down again.

“That’s perfect. Do you think somepony could wash my clothes while I’m in here?”

Luna picked up the dirty laundry and headed for the door.”

“I’ll be right back. Don’t go running off.” she said with a wink.

She returned with a small round bar of soap and a sponge working them both together to create a thick lather. Gently she washed over Dustin’s chest and arms admiring the details of his muscles. As she got to his hands she looked them over closely.

“I can see where hands could be very beneficial.”

”They are very sensitive to contact. We can feel temperature changes, textures, and pain through out hands. They also allow us to determine how tightly we are grasping something. The mobility of each finger allows us to manipulate small items with relative ease. The down side is they are easily injured.”

“A ponies hooves are somewhat similar. They adjust in hardness depending on what we are doing. If we use them to hold something delicate they actually soften and become more sensitive. When they are used for work and walking they harden considerably to prevent damage or pain. Do your feet work in a similar manner as your hands?”

“Yes they do, but the function more for adjustments for balance and movement. Not so useful for a lot of precise activity without a lot of practice. They can actually be more sensitive then our hands are.”

Luna ran the sponge across the bottom of Dustin’s foot causing him to jerk it away with a laugh.

“Sorry, I’m a bit ticklish.”

Luna smiled and continued with the relaxing sponge bath as Dustin leaned his head back against the edge of the tub.
After soaking in the tub for nearly an hour, Luna left to fetch Dustin’s clothes. She returned and lifted him from the bathtub and again placed him on the nearby chair. Carefully she helped him towel off and redress, then carried him back to his waiting bed. He found that the linens had also been changed while he was bathing. Soon nurse RedHeart came back to wrap his chest and arms again.

“Did you enjoy yourself?” she asked as she sat the plate of food on his lap.

“Yeah, I did. I really needed that.”

“Your friends stopped by, I told them you were bathing, and were not to be disturbed. If you like I can send one of the royal guards to let them know you are finished.”

“No rush, I’m sure they are probably sitting down to eat too.”

Dustin picked up a fork and slid the small bowl of salad a little closer. He speared a pile of greenery and raised it to his mouth, waiting for the pain to start. This time it waited until he had gotten the food into his mouth, and it was not as intense as before.

“See, that hot bath helped out in more ways then one. Thank you for the help Lu Lu.”

Nurse RedHeart gasped at the sudden disrespect of the lunar princess’s name. She looked up at her expecting to see the fires burning in her eyes. She was even more shocked to find a smile across Luna’s face.

“You are welcome Dustin, and trust me the pleasure was all mine.”

Luna leaned forward and kissed him sweetly. RedHeart’s mouth dropped open as she stared in total disbelief at what she was seeing.

“What is wrong Nurse RedHeart? Is a princess not allowed to have a coltfriend?” asked Luna as she raised her head back up.

“No, I mean yes , its just I never, I apologize your Highness I meant no disrespect.” she stuttered in reply.

“It is quite alright. Goodbye my love I fear the sun will be setting soon, so I must prepare to raise the moon.”

“Goodnight Luna you’ll be on my mind until I see you again.”

Luna looked back and smiled again on her way out. As she walked down the hall she ran into Rainbow Dash.

“On your way to see Dustin again?” she asked.

“Yeah, I got sick of waiting for everypony else to finish eating.”

“Can I talk to you for a moment?”

“Sure, I guess.”

“Dustin has expressed to me the love he feels for you and I. He was afraid to ask one of us to be his marefriend, because he didn’t want to hurt either of us.”

Rainbow Dash’s head drooped as she realized what was coming.

“So he asked you didn’t he.”

Luna grinned at the somber looking pegasus.

“Yes he did. However, I told him about herding and that I wished to join you both in starting our own. He has so much love to give to us both I couldn’t dream of keeping a stallion like him to myself. I don’t care how many marefriends he has, as long as I get to be one of them. Is that something you would be willing to consider?”

“That would be AWESOME!” shouted Rainbow Dash as she jumped into the air. “I get to be in a herd with Dustin and the Princess of the Night. Come on, how cool is that.”

“I am glad to hear that you approve. Dustin is alone at the moment why not go and tell him of your decision. I’m sure it will make him most happy.”

Rainbow Dash flashed down the hall and stopped outside the door. Dustin jerked as it slammed open and a very pissed off looking Rainbow Dash stormed in.

“Rainbow Dash whats wrong?” he asked nearing choking on his food.

“So your gonna confess your love to princess Luna and and what? Just hope I’d come along for the ride! What kinda pony do you think I am? You got a lot of nerve to assume I’d be for joining a herd with the likes of you.” she fumed.

“Look Rainbow Dash, I can explain, its just that I”

“Gotcha!” said Rainbow Dash cutting him off with a wicked grin.

“Holy shit Skittles, you scared the crap outta me.”

Rainbow Dash flew up and landed on the bed next to Dustin.

“Princess Luna says you got something to ask me, so get askin.”

“Rainbow Dash will you join our herd?”

“You bet I will. It took you long enough to say something, I was starting to worry you never would.”

“I love you Skittles.” said Dustin as he kissed the sky blue pegasus.

She blushed kissing him back and giggled as she pulled her lips away from his.

“What’s so funny?” he asked.

“That was my first real kiss is all, it made me feel kinda funny all over. You know your my first coltfriend right. I hope everypony else isn’t to jealous of me being in a herd with you and Princess Luna.”

“I don’t think they’ll be to bad, if anything they should be happy for us, they’re our friends after all.”