Upon returning to New Humansville, the Emissarial Staff were met with an odd sight when their home came into view. The flag on their mailbox was up and there were lights on inside the house.

Artex instantly froze upon seeing the lights shining from within. His formerly cheerful demeanor shifted in an instant. He went from openly cheerful to apprehensive in the blink of an eye. He squinted his eyes, but could not make out any movement from inside. The mares noticed the change in his behavior and after some squinting of their own, they saw the lights on in the house.

Artex kept an eye on the house as he shifted his weight, "Somebody is in our home, but why are the lights on?" He turned to Rose, "A thief wouldn't turn the lights on, would they? I mean, a Human thief wouldn't, but Kavim eyes are not as sharp as those of a Human."

Rose smirked, "No, Artex. A Pony thief wouldn't turn on the lights either."

Artex scratched his chin briefly before he shrugged, "Well whoever it is, if they mean to do any harm," he cracked his knuckles, "I'm pretty sure we'll be more than a match for them. Let's go say, 'hello'."

He led the way up to the house, trying not to finger the inactive Shock Blade hanging off his belt. If it came to a fight, he did not cherish the thought of using a lethal weapon except as a last resort. As they passed the mailbox, Razor Wit lit up her horn and levitated out the mail.

Reading the headings by the light of her horn, she stopped when she spotted a telegram, "Artex, wait." She said evenly. The rest of the herd stopped and turned to her, "There is a telegram. From Feather Tip." She held it up, illuminating the words with the glow of her magic, "Dear Razor and herd, STOP, decided that a change of scenery was needed, STOP, have sold my house in Trottingham, STOP, hoping I could stay with you till I get settled, STOP." She lowered the telegram and nodded toward the house, "She probably let herself in when she saw we weren't home."

The other mares nodded, indicating that it made sense. Artex was confused, "Erm, is it normal for friends to do that?"

Razor nodded happily, "Of course." She cocked her head, "Why wouldn't it be?"

Artex ran his hands through his hair, "Um I don't know, maybe because it's somebody else's HOME?"

Razor blinked then it hit her and she sighed, "I would have thought that after two years we would have covered most cultural things." She shifted her weight and looked up at the man who would be her husband within a week, "Family and good friends are allowed to use homes and food and the like, if in need. Crime is so rare in Equestria that most Ponies leave their door unlocked."

Artex blinked in the darkness, "But I locked the door when we left..."

Oriana smirked, "Did you lock the windows? Feather Tip is a Pegasus, remember?"

Artex groaned, "Derp..." he turned back toward the house, "Come on ladies. It's cold out here."

The herd tromped through the snow and up the stairs to the front door. Suey trotted back to her shed and kicked the temperature crystal by the entrance. She was tired and it would take the crystal a few minutes to alter the temperature within the wide space. Artex checked the door and found it unlocked. He opened it, still fingering the Shock Blade, just to be safe. Smells of cooking wafted out from within and the clank of pots and pans met the ears of the herd.

Artex went first and, just as Razor had said, Feather Tip was in the kitchen. From the smells, she was making some sort of cinnamon confection in the oven.

Vaiawa closed the door behind them and Feather Tip called out from the kitchen, "I'm making cinnamon rolls! They're almost done." She trotted out of the kitchen with her wings spread slightly, "Welcome home." Her greeting was accompanied by a cheerful smile.

Artex stopped fingering the Shock Blade and harrumphed then strode up the stairs to put away his things and the suit that Rarity had made for him.

Feather Tip's ears wilted at his departure and obvious moodiness. She turned back to the other mares, "Did I do something wrong?" She asked quietly.

Razor Wit trotted up to her and placed a comforting hoof over her back, "Don't worry about it. It's a Human thing. In their world, if somebody is in their house without their permission... well let's just say that they don't like it. They don't have the rule about family and friends using houses when the owners are away. The Human world is a lot different than ours. It's not always so friendly."

Tip hung her head, "I'm sorry." She said quietly, "I didn't mean to cause trouble."

Vaiawa strode up, "He'll be alright. You did nothing wrong. He get's... moody once in a while and he doesn't always adjust to quick change very smoothly. Humans are extremely territorial and he's fighting with his instincts not to become upset. Give him some time and he'll welcome you even more warmly than we do." Feather Tip felt better about the situation, and decided to finish with the cinnamon rolls while the rest of the mares all headed upstairs to unpack.

* * *

Artex had everything put away when the mares all entered their shared bedroom. The disfigured man was sitting on the bed grumbling to himself. Razor Wit set her saddlebags on the dresser before hopping up onto the bed with Artex, "You really hurt her feelings, you know." She said softly.

Artex looked up from his lap and sighed, "I'm sorry for that, but I can't help but feel violated. I mean, this is our home. OUR home, ours, as in it belongs to us. I'm not saying we should throw her out or anything like that. It's just that I like to... I don't know." He buried his face in his hands, "I never meant to hurt her feelings or anything, but this is also MY home. I'm not fussing at you or anything, Razor, I just don't like it when stuff just gets sprung out at me all of the sudden. A man is supposed to have control over his house and it feels like that control just got ripped out of my hands or something."

Razor scooted closer to him while Oriana, Rose, and Vaiawa went back downstairs to talk to Feather Tip. She laid the side of her head against his and sighed, "I'm sorry too. I had no idea it would make you feel this way. I wasn't trying to force anything on you, Artex. I promise."

Artex turned his head and kissed her just below the horn, "I know. I'm not mad or anything, I'm just frustrated." He rubbed the side of his head against hers, 'Heh, say what you will about them being strange, but I think they might be onto something with this 'nuzzling' stuff.' He straightened up and the tan Unicorn mare also sat up. Artex held out his left fist, "We're all learning as we go, right? So... share the blame?"

Razor smiled warmly at him and bumped her right forehoof against his fist, "Yeah, share the blame."

They both smiled at one another, eyes locked. Feeling affectionate, Artex slowly lowered his head toward hers. Razor was not about to complain and she met him half way. Their lips brushed and both of them held the light touch for some seconds before they slowly pressed slightly more into the kiss. Artex felt Razor's breath tickle his skin as their lips pressed together. Razor felt fire spring up, into her cheeks as she continued kissing her fiancé. It just felt so right. Her mind drifted and her thoughts turned hazy as she lost herself in the kiss. The fire in her stomach inched lower, into her hips. Her breath hitched as she shifted around and pressed her chest against him. Her eyes were closed and her mind floated in a haze of euphoria. The kiss was wonderful, but the burning heat in her body asked for more.

She felt his arms encircle her. She felt safe, secure. She knew he would not hurt her, he cared for her more than he did for himself. The love she felt for him swelled up, causing her blood to pump harder and making her already dizzy state nearly render her unconscious. Exquisite delirium soaked through her core and she began to adjust to make herself more comfortable. She slowly twisted her body as he held her. She leaned down toward the bed and Artex followed her, both of them still locked in their kiss. She laid down on her stomach while Artex laid on his right side.

Her perception was a haze of love and affection for the man. She adjusted her left hind leg, stretching it out and curled her right back leg, slowly turning so she was facing away from him. She still held the kiss, dizzy with delight. She drew a breath and a breathy whimper escaped from her nostrils. Artex inched his left hand forward and caressed her neck, eliciting another whimper. Razor's breath sped up as she felt the closeness of him against her back, each breath accompanied by a whimper which spoke of uncertainty and need. She was unaware that she had shifted her tail to the left as she slowly pressed back against him.

Her entire body felt like it was on fire. Each of her legs shook. She broke the kiss and mewled as Artex began kissing the side of her muzzle, inching his way up to her ear and then slowly down her neck. His finger ceased tracing her neck as they were replaced with his soft nibbles. His hand caressed her chest, inching its way lower and lower with every passing second. Every strand of hair touched by his searching fingers sent another soft whimper from her parted lips. She slowly pulled her head back, exposing more of her neck. Her thoughts were completely absent, all she knew was sensation and a burning need. She arched her back, pulling the skin of her underside tight and exposing every nerve ending to his feather soft touch. His fingers reached the curve of her belly then touched just a little lower.

Razor squeaked and gasped loudly as his fingers brushed by the teat of her left udder. His hand encircled her whole udder while his thumb rubbed her teat in agonizingly slow circles. Fear, a primal, unmoving fear, suddenly sparked in the back of her mind. The tan mare was confused. She wanted him. She wanted him so badly she could not explain it. Fighting against her desire for her love, was the fear. It rose in waves, crashing against her desire. She wanted him, but she was afraid. She writhed in his grip, but he held her tightly. Thanks to his Earth Pony blood, he was far, far stronger than she was physically.

Her mind latched onto the fear and it intensified. Her breath came out in almost frantic pants of high-pitched, throaty moans as he continued touching and kissing her. She wanted him to stop, but at the same time she never wanted him to stop. It felt so good, the gentle insistence of his touch and kiss inflamed her, but her instinct fought against it. She pushed her head as far back as she could, panting heavily, trying to cool the roaring inferno within her. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she realized that there was nothing she could do to stop him if he wanted. She closed her mouth and swallowed before her lips parted and the tiniest breath of a word, all but a whisper, escaped her, "No."

Everything froze.

In a flash of movement his left hand left her udder and curled around her barrel, holding her close, but not touching anywhere private. His lips and teeth left her exposed neck and instead she felt the brush of his mouth against the curves of her ears, "As you wish." He whispered quietly, "I told you. All you have to do is say the word and I'll stop." He gave her a gentle squeeze, "No more of this till we're married." Razor Wit shakily nodded, still reeling from the emotions and strange, exciting sensations flowing through her body. She still wanted him, but she knew without a doubt she would need her sister/wives if she were to ever give herself to him completely. The fear coursed through her body confusing her emotions and bringing tears to her eyes. She sniffled as her nose began to run.

The bed rocked as a sturdy pair of hooves encircled the tan Unicorn, pulling her away from her Human lover, while a mint green pair of hooves from the same mare, shoved the man away from Razor, and off the bed with a heavy thump, "Damnit, Artex," Rose scolded him in fluent American English, "What the hell were you thinking!?" She began rocking Razor back and forth, "Sh-sh-sh-sh-sh, it's alright. He can't hurt you now." Rose nuzzled the side of Razor's face like a mother would to a foal. Razor wrapped her forelegs around Rose and held on as if her life depended on it, whimpering quietly. Neither mare paid any attention to the sound of retreating footsteps. By the time Rose looked up, Artex was gone.

* * *

The back door closed loudly behind him as he stormed out of the house, unaware of the confusion he left behind. His former sexual frustration had already been high. It was nearly painful for him to stop, but she had said 'no' and that meant the end of it, no matter how he felt. His frustration boiled over when Rose kicked him off the bed. He needed to release the tension in his body, but he was not about to release it on any of his loves. He broke into a run, heading toward the trees behind the house.

Setting his sights on one specific tree, Artex balled up his fists and charged toward it. He drew back his right hand and with a roar of aggression, he threw his entire body into a single punch. The power started with his feet. He balanced on the balls of his feet, his ankle shifted to put the energy of his forward motion even farther forward. His calf muscles tensed and let the energy flow upward to his knees. His knees shifted, tendons tight as they passed the energy up to his thighs. His thighs helped angle his pelvis and his pelvic floor muscles contracted. His abdominal muscles continued the rush of energy, adding the momentum of his rotating torso to the build-up. His spine aligned and his pectoral muscles and the muscles in his back tensed, turning his entire body in to the punch. The energy flowed up to his right arm. Exactly at the moment he threw the punch, the various muscles in his right arm tensed, adding the final push of force and energy. His magic kicked in and the front of his fist glowed, his knuckles looking as if they were aflame as his punch impacted the tree.

Artex' mind barely registered the fact that a section of the tree, the height of his entire body, had disintegrated into fine splinters which were smaller than toothpicks. He continued his momentum, almost uninterrupted, and sped toward the next tree behind the first one. Before the first tree had even crashed to the ground, a second tree was splintered with a thunderous crack. Artex kept up his charge. Every tree he came to, every obstacle in his way was demolished with reckless abandon. He had never before used his full, enhanced, Earth Pony strength for anything. He sped through the trees leaving a path of thorough, wanton destruction behind him.

He lost track of time, and eventually his strength was spent. He collapsed onto the ground and began sobbing. He could not hold back the swirling emotions inside. The sudden pull from the desire-induced haze from before, coupled with the anger from being physically kicked off the bed combined to bring his emotions to a rolling boil. His hands curled up into fists and he let out a primal scream into the cold night air as the snow continued to fall all around him. Fat tears of frustration rolled down his cheeks as he let go of his emotional turmoil, crying loudly into the night.

* * *

Suey carried her father figure back toward the house where the mares were all searching for the man. Vaiawa was the first to spot Suey. She fluttered over and lit up her horn, gently levitating Artex from her mouth, "We already looked down the path he carved from the woods. Where did you find him?"

"He must have wandered further into the trees. Take him inside, quickly. He's freezing cold." Suey spoke with urgency.

Vaiawa let out a sharp whistle to call back the other mares while Suey trotted back to her house. Oriana arrived first, "What happened to him?"

Vaiawa turned toward the house, holding Artex against her body, "Gather some blankets! Go, now!" Oriana did not need to be told twice. She darted into the house. Razor Wit was lying down on the couch, weeping quietly as Vaiawa levitated in the half frozen man. She looked up as Oriana passed her, "What? Did you..." she trailed off as Vaiawa levitated Artex in through the back door. Razor let out a pained cry and launched herself off the couch. She pulled Artex out of Vaiawa's magical grasp with her own magic and set him down on the floor in front of the lit fireplace. She laid down on top of him, covering as much of his body as she could, "Vaiawa help me! He's freezing cold!"

Before Vaiawa could do more than step forward, Rose Thorn and Feather Tip skidded to a halt inside the living room. Feather Tip almost tripped over Rose as the Earth Pony mare stopped. Rose scrambled across the floor, barely managing to stop before she hit Razor and Artex, while Feather Tip closed the back door. The normally stoic mint colored mare laid her barrel and belly across his lower legs and feet. Her eyes were red and puffy. Vaiawa laid down, curling her body around his head, while Razor repositioned herself across his lap.

Oriana came stumbling back into the living room carrying two blankets in her mouth. Razor Wit and Rose Thorn stood up as Oriana laid the blankets on the frigid man then they laid down on top of the blankets again. Oriana draped herself across his chest, doing her part to help bring his body temperature back up to normal. Feather Tip had her wings open, trying to understand what they were doing.

After a moment she spoke up, "Why are you all laying ON the blankets?" Her question was met with confused stares so she explained, "If he's cold, then his body won't make enough heat to help. You need to be UNDER the blankets with him. Take off his clothes so the heat from your bodies can get to him faster!"

Vaiawa blinked, "She's right." Without waiting for any of the other mares to move, she lit up her horn and pulled the blankets off him, sending the rest of the herd tumbling onto the floor. The Changeling Queen then began to strip off his clothes. His shirt, his pants, his underwear, his shoes and socks, everything came off. Vaiawa held the blankets above Artex, "Get back on him," she turned and looked at Feather Tip, "You too. Cover his knees and thighs, between Rose and Razor." The mares all dog-piled onto the man, all of them shivering as their skin came into contact with his chilled flesh. Vaiawa lowered the blankets onto the mares to keep the heat in. She was the only one who was outside of the blankets, the length of her body wrapped around Artex' head.

For several long minutes there was silence in the household. The only sound was the occasional crackling of the fireplace. Each of them was left to their own thoughts for a time.

It was Vaiawa who eventually broke the silence, "Somepony is going to tell me why my future husband ran out of the house, into the freezing cold, and began pummeling the trees behind our house."

Oriana's voice was muffled from under the blanket, "I have no idea. Feather Tip and I were in the living room talking when he walked past."

Vaiawa huffed, "And I was in the bathroom."

"Would somepony please tell me what's going on and why I'm laying across a naked male? It's not something I'm used to doing." Feather Tip asked, voice muffled through the blankets.

Somepony sniffled under the blankets, "I-I think it was my fault..." Rose's muffled voice answered, "He and Razor got really into a kiss and things got pretty steamy. I only came in when she said 'no'... I didn't see him get off her and-a-and I got mad at him so I pulled her away from him and kicked him off the bed... I don't know what came over me, I didn't want this! I just wanted him to stop!"

"He did stop." Razor's voice spoke from under the blankets, "As soon as I said 'no', he stopped. He was holding me and trying to calm me down."

Rose's voice was very upset, "I didn't know! His back was to the door! How could I have known!"

Razor's voice became angry, "He would NEVER do something like that, Rose! You know him! We all know he's better than that! You should have known!"

Feather Tip spoke up next, "Calm down, Razor! You're shouting in my ear!"

Razor then began to sniffle, "I just want him to be alright," he voice cracked, "He's so sensitive. He doesn't show it, but he is. The first time we kissed and I stopped it, he was so upset..."

The mares all lapsed into a calming silence as each of them gave time to their thoughts. After nearly ten minutes one of them spoke up.

Rose sounded remorseful, "He kissed me the other day... I should have remembered how he reacted..."

Oriana chose to ask the question they were all thinking, "You don't overreact like that, Rose. That isn't like you. What's wrong?"

Rose took several seconds to respond, "It... it just flashed in my head... I remembered how scared I was when Artex kissed me the other day and I... I was worried about if... if Razor was just as scared. I remember he had his arms around me and I-I was helpless. I used all my strength to push away and I couldn't..."

"Rose," Oriana began, "How-how bad is your fear?"

Rose's reply was very quiet, "It's bad." She sniffled, "It's really bad... I know I can Accept him but... it's going to be hard... and it's going to take a long time."

The blanket shifted, as Razor reached around Feather Tip and gripped Rose's right forehoof, "He'll be patient with you, Rose. I know he will. He'd rather die than hurt you like that."

Rose sniffled noisily, "I know," her voice was ragged, "It just scared me so badly when he held me... I was helpless. I hate feeling helpless."

"Remember in his world, Human women don't need Comforters. He wasn't raised the same way we were. He's different, but you have to know he'd never hurt us. He wouldn't force himself on any of us like that." Oriana said quietly.

"I don't know, I don't think I'd mind if he held ME down." Vaiawa said, trying to lighten the mood, "But honestly, he's such a gentle soul. I can't even imagine him doing something rough."

"I'm so sorry, Razor." Rose said quietly. Her statement was made all the more quiet under the blankets, "I just panicked."

Razor patted Rose's forehoof, "You're a protector, Rose. It's who you are, but you'll never need to protect me, or any of us, from Artex. Even when he's so drunk he can't even stand, he's still always been good to us. You've seen him angry before."

Rose let out a small giggle, still sniffling, "Yeah and it was scary."

"What was he like when he was angry?" Feather Tip asked.

Oriana giggled, "You could tell he was mad. He got really quiet and soft-spoken."

"Are you referring to the time we were in Saddle Arabia, at the peace talks?" Vaiawa asked.

Razor giggled, "Heh, yeah. That one old Human man got all upset that the mares weren't covering their faces or manes. He said they should be dragged out into the street and beaten to force them to obey. Little did he know the most powerful one in the room was the only mare there. Woo, Artex got maaaaaad. I thought he was about to jump over the table and throttle that old man."

Oriana giggled, "Good thing his son was there and kicked him out of the meeting. I was about ready to try to hold Artex back... not that it would have done any good, but he wouldn't have hurt any of us."

Vaiawa laughed, "Can you imagine all of us hanging onto him while he strangled that sexist old geezer?"

Feather Tip joined on the giggles, "Heehee, it sounds like he really cares about mares being treated right. It sounds like Humans aren't anything like what the museum said. I was there with you when Artex spoke to the crowd, but a lot of social information was left untouched. Can two Human societies from different areas really be so different?"

Razor scoffed, "Ha! You have no idea! Humans run the gamut of everything! Some are kind beyond compare while some are so cruel, they would make our worst tyrant look like a foal. Some are so brave, they face down enemies that outnumber them a thousand to one, while others run from the silliest confrontations."

"And I assume Artex is one of the good ones?" Feather Tip asked.

Vaiawa shook her head, even though Tip could not see the movement from under the blanket, "No," she said plainly, "He's one of the very best." She sighed happily as she felt his head starting to warm up, "He's silly and goofy at times, but when the situation calls for it, he's willing to do anything for those he cares about. Do you know how he came to have Kavim blood?"

Feather Tip's head rose under the blanket, "Wait, he has our blood?"

"Indeed," Vaiawa said, "He was working on a farm in Ponyville when some creatures attacked. Artex stayed behind to fight them off while the two Ponies with him ran to get help. The creatures were Timberwolves, weren't they, Razor?"

"They were." Razor's voice was quiet, "Artex was outnumbered. I think there were six or seven of them. He fought them off eventually, but they injured him badly. He lost too much blood and one of the farm Ponies, Big Macintosh, had the same blood type. The doctors performed a transfusion and Artex' body adapted to the blood. His body changed. He can't have children with Human women anymore."

Feather Tip gasped, "He can't have foals!? Oh, the poor guy!"

Oriana snorted, "You weren't listening. Artex can't have children, Razor never said anything about foals."

Feather Tip was quiet for a moment, "So... that means... he can have foals... with PONIES?"

Razor giggled, "Give the mare a prize!" She settled down after a minute, "You're right though. He can sire foals, not Human children, they're called 'babies' by the way. It wasn't easy for him to understand what was the right thing to do. On Earth, Humans have laws against romance that's not between two Humans. Of course, on their world, only Humans are sapient. They're the only sapient species. To compare, it would be like trying to have a relationship with a fish. So, you can imagine what kind of changes to his mind he had to go through, before he was willing to try courting any of us."

Feather Tip's smile went unseen under the blankets, "I'm glad you found him so quickly."

Rose snorted, "Oh believe me, it wasn't quick for any of us. It has taken years for us to form this relationship. What Razor forgot to mention was that back on Earth, the population is half male and half female, so Human families have only one husband and wife."

Feather Tip whistled, "I can't imagine having so many stallions around... but wait, that means he had to get used to the idea of herds too, right?"

Oriana spoke up, "Correct again. For a long time, he was worried that he wouldn't be able to show enough affection to more than one mare. He's still worried about having enough time to devote to any foals we have."

Vaiawa rumbled a purr in her chest, "He's going to be a very caring father someday."

"How have all of you gotten past his looks? I don't want to sound mean, but he's not attractive at all." Feather Tip confessed.

Razor sighed, "It's never been about his looks. What makes him desirable is who he is. He's already told us he doesn't find mares physically attractive. We love him for who he is. His personality has had to make up for his ugliness. He's worth it though. He's worth it a hundred-thousand times over. I know it may be hard for you to believe, but I've grown to find him attractive, even physically. I want to be with him, I want to give myself to him, to 'know' him, and start a family with him." She lowered her head and nuzzled his right hand, "I never thought I'd find anybody except a stallion. Instead I found a man."

"You all really love him don't you?" Feather Tip asked. A small chorus of confirmations answered her question, "The way you talk about him makes me feel like I should give it a try... I came here because I heard you all talking about how nice the town is. I was hoping to find a stallion here."

"We've got one right here. He walks funny and he's really tall, but inside, he's all stallion." Vaiawa said with a grin, "Besides, Artex is still looking for a fifth mare and we need another mare to hold down Razor and Rose when the time comes. Oriana and I don't need Comforters and while I could use my magic to hold them, it's not the same."

Feather Tip shrugged, "I don't know. I don't want to get in the way and I'm certainly not just going to invite myself into a herd. I still want a normal stallion. No offense meant toward any of you, but I know hardly anything about Humans and I can tell you that I do not feel any sort of bond or affection toward Artex. He seems nice, if a little neurotic, but I don't see myself with him."

"I doubt you can SEE anything at all." Razor quipped, to which Feather Tip giggled.

Artex quietly groaned beneath the mares, "He's waking up!" Vaiawa said. She leaned her head down and nuzzled his right cheek, "Come on, wake up... all the way."

Razor, Rose, Feather Tip, and Oriana all shuffled out from under the blanket. Artex groaned and rubbed his eyes, "Oh, somebody open a window or something. It's hot as 'hell' in here." He slowly cracked open his eyes, then quickly closed them. Opening them again, he blinked and looked around all the faces staring down at him. He started with Vaiawa, then went to Oriana. After that, he looked at Razor and blinked again. As his eyes adjusted to the light, he began reaching to toward Razor, but then he stopped. He pulled his hands back to his chest and averted his eyes, "Are you alright, love?"

Razor Wit laid down beside him and rested her chin on his chest, "I'm fine, Artex."

Artex opened his mouth to speak, but a black hoof cuffed him on the back of the head. The cuff was not particularly hard, but it was enough to let him know it was there, "You doof!" Vaiawa hissed, visibly upset, "What were you thinking? If Suey hadn't found you, you could have frozen to death!"

Artex rubbed his head dramatically, "I was thinking that I needed to blow off some steam before I said something I'd regret."

Upon hearing his words, Rose Thorn hung her head, "I shouldn't have kicked you off the bed, Artex. I just... I thought you weren't stopping."

Artex' expression contorted into one of deep hurt, "How could you think that?" He asked softly.

Rose laid her ears back and looked away, she could not meet his eyes, such was her shame, "I remembered how scared I was the last time we kissed... y-you held me... even though I was struggling to get away... I-I-I thought that... since you didn't get up when Razor said 'no' that you were..." she swallowed hard, "That you didn't s-stop."

"Did I stop when you wanted me to?" He whispered, "Did I force you to do anything?" Words failed Rose. She shook her head 'no'. Artex' voice was still soft as he spoke, "I'm strong enough to do whatever I want with any of you, but when have I used that to my advantage? When have I held any of you down and kept going? I might hold you against my chest, but that's only to calm you down, to let you know that I'm there. If I feel like I've scared you, I never keep going." He stopped speaking for a few seconds as he continued staring at Rose, "I'm upset that you thought I was hurting Razor." He bit his lower lip and averted his eyes, "If you can't trust me after more than a year... after being around one another every day... will you ever be able to?" He swallowed before he finished, "Was this all a mistake?"

Rose's head snapped up, sharply, "NO!" Her response was loud and instantaneous, "No, this wasn't a mistake! I love you!"

"But you don't trust me." Artex countered.

"You don't know what it's like!" Rose retorted, "Being held to where you can't move? Being completely helpless? At the mercy of somebody else?" She stomped her right forehoof, "You have no idea how frightening it is!"

Artex' mind flashed back to the hospital in Canterlot, when he awoke chained to the bed, blind and helpless. The memory of the impotent rage and frustration still burned within his mind. He looked back to Rose, "Yes I do... is... is it really that frightening for you... when I hold you?"

Rose nodded, head still down and ears still laid back, "It's bad, Artex." She closed her eyes and hung her head, "I know I should be able to trust you by now, but it's not as if I can just decide to trust you and that'll be the end of it." She sneezed, "The fear hits me hard. There's a reason it's called 'Accepting'. It's a traumatic experience. The only way most mares can get past it is with the help of Comforters." She stopped and sighed, "I love you, really I do. I promise, I won't overreact like that again." She slowly stepped forward and placed the flat of her head against his chest, "Please forgive me."

Artex smoothed down her mane and lightly kissed the top of her head, "I forgive you, Rosy."

The two held each other for a long time, while the others watched. After some minutes, Vaiawa hummed in thought, "It's strange, now that I think about it. Rose, you can lift more than Artex can, and yet when he's holding you, he overpowers you."

Razor nodded her head, "Of course he does. His hands cancel out magic, remember? A big part of Rose's strength comes from her magic, so if he's touching her, she's weak. Artex is strong, but not as strong as Rose."

Feather Tip cocked her head, "So you mean to tell me, the swath of destruction he left behind the house is LESS than Rose could do?"

Razor nodded, "Correct."

Feather Tip fluffed out her feathers, "Remind me not to make that mare mad."

"I wasn't upset with you earlier." Artex said to Feather Tip suddenly, "I was just surprised is all. I generally deal with change... fairly well, but when it involves surprised guests, I tend to get a bit edgy. You're welcome to stay, Feather Tip. Pick any of the guest rooms you want." He let go of Rose and stood up, the blanket falling off him, "I'd be happy to show you where the linen closet is..." he blinked, "Is it drafty in here?" He slowly looked down and noticed his unclothed state. Blushing slightly and covering his crotch with his left hand, he scratched the back of his head with his right hand, "Erm... I guess I showed you more than just the linen closet, huh?"

Feather Tip shrugged indifferently, "Nothing I haven't noticed before." She fluttered her wings, "I perceive the world through air currents, remember? The first time we met, your clothes circulated air when you moved. I noticed everything. As long as you don't go shoving it in my face or anything, it's all about the same to me."

Artex opened his mouth then closed it again. Then he opened it a second time, only to shut it once more. Opening his mouth a third time, he finally managed to get out, "I... don't really know what to say."

"How about, 'cover your genitals for the rest of us'." Vaiawa said, levitating the blanket up in front of him.

Rose yawned hugely, "It's almost time for bed..." she looked up at Artex, who was wrapping the blanket around himself, "I-I can still sleep on the bed with you, right?"

Artex smiled down at her, "Yes. I want you there."

Author's Notes:

Just a couple more chapters and the wedding chapter for Artex and Razor comes up. The chapter about their first night together might take me a while. It will be the first time I put any effort into an intimate romantic scene with full details. I will place warnings at the top of the chapter to warn off anybody who doesn't want to read such things.