VI

Feeling refreshed after a quick shower, Rainbow was enjoying a relaxed flight around Ponyville. No particular goal in mind, she just floated around, watching other ponies walking beneath her. She briefly considered heading back to the library to see what Twilight and Fluttershy were up to, maybe get the newest Daring Do volume; but thought better of it. She would probably be a bit awkward around them after what she had just seen and done.

Instead, she decided to head over to Sugarcube Corner, to see what Pinkie was up to, and maybe grab a cupcake or two. Yes, that sounded like a good plan. Now with a purpose, Rainbow dashed off towards her destination.

---

Reluctantly, Twilight and Fluttershy released their warm and loving embrace and got up from the comfortable bed. The bedsheets were soaked in the aroma of arousal, and Twilight would have to change them before her assistant got home from helping Rarity at the Carousel Boutique, which would be any time now.

While Twilight removed the sheets and prepared a clean set, Fluttershy went to the kitchen to prepare a light meal for the two ponies, to replenish some of the energy they had  spent during their “activities” earlier.

---

“Thank you for your help, Spike. As I promised, a fire ruby for your efforts.”

The dragon’s mouth watered. “Awesome!” He grabbed the jewel and turned towards the door of the boutique. “I think I should go back to the library, before Twilight starts worrying about me, you know how she is. See you, Rarity!”

“So long, Spike!”

Closing the door behind him, the young dragon embarked on the journey back to the library. His eyes fixed on the red jewel clutched firmly in is claws, he took little notice of his surroundings. Unfortunately for both of them, somepony else was equally inattentive, and moving at a dangerously high speed towards her destination, causing both collidees to tumble to the ground.

“Sorry, Ah wasn’t lookin’ where Ah was... Spike!” The pony quickly got to her hooves.

“Applejack!” Spike exclaimed, crawling to his own feet.

“Ya haven’t happened to see mah brother lately, have ya? Ah haven’t seen him for two days now, and Ah’m gettin’ real worried about him...”

“Do you have any idea where he could be?”

“Ah haven’t the slightest clue, that’s the problem. He could be anywhere!”

“Well... I’ll tell you if I find out something, OK?”

“Thank ya, Spike. Ah’ll have to get back to the farm now, we got lotsa apples needing to be bucked and not a lotta ponies to do the buckin’.”

The two friends said their goodbyes, Spike once again moving in the direction of his home.

VII

VII

Fluttershy was nibbling on a daisy sandwich. Twilight was nibbling on Fluttershy’s ear. Fluttershy found the feeling surprisingly arousing; but although Twilight could probably smell it, Fluttershy kept quiet, knowing Spike could be home at any moment.

Indeed, just after she had finished her sandwich, the dragon came walking in through the front door of the library.

“Hey, Twilight. Hey, Fluttershy. Finally made the move on Twilight? About time, I would say. She’s been drooling over you so long, it’s been driving me crazy!”

Both mares blushed.

“Anyway, I heard AJ’s brother is missing. Have either of you seen him?”

Twilight forced out a smile. “I... Haven’t? No, no, I absolutely have not seen him. And I have no idea that... Um... Eheh...”

“Twilight... You’re hiding something, aren’t you?”

“Eheh...” Twilight’s smile fell. “I... Promised not to tell anypony. Sorry?”

“I’m not the one you should apologize to. Applejack’s been running like mad trying to find him. When you see her, you have to tell her everything.”

“I kinda... Pinkie promised. To Celestia. Not to tell anypony. Especially his family.” Drops of sweat became visible on Twilight’s forehead. ”One does not break a Pinkie promise, right?”

Spike sighed. “You’re right. But once Celestia comes back from wherever she is, you tell her to explain to Applejack immediately.”

“Alright, Spike, I’ll make sure to do that.”

---

Celestia swallowed the last piece of steak from her plate. “Thank you, your majesty, the dinner was most exquisite.” She had indeed enjoyed the meal; it wasn’t every day she got the opportunity to eat meat, as most ponies found the very idea of eating animals disgusting. Surprisingly enough, Big Macintosh seemed to have enjoyed it too, and had even eaten more than Celestia herself, which was no mean feat.

The griffon king spoke softly enough to not blow the two ponies out of the room. “You are most welcome, your highness. Now that dinner is done, let us move on to other matters, shall we?”

“Indeed we shall. This here is Big Macintosh, from the Apple family of farmers; he is by far the largest stallion in Equestria, both in stature and endowment. I believe he would make a great gift for your grandson.”

“He might well be. But you are familiar with griffon tradition, so you know what must be done before we can accept the gift.”

“I do. Do you have a more suited locale for the demonstration?”

“I believe my bedchambers will do. Follow me please.”

The griffon walked out of the dining hall, with the two ponies in tow.