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I awoke after going back to sleep for another hour or so. In hindsight, I am surprised there was not a mandatory wakeup knock at the door from Limestone Pie. Pinkie Pie must have insisted to let her guests sleep to their hearts' content. It was the holidays after all. But I was not alone in bed. Maud Pie was starting to wake up right beside me. My friend...but now as something more.

Her face was right in front of me. And soon those beautiful eyes opened to display a gaze I had come to know from her all too well. Either Maud was still sleepy, or she was just being...Maud. I expected her to smile just slightly. But instead...her drowsy eyes wandered as the first day of the rest of our lives as more than friends began. "Morning... And...last night... That really happened, didn't it?"

I rested my hand on Maud's side under the covers. So strong and firm, but with a loving heart buried deep. Like a treasure buried in a mountain. "Yeah... That happened. Do you still stand by everything you said? Because I do. I love you, Maud."

https://youtu.be/L0eJotWn0m0?si=KQqylPuO22LO2XH-

"I...don't think I ever started my day by...crying." Maud muttered as she squeezed her eyes shut to squeeze out fresh tears. All while my hand caressed her side. The poor thing. She really was not used to being in love with someone who truly understood her. But she still displayed a faint smile after wiping her tears away. "I love you... I really do. But...I still feel like...maybe I shouldn't?"

"It's OK if you feel uncertain and are having second thoughts. That's not unusual for when you fall in love for the first time. You will doubt yourself at times as you adapt to it. I know I did. I was left wondering if it was all worth it in the end the first time my love was reciprocated by a girl. It was just such a huge paradigm shift for me. But I don't regret it. Even if that first time...didn't end well." I explained while emphasizing with Maud greatly. For someone like her... Someone so different who could not connect to just anyone easily... Falling in love was a massive change to Maud's personal status quo. It must have been daunting. What if she doubted me? What if she thought even I would not be able to love her as much as she loved me?

Maud reached out to me and pulled herself closer into a powerful embrace. I would not be wiggling out of her grasp until she released me. "I'm... I'm afraid. Please don't leave me. I never thought I'd...find someone like you. I didn't...let myself say it just so it would be for nothing..."

"Maud. Maud... Shhhh... I'm here. And I love you. It's OK if you doubt yourself, but I don't. Because you're wonderful." I whispered while stroking the back of her head. With my fingers sliding through her silken mane. Her eyes met mine. And my lips met hers. Over and over, placing reassuring kisses upon her lips that ended with Maud letting out a deep sigh. I then put her in a matching embrace and whispered into her ear. "I love you. Do you believe that?"

Maud let out a sound I never thought I'd hear from her. A chuckle. Albeit a very bitter chuckle. "You're right... I'm really not used to this. I don't know...how to handle being in love yet. But...I'll learn. With you. You'll be patient with me, right?"

"Of course. I'm a very patient man. But you know that by now, don't you?" I replied with Maud smiling softly. I tightened my embrace as I cradled my powerful yet fragile beloved in my arms. We just needed to take things one step at a time. "Can we just...stay right here for a little longer?"

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Maud whispered to me as we snuggled under the covers in bed. The silence of winter permeated the air. Distant muffled sounds from elsewhere in the house vaguely reached our ears. The Pie family farmhouse was starting to wake up. But not us. We wanted our first day as lovers to start on our terms. And Maud soon reminded me. "I...love you."

"And I love you, Maud. I'm...so glad to have you. With all of us." I whispered back to her before placing a kiss on her ear. My thoughts went back to the wonderful women of my life who had become more than just friends. They were not merely my lovers. They had become my family. And now Maud Pie had joined us as well.

Maud was quick to bring up something that needed to be considered. "Do you think they'll understand me like you do? Will...Fluttershy accept me?"

"She will. They all will. It'll just take them a little longer to read you like I can. After all, Pinkie Pie figured out how you tick. That means they can too." I explained in the hopes that I would not be wrong. I still remember the first day of Maud's first visit to Ponyville. I really was the only one who got her that day. And it took the rest of her visit for my closest circle of friends to just start to get her.

"I hope so... If I start causing problems, I'll... I'll be OK with just..." Maud started to mumble as her voice trailed off. She just could not say it. And I did not want her to.

I tightened my embrace around my powerful beloved. My hand rested on the back of her head as I whispered into her ear. "No, please don't ever talk about just...leaving. They'll understand. Give them time. And... Come to think of it... There is one who will be able to read you like a book. Rain Shine. You remember her, right?"

"Rain...Shine... I think so. She was always with you on the battlefield. That...kirin? You...both always looked so much closer than you should've been..." Maud replied in contemplation. I know she likely did not know Rain Shine terribly well during the war, but that glorious kirin queen did stand out immensely.

"Yep. She doesn't have to read your face or your voice. She can read your spirit. If there's anyone who can read someone like a book, its a kirin. Talk to her next time you see her. Really get to know her and I assure you she'll be a very good friend to you." I replied with hope in my heart. Although there was also Ocellus back in Ponyville, but I decided it was too soon to mention her. We had...not quite come to an agreement at the time. But soon. Very soon. I just know it.

"That...gives me hope. I really want to belong... To be yours and actually fit in with your family. Please... Always be mine too, all right?" Maud pleaded quietly as I felt her powerful limbs curl around me. I slid my hands down her body. That silky thin coat of hair hiding a body as strong as stone beneath. From her shoulders down over her maidenly flanks. A build many bodybuilders would be envious of. And yet, the heart that beat within was as fragile as any other. That heart...

I wanted to do something special for her. Something to start off our first day right. And so I whispered back to my powerful lover, "I will. And I'll prove it to you right now. Mind if I just...roll you over like this?"

"Hm? I mean... Sure?" Maud replied while she let me take the lead. I gently rolled her onto her back and pulled the covers down enough to reveal her chest. I then brought my head down and placed a kiss right over her beating heart. And Maud let out a whisper. "Oh my gosh..."

"You have a beautiful heart, dear." I whispered back to her as I resumed. Kiss after kiss was placed upon Maud's chest. Reaching out to the heart that was beating for me. And I heard my beautiful beloved sniffle through fresh tears as she wiped her eyes with her wrists. "Are you happy, Maud?"

"So happy... You're so good to me..." Maud said with her deadpan tone quivering with barely concealed emotion. I soon stopped my kisses and rested the side of my head upon her chest. Even through that layer of unfathomably powerful muscle, I could still feel the faint tremors of the heart beating deep inside.

And Maud held me. She rested her hooves on my head and caressed my scalp through my head of hair. I could feel the soft flesh between the curves of her hard hooves. Her equine palms rubbing my head. And she constantly muttered soft words of love. So many I love yous and quiet pleas to never leave her. It was Maud's first day of having a man in her life who both loved her and understood her. It was such an earthshaking change for someone like her. And I would not abandon her.

We finally could not resist. Maud and I embraced again with many kisses being placed upon our lips. I felt wonderful. As any man in the arms of his beloved should. But at the rate we were going, we just might never get out of bed. So I reluctantly whispered to my beloved, "We probably should get up... They'll come knocking for us eventually."

"Right... Limestone hates it when we oversleep. And I don't know if I'm ready to tell her about us yet..." Maud muttered with some disappointment. I know she wanted to stay in her little sanctuary with the love of her life for a while longer, but she would have to learn how to balance her love life with everything else. And I would help her with that. But as we sat up in bed, her eyes fell upon something on the nightstand. Or someone, depending on how one looks at it. "Oh... Good morning, Boulder."

I felt a sense of unease. Boulder was right where Maud had left him. On a cotton ball next to the bed. Completely inanimate, and yet... I felt like we were being watched. That the pebble before us was a witness to everything we said and did that morning. Maud then leaned forward and lowered an ear to her little pet rock. Only for her to look back at me with the most unexpected look on her face. A smirk. Not the most pronounced smirk, but quite the smirk nonetheless. "He thinks we make a cute couple."

"So your pet approves of us? That's a great sign." I replied while Maud lifted her pet rock from his fluffy bed and brought him over for me to hold him. It seemed that Boulder was my pet rock too by then. I held him between two fingers and rolled him back and forth between them. "I hope I won't disappoint you, little guy. Maud is a wonderful mare and deserves a good man."

Maud smiled softly at me before scooting closer and leaning against me. As did I. We both held Boulder together like a young couple cradling a house cat between us. Just for a little longer before we headed down for breakfast. I wondered what was going on in Ponyville at that hour. Was Fluttershy doing fine with Gladesong? Who was I kidding? Fluttershy had all the help she could possibly need with all her little friends around the house. Even with most hibernating the winter away. And even then, Smolder and Ocellus were there as well. They were excellent caretakers for an infant. Thinking of that precious little thing made me realize something. "I still need to introduce you to Gladesong. My firstborn. How do you think you are around the youngest foals?"

"Right... Pinkie Pie told me you and Fluttershy had a baby. I was so happy for you when I heard. But... I don't know. I cant remember the last time I ever met a baby. Or even held one... Do you think she'll like me?" Maud replied with her deadpan and stony gaze hiding her uncertainty well. Given Maud's interests and career choices, I was not surprised she seldom encountered children.

But I knew my daughter well enough by then. And how she always greeted everyone with a smile whether they were simple ponies or dragons the size of mountains. I pulled Maud into a hug and said, "She'll love you. She's always happy to meet anyone. Maybe she'll see you as a gentle talking mountain. Her...Mt. Maud?"

"I would...be so thrilled if she called me that..." Maud let out the softest giggle at my words. Such a rare sound to hear from her. She then spoke softly, "Then I can't wait to meet her."

It was then that we finally got out of bed. I gathered up a towel and some clean clothes for a morning shower. But while doing so, I noticed the fossil I had given Maud the previous night. To think that the planet Equestria was on was ancient enough for prehistoric creatures to have once call home. My eyes glanced over at Boulder sitting on the nightstand again. "Hey, Maud. Have you ever considered how old Boulder is? Has he had anything to share about this world's past?"

"I did ask him, but he doesn't know because he can't count that high. And he's spent most of his life buried in the earth. He really never had the chance to be a witness of any significant events in history." Maud replied as she fetched her favorite frock. It was a silly question to ask in hindsight, but I could not help myself. I stood by the door with Maud dressed and ready to start her day and dropped down on one knee she and I shared a smile and then a kiss with Maud whispering to me. "I'll see you at breakfast."

"See you soon, love." I whispered back with Maud heading out into the hall. I waited a moment longer to let her go ahead to insure we would not be seen together before heading out myself and into the bathroom. I could already smell something cooking downstairs. Whatever it was, I am sure Limestone Pie was at the helm. All I knew is that whatever was being cooked smelled like breakfast.

I did not go undisturbed for long. Even though I locked the door, someone still found a way through the bathroom door. I was right on the verge of undressing what little I was wearing when Pinkie Pie just...stuck her head through the door's keyhole in a way only she could do. I almost fell backwards and into the tub. "Goooood morning! Hey, got a minute? Can we talk?"

"What the...?! Oh... Would you mind knocking next time?" I replied with a startled jump followed by an exasperated roll of my eyes. If Pinkie Pie wanted to reach someone hard enough and she had a good reason for it, there was no stopping her. She would find a way to make it happen. And I had long come to accept that about my unexplainable friend.

https://youtu.be/5BERYwijr2Y?si=G7gx0g7UoHzpfSlu

Pinkie Pie knew she was running the risk of peeking in on me at a bad time and flashed me a very sheepish giggling smile. "Eheheheh... Yeah. Good thing I wasn't a few seconds later. It's just... I kinda wanna talk to you about Marble after last night. Better now before you see her again, right?"

"Her? Uh... Sure. We can talk. Just...let me get in the shower first. Count to a hundred, all right?" I replied while turning the hot water valve. I needed to get that water hot and ready before Pinkie Pie could pop in and catch me in the nude.

"Oki doki loki! I'll be just a minute and two thirds!" Pinkie Pie winked at me before somehow pulling her head back through the keyhole with no trouble. I finished undressing and got in before pulling the shower curtains between myself and the rest of the room. Barely a moment later, I heard Pinkie Pie on the other side. "A hundred one thousand! On the dot! You in there?"

I was not going to bother asking how Pinkie Pie even got into the bathroom with the door locked. I did not hear much of anything on the other side of the curtain. I then replied while fetching some shampoo to get started. "Yeah, I'm good. So then... How'd last night go with your sister?"

Pinkie Pie did not do much to keep her voice down as much as the previous night. But that was probably because of all the noise the ventilation fan and the splattering of running water were producing. And it gave me all the reason more to not turn the water off while lathering up. I was in for a long and indulgent soak. "Mmhm! I talked to her. And we had a long chat about...you. But before I say anything else... I had to tell her about...everypony else in your family. And hippogriff. And dragon. And...all the rest."

I tensed up. That was a very bold revelation to drop on Marble Pie. Explaining to her that I was not a scoundrel seducing women to add to some collection of mine was one thing, but to reveal exactly who I was romantically involved with... "You told her...about all of them? Every last one?"

She sounded somewhat nervous, but did not hesitate to explain herself. Pinkie Pie could be incredibly tactful at the best of times. Especially when it came to family. "Just the ones you told me about yesterday on the train. I... I kinda had to tell her because she needed to know about the most important ones to really get how seriously you and them are taking this whole thing. Princess Celestia. Queen Novo. Dragon Lord Ember. They're the kind of women that won't let themselves date just anyone, right? That's why I had to tell Marble about them. Just as a point of reference."

A remarkably logical argument on Pinkie Pie's part. I found myself in awe over how smart she could be when it came to dealing with family. "Hm... I see your point. And...how did she take the news? Is she still afraid of me?"

"No, she's not afraid of you. But...she really did think it all sounded too good to be true. Because... Let's be real here! It DOES sound way too good to be true on paper! But it's real anyway. You...really do love them that much. You can really do this. That's why they're all just as committed to this as you are. And I made sure I wasn't leaving the room until Marble got that." Pinkie Pie explained while I thought over everything I heard. I really am just that fortunate, am I not? A man with a heart that has enough love for so many? Even a changeling like Ocellus was able to confirm it. And with the integrity to balance all of this? Like a puzzle with all the pieces falling into place in just the right way with little room for error.

There was a pause between us. I suspect Pinkie Pie was letting me have a chance to speak. And so I asked, "Then...she understands? She believed you?"

Pinkie Pie spoke after letting out an audible sigh. "I Pinkie Promised her that everything I said isn't a lie. She knows I wasn't making stuff up, but... She said it sounded like a fairytale. And even though she loves fairytale stories, she still knows fairytales don't really come true in the real world. But...she wants to believe that you're everything I told her. So...just give her a little while, all right? Let her work up the courage and she'll come talk to you when she's ready. I promise she's not afraid of you. She's just... Marble has her doubts. Maybe you can help her leave them behind for good?"

I considered my next words carefully while washing my hair clean. The moments Marble Pie and I shared the previous day. Just...oozing with romantic context. In hindsight, she was very smitten with me. And I felt that temptation. The temptation to love her. She was so sincere with her affections. With the faith she placed in me. When considering how wary she tends to be of strangers, especially the males, being able to trust me was something special. I then asked again, "I know you said Marble and I would make a good couple. You hoping for that?"

We did talk about that last night. And I am still unsure of what to think about the possibility of Pinkie Pie and I becoming in-laws by technicality. Especially now that Maud Pie and I were in the beginning stage of such a relationship. And Pinkie was happy to remind me. "Yep! I already told you last night. I'm hoping you two really have a future together. Don't worry about what Mom and Dad would have to say about it. I'll always go to bat for you two if it ever happens. And...I really hope it does happen. Marble deserves a good husband. And I think you're that guy. Just let me know how things go between you two if things get better."

I felt it too the previous day. It was there in my heart. I was just beginning to feel love for that wonderful little mare. And now that I knew what hardships she had faced before, I wanted to do what I could for her. To make all the trouble she went through not be for nothing. If Marble Pie were to ever become mine, I would do everything in my power to insure she would never regret starting a life with me and my family. And then... There was Maud. But was I the right person to tell Pinkie? I decided to withhold that information for the moment. Maybe after breakfast. Goodness knows she would not see it coming.

"Well... I guess we'll just have to see where it goes when we get there. Thanks for clearing things up with Marble. I'll be down shortly." I said now that I was sure we had covered everything that needed to be said. I heard Pinkie Pie say her goodbyes before I peeked outside. She was gone. Most definitely having gone wiggling her way through the keyhole on the door. I just cracked a smirk and let out a quiet snicker. Pinkie Pie will always be Pinkie Pie and I have long since learned to not question how she does anything. Equestria is a world where the impossible becomes normal on a regular basis after all.

I soon got dressed in fresh clothes and headed downstairs before finding all four of the Pie sisters in the dining room. I heard the clinks of ceramic dishware being set out and peeked in to find that Limestone really did not disappoint. There were plenty of breakfast staples from hash brown and scrambled eggs to toast and jam. And no rocks. Thank goodness. No matter how much passion the Pie family had for the stones of the earth, only dragons can subsist on that stuff.

Marble Pie had just finished spreading out the plates before she noticed me. And instead of looking terrified, she instead looked at me with a more uncertain gaze. But she still smiled a little and waved at me in greeting. I waved back, knowing we would have to approach things on her terms. At least she was no longer wary of me. Limestone then looked over from the far end of the table right as Maud got seated. She flashed me one of her smirks and said, "Someone's a late riser. You wouldn't last long around here."

"I won't debate that. I'm not cut out for farm work. Whether it's about produce or rocks." I replied while being honest about myself. Good thing Pinkie Pie and I were there for pleasure and not as hired help.

"Eeheeehee, you better believe it! There's so many things we can talk about when it comes to the first few weeks James spent in Ponyville! All sorts of odd jobs like helping out around Sweet Apple Acres and baking with me at Sugarcube Corner. He really couldn't keep up with Applejack at all. He's no workhorse, you know?" Pinkie Pie then spoke up while sticking her head around the corner of the doorway. I just rolled my eyes and let her speak truthfully. Earth ponies are on another level when it comes to physical strength. Both the Apple Family and the Pie family were testaments to that.

Limestone Pie glanced over at me and then back at Pinkie Pie. She then smirked in inspiration and said, "Come to think of it... How about you two tell us all about how things went during his earliest days in Equestria? I'm pretty sure the newspaper didn't cover any of that."

"Oh sure! Lots of slice of life goodness plus a little drama to keep you all hooked! I'll be just a second, all right?" Pinkie Pie exclaimed before disappearing out of sight. I smiled back at Limestone and nodded, more than happy to share my story. Good lord, it feels like ages ago even though it has only been a couple of years. It is almost as if living in Equestria makes me feel like I am a kid again. Where time feels like it moves slower than it actually does. And that is truly a blessing.

Pinkie Pie came trotting into the dining room a moment later. And right on her heels was the sound of music coming from the phonograph over yonder. She was just putting some music on to make sure there was some atmosphere. And it sounded like she had found an album that played music meant for the holidays. Good move, Pinkie.

https://youtu.be/2T8MXCXRWbI?si=HtRVzZ5ctD6JIi2V

It is hard to screw up on preparing breakfast staples and Limestone Pie delivered. But the food was not what stood out at the dining room table. It was the company I was keeping. Limestone eventually spoke up while leaning on the table towards me. "So then... Spill the beans. What were things like for you in Ponyville right outta the gate? That's where you ended up, right?"

I still remembered those days well. I took a moment to recollect my memories and said, "I mean you do know why and how I came to this world, right? Celestia and Luna kind of snatched me from my world in the blink of an eye and without establishing contact. I dunno if that was the best way to go about things, but they did take a very hands-off approach. Although they did place me near Ponyville for good reason. The town and the friends I made on the first day were very accommodating."

"Yep! We sure were! The poor guy was really having some bad culture shock back then. Really not having a good day. But it all got better when he came to his welcoming party! And it just got even better from there!" Pinkie Pie added while I recalled that first day. She was not wrong. I was lost and anxious. And Rainbow Dash literally dropping right onto me at first encounter was not good for my already delicate mood. And then Rarity unwittingly smashed my forehead into her doorway as we both got a reality check on how most of Equestria's architecture is not scaled for human use. And yet she was quick to try and right the wrong she did immediately. My new friend destined to become one of my dearest beloveds.

I looked at Pinkie Pie and said with a smile, "I know I've probably said this quite a few times, but thank you for all you did that day. For as rough a start I had, you made sure my first day in Ponyville ended on a high note."

"And I'm glad we became such good friends in the end! It's always been great having you with us, James. And I know the rest of the girls agree." Pinkie Pie replied after munching down a slice of toast covered in fresh jam. Definitely homemade too. There is nothing quite like country cooking. It brought back memories of my childhood at my grandparents' house.

Maud and Marble were listening intently as they dined. They never interjected and just listened in. Limestone then asked, "I guess you can't expect moving from one world to another to go smoothly on such short notice. Things still a bit rough after your first day?"

I thought back to that first week or so. It still amazes me at how it feels like half a lifetime ago by now. "I guess you could say that. I literally had nothing on me but the clothes on my back and whatever was in my pockets. I did have a bit of a lifeline of sorts in terms of finances back home, but it'd take too long to explain. And I'm pretty sure that line has long since been cut by now. I did a few odd jobs around town like helping out at Sweet Apple Acres with Applejack or helping out at Sugarcube Corner with Pinkie Pie here. Although I eventually found that I was pretty decent at providing massages at the local spa. And that position eventually stuck. I'm happily employed there now."

That was when Maud decided to speak up. And for good reason. "Except... I don't think he'll be able to do anything that'll work on you. He tried with me, but my muscles are too firm. Pretty sure yours are too, Limestone."

"Ah nuts, you got my hopes up!" Limestone groaned while rolling her eyes. I felt bad that my hands were simply not rugged enough to massage a body as tough as stone. I mean even Quake almost broke her wrist trying to give Maud a firmer massage when I could not. I was expecting my coworker to come in the next day with a cast over her hoof, but she got lucky. But who knows? Maybe Limestone's body is not quite as rugged as Maud's. There is something unusual about Maud after all. My host then tried to push her disappointment aside and said, "Ugh... Anyway... So you found yourself a job that stuck. That's good to hear. Gotta make bits somehow, right? What else happened?"

"I got used to the town's layout. Got used to customs and standards. Made some minor friends on the side. Even made an enemy somehow. At least that didn't last too long." I replied while hoping Limestone Pie would not pry too hard about things regarding Diamond Tiara. I never could have imagined that spiteful and very spoiled filly's grudge against me would spiral and snowball into the events that followed. Or what those events would lead to in the coming months. For want of a nail indeed...

Limestone thankfully did not pry too much about the mention of an enemy. At least not so far as requesting an identity. "Hold on. You made an enemy somehow during your first week there? What's that about? You did something wrong? Or did they do something wrong?"

I hesitated with that one. How was I supposed to explain I stood up for a few fillies being harassed by an obnoxious bully at school during recess only for that bully to become a massive reoccurring thorn in my side? I was firm with Diamond Tiara, but not too rough. Especially when I could have been gentler or much harsher. Pinkie Pie thankfully intervened as she said, "Eh... It's all water under the bridge by now anyway. That enemy eventually became a friend in the end. She's a good girl now. But it did get kinda crazy. James had to hide out in the forest nearby when she dug up dirt on him and... Huh. Come to think of it, what she did find was the first clue that all the myths about humans in Equestria weren't myths at all!"

This revelation somehow intrigued Limestone. She brought her hooves together and said, "Ooooh, sounds like a thriller and mystery story! Your new enemy went digging and found something obscure to use against you, huh?"

How in the world did Diamond Tiara find that obscure law that never got abolished in the first place? To think that everything about humanity's past in Equestria that would get unearthed in the coming years. And that was where it all started. "It... Uh... Basically I fell in love during my first week in Ponyville. And what she found could be used both against me and my lover. I... I guess I did resort to some pretty extreme methods to try and protect her by going into hiding. But it ended up being not that big a deal. Although it did result in Celestia and Luna getting involved and warranted them seeing me in person to clear up the situation. That was the first time I ever met them."

"Well that didn't take long. But I guess it makes sense that they'd have to finally say hello eventually. They brought you to this world after all, right?" Limestone replied with great interest in her intensely colored eyes. But her eyebrows rose higher when she fully processed why I was hiding out in the Everfree Forest in the first place. "Hey... Hey, wait. You said you've got a girlfriend, right? You two still together after all that?"

Limestone was surprised when I responded by displaying a smirk on my lips. A smirk that Pinkie Pie mirrored since she knew exactly where this was going. I raised my right hand and splayed my fingers to draw attention to them. "We're not just still together. We're married now."

Maud and Marble did not react much to me displaying my wedding ring. But Limestone looked dumbfounded that it had taken her that long to notice what was on my finger. "That's... Oh! I mean I did notice that ring, but... That's what humans do? They wear a wedding ring on that finger? Wow... Now I feel dumb for not connecting the dots sooner. Anyway, congrats! I seriously mean that. Glad to know you two are happy together. Really."

"Thank you. We've been pretty blessed with how things turned out. We had a lot of doubts eventually with how quickly we pursued a relationship with each other, but we beat the odds. We're very happy together." I explained while being mindful to not drop even the slightest hint that Fluttershy was not my only beloved. Maud and Pinkie definitely understood and Marble was starting to come around, but how would the fieriest of the Pie sisters react to that knowledge? For all I knew, I would leave the Pie family farm with Limestone Pie not knowing at all.

Although there was one question that Limestone had to ask. One that I am surprised I do not get asked more often. "That's good. Sticking together through all the ups and downs... Hang on. I mean I'm pretty sure ponies like us don't exist where you come from, but... Was it...weird getting into a relationship with someone who...isn't like you? Someone who's not human?"

That was a very valid question. Interspecies romance simply is not a thing back on Earth due to my own species being the only truly sapient race of creatures on the planet. There is no other creature on the planet that can smile, think, feel, and hold a conversation like a human being can. Although it is a concept that is very popular and frequently explored in works of fiction. I certainly never expected that I would end up living that fantasy by finding love with fully sapient people of vastly different species. Let alone beat the odds and create offspring with them. But as I pondered that question, I just shrugged my shoulders and said, "I dunno how to answer that one, really. I guess I just accepted early on that I needed to adjust my standards if I did not want to end up very lonely in the long run. And I'm glad I did. The women of this world can be very beautiful in ways the females of my own species could only dream of being. Ponies, hippogriffs, dragons, and everyone between."

Marble looked like she was really happy to hear that. I saw that smile on her lips. Even Maud gave me a bit of a smile in response. Only for Pinkie Pie to join in with a response while Maud reached out and let me rest my right hand on her hoof hidden under the table. The ring on my finger was being worn for more than just Fluttershy. "Doesn't he have the best way with words? This guy really appreciates beauty. I guess it's an artist thing."

"Art? What else can this guy do? He's good with a brush and with a sword?" Limestone asked almost jokingly. I suppose Ember was right all along. Warrior poet does fit me in a way.

As much as I wish I could create masterpieces on canvases, I had to accept what I could and could not do well. I then replied, "No, not a brush. But I am good with pencil and paper. Or rather a typewriter. Where Maud dabbles in poetry, I practice prose."

"Oh... You're a writer. Got anything published yet? Or are you still working on your first novel?" Limestone asked while not exactly disappointed. Although I suspect she would prefer being able to see colorful works of art instead of black text on a white page. Her lifestyle could use more color in general.

I had no idea what kind of response my answer would bring. It was not really a novel I was working on. I am not even really sure what category it falls into. "Uh... It's not exactly a novel. More like journals... An autobiography, I guess? I mean you can understand why someone like me would keep a semi daily log of events. For someone from a world like Earth, life in a world like Equestria is worth documenting. I've had quite a few minor adventures and events that were worth writing home about. Although maybe I could publish them someday..."

Maud turned to me and spoke with her deadpan tone. And while not showing a smile, I knew she was being kind. "If you publish them, I want to read them. Let me know if it happens and I'll be your first buyer."

"Oh wow, you mean that? Then...yeah! Although it'll probably need to be heavily edited in some ways. And there's a lot... Volumes upon volumes... It's amazing how much the past couple of years have given me to remember." I replied before starting to wonder how much writing I have actually done over the past couple of years. My friends getting me that typewriter ended up being a godsend. It made my output more efficient and was easier on my wrist that writing with a pencil. How many words have I written by now? And how many more to go before I decide to put down the pen for good? Only time will tell.

Limestone Pie looked genuinely interested in whatever my writings had to offer. She spoke up, "Hey, life stories are never short. And if you've got a lot to talk about, that's a good thing. If you do publish those journals, I bet it'll be a huge hit. You're the first human to be seen in Equestria in over a thousand years. And you're the first one to come from Earth. That'll be a big draw for customers."

"That's a good point. I would be bringing something completely new to the table. I really need to consider finding a publisher in the coming years. Maybe when the narrative my journals are telling starts to feel more...complete. Like I've found the right spot to stop the story on." I mused for a moment. Journals are not a conventional medium of literature. How would I translate them to a proper book?

Pinkie Pie then spoke up. And she reminded me of something that I kind of did not want to remember. "Say, James? Try talking to Twilight about that when you think the time is right. Her mom's a pretty accomplished author too. I bet she's got connections that could save you a lotta trouble!"

I winced at that thought. Yes, I am aware Twilight Velvet has published a number of books as a successful author. But as I have stated a while ago, she is not someone I enjoy spending time with. There is something not right about that mare. Definitely crazy in some way. "Ugh... If I must. You know Twilight's parents are kinda crazy. Especially her mom."

Pinkie's three sisters just stared in confusion. They knew very little about our friend, if at all. And Maud herself did not have any reason to think Twilight's family background was abnormal. Pinkie then waved her hooves in an attempt to change the subject. "Oh, uh... You all don't need to know about Twilight's parents! Way off topic anyway! Let's get back on track!"

We chatted a while longer as we went back and forth with discussions about my life in Equestria. It went on for so long that Pinkie Pie had to go flip the record on the house's record player once the music stopped. And I was very careful to not bring up the full scope of my family. Or the various journals about the wild dreams I have had that I can still remember vividly. I only told them what they needed to know.

It was finally time to leave the dining room. Pinkie Pie and Limestone Pie decided to handle the dishes and I could hear them chatting up each other among the clinks of ceramic dinner plates and splashes of water in the kitchen sink. I was taking a moment to chill in front of the fireplace after a filling meal. And while I did not mean to listen in, I did catch a brief exchange between the two Pie sisters with Pinkie Pie dropping a question on Limestone. "Soooo? What's the verdict on Equestria's #1 human?"

Limestone's response made my smile. "He's a good guy. I didn't know what to think when he showed up yesterday, but he's definitely one of the good ones."

I did my best to not eavesdrop on them. Although it got a lot easier when I heard running water starting to drown them out. While I sat there by the fireplace, someone came over to join me. Maud came up beside me and whispered into my ear, "I want to be with you right now. May I?"

"Please, love. Right here." I whispered back to my newest beloved. That sturdy mare took a seat beside me and immediately leaned against me, her head on my shoulder. I put my arm around my mare and whispered to her. "I love you."

"Love you too... I'm still getting used to this. I'm not used to...having you." Maud whispered back while I noticed she had her eyes closed. It was her first time being in love and being loved right back. She must have felt so vulnerable. So uncertain. For as long as I had known her, Maud Pie appeared to be a mare who knew who she was and what she wanted out of life. One who had everything figured out. And now... She was the most uncertain and fragile she had ever been. A mountain that could come crumbling down at the slightest tremor.

I wanted to believe that our love was true. That I would never let my new beloved down. So I whispered words of reassurance to her. "It'll all be OK. Everyone will accept you and learn to understand you. They'll start to see your hidden smiles. Your silent laughter. Your unspoken sorrow. And maybe in time you'll start to express yourself in new ways. Maybe you're a glorious island ready to rise up out of the ocean with a vibrant ecosystem ready to take root on it."

Maud inhaled sharply at my words and lifted her head to bring her eyes up to meet mine. They were wider than usual. And I could see the faintest of tears building at the edges. I mean... I admit I was trying to be as beautiful as possible with my choice of words to inspire her. I just did not expect those words to bring tears to her eyes. "I... I love you so much right now... You really are an artist with mastery over words..."

"I try to be... When I have my moments." I whispered back to my beloved. And as we gazed at each other in the glow and warmth of the fireplace... My heart craved her. I then asked softly, "I want to kiss you..."

"Please... Let's." Maud whispered back as we embraced. Our eyes closed as our lips touched. Over and over. Until I went deeper. I licked at her lips during another kiss. And perhaps on instinct, Maud's lips parted. The instant our tongues touched and began to dance... She went limp in my arms. All while a wonderful muffled moan hummed in her throat. For a moment, that beautiful mare of soft had become soft clay in my arms as I held her upright. Only her arms retained their strength. And they wrapped ever firmer around me.

She was loving her first real kiss. Maud did not want to pull away. Even when I tried to get a full breath, Maud quickly pinned our lips together and resumed our tender tango. She was...wonderful. And oh so happy. I was honored that she was mine and I was hers. I would find out why I was able to see so deeply past her story facade. It was a mystery I wanted to unravel. And we would learn the truth together. But until then, I was happy just knowing I could read her better than anyone.

Maud finally relented with her stony embrace with her body stiffening enough to sit upright again. She panted and wheezed with such a profound blush glowing through her gray cheeks. I too was feeling rather flushed as well. What a wonderful first kiss of such depth. I whispered to her, "So... How was that one?"

"You...are really good at that... Love you so much..." Maud whispered back before leaning forward and resting her head on my shoulder with a happy sigh. We sat there in front of the fireplace for a moment more in a loving embrace. I only wanted her at the time and nothing else. But then... A whisper from her. "Oh no..."

I raised an eyebrow. But when I looked out of the corner of my eye... There in the doorway of the kitchen. Pinkie Pie and Limestone Pie. Whatever they were saying to each other was being spoken with such quiet whispers that I could not hear them. But their movements. That irate expression on Limestone's face. They told us everything we needed to know without words. Limestone had seen her sister and I locked in a deep and passionate kiss. All while I was wearing a wedding ring on my finger that was meant for someone else. And she did not approve.

Thank goodness for Pinkie Pie being there. She placed a hoof on her eldest sister's shoulder and motioned for Limestone to come with her out of sight. Limestone let out a snort before agreeing and following her sister outside where we would not hear them. Once we heard the front door close, I felt Maud quiver in my embrace. Her eyes still had a look of deceptive stoicism in them, but they were wider than usual. "She saw us."

"Yeah... But...that won't stop me from loving you. If anything goes wrong, my family will gladly have you. And you'll always have Pinkie by your side. She knows and she understands." I whispered back to Maud as a new anxiety burned in my stomach. I did not come to Pinkie Pie's family home just to find trouble. Not now. Not during the holidays.

"I don't want to have to choose... I'm glad Pinkie Pie is here, but... I don't know. Would Limestone ever understand?" Maud whispered back as she tightened her stony embrace around me. She was quivering. Fear. We had just found love together only for a new obstacle to come along from the worst possible place. Maud should not have to choose between two families.

But there was hope. My lifeline for that visit. Pinkie Pie. I found myself feeling blessed to have a friend like her. To hell with any gripes I may have with her excessive exuberance from time to time. I would not trade her for anything. I whispered back to my beloved while stroking my fingers through her mane, "Pinkie will get through to her. She's very persuasive like that. She managed to get through to Marble after all."

Maud stopped quivering a few seconds later as she sighed into my shoulder. "I hope she will... She's special like that."

It was after a moment longer of trying to soothe each other that I happened to notice someone peeking around the corner nearby. The only other person left in the house. "Marble...?"

The youngest Pie sister flinched and ducked out of sight. But not entirely. She then peeked out again with her long mane partially hiding her face. It was then that Maud also noticed and lifted her head away from me to look at her sister. "Marble? Is something wrong?"

Marble looked uncertain of how to respond and settled for just shyly waving in greeting. She most definitely knew by looking at us that Maud and I were no longer just friends. Knowing what happened the previous night and the conversation she and Pinkie had before bed, I tried to approach the situation carefully. I held out a hand in invitation and asked, "You wanna relax in front of the fire? It's a good day for it."

I expected Marble to just run away. But she defied my expectations and approached us. Albeit with a very tense and shaky stride. Maud and I released each other from our embrace as I found myself sandwiched between the two beautiful Pie sisters. Of all people, it was Marble who broke the silence. "Are you two...in love?"

Neither of us knew how to respond to that question. When her sister and I arrived the previous day, I never would have dreamed I would find love out there on that humble rock farm. Let alone with one of the most unique women I had come to call a friend during my time in Equestria. But Maud still found the will to place her hoof in my hand to show Marble without words that we were something more. Marble gazed upon Maud's hoof resting in my left had and somehow found the will to smile. "I'm...happy for you."

Maud displayed a calm smile while I answered her stoic yet loving gaze with a smile of my own. She spoke calmly, "I'm...very grateful to have him. Nopony understands me like he does. I love him..."

"And I love you, dear." I whispered back to Maud. With the situation calm once again, she and I shared a tender kiss in front of Marble. When I looked back to Marble, I could see that she was keeping one eye hidden behind her mane. As if it was a halfway point between lowering her guard and being on the defensive. I asked carefully, "You wanna...talk for a bit?"

"Mmhm... But...between just us? Please?" Marble asked shyly with barely more than a whisper. There was a new obstacle for her to confront at that moment. Maud Pie herself. It was our first day as lovers and it felt wrong to let anyone come between us.

Thankfully, Maud understood and stood up. She said softly, "I'll leave you two alone for a little while. I need to check on Boulder anyway. I'll be back soon."

"Thanks, Maud. Love you." I whispered back to her while my newest beloved placed a tender kiss on my forehead as she displayed such a lovely smile. She walked away and up the stairs nearby. With Maud in her bedroom and her sisters outside likely having quite the conversation, it was just me and dear little Marble Pie.

We sat there in front of the fireplace on a gloomy and cloudy December morning. I was tempted to hold Marble, but I knew better than to make the first move. Not after last night. So I instead thought of the only thing I could do to break the ice. I held up my right hand in the glow of the fireplace with Marble's eyes widening at the sight of my shining wedding ring. I whispered softly, "I know why you ran. And Pinkie Pie and I had a long talk last night. I know what happened to you back then. And I can't believe anyone would take advantage of you like that..."

Marble hesitated before she responded with a timid whisper. "She...told you?"

"She decided I needed to know after you started to avoid me. And only after I made a Pinkie Promise to not tell anyone else who doesn't know." I said while lowering my hand. Marble hid her face from me behind her mane. But not out of fear. Was she...ashamed of having run from me? I gazed into the wavering flames in the fireplace as I muttered, "I...wanted to do things to the stallion who used you. Terrible things... You didn't deserve that. A wonderful little lady like you deserves a wonderful man. One who would never use you."

Silence followed. A silence broken only by the crackling and popping of the blazing logs in the fireplace. Marble peeked at me from behind me mane as she finally asked, "Pinkie told me...wonderful things about you. You...and your...wives. That you...truly love them. Do you...wear that ring for all of them?"

I held up my hand before me to gaze upon that sacred simple gold band around my finger. "Yes. I mean it is part of a proper set. I walked down the aisle with my first love before we said our vows. But since then... This ring is now worn for others. Some of them wear rings for me. Or other pieces of jewelry. But this is the ring that binds me to them. And...it's never for pleasure. Only for love. If I don't feel something for her, then I don't want her."

"Then...you feel wonderful things for them, don't you?" Marble asked with a subtle hope in her eyes. She began to appear all the more relaxed. As if she had gotten situated to listen to a lovely fairytale.

I closed my eyes and thought of my beloveds back home. In Ponyville, in Canterlot, and beyond. "Yes... All of them. Just in different ways. No two are alike. And I'm still figuring things out as we go. There are still times where I doubt myself. Where I wonder if I really have what it takes to live a life like this. To live a life of polygamy that's built on love and not lust. But they keep me going. They have faith in me. And I'll keep having faith in myself."

"Then...I'll have faith in you too." Marble whispered as she rested a hoof on my hand. Her touch surprised me. It was a remarkable show of initiative from someone so timid. I looked at her while she looked at me. With one eye hidden behind her flowing mane, Marble spoke through a timid smile that looked troubled still. "I'm sorry... I shouldn't have run... I should've listened. Asked questions..."

"No, no, you shouldn't apologize. You had plenty of reason to doubt me. I know why you're cautious around married men. Infidelity is far more common than people like to admit." I replied with no disappointment in my heart. While I did feel that sting when Marble first fled from me and then began to avoid me for the rest of the night, learning the truth made everything better. Any negativity I felt was now directed to the one who scarred her heart in the past. May he never return.

Marble's smile faded entirely and was replaced by a gaze of surprise. As if she could not believe I would forgive her so easily. "But... No, really. I shouldn't have... No knight in shining armor like you could... I should've known better. I still remember how gallant you looked as you flew away for the battlefield. And everything you went through for our world after that day... I never should've doubted you... Our hero..."

A long sigh escaped my nostrils. Perhaps everything that happened after our prior meeting should have provided enough proof that I am a generally virtuous person. But I knew an unfortunate truth. One that she needed to hear. "Perhaps... But being a knight doesn't make someone free of sin, you know? Someone can have the appearance of a saint and still have the heart of a devil."

The timid little mare before me lowered her gaze. It was a sobering thought for sure that the more innocent would never want to hear. "That...is true, isn't it?"

"I should know... I've been there." I replied while turning my gaze back to the fireplace before us. Flames blazing while only cinders remained in my heart from the time that came to mind. One that feels so long ago, yet only happened mere weeks before I came to Equestria for the first time. "She was so beautiful... Made me so happy... Only for it to be all for nothing... I'll never know what was real or false about her."

Marble said nothing. While I had long since let go of my bitterness of that time, it was still an era of my life I needed to learn from. But then Marble whispered a lovely truth to me. "But you found love again. And this time it was for real. Right?"

I inhaled deeply while a smile spread across my lips. And I knew I was blessed. "Equestria has given me so much. A world I can be proud of. A life with a future. And...it gave me love. It gave me them... It even gave me a family."

She was smiling under her mane. Marble was happy to hear that. She then asked, "You...did have a foal with your wife, right?"

"Yeah... Our firstborn... Gladesong. We did adopt a filly before her, but she's the first child of mine who has my blood running in her veins. A simply darling little thing. Always happy. She doesn't know what fear is. Always happy to meet new people. And...she knows who her other mothers are." I whispered as I thought back to my pride and joy. I knew she was in good hooves while I was away, but I was already longing to get home and hold my baby girl in my arms again. I was already making plans to snuggle with her on the sofa when I got home.

"You're...a daddy then... That's wonderful. Do your...other wives want children too?" Marble asked with a timid voice. But a very curious one too. As if the topic deeply interested her.

I kind of hid my face from her. I was beaming, yet felt embarrassed to admit the truth. "Yeah... Most of them have voiced a desire to...have little ones with me. I'm looking forward to when it finally happens."

Marble rubbed her hoof over my hand to try and soothe me. I think she could see that I felt silly for saying such a thing. Even if every word came from my heart. "Aw... Don't be shy. It's wonderful that you're a father who loves his children. I hope they'll all be happy and healthy little ones. Even if...they're from different mothers. Do you think they'll know they're brothers and sisters?"

"I really do intend to make sure my family knows we're all in this together. Whether my children are ponies, hippogriffs, dragons, or anything else, I will want them to know they're all brothers and sisters. And I'll love them all the same." I whispered as I closed my eyes. My thoughts went to my many beloveds. And my mind began to dream. Fanaticizing what our children will look like. So many colors and shapes between so many different species... I found my arm reaching out at one point as I felt a profound urge to hold them. It was a beautiful dream... But a dream that also felt so far away from being realized. I sighed in disappointment as I opened my eyes. "I hope fate won't keep us waiting too long..."

"Me too... I want to meet your little ones someday." Marble sighed before leaning into me, prompting me to lift my arm and drape it around her. It was just like the previous night. Except now she would not run. Although she then asked a question I did not expect. "Is it true what Pinkie Pie said? Are some of your wives...royalty? It sounded ridiculous, but...is it true?"

I wanted to be certain to not come across as a man flexing his connections. It is an easy assumption to make when a commoner marries into a wealthy family that it was done so for power and riches with no love involved. That could not be further from the case when it came to me. I shyly confessed, "My beloveds come from many walks of life. Some are commoners like me. Some are warriors. And some...are queens."

"Then when Pinkie said you're courting Princess Celestia... Oh my... Oh...wow..." Marble Pie stammered as she looked and sounded rather excited. As if she was getting very deep into an intriguing romance novel. But there was no fiction involved there. It was all real.

And my memories of Celestia were very recent. I was happy to share that story with my new friend. "Yeah... We spent a night together recently. Just...being so happy together. She's just such a wonderful woman under that crown. We're so in love..."

"Your secret's safe with me. I hope you'll always be happy together. But wow... Love between a common man and a mighty princess... It's so...beautiful..." Marble swooned as I noticed her giggling out of the corner of my eye. What a romantic that little lady is. She then asked, "But there are others?"

"Promise you won't tell just anyone?" I asked while Marble responded most fittingly. She did not say it, but she performed the actions of a Pinkie Promise. Crossing a hoof over her chest followed by little flapping motions with her hooves and then ending on one hoof touching her eyelid. Satisfied, I then told her the rest. "All right then. Yes... Rain Shine. A kirin queen out on the Empty Plains. Although she's more of a chieftain than a proper queen. Then there's Dragon Lord Ember. Basically the queen of the dragons of their homeland. And...Novo. Queen of Capricorn Island."

Marble completely turned to face me with eyes filled with wonder when I mentioned my wonderful bird of paradise far across the ocean. "A queen... A real queen? Does that mean...you're also a king?"

A giddy smile spread across my lips. Even I can barely believe that day is not so far off. I whispered to Marble, "Not yet, but someday. I visited very recently and they took the time to take measurements of my head for my eventual crown."

The little mare in my partial embrace was filled with a strange excitement. She blushed deeply. Her breathing became more rapid and shallow. Marble was very thrilled about something. "Oh my... Oh my... Then... You're not just a knight in shining armor, but...also a king? An honest to goodness king in waiting?"

"It's mostly just for the sake of protocol. I don't have the leadership skills needed to rule over a kingdom. But if being the husband of a queen requires me to be crowned, then so be it. I'll gladly wear a crown for my royal beloveds if I must." I replied with pride in my voice. I am not certain what will be expected of me once I become a true king, but I hope I will not disappoint anyone in the end.

What excitement in her eyes. Marble looked so joyous as she looked at me from behind her mane. "Then...your majesty... I mean... You're not just yet. But... I... Mm..."

Words completely failed her. Marble began to stammer and mumble as she shut down in a sense. She was not so shy and fearful that she could only mumble. She was just at a loss for words. Thoroughly amused, I pulled my new friend closer as we snuggled in front of the fireplace. "Hey... Easy now. I'm no king yet. I'm just me. At the end of the day, I'm just a simple man living his best life in Ponyville. A man who's been very...very blessed over the past couple of years."

Marble took a deep breath to steady her nerves and calm herself. She did not want to be a stammering mess. I noticed her close her eyes as she leaned into me. Just letting herself go as she finally whispered to me. "You're humble... That's such a good thing for a man to be."

"I know myself enough to know I've got no business being cocky. But I am very proud of my family. And I know they're proud of me too." I whispered back to my little friend. Marble soon tilted her head back to look at me. And the way she kept tilting her head back to bring her lips closer to me... It reminded me of something from the previous day. "Yesterday... Was that your first kiss?"

"Mmhm... And...I'm glad it came from you." Marble whispered back to me. I could feel it in my heart again. Marble was just so...precious. I wanted to love her now that there was nothing in the way. Now that she knew I am a man who loves his women for who they are. But instead of reaching to me for a kiss, Marble whispered a tender request. "Could you...come to my room tonight? Stay with me in bed? I...want to kiss you again. Where's it's just us..."

It was an offer I could not say no to. There was something blooming between us. I found love entirely out of the blue with Maud Pie. And now... Was dear little Marble Pie asking me to have a future with her too? Two wonderful sisters finding love and a future with the same man... It was a new experience for me that I was hoping for the best for. I whispered softly into her ear, "It would be my pleasure."

"I...think it'll be my pleasure too." Marble squeaked as she once again blushed deeply. Now we had something special to look forward to that evening. What wonderful experiences would we share in the sanctuary of Marble's personal bedroom? But for the moment, those thoughts could wait. We had the rest of the day to enjoy. Marble and I went back to cuddling in front of the fireplace without words. Nothing else needed to be said for a while.

The faint tapping of hooves reached our ears coming down the stairs. Maud Pie soon stepped into view. I saw her eyes focus on me and then on her sister. She then approached us as the tiniest smile formed on her lips. "Are you two happy?"

"Mmhm... Very...happy..." Marble muttered while blushing profusely. She had been caught by her own sister in a rather intimate moment. We must have looked like a young couple at the moment. Although she then asked, "Are you...happy too?"

Maud looked my way while my eyes met hers. And her eyes brightened ever so slightly as she spoke with a soft whisper. "Yes... Because he makes me very happy."

"You make me happy too, dear." I whispered back before Maud leaned forward and placed a kiss upon my lips. She then took a seat to my left and leaned into my embrace. I then added, "Marble and I had a long talk. I think we're on good terms."

"Good. She shouldn't be afraid of you. Because you're a very good man. A good husband. And a good father. Even if...you're a husband to more than one." Maud replied while I noticed Marble giggle quietly into my chest. To hear such praise from her own sister must have been reassuring. Especially one as sincere as Maud. Marble's older sister then asked, "Marble... Are you OK with us being together?"

A quiet sigh came from the little mare in my embrace. She soon lifted her head and gazed at Maud with a soft smile on display. "I hope you'll always be very happy together. And that he'll always make you as happy...as he makes me."

Maud's stony gaze faltered a little more to show such a quiet and loving look in her eyes as she looked at me out of their corners. "He makes me very happy. And I think he always will."

"I hope I won't ever disappoint. We still have many decades ahead of us." I replied while Maud placed a kiss on my cheek. She was growing more sure of herself by the hour. Only time would enlighten her to the workings of the heart. And all I could do was look forward. I could not let myself start doubting now.

But it was then that we heard a sound we were all dreading. The front door opening and then closing a moment later. The sound of four sets of hooves reached our ears with one set heading off to the kitchen. The three of us carefully peeked over our shoulders. Pinkie and Limestone were out there in the cold for at least twenty minutes. Maybe even around thirty. Pinkie Pie was just standing there...with fresh tears on her face. I left Maud and Marble to rush over to my friend and got down on one knee before her. I rested my hands on her shoulders and asked, "What happened? You OK?"

Pinkie Pie let out a sniffle as she spoke with a pained smile. "Uh huh... It's just that...things got pretty heated out there. A lot of yelling... More yelling than I could take from Limestone. But I made sure to get through to her. She's got her doubts like just about anypony would if they found out about your family, but... She listened. All in her grumpy sour way."

"Oh Pinkie... You're the best friend a guy could ask for. Come here." I sighed before pulling my friend into a grateful hug. Standing up to strangers is one thing, but standing up to her own family for me was something else. Pinkie Pie threw her arms around me for a very tight hug and squeaked out a whimper as she let out what few tears she still had in her flow free. Limestone really did hurt her with words. I did not even want to know what venomous things were said to Pinkie out there. "Thank you. You'll be the best sister-in-law ever at this rate."

"Mm... Mhmhmhmhm! Yeah... Really looking forward to that... Don't let me down, Maud. I'm really rooting for you two here." Pinkie Pie replied with quite the muffled giggle. She lifted her head and wiped her tears away before saying, "But...wow. You didn't tell me anything about you two being in love this morning. Something happen last night? I knew you two were always good friends from the start, but...now this?"

What unfortunate timing for Pinkie Pie to discovery the love Maud and I held for each other at literally the same time as Limestone finding out. Instead of joyously inquiring and giving us her blessings, she had to rush to our defense instead. Maud, seeing that Pinkie Pie needed some emotional rest, beckoned her to approach. "Let's talk about it over here. You've been through a lot."

"Uh huh... Sure did. Nopony knows how to make a girl cry like Captain Grumpy back there." Pinkie Pie said with a sniffling giggle. I started to feel some anger towards Limestone Pie at that moment. Whatever she said that brought Pinkie Pie to tears was completely uncalled for. Even if it was all out of doubt and concern. We all got together in a warm and snuggling pile in front of the fireplace. I could feel Pinkie quivering from being out in the freezing winter cold for a while. She really needed that. "So then... Tell me everything. You two are something more now?"

Pinkie's voice was softer than usual, but her eyes were filled with wide wonderment and excitement. I could see she was thrilled at the prospect of her favorite sister and I becoming something more. I looked at Maud while she showed the slightest smile. I then looked at Pinkie and whispered, "Your sister wrote a wonderful poem for me. Said things I never thought I'd hear from her. And...I wanted to be hers if she would be mine."

Oh boy, that huge grin on Pinkie's face. Marble even let out a tiny giggle as she saw her twin sister beam so brightly. But she still looked at Maud to await confirmation. And Maud happily yet quietly replied, "I've...loved him for a while. I just couldn't hold it in anymore and said it. But...I didn't think he'd feel the same..."

"No, no... I didn't think you would ever feel so strongly for me either. But I'm glad you do. I'm happy to have you, dear. And I don't want things to go back to how they were when I head home. From now on... We're together, right?" I replied with my hand resting on Maud's hoof. She looked at me, that subtle smile becoming wider while her eyes displayed a subtle loving gaze. She and I answered each other in kind by reaching out and sharing a kiss right in front of Pinkie Pie's face.

Pinkie Pie instantly let out a quiet squeal as she tried to restrain herself. Giggling and spazzing out in as restrained a manner as she could muster with her hooves touching. Once our kiss ended and we looked at Pinkie Pie, the wildest Pie sister spoke joyously to us while still keeping her voice down. "I knew it. I always knew it. If there was one sister of mine you would have a future together with, I just knew it would be Maud. There was always something special between you two since day 1. I wasn't sure you two would become something more, but I always had a hunch it might happen. Maud... I'm so happy for you. I can't wait for you to move to Ponyville and be with your man for real. It'll be so great having my best big sister around!"

"Mmhm... Now I have to make it a guarantee. I will be moving to Ponyville for certain now. Once I graduate, I'll make plans." Maud replied while she and I shared another kiss. What a thing to look forward too. I could only hope Ponyville and the surrounding area would have everything Maud would need for her career.

But our moment of joy was very brief. We all froze as the distinct sound of hooves reached our ears. The four of us looked back to see Limestone Pie standing in the doorway of the kitchen. A very stern look was set into her eyes. Brow furrowed, eyes narrowed, and yet... Not quite angry. I knew that Pinkie Pie did not convince her eldest sister entirely during their discussion about me. She finally let out a harsh sigh and began to approach. "All right... Get up. We need to talk. Now."

Being the mare of the house while their parents were away, we had to comply. Although I remained seated to keep myself eyelevel with Limestone while her sisters stood up and spread out. Marble looked somewhat alarmed. Like she could sense trouble was afoot. Perhaps her Marble Sense was tingling.

Limestone looked like she wanted to be angry, but looked confused as well. I sat there in silence and braced myself for whatever would come. The salty and sour mare before me let out a sigh before she said, "Look... After yesterday, I was convinced you're a good guy. But today... Right after telling us you're happily married, come over here and find you being sweet on my sister."

"Yes. He was being very sweet to me. I could almost taste it." Maud replied while even I was unsure why she interjected when she did.

"Not that kinda sweet! I mean I could tell that you two had some...romance going on. Even though the guy's married!" Limestone suddenly barked with Marble backing away with frightened eyes. She was certainly no stranger to her biggest sister's fury. I too began to feel myself tensing up. I was backed against a wall with all the holiday cheer in the air being replaced by dreadful tension. Limestone then said, "But I know you're not a homewrecker, Maud. You don't have that in you. Which means... Be serious with me here, James. Did you seduce my sister?"

Tense as I was, I spoke honestly. She needed to know the truth. "No. She said it first. Last night."

Limestone's eyes went wide with disbelief. She looked over at Maud with a twist of her neck. Her younger sister then spoke through her usual monotone with a poker face on display. "I did. And only because...I knew of his family situation. I just...didn't expect him to ever feel the same for me. But he did. And now..."

"That's not enough. And you..." Limestone spoke up before turning her gaze to me. There was a hidden fury in those eyes. Was I in danger? "Look. Pinkie was singing your praises a little while ago. But... I just don't buy it. I don't believe one guy would take that many mares into his home...and take them to bed...if he wasn't planning on getting something outta them! So what're you really..."

Limestone had started to approach me by then. And I was anticipating violence. But it also looked like I was not the only one. In one swift move, Maud rushed forward and placed herself between us and silencing Limestone with a visible scowl on her face. She spoke dully yet firmly, "That's close enough."

Rather than look frustrated, Limestone appeared slightly unnerved by Maud's interference. She still managed to growl while glaring, "Outta the way, sis."

"Or what?" Maud asked briefly while completely unfazed. A question that did not get an answer out of Limestone aside from wiping that glare off her face. While the air was still thick with tension, I felt much safer with Maud getting between us. I had no reason to doubt Limestone was immensely strong by earth pony standards, but Maud was on another level. I had seen her strength myself, being powerful enough to physically resist the magical pulls of King Orbash and Queen Sunflare combined. She was being a literal stone wall between me and her sister. If Limestone resorted to the use of force, Maud would demolish her.

Limestone was at a loss for words as her two other sisters watched with fearful gazes. Neither of them dared to speak while Maud took center stage. Limestone started to raise a hoof before stopping. I am not sure if she was going to take another step forward or intended to strike someone with it. Maud then took a step forward, forcing her older sister to take an uneasy step back. She then said firmly, "Limestone. I have never raised a hoof to you in my life. And I don't want to start today. Whatever it is you think James has done or intends to do to me or any other mare... You're wrong."

It was only then that Limestone finally found the will to speak. And she spoke through a growl of frustration. "I get that. I get what you've seen and heard, but... It's not normal! It's just too good to be true! How do you all know he won't start seeing his mares as..."

"Yeah. It's not normal. And I know what it's like not being normal. But you don't have a problem with me, right?" Maud replied while not budging. I said nothing. I would not be helping my case in trying to explain myself to her. If only Ocellus was present...

Speak of the devil. I was not the only one at the time who was thinking of that insightful little love bug. Pinkie Pie suddenly gasped in inspiration before rushing up beside Limestone. "Haaaang on there, Captain Grumpy! I just remembered something really important that'll completely clear things up! You know what a changeling is, right?"

Limestone gave Pinkie quite the cockeyed glance. "I don't know what that has to do with anything, but... Aren't those the creatures that invaded Canterlot during that royal wedding a few years ago? It was all over the newspapers."

"Oh yeah, them! Anyway, I don't think we told you this. But out there on the Empty Plains? James found one of them. A good changeling! I guess you can say she...um...defected from the rest of them? She came home with us and is living in Ponyville now. She'll even be moving into her own house soon!" Pinkie Pie explained while I waited for my chance to speak up. I could see where she was going with this and was hoping it would be enough to satisfy Limestone.

"And...? What's that gotta do with anything?" Limestone asked with such a skeptical and confused look in her eyes.

Pinkie Pie did not say a word. She instead extended a hoof to me as a sign to allow me to speak. With all eyes on me, I told everyone what they needed to know. "It's relevant because...changelings feed on love for nourishment. Don't ask me how it works. That's how they've always been. But because of that, they can read people depending on the levels of love in someone. And that changeling... Her is Ocellus. And she has told me there's no deception hiding in my love. If there was an ulterior motive in my affections, she would sense it. But she doesn't. Even when I've doubted myself, she's always reminded me that all the love I have for my beloveds... It's always genuine. Everything I do... It's for them. Not just for me."

"And! And before anything else happens!" Pinkie Pie barked with her hoof held high. She then grabbed Limestone and turned her around so they were facing each other. My devoted friend then said, "Everything you heard just now? Everything I told you out there about James and his family situation? All of it? I swear on a Pinkie Promise that it's all true. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

It was done. By Pinkie's decree and through her performance of that sacred ritual, she declared everything that had been said as fact lest she break her own ironclad promise. We all watched in cautious awe while Limestone looked especially stunned by Pinkie Pie sealing the deal with a Pinkie Promise. "Nopony breaks a Pinkie Promise... Especially not you."

Maud then asked cautiously, "Then...you believe us? You believe him?"

Limestone turned to Maud and I with a very conflicted gaze in her eyes. She lifted her head and bowed it while letting out a harsh sigh. "I want to... I really wanna believe this isn't a joke. That everything I've heard today is for real. But...it sounds way too good to be true."

"It really does, doesn't it? But it's real. I know." Maud replied while I noticed her starting to relax. It felt like the worst was over and Limestone would soon relent. But we had to stay on guard. There was still tension in the air.

After a moment more, Limestone squinted her eyes shut and said, "Look... I'm not saying I don't wanna believe it. You're clearly making all my sisters happy and... I... I'm just gonna cool off in the kitchen for a while and think about this."

"Uh... Sure. I'm not asking for you to believe me right away." I replied before Limestone went trotting back into the kitchen and out of sight. At the very least, the situation was resolved. All three of Limestone's sisters came over and sat beside me in front of the fireplace to relax. And they set themselves down with quite the thump. I asked softly, "Did that argument take a lot outta you girls too?"

"Mmhm!" All three mumbled in unison. While a crisis was averted, that was still an emotionally taxing exchange no one asked for. Certainly not during the holiday season. But we all started to relax in that cuddle pile. All without words. At least until the distant sound of hooves started drawing near. We all froze as Limestone loomed behind us. Only for the sound of the clink of ceramic material came from behind us.

I looked over my shoulder and saw a tray of five coffee mugs set behind us with Limestone behind it. A brown steamy fluid was in each with a single large marshmallow floating in each. I glanced up at her and asked, "What's this?"

"A peace offering. Hot chocolate." Limestone retorted while smiles filled the faces of the three mares beside me. We all took one mug in hand or hoof and sat in a row in front of the fireplace. Limestone was the first to speak as she looked past Maud at me. "So... Uh... Yeah. Sorry for getting all confrontational back there. Gotta look out for my sisters, you know. Biggest sister syndrome and all that."

https://youtu.be/Jl2ifDaETIw?si=Uj7It43QejyZob2O

"I'm not gonna blame anyone for being suspicious of me when it comes to my family life. It's generally frowned upon for good reason. Not many men can do it without their ego getting involved." I replied after a sip of my hot chocolate. It was a good batch too. Limestone knew what she was doing in the kitchen.

"Right... Just... Take good care of Maud, all right? I don't ever wanna hear about you doing anything messed up to her. And be good to the rest of your mares. I'm still not entirely sure if I believe it all, but I'm hoping you'll prove me wrong." Limestone said rather wisely. Letting me prove her doubts wrong personally? That was a good idea.

But it was then that Pinkie Pie brought up a good point after gulping down her mug of hot chocolate. And chewing that big marshmallow. "Hang on... What about Mom and Dad? They're gonna find out eventually."

I saw Maud's eyes widen noticeably even though her face did not change. And I felt it too. If Limestone was that resistant to the concept of polygamy, what about her even more old fashioned parents? Although Limestone then spoke up, "That's a good point... You know what? Don't you two worry about Ma and Pa. Yeah, they'll find out eventually, but I'll handle them when we get there. You two just...focus on being happy."

"Thanks, sis." Maud said softly before leaning into me. I put my arm around my newest beloved and sighed without words. Only to do the same with Marble when she started to lean into me. While we had not crossed that line, I was certain it would happen soon. The day before... That first kiss... The feelings in our hearts... Marble. Would she be mine too?

Limestone certainly seemed to think so. She leaned forward to look past Maud to see Marble and I cuddling as well. She then asked with a raised eyebrow? "Really? You too, Marble?"

The littlest lady there tensed up now that she had been found out. Marble hid her face behind her flowing mane. While I was tense too, someone had to say something. So I did. "Maybe? We're not sure yet. But...we are very comfortable with each other. Right?"

"Mmhm..." Marble mumbled into my chest. I stroked my fingers down her back, sliding over her soft and silken coat. Not at all the feel of a mare meant for a quarry.

Pinkie Pie took the opportunity to vouch for us. She leaned forward to look past us and spoke with a big smile. "They're really good for each other. They've had their first kiss and everything. And Fluttershy... I mean his wife is just like her! He's really good with gentler mares. If it happens, they'll be really happy together."

"Hmph... OK, just don't let us down. I won't tell Marble who she can't fall in love with. But don't you ever make her cry. I've...already done that too much. At least I never meant to." Limestone said with some resignation. She was really trying to defy her own doubts. But once she finished her mug of hot chocolate, Limestone stood up and walked back to the kitchen. "Anyway... I'm gonna start on lunch. I'm thinking soup."

"Hopefully not rock soup..." I muttered under my breath. Marble giggled quietly in response. I guess even she emphasized with me. But now that things had calmed down, I decided to go outside for some fresh air. I fetched my jacket and got bundled up. "I'm gonna go out for some air and take a walk. Be right back."

Right when I was about to reach the door, I heard someone come up behind me. I turned around and found Maud standing behind me. While she was not wearing a smile, she still had a happy request to say. "May I come with you?"

"Sure, love." I said softly, prompting a visible smile to spread across her lips. Pinkie Pie waved at us from over yonder. Most likely as a show of solidarity for our budding relationship. To think that silly mare will essentially become my sister-in-law someday at this rate... Crazy.

https://youtu.be/r1HKC3FWL0k?si=XgCk9-MQOrB9I9EP

Snow was coming down when Maud and I stepped outside. And it was beautiful. It along with the exposed rocky terrain around the rock farm filled our field of vision with a frigid yet serene monochromatic palette of color. Maud then spoke with the falling snow stopping her voice from getting very far. "Winter is my favorite season. The silence of the falling snow... The way it's so pale... It reminds me of rocks."

"And snow is ice. And ice can be as hard as rock... I guess the frozen arctic ice fields and rocky badlands aren't so different from each other in some ways." I replied while I saw Maud smile up at me. From there, we began to stroll around the outer edges of the rock farm. We never went beyond the fences.

It was so quiet... I almost expected Maud to hit me up for a conversation, but no words came. Although I was just as guilty. I did not try to speak. The snow dampened any sound around us. I scanned the horizon for movement, knowing it would be easy for someone to sneak up on us. But I saw no movement out there aside from the occasional white rabbit bounding through the snowfields. Or the striking color of a red fox on the hunt. Winter really was the best time of year for that location.

Our stroll around the farm eventually took us over to Holder's Boulder. That massive stone in the shape of an egg loomed over Maud and I like a sentinel keeping watch over the Pie family's farm. I started to reach out to it, but then remembered what happened last time. "Wait... Right. She'll know."

"Mmhm. We shouldn't antagonize Limestone. She's had a long morning already." Maud replied while gazing upon the boulder before us. I think she was sincerely admiring its majesty.

Knowing who would come running if we got too close to Holder's Boulder, I finally found the need to ask Maud something important. "Maud... Do you really think Limestone will ever come around to accepting us? And...the rest of my family?"

"I think she will. Everything she said back there was out of concern for her sisters. Even if she didn't do a good job of showing it." Maud replied with some confidence. Her voice still carried that usual monotone, but she did not sound worried. Although what followed... "I think she might also be jealous of us."

That caught my ear. I glanced down at Maud and asked, "Huh? Wait, you mean Limestone's jealous of you having a man in your life now? Because...she really didn't look or sound like it."

"You'd be surprised what you can hide behind a frown." Maud replied before she looked up at me. Her face was the same it usually is. Those lidded eyes and emotionless lips casting a facade of disconnected boredom. She then asked, "Look at my face. Can you tell what I'm feeling right now?"

For once, I was at a loss. What a paradox. I can usually read Maud just fine through various subtleties. But now that I was being put on the spot, it was like Maud was actively trying to be as unreadable as possible. I crossed my arms as I pondered what she was feeling and said, "All right, you got me. How do you feel?"

Maud responded with a monotone in her voice despite what was in her heart. "I feel...very happy. And very in love. It's wonderful out here with you... The man I love. And I really appreciate there's no one around to interrupt us."

I was touched. Maud went out of her way to surprise me. I then saw her lips quiver a bit before curving up into a small smile. She then muttered, "Hm. I couldn't hide a smile this time."

"Love you too, dear." I replied while dropping down on one knee and holding Maud's hoof between both hands. It was cool to the touch, but I could see that loving gaze in her eyes as I rubbed her hoof to warm it up. Only to then remember what we were talking about. "Wait... So Limestone might actually be jealous of us? Although...I guess I can see why she never found a boyfriend."

"The job always came first. She's got too much to deal with to concern herself with finding a boyfriend. And now that one of her sisters has one... I think she doesn't know how to deal with it." Maud explained with her smile and loving gaze fading. Her lips even curved downward to form a subtle frown.

Limestone did not strike me as a lonely person from the outset. She looked content being large and in charge around the rock farm. Unless it was all a very convincing facade. "Well... If she really is lonely, I hope she does find the right stallion someday. She's really not bad at all once she learns to trust someone."

"Thanks for being patient with her. I was worried she'd be very overbearing when you first arrived." Maud replied with a small smile showing on her lips again.

That was not to say Limestone was not. Maud was there to reel her sister in when she started to become too aggressive. And I made sure to remind Maud of that. "And thank you for being my wingman when she was around. What's your secret to being so strong anyway? Even she won't test you."

Maud tilted her head to one side while still wearing her poker face. "I really don't know. I never thought about it. I always felt normal."

"In that case... Maybe you being so in tune with the earth itself means you're channeling more of that subtle earth pony magic than most others of your kind. You're probably packing the strength of a literal mountain in your little body. Unless you and your sisters are literally part dragon. And those guys are crazy strong." I replied in contemplation as I crossed my arms. Anyone directly descended from an earth pony and a dragon would probably have their strength combined for some terrifying results.

The stony mare before me just shrugged her shoulders and even visibly rolled her eyes. "We may never know. None of us ever did any research that far back into the Pie family's tree. Unless...Holder Cobblestone had illegitimate children with a dragon and was so ashamed that he hid their origins."

A rather unfortunate concept to consider. Especially given what I know about dragon courtship. Given how devoted old Holder's dragon bride would have had to been to mate with him... Did things just not work out in the end? I know his dragon lover would love him forever, but did his love for her not last? I lowered my arms as my eyes wandered aimlessly. One beautiful blue rose of a dragoness came to mind. "That's...tragic. Because dragons always love their mates forever. If things really didn't work out between them, Holder's dragon bride would've been beyond brokenhearted."

Maud could only gaze at me with a subtle frown on her lips. And she could see how such a thought got to me more than it should have. "We don't really know...but it would be sad if that's what really happened. But...how do you know that about dragons? Is their love for their one and only...that strong?"

It was time that Maud knew. I got down on one knee to bring my face down to meet hers before I explained. "I know this...because Ember told me that's how dragon courtship works. And...I am madly in love with her. And while she can't say it yet...she feels the same way for me. Don't go telling anyone this, but we've basically said some...unofficial vows to each other. I'm the only one for her and she will be only mine eventually. And I swear I will love her forever."

My newest beloved tilted her head to one side as she appeared to ponder that name. Only for her eyes to widen in realization. "Oh. Her. The Dragon Lord... I remember. She was...very protective of you after you...got hurt."

"Yeah... She's my little blue rose. And I'm her little warrior poet. Her words, not mine." I replied while Maud even cracked a smile and let out a quiet giggle. A very rare sight for sure.

"Wow... Warrior poet. That's a good one. And it fits you. I think that just goes to show how much she loves you." Maud said with a smile. She then looked up at me and said, "In that case... Don't ever leave her. Or me."

"Never. I didn't say I love you just so I can walk away and forget all about you." I whispered as Maud stepped forward and into my embrace. The silence of winter let us be in our own little world for a moment. And it was then that something reached my nostrils. Something tasty was being cooked up. I then whispered into my beloved's ear, "Smells like lunch is ready. Hungry?"

"Yeah. Smells like rock soup." Maud replied while my gut sank in disappointment. I followed her back into the house and we made our way over to the dining room. And sure enough, there was a pot of broth with a large rock sticking out of the top.

"Hey there, lovebirds. Grab a bowl." Limestone replied while Marble and Pinkie set out our dishes and utensils. It appeared even the least formal meal of the day was always eaten in the dining room. But while all the Pie sisters took their seats, I was hesitant to join them. Not because the soup was unappetizing. I did mention before how I was pleasantly surprised by it last time. But it was just... The dreams I had the night afterward... Limestone noticed my hesitation to take a seat after she poured some soup into a bowl and asked, "What's wrong? You not hungry?"

"No, it's not that. It's... I mean don't get me wrong. I enjoyed the soup itself. It's just... I had some...very uncomfortable dreams last night and I'm certain that soup had something to do with it." I explained while being very careful to not go into detail about exactly what I saw. And what I smelled. I could almost smell that odor at that instant...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdtCVoH0qK4

Maud instantly flashed a subtle scowl at Limestone, who immediately flinched and leaned away from her stoic sister. "Limestone. Are you sure you didn't contaminate that last pot of soup with something?"

I too started to give Limestone some funny looks. I still remember that really creepy grin she was giving me at first when I was about to take my first slurp of it. Like she was eagerly awaiting for me to consume something I was not aware of just to see what happened. And like before, Limestone frantically rebuked Maud's suspicions. "No way! I already told you Ma and Pa would really let me have it if I poisoned a guest! I cooked that batch and this one to the letter!"

Pinkie Pie then took a sip, smacked her lips as she really appeared to be sampling its flavor profile, and then shrugged her shoulders. "Tastes fine to me. What do you think it was about that rock soup that messed with your head? And what did you even dream about last night anyway?"

Where could I even start? An elegant city forever covered by a downpour, then an excursion into some equally elegant sewers, before finally ending up in what amounted to a giant septic tank. I swear I could even smell it at that moment. The stench of bodily waste... I also noticed the rest of the Pie sisters taking some sips of their soup servings and knew better than that take a risk. "You...really don't wanna know."

Marble glanced at me with wide eyes and asked, "Oh dear... That bad?"

It was tempting to mess with them for some laughs, but I did not want to ruin their appetites. So I said what little I could. "Trust me, it's really not something you should hear while you're eating. I don't want to make you girls feel sick."

The looks I was getting from the four of them... What little I did say was enough to at least get their imaginations going. Although Pinkie Pie then let out a nervous chuckle and said, "Wow... I've heard of people saying they shouldn't have cheeseburger pizza before bed, but rock soup messing with your dreams? That's a first. But that was for dinner, right? Maybe if you eat it for lunch, it'll have enough time to get outta your system?"

"That's a good point... It was already dark when I had some. OK, sure. I'll have some now. But no more rock soup for dinner while I'm here." I replied as I took a seat and poured myself a helping of that soup. All while making certain there were no pebbles in my bowl. It still tasted as good as I remembered. But it remained to be seen if I would regret having some...

Limestone took some issue with my dietary suggestion and looked over at me from across the table. "No more rock soup? Because I was gonna make more tonight. What are you suggesting we do instead?"

That was a good question. I could tell just by looking at my surroundings that the Pie family farm lived a simple life. Perhaps too simple. Their family traditions likely dictated that they live off the land as much as possible. But then I had an idea. "How about...I handle dinner tonight?"

https://youtu.be/p639T0Ke10M?si=yzGfwdwOzofpg6Yf

Everyone perked up a bit. Even Maud raised an eyebrow in curiosity. But Limestone looked and sounded the most shocked. "Hang on... You cook?! The man of the house cooks dinner back at your place?"

Pinkie Pie took this as an opportunity to strike up a conversation at the dinner table. "Oh yeah, he really knows his way around food! Did I tell you girls about one of the first things he did after he came to Equestria? He gave me a few pointers on how to improve our pound cakes. But then he introduced us to how to make chocolate drops! And those things became a big seller! Really popular at birthday parties."

Limestone looked utterly stunned. What? Was the concept of a man being good at cooking a foreign concept to her? I have to assume the Pie family had a strong preference for traditional gender roles. I bet their father barely had any idea how to cook at all. My grandfather was the same way. His wife prepared all his meals. But now I was all the more tempted to stick to my offer as a means to impress the Pie sisters. "What can I say? Cooking runs in my family. Mind if I man the stove tonight?"

Maud chimed in as she looked at her older sister. "I want to try his cooking. Let him. He won't disappoint us."

Marble also looked quite hopeful as she smiled with Pinkie Pie showing her biggest grin. With it clear where the majority vote was going, Limestone relented. "OK then, Mr. chef. You get to handle dinner tonight. But you also gotta do the dishes when you're done."

"Deal. Just let me check what you have in stock when we're done here so I can plan ahead." I replied before we all resumed dining. And as soon as that pot of soup was emptied, I went straight to the kitchen to inspect what ingredients we had available. I was very surprised with the general design of the stove and refrigerator. They looked like models from the 1950s back where I come from. Very antiquated, even by Equestria's standards. And I honestly loved it. "Hmmm... I'm thinking a primavera tonight."

"I don't even know what that is... Sounds fancy." Limestone grumbled in a manner that left me wondering if she had mistaken my offer to cook for them as a challenge to her authority. Maybe the culture around there placed a lot of responsibility on the mare of the house being the one to feed the family.

"It's a pasta dish that uses a variety of vegetables and no protein." I replied as I pulled the lever that opened the refrigerator. All four Pie sisters had followed me into the kitchen. Probably out of sheer curiosity. Even Pinkie Pie had never watched me cook before outside of what was part of my job at Sugarcube Corner. I saw the banana cream pie I had made for Limestone sitting in the middle of a shelf. She had already gone through half of it. I reached into a drawer and started counting the vegetables I could use. "We've got carrots.....and nothing else that would work."

"Yeeeah... Our family's always lived pretty lean." Pinkie Pie replied as I started to wonder if I could make my dinner offer work. I then went looking through the cabinet for any dry ingredients. There was a decent amount of spices and a bag of powdered sugar, but no boxes or bags of pasta. Pinkie Pie noticed me cross my arms in frustration and asked, "Uh oh... No go on dinner tonight?"

It was a bleak sight seeing so little in variety in the cabinets. And it was not out of poverty. More like...tradition. Even if the abnormal diet of the Pie family still covered their dietary needs, it was a sad thought to imagine them subsisting on a rocky diet entirely by choice. Although I suspected Pinkie Pie and her sisters were not entirely willing in the matter. Regardless, I was stumped. I wanted to provide the Pie sisters with a delicious diner, but did not have the ingredients I needed. Until inspiration struck. I looked over my shoulder at Pinkie and said, "Not unless someone's up for doing a supply run. Rockville has a grocery store or two, right?"

"Come to think of it... Yeah!" Limestone replied before she went over to the refrigerator and yanked something off it that was secured by a magnet. A notepad. She tore off a blank note and passed it to me with a pencil. "Here, write down everything you need and we'll make it happen."

"Got it. Just let me double check what we already have." I said before I once again browsed the cabinets and refrigerator for ingredients to make sure I did not miss anything. Although there was not much in the end. I was careful to recall the recipe I normally use as I jotted down the shopping list.

I passed the note to Pinkie Pie, who I assumed would be the one to make the trip. She has her ways of getting around quickly and she was the most enthused about the situation. She held up the note and began to read back to me what was on it. "OK, let's see here... One head of broccoli. One head of garlic. One head of cauliflower. One small zucchini. One small squash. One pack of mushrooms, preferably sliced. One large can or two regular cans of tomato sauce. One can of tomato paste. One bottle of olive oil. One container of grated parmesan or romano cheese... Huh. Fancy names for cheeses. Two pounds of spaghetti... Really? Two pounds? That's a lot!"

"I don't wanna risk using too little. I'm cooking for five here. And I'm expecting everyone to want seconds and maybe thirds. And that sounds like I got everything. You gonna run into town, Pinkie?" I replied while carefully thinking over the list that had been read back to me. I would be really mad at myself if I had to ask any of the Pie sisters to run back into town after dark because I just happened to forget one ingredient. And sure enough, I did. "Wait! Almost forgot something! Lime. Do you have any...wine?"

"Wine?" Maud asked with an eyebrow rising. She was just as confused as the rest of her sisters. I mean Pinkie Pie was familiar to using liquor like rum in certain candies and pastries. I had even seen bottles of the stuff kept around Sugarcube Corner while working there. But wine?

While definitely confused, Limestone did not object. "Uh... Yeah. We do. Wine's the only strong drink we keep in this house. Ma and Pa's preference. Why? You need a stiff drink right now?"

I was about to blow their minds. I then said with a smirk, "No. I need some to really make the sauce dazzle your tongues."

"Huh?! Hang on. You can cook with wine?" Limestone asked with even Pinkie Pie leaning in harder as her sisters gathered around.

"You didn't know? Yeah, you can cook with wine. At least the dry wines. Sweeter wines aren't meant for most cooking uses. Whites can be used for just about anything while reds are better for heartier dishes. There are cooking wines you can find at grocery stores, but those are seasoned with salt. I prefer pure wines when possible." I explained while taking their surprise as an indication of just how pleasantly surprised they were going to be that evening. I was genuinely excited by then.

Everyone there turned their attention to Limestone. She was the mare of the house while their parents were away, so it was her call on if I could access their wine cabinet. Raiding someone's liquor stash is never a good idea without asking first. And she Limestone looked hesitant to do so. "I don't know... Ma and Pa are really strict about that stuff. Marble and I almost never drink."

"Hm... In that case, let see that list one more time. I need to add something to it." I said while Pinkie Pie passed the shopping list back to me. I quickly jotted down two more items and passed it back to her. "I think that's everything."

Pinkie Pie happily looked the list over again. Only for "OK, what else we... Oh? One bottle of red wine, cheapest choice possible. And...one bottle of moscato wine?"

"It's a sweet white wine. Very accessible flavor. I was thinking we could share a bottle at dinner. Your parents won't mind if its not part of their stash, right?" I replied while wondering what price all of those ingredients would go for. Cheap wines are remarkably affordable for liquor.

Maud and Marble looked at each other, apparently both being on the fence about the issue. Just as I was about to reach into my pocket to get some bits ready, Limestone beat me to the punch as he spoke to Pinkie. "OK then, we'll leave the shopping to you. Just tell them to bill the Pie family farm. Ma and Pa won't ask questions if its all for the sake of a guest."

"Oki doki loki! I'll be right back!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a grin before rushing out the door. While it was still much too soon after lunch to get started, I at least began to make my way around the kitchen to gather all the equipment I needed. One large pot for boiling the spaghetti, a smaller saucepan to cook the ingredients in along with preparing the sauce, and the utensils I would need. Limestone was watching me rather intently and even left an apron on the counter for me to wear. I even went ahead and cut up one carrot just to get it out of the way. It was a very thick one too. Perfect for my dish. I cut it into many thin circles and set them aside. But I had only just set them aside when I heard the front door open. "I'm back! And they had everything on the list!"

"What the... You were gone for barely more than ten minutes! How did... Oh right. I forgot who we're dealing with here." Limestone exclaimed before her look of shock turned into a smirking scowl. Pinkie Pie had not been home in quite some time, so she had not seen her wackiest sister's antics in a good while. Pinkie then came trotting into the kitchen with a big paper bag balancing precariously on her back.

Lifting that bag to the counter took some effort. It was weighed down by glass bottles full of liquid. I reached in and lifted out two bottles of wine. One red and one white. The red was a simple blend. The cheap stuff. Perfect for cooking with. The other was indeed a sweet moscato. And I found two pounds of spaghetti inside that added even more weight to the bag. And then a large can of tomato sauce with a little can of tomato paste. As well as a glass bottle of extra virgin olive oil. I was surprised Pinkie carried all of that stuff back in one bag without it tumbling off her. It must have been around ten pounds. A cakewalk for an earth pony, but so unstable too. I was not even going to ask how she reached Rockville, did her shopping, and then rushed back home in less than fifteen minutes. She has her ways. I then turned the bag on its side and rolled out the rest of the goods. "Lemme see that list for a second, Pinkie. Let's see... Yep, that's everything. I'm good to go. Lemme peel some of this garlic first. Takes a while."

I have no idea how earth ponies peel pieces of garlic. That papery sleeve is tricky to get off without something as precise as fingers. Limestone came up beside me while I had to kneel a bit due to the kitchen's equipment being designed for people much shorter than me. She gave one of the peeled pieces of garlic a sniff and said, "Come to think of it... I've never tried garlic raw before. Mind if I have one?"

"Sure, I've got plenty." I retorted while intending to use only half of that head of garlic in my dish that night. If the Pie sisters were pleased with the results, I was considering making another pasta dish the following day. But a few seconds of crunching later, I heard Limestone suddenly start gagging like she was in pain. I glanced her way and saw her looking panicked while fanning her hoof at her gaping mouth. I was so caught up in my task that I had forgotten to issue a warning. "Oh right... Yeah, raw garlic does that to you. It's not exactly spicy and it tastes good, but there's something about the stuff that literally burns your tongue. I think it's the gas it releases when you bite into it."

"Agh, it really does burn!" Limestone squealed before she forced herself to rapidly chew the rest and swallow to get it off her tongue. She stuck her seared tongue out with tears in her eyes while Pinkie and Marble got a good giggle out of the scene. Even Maud was cracking a subtle smirk. Limestone panted to try and get the burning on her tongue to stop. "Ugh... Right then. Never eat garlic raw... Ugh, my tongue feels weird now. Nice aftertaste though."

"Hopefully eating dinner will soothe it." I replied before setting aside the garlic cloves. I placed the rest of the vegetables in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for the next few hours. Pinkie Pie had even managed to find mushrooms that had already been sliced. Although when I turned to leave the kitchen, I found the four Pie sisters lined up in a row. While Maud's face looked the way it always does, the other three looked...anxious. Maybe even excited. I then asked, "Uh... What?"

Pinkie Pie spoke up first while doing very tiny hops in place. "Aren't you gonna start cooking?"

"Wha... We only just had lunch barely an hour ago!" I exclaimed in surprise. There was no way their appetites had been reinvigorated already.

Of all people, it was Maud who spoke next. Even if it was through her misleading monotone. "We know. But...all the colors and smells of the ingredients... We've never seen the kitchen look so...colorful. So delicious. My mouth's already watering just thinking about how amazing dinner will be tonight."

Marble and Limestone nodded rapidly in wide-eyed hunger. Now I was all the more determined to give the four Pie sisters a meal they would not forget. But it was still much too soon to get started. I looked at the nearest window to see it was still too early in the day. I then said, "I'll get started at sundown. Better to let your appetites build back up first. Anything we can do until then?"

Limestone then gave us all a devious smirk. One that I instantly flinched at. But what she said next was not so concerning. "Work up an appetite, huh? In that case... How about a snowball fight?"

Pinkie Pie perked up while Marble shrank at the suggestion. Maud beat us all to a response. "I'm in. And I'm really good at it."

"And Marble's really good at dodging, remember? Sure! Let's go! Snowballs for everypony!" Pinkie squealed before she rushed out of the kitchen, wrapped herself up in a scarf, and burst out the door.

We all followed after bundling up enough for the winter chill. I was lucky I remembered to pack a pair of thick winter gloves. I followed the Pie sisters beyond the fence at the edge of the farm to a field of snow. Limestone asked along the way, "So then... James. How's you're throwing arm?"

"Not the best. I don't have the upper body strength you earth ponies do and my aim isn't great. I say put me with the two who will be at a disadvantage so I can at least slightly bolster their strength." I replied with no shame. I had seen snowball fights before in Ponyville and those earth ponies can really throw those things hard and far.

"In that case, you're with Pinkie and Marble. Maud, you're with me. We always pair up the elders and the youngest." Limestone replied while I got why Pinkie was paired up with Marble. They are twin sisters after all. Although I then heard Limestone mutter with a smirk on her lips, "Today's the day I finally nail Marble."

"Pfft... Yeah, good luck with that." I muttered to myself. The youngest Pie sister's Marble Sense would be going into overdrive soon. The two teams of earth pony sisters then went to work after measuring the distance between our two sides by drawing a line in the snow. They then quickly went to work setting up a low barricade of snow to give us some cover to hide behind. It was not much, but it also served as an indication of what not to go past.

I hunkered down with Pinkie and Marble at my sides. Pinkie was ready to go, but poor Marble was wearing the most crooked smile I had ever seen. Nervous, yet hoping to have fun? We all had a snowball ready with Limestone calling out to us from over yonder. "OK, let's get this battle started! Hey, James! How about you make the first throw?"

"Uh... Sure!" I reached back with my arm and tried to give my best pitch. Only for my snowball to fall a little short of Maud and Limestone's own snowy barricade. Probably because they measured the distance based on earth pony throwing distance. "Oh... Crap. I told you my throw wasn't that good."

Limestone cackled at my lackluster performance. "Really? That's you best? Lemme show you how it's done!"

https://youtu.be/ZTbj45PJxyQ?si=vgoeZH\_M2vdFJnpJ

I barely had any time to react. Limestone chucked her snowball hard and straight, hitting me squarely in the forehead with so much force that I fell flat on my back! While not exactly painful, it did knock the wind out of me. "Whoa! She's good!"

"Oh we're gonna getcha for that, Limey! Incoming!" Pinkie Pie cheered before she lobbed a snowball far and straight, beaning her biggest sister square in the jaw. At least we had someone on our side who could match our much stronger opponents.

Then the snowballs really began to fly. Even Maud was putting some real effort into it despite her stony expression. Poor Marble though. She just could not bring herself to be actively aggressive and would throw her snowballs while looking away timidly. She also did not throw them straight either. Her throws were instead high lobs that sailed high before dropping down on our opponent's side. And Limestone and Maud were so focused on what was ahead that they could not keep track of what was above with one such snowball landing right on Maud's head. I did my best to keep up, but it became clear I was just a handicap on my team's side.

Pinkie Pie proved herself to be doing most of the work. She was fast and would quickly make another snowball in only a second or two. Where Maud and Limestone were all about brute strength, Pinkie was built for speed while Marble was unwittingly flanking our opponents with high tosses. As for me, the best I could do was serve as a distraction. I kneeled beside the snowdrift barrier and looked at Pinkie. "Man, you girls really are YOW!!! Hey, that really stings!"

Limestone got me again. A snowball struck me right in the cheek with so much force I swear I felt the grazing impact of every snowflake against my skin. At least I managed to stay upright. But Marble was still managing to evade every snowball that came her way. Between ducking, hopping, and diving, she had not been struck once. But right when Pinkie Pie was reaching back to throw another snowball...

I think Maud got her that time. Pinkie was hit in the face with so much force that she went flying back maybe a good fifteen feet. I was impressed at first. And then I was worried when Pinkie Pie did not get back up. "Uh... Pinkie?"

Marble went rushing to her sister's side with eyes wide in panic. Limestone even called out while the snowballs stopped falling for a moment. "What's going on over there?! Do we need to come over?!"

"Hang on a minute!" I called back before hurrying over to Pinkie Pie. It was just a snowball. I was not expecting a pony to actually get hurt. Unless someone on the other side decided to be a complete jerk by hiding a rock in that snowball. "Pinkie? Pinkie, you OK there?"

There was thankfully no sign of any harm once Pinkie Pie was rolled onto her back. But she still coughed in an awkward way while breathing through labored gasps. "They got me... I don't think I'm gonna make it."

"Wait... What?" I asked with some confusion. Even Marble's look of concerned panic became one of confusion as she watched without a word. Was Pinkie...feigning dying on a battlefield?

Pinkie rested a hoof over her chest as she gasped and coughed like she was lung shot. Although she still spoke with such a pained and tragic smile. "They got me, James... Feel so...cold... Everything's going dark... James, tell the girls back home I'm sorry I couldn't make it home in time for Hearth's Warming Eve. Marble... Tell our sisters I forgive them. It... It was just an accident. And...tell Mom and Dad...that I'm sorry I didn't get to say goodbye. I love you all... I... I hear Granny Pie calling..."

And with that... She was gone. Pinkie Pie let out her last breath as her eyes closed forever. Which is what I would be saying if she did not have her tongue sticking out of her mouth with a big black X crossed on her eyelids. Just... What... All I could do was look at Marble Pie while she looked back at me wit the same look that was on my face. A very dry scowl that showed we were really not impressed. Marble and I then scooped up a big pile of snow together and just dropped it on Pinkie's face. That woke her up as she sat up suddenly. "Hey! Ack, that's cold! Come on, I was going for an Oscar!"

"Save the drama queen routine for Rarity! She's the only one who really knows how to milk that kinda scene." I retorted while I noticed a smug smirk form on Marble's lips. She might not have had anything to say, but she was feeling pretty proud of herself. I then called out to our opponents over yonder as I stood ready with a snowball in hand. "Everything's fine over here! Now then... Where were we?!"

Maybe it was just because of how amused yet annoyed I was at the end result of Pinkie Pie's fake out, but there was a lot of force in the snowball I threw. It cleared the entire gap between the two sides. And our opponents were really not expecting hostilities to resume so suddenly since I ended up hitting Limestone right between the eyes. There was an audible gasp behind me as Pinkie and Marble marveled at such an accurate shot. Maybe it was out of pure luck, but I had finally landed a hit. I looked down at my gloved hand and muttered, "Wow... Didn't know I had it in me."

Limestone just stood there in shock with white all over her face. Even Maud stood aside and watched in silence. But then I saw it. Even from that distance, I could see that wicked grin spread across Limestone's face. And I felt a pit open in my stomach. "Uh oh. She's mad now."

"Oh it's on!" Limestone shouted before she ducked out of sight. Only for a veritable hail of snowballs to come sailing overhead from behind our opponent's snowy barricade. And while Pinkie and I were getting plastered with snow, Marble was somehow managing to weave around every shot that came her way. And quite gracefully too. Almost as if she was dancing.

I took a few hits to the head while trying to shield myself from the barrage from above. "How do we fight that?! She's gone into full autofire mode!"

"I can think of one thing!" Pinkie replied from behind me. When I turned around... My jaw dropped. Pinkie Pie was holding her party cannon over her head and stumbling back and forth to try and catch Limestone's snowballs in it. I was about to ask where she even got it only to remember asking questions was pointless. She did say she goes nowhere without that thing even if I never see where she keeps it. It was soon filled right to the mouth with fresh snowballs with Pinkie Pie setting her cannon down right behind our snow barrier as she started to angle it. And while we were still under fire. "Eeheeheehee, they won't be seeing this coming!"

"Snowball grapeshot... Yeah, I wouldn't ever except that either." I replied as I stepped aside to allow Pinkie to do her thing. With a press of a button, a powerful burst of snowballs went flying out all at once and blanketed our opponent's side of the snowfield. And just like that, Limestone's rapid-fire barrage of snowballs stopped. There was an icy stillness in the winter air as Limestone and Maud soon came into view. And I just had to laugh. They were caked with snowballs while Limestone was gazing ahead at us without words. Her eyes were wide to show she had no idea how we had just blanketed her territory with dozens of snowballs at once.

And yet... Maud looked completely unfazed. Which might have been even funnier than Limestone's reaction. Only for her voice to carry far enough for the three of us to hear her. "All right. Now I'm mad."

The look of utter panic in the eyes of the twin sisters beside me. Pinkie and Marble suddenly turned and ran while I looked back at them. "Mad Maud! Mad Maud! Retreat!"

"Girls, come on! Let's just keep... Wait, why is it getting dark?" I called out to them only to notice that there was a large shadow growing around me. I looked up...and found myself under a massive snowball that was several times my size. Overwhelmed with stunned disbelief, I stood there and accepted my fate. "Nice one, Maud."

Thump. I was flattened by the snow boulder that Maud had hurled. And I was stuck. While unharmed, I was thoroughly pinned in the snow as if I had just been buried in an avalanche. "Huh... So this is what it's like."

The snow did not keep out sound as much as I expected it to. I heard Limestone call out with her voice growing gradually closer. "Time out! Hey, James! You OK in there?! Did Maud go too far?!"

"No, I'm good! But I'm also really stuck here. Really packed in tight." I replied with the snow starting to sting my face. I would be in trouble if I stayed in there for too long. At least help was on the way.

"Let's start digging." I heard Maud speak before the sound of snow being swatted away reached my ears. The four Pie sisters were digging and punching their way through the snow boulder above me. I soon was even able to see the snow shifting above me. The first face I saw once my own face was uncovered was that of Maud. And while she was still wearing that deadpan expression, her voice carried some subtle nervousness. "Hey... Sorry. Did I hurt you?"

"Nope. That was pretty funny, to be honest." I snickered as I pushed myself up and pulled my limbs free from the snow. I was caked in fresh powder. Having that snow boulder land on me was completely painless. And all the snow out of me provided the perfect soft cushion. I stood up and tried to shake all the extra snow from me, but it was have to be melted off. "So... We done out here? Who won anyway?"

"Marble wins again. All because she didn't get hit once. As usual." Limestone replied with a crooked smirk. I glanced at Marble while Pinkie Pie was beaming in pride at her twin sister. The timid little mare smiled very bashfully. Although Limestone looked up at the cloudy winter sky and added, "I think I got all that snowball fun outta my system. You think its late enough to start on dinner?"

"Hm... I bet we did work up an appetite... Still looks too soon though. How about we warm up in front of the fireplace for a bit? I'm...really chilled after that last hit." I replied with my nose starting to run. Having my face covered in snow was taking the fun out of the situation.

"Sounds good to me! I'll even prepare some hot chocolate!" Pinkie Pie spoke before running off for the house. We all followed along after her and were all too happy to get back inside. I shook off my jacket and myself the best I could and sat myself very close to the fireplace to warm up and dry myself off. Marble took the time to put another record on to add some soft music to the air before Pinkie Pie came in with fresh mugs of hot chocolate. Complete with a big marshmallow floating in each mug.

Pinkie Pie took the opportunity to discuss the first winter I spent in Ponyville. One which I did not cover. There was a period of time after I returned to Equestria for good where I just wanted to take things as they came and get myself settled in. Only really big events like Nightmare Night and my first Grand Galloping Gala stuck with me enough to compel me to write a journal about them. Hearth's Warming Eve was one event where I completely let myself rest and savor the festivities without dedicating any time to working on a journal. As for the Winter Wrap Up...

It was the day Pinkie Pie was talking about most. And for good reason. It is a very big deal for the people of Ponyville. But it is also an event that I do not particularly enjoy much. I learned very quickly during my first time that I do not excel in activities built around large groups. I mostly just played along and did whatever any of my friends asked me to help with.

It did eventually come time for me to start on dinner. With the days being shorter and the nights starting sooner, I could see outside that the sun was starting to set. And preparing dinner would take a while. I finally went to the kitchen to get started. "All right, time to get cooking. You girls go entertain yourselves for a while and I'll let you know when dinner's ready."

"Hang on there! Lemme help you with something!" Pinkie Pie spoke up while she trotted in after me. I had just put on an apron. And before I even knew it, I felt someone tugging on the tassels behind me. Pinkie was doing me a favor by tying the apron to keep it close to my body. "There you go!"

"Oh? Thanks. Now then... Hey, Pinkie. Can you put this right outside? The winter cold will chill this wine fast and the alcohol will make it harder to freeze." I replied before passing her the bottle of moscato wine. I was really looking forward to some ice cold sweet wine with my dinner.

"Ooh! Good idea! Don't need to take up room in the fridge when winter itself can chill your drinks for you!" Pinkie giggled before trotting out of the kitchen with our dinner beverage. Now it was just me. Time to give the Pie sisters a meal they would not forget anytime soon.

I found a big cooking pot and filled it with water before sprinkling maybe a tablespoon of salt into it. I heard Limestone ask from behind me, "Why're you adding salt to the water? You making soup instead?"

"Adding salt to water keeps the pasta from sticking to itself when you boil it." I replied before I heard the subtle sound of scribbling on paper. I looked down and found Limestone holding a notepad on an upturned hoof. A pencil was in her mouth as she wrote something down. "Whatcha doing?"

"Taking notes. Add salt to water for boiling pasta..." Limestone replied before muttering to herself. She then tucked the pencil and notepad between her mane and ear before trotting out of the kitchen. Only for me to notice her sisters peeking in as well. They looked somewhat excited. And hungry. I turned around to face the stove with a big goofy grin on my face. My customers were getting impatient and I was looking to please.

https://youtu.be/6q-7oI\_h5t8?si=bZWEgAXyGJo\_rZkz

Everything about the kitchen felt very retro. The stove was just as vintage as the refrigerator and I was quick to familiarize myself with how it worked. I was also fortunate enough to find a nonstick saucepan to prepare my ingredients in. I poured some olive oil in and sprinkled it with dried herbs to let them sit in the oil and basically be steeped in it to draw out the herbs' flavor to be infused into the oil. I already had all the garlic cloves I needed peeled and had to chop the rest of the veggies.

I chopped and chopped the veggies and was careful with the cauliflower due to how it crumbles in ways broccoli does not. It was sometimes better to pull the stalks apart. I soon had a guest come in to see how things were going. Maud browsed the kitchen counter with all the veggies I had prepared so far. All I had left to do was chop up the squash. She asked calmly, "Need any help?"

"Well if you're offering... How about dicing up the garlic there? As fine as you can." I replied while focusing on my task. But as soon as I finished turning the entire squash into a set of circular slices, I jumped and almost dropped my knife at the sound of a loud bang right next to me. "Jesus! What did you... Uh..."

The garlic cloves were gone. The cutting board I had left them on now had a large and flat stone set atop it. With Maud staring at me with her usual poker face. The cogs turned in my head as I processed what I was seeing before I asked, "Maud... Did you seriously just pulverize the garlic cloves with a rock?"

I was terrified that one of the ingredients I was going to use had just been ruined. Maud then lifted the stone from one side to reveal what was left of the garlic cloves under it. Each had been squashed into a fine paste. A very fragrant paste that assailed my nostrils with the wonderful aroma of fresh garlic. "You said to make them fine. And they look pretty fine to me. Like very fine and wet sand."

The stone slab itself was very flat on the underside. So flat that I had to wonder if the Pie family kept it around specifically for such a task. And the garlic paste did not stick to it. I started to ponder the sight before me. And then it dawned on me that Maud had come up with a very smart idea. "Wait a minute... If that stuff is now a paste, it'll blend perfectly with all the other ingredients. Maud, that is genius. And you saved me a good bit of time too."

"Glad I could help. When in doubt, use a rock." Maud replied with quite the sly smirk on her lips. I got a good snicker out of that bit of wit thrown in too. Maud then leaned closer and asked, "Isn't there something some ponies say? Kiss the cook?"

"You better believe it." I replied before she and I shared a quick kiss before my newest beloved departed the kitchen. Now that all the ingredients had been turned into more useable shapes, I could really get started.

I turned the stove on for each pot, but went for a medium heat for the saucepan. I dumped all the veggies in and proceeded to spice them up with whatever I found in the cabinets I thought would benefit the recipe I was going for. I used a spatula to slide the globs of garlic paste into the saucepan as well with a wonderful aroma starting to fill the kitchen. And by extension the entire house. The Pie sisters kept peeking into the kitchen every few minutes. The smell of my cooking was too distracting for them to focus on anything else and they could not escape it while indoors.

With everything starting to simmer, I inspected the large can of tomato sauce Pinkie Pie had brought back. While I prefer using cans of diced tomatoes to make my sauces by putting the contents through a blender, I opted for already prepared sauce for the sake of making things less complicated now that I had quite a few customers to cook for on short notice. It was pure with no seasoning. Perfect for preparing it however I wanted. Although I did notice that it had next to no sodium in it. That was a problem. "Hm... Time to guess how much salt I need for this."

Once again, Limestone Pie came over at the first sound of my voice. All with her notepad ready to jot down more advice. "What was that about salt?"

I turned the can to show her the nutritional information on the label. And how the sodium content was in the single digits. "Check the sodium content of any canned ingredients. If the salt content is low, you need to add more. Using too little will make your sauce fairly bland. Not even spices and stuff like wine will be able to fix that. But you don't want to make it too salty either."

"Add salt if too little in ingredients. Don't overuse salt either... Got it." Limestone muttered while jotting down my advice. And with that, she trotted back out. But not without looking back at me while I grabbed a can opener to pry the cans of sauce and paste open. I think she might have been paying closer attention to what was happening in the kitchen than anyone else in the house.

I kept stirring the sizzling ingredients in the saucepan while waiting for that big pot of water to boil for the spaghetti. At least I had plenty to tend to while I waited. And I was careful to avoid using anything that was not a rubber spatula while stirring the veggies. I did not want to scratch up the nonstick surface in that saucepan. Although I eventually looked over my shoulder and was rather startled. All four of the Pie sisters were right behind me and peering around me to see what was happening on the stove. "Uh... Ladies? Can I help you?"

"Sorry, James! It just smells...sooooo good in here!" Pinkie Pie giggled while she licked her lips. Even Maud's eyes were opened wider than usual to display a gaze of intense interest. She looked famished and eager to eat something. Pinkie then looked at Limestone and asked, "You taking notes there, Limestone? You impressed?"

"You're telling me! This guy can write, he can fight, and he can really cook!" Limestone spoke rather loudly as she gazed upon the stove with a look of disbelief. It seemed like I kept finding ways to impress her. She really was not used to seeing a man know his way around a kitchen. And I was feeling a cheeky sense of pride in my heart knowing I dazzling that grump of a mare.

I kept sprinkling in more spices as the veggies sizzled. Trying to make sure they were as ready as possible before I turned the heat off now that it was time to prepare the sauce. I dumped the contents of the tomato sauce can into the saucepan and then scooped out the much thicker tomato paste, trying to get every last bit into the pan. I turned the heat back on low as I stirred the sauce and paste together to get everything blended. Once that was done, I reached into the cabinet and surprised everyone in the kitchen by bringing out an open bag of powdered sugar. Pinkie Pie exclaimed while I shook around a quarter cup of the stuff into the sauce, "Huh?! What're you doing?! I thought you were making dinner! Is this supposed to be dessert instead?"

"No one ever tells you about this, do they? You add some sugar to tomato sauce to counter the acidity in it. Although I prefer powdered sugar for mine." I explained while the four Pie sisters muttered in surprise to each other. I could hear Limestone scribbling down more notes. I then reached over and scooped up a tablespoon of butter that I then melted into the sauce. They stared in surprise again, so I had to explain. "Yes, adding a little butter is also a good idea."

There was only one ingredient left to add to the sauce as it bubbled just a little. I twisted off the cap of that bottle of red wine. But just to be sure of its quality, I took a sip. It really was nothing special. Just cheap wine for an easy buzz. But that made it ideal for cooking since most dry red wine has the same effect in sauces. I poured a generous amount into the sauce with my guests watching in awe. Maybe a third of a cup at least. Seeing that dark red liquid blend into the sauce as I stirred filled my soul with delightful anticipation. All that was left was to salt the sauce.

I found a shaker container containing a salt and assorted spice blend. A simple spice concoction that I am sure every pantry in Ponyville has. And more spice is always good. I shook and I shook while mixing the salt and spice into the sauce. I was stirring constantly. Once I had added close to a tablespoon of it, I grabbed a tiny spoon and scooped a little from the pot. It was steaming hot, forcing me to blow on it to cool the sauce sample just enough for me to slurp some of it off the tip of the spoon. "Hm... Needs a little more."

The second taste test went much better. Once that sauce hit my tongue, I marveled at the flavor profile. "Mama mia, that is just... Mm. Chef's kiss, baby."

"I can tell. My mouth won't stop watering." Maud muttered while wiping a bit of drool on her wrist. All four of them looked desperately hungry. Although I noticed Pinkie Pie's face and...her cheeks were utterly bulging. As if her mouth was full of...

Limestone was the first to notice what was up with her little sister's face and frantically pointed over to the kitchen sink. "Pinkie! Let it out! In the sink! Now!"

Sure enough, Pinkie Pie rushed over of the kitchen sink and just opened her mouth. It sounded like she had just dumped a bucket of something in there. She then looked our way with fresh drool oozing down her jaw while wearing a very sheepish grin. "Sorry! I'm just getting way too hungry over here!"

"Lucky for you then that the water's boiling. How about you girls go set the table? I'll be done in here in...say...ten minutes at least." I replied while peering over the pot's edge to see the water in it having finally reached a furious boil. The four Pie sisters then trotted out of the kitchen with hungry smiles. I tracked down an egg timer in the kitchen and set it for seven minutes as soon as those two packs of spaghetti were dumped in.

I stirred vigorously as the timer ticked away. There was a lot of pasta in there that needed to be kept moving. But right when six minutes had almost gone by, I suddenly remembered something. "Oops. Almost forgot."

Limestone came back into the kitchen just in time to see me scoop up some of the pasta water in a tin measuring cup and adding that water to the sauce before stirring that in. Her jaw dropped as she asked, "What'd you do that for?! Aren't you just diluting the sauce?!"

"Nope! Add some pasta water to the sauce when the pasta's almost done boiling. I'd say around half a cup... And there it is!" I explained before the egg timer chimed loudly. I instantly turned the stove off and grabbed a pair of pot holders. "OK, dinner's just about ready! You girls go get comfortable and I'll be right out. And be sure to grab that bottle of wine that's outside."

"Oh man, finally!" Limestone said with a huge and ravenous grin on her face. I was alone again while I dumped the pasta into a sturdy colander. I gave that thing a few good shakes to get out most of the water. Any pasta water that remained would just get added to the sauce. I returned the pasta to the pot, poured every last drop of the sauce over the pasta, and then carried the pot out of the kitchen with the entire house filled with the aroma of my cooking. I was going to wait until I was at the dinner table before mixing it all together. I wanted to give the Pie sisters a show.

The four sisters watched with intense interest as I placed the pot on the table while I stood at the head of it. And that frosty bottle of white wine was set in a metal pail filled with fresh snow to keep it cold. I set out the container of finely grated cheese Pinkie Pie had brought home and was ready to get serving dinner. I lifted two pasta spoons from the pot and stood ready. "One last finishing touch."

I went to work tossing that pasta like a salad. The four sisters leaned over the table to watch all those strands of spaghetti dance with all that liquid red mixing over them. Red and all those colors of greens, whites, oranges, and yellows. I made the spaghetti dance while asking, "Dinner's ready. Who gets the first taste?"

"I do! I'm in charge when Ma and Pa are away, so I'll be the judge!" Limestone barked with a raised hoof. She was clearly trying to be stern, but her appetite was betraying her. I could see how excited she was through those intense eyes. I held up her plate and scooped up a couple of heaping helpings of that steaming pasta onto it before also coated it with a hearty sprinkle of grated cheese. Almost like the snow itself right outside the windows.

https://youtu.be/K8iL8vsKaB4?si=jSsC3lXPqMGwsKsS

We all watched with Limestone's sisters leaning in as she beheld my masterpiece on her plate. She glanced back and forth while trying to keep a straight face while those intensely colored eyes glared at the beautiful dish before her. "When it comes to presentation... A+. That is beautiful right there. Now for the moment of truth..."

I watched with anticipation. I was confident that my cooking skills would please, but there was something...inherently intimidating about Limestone Pie. She grabbed her fork in her ankle joint and twirled a helping of spaghetti on it. She even skewered a few bits of veggies on its barbs to get the full experience. She lightly blew on the morsel with hot much steam was coming off it. She then took a bite...and we waited.

Limestone chewed thoroughly while appraising the flavor profile. No one was wearing a smile. We were all anxiously awaiting her appraisal. But those grumpy eyes almost immediately widened as she chewed. And as soon as she swallowed, I could see her eyes watering. But surely it was not that spicy. I did add red pepper flakes, but not much. "You OK there? Does my cooking get a pass?"

"It's... I mean it's kind of..." Limestone stammered while Pinkie Pie leaned in with an increasingly smug smirk on her face forming. Limestone finally noticed her sister right next to her shoulder and glanced at her. Pinkie Pie responded with nothing more than the wiggling of her eyebrows. Only for Limestone to finally throw her hooves up and speak through fresh tears. "Oh who am I kidding?! This is just...amazing! Finally, a man who really knows how to cook!"

She was in tears! Not straight up weeping, but a trail of fresh tears was spilling down Limestone's cheeks. The rest of her sisters even applauded while showing varying smiles. But why such an emotional response to that taste on her tongue? I then asked, "Really? A guy being a good cook is a big deal here?"

"Do you have any idea how rare it is to find a stallion who knows how to cook a decent meal in these parts?! Pa barely knows how to make a sandwich! If Ma was here, she'd love you for this!" Limestone all but shouted as she wiped her tears away. And...she was blushing too. But while Limestone was recovering from the flavor blast in her mouth, I went ahead and started pouring the sweet and frigid white wine into the wine glasses that had been provided. Limestone watched in surprise as I only filled the glasses halfway before passing them out to her sisters. She then muttered, "Oh my gosh, he knows how to serve wine too."

Pinkie Pie then cocked her head to one side in unexpected confusion. "He does? Doesn't everypony just fill their glasses to the brim like with juice and soda?"

I was unsurprised that Pinkie Pie was oblivious to wine protocol. She probably prefers sweet cocktails over the elegant spirits Rarity prefers. I then explained while pouring my own glass of wine, "Nope. When pouring reds, you only pour a third of the glass full. When pouring champagne or sparkling wines, you go for two thirds full. And for whites or rosés, you only pour it half full. And you never drink reds cold. But not warm either. I think the ideal temperature is like...in the 60s?"

I started to fill the rest of the plates with heaping piles of spaghetti. We would not be leaving a single strand left in that pot. But while I was loading up my plate, I happened to notice Limestone giving me some really funny looks. Like she was so confused and uncertain. She had stopped eating her serving of spaghetti and was just sipping wine by then. Maud was the first to point out that Limestone did not look right. "Limestone. Are you OK? Was there something weird in your food?"

"Wha... No! No, this is all great! It's just... I mean..." Limestone stammered before looking back and forth as all eyes fell upon her. She then let out a groan before downing the rest of her glass of wine. Probably to get herself liquored up enough to say what needed to be said without regret. All while wearing a very dry and annoyed scowl on her face while she glanced at me out of the corner of her eye. "Ugh... Might as well get it outta the way... Let's just say you suddenly got a lot hunkier just now."

That was just about the last thing I ever expected to hear out of that grouch of a mare. And her sisters were staring at her with varying levels of surprise. Was that just the wine talking? As for me... I suddenly had an epiphany and buried my face into my hands. "Oh my god... I really am my father's son..."

Then everyone stared at me in confusion. Pinkie Pie especially asked in some puzzled concern, "You are?! But...I heard your dad...wasn't a good dad. How're you that much like him?"

It was time for me to provide some necessary clarification for my friend. As well as revealing something I had almost forgotten about. "Look, I still stand by everything I've ever said about him. He ultimately proved himself to not be a good parent in the long run and my resentment towards him is justified. But that didn't stop him from being good in other areas. He's a good friend, a good servant of the people, a good husband, and a good chef. And I said what I did a second ago because..."

"Let's hear it. It sounds like a good story." Maud spoke while they all turned their eyes to me. It also gave their food time to cool and to let the cheese on top melt into the piles of piping hot pasta underneath.

I took a deep breath. They were going to laugh. "There was a point where he was approached for an interview. Being a man with an annoying amount of charisma, he agreed. And at one point, the topic turned towards my mom. My dad jokingly said someone asked him how he ended up marrying such a beautiful lady."

There was a momentary pause as I waited for someone, anyone, to ask me. It was Limestone who broke the silence. "And...?"

I rolled my eyes at the memory. "My dad said he seduced my mom with his cooking."

Everyone at the dinner table burst into laughter. Even Maud, who was chuckling into her wrist. Although while she was laughing heartily at first, Limestone suddenly began to chuckle nervously as well. "Eheheheh... Yeah... You could totally win a mare's heart with cooking this good."

"I know he won mine. And now I think I'm even happier to be his." Maud said while smiling at me from across the table. I was happy I was able to please my newest friends and newest beloved. I then glanced over at Marble. While she predictably had nothing to say, I could see that blushing smile being partially hidden by her long mane.

Dinner was wonderful. I was very impressed with the end result of that primavera dish. And aside from Limestone getting a little buzzed by drinking a glass of wine on a mostly empty stomach, none of us really got tipsy from drinking wine. The food in our bellies helped dilute the alcohol in that frosty beverage. All I could wonder is what the four Pie sisters would act like when drunk. Especially Maud. She was an enigma waiting to be explored. Oh wait... I do remember Pinkie Pie getting drunk at the Grand Galloping Gala that one time. Bad idea. But regardless, that zesty pasta partnered with that sweet wine was a wonderful combination. We drank the bottle empty and left not a single strand of spaghetti in that pot.

Once we were all full and satisfied, Limestone turned to me. She spoke with wandering eyes as she asked, "Hey... Um... You still have one full day with us left tomorrow, right? Would you...mind cooking dinner again?"

"Sure! How about a cream sauce dish tomorrow night?" I replied with inspiration. I did not want to cook the same dish two nights in a row. But if there is one kind of food I excel at cooking, it is pasta dishes.

"Sounds yummy! And I'll handle the supply run again!" Pinkie Pie chirped while also looking a little low on energy. We had all eaten our fill and would be leaving the dining room satisfied.

I helped carry all the dishes to the kitchen while Pinkie and Marble volunteered to handle the cleaning up. But as the rest of us stepped out, Maud finally brought up something I had all but forgotten about. "Limestone. Have you found a gift for James yet?"

"A gift for... Oh. Right. Uh..." Limestone mumbled with her eyes widening. I had given her a banana cream pie while giving Maud and Marble fitting gifts as well. And they had returned the favor in kind with a small stone figurine and a beautiful poem. But Limestone had not yet provided me with anything. Not that I blame her. She and I did not really meet until just the previous day. And I would not hold it against her if she was not able to think up a holiday gift for me.

"It's fine if you can't. It's not like you had anything to go off of until just yesterday." I replied while not wanting to stress my host over my visit. She had already done enough by helping keep my visit rather enjoyable in her own weird way.

But Limestone grunted as she gave the floor a firm stomp. She scowled at nothing in particular as she said, "No! No, I owe you! I'll be right back! I know exactly what'll make for a nice something for you to take home!"

Before any of us could object, Limestone rushed out the door into the frigid night. Where was she going? And what was she planning on finding for me? I glanced down at Maud and asked, "You think we should stop her?"

"No, she'll be fine. Limestone is hardy like that. And she always repays her debts. She'll be back soon." Maud replied while she and I took a seat with her by the fireplace. I could hear the house rattle with a winter gale. I glanced back over at the front door, wondering if Limestone knew what she was getting herself into. Maud too glanced over there and said, "Although... If she's not back in fifteen minutes, we should probably go looking for her."

https://youtu.be/sUEyLE4l59I?si=jnUSuiL-XGGTLokU

"Yeah... Just let me go grab an ala... Oh right! I forgot I had this on me." I said before remembering what was in my pocket. I pulled out my trusty DSi and powered it on before going into its settings and activating its alarm function. I then spoke while the two halves clapped shut, "There we go. Fifteen minutes."

Maud took a good look at the flat plastic device in my hand and asked, "I think I've seen that once or twice. Isn't that a camera?"

"Yes, but it has other features. I just keep it on hand mostly for its camera feature... Speaking of which, I should take some photos." I replied before realizing I was missing out on an opportunity. It would be nice to bring more photos home to show my family. I glanced at Maud while opening up my DSi again and asked, "How about we get one of ourselves, love?"

"You mean...our first photo as a couple?" Maud asked with her voice stammering ever so slightly in spite of her deadpan face. When I nodded, Maud's eyes glanced elsewhere as the faintest blush formed in her cheeks. "Sure... Sounds...romantic."

"Come here, dear." I said softly while Maud leaned against me. We got comfortable while I turned the DSi back on and activated its camera feature. Maud's eyes then widened when she saw the image on the screen suddenly change to show us looking back at us live. "You can take photos of yourself? Is that black spot on the hinge a camera lens?"

"Yep. Just say when you're ready, love." I replied while tilting my head towards Maud to try and get us both fully in the shot. I mostly only had a good view of our heads. As we leaned, I saw such a lovely smile form on my beloved's lips. And her eyes... There was such a dreamy look about them. Instead of deadpan, Maud looked very happy and relaxed. I kept the DSi steady before a click was heard. "Lovely."

The quality of the photo was about as good as it could get on the DSi. I was certainly very pleased and was eager to show Fluttershy when I got home and revealed to her what had changed between Maud and I. But after a moment of the two of us evaluating the photo, Maud placed a kiss upon my cheek. I felt a surge of warmth in my heart as she then whispered to me, "I love you."

"Love you too, dear." I whispered back before our lips met for another brief kiss. We then cuddled in front of the fireplace to savor that after meal serenity. We could hear the sound of metal and ceramic clinks and taps in the kitchen as Pinkie and Marble splashed dishwater around. Pinkie did most of the talking with barely any words coming from Marble. I was tempted to get up and play something on the record player nearby, but could not be bothered to move away from the wonderful mare in my arms.

We lost track of time. Maud and I were confused when we heard an electronic buzzing coming from my pocket. And that was when it dawned on me. "Where's that coming fr... Oh!"

I popped open my DSi and found that the fifteen minute timer was going off. I turned the device off and looked at the front door. There was no sign of Limestone coming in. We then heard the sound of hooves coming from the kitchen now that Pinkie and Marble had finished with the dishes in there. Knowing to ask, I looked over my shoulder and said, "Hey, Pinkie? Limestone ran outside around fifteen minutes ago and she hasn't come back. Is your Pinkie Sense picking up any signs of trouble?"

"She did?! Hang on... Lemme get a feel here..." Pinkie Pie gasped before narrowing her eyes in concentration. She grumbled and hummed, her tongue eventually sticking out of the side of her mouth. She looked silly, but I knew she was trying to feel even the slightest odd sensation in her body. Only for her to shrug her shoulders and say, "Nope! I got nothing here."

"Then Limestone isn't in danger. Your Pinkie Sense has always warned us when trouble was about to happen. We just need to wait for her to come back." Maud replied with no signs of worry. And while I wanted to trust the experiences of the Pie sisters, I could not help but doubt.

We all got comfortable on the rug while getting wrapped up in a snuggle pile. Marble even put on some music with the record player to break that near silence of the winter night that was blanketing the countryside. But I could not stop worrying. Three minutes went by. Then five. I had to say something. "It's been twenty minutes... Should we be worried about her?"

Marble looked over at the front door with a frown of concern on her face. She then said with a whisper, "Maybe we should..."

And then it happened. That door suddenly swung open as an icy mare rushed in and slammed it shut behind her. We briefly felt a chilling gust blow in with her before suddenly stopping. Limestone stood panting and shivering with a fresh layer of snow and frost covering her. "Yikes...! I didn't count on the wind!"

"Whoa! Get over her and warm up already!" Pinkie Pie called out with Limestone approaching us with an unsteady and stuttering gait. The wind chill out there must have been devastating. But I also noticed that Limestone was holding a round rock to her chest with one hoof. She then slumped to the floor while staying very close to the flames in the fire place. "You OK? And whatcha got there?"

"Fo... Fou... Found it. Found...what I was gonna give him..." Limestone stammered as she visibly quivered before us. The frost melted in seconds and soaked into her gray coat, going from cold to just wet. She would not be going anywhere until dry. Limestone then pushed that rock over to me and said, "Here you go... My holiday gift to you."

"It's...a rock. Unless there's something special about it like the one I gave Maud?" I replied while beholding the very round rock before me. It was large enough to be cradled in my hand's full grasp, being around half the size of a bowling ball.

"Yep... Hey, wait... What even was in that rock anyway? Did you two ever find out?" Limestone replied before she raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

Maud spoke up right away. "It was a fossil. Of an ancient fish."

Limestone's eyes went wide at the reveal. "Whoa... Nice find. I don't think we've ever found fossils while mining out here. Those would sell big for collectors and museums. Guess you got really lucky."

I then looked down at the suspiciously round rock Limestone had dug up out of the snow. It rolled around easily when I pushed it. "And you're saying this rock is just like that one? It has a surprise inside?"

"Yeah. Trust me. When you're in this line of work long enough, you learn to notice things about this stuff." Limestone said with a bit of a smirk. I assumed she knew what she was talking about, being the head foremen of the rock farm. Although she then looked at Maud with her smirk becoming more crooked. "Anyway... You think you can crack that one open, Maud? I'm not trusting my hooves to be steady enough to try right now..."

"Sure. Just a moment." Maud replied before she stepped forward. We watched the most stoic Pie sister start to feel around the rock with her hoof. Poking and prodding it while also rotating it. Then she stopped. Maud lifted her hoof before bringing it down with a very precise stomp. A crack was heard before the rock split neatly in two down the middle. And when the two halves rolled away from each other to reveal their interiors facing upward, even Maud's eyes widened slightly at the sight before her. "You found something very beautiful."

"A geode... And you found it out there in the snow?" I asked as the house rattled with another gust of wind. Spending the past twenty minutes braving winter gales just to find one specific kind of rock was crazy. That, or Limestone was just that tough and confident enough to try.

The eldest Pie sister grinned weakly as her body gradually warmed itself in front of the fireplace. The inside of the rock's two halves was filled with beautiful bright blue crystals. Something like that would make for an excellent decoration piece for any home. "Heh... Yeah. A geode. It was the only thing I could think of that'd make a nice gift on short notice. Now you've got something really pretty to take home. Happy holidays, James."

I lifted the two halves of the geode in each hand to get a closer look at them. Truly beautiful to behold. A treasure hidden under a craggy surface. Why did that remind me of who I was talking to? But as lovely as the two halves were, I only needed one. I set one half down before Limestone and said, "This is...lovely. But you can have the other half. One is enough."

Limestone sounded surprised by my offer and lifted up the geode piece on an upturned hoof. "Huh? No, really. Take the whole thing. I can just go get another if..."

I tried something just to be quaint. My hand came forward and touched the geode's face to that of the half being held by Limestone. They perfectly aligned, the two halves becoming whole once again for the moment. And for whatever reason, this shut Limestone up right away. She looked at the whole geode before directing her focus back at me with very wide and stunned eyes. And in hindsight, I can see why. I think she was mistaking my act of bringing my geode's half to align with hers as a subtle hint of flirting or courtship. And I was not the only one. Pinkie Pie leaned over to get a better look and wiggled her eyebrows at her sister. "Ooooh! They're perfectly and evenly aligned! Like they belong together!"

Limestone was not having her sister's jeering. She burst into awkward shouting while her gray face became as bright as a peach. "Oh shut up! Fine! Fine, I'll...uh... I'll keep the other half! I'll find a spot in my room for it. Just...don't think it's anything more than a simple holiday gift, all right? It's not like I like you or anything..."

The lot of us just stared at the mare of the house as she sat there with crossed arms. Pouting and looking so very annoyed. And Pinkie Pie did not lose that smirk. "Wow, Limestone. That's really...tsundere of you."

"I don't even know what that means! Just...knock it off, all right?! I just had a really good dinner and I wanna end tonight in a good mood." Limestone growled while still not quite letting that blush fade. I too was smirking as I wondered what was really going through that salty mare's head, but I did not want to pester her further. And it was very late in the day. No one wanted to end the night with an argument or making anyone uncomfortable. So I pulled back and set my half of the geode at my side. Limestone relaxed a bit and spoke with a more cordial tone, "But seriously... Take good care of that thing. We don't usually find geodes of such fine quality. That's one of the good ones."

"I will. I'll find a good spot for it when I get home. Thank you." I replied in brief to get the conversation over with as soon as possible. Just so we could change the subject and not risk aggravating Limestone further.

There really was not much to do now that night had fallen. But it was still too early to go to bed. So I spent much of my evening cuddling with Maud on a couch. It was our time to spend, so we would spend it with each other. Although I did notice Marble occasionally watching us. I would smile at her while she smiled back. I was hoping she and I would have a fine evening together in her room that night.

It was finally time to turn in for the night. We all began winding down with the logs in the fireplace finally being reduced to glowing logs of embers. I took a shower with the bathroom once again becoming thick with steam. And I knew where I was going when I was done. Pinkie Pie had given me directions to the correct bedroom.

With a towel wrapped around my waist, I knocked at the door I had been directed to. But there was no answer. I was hardly surprised. Dear little Marble must have been so nervous on the other side. I soon knocked again and spoke softly, "Marble? May I come in?"

"Mmhm..." I heard just from the other side. With a turn of the handle, I gently pushed the door open. And there she was right on the other side. I suspect she wanted to open the door herself, but her nerves got the better of her. She was showing such a timid smile. We had already come to know each other well enough by then, but inviting a man into her personal sanctuary? Let alone a married man when she had learned to be so cautious around them after one went to great lengths to take advantage of her? This was a great risk for her. And I intended to make certain she would not regret it. With a shaky sigh, she looked up at me and spoke through a whisper. "Welcome...to my room."

Marble stepped back to allow me to enter. Dimly lit from a single lamp on a nightstand, I found my surroundings to be fitting for such a delicate little mare. Marble's room had many small sculptures positioned around the place. All crafted by her. But there were some decorations on the walls as well. Framed paintings or prints of landscapes that had a certain ethereal look to them. Almost as if they were depicting events or places during a dream. It spoke volumes about the beautiful mind and desires within that lovely little mare before me. She had always been a dreamer longing for a better life. And I loved her all the more for it. "I like your room. It's lovely."

"Thank...you..." Marble giggled shakily while trying to hide her face behind her mane. But she was wearing a smile. She felt safe with me. Which was all I wanted. Although she then guided me to her bed where I saw something I recognized. The tea set I had given her was resting on a serving tray meant for breakfast in bed. Probably something she kept on standby for when she came down with illness and was left bedridden. It made for a handy stable surface to rest beverages on. And there was a faint trail of steam rising from the teapot's spout. "I...brewed some of the herbal tea you gave me. I was hoping we could have some before bed."

"I'd be happy to. Mulled apple cider tea, right? That's some good stuff." I replied while I set aside the towel around my waist. I made certain I was at least wearing some boxers before leaving the bathroom. Marble blushed intensely as she beheld my body. I was no bodybuilder, but I had also long since slimmed down after my arrival in Ponyville two years ago. I was quite happy with my body by then. But Marble could also see how bare my body was. And she clearly found it curious. Only for her eyes to focus on my waist with her eyes widening in shock. "Is something wrong? Would you like me to cover up a bit more?"

"It's not that. It's just... You really are a knight. You even have scars..." Marble replied as her hoof reached out to my waist. And I saw why. That gnarly scar where it looked like the flesh had been torn instead of cut open.

I knew that scar would never go away and had long accepted it being there. I just wish I could explain it. "Yeah... I guess every knight amasses permanent signs of their adventures. If not through dents and scratches on their armor, then through the scars their bodies carry. Although I really can't tell you where that one came from... I have no memory of the incident."

Marble looked troubled by my words. Not being able to remember such an event could easily be scene as a bad sign. And I had a feeling in my gut that I did not want to know that scar's origins. All I do know is that it predates the War of Preservation. My host then guided me to her bed as she said, "Then...my hero deserves some peace and quiet."

We got comfortable on Marble's bed while I poured that fragrant tea into our cups. Almost too hot to drink, we sipped at the fluid carefully. But it was delightful. Everything I had hoped it would be for her. Things were quiet with the exception of the bitter winter winds whistling beyond the window. When our cups were empty, I would pour more. There were no words for a time. I was simply savoring the quiet presence of that lovely little mare.

The youngest of the Pie sisters was smiling serenely between sips of her tea. Those beautiful eyes gazed at me with an increasing look of peaceful desire. Or at least one eye with the other hidden behind her long silken mane. I remembered why I was there and asked softly, "You still want us to kiss a lot tonight?"

"Mmhm... Again..." Marble cooed while I could see her beginning to blush. But she appeared less nervous than before. As much as I did not want to rush through our tea, I felt a sense of pleasant anticipation in my heart. I dearly wanted to hold her. To love her. I still remembered the first kiss we shared. The sense...of falling in love so rapidly.

https://youtu.be/44Sqir37AFY?si=nsRU\_TalgsuOJsXm

We were both impatient. We conspicuously sipped away at our tea with fewer intervals before the teapot went empty. I hurriedly set the tray aside to leave nothing between us as Marble and I fell into each other's embrace. Her silky smooth coat against my body and under my arms and hands. She sighed blissfully as we held each other. Until once again our lips touched. Over and over. Until I was finally atop her with our lips parting to let our tongues meet for the first time. The loveliest hum filled the little mare's throat as her tongue accepted mine's invitation to dance. Our eyes closed, fantasies paying out as mirages on our eyelids.

This was dangerous. I knew the risks involved with letting myself fall in love too quickly with a woman. But Marble... She was just so pure... So sincere. So lovely and loving, a woman who wanted to love and be loved. She was so transparent with her heart. And as our voices sang while our tongues danced, I knew it in my heart. I wanted to be hers and for her to be mine.

We gasped and panted as our kiss ended. Marble was pinned under my body. She was vulnerable and at my mercy. But there was no fear in her eyes. She was safe in the presence of her knight in shining armor and she knew it. She knew the man above her was a man who loved sincerely. And so I whispered to her, "I...want to love you."

"Please... Love me... Please let me be yours... Yours and no one else's... Take me away from here, my knight... Please. To your castle. To be yours... And to be with them... To be one of your ladies..." Marble whispered so beautifully with fresh tears forming at the edges of her eyes. All doubt in her eyes were gone. She knew what kind of man I was. A man who would never take his beloveds for granted. A man who would always love his women as long as they loved him.

A single thread of caution was holding me back. I still needed to test the waters before committing myself fully. I gently rolled over to pull Marble atop me. She was so vulnerable under me, even if she was not the least bit intimidated. With that lovely mare resting atop me and those beautiful amethyst eyes gazing at me with such faith, I whispered my heart out to her. "Marble... I'm falling in love with you so hard... Will you be mine? Come home with me? Be with me and the rest of my family?"

The tears truly flowed from Marble's eyes then. She choked with sobs of joy my beloved little lady wept in untold joy. "Yes... Yes, I will... I'm so sorry I ever doubted you even for a second... I wish it was you who found me back then. I would've left this rock farm behind and gone with you for sure. I'm ready to try... Ready to give this a chance. To be your mare with all your other mares..."

"Shhh... No tears, my love. I swear I'll never make you regret this. I'll always love you. I'll always make sure you feel like you belong. Fluttershy will adore you. She'll be more than happy to have you with us. And I just know you'll be the best of friends." I whispered back to the beautiful little mare as my fingers wiped her tears away. Even though she looked so joyous, it hurt to see tears coming from someone so precious.

"I can't help it... I just... I always thought I would die alone on this rock farm... That I would never find a stallion I could give my heart to fully. But you... Oh how I've been dreaming of you since the day you left... You've been on my mind almost every day. A gallant winged knight... And then when I heard you were coming, I was wondering if you were everything I remembered. And you were. And so much more..." Marble whispered to me while trying to cease the flow of her tears. The poor thing. A princess of a mare born in the wrong place. But against all odds, her knight in shining armor had found her. And I was determined to give her the life she deserved.

"Marble... It's OK. Everything will be OK. You have me now. And I can't wait for the day when you and I can truly be together. Until then... Let's savor this. Because I love you." I whispered back to my beloved before we joyously began to kiss again. Soft touches of our lips upon each other's. Slow and tender waltzes between our tongues. Sweet melodies humming in our throats. The rest of the world around us did not matter at that time. For us, it was bliss.

My hands roamed over the lovely lady atop me while our eyes were sealed during a kiss. That silken coat... It was completely unfitting for a mare in such a rugged location. Dear little Marble did not belong there. I was determined to get her out of there someday. If not when I returned home in a few days, then hopefully not too far off down the road. My fingers glided over her shoulders and down her sides. Then over Marble's flanks. Those full...round and soft flanks. And even in the depths of that kiss while she hummed beautifully in response to my touch, my fingers dug deeper into those womanly curves.

I marveled at what my fingers were discovering. Marble's body... So soft. Not at all the build of a mare I would expect working on a rock farm. It truly made clear to me that she was not meant for such a life. She was so soft and tender. Earth ponies are powerful creatures with substantial amounts of muscle on them. And while I am sure Marble is quite strong, she was still so soft... And her flanks. So round and shapely... I would even say...motherly. They were just as curvy and rounded as Fluttershy's. The flanks of a mare who had been blessed by motherhood. At the first opportunity when our kiss ended, I gazed up at Marble while she giggled quietly at my amorous touch. "Marble... Have you ever had foals before?"

She blushed furiously at my question. Even while grinning joyously. "No... Not yet. But surely someday. Mom has always been expecting me to give her grandchildren eventually... Maybe I've finally found the man who will give me them."

What a beautiful thing to say. Being the father I am, my imagination went wild at the tempting words Marble whispered to me. I could already imagine her swollen and heavy with life while savoring every moment of it. And then... Our foals. Oh how darling our children would be. Shades of gray hiding gentle hearts, just like their mother. I whispered with desire in my heart, "You would have me be the father of your children?"

"I would be honored to carry the foals of my knight in shining armor... To give your precious daughter so many brothers and sisters... I love you, James. And I... I want us to have foals someday. To have a family...to add to your family..." Marble whispered with fresh tears building in her eyes. Everything she said... They came from the heart. Even if it was so hasty for anyone to say right at the beginning of a relationship, it was still so beautiful. And she had found a man who was already somewhat fluent in the art of parenthood. I felt a powerful urge to grant my newest beloved that beautiful wish. To bless her with what I had blessed Fluttershy with. Motherhood would suit Marble so well... She was already built for it.

We kissed again over and over while my hands continued to grasp and grope at her soft and shapely flanks. Although I was mindful of her cutie marks. I was very certain she would be in for a surprise when my fingers dug into those three round symbols on each side. But not yet. I whispered to her again the instant I could, "Marble... Try not to tempt me now. I would love to give you my children. Our children. Someday... Someday we'll have those dear little foals in our lives..."

"My love... If I was in heat right now, I would... I would let you take me now. Let you...make love to me. Let you breed me... Just so we could finally have a family by this time next year. I can already imagine them... I hope at least some of them will have your eyes. That beautiful earthy brown..." Marble cooed to me with such desire in those eyes. And it was a beautiful desire. So young and demure, but so full of love. Marble Pie had always been a mare with a love for the simple things in life. The little things that truly matter in the end. And she had finally found a man where her heart could be as open and reckless as it wanted to be. Because she was safe in my embrace. And in time, she would find happiness with me in Ponyville.

It was difficult to restrain my own libido. Lovely as her offer was, I knew I should not be so hasty. Never on the first date. But I was eager to at least let my little lover know that pleasure in a different way. And so my fingers traced over the curves of Marble's flanks until she gave me a sign. A gasping sigh as my fingertips found six round symbols on each side. Her cutie marks. And they were as sensitive as I suspected. Marble inhaled sharply and arched her back as my fingers dug into those sacred marks, filling her with pleasure she had never known.

I waited a brief moment to let her process what she was feeling. Would she be alarmed? Would she want me to stop? All that came from her was a whisper. "What...is that?"

"I just want to be good to you, dear. May I? It's your call." I whispered back, ready to release her from my grasp the instant she asked.

Marble quivered before she gazed down at me with a deep blush setting into her cheeks. And a loving and trusting smile on her lips. "Please... Keep going. Because I'm yours now. I'm clay in your hands. Mold and shape me however you want... I love you..."

"Then let me take the lead, my love. Relax..." I whispered back to her before our lips touched again. Only for Marble to tilt her head back as that pleasure flooded her body. My fingers went to work in ways a stallion's hooves never could. Massaging her cutie marks as a familiar scent began to fill the air. The scent of a mare in desperate need of her man.

But not that time. I would not touch her where I should not. Never on our first night together. But I would still let Marble know the pleasure that could only come from a man she loved nd trusted. It was not about me. That night, the pleasure was all hers.

Oh how that wonderful little mare sang for me. Her beautiful voice crooning and moaning with melodies of bliss and pleasure. The air became thick with the scent of a very needy mare. She brought her hips low and began to grind against my belly, no doubt imagining me mounting her from behind in the hopes that I would plant my seed deep in her womb. And I wanted to. I wanted to see that wonderful little lady become the mother of my children. Beautiful little foals who would be little angels to be raised in this wonderful world of Equestria. Children we would raise together...

It did not take long. That tender little virgin of a mare was not used to such pleasure. Her gasps became shriller, the grinding of her hips hastening. Until Marble lifted her head and groaned to the ceiling while I saw her tail rise. Her virgin lips were quivering in climax. Her first orgasmic experience. All without even touching her where I should not. My hands released her flanks with my arms wrapping around her in a comforting embrace. The world must have been spinning in her head. She was dazed as her body became all but limp. With her head resting just under my chin, I whispered to her. "Easy there, dear. It's OK... Everything's fine. I love you."

"Love you...so much... That...was amazing... But now I'm...so tired... Stay with me tonight, James? Please? Sleep with me..." Marble mumbled while sounding more relaxed than ever. In my attempt to give my beloved pleasure, I had helped her fall asleep. And it was late. We still had one more full day ahead of us.

"Yeah... Let's get to sleep, dear. Good night. Sweet dreams... And I'll be right here in the morning." I whispered to my beloved before reaching for the lamp nearby and plunging the room into almost complete blackness. Marble and I cuddled up together under the covers of her bed. She fell asleep first with only light snoring coming from her. And with only the sound of the winter winds outside being the only other sound reaching my ears, I soon joined her in slumber.

Another day ended in on the Pie family's rock farm. And another beautiful love had bloomed. Maud Pie and Marble Pie... Two beautiful sisters. Two wonderful mares in their own ways. I could hardly wait to introduce them to the rest of my family. Not as friends, but as new members of our growing family. The next day was going to be a good one. Truly, this is the best time of the year.