“You see,” Tempest said after they had taken off from the Pegasus Landing Pad of City Hall, “I didn't mother hen once today.”

As they joined the flying traffic lanes, Airmail rolled her eyes. “Not verbally, anyway.” She was just glad that Mapper’s tip off about them avoiding the reporters up at this exit proved to be correct. She cast a glance down at the main entrance and there were so many bodies outside the building she couldn’t see the doors.

“You were a very good pony, Honey. I'm proud of you!” Wildfire commented from her position on Tempest’s back. Seeing as how the violet weather mare was the stronger flyer of the two older ponies, she elected to carry the little pegasus.

While Airmail just laughed, Tempest raspberried the pair of them. Thankfully as it was still pretty much midday and a weekday at that, the traffic was at a minimum. “At least you're lighter than Airy.”

“Only because I'm smaller than her!” Wildfire snickered from her perch on Tempest’s back. She dearly missed flying herself, but her wings had to heal.

“Not as dense, you mean,” Tempest giggled, which made Airmail laugh all the harder.

Wildfire held up her hoof like she was in court. “No comment, on the grounds I'll get paddled at Caffy's!” she giggled, certain that she’d get paddled anyway. If she was a lucky little pony, that is.

Flying along through the sunny summer afternoon sky, the Celestial Sea on her left stretching out into the horizon and onto Griffonstone, Tempest made sure to keep a steady pace so that Airmail could keep up. “Should we stop at the house for anything, or go straight to Caffy's?”

“Aaaah...no, as I recall, Caffy has a well-stocked supply of all things fun at his place, Stormy."

Grinning, Airmail flew closer until she could nudge Wildfire in the ribs. “I think she was hinting that the two of us could dress the part for her majesty?” the lead editor placed a very heavy emphasis on the words ‘dress the part’ and ‘her majesty’.

“Oooooooh!” cursing herself for her denseness, Wildfire facehooved on Tempest’s back. She had completely forgotten about the kinky dress up outfits she had bought from the MiAC store the day she had been attacked. “I'm so thick!” she giggled, “Yes! Divert, squadron leader. We need to get supplies.”

Looking over her shoulder, Tempest grinned at her passenger. “Wily, never, ever change.” As they were far enough out, still in the Manehatten Traffic System, she didn’t need to make a drastic course correction. Instead, she just angled herself towards her house.

“You has my word, Honey,” Wildfire promised solemnly, “I shall remain oblivious!”

“Such a good mare you are,” Tempest snickered, “I may yet let you lick the cookie crumbs from my lips.”

On Tempest’s back, Wildfire leant forwards and kissed the back of her violet herd-mate’s head. “You have a deal.”

With Airmail by her side and taking into account her slower flying speed, the flight back to their red bricked townhouse took Tempest a full twenty minutes. Steering around the row of houses, they landed in the back yard on the grass by the old oak tree. “Well, that was a nice sprint,” Airmail panted slightly, opening the back door, “now to get ready.”

“That was the least tiring flight I've ever had!” Wildfire beamed and, getting off of Tempest’s back, she spared a moment to place a hoof against the bark of the old tree in the yard. She had grown to love that tree. It was as much a part of her home and her new life as her books.

Inside the house, it didn’t take very long at all for the three of them to get dressed. When they left the house, again via the back door, Airmail and Wildfire were dressed as old Equestrian slave mares, while Tempest looked the very image of a Saddle Arabian Queen. Just like her dream. Deciding to walk the rest of the way to Caffeinated’s ranch, Tempest mused that split crotch panties should be mandatory for all submissive mares. Walking behind Wildfire, she snuffled under her tail, pressing her nose into those split panties. “I like this outfit.” She then snuck over to snuffle under Airmail's tail, the blue mare squeaking in surprise. “And this one too!”

“Yeeeep!” Wildfire squeaked like Airmail, the little blind mare holding her black tail very high up, the transparent slave dress moving with her. “Y-Yes your majesty!”

“You shall do well, my subjects.” Tempest stated imperiously, carrying herself in the manner of the old nobles from a thousand years ago. It suited her. “Hmmm, Matron Airy and Chambermaid Wily,” she mulled that over and found she liked it. “Yes, I like that.”

Not for the first time that day, and certainly not the last, Airmail rolled her eyes. “Sounds like an age joke.”

“Tis a good joke, your majesty!” Wildfire giggled in the middle of her two lovers. She could smell their respective scents, she could feel the warm sun on her scarred face and the gentle breeze blowing her straight mane and tail. Everything was right in her world.

“I am slighted!” exclaimed Tempest dramatically, bringing her hoof to her forehead. “Matron Airy, I trust you to take charge of my harem and ensure the chambermaid performs well in the chamber!” When she giggled though, it went a long way to destroy the effect she was going for.

Airmail raised her eyebrow curiously. “Harem of two?”

Shrugging, Tempest countered with, “I will need the proper uniforms for the pointy headed ones.” Then, the Queen would have her full and proper harem of lovers, as was her due.

“I'll be a good little chambermaid, Queen Tempest, I promise!” Wildfire chirped happily, though as she was giggling so much, it was a real effort trying to stay in character.

“Subjects!” Tempest declared, stopping them a moment later when saw Vanilla Sprinkles’ ice cream shop at the far end of the lake, “I detect some sort of activity nearby. We should investigate, to ensure my populace is safe!” That, and she really wanted ice cream.

Snickering, Airmail nudged Wildfire’s ribs with her hoof. “I think the almighty 'Queen' has a sweet tooth.”

Standing still for a few seconds, Wildfire used her experience to know that they were very close to the ice cream shop, mostly thanks to the sounds of excited foals and the smell. “Sweet...oooh!” she put two and two together and smiled as her sharp senses picked up the sounds and smells of the nearby ice cream parlour. “Your chambermaid agrees, your highness.”

“It is good to have loyal subjects. Rush ahead and prepare for me a sample to test so I know that the populace is not being short changed by the vendor.”

Again, Airmail rolled her eyes, this time whispering to Wildfire, “What have you created, Wily?”

Behind her hoof, Wildfire giggled. “I was Pandora, I opened the box.” Still, prompted by Tempest’s hoof insistently tapping her ass, she duly followed her ears and her nose all the way to the ice cream shop, certain that Vanilla Sprinkles would assume she lived there now.

About to follow Wildfire, Tempest held out her hoof to stop Airmail in her tracks, both mares watching Wildfire take off to the ice cream shop without a second thought. “She was wise to entrap you in her snare.”

“She surprises me in the best of ways.” Airmail responded with a smile. “Try to keep your cool when you go with her to Canterlot this weekend, won’t you?”

“I'll try,” Tempest asserted, “but no promises. She has gotten better at standing up for herself.” Sharing a hoof bump, the two lovers then followed along, slowly, giving Wildfire time to order their desserts and Vanilla Sprinkles time to fill them. “I have arrived!” Tempest declared imperiously the second she stepped through the door. “Please, no need to grovel, continue about your business.”

The other patrons in the store, three earth ponies, two pegasi and a zebra, all long accustomed to Tempest’s – and the mare’s herd as a whole – eccentricities, they looked around and shrugged. Some smiles, one or two even bowed, the rest just ignored her. Looking over to where Wildfire was sitting proudly, Airmail said, “Your Chambermaid has your treat laid out, your majesty.”

Sat at her table, Wildfire’s ears swivelled to the sound of Tempest's and Airmail’s voices. “Majesty!” she called loudly, “I have the ice cream your personage requested.” In front of her sat three ice creams. A vanilla and strawberry one for Tempest, because she knew from experience those were the first to go from the Neopolitan ice cream at home. She had ordered a coffee and chocolate for Airmail and a chocolate and caramel for herself. She moved a hoof and casually laid a few chocolate chips out on the table. “Ooops, clumsy me!”

Approaching the table, Tempest couldn’t help but giggle. “Matron, I thought the custom was to scatter flower petals. I think my chambermaid will need corrective training.”

“I will see to it, your majesty.” Airmail grinned as both Tempest and herself sat at the table. Tempest opposite her and Airmail beside her.

Tempest did appreciate what she had been bought though. “Ah, but she did get the order right. Still, you may consider that when you administer corrective action, Matron.

“As you will, your majesty.” Airmail smiled, taking a mouthful of her coffee and chocolate treat.

“I just couldn't control the chocolate chips your majesty,” Wildfire giggled, knowing that Tempest would find it funny. “They are tricksy things, they is.”

At that, Tempest giggled in a very un-queen-like way. She had to fight to not choke on the vanilla and strawberry ice cream she had just taken a mouthful of. “Th-T-They is!” she hacked and coughed, glad that Airmail was present to slap her back.

“My corrective action won't be so tricky.” Airmail promised through a mouthful of ice cream.

In anticipation, Wildfire shifted on her seating pad. “I imagine it won't, matron Airy.”

“Do you think she has a vivid enough imagination, matron Airy?” asked Tempest, whose own imagination was running ahead of her.

Airmail didn’t know, but, as she said, “I'm eager to find out.”

A few moments later, along with Wildfire and Airmail, Tempest finished her ice cream. “Let's do that then, after the victory party, of course. All three had satisfied smiles on their faces when Airmail nudged Wildfire to get up from the table. “Lead on, chambermaid Wily, lest some pony seek to accost my most royal being.”

“Yes your majesty!” Wildfire squeaked and, as she led the way out of the store, Airmail giggled but she chose to say nothing. Outside in the now afternoon sunlight, amidst the laughing playing foals, the little blind mare realised that she didn't have her headset, she had left it at home when they all got changed. “Matron Airy, if you'd please point me in the right direction of Mr. Caffeinated's house?”

“To your left is the corner,” Airmail supplied for her, “Then cross the street and proceed until we get there.”

Tempest couldn’t help herself. She had to mother hen. “Cross the street to your right, Wily.”

Airmail’s eye roll was so loud that a stallion swimming in the lake heard it. “I'm sure she knew that.”

The mother hen in Tempest however would not be easily assuaged. “What? Just in case the ice cream was affecting her navigational system.”

“Queen Mother Hen is a helpful ruler!” Wildfire giggled brightly as she followed the instructions she was given, making sure to keep her tail up high with every step she took.

In character, Airmail laid a hoof on Tempest’s shoulder once they were beyond the families and foals playing on the grass outside the ice cream shop. “Forgive her, your majesty for using your name in public. I'll ensure she is properly chastised.” Wildfire tried to hold back a giggle, knowing she had set herself up for some fun later in the day. She failed.

Presently, after a few minutes walking, Airmail called out, “Front gate in twenty paces, Wily. Did you bring your card?”

“Yes matron, I have it here.” Wildfire delved a hoof into a cleverly hidden pocket of her slave's outfit and, once she had her key card, she felt for the gate. “I got this!”

As soon as Wildfire had the gate open, Airmail and Tempest followed their blind lover up the circular drive and the flower and herb gardens to the front door that was magically opened by Thespian like she knew they were going to be just there. She wore a wide smile on her face. “Guest of honour is here!” she exclaimed, getting in a hug, “I see you've already dressed for tonight, Wily.”

“Yuppers Ms. Thespian, it was my Queen's idea…” Wildfire just managed to respond through the crushing hug.

Looking beyond Wildfire and she saw Airmail in the same garb as her and Tempest wearing something pretty regal, something that wouldn’t have been out of place in a Saddle Arabian production she had starred in a few years ago. “Yes, good to obey such ideas,” she smiled, welcoming them inside. “Queen Tempest, just so you know, Princess Luna is in residence.”

Tempest brushed that off like it was no big news. “Never fear, fair Thespian, I can lower myself to the level of Princess.” Wildfire, having used the hoof wash bath just inside the main entrance, snorted out a laugh and then, when she realised what Thespian said, her ears went right back to her head. Behind her fiancé, Airmail prodded her rear end, wanting her to move past Thespian so they could get inside.

“Oh right, right…” Wildfire, though she stepped into the foyer, her mind was elsewhere. Thespian had said Luna was there! Princess Luna! The little mare didn’t know what to do or think about that. The last time she had spoken to the Princess had been in the Dreamscape following her attack. As she recalled, she had not acted at all nice to her then. What if Luna was pissed with her? What if she arrested her, or banished her somewhere?

“Greetings my most loyal subjects!” Tempest declared with all the imperiousness she could muster as she stepped past Wildfire and into the living room where Princess Luna was sat with a grinning Octavia beside her. “Greetings Princess Luna, I bear greetings from my fair queendom!”

“Which queendom is that?” Luna asked, a broad smile on her lips and a raised eyebrow.

“Currently, number twelve, Shady Lane.” Tempest quipped, to which the lunar alicorn tipped her head.

“I see you brought...retainers with you.” Luna nodded with an easy relaxed smile to Airmail, though the way Wildfire was standing, her head down and her ears back, didn’t sit well with her.

Tempest didn’t break her stride for one second. “Yes, matron Airy, keeper of the royal harem and general of my armies. And this is chambermaid Wily, warmer of the royal sheets, and emergency response.”

By Luna’s side, Octavia was giggling fit to burst behind an old winkled hoof as Wildfire stepped forwards, the diminutive mare approaching the sound of the Princess’s voice. Once she judged she was close enough, she bowed nervously. “H-Hey, P-Princess…”

Though she studied the little firefighter impassively, Princess Luna was, internally, trying to fathom what on earth was wrong with her. Try as she might though, she drew a blank every time. “Chambermaid Wily,” she greeted her, politely inclining her head.

“Um…” Wildfire started, though she quickly lost her voice. ‘I'm not a coward, I'm not a coward...’ she told herself over and over again. However, it was one thing to fly through a burning building, and to fly an eight stack cloud on her own. It was quite another to face up to a Princess. “May I speak with you, Princess, please?”

Playing the game, Luna looked past Wildfire to where Tempest was stood. “She may speak freely.” Tempest said with a nod of her head.

“You seem nervous, Wildfire.” Again, Luna was struggling to think why.

“And you're not even using your Royal Voice, my love.” Octavia smiled warily. Because she looked impassive, not many ponies could tell her wife was worried. She could though. She saw the tiny tic in her eye, the slight ruffle of a feather and the flick of her tail. Supportively, she rested her hoof on her wife’s foreleg.

Coughing, Wildfire cleared her throat. “I owe you an apology, Princess.”

Countless thoughts all raced through Luna’s mind at once. Threads chasing threads going back over the last month, trying to find any instance where she had been slighted by the little mare. Had it been during the shopping trip when she had spanked her wife with the sock? No. Had it been at the Open Mic night at Caffeinated’s shop? No. Had it been after, when she healed her wings? No. The only thing she could think of was the Dreamscape. “Does this have to do with your loss of temper?”

Wildfire, still in her very low bow, nodded and spoke to the floor. “The last time we spoke, I was very rude to you, Princess.”

As Airmail and Tempest shared a look with each other, Luna raised a hoof to her chest in a show of faux indignation. “Lady Octavia, have you ever heard of such a thing?” she asked in what she hoped was an exaggerated tone, one intended to disarm the situation.

“Well,” Octavia tapped her chin with a hoof, apparently deep in thought, “not counting the four nobles last night, or the two the night before, or, well, numerous other examples, no, I haven't.”

“It's not funny!” Completely forgetting herself, Wildfire stood up and stomped the carpeted floor with her hoof. “My mum didn't raise me to go off like that, especially not at royalty, after all that you've done for me. So, I'm sorry, Princess.”

Not for the first time, Princess Luna was impressed with the little mare. She was certain she had more nerve in her wingtip than the whole of the fake fawning nobles had in their whole bodies. Not many would front her out like this. “Tell me Wildfire, why were you rude?”

“Because I was angry, and scared, after what happened with Autumn,” Wildfire answered. “I was lashing out and I wanted somepony to blame.”

Luna smiled. She was certain Celestia, in her place, would be praising her for her honesty. As it was, she could forgive an intelligent pony for being rude. Especially when the pony in question had done so much for her and her family. “Since I am the top pony in this, you have at least placed your blame in the right place. At least you were blunt in your rudeness. Most others have refined the art of being rude in a way I don't simply kill them.”

Noticing the look that Airmail now wore on her face, Octavia smiled sweetly. “Accept the apology, my love, and don't scare the young mare. The other retainer is looking a bit shifty.”

“Dusky will tell you I was never subtle, Princess. Something I’m sure you remember well enough. I had something to say so I said it. I'm still sorry I got up in your face like that.”

Luna smiled broadly. “Apology accepted,” she said, as if there was ever a doubt. Like she could be angry with her. “Now, give me a hug and a kiss, and maybe later tonight I'll let you kiss my hooves.” With a happy squeal, Wildfire launched herself forwards, wrapping her legs around Luna’s body delivering a trademark hug.

“Alicorn physiology versus Wildfire hugs.” Tempest snickered to Airmail beside her, “Which is stronger?”

When even Luna gasped for breath, Wildfire eventually let go, releasing her hug with a bright red blush on her face. Gently, carefully, the Princess placed a soft kiss on her scarred face. “I brought moonshine for everypony, and lemonade for Wily and Serenity.”

“You do non-alcoholic shine!” Wildfire snorted, momentarily forgetting whom she was talking to. Then she remembered. She could almost hear Airmail wielding the paddle against her ass. “Um...I mean, thank you, Princess, for the lemonade.

“She does,” Octavia quipped, “but I call it water.”

When Luna raspberried her wife, Wildfire giggled like a filly and nuzzled Octavia’s cheek after she had found her. “You sound like pregnancy agrees with you, Princess.”

“It does, but I do like the lemonade over the water.” Octavia smiled warmly when Wildfire’s hooves gently ran over her belly.

“Fear not, my dear wife,” Luna declared heroically, “For I'll drink enough for both of us.”

Leaning in close to Wildfire, Octavia whispered not-so-quietly-so-that-everypony could hear, “With that alicorn body, that doesn't say very much.”

“No, it doesn't,” Wildfire agreed with a giggle and she stood up, though that didn’t do much for her height. “It is nice to hear you both here again. Hopefully it won't be as intense as the first time.” She then had a very, very serious look on her face. “Princess, promise me we won't end up in Las Pegasus again?”

Luna didn’t know why that was so funny. Whether it was what she said or the earnestly serious way she said it, but the alicorn started laughing hard and Octavia had to pat her on the back. Likewise, Airmail and Tempest also had to fight to not fall apart in laughter. “That was a good story!”

Wildfire blushed, “yuppers Pretty, it was fun when I was eighteen.”

Caffeinated came up from the basement, where he had been making preparations in the dungeon for the festivities later in the day, just as Thespian emerged from the informal dining room having laid out the buffet food that the catering had supplied. Jobs all done, Thespian came straight over to Wildfire like she was laser guided and felt Wildfire’s belly with her hooves. Wildfire giggled, “You wait till she can kick!”

Thespian giggled, her hooves caressing the young mare’s belly. “I want to hear what happens when she kicks Tempest out of bed before noon!” Tempest raised a hoof and raspberried, which just made Thespian laugh all the harder.

“I'm sure the world will end if that happens!” Wildfire snickered.

Belle, Tinkerer, Recital, Trumpet, Requiem, and Longshore all arrived together, the six ponies letting themselves in through the back entrance to the ranch like they owned the place. “Seabreeze and Swirl have the foals well in hoof.” Requiem called out, the red and blue painted mare answering Caffeinated’s unspoken question.

Starlight spotted Requiem and trotted over to her. “Everything on this floor is set up. We’re looking forward to watching tonight’s activities.”

“Are you going to join them?” asked Requiem.

“Selene and I are just curious, for now,” Starlight responded.

“Give them time, love,” added Longshore. “Maybe they can watch house and we can play.” He smiled as he received the appropriate eye roll from his wife.

Wildfire went and greeted the new arrivals with an excited hi and a cheery wave, and all of them moved to congratulate and hug her in turn. Hugs and nuzzles done, they departed to the kitchen to get some of Luna's moonshine. Wildfire, a happy little mare, did a happy dance before getting some lemonade for herself. Not long after that, Air Raid, Cream, Amethyst, Slate and Darkstar arrived as well. Amethyst surveyed those who were already there. “You may now begin the party!”

Giggling at the pink mare’s declaration, Darkstar made sure she got her hugs in to her old friend. “Congrats on the award, Wily. I wanted to surprise you with the prank I helped Airmail with back in Canterlot, but Slate wouldn't let me!” the white unicorn pouted playfully while Air Raid bumped hooves and nuzzled Wildfire’s cheek.

“Sneaking up on you in silence is more a gaming night prank.” Slate said quietly, tugging Darkstar’s leash and turning her head to his, where he promptly placed a kiss on her pouting lips.

“Would've been funny...”

Wildfire giggled, “You naughty unicorn, Darkie.”

“Are we the last?” Mapper asked as she led Serenity through the main door by the reins attached to the pink bridle she wore.

“Darkie's brother hasn't arrived yet.” Slate put in, taking a moment’s break from kissing his mare.

“Lavender and Topper are missing,” Airmail supplied, thoroughly enjoying the look on Mapper’s face become more and more disgruntled.

Caffeinated didn’t help matters. “The whole stallion herd isn't here yet either.”

“Well!” Mapper let out a most despondent sigh, “So much for being fashionably late.”

“And Cyclone isn't here yet either, Mistress!” Wildfire chirped happily, earning herself a withering glare from Mapper which thankfully she couldn’t see.

“Oh, she will be, don't worry!” Darkstar beamed, for she knew something that nopony else did and that made her special! “She said she was bringing a surprise with her.”

“I'll pretend to be surprised by Bluefeather.” Tempest, stood by Airmail, shared a hoof bump with her lover.

Darkstar however wasn’t talking. She had been made aware, mostly from Slate but from Bluefeather as well, that blabbing would be a very bad naughty thing to do. “I have an idea what it is, Tempest, but I'll let Cy tell you when she gets here.”

Airmail too had an idea what the surprise could be. “Most likely it’s a can of whipped cream!”

Wildfire burst out laughing, “Oh...oh I hope she isn't going to do the lines she used on the phone!”

Hearing that for the first time, many ponies gathered round and made Wildfire explain what that meant. Amethyst however pulled her pet to her and dropped her saddlebags. “Raid, put on your outfit and ensure drinks are served. Cream, you may help her dress.”

“Yes, Mistress.” Cream took up the saddlebags that held Air Raid’s clothing and hoof-cuffs, similar to what she wore at the Gaming Night party, and ushered her fellow submissive into an empty room to dress her. As she was led away, Air Raid’s wings were all a-flutter.

Darkstar kissed Slate’s lips and she saw Luna sat with Octavia. “May I mingle, Master?”

As Darkstar was given reign to go and mingle, the four stallions of the stallion’s herd, Sonic, Trails, Omega, Sunshine arrived along with Coffee Bean, who wasn't at the award ceremony. “You may freely mingle, my fine gigolos!” she declared.

Sonic smiled and gave the High Priestess a bow. “You are most kind, High Priestess.”

On the way back from getting something for her and Slate to eat and drink, the plates and glasses in her magic, Darkstar took the long way around over to Luna. “Good afternoon, Princess,” she greeted her as Wildfire, after explaining what the cream comment was about, was snuggling with Airmail and Tempest.

Princess Luna took a moment to sip her drink and then she smiled at the pure white unicorn before her. She had been determined to speak with her, and here she was. “If I may be informal, a good evening to you, Darkie.”

“Course you can, Princess,” Darkstar returned the smile before asking, “Can I be informal too?”

“Tavi, are we in court?”

Octavia made a great show of looking around her, much to the amusement of those ponies nearby. “No,” she said after a moment’s inspection, “looks like we are far from court.”

“Then, by all means, Darkie.”

“Thanks Luna,” Darkstar smiled, well aware that Slate was hovering nervously, ready to intervene if needed, though hopefully he wouldn’t be. She had Slate's food on a plate held for him in her magic, which he ate from, calming himself down. “It's nice to see you again so soon.”

Luna smiled, “I do have many reasons to come to Manehatten, and as it happens, you are on the list.” She touched her horn to Darkstar’s own. “How are you doing?”

“I'm getting there,” Darkstar answered honestly and simply, helped by her few sessions with Requiem. “I'm not there yet, but I'm making progress. I haven't used 'we' for a few days now, Luna.”

Slowly, Luna lifted her horn off of Darkstar’s and smiled. “Your knight in stripes seems ready to defend you against me.” Her smile grew ever wider now that Slate had the deer in the headlights look.

Caffeinated chuckled at that, and Coffee Bean added, “Of course, zebras don't fear you, Mungu wa Usiku.”

Seeing her lover’s hesitance, Darkstar giggled and kissed Slate's cheek. “Breathe, Master, you're safe. I don't think you'll get banished to the Crystal Empire just yet.” She giggled, “My magic's getting stronger, Luna, though I still can’t do the invisibility trick yet.”

“She just needs to graduate Magic Kindergarten, Mungu wa Usiku.” Mapper smiled sweetly as she wafted over to where Darkstar and Luna were chatting.

“Ms. Thespian,” Serenity saw Air Raid in her own slave outfit and hoof-cuffs and she wanted to play too. “May I borrow your uniform to assist Ms. Air Raid in serving?”

“Of course,” Caffeinated answered, eager to see Serenity in ‘that’ outfit. “Thespy is taking a night off.”

Darkstar snickered, “Mistress Mapper, good evening! I can levitate things and manage some simple illusions, which is more than I could do before, so I’m a happy pony.”

“Slate,” Mapper spoke to the zebra stallion, immediately getting his attention, “mnyama wako amejifunza wakati ana haki ya kuwa rasmi na wakati wa kuwa rasmi. Nawaweka kwenye ujuzi wako mafunzo.”

Coffee Bean giggled at the obvious flattery that Mapper laid on Slate. Slate though was beaming with pride to be told that his pet had learned when it was right to be informal and when to be formal. That she commended him on his training skills made him feel like he could fly.

“My Master is a thoughtful but strict trainer, Mistress Mapper.” Darkstar answered the pink unicorn with justifiable pride. “I honour him by applying his teachings and being a good pet.”

“Maybe I should send my pets to you for instruction.” Mapper thoroughly enjoyed the deer-in-the-headlights look before deciding to go and bother somepony else.

With Mapper’s departure, Darkstar turned back to the openly smirking Luna. “Ms. Requiem is pleased with my progress in our sessions together, Luna.”

“It is good to know the Crown's resources are not going to waste!”

Requiem sang from over the room where she was stood with Recital and their two partners. “Not at all my Princess sweet. I got this dress as a treat!”

Darkstar laughed, “I believe that was just a shopping trip dressed up as a 'lesson' on learning to be happy living life.”

“Later I'll dress her in an outfit that is fitting for tonight.” Slate asserted once he had summoned his nerve, to which Caffeinated and Amethyst both nodded.

Outside the ranch, two taxis pulled up in the driveway. Bluefeather stepped out of one followed by Cyclone, who was in turn followed by Moonbeak and Brightstar who got out of theirs. Stepping up to gate, Bluefeather produced her pass key as she was an old friend of Tempest’s. “Hey Bright, Moony! How's it going?” Cyclone greeted her friends with a smile, bumping hooves with them both.

Standing patiently in the late afternoon sunlight, Bluefeather pointedly nudged her marefriend’s ass. Politely requesting an introduction. When it was apparent that none was forthcoming, she tapped her ass again and coughed. Oblivious, Cyclone blinked once then twice, the nappy wearing pegasus lost. “What'd I do?”

Shaking her head with a sigh, Moonbeak stepped forward past Brightstar and Cyclone and she held out a claw out to the new pegasus. “Hello, I'm Moonbeak.”

Giggling to herself, Bluefeather bumped Moonbeak’s claw with her hoof. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Moonbeak. I'm Bluefeather.”

“Oh jeez, I’m sorry!”

Brightstar snickered at his old friend’s blunder. “Didn't think Cy?”

The jet black pegasus blushed all the way up to her ears. “No...”

Bluefeather shook her head, sharing an apologetic look with Moonbeak, the look of two maternal creatures. “She is at that challenging age. One tries to teach manners, but she suffers from short attention span. I'm sure you understand.”

Giggling, Moonbeak nodded as Bluefeather ran her pass key by the front gate and led the way to the front door. “Yes, Bluefeather, yes I do.”

“You know Cy,” Brightstar snickered as they walked side-by-side behind their respective partners, “Rutting your brains out is only an expression, right?” Cyclone, after a moment’s consideration, blew her friend a long and loud raspberry.

“My mom called,” Thespian announced in the ranch, “Baron has been delayed, but they'll be here for tonight's activities.” Just then, the blue / grey earth pony mare saw the front door open and she nodded to the new arrivals. “Looks like the last of our guests are here, Wily.”

“Thanks Ms. Thespy!” Wildfire made her way over to the door to do the greetings. She knew from those already there who it was that had entered. “Hey guys!” she took the time to hug all four, starting with Cyclone and Brightstar. Hugging Moonbeak was a new experience for her. “I’m glad you all could come tonight.”

Cyclone couldn’t resist. The words were out of her mouth before she knew what she was saying. “I'm sure I'll cum later, Wily.”

“I might even remove the nappy for that.” Bluefeather smiled, sharing a hoof bump with her new griffon friend.

Released from her Wily Hug, Moonbeak nuzzled the little pegasus’s cheek. “Congratulations on your award, Wildfire. I hope you don't mind that I hope my pony doesn't receive any similar awards.” As long as they had been together, she still dreaded getting the phone call from the police department telling her that Brightstar had been injured.

Before Wildfire could answer that though, Lavender walked up to Cyclone with Topper in tow and the tan brown earth pony mare clapped her hooves. “So, you're the new pony with the isolation suit?” she asked by way of greeting, unable to keep the excitement from her voice. “Oh, hi there Bluefeather, I'm stealing your foal for a bit. Hope that’s okay?”

Topper, the huge but gentle earth pony stallion, shook his head while Lavender just giggled like an excited filly. The look on Bluefeather’s face made her giggle all the more. “I think we need a cop in the herd so I can get you for foal napping.” She smiled as Brightstar and Moonbeak walked over to Darkstar and Slate.

“Oh hey!” Cyclone offered her hoof for a bump which Lavender returned without hesitation and she had a huge grin on her face. “The mare with the suit, that's me.” she sounded as excited as her new friend. “Equestria's new best porn star at your service.”

So fast one might assume she teleported, Belle appeared at their side, eager to join in the conversation. “Speaking of which,” the olive drab unicorn began, “Do you have your newest release?”

“Hey!” Lavender pouted playfully, “I was monopolising her first!”

Belle took a moment to raspberry Lavender while Cyclone laughed, “I do!” she then reached into her saddlebag like she has the secret access codes to the Royal Canterlot Cake Archives. “I managed, at great risk, to sneak this out before its general release.” The jet black pegasus bumped hooves with Belle. “I'm Cyclone.”

“I'm Belle, the ticklecorn.” Belle introduced herself with a smile, “and your number two fan. Number one fan is feeling up Wily's belly. Oh, he's Tinkerer.”

Cyclone cocked her head in thought, remembering the many names that Wildfire had told her about in their catch ups over the phone. It wasn’t as easy as one might think, especially as she had met and rutted a new stallion or mare every day this past week. “He's your partner and father of her foal, right? I remember Wily telling me.”

“I witnessed the whole event and can certify that is true!” Belle smiled cheerfully.

“Did you have popcorn?” asked Cyclone, “I bet she licked his hooves, amiright?”

Those members of the herd stood closest to Cyclone and Belle burst out laughing as they knew Belle well enough that she would have indeed had popcorn. “Even buttered!” the olive drab unicorn giggled gleefully, “First she gave him a hooficure, then she licked them.”

“That's Wily,” Cyclone giggled, “Think we can watch that DVD later?”

“No foals at this party, well, other than you,” Belle said with a shrug of her shoulders, “so we could watch it before or after the kinky fun.”

“After please.” Lavender requested, “I need some release when I get out of my suit.”

That sparked something in Cyclone. “Suits!” she squeaked, suddenly remembering the reason why Lavender had come over to her in the first place. She had been quite looking forward to talking isolation suits with a vastly more experienced pony. “I wanna talk suits with you hun.”

“I'll keep this safe,” Belle grinned and left with the DVD in her magic.

“So, I heard you just started this.” Lavender broached the subject as she sipped her drink. “How many times in the suit, and what’s the longest?”

“I've been in it five times, the longest was half an hour. I got a 'beginner' suit from the MiAC in Canterlot.” Cyclone was rather proud of her crimson red isolation suit. In the short time she had owned it, it had become one of her favourite possessions, besides Mr. Pointy.

Topper laughed a deep rumbling laugh. “That brings back some memories.”

For the moment, Lavender ignored her stallion and giggled at Cyclone’s comment. “You mean the one with the detachable eye and ear covers?”

“Uh huh!” Cyclone agreed quickly, “and with removable mouth piece. Bluefeather treated me to this penis gag when we got back in town off the train.” She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “I just think she wants to shut me up.”

“Understandable,” Topper smiled, which earned him a jab in the ribs from Lavender.

“I prefer being stuffed in something other than my mouth. Drooling in the suit makes me wet.” Lavender almost purred at the thought while Topper, nursing his jabbed ribs, groaned, both at his ribs and what his wife had said. He’d heard that one many times before.

Bluefeather shot Lavender a look, which the earth pony returned in kind. “I'm happy to see you take this so seriously.”

Cyclone snickered and giggled, “Now, I do like the dildo and the plug in me when I'm suited up. It's really cool when Blue has the remotes for them. She always keeps me guessing as to what setting's next.” The jet black pegasus laid an affectionate nuzzle to her marefriend’s cheek.

“Totally!” Lavender squealed in agreement, both looked so excited for the fun that was to come that they could’ve been sisters. “Top keeps the controls too. My goal is to stay standing, and his is to get me to topple over.”

“That sounds like a fun game.” Gears turned in Cyclone’s head. Jewel encrusted gears that processed all the possible games and fun things she could play and do with the isolation suit. “Blue we should play that. What's your longest time in the suit, hun?”

“Um, well, I have been doing this a long time…” Lavender, not expecting that, suddenly felt on the spot. The last thing she wanted to do was turn it into a competition. “Um…so you should move at your own pace.”

Snorting a breath through her nose, Cyclone sighed and nuzzled the older mare’s cheek. “I'm not about to try and best you in one, I'm just curious, that’s all, Lavender.”

Laying a comforting hoof on his wife’s shoulder, Topper said, “she has tried and failed twice for twenty four hours, but her last attempt was close at twenty three hours fourteen minutes and thirty two seconds.”

Gratefully, Lavender returned the nuzzle to the young nappy clad pegasus. “I can sleep on my hooves, but my dreams can make me lose balance.”

Cyclone, for her part, was staring open mouthed. The more she tried to think about it, the more insane and appealing in equal measure it seemed. “A whole day? No way, really? Sweet Luna...sorry!” she apologised when the Princess thought she was being summoned. “But really, a day? Wow...I mean, it surprised me when I wasn't scared when I put it on at all…”

“She was nervous at first,” Topper explained, “Losing the sight was fine, it was the loss of hearing that was the biggest hurdle.”

“Yeah, I have a coded hoof beat for when I need out of suit, like, right now!” Lavender giggled, “My second safety measure is when I fall over. That’s when I'm done, but in no hurries to get out.”

Thoughtfully, Cyclone nodded as Air Raid and Serenity both hopped around the ranch’s ground floor serving drinks to those who requested them. “Blue told me to do the hoof beat thing. I wasn't prepared at first for how 'odd' it is to have no sight, hearing or taste, even.”

Lavender took a glass of moonshine from a passing Serenity and then she leant in conspiratorially, “when you get used to it and have a full suit, you can join me in the pool.”

“You can do that in water?” Cyclone asked, so startled that she almost wet her nappy, “For real?”

Topper had been waiting for that reaction. Everypony reacted like that the first time they heard about it. “With floaters around your waist and neck so you can breathe,” he explained with a gentle laugh.

“It removes the last sensation of gravity,” Lavender continued the explanation where Topper left off, “It does freak you out after a bit as you begin to hallucinate.”

“Her record in water is just over thirteen hours.”

Cyclone looked with giddy excitement from Lavender to Topper to Bluefeather, who had snagged drinks for them both from Air Raid as she hopped by, the lime green mare’s hooves bound in cuffs. “We'll have to definitely give that a crack when I progress to a more advanced suit. I'm curious though, why'd you start doing it?”

Topper burst out laughing at that, while Lavender gave him a look. “Hush you. It was a sensory deprivation study at the university. They paid in pizza…”

“I thought she was crazy.”

Again, Lavender hushed her husband with a look. “Turned out I sort of messed their results as I was loving it.”

“That's cool,” Cyclone thought about her motivations and nuzzled Bluefeather. “It's been something I've wanted to try for a while, but y'know, being a pegasus, I kinda always chickened out, the whole racial fear thing. Having Blue with me gave me the nerve to finally try it.”

Lavender beamed with pride, “I've been doing this for fun for twenty years.”

Passing by, Mapper couldn’t resist sticking in her two bits worth on her way to bothering Luna and Octavia. They’d been quiet too long and she couldn’t have that! “You have nothing in your holes when you're trying for that record, Lav.”

Lavender rolled her eyes, “You just like to watch my butt wiggle.”

“I like to watch your butt wiggle.” Topper snickered as he tried and failed to sip his drink without spilling it.

“Give it a few days and I hope all of Equestria will watch my butt wiggle!” Cyclone laughed, sharing a hoof bump and a clink of their glasses with Bluefeather. She knew her debut Playcolt DVD would be hitting the shelves in MiAC stores across the land by the coming Saturday.

“Seems to me like the two of you got the basics down,” Lavender smiled, “Slow and steady will lead to results.”

“Bonus,” Topper added, “I can watch the game without interruption when she is in the suit.”

As she had been sipping her drink, Cyclone snorted into her glass when she laughed at the huge stallion’s comment. “Do you time the suit time to coincide with a ball game, Topper?”

Topper suddenly looked like an overgrown colt caught with his hoof in the cookie jar. “Maybe...”

Lavender giggled, “It is a good reason for me to get three or four hours in my suit.” It was well known how little she cared for watching the game.

Cyclone joined Lavender in her giggles. As it turned out, she shared the older mare’s lack of interest in sports, although she could appreciate a sweaty Buckball player with the best of them. “So, you wanna do a suit-off?” she asked with an excited glint in her eye, “I got mine, you got yours, we can be like bookends!”

“Last session here I went seventy eight minutes with my colt at the controls.” Lavender grinned, more than up for playing a bookend with Cyclone.

“I do try to get her to last beyond the session but not miss much of the after party.” Topper said with a grin.

Cyclone didn’t know about that length of time. “I think I’ll aim for forty minutes and be happy with that.”

“I'll be rooting for you!” Lavender smiled, lifting up her free hoof for a bump.

“Where'd you get dressed?” asked Cyclone curiously as she returned the hoof bump. She asked because this was a completely different kind of party to the Gaming Night she had been invited to a fortnight ago. Not wanting to inadvertently go where she wasn’t allowed, she thought it best to ask.

“I usually wait till Caffy gives the ‘Kink Night starts in fifteen minutes’ warning.” Lavender explained, not seeing the question as silly in the slightest. “I dress upstairs and Top carries me to the dungeon in the basement.”

“Mind if we join you upstairs?”

“Who am I to argue having three mares in the bedroom?” asked Topper, the earth pony stallion snickering as Lavender treated her husband to her second best eye roll.

Seeing the eye roll, Cyclone giggled, “Hey Blue, Lav speaks 'eye roll' too, just like you!”

“Still in training,” Lavender retorted her giggles getting louder when Bluefeather lightly swatted Cyclone’s ear with her wing. “You should see Snowfall!”

“Or Airy,” put in Topper with a definite shudder. He knew as large as he was, Airmail could take him apart with her bare hooves should the mood take her. “When she does the ‘eye glare’ thing.”

“Oooh yeah, the eye thing.” Cyclone shuddered just like Topper did. She was immediately transported back in time the few weeks to that very first meeting with Wildfire, Tempest and Airmail back in Cloudsdale. “I was treated to that back in Cloudsdale. Damn near made me piss myself!”

Immediately, Lavender held up a hoof to silence the young mare. “I don't want to know what caused that, but you're here, which says something. I'm for some of Luna's moonshine.” She whispered to Cyclone as she stepped closer to her, “You pissed in your suit yet?”

Giggling, Cyclone whispered, “No, but I wanna. Let's go get some shine!”

As Cyclone, Bluefeather, Lavender and Topper left the informal dining room for the kitchen, Darkstar walked past them with Slate by her side. The pure white unicorn had spotted her brother standing with Moonbeak aside from the others. She couldn’t have them being quiet and un-bothered. “Mistress Moonbeak, it’s so nice to see you again!” she then nodded to Brightstar. “Brother.”

Bowing low to Slate, the two stallions shared a hoof bump of greeting. “Master Slate,” the royal blue unicorn smiled, “good evening.”

As he usually didn’t deal with non-ponies in his usual line of work, Slate was a bit nervous around the frankly imposing and intimidating griffon. “H-Hello.”

Casting a look around the living room, Moonbeak was at once struck by the explosion of colour in the ranch. She hadn’t been expecting that. “My, I didn't know zebras were so colourful, like ponies.”

“Nor I, Mistress.” Brightstar agreed with his wife. “You don't see many zebras in Canterlot and Filly.” In Fillydelphia, you were more likely to see griffons, minotaurs, yaks and even dragons than you were a zebra.

Straightaway, Darkstar picked up on her Master's nervousness. While it was true he had come a very long way in such a short amount of time – like herself, it was also true he could be cripplingly shy. “Mistress Moonbeak doesn't bite, unless my brother's been a naughty pony.”

Seeing Slate’s hesitation, Moonbeak just couldn’t resist a tease. “Oh, but I do bite. You just have to ask me sweetly to do so.”

“And if I'm not sweet?”

Moonbeak’s emerald green eyes turned very predatory indeed. “Then I claw.”

While Slate blinked, very much imitating a rabbit caught in a car’s headlights, Brightstar smiled with a twinkle in his eye. He had gone through much of this same teasing in the time he had been with Moonbeak. He loved every second. “I have the scars to prove it, Master Slate.”

“You are the sweetest…” Darkstar kissed her stallion’s cheek, “zebra,” she kissed him a second time, loving the way he blushed, “Ever!”

“Actually we are ponies, just a different tribe.” Slate said, the young stallion marshalling his thoughts and his nerve, finding that dominant spark that lived inside him. “Darkie,” he commanded, “I'd like a lunar coffee, and you should get drinks for these two also.”

“Yes Master.” Darkstar kept her voice even, but inside her heart was soaring at the commanding tone in her zebra’s voice. “What would you like, Mistress Moonbeak, brother?"

Brightstar turned to the dark grey furred griffon stood by his side. “Mistress, may I please have a whiskey?”

“I wonder if they have blood wine here?” Moonbeak asked, tapping her beak with a clawed finger. “If not then that lunar coffee sounds good.”

“I can ask for you, Mistress Moonbeak, one moment please.” Turning around, Darkstar spotted Caffeinated across the foyer chatting away with Coffee Bean, Luna and Octavia. She trotted over smartly to the little group, weaving around a hopping Serenity on the way. “Excuse me, Mr. Caffeinated?”

Caffeinated smiled, knowing whom it was that wanted his attention before he even turned around. Having had her in his house for a short time, he rather missed having her accent around the place. “Yes, Darkie?”

“Mistress Moonbeak asks if you have blood wine, please.”

As much as he wanted to help, in this case he could not. “I’m sorry, I don’t. That has a very short shelf life. I don't think I have a reasonable substitute.” That, and there was precious little call for the beverage amongst the members of his herd.

“Thank you Mr Caffeinated. I'll tell her.” Making up her mind to be very naughty indeed, Darkstar trotted straight back to where Slate was stood with Moonbeak and her brother. On the way, she walked past the kitchen where the drinks were and she sidestepped Air Raid who was carrying a tray of drinks in her mouth to Sonic and the stallions. “Mistress, I regret to say that there's no blood wine.”

Slate made an exaggerated show of looking for the drinks that he requested. Drinks his marefriend had not bought back. This was to buy himself time to formulate his response. “You've returned empty hoofed?” he said with a deep frown, “I'm most disappointed. Where is my coffee, and Moonbeak here ordered a coffee to should you not get the blood wine.”

Tutting, Moonbeak shook her head. “Forgetful, just like this one.” She grinned, tweaking Brightstar’s ear with a claw.

“I'm sorry Master,” Darkstar apologetically bowed her head, though this was so she could hide her broad smile. She loved being a naughty pony, almost as much as she loved the commanding tone he used with her. “I'll get the drinks you ordered.” While her brother sighed happily at the talon in his ear, she trotted off to get the drinks.

“I'm not sure if she does that on purpose,” Slate fretted, “How do you take control so easily, Moonbeak?”

“May I speak, Mistress?”

“Presence.” Moonbeak stood in a most powerful pose, looking more masculine than some stallions present at the ranch. “It’s all about presence. You may talk, pony.”

“My sister is definitely doing it on purpose, Master Slate. You've done a good job bringing her out of herself.”

Now they were alone in their little group, Slate leant closer. “She is rather sexy when she changes up personalities on me. Just this whole control thing is so new. I'm just a landscaper,” he said after taking a deep breath and bared his worries, “and I'm always being told what to do.”

Moonbeak laid an understanding, comforting claw on the zebra’s shoulder. She herself had experienced these worries in the past. “You don't have to do it all the time. I have let this pony take charge in the bedroom a few times.”

Brightstar smiled at that comment from his wife. He smiled at the memory of tying her to the bed and worshipping her paws until she climaxed from that alone. “Moony likes my weight on her back. We switch it up as and when we feel like it. Keeps everything natural and fun.”

Just then, Darkstar came prancing back to them with four drinks held in her glowing yellow magical aura, a happy smile on her face. When she stood by her Master, the slate grey zebra took note of what his pet had bought. There was a lunar coffee for himself and Moonbeak, a whiskey for her brother and he assumed the light moonshine was for her. He hadn’t allowed her to get one for herself. She was testing him again. “How thoughtful,” he smiled dangerously sweetly, “extra moonshine for me. Thank you. You may get yourself a water, but this is a celebration. You can have water with gas.”

“Bu-But...” Darkstar spluttered, she hadn’t been expecting Slate to react as dominant as that. Brightstar chuckled at his sister’s wide eyed expression. She had pushed and now she was getting her desserts. “Yes Master,” she bowed her head, “thank you Master.”

“That felt good, but you see, she still has a will.” Slate said to Moonbeak and Brightstar as Darkstar went to the kitchen to get the sparkling water. “Caffy said that is a good thing.” When the pure white mare returned, Slate turned to her brother. “Do you like the police work, Brightstar?”

“Yes Master Slate.” Brightstar replied, sipping his whiskey. It wasn’t Dalwhinny, but it was nice nonetheless. “Undercover work in Filly keeps me busy.”

Slate nodded to both ponies as he too took a long drink of the light moonshine that his pet had bought for herself. The look on her face was priceless. “It does give you and your sister something in common. The police.”

Darkstar contented herself with her sparkling water, heat burning at her cheeks and her marehood. Her brother stepped forwards and nuzzled her cheek. “I heard of Darkie's encounter with the gang of unicorns on the train. I'm impressed.”

“I was just doing my civic duty, like anypony would've.” Darkstar commented, though she was rightly proud of herself, and the award that the Mayor of the Broncs had personally delivered to her the morning after.

“It is a constant uphill battle,” admitted Slate with a sigh, “but she is taking the tribes head on. She has won the hearts of the stone tribe.”

“It's a battle I intend to win, with Slate by my side.” Darkstar asserted, for the moment putting aside her submissive aspect.

Brightstar though was completely proud of her. After everything she had endured and been through, she had risen magnificently. “You made a difference, sister. That's all you can do.”

As they all sipped their respective drinks, Slate snickered, “I make a difference one flower at a time.”

The royal blue unicorn chuckled. He wasn’t going to allow the zebra to downplay what he did. “Forgive me, Master Slate, but we all make a difference, doing our jobs and taking pride in doing them well.”

Slate nodded thoughtfully. What Brightstar said made a great deal of sense. Still, he saw himself as ‘just a gardener’, amazed that somepony as fantastic as Darkstar would be interested in him. “That was a nice awards ceremony. It gives me hope that saving a life is more important than what life you're saving.”

“Of course,” Brightstar agreed completely. “I've worked with ponies, minotaurs and griffons on the force. We all bleed the same, Master Slate, regardless of what we are.”

Snorting out a breath, Slate laughed. “In Filly you don't have to deal with the Celestiates.”

“This much is true,” Brightstar raised his glass in salute and downed the contents. “We have gangs instead that think they are above the law.”

“Sadly that seems to be the one thing in common with all the cities.”

Moonbeak, having drank her lunar coffee, stepped forwards and affectionately nuzzled her stallion’s cheek. “Some wear gang colours and others wear suits. Depends on the city.”

About to say something pithy regarding corruption being everywhere, Darkstar was silenced before it left her lips when Caffeinated stood on a low stool to make a toast. The orange zebra’s rumbling voice easily carried over the living room, the formal and informal dining rooms and the whole ground floor. “Raise your glasses in a toast to Wildfire! A mare dedicated to service, the herd, and to Airmail.” Immediately, along with all the other attendees, Darkstar and Brightstar raised their glasses and added their cheers to all the others.

“I think we are here to party. Take it easy on the water, pet. Don't want you to get too tipsy.” Slate said with a snicker, his confidence at a high.

“Thank you, Master.” Darkstar purred as sexily as she could manage, a sweet little smile on her lips. “But I think I can handle the water.”

Moonbeak was at once impressed and happy with how far her sister-in-law had come since they had first met. Instead of shrinking away from the slightest noise, now she had spirit! “She is full of herself.” She said appreciatively.

“Yes she is,” Brightstar smiled, “which makes a refreshing change.” Roughly – but not too roughly - Slate pulled Darkstar to him and kissed his pet passionately on the lips before she could reply. Moments later, the white unicorn broke for breath, her quip about preferring to be full of Slate having died on her lips.

Likewise, Brightstar stole a kiss from Moonbeak too, the unicorn’s tongue sliding into his Mistress’s welcoming beak. After the kiss, the griffon caressed her pony’s cheek with a clawed hand. “It seems she isn't the only one full of themselves.”

Over at the buffet table, Wildfire was helping herself to bluebell, sunflower and daisy sandwich. After chatting with Luna and Octavia for a few moments, she had learnt that Dusk and Brush Stroke would not be attending this session. Belle, who was also at the buffet table getting a slice of chocolate cake that she never meant to eat, greeted Wildfire with a friendly nuzzle.

Wildfire was pleased the olive drab mare had found her. After talking with Octavia about Dusk, and particularly about his newly adopted colt, there was a whole host of things running around in her head. Things she thought a mare her age would have an insight on. “Dusk isn't here,” she said with a sigh, “he and Brush Stroke are taking care of Ivory Wind at home. How old is yours?”

Surreptitiously, Belle levitated the piece of chocolate cake over to Serenity. She had no qualms at all in helping the older unicorn be as naughty as possible. That was all part of the fun! “Pathfinder is two,” she replied, her attention back to her little herd-mate.

“When did you start coming to these events?” asked Wildfire after she had dispatched the sandwich. Deciding she liked it, she reached for another. You only live once, after all.

“About two weeks before birth and as soon as he was weaned so we could leave him with Seabreeze.” Replied Belle, taking one of the stuffed artichoke hearts before they vanished completely.

“Oh, maybe that’s how it will be with Fireflight.” Wildfire smiled, nuzzling Belle’s cheek in thanks. Still, her worries were present in her mind and they wouldn’t go away. “Thanks for that. Luna said Dusk was having a family day with Brush Stroke and Ivory Wind at the lake by their house in Ponyville.”

Belle, having snaffled the stuffed artichoke, shamelessly stole the last one before anypony else could get it. If they wanted it, they should’ve gotten in sooner. “We still have family days. Now, as herd, we have built in sitters, too.”

Slowly, Wildfire ate her second sandwich, mulling a few things over in her head. Concentrating on Belle’s voice, she tuned out the rest of the party after the toast that Caffeinated had made. “Yuppers, I'm looking forward to those too…” As Air Raid hopped past to serve Coffee Bean and Amethyst, the blind mare had a slight frown on her face.

Walking over, summoned by his wife, Tinkerer nuzzled Wildfire’s cheek. “Why the glum look, Wily?”

Thoughtfully, Wildfire sipped at her lemonade before she responded. “It’s nothing…I've wanted this for so long, I never considered before how I'd be once it was here, how I'll be when she gets here,” she laid a hoof on her belly where she knew her filly was growing inside her.

Sharing a look and a silent ear-flick conversation with her husband, Belle pranced on the carpet. “Oh, I know, I know!” she even had her hoof in the air like she was calling on the teacher, though this was to attract Airmail’s attention. “Pick me!”

In spite of her glum mood, Wildfire giggled, “Alrighty Belle, I pick you.”

Affectionately, Belle nuzzled Wildfire’s cheek and the olive drab unicorn even gave her herd-mate a kiss. “You’ll be like a mother and it is like the second best thing in the world.”

Wildfire cocked her head to one side. She hadn’t been expecting Belle to say that. “The second best? What’s the first?”

Lighting her horn, Belle used her magic to drag Tinkerer in closer for a three way hug. Not that Tinkerer needed any extra encouragement in that regard. “The first best is having family to share that with.” The self-appointed ‘ticklecorn’ whispered into Wildfire’s ear.

Blushing in the embrace of her foal’s father and his partner, as well as her two herd-mates, Wildfire smiled as she hugged the other two ponies as tight as she possibly could. She felt so much better than she had a few moments ago. “Thank you, Belle, Tink, I needed that.”

“We are herd, and Airy already let me know that a drum set would be a bad idea.” Tinkerer snickered, the green pegasus breaking the tension with a laugh, he looked about to make sure they weren’t overheard. “Not because of her, but well, the ‘one that sleeps’.”

“Yuppers,” Wildfire laughed, feeling the anxiety and tension leech from her as Belle erupted in a fit of giggles. “To be fair, I wouldn't want to disturb the storm either. I think I'd rather fly through a burning building than wake Tempest before noon.”

Belle gave Wildfire another comforting nuzzle. She knew well how the little blind mare felt. She had been in her position herself not all that long ago. “Pathfinder didn't come with an owner’s manual either, but you're not the first in the herd to have a foal, and one day you can give out safe advice to others.”

“You mean they don't come with instruction books?” Wildfire giggled, feeling better all the time, “I was lied to! It’s just...well,” and now, she came to the crux of the issue that was really bothering her, deep down. “You see, it’s going to seem like forever until she dreams and I can see her.”

Understanding now, Belle picked up one of Wildfire's hooves in her own and pressed it to her face in the same way that Wildfire had felt her a month ago now. “This was how you first saw us, and it will be how you first see her. And how you will see her grow.”

Nestled deep in the other two ponies’ embrace, Wildfire sniffed a lot and smiled. “I'm sorry,” she sniffed, which everypony knew was her way of crying, as much as she could cry, “this is supposed to be a party…”

“That sounds like a song cue,” said Tinkerer, gently cutting across Wildfire.

“Serenity!” Belle called out loudly, getting the teal unicorn’s attention, “Wily has the sniffles and wants to hear something from Gore!”

Taking a break from her self-appointed serving duties, Serenity reared up onto her hind hooves and began singing and dancing around the entrance foyer of Caffeinated’s ranch. As she belted out, appropriately, ‘It's my party and I’ll cry if I want to’, Wildfire laughed and joined in with the impromptu performance. Her mum liked that song, and she remembered singing it with her a long time ago. Walking over, Airmail waited until the song was over to hug her fiancé. “Why the sniffles?”

“Bun is still in the oven,” supplied Tinkerer, the pegasus swiping several daisy and buttercup sandwiches lest they to mysteriously vanish like the stuffed artichokes.

“I was being a silly pony, Pretty, that's all.”

Airmail placed several soft delicate kisses all over Wildfire’s scarred face and her muzzle. “As long as you remain my silly pony.”

“Always…” she smiled, kissing Airmail in turn. “The enormity of what’s happening just kinda crept up on me, what with Dusk staying home with Ivory and Oils. He's a mum now, y’know? A parent…”

“If Dusky can be a mum,” Airmail interrupted her softly and kindly, “then you'll be a great mum.” The azure blue mare reached for a hoof full of chocolate drops and fed them one by one into Wildfire’s mouth. “Besides, you can always fall back on Mother Hen for advice, and I've got you covered for nappies.”

“It wasn't those things I was having a wobble about,” Wildfire replied around the chocolate that seemed a never-ending supply, “But, Belle put me right.”

Before Airmail could ask what that meant, both Belle and Tinkerer flicked their ears in the language of the herd and told her exactly what had happened. Reading both of them, Airmail nodded and decided not to take it any further. “That is why we are herd.” She said after the ear flicks had stopped.

Wildfire had a big smile plastered all over her face. “That's why you're all awesomes!” The big smile continued when she lovingly nuzzled Airmail’s cheek. “Happy one month anniversary, my very pretty pony.”

“And I thought this party was for you!” Airmail, not one prone to blushing very often, blushed an intense crimson all over her cheeks. Even her ears turned a shade of red. “H-Hey, let's make it for us!”

“I think we should. Ready to party?”

Still blushing, Airmail swiped a glass from Air Raid’s tray held in her mouth as the lime green mare hopped past them and she hoofed it to her diminutive lover’s grasp. “Don't tell Stormy, but I spiked this lemonade with some fizzy water.”

Taking the glass of lemonade in her hoof, Wildfire giggled, “I won't tell a soul, I promise!” she raised the glass in a toast of her own, “Thank you for the bestest month ever, and for all the bestest months to come.”

Airmail clinked their glasses together. “I'll drink to that.”

A short time later, with the party in full swing all over the ground floor, the hall clock announced it was eight in the evening. With the chime of eight as his cue, Caffeinated once more stood atop the stool. “Your attention please!” his deep rumbling voice drew every creature’s attention to him. “The festivities will begin in one hour downstairs. I know some of you like to dress up for the event so this is your notice.”

While Bluefeather and Cyclone followed Topper and Lavender upstairs to the guest bedrooms to get dressed in their respective isolation suits, Mapper walked up to Airmail and Wildfire with Tempest in tow beside her. “You two playing or helping today?”

“Mistress,” Wildfire set aside her drink and inclined her head respectfully, “I'd very much like to play.”

Airmail draped her wing over Wildfire’s back. “I'll be playing with her.”

Mapper was delighted to hear that. There was no reason that the casts should prevent her Middle Pet from playing the game, as long as the bindings were properly applied. “Your skills with ropes improved, Airy?”

Under the scrutiny from her herd-mate, Airmail shifted on her hooves as the other members of the herd filed past them and to the stairs that led downstairs to the dungeon, Coffee Bean and Caffeinated at their head. “I can always get advice from Belle.”

Mapper nodded, eager to wrap up this little conversation as she wanted to walk down with Luna and Octavia, who were both bringing up the rear of the procession downstairs. “Stormy, it looks like you and I to get things set up. Senior Pet.”

Appearing out of the ether at her wife’s side, Serenity said, “Yes Mistress?”

“Go ahead and assist those getting ready, like Middle Pet, and I won't pretend to not notice the chocolate that you have eaten and will eat in a few minutes.”

With a wide smile on her face, Serenity performed a four-hooved happy tap dance and prance combination. “Yes Mistress!” her orders given, the teal unicorn took off downstairs as fast as was decent.

Downstairs in the dungeon, the large bare brick walled room that was one of the most important in the ranch, but for the kitchen, every creature was taking up their respective positions. Those not playing were sat on the many seating pads that formed a semi-circle around the raised stage.

On the stage, in the line of those creatures that were playing, Airmail managed to do well tying up Wildfire. Beside her, Belle was tying up Tinkerer and Serenity helped by making a minor adjustment on Wildfire’s teats, as Airmail was easily distracted.

While Amethyst was busy tying up Cream and Air Raid – again, with Serenity’s assistance, and Slate tied up Darkstar with the much needed help and direction of Caffeinated and Thespian, Requiem, who was sat by Moonbeak and Brightstar, whispered to Longshore, “What's the line on Recital making Trumpet bleed?”

Longshore glanced over to the stage where Recital was busy trussing up Trumpet next to Wildfire. “You mean making him not bleed, right?”

Requiem snorted, “I'm not betting on that, try that on the newbies.”

Stood on the stage, Brightstar didn’t mean to overhear what Requiem and Longshore were saying, he just had a finely tuned ear to the word ‘newbie’. “Pardon me, Ms. Requiem, but what was that about newbies?”

Longshore, sniggering as his wife giggled, sang out, “Buuuusted!”

“Would you believe that is a term of endearment to those experiencing Caffy's Dungeon for the first time?” Requiem asked the royal blue stallion as the dungeon doors opened and Baron and Snowfall entered, the last couple down to play that evening.

“I would indeed believe it,” Brightstar smiled while the other submissives on the stage were in various stages of being tied up by their dominant partners. “On the force in Filly I've had my share of newbies. Yelling at them is a privilege,” he chuckled, “I heard you mention something about a bet? Wily did mention you give out scores.”

Longshore laughed, “We will bet on just about everything and pretty much all the time.”

“Just some bets are a fools bet,” Requiem rolled her eyes, though her giggles belied the look she gave her stallion.

“And Caffy frowns upon fleecing the non-herd on bets.” Longshore finished the explanation.

“Well now I'm intrigued,” Brightstar was, too. “What was the bet about, if I may ask?”

“Not making a nuisance of yourself, are you, my pet?” said Moonbeak, her voice as shrill as ever as she walked up to her pony and leant forwards to nip his ear with her yellow beak until a bead of blood appeared at the tip of his ear.

Requiem’s eyes lit up like a lighthouse in a dark foggy night. Many possibilities immediately ran through the red and blue painted earth pony mare’s head. “Oooh that would be a new one!” she was almost clapping her hooves with joy. “Shore, I'll put a bit that the griffon makes this pony bleed more than Recital makes her pony bleed.”

“I can go with that,” Longshore snickered, “only you sort of tipped this pair off, love.”

Quick as a flash though, Requiem had a solution. “Don't tell Recital and I'll let Caffy know this pair goes before that pair.”

Longshore shrugged, “Works for me.”

Brightstar chuckled and sighed as Moonbeak licked his ear. “I ah...I think we need a get together with Recital and her stallion after the fun in the dungeon, Mistress.”

“Hmmm sometimes my pony shows wisdom,” Moonbeak smiled dangerously, curious to see how much a pony could make another pony bleed.

“What I was here for was to get you bet on Wily using her safe word.” Longshore said as the dungeon doors opened again, this time to admit Bluefeather, who was carrying Cyclone who was dressed in her crimson beginners isolation suit and Topper, who was carrying a suited up Lavender. Both mares looked pretty much identical in their suits, except that Cyclone’s eye patches and mouthpiece had not yet been put on.

As the two suited ponies were placed on the stage next to each other, Requiem looked over at Airmail and Wildfire. “I don't think Airy has it in her, so I'll put down for no. What's the line?”

“Even,” Longshore replied with a nod. Both ponies then looked to Moonbeak and Brightstar, both were curious to see if they were taking part in the bet.

Brightstar glanced at Moonbeak, who gave her pony a meaningful look. “Wily's a smart mare. She's filled us all in on what's happened, so, I'll go for a yes.”

Glancing on the stage, Moonbeak eyed up the little yellow mare who was stood proudly wearing her ropes beside Brightstar’s sister. “I will agree with my pony.” After all, she really didn’t know her that well to form an opinion of her own on the subject. “He knows his friend better than I. I'll say yes.”

On the stage, Darkstar saw her brother and Moonbeak chatting with Requiem and Longshore. The pure white unicorn smiled as Slate finished up applying her rope harness. “My, you know,” she smiled when Serenity suggested a tightening up here and an adjustment here, “this is just like a casting call for Tie Me Up Buckaroo!”

Several of the theatre types, including Recital on the stage, did burst out laughing at that comment. “Decided you didn't like the show you are in and tried out for that?” she asked with a smile in her voice.

“I’d get paid to be tied up,” Darkstar shrugged, “It seemed like fun!”

“Mistress,” Brightstar saw the others being tied on the stage and he nuzzled Moonbeak’s feathery cheek. “Number Ten, from the new book?” Serenity, who had all the necessary books back at home, recognised straightaway the tie that the griffon was attempting. After asking politely, the teal mare stepped in to offer her assistance.

“Ten minutes everypony...everyone…every creature!” Mapper declared loudly as she walked the line of the stage wondering what the correct noun was to use while Serenity was helping Moonbeak get her stallion properly attired in tie Number Ten, one she knew well. “Then I'm inspecting!”

“Thank you for the help, Serenity,” Moonbeak said with a smile seven minutes later when she had her pet trussed up like a holiday present. The griffon only had a faint tinge to her white feathered cheeks. “Number Ten is a little...tricky, to apply.”

Stood in front of Airmail, Wildfire was struggling to not have a wide smile, for the ropes she was wearing were just like the ones she wore last time in the dungeon. Watching in the spectator area, Octavia nuzzled Luna quietly from where they were sat with a good view of the stage. “Sitting this one out, love?” Luna nodded with a smile, this time happy to watch and be entertained.

Seeing that all the submissive partners that were playing were at last tied up, except her, Serenity started singing 'Woe is Me' by Jet Blackheart. She reared up and danced around the stage singing, “What happened to my heroes. They seemed to disappear. The idols keep on singin'. But they don't sound sincere. Oh woe is me, oh woe is me. I don't got no costume. All I got's a name. No ropes lookin' sad. But who can I blame. Oh woe is me, oh woe is me. Woe is me, woe is me. Is me me me me me!”

Eventually Mapper had endured quite enough of the Luna damned pop song and, though she was enjoying the spectacle of watching her wife and Pet dance effortlessly around the bound ponies, shouted out, “Will somepony tie her up already?”

Immediately, almost faster than one could blink, several hooves shot into the air, all volunteering to tie up the teal mare. Seeing this as an opportunity, Darkstar gave Slate a very knowing wink and a nod towards Serenity, mouthing 'go on!'

Blinking once then twice, Slate mouthed back, ‘me?’

Resisting the urge to snort an annoyed breath out through her nose, Darkstar rolled her yellow eyes and mouthed, ‘yes you. You got this, love’.

“But...”

Unfortunately, Slate said that last word out loud, drawing Serenity’s attention right to him like she was lase guided. “Thank you for volunteering!” she smiled, pointing a hoof at the stunned young zebra. Darkstar blew him an encouraging kiss just as those herd members nearest to them shoved Slate forwards. Dancing over to some ropes, Serenity said, “Just like you did Darkie.”

‘I can do this. I can do this...’ he thought to himself as he walked over, amazed at how his hooves felt like lead weights. “Yes ma'am…” picking up the first rope, he proceeded to tie Serenity in a basic diamond pattern rope harness just like he did to Darkstar, simple but well executed, not an elaborate tie, but done just right.

Watching intently, Mapper was content to wait until Slate was finished before stepping forward. She didn’t care a jot how long it took, the pink unicorn was far more concerned with the ropes being applied right and in a safe manner. “It's show time!” she declared in much the same style as a ringmaster of a circus. “Middle Pet, looking nice. Well done Airy with the casts. Has she been a bad pony?”

“She’s been hob knobbing with the upper crust of political society,” Airmail said with the straightest of straight voices, “leaving us common ponies in the dust.”

Mapper solemnly shook her head at the grave transgression. “Shameful.”

As Mapper moved on, Wildfire made a very, very big effort to keep a straight face, even putting her ears back to at least appear like she was sorry and not in fact having a great time. When she stopped in front of Serenity, she tested her Senior Pet's ropes. “Very nice. Your work Caffy?” she asked, to which the orange zebra shook his head. “Nice and tight, zebra work. Amethyst?” Like Caffeinated, Amethyst shook her head. “But then...” knowing full well it was Slate’s work, she at last turned to the young stallion. “You?” Slate though was too afraid to speak so he just nodded his head. “Must be a natural zebra ability. Have you been a good pony, my Pet?”

“No Mistress,” Serenity admitted, even bowing her head, “but the chocolate was worth it.”

Mapper imperiously surveyed her wife, “I hope so for your sake.” She then moved down the line to Darkstar who was next. She had to admit, as much as she didn’t like stallions, she was impressed with the zebra’s work. He had learnt fast. “This your work too, Master Slate?”

At last, Slate found his voice. “Serenity made sure I did it right the first time, Mistress Mapper.”

“It is too late to make her out to be a good pony,” Mapper waved her hoof dismissively in the air before turning her attention to the white unicorn. “What about you, Darkie, are you a naughty pony?”

“Yes Mistress Mapper, I've been a very naughty pony,” Darkstar admitted and, while she paused for a breath, the pink unicorn rolled her hoof, patiently awaiting the younger mare’s confession. “My Master asked me to get drinks for himself, Mistress Moonbeak and her pet. I came back empty hoofed.”

Gravely, Mapper nodded her head. This was a mare she liked. Not only did she know when to be formal and when not to be, she knew the good way to be naughty. Alas, she already had a Master. “Air cocktails, a drink no creature likes. Be sure she learns her lesson, Master Slate.” Judgement passed, she moved along the line to Moonbeak and Brightstar. “The photographer and the police officer. Seems the law is in trouble this time.” She surveyed the expertly tied tortoiseshell rope harness, recognising her wife’s guidance here and there.

“It is indeed, Mistress Mapper.” Moonbeak narrowed her emerald green eyes, giving Brightstar a very predatory look that had made lesser ponies pee themselves in the past. “Tell her, pet.”

Suppressing a smile, the royal blue stallion knew just what he would confess to. “I was a bad pony, Mistress Mapper. Eavesdropping on another's conversation.” Even though Requiem and Longshore’s conversation had been rather loud and not private in any way, he knew that wasn’t how the game was played.

“Knowledge is power,” Mapper stated and, in a very good imitation of Moonbeak, she narrowed her eyes and actually made the unicorn believe he would be food at any moment. “Did you gossip about it too?”

“Y-Yes Mistress,” Brightstar gulped nervously, so convincing was the act portrayed in front of him, he actually bought it, for a moment any way. “I'm afraid I did.”

Smirking, Mapper shared a knowing look with Moonbeak, both dominant creatures thinking as one. “Caffy frowns on killing in his house, even if you do eat the evidence.” When Mapper moved on to Snowfall and Baron, the latecomers who happened to be next in line, she caught Luna’s eye. She shared an understanding nod with her friend watching from the seating pads. “Snow still hasn't learned her lesson, Baron?”

Snowfall, the elderly earth pony as white all over as Darkstar’s coat was, looked resplendent in the expertly applied ropes she wore. Before Mapper could go on though, she spoke up. “I'm a pretty mare!”

Taken aback by the old mare’s rather unexpected outburst, Mapper was so stunned into silence that she almost broke character. Almost. Thankfully, years at the carnivals had given her a façade that wasn’t so easily broken. “Then why are you all trussed up?” she asked, genuinely curious.

Snowfall stuck out her tongue, “I like it this way.”

To hide her smile, Mapper rolled her eyes. “Such a saucy mare you have, Baron.”

Baron beamed a wide smile as he stroked his wife’s pure white mane. “That’s why I love her.”

Shaking her head, Mapper thought it best to move on, the next couple being Caffeinated and Thespian. “I trust she’s still a good mare?”

Caffeinated couldn’t hide his grin if he tried. “Of course.”

“Still going to paddle her ass?”

“Of course.”

“At least some things are consistent,” Moving on now, Mapper at last arrived at Lavender and Cyclone. She had to admit, even to her experienced eye, seeing two mares in isolation suits was a very new thing. Lavender was of course completely encapsulated in her suit, just her nostrils were visible, whereas Cyclone, in her beginner’s suit, didn’t have the eye patches or mouth piece / gag in yet. “The beginner and the veteran,” Mapper commented appreciatively, “How long?”

Topper, who had the controls to the butt plug and the vibrator buried in Lavender’s holes strapped to one foreleg and two stopwatches strapped to the other, checked one. “Thirty minutes and counting, Maps.”

“When do you seal this one up, Blue?” Mapper asked with a nod of her head to her herd-mate.

“When the show starts properly,” Bluefeather answered. Like Topper, she had the remote controls to the butt plug and vibrator that were planted inside the suit. Unlike Lavender though, she had placed egg vibrators on the joints of her marefriend’s wings. She had the controls to those, too. “Slow and steady for the long haul. This is her first public showing.”

Mapper could appreciate that. “Have you ins...” she trailed off to silence when, in response, Bluefeather flipped four switches on the control panel strapped to her foreleg.

Instantly, Cyclone bounced on her rubber clad hooves. The toys secreted about her person having an immediate effect. “AaaaaAAAAAAH!” she squeaked, jiggling about just like Lavender was beside her. Satisfied by the results of her demonstration, Bluefeather returned the toys from high down to low.

Leaning in, an impressed Mapper whispered loudly to Bluefeather, “you can always knock Lavender over.” With a giggle, she walked off to Air Raid and Cream, who were the next in line. Seeing Mapper approaching, Air Raid quickly swallowed the second-long snicker she had let out at Cyclone’s hopping.

“Ah yes,” Mapper smiled a dangerously sweet and disarming smile at the tightly bound up pegasus, “The mint filling of the zebra cookie. Do you have two bad mares, Amethyst?”

“Such is the burden I carry,” Amethyst smiled back, thoroughly enjoying this game, “but you know how the coffee tribe is, and there is this mare that is such a good driver she can get a speeding ticket in a colt.”

Instead of looking sorry, Air Raid wore a very proud look on her face. And she was proud of herself for actually accomplishing the seemingly impossible task of earning a speeding ticket in an electric car. “I did do that, Mistress Mapper.”

Hearing that, Mapper knew this was going to be a most enjoyable evening. Unrepentant pets were the most fun. “You are supposed to be in the driver seat, not pushing for speed.” The dominant pink unicorn then looked back to Amethyst. “Will you be able to handle both of these naughty mares?”

“As long as I don't get dizzy doing so,” Amethyst replied quickly.

As Mapper moved on down the rapidly dwindling line on the stage, Wildfire had listened intently to all the brief interviews as her Mistress, in her mind’s eye, went around in a big circle. The diminutive yellow pegasus couldn’t help but smile as this was all going so very different to a month ago. “Recital,” stated Mapper, stopping at the penultimate couple, “still having issues, are we?”

“Indeed,” Recital smiled, proud of the way she had tied her stallion. “I find that he just isn't enough in the bedroom. I will again try to realign his blood from one head to the other.”

“Persistence, Recital, persistence.” As Trumpet shivered, and Mapper moved on to the final couple, Octavia, watching with Luna, nestled into and used her larger lover’s side as a cushion. She did so love how Luna draped her wing around her, and she nuzzled into her side. Moving on, Mapper found that the last couple was in fact a foursome. “This is different,” she said as she approached the stallion’s herd. “What prompted you to tie Sunny and Trails nose to tail, belly to chest? Where their mouths are, they can’t service each other.”

Sonic didn’t even try to suppress the wide grin on his purple muzzle. “Nor should the naughty ponies service each other!”

“Indeed,” Omega put in, an equally wide smile plastered all over his white face, “it is only us they should service.”

Curiously, because she didn’t want to obliterate them with her lack of magical finesse, Mapper used a hoof to see between them. “Hmm, no sheath locks!” This got curioser and curioser by the moment. She wondered what the two dominant stallions had planned.

“If they cum on each other,” Omega supplied in much the same manner as a game show host about to reveal the grand prize, “we can sit back and watch the clean-up.”

“Trails’ usual kink?” asked Mapper cautiously.

“Will be shared by Sunny, I have these!” both Sonic and Omega held up a pair of nostril clamps.

Omega, like the game show host actually revealing the grand prize, pointed to his proudly erect member. “And we have these to plug the other holes!”

Standing up, Mapper thought about it for a moment. If she was honest with herself, she didn’t know what to think. The stallions were playing a dangerous game indeed. While she was capable of breath play, she avoided it where possible. Too many variables to go wrong for her liking. Still, she mused, there was enough magic power present to ensure nothing went drastically wrong. “I will leave you four to the last then,” she nodded her head, “This is a spectator sport.”

With her rounds complete, Mapper walked over and stood in the centre of the stage. “Greetings Doms!” she declared, ever the ringmaster addressing her crowd, “As you see we have some friends of the herd with us today. I feel that we should start with a few regulars and then move on to our friends.” She shot the stallions a look, “Then we can let the hard-core finish up.”

Taking that as her cue, Bluefeather leant in to Cyclone and whispered, “You ready to be sealed in, love?” When Cyclone nodded her head using the tiny amount of give in the isolation suit, Bluefeather first slid the penis gag into her lover’s mouth through the mouth hole until she secured it to the press studs around the edges. Finally, she attached the eye patches, blinding her mare as Mapper called on the first couple. She noted too that Topper had started the second stopwatch and smiled. This was going to be fun.

“Caffy,” Mapper declared, having decided that they would be first, “I think Thespy's ass is cold, could you please start us off by warming it up for us?”

“I would be happy to,” Caffeinated rumbled in that deep voice of his. The orange zebra stallion started with just his hooves while Tempest, who was on helping duty that night, delivered the leather cat-o-nine tails, a tawes, and, for good measure, a cane close to his hoof.

Mapper watched as time and again, Caffeinated’s hoof fell on Thespian’s hindquarters. Once, twice, three times, each time his hoof left a reddened imprint behind and a goofy smile on the earth pony’s face. “Judging by the smile,” Mapper commented when the zebra had reached ten, “I think you're going easy on her.”

On the stage, stood by Airmail, Wildfire listened in with a smile on her face, remembering each squeak that Thespian made like it was that first session she had attended a month ago now. Not far away from her, Darkstar bit her lip and had to squeeze her hind legs together, especially when Caffeinated moved onto the tawes next. The first whack he delivered made Thespian jump forward. “Steady or I'll chain you to the floor.” He commanded. Obediently, the old earth pony mare leant back to take the hits and stay in place.

After several strikes all over her ass, Caffeinated ran his strong hoof over her cutie marks. He could feel the heat radiating from the welts he had left there. “Getting warm, now for the flogger.” Almost instantly, her tail drooped, for she wanted to earn her punishment. “Tail!” Caffeinated ordered quickly, pleased at how fast she lifted it up again.

When Caffeinated had landed the tenth strike from the flogger, having lit up his wife’s hindquarters like a Hearths Warming tree, Thespian decided she’d had enough. “Lemons!” As soon as she used her safe word, her husband set the flogger down and Tempest swooped in and collected the instruments. With great care, the zebra lifted Thespian delicately onto his back and he moved from the stage over to where Baron and Snowfall were sat with Luna, Octavia and Coffee Bean, all five ponies clapping their hooves appreciatively.

“Yes, that is a start," Mapper, the ringmaster, smiled on the stage as they took up snuggle positions in the audience. It was hard to speak though with her lip bitten like it was. She did so like to see a pony use their safe word. “Silly ponies.”

Luna nuzzled Thespian affectionately as soon as she was deposited on the seating pad nearest to herself and Octavia. “That was a good show, Thespy. Well done.”

Looking at the blue / grey mare’s rather red rear end, Octavia smiled. “Nice warm up.”

Though her whole ass was red and sore – albeit in a very, very good way – Thespian wore the biggest smile on her face as she returned the hoof bump to the older mare. “He has been good this last month, I haven't gone a full week without a spanking.”

Like her friend, Octavia beamed a smile and whispered, “Me too. Makes me glad I'm an earth pony!”

“Blue,” Topper asked Bluefeather on the stage where he was sat with Lavender and Cyclone, both of whom seemed perfectly still ponyquins at the moment in their isolation suits, “You wanna swap controls?”

For a long few moments, Bluefeather thought about it. On the one hoof she wanted to make cure Cyclone was okay, but on the other, they were surrounded by friends here. Ultimately, she hoofed over her controller and they made the trade. “Sure, why not?” Cyclone, locked away in her suit, was getting used to the vibrations, getting nice and relaxed in the darkness. It made a nice change after being filmed all week at Playcolt.

“Belle,” Mapper said loudly, moving on, “I see you have Tinkerer tied up as nice as a Hearths Warming present. Still a good pony?”

Belle looked like she had received her Hearths Warming present early. “Oh yeah! I'll know in two weeks if Path will have a sibling!”

“Congratulations to you both.” Mapper, genuinely, inclined her head. “So, you just tie him up for us to see?”

Quickly, proudly, Belle shook her head. “This time we're going home and he won't have a cloak to hide under!” At that, Tinkerer’s smile was very wide.

Mapper was likewise impressed. “Maybe I should make sure you get home safe?” It was a sincere offer, though Belle giggled. Having recently joined the ranks of parenthood, what with Trumpet impregnating Serenity like Tinkerer had done Wildfire, the pink unicorn couldn’t help but feel protective over her friends. More so than usual.

A little way down the line of doms and subs, Brightstar, tied in the 'number 10', let out an involuntary snicker at that – he could picture Tinkerer being led home in the rope harness he wore, as Moonbeak had done something similar to him many times more than once in Fillydelphia.

“Time for a guest, I think.” Mapper stated just as Cyclone, now under Topper’s controls, let out a muffled moan of pleasure. “Maybe some more zebra action. Slate, you saw Caffy do it, now it’s your turn.”

Boldly, the young terracotta stallion stepped forwards with a nod of his head. Strangely, now he was about to perform, all his worries had evaporated like one of Darkstar’s illusions. “Tell them again why you're a naughty pony, pet.”

Facing the audience, Darkstar spoke clearly, though there was an anticipation in her voice. “I disobeyed an order from my Master, and didn't get the drinks he requested.”

“Very inconsiderate, seeing as I wasn't alone.” Slate gently caressed his fiancé’s flanks, his hoof flicking over the rope simple but effective rope harness he had tied on her lithe slender body. A body she had chosen to give him control over.

Mapper didn’t even try and hide the predatory smile she wore. “I hope you can bring some colour to those white flanks.”

“I'm sorry Master.” Darkstar purred, even going so far as to turn her ears back and bow her head. She was on a stage and she was determined to own it with the best performance of the night. “I'll do better next time.” In the audience, Luna was watching the young couple very closely. She was particularly interested in Darkstar, her recovery was almost like a personal project.

Slate knew just what he would do. He had a plan. “Tempest, kifuniko mguu Fifivu.” Immediately, Caffeinated burst out laughing along with Thespian, which he expected, having requested a fuzzy sock from Mapper’s helper. Tempest though had no clue and Mapper just rolled her eyes.

The terracotta stallion though only had eyes for his lover. He knew Darkstar could understand his request and, sure enough, when she processed ‘fuzzy sock,’ her yellow eyes went wide. He fancied her knew what was running through her head at that moment, that he was timid and wussing out on her. But, as Luna and Octavia both snickered and giggled, he knew Darkstar didn’t know he had a plan.

Further along the line, Cream looked past an oblivious Air Raid at Amethyst and the pink zebra whispered, in a somewhat annoyed tone, “Rookie…”

Fortunately, Mapper came to Tempest’s aid. “He wants a fuzzy sock, Stormy.”

“Um, okay,” Tempest didn’t even try to hide what she thought about that in the tone of her voice. She knew Slate was new to the game, but even so, a sock was pretty weak. Luna and Octavia at the fountain notwithstanding. “There’s lots of those in the costume chest, what colour do you want?”

Sure of his plan, Slate walked over to select a colour. After a lot of hushed whispers the rest of the herd was in on the joke and, as they broke out into snickering giggles, Luna whispered to Octavia, “I think he's trying to outdo us, my love.”

“She is a pretty mare, just like me,” Octavia commented to her wife, wondering if, after this session in the dungeon had concluded, she might get to taste that pretty young mare in the Mare’s Club room. On the stage, listening in, Air Raid groaned with need at the idea of the humiliation that Darkstar would soon endure.

“I’d like the white one please,” Slate said loudly, making sure he was out of Darkstar’s line of sight. Then, quietly, he whispered to Tempest, “Slip the tawes in the sock, if you please.” Now she had an idea of what he wanted to do, the violet weather mare smiled, hiding the tawes she had collected from Caffeinated inside the white sock. Taking the sock in his mouth, he walked back over to where Darkstar was waiting.

While a few of those watching noticed the sock seemed a little weighted, Darkstar, who was looking straight forwards, was completely unaware of what was about to happen. The pure white unicorn just barely resisted a snort of frustration. ‘A sock? A bucking sock?’ she thought, ‘Oh come on! This is gonna be rubbish!’

With the doctored sock held in his left hoof, Slate stood at his partner’s rear, mentally sizing up his target. “If you make a very sincere apology to my friends that were left without a drink, I may spare you punishment.”

Darkstar, looking forwards still, rolled her eyes, ‘Hmph…some punishment,’ she thought. When she spoke, she made sure her eye roll carried in her voice. “I'm sorry, Moonbeak, Brightstar, for...”

Slate didn’t allow her to complete her sentence. He took the sock in his mouth by grabbing the tawes and swung for the fences, delivering a very solid – and, he knew, completely unexpected - hit across both her ass cheeks. He then went back to his hoof. “Not sincere!” He didn’t give her time to think. The ‘sock’ went back in his mouth for a second harder hit. “Try again!”

Mapper was smiling broadly, her estimation of Slate going up several notches as Darkstar’s mouth was still forming the word 'for' when the blows struck her. “FoooOOOW!” she was utterly amazed, confused, bewildered, all at once. ‘What in the...sneaky zebra!’ she now thought as pain blossomed across her ass. “Ooow oow! Mi-Mistress Moonbeak, I'm sorry!”

Quickly, Slate delivered two more hits each off to the side, but not to Darkstar’s three black stars cutie mark. “Complete sentences, you went to university!”

“Ngggggh oooow!” Darkstar gasped, the white mare dancing a little on the tips of her hooves as her ass started to turn a dull red. The pain was exquisite, unlike anything Slate had done to her thus far. “Mi-Mistress Moonbeak, I-I'm hhhmmm I'm sorry for forgetting your drink!”

When Slate swung the sock and landed two more hits, they were closer to her cutie marks. “Do you accept her apology, Moonbeak?” he asked, on the surface at least ignoring his lover’s squeal-that-turned-into-a-scream.

Casually. Moonbeak inspected her clawed hand. “Was adequate for a pony.”

Slate then delivered one more hit, this one centred, but high on the ass, striking her anus dead on. “She wasn't the only one you wronged.”

“Gaaaaaah buuuuck!” Darkstar screamed louder now, her white ass glowing a brighter, much angrier shade of red, and her marehood was leaking profusely down her thighs. She found it was hard to concentrate on forming words through the haze of pleasure and pain in her body and mind. “Aaaah...aah...Br-Bri-Brightst-star, I'm sorry I forgot your whiskey, brother!”

Quietly, Brightstar looked at Moonbeak and smiled, though it was a look that conveyed just how impressed and proud he was of his beloved sister. After a moment, the dark grey furred griffon nodded. “Is good enough for the pony.”

Slate delivered two hits to each of Darkstar’s cutie marks, but these four were the lightest hits yet – although being from a zebra, they were still very much felt by the recipient. “Not done yet, pet.”

“Oooooow!” Darkstar danced on her hind hooves in an attempt to alleviate the pain spreading all across her ass. Her pained scream began with the first strike and lasted after the fourth was a memory. She was leaking like a tap and she was trying to think what or who she needed to apologise to next. “I'm sorry!” she wailed, tears in her eyes, “I said sorry!”

Sneakily, as he was behind her, Slate let the tawes slip out of the sock. Only Mapper and Tempest were aware of this though, and both looked on with something close to admiration as the zebra walked to the front and swung the sock at Darkstar’s nose. Letting out a surprised whimper, her yellow eyes wide - unaware that the tawes was absent – she cried out, “Theatre!”

At the last moment, Slate managed to pull the sock away before it got anywhere close to hitting her. He dropped the sock, which, now empty, made no noise on the stage. When Darkstar began to tremble and cry, he kissed her lips. “Nakubali msamaha wako.”

“I don't mean to stereotype,” Mapper shot Caffeinated a sly look then followed it up with one for Slate, “but all zebras are sneaky zebras.” Tempest flicked her ears and Serenity moved the tawes with her magic to her and she put it away in the toy box.

Lost in the world of her stimuli, Darkstar peppered Slate’s muzzle with sloppy kisses wet from her tears. “I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I love you!” words then failed her, all jumbling together as they left her mouth. After a moment she gave up trying to speak, instead just crying like a filly.

It took all Slate had to maintain the ‘Master’ image for just a little longer. “Return the sock to Tempest and then you may join me.” he stepped off the stage and sat on a vacant seating pad by Luna and Octavia’s side, close to his Priestess.

“Ye-Yes Master…” trembling all over, Darkstar took the sock in her mouth and staggered over to Tempest, not trusting her magic after what she had just endured.

“Well that was very entertaining.” Mapper stated as Darkstar, on shaking hooves, made her way to Slate’s side and she had her hoof buried between her legs, “Coffee Bean would be proud.”

“I am proud!” the ancient zebra replied.

On the stage, Mapper snickered, at last she arrived at the newcomers she was perhaps most interested in. “Now let's see how a griffon compares, shall we?”

After watching his sister stagger over to where Slate was seated, Brightstar was very ready to go, his black tail swishing up high. Eager to accept the challenge, Moonbeak flexed her clawed hand, her sharp talons right at Brightstar's ear. “And what did you do, my pony?”

Even after five years with his wife, Brightstar still gulped when those razor sharp talons were that close, especially when she had ‘that’ look in her green eyes. “I listened in on a private conversation, Mistress.”

“Let's put that ear to better use, shall we?” seizing her husband’s ear with her thumb and foretalon, she squeezed ever so slightly, making it bleed. Brightstar’s pained gasp and the bead of red suddenly had Recital's interest. “You gossiped, too, didn't you?”

“Yes Mistress!”

“At least you admit it,” Moonbeak almost purred as she casually swiped her hand across Brightstar's chest, leaving four shallow bloody trails in her wake. Again, the unicorn gasped with the shock of the pain, his shaft emerging from its sheath. As the two of them watched the show, Recital slowly stroked Trumpet’s cock. “Are you at least sorry?” Moonbeak asked, her bloodied talons caressing her pony’s cheek.

“Yes Mistress!”

“I don't believe you.” Just as easily, with almost no effort at all, the griffon slashed the other side of his chest, making that bleed as well, both sides of his chest now bearing matching bloody trails. “Try again.”

Brightstar was rock hard already. “I'm sorry Mistress!”

“Really?” Moonbeak stood in front of her beloved pony with a raised eyebrow. She was absolutely loving putting on this show. It was like being back at The Twisted Tail. “Let's see how sorry you are, pony.” Slowly, she walked down Brightstar’s side, her trailing claw leaving four shallow cuts in its wake that immediately bled. At his ass, she swiped once then twice on each cutie mark, leaving behind a bleeding chequerboard.

The scent of blood in the air, mixed with the intense pain all over his body, had Brightstar hard as iron, “Mistress I'm sorry! I’m truly sorry!”

“I believe you, pony.” Moonbeak however wasn’t done. Reaching under his hiked up tail, she gripped his heavy balls in her clawed hand and squeezed. “This is for making me ask more than once.”

To his credit, Brightstar endured this for a few moments until she squeezed just a little too hard to not be fun. “Rose!”

“Good pet,” Moonbeak smiled as she released him and walked to face her sweating bleeding stallion, more than aware of a few awed looks from the crowd. She judged it was time to really put on a proper show. “Do you want a reward, my love?” she asked, affectionately nipping his ear.

“Yes Mistress, yes please…” As she went to get the ‘reward’ from her bag, Mapper had Serenity walk over to Brightstar and use her magic to assess the amount of blood he had lost. It didn’t come as any surprise when she found he had lost half a pint.

While Moonbeak was getting herself prepared, thankfully Tempest was on hoof to assist with sliding up the stallionator and fastening the straps and buckles around her wide fat ass, Mapper moved over to Recital and Trumpet. “That was an invigorating demonstration, and now I believe they will do a real show. You want to start now, or wait till they are finished?”

“I'm putting on a show too,” Recital replied to the older unicorn, though she was very intrigued to see Moonbeak with the strap on around her waist. “So I'll wait for them if you'll do the same with us.” Mapper nodded and turned to watch the griffon go walking back to a load of whispers from the audience.

It was obvious to those watching, particularly Tempest and Mapper, that by the ease with which she walked, Moonbeak had worn this toy many times before. At her pony’s head, she made a show for the crowd of getting him to suck on it, rearing up and rutting his face. When she was satisfied, she went to his ass and lubed him up. “Ready for your reward?”

“Yes Mistress!” Oh sweet Luna was he ready! Behind him, Moonbeak smeared the lube all around his well-used tail-hole and reared up, this time behind her pony. She could tell by the looks on their faces that Sonic and Omega were both very interested, and she entered her pony with a single smooth thrust. “MMmmMMMMM thaaaaAAAANK you Mistress!”

As he watched Moonbeak bury the toy to the hilt, medial ring and all, inside the willing unicorn, Sonic said to Omega, “It’s too bad our bad ponies can't watch this show.” He was fantasising though about taking the royal blue stallion into the Stallion’s Club Room and seeing if he’d like a real cock in him.

“Yes, I feel totally not sorry for them.” Omega snickered, both dominant stallion’s making sure to sit in such a way that neither Sunshine nor Trails could see the griffon rutting Brightstar like a cheap slut. He had to admit it was a most enjoyable show. As it happened, he was wondering the same thing as Sonic, namely would Brightstar agree to join them in their club room afterwards. It wouldn’t hurt to ask.

On the stage, Moonbeak rutted her pony hard until he came, spattering the stage underneath him with a torrent of his seed. As soon as she herself had reached her orgasm, the dominant griffon ordered him to lick up his mess before they moved off the stage for much needed snuggles.

When it was their turn, Recital used a slender cane on Trumpet’s hind quarters which soon broke some of the welts it produced. After rubbing her face in the blood, she had her bleeding lover mount her. Once he came inside her, Serenity performed the same blood loss check on Trumpet that she had done with Brightstar.

“Senior Pet,” Mapper said once Serenity was done checking Trumpet over, “please clean up whatever spots the stallions left behind. Now that we have made it through the traditional blood transferal to where it belongs on a stallion…”

“Preach it, sister!” Sonic called out from where he was sat, the dominant stallion thoroughly enjoying the frustrated whimpers from Sunshine and Trails.

“We can see what the zebra sandwich has in store for us!” Mapper concluded her sentence after being interrupted. Realising it was their turn, Air Raid’s wings were straining in the rope harness that bound her in the same way that Cream was bound. When they joined them in the audience for snuggles, Brightstar gave Trumpet a hoof bump and Moonbeak and Recital shared a familiar nuzzle.

Amethyst stood proudly by her two lovers, both of whom she loved dearly. “I have two very wilful ponies here, Mistress Mapper. I think they wish to test my endurance by being naughty at the same time.” As she said that, Cream snorted and wiggled her ass. Not only did Air Raid wiggle her ass, but she lifts her tail up high, too.

“And unrepentant it seems. I envy you, Amethyst, so much discipline to mete out.” Amethyst simply nodded while Mapper said that. The zebra could practically see the unicorn lick her chops in anticipation of the fun to come. ‘They dare to think I'm not up to it…’ she thought with a snorted breath. Well, she would show them all that she was.

Wondering what was in store for her, having watched Darkstar receive her punishment and Brightstar bleed, as well as Cyclone hop in her suit and Thespian get flogged, Air Raid teasingly, along with Cream, lowered her tail. “I am sorry for speeding, Mistress.” Although she did suspect this apology may have come too late.

“I'm 'sorry' for using your nickname, Mistress.” Cream didn’t sound very sorry though.

Mapper shook her head. “Unrepentant.” Oh, how dearly did she want to be the one to swing the crop!

Amethyst though was determined to meet the challenge. “Both of you will face the audience while I get the instruments of your training.” Cream and Air Raid immediately turned to face the crowd, their backs to the toy box. Stood alongside her fellow submissive and lover, Air Raid was very much aware that there was a lot less space on the stage now that others had gone before her. There wasn’t much place to hide, and deep down she wanted to put on a good show for her new friends.

Equally determined to put on a show, Amethyst went up to Tempest and quietly she got help with what she needed. Watching, the audience covered their mouths as they whispered to each other and the pink zebra returned to stand at the back of her two naughty pets. Air Raid, seeing the reactions of those in front of her, felt her knees wobble just a teeny bit.

In her suit, when her toys were turned up high for a few moments, Cyclone let out a pleasured snort from the nostril holes and murmurs as she came, drooling around the gag in her mouth. Just as she let out a loud moan, Lavender made similar noises thanks to Bluefeather alternating the vibrator controls. She would have them high then low in an attempt to get them to vibrate together. She was going all out to get the more experienced mare to topple over, while Cyclone was teetering dangerously.

Amethyst though was about to take every creature’s mind off of the two isolation suit wearing mares. “Wiggle your ass on this!” without any further warning, she slammed the tawes down hard on Cream's stripped ass with a loud smack. Cream did indeed wiggle under the strike, though she also moaned lewdly as her Mistress put in three more solid blows.

“And for you!” as soon as Amethyst said that, Air Raid suddenly realised that her Mistress wasn't playing around. That suspicion was confirmed when she heard the very loud, very solid thwacks to Cream's ass. She turned to look at her only to see a look of happy bliss all over the cream zebra’s face. Amethyst dropped the tawes and shouted, “Eyes front!”

“Yes Mistress!” Air Raid quickly snapped her head back to the front, to be greeted by the amused looks from the crowd as Amethyst bent down to pick up her instrument of pain for the lime green mare. Air Raid was puzzled at first when she noted a lot of smirks in the audience. She felt something hit her, at least she thought something hit her. The something hit her again on the other flank, sort of dragging off of her. It was only when the something was drawn straight up the middle, did she realise it was a feather.

“Yeeeeep!” Air Raid yelped as her cheeks burned very red indeed, her wet slit moistening the feather. Amethyst knew how to humiliate and embarrass her, and she loved it! “Th-Thank you Mistress…”

Amethyst didn’t let her complete her sentence. “Silence! Take your punishment!” the pink zebra diligently delivered at least another solid twenty whaps with the feather to both of Air Raid’s ass cheeks and cutie marks. “I haven't forgotten you.” She then picked up the tawes for another four strikes to Cream’s rear end, which, by the end of it, was starting to look more and more red.

By the time Amethyst had gotten to fifteen whaps with the feather, a lot of the watching audience – Luna, Caffeinated, Thespian and Darkstar included – were pointing at her and laughing. Coffee Bean however was snuggling with the blushing Octavia. With all of them now laughing at her, the poor lime green mare was dripping arousal down the inside of her thighs, her wings straining hard against the ropes.

When Air Raid’s face was as red as Cream’s ass, Amethyst turned her attention back to her zebra sub. “I'm not done with you yet!” she proceeded to deliver one solid blow with the tawes across Air Raid’s marehood, a blow that hit both butt cheeks then she moved to tickle Cream with the feather.

“AaaAAAH!” Air Raid screamed from the sheer force of the blow she had just received, the lime green pegasus now she very much leaking, almost cumming, dancing on her hooves which only served to rub the rope between her legs. As the very ticklish Cream laughed from the ministrations of the feather, Air Raid’s hind legs buckled. “Buuuuuck!”

Amethyst though was undeterred by her pet’s reaction. “On your hooves!”

“HNNNG...aaaah…” Air Raid struggled back up to her hooves, though every movement she made rubbed the crotch rope just so, she knew she was so close. If only the rope would rub her clit. “Y-Yes M-Mistress…” no sooner was she on her hooves though, than Amethyst went after Air Raid's ear with the now wet feather.

Seeing as her ears were extremely very sensitive indeed, Air Raid endured this ‘punishment’ for a whole five seconds before she came, the earth shattering orgasm taking her back down to her knees. Amethyst though was relentless. “On your hooves! No rest till you safe word out.” Order given, she went back to tickling Cream in those ticklish spots she knew she hated being tickled, though she chose to use her safe word before she peed on the stage.

Very slowly, Air Raid forced herself back up to a barely standing position. “Mistress...” Amethyst didn’t allow her to say anything else though and she swung the tawes, which intercepted both of the pegasus’s steering wheel cutie marks, which was followed quickly by a strike to her sopping wet snatch. “Ooow! Buuuuuck! Ooow!” she danced on her hooves and the rope made her cum again, this time she collapsed in a heap. “Bronze!”

Recognising there was no getting Air Raid up on her own, Mapper was sitting with her hoof between her legs. “Zebras do put on a good show. Sonic, Omega, how are your two holding out?”

Sonic checked on Trails, his partner flicking is ears in response. “Can play this all day, Maps.”

Omega though wasn’t so sure about Sunshine. “Fine for now, but not much longer.”

Looking around herself on the stage, Mapper saw that there was just her, Serenity, Airmail and Wildfire left. Not counting the two hopping book ends that were Lavender and Cyclone. “Airy,” she grinned, “are you ready to take care of Middle Pet?”

‘Please say yes!’ Wildfire thought desperately, ‘pleeeeease!’ After hearing ALL of that which had gone before her, she was very much riled up and in need of attention from her fiancé.

“I don't know, Mapper,” Airmail supposed she should feel bad for teasing her beautiful little mare, but she just didn’t. “She has been naughty in a bad way, maybe.” Hearing that, Wildfire let out a very needy whine as Air Raid was removed from the stage by Cream and Amethyst, the three mares taking up audience places to snuggle and watch. “And then she has been naughty in a good way too.”

Too late, mostly because she heard Tempest giggle, Wildfire realised that due to her denseness that she’d been had, again, and she let out a second, embarrassed whimper. ‘Every bucking time!’

“Now to think of the best way to punish her, other than teasing. She is 'so' hard to tease…” Air Raid, tired though she was, let out a snort and shared a hoof bump with Darkstar, both knowing how ‘hard’ Wildfire was to tease', just as the little mare snorted. “Lay down on your belly!”

“Yes Mistress!” Wildfire wasted no time in laying herself down on the stage, her legs out front and back. This only increased her size by a little.

After a few ear flicks from Airmail, Tempest delivered a riding crop to the lead editor’s hoof. Airmail then laid down nose to tail next to Wildfire with her rear hoof just in front of her fiancé's muzzle. “You may not lick my hoof.”

“Aaawww…” Wildfire whined, for Airmail’s hoof was so close she could smell it, and instinctively she licked her lips. “I understand, Mistress.” Without a word, Airmail bent Wildfire’s hind leg so that her hoof was pointing up to the ceiling of the dungeon and, taking aim, she used the crop in her wing to smack the sole of the hoof.

Several gasps from the crowd – loudest among them from Wildfire’s friends - were drowned out by Wildfire's loud squeal of pain. “AAAaaOOOOW!” As pain flourished through her hoof and her leg, she was reminded of the time in the bath in Trottingham when Airmail dug the toe of her hoof into Wildfire’s sole. It was like her dream, she squirmed uselessly on the floor.

Airmail gave that hoof another four hits, each one as hard as the first, and between each hit she lightly bopped Wildfire's nose with her hoof. By the fifth hit, the diminutive yellow mare was still screaming from the fourth strike. She was absolutely dripping wet and writhing on the floor, a little addled, and panting, she touched Airmail's hoof with her tongue. “Sorry!” she squeaked, too late, “Mistress I'm sorry!”

Straightaway, Airmail felt the wet tongue touch her hoof. “Naughty, naughty pony!” she exclaimed and, moving her hoof a little away from Wildfire’s mouth, she adjusted her position and lifted up the other rear hoof. Not giving her a second, she delivered another five strikes.

When the crop hit her frog of her hoof for the fifth time, Wildfire had just finished screaming from the third impact. She was sniffing, her way of crying, there was a puddle of arousal between her hind legs but the pain was becoming a little not fun. She knew what she had to do. “Celery, Mistress.”

Immediately, Airmail dropped the crop and, as it was removed by Tempest, the azure blue mare spun around. In doing so, she got some of Wildfire’s juices on her hoof. First though, she used her wingtip to wipe away her little lover’s ‘tears’. “Look, you got my hoof all salty!” she put her hoof in front of Wildfire’s muzzle. “Clean that off now.”

As she came from the latest submissive to use their safe word, Mapper gave Airmail her very best eye roll. “Yes, nice hoof work, Airy.”

“Y-Yes Mistress...” still sniffing, and with Air Raid, Brightstar and Darkstar as well as Coffee Bean and Luna muttering appreciatively in the crowd, Wildfire extended her tongue to clean Airmail's hoof of her own juices.

“I prefer cleaning your paws, Mistress,” Brightstar said with a smile, kissing his wife’s beak as Airmail carried Wildfire from the stage to the audience area because she was certain her lover wasn’t up for walking anywhere. When she was set down on a seating pad, Darkstar was the first to offer her old friend a congratulatory nuzzle, while Brightstar and Air Raid wrapped her up in a big group hug.

“Next will be...” Mapper was interrupted by Lavender. The earth pony, thanks to Bluefeather’s efforts with the controls, had just fallen over. As soon as that happened Topper went crazy with the controller for Cyclone’s toys. A second after Lavender, the red suit fell over onto her side, its inhabitant quickly tapping her four hooves together. “Pony down,” Mapper’s tone was urgent, “We have a pony down.”

Smiling, Topper bent down and checked on his wife and, just as he was expecting, she gave him a coded hoof tap that let the gigantic earth pony know she was alright for a while longer. “She is trying a different perspective, Mapper, that’s all.”

Rather more urgently, Bluefeather checked on Cyclone to see if the black pegasus wanted out of part of or the whole of her isolation suit. On her side, Cyclone quickly tapped her hooves twice. Bluefeather smiled, she knew that meant her eyes. They had talked about safe signals and as there were two eyes, that’s what two taps meant. Understanding her young lover needed to see, Bluefeather removed the eye covers so the first thing Cyclone saw was her proud smiling face. As soon as she was calm, her panic avoided, Topper happily traded back the controls of the toys and sat by Lavender while Bluefeather hugged Cyclone tight.

While Bluefeather was helping Cyclone recover in her suit, Mapper looked over at Recital who was in the audience licking Trumpet's flank. “Recital, are you conscious enough to teleport to my place and back?”

Recital didn’t answer straight away. She was busy savouring the taste of her husband’s blood as she licked her lips clean. “Sure, I could do that.”

“In my play room is a long blue box. I need it please, and on top is a candy bar for you.” Recital, who knew well that the Princess among them would like one, looked over at Luna and back to Mapper, meaning in her expression. Defeated, Mapper sighed. “Left side, second drawer down.” Giggling, Recital kissed her hubby, and stood. Taking a step away from the assembled crowd, the unicorn teleported out of the dungeon.

As soon as Recital vanished, Serenity began quivering in anticipation, for she knew what was in that long blue box. With the smell of ozone still hanging in the air, Mapper glanced around the dungeon. Her gaze moved from Luna, Octavia and Coffee Bean to Airmail and Wildfire, to the members of the herd and then to the newcomers; Brightstar and Moonbeak, Darkstar and Slate, Air Raid, Cream and Amethyst – friends of the herd. She saw Requiem and Longshore’s foal, Starlight with his wife Selene watching as well. This was their first time attending the BDSM party. “While that is being taken care of I think we can move on to the stallions.” She said eventually.

That surprised Sonic. “I thought we'd be last?” the purple stallion objected without thinking, to which Mapper narrowed her eyes dangerously.

“Second to last is good though!” Omega put in as fast as he could, so fast that Sonic hadn’t finished his sentence first. The dominant earth pony just nodded.

Snickering, Luna leant in and whispered to her wife and to Coffee Bean who were nestled into either side of the alicorn. “Tia looks at me like that when I steal her cake,” she said softly, earning giggles from Octavia.

“Then, Mapper,” Sonic said loudly, “if you'd be so kind to levitate the two of them to the low table we happen to have ready.”

Mapper blinked once then twice. Wholly unprepared for that request. “Me?”

Omega only just managed to stop the laugh from leaving his mouth. “Yeah, you, after all you don't need to be too gentle with them.”

There were, by that time, several cuddle piles formed around the audience area, what with the couples snuggling, Cuddling and watching the remaining action eagerly. A sudden thought though did occur to Octavia. Something she remembered Luna telling her about her last visit here. “Are you going flying again, love?”

Luna smiled at her old wife. “I was going to ask Requiem, yes.”

Octavia gave a very delicate sniff. “I believe I'll stay here then.”

Concentrating hard, Mapper lit her horn and, wrapping Trails and Sunshine in her very powerful magical aura, she lifted the pair to the ceiling. She hadn’t intended to take them up that high, but that was the limit of her fine control. Still concentrating hard, she dragged them along it towards her and then dropped them, somewhat softly, to the table.

“Do you not want to fly over the Manehatten skyline?” Luna asked Octavia, a playful twinkle in her eye.

Sat just in front of Luna and Octavia, Wildfire had Airmail whisper to her what was happening. The little yellow mare giggled at the thought of Mapper levitating Sunshine and Trails because she remembered the mess her Mistress had made of those poor trees. Smiling sweetly though, Octavia shook her head. “Nononooo...if you don't mind, Lu, I'll stay here and mingle. Hooves on the ground.”

Now that their partners were on the table, Sonic and Omega positioned the pair just right so that their heads were hanging off the table. Sunshine and Trails had been tied chest to belly. Each with their head and neck placed through the other's hind legs. Each has the other's tail running under their chin. A bridle was placed on each, which was secured around the other's hind legs so that they were pressed against the other's ass. Cunningly, their tails kept them from licking anything.

As they watched, Brightstar nuzzled Moonbeak’s white furred cheek. “Having fun, love?” he asked, to which the griffon nodded quietly.

Darkstar, now almost fully recovered from the little meltdown she had experienced on the stage, was sat nuzzling Slate. “I never knew you were so good at illusions, Mr. Sneaky!” she purred in his ear while the show on the stage was prepped.

“I’ve had a very good teacher,” Slate snickered, looking very pleased with himself indeed, and he was. He knew full well the others, Amethyst and Mapper, viewed him as a green rookie. He knew now, after his scene, that the looks they gave him were complimentary ones, like he was on their level.

On the stage, Sonic and Omega untied Trails and Sunshine’s bridles respectively and removes them along with the bit in their mouths. “This is Sunny's first time playing this game!” Sonic announced loudly to the watching crowd and, when he clapped his hooves, many of the others did so too.

“So we aren't trying to outlast trails,” Omega informed those watching, tenderly caressing his lover’s mane, “but to have fun doing something together.”

Watching like the proverbial hawk, Mapper considered the risks to be minimal so she nodded her consent, just as Recital reappeared in the exact same spot she left from. The mid blue theatre pony levitated one of the super dark chocolate bars over to Luna, she sent the long blue box over by Tempest and finally she snuggled in with Trumpet so they could share the other candy bar.

Taking the chocolate bar in her own magical aura, Luna noted immediately that this was a very expensive brand that usually sold for anywhere from seventy five to a hundred bits each. She offered a grateful nod of thanks to both Recital and Mapper before settling down to snuggle with Octavia and splitting the chocolate bar with a kiss.

Sonic and Omega applied the nose clamps to their partners, closing off their airways there. That done, they then made a big display of fluffing each other up to full mast. “Oxygen is over rated!” Sonic declared and, a second later, he and Omega plunged their erect stallionhoods down their partners’ throats. Quite a few watching applauded at that, Brightstar among the loudest. Both dominant stallions kept up a steady pace as they deep throated their partner. After just over two minutes, Sunshine tapped out. Omega pulled all the way out so his lover could get a breath, then he went straight back in, only now he was thrusting with a will to cum.

Watching, Brightstar whispered in Moonbeak's ear. “I know how they feel. You do that with the stallionator…” he enjoyed the smirk she gave him in response as he started stroking her back with his hoof. Thrusting hard into Sunshine’s mouth and throat, Omega came after another minute. The cream unicorn pulled out long enough to allow his pet to breathe and swallow his load before he resealed with a deep kiss while Brightstar started massaging Moonbeak’s and Darkstar was playing hide the tongue with Slate.

Trails, a veteran player of the breath play game, lasted for five minutes twenty four seconds and, just as he was about to lose consciousness, he tapped out. Sonic pulled out and, full of concern for his lover, actually gave him a few breaths of mouth to mouth to make sure he was okay before plunging back in so he could finish. After a few hard thrusts that sent his member so deep in Trails’ throat that his balls slapped against his pet’s chin, he came hard. Savouring his climax, he pulled out and went to kissing like Omega was. “I think that is a new record,” Mapper smirked, “Almost enough to have me think fond thoughts of stallions!”

Omega and Sonic had enough presence of mind to raspberry Mapper and the pink mare just giggled. Being the naughty mare she was, Darkstar had her magic running along Slate's sheath as they kissed, while a little way behind them, Luna and Octavia both finish kissing pieces of the chocolate into each other's mouths. “I'll let the stallions hold the stage as they are a bit tied up at the moment,” Mapper said with a wide smile as the whole dungeon groaned at the poor joke.

Luna though did laugh, because the terrible joke reminded her of her sister's level of humour. The lunar alicorn was quite keen to see what her new best friend had in mind for Serenity, her other new best friend. Fortunately, it seemed Mapper wasn’t going to keep her waiting very long. “Senior Pet.” Serenity moved rapidly to stand next to her, a very big smile on her face. “You have been a very naughty pony.”

“I have!” Serenity almost squeed, the teal mare danced in place, she knew what pleasure lay in the long blue box.

Mapper, content to play the game, smiled dangerously at her wife. “For a pony that is to have no chocolate, how much did you eat?”

“I have no idea!” Serenity was beyond playing, beyond being good or naughty. She wanted what was in the box and she was determined to get it. “But I could use some more!”

Recital snickered, willing to help out a herd-mate. “I'll share.”

“Not helping.” Mapper rolled her eyes at her friend but she flicked her ears and, in the language of the herd, told her she approved. In a very, very bold moved, Serenity actually went over to Recital and helped herself to a nibble of the chocolate. Needless to say, Mapper was stunned at how much Serenity needed the blue box. “Pet!” she exclaimed, while Luna and Octavia both shared loud giggles behind their hooves.

Still chewing the chocolate, Serenity scampered back to stand next to Mapper and, as Sonic and Omega carefully moved the table – still bearing their partners – to one side, the dominant pink unicorn flicked her ears and Tempest brought over the box. At this point, every creature in the audience was watching with baited breath and not very well concealed interest, including Requiem and Longshore’s son and his wife. “I. Will. Punish. You.” As Mapper opened the box and pulled out a very dangerous looking spiked club, Serenity snorted and rolled her eyes.

“Oh my goodness!” Among the several stunned looks in the audience, Octavia was the first to find her voice. Even Luna had a look of disbelief on her face, while Moonbeak, whose griffon culture was based largely on bloodletting and the exchange of blood, was very interested indeed.

Airmail took one look at the club with all its spikes and whispered, “I'll be right back, Wily.” The azure blue mare stood up and, moving closer to Mapper, she waited until they were practically nose to nose on the stage. “What in Tartarus is this?” she demanded.

Mapper looked back, “Punishment to fit the crime.” She said unapologetically as Wildfire flicked her sharp ears towards the sound of Airmail's hooves. She wasn’t stupid, she knew something was up. Watching, Air Raid and even Amethyst had an open mouthed stare and Darkstar had stopped snogging Slate’s face off and flinched into his side, whimpering softly.

“Is this about the bet?” Airmail asked, her voice dangerously low.

Mapper shrugged, “What if it is?”

Airmail got so close her muzzle touched Mapper’s. “We just got back together and you know what it was that separated us.”

Displaying an amazing degree of mind reading ability – that and he was nudged hard by Thespian at his side - Caffeinated stood up but he didn’t move or say anything. His presence was enough. On the stage, Serenity looked upset at the thought of her pleasure being taken away from her and she started to cry. “Please, Airy, don’t take this away from me…”

Most of the herd, except for Belle and Tinkerer, who didn’t know, were looking like they were reliving a particularly unpleasant memory. It was at that point that Requiem and Longshore’s children decided to take their leave. They both made up their minds that they weren’t ready to witness this. As they both made their apologies and left, Luna stood up. “I have seen Serenity bleed, so I rule that Mapper is ineligible to win the bet. Another pony would have to bleed out to defeat Serenity.”

Friends though they were, Mapper scowled at Luna, who stared back impassively while Serenity dropped her head to the floor crying. “Airmail?” Caffeinated spoke at last, his deep rumbling voice louder than the teal unicorn’s sobs of despair. “Don't you trust your herd-mate?”

Darkstar, Air Raid and in fact all the friends of the herd of course had no idea what in Tartarus was going on, but they did have the very good sense to not say anything, especially when Airmail turned to give Caffeinated that dead eyed look of hers. The large orange zebra though was unflinching. “I trust her.”

Resigning herself to what was going to happen, Airmail closed her eyes and, with her back to Mapper, she flicked her ears. Consent given, such as it was, she then returned to Wildfire for a snuggle. Nodding, Caffeinated sat back down with Thespian, who held him tightly. “Mistress is doing something extreme with Beauty, isn't she, Airy?” Wildfire asked when she felt her fiancé sit with her.

“I understand, Airy.” Mapper let out a deep sigh. “We are herd, but I love Serenity.” In the audience, Wildfire could feel Airmail nod in response to her question. By Mapper’s side, Serenity was still kneeling, her head to the floor, ass in the air, and crying like a foal.

Focussing on her crying wife, Mapper turned to Serenity. “I love her more than I love life itself,” she announced loudly, talking to the whole dungeon. Concentrating hard, the pink mare raised the spiked club in her magic and swinging it swiftly, she struck with unerring precision, her target Serenity’s ass and cutie marks.

In its wake, the extremely sharp spikes left behind more than a dozen pinpoints of blood. Just as swiftly, it swung through the air and it struck Serenity’s other side, doing the same. As blood oozed from scores of wounds, Serenity went from a crying wreck to orgasmic bliss as she slid forward, her hind legs behind her. “For the record, Moonbeak won the bet.” She stated, returning the bloodied club to the box and nuzzling the panting Serenity.

Though she wasn't watching, Airmail certainly did hear both of the strikes and flinched each time. Especially when she smelled the scent of fresh blood in the air. When Mapper finally announced the dungeon fun was over, she softly sighed and leaned against Wildfire, pulling her in tight.

Trotting up and retrieving the box, Tempest knew that particular toy was going to need a proper clean up. As she returned with it to the toy chest, several conversations had broken out among those watching as they all stood up and separated into several little groups. It sounded deafening, hearing the hubbub now that the silence had ended. Standing too, Caffeinated began to clap hooves in appreciation and every creature else soon followed his lead. “I do hope our guests were not disappointed. Refreshments are upstairs, and in both club rooms.”

All the guests were too busy applauding, either clapping hooves and claws, or stomping their hooves on the flagstoned floor. Some even cheered and whistled their appreciation. “That was incredible!” Darkstar squealed in delight, the first to find her voice.

“You're telling me, sis.” Brightstar agreed. He couldn’t get the image of the spiked club and the damage it had done out of his head. It had caught his imagination like nothing he had ever seen. One look at Moonbeak told him she was thinking the same thing as he.

Now it was all over, Air Raid shook herself back to some form of sense. Cream did the same. They both shared a very meaningful look. “Um…Mi-Mistress…a-are we going to the club room, Mistress?” she asked, wanting to see the back of the dungeon as quickly as possible. She had seen enough blood from Darkstar to last her a lifetime.

Looking at Brightstar, Moonbeak had that dangerous glint in her green eyes. “Is that something you want, Pet?” She could tell from just the look on his face that it was.

“I ah…I wouldn’t mind giving it a try, Mistress.” It was all Brightstar could do not to cum from the fantasy alone.

Amethyst sniffed. She saw the unease in Air Raid’s – and Cream’s – expressions and she knew why. “Not as many bugs to eat down here.”

“I'm sure I can bring some snacks down, Mistress,” Cream offered, shooting glances at the dungeon door.

“That would work then.” Amethyst agreed with a nod of her head. Not too far away from her, Slate was still more than a little bit stunned by the display. Ponies chatted all around him, but he hadn’t so much as blinked in several long moments.

“Caffeinated!” Luna had managed to extricate herself from Coffee Bean and Octavia’s snuggles to move over and nuzzle the orange zebra, “Congratulation on a wonderful show.” The two friends shared a hug, “If you don't mind, I think I'll partake the refreshments upstairs.” That, and she had a mind to annoy Requiem.

Beside Slate, Darkstar waved her hoof in front of Slate’s face to see if he was still there. “I really don't think that is for me.”

Hearing that, Slate sighed with naked relief, in no way trying to hide it at all. “I’m very glad to hear it, Pet. You can feed me upstairs.”

As Darkstar bowed low to her Master, Sonic was busy carefully untying the two submissive stallions on the table. “Moony,” he called out above the noise of conversation, “Is Bright going to join us in the Stallion's Room?”

Moonbeak rolled her eyes at the doe-like, hopeful look that Brightstar gave her. It was the same kind of big eyed look that Athena and Zephyr gave her when they wanted a toy from the store. One she could never refuse. “And what of me?”

“There are feather fluffers in the other room,” Sonic replied quickly, many thoughts involving Brightstar running through his head, “and plenty of light entertainment upstairs. We won't break him. Much.”

Though she was unsure if she wanted to see a bunch of mares doing each other, because she got to see enough of that in her photography work, Moonbeak knew what she wanted to do. “I will sample what they have upstairs. Try to have fun.” She then looked to a snickering Sonic. “Break him, but try to fix him afterwards.”

Brightstar kissed Moonbeak’s yellow beak. “I love you so much!” He knew full well that she would punish him for this later. He was looking forward to that.

As she was still snuggling with Airmail, the azure blue pegasus kissed her blind lovers scars. “Let's take this to the Mare's Room.” She was shaken to the core of her being and, looking over at Mapper who was busy applying first aid to the worst of Serenity’s many puncture wounds, she knew she was too. “I'm sure that Mapper and Serenity will need some snuggles too.”

“Tavi,” Luna smiled at her wife as Wildfire agreed that Airmail had a good idea, “Are you going to join them?”

“I think I will. I'm an expert snuggle-giver.” Octavia was more inclined, now she was pregnant, to stay with her hooves on the ground.

“Then I think I'll go and bother Requiem. I feel like doing some flying. Any creature care to join me?”

Tempest perked her ears up the very instant she heard that. “I'll take you up on that, Luna. Anypony else want to come for a ride?” she asked, though there were no takers. “It will be nice to stretch my wings.” As Tinkerer passed out the winnings from the bet, Tempest was struck by a sudden need to get outside.

“After you then, Tempest.” As they were the first to leave the dungeon, after Starlight and Selene’s early departure, Luna held the door to the dungeon open for her friend. “I’m afraid I need some fresh air after that, and I need it fast.” She couldn’t help but feel like she did after a visit to Room 101 located underneath the royal palace.

“No joke,” Tempest shuddered in the hall outside the dungeon. She still had the need to get out. “I was worried we would have a repeat of the incident from a few years ago that split us up. Serenity's need to bleed and the blood Airy has watered the ground with.” The violet weather mare shook her head. “I think we will survive this.”

“I'm certain that you will,” Luna smiled and, as they walked together up the stairs, she offered Tempest a comforting reassuring nuzzle. Something though gave the alicorn pause. That something being the sounds of an excited foal and the unmistakeable sound of a DJ Moonbeams song coming upstairs. It was Dance All Night, a song she had written to annoy Celestia with. “What in Equestria is that?” she wondered out loud.

“I don't know,” Tempest was just as mystified as Luna was. Not at the song but at the sound of the foal playing. It sounded like there was a party going on upstairs. What was Requiem playing at? “Anypony underage would be at a sitters, not here.”

“That's what I thought,” Luna listened again, “That's definitely Requiem's voice I hear. Now I'm curious. Shall we investigate?” With a silent nod between them, Tempest agreed that they would. Not only did she want to know what was going on, as they crept stealthily up the stairs, she had a herd-mate to chew out.