Chapter 18: Brushing the Dirt Off

“You never really know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” -Unknown

I can not believe I have been ordered to see Moon Pie. I can only thank the Goddesses that Broken Dreams was keeping it rather private and not telling me in front of all the others. I do not want them to think that there is something wrong with me, that I cannot handle my job. However, it does make me wonder why the command is sending me there. Did someone tell them they thought I was getting weak?

While in formation I look at the Headquarters Staff, I see Emerado has returned to duty. I am happy for her, but a bit jealous as she now has my fliers. I also notice Horns is not with the Staff anymore. Out of the corner of my eye, I see he is now with E troop.

After the morning muster, the regiment returns to the modified rotation as the Major described would be happening the day before. We are also told at muster that some of our units will be receiving volunteers from the militia in the next week to build us back up. Those troops who are already scheduled to go on the expedition will receive a mixture of replacements, some veterans from other troops and volunteers as well as Militia. We are also informed that all individuals who are to be going on the expedition are to receive a medical check to make sure they are fit enough for the conditions we expect to experience.

Once formation breaks, I hear the Captain give the orders to the other company officers and then the Squad leaders for the day’s duties. Once we are dismissed, he reminds me I have an important meeting set up and I need to go there now. I guess I cannot pretend I forgot this one.

Great, I am tired, I am dehydrated and sore. I have a major headache. Ok, let's face it, I am hungover. I should never have done this to myself. Unfortunately, not only do I feel this way, now I am expected to go and talk to Moon Pie. I not only do not want to talk to her, I do not want others to know I am talking to the CDF psychologist. I mean how much good can she do. Even she has admitted she wished we had a heart mender to assist her.

Once I arrive at her office I knock on the door and wait for her to answer it.

She opens the door, “Hello Mollygirl, it is good to see you again, come on in and have a seat.” She tells me in an affable mood.

I enter, I choose one of the many chairs in her office, sit down, and cross my forehooves. She sits across from me, leans forward some, looks at me and has her ears forward, “What can I help you with today?” she asks.

Oh, you have to be kidding me, I think to myself. “Nothing. You had me ordered here to see you today, why don’t you tell me what you wanted me for.”

She does not seem bothered by my attitude. “Ok, well, to tell the truth, I am worried about you. Mollygirl I know you have been through a lot and I want to help you with it.”

I laugh a bit, “Really, you really think you can help. Do you even have an idea of the shit I have been through? When was the last time you left this office and spent any time in the field.?”

“Granted, I have not been in the field in years. In fact, I have not been in direct combat for almost as long. However, that does not mean I cannot listen to you and help you with some things.”

Somewhat sarcastically I answer her back, “Ok, which part do you want to help me with, the part where I lost my best friend in all of Equis, I found her raped and dying along with her foal that I had known since the day she was born. Oh, you can help me with that? Or the fact that at that same time I was shot and had the one dream I had, that of being able to carry a foal and being a mother stripped from me.” Without realizing it my voice begins to raise, “The fact that I repress the thought that I might have about to have been raped myself; because if I think about it, I am going to lose my mind. I have enough troubles trying to trust bucks as it is after what I have seen happen to others.” I pause trying to calm down. Then I begin to speak again, before she can say anything, “Or how about the fact I am recently married, I have hardly gotten to spend any time with either of my spouses, oh and part of me is terrified I made a huge mistake because I am afraid my husband does not want me really, I am just part of a package deal.” I pause again.

She calmly looks at me, “You certainly have a lot on your plate Mollygirl and that is part of why I want you and I to talk some.”

But I am not done yet, I look her straight in the eyes and I begin to cry, “Or perhaps I have carried the bodies of three of my friends in the last two days as well as having rescued one of my fliers who will never walk again, and helped carry I do not remember how many others to medical. All of my friends and troops have been injured, and I have had every damn thing except my family taken away from me or injured in the last three days. The topper is that there is a part of me that wants to go to the armory, check out a pistol and empty the magazine into our Goddess Damned XO for putting my wife, a civilian, into the front lines as a stretcher-bearer during that battle, in enough jeopardy, she had to kill an Enclave trooper with a rock and her bare hooves. the only thing stopping me is my self-discipline. Is that what you want to hear?”

“No, it is not what I want to hear, it’s what you need to tell me. This is why I wanted to talk to you.” She tells me. “We can work together to help you with this.”

“Really? You really believe you can help me, how?” I say with some disdain.

At this point, she is still composed “The Ministry of Peace developed several techniques for working with Wartime Stress Disorder before the Fall. We can start with some of those exercises. If those do not work, I know some memory spells and we could erase…”

I am on my hooves at that, “Do not even finish that sentence, I will not have you go into my head like that. I will not dishonor those I loved and cared about by having you erase my memories of them, how dare you even suggest…” I am yelling at her.

Calmly she looks at me and replies, “Lieutenant, do you think you are the only pony around who is hurting? We have all lost people we care about. Every day I see ponies and cows who have had things happen to them that make my mane stand up. I lost friends and family this week as well as everyone else. I am not forcing anything on you. I am offering to help you. Now sit down and please be civilized, do I make myself clear?”

I sit down, “I am sorry, it’s just so much so fast,” I tell her, I am now embarrassed at my outburst.

Calmly she looks at me, “I understand Mollygirl, I really do. I just want to help make you strong enough before you go on the expedition, that is why I demanded to see you today, I asked you almost a week ago to talk to me. I am here to help, but I am also here to make sure you are safe for your troops to serve under. If it makes you feel better, I plan on talking to all the officers who are assigned to make the expedition. You will not be singled out that way. When you get back though, I would like to work more with you. So, let’s start again and something small today, what would you like us to work on?”

I leave the office an hour later. I have begun to talk with her about Badger and what I fear with our whole relationship. She has given me some food for thought and to be honest, it has helped a little. I am scheduled to talk to her again in two days. I never expected to want to talk to her again after today, but I am willing to try anything right now to ease this pain.

Now back to work. I head back out to catch up with the Captain and D Troop. Once I find him, I let him know we are having the funeral for Memory in the late afternoon.

“That is fine Mollygirl, just be back on time for the wetting down party.” He tells me.

“Yes sir, I will be. Where should I meet everyone?” I ask.

"How about meeting me here at the rear entrance. We can go there together. After all, I get to help pay for it, just like you."

Once I arrive at Ma’s, Sumac greets me at the door. Magpie and Persimmon Tree are in the front parlor room next to the coffin with memory in it. I notice Woofers is on the floor next to it curled up and Tweeters is laying on her former caretaker, whining quietly.

Off to one corner of the room, I see Whiskey. He has cleaned himself up since yesterday, but he is still exhausted looking. I am surprised to see a couple of the members of the hospital staff are present. I also see some of Badger’s, Whiskeys, and Memory's former neighbors there. Most of them are following the old tradition of having shotguns with them. This is meant to be symbolic of their willingness to protect the mourning family from outsiders.

Finally, Badger arrives. He surprises me by coming over to me first, hugging me and giving me a kiss. Then we both go over to Magpie and sit on both sides of her. Both of us put a hoof around her. Finally, Deacon, one of ma’s neighbors who is a local preacher as well as farmer stands up.

Deacon begins, “Friends, family, we are not here today to mourn the loss of our friend Memory, but instead to remember her and to say farewell to her as she is handed back to the earth from which we all spring and to depart for Elysium from, where we all aspire to rest someday…”

He continues on for a while, I hear him talking, but I am lost in my own thoughts. I will miss my friend but am glad she will no longer hurt or have to suffer from the disease that has ravaged her body for the last couple of seasons. She helped me so much during my recovery, I do not think I could ever repay her.

Then I notice Deacon is beginning to finish his sermon, “… I believe she died how she would have liked, she died trying to help others. In this case, she saved the life of a premature calf who had been in the natal unit, she shielded it with her body so that it might live even at the cost of her life. A sacrifice we would do well to remember. In the Goddesses Names, we pray for their blessing upon her. May Celestia protect her and Luna defend her. Amen.”

With that, we move Tweeters from the coffin and as most of us file out, Badger and Xavier nail the top onto it. Then Badger, Xavier, and two others use rope handles on it to carry the coffin outside They lead us in a procession to the family cemetery. I notice Woofers and Tweeters both flying sadly above them as we walk.

Once there they use two long ropes run under the coffin to lower her down. We then each, starting with Badger and Whiskey step forward and begin to knock dirt in upon the coffin. Once everyone has passed the grave and done so, Badger, Whiskey, and Xavier remain behind to finish the process. We have said our last goodbye and paid our respects to Memory as she has passed onto the ages.

Once back at the house We finish cleaning ourselves up again. We all share in a potluck dinner that the others have brought to help us. Each family providing a dish or dessert to share with the others.

Over by a table with deserts on it, I hear Sumac, “Now Ginger, how many times have I told you to eat your meal first, then dessert.”

“Ahhh, but Granny, its apple pie with whipped cream on it. I never get it like that.” Ginger rebuts.

“And if you sass me again you will not get any this time. Now go finish your dinner. Then come to me and I will get you some.”

“Ok, Granny.” She says with a pouting expression on her face.

I step outside the house onto the porch by myself and sit down to watch the sun move through the sky and the broken clouds. Beside me, I notice a pony has come up. “Hi Mags,” I tell her.

Then I am surprised when I hear the voice, “Sorry beloved, I hope you do not mind if it's me.” Badger tells me as he wraps his tail with mine.

“No, not at all. In fact, I really need this right now.” I pause for a moment. “Badger, can we talk?”

He looks at me with a worried expression on his face, “Sure, Moll, did I do something wrong?”

I turn my head and look into his eyes, “Badger, do you really love me? I mean do you really want me as your wife? I keep feeling like I am just here because Magpie and I are a package deal.” I tell him.

I first see surprise in his eyes, and then a look of hurt, “Mollygirl, I know we have not had much time together lately, but Yes, I do love you and want you as my wife. I am sorry if I have neglected you so that you question it.” He tells me as he puts a hoof around me and pulls me closer to him. I turn my face into his coat and begin to cry. Goddesses I am so tired of crying. He puts both forehooves around me and lets me cry.

In the background I quietly hear Ma “Shhh, let them be Magpie, she needs this right now. Let’s go back inside,” and I hear the door quietly click shut.

After a while, I realize both Badger and I are laying on the porch his hooves around me. I need this so much. I need to have some attention, his attention that I do not need to share right now. Then it dawns on me how selfish I have been. “Badger, I am so sorry, here you are mourning the loss of Memory and I am crying because I feel neglected and unwanted.”

“Quite Mollygirl, you are not being selfish, you are hurting too. I need this as much as you do. Last night I had Magpie to hold me and help me. She came over to Donavan last night. Today, I am here for you.”

“Thank you, Badger. It has been really rough lately; I really was afraid you did not want me.”

He kisses me on the forelock, “It’s ok love. I understand, but know I do want you.”

We lay like that for a while, then Magpie comes out, “Sorry to bother you loves, but I noticed the time, you best get ready for tonight. Besides almost everyone is getting ready to go. You should come join Ma, Whiskey, and I to thank them for coming and being here for her and us.”

As we get up, I see Ginger and Xochitl are playing in the woods along the property. For a brief second, I think I see a flash of blue, but I have to be mistaken. There is no way that Choo Choo could be here. Quick Frost and Blue Star would not allow her to just come over and play with the foals. I shake my head at myself for even thinking that. Then I follow Badger and Magpie inside.

I send Broken Dreams a message by PipBuck that I am on my way. Before we leave, I hear Sumac call Ginger and Xochitl in for the night. Badger, Magpie, and I are walking together when I feel a familiar sensation of someone breathing on me and a tap on my shoulder. I turn my head slowly. “Hello, Choo Choo.”

Suddenly she appears, making Magpie and Badger jump. This gets her to laugh then she looks at me “Dang, how’d you know” she says with a pout.

I look at her, “Because I thought I saw you with Xochitl and Ginger earlier, and who else can do that?”

“Ahhh Alright.” She says then looks at Badger and Magpie. “Who is he? I recognize the other mare, but him I have not seen before.”

“Choo Choo, this is my husband Badger and wife Magpie.”

“Ohhh, hello, it's nice to meet you she says and holds out a hoof. I then notice both Badger and Magpie standing their eyes wide and ears forward.

“Mollygirl, why is there a large blue alicorn standing there talking to us and how do you know her?” Badger slowly asks.

I look at him. “That is a funny story, you see she lives at George's cave. I just met her yesterday, but she has been there a while. Speaking of that,” I say and turn back to Choo Choo, “Does Quick Frost or Blue Star know you are out here?”

She puts her head down some ears to the side, “No ma’am. I told them I was just going to go swim in the creek.”

“Ok, and do you think they might get upset with you for showing yourself to others again?” I ask her.

“Yes ma’am. Please do not tell them Mollygirl. They won’t let me play with Ginger and Xochitl then.”

“OK, I will not tell them, for now, Choo Choo. But you need to be more careful.” I tell her.

Then Magpie steps closer, “Choo Choo is it? How could you recognize me? I have never seen you before.”

She raises her head and smiles at Magpie, “Oh, that is easy, when you had tea with George, I was sitting there. I was invisible at the time.”

“Ok, that explains that I guess,” Magpie says. She puts her hoof out, “It is a pleasure to really meet you this time Choo Choo.”

Badger then follows suit and puts his hoof out too “Nice to meet you Ma’am.”

Choo Choo giggles again, “It has been so long since anypony called me Ma’am. Must have been when I was still running the Fillydelphia to Manehatten run on that old freight train of mine.”

I see Badger smile, “So you know steam engines?”

“I should say so; I ran them for over ten years back during the war.” She says with pride.

“Choo Choo, I would love to talk more about the steam engines with you. Perhaps another time but we are running late and need to get going. I hope you understand.” He tells her.

“Oh, ok, I will see you all later. Bye Mollygirl, Bye Magpie, Bye Badger.” She says then she turns and takes off flying back toward Emerald Grove.

As we start walking again Badger looks at me “Mollygirl, what was that all about?”

Sheepishly I answer back, “I think Choo Choo was just trying to make more friends and wanted to say hi.”

Then Magpie asks, “Mollygirl, is she alright, I mean she is not quite what I expected of an Alicorn.”

“Yeah, she is alright, she just has lost a lot of her memories. She is trying to remember them.” I tell them, and as we head to the stable, I tell them all I know about Quick Frost and Blue Star. Just before we meet up with Broken Dreams, I finally ask them, “Ok, now that you know about them, please keep quiet about them. I do not want them hurt.”

They both promise just before we reach the rear entrance to the stable. I see Emerado is there with Bullet, I also see Horns and his wife, as well as Archer and Sutures. Soon the Colonel and the Major come out along with several of the company commanders, and the new militia officers. The Colonel looks at all of us. “Seems almost everyone is here, let's head on over to The Trough.”

As we head over there everyone is starting to laugh and joke with each other. We all begin to relax. I realize that Badger, Magpie, and I are still all holding tails as we walk with the others. For once it seems no one is questioning it or even raising an eyebrow. This should be a good night.

As we get there, I am surprised to see the fliers over at the bar. Sunset is talking to the bartender. It looks like he is trying to tell him how to make a drink. Oh, this should be interesting. Badger points him out to me. “I will have to have a couple of shots with him tonight. You know I really kind of like that buck.”

I hear Magpie laugh from his other side. “Dear, you just like the fact he can get you to do shots when nopony else can.”

“Well that too, Sweetheart, but still…” He trails off.

As we enter in mass the owner opens up a sidewall that slides out of the way to reveal another room that has several tables all pushed together. We all enter and sit down. It is kind of fun to see who sits where. I end up with Magpie between Badger and I. Across the table is Archer and Sutures as well as Emerado and Bullet. Bullet has a cast on his leg still and has a hard time walking but as he has told me, he had to be here for Em.

We all receive the first round of drinks, and the Colonel stands. “To all of you who are here tonight to celebrate your commissions. Congratulations,” then he gives the first toast of the night “To lost loves and fallen comrades.”

This is followed by the toast from the Major. While part of me despises her, I can understand why she did what she did. But she still cannot look Magpie, Badger, or I in the eyes. She lifts her drink, “To the regiment. May her colors always stand.”

Finally, the third battalion commander, Quick Trot, also a Major makes the final formal toast. She lifts her glass, looks at all of us, “For Friends, For Family, For Herd.” After this, we begin to have the true party. Many of the spouses begin to mingle with each other while the officers begin to talk shop with each other.

From the other room, I hear cheers and several hoots and catcalls. I figure I should check it out, Badger and Archer follow me. As we get close to the bar, we see the bartender take a shot glass of something, light it on fire, and drop it into a pint glass of what looks like cider. I watch Sunset grab it in both forehooves and chug it down, then slam the pint glass on the bar.

I walk closer and see Dodger laughing, “Hey Dodger.”

“Oh, Hey LT. Good to see you,” then he notices Badgers uniform “Oh wow, you made officer too. Dang, Congratulations Badger. I guess I should buy both of you a drink for that.” He looks over at the bartender, holds up his hoof, two flaming pegasi, ok.”

I am a bit confused “Flaming Pegasi?”

He laughs, “Oh, yeah, we came up with a drink in honor of our victory over that raptor. Sunset named it a Flaming Pegasus.”

“Ok, I know I am going to regret this but what is it?” I ask,

He looks at Badger and me, “You take a shot of Wild Pegasus, light it on fire and then you drop it into a pint of hot Hard cider, that has had some cinnamon stick shaved off into it.”

He sees the look on my face and misinterprets it, “No, really it's pretty good LT.”

I look at him, then Sunset, and back to Dodger, “Did anypony ever tell you that you guys have a sick sense of humor?”

He laughs some more, “Don’t forget twisted ma’am, you have to have twisted to go with the sick humor.”

I shake my head and laugh back. Badger has been listening the whole time. “You know Dodger that actually sounds really good.”

During this entire interaction, Archer has been behind us looking rather amused.

“Oh, it is, but it can catch you off guard if you do not watch yourself, sir.” He says with a smile.

Sunset sees us and comes over. “Hey Badger, Hey Mollygirl,” then he realizes the uniform changes, “I mean Sir, ma’am.”

Dodger then tells him. “I already have ordered them a drink. I did forget about Archer back there though.”

Sunset walks up to Archer, puts a hoof around his shoulder. “Would you like to try one with us to Sir. After all, you and your guns sure made it possible for us to be having it.”

Archer smiles at him, “When you put it like that Sunset, I cannot say no.”

So, he orders three more of them. The Bartender lines them all up at the bar and lights them. One after another he drops the shot glasses into the cider pints in turn, we each pick up our glass and drink it as quickly as we can.

I then turn to Badger, Take and put my hoof around the back of his head and drag his muzzle to mine. When we break the kiss, I hear several of the patrons cheering us, behind us I hear Sunset tell Archer, you want to go next or shall I, and then both of them laugh.

Oh, this is going to be a heck of a night. Dang, that cider really tasted good too, I have to get Mags to try one. Then Badger, Archer, and I look at each other. Time to buy the Colonel and the Majors their drinks too.

“Sunset, Dodger, Grab Hope, and Charity, you get to introduce the command staff to the Flaming Pegasus.”

When the drinks have been prepped, we carry several trays into the side room. I call for everybody’s attention. “Ok, tonight we have a new Co-op drink that has been developed by our fliers. I want to introduce them and their creation. The drink is in commemoration of our Victory over the raptor this week and is called a Flaming Pegasus.” I call Sunset up next to me. “Sunset, would you introduce your troops and explain the drink.”

He looks a bit nervous. “Good Evening fillies and gentlecolts, I’m Sunset, this feller over her is Dodger, Next to us are Hope and Charity. We are all pleased to be here with you tonight. Last night we decided we should come up with a drink to remind those of us in the Co-op of our fight and survival against the crew of the Spring Monsoon.” He then continues to explain how they are made and how they drink them. “Ok, now we will show you.” They have the drinks prepared before them. Then the bartender lights the shot glasses then simultaneously the four of them drop the shot glasses into the pints and chug their drinks, slamming the glasses home on the tables.

The officers roar with laughter and applauded. “Good Show Corporal Sunset,” The Colonel tells him, but you have forgotten something, a toast. So, let's prepare the next round and I will give a toast to go with it.”

The next rounds are prepared and when everyone has theirs ready, the shot glasses light. Colonel Chappy then gives a new toast, “To our honored fallen and gallant foes. May their memories long live.” Then we all put the shot glasses into the pint glasses and continue on. The sound of all those glasses slamming home sounding almost like a gunshot. And thus, a new tradition has been born for our wetting down parties.

After this Sunset approaches the Xo, “Ma’am, I do not want to correct the Colonel, but I’m not a corporal. I’m just a trooper.”

She smiles at him. “Actually Corporal, it was already going through. We were going to announce it at the morning muster, along with several other promotions. You not only performed well during the battle, but you took a leadership role. You have earned it. Congratulations Corporal Sunset. “

I can see he is stunned. “Thank you, Ma’am. I am much obliged to all of ya.”

“Your welcome Sunset,” She tells him, and then she watches as he walks back to the rest of the fliers and they take themselves back into the next room.

I walk over to Sunset, “Congratulations Corporal. I am very glad to see that they advanced you. You earned it Sunset. Thank you for everything the last week.”

I actually see him blush, “No problem LT, you’re a mare worth fallowing inta combat. Some woulda wasted us, you, you tried to keep us safe, but effective.”

I am very glad to hear this from him. “Thank you, Corporal, I look forward to when we can work together again. Just so you know I do have full faith and confidence in you.” As I say that I notice a funny look on his face for a second.

“LT, speaking of Faith, I am kinda nervous about Dodger and her.” He tells me, and I notice from over by Hope and Charity, Dodger's ear turning subtly.

“Ok Sunset, what are you nervous about?” I ask.

“Mollygirl, Ma’am I mean, I have known her since she was just a foal. Right now, she is not in good shape physically, and I am afraid mentally. Dodger is a good buck, or I would not be still hanging with him after all these years, but I do not want to see her hurt.”

“I can understand that. None of us want to see her hurt. But you have known both of them for how many years? Has Dodger ever seemed the type to love them and leave them? I mean he does not seem the type to me. You care about both of them, or we would not even be having this conversation Sunset. My suggestion is to let it happen, remind Dodger that she is on a long road of recovery and that having a partner with her impairments will not be easy, so take it easy. After that, be there for both of them as friends. Let’s give them a chance to be happy.”

He looks at me out of the corner of his eye, “Yeah, I know you're right, but I always looked at her as kinda a daughter, along with her brother and sis.”

I put a hoof on his shoulder, “Speaking of chances of being happy, have you talked to Pages lately?’

He smiles, “Na, not since you interrupted us the other night. But I am hoping to see her again soon.”

As we are talking, I see Pages and several of the others from the Manesville Militia come in. Her eyes are wide as she takes it all in. I see she has seen Magpie and is heading over to talk to her. “Well, now there is a surprise,” I tell him and point toward Pages, “We mention her name and in she comes. Give her a few minutes to talk to Magpie, and then go talk to her. Like I said, take a chance to be happy and make her happy.”

He smiles broadly, “Thank you LT. You know that buck of yours is one lucky stallion to have a mare like you, as well as your wife.”

“Thank you Sunset, I really appreciate that. Shall we go over and slowly join the conversation? I know Badger is over talking with Archer right now, so I may be able to eventually run wingmare for you and pull Magpie away so you can talk to Pages.”

I see the surprise on his face, “Lieutenant, you mean you would really do that for me? Seriously?”

“Yes Sunset, seriously. I care about both of you and would like to see you both have a chance to be happy. Please, though, be gentle on her heart. She really is a good mare.”

He holds out a hoof to me, “I promise to do right by her as best as I can, I will not hurt her on purpose Mollygirl.”

We then walk over and listen to Magpie and Pages talk to each other. A large part of what they are discussing is what they experienced during the battle and since. As they talk, I put a hoof around Magpie and watch as Sunset moves next to Pages. From the other room I can hear a local band playing music. I look at Magpie, “Dear, would you like to dance?” After she agrees I lead her to the next room to dance as we leave, I hear Sunset “Good evening Pages, it is so good to see you again,”

“It is good to see you too Sunset; I was hoping you might be here.” She tells him.

I notice his ear cock to the music and he asks “Would you like to dance some Miss Pages?” and he offers her a hoof.

As we enter the crowd, I lose track of them but instead lead Magpie to the dance floor and enjoy dancing with my wife. It still seems strange to say it, even to myself, but it is a comfort. After a few dances, I See Sunset has brought Pages to the dance floor and they are enjoying a nice slow dance together.”

Off to the side of the room, I see Moon Pie talking with some of the other command staff She lifts her mug of cider to me and smiles, then goes back to her conversation. I almost feel like I have passed a test of hers. Instead of being upset, I am pleased and I look forward to talking with her the day after tomorrow.

As the night wears on I take turns dancing with Magpie and Badger. Sometimes we even dance with others such as Sutures and Archer, as well as Horns and his wife Nettle. I am surprised at one point to see Badger and the XO Dance, but at least we are having a good time tonight.

Eventually, events begin to wind down. Badger, Magpie, Archer, Sutures, and I all leave at the same time and are heading back to the stable. I decide to spend the night at Sumac’s with Magpie and Badger. As long as I make it back in time it is no problem.

Once at the stable I give both Archer and then Sutures a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I am surprised when Magpie goes to do the same and ends up getting a full kiss from Sutures. I gap and Badger laughs. Then I watch Archer give a bro hug to Badger and when he goes to give a hug and a kiss on the cheek to Magpie, she turns her head and instead the kiss lands on her muzzle, her eyes wide and ears forward, Then I am truly surprised as she leans into the kiss and truly seems to enjoy it. I think Badger would be more upset but after seeing this I hear Sutures giggle lightly as she approaches my husband and kisses him the same way. Part of me wants to be jealous, but I am also kind of shocked at this turn of events.

When Sutures breaks the kiss with Badger, she looks at him, “Congratulations on your promotion Badger.” She looks at Magpie, “Mags, Badger, may I share a kiss like I have with you two with your wife?” They both nod and I am surprised as she does so. I am not complaining, but this is not what I had expected tonight. As she breaks the kiss, she congratulates me on my promotion also. As she steps away, I see Archer has taken her place and before I know it his muzzle and mine touch, I open my mouth to his and feel our tongues meet. I never imagined Archer being this good at kissing. Finally, the kiss ends.

Archer backs away from me, “Badger, you are one lucky buck, thank you. Thank you, two beautiful mares, also. Now if you will excuse Sutures and me, we both need to get some rest for tomorrow and I do believe you three should find your way to bed also,” he tells us with a smile as he and Sutures turn and walk into the Stable.

I am stunned still as we walk back to Sumac’s. Badger looks at me and Magpie, “I hope you will forgive me, but I thought he was kidding with me earlier when he suggested we do that.”

Magpie, replies for both of us, “I am not going to complain, I am just glad it did not go any further.” A short time later she is holding Badgers tail from one side and I the other, and she says to us “You know her kisses sure felt a lot like Ivy’s.”

Badger laughs lightly, “True, but I will refrain from finding out how Archer kisses.”

We all laugh, but I have to say, “You know, while I enjoyed both their kisses, I would not give up either of you for anything.”

Once we get back to Sumac’s we lightly knock on the door so she can unbar it “Well kids, did you have a good time?” She asks.

“Yeah Ma, we had a real fine time. Thank you.” I tell her.

“Ok, good, now you three better get to bed and catch some sleep. I will make tea and breakfast when you get up.”

“Thanks Ma,” I tell her and give her a hug. “You know ma, I do love you. Thank you again for always being here for me.”

She smiles back at me. “Mollygirl, I told you before, you have been like a daughter to me since you first stayed with us. Now please dear go get some sleep.”

“Ok ma, I will, sweet dreams,” I tell her and I follow the others to bed.

I awake in the morning to the smell of breakfast cooking and hot tea in the air. For the first time in a while, I find myself with my nose buried into my husband’s chest and his hooves around me from one side and my wife behind me with her hooves around me too. I feel safe and loved for the first time in a while. I do not want to get up but I know I have to.

I check my Pipbuck and realize it is almost time for my alarm to go off, so I should get up. I slowly and regretfully, untangle myself from their hooves. If I could I would lay like this all day.

Once up I go to the kitchen, “Morning Ma. Sorry about waking you last night.”

She smiles, “No problem Moll, I am just glad you were able to spend some time together. I only wish you could have more time.”

“I know, same here. I hope we did not wake Ginger too last night.”

“No, she spent the night at Xochitl’s last night. Persimmon Tree likes the distraction since Xavier is home so little now.”

“They sure are growing up quick Ma, Next step is cutie marks, then they will be dating,” I say with a light chuckle.

“Yeah, I know, I think that worries Persimmon more than she is letting on. Of course, a lot of times we tend to worry about things that we think we keep hidden from others.”

I smile meekly, “Yeah, I know, does it show that much ma?”

“Yes dear, I have seen it since you got out of the hospital. He does really love you, dear. I know he has a hard time showing it sometimes, but he does. He and I have had talks about it over tea when Magpie was still asleep. He loves both of you for who you are, not just because of the other.”

“It just seems hard to tell sometimes Ma, I really love him, but after the hospital, the one night I met up with them and he asked Magpie for her permission for me to spend the night with them. That really hurt Ma, I mean it felt like he had almost ripped my heart out.”

“Mollygirl, being in any relationship or marriage takes a lot of work, the type you three have, well that makes it even more difficult at times. But I think the rewards are there, and worth the work. I would not have given my blessings to Ivy to try and be a part of it otherwise. I would not have wanted to see her or my granddaughter hurt. Does that make sense Mollygirl?”

I think about it for a moment, “Yeah, yeah it makes a lot of sense. Ma, how do you know what I need to hear and when?”

She smiles back at me, “My special talent I guess, that or from a lot of experience. My life has had its ups and downs too dear. Now you need to go wake Badger so he is not late either, then both you eat your breakfast and get to work.”

“Ok ma,” I tell her as I go to make Badger up.

Magpie joins Badger and I, with Ma for tea and a quick oatmeal breakfast with some honey and canned apples added. It is a real treat to have the apple slices in there. They normally are reserved for special occasions. Now that the sun is back out again, I wonder if we will be able to plant apple orchards outside the stable again.

After Breakfast I kiss Magpie and Badger before I head out the door and back to the stable. As I walk, I am joined by Ginger and Xochitl on their way to school. I listen to them talk for a bit and am enjoying the company when we come to the crossroads that they have to take to school.

Ginger then looks at me, “Have a good day auntie Mollygirl, I hope I see you tonight again."

“You should Ginger, I hope you have a good day at school, both of you. “

Xochitl then asks, “Auntie Mollygirl, is it true you and some of our soldiers may have to go away for a while?”

He has caught me off guard, “I do not know where you have heard this, but please do not talk about it with anyone else, ok.”

He nods his head, “I promise.”

“Ok, I, as well as some others may have to. But we will be back as soon as we can.”

Ginger looks at me, “Really? An adventure, like Daring Do?”

“Well it might be an adventure, but I do not think it will be like Daring Do’s ones,” I tell her.

“Can we come too?” Xochitl ask.

“No, it will be too dangerous. Besides, only CDF members will be going.”

They seem to think about it and then look at each other before Ginger replies “Ok, we understand. We will see you later then.” Then she and Xochitl make the turn and head to school. As they walk, I see her take his tail in hers as they continue on their way.

I watch them for a bit and then continue on my way for the Stable. The last thing I need to worry about is a couple of youngsters while on the expedition. Then my thoughts drift to more immediate worries, like what are they going to have us do today?

Dear DJ Pon3, I have an adopted daughter who seems to be having a hard time lately. She always wants to do what is right, but fears it may be wrong, and cannot move on. If you could please play the song Life’s a Dance to help her remember this lesson.

Thank You

Sumac
Manesville Co-op

For those who would like to listen to this chapter's dedication song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7k4ujBGRGf8