Author's Notes:

BOOK 1: PART 1: LOYALTY

Sky Breaker touched down on the road and approached the house. Lance came around the side. He had seen Sky Breaker descend to land. It was mid afternoon.

“What brings you here?” Lance asked Sky Breaker as he walked up to him.

“Shadow Flare,” Sky Breaker said flatly. “Is he here?”

Sky Breaker was dressed in his uniform. It had been cleaned and pressed the night before so he could look his sharpest.

“No, he is with his sister, at the Homestead up the way.”

“Homestead?” Sky Breaker said confused. “You are the only Homestead in the area.”

“Yes. Our own Early Blossom married Cherry Tart,” Lance explained. “The two of them started a Homestead. Apparently, when Cherry Tart acquired the land, her family heritage and the seeds given to her automatically made it a Homestead.”

“Two filly foolers starting a Homestead?”

“Well, the community is still getting used to it, but yes,” Lance said. “Now you said you were here for Shadow Flare?”

“Yes, but its for his hooves only,” Sky Breaker replied.

“I see. He applied, didn't he?”

“I can not confirm or deny that sir,” Sky Breaker curtly said. “Even if he is your son.”

Lance nodded in understanding. “He is three hours out along the road. It is where the road ends. I am sure it slipped his mind to notify you of the change in his home address.”

“The edge farms are always where the road ends,” Sky Breaker laughed. “And his change in address is nothing new out here. Ponies marry and move between the land. It is only natural. The lack of structure out here makes it difficult for the Enclave to grasp.”

“Except for the taxes,” Lance chuckled.

“I have nothing to do with those. But yes, for the good of the Enclave, we can at least keep the number of farms counted, so that the grand Pegasus Race continues on in its glory.”

“I can send Dream Catcher to fetch him and send him to you in El Nino,” Lance offered.

“No, I think I will head on,” Sky Breaker said, looking off in the direction to the Homestead. “I want to see this for myself. Besides, my training in the Enclave wasn't easy. I am not about to get soft at a desk job. It's late, but I will still be able to make the round trip journey.”

“I know they will put you up for the night. They have plenty of room. Cherry Tart went a bit over the top,” Lance said. “Or you could spend the night here.”

“No,” Sky Breaker said distracted. “I need the workout. And besides, I will be taking enough time off to help my family with the harvest. Thank you sir.”

With that, Sky Breaker took off towards his new destination.

Cherry Tart, Early Blossom and Shadow Flare were making dinner when the knock came on the door. It was late for somepony to be making a social visit. Cherry Tart headed off to get the door.

“Is Shadow Flare here?”

“You must be Sky Breaker,” Cherry Tart said.

She turned to call Shadow. “Shadow, Sky Breaker is here, he needs you. And he is in full dress uniform. Don't make him wait. Blossom take over for Shadow.”

“I am too busy Tart. We both have our hooves full here.”

Cherry Tart sighed. “Come on in. Sounds like teaching Shadow to cook has backfired tonight.”

Sky Breaker nodded and stepped into the house and Cherry Tart trotted back to the kitchen.

“Shadow, you… Blossom stop, let Shadow...” Sky Breaker could hear her trying to fix things in what sounded like a vein attempt at taking control.

After a few minutes, a very messy Shadow came around the corner to where Sky Breaker was standing.

“Sorry,” Shadow said cleaning his hooves. “And I guess I forgot to tell you about the change in address. You went to my family's house first didn't you.”

“No worries,” Sky Breaker said. “Besides, you know as well as I do that address do not exist out here. Anyway, here is your response.” Sky Breaker lifted his wing up and grabbed the envelope from out of the mail sling he was wearing.

Shadow took and opened the envelope. It was hoof written, with lots of big words, but it was an acceptance letter.

Shadow reread it and said the final assignment out loud. “Accepted for basic training and evaluation of skills required for recon duty.”

“Congratulations. You are now a member of the Enclave, the protectors of the Pegasus Race.”

“Thank you,” Shadow said slowly.

“One of the papers in the back will be the bank note for your signing bonus. The local bank in El Nino will be able to cash it.”

“Thank you,” Shadow said again. It was all he knew what to say.

“Don't worry about it. Also, in there will be report orders, as well as a list of approved items to be taken to training, though I doubt you have little, if any of them. I certainly didn't. You can pick up the duffel bag on market day.”

Shadow glanced at the specific orders. “Report to the El Nino office at 7am, where Cherry Town recruits will be waiting. From there we go to Mountain Ridge to join recruits and spend the night. After that it is on to the Enclave training camp, Fort Wind.”

Shadow stood there rereading it. It was a lot of flying. He looked at Sky Breaker. “I am going to be way out of my league.”

“In ways you will be, but you have a tougher hide than the city pegasus I met in training, even those in the military schools. It's the farming blood in you. You will do fine. Especially once training begins. Just put all your focus to that. I know the flight to Fort Wind is going to be all new and difficult.”

“You will pick your “sergeant” who leads things from here. I doubt there will be anypony from Cherry Town. I have heard nothing from them. Right now there are only two recruits coming from El Nino. In the past ten years, this district has only seen three pegasi join the Enclave, including you, that pegasus Flash you saw, and me.”

Shadow smiled at Sky Breaker. “Your commanding officers must be happy. You basically doubled the recruits prior to your assignment as recruiter in El Nino.”

Sky Breaker leaned in to whisper. “Shadow, this district is almost completely ignored by the Enclave. Except for the tax. There are only two soldiers in the district. Me and whoever is at Cherry Town. If there even is a recruiter there. Not even Enclave Law Enforcement is here.”

“The recruiter I took over for was an old pegasus, who had spent his life in the Enclave. A highly respected pegasus, but they needed new blood to move up, so they transferred him to El Nino. When I put in my application, I had to go up to his flat on the second floor and knock on the door. He didn't even have office hours.”

“The rumor is that I am the only recruiter in the district. I was offered this job because they thought I could get better results. They wont get them until there is a stronger Enclave presence. And the Enclave has more important things to do than be present here right now. They only care about the food.”

“Mind you, I will begin campaigning in the surrounding areas, and soon I will be officially checking in with the Cherry Town Office. I was sent here with high hopes, and the more I am here, the more I learn that there is no hope. I sent myself to my doom here. I only began to unravel how bad it is because of official communications that were sent to me. Yes, I look good, this year. But it is probably going to be the only good year.”

“You know I am right here and can here you,” Cherry Tart chimed in, surprising both of them. “And you are right. The recruitment office in Cherry Town in closed. I came from near there. Reported our taxes to Cherry Town. The recruitment office was well known for its tattered flags and its sign posted directing everypony to El Nino. Only problem is, we don't have decent maps. That is how Blossom and I met when I completely missed El Nino.”

“So then, It is as bad as I feared,” Sky Breaker said, downtrodden.

“Probably not. But you should make your presence known in the summer there. That is when you can get recruits, or at least peak interest. It is a bit overcrowded there compared to the rest of the district. Which is why I came West.”

“Thank you for you help,” Sky Breaker said nodding his head in thanks. “I must be off now.”

“Nonsense!” Cherry Tart exclaimed. “Screw tomorrow's office hours. Nopony is going to go there anyway. You are eating dinner with us, sleeping here, and then going on your way tomorrow morning. AFTER breakfast.”

Shadow was already heading to the dinning room. “Come on Sky, there is no point in arguing with her. Tart does not take no lightly, especially when it comes to hospitality.”

Sky Breaker stood there, Shadow walking off. He saw Early Blossom poke her head out of the kitchen to take a look.

Cherry Tart was staring him down, waiting for him to give up and come on in. He caved and followed her to the dinning room. He was on an official Enclave business trip after all, so lodging might be needed.

They talked over dinner. Cherry Tart gave Sky Breaker a much needed picture of the other half of the district. The half he wasn't officially responsible for. It was nice having Sky Breaker over.

“I can already state as this is an official business trip. But I will also put spending the night here in my official report. Part of information gathering from the outer reaches of the district and surrounding farms, as well as to verify the new farms for taxation purposes,” Sky Breaker announced. “I have to make some report on my journey. Might as well do it right.”

“Perhaps I should set up a recruiting booth at the Market in Cherry Town?”

“That would be a wonderful idea,” Cherry Tart said. “It would be the talk of the Market. I am sure you could figure out a way to work both recruiting offices.”

“This just became a lot more than I was ever led on to believe,” Sky Breaker sighed.

“Which was probably what they wanted,” Cherry Tart cooed. “You got more than you bargained for, but you also are a farming pony who won't back down.”

Sky Breaker slammed his hoof on the table. “Damn It! You are right. I will figure this out. And I will make sure that when the proper time comes, the Enclave knows all the hard work I have been doing and either sends reinforcements or removes me from my position.”

“Good!” Early Blossom said. “Now, lets all go to bed. Sky Breaker has an early morning and a long flight back to El Nino.”

“Alright everypony,” Lance began. “Thank you for all coming out to pull in this year's harvest. This year we will do something a little different. This year we will not be putting the turnips into carts. This year we will bag. Once the bag is full, leave it where it is. We will have a runner or two bringing the bags in.”

Everypony began to talk back and fourth about the change.

“You have a lot of turnips to harvest,” Maple Tree said confused. “So we just leave them in the field, to be picked up later?”

Shadow walked over to his father, a specially built carrier on his back with saddlebags as well. It had plenty of room for his wings to be used and maneuver.

“Try and keep me busy,” Shadow smiled.

Everypony just stood there. Unsure as to what to say. Shadow hadn't helped at all since the cherry harvest. They were too far out to be useful. But the community had heard about him and his feats. Now was the time to prove it.

“He is serious,” Lance stated. “Just bag and move on. Shadow will keep up.”

Shadow hadn't told anypony that he had joined the Enclave yet. The only ponies who knew were Cherry Tart and Early Blossom and there was no way to avoid keeping that secret from them.

“Besides. It will be good endurance training for me before I head off to training.”

Lance look at Shadow. “Training?”

“I am officially a recruit of the Enclave,” Shadow declared. “I will be bucking for a hard earned place as a recon team member. If not that, scout. I should have no problem with either. I fit their entrance qualifications to a T.”

It was a half lie. He fit their entrance qualifications for basic training to T, but the recon was still well past unknown.

“Well then,” Lance said still shocked. “I wish you the best of luck on your pursuit to protect the community. Although we will be talking about this is detail as soon as the harvest is in.”

Shadow nodded in understanding.

“Shadow,” Black said stepping forward. “You will be a great asset to the Enclave. The community will miss you.” Other Stallions and Mares stepped forward giving their approval.

“Now, lets not dwell on it any longer,” Shadow said putting his hoof down and standing proud. “We have harvest to bring in!”

Even with the best farmers working their hardest to bring in the harvest, Shadow wasn't having a problem keeping up with them. They certainly were impressed with his speed and endurance. The entire harvest moved faster without them having to haul their carts and go back to drop the turnips off.

Back at the house, they were unbagging the turnips, cleaning them and tying them off for the tax.

“Well isn't that something,” Maple Tree said to Lance. “Shadow, after all this time, is going to be in the Enclave. And apparently he is exactly what they need.”

“I don't doubt he is what they need,” Lance agreed. “I do wish he had informed me sooner.”

“I am surprised you didn't know.”

“Well, there was one hint,” Lance replied. “Sky Breaker stopped by last week with something for Shadow. And he had to hoof deliver it Shadow. He couldn't officially say anything.”

“Well, he certainly has proven his worth today, and this harvest,” Maple Tree marveled.

“That he has,” Lance confirmed. “I only wish, for his sake, that we had figured it out a few years back.”

“It's not your fault,” Shadow said stunning both of them.

“Shadow!” Lance jumped.

“Sky Breaker was the one who figured out my Cutie Mark in a way that made more sense than farming could make of it,” Shadow began to explain. “I got it on an obstacle course you made me after all. Each lighting bolt stands for something just like each sword they cross and each arrow head they are on do. The three fundamental of work and life. ‘Speed, Agility and Power.’ With that, you can go anywhere.”

“I just do not understand why you kept it a secret?” Lance asked.

“Because if I did not get accepted, it would only be another strike against me. Something that would not be forgotten in the community, even though it would not be one of ill will or low repute. It was better to keep it quiet until everything was official.”

“When do you leave?” Maple Tree asked.

“Three weeks after Market. The training is typically centered around the farming schedule too keep the farms working better.”

“Well, you should be quite proud of yourself Shadow,” Maple Leaf stated. “The community would love to hear from you as soon as you get the chance. We never got much word from Sky Breaker sadly.”

“Of course,” Shadow said grabbing the bag and then continuing on.

The night was spent discussing all the details with his family. Shadow had brought his orders and the official acceptance letter. He kept the signing bonus secret, for now. The family was understanding. Less so for Cherry Tart and Early Blossom knowing Shadow's plans and not informing them.

“It was not our place to speak about Shadow's future,” Early Blossom explained. “Yes, he confided in us. Yes, we knew he went to talk to Sky Breaker and we knew he applied. But it was his place to speak up about it. He spoke truth today. If he had not been accepted, how would he be viewed?”

“Well then,” Lance decided. “When we are in town for Market, we will need to get a family photo taken, so you will always be with us, and us with you. And you will also take a small bag of turnip seeds, so the farm is always with you.”

“I agree,” Cherry Tart added. “You have and are living with us, and always accepted as a member of our house. Some cherry pits will also be sent with you.”

“Thank you, all of you,” Shadow said warmly. “Those are not on the 'do not bring' list and will be carried always.

“I will truly miss you,” Dream Cather said. She hadn't stopped hugging him since they had finished for the evening. “I know it is right for you to go, but I love you and will always love you. Nothing you could do will ever change that. ”

“Thanks Catcher,” Shadow said openly using her nickname for the first time. “You will always be in my heart. I love you more than I can express.” He hugged her back.

Shadow, Early Blossom and Cherry Tart spent the night. There was sorting and cleaning work to be done in the morning, but the harvest was in. The community was always there to help bring in the last harvest. It didn't even take a full day to bring all of the turnips. A big feat since they were a Homestead.

Market day was always fun, except this year. This year would be their last as a whole family, at least for a while. They got to town a day early to get the family pictures taken. They took one of the nuclear family, another with Cherry Tart, Rift and Buck. Dream Catcher had her photo taken alone with Shadow and Cherry Tart and Early Blossom also took a picture together with Shadow. The pictures would be ready the next day. Shadow would have copies of all of them.

Shadow didn't know how many bits they cost. He also had no idea how many bits his father had. It suddenly seemed like the farm had a lot more bits than anypony was ever led on to believe. Lance was probably the only one who knew the exact amount, maybe Buck since the farm would be his.

Shadow also stepped away later that day. He had some business to take care of. First he cashed his signing bonus. Then he went to Rarity's Gems. Her name wasn't actually Rarity. It was a name from prewar which had stuck around. Her name was Opal Waters, and her Cutie Mark was that of a sewing needle and thread.

“Hello Shadow,” Opal Waters said coming out of the back. “I have your orders all ready. I must say, I am quite proud of them since they were such simple orders.”

Shadow followed her over to one of the racks, filled with his order. The first noticeable ones were the three aprons. One for Cherry Tart, one for Early Blossom and one for his mother. Their names were embroidered on the front and flanked by their Cutie Marks and they would match their coats perfectly.

The next thing was three heavy, black, waterproof coats. One for his father, one for Buck and one for Lunar. The clasp in the front was their Cutie Mark. Alongside the clasp was each pony's name embroidered in white. The next two coats were the same, except brown. One for Rift and one for Spice Cake. Other than the color, they were made like the others, embroidering and all.

The final item was a saddle bag. Made of tough cotton weave, it was embossed with a white Cross and every stitch was red. The brass clasps that held the flaps in place were crosses as well. At the bottom of each side of the saddle bag was Dream Catcher, expertly embroidered into the material. The bag had an inner lining to keep the contents waterproof, while the outside could look as stunning as it was.

“These are just perfect!” Shadow exclaimed. Two days after he was accepted, he flew the long flight to El Nino to make his order. He had traced out all of their Cutie Marks and matched their coat and mane colors as best as he could. He was not much of an artist, but it did its job.

“What is my final total,” Shadow asked.

“Five hundred and thirty four bits,” Opal Waters replied. “16 bits less than I estimated. But the quality is outstanding. Although they may not look like much, I actually photographed them for my albums. They may not be gowns, dresses and suits, but they turned out to be more than simple garments.”

“They will mean a lot to my family as well,” Shadow said as he counted the bits. “It was well worth the time and price of coming here to make a special order than just going to a normal shop.”

“Function meets fashion,” Opal Water said flamboyantly. “And that is the title of that section of the album. You wont find a better made item in El Nino, if not the entire Enclave. I also embroidered my name and shop discreetly on the inside of everypony's gift. It is standard on all of my goods.”

Even though I am the only boutique in the city, It is good marketing. For one can never forget it's origins. I am proud of my work and everypony does deserve to know where they can get fine, yet affordable, fashion.”

“You certainly do your job well,” Shadow praised her. “Too bad you do not live in a larger city.”

“Oh, El Nino suits me just fine. I actually send pieces out to other boutiques in the larger cities. Some of them love to feature small, exotic pieces from other parts of the Enclave. It is the bulk of my business actually and it sustains the real passion and pieces I can hoof design here for special orders. Besides, someponies have come from other other side of the Enclave just to order from me because of those shops.”

“Your orders were inspiring,” Opal Water sighed contently. “I was afraid they might be a bit dull, but they came out so well I have already begun to manufacture a Homestead Line, to target at the farming ponies outside of El Nino. After all, they deserve quality items that are as hard working as they are. Cost effective too.”

“I would love to see them,” Shadow said intrigued. Opal Waters showed him the cloaks she had begun to make in several sizes. Each one was expertly crafted and of extremely durable, waterproof fabric. Better than the normal cloaks the farms wore on the tough days. And well worth the extra expense. She also had an apron half made.

“You might want to close down shop tomorrow and get a booth to show off your new line to the farmers,” Shadow Flare suggested.

“Wonderful idea Shadow Flare,” Opal Waters said. “I will go get a booth. Your farming brethren should know there are now other options available.”

“They certainly do need to know. And be prepared to barter with food. Bits are rare,” Shadow said.

“Oh I usually close down shop in the morning to get shopping done at Market. I know the drill,” Opal Waters said.

“I should get back to them,” Shadow stated. “The family is probably wondering where I wondered off to.”

“I wish I could see their faces, but your presents are special and should be done in privet.”

“Thank you again Opal Waters.”

Shadow left the boutique and put his hood up. His coat also hid his saddlebags and how full they were. It was nearing the end of fall and the wind was really picking up, making the already cool weather colder. Soon the winds would be dancing with snow and ice. The northern mountain's icy teeth were closing in fast.

“There you are Shadow,” Rain Jubilee declared. “We turned around and you were missing.”

“Sorry, I wandered off to meet an acquaintance.”

“Well, it is almost dinner time. Your father and Buck headed out to find a good place to eat. That fits in the budget.”

“I am not sure we really have a budget,” Shadow replied. “We are not staying in a hostel, in fact we have six very nice rooms. We couldn't even talk him down to five rooms. We are perfectly fine doubling up. And the pictures had to have cost a pretty bit as as well.”

“I know,” Rain Jubilee said. She gathered her strength. “Your father knows what he is doing. This is a special year. We won't see you for another five years, at least, and I know he wants to make it special before the Market tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow is definitely a business day and not one we can really enjoy. Besides, getting here a day early got us the best booths. Cherry and Blossom are right on the main corner, and we are right next to them. Rift's family will be besides us as well. We will not be short hoofed, even with Spice primarily helping Rift's family.”

“Well then,” Cherry Tart added. “We are all set then.”

Cherry Tart and Early Blossom had taken a stroll through the city that had brought them together. They had missed the booth buying and Shadow had seen them arrive right just before he did.

Lance and Buck came trotting up a little bit later. “We found a nice place up the ways. Good food, good prices. We got them to set up some tables for us all.”

Shadow was surprised when he saw what place they were going to. It was the only restaurant around. It was the same one Sky Breaker had taken Shadow. They had sat outside, so Shadow didn't catch how nice the inside was. The deli was a lot more fancy then he realized and it was really only a deli at lunch. The place was above than he expected his father to want to pay for.

Crepuscule trotted over to their table, which was set up in the private party room. There already was water at each spot as well.

“Well hello Shadow,” Crepuscule said. “I didn't know you were in town. That must have been how Lance found us.”

“Actually,” Shadow smiled. “I wasn't around when they left to find a place to eat dinner. And I had not told them about Sky Breaker taking me here. I also didn't know it was so nice inside.”

“I know, the tables outside are much more relaxing, and our lunch menu is very different than our dinner menu,” Crepuscule chirped.

“How was the ball? It was the other evening right?” Shadow asked.

“Oh it was wonderful. And the treatment they gave Sky and I was amazing. I had never been to the ball before, and it was certainly a real honor. He spoke about reaching out, and being the only Enclave recruiter in the district. He promised to do much more for the community than had ever been done before. He is actually in Cherry Town for their Market. He set up a booth there to bring the Enclave presence back to Cherry Town.”

“That sounds wonderful. Him being away will be tough wont it?” Shadow asked.

“Oh I will manage,” She said nonchalantly. “Besides, he wants to get much more serious in our relationship. Which can only mean good things.”

“Well I wish you two happiness and joy to come,” Shadow said toasting her with his water glass.

“Thank you. Now, for the rest of you, my name is Crepuscule. I will be taking care of you this fine evening. We have other drink choices as well if you desire to see that menu and I shall be back in a bit to take your orders.”

“Lance,” Rain Jubilee said concerned, “I know you have the finances in control, and want this to be special, but this is getting to be a bit over the top, don't you think?”

“We have lived sparingly on our farm since the beginning,” Lance began. “But over the years it has paid off. Not only have we been able to help others in need in our community, but we have saved a lot more than you would think. And not just in the farm.”

Lance got situated a bit more before continuing. “There is a sizable amount in the bank here. The founder of our Homestead came from a well off family. Most of his family died in the attack on Cloudsdale. He and his brother became the beneficiary of a sizable enterprise based in Las Pegasus. I do not know which one or if it is still around. That was stricken from the family's main records.”

“His older brother was in Las Pegasus at the time, learning to manage a business. He decided to stay a farmer. He gave his share of the business to his brother for a percentage of the profits each year. Together they made sure that our farm would always be financially stable. I am barely touching the funds we have.”

“We threw Lunar and Buck a nicer than normal, but still appropriate wedding. Spice Cake's wedding will be the same and so will Dream Catcher's. Shadow too if he gets married around here. But I don't want this farm to lose its ideology that has stood for two hundred years. Honesty, hard work and living within your means.”

“And actually, we have more than enough bits from the farm to cover all of this. I still will go to the bank replenish what we had at the farm, but that is besides the point. Our farm alone has saved a lot of bits because of these ideals.”

“This is a special day. One of the last days we will get to spend as a whole family in a long time. Things will change. Change is good in many ways. But I want to make sure that we have a very special time together. One we can remember for years to come and all of you can tell your grand fillies and colts about, except the secret stash of bits of course.”

Everypony was shocked, except Buck who already knew.

“Thank you dad,” Shadow gasped. “It means a lot to me. But we should turn our focus to dinner.”

“And no holding back. Order what you want,” Lance insisted.

Everypony made their selections for food, and Lance ordered a round of mead for everypony, including young Dream Catcher. Alcohol was rare on the farms. Only at weddings was any brought out, and that was usually a glass per pony for the toast. Some farms did make their own meads or wine. But fruit was rare and honey had better uses.

In the lull after everypony had finished eating, Shadow decided that was never a more appropriate time to give out his gifts. Although, the shock of their actual financial situation made him second guess the importance and the cost he had actually spent.

It took him picturing his family working on other farms to bring a harvest or planting, in their embroidered coats, that were made special, for them, by their son, out of the bonus he was given, to remember that these gifts were outside the means of the family, despite how much they actually had.

His family truly lived like the others in the community. As honest, hard working cloud farmers. They lived off the land and what little bits they made. They were just like the others, even if they actually had a lot more than anypony realized.

“Everypony,” Shadow said. His heart began to beat faster as everypony's attention focused on him. “As part of joining the Enclave, I was given a signing bonus. Dad is right. It is a special time. And for that reason, I had special gifts designed for you all, to keep me close to you while I am away.”

Shadow moved his cloak off his saddlebags. He pulled out his father's coat first. “Father, you have done everything you could for me. If it was not for you instruction and training when I was barely able to walk, I would not be where I am today.” Shadow handed the coat over to his father. “A specially designed coat that is waterproof and will keep you warm. The clasp is your Cutie Mark and your name is embroidered beside it.”

Shadow's father might have a lot more money than they realized, but he really did believe in living within your means. And the tears in his eyes at the special gift were more than words could say.

“Buck. You are as strong as my father, hard working and a great pegasus. The farm is yours, and you are out with my father everyday, no matter what the weather. I am proud to call you my brother. To you, I also give a waterproof coat. Like my father's it has your Cutie Mark as your clasp and your name embroidered alongside it.”

Shadow had never seen Buck shed a tear. But he accepted the gift with great reverence and with a tear sliding down his cheek. “Shadow, this is a perfect gift. You could not have chosen better for me.”

“Lunar, we may not have seen eye to eye over the years, but you are still my sister. And like my Father and Buck, you work for the farm and it's legacy. I give you the same cloak as your husband and our Father. Like their's, it is a hard working and durable as you are.”

Lunar Harvest was stunned. “I really have not been a good sister to you over the years. I certainly do not deserve this.”

“I chose it because you do. You are my sister. Family is what matters. In your heart you know that.”

Lunar had nothing more to say but tears. Both of sorrow for the past and the touching and perfect gift.

“Spice, you are leaving us to start you life with Rift. You will have to work hard to keep their farm going, and already you have made such a a wonderful impact on their lives. Same coats as theirs, except in brown. Personalized with your name and your Cutie Mark clasp like all the others.”

“Wow, Shadow,” Spice Cake sputtered. “It is, amazing and thoughtful gift. One that will be well used and is already well loved. I just ripped my field cloak, and the material of this, it is going to withstand even the toughest of conditions for years to come. Heirloom quality.” Like the others, her eyes were watery.

Shadow didn't know what else to do but continue.

“Rift, I chose for you the same as Spice Cake's. As their designer, Opal Waters put it ' Function meets fashion.' She actually is creating an affordable and functional farm ware line that can withstand the pressure of all of our hard work. Of course, they are not as nice as your cloaks, and they will be definitely lacking the special embroidering and Cutie Mark clasps that were specially designed for your cloaks.”

“Shadow, you have just welcomed me into this family in a way that, that, is indescribable. I have not had much to do with you, but you are looking out for the greater good of the family, including those of us who have just joined. 'Function meets fashion' is truly what you have given us. This cloak will certainly not wear out for years, if it ever does. It is absolutely amazing. It is certainly above what my farm can afford, as well as most farms. It will shine out among the community as a special gift and the love you have for us, and the community as well.”

“Thank you Rift,” Shadow said. “It was exactly what I wanted to treat all of you too. Something special and functional. Something that would fit in the community, but stand out as well.

“Mother, what can a son say to his Mother? You gave me everything you could. You loved me in a way no pony could. You have sustained this farm from the beginning. You have worked the fields, but now you leave that to your foals, so you can keep all of our belly's full and the house together. I have for you a specially made apron. It has your name embroidered on the front, flanked by your Cutie Mark. It is strong like you and will not be easily worn out.”

“A mother could not ask for a better son,” Rain Jubilee said chocking back tears. “And this design is colorful, fun and perfect.”

“Early Blossom and Cherry Bloom. You two have been absolutely amazing to me. You offered me a chance beyond everything. And you supported me as well. You even taught me cook. You two spend most of your time in the kitchen and I am convinced it is you favorite room in your house.”

Both of them blushed. Shadow pulled out their aprons. “Like the one made for my mother, this is a stronger apron than most aprons and I know they will be well loved and used.”

“You need to get one yourself,” Early Blossom said making them all laugh. “And even more frilly than ours.”

“When I come back,” Shadow chuckled.

“Even if you bring your special somepony. Promise me that my brother.”

“Of course I promise you Blossom,” Shadow smiled. “I will make my word good.”

Shadow breathed in deeply and let the air out to compose himself.

“Catcher,” he began. “You know I love you more than I can express. You are kind, just, and will make an impact on this world. Your passion is caring for anypony who needs it. And so I got you something that will only help you do that more.”

Shadow picked up the saddlebags and handed them to her. “Waterproofed, durable saddlebags. The details on it is exquisite. You should never need another one. It is embroidered with your name, accented with your coat color, and embossed with your Cutie Mark.”

Shadow couldn't say anything else. Dream Catcher was hugging him to tight.

Lance ordered another round of mead for everypony, except for Dream Catcher who was only half done with hers and who had enough for a filly her age.

“Shadow, I don't know where to begin,” Lance said. “You epitomized exactly what the Homestead is about. Living within your means and giving it your all. You have made an amazing choice joining the Enclave. It will be a wonderful thing and I know you will be the best you can be.”

“I have watched you grow up and become a very special pony. And now you will take that to all of Equestria. Your gifts are, well I have no words to explain how you thought of more than yourself with the bonus.”

“These obviously cost a good bit. But cost didn't matter, what mattered to you was getting the best you could for your family. The best that they needed. Never forget that. Never forget where you came from. Never forget who your family is. Never forget the life lessons your Mother and I have taught you. And never forget the lessons you have learned about yourself up until this time. The Enclave is tough. They have their ideals. But remember your ideals and your identity.”

“Thanks Dad,” Shadow smiled.

Lance came over to Shadow and hugged him. They left the restaurant when it was near closing. The stallions each had a few more drinks. And they all had desert added on as well. It was an extremely special night for all.