I imagined Celestia would stand before me, her fury burning like the sun that she represents, burning me to my very essence, to my very soul. But instead, she only sighed and looked at me with a smile.

"I'm glad to hear that you share feelings for my dear sister. I was afraid you were merely using her for her body or her stature." Celestia spoke with her usual calm and motherly tone. All my tension that I felt from before was now alleviated once I saw her tender smile, as I cast my eyes to look towards Luna, who was teary eyed with a quivering smile. I couldn't help but feel relieved as a sense of joy washed through me.

"I did it, I finally confessed my feelings to Luna, and honestly, I feel pretty happy with the decision that I have made." I looked to Celestia and decided to save my thoughts for a more 'private' occasion where I can think to myself without any possible intrusion.

"But I must warn you Vincent…" I looked to Celestia as she spoke to me in a more serious mannerism. "If ever you wrong my sister or put her in harm in any way shape or form. I will show you no restraint or mercy as I pass punishment fitting for you actions. Do I make myself clear?" I gave her a stern glare as I responded.
"Perfectly. Now let me tell you something…" She raised her eyebrows in surprise and gave me a questioning gaze. "If I ever wrong Luna in any way. I won't give you the chance to reap out punishment upon me." I grasped Salvation from my back as I hear a 'click' once my hand made contact with the handle before releasing it from its clamp and stabbing the large blade into the ground, cracking the marbled flooring and resuming my statement.

"For I will see to it that I, myself, will correct my own undoing, with this very blade if it comes to that." Celestia looked at me with a preposterous expression as she stated.

"Are you trying to mock me, Vincent Valor?!" My gaze remained unnerved or unchanged as she projected her voice.

"No, I'm giving you a promise. There is no false representation with what I say, for I speak as a loyal and honest man. If I ever break her heart or wrong her in anyway, I will do whatever is necessary to pay for what I have done." We only stared at one another, our gaze steeled with our intention as the room filled with an eerie silence.

"I hope we have an understanding Celestia." I said calmly. She only stared before closing her eyes and sighing, then facing me with a smile.

"Yes, I believe we do. Although was it necessary to break my floor?" She said with a teasing glance. I looked at the ground to see the cracked flooring as Salvation's tip was surrounded by now marbled debris. I chuckled as I pulled the blade out and sheathed it on my back.

"Hehe, sorry about that Celestia. I… guess I got little carried away there." I said nervously, rubbing the back of my head in slight awkwardness. I heard a sudden galloping noise before looking to see Luna running my way.

"Vincent!" Luna cried as she took to the air with arms wide open, now soaring my way. My eyes grew wide at her sudden action as I opened my arms before she landed upon me, falling within each others grasps. She held on to me with a tight embrace, her cool scent filling my nostrils as my hands held her upper back, rubbing her soft silky fur with a hesitation. She held on and nuzzled herself against me with such warmth and tender compassion as I felt something wet dripping on my shoulders before she shudders with the sound of her tears. Celestia looked at us both with a warm smile as she said.

"I'm glad to see that Luna is so happy with you Vincent, but you must promise me that you will take care of her. I do not wish to see my sister in any more pain then she has endured already. Surely you understand."

I looked back at her with a smile as I responded.

"I give you my word. I will not have harm come upon her. No matter what, I will be there to protect her and keep her safe." Celestia smiles as she nodded her head.

"Thank you Vincent." I returned with the same gesture as I looked to Luna and smiled.

"Do you mind following me Luna, I want to talk to you about something." She looked at me and tilts her head in wonder but with a smile on her muzzle.

"Of course. Lead the way Vincent." I took her by the hand, making her blush from our contact, and guided her out towards the throne room exit before looking back at Celestia and bidding farewell before we took our exit. We made our way down the left passage and up the stairs like last time I came here and went out to the balcony before I turned around to face her with a troubled expression. She seemed to have noticed this and felt a little unease, but was very concerned for what was in my mind.

"What seems to be troubling thee Vincent?" She asked in concern. I thought of the best way to approach the issue I had in my mind and how I should go about on resolving that issue without hurting anypony.

"Well, it's about this whole relationship thing." I started, trying to find my words as I rubbed the back of my head nervously. Luna gained a sadden expression as she asked.

"Does thou not truly mean to be with us?" Hearing her sounded hurt struck me as I quickly tried to correct myself.

"No, that's not it. Well…I don't know if you knew or heard anything, but…" I paused to look at her as she waited for my explanation with a pleading gaze. I sighed as I resumed, "You're not the first to confess your feelings towards me Luna." I turned my gaze away from her, to avoid feeling judged or ridiculed for my statement. I honestly didn't know how she would react or what to expect from her. But I was expecting the worst case scenario, but hoping for this to just blow away and settle down. Luna leaned forward with her hands on her knees as she looked up at me.

"Tis this true Vincent?" She asked simply. I nodded with my eyes still averted without uttering a word, trying to be careful of what my actions may occur in the position that I'm in.

"Y-you see Luna, a certain um…mare, confessed herself to me…and tried so hard to win my heart. But…~sigh~ do you mind if we sit down please?" I asked as I felt my mind beginning to spin and my body growing heavy. Like a stone is embedded in my chest and is only growing larger the more I spoke and the more I looked at Luna. She only smiled as she walked to the end of the balcony off to the side, sat on a white-stone bench and patted an empty spot beside her. I blushed and made my way beside her to take my seat. Luna placed a hand on my lap and looked at me with sincerity.

"Please continue Vincent." She said with sweetness. I looked at her as her eyes and voice just calmed me, if only enough to continue where I left off.

"Okay...here it goes." I began as I inhaled deeply, readying to begin with my explanation before I resumed, "The last time I was here, I was confronted by a mare, whom is a very close friend of mine, as she openly 'confessed' her feelings for me and one thing led to another and we got caught in a...'moment'." Luna tilts her head in a puzzle on what I meant, which made explaining this all the more difficult to me as I hoped that she was gonna catch on to my meaning. As some time went by, she remained to hold her confused expression before she deduced,

"Did thou offer a romantic evening for said mare?" I smiled at her innocent response before I blushed, knowing where this question would lead. I've already started and only ending this discussion with questions answered is proving to be inevitable.

"No, not quite. You see Luna...this mare and I...had an intimate 'moment', something that is done between two special someponies." I explained further, growing drastically embarrassed as Luna's eyes went wide as she realized what I had meant before she too was blushing.

"Oh...We see. But we thought that thou art only close friends." She pressed further, digging her way to better understand the situation at hand in my mind. I scratched the back of my head out of awkwardness, she had a valid point after all. For me to have slept with my best friend and then make a claim such as it being an act of significant couples made my predicament all the more confusing and awkward.

"Well...yea. We are close friends, later in that evening I expressed to her that I wished for us to better bond between one another before I make a final decision. Because not only did she make advances towards me, but...um... three others have as well." My cheeks were burning red once I have told her how many confessions and encounters I have endured. Luna was in no better state then I was as she started to...giggle?!

She laughed with a cute innocence in her voice that only made me confused and wonder as to what exactly was funny.

"Luna, its not really that funny." I whined as I avert my gaze with a red hue.

"hahaha. Forgive us dear Vincent. But we expected some form of competition, but we were unaware that thou had such charm." She stated with a sultry emphasis in her tone. I was surprised and was left speechless, I couldn't think of what to say. Just as Luna caught her breath and maintained her composure, she began to speak on.

"Dear Vincent, for a moment we thought thou was second guessing in thy declaration for a commitment. Now tell us Vincent...What dost thou know of being in a 'Herd'?" I looked at her puzzled, as the first thing that went into my mind was like a flock of sheep or a wolf pack.

"Um...nothing much really. I would believe that it is something of a...group?" I mentally struggled in my reply as Luna gave another chuckle.

"Well, thou isn't wrong. A 'Herd' is a group comprised of lovers, the gender and race is irrelevant and holds no meaning so long as the lovers view it as such. When thou creates a Herd, there is the Alpha of the Herd, or the one whom makes the decisions. In this instance, since thou who have made the approach to begin a commitment, thou are considered the Alpha, and thus hast taken a role as to satisfying thine lovers needs respectively while maintaining thou's position as the dominant one. Which means, if something were to happen to thy lovers, thou must take responsibility no matter what." Luna finished in her elaborate explanation. I found myself very intrigued by this...custom that they had, though my mind wondered on where this applies within what I was talking about...unless...

"Luna, what exactly are you implying here? That I'm able to have multiple relationships and that you would allow it?!" I spoke in a raised tone as she only smiled and replied with a brazened gaze.

"Why would thou believe that? Would thou prefer to have more than one relationship? Tis it that we may not, satisfy thee?" She teased with a sly smirk upon her muzzle. My face was red with embarrassment as she laid her card on me and left me flustered as I replied meekly.

"I-I'm not saying that I want to or not, its just...a question, that's all." She looked at me with a sultry gaze before she leaned against me with her hand rubbing on my inner leg as she whispered into my ear.

"Yes, thou is permitted to have more than one relationship." I was now beet red in shock from her reply before a questioning expression dawned upon my face. I looked to her as she maintained her sultry gaze as I asked.

"Is this a custom that all citizens of Equestria follow through?" I asked in curiousness. She kept her gaze as she replied back.

"Tis not a 'demanded' choice, most do follow this poly custom, where as others prefer a monogamous relationship." I looked at her with great interest as I pressed further in knowing about their social standing on the matter.

"So everypony is okay with those being in a Herd?" She only giggles upon my question.

"If thou is implying if thee whilst be shunned for thine life-choice, then yes, everypony is perfectly fine with those in a Herd."

"And what about you? Where do you stand in this? Would you prefer to have a monogamous relationship, or be in a Herd?" She gave me those bedroom eyes as she leaned closer into me, her hand resting on my lap as was close to pressing herself into me as she cooed in response.

"We wish to be in a Herd. We have always enjoyed the company of others in a more intimate fashion and do not wish for that desire to be 'chained down'. Besides, upon this discussion, we have grown very interested in Rarity's input upon the matter, as well as we are curious about her." I didn't know exactly how to take the last part of her response, but I can only guess that she meant it in a more, discrete fashion, and gulped at the thought of the two within my company. "But now that I think about it, it would be very interesting having to court both Rarity and Luna. I mean this knowledge regarding being in a Herd makes this relationship issue a lot easier, but the fact still stands that which one, I have to hold up responsibility for all I'm in an affair with, and two, Luna did mention that some would prefer to be in a monogamous relationship, and as far as I know, Rarity may wish to be in a monogamous relationship rather then being in a Herd." After giving myself time to think, I looked at Luna and gave her a warm embrace. Much to her surprise, she only smiles as she welcomes the action with a tender hold of her own.

"Thank you Luna. Talking to you about this matter has really helped relief me from these stressful thoughts that plagued my mind. But now, I have to meet up with Rarity, and what better way to ask on her input then in the company of my new and first Herd's mate." As I expressed myself to the Princess, she pulls away from me as she gained a joyous smile whilst she tries to contain her jubilation.

"Dost that mean thou wishes to speak to Rarity upon invitation to our Herd?" I nodded in response as Luna became all giddy as she lunges herself into me, nuzzling her cheeks on my chest. My heart melted from her action as I held her and rubbed the back of her head with my hand, my fingers gently digging into her ethereal night-like mane. As my fingers seem to glide across her strands, I noticed that they felt very light and silky soft to the touch, almost like running my hand through gentle water. She pulled away as she held my hands and looked at me with gleaming eyes full of excitement.

"Let us not dally any longer then and make haste to Ponyville to invite Rarity into our Herd." With eagerness in her voice, Luna pulls me up and literally drags me down the hallway to the lower floor of the castle. As we made our way down the Castle halls and turning at the main intersection, we continued forward and made our way to an outing of sorts. A landing of Marble-tiled flooring much like the rest of the Castle's decor, but apart from the norm of an excessively large balcony, stood a carriage with two Pegasus stallion guards posted, having small idle chatter while maintaining their position until they noticed their Princess of the Night approaching them along with myself in tow. They cut their conversation short as they stood professionally at attention, silent and steeled as Luna stood before them.

"Guards. We request that you escort us to Ponyville with haste, for we have an important meeting to attend to." As Luna made her command, the guards asked no questions and only did what was asked from them as they fastened a harness onto themselves, strapping around their bodies without it obstructing their wings, giving them free reign to expand and use their wings to their fullest. I noticed Luna approaching the entrance of the carriage as I made haste to open the door just before she reached out her hand to the handle. She looked in surprise, but quickly replaced it with a look of appreciation.

"Why we thank thee, Vincent. Truly a fine gentlecolt." She complimented as she entered the carriage as I followed in suit while responding.

"I'm only doing what a good man should do for his mare." I took my seat on the cushioned seat as she turned to face me with flattery.

"Hehe, thou is quite the charmer." I looked at her with confidence and gave her a wink as she blushed with a giggle.

"So Vincent. Please tell us, how art thou enjoying your time here in Ponyville. We have heard that thou hast found a stable job." I puffed out my chest with a grin.

"That's right. I'm working at the farm with Applejack."

"Oh, please do tell us, what was it like on thine first day?" Luna asked with interest as she rest her chin on her palms. And so throughout the short trip, I told her of my day playing a joke on Applejack, meeting her brother, then working in the fields before finally meeting up with Rainbow Dash. We laughed at some of the events that had transpired and she seemed very thrilled to hear about my race with Rainbow Dash. Although I never did figure out who won that race, but if I had to guess, I would think that she had won. But then I remembered about the weird place, being surrounded by darkness, and those window's of light. I asked her if she had any idea what that could have been. She pondered on it for a while before she replied.

"We cannot say for certain. For us, we experience something like that, although we do not feel suffering whilst dwelling in the domain. For us, we use these 'windows' as a way to enter dreams, to help those who face their nightmares or perhaps to assist our little ponies in seeking answers to their current issues." I took what she said into consideration, but then shook my head.

"It seems like it, but I never entered a ponies dream nor was I dreaming. It was like...I wasn't in this world anymore, like I was in another, and the windows were linked to other parts of where I previously was."

"Well, if this world was created by you, then it seems to be a very unique ability that perhaps you have acquired from Davian. Perhaps the next time thou enters the Mindscape, thou should consult with thee to have answers to your question." I nodded in agreement from her conduction. Although...

"It seems like a pretty sound idea, and a good advice. But the thing is is that I cannot trust somebody like Davian. He agreed to help train me to use this new power, but for what purpose, he states its to protect myself. But I can't help but feel its for something else." I replied in concern. She faced me with a straight face as she placed a hand on my shoulder.

"We know what he hast done to Gilda, and the way he presents himself may be questionable. You can always just deny him the privilege to teach you further in the ways of this new magic, but then what would you do in case of greater threats? Remember that if the Prophecy is indeed true, and a great evil is to dawn upon our land, then you must be prepared and need all the help you can get. We will gladly be there to assist you, as Princess of the Night and as your new Herdmate. But you must do your part as well. After all, we are now looking out to you to help keep Equestria safe." I looked down as the thought of the responsibilities that I have shouldered has placed me in a position to where I may have to look beyond Davian's crude and savage like demeanor and seek out his knowledge if this Prophecy is indeed true. It was tough to look past the fact that this creature was a bloodthirsty beast, but yet has shown himself to be willing to be involved with all of this...or at least to help for whatever incentive there is to him. I sighed as I looked back up to Luna.

"Perhaps you're right Luna, maybe I do need his guidance, if it means it'll make me a stronger person. Although it's going to be tough to get past him for what he is. I just don't approve of his methods."

"But tis not Davian who is going to be fending for us, tis only thee. You may not like him for who he is, but in truth, thou needs him if thee wishes to become stronger. For he possesses knowledge that can serve you greatly. So as a stallion, thou must dawn the responsibility to look past thee own personal feelings and stubbornness to help protect those that thou cares for." I was surprised to hear her speak out in such a manner. When matters gets pretty serious, she seems to be pretty straight forward on the matter. Guess that comes along with her responsibility as being a princess, she's just gotten accustomed to being boisterous.

"Do you actually believe I'm just being stubborn?" I asked in wonder, hoping that she can help valid her words to maybe bring some sense into me. She only nodded as she replied.

"Yes we do. Because of what somepony has done in a single action, immediately thou chooses to believe that that is who they are, without considering that they may have a reason behind their actions. Its good to be persistent, but being certain and unwavering with no room for chances for said pony only shows what kind of individual they themselves are. We know that you are better then that, you have a good heart but are being too stubborn based on just one event. I'm not saying that we agree with his actions. Of course there are better ways to settle the matter, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have a heart, for if he didn't, he wouldn't care for what happened to Rainbow Dash or Gilda and would have aimed at hurting them both. But he didn't, instead he stopped only Gilda and aided Rainbow Dash." My eyes opened with realization on that bit of truth. Indeed he could have easily turned around and tried to hurt everypony else, but instead he didn't. From what I was told, he kept himself distant from the other girls and only aimed at Gilda.

"Perhaps...perhaps I might have misjudged." I muttered to myself.

"Or perhaps we are the ones who are wrong and he is only doing this to deceive us. But we cannot be certain and can only keep our eyes open and be on guard. But in the meantime, learn as much as he has to offer." Luna added as I nodded in understanding. Just then, I looked out the corner of my eyes to find that we were arriving in Ponyville as I saw we past by the train station and was coming to a landing at the center of Ponyville where a fountain stood.

"Ah, we hath arrived. Come Vincent, let us forget about these troublesome thoughts for the time being and make our way to Rarity's to do what we came here to do." Luna cheered as we came to a stop and looked at me with an encouraging gaze. I only smiled as her eyes sparkled and I took my stand.

"You're right. Let's make our way to Rarity's and give her the good news, and hope that she'll be willing to agree with being in our Herd." She beamed upon my positive standing as I opened the door for us and helped her out of the carriage. We thanked the guards as Luna gave them free leave before they nodded and took off to the sky with the carriage towards the castle while Luna and I made our way towards Carousel Boutique.

As we came upon the front entry of the boutique, I reached out my hand and knocked on the door as we heard Rarity call from the other side.

"The door is open~." She sung in a sing-song tone. Luna and I looked at each other as we smiled before I opened the door for us, allowing us entry as we stepped inside her home.

"Oh Vincent darling, I'm so glad to see that you could make it. ~Gasp~ Princess Luna! W-w-what brings you into Ponyville?" Rarity stammered when she came face to face with Luna. She looked at her amused as she gave a polite smile and replied.

"We are here to accompany Vincent to come and give you some news and a rather...'inviting' offer." Rarity gained a questionable expression as she looked between both Luna and I with curiosity and eagerness.

"News...offer? Oh please do tell, I am most eager to know what it is you have to tell me." Rarity asked with excitement. I took a deep breathe, a little nervous on how to say this right and how she was going to take the news, as well as the 'offer'.

"Well, you see Rarity...um...Luna and I, we are...uh..." The more I spoke, the more Rarity looked at me with her excited face losing its glow before her smile turned into one of concern. I looked to Luna in a poor attempt of asking for support, my mouth hanging open as nothing comes out and shuts before I returned my attention to Rarity.

"Rarity. Luna and I are now...marefriend and coltfriend." I looked away in nervousness before I heard the sniffling sound of Rarity as tears fell from her eyes. She couldn't believe what she just heard. Her eyes shown that of being betrayed, as she looked from Luna and I back and forth multiple times.

"Vincent...H-h-how could you? I thought...I thought earlier...it meant something special. I thought there was a chance between us!" Rarity stammered, almost choking in her tears. I lift my head and tried to quickly remedy this as I spoke.

"No Rarity, there is a..."

"I gave you a special moment between us. How could I be so foolish? I thought you were different Vincent, a true gentlecolt. Was I wrong Vincent? Was everything a lie just to...to satisfy your lust?"

"Of course not Rarity, please let me explain."

"What is there to explain Vincent? You chose her over me. That's the truth of the matter. You said so yourself, SHE'S YOUR MAREFRIEND!" Rarity screamed in sorrow before she ran up to her room and slam the door shut. I looked to Luna with a sadden expression. I never wanted this to happen, and now...I fear I may have ruined our friendship. I crossed my arms and placed a hand on my forehead to try to relax my head as I was hurt from my own actions, but then Luna placed her hand gently on my shoulders, gaining my attention as she looked up at me sympathetically.

"Vincent, thou need not blame thyself for what hast transpired. But Vincent, there is something thou must know." Luna consoled, before I looked at her in curiosity for what she had to say.

"When you say, 'Marefriend and Coltfriend', you are implying that we are only in a monogamous relationship, rather then referring us as 'Herdmates'." She continued as she explained to me a bit more of their choice in dialect in the terms of relationship status. My eyes open wide as I never realized this little bit of information as I asked.

"Wait...so when I said that, she assumed that..."

"That thou hast no interest in being in a Herd and that thou is only interested in being in a single relationship." Luna continued. I facepalmed myself in disbelief, this whole new pony dialect was somewhat confusing, but yet understandable in a sense. But now, I looked up with a look of determination as I knew what I had to do.

I marched up the stairs and knocked on Rarity's door, beckoning for her attention as I called out.

"Rarity, it's Vincent. May I come in please?"

"GO AWAY! CAN'T YOU SEE THAT I AM IN PAIN RIGHT NOW?! AND ITS ALL THANKS TO YOU, YOU LIAR!" Her outburst really struck my heart, but I had to steel myself and correct my mistake before this goes any further. She wouldn't let me in, so I had to reason with her outside of her door.

"Rarity listen, I made a mistake. I didn't mean to say I wanted to be in a single relationship. What I wanted to ask Rarity, was if you would like to join Luna and I in our herd?" Her crying has calmed for a minimal as she only sniffled before moments later, I hear hoofsteps before the door partially opens and her alluring face pokes out from behind the crack of the door, looking at me with hopeful eyes leaking black mascara.

"You...you're starting a herd...with the Princess?" I nodded my head in response to Rarity's question before she continued, "so...you're not looking for a monogamous relationship?" I rubbed the back of my head with a blush as I nervously replied.

"Well...I mean I was...kinda unaware that you're customs allowed to have...multiple relations. So..." My face was burning red as Rarity opened the door completely to reveal herself to Luna and I.

"So...you're asking if...if I may...join? Correct?" I looked back at her with a smile on my face, nodding while responding.

"Yes. Rarity, we would love to have you join our herd. If you wish to of course." Her eyes began to brim with tears once more, but this time, they were tears of happiness as she couldn't contain her smile and latched her arms around my neck, nuzzling her head against my chest.

"YES! Oh Vincent, yes I would love to join your herd." She replied with overwhelming joy as she pulled back and cupped my cheeks with her hands, staring into my eyes with those brilliant sapphire blue eyes before she pressed her lips against mine. My eyes widen with surprise from her sudden action before I gave in and wrapped my arms around her and tilt my head to deepen the kiss, as Luna was watching from the side with a warm smile, her hands held to her chest as she was witnessing a tender moment between us. We pulled away still within our embrace, staring into each others eyes as I said.

"Rarity, I'm sorry for our misunderstanding earlier. I never meant to upset you like that, and I was afraid that after that, you didn't want to have anything to do with me. I hope this makes up for my density." She only chuckled and nuzzled her head against my chest as she replied.

"Of course I forgive you darling. I'm just happy that you've accepted my feelings, and I'm sorry for the rude comments that I've spouted at you earlier. I was just..."

"Shh shh shh, its okay. You don't need to apologize. This was my fault, and I deserved it. You did nothing wrong Rarity. Like I said, it was just a misunderstanding, and it is now behind us." I comforted, earning a smile from Rarity as she closed her eyes and sighed in content against my chest. Luna took a step towards us and joined us in our hug. Rarity and I were surprised, but in turn, welcomed her in as we were now in a group hug. It was such a tender moment for us all as we remained like that for a while before Luna spoke.

"Welcome to our Herd Rarity." I felt Rarity tighten her hug as she was beaming between us as she replied.

"Thank you. This is by far the happiest moment I've had for a long while. Thank you."