To Be Herd

The soft beeping of an alarm woke Air Raid. There was enough light through the curtains for her to make out the room. She was at the edge of the bed next to Darkstar who still snored. Beyond her was Thespian and beyond that she saw Caffeinated turn off the alarm. The zebra kissed his wife and got out of bed. After the kiss Thespian snuggled in closer to Darkstar, and as Caffeinated passed by, Air Raid slide out of bed. “Good morning,” she whispered.

“Good morning,” Caffeinated whispered back. “Just need to get my mane fixed and I’m going down for breakfast.”

Air Raid nodded, “I’ll get the coffee started.” She left the bedroom as Caffeinated entered the bathroom. There was plenty of light in the hall coming through the balcony windows. She trotted down the stairs and into the kitchen. ‘Today’s the day. I just hope I don’t screw it up.’ Air Raid mused and busied herself making coffee.

When she heard the zebra coming down the stairs, she poured two cups. His was left black while she added cream and sugar to hers. Air Raid knew better than try to make any food for breakfast. “Here you go,” she said when he entered the kitchen. His mane was in that perfect mohawk style.

“Ah, the staff of life,” said Caffeinated as he inhaled the scent of coffee. “You have earned your keep.” After a sip he started preparing breakfast. “Haycakes and eggs good for you?” Air Raid nodded. “There is some fresh fruit in the bottom right of the refrigerator you could put on the table.”

Air Raid laughed, “You know my cooking skills well.”

“I’ve been warned, and Wildfire isn’t here to put out any fire.” Air Raid raspberried him for the comment. Caffeinated filled two plates and carried them to the table. “We’re going to have up to fifty ponies here today.”

“Wow.” Air Raid thought for a moment. “I hope Darkie will be okay with that big of a crowd. Do you work today?”

“I’m sure Thespy will make mention of it to her, also. The reason I get up so early.” Caffeinated put his plate in the sink and filled a travel mug with the rest of the pot. “I get off at two this afternoon.”

“I used to be an early riser, and I’m trying to get back in the habit,” commented Air Raid. “I might go for a drive to clear my head before tonight.”

“Then go west, young mare. Otherwise, you’ll just add to the traffic in town.” Caffeinated gave Air Raid a chaste kiss on the cheek. Her blush was priceless. Without another word he left the house.

“So much for clearing my head,” Air Raid muttered. She made herself another pot of coffee and then took her filled cup outside to the pool area. ‘Maybe he’s right and good things do happen to good ponies.’ She slowly sipped her coffee as the world around her slowly brightened. Once finished, she put the cup in the sink and headed out to the garage. Soon she was on the road heading west for New Guernsey.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Thespian opened her eyes and looked at the clock. Nine am, not bad. As is the norm, her husband wasn’t there. Silly zebra went to work way to early. What was nice, for a change, was there was a pony for her to snuggle up against. The horn gave it away as Darkstar. Air Raid was missing, so she must be one of those early ponies too. Her tummy rumbled and Darkstar giggled. “I’m for breakfast, want to join me?”

Darkstar stretched. ‘We’re in bed with another pony.’ ‘It’s a mare.’ ‘So? It’s a friend.’ ‘True.’ The rumbling noised caused her to giggle. “Breakfast would be nice. Would you like me to cook?”

“I’ll be happy to let you cook, as long as you let me assist,” replied Thespian.

“Deal!” Darkstar scooted out of the bed feeling refreshed. ‘It is kinda nice to wake up happy.’ ‘It is, I think this is called hope.’ She smiled as she walked out of the room and down the stairs. Thespian close behind her. “I wonder where the other two are?”

When they entered the kitchen, Thespian looked in the sink. “Two plates and two cups. Seems Air Raid is an earlier riser. Maybe she ran off with my husband.”

“What? I don’t think…” ‘Joke…’ ‘Oh, yeah…’ Darkstar looked at Thespian. “That was a joke, right?” Thespian smiled. “Okay, sorry. Can you tell if her car is still here?”

“I’d have to go look for that. I could check the alarm panel to see if the garage door was opened, but first breakfast,” said Thespian. “I believe you’re cooking.”

“We are!” exclaimed Darkstar. “How does eggs benedict sound?”

Thespian was impressed. “Fancy. You’re just going to spoil me, and then move out.”

“All part of our nefarious plan,” giggled Darkstar. With some help from Thespian, she found everything she needed and started cooking. “It’s nice to be in here and the only thought I have is making us breakfast.”

“Thought’s change. I trust you’ll talk to someone if that happens?” Darkstar nodded and Thespian smiled. “You visited a few ponies yesterday. What are your thoughts on them?”

“I talked to Caffy about Requiem, and he said she can have cake tonight.” Thespian laughed which is what Darkstar wanted. “Recital was very nice and so was Sandalwood after the show. Before the show I met up with a nice mare and her foals in Celestia. Her name was Heartstrong. On the way back here, Trumpet was a pleasant stallion.”

“Ah, Sandalwood,” said Thespian. “Another mare with a troubled past.” She made fresh coffee and got some orange juice from the refrigerator.

Darkstar paid close attention to her cooking when she said, “Requiem told me that ponies with troubled pasts tend to draw other ponies with troubled pasts so they can commiserate together for a better future.”

Thespian left a couple of plates near Darkstar before she sat at the table. “Far be it from me to argue with a doctor, but I think if you’re willing to care about some pony other than yourself, you’ll find that all ponies have a troubled past. That is the price of sharing your life with another.”

“What was Sandalwood’s past?” asked Darkstar as she moved the food to the plates.

Thespian waited till the unicorn delivered the plates to the table with her magic. “I first met her four years ago. She was a dancer, and even through they are apples to the press, I’m a lot like my mother. A busy body. She was hungover and I talked to her about limiting her drinking so she could perform.” Thespian ate some of the food. “You are a good cook.” Darkstar blushed.

“She blew me off. I was a star, and she was a dancer. Two days later she showed up drunk. Told me she didn’t have a hangover. She would have been fired that day, but I intervened with the director. Invited her out for a drink, and she was so desperate she accepted.”

“That doesn’t seem like the thing to do with a drunk,” commented Darkstar.

Thespian smiled. “I ordered us some Sweet Sunrises at a bar a few blocks away. She took one sip and yelled at me, ‘Who in Tartarus do you think you are running my life?’. I stood on my hind hooves with front hooves on the bar and called out, ‘Who am I?’” She laughed, “Got a few Thespians, and one asked me if I lost my nametag. Then I called out, ‘Who is this mare next to me?’ Mostly silence and a few I don’t knows.

“Recital came up and asked what that was about. I motioned to my drink, and she took a sip and understood. I told her this mare could be a star, but she doesn’t care enough about herself to do so.” Thespian refilled both coffee cups. “It took time, but Sandalwood came around, and now she is a star.”

“That makes sense now,” said Darkstar. “When I visited, they asked if I wanted a drink, and I said a beer would be nice. I saw Recital give Sandalwood a look that Raid has given me when she ordered three. At the end of the night, she showed off the half full bottle to Recital before she tossed it in the trash.” She finished her plate and drank some coffee. “Is Scarlet like that?”

Thespian shook her head, “She is full of self-doubt until she sets hoof on the stage. Then it vanishes. Tender does a great job managing her stage fright.”

“She was nice after the show, then all of you were nice.” Darkstar moved to do the dishes, but Thespian stopped her.

“Those that don’t cook get dishes,” said Thespian, “but it is okay to help.”

“Okay, I can do that.” Darkstar moved next to Thespian at that sink. “I noticed you do a lot of washing in the sink instead of using the dishwasher.”

“I think that is habit mostly,” responded Thespian. “You can dry, please. Since it is only two of us, it seems a waste to use the dishwasher. Tomorrow, and other times we hold events it will see plenty of use.”

Darkstar dried what Thespian hoofed to her. “We guess we haven’t made much of an impact yet during our stay. I have no problem with hoof washing either, but we… I was curious as to why.” As they neared the end of the dishes, she asked, “What do we do now?”

“Welcome to independence,” Thespian said with a smile. “But if you want, you can hang out with me and help me cook the items I don’t have catered.” Darkstar nodded. “Good, how do you like your meat cooked?”

“What?” Darkstar was shocked to hear that she had fallen into a bunch of meat eaters. “This is a joke, right?”

Thespian shrugged, “Many ponies eat fish, but I happen to like bugs.”

“Ew, we don’t think we can eat bugs,” Darkstar said with a grimace that came straight from Canterlot. “I tried fish once because of Air Raid. I think that is more a pegasus thing.”

“Hmm, is that so,” said Thespian. “I might just change your mind about a few things.”

That had Darkstar curious. She put Thespian’s joke behind her. “What things?”

“Oh, things.” Thespian kept an innocent look. “Like eating meat.”

“Ew, I’m not going to start eating meat!” said Darkstar stubbornly, ‘Is this mare crazy?’ ‘May be crazier than us.’ Darkstar broke out in giggles. “You done pulling my leg?”

“I’ll leave your leg attached. I doubt it would make for a good meal.” Thespian had to hold back her own laughter when she saw the face Darkstar made. “Enough joking. You’ve heard rumours that zebras eat ponies?”

Everypony had heard those stories, but she never paid them much mind. It was a sick joke, nothing more, and she didn’t think it was even remotely true. “Yes, but you married a zebra, and he hasn’t eaten you.”

Thespian couldn’t stop her laughter. “I know a zebra that ate a mare, and this mare rather enjoyed it.” Her laughter only got louder when Darkstar’s jaw fell to the floor. Thespian waved a hoof. “Give me a moment, that was too good to pass up.”

Darkstar faced hoofed as she walked right into that joke. “You are as crazy as me,” she muttered.

“A good crazy, I hope,” responded Thespian. and Darkstar shrugged. “Now, back to cooking. It is true that pegasi like fish, and that we’ll have a tuna and salmon dish that will be catered. I’ve always thought they tasted… fishy.” Darkstar groaned. “Zebras, though, do like to eat insects, and I’m making four dishes that I really can’t have catered locally.”

“Are you still joking?” asked Darkstar, who wasn’t sure, “I’m not going to eat a bug. Why would zebras even eat bugs?”

“You can ask a zebra about that, but you’d never get the same answer twice.” Thespian led off. “His mom told me it started during the Lunar Rebellion. Food was rather scarce back then, and I wanted to cook something for Caffeinated. Now it is more a matter of pride for zebras to eat insects.”

Darkstar tilted her head, “And you want me to help you cook up some bugs?”

Thespian smiled, “I learned to do it for a zebra.” Darkstar showed her ‘oh’ face of slow understanding. “And I did say it was a matter of pride.” She held back her laughter when Darkstar gave a defeated sigh. “Plus, I think you be surprised just how good the dishes taste. Ready to learn zebra cuisine?”

‘We really going to cook up bugs?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘And eat them?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘How do I get off this crazy train?’ ‘Requiem says we’re still on the platform.’ ‘Oh, yeah.’ “As Wily would say, nothing to it, but to do it. We’ll help you make zebra food for the zebra I’m going to land.”

“That’s the spirit, and I know he’ll be impressed that you did the cooking.” Thespian pulled out some recipe cards from a drawer. “I’m making four zebra dishes, three have insects in them, the other is based on breadfruit.” She spread out the four cards for Darkstar to see. “Locust salad with a honey mustard dressing. Mealybug corn chowder. Grilled breadfruit parmesan. This last one I really like. Bar-b-queued weevil larvae. Crunchy like popcorn.”

“Okay, you’ve changed my mind. I’ll give it a try,” said Darkstar.

Thespian opened a bottom right drawer in the refrigerator and pulled out several items. “Life is change, otherwise we stagnate.”

Darkstar shrugged, “It’s a shame the change we’ve experienced has been so violent though. Slow and gentle would’ve been nice.” She watched Thespian lay out, what was obviously bugs, on the counter.

“Seldom does the universe play nice.” She pointed to each of the bugs in turn. “Locust, Mealybug, and Weevil.”

Darkstar had a rather sad smile. “I think the universe has a weird sense of humour. You should have been there when Wily was blinded.” She pointed at the bugs and looked up at Thespian. “Can I try one?’

“You can try them all, but I think we should prepare them fist,” said Thespian. “The locust needs their legs and head removed. The weevils are chewy raw. Now the mealybugs you can go for now.”

Darkstar took up a mealybug in her magic and popped it in her mouth. She chewed. ‘We just ate a bug.’ ‘We did.’ “And it wasn’t bad, different, but not bad.” The unicorn nodded and said in a low voice, “I wasn’t there when it happened, thank goddess.”

It took a moment, but Thespian realized she wasn’t talking about the bug she just ate. “Oh, the blinding. That had to be a gruesome sight to have seen.” She showed Dark Star how to prep the locust, and the mare wasn’t squeamish as she followed along.

“Dusk told us the story after the fact,” Dark Star said as she cleaned the locust. “Once Professor Twilight had Blitzwing in custody, he flew Wily directly to Canterlot General.” She watched Thespian carefully and was soon doing one for her two. “He stayed with her through the operation, but they kept her sedated. He came back and told us about how much damage was done.”

“What happened to him?” asked Thespian.

“Blitzwing?” Dark Star saw Thespian nod. “Twilight had the Dean call in the police while she restrained him. They took him away, but there was no trial. His family had him committed, and I guess he did go insane since he is still there.”

“It would be a hard thing to live with,” signed Thespian. “Airmail still amazes me how she goes through life.”

Darkstar finished her allotment of locust and Thespian scooped the bits into the rubbish bin. “He and Dusk were rivals if that’s the right term. Mostly it was name calling and homophobic slurs because Dusk was gay. Dusk did or said something in the science class that set Blitz off, and he attacked Dusk.”

Thespian snorted, “Attacked a Prince. He must have been insane.” She put the prepped locust in the freezer. “Keeps them firm for the salad. Wily seems to have to terms with it all, and it seems you might have too. She found love, now to see if it finds you.”

Dark Star giggled, “I know right? How dare she get married before me!”

Thespian laughed, “Well she isn’t getting married until the fifteenth of next month. You could knock out your stallion, drag him to Las Pegasus and beat Wily to the alter.” She opened the mealybug container. “Of course, she might just kill you through Airmail.”

Darkstar broke out her deadliest puppy dog eyes, “You’ll save me, mommy, won’t you?” She froze in place, the words already out of her mouth. ‘Looking for the crazy train?’ ‘No, I feel safe, I think.’ ‘Really?’ ‘Yeah.’

Thespian saw fear cross Darkstar’s face. “Well, that’s a new one from you. Just don’t call me granny, even if I am one. They aren’t as old as you.”

“You’re not upset?” asked Darkstar.

“Not at all,” replied Thespian. “Is this something you’d like to talk about?”

Darkstar sighed, “I should talk about it.” She saw Thespian tilt her head, “No, I want to talk about it. Mom is very much alive, but while I thought I was crazy, she really is. She been committed to the Canterlot Asylum for nine years now. I was sixteen when she was committed.”

Thespian wrapped the mare in a hug, “Maybe you’ll take me to meet her one day.”

Darkstar’s laugh was dark. “Yeah, if you want a trip to the asylum.”

Thespian backed up a bit, “Well, that shouldn’t be a problem. I played the part after all, but my character didn’t end well.”

Darkstar was suddenly intrigued, “When was that?”

“It was early in my career quite some time ago. The play was called ‘Funny Farm’. I was the clinic directors head nurse. Died in the second act.” Thespian put a small hibachi on the counter. “The play got mixed reviews, but I was noticed and got another support part in Annie Oak got your gun. Been uphill since then.”

Darkstar pointed to the hibachi, “Is that for the mealybugs?”

“Nope, the mealybugs will be put in the chowder. That is for the breadfruit that you are going to slice up.” She pointed at the pantry. “They are in a bin on the bottom right. Slice them about a quarter inch thick. Once they are brown on both sides put them on a cookie tray for the last bit.”

‘She is letting us use a knife.’ ‘I know, and it is exciting.’ ‘Better than the doctor in Ponyville.’ Darkstar got twelve breadfruits from the pantry. “All of them?” Thespian nodded. Darkstar opened the knife draw and hesitated for a moment. ‘We need to be careful.’ ‘We can do this.’ Thespian said nothing while she looked at the knives. With a deep breath, she pulled out a large knife. Thespian put a cutting board on the counter and smiled, but she still said nothing. “Do they need to be pealed?” With a shake of the other mare’s head, she took up the knife in her magic and started cutting.

Thespian left Darkstar to it as she turned her attention to getting the corn chowder ready for the mealybugs. As she put the chowder in the oven, Darkstar had finished cutting up the last of the fruit. While she was grilling them, Thespian got out several cookie trays. “I’ll get the parmesan mix ready to pour over the fruit after you fill a tray.

Darkstar looked at the breadfruit on the grill and saw there were no more trays. “What do I do with the rest?”

“Keep grilling. When I pull a finished tray out of the oven, I’ll move the fruit to a serving dish and you can reuse the tray till we are finished.” Thespian set the weevils next to the hibachi. “Next the weevils go on the grill. It only takes a minute and then flip. After another minute flip again and use the brush to put sauce on them. Flip after two minutes and sauce the other side. Two more minutes and they go in the bowl.”

“You make it seem like zebra cooking is easy.” Darkstar was nearing the end of the breadfruit. “I’m going to need to sample all of this when we’re finished.”

Soon, the last of the trays were in the oven. All the weevils were bar-b-qued and ready to serve. A small plate sat on the table for both mares to sample. “These are good, but I really just taste the sauce. And…”

“Bugs are good nutrition, and little flavour,” said Thespian. “And what?”

“And did you really want to visit my mom?” asked Darkstar in a soft voice “She doesn’t recognize me or anypony else for that matter.”

Thespian gave the mare a level stare, “Are you visiting for yourself or her?”

That set Darkstar back. ‘Why do we visit her.’ ‘To see if we are crazy?’ “No!” She covered her mouth when she realized she said that out loud. ‘I want her to know that I still care.’ Silence followed and she looked at Thespian. “For her. I do it for her.”

Thespian smiled, “Then does it matter if she knows you or not? Maybe all that she knows is somepony in Equestria cares.”

Darkstar nodded, “You’re right. I think you’d like Shinning Star, or well most of the time. She does have some personalities that are not very pleasant. Princess Platinum is nice, but the Bloody Baroness… Not so much”

Thespian waved a hoof, “I like most ponies, and I don’t plan to make any exceptions to that. I’ve also learned how to deal with difficult ponies in my career.” She got up to take some more trays out of the oven. “Do you have some happy memories when you were younger?”

“Oh, yes! She always took us to Las Pegasus, every year. Me and Brightstar. We saw the shows and rode the rides. It is where we got our love of dancing. She took us to other shows where she performed. Up until she was committed.” Darkstar deflated. “We had access to her money she had made, that’s how a couple of sixteen-year-olds could survive.”

“What of the one you haven’t mentioned?” Thespian asked carefully.

Darkstar shrugged, “There never has been a dad. It was just the three of us. Mom said he left when he found out she was having twins. Never told us his name or what he looked like.”

“Happens.” Thespian put a couple of the breadfruit parmesan on a plate for the two of them. “That’s Mapper’s story too.”

“I guess everypony has a story.” Darkstar tried the breadfruit. “Oh, this is good. I was afraid it would taste like eggplant, but it is much better.” She ate another bite. “My mom’s special talent was illusions. It was illusions that took her way, as eventually she couldn’t tell what was real from what was illusion anymore.”

“There are times when I’m happy to have simple dirt magic.” Thespian dished out two small bowls of the mealybug corn chowder. “You’ll have to wait for the party to try the locust salad. I like to serve that fresh.”

“I know what you mean,” mumbled Darkstar. She tried the chowder. “I wouldn’t know I was eating bugs.” After a few more spoonful’s she continued. “When I had the inhibitor on, I was glad I couldn’t use magic.”

“But now you’re happier you can. Even if you must go back to magic kindergarten,” she finished with a chuckle.

Darkstar shrugged and played with the spoon in the chowder. “I guess so.”

‘She is still in a bad place,’ thought Thespian as she raised an eyebrow, “Guess so? I’d think it would be like being stuck in a wheelchair and suddenly I can walk again. If only for a few steps at first.”

Darkstar blinked and realized she gave the wrong impression to Thespian. “Oh! Oh, don’t get me wrong. I’m happy to be able to use magic again. At any level, really. I don’t care about having to start over. It’s just, well… Thing is, Requiem says we’re not crazy, but what if I end up really crazy?”

“I think you have the ‘crazy’ wrong.” Thespian waved a hoof, “All of us are a little bit crazy, or life would be no fun at all. I think you should be more worried that you’ll forget who you are. Has that ever happened to you?”

Darkstar nodded, “More than once, but it was after I tried to kill myself. I’d wake up in the hospital still alive and sort of lost myself to the dark thoughts in my head.”

Thespian moved the empty dishes to the sink and Darkstar quickly moved to help her. “I’ll wash, and you have drier duty again.” She filled the sink with soapy water. “I’m not a unicorn, and don’t have a clue what manipulative magic does.” She hoofed the first plate to Darkstar. “I do know that if you accept yourself for who you are now and understand that may not be who you are tomorrow, you should be okay. It helps to have friends to tell you when you’re full of horseapples.”

Darkstar laughed, “Thanks mom. I’m pretty comfortable in my fur at the moment.”

“You should be, I just washed it,” responded Thespian.

“And you did a good job,” giggled Darkstar. “Now that I’m calling you mom, are you going to make me clean my room?” Darkstar tried a serious voice. “’Cos that’s mom stuff right there.”

Thespian hoofed Darkstar a bowl and waved a dismissive hoof. “I don’t need to make you clean your room. You haven’t been sleeping in it after all.”

“Well yeah, because you’re all warm and snuggly,” said Darkstar.

Thespian narrowed her eyes, “Are you saying I’m fat, or just fluffy?”

Darkstar snorted, “I’m saying mommy is all fluffy and snuggly.”

Thespian looked around the kitchen, “Well that ends my prep work and you helped me make short order of it. The caterers will be her in about thirty minutes to set up.”

“So, what do we do now?” asked Darkstar.

“We do what I love,” responded Thespian. “Bake cakes, and I’ll even let you help.” She lowered her voice to a whisper, “As long you tell no one what my secret ingredients are.”

“My lips are sealed, but I might use those ingredients in the future for my own baking,” said Darkstar.

“I can live with that.” Thespian moved to get everything she needed from the pantry and refrigerator set up on the table. Soon there were four cakes in the oven. A speaker came to life in the kitchen, ‘Galloping Gourmet.’ Thespian pushed a button under the speaker to open the main gate. “Come on in and do your thing.” She turned to Darkstar. “I’m for a glass of wine in the library while they work. Care to join me?”

“Sure, but I’ll have a beer, please.” Thespian pointed to the fridge while she pulled a bottle from the wine rack. With a glass and bottle on her back Thespian walked out of the kitchen and Darkstar followed with a beer.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“It’s coming up on the right.” Air Raid pointed a hoof at Caffeinated’s house.

“What’s with the vehicles out front?” Brightstar asked. “Galloping Gourmet.”

“I’m not sure… Wait, Thespian said the event today is catered, so that must be them.” Air Raid drove past the house and made a right. Then another right into an alley. She pushed a button on the visor and the second door from the end opened for the garage.

“Well, I’m impressed by what I see so far. How did you fall in with a crowd like this?” questioned Brightstar.

Air Raid turned off the engine and allowed her powerful Audi a well-earned rest. “The only answer to that is Wildfire. Come on in and let me introduce you to our newest benefactors.” She led the way out of the garage, past the pool, and into the house.

Thespian looked at the alarm panel. “Air Raid is back.”

Darkstar looked at the panel. It was the same as in the kitchen and she saw one in the bedroom last night. “Do you have those in every room? And, how do you know it is Air Raid?”

“Almost,” replied Thespian. “All of them have a release for the front gate, but only the front one has a monitor. The rest just have codes when something was opened. That code is G2, which is the spot Air Raid parks in the garage.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much security,” said Darkstar. “Odd you only have one monitor.”

“My phone or one of the computers act as another monitor.” Thespian smiled, “So I can watch you pee on my flower bed from the bedroom.”

“We wouldn’t…” ‘Joke, Darkie.’ Darkstar sighed, “You got us again. What do we do now?”

Thespian took another sip of wine, “Nothing. Unless she stops for a swim, we’ll know when the back door opens.”

The panel beeped again and had D2 on the display. “We’re in the library, Air Raid,” called out Thespian.

Air Raid opened the door on the back patio and heard Thespian call out. She saw four ponies setting food in the main area. “That was Thespian. Come on because there is somepony with her to be surprised.”

Brightstar’s head was on a swivel as he took in the spacious house. It was a lot more modern than the Canterlot style and far more opulent than anything he’d seen in Fillydelphia. He had a bookshelf, but Professor Twilight was the only pony he knew that had a library in their house. Brightstar shook his head and followed Air Raid. He had a sister to surprise.

Darkstar was unimpressed with Air Raid’s return and had her nose in a book about the play Thespian was in, ‘Funny Farm’. Thespian did look up to watch Air Raid enter and saw the second pony. She didn’t need the hush signal to know to not say anything about the newcomer. Instead, Thespian said “I’m enjoying some wine, but there are other drinks in the kitchen.”

Brightstar smiled as he watched his sister lost in her own world. “That looks like a nice wine, I’ll have a glass please.”

Darkstar looked up at the sound of his voice and surged to her hooves. She tackle hugged him as soon as he got the word ‘please’ out. “Bright! I’ve missed you so much!”

Air Raid had to sit down she was laughing so hard when the surprise went perfectly. Thespian too laughed as she poured a second glass of wine. Brightstar was also laughing as he hugged his sister tight. “I’ve missed you too, Darkie.” He petted Darkstar’s mane and could feel her crying against his neck. All three of them quieted down to let Darkstar have this moment.

Darkstar regained control after a few minutes, but she didn’t break the hug, “We’re doing better. The doctor says we are.” She let go of her brother and looked around. “Where’s Moonbeak and the kittens?”

“Kittens?” interjected Thespian curiously. “That isn’t a common term for foals.”

Brightstar answered Darkstar, “Moonbeak had a photoshoot this morning and Zephyr and Athena are at her mom’s place.” He turned to Thespian. “She and the kittens are all griffons from her previous marriage. Her husband was in law enforcement and died in the line of duty, so…”

“Discretion is the word,” said Thespian. “Were you afraid to bring griffons to my place?” Brightstar nodded slowly. “I say the more the merrier. There will be several foals here, and I have foal sitters lined up. Do the kittens play well with others?” Brightstar nodded enthusiastically. “I don’t see a problem then.”

“Sorry,” said Brightstar. “Griffons aren’t always welcomed. I was also concerned about her habits like food and such.”

“From the few I’ve meet, they do like fish,” said Thespian. “Would she like insects too?”

Brightstar smiled as her realized there never was a need to worry. “She does love fish, and the kittens both love insects, but Moonbeak will eat those too.” He paused to rub the back of his head. “She fancies bloodwine too, but that might be…”

Thespian’s laugh cut him off. “True, we don’t have that on hoof. I don’t think it keeps for long and not in much demand. I’ll ring up Caffy to find some downtown for today.” She smiled at Brightstar’s wide eyed stare. “While I don’t think I’ll partake of it, Luna might give it a try.”

“I heard you were pretty tight with the royalty,” smirked Brightstar at the mention of Luna’s name.

Thespian’s eyes narrowed dangerously, “I find they are just ponies whom I happen to count on as friends.”

Brightstar saw the look on Thespian’s face. Air Raid and Darkstar also saw that look. Before either of the mares could respond, Brightstar spoke up. “Forgive me, please. My attitude often gets me in trouble, and I’m sure Moonbeak would be most happy to correct it. Please inform her of my error.”

Thespian took a deep breath followed by a light sigh. “They are our friends. The last thing we’d do is treat them as royalty.” She smiled, “And I will let Moonbeak know of your transgression. Of course, it is foal friendly night, so I’ll see if she can let you stew for two weeks. I do want to see what happens.” She turned to Darkstar, “As for cuisine fit for a griffon, do you think we have something, Darkstar?”

“Yup, as it happens, bro. I cooked up a load of insects and grubs for later!” Darkstar answered.

Brightstar saw Air Raid’s sour look on her face, and just had to dig in a bit deeper. “So that is why you kicked her out of the house so she wouldn’t ruin it.”

“Hey! I wasn’t kicked out,” Air Raid said indigently. “I just needed to take Missy for a spin.”

“And here I thought you ran off with my husband.” Air Raid’s surprised look and Darkstar’s giggle made Thespian smile. “He’s another of those early risers.”

“Well, we did talk before I left, and I got a sweet kiss out of the deal,” Thespian nodded to Air Raid’s comment. “He told me to head west to escape traffic, so I did.”

“What made you go to Fillydelphia?” asked Darkstar.

“First I could get up to one hundred and thirty-five on the turnpike, and second, I thought it would be a nice surprise to bring Brightstar back with me,” answered Air Raid.

“You didn’t need to do one hundred and thirty-five on the way back,” muttered Brightstar. He spoke up, “It’s nice to see your fixed horn, but what do you mean the doctor says you’re okay?”

“Oh, that,” said Darkstar. “Her name is Requiem, and she is part of this herd. We had a nice chat and I see here at least once a week. When she determined I wanted to live, she said I wasn’t crazy, but I am troubled. Oh! I got my kitchen privileges back, right mom?”

Thespian saw the troubled looks from the other two and put things straight immediately. “Not a replacement, a substitute. And yes, Requiem told us she can go into the kitchen unsupervised. For us it is trust but verify.”

“And yes, I told Thessy about our mom, bro,” added Darkstar. “She said she would even come with me to visit her.”

Air Raid yawned. “I was up early, so I’m for a shower. Then I can get some coffee in me after. That okay?”

Thespian nodded, “You can expect this time off docked from you pay, young mare.”

Air Raid snorted, “You’d have to pay me first.” Thespian gave her a look. “Okay, okay, hugs and preens are a pretty nice pay check.” She hugged Thespian, “There that is to cover my time off.” With Thespian’s smile she trotted upstairs to use the shower.

“I think it would be good for both of you to have a chat with her. She’ll be here in a few hours,” said Thespian. “Now that you know Moonbeak is welcome, when can we expect her?”

“She gets off work at around twelve,” responded Brightstar. “I’ll text her to say she can come with the kittens. I’m guessing by train, she’ll be in Manehatten between One Thirty and Two.”

“I’ll send a text to Caffeinated to be ready to pick her up when you get the arrival time, and to get some bloodwine for her.” Thespian got out her phone to do just that. She put it away when finished. “What sort of pictures does Moonbeak take?”

Brightstar shrugged, “I think she does pretty much anything. Her mainstay is photographing models for magazine covers and advertising. Why?”

“I’m not sure if they have already lined a photographer up yet,” said Thespian, “But there is a wedding coming up and I think it would be sort of keeping it in the family if Moonbeak did the photos.”

Darkstar laughed and in a sing song voice said, “I know who the happy couple is.” Brightstar looked at her. “You know one of them. A tiny yellow pegasus with a black mane and fireball cutie mark.”

It didn’t take Brightstar long at all to figure that one out, “Wily?”

“Bingo! She is marrying Airmail, her soon to be herd mate.” Darkstar looked at Thespian who nodded. She continued. “Airmail is the one that got Luna to heal my horn.”

Brightstar had the look of disbelief. “What, she has the Princess on speed dial and just calls her up. I have a pony I want you to heal.”

“Um, yeah, pretty much,” Darkstar said softly.

Thespian intervened before anything spiralled downward. “Airmail, and for that matter, the rest of the mini mare herd has a number of connections. Airmail and Mapper have a long history with the sisters. Serenity has performed for the sisters, and Tempest is a force to be reckoned with.”

Brightstar held up a hoof, “Okay, okay. I guess saying I hung out with Dusk doesn’t make me much of a name dropper in this house.”

Darkstar giggled, “Well you can ask him about it later when he shows up with his coltfriend.”

Thespian added, “You can ask Luna and Octavia too, when they show up. The source, Airmail, Tempest, Mapper, Serenity, and Wildfire will also be here. I’m sure there are many stories to tell by all ponies.”

Brightstar smiled, “When we pulled up to this place, I asked Raid how she fell into a crowd like this, and her answer was Wildfire.” He chuckled, “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by anything when she is involved.”

Air Raid walked down the stairs, “What did I miss?”

“Nothing,” said Thespian. “You’re just in time to taste some zebran cuisine.”

“That sounds good. I should see what the mares I’m looking for like,” Air Raid said as she followed the other three into the kitchen.

Thespian scooped up one of the dished and set it on the table. “I made the sauce, but Darkstar did all the grilling.”

“Cool.” Air Raid reached out to take some bar-b-que when she saw what was in the bowl. She didn’t recognize what it was. “Um, what are those?”

“Weevil larvae,” Darkstar said brightly.

Air Raid backed up, “Wait, you weren’t joking about bugs. You expect me to eat a bug? Are you crazy?”

Darkstar seemed to shrink, “But… But…”

“Air Raid, Silence!” commanded Thespian. She didn’t raise her voice, but the commanding tone did what she wanted it to. Air Raid froze in place and shut her mouth. “Some filly is really begging for some punishment.” Brightstar stared, open jawed, as Thespian dressed Air Raid down. “What part of zebran cooking didn’t you understand?” When Air Raid opened her mouth, Thespian said softly, “Silence.” Air Raid closed her mouth. Thespian turned to Darkstar. “Are you okay?” The unicorn nodded. “Please tell Raid why you cooked up some bugs.”

“Oh, um, well a long time ago zebras ate bug because they had to, to stay alive during the Lunar Rebellion,” Darkstar said. “Now they eat them as a source of pride. I wanted to let my stallion know I could cook and eat a food they were proud of.”

“Also,” added Thespian, “They really don’t have much flavour at all. It is what you put with them. Do you understand Raid? You may speak.”

“I’m such an idiot,” muttered Air Raid. Brightstar snorted and Darkstar giggled. “I wanted to sample Zebran food, but I just wasn’t smart enough to know what that is. Now I know and couldn’t get out of my head I was going to eat a bug.” Air Raid pulled out a couple of weevils and popped them in her mouth. She chewed, “Wow, that sauce has a nice spice to it. Sorry for being an idiot, Darkie.”

Darkstar giggled, “Some things never change, Raid.” She started laughing when Air Raid gave her, her best eye roll. “The corn chowder has mealybugs in it.”

“A third dish is locust salad, but I put that out at the last minute,” said Thespian. “The last dish doesn’t have bugs; it is breadfruit parmesan.” A stallion poked his head into the kitchen. “Hello Smoky, is everything set up?”

“Yes, Ms. Thespian. All the hot and cold plates are working, and there is room for your unique dishes and cakes. So, is that bar-b-que sauce still a state secret?”

“Thank you, Smoky,” responded Thespian. “I fear I’ll only tell my daughter on my deathbed, and she lives in the Crystal Empire.”

Smoky shrugged, “Worth it to travel that far. See you tomorrow.” He ducked back out of the kitchen and left the house with the rest of his help.

“Okay, time to set up our dishes on the table.” Thespian put a thick pad on her back and took the breadfruit from the oven and put it on the pad. “Brightstar, please get the bar-b-que, and Darkstar the chowder.” She led the way out of the kitchen.

On the buffet table were metal pads. She put the breadfruit serving dish on one and point to another for both dishes the unicorns carried in their magic. “Now get the cakes please. Darkie knows where they are. I’ll get the locust salad to put on this cold plate.”

Air Raid knew better than to interfere with Thespian’s well-oiled machine. She watched Brightstar and Darkstar each take two cakes in their magic while Thespian carried the salad on her back. As she put the salad on the table, Air Raid saw the cakes in Darkstar’s magic wobble. She quickly moved to take one cake in her hooves. “Darkie, I got this one, put the other on the table, please.”

Darkstar let go of the cake in Air Raid’s hooves and stabilized the other one in the air. She set it down on the table next to the two Brightstar placed. She turned back to Air Raid, “I got this.” Her magic lifted that one from Air Raid’s hooves and set it on the table. When her horn turned off, she sat down hard. “I’m sorry.”

Air Raid was the first to react. She rushed over and hugged Darkstar. “You’ve been doing great. You’re really working that horn just like you should. We’re not here to stop you, but to help you if you let us.”

“It’s just… Arggg! We know, we know, it is back to magic kindergarten for us,” said Darkstar. “It’s just so hard to start over again.”

Thespian was pleasantly surprised by the empathy that Air Raid had shown. She was reminded of her earlier conversation with Darkstar. There is a lot of good in that mare. “None of that now, or I’ll have to put you in time out too. Don’t you remember you had a quota? That one just used up the one you had earned.”

Darkstar giggled while Air Raid gave Thespian a questioning look. “Sor… Um, you’re right mom,” Darkstar said coming out of her funk. “It is hard, but I do have all of you.” She tightened her hug on Air Raid. “Mom only allows me so many ‘I’m sorry’ a day.”

Thespian watched Air Raid turn to her. ‘She and the brother are so protective of her,’ she thought. “I’m just her east coast mom while she’s here. Sometimes you find comfort in the little things.” A slight beep from the alarm panel went off. “Someone has carded in through the front gate. A bit early, but Lavender is usually the first to arrive.”

The front door opened to reveal a stallion. “Creamsicle!” Air Raid called out. “I still owe you a dance.” She saw Thespian looking at her. “Creamsicle walked me home from the station yesterday.”

“And an honour it was,” said Creamsicle. “I have your six gallons, Ms. Thespian.

“Come on in, I have space in the freezer for it.” Thespian led the way into the kitchen. “Thank you for taking care of my stray filly.” Air Raid’s blush was worth it all. “Did you get all the favours?”

“Of course, I did.” Creamsicle transferred the tubs from his saddle bags to the freezer. “Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Mint, and Lemon Sorbet. Oh, Coffee too,” he added.

Thespian smiled and said, “Your sweet shop will survive another moon.”

Brightstar looked at his phone. “Moonbeak and the kittens will be at Grand Central Station at one thirty-five.”

Thespian got her phone and texted her husband. She waited for a response, which came just as quickly. “Okay, he knows were to pick up the bloodwine, and he’ll meet her at the station. Let me send you a photo to send her.” Once she transferred the photo of Caffeinated, and after Brightstar passed it on, she added, “You can never be sure just how many orange stallions might be waiting to pick up a griffon.” She led the way back to the buffet, but before she could say anything else, she caught movement out of the corner of her eye. Looking out the back door she saw two pegasi finish their landing. “Prepare to be hugged.”

The three turned to where Thespian was looking to see the door open and Wildfire plus one other entered the house.

Airmail paused just inside, “Wily, looks like Air Raid and Darkstar took our advice and moved out here.”

Wildfire snorted, “I dunno Pretty. I can’t see anypony either.”

“Good thing I can as they are standing with Thespian,” said Airmail. “Judging by the stars on your flank, you must be Brightstar.”

“What,” exclaimed Wildfire. “All of them are here?” She moved forward. “I demand hugs!”

Brightstar moved forward, and just before they met, he said, “I’m here, Wily.” They wrapped each other up in a hug. Darkstar and Air Raid moved to either side of Brightstar to add to the hug fest.

Thespian moved over to Airmail, “Where’s Stormy?”

“She had a few work-related things to tend to but will be over soon.” Airmail looked around, “Were the first to arrive?”

“Air Raid left early this morning to pick up Brightstar,” answered Thespian, “But you did beat Lavender.”

“Where’s Moonbeak?” asked Wildfire.

“She and the kittens will be here around two,” Brightstar answered.

“Okay, but what about Cyclone? And is anyone talking with Slingshot?” Wildfire wanted to know, her thoughts going to the old gang.

Air Raid answered, “Cyclone took the overnight train, so could be here at any time. As for Slingshot, I’ve lost contact with him since he moved over to Windcharger’s team.” Air Raid shrugged even if Wildfire couldn’t see it. “I’m surprised you didn’t ask about Dusk.”

“Pfft. Dusk is always around. His coltfriend lives in Manehatten.” Wildfire giggled, “They call me a name dropper, but him, his mum and mom, will all be here tonight. Right Ms. Thespian.”

“True,” commented Thespian. “I’m expecting a full house tonight.”

“I’m looking forward to Lady Octavia being here. I have a surprise for her!” Air Raid saw the others start to ask questions, “And I’m not telling what it is, or it won’t be a surprise.”

Thespian giggled knowing what Air Raid was talking about. “We were about to sample some Zebran cuisine before you two barged in.”

“I don’t know,” Airmail said in a clear voice. “That food always tended to bug me.”

Thespian gave Airmail her best eye roll, while Darkstar and Air Raid giggled. “Why’s that?” asked Wildfire.

“Because they have bugs in them!” announced Darkstar. “And I cooked them!”

Air Raid followed up, “It’s been pointed out to me that if I’m going to land a zebra mare, I should be willing to eat zebra food.”

“I’m game to give it a try,” Wildfire said, who had eaten far worse and more unsavoury things in her time.

“More power to you love,” said Airmail. “What are you not telling them, Thespy? You’re terrible at pranks.”

A frown crossed Darkstar’s face, “Mom?”

Thespian warranted that with her second-best eye roll. “What I said is true, Darkie. It is also true that not every zebra likes zebran food. I don’t know if the ones Coffee Bean is bringing do or don’t, but either way, you’re putting in an effort will mean a lot to them.”

“Oh, okay.” The smile returned to Darkstar’s face, “Any chance to show off to my stallion.”

“I want to make a good first impression, too,” added Air Raid.

Thespian stuck her tongue out at Airmail, “See, I wasn’t pranking at all.” She walked over to the large serving dish on the table. “Let’s start with the breadfruit, which Airy will eat. “I want to know if the newbies can identify the zebran spice I put in it.”

Airmail watched Thespian dish out one piece each on a small plate. “Whatever, I’m still not eating a bug.”

Wildfire giggled, “My fair brave maiden. Real pranking is painting up Dusk, or better, muffling your hooves and shoving your nose under my tail”

Airmail, Air Raid, and Darkstar laughed, “Wily,” said Darkstar, “I think you’ll find that’s priorities. I had to test my horn to make sure it worked.”

Airmail, who had burst out laughing, caught her breath, “What she said.”

“Besides,” continued Darkstar, “While I’d like to see Dusk all painted up, a real prank is having sex on Calculus’s desk.” She saw Thespian’s look, “Calculus was our math professor at Canterlot U.”

“Would have been a better prank if she didn’t catch us in the act,” muttered Wildfire.

Thespian nodded to that and gave each of them a piece of breadfruit. “Tell me what you think?”

“I think I should thank Darkie for reminding me to do something about Wily’s math skills.” Airmail said as she took a bite.

“Cinnamony,” Brightstar stated. “Good luck on that, Airmail. She is a bit thick when it comes to math.”

“No, I think it is anise,” Air Raid stated. “Calculus did give Wily no shortage of detention.”

“That mare hated me,” said Wildfire. “I agree with Brightstar it is nice and cinnamony.”

“Having listened to you talk about her, I think the hate went both ways. But that’s not going to stop me for allowing you to learn.” Said Airmail. “Raid as the right of it, a nice liquorish taste.”

Darkstar finished her piece before she commented. “I can taste both. It is like liquorish with a cinnamon twist.”

“A rare pallet, Darke,” said Thespian. “You should become a chef.”

“Not the career path I’ve been looking for.” Darkstar turned to Airmail. “May as well get this out of the way. I talked with Recital yesterday, and she got me a chance to audition as a dancer. I hope you’re not to upset if I don’t take that newspaper job.”

Airmail puts a foreleg to her head, “Oh no, woe is me! Wherever shall I find any pony in all of Equestria that knows how to write?” Darkstar shook her head. Airmail continued her drama, “Wildfire, you seem to have some small clue about writing from the poetry I’ve read. Will you give up your firefighter’s job for a low paid, long hour, job at a dingy newspaper?”

“Love you babe, and as tempting as it is to be under you all day,” replied Wildfire, “I’ll have to pass.”

“Being under Airy sounds a lot safer than putting out fires,” commented Air Raid.

“Like you have room to talk, Miss race car driver!” rebutted Wildfire.

“Follow your dreams, Darkie. If you should need some moonlighting jobs, I can find you freelance work.” Airmail turned to Wildfire and winked. “You can spend time under me at night.”

Wildfire blushed, “All right winky wink.”

“Yup, I missed out on Las Pegasus by this much,” Darkstar’s hooves nearly touched. “But now I have a new chance to make that dream.”

Brightstar had to know and interrupted the flow of conversation, “Wily, how did you know Airy winked?”

“That’s easy,” said Wildfire. “It’s in her speech patterns. Like the shrug Raid did earlier.” Brightstar was amazed as he couldn’t detect anything.

“You really try the rest of the zebran dishes,” said Darkstar.

“I don’t know,” Airmail commented. “Is anything going to craw off my plate?”

“Nope!” said Darkstar happily. “I took all their legs off personally so none of them can escape!”

Airmail and the rest shared a laugh over that statement. Thespian decided it was time she really did try a prank. “Of course, there was a dish I didn’t make to today.”

“Like what, mom?” Darkstar fell into her trap.

Thespian did her best imitation of Coffee Bean, “A zebra stew, truly good for you. Made from the horn of a unicorn. Harvested in the moon’s early morn. Fat tender pegasus wing. So tasty to make you sing. Finally earth pony hooves so sweet. This stew is a delectable treat!”

Tempest made her usual stealthy entrance as Thespian recited her poem. With a large pout, “Really, Thespian? You didn’t make any last month either and I so want to try it.” She walked the rest of the way into the room. “Good to see you again Darkstar, Air Raid. You must be Brightstar. I’m Tempest, but everyone calls me Stormy.”

“Or you could use her codename,” Airmail started but fell silent when Tempest gave her a look.

Darkstar was momentarily frozen, ‘She is going to steal our horn!’ ‘It was a joke.’ ‘Was it?’ ‘Duh, zebras eat the whole pony.’ ‘Oh, yeah.’ ‘I hope there is one zebra that will eat part of me.’ Darkstar broke down in a fit of giggles, “Oh yeah, we’re happy to see you again, Stormy.”

“It’s good to meet you too,” Brightstar came over to give Tempest a hoof bump.

“You, know Ms. Thespian, that stew might give my wings some purpose,” commented Air Raid.

Thespian reached over and touched a wing, “Need to fatten them up first.”

Wildfire, despite all she ‘saw’, completely missed the exchanged look between Tempest and Airmail. “You should call her Mother Hen; she really likes that.”

Tempest gave a sigh and eye roll that even Wildfire could see which left the little mare giggling. “I do feel like I’m surrounded by hatchlings.”

“I’ll stick with Stormy,” said Brightstar. “Sorry you have to hang around my friends, but you must know what they’re like by now.”

Airmail did a little chicken dance, “Peep, peep, peep.”

Tempest nodded, “It is a lesson I’ve learned, but I’m in it for the fringe benefits.” Airmail joined Wildfire in the giggles.

Air Raid’s phone vibrated. “Hey, Cy just got here. She’s in a taxi, and the driver says about an hour.”

The noise from the back of the house alerted the group that there were ponies inbound. The back door opened up and thirteen walked in if you include the foal on the back of one of the mares. Darkstar had a panic attack and quickly moved to put Thespian between her and the crowd. Brightstar and Air Raid noticed and moved to either side of the unicorn.

The crowd quieted down. “Introductions are in order. There will be a quiz later tonight.” That brought smiles and chuckles to the lot of them. “First this one nuzzling my flank.” Thespian moved and put a foreleg over Darkstar to pull her forward front and centre. “This is Darkstar. Until she gets to know you, she is a bit shy, so be sure to talk to her in small doses. To my right is,” Thespian gestured with her other forehoof, “Air Raid. Note, her slate is clean. This is a fresh start for her, Right Wildfire?”

“Yuppers, I’ve forgiven her,” replied Wildfire. “You all can help her forgive herself.”

“On the other side of Darkstar,” continued Thespian, “Is her brother Brightstar. There are more to come, but this will give you a chance to get acquainted. All three of them are friends of the herd. Now for this lot that came in.”

Darkstar now only had eyes for the zebra stallion. “Oh, a sexy zebra!”

The earth pony mare next to the zebra nudged him in the ribs. “You hear that? You’re sexy.”

The zebra spoke up, “Any with eyes can see, a sexy zebra I be. Thank you so much Darkstar… Um…” The mare next to him laughed and he waved a hoof. “For the best compliment by far.” He stuck his tongue out at the mare.

‘You are flirting with somepony else’s stallion?’ ‘What, no, um, maybe…’ ‘Well, I guess that is one way to get kicked out of here.’ ‘No, no, I don’t want that.’ ‘Really?’ ‘Sorry.’ ‘Not me you need to say that to.’ Darkstar sighed, “I’m sorry.”

The mare spoke up kindly with a gentle smile on her face, “What are you sorry for? He is sexy.”

“I didn’t mean to try and take away your stallion,” pleaded Darkstar, “Please don’t be mad at me.”

“I’m still new to this herd thing,” said the zebra stallion, “But I can take a compliment, and I’m not leaving my marefriend, but I’d be happy to give you a nuzzle.”

Darkstar just stood there confused, and Thespian said, “Coffee Bean is bringing some zebra stallions for Darkstar to review. For that matter she is bring some mares for Air Raid to do an under the tail check.”

Everypony laughed as Air Raid and Darkstar both blushed. “Now to continue with the introduction. Sorry, there is no playbill for you to cheat off.” She started with the group of six, “Lavender and Topper. The scarry pony had met two of the three and works with Airmail. Her husband, Topper, likes to lay bricks on top of each other. They are the reason we started a herd. Their filly Sunset and her colt friend Arrow. They are of legal age. Then there is their filly Jasmine and her filly friend Salamander, and they are not of legal age.” That got a fairly good eye roll out of Jasmine.

“The other group,” continued Thespian, “Is Requiem, our resident shrink, song and dance, and babysitter for the house. I think there is some ponies that would like to talk to you, Requiem.” The mare nodded as most of her attention was on Darkstar. “Her husband, Longshore, is the agent for the herd, and a fine agent he is. They were the second couple to join the herd. Then there is their colt Starlight, his wife Selene, and the pointed headed filly on her back is Shadow.” She pointed to the last couple, “Their filly Seabreeze, and her very sexy coltfriend, Swirl, of the coffee tribe. Those two are looking to take a more active role in our herd.”

“That we are,” said Seabreeze. “I just need to get this zebra prude to cross over to the kinky side.” Swirl snorted at her comment.

Selene spoke up, “Are we to early for the sitters?”

“They should be here anytime, Selene,” replied Thespian. “Recital is bringing them with her hoard. The play area is set up in the library.”

“I’m going to have to feel you all if I’m going to have any hope of passing that quiz,” quipped Wildfire.

Airmail nuzzled her, “I’ll be your cheat sheet love.”

The group mingled. A few picked up drinks or snacks at the tables. All of them heeded Thespian’s advice and were going to let Darkstar approach them, except for Requiem. “Hello Darkie. It’s good to meet you at last Brightstar. Air Raid, I’m free to talk if you’d like.” She turned her attention back to Darkstar. “You actually handled that pretty well, Darkie. A minor retreat for protection, but you didn’t run from the room. Still getting along with yourself?”

Brightstar stepped in before his sister could answer the red and blue painted mare, “You told her she isn’t crazy. Why is that?”

Darkstar gasped, “Bright!”

“Let’s take this to the music room,” responded Requiem. “This isn’t for open conversation.” Without waiting for an answer, she moved off to the music room. Darkstar glared at Brightstar, who simply shrugged and followed Requiem.

“Darkie, do you need backup?” asked Air Raid.

‘Do we?’ ‘No, this is all Bright’s fault.’ ‘We got this.’ “Thank you Raid, but I need to deal with my brother.” Air Raid nodded and Darkstar followed Brightstar into the other room.

Lavender came up to Air Raid. “Hello, still letting go of things?”

Air Raid was startled by the pony sneaking up on her. “What? Oh, it’s you, the scary pony as Thespy says.”

“Terrifying,” agreed Lavender. “Still worried about me?”

“A little,” responded Air Raid honestly. “Something Ms. Snowfall said. ‘If you failed her test, you wouldn’t be here.’ I don’t want to fail whatever test you’re doing.”

“Darkie and Wily were right about one thing. You need to forgive yourself.” Lavender looked Air Raid in her grey eyes like she was staring into her soul. “It is a dark cloud that hangs over you. If you want to be the mare you need to be. Let it go. You made a mistake in the past, and I’m sure you’ll make another sometime in the future. But learn from the past and prepare for the future.” Lavender smiled, “Most of all live in the now. Welcome, friend of the herd.” She hugged the pegasus and then walked off to the buffet table, and left Air Raid a bit stunned.

Requiem took a seat on a pad by a low table and gestured at some other pads around the table as the two entered the room. “May as well stomp out the big issues first. Darkie, may I discuss your medical case with your brother?”

“Yeah, you’ll have to if he is going to trust either of us,” answered Darkstar.

“What? I’m not.. I’m..” The two mares just looked at Brightstar. “Fine, I left Darkie in Canterlot with Raid. I need to see if I could find Wily in Fillydelphia, but she wasn’t there. Moonbeak was, and… I stayed.” Requiem said nothing, and Darkstar just looked sad. “I got letters from Raid. They were talking about committing Darkie, so I made sure she had guardianship over her. Then that thing with the nurse and the suicide attempts. I just…” Brightstar sighed. “I didn’t know what to think. Then Raid lets me know she’s seeing a doctor in Ponyville, and different meds, and a knife for her to play with. It was getting to be too much. Then she calls me out of the blue and says they’ve moved to Manehatten, and that there’s nothing wrong with Darkie.” He shrugged, “How can I believe that? She is still talking to herself and uses we all the time.”

Requiem finally spoke up as it seemed Brightstar had run out of steam. “Air Raid told you that there was nothing wrong with Darkstar?”

Brightstar waved a hoof, “She said that Darkie wasn’t crazy, and that’s the same thing.”

“Darkstar, when did I say there was nothing wrong with you? Or did I say there were a few issues to deal with?” asked Requiem.

“Um, well you said we had anger issues and confidence issues, and low self-esteem. But you did say we weren’t crazy.” Requiem motioned for Darkstar to continue. “Um, we weren’t crazy, because we didn’t want to kill ourselves anymore. We wanted to live.”

“What about that?” exclaimed Brightstar. “She still says ‘we’ and I know she talks to herself.”

Darkstar started to shrink, but Requiem quickly intervened. She put a hoof on Darkstar’s shoulder. “You don’t talk to yourself, Bright? When you’re making a decision or planning something. When you’re shopping for groceries?” Brightstar opened his mouth, but Requiem continued. “Not out loud so others can hear you, or at least most of the time. If you didn’t talk to yourself, I’d have cause to be concerned.”

“But. Fine, okay, but what about her.” Brightstar pointed a hoof at his sister.

“She told you. Anger issues. When she talked to herself about an important decision, she didn’t listen to the cautious side, and bad things happened. She didn’t listen to her own advice and bad things happened. She nearly died and was so mad at herself the only way to deal with it was to kill that part of herself that let it happen.” Requiem pulled Darkstar into a hug. “The past can’t be erased but she has moved on to the part where she knows what happened is, in a small way, her fault. Like going down a dark alley at night is in a small way your fault, but it is totally the fault of the mugger that took advantage of that. It was totally Cold Front’s fault that she was so badly injured. That decision to help a friend is that small part that is her fault. Could you abandon a friend, Brightstar?”

“I…” Brightstar squeezed his eyes shut, so tight that tears leaked out, “I abandoned my sister.”

“What? No!” said Darkstar. “We were both doing what we could to find Wily. You found a reason for living and I was lost. I can see now that Air Raid was helping a friend. Not because she failed Wily, but because she wasn’t going to fail me.” Darkstar shook her head, “If you had stayed, then I don’t’ know what may have happened. I don’t think I’d be here now, and now I have hope. I have a tiny filly’s horn on a grown mare’s body, but I have hope. I have a future.”

Requiem whispered in Darkstar’s ear. “I think somepony needs a hug.” The unicorn left her side to hug her brother tight, and Requiem used that excuse to leave them alone in the room. When she walked out, she saw Wildfire facing the room. To her left with a foreleg over the pegasus was Airmail and touching her on the right was Tempest completing the trio.

“Is everything alright, Doctor?” asked Airmail.

“For those two? I’d say they have reached acceptance,” responded Requiem. “Of course, that means I’ll not be adding Brightstar to my list of clients.”

“I heard yelling,” said Wildfire.

Requiem walked up to Wildfire. Close enough she knew the mare could smell her presence. “You are loved by ponies past and present, Wildfire. All of you, the good and the bad. Maybe it is because you are worthy of love?” She walked away to join her husband at the tables before Wildfire could formulate a response.

The front door opened to a crowd of ponies. “There’s a stallion you’re going to want to feel up,” Airmail said.

Next to Wildfire, Tempest added, “I’m sure he’s going to want to feel you up too, Wily.”

Wildfire filed the words Requiem said away, along with Darkstar and Brightstar. Sometimes you can’t make every pony happy. “It must be Tinker and Belle.”

Thespian had walked nearby since she heard the outer gate open. “You are correct with Pathfinder.”

“He’s so cute,” said Wildfire, “But it sounds like more.”

Both Tempest and Airmail remained quiet. Neither were going to take away time from the Alpha Mare of the herd. “You are correct again,” continued Thespian. “Recital and Trumpet are with them.” She called out to the newly arrived. “About time you got here, Recital.” Recital lovingly pulled down her right eyelid and stuck her tongue out at Thespian. “She has her three, Text, Swan, and Limelight with her. And more importantly, Bookmark, Trotter, everything is set up and Selene is minding the store right now.”

“On it!” said Bookmark.

“Before that I need to introduce you to Wildfire,” Thespian said. “She is our newest herd member and should be giving you business next year.”

The two trotted close when Trotter exclaimed, “Oh wow! That’s, wow.” Bookmark also stared but remained silent.

“Hi,” said Wildfire. “I get that a lot, with my stunning beauty and all.”

Trotter was blushing hard. Thespian spoke. “Wildfire likes to say hello by touch. If she may touch you with her hooves.” Bookmark moved forward. “This pair are our sitters for the gaming events. First up is Bookmark, and she is seventeen.”

“Hi,” Bookmark said hesitantly. She didn’t flinch when Wildfire sat down and reached out her hooves to touch her. “So, um, ahh…”

“I lost them in an accident about five years ago.” Wildfire said as she carefully got to know the mare. “I had to develop this tentacle eye to replace them.” That got a snort of laughter from both the young mares. “You’re turning into quite a beauty.” She finished and lowered her hooves. “Thank you, and Trotter is the other?”

Trotter moved forward, “Yeah, sorry for that. I’m sixteen.”

Wildfire lifted her hooves. “I understand, as I said my beauty can be quite stunning.” She felt Trotter nod under her hooves. While she felt that Bookmark was a unicorn, Trotter was an earth pony. “Have you ever sat for some really old foals?”

“Yeah,” said Trotter, “We’ve sat for Serenity. She’s a cute baby.”

Wildfire laughed, “Of course it would be Serenity. My friend Cy is coming tonight, and I think she is a really cute baby too.”

Both sitters looked at Thespian who nodded. “As long as she plays nice,” Bookmark said, “I’m sure we’ll have a wonderful time.” Belle stuck her head out from the library and waved. “I think it’s time for us to get to work. Bookmark lightly touched Wildfire’s cheek, “It was good to meet you.” She and Trotter headed off to the library for a night of babysitting.

Softly Airmail said, “Are you okay?”

Wildfire didn’t see any need for being sombre, “I am, Airy. I know how others react to seeing me the first time, and those two did a pretty good job of getting over the initial shock.” She kissed Airmail, “But they are a bit too young for me.” She could feel the blush on her fiancé’s face.

Belle and Tinkerer saw their opportunity to approach Wildfire. Belle spoke up first. “Let’s take this poolside to have a chat about our future.”

“You looking for a test drive, Tink?” Airmail asked.

“I’ll have you know I already know how to drive a mare,” responded Tinkerer, which got a giggle out of Belle. “Just want to be sure we’re all on the same page.”

“I’m good for that,” Wildfire said as she led the group to the poolside out back. “It’s good to feel you both up again. How are you doing?”

“I’m doing well,” responded Tinkerer, “But your idea has Belle looking to add another to our house.” Belle laughed. “How did your vacation go?”

“You mean my tour of every Equestrian city? It was fun, and I did like meeting all my future in-laws,” answered Wildfire.

“Yeah, I’d say Airy has an interesting family,” Tinkerer said, “Not that Stormy’s family isn’t nice.” Tempest gave that comment the eye roll it deserved. He reached out to put a hoof on Wildfire’s shoulder. “So, you’re sure you want a foal with me?”

“Oh, absolutely!” exclaimed Wildfire. “More than anything in the world.”

“Okay, and what part will I play in the foal’s life?” Tinkerer asked.

“She will be herd, Tink,” said Airmail.

Tinkerer looked at Airmail, “Does Wildfire really understand what that means?”

Wildfire spoke up, “I think it means that you are the dad, and you’ll be a full part of her life. Me and Airy will be her mom, and she’ll have plenty of aunts and uncles, but you will be her dad. I want you and Belle to be a part of Fireflight’s life.”

“Okay, sorry I had to ask,” Tinkerer said, “But I wanted to be sure of things. Bringing a life into the world is no small task, but one of great joy. Do you have a timeline when you want to birth the foal?”

Wildfire nodded, “My heat cycle’s starts the end of next week.”

Belle laughed, “I take it that means as soon as possible.”

“I don’t think it works to do it any sooner, and Tink said he didn’t need practice,” said Wildfire.

“I’ll help him get a practice session in, but be ready for your arrival,” said Belle.

“There is something you need to know about me, Wily,” Tinkerer led off. “My mother’s mother was a unicorn, and I have a unicorn foal, but Belle may have a lot to do with that.”

“While I’d like a pegasus, I won’t be fussed as long as she is healthy,” Wildfire stated. “I’d be okay if an alligator popped out.”

“You may want to check with Discord if you have an alligator,” giggled Belle.

“My place, yours, or here,” asked Tinkerer.

“Yours would be fine,” responded Wildfire.

“Good,” said Belle, “You’ve not been to our place. It will be nice.”

“At least I won’t have to find someplace else to sleep,” commented Tempest.

“Stormy!” exclaimed Wildfire.

“What? I mean, you know I can share a bed with a stallion.” Tempest said.

Belle and Tinkerer laughed, “We’ll let you hash out your sleeping arrangements,” said Belle. “I need to check in on Path. Come along Tink. I don’t want you to feel neglected by the mare fest.” The pair went back into the house.

“Sorry I was late to the party. Remind me to never take vacation again,” said Tempest. “Stupid paperwork.”

“I don’t bother anymore as you always tell me you have too many vacation days saved up,” answered Airmail.

“I’m sure Airy is looking forward to you being round and milky,” commented Tempest, who couldn’t resist teasing her lover now the three of them were alone at the pool side.

“You know I am, Stormy,” responded Airmail.

“You going to eat a bug with me, Stormy.” Wildfire led the pair back into the house.

“I do like the bar-be-que,” Stormy replied.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

An alert tone got Thespian’s attention. “Someone at the front gate. Let me get that.” She trotted off to the front door.

“Even more ponies?” asked Wildfire.

“Let’s go check it out,” said Airmail and she followed Thespian with Wildfire and Tempest.

Thespian looked at the monitor. “It’s a black pegasus.”

“Oh! That must be Cyclone,” exclaimed Wildfire.

Thespian pushed a button, “Come in.” She pushed a second button to release the gate and watched the pegasus enter. The mare moved over an opened the front door. As the pegasus stepped in she said, “Prepare to be hugged.”

“What?” was all Cyclone could get out before she fell to one of Wildfire’s tackle hugs.

“Cy, it has been forever!” Wildfire said as she hugged her friend tight.

Cyclone knew better than to point out it was just earlier in the week when they had met. “I’ve missed you too Wily. She looked at the older mare. “Thespian?” The mare nodded. “I have something for you once I can escape.” Wildfire laughed and released her hold on the pegasus. Cyclone smoothed out her dress and pulled out a plushie from her bag. “I’ve heard that you collect these.”

Thespian took the plush. “Pink unicorn and red Power Pony suit. This must be Masked Matter-Horn.” She saw Cyclones ears droop. “I do have grandfoals, but the seven I have, are all small plushies they play with. This is the first large one.” She nuzzled the pegasus, “Now I can have my husband quest for the other six in this size.” She placed the plush on her back facing forward.

“Glad I could help support your addiction.” That got a giggle from Thespian and Cyclone smiled. “I have these two I play with.” She pulled them out of her saddlebag.

“Oh, now there is a favourite of mine,” said Thespian. “The bondage pony, Mistress Mare-velous. Hum, yellow unicorn, that would have to be Radiance.”

Cyclone nodded, “Rady is my favourite.”

Thespian pointed to a side room, “The foal area is in there, in case you’d like to know.” Cyclone nodded vigorously. “I’ll leave you to catch up with your friends.”

Cyclone chatted with the three mares for a little bit. “So, can they handle an adult foal?”

Wildfire nodded, “They told me they had sat for Serenity, so yes. As long as you play nice.”

“I can do nice,” responded Cyclone. “May as well get myself comfy with a professional sitter.” She walked off towards the library.

Darkstar noticed that ponies didn’t bother her. ‘They don’t like us.’ ‘No! they are giving us space. They all smile when we look at them and none look away.’ ‘Maybe…’ ‘You feel safe?’ ‘Yes, I do, oh Cy. Let’s go.’ Darkstar intercepted the pegasus before she entered the library. “Hi Cy, it is good to see you again.”

“Darkie! It has been a long time.” Cyclone wrapped the unicorn in a hug. “I heard you and Raid have moved out here.”

“We have. Raid is over there at the table.” She pointed out Air Raid who was chatting with Requiem by the buffet table. “I think I’m getting my life back together out here. Fresh start.”

“I could use a fresh start. Cloudsdale is wearing me down.” Cyclone brought her smile back, “Today though, I’m going to be a foal and live life happy.”

“Go wet a nappy for me,” giggled Darkstar as she let Cyclone finish entering the library. ‘There’s Recital, she’s nice.’ Darkstar nodded and watched Recital move to the front door. ‘Let’s investigate to see where she is going.’ As she moved to the front, she saw Recital push a button on the wall and open the front door. Sandalwood walked in. “Hi, I’m happy to see you again,” said Darkstar.

“Ah, the dancer out to take my job!” Sandalwood said with a smile. She nuzzled Recital and then Darkstar. “Since Thespian isn’t dressed yet, I must be on time.”

Darkstar nodded, “Yeah, but the food is ready, and I made some of it!”

Sandalwood nodded, “May as well build up my strength before we start gaming.”

Darkstar walked with the two mares back to the tables where there were a lot of ponies. They were polite and said hello, and if Darkstar responded they would hold a longer conversation with her. Darkstar smiled, ‘They do like us.’ ‘We can agree on that.’

The front door opened again and Caffeinated entered. He quickly found the odd unicorn in the crowd. “Brightstar! I found this griffon panhandling at Grand Central Station.”

Moonbeak gave the zebra a stare she used on clients that went too far in their demands. It was completely ineffective on the stallion. “It’s a good thing you already showed me the bloodwine.” The zebra laughed and moved into the house.

“Moony!” Brightstar galloped up to the trio, “I’m so happy you could all come.” He nuzzled her first then Athena. Last he kissed the top of Zephyr’s head as he rode on Moonbeak’s back. “Trip okay?”

“These two behaved well, and it was nice to have somepony greet us at the station.” She looked around. “There are a lot here, is there a place for these two?”

“Yes, this way,” responded Brightstar. “They have a room just for foal sitting.”

Caffeinated walked up to Thespian and gave her a deep kiss. He looked around. “Darkie, Raid!” once he had the two mares’ attention he said, “Coffee Bean texted me. She is fifteen minutes out.” Air Raid’s eyes went wide, and she left Requiem and dashed up the stairs. Darkstar didn’t know what bit Air Raid in the butt, but she was so ready to see what stallions have come to court her.

Thespian laughed, “I think some mare realized she still needed to get dress. So do I. Care to help?”

“Always.” Caffeinated called out. “Lavender, you have door duty.” Lavender nodded and he followed his wife upstairs.

Cy walked into the library and saw a large foal area set up. Two young mares were watching over the occupants. In the play area was a unicorn colt and filly colouring together, another unicorn colt was playing with blocks. A very young unicorn filly was sleeping. One of the mares walked over to her. “Hi, I’m Cyclone, but call me Cy. You’re the sitters?”

Bookmark nodded, “Myself, Bookmark, and over there is the other, Trotter. How can we help you?”

“I’d like to be a foal for the evening,” Cyclone said.

“You won’t be our first adult foal, so that will work fine,” said Bookmark. “The rate is fifty bits an hour, paid at the end of the evening if you feel we gave good service. Agreed?”

“Deal,” said Cyclone. “Nana Raid made me watch motorsports after.”

“No televisions in here,” said Bookmark. “We keep the music low and just instrumental. How old will you be?”

“I’m three when I get into it. I wear a nappy because I need to,” responded Cyclone, who whispered, “Incontinence. I have bottles and toys in my bag.”

“Potty trained?” asked Bookmark. “You prefer bottles over solid food? Breastmilk?”

“I’m in training, I do wet now and again,” answered Cyclone. “I like my bottles, and breastmilk isn’t easy to get. Does add to the fantasy.”

“I’m sure it does, and we do have a couple of nursing mothers.” Bookmark lowered her voice, “Airy likes to taste.” They both giggled, “I’ve changed plenty of nappies, so that won’t be an issue. Now for the rules. Rule one, my responsibility is to the real foal’s safety. If you endanger them, I’ll have you tossed out onto the street.” Cyclone nodded. “Rule two, you say I’m a foal before you inter the area, and if you need a break for any reason, just say I’m an adult, and we suspend the game. While playing, do you have limited language skills?”

“I’ve done my research and I have a three-year old’s vocabulary,” Cyclone said.

“Okay, last rule. Since you’re three, can’t have too many rules.” Cyclone giggled. “If you break character in the foal area for any reason other than an emergency, or saying, I’m an adult, it is game over for the night. That is to help you stay in character.” Cyclone nodded. “Let me introduce you. Hello everypony,” announced Bookmark. “This is Cyclone, and she is three years old.”

All but the sleeping one nodded. Pathfinder spoke up, “She big.”

“She is,” continued Bookmark, “And I expect all of you to play nice. The oldest two are brother and sister, and they get along well. Swan is seven and she chills in here but will join the gamers later. She just has to let me know where she is in case someone needs to find her. Limelight is four and likes to help us when he can. Pathfinder is two but has a good vocabulary. I think that is from his actress mother, Belle. She is still nursing, but I don’t know if it is because she likes to or indulges Airmail.” That got a snort from Cyclone. “Last is Shadow who is one. Her mother is Selene and our primary nurser. I’m expecting two more when Knight and Wind Chime show up.”

“Thank you Bookmark, and you too Trotter. I’m a foal,” announced Cyclone. She set her bag down and entered the coral. Pulled out the Radiance plushie and relaxed into her own little world.

Brightstar and Moonbeak entered the library, and Trotter moved to intercept them, “Griffon kittens! They’re so cute. Hi, I’m Trotter, and over there is Bookmark. Will you need sitting this evening?”

“Yes,” said Moonbeak. “This is Athena, and she is five. Zephyr is three and he is a little shy.”

“Okay, or rates are fifty bits per hour for each, paid at the end of the evening if you’re satisfied with our service.”

“If I’m not satisfied?” asked Moonbeak.

“No charge, but we would ask why to improve our service,” responded Trotter.

Moonbeak smiled, “Not a problem. I give same guarantee to my clients.”

Trotter looked at Zephyr who kept trying to hide behind his mother’s head. “So, what does Zephyr like to do?”

“He likes pony back rides,” Brightstar said.

“Pony back!” Zephyr held out his claws to Brightstar.

“Would you like to ride with me, Zephyr? We could go outside and look for bugs,” added Trotter.

“Bugs yummy!” Zephyr held her claws out to Trotter and Brightstar used his magic to move the kitten from Moonbeak to Trotter.

“What if you don’t find any bugs?” asked Moonbeak.

Trotter smiled, “If I don’t outside, I’m guaranteed to find some on the dinning table.” She turned to Bookmark, “I’m taking this one out back to play.”

Bookmark nodded and opened the coral, “Would you like to join the others, Athena.”

Athena nodded and hugged Brightstar and Moonbeak before she walked in over to the two colouring. “I am Athena. I like to colour.”

Swan pushed her book and crayons over to Athena. “I’m Swan, and you can use these. My brother Limelight likes to colour too. I’ll get some more for myself.”

“Tank you.” Athena started a new page and found some colours she liked.

“What you?” asked Limelight.

“I a griffon,” she responded. Limelight nodded and went back to colouring. Athena saw he wasn’t doing a good job staying in the lines but said nothing about it. She didn’t want her mother to get mad at her for being bossy.

The front door opened again and in walked Mapper, carrying an air about her like she owned the place. She wore socks, corset, and bitless bridle. She held the leash to Serenity’s collar. Serenity wore socks, corset, bridle with bit, and panties. “I have arrived,” the pink mare declared, “The festivities may now begin.”

Lavender laughed, “Well the stallions haven’t shown up yet, nor has Luna and her bunch.”

Mapper waved a hoof, “The stallions can fend for themselves, but I’ll delay for Luna.” Next to her Serenity started doing a happy dance. Mapper looked in the library where she was looking. Looped the leash over Serenity’s horn and nodded. The unicorn took off for the basement. “Do they ever grow up?”

“I haven’t,” responded Lavender.

Mapper then saw a unicorn and a griffon walk out of the library, both of whom she didn’t know, and Trotter head out to the pool with a kitten on her back. She approached the couple. “Я не вижу много грифонов. Я надеюсь, что Caffienated был гостеприимен к вам.”

Moonbeak looked the fancy unicorn over and found her a dominant kindred spirit. “You speak griffon pretty well.”

“Hi, I’m Brightstar and this is my wife Moonbeak.” As outlandish as the unicorn looked, she had to be the one Wildfire told him about, “You must be Mapper.”

“Caffeinated was kind enough to pick me up at the train station, and he brought bloodwine, so I’m happy with our host,” added Moonbeak.

“Yes, I’m the Mapper of legends.” She giggled, “And I’m glad as zebras take hospitality seriously. I will sample the bloodwine if you’re sharing. I hope you have fun, but for now I must have cake!” Mapper trotted off.

“She’s as outrageous as Wildfire said she was,” said Brightstar. Moonbeak only shrugged since she was the same way.

The door opened again, and Coffee Bean lead the way with a pair of zebra stallions and pair of zebra mares by her sides. Darkstar naturally focused on the two stallions, one was a rusty brown color with a grey rock cutie mark, and the other an off white with three red beans for a cutie mark. “Darkstar,” Coffee Bean called out, “Come, I have two studs to show you.”

The white zebra saw who, and what, Darkstar was as she approached. “Wazimu gani huo! Hakusema kuwa alikuwa mchawi!”

Darkstar stopped and sputtered, “We… We aren’t a witch…”

Mapper, who had altered her course from her quest for cake, moved up protectively alongside Darkstar and stated loudly, “Je, unadhani yeye ni mchawi? Nitakuonyesha kile mchawi anaweza kufanya!”

The rust-coloured stallion put his hoof on the other one’s shoulder. “Jihadharini na maneno yako. Unajua nyumba ya nani?”

The white stallion shrugged off the hoof, “Mimi si kutoa damn ambaye anamiliki nyumba hii kamili ya wachawi!”

Mapper’s horn light up, while Darkstar sank to the floor muttering, “I’m not a witch, I’m not a witch.”

Before she could cast a stern voice came from the top of the stairs. Caffeinated walked down the steps with a purpose. Behind him were Thespian and Air Raid, both in their serving dresses. “Unapaswa kuwa na wasiwasi kuhusu nyumba ya nani.”

The white stallion looked up the stairs and prostrated himself to the floor, “Caffeinated, nisamehe. Sikujua.”

Caffeinated continued down the stairs, “Kama wewe kutoweka, naweza kushindwa kukumbuka wewe walikuwa milele hapa.”

The white zebra surged to his hooves and fled out the front door.

The rust-coloured zebra saw Caffeinated’s eyes fall on him. “Forgive me, sir, please. There is a mare I must attend to.” He walked over to where Mapper was standing and gave her a nod. She let her horn go out. He then got down on the floor with the unicorn. “Hello Darkstar, I’m Slate. It is a pleasure to meet you at last.”

Darkstar sobbed, “You don’t have to pretend. I’m a witch, you can just go away.”

“You’re not a witch, but you are an enchantress. For you have enchanted me with your beauty the moment I saw you.” Slate smiled when she looked up at him. “Forget about Roast. I have, and I’m sorry you had to endure that.”

“Darkstar wiped at her eyes, “No sorry for what’s not your fault. Slate, are you with the sand tribe then?”

“I am, maybe we could talk over some food and drinks?” Slate asked as he stood and held out a hoof to help Darkstar up.

She took the hoof and stood with him, “We’d like that.” She froze in place. ‘Did it now.’ ‘But, I like him.’ ‘Will he like crazy us?’ ‘I don’t know.’

Slate smiled, “Good, then let’s do just that.” He led her over to the tables.

Caffeinated came down the rest of the way. Coffee Bean approached him, “I’m sorry for that, Nephew. I had no idea.”

Caffeinated shrugged, “Some hide it very well.” He looked at the two mares.

“I like mares!” The pink zebra said quickly.

The cream-colored zebra giggled, “We like any type of mares.”

“Good to know,” said Caffeinated. He pointed to the stairs, “Air Raid is the winged one.” He saw Mapper approach, “Thank you for being ready to take action. I’m glad you didn’t have to.”

Mapper shrugged, “He was going out the front door, open or closed. Did you really get some bloodwine?” Caffeinated nodded. “I’ll try anything once.” She trotted off to the buffet table.

“I’ll leave introductions to you, aunt.” Caffeinated returned to Thespian’s side and then to the buffet table to find Moonbeak.

“I’m sorry you saw that poor showing of the stallion to your friend. I hope these two will be far more pleasant.” She pointed to the pink zebra with a red diamond cutie mark. “This is Amethyst of the Sand Tribe.” She pointed to the cream-colored zebra with a Gold squiggly cutie mark. “And this is Cream of the Coffee Tribe.” Last she motioned to the pegasus, “And this is Air Raid, who hopes to come closer with one of you. I’ll leave you three to it then.” Coffee Bean head for the table to get some of Thespian’s zebran cooking.