One Human man, one Unicorn mare, one Zebra mare, and one Earth Pony stallion stood in the Ponyville Park. In front of them was a device which looked to be some sort of deformed stapler. The strange device was hooked up to a long insulated wire that had been strung up on a series of tall, thin poles, which were interspersed from the park all the way to the top of Ponyville Dam. Artex finished deciphering the previous message Twilight had sent from the dam as he finished his explanation of how the telegraph functioned.

"... And that Mr. Rich, is how the telegraph works." Artex finished with his demonstration and crossed his arms. He was more than content with the alternative to Morse Code. 'Morris Code' as the new code had been named, worked just as well as he had hoped, 'Thank you Mr. Almond.' He thought.

Razor and Oriana stood beside the Emissary, both were sporting impressed expressions. Oriana leaned over to her Sister/Wife and whispered, "I have heard you and Artex describe some of the wonders of his world before but... I never imagined anything like THIS. Chris Vacca created a teleport system using magic, that is to be expected with how inventive Humans are. To create a device for long distance communication WITHOUT using any magic though...," the Zebra mare shook her mane out, "This I cannot believe. This is far beyond anything I would have ever imagined, it is incredible beyond words!"

Filthy Rich nearly had Bit signs in his eyes as he peered down at the coded message sent from Twilight Sparkle, sent from more than a League away without magic. The accomplishment was so far beyond the scope of his imagination he could scarcely believe it was not some elaborate trick. With a colossal grin plastered all over his face he turned to Artex, "Well there Mr. Emissary, it seems that you have surpassed my expectations, by many orders of magnitude. I suppose when you Humans say you can do something we should all learn not to be surprised in the future." Filthy Rich sat down on his haunches and looked up at the tall Human, "Let's talk about royalties, shall we?"

Razor Wit leaned back over and whispered to Oriana, "If you think this is something... Artex has told me about complex machines that are smaller than a hoof which allow you to hold a conversation with somepony on the opposite side of the world... as if they were right in front of you."

Oriana's eyes bulged, "They have wires like that," she gestured to the telegraph wire, "All over their world?"

Razor shook her head, "No, the devices send some sort of invisible signals through the air. You can hear the voice of the other person and even see their face as if you were both together in the same place."

Oriana froze briefly as her brain rebooted, "Wha... how... but... where... WHAT!?" she shrieked, "They do THAT!? WITHOUT MAGIC!?"

Artex and Filthy Rich both stopped and stared at her outburst. Both looked concerned. A few seconds later the telegraph began clicking again. Puzzled, Artex began deciphering the message. After it finished, it took him several minutes to finish deciphering the message. He chuckled and looked to his two loves, "It's from Twilight. She asked what's wrong. She could hear that yell way up on the top of the dam."

* * *

"I just want to be sure, ten percent of all revenues is a good deal, right?" Artex asked to his companions.

Twilight giggled as she trotted back to her home, "For the third time Artex, it's an excellent deal. Look at it this way, if Mr. Rich makes ten Bits, you get one of those. It's quite a good deal."

Razor smiled and turned to her love, "Besides did you see his face when you explained the business opportunities he could gain using the New Humansville Shipping Services? I think he was about ready to adopt you."

The mares shared a hearty chuckle as they walked. Artex smiled, but did not join in their laughter. He had other things on his mind, 'Why am I acting like a horny teenager? Two months ago the thought of making love to a Kavim was... well unthinkable. Now though, it's like somebody flipped a switch. Now I want to kiss Oriana and especially Razor all the time. Hell I want to do a fair bit more than that.' he grimaced in confusion, 'What is the DEAL?'

As the mares continued to talk as they trotted back to the library, Artex continued his mental questioning. His thoughts swirled around various possibilities. Perhaps he had always had a deviant sexual preference. Perhaps he had been a zoophile in denial... nope. Kavim weren't animals by ANY stretch of the imagination. Xenophile though... again not the answer. He was still attracted to Human women, but now he was also attracted to Kavim women. That sounded closer to him. The Kavim weren't animals any more than Humans were apes, they were aliens plain and simple. They were close enough to Humans in mind and emotions that the line had blurred... that was it, 'Because of my exposure to them my mind has been subconsciously conditioning itself to find them acceptable and attractive. Not that I mind of course.' He looked down at his two mares laughing and chatting with the slightly taller Twilight, 'I love them both.'

His mind then went to the third mare he was considering, 'And what of Rose Thorn? She is certainly the epitome of both desirable and attractive for an Earth Pony. I can't wait to take her to meet my adopted family.' He smirked as he imagined the grilling Applejack would certainly give the mint colored mare, 'I hope they approve of her, not that it would be a deal-breaker for me. I like who I like and if they don't like her well... I do.' He had already stopped by Sweet Apple Acres to inform his adopted family of the good news. They also had some news for him. Big Mac and Cheerilee had rounded out the herd and the new mares and their families, as many as could make it, were visiting from all over. The families were staying in the farm house but were out in Ponyville looking around and buying more food for the gathering in the evening. Big Mac had been busy in the fields and Granny Smith had been unwilling to tell Artex who else his adopted brother had chosen. She all but jumped for joy when she heard that Artex was also bringing his herd as well. The old farm house was certain to be a busy place in the evening and everybody was eager to meet and greet.

Rose had decided to stay at the Library so she could relax a bit before going to meet the Apples. She had been insistent on being proper and being accepted by her hopeful husband's family, as was tradition. Artex had yet to see such a dynamic at work and if he was being honest with himself he did have an interest in seeing such a thing in motion. The small procession reached the Library and trying to be a gentleman, Artex held the door until all the mares had entered. He followed and closed the door behind them. Looking around, he saw Suey lying in front of the couch where Rose was asleep. The young Great Pig was already what Artex believed was close to, if not more than, two hundred and fifty pounds and she was still growing. Suey was longer than adult Kavim but only a bit more than half as tall. Her legs though were an indicator of how big she would eventually get. Each of her legs had thickened significantly and each had a circumference equal to Artex' upper arms. He doubted he could ever knock her over again.

Rose had nearly fallen out when she had first laid eyes on Suey. She had never seen a Great Pig before but apparently somewhere far back in her family's history there had been a Pony who had lived in a town which had been guarded by a Great Pig. The story had been passed down generationaly and Rose Thorn remembered those stories. The two had almost instantly become fast friends and to the other members of the herd it was a sign that Rose was a solid choice.

Artex cleared his throat as he headed toward the kitchen, "Hey Twilight, the Apple family is having a get-together this evening. Can I use your kitchen to make something to bring?"

Twilight twitched her left ear and turned toward the Human, "You 'can'. The question is, 'am I going to let you?'." She smirked at him and shook her head, "Yes, you 'may' use the kitchen as long as Spike doesn't mind."

Artex cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled up to the second floor, "SPIIIIIKE! Do you mind if I use the kitchen to make something?"

Spike's voice called down from above, "Just clean up your mess."

Artex lowered his hands and nodded. He turned to the mares, "Have any of you ever had garbage bread?"

A trio of confused looks answered his question well enough. He sighed loudly and shook his head, "It's not actually garbage. It's dough with cheese, onions, bell peppers, and olives folded into the center and you dip it in seasoned tomato sauce... you have no idea what I'm talking about do you?" Three pairs of eyes all blinked almost in unison and he hung his head, "I just hope you like it." He turned his head and addressed Twilight specifically, "I'll make one for you and Spike to eat while we're gone tonight." And then he ducked into the kitchen.

Twilight looked over to Razor and Oriana with a good-natured half grin, "And you two WANT to be with him?"

"I'm becoming more and more certain by the minute." Rose groggily spoke up from the couch. She stretched her forelegs and arched her back, cracking and popping multiple joints as she did so. She yawned and scratched at her rump with her left forehoof as she blinked owlishly at the other mares, "What time is it?"

Oriana looked at the clock hanging on the wall then turned back to Rose, "We have about three hours before we need to go to the Apples' estate."

Razor giggled behind her right forehoof, "It's not an estate, it's a farm. The Apple family aren't rich... well not with money anyway."

"I would have thought they were wealthy since they adopted the Emissary. I thought it was for political gain. Such a thing is not unheard of." Oriana said openly.

Twilight sat down on the floor and began to explain, "They adopted Artex before he was the Emissary. Artex was attacked by Timberwolves, and even though he survived the encounter, he was badly injured and had to be given a blood transfusion. Since there were no other Humans available, one of the members of the Apple family volunteered to donate the blood. Artex' body adapted to the blood and most of his organs changed to match that of an Earth Pony. Since it was a member of the Apple family who donated the blood, they declared him a member of the family. I'm not certain if Artex knows, but they actually have the paperwork to prove it. He is a legal member of the Apple family."

Razor took over, "Every internal part of his body matches that of an Earth Pony, it's just the outside parts that still cling to his Human form. That and his mind. His mind is still Human in how he thinks. He mentally developed as a Human and that is still how he thinks of himself."

Rose slipped off the couch, being careful not to step on Suey, "Wait a second, he's basically an Earth Pony with a Human shell?"

"He's like a yummy filled pastry! All flaky and kind of weird on the outside, but the inside is filled with gooey goodness! I wonder if he's got cream filling? Ooh, would he squirt cream filling if I squeezed him hard enough?" Pinkie Pie said bouncing out from behind the couch and directly behind Rose Thorn.

Acting on reflex and moving faster than Twilight, Razor, or Oriana could see, Rose kicked out with her back legs. She hit only air but as her hind legs came back down to the floor she heard a rude flatulent noise. Puzzled, she looked down and spotted a whoopee cushion under her left hind leg. Blinking in puzzlement, she lifted her leg and gazed at it, wondering where it had come from. Of Pinkie there was no sign.

The other three mares in the room all laughed openly at the scene. Razor chuckled, "Well Pinkie, if Artex DOES have an cream filling, I doubt it's meant for YOUR..."

"EEW!" Twilight yelled covering her ears, "Eew, eew, eew, eew! I do not want to think about THAT!"

"Razor Wit!" Oriana snapped, "That was uncalled for and HIGHLY inappropriate!"

Rose Thorn cocked her head in confusion. Razor stopped talking and lowered her head, "Sorry Ori, I've just been thinking about... things like that ever since he first kissed me." She scuffed the floor with her right forehoof, "I wasn't trying to be gross, it just sort of... slipped out."

Oriana's face softened and she placed a comforting hoof over Razor's back, "I'm not angry, but that was inappropriate. We can discuss such things among ourselves, but it's extremely rude to do so in front of those who are not in our herd..."

"Ha!" Artex scoffed from the doorway of the kitchen, "If you think that was bad, just wait till you hear some of the things Granny Smith says!" Artex then went back to work in the kitchen.

Rose then spoke up, "He's right too, but you do have a good point Oriana." She turned her head to Razor, "I don't see any problem with talking about topics like that but it should stay within the herd or at least the family." She smiled, "It was a good joke, but uh..."

"She just means to say that it was a teensy bit inappropriate to say in front of me or Twilight." Pinkie said popping up from behind Rose again, "And besides he's not supposed to put it in..."

Rose shoved her left hind hoof into Pinkie's muzzle, "Not for you to comment on... whoever you are... who are you anyway, and how did you get in here?"

Twilight giggled and shook her head in a dismissive manner, "There are some things that even the greatest minds don't understand."

Oriana decided to use the time productively, "Why don't we tell you about what Artex has already told us on our outings?" She blinked and giggled, "Oh and that's just Pinkie Pie."

* * *

Suey led the way up the small hill to the farmhouse of Sweet Apple Acres with Artex, Razor, Oriana, and Rose Thorn all walking together behind her. Artex was carrying his shoulder bag and within, held four loaves of his so-called 'garbage bread'. In her time with Razor and Artex, Oriana had yet to meet any member of the Apple family other than Applejack during a visit with Twilight. Artex and Razor were trying to fill in Oriana and Rose about what to expect from the farm Ponies.

"Granny Smith is technically the head of the household and she's a funny one. She's very accepting and really sweet but she'll make comments that make even me blush. Big Macintosh is equally accepting but he probably won't say much. It's nothing against you, he just doesn't say a whole lot unless he knows you really well. Expect most of his comments to be either, 'Ayup' or, 'Enope'."

Razor picked up where he left off, "He's right. I don't think I've heard him say even a full sentence in the entire time I've known him. The youngest one, Applebloom, is going to be asking both of you a lot of questions. She's a very sweet filly and very inquisitive. Don't be surprised if she asks you about your cutie mark either." She then turned specifically to Rose Thorn, "Now Applejack though, HER you might have to watch out for. She's very protective of her family and if she gets it into her head that you're not good for Artex expect plenty of volume about it. She won't be shy about how she feels and the best way to deal with her is to be just as open as she is. She generally won't be rude so don't be rude to her, but be straightforward with what you have to say."

Rose nodded along with Razor, "O.k. so be direct but polite. I also get the feeling that I probably shouldn't challenge her either."

Artex shook his head, "That would be a REMARKABLY bad idea. She and Rainbow Dash compete all the time. If Applejack smells a challenge, you'll be in for an ordeal trying to get her to back down. That mare and I share that same type of tenacity and stubbornness. Once we make up our minds, we are nearly immovable objects."

Rose nodded and looked up at the farm house looming over them. They had arrived and could already hear plenty of voices from around the back of the farmhouse. The mint colored Earth Pony mare swallowed hard and followed her herdmates toward the door. Artex walked toward the door and the three mares behind him immediately noticed that at some point his mood had shifted. He moved with more spring in his step as he all but hopped up the stairs and the small flourish and bow he performed as he held the door for them was not lost on them either.

The three mares entered the house first and Artex followed behind closing the door as he did so. The sounds of clanking plates and the smells of home cooked food came from the kitchen, prompting Artex to call out, "Anypony home? You've got a hungry omnivore and three hungry mares here!" he shouted good-naturedly.

"Bout time y'all showed up!" Applejack yelled from the kitchen, "Any o' them mares any good in the kitchen? Ah could sure use the help."

Rose took a breath and trotted forward with the rest of the herd following. She entered the kitchen to the sight of more than a dozen platters, casserole pans, and baking dishes filled with a variety of foods, "What do you need me to do?" Rose asked.

Applejack turned her head away from the oven where she had been preparing to take a cobbler out. She raised her right forehoof and tipped her hat back looking Rose up and down appraisingly, "Jes take the coolest dishes and pans to the tables out back an' set 'em down wherever there's room. We'll make the introductions later."

Rose nodded and turned to the closest pan as Razor, Oriana, and Artex entered the kitchen behind her, "Hey what about us?" Artex asked challengingly, "I'm an Apple too, you know."

Applejack yelled over her shoulder, "Well then git your flanks movin' an' take these here dishes out back. Ah ain't complainin' 'bout more help."

Artex strode forward and grabbed the nearest casserole dish. He lifted it just as Rose exited out the back door and he followed in her wake. Oriana and Razor did the same with two other dishes. Unbeknownst to Razor Wit, Applejack had been watching her while taking the cobbler out of the oven, 'She got a horn but she's usin' her mouth like an Earth Pony.' Applejack smiled at the sight, 'Ah wasn't so sure 'bout havin' a Unicorn as anythin' but an honorary Apple but she might jes do.'

Oriana followed Artex and Razor followed behind the Zebra mare. The scene outside was one of merriment. Ponies of all colors and tribes stood or sat around a quintet of picnic tables and friendly conversation came from every single one. Rose took her pan to the farthest table and set it down in front of an older Earth Pony mare.

The old mare eyed Rose critically then smiled, "An' who might you be, youngin'?"

"Rose Thorn, ma'am. I'm hoping to be a member of Artex' and Razor's herd." Rose responded politely.

Granny Smith smiled and slapped her right forehoof down on the table, "Now YORE what Ah calls a mare!" She looked at Rose from top to bottom, "Yew sure y'all ain't a member o' our family already? Ya got the look an' ya sure as HAY got the build."

Rose smiled at the older mare, "Quite sure, ma'am."

Granny Smith waved her forehooves as if she were waving away a foul smell, "Aw don't give me any o' that fancy talk, ya hear! Jes call me Granny." She waved Rose in close, "An' don't go thinkin' that mah big ole gangly baboon is weak or nothin'. Ee's nearly as strong as Big Mac." She said gesturing to the largest and most muscled stallion Rose had ever seen.

Rose had worked with and competed with many stallions, the vast majority of which had a considerable amount of muscle on them, but Big Macintosh left them all in the dirt. His muscle was tightly corded and thin, his coat was brilliant red, and his mane and tail were cropped short. He was without a doubt the most attractive stallion Rose had ever seen. Rose almost had to remind herself that she wanted Artex and not his adopted brother. The fact that Granny was comparing the strength of Artex to that of Big Mac was a statement not made lightly. Rose felt her mouth watering at the thought of the strength of the man she had chosen to court.

Around Big Mac stood five attractive mares. One was a mulberry colored Earth Pony and sported a trio of blooming flowers on her flank. The second was a butter yellow Pegasus with luxuriously long pink mane and tail who had a trio of butterflies adorning her flank. The third was a surprise to see. She was a Zebra mare like Oriana except she wore large hoop earrings and her mane was up in a mohawk. An image of a shining sun adorned her flank. The fourth mare was a mint green color just like Rose except the mare was a Unicorn with a lyre cutie mark. Her mane and tail were turquoise with a white streak in them. The fifth mare was an egg shell colored Earth Pony who had a two-toned mane and tail, half blue and half pink. A trio of wrapped candies was set upon her flank. All five mares seemed quite happy and Rose had to admit that if Big Mac's personality matched his looks she could understand why they were.

"He already done proposed to 'em." Granny Smith said in Rose's ear, "Ah like 'em jes fine too. Ah was kind o' leery 'bout the Unicorn an' her friend, but if mah grandson's happy then so am Ah."

A clunk next to Rose caught her attention. She turned and smiled as she saw Artex had set down his pan next to her own. He knelt down and embraced Granny Smith in a warm hug, "Good to see you Granny." He released her and stood back up, "I see you've already met the newest mare. You haven't been giving her a hard time have you?"

Granny laughed openly, "Nowhere near half the 'hardness' o' the time yore gonna be givin' her on yer weddin' night. Heeheeheehee!"

Rose's cheeks flushed red as Artex facepalmed, "Grannnnnny." he groaned, "I know how all that works, BELIEVE me."

Razor Wit and Oriana trotted up next to Artex. Razor inclined her head toward the eldest Apple, "Good to see you again, Granny Smith."

Granny turned her head and chuckled at Razor, "An' it's good to see yew too, youngin'! Y'all rounded out th' herd yet?"

Razor shook her head, "Not yet I'm afraid. I'm actually surprised that nopony else has shown an interest in Artex."

Artex gave a sheepish grin and rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "That's... not quite true."

He immediately had the full attention of Razor, Oriana, Rose, and Granny Smith. Granny cackled loudly, "Well come on now, don't keep us in suspense. Who is it?"

"Her name is... um... Vaiawa." Artex said quietly.

Granny's face contorted as she mouthed the name. Meanwhile his three confirmed mares all just stared at him with open mouths. Oriana was the first to recover, "Vaiawa? As in... Vaiawa?" She blinked three times rapidly, "Wow, I never saw THAT as likely."

"That sure is an odd name for a Pony there Artex. Is she an Earth Pony, a Pegasus, or a Unicorn?" Granny asked.

"She..." Artex closed his eyes and took a deep breath then opened them, "She isn't... in the strictest sense of the word... a Pony."

Granny's face fell like an avalanche. She opened her mouth once then closed it then opened it again then closed it again. After a few moments she managed to collect herself, "Is she another Zebra? Like the poor mare standin' behind ya that y'all forgot to introduce?"

Artex grasped onto the change of topic, happily taking the 'out' that Granny had given him. He did not miss the stern look she shot him either, a look which said in no uncertain terms 'we will talk about this later'. He turned to the Zebra mare who had been patiently standing behind Razor and himself, "Granny, this is Oriana." He said as he motioned her forward.

Granny silently peered at Oriana closely for a while before she said anything, "Ain't yew a little young ter be in a herd?" she asked candidly.

Oriana shook her head quickly, "No. Back on the plains, it is not uncommon for mares even younger than I to marry or at least be betrothed. I am nineteen. A legal adult even here in Equestria."

Granny put her left forehoof to her chin in thought and lapsed into silence. The minutes ticked by with the sounds of talking in the background. Finally Granny nodded, "Ah'll have y'all know, Ah ain't got nothin' against Zebras. Ah'm jes concerned about yew. If a mare goes and gets herself with foal too young it'll mess with her body. If Artex an Razor are happy with yew then Ah got nothin' against it, but Ah want y'all to make me a promise. Artex, don't yew go gettin' this here mare in a family way for at least a couple more years. Make sure she's done growin' before y'all go thinkin' 'bout that, ya hear? She's a tender young thing an' Ah ain't gonna take well to hearin' 'bout no problems she's havin' cause she's too young an' y'all are tryin' to make more Apples."

Artex nodded solemnly, "I understand Granny."

Granny nodded firmly, "Good." She groaned as she slowly stood up, "Now hows about y'all help an ole' mare while she goes to check up on some o' our other farm members?"

Artex caught the flinty look in Granny's eye and nodded, "I'll come with you." He turned back to Razor, Oriana, and Rose, "Go mingle. Meet some more Ponies. I'll be back soon."

* * *

Artex walked alongside Granny as she tottered around the farm. For a time neither of them spoke a single word. Granny was the one to finally break the silence when they had gotten away from the gathering, "Come on then, out with it. What is this new mare that even yer herdmates didn't know about?"

Artex' cheeks reddened in embarrassment, "She isn't a Pony, she's a Changeling."

Granny stopped on a dime, narrowing her eyes up at Artex, "Yew care to repeat that?" She asked in a cold tone.

Artex stopped as well and planted his hands on his hips, "I said she's a Changeling, Granny."

Granny sighed loudly and shook her head, "Ain't proper Artex. Not after what they did at Canterlot."

"She isn't like that Granny." Artex said quietly, "She disobeyed an order from Chrysalis, their queen. She refused to take part in the attack. She even helped out New Humansville when they had to deal with some Bloodmages..."

Granny's eyes shot wide open, "BLOODMAGES! Those no-good, murderin', theivin', ponynappin', monsters are still around!? Ah thought the Peacemakers got rid o' 'em!"

Artex shrugged, "I suppose they didn't. But yes, Vaiawa helped confront them. She's the one who told us that Changelings are immune to Blood Magic. She broke one of their circles and was shot by three crossbow quarrels. She's a good Changeling. I turned her down because she wanted to be with me for the wrong reasons, but if she figures out the right reasons I plan to give her a fair chance." Artex jutted out his jaw and squared his shoulders, "I will court her if I so chose. I'd really like your blessing in this, but I will do what I see to be right."

Granny laid back her ears, "Yore an Apple alright. Got the stubborn streak an' everythin'." Granny pitted the ground with a still strong left forehoof, "Consarn it, but she sounds like she ain't all bad." She looked up at her adopted grandson with a stern expression, "Ah'll give ya mah blessin' on one condition. She's gotta come here an' show herself, the way she really is an' git Applejack to approve of her. If she can do THAT... Ah'll give yall mah blessin'. Now if she don't, if y'all go off an' git hitched without mah blessin', Ah won't be mean to her, but Ah won't really be able to accept her until she comes up here with a little Apple bundle. Ah knows they can do that too so don't try an' tell me it ain't possible."

Artex pursed his lips, "That's a heck of a tall order Granny."

"Well, if'n she loves you, she'll do it." Granny shot back stubbornly.

Artex sighed and nodded, "Alright, if she figures out the right reason I'll let her know." He quirked his right eyebrow, "You seem to know a fair bit about Changelings and Bloodmages, Granny. You have GOT to tell me how you know so much." Artex said with a curious expression.

Granny shook her head mildly as if they were discussing the weather, "No, Ah don't. Now let's git back to that party."

The plot thickens (Celestia stop eating all that darn cake!). Let me know if you spot any typos.