Chapter 21: The time for change

After a week, Fancy Pants had returned from his little business trip. I took another trip to visit him, and thankfully Fleur wasn't in heat any longer. And he was actually there... What I didn't know, was that he and Fleur weren't a couple; more like... I guess stress relievers for one another, so he didn't care about she and I bumping uglies.

Anyways, I told him about Celestia's warning and he assured me it was alright and that he'd work something out. I wondered how he'd get around the law, but I guess if anyone could get around something like that, it'd be one of the most influential ponies in Canterlot.

And so, time went on pretty much as it normally did after the herding thing was thrust upon me. A month had gone by; a very uneventful month. I had begun my teaching at Canterlot University, which was going great. Twilight had been one of the first to sign up for my class, which was no surprise to me. That mare liked to learn, and it really showed in her work.

Lilly's training was going really well also. That filly could outpace me in reading, writing, and of course, magic. Since Lilly was young, and the fact I never wanted anything to happen to her, I was training her in magical defense. It was pretty scary when she nearly disintegrated a ponykin with one of her spells. I think she was well and truly protected.

But, my head just wasn't in the game. I was still trying to mull over the herding proposal. Granted, it was an odd idea, but... was I really open to the idea of sharing my heart with another mare, or multiple mares? I didn't know what to do, and I could tell Luna was open to the idea of her sister entering the fray. Occasionally, when Shining and Cadence didn't attend dinner, Luna would prattle off mine and hers sexual adventures we had the previous night or that day with her sister. They would laugh and giggle to one another about it, just like it seems, like two girls dishing.

Quite frankly, I got the hint fast. I knew Luna, while she was once adamant about my little transgression with Cadence and Chrysalis, it appears she had bloomed from her shell and wished for our love to spread to others. So, with my mind a titter about the whole situation, I decided to go to the one person I knew was good with woman and could help me out...

"Whoa, hold up a tic... Luna wants a... harem?" Cory asked me after I told him the whole tale. I had taken the day off to 'visit family', but I was really going to go see him to get some advice. So far, he wasn't delivering in that department...

"It's like I said, dude. Luna wants to expand. I just... I dunno. I guess growing up in a monogamous society really puts that weird vibe on things..." I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Got any suggestions?"

Cory reclined in his deck chair and sighed, taking a sip of beer. That's how we do it around here; talk about our problems with one another with a can of beer and a joint. Cory passed the Mary Jane to me, letting me have a nice inhale. Damn, that shit calms the nerves.

"So, does Luna just want her sis in on this, or are there others that she wants you to bone?" He asked with a chuckle. I smiled awkwardly back and shrugged.

"Honestly, she said she had only a select few... That means that it's more than Celestia... She hasn't said names, since I said no to the idea last month... I just- It's hard to share your love with multiple women, isn't it?"

Cory shook his head. "Honestly, I haven't been that lucky to find out. You, on the other hand, have been given a rare opportunity to swim in the community pool, if you know what I mean. I say go for it, or if you don't feel comfortable, don't do it. Still, you should get more information than just from me. Talk to someone from over there who has an informed opinion on this 'herding' thing." Cory tapped his chin and stared at me oddly. "Hey, why do they herd over there anyways?"

And, here comes my subject of expertise now. "Well, one in ten foals are born males, so you can expect there to be a huge difference in the gender ratio. So, stallions herd with mares to keep the population up. It's a very common practice over there, and... well, I guess I'm a unique stallion."

Cory chuckled. "Well, from what I've heard, everyone wants a piece of you." He laughed again and shook his head. "Look, it should be fine. Just talk to someone else over there about herding and I'm sure you'll come up with the right decision."

And so I did. After spending some time with my family, I returned back to the castle. But, I didn't stay at the castle for long. I arranged a carriage to take me to Ponyville to see the one mare I knew could help me reach a well informed decision...

Twilight smiled in surprise as she answered her door. "O-Oh! Prince Nathan! What brings you by?" She asked, letting me inside. "Come on in. Sorry about the mess. I'm just doing some reorganizing."

I'm glad she warned me in advance, because I nearly walked straight into a book stack that was on the other side of the door. "Whoa! You weren't kidding." I chuckled. Twilight coughed a bit awkwardly and moved some of the stuff around to make more space for us.

"That's a bit better. So, why have you come to see little ole me?" Twilight asked, giggling slightly. I joined in and took a seat on her couch. She joined me and stared at me expectantly.

"Well... Last month, Luna told me that she kind of wants to herd." I said with a sigh. Twilight fumbled and, if she had a drink, she would have probably spit it out.

""W-What?! Did she say who with?!" She asked quickly. I shook my head, making Twilight slump in her chair and smile oddly.

"Phew! I-I uh, mean... Well, w-what do you think of the idea?" She asked quickly, trying to change the subject from the oddity that just happened.

"Uh... well? I am an open man. If my opinion could be changed, then you'll be the one to do it. So, how about it? Care to sway my views on herding?" I asked, smiling at the Unicorn who was suddenly becoming more and more bubbly.

"Yes! That'd be great! Um, I mean, I suppose I can do that." She said, toning down the enthusiasm. I sighed in relief and leaned back.

"Oh, thank you! Now, give me the lowdown on herding." I said, leaning back in the couch. Twilight smiled and shuffled a bit as she entered her learned scholar mode. I had to admit, it was kinda adorable.

"Well, as you know, ponies herd because of the gender ratio. A stallion takes on two, three, sometimes up to eight mares that he breeds with in order to keep the population up." She stated.

I nodded slowly. "Yes, I know this already. What do you think about the idea personally. Should I do it, or not?"

Twilight took a deep breath and smiled sweetly at me. "I know from what you've been teaching us at the University that your culture is very monogamous. I know some social norms are hard to see past. But, remember, you aren't on your earth and you don't have to conform to their rules and standards. You are your own man here and everypony is rooting for you."

I smiled a bit at that. "Really? You all are rooting for me?" I asked. Twilight nodded as she wrapped me in a big hug.

"Yes. Me especially. I..." She stopped for a moment as she stared to the side, biting her lower lip. I turned her face back to me and gave a concerned look.

"Hey. You alright?" I asked quickly. Twilight nodded, staring at me with her large, purple eyes.

"Y-Yeah... I am. I have one more argument that I'd like to present. Close your eyes." She said, smiling innocently. I obliged, thinking nothing of it.

And then I felt a light pressure on my lips. Just for a split second. I opened my eyes to see Twilight blushing , tucking her hooves under her chin in embarrassment as she giggled to herself. "I-I... That's my final argument... Any thoughts?"

And then I realized, Twilight must have been one of the mares Luna wanted in our herd. It made sense, since Twilight and Luna were very good friends. It was kind of like a guessing game now of who wants to be in. Even when she didn't mean to, Luna always made things into a game.

But, now that I realized just who she had asked to be in it, I began to realize that I love everypony I ever met. Sharing my love for them isn't going to be a challenge because, frankly, they all have some of it. I smiled at Twilight and placed my right hand on the back of her neck.

"Hmm... What do I think now?" I pondered sarcastically. "Well, for one, that was a weak kiss." I chuckled a bit, but stopped when I noticed Twilight's ears lower. She tried to look away, but I held her gaze to mine. "But, I didn't say there was no room for improvement."

I brought Twilight's lips to mine, making her gasp into my mouth. She wasn't expecting that at all, and it made the kiss that much better. We held it for a long time, before a light coughing to the side brought us out of it.

We both turned to see Spike and Rarity standing next to us. Rarity's blush was immense as she tried to peel her eyes from the sight to no avail. Spike, on the other hand, was laughing hysterically, rolling on the ground in his fit.

"Um... Yes? Can we help you?" I asked. Rarity stared at me angrily and began to sputter before forming words.

"H-Help us?! How about we help you, you pig headed, cheating jerk! When Luna finds out-" Before Rarity could continue her rant, Twilight stopped her with the truth.

"Rarity, it's okay. Luna has decided she wants to herd and has asked me to be a part of it." Twilight said, giggling when Rarity's jaw hit the floor.

"H-Herding? Princess Luna... want's to herd..?" Rarity sputtered. I smiled and nodded at the mare, offering my own contribution to the conversation.

"Yeah. I was the one who was most unsure about it, but Twilight here has made me see there is nothing wrong with it. I'm glad, too, because now I can share my love with those I care for." I affirmed, rubbing Twilight's mane.

Rarity's anger subsided into giddy laughs as she wrapped the two of us in a hug. "Oh, this is marvelous! I can't believe our little Twilight was asked to join a royal harem!" Rarity released us as Spike gave his sister like figure a playful punch on the foreleg.

"Way to go, slugger! 'Bout time you entered the dating world." This earned him a double smack from both Twilight and Rarity. I got a bit of a chuckle out of that one.

"I kinda agree. And, Twilight?" She turned to me and smiled. "Welcome to the herd."

"Luna? I've change my mind." I called out, striding into the bedroom to greet my wife after a long day. Luna shot up from the bed, pushing up her sleeping blind over one eye. It was pretty cute. "Oops... I didn't know you were asleep."

Luna let out a small yawn and smacked her lips. "Tis alright. I had to get up anyway. What did you change your mind about?" She asked curiously.

I smiled and scooted into bed with Luna, snuggling up close. "Well... I figured that, since I don't live in my home anymore, then... well? I decided that I'm okay with the herding concept."

Luna smiled and placed a hoof on my chest. "If thou art sure..." She said, giving me her serious eyes. I nodded, which made her giggle a bit. "Then we are herding. I look forward to you finding out who else I wish to join besides my sister and her student."

Wait... How did she know I went to see Twilight?

Luna raised a brow and smiled. "You are very transparent, dear. I know you went to talk with your cousin and Twilight Sparkle. I am glad you did so. Now," She said, smiling deviously. "you finding out who else shall be joining will be quite amusing indeed."

Before Luna could go on, a scroll popped in front of her face, making her grin turn just a bit more devious. "Ah, here is one of them now. I don't believe I told you I have a personal student of my own?"

That revelation hit me right in the wtf button. "You... have a personal student? How- I thought you rarely left your room in the time you've been back." I rationalized. How in the hell did she make time for a student?!

"Indeed I didn't, but on one of the rare occasions I did, I met a certain mare who needed... a bit of guidance in her life. So, I took her under my wing and now she writes me letters of what she's doing, where she's traveling, and how she is becoming a better pony. I think you will like her quite a bit." Luna unfurled the scroll and grinned at me. "Tis for you, Nathaniel."

I cautiously plucked the scroll from Luna's magic and read it over. I... Let's just say I was a bit surprised by what I read and who wrote it...

Dear Princess Luna,

I apologize for not being able to make your wedding, but I had a few shows that I had to do. You know, to spread my name all across Equestria. But, your offer to enter said relationship intrigues me greatly. If your mate is anything like you say, then I shall have no problems liking him. He sounds quite charming and brash. A lot like me, if I do say so myself. I will be in Canterlot this weekend for a show and would very much like to meet your spouse. Until then.

Your student,

Trixie Lulamoon

As soon as I read the name my mind pretty much hit a brick wall. It's been doing that a lot since I got here.

"W-Wait a minute. Trixie is you student? Twilight's arch nemesis?" I asked in disbelief. Luna giggled and nodded. She wasn't at all fazed by my reaction.

"Oh, I do not think they are 'arch nemeses'. And, if they do have problems with one another, being in the same herd will surely work out said problems."

I had to hand it to Luna, she did have a point. Still, I wasn't too keen on Trixie, but I did tell Luna I was now open to the herding thing. Best let her choose who I court with. It'll save time and arguments.

"Alright... I trust you. So what do you say, once she's in town, we all go out to a nice dinner or something? You, me, Trixie, and Twilight?" I asked, sitting up from the bed. Luna did as well and liked the idea very much.

"That sounds marvelous. What did you have in mind?" She asked. I brought my hand up and tapped my chin, contemplating on where we should dine out. We couldn't go to the same restaurant again, that would be tacky...

"Well? I hear there's a nice place down on Diamond Stables Avenue. Very high class and, if you and I are expanding, I'd like to treat my mares to something nice."

Luna smiled wide and tackled me back into the mattress. "Hmm... Thou art such a caring gentlecolt... And do you know what treat I give my darling gentlecolts?" She asked seductively, moving her hoof lower towards my already enlarging member.

"You... have sex with them?" I asked hopefully. Luna giggled and stroked my shaft through my pants, grinning deviously.

"Why I believe you are... wrong!" She shouted, getting up and heading for the door. "We shall preform our night duties. Then, and only then, we might have sex. Might." She emphasized, wiggling her rump a bit as she gestured me to follow. "Come, my pet. Let us finish our duties quickly."

I sighed, patting the large bulge in my jeans down. "Easy, boy... It's okay. The bad lady won't tease you anymore." I chuckled, following Luna out. Man, Luna really knew how to build a man up, then send him careening down to earth.

Guess that's marriage for you.

Author's Note

Well, this was one large bs chapter that I think came out well. Trixie is going to enter the fray?! SAY WHAT?!? And, you can all already imagine that, since she and Twilight Sparkle are now going to be in the same herd, shit is going to get... a bit heated during the dinner. And just so you know, this chapter didn't exist until yesterday morning, and the next chapter hasn't even been written yet. I'm adding so much to this story now and I think I like the way it's coming out much better. So, until next chapter... Allons-Y!