The hunter moved unhindered through the thickets, guided by the lingering tracks of his prey. He stopped and observed his surroundings, while taking mental notes of their conditions. His prize sat mere yards from his position behind a downed tree trunk.

The white ears of his prey were peeking out above the fallen bough, a stark contrast to the dark browns of its bark and the yellowed-greens of the forest surrounding her.

The hunter was downwind, and his prey was still unaware of his presence. Good, he won't have to circle around this time. Doing so would only cost time, something that was always against him. Since he could lose his opportunity, or his prey could move on, or worse, he'd have to compete against other predators.

The hunter worked to control his breathing, while his heart raced at the thrill capturing his prize.

The hunter would not use his bow, for he didn't have a clear shot. Instead he snuck closer to his prey, keeping himself out of its line of sight, his footfalls were deathly silent.

Atchmon lunged over the top of the trunk, and instead of capturing his prize, he found nothing but a stick holding up a wicker pony 'head' made of some fibrous material. The ears, upon quick inspection, were a collection of white feathers fashioned together with string and glued with tree sap. The down must've been salvaged from a nearby cockatrice nest, most likely.

"Clever girl." he muttered, before looking to his left, and finding the blunt end of a spear pointing at his face.

A devilishly smiling little white pony held firm on the other end. She was cloaked in the reddish fur of a dire wolf, her legs were wrapped in tanned leather barding. To protect her from the unyielding undergrowth, should she ever need to run.

Together they created a new wardrobe for her to wear. Atchmon had made a joke, comparing her to 'Little Red Trotting Hood'. Considering her recent relationship with the local wolves, she didn't find it very funny, but could get the humor. Until Atchmon started making fun of her, saying things like, 'Rarity, what big eyes you have.' And couldn't hold back her laughter any longer.

Regardless, she did look very fetching in her red-furred garb. Even though Atchmon had tried to push for the newly acquired brown furs, stating they kept her better hidden, and blended in with the surroundings much better. But Rarity preferred the red one for her cloak, having stated that even if her garment was meant to hide her from the world, she should still look fabulous doing it.

"I believe they say, 'the student has become the master', in this situation." Rarity said with a coy smile, as she levitated her 'spear' away from Atchmon's face.

"Pff, I heard you comin' from a mile away. Remember heel, then toe." he instructed her with a dour expression, while motioning his feet back and forth.

"You did not, admit it, I finally got you!" she complained.

Atchmon took breath, and worked to control his emotions. He didn't want her to know how much it bothered him. Their time together had made him soft, and reckless. Then a grin spread across his face.

It was time to play a game.

"Nope, bad pony. No treat for you. Come back next time." he said while chastising her with a finger, before walking away.

"What!? I'll show you a bad pony! Grrrrrr!" she growled at him, and proceeded to poke Atchmon in all his sensitive areas.

Rarity's growl nearly made Atchmon jump and yelp in fright. For it sounded nearly identical to a rabid dog, until he felt the blunt end of her spear jabbing him in his pressure points.

"Hey! Ow! Knock it- Oof! You little shi- HA-haha! That tickles, stooop!" He tried to run away, only to have the glowing blue stick follow him everywhere, along with the assaulting pony not far behind. Until he had enough, and it was time to go on the offensive.

Atchmon whipped around and scooped Rarity up in his arms. The little pony didn't have time, nor room to change course. The human had cleverly brought her to a shallow scar of earth, trapping her in a narrow passageway.

"AH! Ahahaha!" Rarity squealed in delight, as her protector lifted her off the ground, and swung her around in circles, while he cradled her in his arms. Rarity kicked out her hind legs, in a poor attempt to free herself from his clutches. All while he tickled her soft, sensitive underbelly.

"Oh, no. My little pony has gone feral." Atchmon cried in feigned anguish. "What ever shall I do?" he continued, while holding a wrist up to his forehead; a parody to the one cradled in his other arm. "Guess I'll have to put'er down." he finished by sitting on the small ridge of dirt, never letting go of the giggling little mare sitting in his lap.

"Goodnight, sweet princess," he whispered, while holding the mare close to his chest and gently petting the back of her head.

Rarity was not amused while she sat in his lap as the little spoon, while Atchmon tried to lull her into a forever sleep. Then gave him one last thwack on the head to release her.

"Ow. Okay, game's over," he said nonchalantly, while letting go of her. Allowing Rarity to fall forward onto her fore hooves.

"Well?" she asked, still expecting a positive assessment, and hovered her spear up so he could see it. As if threatening him with another series of pokes. Not that it ever phased him.

"Fiiine, I'm a bit of a sore loser anyway... you got me Rares." he smiled, unable to keep up the façade, and gave her a proud grin. Regardless of how he may have felt, there was much satisfaction in teaching Rarity for a change.

Rarity lifted her head high and smiled, relishing the praise.

"But don't get cocky, there're plenty of monsters out there that'll set up a trap same as you." he warned, while motioning around at their current whereabouts. Rarity looked at the area, and nodded at his instruction, with a serious expression on her face.

"What kind of monsters, might I ask." she asked, while they walked.

"Let's just say not all my pits were made by me." he said, looking down at her.

"Must you be so mysterious? Why can't you just tell me what it is, before we, or even I, have an unprepared run-in with whatever it is?"

"You're right." he chuckled. "Big. Ass. Trapdoor spiders, and I'm not apologizing for cursing. I freakin' hate spiders." he growled between his teeth. "But you shouldn't have to worry about it. I haven't seen one of those in years, and I've cleared out the few that were around where I like to hunt."

Rarity regretting asking, now she'll have a tinge of fear every time she looks at the ground. Wondering if there was some monster lying in wait, ready to grab and eat her.

"Welp, you ready to do some gatherin', b'fore we head back to the river? It'll go faster if we split up." he asked with a coy grin, making Rarity immediately look up at him. The worry on her face was plain as day, no matter how well she tried to hide it.

She really didn't care for his sick sense of humor.

"I swear you are as mature as a yearling sometimes." she grumbled.

Rarity levitated her spear into the newly attached loops she modified to her saddlebag. After the incident with the wolves, Atchmon was kind enough to go out and retrieve them for her. Since then they've been her little restorative project. Repairing all the damage caused by the mongrel responsible.

At the very least, this crime against fashion met a swift, albeit not necessarily just end. Rarity still felt a torn bag didn't equate to a life, even if that life was a predator trying to eat her. After a long talk, she knew if it ever happened again, she wouldn't hesitate to do what she must to survive.

Thanks to her fellow survivor's support, it strengthened her resolve to make it home.

It took a bit of convincing, but Rarity finally got Atchmon to agree to give her a little more freedom. It allowed her to wander further off in order to better help with the gathering. Not to mention a lot more privacy.

Rarity giggled at herself over their recent 'horse play', while she plucked a few ripe pears from a tree. Atchmon had shown her where many precious food-bearing plants were located. They were heading to this particular location, until Atchmon decided it was time to play a little 'hide and seek'. She'd gotten much better at their little game.

"It's amazing... In just a few short days it'll be a month since Twilight's spell stranded me here." Rarity spoke softly to herself as she cantered around, while gathering any random foodstuffs her eyes deemed worthy of consumption.

Rarity had to be careful of how many sweet fruits she ate. While it was safe for her to eat, the amount of sugar could still harm her. As long as she balanced them with proper vegetables, and grains she'll be fine.

"Funny how things can change on a Bit like that. It's really not all bad, more of a happy accident, in fact. Especially for Atchmon..." Rarity thought of her human friend, as her mind and magic effortlessly worked to fill her saddlebags. "I should do something nice for him! Just to show my appreciation for all that he's done for me."

Rarity tried to think of things she could do, given her limited selection of supplies available to her.

"Atchmon?" Rarity called out, having lost the tall biped.

"Over here Rarity. C'mere, I need to borrow yer nose for a minute." he called back to her.

"What are you doing?" she asked, as she cantered up to him.

Atchmon was kneeling down examining a plant he'd been staring at for several minutes.

"You see this plant? Could you smell it for me, and tell me what it smells like to you?" he asked, while barely taking his eyes off the plant. As if it was going to come alive at any moment.

Rarity felt a little miffed at his request, it wasn't the first time he'd ask her to smell something. Using her as some sort of search dog. Though she knew he wouldn't be asking, if it wasn't for both of their benefits. They had a little fight about that, and he conceded to respect her more as an intelligent being rather than some animal to be used. Which he apologized sincerely for, admitting that sometimes he forgot just how 'human' she was.

She didn't know how to feel about that, whether to be excited that he saw her as more than just a pony. Or disappointed that he continued to struggle with her more 'animal' like traits.

"Is that- are those tea leaves?" she asked curiously as the familiar aroma filled her nose.

Atchmon grinned at her. "That's what I was thinkin'. Ohh, I could really go for some of Nan's Texas tea right about now. She always put about a pound of sugar for every gallon." Atchmon smiled wide and licked his lips at the thought.

"A hot cup of tea would be just divine." Rarity salivated at the idea of the relaxing beverage as well.

"Hot tea?" Atchmon questioned.

"Yes... what?" Rarity questioned back.

"We're gonna have t' have a talk later." Atchmon stated before getting to work.

Rarity scoffed. Apparently she found another social faux pas. Atchmon could be as conservative and narrow minded as an Earth Pony when it came to his beliefs.

Together they stripped every matured leaf off the plant, and placed them inside Atchmon's backpack. Rarity smiled at the many human puns of her own people's names for things.

"You hear that?" Atchmon asked as they finished up.

"Is that... buzzing?" Rarity swiveled her ears, and carefully listened in every direction.

"Yeah, but where's it comin' from?" he asked, while looking around.

"Over here." Rarity lead him to the source of the noise, and Atchmon followed. Trusting her far superior sense of hearing.

A short while later, they found it. A beehive sat above them on the lowest branch of a tall pine tree. The branch, however, was roughly the height of a two-story building off the ground.

"Our cup runneth over." Atchmon cheered while raising his fists to the sky, then smiled down at Rarity. "Now how do we get it down...?" he asked thoughtfully to himself.

"Let me try something." Rarity said as she lit her horn and concentrated. She tried to channel more magic into the the spell causing her horn to illuminate into a deeper shade of blue. It was useless, her range just wasn't far enough. Even with working her horn everyday to carry heavy firewood for them, it still wasn't enough. Even if she could reach it, Rarity doubted she'd have the magical strength to pull it down.

Atchmon notched an arrow and took careful aim at his target. He spent a fraction of a moment to admire the strength of the hive's stalk, and how such a tiny segment could hold such a large colony in the air. Then loosed his arrow, his experience told him his aim was true, but alas... not true enough. The arrow barely scathed the tiny stem, and Atchmon contemplated on whether or not he'd want to lose another arrow for this prize.

Luckily he wouldn't need to. The hive's stalk was beginning to give way, and inevitably fell to the ground with a satisfying crunch.

Soon the buzzing sound grew even more intense, before a swarm of bees coalesced above their destroyed hive. The bees who lived there, were pissed.

"Oh, crap. I did not think this through. Alright, we better get outta- here?" Atchmon looked down, only to find Rarity was gone.

Atchmon looked behind himself, and saw her white rump shrinking away in the distance, as she dodged the trees to get away.

"You've got this!" Rarity shouted back.

"Wait for me!" Atchmon took off after her, with the bees hot on their trail.

Atchmon's two legs were no match for Rarity's four, and quickly lost sight of her. Only the occasional sting from the bees motivated him to run faster, and he regretted not wearing his furred vest.

In a few short moments Atchmon caught up with Rarity, who was standing on the precipice of a steep drop leading into the river. Without thinking Atchmon threw off his gear and grabbed her.

"No, no, no, NO, WAIT-!" Rarity tried to stop him, but it was too late.

Atchmon picked her up with ease and together, with her cradled underneath his arm, they jumped into the river.

For a moment Rarity could hear the water rushing into her ears - and the next - silence. Aside from the muted sounds of her struggling to draw breath.

She kicked out, fighting to get to the surface for air, but Atchmon held her firmly in his grasp and fought to keep her down until he was sure the danger had passed.

The fresh water stung his eyes as he kept a lookout for the swarm of bees. When they came, he could swear they shaped themselves like a question mark, before flying away.

He could see Rarity's cheeks were puffed out to their limit, before climbing to the surface.

Rarity gasped violently when she broke through the surface, and accidentally swallowed some water, causing her to cough and breathe in more.

"Are you crazy!" Rarity coughed as she dropped to her belly on the shore. "I could've drowned!"

"Awe, you'll be fine." Atchmon waved off her complaints, as he laid back on the smooth, pebbled beach.

After a minute Atchmon got back up and waded back into the river. The cool, soothing water felt good on his sun-kissed skin. A price for usually not wearing anything to cover his upper body.

"C'mon out here, th' water's great," he called back to Rarity, who was busy wringing out the water in her mane.

"I'm not going back out there, it's too deep for me."

"Thought you said ponies can swim?" he questioned.

"Some can, I simply don't."

Atchmon swam back to her and climbed out, as she finished wringing out her tail with her hooves.

"Don't you think it's about time you learned how? I can show you, it's real easy." he offered.

"I said, no." Rarity stated firmly.

"Come on." he begged. "I promise I won't do anything to scare you, okay?"

Rarity's only response was to ignore him, and looked away with an annoyed expression.

Atchmon got up, leaving Rarity behind to finish drying herself off, and disappeared behind the steep hill of the shore.

"Hey Rarity. Watchiss!" he called down to her, before disappearing again from the ledge. A moment later he jumped over again, this time hanging onto a tree vine. He swung clear out over the river, and let go, doing a back-flip before hitting the surface. Causing a deluge of water to splash over Rarity, completely soaking her all over again.

"Atchmon!" Rarity called out angrily.

"OW! I hit the bottom!" Atchmon cried out, once he resurfaced.

"All this horse play is going to get you hurt, or worse." she shouted after him.

"C'mon little pony, come into the water," Atchmon cooed at her like foal. Then grabbed some tall grass and waved it around while nickering to her, as he waded further into the river.

"Excuse me!?" Rarity bristled in shocked offense.

Nic! Nic! Nic! "Here pony, pony," he clicked his tongue and cooed at her again.

"Oh. It. Is. On!" Rarity declared with her ears splayed back in defiance; and charged in after him. She quickly closed the gap and tackled him back into the river. The drop off was much steeper than Rarity anticipated, and paddled back to where she could stand again.

Atchmon resurfaced and the battle was on!

The pair splashed water at each other and laughed at their fun. Rarity's hooves just couldn't match Atchmon's technique, until Rarity pulled out her secret weapon. Atchmon's face dropped at the sight of dozens of levitating water orbs floating around her.

"How do you like me now, human! The Ponies reign supreme!" Rarity cheered, as she pelted him with a barrage of magical water balloons.

Atchmon took the brunt of the assault and let out a mighty roar, and lunged across the water grasping Rarity by her sides as he play wrestled with her. Then heaved her over the river with a big splash.

Atchmon realized his mistake and dove in after her when she didn't resurface right away.

"You okay?" he asked in fear of her wellbeing.

Rarity felt like a floating tea bag in his arms, but was thankful for the rescue. "I'm fine." she said, and snorted out some of the water in her nose.

"Ah!" Rarity yelped as she felt herself dip under the water, and kicked instinctively to keep to the surface.

"It's okay. Hey, I got you." Atchmon said reassuringly, and helped hook her hooves over his shoulders.

"Just breathe." he instructed.

"You were right, the water does feel really nice." Rarity said, as she struggled to decide whether or not to straddle her hind legs around his waist. She didn't have to debate for long for Atchmon ran his hands down her flanks, searching for and grasping her hocks and pulled them around himself.

"That better?" he asked.

"Mhmm. Much." Rarity flustered at their closeness.

"You swim better than I thought you would." Atchmon held onto her while she caught her breath.

"Thank you. Though I doubt I can hold a candle to a Seapony."

Atchmon chuckled, and brushed away some of the wet, purple mane that was sticking to her face. "I won't worry about'chu no more." he said, then leaned in and planted a kiss on her cheek.

"Atchmon!" Rarity half laughed. "That is not appropriate. Remember? We talked about this..." Rarity said as she placed a timid hoof on his chest.

"I know." he sighed. "Sometimes I forget you're your own person. And not some..."

"Pet." she finished for him.

"Y-yeah...hehe." He winced, and looked away. "Let's head back to the camp, and dry out our supplies."

The awkwardness was apparent as they casually meandered through the forest, back to their riverside campsite.

Atchmon decided to abandon rebuilding the treehouse altogether. Neglect had turned the structure unstable, and it would've taken more work just to fix it. Instead, they settled on staying on the ground and making the near hourlong trip back to the Den.

With Rarity's help and skills, it took no time for them to build crude lean-to shelter out of the forest.

The river itself was beautiful.

Patches of sandy banks broke up the flowing water, whose surface sparkled in the bright summer sun. There were two large areas where the water was deep enough for a good swim, and to cool off!

Rarity was sunning on a grassy knoll just off the bank near camp. She enjoyed the soothing warmth of Celestia's sun on her damp coat, while keeping a watchful eye on the fishing rods she had fashioned herself. The rods lay secured to 'forks' on a rack keeping any stubborn fish from yanking her hard work into the murky depths.

Atchmon sat next to her sorting out their newly acquired supplies, and laid them out in the sun to dry off. Rarity laid facing towards him, and he couldn't help admiring her majestic beauty. The way her still wet mane stuck her to shoulders and neck, the way it arched for her to view the river. The stark white contrast of her coat against the deep green of the grass.

Atchmon was surprised to find that Rarity was actually quite the accomplished angler. Though it confused him as to why she'd insist on using a fishing rod when, to him, she could just magic the fish out.

"Remind me again why you can't jus' lift'em outta the water?" Atchmon asked, as he secured a fishing reel attachment to his bow.

"I don't mean to sound like I'm bragging, but I am a master at fine precision telekinesis. Not only do I need to see what I'm levitating, but living creatures also have some level of magical resistance. Making them much more difficult to levitate, than ordinary objects. That's why it's so impressive whenever a Unicorn can lift multiple living beings with their magic."

"Not only that, but they feel all icky!" she said, and shook herself at the thought.

"Where'd you learn to fish anyway?" he asked "I never would think a pony would take up such a hobby."

"Father always wanted a colt to teach how to fish. It was always his favorite activity, but instead he got me and made the best of it." she explained to him.

"I think father would like you. You two would get along so well. He's a bit of a stallions' stallion, so I hope you like talking a lot about sports." she said, while reeling in an empty hook, then casting it back out again.

"Heh. I'd be alright with that." Atchmon said, and smiled at the thought of learning about pony sports.

"I've never thought such a skill could be so... imperative." Rarity continued.

"Yeah, when times are lean, I can always count on the river to provide." Atchmon said, giving the waters a gentle smile, silently thanking them for all the times it saved his life.

"I never really cared for the sport, but laying out here on this soft grass is incredibly relaxing." Rarity sighed, as she stretched herself out. Then later flipped onto her back and wriggled against the ground, letting grass scratch her moist, itchy hide.

She looked cute with the way she curled her hooves. There were times she had the elegant movements of a cat, rather than the rigidity of an equine.

Atchmon smiled at her, knowing this was one happy pony. No matter how many times he tried, she'd always do something to remind him of her adorable animal-like traits. And flushed, as his eyes trailed from her long delicate neck, to her bare chest, and down to her sensual navel, then ended at the pair of fleshy mounds between her thighs.

Rarity sighed contently, while resting on her back with her hind legs splayed out; revealing her soft white udders out for the world to see.

Atchmon couldn't help staring at her breasts. They really weren't that much different from a girls. They were more oval shaped than round, better adhered to her more streamlined body evolution had blessed her with. The faded charcoal ring of flesh at the center of each fleshy hill was a surprise to find.

They're like little footballs. He thought, and chuckled lightly to himself.

He continued to compare the similarities, while fighting his compulsion to reach over and rub her soft belly. Which lay flat, revealing the subtle contours of her ribs. Knowing he must still be in trouble from all the recent affections he'd been peppering her with. 'She's lost some weight already.'

Rarity opened her eyes, and shifted her head to see what her human friend found so funny. Even though her view was upside down, she realized almost immediately what he was staring at, and snapped her hind legs shut while rolling away from him. Even sticking both forehooves down to cover herself for added measure.

Atchmon had a sinking feeling come over him at being caught, and quickly turned away; Rarity kept glancing uncomfortably his way, while he did the same towards her. Atchmon couldn't bring himself to meet her big blue doe eyes.

"Sorry, didn't mean to stare." He apologized abashedly, while covering his face in embarrassment with one hand, and waving the other like he could wipe the situation away. "I'm gonna go walk around, an' give you some room."

Rarity watched Atchmon leave without another word, as he wandered into the forest.

"He was looking at me. Not just looking, but looking." Rarity whispered, almost not believing her own words.

Rarity was no stranger to other ponies sizing her up and giving her looks. She could almost always feel their eyes on her. She was guilty of that as well. In Canterlot there was no shortage of attractive unicorn stallions. Even those who lived in Canterlot's lesser districts looked high borne in comparison to the stallions in Ponyville. With a few exceptions. Even Canterlot's slums looked decadent in comparison to most homes in Ponyville.

"This is getting out of hoof. Perhaps it's time we set a few boundaries. Then again, it was my fault for exposing myself in front of him, can I really blame him for looking? But what if he thinks I'm some tail-raising floozy!?" she fretted.

Rarity got up, and entered the forest in search of Atchmon, thinking he couldn't have gone far.

A short while later, Rarity felt something move somewhere near her. Her newly trained senses told her she was being watched, and she quickly found a place to hide until the danger passed.

Something was moving behind the trees and breaking their limbs, something very big.

"An Elken..." Rarity breathed in astonishment as the creature emerged from the thickets; its massive bulk plowed through the undergrowth completely unhindered. Much of Rarity's fear were assuaged by the sight of the fellow hooved creature, and crawled out from her hidey hole.

The large creature noticed Rarity's striking white coat, and approached her at a lumbering gait. Rarity was left awestruck by the Elken's presence; watching as the great Lord of the Wood swayed its head to look at her. Rarity stood there listening to the Elken's low guttural sounds as its massive lungs pulled air inward in deep heavy breaths.

Elken were ancient creatures of legend. Some say just looking at one will bless you with eternal happiness. Others say they only approach those with pure hearts. Rarity's trepidation had her feeling far from happy, from the shear size of the massive creature, which she felt could possibly dwarf the Princesses. Its antlers could easily be mistaken for tree branches, and were covered in moss and hanging vines.

The creature looked down on her with an old gaze, and she could see a millennia of life in those eyes. The Ancient seemed to have taken a curious liking to her as it lowered its head to get a better look at Rarity.

"Hello there." Rarity greeted the Ancient, and lifted a hoof, wanting to touch such a rare creature. Rarity's tiny hoof made contact with the Elken's large snout and she smiled joyously at the rare opportunity.

Fwip!

Rarity shrank back as the Elken let out a pained cry and ran away with a short, dark shaft with black fletching sticking in its barrel. The wounded beast powered through the trees, leaving behind a path of broken branches in its wake.

"Rarity? What are you doin' out here?" Atchmon started worriedly, his movements torn between pursuing the creature and staying with her. "Never mind, c'mon!" he ordered, and chased after his quarry.

Rarity could only react in the confusion and followed after him.

"Oh wow. Oh wow." Atchmon breathed in amazement as he approached his downed prey. The hunt was over in minutes, the hunter had no doubt that his arrow had penetrated both lungs.

The Elken laid on the ground, lifeless, before them.

"Why?" Rarity questioned him, and shook her head; clearly looking upset.

Atchmon could hear the pain in her voice. The look she gave, made him feel like he had done something wrong.

"Can't you see? It wasn't going to harm me!" she snapped at him.

Atchmon looked between her and the animal he killed. At first he couldn't understand what she was so upset about. She stopped hounding him whenever he'd eat some small critter. And scoffed at his jokes about eating Monty, if the little pest got any fatter eating from his garden. But slowly he realized some inkling of her empathy towards the animal. He may never fully understand, but he did know something; at least.

He couldn't make this right, but there was something he could do.

"'m sorry." Atchmon started sympathetically.

"You should be." Rarity sniffed, as she let her sadness for this tragedy fall.

"I wasn't talking to you." Atchmon said, as he kneeled down before legendary creature.

"What are you doing?" she asked timidly.

Atchmon grasped his hands together and held them to his forehead. "Praying." he answered, keeping his eyes shut.

Rarity watched him, unsure of what to make of the strange ritual.

Atchmon clinched his eyes and grimaced as he struggled to remember the words. After a long while, he took a breath and decided to speak from the heart.

"Thank you Great Spirit for this bounty you've blessed us with.

"Thank you creature for dying, so we may live.

"Your flesh will nourish us. And your hide will give us warmth.

"I pray my strike was swift and my arrow true, and that your last breath, was not one of pain and agony. For I wish no suffering unto you.

"May your spirit run swift to join the Great One watching above.

"Amen."

Rarity studied Atchmon's face as he finished the sermon.

A predator honoring its prey... How can there be any honor in this? Rarity thought, wondering if Atchmon actually felt guilty about this.

Something has to die for him to live. So if he had any other choice, would he choose not to eat other living things? Rarity's thoughts buzzed with new questions, things she hadn't thought of, and wondered how they would affect the outcome of their rescue.

Atchmon then drew out his knife.

"Wait. W-what're you doing. Stop." she pleaded, and placed her hooves on Atchmon's arm.

"Rarity... it would be an insult to this animal, if I just left it, without using it." Atchmon said calmly.

Rarity shook her head. She didn't want him to do this. If some predator killed her, she doubted that 'feeling insulted' that it never ate her would be the least of her feelings. But she could see where Atchmon was getting at. She may not fully understand, but she could try to.

"I don't do this because I want to, Rarity. I know how upset you are... but I have to do this." He pleaded with her, begging her to understand his people's ways.

They remained silent a moment until Rarity gingerly removed her hooves from his arm.

"I don't- do I have to..." Rarity hesitated to ask, only wanting to be someplace else.

"It's too big... I'm gonna need your help... No, wait, you can go..."

"No, I'll stay... I feel responsible for this." Rarity shook her head in regret.

"You weren't."

"I know, but you should know that not every creature out here is a malevolent beast, Atchmon." Rarity stated with a sad look.

"I know... Alright let's get started." Atchmon said, lacking all the excitement of a hearty meal to come.

"What do you want me to do?" she asked, but she already knew a little about the process.

"I need you to go get the rope and the food we've gathered today, and bring it all back here." Atchmon said, as he got up and started inspecting some of the nearby tree branches. Including those that were torn down during the hunt.

"Okay."

"Rarity." Atchmon called after her. "Be safe."

"I will." Rarity said, before leaving at a full canter.

Once she returned. Atchmon had gathered a large pile of thick branches. Rarity noticed none of it was suitable for a fire, and watched Atchmon stripping off sapling bark as quickly as he could.

"I've brought what you've asked." Rarity started, interrupting Atchmon's work.

"Alright, come over here with me." Atchmon said as he waved her over, and kneeled down by the creatures head.

Rarity turned away at the first sign of crimson, and did her best to keep the corpse of the animal out of her sight.

Atchmon beckoned her closer, and opened the flap of her saddlebag. Then proceeded to place their food carefully on the ground.

"What are you doing?" she asked, not understanding the purpose of his actions.

"Its an offering. To its family and the forest." Atchmon said simply.

Rarity hoped there were others. The thought that there were no more Elken left in the world, that this creature was the last, pained her heart. Seeing him perform the sacred ritual put her little more at ease.

"I'll admit, it's been a long time since I've last done this. Guess I've been a pretty ungrateful bastard." Atchmon muttered in the end.

"What do we do now?" Rarity asked.

"I want you to make a sort of stretcher out of these branches. It's gonna look a bit like this." Atchmon said, and held his hands up for her to see. Forming a sort of pyramid with them.

"You mean, like a travois?" she offered, and tried not to think about what she was going to be dragging behind her.

"I don't know what they're called. Only what they're supposed to look like." Atchmon said, and felt stupid for not knowing what he was talking about.

"Do you want help with..." Rarity hesitated to ask what had been on her mind.

"No, I don't want you to see this part." Atchmon said as he grabbed the rope and threw it over a thick, low-hanging branch.

Rarity succeeded in making a pair of triangular stretchers for them to drag the carcass along.

"Follow me, I think I know where one of my pits is close by." Atchmon said, and continued on while dragging his half along with him.

It was a long process. Taking all of the day, and most of the night. Rarity had become accustomed to the smell of smoke, and cooking meat.

By the time they finished, the once beautiful creature was nothing but cooked meat and parts. Atchmon buried the remains that couldn't be used, and made a small burial shine out of its antlers. It was a little macabre to Rarity, but couldn't bring herself to make her opinion known.

Rarity was somewhat curious about hide tanning. She tried to view it as keeping up with the trends, but couldn't see Ponies wearing much in the way of fur. There were plenty of other creature that would, a market she had yet to tap into. However, once it came to 'braining' the hide, she couldn't keep the facade any longer.

Atchmon would have to do the rest without her.

Atchmon kept a watchful eye over her. Only, Rarity seemed to be punishing herself for something that wasn't her fault.

She truly felt responsible.

He had to make this right, somehow.

But what could he do?

Rarity asked Atchmon to give her a bit of space after the incident with the Elken. They never really saw much of each other over the next few days.

Atchmon was gone most of the time, and would usually return right after sunset.

Even when they were together, they barely talked to each other. They'd exchange the same old pleasantries, but their interactions became autonomous. A 'good morning' here, and a 'how are you' there, but there was never any warmth in the conversation.

Rarity was doing everything she could to distract herself. Even taking up some of Atchmon's responsibilities, which included aerating the garden, and filling the water pots. Even though they were mostly full to begin with.

Strangely though, Atchmon had taken a sudden interest in tailoring, asking her questions about the process, including the best ways to go about it.

Rarity was more than happy to share her knowledge. Anything to keep her from slipping into depression. It'd been years since she felt so bad that all she wanted to do was lay in bed all day.

It wasn't a feeling she welcomed at all.

With the chores done, there was nothing else to do but wait for Atchmon to return from doing whatever it is he does in the forest.

And wait she did.

Napping helped a little, though Rarity couldn't understand how Rainbow Dash could nap so much, as she nursed a newly developed headache. Rarity never knew too much sleep could be a bad thing.

The brightest part of her day, was when Atchmon finally came home. For all his faults and their differences, it was better having him around. Just his presence alone put her more at ease.

He left a bit later the next day. Leaving her alone again, and so she waited for him to return. With nothing but her thoughts to keep her company.

"Atchmon's been keeping himself awful busy lately, and sleeping in much later than usual. Which is strange, because he's usually up before I am. We actually awoke at the same time this morning. Funny, he isn't all that well balanced during that time from the way he was shambling about. Guess he's not as much of a morning pony as I thought he was." Rarity mused idly to herself.

There wasn't anything for her to do, at least, not until Atchmon came back. She assumed he went out on another hunt, though she couldn't understand why. He had plenty of food, and then remembered what he said about stocking supplies for the rain that's to come.

Their home was clean, the garden had been tended to, and food was well stocked for the both of them.

Rarity sat down on the larger bed, and tried to think of anything to help her pass the time. She didn't know how long Atchmon would be gone today, and eventually her mind blanked until her thoughts wandered back to her real home.

It's been a month now...

A part of Rarity wanted to be proud she survived so long in what Ponies believed to be the most dangerous place in Equestria. But that part was overshadowed by her longing to be back with the ones she loved.

But then there was the issue of Atchmon. How would she convince him to leave? How could she tell him that she didn't want to wait for a rescue any longer?

Every day she'd gaze upon Canterlot's mountain peak. Something she felt was so close, and yet so very far away. Of which Atchmon would remind her.

"He said it could take at least a couple weeks to make that journey. And that's assuming nothing hinders our approach. Little chance of that happening." she added sarcastically.

"I wonder how my friends will react... Pinkie Pie would throw a party, no doubt about that. And Twilight will want to know every detail of my experience. Rainbow Dash, the poor softy, would bawl and hold me and probably never let go. Applejack... she's never one to publicly show her emotions, I bet she'll tip her old hat, and give one of those knowing bows to me. And Fluttershy would be ever so attentive to any of my needs. I wonder what they'll think of Atchmon when I bring him along on our return..."

"Our return..." she whispered thoughtfully.

Then she wondered what her friends would think of Atchmon. Rarity was confident she could convince them to accept him as he was... But what about the rest of Equestria?

Even with Twilight's support, her word still didn't carry much weight among the nobles. Much less Rarity and the other Element bearers.

Suddenly the image of Atchmon being banished back into this horrible place entered her mind.

"What if the Princesses view him as some dangerous monster and threw him in the dungeon? Or threw him in a dungeon, in the place that he was banished to!?" she thought aloud, and could already see the look of betrayal on his face, as he shouted that painful question of "Why!?" at her, as he grasped the bars of his cage.

It was a silly thought. Atchmon was closer to a Griffin, as far as food needs go, more than anything else. And it wasn't as if Ponies weren't interacting more with them or the Dragons. Other than his size, he actually had far less of a threatening presence than either.

"Maybe convincing him just isn't enough. He's always been firm in his belief of staying where we are, and letting others find us. But I'm losing faith in that ever happening."

There was one thing she could do to get him to leave. Something she had been quite adept at, but never taken it to the next level. All Atchmon needed was a little motivation, and Rarity was sure he'd want to leave.

Rarity thought of their time at the river, of how she felt being so close to him. That same feeling of having butterflies in your stomach, but swore it was just the water.

Ever since he kissed her, Atchmon had been getting increasingly more physical with her. Not in a bad way. Just things like hugging and petting her more often. Usually it was in praise of whatever good thing she did for him. And that first kiss wasn't the last, he'd been doing that more often too. Usually it was a quick peck on the cheek, or head. But sometimes he'd lift up her hoof and kiss her pastern as well. And it was always so random, it's like he does it because the mood hits him.

It wasn't like Rarity never used her charm and good looks to get what she wanted. Only a few times she felt guilty doing so. But she couldn't do that to him, could she?

"I'll admit, I like the attention he gives me. No, I love it. But, ohh, he only sees me as his pet. Just some animal to be used. How could somepony like me ever court a creature such as him." she dismayed, and flopped back on Atchmon's bed. Smelling the unique scent of human on the furred sheet.

Rarity had played with the idea of courting Spike, should the little dear never lose his infatuation with her, and only once he was old enough, of course. She considered all the positives and negatives, but the age difference was just too great. She simply couldn't wait for him to mature physically, or mentally any longer. Besides, there was another pony who had eyes for him that Spike had yet to notice.

Rarity noticed this growing love. Being the good, observant sister she was, and decided to wait and see how things played out. Maybe even subtly help it along if she could.

But the thing that scared Rarity most, was the fact stallions tend to want more than just the 'promise' of affection. The sooner they got their rut, the sooner they'd make up their minds as to whether or not they'll stick around with the mare.

"This isn't at all what I imagined. What I always hoped for... What I wanted. Perhaps it's all too much of me to ask. My wishes really are the hopes of a naive little filly after all..." Rarity spoke somberly, paying respects to her dying fantasies as she mentally prepared herself for what she was planning to do.

Rarity was very familiar with Atchmon's touch, and stroked her body with her hard, rough hooves; they just didn't compare to his soft, yet firm digits.

She continued to lie in Atchmon's bed imagining what it would be like to lay with the human, while continuing to mentally prepare herself for her plans to come.

She wondered how he would feel compared to a real stallion. Not that she ever had one to compare him to; and felt the pang of loneliness creep in her heart at that realization.

Rarity held herself while curling into a tight little ball, seeking out any comfort she could provide for herself despite being completely isolated.

There were times in the past she'd close her boutique for the day, choosing to focus on catching up with the work from her special orders. Then later at night--like so many other nights--Rarity would lay in her Princess-sized bed cuddling tightly against her many pillows, trying desperately to fill the void she greatly desired to be filled by her special somepony.

Without her work to distract herself from the crippling loneliness she was feeling, Rarity couldn't help imagining herself with a companion once again. Only this time--like many other times--she didn't want simple companionship. She wanted somepony to hold her, to cuddle with her, and to comfort her. She wanted the company only a lover could provide.

She laid in Atchmon's bed feeling increasingly alone and... frustrated.

The idea of mating sparked a growing fire in her loins, and the prospect of making herself feel good was becoming more appealing the longer she dwelled on the idea. She'd done well to suppress her urges thus far, but now the thoughts were there again; and she didn't feel like ignoring them this time. That and the fact it had been a very long while since she last felt release. Rarity may have thought of herself as a lady of class, but that didn't mean she was a complete prude. She, like many other mares, loved to feel good and to satisfy urges.

And there was still plenty of time before Atchmon came back...

"This simply won't do." Rarity said, while examining her hooves. They had a bit of dirt on them, and were cracked and dry from neglect. She feared their condition worsening, if she never saw the local ferrier again. The thought of using Atchmon's crude blade to trim them worried her.

"Oh, what does it matter," she sighed in defeat, and turned over, laying flat on her back with her hind legs splayed out; before dipping a hoof between her thighs and rubbing her breasts. The sensation didn't do anything for her. Her hooves grew too much for her soft frogs to make comfortable contact with the bare skin of her udders, and were just too jagged for it to feel good.

Rarity tried curling into herself, hoping her little button was swollen enough for her to reach, but was unable to reach her sex, and whined in frustration at her futile attempts. She tried bending over as far as she could go, but no part of her was flexible enough for her to reach her vulva. After that, she shifted to the side and tried reaching over her ample flanks, with even worse results, the least she could do was spread her fleshy folds by pulling up her rump. All those ponlates classes were definitely not paying off.

Her pony anatomy just didn't allow for self pleasure.

Rarity flopped back on the bed in frustration, and thought about her predicament. Her marehood twitched mockingly for attention, as she tried to engineer a solution to her problem. The little nub of flesh swelled as Rarity hunted for anything remotely phallic shaped, and couldn't help forcefully flexing her sex muscle in an effort to derive some pleasure from it.

Looking around the cave she came upon the repaired skull of Mahoney looking at her with a creepy grin, and used her magic to make him face away. Unfortunately his creepy gaze didn't kill the mood for her, and she continued her search for a tool of relief.

Her eyes continued to wander around the den, until they landed on the spear she rarely ever parted with. Rarity magicked the pole over and examined it. The wooden shaft seemed smooth enough, and was fairly clean. Even by her lowest standards.

Rarity thought back and remembered a bit of filly talk she had with Applejack and Twilight, back when they had regular slumber parties. Applejack once said something about using the fence posts at her farm whenever she'd get urges, or a really bad itch.

'Maybe this could work.'

She got up and faced the bed, then lifted her tail, and positioned the spear's shaft between her flanks. She then pressed it firmly against the sensitive skin of her marehood.

With her magic, she hesitantly sawed the spear's shaft against her slit, kneading it into herself, and felt her lips part around the smooth, wooden pole with every stroke. The dry rod was a little uncomfortable to use at first, but at least she was becoming more aroused with each pleasant sensation.

Rarity bent lower into the bed, resting her head and fore-hooves into the furred mattress. Immediately getting a better sensation of the shaft grinding against her clitoral hood. She could feel her little button swelling with pleasure, and a moment later she felt a familiar twitch beneath her tail.

"Oh..." Rarity mewled, feeling the shaft become slick with her juices as it rubbed against her clit and between her folds. Sending sparks of pleasure with every involuntary wink. She bent down with her hind legs, sliding her flanks against her love pole, in long, slow strokes.

"Ah!" she gasped, as she worked her haunches, grinding faster against the spear. She swayed her hips to the side, letting it spread her lips open, and she could smell the musky scent of her sex in the air. She pressed harder into it, trying to get her mare lips around the shaft.

But it wasn't enough. Rarity tried to push back into the shaft, feeling it glide against her moist folds; but her magic was too weak to apply the pressure she needed. Instead, she tried to make up for it with her fantasies.

She was noblemare at the mercy of a handsome pirate, as they sailed away on the high seas.

She was a Princess, swept off her hooves by a rogue street-rat who would become her Prince.

She was a lowly maid commoner, fallen in love with a noble outlaw embroiled in a battle of wits against an evil sheriff.

In every instance, Rarity's mind replaced the stallions of her fantasies with Atchmon's own alien visage.

She imagined his smooth skin rubbing against her back. The weight of his body pressing down on her, while she struggled to hold him aloft as they mated. She smelled at the furred bed sheet, trying to fill her senses with his unique scent. Her world melted into one of fantasy and pleasure, but release still eluded her.

She wondered what it would feel like if he'd bite her withers with his sharp teeth, adding the pleasure of pain to their love, as he shoved himself deeper into her core. She could feel her vaginal muscles contract, kneading her absent lover's member, coaxing him to pour his seed into her; to dominate her, to claim her as his, to conquer her. To make her into a real mare.

Rarity's breathing and movements became more erratic as she searched for rapture, and felt a pressure growing deep in her groin. The familiar feeling of her body tightening grew too much for her to bear, as she worked fervently to bring herself over the edge, while the slickening wet sounds of her self-pleasure echoed in her ears. She could feel herself getting closer, and was so ready to explode; the bliss of release was near...

"Hey, Rare, I'm ba- WHOA!" Atchmon shouted in surprise, and stuck his hands out; futilely trying to block the image of Rarity's soaking wet marehood as it was seared into his mind.

"AH!" Rarity screamed, before she could hit her peak, and flopped sideways onto the bed; trying to find anything to cover herself, while the spear clattered to the floor; landing in a tiny pool of her juices.

"Rarity! I- ah! Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! I'm sorry! Sorry!" Atchmon apologized profusely over and over as he quickly made his escape, and accidentally bumped his head on the entrance in his panic.

"Out! Get out! Don't look at me! Get out!" Rarity yelled as she threw various little trinkets around the shelves at him with her magic.

Rarity pushed her disheveled mane to the side, and flopped backwards on Atchmon's bed while covering her face.

She laid on the bed feeling completely mortified, and even more frustrated than before.

Rarity poked her head outside the Den, and found Atchmon fidgeting with his fingers while waiting for her at the bottom of the hill.

"What're you doing back so early." Rarity asked curtly as she tried to magic her mane back into place.

"It's, ah, my turn to make dinner tonight, so I was wonderin' if you were ready to eat?" Atchmon replied nervously, feeling as though he were stepping on eggshells.

Rarity noticed he wore his furred vest, the same one he'd normally wear whenever it was too cold for him. It was late, but the heat of the day hadn't dissipated yet, and all Rarity could think about was how uncomfortably warm he had to be.

And... did he brush the fur on his vest? And his mane too!?

'He did! He even groomed his facial hair... I never imagined he could look so dapper. What in Equestria is going on? Did Tartarus just freeze over, or something?'

"Isn't it a bit early?" she questioned, while checking on the sun. It was clearly in the afternoon, yet far from evening.

"I got a lil surprise planned for you down by the river, if you think you'll be ready to eat in the next hour or so." he explained, while pointing a thumb in the right direction.

Rarity felt like she could use a snack... but considering she just 'musked' up their home. It was probably best they avoided it for a couple hours, and let it air out.

"A surprise? What sort of surprise?" she asked curiously while putting on her saddlebags.

"You'll see." Atchmon answered mysteriously, and left it at that.

The pair walked for what felt like hours. The trip would've felt a lot shorter if Atchmon would've revealed any of his secrets to her. But alas, he wasn't going to break.

"We're almost there, don't you worry." he said.

"Oh, will you stop saying that. You said that last time, and the time before that." Rarity fussed.

"Only if you'll stop askin' if we're there yet." he replied nonchalantly.

Rarity followed him northwest, taking their normal path to the bathing falls. Then they followed its nearly dry stream westward to the river, and their campsite. Then followed the water a long way downstream to the east, and diverted inland when the terrain became too rough. Until Atchmon finally stopped and turned to her.

"You ready?" he asked teasingly with an eager smile.

"Absolutely," Rarity started, feeling her tummy growl. "Even my hooves are starting to feel sore. Honestly, why did we have to come all the way out here just for our meal?" Rarity complained, and could barely see the light of a campfire through all the tall grass.

"For this." Atchmon replied, pausing for effect, before parting the tall grass for her, and revealing the river gently flowing around a large, sandy bank shaped like a teardrop, along with a fire and a table sitting near the middle of its 'bulb'.

"Oh, my..." Rarity gasped upon seeing the beautiful sight.

The sun reflected off the water's flowing surface, making it sparkle like stars in the sky. Atchmon carried his table all the way from his home, and placed a pair of 'cushions' covered in Elephant Ear leaves and a backing made of pampas grass on each side of the tiny picnic table. Rarity's had to be the purple ones, and Atchmon's the red, as their fluffy tops swayed gently in the breeze.

A quartet of torches were arranged to offer additional lighting. Rarity watched the shadows dance in the flickering orange light of their flames.

Atchmon took off his boots while she was taking in the sights, and led her across the shallow, hoof-high water.

A vase centerpiece adorned their dinner table, filled with an assortment of flowers. Rarity could tell Atchmon picked them only because they looked pretty. There was no theme, or color coordination to be found within the carnation, if anything, it was a small botanical menagerie. But she didn't care, the effort alone was breathtaking. The vase was filled with foals breath, heart's desire, cattails, and white rose lilies to name a few.

"Your dinner's ready, m' lady." he smiled brightly, showing off his canines to her.

Even after all this time, the sight of his sharp teeth still sent her heart a flutter. They talked about it before, and instead of being deterred from showing off his teeth, it only encouraged him. Rarity just assumed he was helping her get over her fears and more primal instincts. Atchmon seemed to think it was humorous.

Rarity was glad of it, she didn't want him to change on her account.

"You made all this... for me?" she asked, while motioning a hoof around at everything.

"Yeah. You like it?" he swallowed in anticipation, awaiting her approval. Seconds seemed to stretch on for hours, while he watched the stunned pony work her mouth. Unable to form words.

Atchmon deflated when it seemed like she wasn't going to say anything.

"Yeah, this was pretty dumb... I dunno why I thought this was a good idea." he chastised himself, and reached over to remove the table's center piece.

"NO, MIIINE!" Rarity cried out, and in a flash she was stretched over the table while cradling the centerpiece protectively in her hooves. She couldn't bear to let something so beautiful be taken away from her. She needed something beautiful right now.

"Sorry." Rarity apologized and backed away embarrassed, her cheeks colored a bright pink.

"Guess that's a yes." Atchmon chuckled lightly, and straightened the bouquet back where it belonged.

"Yes... Um, and, I think I'm a little underdressed. Give me a moment, would you dear?" she asked before prancing off back behind a wall of pampas grass above the shore.

"This is it. I have to make myself presentable. Oh, this won't do! Why'd he have to spring this on me now of all times." Rarity fretted as she scoured the contents of her saddlebags, and took a few of the fabric samples she'd kept for clients on the go. Then used them to clean the stickiness around her marehood. She fought to throw away the disgusting rags, but knew with a little hot water they'll be 'relatively' clean. For now, she'll have to carry her filth and shame with her.

"Oh, where is it, where is it." she continued to fret.

"Aha! Eyelash curler, don't fail me now!" Rarity cheered, before getting to work.

Rarity returned a long while later, watching Atchmon fighting boredom by flicking the leaves of the bouquet as she approached once again.

"Well? How do I look?" she asked, while lifting her head high and striking a pose, awaiting his approval.

Without product to style her mane, she decided to braid it for the sake of saying she put effort into it. Her dark purple hair cascaded over her neck and shoulder, a red bow adorned near the base of her tail; which she brushed thoroughly and left unstyled, hoping it'll cover her shame. Rarity didn't want to give Atchmon the wrong impression. If she left her sex exposed, it would've sent a strong signal of what she was after.

Though she doubted Atchmon knew of such subtle social intricacies. Considering they never talked of such things. Still, it was better not to leave anything to chance.

Her emergency makeup helped smooth out her facial features, leaving her face and cheeks a flawless white with a slight peach tone. To better color coordinate with Atchmon's tanned skin. Her standard baby blue eyeliner was also back to its rightful place.

Without proper clothing, Rarity decided to shirk her barding. Hoping Atchmon wouldn't mind her own natural beauty.

Atchmon carefully looked her over. It amazed him how pretty she looked, how feminine she looked. Even with her cute, little white muzzle, and her big blue doe eyes, with long, elegant eyelashes that seemed to beckon him with every slow blink of her eyes.

"You look... majestic." he breathed, after taking a moment to search for the right word. The perfect word. "Beautiful, just don't do you no justice." he smiled at her.

For the first time in weeks, Rarity felt like a proper lady.

She swelled with pride, and held a hoof up to her mouth to contain her giddiness and hide her emotions.

Nopony had ever called her 'majestic' before. She liked that word, a lot. More than any other compliment she'd ever received, and she's heard a great deal many in the past, a near ceaseless amount. And the way he said it, made her feel so special.

Rarity tried not to cry, lest she ruin her eyeliner. She felt like a ugly, smelly, dirty mess for so long, that she never realized how badly she needed that bit of reassurance.

Atchmon cleared his throat. "Mmm-mm, just for future reference, you really shouldn't wear your makeup when you're out gatherin', or anything."

"I know... it's because it'll attract dangerous beasts." she deflated a little at that. She wanted to pretend she wasn't in the Everfree at the moment.

"Can ya blame 'em?" he chuckled.

Rarity looked at him, confused by his comment, before realizing the joke behind it and gave a bashful giggle.

That's twice he's called me pretty.

"Yeah, but it's fine for now. Tonight's all about you Rari- your Highness." he corrected, giving her a low bow.

For the first time, Rarity actually felt guilty being called royalty.

"Rarity would be just fine." she said, as she crossed a hoof over the other in a bashful stance.

"Rarity." he echoed with a smile, and motioned for her to sit.

Rarity took her seat, and rubbed a hoof on the tables' surface, as if checking to see if it was real.

It was like a dream! Rarity could feel herself floating.

The setting, the scenery, the atmosphere. It was all just so lovely and beautiful.

Everything was perfect... until the familiar hiss of water hitting flames entered her ears.

Atchmon flew to the cauldron before it could boil over and completely extinguish the fire. He wasn't quite fast enough and was nearly lost in a huge plume of smoke.

Atchmon seemed to be in a bit of a panic, from the way he was triple checking what he was doing, and constantly double taking, while getting nowhere fast.

"Atchmon, is everything alright?" she asked in concern.

"Everything's fine, I just, ah shi-!"

"Do you need some help?" she offered, watching him battle with their dinner.

"No, I got this, Ah!" Atchmon yelped, while shaking his hand around, working to cool off the burn it received.

Atchmon, finally getting control of the situation, set a pair of carved wooden spoons on the table, and poured them some soup from the steaming cauldron.

The vegetable soup Atchmon made contained many of the common produce they'd normally eat together. Including corn, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, and some flecks of what must've been various herbs floating on its surface.

"I made tea!" he chirped, and rushed to pour her some of the brownish liquid from a carafe into a pair of clay goblets. And lastly, offered her a bowl of honey, before finally seating himself.

Once Atchmon sat down, he tried to gauge Rarity's reaction to everything. But there was one 'little' problem with his table setting.

The flower bouquet centerpiece was a too big for the small table, and the pair struggled to see each other.

"How's the-" Atchmon tried to ask, as he looked right of the vase, only to see Rarity leaning left.

"Would you like-" he started again looking to left, only Rarity was now leaning right.

Back and forth they went, even futility trying to look over the too tall vase, until Rarity decided to remove the flowers herself.

Rarity smiled graciously at Atchmon as she smelled the centerpiece and set it down beside her.

Atchmon looked away and smiled in embarrassment for not doing the obvious himself.

"Shall we toast?" Rarity offered, while raising her glass.

"Sure. Let's see, toast, toast..." he thought aloud, and struggled to come up with something.

"How about. To family, and good friends, may we see them again, sooner than we expect." Rarity suggested, after it seemed Atchmon was trying too hard.

"I can toast to that." he said, hiding his disappointment in himself.

They clinked their glasses together and took a sip, then both spat out the nasty beverage.

"Ugh, that didn't turn out right." Atchmon said in disgust, while tossing out the rest of his drink.

Rarity was working her tongue, still trying to get the taste out of her mouth.

"Sorry about that, at least I have a backup plan." Atchmon said as he emptied out the carafe into the river. Rarity watched as he cleaned it out and filled their cups with clean water.

Rarity continued to eat, and chastised herself for starting before Atchmon was ready. After a long moment of waiting, he didn't seem to want to touch his food. He stared melancholy into his bowl.

"I'm sorry Rarity." Atchmon resigned with a sigh, and rubbed his eyes.

"What's wrong, darling? You've done a marvelous job, so what if there's a few little hiccups?" she consoled.

"I just really wanted this to go off without a hitch." he said, giving her an apologetic ghost of a smile.

"Don't feel bad, darling. It's the thought that counts, you have nothing to be ashamed of," Rarity reached her hoof out in support.

Atchmon felt slightly better thanks to Rarity's kind words and smiled.

"So, I take it the accommodations are to your liking?" he asked, getting back into the role and fishing for further praise on his work.

The bait wasn't lost on Rarity, who spoke in an eloquent tone. "Oui, la présentation est magnifique. Bien joué,"

"Did you just speak French? 'Cause that sounded French." Atchmon chuckled in amazement, and surprise.

"It's Fancy, and I said the 'presentation is magnificent, and well done'." Rarity said with a nod.

"Sure sounds fancy." Atchmon replied.

"I must say, darling. Everything looks absolutely divine!" Rarity praised in her classy tone, while taking in the natural beauty around her again.

"Hah. Never thought I'd see that side of you come out again." Atchmon mused.

"Whatever do you mean, dear?" she asked, feeling a little hurt.

"Nothin', it's just, it's kind of like a night and day difference with you." he explained.

"Do you mean to say that you... don't like it?" she questioned, and started to feel a little self conscience.

"Nah, I think it's okay. I just don't understand why you do it. You didn't sound like that before now. So, why do it at all?" he asked with a shrug.

Rarity took a moment to think.

She'd been practicing such behavior for so long it was practically second nature to her. Atchmon never really asked about her before, at least, not when it didn't involve learning about each other's culture. He usually avoided such questions about his own life before the Everfree. It was only fair he didn't ask anything personal from her as well.

"When I was just a little filly, my parents took me to Canterlot during the Summer Sun Celebration. To watch Princess Celestia raise the sun at the start of the new year."

"Our capital city represents the best of unicorn sophistication, elegance, and culture. I so admired the city and the ponies living there, all trotting around in their fanciful garbs. I wanted to stay there, but alas, we couldn't afford even the simplest of amenities."

"Since that trip, I started reading books about proper etiquette and practiced every day to speak as they do, act as they do, eat, sleep, and trot. But there was one thing that always set them apart from other ponies."

"And what was that?" he asked, feeling himself drift into her story.

"Clothing. It is a luxury only the wealthy could afford at the time. Not only that, but it is a major symbol of status. Only those in wealth ever wore clothing on a day to day basis, and everypony else could only afford one or two articles per family, which were usually passed down."

"One night I was lying in bed thinking about my clothing conundrum, when it finally hit me! If I couldn't buy my own dresses, then I would just make them myself!" Rarity declared while curling her forehooves, as if grasping her idea.

"How were you going to accomplish that?" Atchmon asked, following along.

"Luckily for me Cloqué Jacquard, the local seamstress at the time, was taking in apprentices. But I needed to show my work before she would consider me, and fabric was very hard to come by at the time. Thankfully she was kind enough to lend me any fabric that she couldn't use herself."

"I tried so hard, and failed so many times to make an ensemble worthy of praise. But I finally got it right! Oh, it was a lovely periwinkle frock. I was so proud of myself, and couldn't wait to show it off. "

"But on my way there I ran across a fellow school filly named Rotten Tomato, she was always such an unpleasant critic, you see. And the poor dear was crying her eyes out, because nopony showed up to her Cutesinera party. "

Atchmon felt bad for her, knowing a Cutsinera was comparable to a birthday party. He knew exactly how she felt.

"Unfortunately her older sister, Spoiled Milk, was less than consoling. I felt so bad for her that I gave away my dress, and my only chance of an apprenticeship to help make her feel better."

"I'll never forget the look on her face. The way she lit up when I told her she could have it. It was the best feeling in the world, making somepony else happy like that. I knew right then what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to make other ponies happy."

Atchmon started in, "Wow, that was really cool of you Rare, but how did you learn to make clothes without someone to teach you?" he asked.

"Oh, Everypony knew Rotten Tomato was never one to give a good review on other ponies work, but she made such a compelling argument to Cloqué that she took me as her apprentice the very next day!" Rarity cheered.

"It was a magical thing, I learned that day that doing something nice for somepony, meant they were going to do something nice for somepony else! Not long after that, our school teacher offered me the job of making the costumes for our upcoming school play."

"That's neat. What was the play about?" Atchmon asked, more for the sake of showing he was paying attention.

"The food pyramid." Rarity started simply. "All my classmates were to be dressed in different food-themed costumes. You know, hay bales, fruits, vegetables, flowers, cakes, that sort of thing. Well, my first attempt was only average at best, Cloqué always said that 'if you're going to make something, make it spectacular!' and my costumes were anything but."

"How can you make a hay bale look good?" Atchmon asked as he laughed at the thought.

"I didn't have a clue at the time, but destiny has a funny way of showing us what we're lacking. Anyway, I found what I needed, the costumes were spectacular, I earned my cutie mark, and the rest they say is history."

"I never lost that desire to make ponies happy with my work, I still chase that feeling to this very day. It truly is better to give, rather than receive. But more than that, I dream to fill the world with beauty, even if I have to do it one dress at a time." Rarity finished with a proud breadth.

"Sounds just like mom. You remind me a lot of her." Atchmon mused.

"Really? How so?" Rarity asked curiously.

"It was always her dream to become wealthy, so much so, she could just give things away on a whim, and make people happy. Even though she was a stay-at-home mom, she never lost that dream, or her generosity. She always got involved with everything, tryin' to do good in our little corner of the world... I think she would've liked you, once she got passed the whole 'you-bein'-a-unicorn' thing." he smiled at the thought.

"A mare after my own heart, it sounds like." Rarity praised, while holding a hoof to her chest.

"I took after my mother, she's a bit traditional. Asked for my father's horn in marriage, and have been together ever since. Though, she won't allow any other mares into their herd. I suppose that influenced my preference as well. To me it was always just the way of things, I never knew how wrong it was for them to be together, alone, like that. But it just made it all so much more romantic." Rarity mused.

"So you got any boyfriends waiting for you back home, 'Marshmellow'?" Atchmon teased.

"I thought I asked you not to call me by my fillyhood nickname. It's not my fault I loved ice cream so much." Rarity whined. "Though it is my fault for telling you that story in the first place."

"Nope. You shouldn't of." he said with a devious smile, and a wink.

Rarity stuck her tongue out at him, but it just made Atchmon laugh. She felt more comfortable with herself. It was nice not having to put on airs, and just be herself.

"But no. No, I don't have a coltfriend." Rarity said, hiding her downcast look.

"Heh, colt-friend." Atchmon bemused. "Why is that? You seem like a really well put together woman- mare. A Princess no less. I would think all the boys would just be lining up for you." Atchmon stated.

Rarity stared melancholy into her bowl. As if waiting for the answer to emerge from the remnants of her soup.

"Rare?" Atchmon asked in concern, after noticing her melancholy look and ears drop.

"Sorry, I ruined the mood didn't I?" she asked somberly.

"No you... jus' forget it. It was a dumb question." Atchmon said while waving his hands, hoping to wipe the question away.

"The truth is Atchmon I... I can be a bit overly picky when it comes to whom I want to court. I'm a wealthy and successful businessmare, a heroine among my kind, and a former element bearer. Not to mention my continually rising career in the fashion industry, and... I'm widely considered to be a very attractive mare. I think it goes without saying that I am a highly desirable bachelorette." Rarity explained forlornly.

"So... Do you want to get married one da-" he asked, and nearly jumped back at her answer.

"YES!" Rarity shouted hysterically. Then cleared her throat and shrank back, embarrassed by her sudden outburst. "My apologies, but yes, I so very much want to be married. Preferably I'd like to be the first of my friends to do so."

"But lately I've been focusing so much on my career that everything else just sort of fell by the wayside. I want more than anything to be a famous fashion designer, to earn my own name to fame, and count myself among the Noblemares of Equestria. But there are certain... obstacles I've had to face." Rarity added sadly.

"What sort of obstacles?" he questioned.

"I'm not without without my flaws Atchmon." Rarity started guilty. "I told you once before that I wanted to be in a monogamous relationship. As you know, it's very rare to find a stallion willing to commit to such an exclusive courtship. And it's virtually impossible for me to practice such a taboo ideal among higher society."

Atchmon nodded as he followed along with her explanation.

"I could dash away my wants and accept any one of the many offers to join a herd. But I don't want to be part of some highborne stallion's collection. Just some piece a flank he can choose from in an afternoon." Rarity spat angrily, remembering Jet Set and Uppercrust's less than pleasing offer.

"So not even an equally wealthy stallion would interest you?" Atchmon questioned, trying to keep up with all the new information.

"My pedigree is also an issue. I'm a lowborn commoner, bred from lowborn commoners." Rarity said lowly, and clenched her eyes as a few painful memories resurfaced. "And there's the issue of my being raised in a monogamous family. I told you there's a bias against ponies who aren't raised in a proper herd." she mentioned.

Atchmon probably understood better than anyone Rarity's need for attention. Remembering all the times she'd ask the same twenty questions whenever he'd leave for gathering or came back. Not to mention all the times he found her sleeping beside him, or just staying nearby. He wondered if there was some truth to ponies turning out differently when they aren't raised in a proper herd, but chalked it up to a pony, just being a pony.

"Not to mention the biases against my career." Rarity groaned.

"Most ponies don't wear clothes, you see. Everypony told me I was foolish for pursuing a career in a niche industry. This is mainly due to the fact there's only one group of ponies who will continually buy clothes, and who are also the ones who decide which clothing designers are best. The Nobility. Everything flows down from them. I understood that better than anything when I was practicing business."

Atchmon tried to be attentive as he listened to her little rant.

Rarity took a breath continued on.

"The fashion industry is a highly competitive market. Only the absolute best succeed. But I always believed that one day everypony would be wearing my fabulous designs. Now, I own three successful shops and am highly praised throughout the community, and I did it all with my own talent and effort." she stated proudly.

"I don't understand. If you you've succeeded, then what's the problem?" Atchmon asked, still confused by the dump of information.

"Sorry dear, I suppose I didn't make it very clear." Rarity admitted. "Essentially my career is considered to be a highly unstable source of income. A stallion looking for a mare to support him wouldn't want one who can't guarantee a future." she explained.

Atchmon nodded in understanding.

"It used to be such a volatile market that, if I made a mistake, my career would've ended on the whim of a pony who is less than pleased. Which means I'd have lost everything I worked so hard to achieve. But anypony who still thinks that way is wrong. More and more ponies are wearing clothes more often, which is wonderful for my business. I'm hoping to make clothing more affordable to those who don't have the means to purchase fanciful garbs. Like I said, everything flows down from the Nobility."

"But most stallions can be intimidated by a successful mare, which they do tend to be quite traditional. Others have only wanted me for my wealth, while many more only want me for my looks. I am considered quite beautiful after all." Rarity finished somberly.

"You are? Wow, I never knew." Atchmon said in mock shock, only to receive a knock on the forehead with a glowing blue spoon.

"I'm pouring out my heart in front of you here, the least you can be is sympathetic." Rarity laughed despite herself. Knowing he was referring to all the times she mourned the state of her beautiful mane, and beautiful coat, and beautiful hooves, and beautiful everything.

"Hah. Sorry Rare, Jus' tryin' to lighten the mood for ya." Atchmon smiled and held his hands up in defense of Rarity's spoon assault. "You've mentioned traditional ponies before, what all does that mean?" he asked.

"Not long ago stallions were treated as second-class ponies, their only role was to provide labor and coitus to the mares they belonged to. Things have vastly improved since that time. Stallions are now treated more equally, but some mares still cling to old traditions. Mainly those who have the wealth and power to get what they want. Mares are still predominantly in charge of our society. So you can imagine my being a successful, wealthy mare would rouse some bias against me."

"I think I get it. It's pretty much the opposite on my world. Girls will chase after any guy they think has the money to spend on them. They don't even care how badly they're treated." Atchmon muttered, while trying to ignore the resurfacing memories.

"Unfortunately some stallions aren't any better. Their willing to subject themselves to mistreatment for the same reasons. Especially those trying to climb the social ladder." Rarity explained.

"Have you ever had a stallion approach you like that?" he asked, while raising an eyebrow.

"Mmm... yes, but I'm not like that. Excuse my language, but I don't want a lineup of studs, or some deadweight 'trophy stallion', or some amorous social climber, even if I am guilty of practicing that myself." she said, remembering the incident with Prince Blueblood at her first Grand Galloping Gala. "Besides, I've never been one to string along a pony I'm not genuinely interested in."

Atchmon nodded in understanding and waited for her to continue. Until Rarity suddenly chuckled as if remembering something.

"What? What's so funny?" he asked with a grin.

"Oh, nothing. I... Just thought of somepony who has a deep crush on me." Rarity smiled fondly.

"Oh? You gonna leave me in the dark here?" he asked with a grin, wanting to know more.

"Spike. He's a dragon I've told you about who's been very fond of me, ever since he was just a youngling." Rarity explained.

"A dragon is attracted to you? Talk about your bad romance." he muttered.

"I know I've been a little... vocal about my prejudices in the past. But that's only because our home was destroyed in a dragon raid when I was just a little filly. I'll never forget how much my parents weeped. But despite all that, I do love the poor dear." Rarity finished sincerely.

"I know what that's like." Atchmon mused, as he remembered the re-rebuilding of their home. "So would you ever...?" Atchmon wanted to ask, but wasn't sure if it was appropriate as he tried to physically form the question with his hands.

"Oh, No. He's far too young for me. Spike may act mature as a full grown pony at times, but he's still just a baby dragon." Rarity mused. "He'd have a much better time of it, if he'd just date my little Sweetie Bell."

"Really!? You'd let a dragon date your little sister? After everything you told me about them, I wouldn't think you'd want one near her." Atchmon stated matter of factly.

"Spike's different, he's not like other dragons. He's just the sweetest, most innocent, cutesy wootsey little dragon I've ever known!" she swooned. "Ah, but at the moment he's obsessed with me, I always believed it was because of my cutie mark. Haha!" She tittered.

"Why would he be obsessed with that? Other than what it's printed on of course. That I could understand. Heha!" he chuckled.

Did he just say he liked my flanks!? Could he actually be attracted to me? What luck you have Rarity, you easily captivate other species that have no business being interested. Yet cannot find a decent stallion for yourself. Still... Though he's still a bit rough around the edges, I believe I can make this gem shine!

"No, it's because because gems are like a candy treat to a dragon." Rarity explained.

"Speakin' of treats. I found a lil somthin' special." Atchmon said while he got up and brought back a plate covered by a large leaf. Rarity sat up straighter in giddy anticipation.

Atchmon set the plate down and removed the leaf, revealing a plate full of flowers. But not just any ordinary flowers.

"Are those... honeysuckles?" Rarity gasped, at the delicious treat they were about to partake.

"Yep, these're probably the only flowers I can eat with ya. Well maybe not the whole flower, but you can have the rest." Atchmon spoke, as he took one of the white-yellow treats off the plate, and nimbly pulled out the stem. Rewarding him with a nice dollop of its sweet nectar.

"But you're just eating the best part!" Rarity chagrined, before telekinetically grabbing the whole plate, and proceeded to pop one after another into her greedy mouth with her magic. Rarity barley ceased long enough to enjoy their delicious sweet, honey flavor, before devouring another one. As she 'mmm'd' and cooed at each new burst upon her pallet.

"Hey, save some for me." Atchmon chuckled. Only to receive the most adorable angry pout from the possessive white mare.

Eventually Rarity begrudgingly started to relinquish a few from her possession, before a thought struck her.

Rarity stopped mid way from placing another flower on his side of the table, and floated it up to his eye level. Then with telekinetic precision and ease, removed the stem herself and fed Atchmon its dollop of sweet nectar. He accepted the offering, and laughed as her magic tickled him.

Rarity played with the idea of courtship, her mind started imagining all the different scenarios she could share with the human.

"I've always kind of wondered why you took to me so quickly." Atchmon started. "I guess, bein' around so many different species and races would make you a bit more open minded." he said thoughtfully.

"You would think so, but actually, most ponies will fear anything that's different. I'm guilty of that as well. I remember when I was afraid of my zebra friend Zecora, just because her mane looked different from other ponies. If it weren't for my friends changing my mind, I'm not sure I would've taken so quickly to you."

"Mmm." Atchmon nodded in understanding. "So, out of everything you've told me, it sounds like you could have any stallion you want. I have to be honest Rare, if was in your position, I wouldn't be so picky. So what's holdin' you back?"

"I could have any stallion I want, but... I don't want just any stallion. I want-" Rarity hesitated. Unsure whether to reveal her deepest desire.

"I want a stallion who'll take care of me. Who will love me, for me, and not my wealth or what I can offer. But that's not the world we live in... It's a mare's duty to provide for her stallion, which I honestly don't mind, its just... I want a- I want..." Rarity struggled to find a word, but there were none to describe what she desired in a mate.

"A partner." Atchmon offered for her.

"I- yes, I suppose I do. A partner." Rarity finished thankfully. "I always imagined finding my perfect prince and living happily ever after, but now I realize how shallow that dream actually is." Rarity admitted, and waited for his judgement to come.

"Mom always told me that 'if someone doesn't like you, for who you are, then it's their loss.' You'll find your prince someday Rare." Atchmon consoled with a knowing nod.

Rarity lit up at the familiar advice.

"I think I already have..." she muttered, her voice far to low for him to hear.

"Oh, gracious me, have I been talking about myself this whole time!" Rarity chagrined. "So sorry, darling."

"It's alright, I liked hearing about your past and your dreams 'n goals." Atchmon said genuinely.

"So tell me darling, why are you doing this? Why go through all of this?" she asked, motioning around at everything.

"I just felt like it was time we had a civilized dinner for a change." Atchmon spoke eloquently, trying his best to lose his slight country twang. Instead it sounded a bit snobbish, which Rarity didn't like.

Is that what I sound like to him all the time? she thought, though knowing he was only trying to impress her, and not insult her.

"That doesn't seem like you, sorry for saying. I know you usually don't do something without a reason to." Rarity continued, unsatisfied with his answer.

"Then... I dunno... I guess I'm jus' tryin' to make up for killing that Elk the other day." he explained, while scratching his nails at the table. "It never even occurred to me that animal might be a... person." he added thoughtfully. His own words seemed to disturb him.

"But what scares me most," he continued. "Was the fact that I didn't even see you there. All I saw was food for months and... Rarity, you've no idea the number of ways that could've ended badly."

"I do know, and I want you to know that I appreciate you for helping me through this trying time. I know we've hit a few rough patches in the beginning." Rarity said, placing a hoof on the table to emphasis her point.

"Yeah... Pretty intense adjustment period, huh? Sorry for talkin' your ears off those first few days."

"I'm sorry too, for the same."

"Yeah, and I'm sorry for snappin' at you sometimes. I'm just used to it being so quiet around here." Atchmon said, while looking around at the forest.

"It's all right. All is forgiven." Rarity said with a wave of her hoof.

"Well, let's quit feelin' sorry for ourselves and dig in!" Atchmon cheered.

"Hear, Hear!" Rarity echoed in jubilation.

They clinked their wooden spoons together, and started their meal.

Atchmon seemed to have pulled out every vegetable for their soup. They didn't seem to have cooked long enough though. That was fine, Rarity didn't mind her vegetables being a bit 'al dente'.

After working halfway through her bowl, Rarity felt things were getting a little too quiet and tried to strike up another conversation.

"It's a lovely day, isn't it?" she started.

"It is for now, those clouds over there are makin' me a bit nervous." Atchmon said, while nodding to the east.

The river ran straight to the east giving the pair a clear view of the distant mountains, despite the growth of trees around them.

Rarity followed his gaze, and there, on the dark horizon were the beginnings of huge cumulonimbus clouds. Storm season was upon them, and all the weather from the coast would drift across the Everfree, and eventually spread throughout Equestria. With Ponyville, Baltimare, and Canterlot as its main targets.

"How's the soup?" he asked after slurping down another spoonful, and watched with a smile as Rarity tried to quickly finish her last bite to answer him.

"Very good." she replied, still trying to lick up what was left on her lips. A shame there's nothing out here we can use for napkins. I'll have to be extra careful. Rarity thought, right before Atchmon spilled a little soup on his furred vest.

He didn't notice of course.

"Is there anything in particular you'd like to talk about?" Rarity asked, while struggling not to focus on the stain.

"I can't think of anything. We've talked so much over jus' about everythin' in the past. We know about each other's worlds, and found they're nearly the same. Almost comically so." he mused with a chuckle. Remembering all the puns of their major cities and other common words.

"What do people usually talk about during these things?" Atchmon asked, leaning forward.

"What do you mean by 'these things'?" Rarity questioned, with a coy smile.

"You know, the thing where two people sit and eat at a nice place and talk?" he asked, completely clueless.

"You mean a 'date'?" she suggested.

"Whut?" he started with wide eyes. And couldn't believe he didn't notice what he was doing sooner.

Now it was her turn to play a little game, and to set her plan in motion.

"Atchmon, you don't have to play coy with me. Don't think I haven't noticed the looks you give me" Rarity said in a sultry tone.

"Nooo... I-I just wanted to show you how much I appreciate your company, and everything you've taught me. So what if it takes the form of a dinner date- thing!" Atchmon took a sip of soup to keep himself from talking, then quickly sipped some water to cool his mouth from his still hot soup.

"If you think I'm going to let you mount me over a single dinner." Rarity started, before Atchmon interrupted.

"Rarity, that's not what this is about, I swear! The last thing I want is for you to think I'm some kind of creep!" Atchmon explained defensively.

Oh dear. Perhaps I came on a little strong. Abort Rarity! Abort! Rarity thought quickly, then covered her mouth with a hoof and forced a few giggles.

"Oh, you are not right." Atchmon sighed in relief, then laughed once he realized she was joking.

This is going to be harder than I anticipated. Rarity thought, and tried to rethink her strategy, but was interrupted when Atchmon spoke.

"Well, since we're on the subject. If you need to start having some, ah, alone time... I think we should come up with a system so we don't have another incident from earlier." Atchmon explained, while uncomfortably shifting in his seat.

Rarity's cheeks instantly became red. This is it Rarity. If you're going to go through with your plan. Now is the time.

"Did you... see anything you like?" she asked, trying to force as much sultriness into her voice, instead it came out a bit trepid.

"Is this another joke?" Atchmon asked irritably, while dropping his shoulders.

"I'm being completely honest, darling." Rarity said looking in his eyes, but feared what he would say about her flawed coat.

"Rare" he sighed. "I know it's no secret that I like you. Because I do. But I don't want you thinkin' that I'm some kind of creep. Okay? I would never do anything to make you uncomfortable. I might pet you, or hug you, or give you a little kiss every now and again... You know how you're always sayin' that I treat you like a pet? Well, that's because I still see you as this cute little animal, and I can't help thinkin' of you as mine." Atchmon explained.

"I see." Rarity replied, while hiding her downcast look. I don't understand. Why do I feel so... disappointed?

"I just want you to know that I like you, just, not in that way." Atchmon finished.

"Could you?" she started. "Could you ever... be with a pony?" she asked curiously, but dreaded to hear his final answer.

"I'll admit, I've... thought about it." he started to say, then seemed to throw his thoughts away with a shake of his head. "I don't know Rare, to be honest, I only ever take things as they come. And right now, all I'm waiting on is either a rescue or... or somethin'." he finished, looking away.

Perhaps this was a bad idea. I don't know why I thought he'd act just like all the other stallions. He's not going to reciprocate, even though I'm practically presenting myself to him. He... has to make the first move. I remember him saying males generally initiate courtship, but at the same time he's told me how much easier it would be if more females approached first. Or... maybe he isn't attracted to me at all... I never even considered that possibility. I know he must be somewhat curious, but... how do I use that to get him to agree to leave with me?

The pair took a bite, and enjoyed their meal for a bit. Atchmon was struggling to add to the conversation. It felt like they've talked about everything over the weeks Rarity had been with him. And now, due to his isolation, he'd run out of things to talk about.

"It looks nice, if you really wanted my opinion." he said, then taking a sip out of his water. More to hide his embarrassment for continuing the lewd conversation.

"What? Nice?"

"Yeah your, ahem, privates. They look nice." he stated tepidly.

"Just nice." Rarity replied.

"Yeah, it looks a lot like a girls." Atchmon started nervously.

Rarity's brain took a moment to catch up to the conversation. Maybe there's a way to salvage this.

"I am a 'girl' darling, or did you forget?" she teased, hiding her nervousness like a professional, as her heart rate increased.

"You know what I mean." he sighed in defeat.

"Hmmhmmph! I do." she tittered. "Say... You didn't feel me up when you washed me that first night, did you?" she teased.

Atchmon just stared at her with a neutral expression.

"I seem to recall you knew right away what my gender was. You sure you didn't... sneak a peek?" Rarity teased, as she leaned over, batting her eyelashes at him.

"In my defence, ponies on my world are just animals. So I did what any sensible person would do when curious about an animal's gender." Atchmon stated matter of factly.

"So you did look, you naughty thing. Ogling a poor, defenseless mare." Rarity swooned while holding a hoof to her forehead, as if she were about to faint.

"Psh," Atchmon scoffed while looking away with a devilish grin. "Please, you can tease your dragon friend like that, but your 'mind tricks' don't work on me," he countered, while waving his hand around like the space monks of old.

She giggled at the reference to the story he'd been telling her lately.

"Hey..." Atchmon started.

"Hmm?" Rarity noticed the change in his tone.

"Say we do make it back to your home." he started, and hesitated at his thoughts, while drawing circles with his finger on the table.

"What is it?" she asked, encouraging him to speak.

"I 'unno..." he groaned in frustration. "I'm tryin' to figure out what kind of life I'd have there, if I did go with you." Atchmon said as he clenched his eyes as if struggling with an inner turmoil, then opened them skyward and placed his arms behind his head.

"Are you considering leaving?" she asked, unsure of what to make of the odd tick.

"Jus' a little." Atchmon said indifferently, never taking his eyes off the few stars beginning to peak out in the late afternoon sky.

"You can stay with me, until Twilight helps you back to your world. It'd only be fair after everything you've done for me." Rarity offered.

"Really?" he asked, looking at her again.

"Of course! What's mine is yours; it's the least I can do." Rarity reassured him.

"Hmph. Funny how things turn out that way, huh?" he bemused.

"Indeed." Rarity said with a nod.

Atchmon rose up and brought their second course.

"You found broccoli!" Rarity gasped in excitement at the wonderful morsels.

"That's not all I found," Atchmon hinted with a grin, and set down a milky-white, crystalline-looking rock.

Rarity examined the stone closely. It certainly was no gem she was familiar with.

"What's this?" she asked curiously, while poking at it with the tip of her hoof.

Atchmon brought a second, rougher stone and rubbed the two together, causing tiny white granules to fall from the first. "Go on, taste it," he encouraged in anticipation.

Rarity licked her spoon and dabbed it in the pile of grains, before hesitantly tasting it with her tongue.

"And a salt rock too; you spoil me, Atchmon!" Rarity squealed in delight, and started savoring her meal.

"Enjoy. You have no idea how hard it is to find salt in the middle of the woods," Atchmon explained, before he dug into his own meal.

After finishing half of her food, Rarity started to eye the second course of Atchmon's chosen meal. It was clear that it wasn't Elken meat. Atchmon was kind enough not to eat such a thing in front of her. She could tell the white, flaky dish had to be a fish. Then, a thought occurred to her as she watched him eat.

"Atchmon, darling?" She started, getting his attention. "If you had a choice, would you only eat fish from now on?"

Atchmon barely spent a moment in thought to answer. "No, I don't think I could. Why do you ask?"

"I was thinking that, if you went back with me, back to my home; then your food options are going to be severely limited. Why couldn't you eat only fish?" She asked curiously.

"I don't think I'd like it all the time." Atchmon said matter of factly as he shook his head.

"If you don't like it, then why are you eating it?" She questioned.

"It's not that I don't like it; because I do. It's that I'll get tired of eating the same thing all the time," he explained.

"I can understand that; but couldn't you just try different fish meats?" She suggested.

"No, because some meats are better than others," he countered.

"Really? How so?" Rarity asked curiously, a tiny part of her brain couldn't believe she was actually somewhat interested in hearing the culinary tastes of a meat-eater.

"There's more to it than just the meat; there's also the fat; which's always been my favorite part," Atchmon explained.

Rarity nodded along with the new wealth of information. "I've always heard that carnivores prefer plump ponies over skinnier ones, but I always thought that was because there was more meat to fill their bellies." Rarity felt a little guilty referring to her own kind as nothing more than little morsels to be gobbled up, but that feeling was overshadowed by her interest and curiosity. "So does it taste good too? The fat I mean?"

Atchmon smiled as he chest thrummed in excitement at talking to Rarity about his food preferences. She never liked seeing him eat his jerky strips, or showed any interest in what he liked; so far as food goes. "Oh, yeah," he started excitedly. "It's basically all flavor; and the best kind too, especially when you cook it just right..." His voice trailed seductively.

"I noticed that you never eat anything without cooking it first; is there a reason for that, or do you just prefer it that way?" She asked curiously.

"I kinda have to," Atchmon started to explain, after seeing Rarity shift with interest. "A raw piece of meat is no good for me to eat; mainly because it'll make me sick if I don't cook it right. Plus, cooking meat helps preserve it longer; it'll go bad in less than a day, otherwise."

"Is that right?" Rarity started in realization. "I never would've guessed it could cause you harm. I've known the Griffins to cook their meals, but they also partake in living mice as a delicacy during high-class social events." Rarity shuddered at the memory of witnessing a few poor mice being launched helplessly in the air, before disappearing down the Griffins gullets; their little tails being slurped down like spaghetti pasta. 'Buah...' Rarity shuttered, and she felt comfortable with not eating pasta ever again.

"Yeah, I would never eat somethin' raw if I can't help it," Atchmon shook his head.

"How bad would it be if you did?" Rarity was afraid to ask, but couldn't help being concerned. If anything, she could use the knowledge to help Atchmon, should he ever need it; but in the back part of her mind Rarity knew that'd never be the case.

"I could get anything from a stomach ache, and start taking more frequent bathroom trips," Atchmon hinted, and Rarity nodded in understanding. "Or... worse case scenario; I could get whatever disease or parasites the thing I ate just happened to be carryin'."

Rarity wavered at that. "I never knew there was so much risk involved from simply living as a carnivore..." She trailed in thought. "But I suppose it's a given; considering we Ponies cook our food for the same reasons."

"That's not usually the case, but it can happen," Atchmon informed her. "I'm not built the same way as other predators; I can't really digest raw meat, but cooking it does help with that as well."

"What else does cooking meat do for you?" Rarity wondered. "Is there a particular way you'd like it prepared, or is there any other way?"

Atchmon leaned in as he started to tell her all about his favorite food. "There's a ton of different ways to prepare meat and give it different flavorings; not to mention how you cook it; but when you do cook it, even jus' a little, it completely changes the taste. I like mine somewhere in the middle, between raw and halfway cooked; but doin' that out here," Atchmon gestured around at their surroundings. "Is pretty risky. Only fully cooking it is the best way to guarantee I don't get sick; but God, what I wouldn't give for a big, fat, juicy medium-rare steak right about now," Atchmon sighed longingly, and held up his fork with a slab of fish meat staked on the end; imagining it as his longfully desired meal as he delivered a monologue that would've rivaled the writings of Speare Shakes.

"I can already taste that bit of charred fat, and its juices dripping and bursting with flavor from the seasonings and marinade that soaked for hours into a thick cut of beef that's so well marbled and tender that it practically melts in your mouth when you bite into it; and the smell of that charred meat and sizzling fat; Oooh so good..." He mewled.

Rarity's mouth was held agape as her chest thumped in excitement after hearing Atchmon talk so passionately about meat, of all things. She had to admit, he sounded pretty convincing; and she guiltily wanted to try it... Only a tiny little bit.

"Stake? Who- er, what- wh-where does that come from?" She asked nervously with a smile; struggling to keep her composure.

"Cow." Atchmon stated simply.

Rarity's face dropped. "Some of my friends are Cows." She said in distant shock.

"Ooooh.... that's right I forgot they talk here," he whispered. "Well, then, give my condolences to Ol' Bessy." Atchmon joked with a shrug, but worried his humor came off as cruel.

"That's one of their names." Rarity said again in that odd, distant tone.

Atchmon worked his mouth before keeping it shut while staring ahead, completely unable to come up with a response.

"Pfff, hahahaha!" Rarity couldn't keep up the facade, and soon they both started laughing.

"So what do other meats taste like?" Rarity asked as she leaned forward and placed an elbow on the table, while resting her chin atop her pastern; genuinely becoming curious.

"Lots of times everything tastes like chicken; some meats are richer, like quail, or softer like pig, but the best kinds are when its well marbled, and juicy." Atchmon smiled dreamily, like he was imagining a particularly tasty dish.

"So what does..." Rarity's voice trailed as she was about to ask, before the Ancient Elken popped into her head.

"Oily..." Atchmon answered sympathetically, knowing what she was thinking.

"Do you ever get tired of it?" Rarity started quietly, while looking at her plate. "I mean, do you ever wish to be a vegetarian; even for a day?" She looked up to hear his answer.

Atchmon studied Rarity's expression and found it hard to read. Was it pity, or remorse, or concern? The answer was simple, and he couldn't lie to her; not about something that was an established part of who and what he was.

"No, I couldn't," he started evenly. "I've always liked everything about it; and there are some people who absolutely refuse to eat meat, and stay on a strictly vegetarian diet; even some who won't eat anything that comes from an animal; not milk or cheese, or eggs..." Atchmon voice trailed as he explained.

Rarity perked at that; not even she could give up those foods. 'Wonder if those types of people would think ill of me; I imagine so; there are ponies who are 'purists' that believe ponies should only eat what grows from the ground, and not consume what other beings produce naturally; they believed doing so changes the very nature of a pony. If that's the case, I shouldn't hold it against Atchmon for living in accordance to his very nature.'

A brief awkward silence befell the two, before Atchmon moved to grab something to his side.

"I made something for you," he said as he reached down and placed something brown colored in his lap. Rarity perked her ears and leaned in to see what he had for her.

"I'll understand if you don't like it," Atchmon started, while patting his hand on the parcel. "But just know that I would feel a lot better if you wore it," he emphasised before presenting her gift.

Rarity could tell right away what it was, and levitated the bundle over as Atchmon offered it to her. Rarity could still feel that slight bit of revulsion, but it was at a fraction of how she first felt upon seeing leather hide the first time. The leather barding was was thick and firm, yet soft to the touch as she held it in her hooves.

"I don't know what to say... thank you," Rarity said gratefully, and packed her gift into her saddlebags.

"It's the best I've ever made. I hope it fits. My knife almost wasn't sharp enough to cut it down to size, and that's sayin' somethin'," he mused.

"I may make a few minor adjustments." Rarity hinted as she packed it away in her saddlebags.

"It'll do you a lot better than those wolf pelts. Those are usually only meant for decoration. They'll tear too easily. This will protect you much better." Atchmon informed.

Rarity smiled at him, knowing he was just holding true to his promise. He's taking care of me, just like he said he would.

The pair returned to their meal, until Atchmon broke the silence.

"You wanna try some?" he asked, while motioning to his fish after catching Rarity glancing at it for the third time.

Rarity was taken aback by his offer, and leaned in, eyeing the flakey white meat on his plate. Rarity liked to think she was a pony open to new experiences, but this was too much. She's heard of some ponies enjoying fish meat, and remembered Rainbow Dash talking about adding salmon fish to her diet, after learning that's what the Wonderbolts ate to maintain their performance. So if she could do it, why not her?

"S-sure. Just a little piece though... Oh, not that much... a little bit less... that's perfect !" Rarity instructed.

Atchmon started off by cutting her a small piece the size of the tip of his pinkie. Then he cut that piece in half, then a tiny section off that piece, until all that was left was barely a speck.

Rarity ate the speck and lit up her eyes, while nodding and 'mmming' her approval.

Atchmon wasn't convinced.

"Oh, come on, Rare; get you a real bite," he said, and gave her a larger piece twice the size of the original first.

"Ugh," Rarity's face contorted in disgust, and begrudgingly staked the meat on her plate with a fork. Rarity could see the fish meats white fibrous musculature as she brought it near her mouth, and hesitated for a moment, before gathering her courage and took the bite.

It's texture was soft, and mushy against her tongue; coupled with a hint of grittiness as she chewed. But the mental knowledge of what she was eating caused Rarity to nearly retch, which overpowered any flavoring it may have had, and so she quickly swallowed just to be rid of it, and to satisfy Atchmon's request.

"What'd you think?" Atchmon asked curiously with a raised eyebrow, and smiled eagerly as he watched her reaction.

"Hmm... Not bad," she answered truthfully.

The pair ate together, picking topics to talk about at random, each one becoming more comfortable once again.

"I think I finally get why you want to be a Noblemare so bad. It's basically the same pursuit of success everyone strives to achieve."

"Mmm yes. Not to mention the wealth, the politics, and power they hold. Knowing those ponies are the movers and shakers of the country."

"But you're a princess. Shouldn't you be the one doin' all of that anyway?" he asked curiously.

"Y-yes, but even Princesses need help." Rarity said guiltily.

Rarity almost forgot about her little lie. And for a split moment she wanted to tell him the truth, but also didn't want to ruin their dinner with revealing all of her fibs. She could keep up the facade a little longer, besides, everything else was the truth.

"I still think it's crazy that you have five princesses all ruling the same kingdom, er, realm; I mean," Atchmon said thoughtfully.

"I don't understand how your 'democracy' can change your leaders every few years. How does anything get done when no-body is in charge for very long." Rarity said, feeling giddy talking about her favorite subject. Politics.

"You'd be surprised. Anyway sorry for interruptin'." Atchmon said, and motioned for her to continue.

"Where was I... Ah, yes. The Noblemares won't see you as one of them, unless you earn your place among them. You see, even Princesses need help. Money has to come from somewhere, and 'Bits help make the sun and moon go around', so they say. And whomever has the wealth also has the power to make great things happen."

"Well, I think if you've been elected to represent your people to get them what they need; then you as the leader should be tellin' those Nobles what to do; and if they don't, then you make 'em." Atchmon stated.

"That's quite the tyrannical viewpoint, darling." Rarity replied in concern.

"Those rich folks might call me a tyrant, but the people would call me a Saint. It's all a matter of perspective Rare. Besides, doesn't it all make it back to the rich anyway?" he asked with a shrug.

"Noblesse Oblige. When the realm prospers, the nobility prospers. I suppose I can't argue with you there."

"Yeah. Someone once said that the flow of money should start at the poor, because the rich are going to get it back the next day anyhow. So at least it passes through those that actually work." Atchmon explained.

"Mmm." Rarity nodded in understanding. "You really don't like wealthy... people, do you Atchmon? I seem to recall you speak with a lot of disdain whenever the subject comes up about them." Rarity stated cautiously.

"Let's just say they've never left a good impression on me."

"I hope that's not how you feel about me." Rarity asked in concern.

"Not at all Rare." he smiled truthfully.

"So what about you? Do you have a- a girl-friend back home?" Rarity asked, unsure of her correct usage of Atchmon's human terminology.

"Me? No, no I never really... tried. To be honest there weren't that many girls around. Not like any of them would ever give me a chance anyway." he stated pessimistically.

"I thought you said the ratio of males to females in your world was even?" she questioned.

"It is. Just... not in my hometown." Atchmon corrected her with a sigh. His mood quickly turning somber.

"Atchmon I didn't mean to upset you, oh, please don't cry." Rarity said as she tried to comfort him, noticing the slight shimmer in his eyes.

"I'm not cryin'!" he snapped at her, with an angry look.

Rarity was taken aback by his sudden outburst, and put on a hurt expression while holding her heart. She hated that look. It made him look more like a killer, rather than the gentle being she knew he could be.

Atchmon quickly relaxed his features and mentally berated himself, knowing he scared her.

"I'm sorry Rarity, but a man isn't supposed to cry. 'M sorry..." he sighed, while looking towards the setting sun. As all the time lost, suddenly caught up with him.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." Rarity put her hoof on his hand in support, and waited. The sun highlighting the mist in his eyes, which he quickly wiped away and steeled himself.

She'd only see him like this whenever she'd asked about his past. He'd always get so depressed, even if they were laughing jovially just moments before.

Atchmon was just as stubborn as Applejack when it came to his feelings. The stoic human simply refused to show any weakness.

Rarity let go of his hand, and sat downcast.

OWOOOOOOOAROOO

A howl sounded off in the distance, with more following it.

"ARWEEEOWOWOWEOOOAREOO"

Atchmon nearly jumped to his feet at the nearby howl, only to find the sound coming from none other than the pony beside him.

Rarity looked at him expectantly, and smiled. She hoped to convey she wasn't afraid anymore, and that she was grateful to him, and his support.

However, her efforts were only met with laughter.

"W-what was th-ha-hat!? It sounded like a horsey neigh crossed with whale." he laughed uproariously.

"S-shut up! I'm trying to show you- s-something!" Rarity fired back, and looked away with a pouty face. Her cheeks a beet red from embarrassment.

"Ha, haha, Ah love you Rarity." he sighed, and smiled proudly at her.

"I'm fond of you as well, Atchmon." A declaration of love. I don't believe it! He loves me! He really loves me!

Moments passed, and when Atchmon finally spoke, it was barely above a whisper. He started in that low gravelly tone, as if afraid someone else might hear.

"It's pretty isn't it, the sunset." Atchmon started. "I ever tell you that's what I was named after?"

Rarity wasn't sure if she should answer. It didn't seem to matter, and continued listening to his musings.

"It's not actually the sunset I'm named after, but the feeling you get when your lookin' at it. Most people forget to appreciate things like that... Y'see in our tribe, kids earn their names from doing something unique. Kind of like your cutie marks. And I used to do some pretty stupid things." he chuckled. "That's all it took. My name went from meaning somethin' beautiful, to being an embarrassment."

"Atchmon was the name I took from my great grandfather. I've no idea if it means anything, or if it meant anything at all. If it is a meaningless name, then I chose a good one." Atchmon finished indifferently.

"It's jus'... I hate bein' reminded of how much time I've lost here." he continued.

"For as long as I can remember, I've always been lost. In my world, when you come of age, we don't have anything that tells us who we are. We don't have some symbol that appears on our skin that shows us what we're good at, or what we're supposed to do in life. We have to figure all that out ourselves."

Rarity nodded in understanding. Atchmon had so many questions about cutie marks, some of which never even occurred to her. Which, in turn, allowed her to learn about typical human development. It wasn't much different from ponies when they're in search of their destiny. That's why it was so important to find early on, it was not only a symbol of one's maturity, but nopony wants to be left with a cutie mark they didn't fully understand, and be stuck bumbling their way through life. Everypony, no matter what world they're from, is always in such a hurry to grow up.

"Sometimes I think about what I would've done, had I not gotten stuck here. I wanted to go to college and further my education, get a degree, in what? I don't even know, not even at the time. Instead I had to work..."

"But a girlfriend... there was just no way that was ever goin' t' happen. Nobody wanted to date the 'ugly embarrassment'." he continued to vent while staring into orange descending sun. For all the time lost to him.

"Eventually, I convinced myself I was never going t' be good enough. That, because I didn't have the right car, or the right job, or the right looks, or enough wealth, or smarts... But when it came down to it, I was really just a selfish jerk!"

Atchmon took a few calming breaths, and started again, looking forlornly at Rarity.

"I'm not a good man Rarity, I'm no catch, I accepted my fate here once. I really believed I was going to die out here, alone, and unwanted... But I held onto that one, little, stupid piece of hope, that maybe I can make it back. " He looked at her in the eyes, those deep cerulean irises, deeper and more blue than the oceans. And they were crying, he wouldn't cry, but she could cry for him.

He looked towards the sunset. Rarity could see sparkles in his misty eyes.

"I loved it here. It was just me, against this world full of monsters, showin' it what I was made of!" he balled his fists, while taking in a proud breath.

"And do you wanna know what got me through all this time?" he asked, as he looked to her.

Rarity straightened herself, letting him know he had her full attention.

"It wasn't really faith or hope, or anything like that. It wasn't even the promise of seeing my sister, or any of my friends again... It was fame and the promise of fortune, and the idea that when I got back, I was going to tell my story and get rich off it. I thought-" he choked, but continued strong.

"I thought, the longer I stayed here, then the better it was going to be. I'd take all this... Proof? Treasure? Whatever you want to call it. I'd take it all back with me to prove where I've been all this time. I'd tell my story, and become famous, and then I would have... everything." he finished, feeling as though a weight had been lifted.

Atchmon stopped and looked Rarity over with tearful, despairing eyes. Atchmon struggled with the pain in his heart while looking at the innocent unicorn mare.

"It's funny, really... I used to think about how much happier I would be, if I could just stay in those woods. Well, I got my wish." he chuckled sarcastically.

"You're wrong." Rarity interrupted.

Atchmon looked at her confused.

"You are a good man. Believe me when I say, that if you try hard enough, you can make your own name." Rarity said as she placed both hooves on the table, then leaned over and planted a kiss at the corner of his mouth.

The descending sun silhouetted their union. All he had to do was reciprocate, and the sparks would fly!

But he didn't.

"Don't. You shouldn't... I told you it isn't like that." Atchmon clenched his eyes, as if his words hurt him as well, and fought to control his emotions.

Rarity never experienced rejection before, and could feel her heart breaking. The fantasy was over, and reality came crashing in.

"O-of course, my apologies. That was a bit too forward of me." Rarity said submissively, and backed away while lowering her head. "Is everything alright between us?"

"Yeah... I jus' remembered something. Something I want more than anything." Atchmon muttered, never looking at her again.

Rarity waited to see if he'll say more, but instead he stood up, and dusted off the sand. Never looking at her once.

"Let's jus' go home." Atchmon said in that low, gravelly tone. And left everything but his gear behind.

Rarity gathered her things as well, and eyed the flower vase Atchmon made for her. Rarity picked it up, and cradled it in her hooves, then gave it one last smell, before leaving it behind on the table.

I don't understand... shouldn't I be happy he didn't reciprocate? I won't have to give myself to him. So, why do I feel as though my heart is tearing apart? Rarity thought, and struggled to sort out her feelings.

"Why are all the good ones not ponies." Rarity whispered somberly, and slowly trotted after Atchmon.

The pair made it back to the den, just before nightfall.

Rarity was in the lead on her way up the hill, as she watched Monty lazily hop towards the garden. Indicating there were no monsters inside. Rarity turned to check on Atchmon, the human still hung his head in thought, with the same melancholy look as before.

Rarity looked above him towards the northwest and seeing the near silhouette of Canterlot mountain. Her home felt further away than ever before.

Rarity slowly trotted up to the Den's entrance with her head hung low, and looked forward to a long night's rest. She was about to step through the porthole, until she sensed something was amiss, and looked behind her to check on Atchmon again.

She found the human staring off in the distance, towards the oncoming storm, with mouth slightly agape, and squinting eyes, as if he were trying to get a better look at something.

She watched him mouth a few words, though she couldn't tell what he said, before interrupting his thoughts.

"Atchmon? Aren't you coming?" she asked, and watched him jerk at the sound of her voice.

Atchmon picked up the pace while keeping his head down.

"Is everything alright? You look like you've seen a ghost." Rarity knitted her eyebrows in concern, having never seen the red-skinned human so pale.

"Y-yeah... jus' got a lot on my mind." Atchmon's eyes darted around, looking around at anything, but the white pony in front of him.

She stopped him with a hoof. "I know." she started, noticing his wide fearful eyes as his skin seemed to turn a shade paler. "I'm sorry for dredging up your past, and for... I don't know what I was thinking. It was just a little mistake, so, can we just, pretend it never happened? Please?" she begged, looking all the way up to his face. But he refused to meet her eyes.

"S-sure." Atchmon nodded, and waited for her to enter the Den. He followed after her, and placed a hand on the covering. He hesitated, while his eyes darted around in thought, before closing them and making his final decision. Atchmon entered the cave while dragging the covering behind him, sealing the entrance.

A moment later, the first sounds of thunder echoed in the distance.

EDIT: After coming back to this chapter; I'm starting to feel like I'm limiting myself by making 'pony anatomy' too realistic. I tried loosening that aspect up a little bit, but I still wonder if I should at least hint that it's possible.

So. Much. Dialog!
Kinda gave this a once over, so let me know if there's anything blaringly off about it and I'll fix it.

I'm not sure I hit the mark on what I was trying to accomplish with this chapter. I initially wanted to create an analogue between Rarity's career as a fashionista, and our wold's professional gamers.

I was trying to figure out how, in a world where ponies don't wear clothes, how can Rarity be a success when she only sells to a niche market. And how that would affect her chances of finding a stallion for herself. On top of that, she IS a success and with the gender reversal, she would be considered a highly sought after mate.

I also couldn't think of, or find examples of how a stallion or sire in a herd affects social standing. There were a few headcannon storys I've read that tackles such things, but I couldn't find the one I was thinking of deriving from. But in the end that's not something Rarity is looking for, so I didn't focus too much on it.

The gender reversal alone made this a very tricky endeavor. I don't feel I focused enough on Rarity's 'plans' to sleep with Atchmon as a means to get what she wants. But at the same time I don't feel she would give away her most precious gift (herself) for such a trivial cause.

I debated for a long time on whether or not to bring in a sentient deer (possibly a known character from the comics) and to have Atchmon kill it instead of the Elken. In the end I decided I didn't want Atchmon to come off as too monstrous, but as someone who is just doing what they've always done. Without malice or malintent behind it, much like how I'd like the wolves in the story to be depicted. Just wolves doing wolf things.

Plus, it would've cause too many problems later on, and I wasn't confident I could tackle them all.

If you've been enjoying the story thus far, don't forget to hit that like button! Let's make it to 500!