Five Star Service - A Gentleman for Mares Tale
Chapter 24: Part 23: A World Apart
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By Five Stars of Manehattan
Special to the New York Life and Manehattan Post Magazines
November 23 issues
New York Life Chief Editor’s Note:
Well, with the Thanksgiving holidays upon us and a break from school, the SJW crowd from local universities has stopped bothering us for the time being aside from ongoing Twitter and Tumblr harassment, going home to eat organic tofu and generally make life miserable for others, screaming bloody murder over everything from cultural appropriation to the latest election results. For the rest of us saner folk who live and work in a place called reality? We’ll be marking the day with a massive party from a surprising source—Cayenne Kick, Five Stars’ first herd stallion and now a three-year resident of Manhattan, has invited the staff, friends and family of the New York Life Magazine to break in his brand-new sports bar restaurant with a Thanksgiving dinner cooked and catered by him and his new staff!
We of course offered to pay, but the tab was picked up by no less than Prince Blueblood, who also provided the start-up capital to our Equestrian friend and helped secure his lease. The Prince, who is now wrapping up a two-month tour of Earth, has promised to attend himself, on the condition that he be allowed to give a speech and pay for the entire event.
It does our hearts good to know that we’ve got such good friends out there, and it gratifies me greatly that we’ve garnered so much goodwill in addition to the hate. The last year has been trying at times, but it has also brought us all together and shone a bright and unflattering spotlight on the not-so-tolerant crowds on both sides of the ideological aisle. I’ve never considered myself particularly ideological except for a fervent devotion to my profession, but having become a part of the story over the past year in many ways, I’ve gained new appreciation for the subjects of our stories and, I believe, become a far better journalist for it. Are we advocating a position, as some claim? In the beginning, it was not so much as simply allowing that position to be heard. But it’s impossible to go through what we did and not take sides, so yes, I daresay we are. And the irony of it is, it would never have gotten so much exposure without the vitriolic reaction and backlash it generated.
Only two more articles remain plus the final Q&A session, which Five Stars will detail at the end of this article. But, by the time this article is read, we will have already gorged ourselves on good food and good times; Cayenne has promised that whether pony, human or griffon, he’ll have served up a feast suitable for “a Princess, President, or Queen!”
We’re holding you to that, Cayenne! And keep in mind our resident food critic will be there!
—Kalido Tenna, Chief Editor, New York Life Magazine
Manehattan Post Executive Editor’s Note:
Unlike other human holidays, there’s no equivalent to ‘Thanksgiving’ on this side of the portal, and in truth, we have a hard time comprehending a holiday marked by ritual slaughter and eating of animals (“Speak for yourself!” a griffon member of staff tells me upon reading that!). Then again, that holiday seems to be limited to just one human nation as opposed to shared by many, like Christmas and Halloween, so perhaps it’s understandable.
Many of you have written to us, worried about Hot Topic, and believe me, we share your concern. Unfortunately, her gift and curse is that she’s the most stubborn, determined mare I’ve ever met and doesn’t back down to anypony, pursuing her goals with a single-minded interest that occasionally lands her—and us—in hot water. Our worry is that this time, given what she’s already uncovered, she may be in over her head.
I can say no more at this point, except to promise we’ve dispatched her what aid and information we can, and she is making progress. What we worry is that she’s making enemies too, and after what happened to Five Stars’ former herdmate, it’s not something to take lightly. There are simply too many people out there, ponies and otherwise, who wish this whole endeavor ill.
We had one more encounter with human and pony protesters during the past week, who have now shifted tactics away from direct attacks on our offices and staff to harassing our papercolts/fillies as they sell our magazines. That lasted a day before Delta Requiem intervened, giving them what I can only describe as a very stern talking to, after which they left and did not return. Then again, I’m not sure that’s what did it so much as some humiliating bouts of bad luck they had—a pegasus stallion tried to intimidate her with a storm cloud only for its lightning to backfire on him, frying him and sending him to the hospital, while a human girl suffered an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction when her blouse suddenly popped open as cameras rolled. I really don’t get why that’s so embarrassing, given that a mare’s teats are always exposed and nothing to be ashamed of. But her schoolfilly shriek was really something to behold!
Regardless, we are hopeful that a breakthrough is at hoof. Our office and business seemingly secure, Lady Requiem is now helping Hot Topic directly in her search, and she has promised to bring all her considerable influence and authority to bear in its pursuit.
And as for this article, if you read it but don’t know by now what you’re in for, you really need to get out more. And probably get laid.
—Extra Edition, Executive Editor, Manehattan Post Magazine
Thank you, Extra Edition. I wish you to know that my thoughts and prayers go with Hot Topic as well, as do those of the Gentlemen I train. Gentlemen are a very close-knit group, bonded by their professions and the mares they tend. They ask me constantly if I know anything about the search that you’re not able to say, and I have to disappoint them. It’s hard and we’re all gravely worried as well.
In the end, we want nothing more than for both her and her Gentleman to return safe and sound. I can speak from experience that Delta’s presence will certainly help things; take it from me when I say that she has an uncanny knack for uncovering information and making things run more smoothly. On the flip side, there have been times I’ve sworn she can also throw considerable sand in the gears when she’s of the mind to. Don’t trifle with her, folks. She’s a bard for a reason.
I’d also like to take this time to thank Prince Blueblood once again for his support and generosity. To our fine Prince, I wish you to know that your sharp wit and open wallet does you great credit, and I do look forward to meeting you for myself someday—for all the time I spent in Canterlot, it’s rather surprising that I never did.
And as for you, Cayenne… if you’re trying to endear yourself to me again, I have to say you’re succeeding! I know firsthoof how hard it is to get a new business off the ground, and I can’t imagine it’s any easier over there. I remember well how good your culinary skills were, and though I can’t say I really get what a ‘sports bar’ is, I’m sure you’ll make it work. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the support you’ve given me and the magazine, and it is my great hope that we’ll yet be able to meet up a year or two in the future, once the publicity around me has died down a bit.
Speaking of which… I couldn’t let this article pass without saying I have indeed met up with Shaun again! Though the original plan had been for me to meet him in Las Pegasus and stay at the Mystique under the protection of Rising Star, he suggested meeting me here instead, where there was already plenty of security and the media harassment would be much less. “Besides, I want to see this new movie production of yours and all the sets!” he told me, so he was brought here by chartered chariot and in fact was already present when I wrote my last article, watching my final scenes be filmed. Certainly my costume and shorn mane gave him a good laugh as I reared up and kissed him in greeting when he stepped (slightly shakily) off the chariot; he seemed especially amused by the fact I had a unicorn horn, just like his new marefriend whom he claims is my lookalike. He was forced to surrender his cameraphone but didn’t care much, still having his ever-present notepad and pen and endlessly drawing in it as we toured the grounds.
“You haven’t changed a bit,” I told him later after he’d been introduced to everyone and we’d been given a private suite at the actor’s inn.
“Back at you love—except for the hair, of course,” he gave my short-cut mane an affectionate ruffle, scratching me between the ears—he’d improved his technique there, I instantly noted! “But you’re right, you know. After all, I’m still the same amazing and very good-looking writer you always knew!”
“And still just as modest and unconceited as ever,” I retorted with an arched eyeridge, to which his grin only got broader.
“I’m sorry. Maybe I misheard you. Are you accusing me of being immodest, Miss-write-an-entire-magazine-series-detailing-your-sexual-escapades-including-me?”
“Touché,” I replied, and with the door now closed behind him, reared up and gave him a kiss that took his breath away. “Then let me make it up to you now…”
* * * * *
You’ll forgive me for keeping our time together private this time. All I’ll say is we definitely made up for lost time in the three days we spent together, and yes, I did finally allow him to take me on my back as he always wanted to. But even outside of our more intimate moments, he enjoyed himself immensely. Along the way he collected a slew of souvenirs and autographs from the various pony and griffon actors in his notebook, including those of Silver Wings and Wonderbolts. He also got on good terms with my griffon bodyguards, signed a few autographs of his own for those who liked his books or our story, and relished watching the movie scenes being filmed, especially mine. Once they were done, and they allowed me to keep the costume, he even suggested we use it in our final night together for a little roleplay!
Did we? Yes. Am I telling you what it was? In human vernacular, hell no!
Actually, something else happened that final night. Something I will happily tell. There was a party thrown for all the cast and crew that evening, who’d been working very hard ever since this project had been announced. A big tent was set up on the edge of the Great Gorge, giving us a magnificent view of the setting sun and then a starry night. Plenty of food and drink was had—and before anyone asks, yes, I do allow myself some occasional cider and wine now, but I do NOT let myself get soused—and there was even a dance floor set up.
Trust Shaun to have something planned for me. Vinyl Scratch, the famous pony DJ in charge of the festivities and a longtime Gentleman client herself, called me out by name and asked me to come forward. “Got a special song for you, sister!” she grinned. “Courtesy of your man over there. So all you fine folks clear the floor, because this next number is just for the two of them!” she announced to the cheers of the assembled, who quickly surrendered the dance stage to us. Now I’m not one to dance, really—was never that good at it, even the ballroom affairs I’ve occasionally had to take part in—but I decided to be a good sport about it, even if I was just going to embarrass myself.
The music crystal spun as Shaun faced me, a knowing smile on his face. “Hope you like it, love…” he told me as the song began to play, the human crew members erupting in cheers when they instantly recognized it.
I’d underestimated him again. Just like he had with that martial song he played for me the first night of his visit all those years ago, the beat and lyrics completely swept me up and away. They were so perfect for us, and it was a love letter to me deeper and more meaningful than any words he could have put down in his books. The cheers from all watching were raucous as, tears in my eyes, I danced with abandon with him, and when the song was finally done, I reared up and kissed him, staying in his arms as the next piece, which was a slow dance, began.
Needless to say, we didn’t last much longer at the party afterwards, heading back to our private suite for a final night of very illicit fun!
Sweet Sorrow
We parted the next day with a promise to keep in touch from here on out, and I also promised to eventually come down to Fillydelphia to meet him and his new marefriend, my reported doppelganger. He returned to his book tour, while I went back to Manehattan a very happy mare.
It wasn’t just because I’d gotten to be with him again, but for what I was returning with. Memories, experiences, a slew of new friends… and a very unique set of souvenirs. As mentioned before, they let me keep the Equestrian Army unicorn uniform and archery gear, and by acclaim, I wore it when I returned to work, making a point of marching into the lounge area with it where a training seminar was being held. Gentlemen and trainers alike were delighted, erupting in cheers and laughter at my appearance—and just why is it everyone had to run a hand through my crewcut mane?—with many a picture taken.
It was then that the seminar presenter and one of our unicorn handlers—“Evening Rain” from the last Q&A session—took particular interest in my longbow and arrow-filled quiver, meant for unicorns as they were. “Are those real?” she asked me, and I confirmed they were indeed working weapons, period-authentic like everything else they were using. She then asked if she could inspect the longbow, and I said yes, even though I had the very distinct impression that far from being impressed, she was more than a little annoyed with me for interrupting her presentation. After examining it for a minute, commenting on its excellent craftsponyship and remarking that she, too, had an army ancestor, she suddenly plucked an arrow from the quiver and notched it, spun the bow and fired it, scoring a bullseye on a dartboard across the room, sinking the arrow halfway into the wall. Then, with equal speed, she notched and fired two more, hitting both flanking dartboards dead center as well, and all in the space of about two seconds!
“A good weapon and a fine reproduction,” she confirmed with satisfaction to the stunned silence that had fallen over the room, returning the longbow to me. “I may ask to borrow it again if I have trouble keeping my boys in line. Now then… before we were so rudely interrupted, I believe I was giving a seminar on new safety protocols…?” she reminded everyone with a sly grin as she took her place back at the podium.
Our Gentlemen fell over each other trying to get back to their seats and were very attentive for the rest of her class.
* * * * *
The army uniform of Artemis Arrow now resides in my office on a ponykin I borrowed from our main outfitters at Rarity For You, with the medals of my ancestor now framed and mounted on the wall behind it along with the original citation scroll that accompanied them. I enjoyed my time wearing it, and plan to don it again for costume parties and Nightmare Night. We don’t have a ‘Thanksgiving’ here in Equestria as seems to be the case in the parent nations of the majority of our Gentleman, but over the last two years we’ve provided one for them, even importing some game birds for the occasion, prepared by griffon and human chefs. A recording of a ‘football’ game from across the portal was also played on the projector, which I’m told was another tradition of the day, though I fail to see what that odd and slightly violent sport had to do with feet.
In the end, a good time was had by all, as I hope it was for our friends at the New York Life. But for now… it’s time to resume my story once more, picking up from the departure of our human friends.
A Heart Not Whole
If I’d been less depressed in the days following Shaun’s departure, it might have struck me how ironic it all was. I mean, when he and the others had first arrived, I was initially nervous about their visit to Equestria and hoped their two weeks here would pass quickly, only to wish at the very end that they’d stay longer.
That I was far from alone in such sentiment was cold comfort. Lyra Heartstrings and I ended up finding each other and commiserating over dinner and two mugs of cider (nonalcoholic, in my case), trading stories and at one point trying to jokingly one-up each other with what we’d done with our respective human mates (I’m sorry to say, she won that competition hooves down!). It did help some, as we parted with a hug that made us both sniffle—for who but the other could truly understand what we felt?
Delta kept tabs on me but otherwise gave me some space, reminding me that if I needed to talk, she was there. I did eventually take her up on that offer, asking her to sing for me like she had during my darkest days a year earlier, and she did so, though the effect of her lyrical tale of lost and unrequited love was not to perk me up but get all my grief out of me. Like the cork had been removed from a sparkling cider bottle, all my emotions erupted and I bawled my eyes out over my lost human lover for the better part of half an hour, admittedly feeling much better for it afterwards.
She offered me some time off on the condition that I do something that didn’t involve brooding and drinking during it, but I said no, sensing that idle time was not what I needed at that point. So I threw myself back into my work, lining up her next performances, this time a series of joint appearances with the great earth pony musician and singer Countess Coloratura in Appleloosa and the buffalo lands. She’d not been present for the human visit, doing her own swing through the Gryphon Kingdom at that point, and perhaps that was for the best given how much trouble I had at times getting even less famous pony musicians like Lyra Heartstrings and Octavia Melody to work together. Artists and performers can be surprisingly temperamental ponies, a quality I know by now carries over to humans as well.
A week passed, then two, when I got an unexpected caller. I opened the door to my modest flat and immediately fell to my knee when I beheld the form of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza flanked by two Crystal Guardsponies, one white and one orange—“Call me Cadance, please,” she told me with a smile for not the first time, saying that she’d come at Delta’s request. For who better to help heal a broken heart than the Princess of Love herself?
Stunned, I invited her in and gave her what little hospitality I could, making her some tea and offering her some improvised cucumber sandwiches, all the while apologizing profusely for the messy state of my place—I hadn’t had the emotional energy to clean up since Shaun had left, or perhaps I was trying to preserve the traces of him in my place as much as possible. The bed and couch pillows still smelled a little like him, after all, and if I cleaned up, that would vanish.
But my royal visitor accepted it all with a smile and wave of her hoof, telling me that there were times she wished she could live more simply like I did, and could have more time with her husband and newborn baby. The first natural-born alicorn in existence, Flurry Heart was the darling of all Equestria, and speculation was rampant as to what she might grow up to be.
“But enough about me. I spoke to Lady Requiem. She said you were having trouble since your new human coltfriend left?” She asked me without a hint of distaste or reproach. I’d had at least a few ponies call me some choice words after they’d seen the reports of me kissing Shaun and assuming (correctly) that we were lovers, but I didn’t care. They didn’t understand. They couldn’t understand. But perhaps the princess before me could, having crossed certain boundaries herself by taking a mortal mate and becoming a matched pair with him?
But I couldn’t help but feel such hopes were all but forlorn at that point. “I guess,” I said dully, my appetite suddenly deserting me again.
“Tell me about him,” she wanted to know, putting her own drink down and taking my hoof in her own, not using magic. “What made him so special?”
Blinking back tears, I mustered my courage and told her. Told her everything—how I first met him, the progression of events that had led to our first night together, and at her request, what had first attracted me to him—his attentiveness and wit, his willingness to see to my needs first, always putting my interests and pleasure above his.
All utterly endearing, I took pains to tell her. And all so unlike the typical Equestrian stallion. “Feels like I’ve been spoiled for ponies now. Like I can’t go back to them, ever.” I couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss over that as well, and by the time I finished the story, I was crying again, having to take a break before going on. In response, she held me and waited patiently for me to do so, not pressing but dabbing at my tears with a napkin.
In time, I was finally able to. “The attraction was there from the start. And I can’t explain it except to say it felt like we were meant for each other,” I told her.
“We, as in you and him, or more generally as men and mares?” she asked me to clarify.
I blinked at that, as I hadn’t really considered the question before. “Well, now that you mention it… both, really. Despite belonging to such disparate species, we were physically and emotionally compatible. Very compatible,” I belatedly realized. “And having tasted a human’s love, I don’t know if I can ever go back to ponies.” I slumped with the admission, wondering if what had happened with Shaun and even Miral before him had forever spoiled me for being with my own kind again.
“I see…” she said, almost thoughtfully, the light going on in her eyes for a brief moment like a sudden idea had occurred to her. But whatever she was thinking, she put it aside and refocused on the task at hoof. “Thank you for sharing this with me, Miss Five Stars. I can tell how much he meant to you, and how much you now miss him. I cannot return him to you, but I can help relieve your pain,” she told me with a smile. “If you’ll let me, that is…?”
I blinked at that. It was said that our Princess of Love had the power to mend broken hearts and bring estranged couples together, but how could you heal a heart that was no longer whole without the very person that made it whole?
“You’d be surprised,” she told me with a grin when I asked as much, fearful of what she might do—if it involved removing memories of him, I would have instantly answered no. “To quote a human song I heard during their stay here, ‘the power of love is a curious thing.’ It can heal in surprising ways, if you’ll let it. All I do is help you let it,” she promised me, directing me take her hoof. Though not understanding, I did so, and closed my eyes as her horn lit and her magic washed over me.
It certainly wasn’t the first time I experienced a unicorn’s magical touch deep inside my head. Rising Star had done it to save me some years earlier, and I’d felt a far more sexual variant of it when the Crystal Heart had been restored. But this… this was on a whole different level than those. It wasn’t intrusive in the least; she merely found and enhanced my existing feelings of love, not just for Shaun, but for all the ponies I’d ever loved, whether or not that love was sexual.
My parents and siblings. Cayenne. Ember and Acacia. My dentist friend. Braeburn. Cruise Control. Everypony in my third herd. Miral. And now, Shaun.
“So much love…” she told me with a whispered voice I heard not just in my ears, but my very head. “And so much pain. So much loss, but so many lives touched. And yet, for all your pain and loss, your heart is intact, still seeking… still spreading…” she added, mostly to herself. “Still seeking to be whole. And for one week, it was,” she noted, then brought all her power to bear on the inner core of my being.
It’s hard to describe what it felt like, except to say that it was as if a light was shining from deep within me. Through her power, all the love I’d ever felt was brought to the surface, reminding me of everything I’d ever felt for anyone. A heart I thought was empty was suddenly filled to the brim with that love again as I remembered those feelings, and instead of sorrow it brought tears of joy to my eyes as I finally realized all I had and far from losing, all I had taken with me.
I felt blessed. Touched beyond words or feeling. It was wonderful. It was beautiful. And it was inside me all along. For as much love as I was feeling at that moment, I imagine I could have fed an entire hive of Changelings for a year. And in the clarity that light from within provided, I saw the first time what I wanted and needed. It wasn’t a stallion, it wasn’t Miral, it wasn’t even a man. But of the three, it was what a man could most easily provide:
To feel special.
To feel celebrated.
To be loved as strongly as I loved back.
To be able to help and heal.
To be the center of my lover’s world, even if just for one night.
To be seen as exotic and desirable for it.
I couldn’t believe I’d been so dense as to never see it before. It was the reason I did so well with ponies like Braeburn or Cruise Control and yet fared so poorly in herds. The reason I’d been so intensely attracted to Miral or Shaun, and why I so enjoyed even single encounters with guests back in Las Pegasus:
Because I was able to cut loose and simply be me, and be appreciated for it. Because I liked the unusual and exotic, because I liked being able to help others and be helped in turn.
For the most part, these were all things I simply could not do in a herd, and even outside of it, it was often very difficult to do with stallions who expected their own needs to be tended to first. When I had to share mates, both the love I could give and the share of it I received was diminished. When I was with a typical stallion, I always put their needs first, trying to show them a good time. The times I hadn’t, whether with Braeburn or Miral, I’d had the time of my life because it was mutual.
And yet, even they weren't the total package for me. Indeed, of the entire long list I just recited, one and only one lover had ever provided me all six at once:
Shaun Rhys, human male.
I sat there just basking in my own released love for some time; I have no idea how long I stayed like that. But finally, my royal visitor lifted her spell and let me drift back towards the land of the living. “Better?” She asked me with a pleased and gentle grin, releasing my hoof.
I couldn’t help it. I threw my forelegs around her, crying, this time tears of joy. “There, there…” she told me, returning the embrace and patting me on the back. “You’re a very brave pony, Five Stars. You should be proud of all you’ve done.”
“Brave? Proud?” I sniffled, thinking of all the times I’d been afraid, if not an outright coward, telling her as much.
“Brave,” she confirmed. “There is no courage without fear, and you’ve overcome yours repeatedly, even after as many times as you’ve been hurt. You’ve had help, certainly, but it wouldn’t have mattered unless you had the will and willingness to heal. Love cannot help you unless you let it in and allow it expression, allow it to act through you. Take it from me—this is all too often a very rare thing, and is indeed something to be proud of.”
I couldn’t help but sniffle anew at that. “Thank you,” was all I could immediately manage.
“No, thank you, Five Stars,” she gave me a sly grin again. “Both for giving me an excuse to leave the Crystal Empire for a bit and go back to what I used to do—helping ponies to realize love. And for showing me a new way love might be realized,” she told me a bit cryptically. “I think it may yet bear some surprising fruits.”
“But how can it?” I asked her with desperate hope. “They’re not coming back for a long time. And even if they do, what guarantee is there that I or any other mare will know that love again?”
“Be patient,” she told me, squeezing me tightly and kissing me on the forehead, making me feel once again like I’d been touched by a goddess. “You said nothing would be the same for you now? Well, that holds for ponies in general now. The trade agreement was just signed, and humans will return—well, once both sides have figured out how best to take advantage of it, anyway. So fear not. You and other mares will know the company of men again, Five Stars. On this, I give you my word,” she told me, and so fervently delivered, I believed her.
Fast Forward
A year passed, and the first hints of trade and tourism did indeed begin between the two worlds. To little surprise, one of the first human tourists to return was Lyra Heartstrings’ lover, who promptly moved in with her. He was also the first human to be granted permanent residency in Equestria—thanks to Princess Mi Amore’s intervention, I might add. After he was back for a bit, Lyra herself wrote an article in the Canterlot Daily detailing her relationship with her human coltfriend, and why she liked him so much (and I would be lying to say that the positive reception she garnered for it wasn’t one of the reasons we decided to try it for G4M!)
As I read, I found myself nodding in agreement repeatedly, wiping a tear from my eye from time to time. It left me more than a little sad and envious, wondering again if Shaun would ever return. We did write for a bit once cross-portal mail was established, but he simply didn’t have the money to come. “I don’t know what the going pound-to-bit exchange rate is, but it’s a small mint for me to make the trip to the portal and back,” he explained in one of his letters, saying he didn’t want to come and just be a burden to me; finances were tight and he was still trying to get his latest book to sell. “I’ll come when I can be a proper ‘coltfriend’, love,” he told me, and no matter how many times I assured him that I’d take care of him, he said no. It wasn’t until much later that I realized I was actually kind of insulting him by making the offer—human men very much wanted to be able to take care of themselves and their mates, not be taken care of by them. Yet one more endearing quality that left me missing him all the more.
Nevertheless, I trusted my heart and Cadance’ words, both of which were still telling me the same thing—be patient. So I was, and I didn’t do anything with anypony for that next year, getting through heats with nothing more than a cooler again, saving myself for the day that I would know a human’s love once more.
But I never dreamed at that point the manner in which it would happen. A year and two months after my time with Shaun (and not long before the first human diplomatic foray to the Gryphon Kingdom and subsequent attack of the Cloven!), Delta called me into her private studio one morning. It was a place I rarely went and when I did, it was usually because she wanted to scold me for something. I didn’t think that was the case this time—as far as I knew, all was well; I hadn’t been drinking and had been a very good worker, her business dealings and finances were in order, and I was in fact in the middle of organizing a fresh tour of Zebrica and Saddle Arabia to the south of Gryphon Kingdom for her, which would necessitate another overseas trip.
When I entered the room, Delta was not alone. There was a second, rather large mare there. She was pink with white hair, had a unicorn horn, and was wearing an odd corset and veil that masked her flanks and face. At first glance, I took her to be a Saddle Arabian from her size and manner of dress, so my initial thought was that she was going to be my liaison for the coming tour of her home nation.
I couldn’t have been more wrong. “Hello, Five Stars,” Delta gave me a sly grin, one she usually reserved for the rare instances that a prank was being played. “I’m sorry to call you in here so abruptly, but my honored guest has specifically requested your presence.” She nodded to her left
“Greetings, Miss Five Stars,” she said in a Saddle Arabian accent, bowing low before me. “My name is Platinum Corona. I am told by Lady Requiem that you come from a background in the service industry, are a lover of men, and are very skilled in business and finance. As I have need of a mare possessing all three qualities, I would like to offer you what I hope will be a very tempting business proposition…”
Needless to say, I don’t think what the proposition turned out to be is any mystery, but the events that would follow will once again need an entire article to explain. Reading back over this article, however, I once again find myself lost in memory. I can still keenly remember the events of that day when our Princess of Love touched me; the light she unleashed within me still shines now. If there was a moment I well and truly became the pony I am today, it was then.
Having put these events down on paper, I do wish I could thank her again, let her know how much she did for me and how much it meant to me. All the experiences I had would have made little difference if she hadn’t been there to show me their true meaning, and all they had done for me…
To say nothing of showing me all I had already done for others along the way.
I wouldn’t worry too much, Five Stars. I think I can safely speak for the Princess of Love when I say that she is very honored and flattered by this story being told, and is very proud of the work being done here; enabling so many other mares to experience the joy and fulfilment you found with your first human lover. Indeed, you can be certain I did run the idea for G4M past her, and she gave it her enthusiastic blessing; I daresay she was thinking of this meeting with you when she did.
I do keep contact with her since, as you might well imagine, she is very keen on this project succeeding. I know she is hard-pressed sometimes to escape her duties and appear publically outside of royal events, but she still finds ways to make her influence known. She offered initial financial and legal support to this endeavor, to say nothing of helping secure our initial lease at what would become our headquarters building, as well you know.
What you may NOT know is she was equally delighted by your visit to the Crystal Empire some months back, and regrets she was not present to greet you in person. But as you may imagine, her daughter and various other duties now take much of her time. Nevertheless, you may be assured you have both a supporter and an admirer in her.
—Platinum Corona
Thank you very much for conveying this, Platinum. It is still my hope I can see her to thank her directly again sometime, both for what she did back then and all she did for us later… and for all she’s still doing behind the scenes, if your report is any indication. Gentlemen for Mares would have been much more difficult to bring into existence without her… or you!
One last order of business before I sign off on this article. We are indeed collecting questions for one final Q&A session, and once again, we are throwing it open to not just me, but all Gentlemen, trainers, secretaries… indeed, anyone who works for G4M. Even select clients say they are willing to answer questions this time, so those of you who want to ask clients questions may. Two articles remain before the final one, which will be the Q&A. Instructions will follow at the end of this article, but I’ll say here that the usual rules apply: civil questions only; anything too insulting or taken to be “trolling” (another human word I’ve learned of late) will be summarily ignored.
In the meantime… for my human readers, enjoy your holiday if you have one, and to both my human and pony ones… thanks once again for all your support and patronage; your willingness to stand by and stand up for us. The power of friendship is once again proven by doing so; by not letting the purveyors of hate and intolerance win.