Ever Onward

I groaned as light pierced through my eyelids, pulling me from sleep's weakening grasp. I was still way too tired to be awake, so I tried to squeeze my eyes tighter shut to block it out, but to no avail. Next would have been pulling my blankets over my head, but they were conspicuously missing, probably due to the fact that I was practically sweating from the heat around me, so, instead, I did the next best thing.

“Mo~om… Turn off the light… I'm tired…”

I threw my arms up over my face, and that helped a little, but small reaches of light still slipped through the crooks of my arms. I waited for Mom's response, for the click of my overhead light as it turned off, but, as the seconds ticked by into minutes, no report came in return. Frustrated, I groaned and sat up, rubbing my eyes as they slowly grew accustomed to the brightness of my room, and had to bite my lips to stop my yelp.

This wasn't my room, I wasn't at home. Yesterday's happenings crept back to me like a venomous snake and sank its teeth into my brain. I wasn't home. I wasn't going home. I sucked in a shuddering breath, clenched my hands against my chest, then let it out as slowly as I could. I wouldn't panic. I wouldn't panic. I will not freak the fuck out. Several breaths, in then out, in then out, as deep and even as I could.

Eventually my heart settled back to a normal pace and I was able to lessen the shaking of my hands down to more manageable levels. I wasn't home, but I was okay… Mostly. I was safe. I wasn't…

I jerked and looked to the bed beside me and let out a relieved sigh. I wasn't alone. Sure, Lulabelle wasn't in bed anymore, and I was somewhat grateful for that considering my still very noticeable lack of clothing, but Ysa was still curled up next to where I had been laying just seconds before, her tail quite conspicuously draped across my leg. In my previous life, back home, I probably would have panicked at that, an all-but stranger curled up next to me in a bed I barely remembered falling asleep in, but now? Sure, my nerves were starting to fray at the edges, but knowing that somebody was nearby in case I needed them was almost the pinnacle of relief. I couldn't imagine what I would have done if Ysa and Lulu hadn't done everything they could to make me comfortable last night, to keep me company. If I hadn't had anybody to rely on…

I took another breath, eased it out, then laid back across the bed. The response from the kobold was almost immediate, her tiny hands curling around my upturned arm, and I couldn't stop the smile that turned my lips, not thatI wanted to. It was cute and sweet, filling me with a warmth that had nothing to do with the probably summer sun shining bright through the open window and I would have been content to stay here like this all day if the moment wasn't spoiled by the door opening. I worked quickly to cover myself with whatever sheets I could grab from where they'd been tossed to the side just as Silk peeked her head in the door, a bright smile on her muzzle, then trotted in with Lulabelle at her heels.

“Harmony, that bedhead is adorable.” I flushed and combed my fingers through my hair, catching in the knotted curls, but that only made her giggle harder. “No need to make yourself presentable to me, love. I am just here to deliver your clothes, freshly cleaned of course, and to invite you to lunch seeing as how you slept through breakfast.”

True to her word, her horn lit up and my clothes floated up and out of the bags she had cinched across her back. I took them and held them close, revelling in their warmth as if they'd just come out of the dryer. “Th-thanks…” I hid my smile behind the clothes and tried to meet her gaze, but every time I looked into her eyes my nerves took over again. “I… uhm… Maybe…?”

Her smile didn't falter despite my non-committal answer. Instead, she bowed her head. “Of course. Lulu here explained that you were shy, so you are not obligated to come if you do not want to, but I would greatly enjoy talking with you some more. Last night was quite pleasant. If you need me, I will be around.” I nodded jerkily, ashamed that I was too embarrassed to talk to somebody that had shown they could be trusted. “Lulabelle. Ysa.” She nodded to both of them before turning to leave and closed the door behind her, leaving the three of us alone once again.

The kobold yawned and stretched, squeaking out a groan, then beamed up at me. “Silk's so nice. Ya know, if she was more into kobolds, I'da let her poke my cloac a long time ago.”

I flushed and shoved Ysa away. “Stop. You're terrible.”

“What? Just sayin’, ya know?”

I sighed and clutched my clothes closer. “Yeah…”

“Ohhhh… Don't tell me you're gonna leave us high and dry and hitch up with Silk. We were here first!”

She laughed and climbed on my back, resting her chin on my head, and I laughed as I tried to dislodge her to no avail. “'Course not… Don't think I c-could…”

“Why not? If you like her, then we truly would not mind. You should know that Lulabelle does not consider you hers. Lulabelle would not be upset if you wished to court Lady Strand.”

“Yeah, me neither. I'm just teasin’.” Ysa ran her fingers through my hair, her nails scratching at my scalp and sending tingles down my spine. “I'd definitely be jealous, though.”

I smiled, still holding my clothes to my chest. I really didn't deserve all this attention. “I… I dunno. I d-d-don't think I could…”

“Oh yeah, cuz we aren't like ya.” I felt her shrug against the back of my head. “Well, I dunno about you guys, but I'm hungry!”

“Lulabelle has not eaten yet.”

They both looked to me, waiting for my answer, but my stomach groaned, replying in my stead. “S-sorry…”

“No need to apologize, silly.”

“Lulabelle agrees. Lulabelle is surprised you hadn't said anything prior. You haven't eaten since you arrived.”

“I… I don't eat m-much.”

“Well we'll just hafta fix that, huh? You're like a twig!” She leaned over my head, grinning widely. “Don't you worry your pretty little head. Daliah with fatten you right up!”

“Th-thanks.”

“It’s our pleasure, Miss Rose.”

“Yeah! Now let's hurry so we can eat with Silk! Dunno why ya didn't just say yeah. You’re a weird one.”

I was practically dragged out of the room the moment I redressed, hand-led by an overeager kobold through the elaborately decorated halls of a mansion I couldn't have even dreamed of owning in my lifetime. The place was obviously ancient considering the faded colors on the paintings and tapestries, but it had been very well maintained. The whole place was clean for the most part, barring some dustiness, and nothing that I could see was damaged. Whatever this place was, there was no doubt that it was well-loved.

“You know… I n-never asked…” Both of my companions turned to me. “O-oh, uhm… Nevermind…”

“What is it, Miss Rose?”

“I w-was just curious… about this place.” I looked around so I wouldn't have to think about feeling stupid for asking dumb questions. “I-is it important?”

“Oh yeah!” Ysa stopped leading me, forcing me to slide to a stop so I didn't run her down, and pointed a clawed finger at a picture of a silver-maned old mare wearing a regal purple cape. “This was Princess Platinum's home back before the banishing of the Wendigoes!”

“We-wendigoes? What's a wendigo?”

“They were terrible creatures of ice and born into the world through hatred.” Lulabelle shivered and a sense of unease welled in my gut. If somebody as big and tough-looking as her was afraid, then I couldn't even imagine what a wendigo could be like. “They covered the lands here with ice and snow, taking countless lives and growing stronger and stronger as resentment grew.”

“Yeah… But!” Ysa crawled up my front and I had to cradle her in my arms. “Ya see, Clover the Clever, Smart Cookie, and Private Pansy beat them back with love right when they were about to freeze to death!”

“O-oh. B-but what does that have to d-do with Princess Pl-Platinum?”

“Clover the Clever was the princess’ advisor and, together with the other founders, they formed Equestria.”

“So she's really important th-then…” Ysa nodded and Lulu dipped her head as well. “Guess that'd explain why this place is so well-kept.”

“Yeah, the ponies tried really hard to keep this place open for the history of it, but…”

“But?”

“Well, I wasn't born back then, but, after the last changeling war, Twilight decided it'd be safer if it was abandoned.”

“Wh-why? Why are we here now if it isn't safe?”

“It's safe now, but back then we didn't have much choice.” I yelped and jumped, almost dropping Ysa in the process, as a new voice sounded from behind me and turned to glare at the little purple horse. “Oh, sorry. I just saw you guys talking and thought I'd chime in. Because I know about it. Because I was, you know, there.”

“Good afternoon, Princess Sparkle.”

“Heyo Twilight! You spooked me good!”

“I'm really sorry about that, I didn't mean to. I thought for sure that you'd hear my hooves clopping on the floor.” She smiled and some of that fear from our first encounter eased. My heart still raced whenever I thought about being held powerless in her magic, but she didn't seem like she wanted to hurt me… and Lulabelle and Ysa vouched for her. “So, are you interested in learning about Equestria? If you are, then I'd love to teach you! I've spent my whole life learning under Princess Celestia and she was around during the times of the founding, so I'm sure I can answer any questions you have!”

“I, uhm… N-not really, b-but… It's safe?”

The princess’ ears drooped and shame welled up in my breast, but she shook it off and replaced her smile. “It's fine, not everybody is as excited to learn as I am, but yes. It's safer here than nearly anywhere else right now. Nobody's heard from the changelings since… Well, since Grogar resurfaced, so we think that he may have had something to do with that.” It was faint, but there was a hitch in her voice as she spoke about the changelings, whatever they were, but she made no effort to even acknowledge it, so neither did I. It was hard enough trying to keep talking with her.

“Uhm… S-sorry to ask, b-but… Who's Grogar?”

She blinked, surprise plain on her face as she looked to Lulabelle and Ysa. “You didn't tell her?”

“Lulabelle thought it would be more prudent for you to explain our situation.”

The princess sighed, shook her head, then looked to me with a grim smile that set me on edge. I'd only seen that smile once before, ten years ago, when mom told me that-

“Well, I suppose we should, but let's go somewhere a little more comfortable.”

“We were goin’ to get lunch!”

“B-brunch…”

The next smile was genuine, if still a little strained. “That'll work. I'm rather hungry myself.”

The rest of the walk to the double doors, as short as it was, was hard to focus on. I didn't like the feeling I got whenever I thought of the pony's reaction. For all that Twilight had said we were safe in this castle, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was about to learn something terrible and that made my stomach turn. Outside of my brush with that asshole driver, I was nice and safe at home. I didn't have to worry about my anxiety too much, nor had I been concerned with 'Changelings’ or other baddies that could threaten what little safety I'd had. But now…

Twilight pushed open a pair of large double doors to an expansive hall lined with large wooden tables. Most were covered by plain white sheets, clearly abandoned for ages, but two, situated by what was probably the entrance to the kitchen considering the doors’ odd asymmetrical positioning compared to the two pairs at each end of the hall, showed clear signs of use. One was still piled with soiled dishes and cloths, while the other was occupied by a pair of ponies and another giant lizard chatting animatedly. One of the ponies was Silk, her crystal-like voice and striking looks making it obvious, but I didn't recognize the other two.

“Oh! Hi Goldie! Heya Spike!”

The trio turned to look at us and my heart lodged itself in my throat. There were getting to be too many people. I was having a hard enough time maintaining my composure around the few I trusted and now Twilight, but this was…

“I am so glad you decided to join us, Mary! For a moment, I was worried that you would not accept my invitation, but it seems my fears, as small as they were, were unfounded.” She beamed at me and I felt some of my trepidation melt away. It would still be awkward, and I'm sure I'll thoroughly embarrass myself, but maybe it wouldn't be so bad. “Come! Come! Sit! Daliah will be out with brunch in just a moment.”

The few seconds it took to cross the distance between the dining hall's entrance and the table felt like an eternity, the expanse stretching on into infinity, but I eventually settled in next to Silk who promptly pulled me closer to her side with an awkward looking pull of her hoof as Ysa sidled up on my right. It shouldn't have been a tight fit, but being sandwiched between two very affectionate people made it more than a little stifling not to mention how much their proximity made my face flush. I stared down at my hands in my lap as the others conversed around me, catching snippets of sentences every now and then whenever I happened to be paying enough attention. It likely would have been easier to not actively ignore them, but-

“So, are you going to introduce yourself?”

I flinched at the raspy voice of a teenager and peeked out from under my bangs at the purple and green lizard seated next to Twilight across the table, then dropped my gaze back to my wringing hands. “Spike! Don't be rude.”

“What? I'm sorry, she's just been quiet, so I thought-”

“Well, she's clearly uncomfortable. Give her time and she'll-”

“M-Mary…!”

I swallowed nervously, shooting furtive looks all around the table, waiting for the judgement, but everybody was waiting patiently. Quietly. A soft nudge from my left made me jumped, but Silk offered a soft smile and a mouthed ‘Go on’.

“M-my name's M-Marilynne… Ro-Rose…”

“Nice to meet you, Marilynne.” A scaled claw thrust itself into my vision and I stared at it for several long seconds, waiting for something to happen, then finally shook it with a weak, quick grasp. “Well, I guess we've technically met before, but you-”

“Spike! Not at the table! Besides, I doubt she wants to remember what happened when I summoned her. I can only imagine how traumatic it was for her to react like that.” The unicorn sighed. “I'm sorry for Spike, Mary. He means well, but he is still just a child.”

“Hey! I'm almost as old as you are!”

“Then act like it.”

There was a ‘humph’ from the other side of the table and I couldn't help the giggle that fought its way out. They acted just like all the siblings I saw in cartoons and movies. I couldn't wait for my own…

And just like that, what little mirth I'd had building was washed away, reminding me all too well that I wasn't home anymore. I hadn't really had a lot of time to think about it since I'd gotten here what with all of the crazy shit I'd been seeing. I'd been able to put it out of my mind with each new experience and person I'd met, but now…

“Miss Rose?”

I started again as tiny fingers laced themselves in with mine and looked up through blurry eyes as everybody present watched me with varying levels of concern. “Wh-what?” My voice was thick and I cursed myself.

“Are you alright, Mary? You were not responding and we-”

“I-I'm f-fine.”

“Are ya sure? Ya know ya can tell us-”

I squeezed her hand tighter, trying to fight back the tears that were threatening to spill down my cheeks. I expected her to try and squirm out of my grasp, but she just leaned in closer and stared up at me with her big, green eyes. That was the last crack needed before the dam broke and poured out the pain I'd been trying to ignore like a raging flood. The whole table fell completely silent as I bawled into my free hand, keeping one clenched firmly around Ysa's. I felt like such a piece of shit, ruining the mood for everybody while I broke down like some worthless pile of garbage, but what else could I do? I wasn't some strong pillar that could hold up the world. I was just some loser girl that lived with her mom because she was too terrified of others and their judgement to survive on my own and now I didn't even have my mom to fall back on.

I was here, in Equistra or whatever the hell it was called, with people I could only tentatively call friends. I'll never be able to tell mom how much I loved her and needed her and how thankful I am for everything she's done. I'll never see my baby sister be born, be there for any of her birthdays, or help her learn to talk or count or walk. I'll never be a part of any of their lives again if I don't find some way back home. Everything had gone to shit for me and I didn't even know why.

“I… I…” I jumped out of my seat and sprinted out the doors, ignoring the shouts from behind me. I didn't know where I was going as I tore through the halls and ducked into a room, and knew that they'd probably find me faster than I could get lost, but I didn't want to be around anybody right then. I wanted to be alone. I wanted to be back home.

“I w-want m-m-my M-mommy…”

“Miss Rose…” I jumped, prepared to run again, but Lulabelle's arms pulled me in against her soft chest and stroked my back softly. Lovingly. Just like- “Lulabelle is so sorry. We didn't think about what would happen when we summoned you, we simply…” I leaned into her and wept, burying my face in her fur and squeezing myself as tightly around her as I could. I had wanted to be alone, but now that somebody was here, I couldn't let go or push her away.

“Lulu, did you-?”

“Shhh…” I sniffled as the sound of hooves echoed against the stone behind Lulabelle, choking back the next bout of tears only for her to run a hand through my hair and draw them out. “It's alright, Miss Rose. You don't need to hold back.”

“B-but I-”

I tried to protest, but I couldn't get more than a few words before breaking down and weeping harder. It'd been so long since I'd wept like this, just succumbed to the pure, wretched outpouring of emotion that'd I'd spent years trying to crush down into non-existence. Sure, I'd lost my composure and cried, especially recently, but this? Full-bodied, wracking sobs rocked my core as I wailed into Lulu's chest, surely making me look like the worthless child that I was, but I was too far gone to care anymore. I didn't have to be strong for my mom anymore, because, even if it wasn't explicitly said, something told me that I would never see home again, and that only made it worse. I could only imagine what she would think when she came to fetch me for dinner and I wasn't there, would never be there ever again. She would search, and panic, and worry, and cry herself to sleep wondering what had happened and that thought made the flood of pain surge into a monsoon.

She'd spend the rest of her life wondering if I was okay, if I was still alive, and I'd never be able to give her that answer.

“I-I-I…”

“Shhh…”

I could feel a wing, likely the princess’, settle over my back and I wanted to be angry, to turn my overwhelming sorrow into a rage that I could funnel at somebody, at Lulabelle, Ysa, and the others for allowing this to happen to me, or Twilight for being the one that brought me here, but I couldn't. No matter how much I screamed into Lulu's breast, the anger wouldn't come. What would even be the point? I'd just spend the rest of my life miserable and alone, even more so than I'd been before, and without my mom to keep me afloat I'd sink and drown…

An eternity later, I finally calmed down enough to stop clinging to the Anubian dog and sit on my own pitiful strength. I was a wreck, that much was obvious judging by the pitying looks I got from the pair that had found me, but I felt… not better, but… numb. I'd cried all that I could, got out every bit of sorrow that I could muster, and now there was nothing left. I was here and there wasn't anything I could do about it, so I would just go along with whatever. What else could I do?

“Feeling better?” Twilight's voice was soft, careful, like if she spoke too loud or pried too hard I'd break again and I couldn't claim for certain that I wouldn't.

I nodded.

“Do you want to talk about it?” I shook my head slightly, just a jerk, but that was obviously enough for her. “It's alright, we won't force it, but if you ever do, then… we'll be here for you. And if you don't want to talk to somebody else, then I'm certain Lulabelle would be more than glad to listen.” I felt the desert dog nod through the muscles in her chest. “Well, if you're feeling up for it, I'm sure Daliah is done preparing bru- well, lunch now, and I know everybody else is worried about you. Why don't we go back to the dining hall and eat? You'll feel better.”

I didn't have the energy to protest, and my growling stomach would have revealed any lie I told about not being hungry, so I simply nodded and let Lulu help me up onto my feet. I felt weak, like I'd just spent a lifetime in bed, so I once more relied on the ever-giving dog to keep me standing. At this point, I was surprised that she hadn't just opted to carry me back, but maybe she'd somehow known that it wasn't what I wanted. I already felt like a waste of space, so the last thing I needed was to be hefted around like the leech I was. I was thankful that I had kept at least a modicum of my dignity by walking back into the dining hall on my own feet.

The moment I stepped back into the room I was bombarded by Ysa and Silk, both of them fretting over me like I'd just come back from the brink of death. I couldn't blame them, nor did I want them to stop. The attention helped to mask the feeling of emptiness, if only for a little while, and what their fawning couldn't cover up could be drowned out in the sea of food overflowing from the various plates and platters covering the dining table I'd fled from.

Everything from steamed and roasted veggies to broiled, baked, and grilled meat that only vaguely looked like steak wafted their tantalizing scent through the air and sent my starved stomach into overdrive. What had been ignorable hunger pangs transformed into agonizing clenches demanding me to gorge myself and I had no desire to turn them down despite the fact that the small group that had been here when I'd fled had grown into a near mob. It was difficult not to notice everybody's’ gazes whether they were concerned or curious, but an encouraging bump from Silk and Ysa's comforting hold on my hand made it easier.

I ate quietly, slowly, while everybody around me chatted, and that was fine with me. It was hard enough even being surrounded by strangers. I doubted that I could even hold a conversation without having a mental breakdown, but none of them seemed to mind, and I used the time to fit names with faces. Other than the two horses I'd met, there were four more, five if you counted the zebra Zunira. Brass Horn and Iron Rod were both stallions, one a unicorn and the other a pegasus. Golden Feather was a pegasus mare and Loam a regular stallion. Then there were the gryphon twins Lorie and Raimie and the minotaurs Rockhide and Daliah.

Every little story I'd read growing up was turning into a reality in front of my eyes and it was staggering. Talking ponies were one thing, considering every other cartoon and movie made had talking animals in them, but mythical beasts like gryphons and minotaurs and dragons? If it hadn't been for my frayed nerves, I'd have likely been gaping in awe at everybody here. And, to top it all off, they had a camaraderie that I found myself envious of. Sure, Ysa and Lulu and Silk were quite friendly with me, but that paled in comparison to the joviality spread across the table and passing between all but the quiet zebra sitting slightly apart from Daliah at the end of the table.

I poked at my 'steak'-covered salad with the little three pronged fork I'd been given, casting what I hoped was furtive glances down the table at Zunira from my place at the other side of the table and barely suppressed a flinch when Silk leaned over to whisper to me. "You can go talk to her if you wish. She is quiet and a mite frigid, but she is the most fiercely protective of all of us."

"N-no, I… I was just thinking that she's… a lot like…"

"Like you?" I nodded, my face burning. "I can see where you would come to that conclusion." She smiled at me and nudged me into Ysa who was listening raptly. "She talks little, but I would not call her shy. More… standoffish? You would have to ask her for details, but she prefers not to waste words."

"Ohhh, you should see her fight, though! Ya wouldn't think such a thin mare would pack much power, but I watched her take down a cragodile all on her own last week. Pulverized its skull, which is crazy, because they're made of stone."

I giggled as she gestured wildly, miming Zunira's actions as she explained them to me. Comical though the retelling was, the thought that a zebra could fight off, let alone kill, a thirty feet long, half a ton crocodile made of rocks was the epitome of amazing while I couldn't even imagine holding a regular gator at an interactive zoo.

"I recognize that look." Silk grinned turned hawkish. "Oh, woe is me to lose you to Zunira. Ysa, you shall take responsibility for driving her into the arms of another by finding us a new potential lover."

"I-!" They laughed harder as I swatted at them, my face aflame. "I a-am not! It's j-just… c-cool!"

"We are teasing, love." Silk brushed away my hands as I tried to push her back and pressed right back up on my side, her tail swishing back and swatting across my butt. "But it is good to know we do not have more competition, right Ysa?"

"Oh yeah, Zuni is a tough cookie! If she took ya, we'd never get ya back!"

I squirmed in my spot, wringing my hands in my lap, only for Silk to cling to my arm and beam up at me with the most beatific smile. "We are glad you seem to be feeling better. We were worried about you." It hurt knowing that my childish, pathetic insecurities weren't just causing trouble for myself, but seeping out like a sick miasma. I'd caused my mom untold stress, though she did her best not to show it, and now I was already infecting my first friends in an eternity. "Mary?" I flinched, wiped my eyes, and threw on the best smile I could muster with a muttered 'I'm fine', but, if the dip of her smile was any indication, the unicorn wasn't convinced. "If you are still not feeling well, we will gladly escort you back to your room."

I glanced around the room, at all the furtive looks shot my way while the others tried to hold their own conversations so as not to look too preoccupied with me, and once more felt that clenching in my gut and tightness in my chest that had left me in shambles earlier. No matter how much I told myself that they weren't judging me, that my fears were irrational and unfounded, I couldn't stop the panic from welling up. My breathing was getting harder and faster, sweat streaking down my face, and I was preparing to do something, anything to get away from their piercing stares when a large, warm hand settled in my shoulder and shocked me out of my spiraling thoughts.

"Miss Rose isn't feeling well, so Lulabelle will escort her back to her room to rest." I stared up at her, hoping that the relief I felt washing over me wasn't showing too plainly on my face. "Miss Daliah, you wouldn't mind if we took some leftovers for when Miss Rose is better?"

The minotaur that had served as our hostess blinked, caught off guard for a moment, then gave a soft chuckle as she waved a dismissive hand our way. "Of course, dearie. Think nothing of it." She flashed me the warmest, most loving smile I'd seen since I'd been here. "And don't'cha worry yourself about dinner, dearie. If ya aren't feeling in tip-top shape then I'll come and feed ya myself."

She laughed heartily as Lulu helped me to my feet and, despite the shame settled in my breast, I couldn't help but to crack a smile at the thought. My Mom hadn't hand fed me since I was little, not even when I was down with the flu, and the thought of a half-cow woman over twice my height and likely over twice my age holding me like a child and spoon-feeding me was beyond comical. My grin grew until the laughter bubbling in my chest spilled forth into a snort. It really shouldn't have been that funny, I'd seen stranger things on the internet, but maybe it was the idea of it happening to me instead that just booked the dam.

I doubled over, laughing harder than I had in years, and was only kept on my feet by the grace of Lulu's strength. It was a struggle to breathe, and every time I tried to stop to catch my breath I looked up and saw her concerned smile I imagined it all over and the laughter would begin anew. It took several long minutes for me to finally calm myself, and even then I was still giggling through my attempts to breathe again while everybody just stared at me with a mix of concern and amusement playing across their faces. Lulu, as usual, was the first to make sure I was fine, and, ignoring the obvious issues that my mood swings were bringing to light, I honestly was. Whatever that was, whatever had caused the fit, it helped immensely.

"I'm okay…" I chuckled and Lulu made to escort me back out towards the hallway, but I stopped her with a squeeze of her arm. "I, uhm… C-can we stay a little l-longer? I'm feeling b-better."

She stared long and hard, her worry as plain on her face as the midday sun. "Are you sure?"

I nodded. "Y-yeah…"

I took my spot next to Silk once more, Ysa sliding into my lap to make room for Lulabelle, and, even with everybody's watchful eyes on me, I relaxed in their combined presence. The chatter resumed shortly after, the awkward silence broken once more, and a weight lifted off my chest. "Lulabelle is proud of you, Miss Rose."

I flushed, hugged Ysa closer, hiding my smile against the back of her head as she hummed in agreement. "I didn't d-do anything."

"Nonsense, love. I know you have been struggling to grow comfortable with just us, but here you are surrounded by more people you have never met. You know you do not have to prove anything to us, but I do appreciate that you are making an effort to accustom yourself to everybody."

Silk nuzzled against my side as Twilight leaned in closer from across the table. "If it makes you feel better, Mary, I had a friend many years back that struggled with meeting new people and crowds." Her smile was warm with a subtle twinge of melancholy as she regarded me, her eyes not quite seeing me. "Her name was Fluttershy and, well, she was just as her name implies. Scared of her own shadow, literally once, but she was the sweetest, most kind pony I've ever known." Tears welled in the lavender mare's eyes and Spike rested a claw on her shoulder that she leaned in to. "Thanks Spike, but I'm okay. I just miss them."

"Wh-why don't you t-tell me about them?"

Twilight's face lit up, as she perked back up. "I'd love to! If you don't mind, of course."

I smiled, felt Ysa squeeze my arms, and hugged her tighter. "I-I'd love to hear ab-bout them."

Watching Twilight talk about the ponies that she had shared her younger days with was easily the most enchanting thing I'd bore witness to. The way her face lit up as she recalled each adventure they'd had and all of the adversity they'd overcome was breathtaking. The way she talked about them, how her smile kept growing and growing even as her eyes watered, and how Spike would chime in with his own memories, told me all that I needed to know about these ponies. I would never be able to meet them, but hearing their story and how they'd affected Twilight's life and helped her grow to who she was today was more than enough.

I thought I'd be envious, but the whole time I held onto Ysa, leaning on Lulu as Silk leaned on me and, for once in my life, I wasn't consumed by the ever present miasma of loneliness that I'd tried to ignore for so many years. It was strange. I'd just met these three and knew next to nothing about them, but with them around I felt complete. Was this what Twilight was describing? I didn't feel like I had the right to compare it to the lifelong bond that she had shared with her dearest friends, but it wasn't hurting anybody to hope, was it?

As Twilight's story came to a close, she took a deep, shuddering breath and wiped the moisture from her bright, joyful eyes. "Sorry, I didn't mean to go on so long, but-"

"I-it's fine!" I grinned and took one of her hooves in hand. "You really lo-loved them, huh?"

She nodded, sniffling. "I miss them so much." She took a deep breath, leaning into Spike's offered support, and let it out slowly. "Back when this," she motioned to her wings, "happened, I thought that the Elements would make them immortal as well, but then…" She turned away, looking towards something none of us could see, then turned back to us, fresh tears pooling in her eyes. "They kept getting older and older, but I… I just grew a few inches. I was there with all of them when they finally passed on to Elysium, I wasn't going to abandon them to save myself some pain, but every time I lost one of my friends it was like a part of me died with them."

"That, uhm… I'm sorry…"

Twilight chuckled softly and shook her head. "It's okay, I love talking about them even if it hurts. I'd rather miss them forever than ever forget them." She took another deep, long breath and wiped her eyes. "Enough about that, though. Since we're all done eating, I figure it would be prudent to go over our plans for the future and help Mary understand what's happening and why she's here."

Though few, any eyes that hadn't been on her during her story now turned her way as she stood from her seat and cleared her throat. "Since it wouldn't be fair to Mary, and since her volunteer caretakers have deigned to keep her in the dark," she cast a teasing grin our way, then sobered back up, dropping a weight into my gut in doing so, "I'm going to explain the situation first. I'm going to be frank here, because it would be doing you a disservice otherwise… We are in dire need of help. I know everybody acts like nothing is happening and we're doing well, but… you've seen most of the mansion. Normally there's guards and housekeepers here to keep the place tidy and secure, but the maids have been sent into hiding and the guards are deployed as relief soldiers."

I swallowed, trying to calm my thundering heart before I started hyperventilating. "Wh-why?"

Twilight looked down, her ears folding back against her head, and I immediately regretted asking. I wanted to take my question back, to go back to feeling awkward whenever Ysa, Lulu, or Silk made passes at me instead of being filled with dread at the pained grimace on the pony's face. "Most of Equestria's been lost. The Solar and Lunar legions have done everything they can to evacuate as much of the citizenry as possible and are fighting back however they can with Luna at their head, but Grogar's magic makes it impossible to gain any ground. And, to make everything worse, Princess Celestia was lost in the initial invasion. She gave herself up so that Luna and I could escape with as much of Canterlot's citizenry that we could save and Luna thinks that Grogar is keeping her to supplement his magic."

"A-and wh-what do you w-want me f-for?" That was the crux of this whole thing. They summoned me for something, but for what? What could I do? I barely had the strength to carry a thirty pound lizard that was helping to support herself, so how could I go up against some magic casting super villain? "I c-can't fight. I have panic attacks when I get too nervous… I f-fucking pissed myself twice already!" I sucked in deep breaths, trying to calm my racing heart. "I'm j-just a normal gi-girl. Why'd it have to be m-me?"

Fresh tears drew rivulets down my cheeks as I waited for an answer and, if it wasn't for the three girls clustered around me keeping me grounded, I might have fled again, but Ysa squeezed my hand and the green haze that had been clouding my vision faded away. As the silence dragged on, uneasiness grew until, finally, Twilight broke the pregnant pause.

"I'm… not entirely sure, Mary, and for what it's worth I'm so sorry that I summoned you, but Harmony chose you for a reason. I don't have a clue why, but It wouldn't have given us the spell if we didn't need it." She looked around the table and I followed her gaze, glancing at each somber face as they nodded in agreement, even Lulabelle, Ysa, and Silk. "We were desperate. Believe me when I say that we never would have even considered dragging anybody here without their consent if we'd had any other choice."

"And what gives you the right to now!?" Ysa flinched in my grip as I stood to tower over the little mare. I obviously wasn't much of a threat, but my superior stature made me feel stronger. "Harmony, or whatever the fuck you're talking about, screwed you! I don't have any fancy powers! I'm not really smart! You summoned a worthless piece of shit and for what!?"

A hand settled on my arm and I jerked away, glaring daggers at whoever dared touch me. All of my anger seeped away, regret eagerly taking its place, as I settled on Lulu's hurt face, and I sank back into my seat. "I'm useless…"

There was silence for several minutes while everybody stared at me, but I cared little as I watched Lulabelle out of the corner of my eye. I wanted to reach out to her, to apologize, but I couldn't put to voice the words rolling around in my head. Unfortunately, Twilight was the first to break the silence. "I'm really, truly sorry, Mary, but we didn't have a choice. You can hate me if you want, but please don't turn your anger to everybody else. They may have agreed to using the spell, but I'm the one that cast it. Ultimately, the decision was mine."

Shame burned like coals in my gut as tears spilled down my cheeks. I was frustrated, angry, and wanted nothing more than for everything to just end, for everyone to go away and leave me alone, but more than that I was scared, terrified, of actually having it happen. I'd finally gotten a taste of what it was like to have somebody genuinely care about me that wasn't obligated to through any other reason than their own desire, but I'd thrown it back in their faces in my fit of fury. My lip quivered as I looked to Lulu, not quite meeting her eyes, and I tried to eke out an apology, but my throat tightened and I choked on the words.

I jumped when I felt Ysa squeeze my hands and looked down into her large, wavering eyes and swallowed the lump in my throat. "I-I-I'm s-sorry, I-"

"No, Miss Rose, we are sorry." I finally worked up the courage to actually look into Lulabelle's eyes and wished I hadn't. Hurt was plain on her face, her ears folded back, and I wanted to take my outburst back, but she continued on. "It is as Princess Sparkle said, we were desperate, but it is not fair of us, to you, to expect you to do what we want of you."

"Lulu's, right." Twilight heaved a breath and looked up to me and, though I did regardless, I was loathe to meet her gaze. "It is ultimately your choice to help us or not and nobody thought to even give you the choice. We all assumed you'd go along with it, because we'd already made up our minds to fight, but now… Well," she stared at me, serious, but hopeful,"would you be willing to join our cause and help us save our loved ones?"

I watched her for several long moments then turned and scanned all the faces, meeting their eager, pleading gazes with my fearful, tear-filled eyes. "H-how? The only th-thing I've had since co-coming here is a he-headache."

"We have medicine for that!" One of the gryphons, the female, waved her claw to get my attention. If she hadn't, I wouldn't have been able to tell which of the twins had talked. "You could've said something, you know?"

I hung my head, but Twilight spoke up again. "It could be a side effect of Harmony's blessing. If that's the case, then medicine won't have any effect. I could help you diagnose it if you'd like, Mary, and, if it is magical, then I can help you learn how to use it."

There was excitement in her voice and that set my nerves on edge. "I don'tw-want that. D-do you know ho-how fr-freaky it is? I've ne-never had ma-magic before a-and I don't want it n-now."

"I'm not saying it is, per se, just that it's a possibility. And, if it is, I'm prepared to help you."

I huffed, hating where this conversation was headed. I didn't want anything to do with whatever this Grogar thing was, especially with how ominous they'd made it sound and even less so considering I'd had no choice in having my life ripped apart, but they were expecting me to. I would be the bad guy here, because they'd already made their own choices and assumptions. "A-and why do you n-need me anyway? Why is this Grogar such trouble?"

Silenced settled again like a weight over the tables, making it all the more obvious that it was a question that I didn't want an answer to. "Grogar is… It's not just that he's powerful, but that…"

Twilight trailed off and it was Zunira that picked up in her stead. "He is a monstah dat turns our loved ones against us. Dose he kills are brought back as his slaves in eternal unlife. Dey know not pain nor fatigue, and he uses dem ta prey on our sentiments."

Her sensual, heavily accented voice was offset by the acidic tone with which she spoke, but it was hard to imagine how this Grogar guy had caused as much trouble as he had. "So… zombies? They're already de-dead, just… p-put them out of their mi-misery."

Hooves slammed on the table as Zunira rose in her seat, her bright, sapphire eyes burning with fury. "Do not tink ta lecture us, child! I was forced ta watch as my own fadda slaughtahed my brudda! I was forced to kill dem again wit' my own hooves! It is not as simple as jus' killin' dem again!"

I cringed back as Twilight stood taller and turned a pleading look the zebra's way. "Zunira, please. It's obvious that she doesn't understand what's going on. Give her a chance to explain herself?"

"I… I don't get it. They're dead, r-right?" The words were mumbled, unsure as I was if I should even speak them, but the hissed breath assured me that I was heard. "B-back home, we have all this sh-shit, like mo-movies and stuff, about the de-dead coming back. The people that d-die are the ones that hesitate." I stared down at the top of Ysa's head and tried to ignore Zunira's cutting glare. Why were they so hung up on it? "Is it because they get stronger? Are they harder to ki-kill?"

The zebra slammed her hooves on the table then stood to leave. "Are we sure dat she is not jus' like him?"

It stung to be compared to a monster that was causing everybody so much duress, but I couldn't take the words back nor did I feel like I had to. I didn't say anything wrong, but even I could feel the tension that had fallen over everybody with Zunira's departure. Something I'd said upset them, but why? Thankfully, Twilight cleared her throat and chest through the silence again.

"I think that's enough for now. Mary, you don't have to give an answer right away, but it's only a matter of time before something happens." She tried to smile, but it, too, was obviously strained.

I gave a half-hearted nod and the rest of the group began the cleanup. It took only moments for the tables to be cleared, Twilight's, Iron's, and Silk's magic making short work of the cluttered and soiled tableware, while I sat staring awkwardly down at my lap. There was still idle talk, but it was more subdued, a necessity to keep it from being dead silent, but it did nothing to ease the building sense of guilt from running a perfectly good brunch by just being… me.

"Hey, don't let it get to you, yeah?" I half screamed as I practically jumped out of my skin at the touch on my shoulder and spun to face one of the gryphons, their weird beaky grin somehow turning impish. I'd never thought a beak could be so expressive, but here I was face to face with a mischievous-looking bird-lion hybrid grinning its face off. "Didn't mean to startle you, I swear." Its- her tone seemed sincere, but the mirth in her voice made it dubious. "I just wanted to say that I get what you're saying. Raimie and I come from a military family, so we've always known that one day we might have to see somebody we love die, but… it's different when you have to do it yourself, yeah?" She paused for several long seconds and it was only after her smile slipped and she started speaking again that I realized she was waiting for a response. "Just… take it easy, yeah?"

I nodded curtly and she smiled before joining her brother as he made his way out of the dining hall, leaving myself and Silk as the only two not busy with the remaining cleanup or off to do some other duty. I was thankful that most of the tension had left the room with most everybody's departure, but silence still hung over Silk and me like a butcher's blade, a silence I'd give anything to break if I could only think of something to say.

"I say we leave the rest up to the others, what say you, Mary?" I looked up and cracked a weak smile that she returned much more eagerly. "Care to join me in my room? I promise Daisy will keep to herself."

Shivers ran up my spine at the mention of the gargantuan spider, but I'd rather not be alone and I felt awkward just waiting around for Ysa and Lulu to come back. So, I swallowed my nerves and gave a curt nod. "Splendid! I was planning on spinning some of the girls' silk today while Goldie fashions you up some new clothes and I simply cannot abide the disaster area she calls her work station, so I greatly appreciate you keeping me company." She grinned beatifically at me, making me flush. "The girls are wonderful, but one cannot blame a lady for desiring more… desirable company."

Another shiver ran down my spine, but this one settled in my loins. "I, uhm… You're no-not upset with m-me?"

Silk's horn lit, talking hold of my hand like she had one of her own, and helped me stand and tower over her. "Love, I do not think anybody is truly upset about anything you have said today, simply… frustrated. You are not wrong, it is just an… emotional issue. Most of us have lost loved ones recently to Grogar's invasion, though not so dearly as Zunira." I shuffled nervously and she rubbed her cheek up against my thigh. "Put the thought out of your mind, love. Zunira will come around in time and, until then, you will have my adoration to keep you satiated."

A giggle bubbled up as Silk winked at me from over her shoulder, leading me by the hand through the halls with her magic as she was. When I first arrived, and somewhat still, all the attention was stressful, even if it made my heart soar at how genuine it seemed, but now… It was crazy how quickly I was growing used to the compliments and advances, even if they still stirred up the butterflies in my gut and set my libido aflame.

The worst part was that, in their own animal way, they were pretty attractive. I'd never considered bestiality or thought myself a furry, but… the smouldering gazes Silk kept throwing at me, Lulu's curved, toned body, and Ysa's playful, clingy flirting made it increasingly difficult to not want to succumb to their wiles. Silk looked back, flashed a grin, and a shiver ran up my arm from where her magic had ahold and down my spine straight down below.

"God, I need to Jill so fucking bad…"

"You say something, love?" My face burned as I vigorously shook my head. "Marilynne, are you imagining lewd things about me, you naughty girl?" She laughed, her sensual chortles filling the hall until she finally pulled me back into the room where we first met.

Any hint of our first encounter had been cleared out, leaving the place pristine and any untoward scents replaced by a fresh spring breeze, a flowery smell I chalked up to a fancy perfume. The place was nice, furnished almost exactly like the room I'd been assigned with Ysa and Lulu, save for a trio of metal cages and some large something covered with a plain canvas cloth. I eyed the cages warily, suspecting I knew exactly what they contained. Silk must've caught my gaze because sidled up next to me and nuzzled up against my thigh.

"Worry not, love. The girls will stay in their cages until I am ready to spin their silk and then they will be too busy to bother you. If it makes you feel better, though…" She clopped over to the bed and climbed atop the sheets, patting the spot next to her. "You can sit tight, right here, while I tend to the girls in the corner. Would that be acceptable? If not, then I will understand, though Daisy will certainly be disappointed."

I flinched, glanced at the cages again, and tried to keep my eyes firmly on Silk's gleaming yellow eyes. "Di-disappointed? Why?"

"She has taken quite a liking to you. Honestly, she just will not stop chittering away about your… aura, was it, love?" I followed her gaze to the metal bars and shook off an unwelcome quake as the definitely-a-spider-in-it clicked in response. "Yes, your aura. Goodness knows what she is talking about, Crystal Spiders have magicks that not even us ponies understand, after all, but she has a discerning eye for character nonetheless. Silkworm and Lariat are simply too friendly for their own good, though."

"A-are they the, uhm…"

"Other two?" I nodded, and she shook her head. "Do not judge me on their names, now. I found them when I was but a filly and they like them, right girls?" There was a chorus of clicking, each completely different from the others, and all of it sounding, as strange and creepy as it seems, excited.

It was certainly fascinating if you could get past how terrifying the idea of spiders as big as your torso was, and I certainly was nowhere even close to that. I watched as she chatted away with the clicking cages, replying to and carrying a conversation that only made sense one way. It brought to mind last night and how she had been talking to… Daisy?… before I fainted again. "Uh- uhm…"

Silk turned away from the cages, all smiles that made my heart flutter. "Yes, love?"

I swallowed the lump that had wedged itself in my throat. "Do you actually, uhm, understand the-them?"

"Wholly and completely." The pride in her voice was obvious. Whatever reason there was for this ability, she relished in it. "Do you want to know how I met my girls and earned my cutie mark?"

"Cutie mark?"

"Oh! I forget that you would not know." Her smile turned sultry as she lifted her rump and turned it to me, sending a flush across my face. "This, love," she pointed a hoof at the silvery spider web tattooed on her butt, "is my cutie mark. It is a visual representation that every pony gets when they discover their special talent, the one thing that helps define them as a pony. Mine, as you may have noticed, is my ability to understand the crystal spiders, though it has a deeper meaning than just that.

"You see," she shifted closer to me and rested her head on my side. "When I was a filly, my mother was something of a higher class socialite and often spent time travelling the world dragging father and I along wherever she went, until she decided to finally settle down in the Crystal Empire."

"W-was?"

She hesitated for a second, but kept her smile. "She passed not long after our move to the Empire." I gasped and made to apologize, but Silk squeezed my thigh with a hoof, distracting me not just with the absurdity of the mechanics of the action. "It is fine, Mary. You had no reason to know and, that aside, I learned to accept it years ago. Death is a part of life, love, and to deny it is to become what we have sworn to fight against.

"Still, we have gotten off topic." She giggled and nuzzled up against me again. "When we first moved to the Empire, I was having a rough time of it. You see, before we moved, I finally had the chance to make some real friends at school back in Canterlot, and as soon as I finally grew accustomed to living in one place with fillies my age we had to pack up and move." She sighed, snuggling up closer and wrapping her hooves around my arm, her proximity warming me more than her body heat ever would. "I will admit that I was rather cross with my mother for a while, but then… One evening, after a rather frightful row with mother, I stormed out into the streets and quickly got lost.

"The hours dragged on until darkness had truly settled. Now, there is never truly full darkness in the Crystal Empire, as the Crystal Palace and Crystal Heart illuminate the night, but remember that I was just a silly little filly alone and frightened with no way of knowing which way was home." She chuckled, shook her head, and sighed. "Well, Daisy says she heard me crying, calling for my mother, and decided that she would be the one to comfort me since nopony else was around to do so. So, she called out to me from the dark."

The largest cage clicked and shook and Silk laughed. "Oh no, I absolutely will tell her."

I tilted my head and Silk just shook hers. "Tell me what?"

"Well, you see… when I say that I was just a filly and it was dark, you must understand that hearing a voice come out of a dark corner in a pitch black alley is one of the most absolutely terrifying things that could possibly occur. And that is exactly what happened. Daisy here just chitters at me from the dark and, no matter how much I love her, she sounds like terror incarnate." The crate clicked and shook and Silk huffed. "Oh hush, love. You know I mean it only in the most loving way possible. Besides, if I am going to share my shame, then I will embarrass you as well."

She rolled her eyes and I laughed, making the mare's smile gleam. "What happened next?"

"Well, Daisy called out to me and said," Silk lowered her voice and made it as scratchy as her sultry tone could be, "Do not fret child of Equus, there is no need to fear. Come to me and I will hold you dear." She cleared her throat and laughed. "When I heard that, all I could think of was the tales that my father told me of the little demons that would snatch up bad little fillies and colts and gobble them up."

I leaned closer, waiting with bated breath, and Silk seemed to take delight in her long pause. "Well?"

The cages rattled and clicked and she laughed up a storm. "Fine. Fine. You girls have no sense of drama. Well, I did what any self-respecting little filly of near noble upbringing would do when confronted with what she thought was a demon ready to swallow her whole. I let loose the most dignified scream I could, which was more akin to a banshee's howl, and soiled my brand new dress."

I blinked and looked into Silk's bright yellow eyes and her straight, innocuous smile. "You… pissed yourself?"

"Well, I would not put it so crassly. I am a lady, after all."

"You pissed in your dress?" She nodded, her perfect smile never slipping. I gestured, stumbling over my words while trying to articulate the thoughts running through my head. It was hard to imagine Silk having ever done anything like that. Shit, I still couldn't believe that I had pissed myself twice since I've been here, but her? "B-but you're… You're-"

"Prim and proper? The very definition of a lady, through and through?" She held her nose up, eyes closed in the picture perfect representation of the lords and ladies from those old-timey, Renaissance era paintings, then cracked open an eye, her smile splitting her lips again as I nodded. "Certainly now, I would say, but I was a filly." She tittered softly into a hoof and rubbed herself against me. "Now you see why I cared little for the mess you made." I flushed, embarrassed, but, thankfully, she didn't point it out. Not that I had expected her to, but it was still nice. "Everybody makes a mess of things, but what truly matters is how it is handled after the fact. Needless to say, I did not handle being that terrified all too well. I nearly fainted on the spot, but then Daisy came skittering out of the shadows, apologizing profusely and all aglow in the light of the Crystal Palace."

"I… That would've scared me even more."

Silk giggled and nodded. "Oh, she was certainly frightening, but… did you have a good look at her?" I shook my head. I had caught a glimpse of her, but the whole incident was a blur. "You will have plenty of time to watch them while I process their silk, but… they are easily the most beautiful creatures in the world, especially under the light of the Crystal Heart in the Empire. She scurried up to me, glowing crystal and chittering apologies in her creepy voice, and I was immediately mesmerized. Never in my life had I seen something as enchanting her. When she and her sisters spun their beautiful webs for me that night and kept me calm until the Empire's guards were able to find me, I just knew that I would spend the rest of my life with them."

There was another bout of chittering, subdued compared to before and I had a feeling I could guess what was going on. "Is she embarrassed?"

Silk's face lit up as she gasped and practically pounced on me. "Can you understand her as well?"

A nervous chuckle escaped me as I liked away, trying to ignore how close she was getting. "N-no, I just… She sounded… shy? I d-dunno, it was j-just a guess."

Silk nodded sagely, settling back down, and smiled over at the cages. "Yes, that is a mite more probable, though still amazing nonetheless. Most cannot discern tone or intent from the girls, but for you to catch something as subtle as that, why… mayhaps you are growing more accustomed to their presence? Would you like to meet them? As less of a surprise this time around, of course."

A chill ran up my spine at the thought, but the terror was gone. After hearing the story, it was hard to equate the thought of Daisy with a horrible monster, but was I used to them? Would I be able to come face to… face?… with the trio of oversized spiders and not freak out? I doubted it, but then… The look on Silk's face, the way her ears splayed back and eyes searched, cut deep into me. I liked her, as a friend at least if not more, and I knew that she, and Lulu and Ysa, had great affection for me, and I wanted to grow closer to them even if I wouldn't be able to live up to whatever expectations they had for me. And that meant I'd have to get used to 'the girls' eventually. Spiders or not, they were clearly intelligent and it wasn't fair to keep them locked in those cages just for my own sanity. I wasn't even scared of spiders, per se, it was just… different, you know?… when they were bigger than a quarter.

"I…" I glanced at the cages. They were calm, the chittering having died down with the story, and that helped put my mind at ease, but how would I react when they were free? I know how much of a pussy I am, and I didn't want to upset Silk by freaking out again, but… "Okay, b-but… one at a time?"

Silk's squeal as she tackled me to the bed and peppered my face with kisses was easily the cutest thing I'd heard, and I would've loved to hear it again and again if I wasn't struggling simultaneously with the heat growing between my thighs. Thankfully, she relented, but, as she hovered over me, breath coming in pants and mane tussled, her lovely grin turned predatory. "Harmony, Mary, are you in heat? I can taste you in the air and you are… intoxicating. Goodness, I desire you so fiercely."

She leaned down, her sweet breath playing across my face, and my own came in quick little gasps. Wetness, thick and hot, dripped onto my stomach where it had been exposed, quickly pooling. I sucked in a breath, getting a lungful of heady musk that made my head spin, and it was then that Silk made her move.

She lunged forward, pressing her lips to mine and kissed me deeply. It was like nothing I'd ever felt before, not even comparing to those embarrassing times where I practiced by myself with slices of fruit. Her tongue was like fire as it slipped into me, coiling with mine and wrestling against me. I could taste the fruity breakfast she'd had this morning alongside something… else, and I was soon struggling to keep my breath held, but Silk quickly relented, panting and flushed. Her grin was absolutely smouldering, enough to make my loins burn with need, and I couldn't deny anymore that I found her and Lulu and Ysa attractive… but doubts still crept in. Was I ready for this? Sure, I'd been yearning for sex since I was ten and first discovered porn and masturbation, but was I really ready to take that step? If I did, then I couldn't take it back. If I rushed and didn't like it, then there would be no do-over.

And, in an instant, the fire in Silk's golden gleaming eyes dimmed to embers as she took a step back with her ears splayed back, no longer straddling my stomach. "I am so, terribly sorry, love. I… do not know what came over me. I did not mean to force myself on you like that."

I gasped and shot upright, cursing myself for hesitating. Of course I couldn't keep my thoughts off my face, I'd always had a shit poker face and now it was biting me in the ass again. "N-no! I wa-wasn't… Shit, I-"

"It is all right, Mary. I can see it in your eyes." Her smile was soft and knowing, like she could see into my soul. "You do not need to explain yourself. I did not stop because you seemed hesitant, though if I ever come on too strongly do not hold back your concern. I could see the fear in your eyes."

I hissed a breath, torn. I knew she was right, knew that I was scared of taking the step now that I was confronted with it, but… I also wanted it. A lot. Animal or not. She found me attractive and there were definitely things that I already adored about her, but…

Tears stung my eyes. "Oh, Mary… Fret not, love. I do not think any less of you for being worried, nor should you. Us ponies may be very sexually expressive, but that does not mean that all of us jump at every opportunity to get our rocks off as the twins are fond of saying." She grinned bemusedly and opened her forelegs, a gesture that I immediately accepted, and hugged me tightly. "That said, should you ever decide that you want me, all you need to do is ask and I will gladly raise my tail for you."

I could feel her giggle against my chest and that was all that I needed to join in. Our laughter bubbled up until we were a giggling mess of limbs and bodies, ultimately leaving us breathless and hot in the middle of the bed. "Y-you… really know h-how to cut through the m-mood, h-huh?"

"What can I say, love? I have a way with words that has the ladies falling into my embrace." She sighed, grin splitting her face, and nuzzled up against my neck. "That said, love, if you do need to, ah, relieve some tension, then feel free to use my bath for as long as you wish. I shall be releasing the girls and starting their spinning."

I flushed brightly, but shook my head as Silk climbed from the bed, her tail tucked conspicuously over her rump, and unlatched the cages. I sucked in a breath, eyes wide, as a trio of glimmering, crystalline spiders, long-legged and sleek, clicked out into the open room. All of their myriad eyes were on me, shining gems of amethyst, emerald, and topaz capturing me in their reflective surfaces, but none made to move any closer than right at Silk's hooves. The middle clicked and chittered, it's- her chelicerae rubbing together, and the unicorn at her side cast me a shy smile.

"Daisy says that she apologizes for last night and would love to be the first to get to know you." I stared at Daisy, who watched me in turn, and slowly nodded.

A fresh twinge of fear pressed into my mind as she reared up, front legs clinking together, and jumped in place, almost as if she was… "D-did she just… jump for joy?"

"Oh yes, love, Daisy is easily the most excitable of her sisters, but she knows that she must be on her best behaviour, correct?" Silk stared the spider down, and, with a click that almost sounded disappointed, Daisy calmed back down and looked back at me. She chittered softly and Silk smiled. "She wants to know if she may sit with you. Unlike other arachnids, crystal spiders are rather fond of warm, moist places. They especially like body heat and you, love, are quite the little blast furnace."

"I am not! I'm cold all the time!" I pouted at her, but she tilted her head down and gave me the most 'are you sure about that?' look I've ever seen in my life. "Fine! I-I might be warm, but I don't ever feel it. That's wh-why I like being so close to y-you and Lulu." I took a second, thought about what I said, and felt the flames race across my cheeks, doubly so when both Silk and the trio of spiders cooed at me.

"Mary, love, you make it awfully difficult not to just pounce on you and ravage your body, you know?" She shot me a sultry smile then turned to Daisy. "Go on, love, just… do not rush it, all right?"

I swallowed, keeping my eyes trained on the giant spider clicking her way across the stone floor towards my place on the bed. She paused, shifting in place, and for a second I thought I could see concern in her shining, amethyst eyes. Was she worried? Could she see my fear like Silk had, or was she just being cautious like she'd been told to? Either way, I shrugged off the chills that crept up my spine and, shakily, held out a hand. I watched with bated breath as the crystal spider closed the distance between her and the bed and carefully reached out one of its claw-tipped feet and placed it in my palm. Tingles ran up my arm from where we touched and filled me with a strange warmth that I wouldn't have expected from the cool, almost cold, feeling emanating from Daisy's touch.

I gasped, wrapped my hand around the appendage, and offered a shaky smile. "N-nice to m-m-meet you, Daisy. You're, uhm… pretty cold." Seeing her chitter and click right up close was significantly creepier than from across the room, but… even with that oddness, and my initial terror finally subsiding, it was clear that Daisy and her sisters were, easily, some of the most beautiful things I'd ever seen. They could easily pass off as glass sculptures in an antique shop if they, you know, never moved again. "You're re-really pretty, too. L-like a sculpture."

Daisy's eyes glimmered and she almost seemed to glow with an inner light as she chittered and shifted in place, and, for a second, I thought I had done something wrong when Silk burst into a fit of laughter. "You made her blush! Oh goodness, it has been ages since I saw her so embarrassed." Silk took a deep breath as I watched Daisy slowly calm back down and settle back into her usual reflective luminescence. "Harmony, Mary, I knew I had chosen well when I decided to court you, but now I must say that I am truly jealous that I must share you with Ysa and Lulabelle. Oh, I would give anything to have you all to myself, but alas… I have seen the way you look at them as well, thus I must resign myself to stealing you away whenever I am able." She threw her hoof against her head and feigned faintness all while grinning brightly.

"Truly though, love, I am ever so happy that you seem more accustomed to Daisy already. Nothing brings me greater joy than knowing that the lady I have my eyes on gets on well with the most important girls in my life." I returned her smile and looked back down at the spider just off my lap.

Silk was right. Daisy and her sisters were gorgeous, a fact that would have been nigh impossible to reconcile with my first encounter with them if I hadn't taken that first step and opened myself up to Silk. Then there was Ysa and Lulu. Just thinking about them made my heart beat faster, an anomaly I'd previously reserved for Cathy and the scant few other girls that didn't torment me relentlessly back home. It wasn't hard to tell, nor was it particularly surprising, especially with all the attention they've been showering upon me, that I was crushing pretty hard.

Still, despite their obvious, and continuously stated and presented, interest, I had doubts. Doubts that the interest was genuine. Doubts that I was worth the affection. Doubts that, as soon as they got what they wanted, they would still keep me around. Even with Silk's constant attention, flashing me doting smiles and lascivious grins, as she set up what looks like an old-timey spinning wheel, it was difficult to keep those thoughts from my mind for long. And all because of…

"No, it d-doesn't ma-matter anym-more…"

"You say something love?"

Silk had stopped her setup, floating a brilliant ruby above a small inlet, to watch me curiously, so I smiled and shook my head and turned back to Daisy. "I'm okay. Just talking to myself." I held out my hands and Daisy took the invitation, crawling up the makeshift ramp, her myriad eyes seemingly locked with mine, and settled in like a rucksack on my back. Her presence sent tingles all through my back, but they were pleasant, like a magical reminder that she was there, that Silk, Lulu, and Ysa would be here. For me. I would be fine.