Dash groaned and let the page in her hands fall to cover her face, her body dropped back to sprawl across more than half the leather couch in Dusk’s library. An exasperated groan hissed out, followed by a huff of annoyance when she realized that she had not earned any attention from her friends through her dramatics. Her voice lifted to complain once again. “Guys, come on! This is so boring! I’ve already told you everything about Gilda, surely you can do all this reading without me, right?”

Rarity lifted her head from the page she was inspecting, her silver framed lenses hung low on her nose. “Really Dash? All you’ve told us about her is that you two were friends at school, that you raced and drilled together, and that at sixteen, -” And here she turned to look at the notes Barb was hanging up on a makeshift blackboard Dusk and Applejack had hung on the wall. “She was six foot one, and had,” she paused, clearing her throat dramatically here. “And I’m quoting here, ‘The most bitching white hair with pale purple tips.’” Shaking her head at the phrasing, Rarity looked to her much younger friend, disapproval clear in her eyes.

Dash sat up quickly, looking to the board and glaring at the notes in an attempt to find the quote Rarity had picked to reference. “What! It’s true. She really did have cool hair. And it was natural, like mine. That and she was as strong as Applejack is. I remember the first time we tried staff fighting drills, she had such a strong overhead swing, that she broke my staff in half! The drill captain gave me a new one with a steel core in the end. It was way too heavy at first, but it really helped with my upper arm strength.” The pegasus grinned warmly, as she lifted a bicep and planted a light kiss on the well toned muscle on display.

Applejack looked up from her spot on the floor, her eyes narrowed, while the pile of papers on her lap were sorted into two new piles at Dusk’s latest request. One pile for letters from his mother about griffon empire politics, culture and society. The other, for letters about the behavior of specific griffons. With a look to the lazy mare taking up more than half of the couch, AJ rolled her eyes, unable to help but release a sigh. “If you wanted stronger arms, you’d have come and helped me out on the Apple farm more often, Dash. We could make you as strong as any member of the royal guard in just a few months, if you cared about anything besides the Wonderbolts.”

For just a moment a grin spread across Dash’s lips at Applejack’s suggestion, but as she remembered the long hard days helping harvest, she balked at AJ’s offer. “But that would eat up all my free time! I only just got the weather team into shape, I’m way too far behind on my Wonderbolts training as it is. And with the Young Flyers Competition only six months away? Thanks AJ, but I’d rather focus on my application to them for now, and except for some simple weapon drills, they don’t focus much on combat.”

Dusk, frustrated by the continued conversation, tossed the two papers he had been reading at the same time onto AJ’s pile of griffon behavioral letters. A hand drawn to his forehead and rubbing deeply, he looked to Barb across the room; the small dragoness was still pinning notes to the board. “Barb, any chance for a cup of tea?” When the dragoness offered him a nod, he turned to the mares, strain clearly in his voice. “Girls, can we please focus on the Gilda issue for now? We only have two days until she is scheduled to arrive, and I only just finished my mother’s notes on etiquette. At this rate, I’ll be up half the night trying to figure out if offering to shake her hand is a sign that I think of her as weak, which she would take as an insult, or a sign of respect for her strength, since I would be leaving myself open for a sneak attack." While Dusk had started out calm and a little admonishing, towards the end of it, he had worked himself into a bit of worry. While he panted for breath and his eyes bugged out, Rarity stepped to his side and hugged his head into her chest.

A kiss from the mare on his head lingered, while her slender fingertips stroked, raking nails through his hair. "Don't worry, Dusk. I've already finished notes with Barb on greetings, proper public attitude, and respectful social behavior." Under her ministrations he began to unwind, his shoulders relaxing and headache smoothed out. Until she ruined it. "Just remember, do not flinch when she punches someone in the shoulder all the time. It means you are weak and will submit to her demands. It only encourages female griffons to demand more outrageous and ridiculous things."

Dash fell over in laughter at Rarity, her words only driving the stallion to worry harder. When the young mare recovered, she leaned over to pet Dusk’s shoulder without getting off the couch. "Don't worry about her Dusk. Me and Gilda are tight. Besides, after three years at flight school, she learned to go easy on you poor stallions. Of course, not until she had stolen half the class’s boyfriends and formed herself quite a cute 'roost' of stallions. It was one hell of a good laugh, seeing the boys who used to have three or four mares begging them for dates suddenly carrying my books just because it might make Gilda smile."

Even Applejack stopped her sorting, turning to glance back at Dash. "Wait, I thought that griffons didn’t normally herd?" Her question was a valid one, and all eyes turned to the day-dreaming Dash.

When she finally broke off her wandering trail of memories to return to the room as Applejack cleared her throat, Dash offered a small shrug. "What? Oh. I don't know. She said they don't normally. Occasionally an alpha male will claim his beta or his beta's mate, or any of his clan's females, as a show of power. But, she figured herding sounded like a pretty good laugh. Said it was like their hunting packs. She even named me her beta and let me use her stallions for a while. When the school caught wise of how many of them had been bullied into the group, she was taken in for discipline. Sadly, after that she ended up going back home when they couldn't come to an agreement with the griffon ambassador on a punishment."

Now even Dusk had leaned in to watch her as she spoke. It was Applejack who squeezed the mare’s knee while Dash wiped a tear from her cheek. Voice tender she pressed Dash on the sensitive topic. "And you never saw her again?"

Dash burst into her room, the door slamming shut behind her. Straining with the effort, she pushed her dresser in front of her bedroom door just in time to stop it from opening again. When he realized that he was not welcome in his daughter’s room, Blitz started speaking to his child through the door in quiet, private tones. "Dashie, you have to understand, what she was doing to those boys, just cause you-"

"I don't care what those boys said!” Dash cut her father off, her screams breaking through her chest racked with sobs. “She promised me we were going to found our own hunting pack. I’m her beta! I won’t lie about her like they want me to!" Sitting on the floor with her back to the dresser, tears streamed down Dash's cheeks. With her father silenced, she continued screaming her tirade at him. "I won't show up at the tribunal, and if you make me go, I won't read that letter. They fooled me into saying those lies about Gilda! Besides, those colts asked for it. It’s not like they didn't fool around with fillies they were dating."

For ages Blitz was silent while his sixteen year old filly wept on the other side of the door, her violent sobs absorbed into the sleeve of her coat, one that Gilda had given to her when the griffon outgrew it. The griffon's rich scent still clung to the wool and somewhat comforted her torn heart. When he finally spoke up again it felt like hours later. "I love you Dashie, if you say you were not forced like the colts I-" He paused, and a sigh whispered against the door as his head fell to rest against the wood. "I'm sorry Dashie, but after they found her on top of that boy, how could I let you ever see her again?"

It was hours later when Dash woke up, still wrapped in Gilda's coat and sitting against her bedroom door. Rough echoes of sound called to her. Someone had just knocked on her window. On her feet in a jolt, Dash ripped the window open and jumped out onto the rooftop of the first story of the house. As she turned, she found Gilda leaned against the outer wall of her bedroom, arms crossed over her chest. The powerful griffon towered at six foot two, and at sixteen, she was likely to grow more, still. Massive, glorious brown wings towered behind her back. Even folded up, they showed her raw strength, stretching from above her head and as the tips of her longest feathers were within an inch of dragging on the ground. The wild locks of her pure white hair crudely cut back around the neck, but grew long and was combed straight. Of course, she had on her fine brown leather jacket, specifically chosen to be bulky and loose. It was a near match for the one that Dash now wore, the white wool that lined the inside on display around her collar. Under it, she wore an over-sized, thin white shirt that hung low and exposed too much skin and plenty of her breasts. Only a brilliant purple scarf, one that matched the vivid violet that her hair turned at the tips, kept her somewhat decent. The only clothing she wore that fit properly was her pants, a dark blue, with heavy material that bound it tight to her hips, pinned tight around the cuffs of her boots.

What really captured Dash, what had always captivated her, heart and mind, were those piercing orange yellow eyes. Their gaze never relented once, Dash's eyes unable to break free from hers. In one fluid motion, Gilda pulled Dash into her powerful arms, spun her around, and pressed her back against the wall of the house. One hand raked roughly through Dash’s hair, across the back of her head, while the other slipped up inside her jacket, under her shirt, to fondle her breast, their lips aligned to kiss deeply. They never needed words when they were together. Gilda had come for her even after all the trouble they had given her today.

When their kiss broke, Gilda flashed that cocky grin, a hand casually shifted to fluff Dash’s wild hair before aggressively cupping the back of her head, holding her still. Compared to Gilda, Dash felt tiny, having to look up into her eyes. "Dash. We are leaving Cloudsdale, we’ve got no time for this lame city and the ambassador doesn't wanna put up with any more of these dweeb’s accusations. You will remain my beta back home. You’re coming with us, right n-"

"Dash! Stop day dreaming! I asked you a question!" Applejack’s cheeks were red as she glared at the younger mare, now really aggravated by the way she kept drifting off.

Throwing a lazy grin on her lips, her arms crossed behind her head. "No. Never did after she was in trouble. Pops wouldn't have put up with it. But don't worry, we were like this!" With both hands lifted before her, Dash linked her two pointer fingers and tugged to show they were tightly tied together.

Two of Dusk’s fingers slipped into the handle of a porcelain teacup, his grip clutched it into the smooth palm of his hand, and drew the cup closer. Even as he drew the cup to his lips, the rich scent of lemon and ginger mixed to tickle his senses, even as he lifted the cup, letting the rich liquid tease its way across his lips and his throat. Unable to help himself, Dusk let the cup linger there, just under his nose. Its rich perfume coiling in his senses and driving away the budding headache. Dash had used the sudden and unscheduled arrival of a rainstorm as an excuse to slip away and take command of her weather team.

Applejack's head rested against Dusk’s right hand as she sat on the floor by his feet. Even in his library chair, her massive height really stood out, so her body was slouched to allow her head to use his armrest as a pillow. Casually, his slender fingers snaked out, the movement allowing him to stroke into her vibrant blonde locks, the favorable attention elevating a low murmur from the mare’s throat, even though she kept reading. Unable to hide a happy grin, Dusk turned over the letter he had just finished, only to find a childhood report had been sorted into the mess of papers, it's title catching his eye instantly. 'Pony, Zebra, Griffon and Buffalo: The Biological and Sociological contrast of Equestria and her neighbours'. Memories rushing back to him, Dusk quickly flipped the cover, his eye roaming the two notes written on the inside cover.

The first, in green ink and full of boundless praise, was written by his classroom teacher at the time, Cherry Smile. The second, written in a flowing black ink with tiny gold shavings that still glittered in the library's soft lamplight, was by Celestia herself.

"Dusk Shine, after reviewing this work at Cherry's request, I found issues that must be addressed. After speaking with your father, we have agreed you are old enough to be told the whole truth about our neighbors. Report to my chambers with Sunset Shimmer after dinner."

She had not signed her note. She did not need to when it came to school matters. His mind turned, and wandered back six years ago as he read the opening passage of a random page. 'Much is known about the Zebra of the West Prairies, thanks primarily to the past history they share with our own people. Back before the fall of the Crystal Empire, when the Windigo drove five of the six pony tribes from our native homelands, one tribe got lost, and was soon separated by great distances from the other tribes. By continuing far to the west, they found a massive flatland of ideal climate, long grass, and freedom from the other clans oppression. Thus, it was the Zebra, lost Sister Tribe of the Unicorns, who settled in their new homeland as nomads in an endless summer.'

Dusk stepped forward, quietly clearing his throat to get the guard’s attention, even though they already watched his approach. "Excuse me, but um.. the princess invited us to see her aft-"

Sunset had listened enough to Dusk's quiet, shy and polite tone. Two steps pushed her past him, one hand wrapped around his arm while she tugged him forward with her. Voice serious and straightforward, without a hint of Dusk's meek attitude. "Sunset Shimmer and Dusk Shine for the princess as she requested." The guards, used to the brash mare and her younger ward had already started to step aside and open the door. Its flawless white wood covered in decorative gold filigree in the shape of one massive blazing sun, split in half by the two doors.

Even as she pulled him inside, Dusk could feel her annoyance, the mare muttering to herself, yet was loud enough for him to hear. "They know you by face. They should have known you were here at her request. Why do you insist on being so bashful before the grunts? Your brother is a member of the castle guards. You had Princess Cadence for a colt-sitter for Celestia's sake Dusk, you have to get use to guards at some point.”

Dusk followed her into Princess Celestia's private chambers. While this wasn't his first visit, he was still awed by the impossible luxury. From her changing room, the goddess called out, her velvety voice whisper almost like a smooth whisper. "Sunset? Can you come here? I sent away my maid and now the hooks are caught again."

Dusk froze up at that voice, his gaze on the nearly transparent drapes that separated them in the study from a towering figure behind the blinds. Sunset's attitude had changed the moment that voice spoke out to them, a reverent joy spread over her, from her wide open eyes to the quiver of her lower lip. Even her tails excited shifting and swaying across her hips was a signal to Dusk. He knew that feeling so very well. "Coming, Princess Celestia!" Only a second pause to grin back at the young stallion, prevented her from bolting through the drapes. She spoke to him in a soft, low voice. "Poor Dusk, if you'd been born a filly, she might have asked you to help her instead."

Dusk couldn’t help but wince at the comment, his mind quickly returned to three weeks ago in Celestia's private baths. Memories of that embarrassment left him to shuffle into his chair while pulling his report from his bookbag. Thus he was in silent study of his own project, on the hunt for what prompted this unscheduled class.

Suddenly a haughty new voice called out behind him, her bold tone demanding attention. "Beatrix Lula is not used to being ignored when she enters a room. What exactly has you so engrossed, little colt?"

Shocked, and forced to twist around in place to look back at the new mare, Dusk’s jaw dropped. Dressed in clingy purple silk that accentuated her curves, was a mare... no, a filly still really, probably only a year or so older than him. Her long hair was a pale white, with dual tones of pale cornflower blue streaks. Sitting up, Dusk turned on his chair to loom at the mare more directly, Dusk shook his head. "I err.. I don't know how you got past the guards but you should really go. Sunset Shimmer and Princess Celestia will return soon and you do not want to make them mad."

With a scoff, the mare threw some of her loose long hair back over her shoulder and stormed past him to sit in the chair at his right. Leaning back into the plush cushion, she crossed one leg over the other, while letting her piercing azure eyes scan him. Her smirk grew ever wider, a finger wagged in his face. "Beatrix did not break into the princess’ chamber. She was invited, you foalish colt. It really was a shock and honor, but considering how amazing Beatrix has done on her recent exams, it's a surprise it took her majesty so long to acknowle-"

"What?? Why? Dusk I can understand, but some cheeky mare who cheated on her tests for a few weeks? Princess Celestia please. You can not be serious. We already have to slow down my studies for Dusk why-" Sunset Shimmer's rant was suddenly cut off on the other side of the drapes, while Dusk and Beatrix were left to stare at one another in awkward silence for a minute, the mare’s good mood suddenly turned to a gruff scowl focused on the blinds while Dusk tried to gather his wits.

In an attempt to break the ice, Dusk would turn out of his chair and stepped before the mare, a hand offered to her. "I am Dusk Shine. I am sorry about Sunset Shimmer. She would not talk to me except to answer assignment questions for the first week after Princess Celestia let me into their private class."

Beatrix's glare was blocked by Dusk’s body, as she re-fixated on the younger stallion again. At last relenting, she placed her hand into his palm, her voice passive aggressive. "As Beatrix said, she is called Beatrix Lula. Beatrix is sure you are a proper young stallion despite the behavior of some other students around here."

Even as Dusk gave her hand a squeeze and started to shake it, a throat clearing behind his back made him freeze up, a dark flush colored his cheeks. He heard Princess Celestia's whisper, despite the distance she stood from him, her words carried to him even at so soft a tone. "Do not shake a mare’s hand, Dusk. Kiss her knuckles. You are a stallion now, so greeting a lady properly is a good lesson to learn."

Unable to stop and turn to see her, but as sure as the sun was setting outside the window, Dusk knew both Princess Celestia and Sunset Shimmer stood there watching him now. With the blazing heat in his cheeks, Dusk looked into Beatrix's eyes in hopes of finding some sign of help. But she was fixated on something behind him, likely Princess Celestia herself. Stuck, Dusk flashed back to the etiquette class his mother had taught once a week for the students before Celestia promoted her but a short time ago. Straining his back and lifting Beatrix's hand to his lips, Dusk brushed a brief kiss to her knuckles before returning it to her lap.

Even as he started to shift and look around at the two mares behind him, Dusk realized that Beatrix herself was also blushing hard. Sweeping past him, Sunset stole Dusk’s seat and glared at his report. Her voice was level but bitter tones were hinted in her words. "Is this why we have an extra class today? Because you didn't let Dusk learn about Griffons in an adult class? I keep saying he is mature enough to take it, Princess. Besides, like you keep suggesting, he is a stallion now."

With warm laughter that whispered like silk down Dusk's spine, the princess pushed that away. "I think you are right, Sunset. Dusk, Beatrix, we don't normally teach students quite as young as you about the real nature of Griffon herds, hunting packs as they call them. Sit down in my chair, Dusk. I told the guard to bring a spare, but it appears that they have forgotten." When he moved as directed, Princess Celestia stepped before the towering bay doors that sealed off her balcony. A brilliant golden glow formed around her horn and at the horizon, the three students witnessed the moon begin it's slow rise into the night sky.

Sunset started the lesson when it was clear the princess was busy for the moment. "It starts with an alpha. Male or female, the alpha is the master of a hunting pack. You got all that right, Dusk. But after that, you let the romantic nature of our culture and herd get in the way. The Alpha of a hunting pack doesn't respect ownership or possession of any other pack member. They all belong to him. Often the Alpha will pick a mate, but even then, that doesn’t stop him from deciding to claim one of his pack members as a target for his pleasure."

Swallowing sharply, Dusk began to put the facts together quickly. When she paused, he had to ask the obvious question. "But what if the pack member... be he male or female, is not interested in their Alpha's advances? If a mare says no, a stallion who forces himself upon her.."

Celestia's hands were in Dusk's hair suddenly, stroking and combing his thick and silken dark blue hair. Her words were soft but sad. "The Griffons have no such laws. Unless another Alpha chooses to protect the lower pack members, they are at the whim of their Alpha. I'm sorry to shatter this romantic illusion, Dusk, but you must properly understand the griffons. What we call rape is simply an Alpha marking their property so other Alphas know not to touch their pack members."

Even with Princess Celestia's tender affectionate touch, Dusk shivered as he pictured it. With his powerful imagination, it suddenly become clear as day. "Bu... but you sent mother there. She only has a small private guard. What's to keep-"

The princess silenced him with a finger to his lips, quietly making it clear he should stop that line of questioning. "First, Dusk, relax. Your mother is safe. You can’t think of things in the way that we do. Think of it from their view of the world. Your mother is my voice among their people, thus they see her as a member of my hunting pack. After the Night of the Red Sun, they will never challenge me again.” For just a moment, Celestia’s voice got very cold and distant. While she looked again out at the full moon, Dusk’s eyes instantly drew to the Mare in the Moon upon its surface. He still couldn’t believe how the outline was clear as day on nights like this one.

It was Beatrix who broke the silence, her own voice confused. “But if normal griffons are at constant risk of violation by their Alpha, or any other Alpha out to show off, why do they not flee to our country, for our protection?”

Sunset answered that easily enough, her voice distasteful. “Who really knows? Maybe it’s because that’s what they’re use to? Maybe it’s because they all dream of being the Alpha and taking what they want one day? Some griffons do come to live with us, but with how tense relations were both before and after Princess Celestia was forced to act, few have ever felt comfortable anywhere except Cloudsdale.”

Dusk could swear Celestia’s cheeks were red with suppressed tears when she turned to face her students. “Why is it she always gets so sad on nights like this?” Unable to keep his mind from hunting, Dusk would attempt to log everything she had said and done tonight. Surely, if he kept track of when she got like this, he could find an answer. “Let us continue with the lesson. Dusk, you should know the most on this, tell us about the current Griffon Emperor.”

Shifting to stand up, Dusk took a moment to recall his mother’s letters from over the last three years, quickly shuffling and sorting them out before smiling warmly up to the princess as he offered her a nod. “Thank you, Princess Celestia. The current Emperor renamed himself Steel Talon when he killed the last emperor, Broken Beak. Born Cynric, he was the son of Broken Beak, himself son of Silver Feather. Currently, he follows his father’s tradition, demanding he be referred to by full title and heritage despite having killed his father who was the last emperor.” Getting lost with himself, Dusk carried on with his own current train of thought, never realizing Sunset was growing bored by his train of thought. “This means to properly address him, he currently must be called ‘Emperor Steel Talon, son and killer of Emperor Broken Beak, son and killer of Emperor Silver Feather, who ended the rule of the vile murderer Demeiza the XIX.’ This has lead my mother and scholars she has conversed with to fear that if this continues, in fifteen or twenty years, we will soon have quite some difficulty keeping track of the current emperor’s title, as Steel Talon’s son is already in his early thirties and has seven sons of his own, the oldest of whom is already nineteen. Considering this, mother and some of her entourage have already started to encourage Steel Talon to start calling hims-”

Sunset Shimmer’s groan of boredom and annoyance sent a chill down Dusk’s spine, the mare’s glare making her threat clear. When he paused at the noise, Princess Celestia turned to look at Sunset, for a moment, words were forming on her lips, yet she held them back, before finally speaking out. “Very well Dusk, but you are getting a little too much into the theory and not the facts. Please, continue.” Unable to hide his red cheeks, Dusk would nod, and pressed on again, now very aware of every movement Sunset made.

Even as Dusk continued his idle reading of that childhood report, the sound of Rarity returning to the library drew him back into the present. Her hair protected by a small scarf tied below her chin, the mare stepped in to look at Dusk and AJ before placing a package on the counter, her voice almost singing. “Good news. The Cake’s have a slow week ahead, so Pinkie will be free to help out in an hour or two. I also got some more daisy and cheese wraps from them so is dinner taken care of.”

While Dusk had given a polite hello and allowed Rarity to walk off to speak with Barb, a thought dawned on Dusk, and the icy shiver that ran down his spine made him sure he had to address this, quickly. “Rarity?” Hopping up and dashing out the room to follow her, Dusk called out in a tone rife with mounting worry. “What about meat? Dash said that Gilda only ate meat!”

Even as he turned the corner, Dusk found Barb accepting a second package from his lover. The mare offered him a grin, turning back and stepping into his arms, her voice consoling. “Don’t worry, Dusk. I took the money you had budgeted for dining and had a few words with Burnt Oak, who runs the meat stall in the market. While we are a small town, enough people around here eat meat once every week or two, so a big order like this to feed a griffon will take some time to arrive. He promised his supplier in Canterlot uses fresh meat only, never frozen, and only from feral creatures. I’d hate to think what might happen to a vendor who uses unlicensed or even non-feral animals for their supplies. Fluttershy aside, even little Angel has one hell of a mean kick. Just remember that they eat raw meat, and room temperature. And Gilda will expect you, as her host, to join her in at least a small portion of the meal at her selection. To prove it isn’t poisoned, of course.”

Suddenly feeling ill, Dusk let his weight lean in on Rarity, shaking his head. “You did well. But raw? I like a little meat occasionally, but that… that is just wrong.” When she looked up and started to speak, Dusk shook his head. “I can handle it, it just feels tasteless. It’s no wonder Princess Cadence is a pure vegan.”

Offering him a laugh, Rarity would begin to rub her open palms across his spine, soothing him and nuzzling her jaw into his neck, and tenderly spoke. “The rest is set to arrive by train late tomorrow or early Friday. Barb will empty your cold box tonight, but I’d suggest you get used to the smell of the meat now. It will only get stronger.”

Curling his lip into a weary grin, Dusk called out to Barb in the kitchen, voice still hopeful. "Barb, you like meat. Any chance we could cook it extremely rare without Gilda noticing?"

The short dragoness stuck her head out the kitchen entrance, a quizzical look offered to Dusk. "Yeah, about as well as I could hide sapphire flakes on your salad Dusk. You remember how poorly that went over."

Unable to help himself, Dusk winced at that memory. "You swore they had a faint spearmint flavor. I was brushing my tongue for an hour trying to get the taste off." With one arm extended to wrap around Rarity's hips, he turned to walk back into the library. "If you do come up with any solutions to help me out, please, warn me first. No more sapphire surprises!"

Deflated at his tone, the dragoness gave a light kick to the door frame before returning to the kitchen, grumbling to herself. "Just means more for me anyways."

While Dusk and his friends spent the rest of the day studying, the only thing on Scootaloo's mind, as she bolted from class that day as soon as the bell rang, were her flight exercises with Rainbow Dash. The filly had intended to head straight to the hill just south of school, Dash's favorite place to show off her newest moves in the afternoon. What better audience to wow than the adoring foals who were easily wowed by her flamboyant displays.

But then, familiar laughter, along with a filly’s cry of distress, sent a chill down her spine. Moving quickly to duck around a corner, Scootaloo peered back to locate the source of the laughter. At the far end of the hallway, Snips and Snails were playing a game of catch... With Sweetie Belle’s treasured ivory brush, the owner of which scrambled between them, trying to get it back.

Already, the younger filly was balling with tears, her magic attempting to snatch back the brush. However, she still wasn't strong enough to tug the expensive brush free from the older colts’ own. "Why isn't miss Cheerilee stopping those dumb bullies!" thought Scootaloo. Turning to look further down the hall, her answer was clear. Diamond Tiara stood just outside the classroom doorway, laughter evident even while she kept watch on the classroom. And if she was alone, Silver Spoon must have been in the classroom, keeping Cheerilee busy.

Chasing her brush through the air, the wailing younger filly tripped, falling to her knees. Even as she lifted her head to gaze her tear-stained eyes at her tormentors, Scootaloo got a clear view of the grief in her flawless, pale, harlequin green eyes, while behind her, Diamond Tiara nearly doubled over with laughter. Something in those puffy red eyes begged Scootaloo for help, and the disgusting chortling from Diamond irked her to no end. Rage flooding her veins, Scootaloo bolted back down the hallway, beating her wings like Rainbow Dash had told her. Not wild and violent but moving together in a powerful swooping beat. Like an arrow, she shot down that hall, performing a last second hop onto a trashcan that had fallen over during the stallions’ game of keep away with the youngest filly in their class. Even if only for a brief moment, Scootaloo was thrilled, realizing she had built up enough speed that she now glided through the air just above Snail's head. Adjusting for this with a quick shift of her wing’s beat, she shifted her right foot out to use him as a platform to shoot herself further into the air. Floating high above them all and gliding on her sustained momentum, she snapped a hand out to clutch that brush, and used her speed to snap it from the unicorn’s spell.

And then everything went horribly wrong. All her speed had been more than enough to snag the brush free, but Scootaloo realized, as she felt the spell’s release, her momentum was now ruined, no longer carrying her flight easily, or even help manage a simple glide, and so she spiraled out of control. It was too late, even as she tried to kick off an open locker, she was unable to find a purchase and tumbled down to the hallway floor, rolling head over heels until she come to a stop at Snips’ feet. Her eyes shot open even as the stallion stared down at her goggle-eyed. The sight of his feet so close to her face sent her mind back to her training with Dash, flaring through her mind just as quickly at the burst of pain from her tumble cleared away. She could remember Dash’s words before the lesson, she might even have been able to quote them if she had the time to catch her breath. "You have to learn how to fall, how to roll with an impact, Squirt. It's not just for now, even when you learn to fly, you'll find the wind slapping you around harder than any stallion can kick. So lay down, and watch my kick. I'll go easy at first, kid, but once you get the idea, we're going to get a little rough. Just remember to tell me when you need a second to catch your breath. Can't accidentally bruise you, or Redheart would be after my head."

For a moment, the hallway was silent and still, than Snips stamped a foot by her head, his angry voice cracking from his annoyance. “Scootaloo! We were having fun with that! Why do you always have ta ruin things!”

With one hand on his left shoulder, Snails walked over to join them, rubbing his fingers over the sore spot Scootaloo had used as a launch pad to throw herself into the air. Groaning with annoyance, he glared down at her. “And why did you have to kick me! I didn’t do anything to you!” Outraged, the gangly young stallion would take a lagging kick to her shoulder in retribution. A quick movement allowed her to twist away from the blow, yet for a moment, terror roared in Scootaloo's mind. Dash had only been helping her for a few weeks. Rough landings and bad wind was a new topic, how could she keep dodging both young stallions' feet. Her answer came in a battle cry from the direction of the classroom. The blur of red hair and blue jean overalls flew over her head and into Snips' body. The fight was over seconds later.

Scootaloo was now sitting with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell in the nurse's office. Miss Cheerilee's disapproving tone still rang in her ears, until a hand thrust before her face, the grinning filly connected to it spoke gleefully. "We never had a proper chance to say hi, and after you rescued Sweetie Belle from those grunts, well, I figure I should make up for that. I'm Apple Bloom, and I've been looking out for Sweetie Belle for the last year or so, ever since Diamond Tiara started picking on her in class."

While Scootaloo took up the offered handshake, Sweetie spoke up, cutting into the conversation. "You have been looking out for me longer than that Apple Bloom. With Applejack and Rarity spending so much time together, we have been spending time together constantly, ever since you moved back to Granny Smith's orchard!"

For her part, Scootaloo leaned back, releasing Apple Bloom's hand and pressed at what she found interesting. "So you moved to Ponyville too? I heard you Apples have been here for ages. What happened?"

Her question drew a moment of silence to the room, while Apple Bloom stared at her feet. Just as Scootaloo shifted to clear her throat and apologize for asking about something sensitive, the filly shifted her stance and looked back into her eyes. "Me and my big sis got sent away to stay with relatives when ma and pa passed away. I was only a baby foal and AJ wasn't old enough to help out on the farm. Big Mac stayed here to help granny and the farm. When AJ got big enough, she made them let us visit in the summer, and proved she was old enough to be helpful on the farm. And Granny Smith refused to let me go back to the big city. I must have been four years old at the time, and she didn't want to see us broken up again."

A towering shadow formed on the other side of the door, and with a grunt, a gigantic earth stallion stepped through, ducking his head low to avoid catching his head on the frame. Golden hair, long and thick, tied up behind his shoulders with a single leather tie. As tall as the stallion was, for a moment Scootaloo could only gawk at the titan. From behind him, Cheerilee’s voice could be clearly be made out. “Mac, you may take the girls home, but I want to talk to Applejack when she has the time. Apple Bloom can not keep getting into fights with the boys and Diamond Tiara. I’m going to talk to Filthy Rich tomorrow, but we can not keep having these problems.”

The giant extended an arm to wrap around Apple Bloom's shoulders, pulling her close, his fingers stroked through her hair, while he moved to sit beside the little filly. Voice dry but calm, he offered the teacher a nod as she followed him in. "AJ will come tomorrow before class. She is helping Dusk and Rarity today." As he turned to look at the youngest filly, offering Sweetie Belle a quiet grin. "Your big sis is gonna be busy helping Dusk too. So you and Apple Bloom get to have a sleepover." His gaze swept to lonely Scootaloo, a half frown formed on his otherwise cheery face. "Sorry lil' filly, can't seem to recall your name."

If Scootaloo had been intimidated by Big Mac’s size, it was the way he looked disappointed in himself for forgetting her name that broke the ice and won her over. Unable to hide a blush at his piercing and perceptive green eyes, the filly stuck out a hand like Apple Bloom had just done for her a few minutes ago. "I'm Scootaloo mister Mac... um err. Wow, you're even taller than the stories miss Redheart told." As she realized what was dribbling out of her mouth, Scootaloo slapped her hands over her mouth and dropped her head, unable to ignore the heat in her cheeks or the laughter from the other fillies.

Cheerilee only now realized that Scootaloo was still in the room with the other girls, and turned to look where her voice came from. “Oh dear, Scootaloo. I’m sorry, after talking with Snips and Snails it’s clear you didn’t do anything to start the fight. If you wanna head home, I wrote a note for Redheart, you might as well head home too.”

Scootaloo twisted to look up at her teacher, unable to hide her frown. “But… I’m already late to meet up with Rainbow Dash, shoul-” Her worried gaze was lifted by the soft touch of Big Mac’s hand on her chin, drawing her to look into his own eyes, the warmth in those bottomless sap green pools rang with quiet calm.

“Rainbow Dash? Saw her sittin’ on a tree stump just south of the school as I passed, looked rather distressed about something. Was gon’a see if she was ok after I picked up the girls.” The giant’s rough hand had a gentle touch, and the kindness in those eyes helped mellow Scootaloo’s growing panic at disappointing Dash. His voice returned, easy and calm. “If ya’ want, I can talk to her while we head to the farm. I’m sure she will take my word you didn’t do this on purpose.”

With Cheerilee’s letter in her hand, Scootaloo would nod, while looking up to the towering earth stallion, giving a nod. “I… I’d appreciate it Mac, disappointing Dash-” She let her words fall off, biting down on her lower lip. Then, stepping up, she offered a grin to Big Mac. “Let’s go! I can’t wait to get my practice in!”

The walk to the hill where Rainbow Dash sat was a short one, but in that time Scootaloo learned enough about the girls to relax, and enjoy a few laughs. Scootaloo felt Sweetie Belle’s arm wrap around her own, the younger filly’s energetic grin and soft laughter was infectious, charming and endearing. “So then Dusk and Rarity started dating. They make such a cute couple too! Plus, he has started taking time to help me control my magic. He is really nice!”

Walking behind the girls, Big Mac couldn’t help but grin in delight at the girls’ good mood. But the sight of Rainbow Dash, still brooding upon that same tree stump as an hour before, sent him to lengthen his stride. "It's only been seven, eight months since she moved to town? Just because the mare is acting oddly, doesn’t mean you know something is off." Cutting off his internal monologue he called to the mare as he crested the hill at her right. "Rainbow Dash, you never struck me as one to watch a sunset."

Whatever had the mare trapped in her private thoughts, his words had broken through her shell. Twisting her head to look up at him, the mare offered a lazy grin. "Mac! Hey there. Noticed you passing by before, I should'a said hi. What's up? How can Ponyville’s greatest flyer help the Apples out today?" Observant even in her distracted state of mind she leaned around him, her grin only got wider at the sight of a bruise under Apple Bloom's left eye. "Oh my, quite the shiner you got there, kid. Is that why poor Mac got dragged into town?" Standing now, and shadow boxing with Big Mac despite his stiff stance. "Want me to teach her how to tussle? I was first in my class at flight school for wrestling!"

As she got carried away with her own train of thought, Mac let his suggestive inquiry go, if something really was up with the mare he could find out more later, when things had calmed down. His right arm stretched to wrap around his kid sister's shoulders, offering the weather mare a small shrug. "No Dash, the girls were just dealing with some problems in school. Apple Bloom can clearly fight well enough." Patting his sister's back and pushing her towards the road to the farm, Mac signaled for the fillies to head off. "Just thought I'd let ya know that Scootaloo was late for her lesson because she was busy helping Sweetie Belle get her brush back from some bullies."

Rainbow Dash quickly turned back to Apple Bloom, too excited to care the filly was already thirty feet down the road, her voice booming with pride. "Protecting your filly from intrusive bullies? Well done, kid! Knew you had it in you all along." Even as Mac rolled his eyes at that comment, Dash caught up with the rest of his story, turning back to look for Scootaloo. "Oh yeah, where is the squirt. I got so distracted watching the skyline, I must have missed our workout today."

Seeing a chance, Scootaloo took a few steps forward and flashed Dash a proud smirk. "Sorry for being late, Dash! But you should have seen it! I got a good running start and was pumping my wings just like you taught me! When I jumped it felt like you said, with the wind filtering through my feathers, I had to have been six feet off the ground and still flying forward with solid momentum! At least, 'til I tried grabbing Sweetie Belle’s brush from those colts. Does pulling something from a spell’s grip always kill your momentum like that?"

Happy to listen to the young filly, Dash leaned in, laughter evident in her eyes. At Scootaloo's question, she held up her hand and turned to Mac "Before we get too carried away with talk about flying, I just want to thank you for looking in on the brat, Mac. Catch me for a mug of cider at my birthday bash, all right?" While that had been a question, the mare didn't wait for his answer, turning back to Scootaloo and giving the filly her full attention, her tone more explanatory and calm, much to Mac's amazement. "If you and the unicorn don't get your timing just right, yeah. It’s got something to do with all the power they use when they levitate an object, so for whatever reason it makes it really hard to pull it away without a fight.”

Rainbow Dash's words might have been a dismissal, but Big Mac would linger on the hilltop, a watchful eye on the filly and almost mare as they talked, already getting comfortable. "Well, why not, they really do have a lot in common. Dash is only three or four years older than Scootaloo, after all. Wonder if it does them good, both children of broken families." His thoughts paused as he swept his watchful gaze to little Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, walking arm in arm and lost in conversation. "How to keep her from getting into so many fights. That's the real question." Relenting his watch over Dash and Scootaloo, Mac waved goodbye to them when they looked his way, a strong but easy pace picked to catch up with his little sister. "One problem at a time Mac. First family, then friends. Besides, what trouble can Dash get into? AJ said they will all be busy the next few days with this griffon guest."

Dash only made Scootaloo listen to theory for as long as it took them both to get bored. Or rather until Dash was bored with the words she was reciting from flight school, then pretense was dumped and she pushed on with the exercises. It had been a near fistfight with Redheart at first, finding a exercise routine she approved of that Dash didn't find lazy and boring. Now as the filly got stronger and faster, it was Redheart who was forced to relent.

With their warm up jog finished, Scootaloo began the stretches Dash had taught her, slow at first, extending her wings to touch the ground during toe touches, and flexing them wide and high while the push ups continued. Even as Dash watched, her mind wandered.

Celestia's palace in Canterlot was not a war fortress, but a place of comfort. Dash sat alone in a guest room, both awed by the luxury on display about the room, and fidgeting, her eye constantly drawn to the letter, signed in Celestia's own hand. It had only been three days since the defeat of Nightmare Moon, and she alone had been summoned to see the princess.

After almost an hour after guards had escorted her alone into this room and locked the door, a soft knocking rattled the wood. A voice she knew too well called to her through the door, the strong masculine words froze her in place. "Dash, can we talk? The princess and I just finished a long conversation. I love you Dashie, can... I come in?"

Heart in her throat Dash stood, stepping up to the door, her heart in her throat. "I... we haven't talked in a long time. Not since Gilda-" Dash cut herself off, steeling herself and pulling the door open. "Except when I took this temporary job in Ponyville."

Stepping into the open door, Rainbow Blitz gave a smile down to his daughter, swallowing back something, and wiping tears away before wrapping her in a hug. "And that is my fault. I am so proud of you Dash. You saved the world just a few days ago, and I was still angry about-"

Scootaloo’s standing aerial backflips finally pulled Dash back to the present, a wild grin splitting her lips. "You've really mastered those jumps, kid. Lots more control and confidence. Think you can manage one over my head?"

Her eyes wide, Scootaloo nervously stared up at Rainbow Dash, fidgeting and mumbling to herself. "I- wha- bu-" before at last getting a hold of herself and looking up into Dash’s eyes. The confidence she found there, mixed with something else, something Scootaloo couldn't name, yet even this brief sighting filled her heart with such joy. "If you believe in me, Dash, then I’ll try my best!"

That other thing disappeared from Dash's eyes as they were suddenly back to serious lessons again. "Good to hear, squirt. Now, like during your practice. Stand facing away from me, with your wings fully extended. And remember, as you jump into the backflip, keep your arms and legs straight and tight; don’t want a black eye when I've got a guest coming to visit tomorrow."

Something in the way Dash held her shoulders from behind, making sure they were far enough apart while she focused her mind on the stunt made Scootaloo's heart beat faster, harder in her chest. Everything was suddenly overwhelming, and the smell of whatever scent Dash’ wore made Scootaloo's mind wander to suddenly more lewd thoughts. Suddenly, Dash squeezed her shoulder, that confident voice booming. "Get this right and I'll talk to Redheart about letting you learn some real trick acrobatics. On the side outside these workouts, nach. Just whatever you do, try not to kick me in the head, okay?"

With the sudden pressure of Dash's confidence pressing down on her, Scootaloo took a deep breath, braced herself, and leapt. And landed, her orange feathered wings still quaking with excitement. That same look had filled Dash’s eyes when Scootaloo had looked down into them while soaring in the air over Dash’s head. She knew it now, knew it from watching Dusk and Rarity sitting together, enjoying a treat at Sugarcube Corner. Even as Dash scooped her up into a tight hug, and gave a whoop of victory, the scent of her perfume and that look made Scootaloo's heart quake again. "I love you too, Dash...."

Dash had suggested a stop at Sugarcube Corner on their walk back to Redheart’s. The fact it nearly doubled the walk home was never brought up, Scootaloo used the excuse of being tired from how long they carried on past the normal exercise routine to lean against Dash in the booth. When Pinkie finished serving a few others that had stopped by the bakery, she stole the empty seat on the other side. "You two are SOO lucky you got here now. I’m taking off early to go help Dusk and the others with this weird request from Princess Luna to host a griffon that is coming to town! It’s so exciting! I never hosted a griffon before, I hope they aren't spoilsports."

Dash kept her own good-natured grin while Pinkie rambled on, following her own crazy train of thought. An eye flicked to Scootaloo as the filly picked quietly at the heavily glazed and toasted cinnamon bun Dash had picked out for her, drenched in butter, the sweet mixed scents flooded the room. “Eat up, kid. After such a strenuous workout, you need the carbs. It’ll do your body good.” Privately, Dash was glad for the strong smell of the buttery, toasted bun. She awkwardly shifted her hips, attempting to mask her own discomfort.

Distracted by Dash’s words, Scootaloo returned to nibbling at the small chunks she pulled off the toasted bun, eating quietly and watching the two older mares talking. With Dash suddenly paying attention to her, Scootaloo flashed her a grin in return. “I know, I know, It’s just so rich and sweet.”

Pinkie laughed at that, and offered the filly a grin. “We make the best treats here, glad to hear you like it! Maybe if you keep up your training, I’ll let you come help me test samples of our new treats!”

Rolling her eyes, Dash pushed a short letter over the counter to Pinkie. “Don’t spoil the little brat too much. She’s a good sport, but I doubt she knows when to say enough is enough.” While Scootaloo stuck her tongue out and blew raspberries at Dash, Pinkie took the small letter, flipping it over and looking at the front, she lifted her eyebrows at the name on the front, ‘AJ’. Answering the bubbly mare before she could start asking too many questions, Dash blushed darkly. “It’s personal, but I have things to take care of tonight. It’s not only important, but private, so if you could give it to AJ for me, I’d be grateful.”

Whooping gleefully, Pinkie snatched up Dash’s letter and shoved it into the protective depths of her cleavage. "Okie Dokey Dashie! Just don't let Derpy find out, or she might think you don't like her and want a new mail mare for Ponyville."

Walleyed, Dash took a minute to process Pinkie’s warning. "Why would anyone want to do something as heartless as that?" Her normally laid back tone aggravated to display open shock at the suggestion.

Pinkie offered her an over energetic shrug in response, her own smile replaced by a warning pout. "'Cause you're Ponyville’s head weather mare. Just ‘cause you can’t hire or fire her doesn’t mean you aren't her boss, doesn't mean some meanie mean pants, whoever held that kind of a job before you, hasn't used their influence to get other pegasi shipped off to other jobs."

Dash could feel her aggravation and shame build as Pinkie rattled on, somewhere, a buried memory called out an echo. "'Cluttershy! Cluttershy! Cluttershy can hardly fly!'

Gripping down on the countertop, Dash hissed out her frustration and turned to look down at Scootaloo. "Hey, kid. You ever have to deal much with bullies?"

Shocked a little by Dash’s strong reaction to the sudden topic change, Scootaloo looked up at Pinkie for some glimmer of reassurance before answering Dash. "I- me- no, none really Dash. But, er- I kinda got in a fight with bullies today, helping out Sweetie Belle."

Disappointed for a moment, then again impressed, Dash gave Scootaloo a playful cuff on the chin. "Right, right! Good work at that." There was something in the way Dash talked with her, almost like she was brooding over something. "Well, let me tell you kid, with bullies, you gotta learn to step up to them, can't always just take their shit. They never give up or go away if they think they have you cowed." A sly grin spreading over her, Dash gave Scootaloo a one-armed hug around the shoulders. "Finish up kid, we better get you home before Redheart’s shift ends.”

While it had taken most of the day, Dusk sat back in satisfaction as he finished. With Applejack curled up on a nearby couch, and Pinkie and Fluttershy busy in the kitchen with Barb, Dusk looked to Rarity as she pinned the last of the notes upon the board, her tail left laying lazily across her right hip. Dragging his tongue across his lower lip, the stallion pushed himself to stand up, crossing the room with quiet stealth, until his hands cupped her hips and his loins pressed into her hip from behind, his voice whispering into her ear. “It is late and the others are leaving soon. Will you will stay the night? I could use the company, dear.”

Gasping at Dusk’s ambush of sudden attention, the mare enjoyed it, pressing back against the taller stallion and relishing the pressure of his body against her flank. Almost purring with her own delight, Rarity turned around, wrapping her arms around the stallion’s neck, a rich pout offered up to him. “Oh my, dear Dusk. If only I’d sent dear Sweetie Belle to stay with Apple Bloom for the night. Oh wait!” She joyfully tittereded, nuzzling against his cheek. “It would be my pleasure Dusk.”

From the couch, Applejack groaned a little, rolling over and glaring at them. “Could you two keep it down? After all this reading and pointless research, I’m plum tuckered out, and you two aren't making getting sleep any easier.”

All three shared a laugh for a moment, until Pinkie peaked through the door, a broad grin splitting her lips. “You’re all in a good mood? Great to hear! AJ, Dashie gave me this letter for you. I’m going to walk Fluttershy home, gotta go to work in the morning, but I’ll be free to help out with Gilda, I promise!”

Surprised as they were by Pinkie's unexpected, sudden arrival, the fact that the grinning mare placed the letter on AJ's flank and scampered back out of the room just as rapidly as she arrived meant they had no time to register her, except for AJ who called out quickly after the retreating mare. "But you've been here for hours, Pinkie! Why give me this now?"

If there was an answer, Pinkie was already long gone and thus they heard no reply. His playfully flirty mood cast aside, Dusk’s inquisitive mind instantly shot to the note, trying to piece together a mystery while AJ peeled it open. With Rarity slipping into the free seat on the couch at AJ's side, the whole room was now waiting for the answer held in Dash’s letter.

The short note inside could have been better described as four words scribbled down in an unsteady hand. Suddenly filled with worry, Applejack quietly passed the note to Rarity, her tone low and sad. "I- I hadn't even thought about that. Poor Dash. To be suffering from her heat, while we sat here talking about her last girlfriend." A creeping blush spread over her cheeks.

Finished with the short note, Rarity passed it on to Dusk, who suddenly felt once more the outsider in the affairs of mares. Flicking his eyes down, it took reading and rereading those four short words three times before the meaning really dawned on him. "Need relief, please! Tonight?"

"She- you two- err, that is to say, you and Dash used to help one another with your heat?" When a darkly blushing AJ only offered him a nod in response, Dusk, feeling very lost, turned to Rarity. "I- I've felt it, when a mare was in heat. Not just that time when AJ came for her interview." This had Applejack both give a giggle and a snort of nervous embarrassment at the same time. When Dusk looked to Rarity for any kind of solid ground to build on, he found her blushing and diverting her gaze. "Rarity? This is clearly something I need to understand properly. Could you tell me what has been going on between you mares? Does your heat effect you so strongly?"

Dusk’s open honestly about wanting to know everything upfront made both mares pause and look at one another, offering a slightly ashamed silence for a minute. Rarity soon found her focus and locked on Dusk again, though he couldn't miss her slipping her own hand into Applejack’s own hunting for that support. "It is complicated, Dusk. The heat of a mare varies between cycles, frustratingly enough. I usually have a light one every four to six weeks, but every second or third heat-" For a moment she dropped her voice off, until AJ slipped her fingers to interlace with Rarity’s own, applying a strong grip to the dainty mare’s fingers. That show of support helped Rarity to press on, a soft smile of confidence dawned on her, bringing out her glowing radiance. "Applejack asked me one day when we were out for lunch. That lead to a date, and that date lead to a very passionate night together. Since then, when my strong heats hit, I send Applejack a bouquet of Roseluck's best flowers." For a moment, the mares shared a warm and loving look, before Rarity looked back to Dusk. "Other than helping Applejack in return when she asks, I..." She paused, blushing ever redder, yet she pushed on despite her embarrassment. "Fluttershy has special needs. She rarely asks me for help, almost never more than twice a year. I am her... I am her mistress."

Rarity's suggestive phrasing drew even Applejack to lift an eyebrow in confusion, yet rather than let their conversation stall, she pressed forward with her own answer. "I have stronger heats two thirds of the time, with a heat every three to five weeks. Dash challenged me to a race just after she moved to town, and well-" She looked to Rarity and squeezed her hand for some support in return. "After, I treated her to some of the Apple family's best cider while we went to cool off in the steam behind the farm. Then two or three drinks in she slipped in behind me and started kissing my neck."

"It is okay Applejack,” Rarity said softly while leaning her cheek against AJ's shoulder, “I remember how it felt the first time she caught me in heat. The girl gets such a hungry look in her eyes, and yet she is just so..." Rarity paused, releasing a happy sigh. "That filly will make some mare so happy someday."

Dusk's own need to clear the air had been growing, until he felt he had to speak. "Dash smelt your heat on me after you left, Applejack, Pinkie as well. They both made their interest just as clear to me, but Dash got scared when things started getting too hot for her. Ever since, she deflects when I try to ask her if we are okay."

Both mares looked up as he spoke, a shared look of focus as they considered for a minute in silence before Rarity sat up and offered him a smile. "We need to set rules and standards, if we are going to learn how to be a working herd." Releasing her breath and turning to look into at Applejack’s eyes. "I love you, and I love Dusk. I could be happy with only your company for the rest of my life, but the truth is, I enjoy my time with Fluttershy, as rare as it is. Would you two be comfortable with me continuing that relationship?"

Standing, Dusk walked to the ravishing mare’s side and cupped her cheeks, planting a lingering kiss on her lips. When he broke it, he looked into AJ's eyes. "I had never been with a mare excluding that near encounter with Dash, and another with Pinkie that same day. That said, are you comfortable with the idea of established boundaries?" When Applejack gave him a nod, Dusk shifted his weight to slide onto the couch, his hands lifting Rarity to sit in his lap, while he leaned in against taller mare. "First rule, then: all three of us agree that Fluttershy, Pinkie and Dash are good close friends who we are all comfortable sharing company with?" When the mares gave him a nod, Dusk leaned over and gave Applejack a soft kiss, letting his lips linger on her own as he gazed deep into her eyes. "Then for tonight, we are okay. Go to Dash. She is scared and in need, the least we can do is show her comfort, love, and support when she needs it."

For a moment, Applejack lingered with them on the couch, her eyes drifting from the mare she cared so deeply for, to the stallion who had worked so hard to help her out of such horrible times of late. That same loving confident look was shared by both, and her heart swelled and melted at the shared love she found there. "I will. I can’t leave Dash suffering, I ain't that kind of friend. Besides, she really came through for the farm during Applebuck Season, now it's my time to help her before we get swamped dealing with Gilda." With a resolute grin and a firm nod she leaned in, using her larger size to pin down her two lovers, giving each in turn a lingering kiss.

Just as she started to step away from the couch, Rarity called out, still breathless from the wonderful feeling of Applejack’s body pinning her hard against Dusk’s own powerful frame. "Darling, don't forget to stop by my boutique on the way over. I've some of those white chocolate pretzel sticks left that Dash refuses to admit she adores. Something to break the ice with your paramour.”

Suddenly somewhat reluctant, Applejack would look from one, to the other, before at last offering them a soft nod, pealing herself from the hug. “Thank you Rarity, Dusk. I will return in the morning.” Slipping out the door, AJ went to go make Dash a happy mare.

Author's Notes:

First to get this in before anyone freaks: No there will not be a sex scene between Dash and Applejack in the next chapter. Due to Dash being under 18 at the moment in the show, such a sex scene would be unacceptable according to site rules. Sorry for getting your hopes up, but don't worry, I do have plains to make that up to you all during Dash's upcoming birthday.

Second, huge shout out to Frankie and F14m3rz for their assistance on editing, as well as ShadowThunder for continuing his good work helping me sort out insane idea's from valid ones.

Progress report:
Chapter 6: Part 2 has been outlined, expect it in the next week or two depending on mental block and distractions from my ps4 [dragon age 3 has been a ton of fun so far]
Chapter 7 has been heavily discussed and will begin outlining it during mental blocks with Chapter 6 Part 2
Interlude 5: has been plotted out and will be outlined in the next few days.

Wrabbit Progress: We are 1/3rd of the way though Interlude 2, hope to have it finished in the next week. Progress, yay!

As always, leave me all your thoughts, comments and suggestions! While I will ask you to spoiler tag things you think are spoilers, remember I have only once had to delete a comment for revealing one, so don't be scared to ask about anything!