After we are welcomed home by my family we go inside the house. Sumac shows Epona to hers and Ginger’s bedroom. As she goes inside, I hear her say, “It is so much larger than on our side, wow.”

Then I hear Sumac tell her, “Well it used to not be this large, but with all the ponies living here, we had to add on.”

Epona then hangs her SMG just under the spot for Ginger’s SIR on the rack. I notice it is starting to get full and we will need to get another one soon it seems.

After she leaves the room I get out the bottle of Old Overmare that Sutures gave me in Hackamore. As she demanded I set it in plain sight so I can see it. Yes, it is a reminder of what I crave, but also what I have to lose.

I then head into the downstairs adult bedroom and remove my uniform and I get out the dress I wore at Scrap Pile’s wedding. As I lay the scarf I wore next to it I have to smile at the memories. I then go out to the yard and have Sutures help harness me up to the farm’s cart so I can go get the rad hogs for the trouble trio. Before I go, I ask her, “Dear, can I have Moon Lily go with me to help lift the hogs?”

She looks insulted at first then asks me, “Why would you ask for her dear?”

I look tenderly at her and I tell her, “because I know you are tired already and I saw earlier she can do it.”

I see her bite her bottom lip then she tells me, “Ok, if you think you can handle her.”

I nod my head and kiss her on the cheek. “Thanks, dearest, I will make it as quick as I can.”

She then calls Moon Lily over and tells her, “Ok dear, Mama Mollygirl is going to take you out to get those radhogs, when you get there you will be able to use your magic on them. However, you have to listen to her, ok?”

I see her eyes go wide and she tells her mother in a very serious voice, “Yes momma, I be good.”

“Ok, dear, thank you.” She tells her and gives her daughter a hug. Moon Lily then climbs into the back of the wagon and I hear her giggle as we start off. Before we can leave the farmyard, I hear Millie yell, “I go to Mama?”

I smile at her and tell her gently, “Not this time dear, why don’t you go play with your brothers and spend time with Papa Badger.”

I see a bit of disappointment in her face, but all she says is “OK mama,” then she trots back to her brothers and begins to play again.

Once she is busy, I begin to start again. It only takes us about 20 minutes to get there. All three of them are covered in gore from field-dressing the radhogs. As we pull up, I hear Ginger say, “You really did bring Moon Lily back to help?”

As I nod my head, I hear Moon say, “Yep, I help,” and she jumps down from the wagon, and trots proudly over to them. I have turned the wagon around and the tailgate has been lowered so I tell her, “Ok Moon, use your magic to pick up the hogs and put them in the back of the cart please.”

It is at this time that I learn to watch how I phrase things to Moon Lily. I am at first stunned as her horn lights up and she grunts a bit as she lifts both radhog carcasses up and floats them to the back of the cart. Then I am almost lifted off my hooves when she places both of them right at the tailgate. I quickly hear Xochitl tell her, “Moon, please put them one by one, further into the cart so your mom can pull it easier ok?”

I hear her say, “OK chotil, I do.” Then I feel them both shift and move to balance the cart more evenly. Then she asks, “Good?”

Xochitl tells her with a smile in his voice, “Yes Moon, very good. Thank you.”

As I am hearing this behind me, I see Sunny fly up to me and he asks quietly, “Colonel, uh, is it normal for a unicorn filly to be able to lift that much?”

I quietly answer back to him, “Uh Sunny, I don’t think most adult unicorns can lift that much.”

“Ohhh, Ok, in that case, I will have to remember to never make her mad.” He tells me again in a whisper.

I nod my head and tell him, “You may want to let Ginger know that too. However, she has been very disciplined about getting permission to use her magic too.”

I see him put a hoof under his jaw and then he smiles, “At least this gives me some practice in case my next sibling is a unicorn instead of a pegasus.”

I have to smile when he says this as he is right about it. I am wondering myself if Blondie will have a pegasus, unicorn, or earth pony this time. Sutures did a quick check for her on our way home from town. But she said the head was covered by the foal’s forelegs preventing her from seeing if it had a horn or not. She was perplexed also as she could not tell with her magic if it had wings or not yet. As she said to me, “Mollygirl this little one wants it to be a surprise it seems. I have never had that happen before.”

Soon after this Ginger, Xochitl, and Moon Lily approach the front of the wagon and I hear Xochitl say, “We are ready.”

We are about halfway home when Moon begins to complain she is tired. I am just about ready to tell her to get in the wagon when Ginger tells her, “Hop on my back Moon, I got you.”

I have to smile as we walk the rest of the way back with Ginger carrying her on her back. I also notice how much of a growth spurt that Ginger, Xochitl, and Sunny all went through while we were gone. Another change that is subtle over time, but confronts a pony all at once when you have not seen them for a while.

As we enter the yard, I am this time greeted by Xavier and Persimmon Tree, as well as a young zony mare, Persimmon tells me, “Mollygirl, this is our daughter Xailynn, I am sorry for not telling you earlier, but I wanted to surprise you when you came home, so I asked the others to not say anything either.”

I understand fully and I smile at the little filly and tell them, “She is beautiful, I really look forward to getting to know her too.”

Next Xavier tells me, “Ok Colonel, let’s get these hogs unloaded, take them by that tree over there and we will pull them off using ropes.”

I nod my head. About this time, I notice that Moon Lily has woken up from a brief nap on Ginger’s back. She sees Xavier and Xochitl wrapping a rope around the back legs of the radhogs and I see her horn begin to glow and she says, “I help.”

I see how tired she is and I know she needs a break, so I tell her, “Not this time little one. You need a break right now,” I then tell Ginger, “Dear, why don’t you take her into the house so she can get a nap for me.”

Ginger nods, “Ok Ma, I will be right back out.”

As she walks away with a very tired Moon Lily on her back Xavier calls out to me, “Ok, they are ready, go slow.” I take several steps forward then I feel the weight release from the back of the cart and I begin to head to the barn to store it. As they walk up, I hear Xochitl say, “Hey Pa, some of the new settlers are zebras.”

I see Xavier nod his head and he tells his son, “That’s nice. It will be nice to have a few more around here.”

Then Xochitl says, “Yeah, he said his aunt Xyliana is going to marry a pony, but his ma wants to marry a zebra stallion,” I see him put his hoof under his chin as he says, “I just realized that he never said anything about his other aunt. I wonder if she will be happy with a pony or will want a zebra too?”

As the harness begins to loosen so I can get out of it, I see a concerned look on Xavier’s face. He then tells his son, “Son, please do not bring this up to your mother. I have enough problems as it is.”

I watch as Xochitl nods his head seriously and says, “I understand Father. I just thought you should know.”

“Thank you, my son. Now let’s get back to the others.”

We head back to the main house. I am met on the porch by Magpie who has a nice glass of cooled tea for me to drink. As I am drinking it down, she says, “Sutures used a cooling spell on it, but she did not want to form any ice as it would have used too much of her magic.”

I sigh and tell her, “Yes, I can understand that. I watched Moon almost use too much. I think that is why she is so tired.”

I see her nod her head and then she tells me, “I will be right back. I best let Sutures know.”

I sit on the porch and continue to sip my tea before I go inside. Before I am done Sutures comes back out and asks, “Ok, what exactly happened with my daughter?”

So, I proceed to tell her. Once I am done, she shakes her head and tells me, “Yeah, I guess we have to be more literal with what we tell her to do then. Ok, Mollygirl, I love you and I know you would never hurt her on purpose, but I think it best if I am with her when she uses her magic.”

I simply agree and then I tell her, “Sorry love, I really did not even imagine her trying to lift both at once, but what is frightening is that she not only lifted both of them but set them on the back of the cart at the same time. Dear, they lifted me up.” As I say this, I see her eyes go wide. Then I continue, “I think it best we have Aunt Purple Haze begin her training as soon as possible if that is alright with you?”

I see a slight look of consternation on her face then she leans against my neck with her face and I hear her quietly say, “But my baby is growing up so fast my love.”

I wrap my hoof around her and I tell her, “I know love, and it is our job to help guide her as she grows. Just like a farmer raising their crops. We are the farmers, there is only so much we can do but we still have to try so we get a good crop.”

I see her smile some and she nuzzles me some more and tells me, “Thank you, love. I needed to be reminded of that.” We stand like this for several minutes then she tells me, “We best join the rest love. They have been waiting for you too.”

I smile and nod my head as I start back into the house to begin to reacquaint myself with the rest of my family.

As I go inside Sumac gives me a brief hug and tells me, “Hot water is on the stove to clean up with. You better hurry before Ginger gets to it.”

As I hug her back, I tell her, “Thanks Sumac, I appreciate it,” I then notice that she has a new dress on and I tell her, “I love your new dress, you look so nice in it.”

“Thank you Mollygirl, I noticed you had a new one and a new scarf.”

“Yes, I bought both for Scrap Pile’s wedding back in Hackamore.”

She looks at me funny then I tell her, “Sorry Sumac, I forgot you guys have not met her. I adopted another mare. She is about to turn eighteen soon. She runs a scrap shop there and her husband is the town Marshall. Epona and Tater are close to her.”

“So, you are saying we would like her?” Sumac asks with a raised eyebrow.

I smile as I nod and I tell her, “I am sure of it. Oh, and she has started to call Archer, Papa Archer before we left.”

I see her smile as she shakes her head, “For a mare who could only give birth to one foal, dear, you have a lot of children.”

“Thanks, what is funny is she is due in another couple of months. According to Sutures she is carrying twins. So, I guess I will be a grandma too already.”

I see her start to laugh, then between laughs, she says, “if you adopted her and so has Archer, that means we all are going to be grandparents dear, including Magpie.”

My eyes open wide as I realize what that means, and I can’t help but laugh too. Sutures is a few years older than me, but Magpie is the youngest of us, and I just made her a grandmother by adopting a young mare. “Well, I guess it was not a formal adoption, but still. I do consider her family Sumac. I really think you would like her if you ever meet her.”

I see her smile sadly as she says, “I understand dear, really I do, unfortunately, I will probably never get to meet her.”

As she says this, I realize she is most likely right. I just wish she could meet her and Beach. Who knows what may happen in time though?”

Soon after this my family and I have cleaned up and we head into White Cloud with Xavier’s family. As we get close to town, we can hear the voices of a crowd in town as well as some music being played. Soon, as we get closer, we can smell the radhogs and other food cooking. Then I hear Ginger say, “Can you smell that?”

Beside her I see Xochitl nod his head and I hear Epona say, “It smells so good.”

Then I hear Badger from next to me say, “Does this mean you like meat too Epona?”

I then hear her say, “Well it is ok sometimes, normally I prefer to remain an herbivore, but I won’t say no to it all the time.”

I see Magpie make a face when she says this. Then I hear Ginger ask, “Epona, have you ever had pieces of bacon on your salad? It is to die for.”

I then hear Sutures laugh lightly and from the other side of Magpie, I hear Sumac say, “Oh good gracious. Another one for the omnivore team, Sorry Magpie dear.”

From behind us, I hear Xavier laugh lightly and when I look back, I see he has Xailynn riding on his back, and Persimmon is holding his tail.

As a group we pass through the village and to the area of the festival. I am amused at how excited all our foals are. I hear Moon Lily giggling and then Millie says, “Looks at all the ponies and cattle Moon, I tink everyone here.”

I then hear a whiney voice from Moon Lily as she says, “No Luna, not everyone.” Then she sees Choo Choo in the distance by one of the tables of food and she says, “She here! Look Mills!”

When she says this, she points and I see Choo Choo with her wing over Paper Work as they talk and eat together. When she sees us, she waves a hoof at us and keeps eating.

I see Moon Lily’s eyes go wide and she says, “Luna waved at us, can we go see her mamas, papa?”

Sutures smiles and tells her, “Well as she said earlier, call her Choo Choo dear, and yes, let’s go talk to her and her colt friend.”

I see so many ponies and cattle I know. I notice Hardtack has a table set up with a couple of barrels of cider. I also see he has several bottles of whiskey next to him, most of which I see by their label are of the local brand of Three Sisters. He sees me and waves to us and I smile as I see him lift a cup of something up in salute to us and then takes a drink.

As we get to Choo Choo she smiles at me and tells me, “Colonel that is a very pretty dress, you look so good in it.”

I smile back and I tell her, “Thank you Choo, I appreciate it, I bought it special in Harness.”

“Really, is it as nice a place as Paper Work has told me?”

Beside me, I hear Sutures tell her, “Choo Choo it is really a special place. If you get assigned in the Hackamore region, you really need to visit there.”

Beside her I see Paper Work nodding his head as he bites into a grilled mushroom, off to the side is a stick that has radhog on it He also has bell peppers and cheese on his plate. Next to his plate, I see he also has freshly baked bread and another chunk of fresh cheese as well.

I feel a tug on my sleeve and I hear Ginger asks, “Ma, can Epona and I go get a plate too?”

I nod my head and tell her, “Yes dear, that sounds like a good idea.”

I then hear Sutures say, “I will get some for the little ones, will someone else help me?”

Magpie quickly tells her, “I will, dear.” Then, they both trot over to the table and bring back some smaller portions for the youngest. As they are sitting there, Epona, Ginger, and Xochilt are also eating and showing the younger ones how to eat this particular meal.”

Badger stays with the foals while the rest of us go to get our meals with Persimmon carrying her youngest in a chest carrier As I am about to get a meal for Badger and come back for mine, Sutures tells me, “I got it, dearest. I can carry both of them.”

As we are coming back, I can tell when Moon Lily sees her mother carrying both meals and her eyes go wide and she smiles and I can tell she wants to try this too.

We listen to the musicians play lightly as most of the participants at the feast eat their meals. As more and more finish I notice that rows of lanterns from hangers have been set up in front of the stage the band is using, as a dancing area.

As it becomes darker the lanterns light the dance “floor” nicely and I am starting to look forward to dancing with my spouses out on it. I am gazing at the dance area when Blueberry Crisp approaches us. She has a tray full of drinks for us. As she gives them out, she then takes a cup of tea off of her tray and sets it in front of me. She smiles and tells me, “It is great to see you back Colonel. Welcome home,” then she lowers her voice and almost whispers, “I talked to Buttermilk earlier, she told me about the deal you had at the Flying Cow, and why. Just so you know, Hard Tack and I are giving you the same setup, you are always welcome but, we got your back on this one.”

Part of me wants to be insulted, but part of me feels so cared about that I cannot help but smile warmly at her and tell her, “Thank you so much Blueberry, I really do mean it.”

She smiles and then tells me, “Well I best get going. I got a couple more tables to bring drinks to before I can put away my apron for the night.”

Still smiling I tell her, “Thank you for helping put this on. Let everyone know I appreciate it so much.”

She nods and with a serious expression tells me, “Colonel, it is our pleasure, most of us remember what it was like when we came to our new homes here. And from your daughter’s explanation, this is a new home for them, even if they came from the Co-op, it was not our Co-op if you know what I mean?”

During this time, I talk to several others. Both from the locals who founded this community, and from the new arrivals. I am almost tickled pink when I see Doula coming over to say hello. All of our foals all yell “Granny!” when they see her and none of us are quick enough to say anything before, they are already down and running to her for hugs.

She has a joyful expression on her face as she takes the time to give each of them a brief hug and tell them she loves them.

After they are done, she continues coming over to us and as she takes a seat, I see all of them sit back down also. I just shake my head as I think of how amazing it is that the foals all behave so well for her.

I begin to listen to her talk to Sutures about their business and clients. “You know Sutures, I really have been enjoying spending more time with Miss Text Book and those foals of hers. You know, the ones she brought from Good Doer and adopted.”

I see Sutures nod her head, “She has always seemed like a good mare Ma,” Then Sutures pauses and asks, “Ma, does that mean you are dating her?”

I watch as Doula blushes and then tells her daughter, “No, I am too old for her, but I do enjoy her company. Besides, I would still want a buck sometime and that would not be fair to her.”

I see Sutures grin and she tells her mother, “You could always try an arrangement like ours.”

Doula has just taken a drink of cider when Sutures says this and I see her begin to cough on her drink. I stand up and pound on her back to help her clear it, then she finally says, “My darling daughter, are you trying to kill me? I could not do that.”

Sutures then shrugs her shoulders and says, “Why not mom? It is not like dad would ever change. Why don’t you do something for you for once?”

I see Doula let out a big sigh as she looks down. Then she looks up at her daughter and says, “Because I do love him still and hope he can change.” Suture gets ready to say something and Doula holds up a hoof and tells her sadly, “I know it most likely will not happen, but I know he can be better. I just know it, but he has to see he can first.”

I watch as Sutures shakes her head and tells her mother, “Mom, I am sorry, but I really don’t think he will, or can.”

I hear another sigh and she looks at Sutures and tells her, “Sadly, neither do I, but here's to hope.” She says as she lifts her mug and takes another drink.

About this time, I see two couples enter the dance floor area. Fancy and Sirocco are one of the couples. The other is Buttermilk and Corn Bread. As the music begins to play each dance with their spouse. I recognize the song and I realize when about halfway through the two couples are next to each other and they exchange spouses and begin to dance with the other's partner. Once this dance finishes, I watch as both stallion and bull lead the cow and mare off the dance floor. They both bend over and kiss the hoof of their female dance partner then return them to their spouse. The symbology behind it stuns me as it shows the blending of the two communities into one. I am stunned but I am also so pleased with it that I can not help but stand on my back hooves and clap my forehooves when they finish.

Soon, as the music begins again, I start to see other couples make their way to the dance floor. I have to smile as I notice that Ginger and Xochitl are two of the first ones out there. I see Epona sitting there watching and then I hear Sunny from above her asking, “Hey cous, if I land, would you mind sharing a dance with me?”

I see her grin and she says, “Sure cous, that would be very nice.” I watch as he not only lands and folds his wings but escorts her to the dancing area. Shortly afterward I see Tater leading Ginger’s friend Twinkle Hoofs to dance also. But what really gets me to smile is when I see Dull Beak and Summer Solstice have arrived and they both begin to dance just after they land.

Soon Badger takes me by my hoof and then asks, “Sumac, Sutures, could you watch the little ones while I enjoy a dance with our Mollygirl?”

They both nod their heads and we soon are dancing with the others. Spinning and sashaying with the best of them.

As the dance finishes Badger leads me out of the dance area and I smile as Sutures joins him and Magpie says, “Sumac has the little ones for a bit. It has been too long dear, please join me.”

I curtsy to her and tell her, “I cannot help but say yes when you ask like that.” It is then that I hear what the song is, and I know I have lucked out as they play Poor Colt’s Delight.

As we dance, I find myself resting my head against her neck, and I breathe in her scent once again. I realize at this point it has been too long since I was last with her, and the rest of my family. After his dance with Sutures, I see him return and this time I volunteer to watch the youngsters as Badger takes Sumac as his partner for the next dance, and Sutures dances with Magpie.

Soon I see several of the foals and calves from the Others as well as the local community are playing nearby and Millie asks, “Mama, can we play with them?”

I smile as I tell her, “Yes you, your sister and brothers can, but stay where I can see you ok?”

Then I hear Shadowbuck reply, “Ok mama Mollygirl. We be good.”

I have to laugh as I watch the four of them run off excitedly together to go play.

I am enjoying watching all the youngsters play when I feel a hoof on my shoulder. I turn to look and I see Xyliana standing there next to me along with her family. They are all excited to be here and I watch as the youngest of their foals runs off to play with the other youngsters.

They begin to talk with me and Xyliana tells me, “Thank you again, Colonel. We feel most welcome here.”

I smile and pat the seat next to me as I tell her, “You're most welcome, please sit and talk if you would like.”

She and her family sit next to us and as we are talking Ginger comes trotting up to me and tells me, “Ma, me and Xochitl saw her, she is here tonight.”

I am confused at first as she tells me this. So, I ask her, “Who is here?”

She looks at the zebras with me and then she steps closer to me and whispers in my ear, “The Mareigan. She came as a pony and I saw her turn into a cow.” She stops and looks at the dance area and I now see her. I see Buttermilk dancing with a beautiful white cow with black hair on her head and tail, and wearing a black cloak.

I watch as the dance ends and I see her smile kindly at Buttermilk then she says something to her and she then approaches Corn Bread and begins to dance with him. The entire time I see a smile on her face.

I notice my zebra companions have become somewhat nervous as they too watch the spirit move amongst the others. About this time Xavier and Persimmon Tree approach me. Xavier nods at Ginger and then me as he tells me, “She Is back Colonel. But she seems to be welcoming those you brought here.

I nod my head and I ask him, “Did you speak with her?”

He nods his head, “Yes, she also talked to your wife Sutures. Her mother Doula was very confused, to say the least.”

I laugh lightly at this and say, “I can imagine so.”

Beside me, I hear a wide eyed Xyliana say, “You did not tell us that you had a shaman or that your people dealt with spirits.”

Next, I hear Xavier tell her, “One, I am not a shaman. Two we do not deal with spirits. This one seems to be the spirit of this region. It has helped us many times, including during the expedition. It also has led other groups of immigrants to us, so I think it gets what it wants just by our being here. However, I would still not try to make a deal with it.”

As we talk, I watch the Mareigan and see her talk with both ponies and cattle as if greeting old friends. Then I notice that the Mareigan has disappeared for a bit and soon I see her again but in her pony form. This time she is approaching us.

Xyliana and her sisters begin to shift and become more nervous. I stand up and I step between them and the Mareigan, which seems to help. They are then able to hear me say, “Good evening Mareigan.”

She stops and smiles at all of us then says, “Good evening my child,” she pauses and looks at the zebras and says, “Welcome home, I hope you stay and become a part of the herd.”

I see them all stare at her with their eyes wide open and with their ears laid back alongside their heads. The Mareigan then nods her head and tells them, “Do not fear, no deal is being asked nor offered. Most of those here do not know what I truly am, and I ask you to keep it that way. However, with your abilities to see me for what I am, I wanted to say, welcome home.”

I see the surprise on their faces and I hear one of the sisters say something in the zebra tongue. This is answered by Mareigan in the same language. I see the surprise on her face and I also realize that this is the sister who wanted a zebra suitor.”

The sister seems to not only relax but seems happy as if a sudden feeling of peace had come over her. The Mareigan then comes back over to me and talks to me directly, “You have done well my child. You have brought them home.” She then begins to walk away from the others and beckons me to follow. I turn to Persimmon Tree and ask her, “Dear, would you mind keeping an eye on my little ones for a few minutes.”

I see her nod her head as she replies in an uncertain voice, “Of course I will.” As she says this, I see Xavier move closer to her and wrap his tail with hers. When she sees this, I see the Mareigan smile briefly as she continues a bit further from the others.

Once we are no longer visible to most of the others she sits down and tells me, “Thank you my child for all you have done for me.”

I feel myself blush and I tell her, “My pleasure Mareigan. I will say I had not expected to see you here tonight. But it is good to see you.”

“I understand. I normally would not allow so many to see me, but most will not realize who or what I am, and I so wanted to welcome as many as I could. I have never done this before,” she tells me as she looks back at the large crowd who are enjoying the celebration.

We talk a bit more then finally she says to me, “You once said you would miss seeing me, did ya mean it, lass?”

I nod my head, “Yes Mareigan, I meant it then and I mean it now. Tonight has been a pleasure as it seems to be more of a social visit.”

She smiles and answers me by saying, “Aye, it has been for me as well. Perhaps I will visit more often when possible. But I will also still be here when you need me as I have already. However, I do not think I will be doing so in such public places again.”

I nod my head to this in understanding and I tell her, “Well I look forward to our next visit then. I best get back to the youngsters though as I have a feeling Millie will be getting tired soon and want a bit of milk before bed tonight,” I pause and hesitate briefly before I say, “Thank you for the visit Mareigan, I look forward to your next one my friend.”

She nods to me and smiles as she says, “I do too, my child, have a good evening,” she says. Then I watch her transform back into a crow and fly away.

I then return to where the foals are playing. As I get closer, I see Persimmon is feeding her daughter already as she talks to Xyliana and her sisters. When close enough I can begin to hear them and I can tell they are talking in zebracan again. I smile and shake my head at this new change. Until I met Xavier and his family, I had never heard that tongue spoken, now it seems to be coming more common with even the youth learning it and using it as a way to talk in front of their parents without them understanding them.

Once I am back with them, I am included in the discussion by those who speak equestrian. Soon I am joined by the other members of my family. Badger comes up to me and tells me, “Mollygirl, both Fancy and Buttermilk would like to talk to you before we leave tonight. But how about one more dance before we go?”

I smile at him and kiss him on his cheek. Then I tell him, “I would love to, my darling husband.”

After which he leads me to the dance. After we are through, he tells me, “I will meet you with the others. I think they wanted to talk to you privately.”

I find Fancy and Buttermilk talking with Kettle Bell. As I approach, they all look up at me and Kettle Bell asks me, “Mollygirl, that white cow that was here earlier, was that her?”

I am caught off-guard by her question and ask, “Is she who?”

I hear her let out an exasperated breath and she says, “Colonel remember I was with you on the expedition. We all heard you were told you were pregnant by a spirit, and Paper Work has told me and a few others that the Major was visited by her the night before Second Two Step.”

When she lays it on the line like this, I know she will understand, so I tell her, “Yes, that was her Kettle.”

I see Buttermilk get a funny look on her face as does Fancy. Then Buttermilk asks, “Mollygirl, what did she want, are we in trouble?” Her not questioning about the Mareigan being a real spirit surprises me.

I smile at her and I step forward and put a hoof on her shoulder as I look her in the eyes and I tell her, “No, we are not in trouble. She is the spirit of this region. She just wanted to welcome all of you home. Feel special Buttermilk for even as long as I have known her, she has never asked me to dance.”

I see her relax some and then she says, “Mollygirl, that helps some, but it still seems strange to me.”

I then grin at them as I tell her, “Buttermilk in my life, you get used to strange.”

They all give a small laugh and then we exchange goodnights so I can take my family, especially my little mare home, and they can turn in for the night to begin their new lives in the morning.

Once we are home for the night, I am surprised when Badger says he will stay downstairs with me and Sutures to sleep, while Magpie and Sumac decide to spend the night together. As they are heading up the stairs, I overhear Epona say, “You know Ginger, that Magpie must really be a special Pony for Sumac to love her like that.”

They are almost to the top of the stairs so I can’t hear her full reply, but what I do hear is, “Yeah, she really is.”

As I settle in bed to finally sleep that night with my one forehoof on Badger and over Sutures who is between us, I have to smile to myself. Yes, today was a very good day.

Dear DJ Pon3,

Plese excuse my mistakes as I am just learning to write equestrian. I have recently come to my new home with my husband to be and my family. I have been welcomed hear more than I could imagine. My kind are not welcome much in the wastelands, but hear we are made to feel we belong. Could please play you, Coming Home for me and my family.

Thank you

Xyliana, White Cloud

Sometimes we find that home is not only where our heart is, but where we are welcomed and accepted for who we really are. Our time on the expedition has ended and our new citizens of the Manesville region have found their new homes.

While a part of me feels that this would be a good place to end this story. I have always intended the upcoming arc. Coming up we will see more character-based chapters, but also more action for those who enjoy that as well.

For those who would like to listen to this chapter's dedication song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixP0d8klLvI