Author's Notes:

BOOK 1: PART 1: LOYALTY

Shadow did all he could to help pull in the parsnip harvest. It was actual work in the fields, pulling the parsnips up. He was way behind. They took it row by row, each pegasus pulling their own cart and each had their own row. Most of them were moving four times faster than Shadow, but they left him alone to complete his row.

Shadow was not backing down. They most certainly needed him. It was just his family helping. Early Blossom and Cherry Tart were welcomed with open wings. Shadow worked through the lunch break. He had set his will to do all he could. He may not have raw strength, but he had endurance, and plenty of it from the acrobatics.

Cherry Tart brought him water and a apple tart at lunch time when it became apparent he wasn't stopping.

“Thanks,” Shadow said smiling.

“Don't mention it,” She said. “You know, your resolve has made an impression on all of them. Slow, but not a quitter. You taking it all in stride just like them. Speed doesn't matter. An extra set of hooves working as hard as possible does. It means a lot to them due to the lack of available hooves. They can see you. You are not getting lost in the crowd.”

Shadow finished the apple tart before she had finished speaking. He also drank the water before responding.

“Thanks Cherry Tart. And thanks for letting me know what they think.”

“No problem Shadow,” Cherry Tart smiled. “And please, call me Tart, like the other night. You have earned that right. Only you and Blossom can call me Tart, my family calls me Cherry. Though it seems like everyone calls you Shadow.”

“Yeah, it has always been Shadow. I was always introduced as just Shadow. The Flare is befitting, especially with my contrasting mane, but its just not-”

“It's flamboyant, not something you can pull off. Shadow just fits more,” Cherry Tart finished.

“Exactly,” Shadow responded. “Lunar, Spice and Dream are all family shortenings, but stay in the family. Blossom makes more sense than Early for all sorts of reason.”

Cherry Tart blushed. “Yeah, no one is supposed to know.”

“Your secret is safe with me Tart,” Shadow said.

“For the record,” Cherry Tart began. “Nothing happened at your house.”

“I figured,” Shadow responded. “The mood was tense for the most part. Sleep was the only option.”

“It was funny to hear your Dad yell at Spice. How did he know?”

Shadow explained what he had gone through and rigged up.

“You are smart,” Cherry Tart said.

“Yeah, well, you have to be with my sisters, except for Dream. And now Blossom.”

“Funny how a little kindness can go a long way,” Cherry Tart stated.

Shadow dropped a parsnip into his cart. “It is.”

Cherry Tart laughed. “I should stop distracting you.”

“Thanks again Tart,” Shadow said.

It was a nice break, as short as it was. And it was even better talking with Cherry Tart. She was family, but outside and saw things differently.

He set his mind to work again. Sky Breaker said power came from form, not strength. He had not had time to go and see him, but if he was right, then Shadow was going to work his hardest. Training would not be easy. Any advantage he could gain was an advantage.

It wasn't long before the others went back to work. They were much further along than he was, but Shadow trudged on. By the end of the day, he had not only finished the row he had started, but he had gotten a third of his second row done.

Dinner was served there at the farm as it always was. It didn't matter how many ponies came to help with the harvest, the farm always provided a light lunch and a good, solid dinner. It was the proper, considerate thing to do for their helpers. Reciprocity was the rule out here.

What would have normally taken a day or two to harvest took six days. There were seventeen barns being overhauled, and several farms were left without anypony to help. By the end, Shadow was keeping up with the others. He even was breaking for lunch. The others were tired, but Shadow, as tired and sore as he was, still had the endurance to keep going.

It left them two days before the cherry harvest. Shadow decided to spend it with Early Blossom and Cherry Tart. There was plenty of work needed to be done to prepare for their harvest. They could not have done it without Shadow's help.

“I am finally becoming of some worth to the community,” Shadow thought with pride. “Even if it starts with small ways. It can grow bigger.”

At dinner the night before harvest he spoke out, seeking advice. “I am finally beginning to be of worth in the community, and showing I am a capable, hard worker. Slow, but hard. I am reconsidering staying around.”

“Why,” Early Blossom raised her eyebrow. “Finally beginning to make a place in the community doesn't meant you should not at least pursue the idea of joining.”

“I think its a wonderful idea Shadow,” Cherry Tart smiled. “You should at least talk to Sky Breaker. I may not have known him, but from what Blossom has told me, I think it is a good idea to talk to someone so influential in your life.”

“I guess you are right,” Shadow sighed. “Just because things are up right now, doesn't mean they will stay that way.”

“If you don't get accepted you can always join us here,” Early Blossom offered. “This farm is a hoofful. Besides, we could name it 'Outcast Farm.'”

They all openly laughed.

“Well, if I do not find the Enclave to be for me, or if I don't get accepted, I would love to move in with you.”

He was grateful for Blossom and Tart's generosity. Blossom's laugh finally fit how Shadow saw her.

“It is going to be another long harvest,” Tart said worried. “I hopefully have three days of lunch tarts made. And even with my family and your's, it will take a while. I am afraid three days won't be enough.”

“When is your family coming in?” Shadow asked.

“Any moment now. It is a miracle they are coming. I don't think anypony else joined them. We all know how harvests are. In fact, they might have had to leave with the harvest unfinished. The community would finish it, but still...”

“It's tough when you have to abandon your farm and have the others harvest it,” Blossom said putting her hoof on Cherry Tart’s.

“I didn't realize they were coming in tonight,” Shadow stated shocked. “If you need the bedroom, I can sleep anywhere.”

“Nonsense!” Cherry Tart said. “The bed is yours. It is a slim chance, but you might have to share the room. But we bought the bed for you and you will not give it up.”

“Thanks,” Shadow blushed.

“No need to thank us,” Early Blossom chirped. “You are my brother. Besides, you have more than earned it, if we were keeping track.”

Early Blossom laughed. Shadow just smiled.

“Buck up Shadow,” Cherry Tart said. “Don't look down. Keep that head held high. You need to have more confidence in yourself. You may not fit in like others, but you are worth more than you think.”

“She was kind, yet firm.” Shadow thought. “A good teacher. That was something nopony had been to me once Dad stopped teaching me acrobatics.”

“Tart is right Shadow. You are the reason we are ready for the harvest. And you are more valuable and loved than your realize. Dream loves you. Dad is proud of you as a son, and mom loves you as well.”

“Mom and Dad may not know what you are going to do, but neither do you. Your world is open. Lunar and Spice, you can't let them get to you. I know how they got to me. You are destined for more than farming in my opinion. And I am learning to forgive them and move past their control of me because of you.”

Shadow never had time to respond because of the knock at the door. Cherry Tart's family was here. Cherry Tart went to open the door and Early Blossom smiled at Shadow.

“Now is the time you can get a new, fresh start. A rare chance,” Early Blossom encouraged him.

The house got loud as everypony came in. Cherry Tart's family never had never met Early Blossom and had never even made it this far over since they were leagues to the East. They were a complete contrast to Shadow's family. There were ponies of all ages and sizes coming into the house.

Cherry Tart stood next to Early Blossom to do the introductions.

“Everyone, this is Early Blossom and her brother, Shadow Flare.”

There was her father, Red, her mother, Yellow and Grandma Cherry Tart, who Cherry Tart obviously got her name from. Her sister was Diamond Dawn. Her brother Stump Crusher was newly married to Silver Sun, something Cherry Tart didn't know about. Her brother Big Red was alone. His wife, Sweet Cherry, had to help her family Harvest. Cherry Tart's little brother Lex was there as well.

Bronze Bell, Parsley Green, and their Son, Lightning Storm were a big surprise. Bronze Bell was from the Farm across the way. The two farms were old family. He and Stump Crusher grew up together and were like brothers. His family was all Stallions. Bronze would not be missed in the harvest between everypony helping there.

“How was the harvest?” Cherry Tart immediately asked after the introductions.

“Wonderful dear,” Yellow said.

“We finished,” Red said. “Well ahead of schedule. The community helped more than usual so we could leave to help you.”

“In the old days,” Grandma Cherry Tart began. “We didn't cross the district to help ponies. We lived close by.”

“Grandma, you were the one who suggested we send someone west to start a new farm,” Cherry Tart said. “That is why Early Blossom and I are so thankful you all could make it for our first harvest. We definitely need the help. Nopony in town accepts this farm yet. And even if they did, nopony knows how to deal with fruit trees, or fruit of any kind.”

“Hmmm, well we still didn’t back then. Prove your commitment and approval will come!” Grandma Cherry Tart exclaimed.

“We brought all the carts, barrels and equipment we could carry,” Red said. “Flying it all the way took longer than expected.”

“I know,” Cherry Tart responded. “It is a trip. It is very appreciated.”

“Most of them we will leave for you. You need a proper stock and you know how many we have. We also brought cots,” Red said.

“Thanks Dad. We could use the equipment. And cots will be a very welcome help It is just out bed and Shadow’s,” Cherry Tart began.

She had a lot to say. Shadow just got to stand there and look good. Looking like Shadow Flare.

“Lex, you have grow a lot this year! And Bronze, it is wonderful to see you and Parsley again. And Lighting Storm has grown big.”

“BIG ENOUGH TO HELP!” Lighting storm yelled jumping up.

They all laughed.

Bronze made sure he started before anypony else got in the way. “Cherry, your family is mine. You are like a sister. Of course we came. It is an honor to travel so far to help you. Ponies may not approve or understand, but they recognize the dedication to go so far to help.”

The family broke into conversation centered around Early Blossom and meeting her. Except for Diamond Dawn. She came over to Shadow Flare.

“Shadow Flare,” She said sized him up. They were the same size and she would most likely have a good growth spurt or two.

“Your name is that of a Stallion, but you look like a mare,” Diamond Dawn stated.

“Well, what I lack in strength, I make up for in speed and agility,” Shadow responded.

“Either way, you are cute. Tiny things are cute.”

Shadow was taken aback. Nopony had said that to him before.

He stammered out a “Thanks.”

With his tongue untwisted he continued. “I have never had anyone call me cute before.”

“Their loss,” Diamond Dawn said.

Stump Crusher and Silver Sun greeted Shadow, ending Diamond's flirting for now.

“Early Blossom says you are the only stallion from your farm,” Stump Crusher started.

“Yeah, I am. Three older sisters and then one younger. Early Blossom is just a year older than me.”

“What do you farm over here?” Silver Sun asked.

“Most of them are parsnips farms, but a lot of hay, and a handful of wheat farmers are within a day's flight. My family grows the only turnips in the area. The first in the area a long time ago, a Homestead.” Shadow answered.

“Homestead carries great weight. Means larger land too,” Stump Crusher said.

“Four times larger,” Shadow said with pride for once. “My oldest sister, Lunar Harvest, married a strong stallion Buck. He is a huge help with the farm.”

“A long time ago, there was the original cherry farm in our area. But between brothers, it was split up to make things easier for harvesting and inheritance. Ours is one of them, same with Red's. All four of them are still considered Homesteads.”

“Buck has the inheritance of the farm, and he certainly has a knack for turnip growing. You will meet them all tomorrow.”

“We look forward to meeting the rest of Early Blossom's and your family,” Silver Sun said.

“I know they are looking forward to meeting all of you as well,” Shadow smiled. “Well, most of them.”

“Oh?” Silver Sun asked.

Shadow regretted the comment immediately. “Nothing big. Just Lunar Harvest and Spice Cake are not the most social. Some grumbling will probably happen, when you can't see it. Lunar especially is not, how to put it, approving of Early Blossom and Cherry Tart. She will never show it to their face in front of others.”

“Don't worry Shadow Flare,” Stump Crusher hesitated. “Its not all that approving in our family. We don't all, know what to say or think about it. Especially since none of us had any idea. But Cherry is family.”

“Yeah, she is family,” Shadow nodded. “And I have the feeling both of our families have the same feelings about the two of them. We were just as shocked as you were.”

The all smiled in understanding.

“It sounds crowded at your family's farm, are you living here?” Silver Sun said.

“Sort of,” Shadow said before he explained the going ons in the community.

“Wow,” Stump Crusher said. “Unfortunate, but the harvest is in.”

“That is what matters,” Shadow said. “Cherry Tart and Early Blossom were not expressly invited, but they were welcomed with open hooves on the first day. We hope that Buck's family will join us in the harvest. Buck's family is old friends. Our dad's go a long way back. They say before they were born.”

“I hope so too,” Stump Crusher sighed exhausted. “It is what is best for the community.”

Shadow was elated. He was actually respected here, despite his size. Ponies were actually talking to him and cared what he had to say.

Diamond Dawn was flirting with him all evening. They were the same age. Shadow did his best to be kind, but he never had never flirted before. Anypony listening would find it a very awkward conversation on his end.

Things calmed down as the night grew late. Red was the one who called for the night to end, even though there was so much more they had to say and talk about. For now, they had more than enough rooms. Cherry Tart had gone over the top when it came to the number of bedrooms.

Grandma Cherry Tart was adamant about not leaving the comfy chair that she had occupied all evening. She had tested it out with some napping throughout the evening.

Rain Jubilee was loud when it came to gathering the family together. Loud and commanding. And everypony knew Lance backed her, even if he was just as tired and annoyed as everypony else. As they were eating breakfast, a knock came on the door. It was Rift. He had slipped out early to join them in helping Early Blossom and Cherry Tart.

Lance smiled and nodded his head in silent approval as Rift walked through the door. Unfortunately that meant neither of them caught Lunar's scowl. Buck caught it and called her out.

“Your family welcomed me with open arm's Lunar. Show Rift the same respect. Especially since he isn’t here to appease anypony. He genuinely wants to.”

Lunar silently dropped her head in shape.

Spice was excited to see Rift. She hadn't seen him since Early Blossom and Cherry Tart had spent the night.

Not too long later, a knock came again. It was Buck's family. All of them ready to join them in helping bring in the cherry harvest. They were warmly welcomed. Buck's father was Black Sky, but Black was all he ever needed to go by since a young colt. His mother was Golden Harvest. Buck's brother and sister in law had to stay and take care of a few things on the farm. They were going to check up on Lance's farm as well.

The road to the cherry farm passed the local schoolhouse which doubled as the community meeting house when those time arose. It was also considered the 'town.'

“Hey Lance, Black and Buck,” Maple Tree greeted them as they reached the it. “Glad you are joining us today. We were not sure if you had heard or not. It is a last minute meeting after all.”

Lanced raised and eyebrow. “We didn't know about the meeting. We are off to help my daughter, Early Blossom, and Cherry Tart bring in their first cherry harvest.”

“Oh,” was the only response he got.

“Are you joining them too Black?” Black just nodded sternly. His mind had been made up the week before.

Buck's father was a big, strong pegasus. He was well respected in the community and needed to speak little words. Buck was a spitting image of his father. It was Buck who sternly spoke up.

“Helping them is what is right for the community. They helped bring in our parsnip harvest, and deserve our respect and help. We are a community. Enough said.”

With that, Buck moved on and the rest followed him. Buck's words would definitely be brought up at the meeting. He proved to Maple Tree that he had his father’s backbone and mind. And that he should be respected as such.

When they finally reached the cherry farm, most of Cherry Tart's family was already in the fields, not working, but looking over the harvest and checking out the trees. They all came back when the bell was rung and then began the mass and chaotic introductions among themselves.

Diamond Dawn stayed out of the fray and instead joined Shadow on the side. “Your family is certainly something. All your older sisters are definitely better built than you, but no where are good looking as you.” She said that as she circled behind him, her hoof gliding across his shoulders. Shadow blushed, he had no idea what else to say.

Diamond's hoof was put to his lips. She was in front of him now. She leaned in and whispered, “We should slip out and have some fun in between the cherry trees later.” She didn't wait for a response. Instead she walked away as seductively as she could.

It took all of Shadow's might to not let his mind wander to where she wanted it to go. He took his mind back to acrobatics, keeping the wings tucked in close to his body. Nothing lose. Concentration and reaction to the next, highly variable terrain. He just wanted to help.

A little while later Cherry Tart came over to Shadow. “Don't pay her any attention. She is a big flirt. I don't think there is a colt or young stallion back home who she hasn't flirted with.”

“Just one big tease then,” Shadow said.

“I wish. This time she means it. Probably just to spite Blossom and I. Please don't entertain her.”

“I won't Tart. Community law be damned! I wont do it for you,” Shadow said.

The city might be different, but out here, swearing was something done very rarely, and generally frowned upon. It was unbecoming.

Cherry Tart smiled and was immediately called away to take charge of the harvest. It didn't take long. Cherry Tart had it well planned out. Grandma Cherry Tart just sat in a cloud rocking chair, making her comments like Cherry Tart had expected.

The fillies and colts were excited to make new friends, and excited to remove the cherry stems. It would not last long, but their early enthusiasm was infectious.

“What about Shadow Flare?” Red asked.

“Shadow Flare is going to be our sorter so the little ones can focus on just removing the stems. His agility and mental speed is unmatched,” Cherry Tart said.

Shadow smiled as the attention was put on him. Cherry Tart's family embraced it easily. It really was an important task. A fast sorter for such a mundane task was rare and respected. Shadow thought his Dad stood a bit taller with the acceptance that Cherry Tart's family had for Shadow's role.

Cherry Tart's family was teaching the others to buck properly. They had a lot to learn about cherry harvesting. They were getting better and the harvest was moving steadily. Shadow was only behind by a few baskets. And even then, his heart was only half in it.

By lunch time, the learning curve was over. Cherry Tart had only enough tarts for the day. She had underestimated the amount of ponies helping and how hungry they would be. The three families were getting along well and everything was going off without a hitch.

After lunch, Chery Tart, Yellow, Rain Jubilee and Golden Harvest retired to the kitchen to begin dinner, and prepare lunch for tomorrow.

Shadow had to pick up his speed now that the harvest was moving a lot faster. But it was fun work. And it was nice to be doing something of special value with the harvest. The young ones were bored and moving slowly at removing the stems. Shadow smiled at their lack of enthusiasm. It was completely different than in the morning. Even Dream Catcher was bored.

As the day ended and everypony dragged in from the trees, Grandma Cherry Tart woke up and was overjoyed at how fast Shadow had worked. “Just like the best sorters in the good old days!” She exclaimed.

The decision was made to spend the night. It took them three hours to fly there this morning and would only set them behind for tomorrow. Besides, everypony found it more fun.

Despite four families staying at the farm, they had enough rooms since Grandma Cherry Tart was sleeping in the chair. The only change was Lex and Lightning having to pair up to free the room up for rift. They found it more fun.

Dream Catcher caught Diamond Dawn unaware in her room.

“Don't even think that I am going to let you get anywhere near my brother,” Dream Catcher said coldly to a stunned Diamond Dawn.

Diamond Dawn tried to play it off but Dream Catcher was better than her.

Her tone was spot on to make her point. A very sharp point. “No excuse, I have seen you make moves on my brother all day. I have also seen his reaction. I know my brother way better than you think. You are just out to tick your sister off by doing things 'right.'”

Shadow had come at just the right moment to hear it all. He smiled to himself. She really was a sweet, kind pony. She really did love him. Any mare Shadow wanted to marry would have to pass Dream Catcher's scrutiny. It would be tougher than their dad's.

The next day brought a surprise. They were beginning to start harvesting again when five of the older Stallions and their oldest sons approached, with their own carts. They were lead by Maple Leaf.

“None of us are used to cherry harvesting. We are simple ground cloud farmers. But we decided as a community, that we should at least send a few ponies your way to help.”

Cherry Tart smiled and greeted them by name. “My Father and brothers will show you the ropes. It is not hard at all.”

She ran the brief introductions, including what they each farmed. Cherry Tart had not joked around when it came to learning the community.

“Yep,” Red said. “It is not hard at all on our end. The young ones have the boring job of removing the stems, at least until we join them at the end. Shadow Flare is the most critical point. A good sorter is needed, especially when there are a lot of ponies bringing the harvest in. Usually you have to put several on the task.”

“He is just like the best sorters in the good old days!” Grandma Cherry Tart exclaimed for all to hear.

Shadow was beaming. For the first time, ponies were building him up, with real meaning behind every word they said.

By mid morning, Shadow was beginning to be really backed up with the sorting so Diamond Dawn was sent to him as reinforcements. Diamond tried flirting with Shadow, but got hit in the head by a bad cherry flung by Dream Catcher. Early Blossom, who was dropping off a filled basket, laughed. It only annoyed Diamond Dawn even more.

“Oh take it easy Diamond Dawn,” Early Blossom said. “We all have seen you flirting with him. I am guessing that Dream Catcher cut you off and made sure where you two stood. She looks up to Shadow as a hero and loves him. Gaining her approval is going to take a lot more than that.”

“Oh, Dream, what do you think of me moving in and helping out here with Early Blossom and Cherry Tart?” Shadow asked.

Shadow got hit right between his eyes with a bad cherry. Dream Catcher was a perfect shot. Early Blossom's laugh was like sweet honey.

“What do I think?” Dream Catcher said sarcastically.

“Umm… That is why I asked you?” Shadow shot back.

Dream Catcher took a second to actually think. “It would be a good move. I would still love you, despite you abandoning me, no matter where you are or what you are doing. Setting up with Early Blossom would remove you from under Lunar's and Spice's hooves. And since you two made up, it is a wonderful idea.”

Dream Catcher's voice relaxed to that lazy, friendly tone they all loved. “Find that special somepony, not Diamond Dawn next to you.” She pegged Diamond Dawn right between the eyes with another bad cherry as she said her name.

Diamond was getting irritated.

“Relax Diamond,” Shadow said nudging her with his elbow. “It's no big deal. After all, we are brother and sister in laws. Family. And family likes to peg each other with the bad cherries every so often.”

With that Shadow swiftly used his wing to roll a bad cherry from his stash up his wing and launched it from his wing. It slammed into Dream Catcher's head, right above her left eye. It didn't bounce off like the ones Dream Catcher had thrown. It splattered all over her head, leaving cherry juice to drip down her face which was set in a frown.

“Not only a good sorter, but a great shot!” Grandma Cherry Tart exclaimed. They all laughed except a still sore Diamond Dawn. Grandma Cherry Tart actually got out of her cloud rocking chair and came over.

She tapped Diamond dawn on the shoulder. “Now Diamond, turn that frown upside down. It's harvest time. A time of friendship, family and care. We all know your game. When I was a filly, there was a colt I flirted with, just to annoy my parents. Buck up, take it in stride and laugh. Its supposed to be a fun time.”

Diamond Dawn smiled at her grandmother. “Yes Grandma. I will.”

“Good, now back to sorting and stemming, all of you!” Grandma Cherry Tart said, moving back to her chair.

Shadow continued to sort, but he hesitated to ask a question. He finally worked up the nerve. “Grandma Cherry Tart, obviously Cherry Tart was named after you, but is it a family name?”

“Just call me Grandma deary. And yes, it goes all the way back to before the great war. The old cloud farming families keep records of their offspring and who inherits the Homestead. All of us older families, like yours, could probably map out a good half of the farming ponies and their relations to each other over the years.”

“I checked the records before we came. This is not the first time our two Homesteads have married. Seven times over the 200 years they have married. They did them to strength both Homesteads and their worth in the Enclave. Each marriage was strong and loving despite being arranged. Like friends, a marriage fails when one side wants it to. Otherwise, they can be fought through anything.

“Now that is cool,” Shadow said. “Our father has hinted about keeping family records a few times. But not in that detail.”

They continued to sort and destem the cherries. The conversation was more light hearted, and everypony was enjoying a good time. Lunch came and went and so did dinner. Plenty to eat, and the stallions were making quite a discussion about farming across the district. Shadow was even part of their conversation.

They sent their guest's along their way, each with two cherry pies. The harvest was almost done, so they told them not to return. Their help was extremely appreciated. It was a ways out and things needed to be done at their farms and other harvests closer. The last of the barns had been finished during the day.

It was a wonderful day. More importantly, Cherry Tart was officially a part of the community, and her relationship with Early Blossom was fully accepted, as was their farm. Not understood, but accepted.

Bedtime was earlier than the day before. They wanted to finish with the trees early and then knock out sorting and destemming by the end of the day. After that, most of the cherries would be canned to preserve them for the coming year and the rest turned to jam. Shadow's family looked forward to learning that step in the harvest process. They were the closest family and would do the bulk of helping out Early Blossom and Cherry Tart. Next harvest Cherry Tart's family could be held up on their own farms.

Right before bed, Lance spoke up and with a joy that Shadow had never heard before. “Once the harvest is brought in, we ought to show you just how good Shadow Flare is at acrobatics.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Red said.

“I have heard about them, but never seen them myself,” Cherry Tart added.

“Well then,” Shadow smiled. “I better get to bed. I know you are not going to go easy on me Dad.”

“Nope. I'm going to test your limits every step of the way. You will hate me when I am done.”

The all laughed and began to get ready for bed.

“Its a good thing they have that spare bed for him, and only him,” Diamond Dawn said.

“Diamond, that isn't fare,” Red said. “Shadow was here helping before we arrived.

Grandma Cherry Tart pulled her blankets up tighter so she could sleep warmly. “Besides, the stallion is going to need it once he moves in here after we all leave.”

Everyone was silent and Lance turned his head to look at Shadow, a acquisitive look on his face.

“Really Shadow?” Rain Jubilee asked.

Cherry Tart hesitated. “We have discussed it, before family came. Grandma Tart is a bit ahead of things. Somehow”

“You know I am not!” Grandma Tart exclaimed.

“But it is a strong possibility,” Cherry Tart finished.

Shadow just smiled and shrugged. “I am off to bed. If Dad is going to throw me through an obstacle course tomorrow, I need all the rest I can get. I got my Cutie Mark from the last one he fully set up.”

Shadow ended things by getting up and heading upstairs. Everypony else followed suit.

In the hallway Spice Cake and Shadow crossed paths. “Shadow,” She said quietly stopping him. “I never... You are much better a stallion than you are given credit for. You really can do things. I am sorry I didn't see it sooner.”

Shadow smiled at Spice Cake. “Family. It happens. You are forgiven. You are my sister, how could I not?”

“Well, for one I would terrorize your room at night.”

“Ha, and then I rigged my room so Dad knew when you had made a move.”

“So that is how dad knew!”

“You have not been the nicest over the years, but I learned a lot from you early on. And besides, I have been learning more and more what family means, as well as forgiveness. Now only Lunar is left to make up with.”

“That one would be interesting.”

“I know. Goodnight Spice.”

They went their separate ways to bed.

The soft glow of a single candle was all Shadow had to get into bed.

A soft knock came at his door.

“Come in,” Shadow whispered.

Cherry Tart came, followed by Early Blossom.

“Grandma really has taken a liking to you Shadow,” Cherry Tart stated.

“Grandma also had fun today, didn't she Blossom,” Shadow said. A quick recap of their time sorting was given and all three snickered.

“She seems to have no care about you two,” Shadow said. “The others…”

“Its still foreign to them,” Cherry Tart chuckled. “We may be accepted, by both of our families, and now the community, but the bedroom is still something they won't get. But Grandma may be the most outspoken about supporting us, but she will be the last to ever talk about the bedroom.”

“I still can't believe Grandma is so frank,” Shadow said. “It's one thing to talk about the good old days and compare them to now, but to tell everyone I was moving here, before we had even officially settled on it. Or without us telling anypony... I never knew either our grandparents.”

“That is Grandma Tart,” Cherry Tart said laughing quietly. “Oh, Shadow, I heard your full name mostly all day, from your family as well. Even the others from town refereed to you by your full name.”

“Yeah, I noticed my dad add Flair when he brought up an obstacle course. And I don't think anypony in the surrounding area has ever called me anything but Shadow.”

“That is a nice and good for you Shadow. Its like you are growing up,” Early Blossom said.

“Only three years late,” Shadow stated. Nopony could see the smile on his face, but the smile still held old pain. That would take time to let go. Each change would slowly remove more and more.

“Well, better now then never,” Early Blossom said.

“I agree sis.”

“Now that is a new one,” Early blossom giggled. “I have never even heard you call Dream that. But it sounds right.”

“Well…” Shadow began, unsure what to say. “Sis just feels right. You are only a year older than me, and I am three years older than Dream. Besides, we have our own secret nicknames for each other.”

“Yeah, Spice is two years older than me, and Lunar four. They never have been… anything but older siblings. I did used to go to Spice when I was afraid in the night, but only for a short time. Mean older siblings for most of it sadly.”

“You broke that streak though,” Early Blossom said.

“And it is time for me to break the talking streak tonight,” Shadow said finding that perfect spot in the bed

The door softly closed and Shadow blew out the candle.