Harshwhinny and the Human: Redux

by Rustic_King

Rating: mature
Tags: Sex, Human, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Other, Romance, Ms. Harshwhinny
Length: 5815

James McTavish finds out how harsh the civil service can be in Equestria

James McTavish is on a Personnel exchange programme between the governments of the UK and Equestria. His new boss is Harsh by name and by nature! But as he finds out, a little harshness can be good for you!

A re-write/retcon or expansion of an older work. The older story can be read on it's own merits, but this version has more backstory and characterisation.
Cover art used by kind permission of Pusspuss

Published 2017-07-29 02:40:06 UTC
Last updated 2017-08-05 23:40:11 UTC

Some harsh love

Mondays are the worst day of the week, in fact I'd go so far as to say that Mondays are the worst thing to have ever existed. Wednesdays are great because it's pay day, and Friday, is the start of the weekend. But Mondays? Just the start of another five days hard work. That said, not all Mondays are created equal. Some are better, and some are worse – one particular Monday was one of those outliers.

I suppose I should explain myself and my dislike of Mondays. My name is James “Jim” McTavish and for the past year I'd been working for the Equestrian Government as part of a personnel exchange programme between Britain and Equestria. I was assigned to a mare by the name of Ms. Harshwhinny who worked in their equivalent of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport. She was a real taskmaster and very prim and proper. That, combined with her plummy accent, the way her mouth moved as she spoke and her pert rump, always got me thinking of her in ways I wouldn't have liked her to know about. For her part she always seemed so remote, calling me “Mr the Human” instead of Mr McTavish and certainly not James.

The morning in question had gone by so slowly I thought that lunch time would never arrive, but eventually, the clock hands crept to the twelve O'clock position. Just as I was putting on my jacket, I heard a familiar throat clearing noise.

'Ah, Mr the Human.' I turned around to see Harshwhinny had left her office

'Ms Harshwhinny, what can I do for you? I was about to go for lunch but if you need me for something, I can spare a few minutes.' I asked in a respectful tone

She gave me a quick scan from top to bottom before replying.

'Oh, no there's nothing – for now. I just wanted to see how you were getting on with those reports but go have lunch. But ah – do fix those trousers, they're a bit untidy.'

I looked down, and my trousers were indeed all bunched up from sitting at a desk all day. I was most embarrassed to see that there was a rather obvious bulge to the front, which I hastened to amend.

'Better!' Ms. Harshwhinny said, giving me another appraising look '- But I hope you won't mind me saying so, but you should probably switch to looser undergarments, they present a more professional appearance. And I read that they are better for Human males.'

'Yes Ma'am, I'll switch to boxers starting tomorrow.' I replied, wondering where she read that boxer were better, and how.

For the rest of the day everything seemed to go as normal, Ms. Harshwhinny stayed in her office and only left to visit a different department at about three. I worked steadily through a report into a select committee's findings on the possibility of holding a sports competition where Humans and Ponies competed against each other. By the end of the day I was both bored and tired – a combination which led my mind to wander, and my eyes to droop. Mercifully, when I snapped out of my daze it was nearly quitting time, and there was no sign of Harshwhinny.

The next few months were likewise unremarkable – a never ending pile of paperwork to do, reports to write, letters to send and on-and-on with the drudgery of civil service. The only thing that broke up the monotony was Ms. Harshwhinny making repeated comments on my “professional appearance” such as “Don't wear that cologne. " "That tie doesn't suit you.” or “You need a haircut!” and “Get more sleep!” Like I said, she was a real taskmaster.

I was equal parts relieved and saddened when the exchange period was over. I finished work on that last Friday with great reluctance, and yet I looked forward to totally unwinding on the weekend. Which of course I did, getting blind drunk after months of restraint. The next week was the start of my year long sabbatical, and I planned to start enjoying it as soon as possible. That meant no more suits, sleeping in late and best of all being able to use my natural Scots accent instead of the more formal Edinburgh accent I learnt at the university there.

THUMP. THUMP. THUMP.

Three loud bangs echoed like artillery fire thoroughly waking me from my rest

I groaned and looked at my bedside clock – it was half nine already!

'Mr The Human! I know you are in there so open up this instant!' came the muffled but strident voice of Ms. Harshwhinny

'Shit, shit, shit!' I thought, panicking 'What is she doing here?'

You see, it was summer and it was damn hot at night, so I slept naked to keep cool.

'Be with you in just a tick!' I yelled, casting about for something – anything to wear

In desperation, I fastened a bed sheet into a crude toga and headed to the bungalow door.
'Ms. Harshwinny! So sorry to keep you waiting, I was having trouble finding something to wear!' I said in what I hoped was a winsome voice

'I noticed.' she replied dryly 'Tell me, do you think a semitransparent bed sheet is appropriate attire when meeting with your former boss?'

'What?' I said blankly

Her eyes drifted downwards, and with a demure cough and slight motion of her head I clicked on to her meaning.
My wedding tackle was all too clearly visible through the thin cotton sheet.

'Oh cock! I'll go get some real clothes on!' cringing internally as realised that I made a double entendre

She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply through her nostrils before sighing in exasperation

'There's no time for that! I'm a very busy mare – truth be told I shouldn't have even come here today. Just take a seat and cover your... self as best you can.

Seeing as her face was red with anger, I did as I was told as she took a seat opposite me

'So why are you here? I thought you were taking this week off ?' I asked her

'I had forgotten that you need to fill in this questionnaire about the exchange programme. Ordinarily I'd just post it, but I was in the neighbourhood so I thought I may as well have you fill it in and wait.'

Shrugging my shoulders, I took the clipboard from her and began filling in the forms. It was all the usual stuff “on a scale of one to ten, rate your satisfaction” and “What could be done to improve the programme?” typical useless HR crap. All totally normal and above board – until I got to the last page.

'Ms. Harshwhinny, this is – well it's a crude drawing of a Human penis, yourself and love hearts with the words “Put a foal inside me now!” and “now” is in all capitals and underlined – twice.'

'Oh! Hahaha, how did that get there?' she laughed nervously 'One of my staff must have put that in there as a joke! Please ignore it. Here, I'll dispose of it.' And with that, she snatched the clipboard from my hands.

'But it's your writing.' I said but she pretended not to hear me.

'Well then, this all seems to be in order, I'll be going now, thank you for your time.'

Just as she was getting up to leave, the wind changed bringing a waft of cool air to my back

Ms. Harshwinny immediately wrinkled her nose

'What in Equestria is that smell?' she protested

I tested my armpit – it was pretty ripe

'Ah, that'll be me I'm afraid, I got rather sweaty last night.'

'I had no idea human males could smell...' she paused, swallowing hard ' so strong! Almost like a..a'

'Like a what?' I enquired, thinking she was going to say “an animal” or “a monkey”.

'I.. Oh, my, look at the time! I really do have to be going! Well, Mr The Human, you seem to be doing well so goodbye!' she gushed before bolting for the exit

'Oi! Hang on a bloody minute!' I cried, chasing after her

Just as I had almost caught up to her, a series of unfortunate events happened.

First, my foot caught on the trailing edge of my makeshift toga, causing me to loose my balance. Having stepped on the aforementioned toga, caused the loose knot to come undone. Not wanting to expose myself I made a wild attempt to grab the falling sheet, which threw me completely off-balance, sending me crashing to the floor.

I landed spread-eagled beside a red-faced Ms.Harshwhinny.

She looked down at me with that same cold, unemotional expression, and I think for sure she was furious inside. Before I could move or even open my mouth to speak she was on top of me, her weight bearing down on me.

'Ms. Harshwhinny, what the – MPHH!'

She silenced me with a kiss.

At first I was so in shock that she was kissing me that I didn't notice her tongue writhing around like – well I'm sure you know what a passionate French kiss feels like.

After a while, she broke off the kiss with an audible gasp and looked down at me in undisguised lust

'Do you mind explaining just what the hell you're doing?' I asked

'It's very simple Mr The Human, I am in heat, you are a male and I am going to get bred whether you like it or not!

'Well I don't like it! You're a Pony, and I'm a Human! There's no way I'm going to get it up for you.' I lied

'We'll see about that.' she growled

'The heck are you -' I began to ask

She backed herself up until our hips were aligned and then she began grinding herself on my flaccid member. My body reacted honestly even if I didn't, and before long I was fully erect.

'I thought so, now Mr The Human let us cut to the chase shall we?'

'What about “professionalism” Ms. Harshwhinny?'

'Oh to Tartarus with “professionalism”, I need this!' she replied throatily

'What, N-ahh!' I gasped as she impaled herself on my member

She was unbelievably tight and wet, and the walls of her cunt squeezed as she slid herself down. I tried to move, but she pushed me down remorselessly.

'Just stay still!' she insisted huskily

And that said, she started to ride me with abandon. Her fore-hooves were planted firmly on my chest, and her rear end slammed down with each thrust.

'Sweet Celestia, how I've dreamt of this!' she hissed through gritted teeth

Her face was contorted in lust, eyes half lidded and ears pinned back. In spite of myself I could not help finding the sight incredibly arousing.

'I felt you get even bigger! Mr The Human, are you cuming?' she trilled

'I, please – I can't!' I begged, trying to prevent the inevitable

She gave me a wicked grin and I felt her pussy flex in waves as she continued to fuck me.

'Yes, give it to me Human!' she cooed triumphantly as I let out a shuddering gasp, and my hips rose as jet after jet of man-seed sprayed her cervix as waves of contractions milked all the cum out of me

At this point, my mind was reeling.

'Oh man, did I, I mean we? Yep, she just fucked me, yep I had sex with a pony.'

Once my cock slipped out of her, she sighed contentedly, and rolled off me, panting heavily.

After taking a few moments to gather my strength, I stood up. With wobbly, lurching steps I made my way to the bathroom.

Eyes on the Prize

My mind was a maelstrom of confusion, and I had to rest my hands on the vanity to keep myself upright. I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths to calm myself before I was ready look at myself in the mirror. In addition to my aching hips and back, two hoof shaped bruises were blooming on my chest.

Sighing, I decided to take a cold shower in an attempt to reinvigorate myself. Thankfully it also had the added effect of soothing my aching body.

I was interrupted in my towelling off by a familiar throat clearing noise, and I turn to see a rather embarrassed Ms. Harshwhinny

'What now?' I asked warily

'I just wanted to... apologize for my earlier behaviour.' she said, in a small voice

'And so you should! My back and hips ache like hell, and look at ma chest!' I yelled, my natural accent starting to assert itself in my anger

Her ears flattened, and she flinched at the anger in my voice.

'I'm – it's just that I'm in heat, and I'm getting older so I don't know how many more I'll have and I want foals. And I know that's no excuse but I really do love you.'

She said all this without pausing for breath and as one long string of words.

'So ye thought ye'd rape me?' I replied, crossing my arms

'No!' she exclaimed sadly 'The truth is that after spending all this time with you, I have ended up with an attraction to you. It may sound pathetic, but this past year has been the best in a long time. '

In spite of myself, I felt my anger melt away – she looked so dejected and embarrassed.

'Ms. Harshwhinny, I had nae idea. So, all those times you chided me for eating junk food, or not sleeping enough or wearing ill-fitting clothes – that was actually your way of showing an interest? I just thought you were a micro-manager overly obsessed with her employees appearance.'

'Yes, well professionalism you know.' she replied 'It would have been highly improper for me to have openly expressed my true feelings – though Celestia knows it was hard to restrain myself some days.'

'Look,' I said, kneeling in front of her ' - I actually feel the same way about you. But I need you to know that I'm still pretty upset.'

'Of course, I would be too. However can I make it up to you?'

'How about if you let me take the lead this time?' I said matter of factly

' I - “this time” do you mean to say?'

'Yes, I'm saying I want to make love to you this time.' I replied, caressing her face.

It was then that I heard a soft sort of “plop” sound, at which Ms. Harshwhinny turned bright red.

'Is – is that what I think it was?' I asked

She nodded, highly mortified

'Can I see it? You may not believe it, but in all my time here I've never actually got a good look at that part of a mare.'

Still blushing furiously, she turned around, spread her hind legs and squatted slightly as she swished her tail to one side.

This gave me my first look at an Equestrians private area. It was virtually identical to a mare from Earth, except the skin was the same colour as her fur. Her pussy had the intricate folds on her labia which led upwards to the large, doughnut-like anus under her dock. Nestled between her hind legs were her teats, scarce more than bee-stings. Intrigued, I reached out and touched her rump. I felt her shiver at my touch, and I watched as her clit poked in and out twice in quick succession making the same soft plop sound.

'Wow, that's pretty damn sexy!' I murmured, as I ran my hands across her firm rump

Her clit winked again, and this time she released a short stream of urine.

'Ahh, I'm sorry, it's just – when mares get excited we pee to entice the stallion. I tried to hold it in but was too late.'

The smell of her piss filled my nostrils, and I found that it had a surprisingly pleasant aroma.

'It's fine, if you want to pee, then I won't stop you.' I said gently

She turned to me with a nervous expression, 'Are you sure?'

I nodded empathetically, and was rewarded with an embarrassed smile.

As she looked back at me in a mix of embarrassment and lust, she let loose a thick stream of urine.

The smell, a thousandfold stronger than before hit me like a sledgehammer. A small but insistent voice in my head urged me to taste it, and I moved to obey.

From the first taste I was hooked! Whether it was something normal or if was to do with her heat I didn't know or care, all I knew was that it was amazing. The nearest I can compare it to is mulled wine. It was sweet, with a tangy kick to it as well. Soon the flow began to slow, and like a man at a dessert oasis, I followed to drink as much as possible.

Ms. Harshwhinny let out a contented sigh as she finished with a shiver.

'Now are you going to do as you promised? I still need to M-ahh!'

Her sentence was cut off by the fact that I had just grabbed her flanks and buried my face in her rear. Like a madman, I lapped at her pussy, savouring the mingled tastes and scents. I licked every crevice my tongue could find. With my hands, I reached between her hind legs, and find the little lumps that were her teats. Her arousal was all too clear, as they were stiff to the touch, and her breath caught in her throat as I gently played with them.

'Oh, Mr. the Human!!' she shouted in a mixture of exasperation and exhilaration

I redoubled my efforts, timing my assault with her now constant winking, sometimes sucking on her heart-shaped clit before it retreated.

Soon, all she could say was “Oh” at increasingly shorter intervals and louder decibels. Before too long, she was shaking, and her left hoof was stomping on the tiles.

'Ohhhh!' she practically screamed as she came, pussy walls convulsing, and clit winking like mad

Thankfully all her piss had gone down the shower drain, as she collapsed in a heap breathing heavily.

Still naked, I carried her to my bedroom. Once there, I began to undress her.

As I unbuttoned her business jacket I wondered at why – in a society of practical nudists, she always wore clothes.

With a gentle tug, I finally succeeded in getting her turtle-neck off.

'OK Ms. Harshwhinny, are you ready for the second half?' I asked

'Goldcup.' she murmured dreamily

'Sorry, what?'

'Use my name, please. Call me Goldcup.'

'Goldcup; a beautiful name for a beautiful mare' I said honestly

She beamed at that compliment, and buried her face into my chest.

'Well Goldcup, since we're on first name basis now, I think it only fair you use mine. Call me James.'

'James' she echoed, with genuine a look of happiness at using my real name

'Yes Goldcup?'

'Please, make love to me. I need it, so much.'

'Whatever you say Miss!' I said, pecking her on the muzzle before getting behind her

She already had her tail tucked out of the way, but she fidgeted slightly in an attempt to give me better access. At this point, I was at full mast, and there was a growing ache in my daddy-bags. So without any hesitation I hilted myself in her love-tunnel.

Goldcup moaned her approval, 'Ahhh, yes!'

I wouldn't have thought it possible, but she felt better than before! The more primitive part of my brain took over.

'Breed! Claim this womb, make her carry your seed!' it yelled, and my hips obeyed

'James, oh Celestia yes!' Goldcup cried in ecstasy as I pounded away at her

I was all but lost in the moment, but through the haze of lust, I remembered that this supposed to be love-making.

'I love you Goldcup, I love you so much!' I gasped out

'And I – AH – love you!' she moaned in reply

Feeling my climax approaching, I leaned over and nibbled her ear gently

'Oh, James, I'm so close!' she breathed

'Me too, don't hold back!' I told her

And like two waves crashing together, we came within seconds of each other. She with a drawn out moan, and I with a guttural grunt buried as deep as possible inside her sucking cunt. Eventually I pulled out and collapsed next to her.

'Goldcup?' I asked after a few seconds

'James?' came the breathless reply

'So where do we go from here? Are we – well are we “mates” in the way it's used here?'

'I don't know. I mean if you want to, I'd be honoured but for now I'm just content to have what we have without putting a name to it.'

'Well alright then, who would have thought it eh? The posh Earth pony, and the working class Human.' I said, cuddling up to her

We must have both drifted off because when I next opened my eyes, We were snuggled together, and she had the most perfectly serene expression I'd ever seen. In confusion, I rolled over and looked at my clock to see that the time is one in the afternoon.

Gently, I tried to wake Goldcup.

'Huh?' she moaned sleepily

'Wake up, we've been asleep for over an hour.' I whispered softly

'What?' she shrieked

She moved like greased lightning, picking up her dropped clothes

'Oh, I'm going to be late getting back! I'll have to think of an excuse! I'm sorry James, I have to go back to my office and file that questionnaire!'

'Hey, hey - I understand. Go, take a shower, make yourself presentable and then go do what has to be done.' I said sympathetically

'Thank you James – for everything.' she replied with a wan smile

Fifteen minutes later, she was showered, and dressed again. If I didn't know, I would have never guessed that she had just had a couple of hours of strenuous sexual activity.

She gave me a quick peck on the cheek before dashing for the railway station.

As I watched her run, I felt a warm glow fill me. I felt happier than I have in over a year, and I have my new lover to thank for that.

Yes, Minister: A private debriefing

That evening I was pleasantly surprised when Goldcup turned up on my doorstep with a small suitcase in tow.

'I've decided to stay at your place until my heat passes – just in case the last two times weren't enough. And – because I'd miss you too much.' she said bashfully as I let her in

'Well, I'm glad you're here, and your timing is perfect. I was just about to start making dinner. Would you like me to make it a meal for two, or have you already eaten?'

Her ears perked up at the mention of me cooking a dinner.

'What are you making? I'd love to eat your cooking, but I don't eat meat. '

'I'm cooking up a vegetarian quiche, so don't worry, no meat on the menu tonight.' I assured her.

'That sounds wonderful, if you don't mind, I'm just going to rest on your couch here.'

'Not at all! I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything.' I said, rolling up my sleeves

I was just adding the filling to the quiche when Goldcup came into the kitchen, with a flushed look on her face, and she was breathing raggedly.

'Goldcup? Are ye all right?' I asked cautiously

She made no answer, but instead walked right up to me and planted her face right in my crotch.

'Err, Goldcup? What are you doing?' I asked, as if I didn't know

She shushed me, then inhaled deeply through her nose, and let out a satisfied moan.

'Goldcup, love? Listen, I know you're still in heat, but can you wait until I'm finished making dinner?'

'No.' came the drawn out reply as she gently nuzzled my junk

'There's no winning with you is there?' I sighed, even as I felt myself get hard

After a few more moments of deep breaths and nuzzling, Goldcup bit the waistband of my trousers and started tugging with growing impatience. I knew there was no way she'd stop until there were off so I decided to undo the button and zip myself before she either ripped them or hurt herself. She lost no time in pulling my briefs down, freeing my semi-erect member. Without hesitation, she slipped the crown into her mouth and began sucking. At first she teased the head, with short, slow movements, combined with occasional swirls of her broad tongue. She took more and more of my cock in her mouth until I totally engulfed in that warm, wet muzzle.

I don't know how I did it, but I managed to finish the quiche even while she was doing her best to distract me.

'Goldcup, honey, I know you're sort of busy right at the minute, but I really need to put this in the oven now.' I said

When that didn't work, I gently tapped her on the head to get her attention before repeating myself.

With great reluctance, she pulled off me. Knowing that I wasn't getting out of the kitchen without soothing her heat, I stepped out of my trousers and underwear, balled them up and tossed them into the laundry, which was directly adjacent to the kitchen. Goldcup let out an impatient whine while I put the quiche in the oven. When I turned around, she had put herself head down, rear up right in front of me. My lust had been brought to boiling point by Goldcups' enthusiastic blow-job, and the sight of her perfect haunches, and her soaking wet mare pussy winking at me was more than enough to cause my desire to boil over.

I grabbed her hips, got into position and pulled her onto my eager prick, letting out a low growl as I felt her pussy pull me deeper into her. As I started thrusting, I marvelled at how tight and wet she was for a mare her age. I was in heaven, and the only thing I cared about was ploughing her silky smooth snatch. For her part, Goldcup seemed to be in bliss. Her mouth hung open and she was moaning with ever increasing lust. As a Human, I may have had far more staying power than a stallion, but after only a few minutes, I could feel my impending release, and my thrusts became more frantic and then, with an animistic grunt, I buried myself to the root, and blasted my seed right at her cervix.

Thankfully for our dinner and myself, that seemed to sate her libido until we went to bed. As soon as I slipped under the sheets, she snuggled up to me and insisted I hug her from behind. It wasn't long before she began try to get me to make a move on her by rubbing herself on me. Needless to say, she was successful, and we engaged in a slow, sensual spooning before sinking into a blissful slumber.

In the morning, we were lying in bed, in the same position we fell asleep in. It was an idyllic scene with gentle sunlight streaming through a gap in the curtains, and birds chirping in the tress outside. We didn't want to get up and were content to simply bask in each others presence.

'James, can I ask you something?' Goldcup asked abruptly

'Huh, of course ye' can.' I replied, stroking her mane absent mindedly

'Can I move in with you? On a permanent basis? I don't like the idea of us living apart.'

'I'd like that. Move in whenever you like, I'll get another key cut today.'

'Wonderful! Oh James, thank you – for everything.' she gushed, overwrought with emotion

I shushed her and planted a kiss on the side of her neck, eliciting a girlish giggle from her.

And so, within a fortnight, she had sold her tiny one bedroom apartment and moved in with me.

Wee bonny bairns

'Mr The Human!' Even though we were lovers now, she still liked to call me “Mr The Human” as her favourite term of endearment. We had become more relaxed around each other to the point where she opened up emotionally with me, and I used more Scots with her, though she sometimes needed a translation.

'In here, mo chridhe.' I called back from the sofa

It had been almost five weeks since we became lovers, and they'd been the best weeks of my life. Goldcup had finalised the sale of her apartment, and was now living with me full time. Her heat had ended, and we were waiting to see if she was pregnant.

'So, how's my wee lass?' I asked as she slumped down next to me

'Fine.' came the terse reply

I put my arm around her, and instantly I could tell something was off. She normally relaxed around me, but that evening, she remained cold and withdrawn.

'Love, what's wrong?' I asked gently

She gave me a questioning look, fear and hesitation in her eyes

'I'm late.' she replied quietly

'No, you came home exactly on half five, same as always.' I told her

'James! I mean late, late.' she whined

'D'ye mean?' I asked, realisation creeping in

'Yes, I should have had my next heat by now, I think I might be pregnant.' she whispered

'Oh, my wee lass, don't fret.' I replied stroking the back of her neck

'You're not mad?' she asked tearfully

'An' why would I be?' I asked

'Because we've only been together a short time. And pregnancy isn't always assured with Humans and Ponies. I thought for sure you'd accuse me of breeding with some random stallion!'

'Aye, I might have – if I didn't do a bit of research first. I've been doing some reading, and it seems magic can even allow for cross-species breeding. That's why you thought that I could give you foals in the first place And it's why you see Mules and Hippogriffs all across Equestria.' I said reassuringly

'So, you're not upset?' Goldcup asked, resting her head on my shoulder

I hugged her tightly to reassure her

'No, now stop yer fussin'. Whit’s fur ye’ll no go past ye.'

Seeing her look of confusion, I used a more common phrase. 'Whatever happens, happens. Everything will be all right, you'll see.'

A few months later, she was very clearly pregnant, and suffering from quite severe mood swings and morning sickness. Concerned for her well-being, I insisted on going to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Luckily as a civil servant she had an excellent healthcare plan, and was able to easily get an appointment with an obstetrician.

'I have good news Ms. Harshwhinny, I can hear two strong heartbeats.' the doctor said, removing the stethoscope from her belly

'T-two?' she gasped

'Yes, would you like to take a look on the scanner?'

She looked to me for my thoughts.

'I'd like to see the wee bairns, but it's up to you love. If you want to keep it a surprise, then don't. I'll support you either way.

'It's fine, I want to see our foals too.'

Using his magic, the doctor moved something that looked like a TV or large magnifying glass into position. It started doing exactly what the name implied. A line of magic slowly traced it's way up and down Goldcup's swollen belly.

Soon, an image resolved itself on the screen. It was like a more colourful and detailed ultrasound.

'Ah, there we are!' the doctor said after a bit, and the scanner focussed in on one area.

'I'm not sure if you can make it out, but there's one, and there's two.' he continued, circling them with a marker

'Oh, my! How extraordinary!' he exclaimed

'What?! What's wrong?' Victoria asked anxiously

'Well, it seems that the foals are entirely Pony, despite being half Human. Although there are some differences – mostly in the facial structure.' the doctor explained

'But they're otherwise normal?' I asked

'They certainly seem to be well formed, if that's what you mean. In fact if I'm not mistaken, if you look at the distal twins forehead there's the nub of a horn there. She'll be a unicorn, I'm sure.'

'She? How can ye tell that's it's a girl?' I asked in surprise

'Do you see how the magic distorts in a much fuzzier way compared to the other? That tells me she's a she and he's a he.'

Ah, right. Anything else?' I asked, curious to know more about my children

'Oh yes, look at this.'

The view changed, and we were now looking at the back of the foals.

'See those two dark spots there? Those are wing buds. Tell me Ms Harshwhinny, do you have Unicorn and Pegasus ancestry?'

'Yes, I have a Pegasus grandmother as well as a Unicorn grandfather from either side of my family.' she answered

'Ah-ha, that would explain it then. Though I suspect the addition of a non-Pony father may have something to do with it as well.'

Having been told all was well, we had left the clinic feeling very relieved. As we waited at the station, she snuggled up to me, and I rested my hand on her head, which was a substitute for hand holding.

A short distance away a small group of teenaged fillies were gawking at us. Some pointing and giggling.

I tried to ignore them, but a particularly loud titter of nasty laugher triggered my temper

'Awa' an bile yer heids!' I yelled at them, adding the archer's salute for added effect

That caused them to scarper right quick.

'Mr. The Human, It seems you still need to learn how to curb your over-enthusiastic outbursts.' she rebuked me with a smile

'What? I thought you loved my over-enthusiastic outbursts!' I replied in mock offence

'Only sometimes.' she said attempting to sound serious

'Besides James, they were just silly little fillies' she admonished

'Aye, I know tha' but I'll nae let anyone gainsay ye or the bairns. I've got a family now, and a man has to protect his family.' I said with conviction, placing a hand on her stomach

'Thank you James, I can't tell you how happy you make me.' she replied, placing a hoof over my hand

I hugged her, and in that moment I was reminded of what my Gran used to say:

'God's in His heaven and all's right with the world.'