A Little Vice

The night passed too quickly and I woke as I normally had, only this time with Fleur at my side. I smelled her mane and smiled to myself as I let the scent fill my nostrils. I have to admit to myself soon that I care for her in a way I haven’t cared for another in too many years. I may even love her. But, such affection in such a short amount of time? Less than a week and I have fallen for a mare I would have spat upon before I met her, more for sullying the honor of our tribe than her life path. Now, I wonder if I will ever look down upon another mare of the night again. I haven’t seen another, yet, but when I do what, will I feel? Think? Do? This is almost too much for me to fathom at the moment, so I suppose I shall start my day.

I move her foreleg from my barrel and gently lift her head and start to slip out of her embrace, but she stirs. “Hrrm, Sweetie,” she murmurs, “I love you.” Then she hums and falls back asleep. A smile tugs at my mouth as I finally slip free and replace myself with a couple pillows strategically placed to keep her asleep and comfortable for a while longer. I linger for a full moment and watch her sleep before I brush a few stray hairs from her face with my magic and feel a flutter in my chest as her face is framed beautifully in this moment.

I move back and start my morning routine from choosing my clothes from my wardrobe to breakfast. Grey Withers is unusually quiet this morning, even after reading my overall agenda. “Grey Withers, is everything alright?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Something is amiss… you’re not planning a surprise party for me, are you?” I asked as I took a large bite of redberry muffin.

He was silent for a little too long before he spoke. “I, don’t know if I can help you with your, relaxation activities anymore.”

“Ah, so you are overworked. You may take the rest of the day off with pay, and half of next week… after this weekend, of course.”

A silence I wasn’t expecting fell over the dining room and I looked around to see him staring sorrowfully at me. “Mister Fancy Pants, I’ve been with your family since before you were a colt, but I believe the time has come for me to find a new family to care for.”

“Grey With-” I start with a bit of feigned shock.

“It has been a pleasure and I wish you the best of luck with your life, going forward,” he stammers before he gets up and trots past me.

I will miss him, but he’s doing what’s best for himself. Now, who shall replace him?

A voice from out of sight minutes later gets my attention. “Master?”

I swallow and look over to my left, an unusual thing to do it seems since Grey Withers was always to my right during my morning meal. “Yes?”

“I’d like to take his position,” a younger mare offers.

It has been an unusual day indeed. Love, loss, gain? What should one make of this? “I don’t recall your name, but what qualifications do you have?”

“Wind Rider, Master. I have worked here for several years, since I was a filly, and I’ve made my way from scrubbing pots to now running errands and taking notes for Grey Withers as a secretary, of sorts, Master.”

Wind Rider? What a cliche pegasus name, why don’t they all just have five words about the sky to choose from to make their names? Oh wait, they do. Still, she apparently has ambition and experience. I can take her on at this moment, simply leaving out my personal activities until I can trust her, if ever. Hrm, I now see where I may miss his secrecy and efforts to please me.

“I will decide this evening if you’ll have the position. Consider yourself on trial. you may leave.”

“Y-yes, Master.”

I’m alone again and finish my meal and leave my place setting as it is. I have often wondered who cleans up my place setting. Was it Grey Withers, or perhaps another servant? Someday, I may find out. Today is not that day.

I make for the doorway to the outside and after it’s open I stop suddenly at the threshold. It’s not that I don’t have a pony wishing me a fine day, but that I don’t feel, complete? Is that even the right word? Alone? Empty, is apt as well. I look around me and sigh. No Grey Withers, no Wind Rider behind him. Interesting how I never noticed her; until now, she was a mere shadow behind him for so long.

I need my marefriend.

I backstep and leave the door open as I ascend the staircase and make a stop by a changing room and check the mirrors to make certain I’m presentable before I return to my room and the mare sleeping in my bed. I look at her as I did an hour ago and feel a flutter in my chest as I again stare at her sleeping form.

Gently, I reach a foreleg out and press it to her chest, nudging her slightly. When she doesn’t stir I nudge her again. “Fleur, we must make haste, for I’m running a bit late, darling.”

She hums and squeezes her eyes tight as she yawns while stretching her legs, shivering as her yawn ends. Her eyes open and I look at her smile forming when she sees me.

“Good morning, Fancy Pants. I had a wonderful sleep, did you?”

“With you by my side, the best in years.” My, what did I just say? That was positively romantic impoverization.

“Aww, you’re so sweet. I must use the ladies’ room and then I’ll be along shortly. Is there fruit on the table still or have you not eaten yet?”

“I have eaten and there is still most of breakfast ready and awaiting you. However, I must encourage you to eat fast as I have a social gathering to attend in an hours time nearly at the edge of Canterlot herself.”

She inhales deeply and rolls backwards completely, landing on the floor and all her hooves. “I’ll be quick, meet me just outside.”

“I shall wait for as long as you’ll have me.”

She giggles at my words and I feel my cheeks warm in a rare blush. I wait for her to leave and then follow, skipping the bathroom and going to the front door again, this time I’m able to leave. I wait outside for a short while, taking in the sounds of the city just past my gates.

“Fancy, I’m here and ready to go,” she says. I turn to look at her and have to raise my monocle to my eye at the beauty I behold. This mare is as lovely as ever as she poses, supporting her mane in her hoof.

“Darling, I’m the luckiest stallion in the city to be in your presence. Shall we go?”

“Certainly!” she chirps and closes the door with her magic before trotting to my side and leaning in to kiss me softly on the cheek.

Without a word, for I can find none, we begin our journey to the train station. We make it with time to spare and talk about what to wear for Summer’s End, as it is nearing.

I hear the train approaching before I see it and wait as it arrives. The engine hisses and blows white steam across the platform and I watch as ponies begin to depart. Finally I see the one I was looking for, the one I must take to lunch and then be rid of, hopefully.

“Octavia! It’s so nice to see you again after all this time,” I chime happily and nuzzle her per courtesy, not preference.

“Lord Fancy Pants,” she grins widely as she looks me over. “Yes, it has been a while. Please, take my bag, I’m tired and am ready to relax at the spa.”

I take her bag in my magic and note that it looks more like her musical instrument of choice than a traveling bag. “Spa? I wasn’t aware that was on your itinerary.”

“Yes, well I changed it from what my associate stated. I’ve had a long week and need a massage, as you can understand, I’m sure.”

“Oh, yes, of course I do,” I smile awkwardly. “Had I not been yesterday I certainly would go again, but I’m not yet in need of-”

“I’ll go with her,” Fleur quickly offers.

“Hello, my name is Octavia, and you are?”

“Fleur de Lis, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, shall we go now, or shall I show you around?”

“Fancy, would you mind if we had some mare time? You will have more time to do whatever stallions do to pass the time.”

My smile falters. “You may do as you please, my ladies. I shall meet you in two hours outside the spa nearest the castle.”

“Two and a half, Fancy,” Fleur corrected, “a mare needs time to unwind while being pampered.”

The mares share a warm smile and I nod. “I see no problem with that, and following we shall have lunch?”

“I would love that! Pardon my enthusiasm, but I rarely have time to rest these days,” Octavia starts to walk away with Fleur as I watch. Their voices are quickly drowned out by hoofsteps all around me and then they’re gone.

I then realize I’m still in possession of the cello shaped travel bag and sigh in defeat as I make my way from the platform and to the gentlestallion’s club.

Not a bad place, per se, however watching stallions and mares in hind clothing only, dancing seductively with each other is always enough to embarrass me.

I Do believe I'll skip the private session this time, though.

I make my presence known to the mares as they exit the spa. “Greetings, young mares, have you seen- Oh my! You two are so lovely I could barely recognize you,” I grin to the duo that blush at my words.

“Oh, stop it you,” Octavia sways, walking to me and nuzzling me. Fleur follows suit and adds a kiss to my cheek, then winks to Octavia. They share a giggle and I resist rolling my eyes at their antics.

“Inside joke?” I inquire.

They burst into a giggle fit and I understand the joke is probably at my expense. I care not, so I magic Octavia’s bag into her view and wait until they calm slightly. “Oh, my bag, thank you for keeping it, Fancy. I appreciate it,” she smiles to me warmly.

“How about lunch, ladies? On me.”

“Oh, I’m positively famished. I haven’t had but some berries this morning in my rush to meet you, especially after all the gushing Fancy spoke about.”

I turn away to roll my eyes and make a steady trot as they talk and follow. Shortly, they begin gossipping as though I weren’t there at all and I hear some things about ponies they know that I’d never had known and overall don’t care about either way. We arrive at a nice, cheap cafe for soup and sandwiches. I order a FLT and Octavia follows suit complimenting my taste in sandwiches, but we each order different soups.

Mine is a nice onion cream that compliments the flowers in my flower, lettuce, tomato sandwich quite well, and I watch Fleur enjoy hers as well, while the mud pony uses her fetlock to hold the spoon and leans over her soup like a dog at the bowl for each slurp. She’s refined, for sure, yet there’s something one cannot overcome, and that’s status and class in the hierarchy of Canterlot.

I finish the last of my sandwich by dipping it in the last of the soup and eating it with a smile as the combined flavors tickle my tastebuds in a way I hadn’t expected and I exclaim my enjoyment loud enough to earn a giggle from the mares. “My, I haven’t heard him enjoy food that much, yet.”

I smile to Fleur and nod. “Dear, there are many things you have yet to learn of me and see me do.”

She covers her mouth with her hoof and giggles again. “Fancy Pants, certainly you’re an enigma wrapped in a riddle at times.”

We finish our meal and I feel a change of plans is necessary. “Ladies, would you two care for a walk in the park?” They like the idea and we make way to one of the parks in the district to aid in digestion. Nearly an hour to get there at the pace we move at drags my spirits a bit lower.

“Fancy, what is your thought on Octavia spending the night tonight?” Fleur asks after I don’t know how long we’ve been at the park, but it’s past noon now. I’ve accomplished none of my scheduled tasks and it weighs on me, save for meeting Octavia.

I sigh and look between them as we trot, one mare to each side of me and when my eyes meet Fleur’s I can’t help but feel flutters in my chest again. I feel a smile form on my muzzle and I answer before I can think. “Certainly, darling. We have plenty of space and rooms we rarely use,” I state as we trot.

Did I really just say ‘we’ so casually? I wonder as my gaze returns to the path we’re on. Foals play at a toy, thing that they play on… Ah, playground, that’s the word, and their laughing garners the attention of the mares who trot faster and leave me behind while they begin to talk about how cute the young are. I swear I hear them whispering something about having foals of their own and I roll my eyes. Normally stallions are the ones that have those hopes and dreams, but here in Canterlot stallions have the option to work while the mares stay home.

It’s nice to have that luxury, I believe stallions don’t get the same respect as mares in our society. I recall being mommy’s little prince when I was a colt. She kept buying me new pets when they would run away, or so I told her. There’s a reason I loved her, and it’s because she kept me safe, happy, and supplied with pets to experiment with.

I sit beside the mares as they whisper and giggle, my plans for the day having been put by the wayside by their need to have me… wait, I have no reason to stay, they are more than capable of entertaining each other far better than I can. “Ladies, would you mind if I took my leave? I have an engagement I was hoping to finish before it became too late.”

“Aww, can we come?” Octavia offered. I thought about it.

“It’s merely a Wonderbolts race, nothing tha-”

“Oh! I love the Wonderbolts, and you get to see them race? I simply must to see them, Fleur, let’s go!” I can’t help but smile at both their sudden energy as they prance in place and begin to talk about sports like hoofball and bowling, favorite players and teams from across the lands as we make our way to the stadium. I pay for our tickets with bits from my pocket and place a small bet on Spitfire, as she’s my favorite racer. Something about the dark orange in her mane that reminds of my mother’s eyes.

We cheer politely as the race begins and then watch with reserved cultured calm as the race continues and concludes with Spitfire victorious. The lower classes are cheering like drunken fools while those of us in a higher standing clop a hoof on the railing in approval before talking with one another. “That was a splendid race! I can’t imagine ever flying, though. An earth pony’s place is on the ground, however, I refuse to get dirty,” Octavia states, “it’s quite the conundrum, to be tethered to the ground yet not like it upon your body.”

“Oh, I agree. Imagine being a white coated pony, it only shows all the more and stepping in the water after a rain splashes water up to my knees, and don’t get me started on mud,” she smiles.

“Fleur, that’s so sad. Don’t you know any spells to clean up such a mess?”

“I do, Octavia, however I have to be in a dry place, otherwise it’s a moot point.”

I excuse myself and leave to collect my winnings and then place another bet before I return, this time I place my winnings on Soarin. Never bet on the same winner twice, I’ve learned. I stand and watch as they set up the next race and ignore the mares talking like school fillies behind me, ignoring the race. I don’t understand them, how can they claim to enjoy a sport but pay it no attention? The race begins and concludes with me not winning, but I’ve made up the cost of entry so I take solace in that.

“Ladies, time to go. It’s nearing three in the afternoon already, and I’d like to show Octavia the finer parts of the city.”

They smile to each other and nod. “Let’s go,” they say in unison and giggle to each other.

I see they’re already best friends, it’s nice to see them so close.

I take the lead and make my way to the street where I flag a taxi. I shan’t wear my hooves down anymore today. We climb into the taxi and inform the mud pony pulling us that we’d like a tour of the city. She agrees and takes us to the most notable places and historic buildings and I tell the story of them while Fleur takes the lead on shopping and eateries.

I also make certain to pay the driver twice what the tab is, because she did a very good job and kept a great pace.

The sun is nearly ready to set when we arrive back home and I lead the mares inside. I prepare to call for Grey Withers when I recall he quit this morning. “Fancy, where’s Grey Withers, I thought he greeted you when you arrived at home?”

I tell them about his resignation and they express their sorrow at his choice and I can’t help but wonder what will happen in the future. I don’t recall the mare that offered to replace him until I see her out of the corner of my eye. “Ah, Wind Rider, are you ready to take the reigns of Grey Withers?”

The mares look over and take in the sight of the nervous mare making her way to us. “Yes, Master, how can I serve you?”

‘A pegasus?’ Fleur mouths to me and I nod in reply.

“Wind Rider, please have supper started at once and we’ll take our bath immediately following. Have a bed made up for our guest here at once. I’ll take a coffee in the morning with some salt, and I’m feeling adventurous so I’ll have an omlette with my breakfast tomorrow. I expect the same options as usual in the same proportions,” I began as I levitated my overcoat off myself and tossed it to the pegasus who was obviously overwhelmed, which is my goal.

I continue to ramble about what I’d like in as much detail as I can while we make our way to the library and finish with telling her to prepare my itinerary for tomorrow as I close the doors behind Octavia with a flourish of my mane and a dashing smile to add to the new mare’s intimidation.

“My, was that necessary, Fancy?” Octavia asks.

“Of course. If she wishes to jump into such mighty horseshoes she has to be ready for everything. She will panic and we will see how she handles it, however most of the staff already knows the routine and won’t offer her aid because of her enthusiasm. If she survives the rest of the week, I’ll consider paying her more for the part, as well.”

The mares giggle. “You’re not paying her to be your senior assistant?”

“She never asked for pay, simply the job itself. She’ll see a very significant raise, should she succeed to fulfill half of what Grey Withers had to offer, should she negotiate such,” I wink before I turn to my desk and move two large pillows for the mares to rest on while they read books of their choosing while I take the medical book I most recently aquired out and begin to study terms and locations parts of the pony body.

The primary functions of the pony endocrine system? I, don’t believe I need this. Where are the internal organs and approximate locations? Nervous system? Muscle patterns? Blood flow, maybe... I thought I bookmarked the pages. Ah, here we are, page 322, introduction to processes of internal workings of equine biology.

Equine biology is as complex as it is efficient for processing an herbivore diet with minimal animal meat protein tolerance…

My eyes widen as I read on and find out I can actually eat a small amount of actual meat before I risk illness. Having never known anything beyond fish as the mightiest of meats, I now had a desire to visit a gryphon shop in town and try some animal meat. I imagine it will be better than the soy proteins we eat so often, and with more variety all animals may taste different as well.

We all read our respective books on our own in silence, save for the rapid turning of pages on my part as I can not seem to read enough before there’s a knock at the door. “Come in,” I call suddenly, loudly, and watch the door open quickly and the pegasus that wishes to be my assistant hovering and out of breath.

“S-supper is, ready, Master,” she pants and then turns to fly away before telling us where and wishing us a fine meal, among other simple courtesies I’ve come to call normal. I snort as I rise and trot around the desk, putting away my book in the top drawer before I go too far.

“Come, ladies, it seems the stress has begun to take its toll on her and we’re in for a treat.”

Fleur claps her hooves together and giggles. “Dinner and a show.”

“Oh, it’s been ages,” Octavia adds as they follow me out. I catch a glimpse of the pegasus’ tail turning a corner as we make our way to the dining hall. The table is set, but there are no cups of fruit juice on the table. Strike one. I take my seat and quickly move my spoon to the floor under the table and the mares each hide a utensil themselves. With a sly nod we wait for Wind Rider to arrive and we don’t need to wait long as she trots in and bows to me.

“Master, I apologize for the delay, your meal is coming right n-” she stops as she looks at the place settings and covers her mouth with a hoof. “I’ll be right back,” she says hopping into the air and flying quickly from the room. Before I can make a comment I hear her voice from the kitchen, and she is upset.

The three of us look to each other and she returns from around the corner with replacement cutlery and silverware for what we had ‘misplaced’. “I apologize, ladies and Master, I believe I’m being tested of my skills and abilities by the whole staff today,” she exhales as she finishes setting the last spoon before me. She claps her hooves together and a unicorn servant enters the room with a pitcher of juice and three cups on a silver tray.

I look to the mares and nod with them subtlely our approval of Wind Rider’s ability. We begin talking of our day and eating while Wind Rider takes charge of the meal in hushed orders and whispers to the staff that are now below her authority. I can see they dislike her at the moment, but they’ll warm up to her in time.

Supper is over within an hour and we spend another talking. I must say, I enjoy the company of Octavia more than I ever had before. Perhaps she’s not just a mud pony… regardless of what I may feel she does have redeeming qualities, and Fleur has taken to her quite quickly. I take a moment to listen to the talk and feel myself so smitten over Fleur that I can’t take my eyes off her.

Wind Rider trots into the room and collects out plates. “Will there be anything else, Sir?”

My blood boils at her usage of my title. The mares glance at me and smirk before returning to their conversation, ears pointed to me to hear what I’m to say. “Wind Rider?” I ask with masterful restraint.

“Yeah, dude?” Her eyes widen and she covers her mouth in shock.

My eyes narrow as I look at her. “You have yet earned the privilege to call me that.”

“S-sir?”

“Leave, now.”

“As you wish,” she bows lightly.

I grumble as a desire to pluck every feather from the mares wings almost comes to fruition. The thought of her begging me to stop relaxes me and I gather spells before I hear filly like whispers. “Oh, somepony is staring at you,” I hear Octavia whisper loudly to my beloved, who then glances to me and giggles.

“I say, you two are certainly in good spirits,” I say to break the moment of rage and embarrassment I have trotted into, “perhaps a bath and then bed?”

Octavia claps her hooves together and grins. “I do so need a bath to end such a fine day with friends. Will it be with all of us?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t have it any other way! We must have a bath together, right, Fancy?”

I gulp at the prospect of sharing a bath with a mud pony, but if it will please Fleur. “Indeed. Regardless, a bath a day keeps the doctor away.”

Half an hour later we’re undressed in the bathroom and the tub is filled three quarters with hot water, scented with herbs and flora that are designed to relax the body and mind. Octavia, being the guest, is allowed to enter first, followed by Fleur then I. “Ah, it’s perfect. Another point to Wind, I must say.”

“Quite, it’s a wonder you doubted her at all in the first place. What was with your reaction earlier, we were wondering.”

“Well, Fleur, after nearly a lifetime with Grey Withers, I had little choice but to replace him with another. It was simply fortunate she came along at the right moment, however as a Lord of the eastern lands of Equestria I simply require my servants to call me Master, as I am so far above them, you understand. None mind, mind you, regardless if they did I would require it from any that I don’t hold respect for.”

Fleur smiles with her eyes closed as she sinks into the water. “Ah, yes. I completely understand, as I don’t offer respect, it must be earned.”

“Indeed,” Octavia adds with a nod. She submerges herself and reemerges, a content smile on her face and her mane flowing freely.

Fleur peeks an eye open and looks at the mare. “Octavia, we have a full supply of mane care products. I’ve made certain of it. You’re more than welcome to them, followed by a fine grooming to relax every muscle under your skin.”

Octavia hums. “Miss Fleur, that sounds amazing. Are there assistants that are to help me, or shall I groom myself?”

“Oh, I’m certain there’s at least one servant here who would be willing to help, right, Fancy?”

“Hrm? Oh, yes, indeed. I’ll arrange for it once we’re finished here. She’ll meet you in your room soon after.”

“May I request a stallion to groom me?”

Fleur gasps in mock surprise. “Octavia, you tease! I know what you’re thinking.”

“A mare must relax every part of her body before a concert is what I believe, inside and out.”

Fleur giggles loudly. “Your concert isn’t for two more days.”

“Then I’ll have to have a stallion groom me each of them,” she said casually, then opened her eyes and blushed fiercely. “Ah, Fancy, I forgot you were there for a moment, please accept my apologies.”

I smirk to her and slide myself under the water, the feeling of warm water flooding into my ears is wonderful. I emerge and wipe my eyes on my posterns. “I apologize, I was underwater and wasn’t listening.”

“A gentlecolt always,” Fleur compliments me. I nod once and relax myself in the water as Fleur moves some shampoo to Octavia and begins assisting in her bathing. I can barely await my turn to feel her hooves and magic on my body.

I wait and feel hooves against my barrel and smile as they start massaging my fur and I lean back, letting the feeling clear my mind. I feel myself unsheathing and don’t mind until I hear a gasp that isn’t Fleur. With surprise I open my eyes to see Octavia, her muzzle inches from my mine and a sultry look in her eyes.

“I think he likes me,” she says breathily. I look over to Fleur, who’s smiling deviously as this earth pony cleans me, my rod pressing into her abdomen. “I wonder how much,” she leans forward and presses her lips to mine. Never had I imagined I would touch lips with the lowest class of pony, but it’s not a bad experience.

It is nearly upsetting when Fleur breaks the kiss with a force of magic. “Now, now. He’s mine and I’ll decide when to share him, and the bath isn’t the place. Now, let’s both wash my darling before we go to our separate bedrooms for the evening.

I’ve never been subject to such embarrassment in the bath in my life. However, it was overshadowed by being washed by two mares. Fleur taking care of my underbody while Octavia washed my back and sides. My reproductive parts seemed to be fair game to them both and I felt my primal urges growing until they finished. Then it was Fleur’s turn. Her lips pressed to mine when I started shampooing her mane and then she freely kissed Octavia, her forelegs draping over the other mare’s and moving her hooves below the water.

I can only imagine what mares may typically do when they bathe at this point. Is this a common occurrence or simply a show for me? Gratitude, perhaps? I care not as my urges take over and I move behind the earth pony mare and hitch my forelegs to her hips. She doesn’t resist as I press my rod against her, only to feel a hoof stroke my shaft. It’s not Octavia’s.

I’m guided inside the grey pony by my darling and their kissing becomes inflamed and passionate. The more I thrust inside this mare the more they both begin to pant and moan. So much for the bath being a special place for Fleur and I.

We switch positions so I’m between them and Fleur guides Octavia onto me, easily taking me inside her to the hilt, only facing me in an awkward display of affection. The mares spend enough time nuzzling and biting me that I reach my climax and spray my unfettered seed inside the mare holding me against my darling, Fleur.

The grey mare rides me faster, her hooves against my chest is a most unusual feeling as she bares her teeth and grunts, grinding slower and harder against my loins before exhaling a hard breath and giggling. “Wow, that was amazing, Fleur,” she says as she leans in and nuzzles my cheek.

“I told you he was. And you didn’t believe me,” I can hear Fleur whine slightly.

Octavia removes herself from me and the water is colored briefly white with my seed that spills from her. “It’s not that I didn’t believe you, it’s that I expected more of a fight.”

Fleur pushes me slightly so I’m off her and I now notice my tail was between her legs. She shudders as I pull it free and realize she was having fun as well. “No, he’s a stallion and we’re two mature, ample mares. It’s only natural that--”

I tune them out as I realize I was merely a tool and they’re talking about me as such. Normally I might take offense, however this time I don’t mind. I can be used like this, on occassion, I suppose.”