A Misty Hearth's Warming

Chapters

1st Veil - "The Time of Ghosts and Spirits"
2nd Veil - "Mistybelle"
4th Veil - "A Touch of Tenderness"
3rd Veil - "Deepening Affections"

1st Veil - "The Time of Ghosts and Spirits"

Spirits. That’s what Princess Twilight spent a full hour rambling about to Mark. Still, he found a lot of what she mentioned to be quite fascinating. Of course in all of his life, he never saw anything like a ghost or spirit. Still, he knew there was far more to the world than what you see alone. Besides, Equestria was home to so many unique species and magical and mythical beings, it didn’t seem so farfetched that spirits could really exist. But why they could or would want to enter the world at this time of year was anyone’s guess.

As the human walked across the fresh layer of winter snow, he turned his eyes to the clearing sky. The moon hung above beaming its soothing light and was accompanied with a myriad of twinkling stars. Mark kept his eyes aloft for a few more seconds, then checking on his bags, continued on his way home. Now that winter had begun, there was less than five days till Hearth’s Warming. At last he could breathe a sigh of relief. The two bags he was carrying had the last of the gifts he needed to complete his shopping.

After a good five-minute walk from the marketplace, he arrived at his roomy Ponyville residence. Work in the services of a princess had its perks along with a generous salary. Though, for whatever reason, the sky drew Mark’s eyes back to it. He blinked his brown eyes as he marveled at the vista sprawling before him. He’d only been living in Equestria for about a year and a half now. Before coming here, it was rare he could find such starry night skies on Earth. Well, at least in the area he lived.

He panned his head around and caught the sight of a particularly bright star. “Wow, I wonder if that’s a planet or maybe one of the stars I heard Twilight talk about. Hmm, if I see it tomorrow night, I’ll have to ask her.”

Mark chuckled as he unlocked his front door and stepped in out of the cold. He placed his bags on a nearby chair, then turned to close and lock his door. He turned on a few lamps and bumped up the furnace. It wasn’t too cold inside his house, but there was a distinct nip in the air. Though it didn’t make his nose twitch like the outside air had.

He saw to plugging in his Hearth’s Warming tree. The lights lit up and added their colorful mesh to the living room. It made the human smile as he saw the pile of gifts he had under the tree. While he wouldn’t really be hosting anypony at his place, he would be taking these gifts to his friends in just a few short days.

He turned to the bags. One had gifts and the other had mostly groceries. He saw to putting his provisions away and cast out a sigh. His home was warm, but still felt somewhat cold and empty. Despite the fact that his friends would each be getting him thoughtful gifts, there was one present he really longed for, but had a sad feeling he wouldn’t get.

He took a seat on his roomy and plush sofa. Mark let out a sigh as he almost wished he had someone to come home to. But, he just hadn’t had much luck finding a special somepony. That’s not to say he didn’t have his share of memorable dates and short relationships with several different mares. Many even led to romantic and playful sexual encounters, yet, none of the mares ever seemed to stay.

Mark pushed up his glasses and looked at his tree. It made him smile as he smacked his lips and noticed his mouth was parched. He tore himself from the couch and lumbered into the kitchen. Overall mark was of an average build for a human and just a bit on the pudgy side. Thankfully, since he started working for the Princess of Friendship he did notice all the running around was beginning to pay off.

Arriving in the kitchen, Mark just decided on a glass of cold water. He didn’t want to drink anything overly sweet or caffeinated this close to bedtime. Mark took a long sip from his glass and enjoyed the cooling sensation as the water ran down his dry throat. “Ahh.”

He made his way back to the living room. Reaching over, he turned off the lamps he had lit. Now, only the tree’s lights were illuminating the room as he parked his butt back on the sofa. “That’s better.” Mark took another long swig from his glass.

Staring at the colorful lights on his tree, Mark just spaced out a little. Best he could figure regarding his joke of a love life. The mares he had been with were simply discovering whether or not they had an appetite for human lovers. Once they made up their minds, they decided to move on and sample others. Well, it was what he concluded anyway. At least he had hope in Equestria. The mares here seemed far more approachable and less judgmental than females of his own kind did back on Earth. All Mark could guess was that something about him was less than desirable, maybe it was his personality.

He shrugged his shoulders as he downed the last of his water and set the glass on a nearby end table. His eyes began to feel heavy as he just managed to make out the face of his clock. “Already after eleven. Yeah.” Mark yawned as he reached for some of the comfy throw pillows. He made a neat pile of them along the one end of the sofa, then lied on his side, pressing his back against the sofa’s back.

A smile formed on his face as he gazed out at the decorated tree. Just like Christmas trees on Earth, Mark found his Hearth’s Warming tree soothing and relaxing to look at. It stood there with its lights, festive decorations and even candy canes. The tree also filled the room with its delightful pine scent.

Mark’s eyes began to grow heavier and while he turned up his furnace, he didn’t crank it too much. A slight chill crossed his body. He reached up and grabbed the blanket draped on the back of the couch and made a poor attempt to cover himself. Removing his glasses, Mark set them on the end table with his glass, then let his head sink into the pillows. Rest was all he needed and tomorrow, he could wrap the remaining gifts. Besides, there was always the chance one of his friends could introduce him to a new mare. A brief smile formed on his face, before it fell as he nodded off.

* * * * * * *

Mark’s home sat quietly through the night. The stars continued to shine overhead. One in particular continued to glow. It was the one he thought might be a planet, but in fact, it wasn’t a planet at all.

The star continued to glow and in moments began to move. It descended from the heavens and slowly flittered down from the night sky. A foggy mist began rolling in across the fallen snow. The wispy blue star continued trailing along the ground. It moved in almost a random manner, at first, then is started hovering. It glided across the ground, almost like it was in search of something.

It zeroed in on Mark’s house. Something seemed to be calling to it as it flew through the night mists. The wisp landed on the far side of Mark’s house. It’s glow lit up the snowy ground but quickly faded as its form began to change. Like the fog around it, the wisp turned into an ethereal mist and passed through the walls of Mark’s dwelling.

It still gave off a faint glow as it emerged in the human’s kitchen. Slowly, its form began to change, again. The streams of mist collected and rolled into a barrel. Then, four distinct legs formed each one with a hoof. A neck was the next part to form, followed by a head with a graceful muzzle. Lastly, a flowing mass of mist served as its mane and an elegant streaming tail trailed from its flanks. A pair of blue eyes glowed softly as it began to take a few steps. The way it moved was almost like it was learning to walk for the first time.

The ethereal being held up a ghostly hoof and blinked its eyes. It opened and closed its mouth. “H-h-hello?” It spoke in a quiet whispering echo.

Mark was still sound asleep on his couch and had no idea anything was going on in his kitchen. He reached out and pulled up the blanket. Muttering within his slumber he let out a quiet breath and remained asleep.

The wisp, which now had the look of an Earth pony, continued to walk around the kitchen. It blinked curiously as it examined its surroundings with a childlike fascination. It turned toward the kitchen table and found it could pass through it. Though, as it made its way across, it bumped into a small decorative vase filled with flowers. They fell over and spilled. Water poured out and ran onto the floor.

The sound spooked the wisp pony and made her move away from the table and seek refuge behind the refrigerator, along the walkway to the laundry area. She trembled and the edges of her body trailed with misty strings. Turning her gaze toward the rest of the house, she gave a listen. But there were no signs of life.

Curiosity gripped her as she emerged from her hiding place. Looking around, she caught the sight of a colorful glow. She wondered if it was a prism. “Colors.” She spoke in a sweet echoing voice. The wisp pony made her way into the living room. She marveled at the tree and its coating of lights. As she contemplated its purpose, she heard a groan from the sofa. Her eyes widened as she saw the human stir, though she had no idea what he was.

She made her way to the other side of the tree. Standing there, she paused and gave a listen. Cautiously, she peaked around the tree. The creature was still asleep. She looked closely at it and briefly noticed an odd wave of pale magenta light radiating from it. Puckering her mouth she looked at the creature curiously. Her mouth opened again as she attempted to speak. “H-h-hello?” Her voice was clearer and not nearly as echoey this time.

“Huh?” Mark mumbled as he started to stir. He opened his eyes and looked over at the tree. There was nothing there. “Hello?” Mark slowly threw back the cover and sat up. “Is, someone or somepony there?” He put on his glasses, then ran a hand through his dark brown hair.

“I am.” The wisp pony replied as she stepped out from behind the tree.

Mark’s eyes widened as he saw her. Giving her a solid look, he could swear he could see partially through her and she seemed to be giving off a pale blue almost white glow. “What?” Mark pulled back and shook his head. “I’m not seeing this.” He wasn’t sure if he was awake or dreaming, but regardless, there seemed to be a spirit or ghost of some kind in his living room.

He rose to his feet and was glad he hadn’t managed to kick off his shoes yet. Though, the wisp pony just stood there. She cocked her head to the side and gave him a puzzled look. “Why are you scared?”

Part of Mark still wanted to run, not that he was sure where he could run or if he even could outrun a ghost. What made him stay put was the tone of its voice. From ghost stories he heard and shared in the past, ghosts or spirits that intend harm don’t usually speak gingerly. Of course it might be a ploy.

Shaking his head, Mark finally spoke, “Who or what are you?”

“You are scared…I, I am sorry.” She lowered her head in contrition.

“No, it’s okay. Are you a ghost…spirit…something?” Mark stood there a little more at ease.

“Yes…wisp.” She made eye contact with him.

Mark’s eyes widened for a moment and his head felt funny for just a second. “Whoa.” He held his hand over his face.

“I, I see. Yes.” She spoke a little softer and with even less of an echo. Her body glowed briefly and her form changed a little, but still had a very ethereal quality.

Mark looked at her again. “Whoa. You changed.” He took a few timid steps toward her and gave her a thorough look. She was still the same pale blue almost white color, but her mane and tail were now a flowing electric blue. Her eyes were a very pale shade of green and seemed to be glowing. Her face had softened and she looked like a semi-transparent pony now. His eyes were drawn to her flank where he could make out what looked like a cutie mark. “Huh, a thin cloud over a bell?” Mark blinked.

She took a few cautious steps of her own over to him. “Greetings.”

“Uh, hi.” Mark placed a hand over his mouth and cleared his throat. “I’m Mark.”

The wisp pony nodded her head. “Hello, Mark. I am, Mistybelle.”

“Mistybelle. Wow.” He blinked at her. “That’s a pretty name for…uh, what are you exactly?”

“I’m a wisp pony.” Mistybelle smiled.

Mark swallowed hard; he was still trying to make sense out of all of this. Mostly he figured he must have been dreaming. “Is that like a ghost or spirit?”

“Yes, more or less. And what are you, Mark? You aren’t a pony.” She looked him over curiously.

Mark placed a hand on his chest. “Me? Oh, I’m a human. My kind is, sort of somewhat new to Equestria. Yeah. Do you understand where you are?” He blinked.

Mistybelle nodded, offering Mark a sweet and welcoming look. “Yes, I’m in your home. When we made eye contact, I touched your mind.” She briefly lowered her head. “Please forgive the intrusion, but I wanted a chance to know where I was and to make communicating with you less…intimidating.” She turned her head, her mane fluttered around along the back of her head. It reminded Mark of the princesses Luna and Celestia.

“That’s okay, I guess. It’s not like you meant any harm…right?” He smiled nervously, doing an internal facepalm. He was hoping he wasn’t making too bad of a first impression on this spirit.

The sweet look remained on her face. “No. I was merely curious. In fact that’s why I came down here.”

“You came here because you were curious…about my home…this place?” He looked around and then back to her. “But, why me?” His mouth hung open and a dumbfounded look was on his face.

She smiled again. “Because, you looked up at me. And I’d never seen anyone like you before.” Mistybelle continued to look his way.

“I looked up at you?” He gave her a puzzled look, then his mouth dropped open. “Wait…were you in the sky…like a star?”

She smiled and nodded. “Yes. Spirits, or wisps can often be mistaken for stars when we drift high enough in the night sky.”

“But, why were you out tonight? I’m still a little confused.” Mark sat back down on the sofa and blinked.

Mistybelle giggled as she walked more calmly toward him. “So full of questions. I see you’re just as curious as I am.” Her smile grew. “Well, this is the time of year when the veil between the world of spirits and your world thins to the point that we can cross over. Many of my kind like to visit your world each year.”

Mark looked at her with due fascination. “Wow, it’s just like Twilight was telling me earlier tonight. But why do you spirits cross over?”

Mistybelle shrugged her shoulders. “Eh, I can’t speak for other spirits, but I find your world quite fascinating. And the window is only open for…how would you say it? A few weeks, yes. From just before the day you call ‘Hearth’s Warming’ till a few days after the New Year begins. And there is so much to see in this world. It’s hardly enough time.”

He smiled and nodded. “Wow. So curious, huh? But, just because I looked up at you?” Mark gave her fascinated look.

She swayed her head. “Well, not just curious. I sensed loneliness in you and a strong longing or yearning if you will.”

“From all the way up in the sky, just from my looking up at you, you sensed all that?” She nodded and his face filled with intrigue. “Wow, that’s incredible.”

“I guess it could seem that way. You’re one of the few individuals that I’ve ever come down and spoken to.”

Mark’s eyes slanted and he tilted his head. “One of the few…because I’m lonely?”

“Well, I can leave if I’m being a bother.” Mistybelle looked to the ceiling and the sky.

Mark held up a hand. “No, that’s okay. You don’t have to go, you aren’t bothering me.” He pushed up his glasses.

She looked back his way. “There isn’t much I can do, but I thought maybe I could help if I paid you a visit.”

“Well.” Mark smiled at her. “It’s nice to have someone else here. And even though you're a wisp pony, I don’t feel as alone, now that you’re here. But, don’t you have more important things to do?”

“To do?” She asked placing a ghostly hoof to her chin.

“Well, what do spirits do?” He held up a hand and gave her yet another intrigued look.

“We ‘do’ a variety of things. But mostly we just watch from afar. Sometimes we can help to influence and offer advice or wisdom.” Mistybelle sighed. “It can be somewhat isolating. Not all spirits enjoy hanging out together. And there are so many places in the universe a spirit can travel.”

“Wow, I hadn’t thought about that.” Mark paused and recalled what she just said. “Wait, you said it can be ‘isolating’, right?” She nodded. “Then, could my loneliness have drawn you here.” He looked her over. “Because, you’re also lonely?”

She shyly held up a hoof. “Oh, well, I hadn’t thought about that. I mean I wouldn’t say I’m…then again.” Mistybelle turned her head to the side. “I have felt lonely more than once.”

Mark sat there lost in thought. He was still trying to wrap his head around all of this, let alone know how a lonely human and a lonely wisp pony could really do anything about their combined loneliness. Then, he cast out a yawn. Mark was still tired and glancing up at the clock, confirmed it. “Wow, I was only asleep for a little over an hour when you arrived. It’s almost one.”

She followed Mark’s eyes to the clock. “Oh, the clock…time. Right, time doesn’t hold the same meaning to spirits, as it does to mortals like you.”

“Yeah.” Mark yawned again. “Oh and I’m still sleepy…especially now that I know you’re a friendly spirit.”

Mistybelle giggled again. “Yes. Did you want to go back to sleep?”

He nodded weakly. “Yeah, but what about you, do spirits sleep?”

The warm look remained on her face as she stood beside him. She partially closed her eyes. “Spirits or wisp ponies like me don’t exactly sleep. However, we do go into a dormant or rest state. We do this to contemplate a great many things, mostly from our encounters. The form of rest we take also allows us to replenish spiritual energy from the ether or air if you will.”

“Wait.” Mark rubbed his eyes. “You have spiritual energy? For what?”

“A variety of things, because even we have limits. We exert energy when we interact with mortals, use any of our abilities or travel great distances. That’s why we go dormant from time to time.”

“Do you need to go dormant now?” He asked as he rose from the sofa and enjoyed a good stretch.

“Well, not really. Hmm.” She placed a hoof to her chin. “You rest in your room, right?” Mark nodded. “I could stay in your room and keep you company or at least keep watch over you as you sleep.”

Mark swayed his head a little then nodded a few times. “Yeah, that would work. But, you’re sure it wouldn’t be any trouble?”

Mistybelle went to place a hoof on his hand, but it passed right through. A pale red glow encompassed her cheeks. “Sorry, I forget we can’t physically touch mortals.”

He shook his head. “That’s okay. Um, my room is this way.” Mark slowly made his way over to the hallway and lumbered back to his room.

Mistybelle followed him, stepping gingerly as she looked around. “Your home is rather big.”

“Yeah. There’s even a few rooms upstairs, but I like to sleep down here.” He chuckled as he made his way inside. Mark kicked off his shoes and removed his long sleeves and went to take off his pants. He paused after unbuttoning and unzipping them, but he just shrugged his shoulders. Mistybelle was a spirit, so no reason to be bashful. Besides, he had boxers on underneath.

Mark turned down the covers and crawled into bed, while Mistybelle explored his bedroom. “This is a bedroom, very interesting. I’ve seen rooms like this before, but this one seems different somehow. Maybe it’s because of interacting with you.”

“Could be. You gonna…b-be okay?” He glanced her way, then removed his glasses and set them on the nightstand.

She smiled. “I’ll be fine. You should rest. This is one night you won’t have to worry. I’ll keep a look out for any trouble. But, I don’t sense any other spirits or hostile beings nearby. So close your eyes…and sleep.” Mistybelle just looked at him and kept smiling.

Mark nodded. “All right. Night, Mistybelle, see you in the m-mor-morning.” He pulled up the covers. But, instead of letting himself fall asleep, he looked back over at her. Mistybelle was just standing there along the foot end of his bed. Mark reached over and patted the empty side of his large bed. “You can lie down over here. I’m sure spirits or wisp ponies don’t need to sit per say, but you’d use less energy this way.”

Mistybelle lightly nodded her head and walked over to the empty side of his bed. “I suppose this will work, unlike when I tried to pat your arm.” She placed a hoof along the bed, at first it went through. Then, she tried again and was able to lie down. “Ah, it did work.”

Mark smiled her way. “Good. Now, I’ll see you later.” He chuckled as he adjusted the covers and left his head rest on his pillows.

Mark grew silent for a moment after he fell asleep. It gave Mistybelle a bit of a start. Then, he began to breathe calmly and she nodded her head. “Of course. Silly.” She whispered to herself. Thanks to briefly touching his mind, Mistybelle had no problem communicating or speaking and she had a rough idea about his home, plus a few bits of his memory had leaked out as well. It gave her enough of an idea to make her wonder what he dreams about. Still, she didn’t want to be rude, so she just lied her head down and decided it might be good to go dormant for just a little. There was no sign of any trouble and she would sense anything before it could draw close enough to be a threat.

* * * * * * *

Mistybelle opened her eyes. She panned her head around Mark’s room and saw nothing but darkness. His bedroom door was open and there was just a hint of the tree’s light visible in the hallway. Her focus returned to Mark as she looked beside her. He was still resting soundly.

She turned her head to the side. By now, he must be dreaming. Mistybelle looked around, then back to Mark. It wouldn’t hurt if I take a little peak, would it? Once again, curiosity got the best of her. Just like it influenced her decision to come down and meet Mark, it now fueled her desire to sample a glimpse of his dreams.

Her head drifted back as she channeled some of her spiritual energy. She reached out a hoof and placed it deftly against his head. While she used eye contact to touch is mind before, there was more than one way to make a mental connection to him. Her hoof rested there as images began to flood her mind, mostly a jumble at first. Then, as they began to coalesce, her mouth lightly fell open. Then after just a few minutes, a warm smile formed on her face, until she softly gasped. Her cheeks turned red, but the smile remained and actually changed to more of a contented one, while a somewhat smug look formed on her face.

Mark slept on as she enjoyed just a little more of his dreams. Then, finally, she removed her hoof. Who would have guessed? No wonder he’s lonely, yet he still seems so full of love and desire even though he’s had trouble finding a companion. Mistybelle sighed softly as she lay her head back down and closed her eyes again. She needed time to make sense of his dreams; then maybe she could offer him some advice.

Her eyes opened again. Oddly enough, she felt a cool sensation in his room and noticed Mark hunker down further under his covers. Mistybelle smiled as she moved closer to him. Her spiritual energy gave off a gentle heat. One she hoped might help keep him warm. She reached out to gently pat his shoulder with her ghostly hoof, only, this time it didn’t go through him. Mistybelle felt the oddest sensation, but after going to tap his shoulder again, her hoof passed through. She blinked her eyes and then lied there beside him as she joined him in rest, all the while unaware that her back was pressed up against his and not going through it.

Author's Note

In case any of you would like an idea of what Mistybelle's voice sounds like, check out the video below. Listen closely to the Pegasus pony Star Catcher. Her voice is what I had in mind.

2nd Veil - "Mistybelle"

The night was pierced as the light of a passing freight train shown out like a beacon. Its horn howled into the silence of the misty night like a ghost out on the haunt. The steam engine chugged along and its cars clacked and groaned behind it as it passed along one of the tracks outside of Ponyville.

The train’s horn bellowed out into the night again. Mark was still in bed resting when its sound reached his ears. He softly gasped awake and his eyes snapped open. His mind was in a fog, nearly as thick at the one outside. Then, as he heard the distant wail of the train, his thoughts began to gel. “Mistybelle.” He whispered. Turning to his side, he was delighted to see her glowing pale blue form, resting on his bed beside him.

The wisp pony was still, yet as Mark looked closely, he noticed she almost seemed to shiver. He furrowed his brow, because he had no idea how or why a spirit would be cold. Still, he didn’t want her to be cold. However, he wasn’t sure how to share his covers with her. Mark turned away from her and thought for a moment. Mistybelle looked so peaceful as she slumbered. He disliked the idea of disturbing her just to offer her some covers. Then, it hit him. Even under three layers of warmth, Mark still felt just a little cold. A smile curled onto his face as he very deftly turned back the sheet and blankets. He quietly crept to his closet and recovered his extra blanket. It was something he kept handy for cold nights when his regular covers weren’t enough.

Making his way back to bed, Mark carefully unfolded the blanket and spread it along the foot end. He tucked in the tail, then pulled the rest up and over Mistybelle. To his delight, it successfully covered her and didn’t pass through. He blinked for a moment, unsure as to how she could lay on his bed and also be covered under his blanket. Regardless, he was just happy to help. Mark crawled back into bed and covered up with his regular layers and then his share of the extra blanket, but he made sure Mistybelle had a more than a generous portion.

He faced her as he lied back down. His eyes came to rest on her ethereal form. She was quite lovely, even for a spirit, which was why he dared the impossible and reached his hand toward her. Mark’s hand drew nearer to her exposed shoulder. He closed his eyes as he expected to catch nothing more than air. Suddenly, his hand stopped, it had come in contact with something. Mark opened his eyes and saw his hand was resting on her shoulder. He slid his fingers along and to his amazement her ghostly fur actually had a texture and a feel to it. Very gently, he started petting her shoulder. Her fur was soft and almost fluffy; it reminded him of touching a very thin layer of cotton. It was soft and yielding, yet behind it there was something firm, almost like muscle but at the same time not like muscle.

Mistybelle stirred for a moment and even moaned softly in her sleep. Mark withdrew his hand quickly and discretely, slipping it back under his covers. Still, the more he was with her, the more intrigued he became. He couldn’t explain how a spirit like a wisp pony had a physical form that could be touched. After taking a cleansing breath, Mark just stared at her a little more, then seeing that it was still dark out, he closed his eyes and fell back to sleep.

* * * * * *

Mark grimaced as a stray beam of sunlight peered in from a break in the side of his curtain, which hadn’t been properly drawn. He pulled up the covers for a moment, then opened his eyes. “Daylight?” He muttered, then smacked his lips. Lowering the covers, he noticed he had turned over. Mark glanced over his shoulder and rubbed his eyes. “Mistybelle, you’re still here?”

She nodded, while she looked back at him. Her glow wasn’t nearly as prominent in the morning light, but it was definitely her. “Yes, I’m still here. Did you think I would leave so soon? We just met last night and if you don’t mind, I’d enjoy getting to know you a little better.”

“Yeah.” Mark sat up, but stayed under the covers, their warmth was still very welcoming. “But, don’t spirits have to leave during the day?”

She giggled at him. “You’ve got a lot to learn about spirits.”

“It would seem so. And if you are going to stay around, that’d be great.” Mark smiled, then stretched a bit.

Mistybelle nodded, then reached over a ghostly hoof and placed it on his covered leg. “You did this sometime in the night, didn’t you?” She held up a portion of the blanket that was still covering her.

“I did.” Mark nodded, and patted her foreleg. “You seemed to be shivering last night and I didn’t want to disturb you, so I got my spare blanket. I was still a bit on the cold side myself, so I figured one more layer wouldn’t hurt.”

Her smile grew and she patted his leg. “It was very thoughtful of you.”

“Well, I could have been a bad host, but…” He paused to make eye contact with her. “That would be a terrible way to repay you for keeping me company.” Mark sighed as he placed his arms on his lap. “It’s no wonder you were drawn here. I can’t lie…well, I could, but it wouldn’t do any good. I’m not the best liar, but anyway, I’ve been very lonely as of late. Until you came to visit, I didn’t realize just how lonely.”

Mistybelle smiled sweetly at him. “I think I know the feeling. Like I said last night. Most spirits keep to themselves or just like to sit and contemplate their existence.”

“So, it can be very lonely.”

“Yes, Mark, it can be very lonely.” She sighed.

“Well, I’d better go use the can and then get dressed. I doubt spirits eat, but you could keep me company during breakfast. And I have some Hearth’s Warming gifts to wrap.”

“Okay, that all sounds like fun.”

“Just one more question?”

“What’s that?” She looked his way.

“This?” He placed a hand on her hoof and gently petted her fur. “I thought spirits, like ghosts didn’t have a solid physical form.”

She moved her hoof so it was now resting on his hand. “Yes, well. I may be a wisp pony, but even I don’t know all of my abilities yet. Part of contemplating our existence allows us to explore new ways to interact with the mortal world.”

Mark watched as she ran her hoof softly along his hand. “So, however unlikely, there is a chance you can interact with me then? But can you still pass through things?”

“It may be more at will now. To be honest, I’m not sure. This is the longest I’ve been in any one place in the mortal world.” Mistybelle gave him a thoughtful look.

He shook his head. “Well, I guess that’s not too important. Come on. Let’s get this day going. You said you only have so long to be in my world, right?”

“That’s right.”

Mark rose to his feet and put on his slippers. “Okay, I’ll be right back.” He walked out the room and made his way to the bathroom. He turned to close the door, but was met with a surprise.

Mistybelle was there in the doorway. “Why are you in this room, it’s not the kitchen?”

He stood there for a moment. Gee, I guess spirits don’t have to go to the bathroom and pee first thing in the morning. Wait, she touched my mind, she should understand this. Oh, but maybe a little explanation is needed? Mark smiled. “This is the bathroom. Here, ponies and humans like me…err let’s just say mortals clean themselves. And like right now, we have to expel bodily waste every so often. Did you discover any of this when you touched my mind last night?”

Mistybelle blinked for a moment. She turned her eyes to the ceiling and then her mouth fell open. “Oh…bathroom. And in the morning you have to…oh my. Forgive the intrusion.” She backed away.

Mark just smiled. “It’s all right. No harm done. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be out in a few.” She nodded as he closed the door.

Once Mark finished in the bathroom and got dressed, he led Mistybelle out to his kitchen. He had a Fluffernutter, commonly known as a peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich and some milk.

Mistybelle followed Mark as he walked into the living room. “Is that all you eat for breakfast?”

“Well, just on days I’m eating light. I’ll probably go out later. I still have to work today, but I have plenty of time for the presents. Oh.” Mark turned to Mistybelle. “Will you be okay staying at my place while I’m at work?”

“Where do you work? Wait, I think I saw that.” She smiled and nodded. “You work for Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

“That’s right. I help around the castle, doing a variety of tasks. While she has an awesome assistant, Spike can tend to have his claws full and has his own duties to tend to.”

“Ah.” Her face lit up. “So you help pick up the slack…is that how you mortals would say it?”

Mark chuckled. “You got it. Okay, now where is that thing of wrapping paper?”

Mistybelle looked at him curiously. “Wrapping paper?”

“It’s something we use to cover gifts to keep them a surprise and make them pretty. And there it is.” Mark swayed happily as he saw his container full or rolls of wrapping paper stashed in the one corner. He slid it over to the sofa and cleared off his coffee table. The tree was still lit, which just added its festiveness to his task, not to mention its piney aroma. He had the gifts sitting on and around the table and Mistybelle watched on intently as she sat beside him on the couch.

“So who are all of these…presents, for?”

He turned to Mistybelle. “Well, I have a variety of friends, both casual and very close ones. These are just tokens to show that I care and are a way I can enjoy sharing in the Hearth’s Warming traditions.”

She tilted her head and smiled. “That’s so thoughtful. And yet, with such friends, you are still lonely?”

Mark put a piece of tape on one of the presents, then looked her way. “Well, I get to hang out with them a lot. But, there are different types of loneliness. The kind I have comes from lacking a companion, maybe I should go as far to say…a lover.”

“A lover?” Mistybelle placed a hoof to her chin. “Hmm, I may be wrong and this is just from what I know in general, but that’s a companion that you’d share a deeply intimate and…” Her eyes slanted. “Sexual bond? Do I understand that correctly?”

“Well.” Mark paused. He never would have expected to have such a conversation with a spirit or more specifically a wisp pony. Mark looked at her. “Yes, you do understand it.”

“Ah, I see. So that’s what burdens you then?” She wasn’t being entirely truthful, part of her understanding came from peaking at Mark’s dreams, but she wasn’t quite sure how to mention that to him, just yet.

“Burdens? I guess that would be one way of putting it.” He chuckled as he secured the other end of a package and then added a bow.

Mistybelle looked his way and sat there in thought, while Mark continued wrapping the gifts. He asked if she waned to help wrap any, but she held up a hoof and politely declined.

Soon enough, it was time for Mark to head to work. He bid Mistybelle farewell and waved to her as he went out into the bitter cold. She remained in the living room for a while as she continued to ponder what they discussed since the previous night and everything she had learned since she came down from the sky. “What to do?” She wondered, then her face lit up. “I have an idea.” She chuckled as she went back to Mark’s room and started looking around. Mistybelle noticed his bed wasn’t properly made and looked at one of her ghostly hooves. She walked up to the bed and touched it. Her hoof didn’t go through, which then gave her another idea.

* * * * * *

The workday didn’t drag on too long for Mark and soon he found himself heading home. Even though it was still quite cold outside, it didn’t seem to phase him. He was too excited. Mark was looking forward to seeing Mistybelle again. The idea of having someone waiting at home for him was delightful, so much in fact that he was really feeling a combination of the Hearth’s Warming and Christmas spirits.

The human arrived at his home, which was only a few blocks from Ponyville town hall. Mark unlocked the front door and made his way in out of the cold. He closed the door and secured it. “Jolly old Saint Nicolas lean your ear this way. Don't you tell a single soul what I'm going to say...” Mark went from singing a timeless Christmas carol to humming the tune as he hung up his coat. He looked around the living room and didn’t see any sign of his guest. “Mistybelle…I’m back. Where are you?”

“Mark?” He heard her voice call from back the hallway to his room.

“Yeah.”

“I’m back here…in your room.”

Mark blinked for a moment, why was she in his room? He shrugged his shoulders; it was just a relief that Mistybelle was still there. Taking a deep breath, Mark resumed humming as he headed back the hall and entered his room. He discovered her lying on his bed, which had been neatly made. “What are you doing back here?” Mark gave her a puzzled look.

She looked up at him. “After you left, I was recalling last night and how much I enjoyed our meeting. Then, I started feeling lonely for you.”

His face softened. “So that’s why you came back here.”

Mistybelle patted a hoof on the book she was reading and gave Mark a sweet smile. “Yes, you didn’t feel as far away when I came here. It felt like it did last night. And these books you have, I gather they represent some of the things you like.”

“Yeah, that’s right. So, you really missed me?” He shared her smile.

She nodded. “Oh yes. Until I rested at your side last night, I don’t think I ever realized…how soothing it can be to have someone so close.”

“Wow, so it’s like you said, being a spirit can be lonely.” She just nodded solemnly. Mark looked at the bed again. “Gee, in my excitement this morning, I never made my bed. Did you do this?”

Mistybelle smiled and nodded. “Well, I wanted to see if I could still interact with things and as you can see, it worked out beautifully.”

“It sure did.” He walked over to the bed and closer to her. “Thank you, that was very sweet of you.”

“You are very welcome. It seemed a minor thing I could do to be of help. And I hope you don’t mind, I’ve been looking over the books on your shelf.” She waved a hoof at the large case filled with an assortment of books.

“Oh, no. But, what are you reading?” He looked at her with excited eyes.

“I read a few stories earlier. Then, I read a book about Hearth’s Warming and now one about something called ‘Christmas’. Is that a human holiday?” She gave him a fascinated look.

“Yes, and it’s actually similar to Hearth’s Warming in several ways. And in some ways it’s quite different too.” Mark stood there and just smiled as he stared at Mistybelle.

“I can see that. Oh, and this one story I read earlier was quite fascinating. A book called ‘A Christmas Carol’. I like that it’s about spirits helping a mortal.”

Mark chuckled. “Yeah, it was also known as a Christmas ghost story.”

“I can see that.” She smiled. “But enough of the books. How are you doing? Was work all right?” Mistybelle marked her spot and closed the book.

“Work was fine. I was a bit distracted though.” He chuckled.

“Oh, you were? How come?” She blinked.

“Would it be weird if I said it was because I was thinking about you, our meeting last night and how much I was looking forward to seeing you again?” Mark looked her way and had the sincerest expression on his face.

Mistybelle briefly closed her eyes, then smiled. “No, it wouldn’t. I know I’ve been looking forward to seeing you again too. Do you have any special plans for this evening?”

“Uh, I’m not sure yet.” Mark sat down on the bed. He couldn’t resist anymore, he had to try again. Carefully, he placed a hand on her back, and amazingly it didn’t go through. “Wow.” Mark gently petted her ghostly fur. “Forgive my forwardness, but I just had to try and see.”

Mistybelle’s cheeks turned a little red. “Oh, no it’s fine.” She turned and placed a hoof on his hand. “It’s nice that unlike last night, my hoof isn’t going through your hand. Though, I’m not entirely sure how. Maybe I could always do this.”

Mark moved his hand to clasp her hoof and ran his thumb along it. “Perhaps it’s like you said, it’s more of an ‘at will’ sort of thing. You said even you don’t know all of your abilities, right?”

She nodded. “That’s very true.”

Mark sat there, still holding her hoof and smiling. Despite the fact that she was a spirit, it didn’t make her seem any less real or present to him. In fact, he had the strongest urge to hug her right now, but was a little reluctant.

“Mark, is something wrong?” Her face became concerned.

He lightly nodded and patted her hoof. “Yes…well no, Mistybelle. Everything is fine. I just…” Mark paused and sighed softly.

“Yes?”

“I’d just really like to hug you, but, I’m not sure if it’ll work.” He looked at her, a strong longing in his brown eyes.

Mistybelle looked back with her pale green eyes, which still appeared to be glowing softly. “A hug?” She smiled. “A form of affection.” Mistybelle tilted her head. “We could give it try.”

“Yeah, we could.” Mark’s face filled with hope.

Mistybelle sat up and continued to smile at Mark. “I’ve never really hugged before, I may need you to help me if I’m doing this wrong.”

“No problem.” Mark shared her smile. “Just follow my lead.”

She nodded. “Okay.”

Mark carefully reached out his arms and hesitantly placed them around Mistybelle. At first he wasn’t sure this would work, but so far simple gestures had. As he drew her fully into a hug, his hands stopped along her pale back and didn’t pass through. “Ha, I think it’s working.”

Mistybelle looked at his arm placement and noticed his arms wrapped securely around her back. “Mmm, it is…and oh what a welcoming sensation.” She smiled grandly as she stretched out her ghostly forelegs and proceeded to place them around Mark’s back. To her delight, they stopped along him and allowed her to pull against him. “It worked.”

“Yeah.” Mark pulled back just a little, so he could gaze into her eyes, then he gave her a little squeeze. “Thank you, Mistybelle.”

“You’re very welcome. But, I should be thanking you.” She cast out a long soothing sigh. “I’ve never experienced such a sensation before. Mmm, it’s warm and comforting. Ahh.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” Mark kept his arms around her and shared her soothing sigh. “Is it weird to enjoy hugging a spirit?”

“No, why would it be?” Mistybelle pulled back a bit and looked at Mark. “This is so nice…um, do we have to stop?”

He shook his head, while they remained embraced. “Not if you don’t want to. I’m really enjoying this.” Mark adjusted his arms around her. “This is nice.”

Mistybelle tittered softly. “It really is…so warm and soothing. Mmm…”

As they continued to hug, Mark couldn’t help but noticed her swirling mane. It had been so long since he last knew the pleasure of caressing a pony’s mane. “Uh, Mistybelle?”

“Yes? Did you want to stop?” She asked softly.

“No, no…I was just wondering…may I touch your mane?” He swallowed thickly and let out a quiet breath.

“Oh, my mane?”

“Yeah.”

“Go ahead.”

Her voice, her reply, it alone was so soothing and calming. Mark reached out his left hand and swept it gently through her mane, which despite its ghostly appearance actually had a smooth and silky texture. “Oh, wow.” Mark continued caressing her mane.

Mistybelle sighed softly. “This feels equally relaxing…mmm, yet another delightful sensation.” She lightly rolled her head as his fingers continued dancing through her flowing tresses.

Mark spent a good two minutes touching her hair, then he stopped. He kept his right arm around her, while he moved back, so he could run the back of his hand along her cheek. “How about this?”

She smiled contently as he continued petting her cheek. Mistybelle shivered a little. “Also wonderful.”

He tilted his head and looked into her eyes again. “I didn’t realize how much I’ve been longing to do this.”

Mistybelle gave him a curious look. “To do what…touch a spirit?”

Mark shook his head. “No, caress a mare’s hair and cheek.”

“But, I’m not a mare.” Mistybelle blinked and gave him a confused expression. “I’m a wisp pony, a female wisp pony, but certainly not a mare.”

He placed his hand under her chin. “Oh, you’re a mare…I’m sure of it, even if only in spirit.”

Mistybelle blushed a little. “Aww, you’re sweet. But, we should stop.”

“Yeah.” Mark nodded. “I should make myself some dinner.”

Her face lit up. “Oh, right. In addition to rest, mortals require nourishment to survive.”

“That’s right. Did you want to keep reading…or would you like to keep me company as I prepare something to eat?”

She looked at the book and then back to Mark and smiled. “I’d like to stay with you.”

“Okay. Come on.” He finally removed his arms from around her and she released her hooves. Mark sat there for a moment an almost silly look on his face. He sighed softly, before he stood up. “Ready?”

Mistybelle nodded as she left the bed and stood beside him. “Yes. To the kitchen, right?”

“Yep.”

Mark and Mistybelle left his room and went into the kitchen. He wasn’t exactly sure what was to come of this, but Mark knew one thing, he was starting to feel a strong fondness for her, even if it was just a spark of affection.

4th Veil - "A Touch of Tenderness"

After finishing dinner, Mark and Mistybelle cleaned up the kitchen. He offered to do it himself, but she insisted on helping, assuring him it was her pleasure, besides it gave her another chance to spend time with him.

Mark patted his belly as they walked into the living room. “Mmm, that spaghetti was so good. You can add ‘cooking skills’ to your list of abilities now.” He snickered.

“Yes, I never had the opportunity to try that before. It was certainly a unique experience. But, since I’ve been able to interact with you and your home, I figured it couldn’t hurt to try.”

“Nope. And it was really tasty too.” Mark smiled at her. “Now, I have a different idea for our relaxing tonight.”

“Oh?” She offered him a joyful expression, while she looked over at him. “What did you have in mind?”

“Over here.” Mark held out his hand. “This is my fireplace. It’s been cleaned up for winter and is just waiting to be used.” He moved away from her. “Give me a second.” He pulled over a large cushion, easily big enough for two, and set it in front of the fireplace. “Have a seat, please, while I get this lit.”

“All right.” Mistybelle smiled as she sat down on the large cushion. “Oh…this is nice.”

“Yep, it’s perfect for this sort of thing…and there.” The kindling ignited from Mark’s long match and the fire quickly caught onto the stack of firewood and began crackling as it burned with flickering flames. He placed the elegant fireguard in front of the hearth. “Now we’re good.” He smiled as he joined her on the cushion.

“And why are we here as opposed to the couch?” Mistybelle turned his way.

“Well, I thought we’d just cuddle and watch the fire burn. Not that the tree isn’t amazing or a delight to look at, but you wanted to see more of my world and I thought this would be something unique.” Mark slid a little closer to her.

Mistybelle looked at the fire and then back to him. “It certainly is.”

Mark took a few sniffs, the scent of hickory was starting to drift from the fire and fill his home with its classic fragrance. “The wood gives off a lovely smell. Oh, right. I guess wisp ponies can’t smell.”

She shook her head. “No, but I can always enjoy such senses through you. I couldn’t smell or taste the food I cooked, but I could still enjoy your reaction to it.” Mistybelle smiled sweetly.

Mark placed an arm around her and rested his head along her flowing mane. “You know, fire is an element that’s always fascinated me.”

“It is a very unique substance. I have always found it rather captivating.” Mistybelle leaned against Mark and gently nuzzled him.

“Exactly.” He brushed his fingers along her ethereal mane. “It gives off light, heat and energy. It’s almost like it’s alive, and while it can nurture, in a way; fire can be very destructive, which is why is should always be respected.”

Mistybelle sat silently for a moment. She enjoyed the heat radiating from the flames, while they basked in the fire’s glow. She turned closer to Mark and placed a hoof on his chest. “I couldn’t agree more. It’s nice to know you understand that fire shouldn’t be trifled with.”

“Never.” Mark whispered back. “Not unless you want to get burned.” He let out a wry chuckle.

Mistybelle giggled softly. “Very true, but, enough talk of fire.” She nuzzled against him. “Why don’t we just enjoy this.” She sighed, then began rubbing her hoof along his chest.

“Mmm, yeah. This is so nice.” Mark pulled her a little closer and kept his fingers dancing through her ghostly locks.

Mistybelle noticed a stirring in her nether region, but didn’t pay it any mind. She cast out a soothing sigh, while Mark continued caressing her mane. “Mmm…” His touch along her mane was quickly becoming one of her favorite sensations. She gasped softly. Her enjoyment was cut short as a vision from one of Mark’s dreams flashed in her mind. Her smiled dropped, because she still wasn’t sure how to mention it.

As she continued to cuddle with Mark, Mistybelle gave the matter some thought. She had an idea as she recalled something she saw a mare doing to him in his dream. Mark had stopped his hand and was just resting his cheek along her mane. Mistybelle turned her eyes his way and smiled. It was clear he was growing fonder of her and she knew she was growing fonder of him. Only, she wasn’t sure how to get from cuddling to a hoof in his pants.

Mistybelle’s eyes widened and she shook from a series of shivers. It took her a moment to realize Mark had started running his other hand along the back of her barrel, near her cutie mark. Like so many of his endearing touches, this one offered even more intriguing sensations. She could barely fathom it as she let out the softest shuttering moan.

Mark was lost in his closeness with Mistybelle and essentially had his hand on autopilot. It had been so long since he’d enjoyed the close company of a nice mare that he wanted to savor it as much as possible. “Mistybelle…you’re nice and warm…like the fire.” He sighed and leaned against her. “Mmm, like I said, you are a mare. I can feel you there…even though you’re a spirit.”

“Aww, Mark…you speak such kind words.” Mistybelle sighed, then she gasped. Marks fingers happened to slip past her flanks as he began caressing her tail. “Oh…my tail. Ahh…your touch is nice there too.”

“Yeah…and your tail is just as misty and silky as your mane.” Mark reveled as they continued to snuggle before the fire. His gestures encouraged Mistybelle to resume running her hoof along his chest and then down across his belly. A welcoming sigh from Mark made her smile and let her know she made a good choice. Then, as she went to move her ghostly hoof lower, she trembled and twitched. Mark’s fingers left her tail and had slipped under it. He ran them along the most curious of curves, then his hand halted when he felt something unexpected. “What? What’s this?” Mark pulled his hand away.

“What’s what?” Mistybelle sighed almost like she was in a trance. She fought the urge to moan as she looked over at him.

Mark looked at his fingers and blinked. There was a strange pale green residue on them that gave off the faintest of glows. “Mistybelle, there’s some kind of substance…or fluid on my fingers.”

“Huh?” She looked up and saw his hand. Her eyes immediately widened and she shook her head vigorously. “It…it can’t be.”

Mark gave her a perplexed look. “Do you know what this is?”

Mistybelle swallowed hard, and then she gave a subtle nod. “Yes…I mean I think so. But I just don’t see how it could be spectra.” She gave him a dubious glance.

“Spectra?”

She nodded again. “Yes, spectra. It’s short for ‘spectral emissions’ and is something I had believed until just now was no more than a myth.”

“A myth…really?”

“Yes. According to a legend I heard. Spectra is a form of compressed spiritual energy that mimics a fluid. It can even feel wet like a liquid, but its still just energy. Now, if the legend is to be believed, spectra is secreted when a wisp pony is in a state of…arousal.”

Marks eyes widened. “Wait, you mean like ‘sexual’ arousal?” He looked at her intensely.

Mistybelle blinked, then nodded. “Yes, again, if the legend is correct, but, I didn’t realize I have a pleasure point. That’s the only way a wisp pony could possibly do this.” The dubiousness remained on her face.

Mark stared at her face and saw the wide range of emotions in her pale green eyes. It tugged at his heart. “Well, just maybe you do. Here…move a little closer again…please? Let’s check something.”

The tone of his voice eased her anxiety and Mistybelle gave him a happy smile. “All right.”

She slid a little closer, allowing Mark to reach under her tail again. “I’ll be gentle, but is this your pleasure point?” He very deftly ran his fingers along the curious collection of folds along her rear. Closing his eyes for a moment, Mark could swear he was rubbing the outer contours of a pony’s marehood, the texture and firmness seemed to be just a little off.

Mark’s touch caused her to close her eyes. Mistybelle shivered and sighed as he continued his gentle ministrations. “Oh, yes…that must be it.” She moaned softly. “Only, I never knew I had this.”

“This is incredible.” Mark savored the sounds she made. Even for a spirit, she made the sweetest sounds of pleasure. It sent a wave of warmth across his body and stirred his manhood to life. He half wanted to undo his pants and just let it stand at the ready, then ask her to indulge him and allow him to know the soothing touch of somepony he cared about. But, he remained silent.

“Mark?” Mistybelle spoke in a curious tone as she reached a hoof back to halt his hand. She looked at him. “Are you okay? I’m loving your touch, but as I look at you, something seems to be troubling you.”

He softly bit his lower lip. “There is something…but I feel bad for even wanting to ask.”

Emboldened from his touch and sighing from the delightful sensation she could only conclude is arousal, Mistybelle made up her mind. “Mark…would you be angry with me if I told you I looked in on your dreams the other night?”

“Huh?” He blinked. “You can do that?”

Her cheeks turned bright red and a shy expression crept onto her face. “Y-y-yes. It’s similar to how I was able to touch your mind when we first made eye contact.”

“Whoa…wait.” He swallowed hard. “I didn’t dream anything too weird, did I?”

“Huh, you aren’t mad?” Her mouth fell open.

“More surprised than anything. And, maybe I feel a little violated, but…” Mark reached for her hoof and tried to ignore the growing tent in his pants. “I trust you did that to learn more about me?”

Mistybelle sighed happily and nodded. “I did.” Glancing down at his crotch, Mistybelle placed her free hoof just above his bulge. “I take it your dreams were full of your deepest longings and desires?”

“Um…yeah.” He nodded. “They were.” Mark’s cheeks turned a little red. “That’s why I was thinking of asking…if you’d touch me.”

A devilish smile crept onto her face. “You mean here?” She softly swept her hoof along the top of his tent.

Mark twitched and shivered. “Yes, it’s been so long since I had somepony to…” He realized his hand was still on her flank, so he tickled her pleasure point a little more.

“Ohh, I understand. This is some of the desire I sensed in you.” She patted his concealed manhood.

“Yes.” He sighed with desire.

“Then, why not uncover yourself?” Her eyes sparkled with intrigue.

A playful smile formed on Mark’s face. “All right.” He placed his hand on his zipper, then hesitated a moment, before finally lowering it. Mistybelle watched as he unbuttoned his pants and then slide them down a little, before he lowered his boxers in the front and freed his solid spire.

Mistybelle gazed at his member, her eyes teeming with awe. “It’s even more intriguing than it appeared in your dreams…” She reached her hoof out and very gently swept against the side of his length.

Mark twitched and shivered from her touch. “Mistybelle…do that again, only on the underside.”

“Oh…my pleasure.” She moved her hoof as he asked and began caressing the smooth side of his manhood. Mistybelle started moving it back and forth, very slowly. “Is this okay?”

He closed his eyes and nodded in between sighs. Mark relished every second as she continued touching him. He looked into her eyes and ran his left hand along her cheek. “Thank you, Mistybelle.”

She smiled as she leaned front and nuzzled his cheek. “You are very welcome.”

Mark reached back to her pleasure point. “Would you like me to touch you again?”

“Please, it was the most intriguing feeling yet.” Mistybelle sighed, then leaned front to kiss him on the lips.

He placed his left hand around her graceful neck and caressed her mane, while he pressed his lips against hers. Mistybelle let out a muffled moan and shivered as he resumed running the fingers of his right hand along her ghostly crescent. She saw the look in his eye as she resumed moving her hoof along his stiffened manhood. Mark twitched a little and let out a calming sigh. “Don’t stop, Mistybelle…that feels amazing.”

Mistybelle giggled from his reaction to her touch and she enjoyed the way he always spoke her name. She sighed contently, then let out a rather loud moan, covering her mouth with her free hoof. Mark had grown bolder and slid a finger into her pleasure point. Her blush deepened and she let out a shivering moan as he flexed his finger within her spectra soaked walls. “Mark…ohhh…oh…mmm, Mark. This…feeling, it’s so good.” She turned her eyes to him and they just glistened in the light of the fire. “How can such a sensation…be possible?” She panted softly, then pointed at her chest. “Not only is my pleasure point filling me with…this must be pleasure…but, my chest feels funny.”

Mark slowed his finger. “Are you okay?”

She smiled and nodded as her pale green eyes continued to shimmer. “Oh yes…it’s a good kind of funny feeling. It makes me want to kiss you.” Mistybelle leaned front and planted her lips back against his.

They shared a slightly longer kiss, before Mark added a second finger to pleasuring Mistybelle. He looked at her with equally intrigued eyes. “I wonder…could your pleasure point…give you an orgasm?”

The wonder nearly overflowed from her eyes. “What’s an orgasm?”

Mark gave her a devilish smile. “Keep touching me like that…mmm, and maybe just a little faster and you’ll see it happen to me.” He caressed her mane and smiled. “And…” He flexed his fingers within her pleasure point, it seemed delightfully similar to a marehood, just a little softer in some ways. “If I keep touching you, maybe you’ll have one too.”

“Mmm, Mark. I’m delighted to try.” She giggled, then halved her eyes. Mistybelle sighed adding more vigor to her hoof as she stroked his member.

“Mmm…Mistybelle…that still feels heavenly. And here, I’ll give you my best.” He sighed and let out a series of blissful moans.

Mistybelle’s eyes widened as Mark started massaging her wispy and wet inner walls. The more he stroked her ghostly flesh, the thicker the spectra seemed to become. He noticed her backside twitch a little as she let out a passionate moan. “Mmm…Mark, oh, every second that passes is better…uh, than the last.” She started to sway her head, but kept her hoof moving at a nice pace along his solid mast.

Mark continued to savor her touch, but her reactions to his touch were rapidly driving him to the breaking point. He’d been with mares that savored his touch and enjoyed his company, but he never saw one react like Mistybelle. Even the time he had the pleasure of making love to a younger mare that happened to be a virgin, her reaction vastly paled compared to this lovely wisp pony, lost in the throws of passion and ecstasy.

Several minutes had passed and with each motion of his fingers, Mark could tell something was building in Mistybelle, but he wasn’t sure what. Her body lacked the normal tells of a mare, but somehow, maybe it was a gut feeling he had, but she seemed to be nearing a threshold of sorts.

It was then that he placed his free hand along her lovely neck. Her hoof was still driving him to the edge. He looked her way and noticed she was still in the grip of pleasure. “Mistybelle, you doing…all…all right?”

She was panting heavily as she looked his way and nodded. “Y-yes. Oh my…Mark.” Mistybelle placed a hoof on his shoulder and plowed her phantom lips into his. “This…is just amazing.” She managed to speak in between spasms of pleasure, then looked at him as she kept her hoof moving on him. “I can’t be sure, but I think you may be leaking a little something? Do humans have spectra of their own?” Mistybelle blinked, then let out a long shivering moan.

“That…that is j-just m-m-my…oh that’s good. My pre, but humans do have something similar to spectra. I should be showing you in…j-j-just a little bit…here.”

Mistybelle giggled, then her eyes widened. “Mark!” She started to pant a little harder, while her free hoof was still on his shoulder. “What’s happening now?” Her eyes fell shut and her rump twitched a little, and then, to Mark’s surprise, her pleasure point contracted along his fingers. “Ahhh!!” She squeaked out a long angelic moan as spectra swept across Mark’s flexing digits.

Somehow through her storm of pleasure, Mistybelle managed to keep her hoof caressing Mark’s member. He recognized that familiar build up and knew after her climatic performance that he was a goner. The way he felt about her and her endearing reaction to his touch drove him fervent. Barely another minute passed and he braced himself as his mast burst along her foreleg with sticky ribbons of his unending desire. “Ohhhh, Mistybelle…mmm.” He moaned and sighed for her, continuing to brace himself against her shoulder.

Mistybelle had started to recover as she caught the sight of his eruption. She watched on in fascination as his warm cream burst forth and coating her foreleg. It seemed he was done, then she noticed a final spurt from him as her eyes lightly widened in response to his spire starting to collapse. “Mark, is this how…an orgasm works for you?”

He nodded a little breathlessly. “Yeah. If it goes limp afterwards…” He huffed. “Then it’s a sign of a very good conclusion.” He gently removed his fingers from Mistybelle’s pleasure point. “Whoa, check out all this spectra.” He held up his coated fingers. “Wow, I guess wisp ponies can have orgasms.”

Mistybelle blushed and nodded. “It would seem so. But, all that came from me?” She blinked.

“Yeah. But who knows what’s normal for a sexually active wisp pony. Huh?”

“What is it?”

Mark looked at his fingers with due fascination. “The spectra. In addition to a soft glow, it seems to be giving off some kind of misty vapor.” He looked at her curiously.

She smiled and ran her free hoof through his hair. “That’s not uncommon for spectra or most forms of spiritual energy. They tend to evaporate over time. The mist is just energy returning to the ether.”

“Incredible.” Mark huffed a little as he continued to look at the intriguing substance.

She held up her messy hoof. “And just what is this substance?” Mistybelle looked at him.

“Oh, it’s fluid that’s a key part of human reproduction and is often a very enjoyable part of an orgasm.” Mark looked at her hoof. “Wow, it must have been a while.”

Mistybelle turned her eyes on him. “Isn’t this a normal volume for you?”

“Well it is. But it doesn’t always come out so forcefully.” Mark blushed a little as he turned to the nearby coffee table and grabbed the box of tissues. “But, unlike spectra, mine won’t evaporate, well, not like yours does. Here.”

“What are these?” She examined the box and blinked. “Oh wait, I remember, a means of cleaning up minor messes.”

“Yes. That’s a very technical definition, but in a nutshell.” Mark clipped some tissues for her and then some for him. Even if spectra gradually evaporated, there was still a very good coating on his fingers. He almost dared to taste it, but it didn’t really have a smell, which left him doubtful it would taste anything like a mare’s arousal usually would. Regardless, he saw to cleaning his hand and then watched as Mistybelle cleaned her foreleg.

She looked up and smiled. “There, looks like I got all of it. What do we do with these tissues now?”

He reached over and took them. “I’ll take care of this.” Mark turned back and tossed them in a nearby waste bin. He sighed now that they had finished cleaning up.

Mistybelle smiled at him as they moved closer together. He resumed caressing her mane. “Mmm, that was delightfully unexpected.”

“Yes, it really was…mmm, I enjoyed every moment.” Mistybelle sighed. “I never imagined I could experience such sensations. Oh and you mortals are really blessed to enjoy them.”

Mark moved his arm so it was wrapped around her. He pulled her close and leaned against her. “Yes, but I’m glad I could share this with you.”

“Thank you, Mark. This was…” She sighed. “Wonderful.” Mistybelle started nuzzling his cheek. “Mmm, Mark, I was wondering just now.”

“Yeah?” He snuggled her back and caressed her mane and the side of her barrel, still savoring the aftermath of his emotional high.

“I read something in one of those books. Something humans do called ‘having sex,’ do you think that’s something we might be able to try?”

Mark blinked. “You know, before getting to know you and before what we’ve shared tonight, I’d have said no way. But, as of now, I’d be willing to believe it just might be possible.”

She giggled softly as she ran a hoof along his chest. “Then I certainly look forward to it.”

“Me too.” Mark danced his fingers through her mane. “Oh, there was something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

Mistybelle nuzzled him again. “Ask away.”

“Would you be able to leave the house, I mean if you wanted to join me when I go out some time?” He looked her way.

She glanced back and blinked. “I don’t see why I couldn’t. Hmm, I just never really gave it much thought.”

“Well, if you’d like to plan for it sometime. Ooh, but right now.” Mark yawned. “I think I could use some rest.”

Mistybelle swayed her head a bit. “Yes. That took quite a bit of spiritual energy out of me. I could certainly do to go dormant for a bit.” She sighed and nuzzled him again.

“Mmm. This is nice here, in front of the fire.” Mark savored their snuggling for a bit. “It’s warm, but…”

“Oh?”

Mark managed to stand up. “Let me go get the blanket from the sofa.”

She nodded and smiled. “All right.”

He stumbled a little. “Whoa, it has been a while if some heavy petting and a hoof job has left me this woozy.” Mark chuckled as he staggered over to the sofa. He managed to grab the blanket and then, a little more with it, walked back to his ghostly mare. “Here. If we lay just so…the cushion will be more than large enough for us to share and then…” He yawned again and smacked his lips. “We can just sleep here for the night.”

Mistybelle nodded as she helped him with the blanket. She lied down on the large cushion and sighed and smiled as he joined her. Mark took the blanket and with a little more of her thoughtful assistance, covered them both with it. “Mmm, this is nice. You’re warm, Mistybelle.”

She giggled at him and rubbed her cheek against his. “So are you, Mark. Hmm…I think this has been the best evening I’ve spent with you yet.” Mistybelle ran her hoof along the short locks or his dark brown hair.

“Yeah.”

The two nestled close under the warm blanket as the fire continued to crackle and bathe them in its warmth. Their eyes drifted shut, while they laid closer than ever before. Soon, Mark drifted off to sleep and Mistybelle fell into her dormant state, making for the perfect ending to a very wonderful evening.

3rd Veil - "Deepening Affections"

Following dinner, Mark and Mistybelle retired to the living room. She joined him on the couch and there, they sat close and gazed out at the lights on the tree. Mark let out a calming sigh as he draped his arm around her. Mistybelle looked at his arm and then over at him. “I gather this another gesture of affection.”

Mark nodded and smiled. “Yes. Something we mortals do when we want someone special to feel closer to us and in turn allows us to be closer to them.”

“Ah, I understand.” She smiled. Then, Mistybelle recalled something she read in one of his books. She slid a little closer and moved to rest her head on his shoulder. Like before, her head stayed on his shoulder and didn’t pass through. Mistybelle closed her eyes and sighed. “This would be a similar gesture, wouldn’t it?”

“It would.” He reached over and ran his hand along her electric blue mane. “So would this.”

Mistybelle nodded slowly and then she placed a hoof over his chest. “I never would have imagined affection could be this soothing. It’s very inviting.”

Mark placed a hand over her hoof and held it tenderly. “It is.” He looked back at the tree and noticed the watering can. “Aww man. Would you please excuse me for a moment?”

“Oh?” Mistybelle gave him a forlorn look as he rose to his feet. “Why are you getting up? Are we done relaxing?”

He looked back. “No. I’m sorry for spoiling the moment, but I forgot to water the tree earlier. It’s been a least a day since I last checked on it, and it would be a shame if it died.”

She blinked. “But isn’t that the inevitable fate of these trees?”

Mark shook his head and knelt down beside the tree. “Not this one.” He moved a few packages and pulled back part of the tree’s skirt. “See?”

Mistybelle placed an intrigued hoof to her chin. “It’s not cutoff or in a tree…stand?” She wasn’t sure if she had the terminology correct. After all, she had just started reading up on the two holidays.

“Nope. Normally most do their trees that way. But, I don’t want to waste such a lovely evergreen. That’s why this one is in a wooden tub full of dirt. Yeah, it cost quite a few bits more…but I think it’s worth it, because I can plant this in my yard and it will grow on. Then, next year I can decorate it outside my home and continue to enjoy having it.” Mark smiled.

She turned her head to the side and closed her eyes. A big smile formed on her face. “So, you like to preserve life?”

Mark poured some carefully prepared water, following the flower sister’s guidelines, and dampened the soil around the tree’s trunk. “Yeah, I know I don’t like to harm anything if I can avoid it…heck, I even feel a little bad when I have to squash an annoying insect or spider. Even they do their part.” He slid the small watering can back, then covered the tree, securing its skirt. “There.” Mark put the packages back in the pile around the tree.

“That’s a very noble attitude.” She smiled as he sat back down beside her.

Mark looked her way and smiled back. “We all have to at least try and do our part.”

“We do indeed.” Mistybelle resumed resting her head on his shoulder and placed her hoof back on his chest. “Now, shall we continue…cuddling, right?”

“Yes, you’re getting it.” He placed his arm around her and sighed. “Never would have guessed I’d end up cuddling with a wisp pony.” Mark smiled.

She looked up at him and her cheeks started to turn red. “Just as I never would have guessed I’d do the same with a mortal.” Mistybelle sighed as she lied there against him. “This is just as nice as the hug we shared.”

“It sure is.” Mark resumed caressing her mane and Mistybelle just cooed softly, not even entirely sure why she did, but somehow it seemed right. He looked her way. “I’m glad you’re here, Mistybelle.”

“So am I.” She nuzzled his shoulder.

* * * * * *

A few hours had passed. Mark and Mistybelle were still on the couch, continuing to cuddle. They chatted while staying close and would periodically adjust a bit, but for the most part the two were just enjoying each other’s company.

Glancing at the clock, Mistybelle checked the time. “Is it starting to get late?”

Mark joined her in checking the clock. “Hmm, a little. Oh, right, I do have to work one more day yet. Then I’ll have a few days off for Hearth’s Warming.” He smiled at her.

“That doesn’t sound so bad.” Mistybelle shared his smile.

“Nope.” Mark stretched and stifled a yawn. “Hmm, it’s already after ten.” He chuckled.

Mistybelle shared his laughter and giggled. “It’s been so nice having you home again.”

“Yeah. I’m glad we missed each other, it’s made this evening really great.” Mark stroked her mane.

“Mm-hmm. It has at that.”

Mark let out a yawn. “You know, maybe we should call it a night.”

“We could. Um, did you want me to keep an eye on you again?” Mistybelle looked up at him with hopeful eyes.

He nodded as he moved to nuzzle her mane. “Of course. Only tonight, you can start out resting beside me and share all of the covers. You should keep your spiritual energy up.” Mark looked at her half-lidded.

She smiled and nodded. “You’re right, I should. And I’d enjoy being a little closer to you.”

Mark rubbed her shoulder, then the two moved apart. He stood up and enjoyed an invigorating stretch. Mistybelle returned to her hooves and the two started back toward his room. “Hang on a sec.” Mark stopped and unplugged the tree. “There, I shouldn’t leave this plugged in too long.” He then took care of the remaining lamps in the living room, then joined her in the hallway.

The glow Mistybelle gave off was more than bright enough to light their way back the dark hall. Once inside his room, Mark turned on his nightstand lamp.

Mistybelle smiled as she made her way over to her side of the bed. “So, this is my side then?”

“It is. Just let me turn down the covers.” He smiled as he pulled the sheet and blankets back. “There we go.” Mark took care of dressing down, just like he did the night before. Once he was in nothing but his boxers, he crawled into bed.

Mistybelle stood there for a moment. Her face was filled with intrigue as she crawled in beside him. “It will be nice to rest beside you again. And you mortals do this on a regular basis?”

Mark pulled up the covers and offered her a generous portion. “Well, it can depend on a few things. Usually we do it on certain occasions. The most common being when we like to sleep close to a companion. There are other situations, but that one uh…is the closest to what we’re doing, I suppose.” He gave her a bit of a sheepish look, while Mark was growing fonder of her; there was still some hesitation in his eyes.

After covering herself, Mistybelle smiled sweetly at Mark, but her expression changed as she noticed the look in his eyes. “Mark, is everything okay?”

He blinked at her, then nodded. “Oh, yeah. You’ll have to forgive me.”

She looked at him funny. “Why?”

“There’s a part of me that still finds it hard to believe you’re really here. It’s wonderful, but before last night, I was alone.” He hung his head, almost like he expected her to vanish at any second.

Remembering earlier, Mistybelle moved over and carefully pulled Mark into a hug. “Come here, Mark.” She sighed softly.

Her touch and embrace were soothing as he reached out to hold her back. “Mistybelle…”

“It sounds like you’re still a little confused and even a little bewildered because of it.” She ran a ghostly hoof along his bare back. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

He gazed deep into her pale green eyes and took in a staggered breath. “You already are. Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome.” Mistybelle let out a quiet breath and smiled at him. “Hmm, I have an idea. It’s something I recalled from one of the other stories I read.”

“Oh, what’s that?” Mark gave her an intrigued look.

“Would you like to share a goodnight kiss? If you think it would be all right, maybe it could help as well.”

Mark kept his arms around her. “Yeah, it just might.”

Mistybelle smiled and halved her eyes. “Good, it’s another gesture of affection, isn’t it?”

“It is, um, did you want to kiss on the cheek or…”

Before Mark could finish, Mistybelle leaned front and planted her ethereal lips on his. Chills rolled up his back and left him shivering with exhilaration. Mistybelle’s lips reminded him of that of a mare’s, but at the same time there was something new and unexplainably wonderful about them too. He secured his arms around her and felt her forelimbs tighten affectionately around him as they pressed their lips harder together.

For a split second, Mark feared they might be moving too fast, however he couldn’t ignore the fact that she only had a short time to be in the mortal world. And this was only a kiss on the lips, so no need to overthink it. Instead of wondering or worrying, he decided simply to enjoy and savor this moment, just like they did on the couch a little bit ago.

It seemed like an hour must have easily gone by, but as they pulled apart, Mark caught a side glimpse of his alarm clock and saw that only a few minutes had passed. He took in a few breaths and looked her way with blushing cheeks.

Her cheeks were also red as she ran a hoof along his shoulder. “That was even more incredible than the hug and cuddling.” Mistybelle sighed deeply. “I can’t believe I’ve never experienced anything like this before.”

Mark blinked at her and gave her a bit of a dumbfounded look. “You mean to tell me, a spirit like you has never tried this with a mortal or another spirit? Gee…” He paused. “Do spirits even share love or affection?”

Mistybelle shook her head. “Not that I know of. I suppose some might, but none have ever asked me, and only a few spirits call me what you mortals would call a ‘friend.’ ”

He placed his hand on her cheek and smiled at her. “Well, I’m glad I can share this with you.” Mark reached out and caressed her mane. “I don’t know about you, but I do feel calmer now. I think I was just overthinking things.”

The happiness returned to her face. “Good, I’m happy you’re feeling better. Mmm, and thank you for sharing that with me. It was wonderful.”

“Anytime. Now, come on, let’s get some rest.” He gradually let go of her. Part of him didn’t want to let go. Mark chuckled to himself as he lied down and secured his covers. It seems he was definitely growing fonder of Mistybelle.

“All right.” She lied down beside him, leaving only a small gap between them, while she secured her share of the covers.

The two rested their heads on the pillows. Mistybelle giggled briefly, as she hadn’t used a pillow the night before and like so many things, it was just another sensation she was happy to indulge in.

The two became silent. Mistybelle’s glow seemed to lessen, not that it appeared to bother the human in the least. His calm breathing filled the room and Mistybelle just lightly twitched. It was then that she softly moaned. She had already entered into her dormant state when her tail began to twitch. She faintly attempted to reach a hoof toward her flank. Little did she know that something wonderful was forming along her nether region.

* * * * * * *

Mark’s room was silent as the night continued its peaceful march. There was still a bit of a gap between him and Mistybelle. Part of Mark wanted to get closer to her, but he was never one to rush things too much, besides, he wasn’t with it enough to consciously think about sliding closer.

Mistybelle opened her eyes. She glanced around Mark’s room and just lied there. It was unclear as to why she awoke, but since she was awake, she decided to look over at Mark. She smiled as she saw him lying there. Reaching out, she very gently brushed a lock of his dark brown hair out of his eyes, making sure not to disturb him.

She sighed as she continued to watch him sleep. Mistybelle was still delighted at all of the wonderful relaxing sensations Mark had been sharing with her. The time they spent together began to make her realize that just like Mark, she too was lonelier than she imagined. As she continued to look upon him fondly, she started to understand why Mark was attracted to ponies. Recalling his dreams, she noted a few things he longed to do, but she wasn’t sure how she could help him. As far as she knew a spirit can only interact so much. Still, she could return to sleep and give it some more thought. Either way, as she stared at him, her ethereal body seemed warm and she was filling with a growing fondness for him.

Mistybelle gave him one more caress, then a sly smile formed on her face. She inched closer to him, then let her head sink back into her pillow. Closing her eyes, she started to wonder what else could they share. And then she also wondered, just how should she tell him about peaking in on his dreams. She drifted back into her dormant state as she gave it some more thought.

* * * * * * *

Before Mark knew it, the morning had come and he found himself back at work within the walls of Twilight’s castle. The day before Hearth’s Warming Eve was going slow. He had already completed the list of things she needed him to do, which wasn’t really much. Given the lengthy and thorough checklists Twilight usually gave Mark, this one was ridiculously short.

Now that the simple list of under a dozen tasks was completed, he sat as his desk and was just jotting down some thoughts or more accurately, a poem about Mistybelle. At first the words didn’t want to flow, then, they began to trail from his freshly dipped quill as he moved it along the clean sheet of parchment.

He’d been writing for a good twenty minutes and didn’t even hear the soft but audible hoof beats of Princess Twilight. She made her way into his office and walked up to his desk. “Ah-hem.” She cleared her throat. “Mark?”

“Huh?” He heard her voice and glanced up. “Twilight…uh, you’re highness, did I forget something?”

She shook her head. “No, I just thought you’d like to know it’s lunchtime. I was cooking something and wondered if you’d care to join me?”

“Lunch?” He glanced at the nearby grandfather clock. “Oh, right. I lost track of the time.” Mark grinned a bit sheepishly. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine, and please, you needn’t be so formal when nopony else is around.” Twilight smiled.

“Of course…Twilight.” He chuckled.

“Ooh, what are you working on?” Twilight turned her violet eyes to the paper on his desk. “Oh, is this poem?” She snagged it in the raspberry glow of her magic before Mark could grab it.

“No, I mean it is, but…” He softly bit his lower lip.

“Ah, it is a poem.” Twilight read over it. “She shown a lovely blue, High up in the night sky. There so brightly she twinkled, That’s how she caught my eye.” Twilight looked at Mark. “I don’t want to seem nosy, but who’s this about? My guess would be somepony that’s caught your eye.” She grinned.

“Uh…” Mark was going to make up some story, but shrugged his shoulders. “Yeah, it’s somepony special. Her name is Mistybelle. And, I just wanted to do something nice for her.”

Twilight nodded and smiled. “Well, this looks like a very nice poem. Hmm…” She muttered to herself. “Oh, you’ve already got nine stanzas?!”

Mark managed to take the poem back from Twilight. “Yeah, I had some trouble at first, but then, it just flowed like water.” Mark smiled at the princess.

“That’s great. So, care to tell me anymore about her?”

“Well, she’s a real free spirit. She’s a lovely pale blue with flowing electric blue hair and pale green eyes.” Mark’s face seemed to glow as he talked about her.

Twilight could definitely see a rosy color on his cheeks as he spoke about Mistybelle. “And when did you two meet?”

“Oh?” Mark placed a hand to his chin. “The other night, it was kind of late, we were both out heading home from the marketplace…that’s right.” He smiled.

“Hmm? Well, I guess I’ll have to tell Fluttershy not to bother introducing you to her one friend.”

“Huh? One friend?” Mark was just reading over his poem, then looked up. “If she went to the trouble of finding somepony, I can at least meet them. If nothing else, another friend would be great.” Mark made his way to the door. “Now, you mentioned lunch? That sounds great, I’m starved. Let me just go wash up in the little stallion’s room. And I’ll meet you in the dinning room.” He darted out of his office.

“Oh, okay. See you in a few, Mark.” Twilight walked to the doorway of his office as she watched him zip down the hall. “That’s odd, and that one line of the poem. There’s no way he’s talking about Luna, besides nopony has ever called her ‘Mistybelle’. Hmm.” Twilight placed a hoof to her chin. “I wonder. Hmm, but I’m sure Mark’s just acting weird since he’s totally crushing on this new pony.” Twilight’s eyes widened. “Oh no, lunch…it’s still simmering. I’d better go make sure it’s not burning.” Then, like Mark, Twilight hastily departed his office, heading for the kitchen.

* * * * * * *

The remainder of Mark’s day didn’t drag on and went by quicker than he expected. Thankfully, Twilight didn’t ask him too many additional questions about Mistybelle. He wasn’t sure he wanted to tell her that she was a wisp pony or for that matter if he really should tell anyone else about Mistybelle. As he made his way home, he concluded it might be a good idea to ask her about that. Besides, being cooped up in his house, she just might want a chance to go out and explore.

As Mark turned the corner and continued walking to his house, he began to wonder if Mistybelle could make herself invisible. If she could do that, then there just might be a chance she could leave his place, if she wanted.

He stepped in out of the cold and closed the door behind him. The warmth of his home was more than welcoming. Mark stood there for a minute as he let the heat warm him, before he removed his coat and hung it up. It was then that the smell of something tasty wafted its way up his nose. “Mmm, what’s that smell?” Then he gave a funny look toward the kitchen. He had no idea who would be cooking, unless Mistybelle was somehow able to.

“Mistybelle, I’m home. Where are you?” Mark looked around the living room and saw no sign of her.

“I’m in the kitchen. I have a surprise for you.” Her voice was joyful and angelic; the same as Mark has started getting use to.

He smiled happily as he made his way to the kitchen. There, he found her standing near the stove. “Mistybelle…you’re cooking?” Mark raised a brow.

“Yes, I read a book that mentioned some interesting dishes, and I found a cookbook as well.” She turned to smile at him. “And it seems I can interact with the items in your kitchen and pretty much anything in the house now.”

“That’s great.” Mark grinned as he spied the two small pots each filled with something hot and bubbly. The one was covered and lightly steaming, while the other was open and gave off a large wave of steam. He gave a good sniff and his face lit up. “Are you making spaghetti and pasta sauce?”

Mistybelle turned her head his way and nodded. “I am. When I checked your pantry for ingredients, I noticed you have an abundance of pasta and jars of sauce. It seemed an easy enough recipe to do for a first try.”

“Yeah, and it’s one of my favorite dishes.” Mark smiled as he walked up to her and placed an arm around her. “It’s good to see you.”

She leaned her head against his. “And I’m delighted to see you. Oh, and I hope you won’t be disappointed, but I wasn’t able to find any meat for the sauce. But, I did find a few varieties of cheese in your fridge I can use to add some extra flavor once this is done cooking.”

Mark ran his hand along her side. “That’s fine, and truth be told, I’m out of meat at the moment. But plain Marianna sauce and cheese is more than fine enough for spaghetti.” He looked at the warming pans on the stove and then looked at her. “What made you decide to try cooking?” Mark gave her an intrigued look.

Mistybelle saw to stirring the contents of both pans, then turning to him, she placed a hoof around him and pulled him close. “Well, in much the same way I decided to make your bed yesterday, I thought I could help make your evening simpler by making dinner. After watching you cook last night and reading up on it. It hasn’t proven to be too difficult. Of course I have no way to smell or taste it.”

“That’s okay. I can and it smells amazing.” He leaned against her and nuzzled his cheek along her ghostly mane. “Thank you. Mistybelle, you’re wonderful, and I’m so glad to be home.” Mark sighed.

She moved so she could nuzzle her cheek to his and let out a calming sigh. “You’re welcome, Mark, and I’m glad you’re home.” Mistybelle looked at the contents of the stove. “I’d better finish these up. Dinner looks to be just about ready.”

“Great. Oh, that’s right.” Mark gave her a bit of a sad look.

“What’s wrong?”

“Well, you can sit with me at the table, but I gather wisp ponies don’t eat.” He scratched his shoulder.

“Oh, no, we don’t. All we need to sustain us is spiritual energy.” She smiled. “But, I can enjoy your reaction to the food as I sit with you. It might not be the same, but…” She placed a hoof on his hand, Mark clasped it. “We can still keep each other company.”

Mark smiled up at her. “Yeah, that’s a good point. And at least you’ll get to see first hand how things went.”

“Yes. Um, let me just finish up here.”

“Okay, I’ll go get a plate and some silverware.” Mark continued to smile as he left her to finish with the pasta and sauce. As he went to get a plate, he nodded as he had the perfect idea for how they could spend some time together after dinner.