Air Raid pulled into the parking garage under the Manehatten Times building. “We’re here.”

Darkstar looked out the window. “At least you won’t get a ticket for parking.”

Air Raid lowered her head to the steering wheel. “Four. I only got four.” She opened the door. “Come on, let’s see if the story about the zebra is true.”

“As long as I get a coffee out of the deal,” Darkstar said as she got out of the car.

Air Raid moved through the garage to the elevator with Darkstar alongside her. Both tired from the drive, neither had much to say. The elevator opened on the lobby floor. Across from them they could see another set of elevators, and to the right they could see the entrance to the street. To their left was a unicorn guard. “Excuse me,” Airmail spoke up.” We just arrived and we’re looking for the coffee shop.”

“Welcome to Manehatten,” said the guard. He pointed a hoof at the entrance, “Head into the lobby and Stripes, the coffee shop, is on your left.”

“Thanks mate,” said Air Raid. “Come on Darkie, cute zebra is our next stop.”

Darkstar mumbled a thank you to the guard, and said to Air Raid, “I’m coming.”

When the entered the lobby proper, Air Raid saw the coffee bar with an earth pony mare and zebra stallion behind the counter. “Grab a table and I’ll get our drinks. Air Raid pulled a small pill case from her bag. Here, it is time to take them again.”

Darkstar snorted, “Fine.” She took the pill case. Darkstar moved and occupied an empty table.

The earth pony mare spoke up when Air Raid reached the counter, “Welcome to Stripes, what is it you would like?”

Air Raid read the earth pony’s nametag. “Hello Whip, I’d like two coffees please. One with milk, and the other with two sugars, plus a glass of water please. Oh, and a couple of donuts.”

“We have glazed or cake donuts,” Whip said as she started on the coffee order.

“I’ll have the cake ones, please,” responded Air Raid.

Whip nodded, “That will be ninety bits please.”

Air Raid laid out the bits on the counter, “Does an introduction to the zebra cost extra?”

Whip giggled, “Free, after all he will be serving your drinks at that end of the counter.”

“Thanks mate.” Air Raid trotted down to the end of the counter where she waited for the zebra to finish her order.

The zebra sat a tray on the counter. “Here you go, coffee creamy, coffee sweet, water, and two donuts.”

Air Raid verified the zebra’s name by looking at his nametag. “Thanks, Caffeinated. Me and my friend over there were told to find you. My name is Air Raid.”

“Judging by your accent,” said Caffeinated, “That would have been Dusk or Wildfire.”

“It was neither of them,” said Air Raid. “It was an older blue pegasus with a green mane and pink ribbon.” She paused a moment in thought, “Her name was Airmail.”

The zebra looked at the other end of the counter, “Whip, I’m on break.” He looked back at Air Raid, “May I join you and your friend at your table?”

“Sure, mate,” responded Air Raid.

“I’ll bring the tray over,” said Caffeinated. He added a cup of coffee for himself and was soon sitting with the mares. “Hello, I’m Caffeinated,” he said as he tapped his name tag. “So, how did you all meet up with Airmail?”

The unicorn looked the zebra over and liked what she saw, “Hi, I’m Darkstar, but you can call me Darkie.”

“Well that’s a bit of a long story,” said Air Raid. “It started last Thursday, when I met a pink and teal unicorn, um… Mapper and Serenity.” Caffeinated nodded and waited for her to continue. Air Raid went on when there were no questions, “Serenity did a performance at house for some friends of Wildfire. After the performance, I followed them out. They didn’t take to me at first. See, I used to date Wily before her accident.” While Air Raid spoke, Darkstar took her meds and drank the water before she turned her attention to the coffee and donut.

Air Raid paused to drink her own coffee, and continued, “Anyhoo, this Mapper gave me Wily’s number and we spoke over the phone while she was in Vanhoover. Next thing I know they show up in a taxi outside our house Sunday evening.” The pegasus shook her head, “This is where it gets really weird, and I bet you won’t believe it.”

“Did Serenity hug you?” the zebra asked.

Such an odd question made Air Raid pause and Darkstar giggle. “Um, well, yeah, she did in the taxi. Ah, why?”

Caffeinated ignored the question. “So you’re the pony that broke Wildfire’s heart.” He shrugged his shoulders, “That must be water under the bridge now. And with those two mares, I find it difficult to not believe, but tell me what happened.”

“Yeah, I acted badly back then,” said Air Raid. “I won’t sugarcoat it for you.”

Darkstar added her comment, “You know then that Raid freaked when she saw Wily in the hospital?”

Air Raid looked at her friend, “Hey, I went back the next day to make it right with Wily. She wasn’t there, and her dad told us she’d gone to Fillydelphia to live with family.”

“Which is nothing but manure!” Darkstar stated. “Wily never spoke of Fillydelphia ever! So we tried to find her, but her dad tried to ‘persuade’ us to drop it. I didn’t take the hint and one day, he and his mates, abducted me. Beat the tar out of me and cut my horn off.”

“I’ve been assured that Cold Front has been punished for his crime.” Caffeinated looked at Air Raid, “If Serenity hugged you then she believes your heart is in the right place.” He turns to look at Darkstar and more pointedly at her intact horn, “So what is with you?”

“The attack left me severely depressed and suicidal,” Darkstar said.

Air Raid nodded, “I’ve been caring for her the past four years.”

“Raid has guardianship over me. The meds are antidepressants and mood stabilizers,” added Darkstar. The zebra is still looking at her horn. Darkstar raised a hoof to touch it, “Oh, this.”

Caffeinated leaned back, “It’s okay. You can tell me as little or as much as you want. Airy gave you my contact information. What do you have in mind doing with it?”

Air Raid giggled, “That is where it starts to get crazy.”

“With those mares involve,” Caffeinated chuckled, “I think crazy is the norm.”

“On Sunday, Airmail, Tempest, and Wildfire took us to see Dusk’s mom, Princess Luna. She repaired my horn so that is why it is intact now.” She dropped her hoof from her horn. “Raid told Airmail we planned on moving out here to Manehatten.”

“Airy said you might let us stay with you, until Mapper’s place is ready to buy,” Air Raid said with a hopeful look.

“Have you ever dealt with herd ponies?” Caffeinated asked.

Darkstar shook her head, and Air Raid spoke for the both of them, “Not really, no.”

“Okay, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” said Caffeinated. “Do you each need your own room?”

“Yes please!” Darkstar said quickly and then blushed. “We’re not together like that.”

Caffeinated smiled, “Herd ponies sleep together to sleep as they aren’t like that either. There will be a few days a month when I can’t give you your own room. I can recommend a hotel if you don’t want to share.” The zebra pulled out his phone, “First I’ll need to check in with Mapper.” He held is phone up and neither of the mares did anything to stop him. “M,” he said as he set the phone to speaker.

Mapper’s voice was heard, “Je, punda wangu wa sexy uliamua kuondoka kwa mare ya maonyesho kwa mare halisi?”

“I’m impressed,” said Caffeinated. Darkstar broke out laughing, while Air Raid just furled her brows. “I have some ponies listening in though.”

“Oh,” said Mapper, “Any ponies I know?”

“Yes,” responded Caffeinated, “One is Air Raid, and the other her friend, Darkstar.”

“Interesting,” commented Mapper. “I gave Air Raid, Wildfire’s number, but I guess the others turned her to you, but why?”

“Are you still moving?” asked Caffeinated.

“Yes, but what…” Mapper paused, “Oh, I see. I do wish Airy would tell me what my plans are. It will be up for sale on the first of July.”

“Okay,” said Caffeinated, “I can house them to the end of June.”

“Always on the look to increase your harem,” Mapper laughed. “Give my love to Thespy.”

“Love you too, bye.” Caffeinated put his phone away.

Air Raid looked at Darkstar, “What had you laughing.”

“Mapper asked if sexy stripes here was going to leave his pony for her,” explained Darkstar.

“You speak zebran?” smiled Caffeinated.

“She was always good with languages,” commented Air raid.

“Good to know,” said Caffeinated. “There will just be three nights when the house will be crowded with a herd gathering. You both be able to live with that?”

“I’m all right with sharing for those three nights,” Darkstar said.

“Are you sure?” asked Air Raid.

Darkstar nodded, “I have to get used to new ponies at some point.”

“Very good,” said Caffeinated. I can give you each your own room except for those nights. So, what will payment in kind be?”

“I can pay whatever rent you want,” said Air Raid. “Or I’m a decent mechanic. Anything you need fixing, I’m there.”

“She fixes her own car,” agreed Darkstar. “I’m good with housework stuff, and illusions.”

Caffeinated’s smile grew. “I don’t want or need anything. I will accept what you offer. If the herd says you need a place to stay, you have a place to stay. My wife, Thespian, loves to cook, but she will share the kitchen. We have a service that takes care of the house work, but that doesn’t mean you can’t.” He pulled some paper and pen from his pouch. “Here is the address and my house phone number. The garage is behind the property. You’ll need to call Thespian to open the garage door for you.

“Thanks, I’ll plug this into my GPS,” said Air Raid.

“I’d like to help in the kitchen,” said Darkstar. “I just need supervising if there’s any sharp things around.”

“Yeah,” said Air Raid. “I used to have to get a nurse to watch Darkie when I had to leave for a race.”

Caffeinated nodded, “The only thing in the garage is my electric Colt. So, there should be plenty of room for your car. For you, Darkstar, I would recommend that you contact Requiem.”

“You know, I have had an incident in over three months now,” said Darkstar. “And I’ve heard the name. Airmail suggested the same thing.”

“I’m not surprised,” said Caffeinated. “This Thursday is our gaming night. You both are welcome to attend. As for around the house, just let Thespian know if you need any extra help or attention.”

“Okay,” said Darkstar softly.

“Speaking of help,” said Air Raid. “Is City Hall near here?”

Darkstar giggled, “One of the nice officers said she could pay off her tickets to save going to court.”

Caffeinated snickered, “Sure it, just a block up the street on the opposite side. Turn right when you walk out of the building.”

“You going to be okay here, Darkie?” asked Air Raid. The unicorn nodded. “Okay, I’ll be back once I get these four tickets taken care of.”

The pair watched Air Raid leave before Caffeinated spoke up, “A bit of a mother hen.”

“Yeah, she has to be,” said Darkstar. “I wouldn’t be alive today if she hadn’t looked after me. That’s why she’s legal guardian.”

“You said Luna healed your horn,” commented Caffeinated as he waved for refills.

Darkstar nodded, “Sunday night. Airmail, Tempest, Wily took us to the castle and Luna took about an hour healing me. She couldn’t just wave her horn and fix everything,” she added as she tapped the side of her head.

“Okay,” said Caffeinated, “Others have told you about Requiem?”

Darkstar does a small eye roll, “Yes, several now. The doc in Canterlot wanted to lock me up. The one on Ponyville was better, but I’m… I have a lot of issues.”

“Still, it must be a relief to have your horn back,” the zebra said.

“Oh yes!” stated Darkstar as she took a sip of her fresh coffee. “I used to have to wear an inhibitor twenty-four seven. I couldn’t control my magic. Now I have that back, but I’m as weak as a foal.” The unicorn laughed, “The first thing I did with my magic was muffled Airmail’s hooves so she could prank Wily.”

Caffeinated shared the laugh, “That does sound a lot like Airmail. I’m surprised that mare is getting married.”

“I can’t turn fully invisible anymo…” Darkstar trailed off and looked at the zebra, “Getting married?”

Caffeinated chuckled, “Glad to know I’m not the last one to find out. Wildfire is marrying Airmail.”

Darkstar clapped her hooves together, “Good for Wily! She was always the romantic of our little group. Raid was never one to settle down though.”

“It has been over a week since I last saw her.” Caffeinated reflected on that day, “When I first met Wildfire, she was an unsure pony.”

“I can imagine,” said Darkstar. “Raid filled me in on what Mapper told her. Five years in that Tartarus forsaken hole would leave me unsure too.” She lit her horn, and her voice sounds next to the zebra’s left ear, “It did, and that is why it saddens you.” She watched Caffeinated take a quick glance to his left. “Sorry about that, but I was the prankster of the group.”

Caffeinated smiled, “At least when you talk to yourself, others can hear, and it isn’t the voice in your head. If you get tired of hanging out with me, you can go to the theater with Thespian.”

Darkstar shrugged her shoulders, “Like Raid said, I have to start getting used to other ponies again. You said there was a herd gathering at your house. What do you do as a herd?”

“There are twenty-two of us in the herd,” Caffeinated started and saw Darkstar shiver at the number. “Wildfire will make twenty-three. We do the usual one for all and all for one stuff. Mostly it is where we can gather and be ourselves without concern as to how others might judge us.”

“No wonder Cyclone sounded so excited on the phone yesterday morning. Airmail, Tempest, and Wily visited her in Cloudsdale, and Tempest told her about your gatherings.” Darkstar giggled, “She likes to wear nappies and be a foal.” She calmed herself with a sip of coffee, “So, there will be over twenty ponies there?”

Caffeinated smiled, “With friends and families it will be closer to forty. There will be foals there so Cyclone should fit right in.” The zebra watched the unicorn take that information in. “Just so you know the second Thursday of the month is our gaming night. The fourth Thursday is our kink night with an open mic the next night right here. If any of that bothers you, of course, you are free to come and go as you wish.”

“None of that will bother me, Caffeinated,” stated Darkstar. “When Raid and Wily were together, I helped her teach Wily a few things. I haven’t done much like that since my attack though.”

“You can always be a voyeur, like our Longshore,” Caffeinated suggested.

“That would be my brother, Brightstar. Hang on a second.” Darkstar concentrated and pulled her fun fair photo out of her saddle bag. She placed it on the table and touched one pony with a hoof, “That one is my brother.”

Caffeinated looked at the photo of seven ponies. Dusk and Wildfire, he knew. He had now met Air Raid and Darkstar. She pointed out Brightstar, and he could guess the remaining pegasus was Cyclone. “Who is the pink stallion?”

“That is Slingshot. He was Air Raid’s driving partner, but they’ve had a falling out, and I haven’t heard from him for years,” said Darkstar, “Raid missed a lot of races taking care of me, and he somehow thought she was trying to get me in bed.”

“Some ponies put themselves before others,” commented Caffeinated. “From what you said earlier, you’re into stallions. Is there one you fancy?”

Darkstar laughed, “I’m straight, yes, and no, there isn’t a stallion I fancy. I haven’t really been looking though as I’ve been a bit preoccupied.” She gave Caffeinated a wink, “But now you say something there could be a stallion I fancy.”

“Well, if you’re into stripes, I have contacts that could send some prospects your way,” Caffeinated said with a chuckle. “I’m sure the mares in the herd could help you out too. There’s even a few straight stallions in the theater.”

Darkstar spoke with half lidded eyes, “Now that I’m looking at one, I don’t think I’d mind a zebra at all. It is time I started living again and having some fun.”

“I’ll guess you have no animosity towards Princess Luna,” Caffeinated said, “So, if you come to the Hall meeting, there will be no shortage of eligible zebras.”

“Luna? No, I love her. All she has done for me, and when we were at Dusk’s place she was a lot of laughs.” Darkstar pushed her hoof against the zebra’s, “Do I really have to go so far to find a zebra?”

Air Raid entered the building, and moved directly to the table were the two ponies sat. “Did I miss anything?”

“Yes,” said Caffeinated, “But it will happen again in a thousand years.”

Darkstar pulled her hoof away, the magic broken, “Welcome back, Mother Hen. Still have any bits left?”

Air Raid stuck her tongue out at Darkstar, “It was only four tickets. They told me how the points work here, so I’ll keep my right hoof light unless I’m on the track.”

“Lookie here, little Raid has all grown up,” laughed Darkstar.

“When do you think you be around to the house?” asked Caffeinated.

“I’d like another coffee first, so maybe an hour,” answered Air Raid.

“It will take an hour to get there in light traffic. Thing about living on an island is you need bridges to get there,” said Caffeinated as he stood up. “I’ll get you both a coffee. Would you like some pastries to go with that?”

“Caffeinated is going to introduce me to a few stallions. Zebra stallions,” added Darkstar.

Air Raid looked at her friend with concern, “Really?”

“Really,” said Caffeinated from the counter as he prepped the coffees.

“You’ll be careful, right?” asked Air Raid.

“Yes, mom,” said Darkstar. “It won’t be like last time.”

Caffeinated returned with the coffees and raspberry scones. “I’ll make sure my aunt doesn’t send any of my sleazier cousins.”

“I’d appreciate that,” said Air Raid.

“That was one time,” complained Darkstar, “And I was in one of my self-destructive phases. But I’d appreciate it too.”

“Just because you have stripes, it doesn’t make you a perfect pony,” Caffeinated said, “Unless you have a coffee cup on your ass.”

“You do have a cute ass,” said Darkstar, who had to stifle a giggle when she saw Air Raid’s grey eyes go wide.

“I’ve overstayed my break, and I’ll let Thespy know you’re both coming over so everything will be ready.” Caffeinated returned to the counter and shook his ass on the way back.

“Stop it you,” said Air Raid in a low voice.

“What? He’s cute, and I’m only looking,” retorted Darkstar.

“You do know he is married,” said Air Raid, “And we will be staying at their place living with him and his wife.”

Darkstar pouted and finished her coffee and pastry. Air Raid also sat in silence and did the same. She didn’t want to blow this second chance. Once finished, Darkstar gathered the empty cups. “I’ll just return these,” She said, and then added, “Maybe the two of them like to share.” She left Air Raid sputtering as she sashayed her way back to the counter.

“Thank you, Darkstar,” said Caffeinated as he took the empties. “The two of you heading out?”

Darkstar had broken out into a sweat released her magic hold on the tray of cups. “Yeah, you’re welcome and we are. Going to see some of the city before we head to your place.”

“For the best views, take the Brooks and Goat bridges to Stallion Island,” suggested Caffeinated. “You don’t see much if you take the tunnels.”

“I think I have a beautiful view right now,” smiled Darkstar.

“Darkie, come on,” called out Air Raid. “I want to get there today.”

Darkstar rolled her eyes, “Brooks and Goat bridges, got it.”

Caffeinated leaned forward, “Have fun cutie.”

“You know; besides illusions, I dance also,” said Darkstar.

Air Raid got up and started toward the elevator, “Darkstar, I swear you’ll walk.”

“That’s what the open mic is for,” Caffeinated said.

“I’d love to,” said Darkstar, “Or I could do a private dance for you to practice.”

Air Raid is slowly made her way to the elevator, “All right now, I’m going.”

“We can talk about that later,” Caffeinated said as he pointed his head at Air Raid, “You best be going unless you want to learn about our mass transit system.”

Darkstar giggled, “Mother Hen isn’t going to leave me behind.” She turned and moved toward Air Raid, “I’m coming, was just trying to be polite.”

Whip spoke up once the two had left. “So, do I need to paint stripes on me to get a mare?”

Caffeinated chuckled, “Maybe, and there might be a spell for that.”

“That unicorn could be trouble,” Whip commented.

Caffeinated looked at her, “Mapper level of trouble?”

Whip shook her head, “Okay, difficult.” To that Caffeinated could only nod.

In the elevator Air Raid said, “Did you have to throw yourself at him?”

“I was just having a little fun!” Darkstar added, “Besides, I think he was better at teasing than me.”

The elevator opened on their parking level, “Look, you’ve only just started to get well. I don’t want to see you hurt again.”

“You’re my guardian, not my mom!” Darkstar stated.

“I’ll just pretend I didn’t hear that,” said Air Raid as she got into the car.

Darkstar stood outside for a moment before she also got in, “I’m sorry.”

Air Raid put a hoof on the unicorn’s shoulder, “Hey, it’s cool. This is a fresh start for both of us, and I don’t want either of us to throw it away or get hurt.” Darkstar nodded, and Air Raid started up the car. Soon they were out of the garage and into the Manehatten traffic.

An hour and a half later, due to a few stops for photos, the pair made it to the front of Caffeinated’s house. Air Raid parked at the driveway gate in front of the house. “Not a bad place at all.”

“Not bad?” questioned Darkstar. “I thought our place was big, but this place is huge.”

“I’ll open the gate while you message Wily,” said Air Raid. “Let her know we met her friend and now we’re at their place.”

“Yes mom,” said Darkstar as she pulled out her phone.

Air Raid raspberried the unicorn as she got out of the car. The gate seemed locked as she rattled it. She also saw the gate was one end of a U-shaped driveway that led right back out to the street.

The speaker to her left came to life with a feminine voice, “May I help you?”

“Um. Uh. Yeah,” Stammered Air Raid. “This is Air Raid with Darkstar. Caffeinated said we should head here.”

The voice continued, “If you keep going down the street and take the first right into an alley. Then the next right will lead you to the garage. I’ll open the door when you get there.”

“Thanks, see you in a sec,” said Air Raid as she turned and headed back to the car. Inside Darkstar had both hooves over her mouth to muffle the laughter. The pegasus got into the car, “Hush, I can still ground you, you know.” She drove down the street, but her words had no effect on Darkstar’s laughter.

Compared to the front the security cameras were a lot more noticeable. The garages had house numbers on them to so it was easy to find. As they pulled up the far door of a four car garage opened. Air Raid pulled into the garage and saw a blue gray earth pony with a very long blonde mane and tail standing in the next spot over. Beyond her was as Chevy colt, and then some lawn maintenance equipment. “This is a nice setup, Air Raid said before she got out of the car.” Once out she said, “Hello, I’m Air Raid, and this is Darkstar,” she indicated the unicorn.

“You can call me Darkie,” the unicorn said.

Air Raid giggled, “Likewise Raid is fine for me.

“Greetings Raid, Darkie, I’m Thespian.” The earth pony smiled, “But Thespy will be fine. Welcome to our home. If you follow me I’ll show you around.”

“It is really nice of you to take us in until our place is ready,” Darkstar said.

“When the herd asks, we provide if we can,” said Thespian. Next to the door is a monitor with the security cameras, and she pushed a button that closed the garage door. On the other side of the exit door is a hedge that ran along the wall. Once at the opening the back of the house came into view. Thespian started her tour, “The pool is heated so we can use it year-round. Under the balcony is the Jacuzzi and holds eight.” Thespian indicated to the left with her hoof, “That is my flower and vegetable garden, and the front of the house had herbs and flowers. The grassy area is for any fun outdoor activities,” she concluded with a giggle.

“I love the pool,” commented Darkstar, “And you have a very beautiful place.”

As they walked past the pool, Thespian indicated the outdoor shower, “Should that outdoor activity turn messy. She entered the house with both in tow. “This is the main floor. Front door straight ahead. Stairs up and down and this middle zone is a mingle area.” She moved off to the left. “This is the informal dining room and buffet area. To the front of the house is the formal dining area and it is set up to seat twelve, but can seat up to twenty-four.”

Air Raid commented, “Wily texted to say your place was nice, but she is the mare of understatement.”

Thespian giggled, “I don’t think Wily got a very good look at the place. She was just starting to feel her way around.”

“You don’t use the formal dining room much,” asked Darkstar.

“To be honest, the two of us use the kitchen.” Thespian said as she made her way into the kitchen. “For our gatherings, we use the informal dining room as a buffet, and twice a year we use the formal one.” Darkstar looked around the gourmet kitchen at all the sharp knives and fidgeted.

Air Raid moved close to Darkstar, “Caffeinated said you had a lot of ponies over for the gatherings.”

Thespian nodded, “True, we can accommodate fifty in the house, but usually the number is close to forty.”

“The most I ever had in my house was twenty,” said Air Raid.

“Nineteen,” said Darkstar with a shudder, “I never left my room.” She looked around the kitchen again, “I’m a good cook.”

Air Raid felt the shudder, “She is, but she will need somepony with her when she is in the kitchen. We can replace anything we use.”

“I understand,” Thespian nodded, “But we are on the honor system here. The place is well stocked, but feel free to replace as you can. This room doesn’t even have a door. So, our first house rule. If you want to use the kitchen, Darkie, you can. Any time of the day, but you must bring somepony with you. Again, any time of day. We good on that?”

Darkstar nodded, “Sure thing Thespy, I’m good with that.”

Thespian led both of them out of the kitchen past the informal dining area to where they could take a look into the formal dining area. She then led them across the house, past the front door. “This room is our quite lounge. It is a nice place to relax with headphones or to read. Talking is allowed, but no shouting.”

“Hear that Raid, no shouting,” Darkstar giggled at Air Raid’s eye roll.

Thespian moved over to the fireplace. The fireplace is gas so you can turn it on and off here. It is mostly for abeyance, as we have central heat and air.” She moved towards the back of the house to the next room. “This is the library. With a herd, it is well stocked on a variety of subjects. Lavender has a degree in library sciences so she keeps order. There is even a card catalog.”

“I like books,” commented Darkstar.

“More than a certain zebra,” said Air Raid to get a dig in.

Darkstar blushed, “I’m allowed books. Hard to hurt yourself with a book.”

Thespian giggled and led them to the last room on the floor. “This is our entertainment room. It can get noisy in here. There are two flat screen TVs but usually only one is on. For a larger audience, we can have both play the same program.” Thespian opened a cabinet, “We have headsets in case the group wants to watch two different shows at once.”

“This is bigger than my room at home,” Darkstar said as she looked over the titles of music and movies.

“All of this is available at all times,” Thespian said. “Now let’s take a look at the lower floor, and our activity rooms.” She led them down the stairs, “Each room is labeled so you won’t get lost,” she said with a giggle.

Air Raid spoke up as they went down the stairs, “Cyclone did say something about those on the phone the other day after she’d spoken to Tempest.”

“First room on the left is the mare’s room,” said Thespian. The last is the stallion’s room, and in between is the showers that can hold quite a few after some messy play.”

Air Raid looked at the signs under the room signs that Thespian spoke of. For the mare’s room it was ‘Leave balls at the door’, and the stallion’s room it was ‘Must have balls to enter’. The wash room in between was ‘The ocean is damp’. “Those are very cute.”

“This middle area is an informal gathering area, but we use it mostly to gather and score performances. It can also be used as crash space.” Thespian moved to the other side to the room closest to the stairs, “This is our dungeon.”

Darkstar laughed as she read the sign under it, ‘Not the Moon’. “Has Luna seen that?”

“She has, and I think that was her response,” said Thespian. “We use this on our BDSM night which is the fourth Thursday. It is always open to all, but that leads us to our next house rule. There will always be three or more ponies present when any play activity is going on. Okay?”

Both nod, “That rule is totally fine,” said Air Raid.

Darkstar added, “It does seem you like to cater to most things, Thespian.”

“Let’s take a look inside and see what we might cater too.” Thespian opened the door to let both pass to look around.

Both entered and looked around. There were many devices along the walls and a few hoists in the celling. In an alcove were several large boxes. “Awesome,” squealed Darkstar.

“You okay, hun,” asked Air Raid.

“Okay,” said Darkstar, “I’m better than okay.”

Thespian giggled, “The toy boxes have many things. Rope and binding items, discipline toys, and some role play outfits.” Thespian moved around the room, “We do have a wide variety of tastes from light to extreme. Mapper is our lead in this room’s group play. Once again, we have a clean as you go policy. The cleaning service doesn’t take care of any of the rooms in the basement.”

“I met her and Serenity in Canterlot,” said Air Raid. “There isn’t much we won’t try, but it has been awhile.”

“About four years,” added Darkstar.

Thespian led them out of the dungeon to the last room on the floor. She put a hoof to the smaller sign ‘8-bit’, “This is the gaming room. We will be using it this Thursday. Although we often put finals on the big screen upstairs.” She opens the door. “We have a wide variety of games and gaming systems.”

First glance is too much to take in. Darkstar pointed to one system, “Look, Raid, they have an X-box so you won’t get bored.”

Air Raid giggled, and pointed to the Dance, Dance, Revolution station, “I’ll never get bored watching you dance.”

Darkstar shrugged her shoulders, “The pad is okay, but I’m much better on a pole.”

That got Thespian’s interest, “Exotic dance?”

“Yup,” smiled Darkstar, “I taught Wily a few moves. We were going to storm Las Pegasus way back when.”

“Can you do other dancing?” Thespian was in her element now, “Ballet? Show tune dancing? Ballroom?”

Darkstar was taken back for a moment, “Well, my ballroom dancing is almost as good as my pole dancing. I’m not so good at ballet, and I’ve not tried my hoof at show tunes.”

Air Raid confirmed, “She’s great at dancing. As for me, I have four left hooves.”

“The theater is always looking for dancers. Good dancers can be more than a background pony,” said Thespian with passion. “But we can talk about that later. Let me show you the top floor to finish up our tour.” She led the pair up both sets of stairs. “This area is the overflow from the balcony. A good place to watch actives in the backyard.”

“Before my incident, when my magic was stronger, I had my own dance routine,” Darkstar said. “I liked performing and I had a routine with dance and illusion spells.”

“It is a nice view from up here,” commented Air Raid.

“There are plenty of unicorns in the herd to help you practice and regain your magical strength. There are four bedrooms on this level. Each has its own bath. This one is where Caffy and I sleep.” Thespian opened the door and led the way in.

Darkstar took one look in the room and stuffed a hoof in her mouth to muffle the laughter. Air Raid’s eyes went wide at her friend’s antics, “Darkie!”

“All are appointed the same. Well except for the plushies. Those are all mine,” Thespian admitted.

Darkstar stopped trying to hide the laughter and clapped her hooves, “It’s so cute! Reminds me of our friend Cyclone, only she collected Power Pony plushies.” Thespian just raised an eyebrow and pointed to a spot in the right corner. “Sweet Celestia,” exclaimed Darkstar.

“You have Power Ponies too?” questioned Air Raid.

“I do have grandfoals so I’m up on the latest cartoons,” Thespian giggled. “My husband is my enabler. Most of these were obtained from Mapper. Now back to the tour. The bed will sleep eight. There are no locks on the doors. Sleeping arrangements are always pretty loose, so feel free to join someone if you be afraid of thunder or just feel lonely.” She moved over to a glass door, “Each back bedroom has access to the back balcony. The front bedrooms have a small private balcony each. That door is the bathroom and the one next to it is the linen closet with a stacked washer and dryer.”

“Speaking of which,” said Air Raid, “Darkie isn’t great with sudden loud noises.”

“Thanks,” muttered Darkstar, “And your pillow says you’re lonely.” She spoke up to Thespian, “So which bedroom is mine?”

“Let’s finish the tour first,” Thespian led them out of the bedroom. “In between the bedrooms is a computer center with eight work stations.” She walked past that to the front bedroom, “And here is a front bedroom, which, as you see, is the same as the back one. Just less plushies. The other side of the house is a mirror image of this side. So, Darkie, you want front or back?”

“I’d like a front one please,” Darkstar said.

“Okay, this side gets the evening sun, and the other side gets the morning sun,” Thespian explained, “Which side do you want?”

“Evening sun,” Darkstar said, “Definitely evening.”

Thespian turned to the other pony, “Okay, Air Raid, that leaves you the choice of front or back bedroom with the morning sun.”

“I’ll take the one opposite of this one, and I don’t mind the morning sun,” said Air Raid.

Thespian smiled, “By the way the sun was a joke.” She pulled the blackout curtains closed. “You can have no sun if you wish. We will finish our tour in the computer center.”

“Okay, Thespian, could we get a coffee when we’re done?” asked Air Raid. “I’m sure you’d like to know more about your guests.

“Sure, we can do that before you move your luggage to your rooms.” Thespian walked out while the other two followed behind. Once in the computer center she had each sit at a terminal. She put card keys in the machine and hand each enter a pin. She then gave Air Raid a token to open the garage door. “There is no curfew, so you can come and go at any time. All exterior doors will automatically lock, and we do have a good security system.” Thespian giggled, “That is how I knew you were here when you rattled the front gate.”

Air Raid asked, “Is that everything?”

“There is one more house rule you need to know, and it may seem a bit harsh. Because you are not herd, neither of you can do any pranks on the property.”

“No problem with that,” Air Raid said, “Darkstar is the prankster.”

“I’ll behave,” stated Darkstar.

“All rules have exceptions,” continued Thespian. A herd pony with two or more herd ponies can prank on the property. This helps keep things in check. You can ask Dusk about his makeover. Now if you are with three herd ponies than pranking can happen.”

Darkstar looked at Air Raid, “Neener neener.” Air Raid gave the appropriate eye roll.

“Now the last rule has to do with our relationship as a herd.” Thespian made sure she had their attention. “Any pony can ask any other pony for intimacy. The answer will be yes or no. This applies to you both being asked and asking.” She held up a hoof before either of them could comment. “If the answer is no, you may not ask that pony again. Of course, that pony can ask you. You then say yes or no. The key here is that it resets you asking that pony. So, whether you said yes or no, you can ask that pony again.”

She saw the questioning looks on their faces. “For example. Air Raid asks me to share intimacy, and I say no. She can’t ask again. Later I ask her for some intimacy. She can say yes or no. Regardless of what she says, she can now ask me again. Understand?”

Air Raid nods, “Yeah, I get it.”

Darkstar spoke up, “So, I can ask anypony?”

“Yes, you can,” answered Thespian, “But you should know most of us are couples, so your quest for intimacy will usually be a threesome or more. If that isn’t your cup of tea, you can back out with no hard feelings.”

“I sort of flirted with your husband,” admitted Darkstar.

“A bit,” said Air Raid, “You offered him a dance.”

“Sorry,” said Darkstar meekly.

Thespian laughed, “He is often accused of having a harem, I’m sure he loved every moment of it. Finally, breaking a house rule is explosion. Do you still want the rooms?”

“That’s no problem as far as intimacy goes. I like mares,” said Air Raid, “And Darkie is into stallions.”

“Yes please,” said Darkstar, “We’d love the rooms, thank you.”

“Let’s go down to the kitchen for refreshment.” Thespian led the way. Once in the kitchen, Thespian prepped coffee for each of them by taste. They sat together at the kitchen table, Thespian started with Air Raid, “I know about the break between you and Wildfire. If Airmail wants us to put you up, then that rift must be healed. Tell me how?”

Air Raid looked into her coffee cup for answers, “First, Thespian, I’m not proud of how I acted. I was an utter bitch, and almost immediately I went back to the hospital to make it right, but Wily had gone. Her dad said she’d gone to Fillydelphia to live with family.”

“Which we knew was rubbish,” added Darkstar.

Air Raid nodded, “Wily never spoke of Fillydelphia, ever.” She sipped her coffee to marshal her thoughts. “Wily’s dad, Cold Front, and his friends, abducted Darkie in their van. Drove her to the outskirts of Canterlot and after… After what they did to her they dumped her body to die. She was in the hospital a long time and after she got out, I took care of her.”

“The attack left me with clinical depression, anxiety panic attacks, and I’ve tried to kill myself at least ten times,” Darkstar explained. “Air Raid has given up a lot to take care of me, even taking guardianship of me.”

“I think that is part of what led Wildfire to forgive me,” added Air Raid.

Thespian got to the point, “Was it because of Wildfire, that you did this for Darkstar?”

Air Raid nodded, “I let one friend down, and I wasn’t going to do it again.”

Darkstar spoke up, “We searched for Wildfire. Cold Front broke Air Raid’s muzzle, and she did back off, but I was persistent. It cost me my horn, and I was wearing an inhibiter all the time.”

“We met up with Airmail, Tempest, and Wily in Canterlot Sunday evening,” continued Air Raid. “That is when Princess Luna healed Darkie’s horn.”

“Something is missing,” interjected Thespian. “How did you know to meet up with Airmail?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Thespian,” said Air Raid. “Last Friday, I was at the Season’s house. They are friends of my parents, and it turned out friends of Wildfire. It was because of that Serenity was there, with Mapper, to sing for the evening.” Air Raid drank some more coffee, “I asked about Wildfire, but they already knew me from what Wildfire told them. I was worried at first, they would reject me. After we talked, Serenity hugged me, and Mapper gave me Wily’s phone number. I called and we arranged a meet up.”

“I sort of interrupted the call,” said Darkstar. “I got a hold of a knife, and Air Raid had to come to my rescue. Wildfire, and her friends, had a lot of questions when we met up. It is nice to have friends with an inside track to Princess Luna.”

“Well, that does explain a lot of things. Serenity is one of our two herd empaths.” Thespian turned to Darkstar, “So, you like my husband’s flank?”

“Yeah, there aren’t many zebras in Canterlot,” Darkstar giggled, “And he is cute.”

“I would have to agree with you on that,” said Thespian, “You should go to a hall meeting to check out the stripes. The lot are all Lunaites.” Thespian waved a hoof, “Maybe you’ll get a chance to test drive Caffy first.”

Air Raid touched Darkstar’s hoof, “This isn’t like last time, right Darkie?”

Darkstar looked at Air Raid, “It really isn’t.” She turned to Thespian, “I’m sorry if I caused any offense.”

“Offense?” Thespian giggled, “You flatter me on the choice I made. We are herd. You can ask, and he can say no. Then he might just say yes.”

Darkstar remembered an earlier time, “After I tried to hang myself, Air Raid took me to a bar to socialize. Instead I chatted up with the occupied stallions. Knowing the mares would jump me.”

“That is when I, we, stopped having fun,” said Air Raid.

“This isn’t like that,” said Darkstar, “Yeah, I know Caffeinated is married, but he really is cute, and he did seem to enjoy my flirts.”

“I’m sure he was, dear,” said Thespian. “Then he was open to Omega’s flirts too. Oh, Omega is a male unicorn.”

“So, is he, um, ah, bi?” asked Air Raid.

“We are herd, Raid,” Thespian stated the simple fact. “All of us are open to bisexuality, even if not all of us practice it.” She let them digest that for a moment before she moved on to a new topic. “I take it part of your staying here is for someone, other than you Raid, to watch over Darkstar?”

“Well,” started Air Raid, “I didn’t want to assume, but now that Darkie has a change of scenery, I’m hoping she will be stable enough to leave unattended eventually.”

“Darkstar,” Thespian said as she looked into the mare’s eyes, “Unless you ask for help, you will be pretty much unattended here. You know what special rules apply to you in this house.”

Darkstar nodded, “I do. I know I’m not allowed in the kitchen alone, in addition to your house rules.”

“Which we will both abide by,” added Air Raid. “There is this though.” Air Raid hefted up her saddle bag. “It’s Darkie’s meds. Is there a place I can lock these up, Thespian?”

“Each bedroom has a lockable cabinet. There are instructions on how to set the combination,” said Thespian. “There is also a safe in the library, if you have something more valuable to secure.”

“That’s okay, my room it is then,” said Air Raid. “She has to have them morning, midday, and night.”

“I used to self-medicate,” said Darkstar. “But now I’m not allowed to anymore.”

“Resent that, do you” asked Thespian.

Darkstar shrugged her shoulders, “A bit, but it is for the best that I don’t have them in my hooves.” Darkstar yawned, “Sorry, but I took some at the coffee shop, and they make me sleepy.”

Thespian reached to touch the unicorn’s hoof, “Requiem is part of the herd, and a licensed phycologist. She will take you as a client if you’re willing. I’m sure both of you have had a long day just getting here.”

“A lot of ponies have told me about Requiem. I’ll look her up,” said Darkstar. “For now, I’m off to my room for a nap.”

As Darkstar stood up, Thespian added, “Caffy will be home about seven-ish, and I leave for work around eight-ish.” Darkstar nodded and walked out of the kitchen. They heard her trot up the stairs. Thespian turned to Air Raid, “How long have you been living on the edge?”

“It was that noticeable?” asked Air Raid. Thespian nodded. “Four years, since she was attacked. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t regret it for a second.”

“Why do you trust us?” ask Thespian bluntly.

“Wildfire trusts you,” answered Air Raid.

“Okay, then you must trust her,” said Thespian. “This move is a fresh start for the both of you?”

“Very much so,” said Air Raid. “For Darkie, I’m hoping the change of scenery and a chance to be around ponies that care for her will help her towards independence. For me it is a chance to start over. I know I’m not everypony’s favorite pony.”

“What makes you say that?” asked Thespian.

“Because I broke Wildfire’s heart,” said Air Raid. “She loved me, and I loved her.” Air Raid tears up, “I really did, but in the hospital when she needed me the most I abandoned her. I said some horrible things to her, Thespian, and I left her alone. She was shouting to me to come back, but I didn’t.” Tears flowed from Air Raid’s eyes, “When I finally did, it was too late.”

Thespian moved over to hug the hurting pony, “it seems the only pony left to forgive you, is yourself. You should think about having a talk with Requiem too.”

“You think so?” asked Air Raid, “Maybe, but Darkie first. She needs it more than I do. She always comes first.”

“That sort of thinking will never let you finish at all,” commented Thespian.

Air Raid shrugged, “Maybe not, but I owe it to her to see her right.” She laughed, “I’m the responsible one, apparently. In this race, hun, I don’t mind coming in second.”

“Responsible for what happened to her, or to help her become independent again?” asked Thespian.

“I feel responsible for both,” answered Air Raid, “But I know deep down, I’m just responsible for helping her get back on her hooves.” Both let a moment of silence pass as they drank their coffee. Air Raid decided she should learn about her hosts, “You mentioned the theater. Are you an actress?”

“Yes,” Thespian smiled, “For forty years. I’m in Dogs right now as the old railway dog.”

“That’s awesome! Wily took me to see that and I didn’t fall asleep,” said Air Raid. “Pardon me for saying, but you don’t look that old.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere,” Thespian giggled. “I did start when I was eleven.”

“Well I still say you look good for it,” commented Air Raid. “It’s clear you enjoy your work, I can tell.”

Thespian smiled, “I do put my all into it, and I must admit I haven’t lived a hard life.”

“You feel alive on the stage, right?” ask Air Raid.

“Completely,” answered Thespian. “I’m sure that is the same feeling you share on the track.”

“That is where I was going,” confirmed Air Raid. “I can’t fly, so when I race I feel truly relaxed, at peace if you like.”

Thespian nodded, “And there is the adrenalin rush of preforming in front of a large audience.”

“Totally! A packed stadium or a packed theater. It’s still a performance.” Air Raid smiled, “Even better with the roof down and an empty stretch of road.” Air Raid gave a soft sigh, “Almost like flying. I’m really hoping Darkie gets well enough that I can leave her on her own. There’s a big race I want to do next year.”

“I’m sure she will improve,” said Thespian. “There are a lot of ponies looking after her now.”

“Yeah, that’s what we’ve both lacked.” Air Raid grinned, “If it all goes well you’re looking at the winner of the San Palomino Desert Run, ah, hopefully.”

Thespian smiled, “We will be cheering you on. Do you need a sponsor?”

Air Raid’s mouth hung open in shock. Her last sponsor left her long ago, and she really had no idea where to get another. Now it is being handed to her on a silver platter. “Are you serious?” Thespian simply nodded. “I’d-I’d love one! Really!” Air Raid giggled, “It’s only the hardest race in Equestria.”

Thespian giggled along with Air Raid, “I can have Caffy talk to his tribal leaders to sponsor you. It would be a coffee sponsor. My father can make some inquires too, and most likely have the Manehatten times sponsor you.”

“Wow!” exclaimed Air Raid, “I’m good for any sponsorship.” What Thespian said sunk in, “Your father owns the Times?”

“He isn’t the CEO,” explained Thespian, “But he is on the board. He owns the building the Times is in. How do you think my husband got such a sweet and exclusive spot for his shop?”

“That is so cool!” said Air Raid. Thank you so much. I can start looking for a car to buy! Then modify it… Oh thank you! I’d love to kiss you.”

Thespian smiled, “Maybe you should act on those feelings.”

Air Raid blinked not expecting that response. ‘I accuse Darkie of flirting with her husband, and here I am flirting with his wife. Oh well, time to go all in.’ Air Raid stood and move over to where Thespian sat and kissed her deeply.

Thespian received the kiss with grace and returned it fully. Once Air Raid came up for air, Thespian said, “Do your best is all we can ask. I take it the car you have won’t do?”

Air Raid had to clear the fog in her brain before she could respond, “Best kiss in years.” That prompted a giggle from Thespian. “My Audi in the garage. It is a track car, and wouldn’t be any good in a cross-country race in the desert. For the Palomino, you have to supply your own car.”

“I’ll let my husband and father sort out the business details,” Thespian said.

Air Raid continued to ramble, “A Touareg Racing Sport is the best. It has the horsepower and wheelbase to tackle the dunes…” She stops with a blush, “Sorry, I get really, properly, excited talking about engines.”

“That’s okay,” said Thespian, “I can nod when expected.”

Air Raid laughed, “Thank you, that’s very kind, but I mean like aroused excited at the mention of a V8 turbocharged five geared engines.” Air Raid shivered at the thought.

Thespian nodded, “It takes chocolate for me to do that, and a good spanking from a zebra I know.”

“You like that?” asked Air Raid. The earth pony just smiled, “Now you mention it, a zebra mare cold snap a collar on me, and bend me over the bonnet of my Audi.”

Thespian laughed, “Okay, I can ask Coffee Bean if she knows a mare for that. You like stripes like Darkie?”

“Never been with a zebra before,” admitted Air Raid, “But I’m willing to try something new on this fresh start of our, and it’s been a while since I was sub for a mare.”

Thespian commented, “Zebras are just earth ponies with stripes.”

Air Raid giggled, “I’ve never been with an earth pony either. Just pegasi and even that has been a long time.”

“You and Darkie are both cute. You’ve met all the mare’s club. The rest of the mares in the herd are attached, but like Darkie, you can always ask.”

“Hum, you think so?” said Air Raid softly. “I’ve stopped thinking of myself like that. It is nice to be reminded though.”

Thespian reached out a hoof, “Seems like you’ve put your life on hold for the last few years. Now what you’ve done for Darkie is reaping in the dividends.

Air Raid nodded as she kept her hoof against Thespian’s, “Apart from a few races to bring in some money, I pretty much have.” A fierce blush crossed Air Raid’s cheeks, “I, um, don’t suppose I could get another kiss, could I?”

“Maybe you’d like it in a more comfortable setting,” responded Thespian. “My room perhaps?”

Air Raid blinked, “Sh-sure. I-I’d love to.”

“Let me leave a note for Darkie, so she can find us if she wakes up.” Thespian took a pen in her mouth and wrote on the note pad by the phone. She tore off the paper and left it in the middle of the table. “Follow me.”

Air Raid sprang to her hooves with wings spread, “I’m following.”

“I’ll try to go easy on you,” Thespian said as she left the kitchen.

“You better not!” Air Raid said as she followed close behind.

Thespian laughed on her way up the stairs, “Any dislikes?”

“Anal,” Air Raid said straight away. “Likewise, the nastier bodily fluids. I’m okay with watersports and hooves, and I like being dominated.”

“I’m not big on watersports, but we do have some in the herd that are,” said Thespian. “I can play dom though. Bondage okay?”

“More than okay,” Air Raid said with excitement.

Thespian smiled at the mare’s comment, “There’s a toy box in our room since we always sleep there. Okay to bind your wings?”

Air Raid shook her head, “No problem at all.”

“Have to ask,” Thespian said. “Tempest will go berserk if you bind her wings.”

“Really? Darkie is like that now with being bound,” Air Raid said. “She used to be good with hoof cuffs.”

Thespian giggled, “We’ll have to find her a stallion she can hoof cuff then.” She opened the bedroom door, “Safe word?”

Air Raid grimaced, “Bronze, Cyclone gave it to me.”

“You do know you could have changed your safe word.” Thespian laughed, “But it is too late now! Bronze it is. I need a pet name for you.”

“I-I never thought about it,” Air Raid followed Thespian into the room. “Raid is fine.”

“Very well, you may call me Mistress,” said Thespian. “Now onto the bed, middle on your back, and wings folded.”

“Right Thes… Mistress.” Air Raid climbed onto the bed and rolled to her back. She heard Thespian rummaging around in a closet and tried to get a peek, but the bed blocked her view. ‘I’m so excited to have a professional dominate me!’ Air Raid squirmed on the bed with anticipation.

Thespian popped back up with a blindfold in her mouth. She watched Air Raid give her a nervous grin. She climbed onto the bed and placed the blindfold over the pegasus’s eyes. While she secured it with her hooves she said, “Now you can see the world through Wildfire’s eyes.”

Air Raid had never really thought about that. She strained her ears as Thespian moved off and on the bed again. It was both fighting and thrilling to be blindfolded, but to know Wildfire will always be blindfolded. Air Raid felt rope being looped around her forehoof and she jerked it away, before she realized why. She extended the leg again, “Sorry.”

Thespian took the end of the rope and bopped Air Raid’s nose, “Pardon?” When the pegasus said nothing, she hit her nose with the rope a bit harder, “What was that Raid?”

At the first hit Air Raid was trying to figure out what Thespian meant by ‘pardon’, but the second hit stung and she realized she was an idiot. “Sorry, Mistress!”

Thespian smiled at the rookie mistake. She looped the rope around one forehoof and then bound it to the other forehoof. Thespian ran the extra rope to a very convenient eyebolt in the back center of the headboard. She hopped off the bed while she watched Air Raid track her with those pretty green ears. Thespian returned to the bed with the rest of her bondage needs. She tied a rope to a hind hoof leaving the extra trail down the pegasus’s leg. She did the same with the other hind hoof.

Air Raid thought back on the past when this was something they would simply do for fun. She started to relax at the feel of the rope around her limbs. At first, she was curious why Thespian left rope hanging from her hind hooves, and didn’t bind them together like her forehooves. Then she felt some weight added to one hind hoof, and here legs forced further apart. Weight was added to her other hind hoof. ‘It must be a spreader bar. That is so cool!’

Thespian used the remainder of the rope on each leg to loop through some more convenient eyebolts that were under each corner of the bed frame. She ran the rope first through the eyebolt at the foot of the bed, and back up to the spreader bar. She than tied it off to the eyebolt at the head of the bed. Once she had done this with each hind leg, with the exception of her head, Air Raid was effectively immobilized.

‘Wow, she is good,’ thought Air Raid. Thespian hopped back off the bed and Air Raid could hear a variety of sounds from her closet. Air Raid’s imagination ran wild. The sounds of wood, cloth, and even metal. ‘Metal, what in Tartarus is she going to do to me.’ Air Raid vainly struggled against the ropes, all she could move was her head, and with the blindfold that was a useless endeavor. Thespian climbed back up on the bed and Air Raid shivered in anticipation.

Thespian holds the item of choice in her mouth. She moves low under the spreader bar and assaults Air Raid’s labia with a feather. The squeal the pegasus gave was music to her ears. As Air Raid became more aroused, she flicked the feather over her clitoris and slipped it into the vaginal opening with a twirl.

Air Raid tried to buck her hips, and coos, “Please, ah, yes, please don’t stop that.”

Thespian left the feather in Air Raid’s vaginal canal. She used one hoof to twiddle it while the other slammed into the lime green pegasus’s ass. “My pet forgets herself.”

Air Raid gasped at the sudden pain after the tickling feather. ‘You’re an Equestrian class idiot, Raid.’ “Sorry Mistress! Forgive your pet, Mistress.”

“You don’t sound very sincere, pet,” Thespian practically purred. “I think punishment is in order.” Air Raid remained silent, but she could watch the mare grasping at the feather she twirled. The earth pony picked up another item she prepared for this event in her mouth. A stiff bristled paint brush. She ran it over Air Raid’s rear hoof and the reaction was priceless. Air Raid let out an even louder squeal and tried desperately to move the hoof away from the brush. The pegasus’s body thrashed which did make it difficult to keep moving the feather, but her hooves weren’t going nowhere.

Between her fits of laugher Air Raid called out, “Please Mistress! Tickles! Please forgive your pet!”

Thespian switched hooves operating the feather so she could continue the attack on the other rear hoof. Air Raid’s pleas fell on deaf ears. After another minute, she relented when Air Raid started having trouble breathing. She set the brush down and took the feather in her mouth. She then swirled the very wet feather around Air Raid’s nipples while her hoof toyed with the pegasus’s labia and clitoris.

“Oh, that is nice, Mistress,” moaned Air Raid. “Please make me come, Mistress.”

Thespian pulled away both feather and hoof. She just barely managed not to laugh at Air Raid’s loud groan. She moved out from between the hind legs and up alongside Air Raid. She had forgotten the tendency of pegasi wings. Thespian carefully moved over the top of the stiff, outstretched wing to the mare’s head. Thespian quickly used a foreleg to put a head lock on Air Raid and used her shoulder to block any attempt of pegasus swinging her forelegs. With a very wet feather in her mouth, she assaulted Air Raid’s nose.

Air Raid sputtered and scrunched her nose. She couldn’t move her head, nor was she able to budge Thespian with her forelegs. Air Raid even tried to bite the feather, but Thespian was too quick for her. After what seemed an eternity, she finally felt the feather stuck behind her ear like a prize-winning trophy. Relieved of the feather, Thespian spoke up, “My pet is both wiggly and needy. More punishment is in order. Maybe I should leave you here and go watch some television.” Air Raid’s groan was beautiful to hear. Thespian put the paint brush in her mouth and wrapped both forelegs around Air Raid’s forelegs so she couldn’t’ move. With the way, the lime green pegasus was bound, she could cover both hooves at once.

Air Raid lost all reason. She laughed so hard her ribs hurt. She thrashed for all she was worth, but couldn’t overcome earth pony strength. In the end, she lost all control.

Thespian had a good view of the golden fountain that sprang up between Air Raid’s hind legs, and halted her assault with the brush. She had a flashback to the number of times Caffeinated did this very same thing to her. The pony under her stopped thrashing and her cheeks burned crimson. The mare was probably mortified at the enviable outcome. Thespian wasn’t going to help her, “Looks like I may need to change the bedding.” Air Raid wilted. “I’ve heard that some ponies can get damp with excitement,” continued Thespian, “But you’ve brought a whole new meaning to the word.”

Air Raid didn’t know what she wanted to do. Should she cry or scream? Thespian was humiliating her, and it was, hot. So very, very hot. She decided there was only one thing she could do, and spoke up, “I’m a bad pony, Mistress.”

Thespian dropped the brush to the bed and moved to kiss Air Raid, “Yes you are, and a wet pony too.” Air Raid giggled. Thespian was glad to see the mare was made of sterner stuff, and didn’t wilt under the teasing. “Does my wet, needy, bad pony want release?”

Air Raid nodded, “I beg you, Mistress, please let me come, Mistress.”

“I will give it consideration,” said Thespian as she moved back down Air Raid’s body. As she stepped over the wing, she thought it might be even stiffer than before. After one look at the foot of the bed, Thespian decided it might be best to continue her work from Air Raid’s side. She reached out with a hoof to take the next toy for tonight’s pleasure. Thespian leaned over Air Raid to nuzzle, lick and nip at her nipples. She move a bit further so her hot breath blew over Air Raid’s engorged sex.

“Please, Mistress,” said Air Raid as squirmed while Thespian teased her. “Please lick me, Mistress.” Thespian sat back up. “No, Mistress. I need you, please!”

“What do you need, pet,” Thespian asked.

“I need your muzzle in my pussy, Mistress,” begged Air Raid, “I need your lips on my clit. I need you to let me come, Mistress.”

“You do expect a lot from a ‘straight mare’, my pet,” Thespian said calmly.

Air Raid’s world came crashing down. All the things Thespian said and did to her so far, only to be rejected because she was straight. She was again back to deciding if she wanted to scream or cry, and right then, cry was winning out.

While Air Raid was thinking, Thespian was busy. She popped the egg in her mouth and moved over Air Raid’s vulva. She pushed the egg in with her muzzle and pushed it deeper with her tongue. Air Raid gasped. She moved her tongue up the pegasus’s slit and latched on to her nub. With a hoof, she turned the egg’s control to medium, and the lime green pegasus jerked under her.

Any thought of crying fled Air Raid’s mind as the new sensations overwhelmed her. Thespian didn’t reject her. Between her mouth and the vibrator she quickly built to a climax, only to have the vibrator be turned down. “No! Please Mistress, I’m so close!”

“No coming for you,” said Thespian, “For you are too demanding.” She continued to adjust the egg’s control and use her mouth to bring Air Raid to the brink and back her down again.

“I’m sorry, Mistress!” pleaded Air Raid, “Please, I bet you, Mistress, please let me come.”

Thespian switched the egg to full, “Fill me, pet.” She opened her mouth and cover Air Raid’s vulva. She pushed the egg with her tongue while she sucked.

Air Raid didn’t hesitate. The orgasm crashed over her like a tidal wave. She rode the wave to the end filling Thespian with everything she had. Finally, Air Raid went limp. It had been so very long since she had an experience like that.

Thespian turned down the egg as she lapped up Air Raid’s essence. She lifted her head and said, “I want more, Pet.” Again, she turned the egg back up to full and added a hoof to mix as her mouth returned to licking and nipping the mare’s sex.

Air Raid thought she was spent, but was resolved to not disappoint Thespian. In less time than she thought, she had built up to another orgasm, “Mistress!” It was not the peak she had before, but very satisfying, like water to a parched mare. Thespian didn’t acknowledge what she did. The egg kept vibrating and her mouth and hoof kept playing with her sex. Air Raid realized this was a whole new form of torment. A torment of pleasure. She came for a third time, and Air Raid could only moan with pleasure.

Thespian turned off the egg and pulled it out by the cord. She moved quickly up the pegasus’s body to avoid the wing and kissed her fully and deeply as she pushed her tongue into the other mare’s mouth. Air Raid returned the kiss as fully. Thespian broke the kiss and dangled the egg over Air Raid’s mouth. “You need to clean this.” She set the egg to low. Air Raid reached out with her tongue to lap the egg. “Entertain me, pet.”

“How-how may I entertain you, Mistress,” Air Raid said as she continued to lap at the egg.

“Pretend this egg is my clit,” answered Thespian.

Air Raid understood and pulled the egg into her mouth with her tongue. She lapped at it and pushed it in and out of her mouth, now and again holding it in her teeth. The vibrations felt weird, but Air Raid was determined to put on a show.

“Yes, pet, just like that,” purred Thespian as she watched. “Oh, yes, that is hot.” Thespian grew tired of hoofing herself. She moved up past Air Raid and undid the knot from the eyebolt. She pushed Air Raid’s forelegs to the mare’s body, and then swung her hind leg over Air Raid’s head. “Enough practice.” Thespian lowered herself to Air Raid’s waiting mouth.

Air Raid didn’t have a chance to respond, before her muzzle was buried in Thespian’s muff. It was already very wet so Air Raid could tell this session was as exciting for her Mistress as it was for herself. She put her all into bringing Thespian to a climax.

While her technique could use some work, Air Raid was most certainly enthusiastic. Then, Thespian was fortunate to be surrounded by some very seasoned mares. Still, as Mistress, she couldn’t make it easy for her pet. She leaned forward to grab the paint brush with her mouth, and then twisted and leaned back to take hold of Air Raid’s forelegs. She quickly put the paint brush to work on those lovely green hooves.

Air Raid concentrated on her task. She had no idea why Thespian moved around so much. Until the brush stroked across her hooves. She squealed into Thespian’s love tunnel.

The teasing was doing as much to drive Thespian to a climax as Air Raid’s tongue and mouth were. The mare under her thrashed as she tickled, yet she never stopped lapping between her legs. Control was something Thespian seldom ever took, but the control she had over Air Raid was a heady drug. She didn’t want to hold back any more and climaxed. The brush fell from her mouth as her legs squeezed Air Raid. Once past the climax, Thespian laid there panting to the sound of Air Raid’s continued licking. Since she was there, Thespian undid the bindings on Air Raid’s forehooves. “That was quite lovely, my dear.”

“I’m happy to have pleased you, Mistress,” said Air Raid.

Thespian rolled off the mare, careful to not roll over a wing. She moved to the foot of the bed and avoided the large wet spot. Thespian undid the bindings to the spreader bar and to the hooves. She put away the ropes and bar for later cleaning. Last, she climbed back onto the bed and removed the blindfold with her mouth. She dropped it to the side, and then gave Air Raid a light kiss, “Feeling better?”

“Oh, yeah,” Air Raid gave the older mare a huge smile, “Much better.”

“I’m for a shower,” said Thespian, “Care to join me? To conserve water.”

“I’d be happy to, hun,” responded Air Raid, “To conserve water, of course.” As they walked into the bathroom, Air Raid spoke up, “You know, for a straight mare, Thespian, you’re pretty good at that.”

Thespian giggled as she prepared the shower, “In the herd, sexuality is a preference, not a dedication. For in the herd, this straight mare walks a very crooked path.” She got into the shower followed by Air Raid. “Let’s wash each other, for efficiency.”

Air Raid smiled, “Yes for efficiency.” Air Raid soon noticed that Thespian was just that in the shower. All clean up, and nothing sensual. So, Air Raid did the same in return. Once finished Thespian flipped on the fur dryer. She pulled out a brush, “You have your brush with you?”

“No,” said Air Raid, “It is still in the car with our luggage.”

“You can borrow one of mine then,” Thespian said.

Thespian handed her the brush she had, and picked up another. She started brushing Air Raid’s coat so Air Raid did the same. ‘This is what a family must feel like,’ thought Air Raid. ‘Herd is family with benefits.’ Air Raid giggled and was glad Thespian didn’t ask her why.

Once the brushing was done, Thespian said, “You have the place to yourself. I’m going to take a nap before I need to get ready for my performance.”

Air Raid yawned, “Sorry,” she giggled, “Drove over a thousand miles in a day and a half. The motels were utter rubbish, and you fair tired me out. I’m going to check up on Darkie and get some kip myself. Wanna snuggle?”

“As long as you don’t bite,” commented Thespian, “I’m good for a snuggle.”

Air Raid giggled, “Wily never complained of it, so I assume I don’t.”

“Feel you in a bit then,” said Thespian, “I should be asleep right quick.”

“Alrighty then, I’ll get the bed warm for you,” said Air Raid.

Thespian laughed, “That’s my line, for I’m sleeping in my own bed. Once I change the sheets of course.”

Air Raid blushed as she did think Thespian was coming to her room, “Yeah, you did make me make a mess alright.” She giggled, “I’ll just check in on my sleeping foal.”

“Be careful using that language,” warned Thespian, “Least some herd member think it is a pet name and upset Darkie.”

“Yeah, your right, my bad,” said Air Raid. “I’m used to thinking out loud on my own. Sorry about that.”

“We all have to start somewhere,” smiled Thespian, “Welcome to Manehatten.” Air Raid left the room and Thespian set to work removing the soiled sheets and put them in the laundry. She quickly made the bed with clean linen and crawled into it.

Air Raid check in on Darkstar and was happy to see she was sound asleep in the darkened room. She went downstairs for a glass of juice and then returned to Thespian’s bedroom, “She’s out like a light.” Air Raid received no response and she notice that indeed, Thespian was fast asleep. She crawled into the bed and played big spoon.

‘Best welcome ever,’ she though as sleep too soon claimed her.