//------------------------------// // Unexpected Meetings // Story: Gathering Pieces // by Random_User //------------------------------// Freight patted Cobalt on the shoulder. “This is impressive.” He gave a slight bow. “Thank you.” “Will you be able to keep these going when school starts?” “It shouldn’t be a problem. They don't need much attention.” “You could have fooled me. As often as you and my foals have been down here I thought they needed a lot of attention.” “The last couple of days have been out of the ordinary.” “I'll be helping him too,” Care said. Freight gave her a smile. “I take it you liked blending magic with him.” “I did.” She titled her head, seemed to think about things for a second, and smiled. “It’s like meditating or having a lucid dream. It’s relaxing. That something good comes out it makes it even better.” “Where’s Windless’ rockmoss?” Freight asked. “It’s in there,” Care said nodding towards the box that had Windless’ rockmoss in it. Freight smirked. “What did it do to deserve a timeout?” “We packed it up so he could take it with him,” Care explained, after she stopped giggling. “I’m just in time!” Windless declared, as he entered the basement. “I get to show off my rockmoss.” Windless opened the top of the box and smiled with pride. “It’s not as far along as theirs, but it’s getting there.” Freight looked into the box and smiled. “I’m no expert, but it looks like it’s doing well.” She hugged Windless. “I hope it makes you feel more at home up there.” She booped his nose. “I see a problem. How are you going to feed it?” “I’m going to give him a couple of gems that will keep things going,” Cobalt said. “I've got to find somepony to help me with it after that,” Windless said. “You devious thing, you’re using it as a lure.” Windless pointed a hoof towards Cobalt. “It was his idea.” Freight gave Cobalt a look. “It seems to have worked well enough with you two.” Cobalt blushed. “We should get going. We'll be late, if we stay too much longer.” Freight chuckled. “You’re not getting off that easy. We can talk and walk.” “Mom, he’s been very nice to share this with us,” Care said. “He hasn’t lured us into anything.” Windless leaned to Freight and whispered, “I don’t know. I think he has enchanted her. She’s even defending him.” Care shook her head. “Come on, Cobalt. We don’t have to stand here and take this.” She nudged him with her shoulder. “We have to go past Quills and Sofa’s to get where we’re going, right?” “You got it.” He led her to the stairs and then stepped aside to let her ascend first. “Before long, you’ll know every spot in town.” “If he enchanted her, he’s being very nice about it,” Freight said. “Don’t let the kind, polite act fool you,” Windless said. “He wants to look at her flanks as she goes up the stairs.” “You’re both horrible!” Care shouted to them, from the top of the stairs. “I may be horrible, but I’m not wrong, judging by the blush.” Windless said. “You should have seen him when I mentioned you were all sudsy and wet in the shower.” “Windless!” Care called from the top of the stair. “I’m sorry I missed that.” Freight laughed. “He’s blushing great just thinking about it right now.” ***** Care rested her forehead on the edge of the town square’s fountain. “We’re at the end of the list, aren’t we?” “Afraid so,” Freight said. “I’m not being too picky, am I?” “Not at all. Considering what they have been asking, you should be getting a lot more for your bits.” “With the University opening, rent has been going up,” Cobalt said. “The rates are getting close to Canterlot levels.” Care sighed. “I’ll go back over the list and my notes again, but it looks like the dorms will be my best option.” “Hey guys!” Stone called to them from across the square. “I thought I would have to search for you.” Stone’s ears folded as he approached. “I take it things aren’t going well.” “I’m getting a harsh lesson in the basics of supply, demand, and pricing,” Care said looking up to him. “Yeah. Things have gotten tight around here with the University opening. It has helped our business, though. There’s lots of new construction going on.” “With some of the rent rates, I might as well build a place.” “That bad?” Care quoted him a price. Stone winced. “Ouch.” “I know.” She shook her head. “Let’s change the subject to something a little less disheartening. How did things with the princess go?” “Well enough, I guess. Mend and Twilight couldn’t contain themselves and invited us to the castle to congratulate Puca and me.” His tail tucked. “There was an examination too, but let's not go into details.” “I take it they still have Puca.” Freight said. “Do we need to mount a rescue?” “She’s fine. Amore showed up with Edge and things got less medical and scientific and became more social.” “How did you escape?” Windless said. “I didn’t. They gave me tasks to accomplish.” He smiled. “I have things I need to pick up and a warning to give to my folks.” Cobalt’s ears perked. “What is going on now?” “I have been Pinkie Promised to secrecy.” “Speaking of Pinkie, that reminds me, I owe my sister a Sweet Apple Acres pie,” Windless said. “You don't need Pinkie for that. You need to see Applejack.” Stone pointed a hoof toward the open air market. “She sells them fresh at her stand. You better hurry, though. She sells out quick.” Windless’ eyes widened. “She’s selling them?” “Windless, your wings,” Care said, hiding her face behind a hoof. “Sorry.” Windless said and folded his wings down. “I haven’t seen an Element since I was here last time.” “Don’t get too excited,” Stone warned Windless. “Her brother, Big Mac could be the one at their stall, or her sister Apple Bloom.” “There’s only one way to find out.” Windless looked toward the market stalls. “Point me in the right direction.” “I'll do better than that. I’ll take you there. I need to pick up apples myself.” “Don’t let him make a fool of himself,” Freight said. “I’ll do my best,” Stone said. “Where were you planning to have lunch? Pick a place quick, before they all close up for their afternoon breaks.” “I was thinking the Grazing Meadow, if we can get a table,” Cobalt said. “I’ll send Windless there, after we’re through,” Stone said. “It shouldn’t take too long.” Stone led Windless toward the market stalls. Care sighed. “He’ll be asking to draw her next.” “If he does, he does,” Freight said. “I hope he keeps in mind we are leaving soon.” Care’s ears and tail drooped a little. “I’m going to miss you guys.” Freight bumped her head against Care’s. “No sad faces from my filly. This will be a good thing for you.” “I know, but it still stings when I think how far away you're going to be.” “The thought of you not being at the house bothers me too. Remember, we’re a train ride away.” Freight looked to Cobalt. “Let’s get some food in her. That will help.” “Follow me.” Cobalt guided them to the Grazing Meadow. He waved at the serving pony. “Hey Cuisine!” “Table for three?” Cuisine asked, in a professional tone. “Five, please. We have two more who should join us soon.” “Fantastic. Please, follow me.” Cuisine showed them to a table and took their drink orders. “I shall be back with your refreshments.” He gave them a slight bow and headed towards the cafe’s kitchen. After Cuisine was out of ear shot, Freight muttered, “Who shoved the broomstick under his tail?” “Don’t take it personally. He’s a good guy,” Cobalt said. “He used to work at a fancy restaurant in Canterlot and some of the habits he learned there haven’t gone away.” He looked over the menu. “Everything I have had here has been good, so pick whatever strikes your fancy.” “There’s Windless,” Care said. She waved. “We’re here!” Windless made his way around the rope barricades and to the table. “Applejack wasn’t there, but the pie was.” He took a pie sized box and put it under the table. “Thank you,” Care said. “You didn’t have to do that.” “I keep my word.” Windless gave her sly smile. “Besides, I plan on getting a slice. You and Mom may want to visit the Apple’s stall. The stallion that’s running it, Big MacIntosh, lives up to his name. He’s even bigger than Field.” “Speaking of large ponies, where is Stone?” Freight asked. “He had apples to drop off and secret missions to accomplish.” “Wait, I caught what you said. Where are you and Cobalt going to be if you’re not with us?” “We have secret business of our own to conduct.” Cobalt stared at him. “We do?” Windless feigned a serious expression and told him, “It was so secret you didn’t even know about it.” Cuisine returned to the table and served their drinks. “What would you care for, young sir?” He asked. “Water and the daffodil sandwich special, please,” Windless told him. Cuisine took the rest of their orders, gathered the menus, and headed to the kitchen. “He didn’t write anything down,” Windless said. “He doesn’t need to,” Cobalt said. “It’s part of their training in Canterlot. They don’t use notepads to keep track of the orders.” Scootaloo skidded to a halt just at the cafe’s rope barrier. “Hello, Cobalt.” “Hello, Scoots.” Scootaloo looked at the ponies with him. “Big Mac wasn’t kidding. He did see a bat pony.” Windless raised a hoof. “That would have been me. My name’s Windless.” Scootaloo tilted her head. “That name sounds familiar.” “He’s one of my pen-pal friends I’ve told you about,” Cobalt supplied. “That’s right! You were at the celebration after the Nightmare’s went back to the moon too.” She looked at Freight and Care. “Are these your sisters? Cobalt didn’t say you had two.” “Thank you, young mare,” Freight said. “I am his mother.” She pointed a hoof to Care. “Care is his sister.” “So you do exist,” Scootallo said. “There were rumors going around he made you up to keep Diamond off his back.” Care smiled. “I’m real.” Windless stood and approached the barrier. “Let me introduce myself. I am Windless Night.” He gave her a grin. “While ‘Scoots’ is nice, I have the impression it’s not your full name.” One of Scootaloo’s eyebrows rose. “It’s Scootaloo.” “Would you like to join us?” He made an inviting gesture towards their table’s empty chair. “You seem interested in us bat ponies.” He gave her an exaggerated smile. “As you can see, despite the rumors about us, we don’t have fangs and we don’t bite.” Scootaloo chuckled. “I wish I could, but I’ve got training with Dash in-” “Cobalt!” A pink earth pony mare with a purple mane trotted up and stood beside Scootaloo. “Sorry to interrupt, Scootaloo, but I saw you talking with this stallion and then saw Cobalt.” Scootaloo gave the newcomer a look. “I noticed whose name you called out first.” The mare blushed. “Sorry.” “It’s all right, I was just telling them I’ve to go anyhow. Dash will have my tail if I’m not there on time.” Scootaloo walked a space from the rope barrier. “See you guys later.” “Do you know where Cobalt’s house is?” Freight asked. Scootaloo paused. “Yes, ma’am.” “We’re staying with him. If you’d like, you can come by after you’re done training. We’d be glad to talk with you again.” Scootaloo glanced at Windless. “I try to swing by after practice, but I don't know what Rainbow has planned. Cobalt, tell your folks hello for me.” “I will.” “Train well!” The mare called, as Scootaloo took to the air. She turned to Windless and gave him a cautious smile. “Hello. Sorry for interrupting.” “It’s fine.” Windless put on a polite smile. “I’m Diamond Tiara,” she said. After a second’s hesitation, she extended her hoof. “I still feel bad. I can tell she wanted to talk to you and you wanted to talk to her.” Windless smiled warmed. “It’s all right. I’m Windless.” He took her hoof and bowed over it. “It is a pleasure to meet you.” Diamond’s blush returned. Windless’ raised back to standing. “Cobalt’s written about you. You went to the same school. Right?.” “We were in the same class for years.” She looked towards Cobalt and gave him a smile. Her eyes then went to Care and her smile faded a little. “Who is sitting with you?” “My mother, Freight, and my sister, Care.” Diamond seemed to have an internal debate, until Windless asked, “Would you like to join us?” “Have you ordered?” “We have.” “Then I better not. I ate not long ago and I don’t want to cause Cuisine any trouble.” “Come sit with us,” Freight said and patted the back of the empty seat. “If you don’t want something to eat, I’m sure a cup of tea wouldn’t cause Cuisine too much trouble.” “I don’t don’t want to make things,” she glanced towards Care and Cobalt, “awkward.” “Mom invited you, so it’s more than fine. You forgot something too.” She looked up at him. Windless grinned at her. “I still have hold of your hoof.” She smiled as he led her around the rope barricade in a courtly manner. When they arrived at the table, Windless pulled Diamond’s chair out for her. “I hope I wasn’t rough in my coercing you.” “Not at all. That was a very pleasant coercing.” “Thank you. I would hate to get the reputation as a brute.” “Sit down, you goof,” Freight said, patting Windless’ shoulder. “So, Diamond, what are we distracting you from doing?” “I was heading to the University to get the last of my enrollment paperwork done.” Diamond grimaced. "I hope it's not as bad as I think it's going to be." “It’s not too bad,” Care said. “They have you take a personality type test, that’s what takes the most time.” “I didn’t realize they did that,” Diamond said. Cuisine returned to the table with their meals. After he placed the plates before their respective pony, he asked Diamond, “Would you care to order anything Miss Diamond?” “Yes, please. I would love fennel tea, if you have any.” “We do. I will be happy to prepare some for you.” “Thank you.” After Cuisine left them, Diamond said to Care, “So you’re coming here.” “I am.” She sighed. “Finding a place is proving more of a challenge than I thought it would be. It looks like I will be in the dorms.” “There have been a lot of new ponies coming into town, since the school opened. While it’s helped my Dad’s business, it’s made Ponyville seem crowded.” She looked to Cobalt. “I hope your parents and Stone aren’t working as hard as they were there for a while.” “Things have slowed down a little. There were a lot of rush projects to get businesses ready for the university’s opening. Now that the university is open, there hasn’t been such a manic push.” “So Care’s the pen pal you’ve been writing to,” Diamond asked. “She and her brother both,” Cobalt said. “Though the letters I get are a page shorter on average,” Windless said, before taking a sip of his drink. “Playing favorites is not nice,” Diamond teased Cobalt. “It’s difficult to respond to what amounts to ‘school’s good’ and ‘training’s good’,” Cobalt said. “Writing is not my medium,” Windless said put a hoof his chest and raising his nose in the air. “I express myself better through my art.” Care snorted. “No argument here.” Diamond asked Windless, “What kind of art do you make?” Windless grinned. “I draw and paint.” Freight met eyes with Care. “Windless to the rescue with his art talk,” she said with silent words. Care nodded and smiled. ****** “You didn’t have to pick up my check,” Diamond protested, as Cobalt paid Cuisine for the meal. “You were our guest,” he explained. Her ears drooped. “No, I was an intruder.” She looked towards Windless. “I was rude too.” “You were not rude, you were enthusiastic at seeing at friend.” He smiled. “You did better than Care, she tackles Cobalt.” “Windless!” Care hid her face behind her hooves. “That happened one time and it was an accident!” “A running to gliding pounce is no accident.” “She had good form,” Freight said. “I don’t think he minded the result either way.” Diamond giggled then smiled at Cobalt. “I can understand the urge just to tackle him.” She got up from her chair. “I hate to eat and run, but I need to head to the university before the admissions office closes.” “Thank you for joining us,” Freight said. “It was nice to meet one of Cobalt’s friends. It gives us a different perspective on him.” “He’s a sweet colt no matter how you look at him,” Diamond said. “Even if he is too reserved.” Windless stood and gave Diamond a smile. “He is too polite for his own good sometimes.” “Says mister tall, dark, and charming.” She stepped up to Windless and gave him a quick kiss on the nose She giggled as Windless wings snapped up. “That’s for being so kind after I ran off Scootaloo.” She made a point of inspecting his wings. “You have a very nice pair of wings.” “Thank you,” Windless said in a quiet, surprised tone. Diamond looked towards the table. “See, Cobalt, you can react when a mare is nice to you without getting into trouble.” After giving a flick of her tail, she walked around the rope barrier and towards Twilight’s castle. “Windless, you can quit staring and put your wings down,” Freight told him. Windless snapped his wings back to his side. “What just happened? I feel like I was flirted with and used in the same moment.” “She was rewarding you for being nice and making her intentions towards Cobalt well known.” Freight looked to Cobalt. “From your expression, I can tell she’s done this kind of thing before.” Cobalt closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose with a hoof.“Minus kissing somepony’s nose, that was something new, she has made passes at me in pubic several times.” “Why haven’t you two become special someponies?” “For a long time, she and another filly were the school bullies and were nasty to everypony. Since she became friends with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, she’s improved a lot, but she can still act a spoiled brat. Between her being a pain in the flank in the past and her still somewhat self-centered and pushy personality I’ll never be interested in her.” “Ah, I see what’s going on.” Freight grinned. “You’ve made yourself into something she can’t get hold of and increased her interest. Goes with the territory of being a good stallion.” Windless glanced at the cafe’s clock. “I hate to break this up,” he said, “but I need Cobalt for what I have in mind.” “Up to something again, are we?” Freight asked, getting a nod as a response. “We’ll meet you back at Cobalt’s then.” Freight looked towards Care. “Want to swing by the Apple’s stand before we head back?” Care gave Freight a look. “Why?” “So we can take in the scenery and we can see just how juicy this famed Apple is.” Care groaned. “Mom, that was terrible. It seems wrong for us to go out of our way to stare at somepony we don’t know.” “You’re a single, young mare. Don’t tell me you aren’t curious.” Freight grinned. “I’ll even buy you some apples from the Apple, so we’re not just ogling him. Speaking of apples, why don’t you give me the pie, Windless? I can carry it back to the house.” “Thanks, Mom.” Windless ducked under the table, retrieved the pie, and gave it to Freight. “I hate to do this, but we need to get moving. Our secret mission is on a time crunch.” “You two go on, then. We’ll see you back at Field and Mosaic’s.” Windless patted Cobalt’s shoulder. “Come on, big guy. We’ve got ground to cover.” “We’ll see you back home, I guess,” Cobalt said, getting to his hooves. He looked at Care and Freight. “Are you staying?” “I wanted Care to finish her tea,” Freight explained. Care smiled at him and turned her tea cup in her hooves. “Go on, before Windless drags you off by the tail.” “I feel like I’m being rude leaving you,” Cobalt said. Freight waved him on. “You’re not being rude at all. You’re being dragged off.” She smiled. “Besides, I’ve been wanting mother and daughter time with Care.” Cobalt nodded and smiled. “I’ll pay for dessert, if you want to stay longer.” “They are welcome to stay as long as they like.” Cuisine refilled Freight’s then Care’s cups. After putting a trivet down, he put a fresh pot of tea on the table. “Is there anything I can get you?” “No, thank you.” Freight smiled at him. “You have been wonderful to us enough as it is.” “We want only the best for our guests.” He bowed his head to her. “If you need anything, please let me know,” he told them, before moving to another table. “Come on, Cobalt.” Windless gestured for him to follow, from the other side of the rope barrier. “We’ve lots to do and little time to do it in.” “I’m coming.” Freight shook her head, as she watched the pair leave. “I don’t know if it’s a good idea to let them wander off without adult supervision.” She took a sip of her tea and then smiled over the rim of the cup. “I’m glad Diamond joined us.” Care’s ears went askew. “Why?” “So I could read Cobalt’s and your reactions to her.” “I hope I wasn’t rude,” Care said. “You weren’t.” She put her cup down and looked to Care’s left, were Cobalt had been sitting. “He didn’t like you and her were sitting so close to one another.” “I wasn’t all that thrilled with it either,” Care confessed. “I could tell.” Care looked down into her tea cup. “I’m the one reading tea leaves," Freight teased. "He cares about you. He wanted to put himself between you and Diamond. He still thinks she could be the bully she was if she sees something she wants.” Care looked up into her mother’s eyes. “She wasn’t subtle about what she wants.” “There’s the spark I wanted to see.” Freight smiled. “You handled her exit well.” Before Care’s eyes could go back to the table top, Freight asked, “Why are you worried again?” “Why did you complement me like that?” Freight offered a hoof, which Care took. “Care, we’ve talked about you liking him. Sometimes in a roundabout way, but I realize how serious this could be.” “You don’t think there’s a foals’ crush between us?” “I don’t.” Freight gave her hoof a squeeze. “No pony else does either.” Care’s ears went up. “They know?” “You two light up when the other comes in the room or when your names are mentioned.” She smiled. “There was magic between you two before you even shared magic, we all could see it.” “Would they approve?” “They’ve invited us into their home. They’ve fed us. They’ve given up their beds for us.” She laughed. “We’ve slept with them, for Luna’s sake. Speaking from the viewpoint of us parents, we found our sons and daughters curled up in a ball together and joked about it. You don’t do those sorts of things with someone you don’t approve of.” Care smiled. “You’re right.” Freight looked past Care. For a second, her face showed shock, then delight. “We’re about to have company.” She put her free hoof on top of Care’s and pressed, in a whisper, “You have my permission to pursue him, or be pursued by him.” “Thank you.” “This is looking serious, should we come later?” Stone asked Freight. “No, it’s fine.” A foreleg wrapped itself around Care’s shoulder. “Is something bothering my girl?” For a second, Care froze. She turned and looked up. “Dad?!” She hugged Starless and put her head on his chest. Starless wrapped Care in his wings and kissed the top of her head. “I’m glad you’re so glad to see me.” She gave him a squeeze. “I’m always glad to see you.” “How has the place hunting been going?” Care’s ears pinned back, as she looked up at him. “Not too hot. The only good thing I can say about it so far is that I’ve gotten to know Ponyville better.” “I heard things were tight with the rentals here.” He let her free of his wings. “Have you been taking lots of notes?” “I have. They’re in my saddle bag.” Starless looked across the table and smiled with affection. “Hello, love.” He made his way around the table, wrapped Freight in a hug and shielded them from the eyes of other ponies with his wings. When his wings dropped, he was grinning and Freight was blushing and smiling. He shifted his wings and wrapped her in them. “I missed you.” “I can tell.” Freight kissed his nose. “How did you manage this lovely surprise?” “To be honest, I’m not sure. At the end of my rotation last night Bitter walked up and informed me I was to be on a train in an hour. He gave me an envelope with a ticket and some cryptic instructions, Stone was at the station to greet me, and now I’m here.” One of Freight’s ears folded and she tilted her head. “What kind of cryptic instructions?” “I will be inspected this evening, at Princess Twilight’s castle. I don’t know by whom or why, but I am not to be in uniform during the inspection.” Freight made a show of being sorry about something. “Dear, I have a confession to make. I wanted you to hear it from me before anypony else.” Starless gave her a curious, lopsided grin. “This should be good. What has my dear wife done this time?” “I slept with a mare the other night.” Care covered her mouth to hide her smile at the same moment Stone’s jaw fell open. “That wasn’t what I expected to hear," Starless said. "Anypony I know?” Freight pointed a hoof at Stone. “His mother.” Stone’s ears shot up. “What?!” Freight put a hoof on Starless’ chest and drew lazy circles in his coat. “Don’t worry, Stone, it was a onetime thing.” Freight smiled and ran her hoof from Starless’ chest, up his neck, to his cheek. “Your mother was tender and caring,” she touched her nose to his, “but she’s not my Starless.” “Mom, you’re getting attention,” Care warned. “Drat, I was hoping I could keep things going.” Freight turned and grinned at Stone. “Don’t worry. Your parents and I formed a pony pile of our own to help me settle down the other night. Nothing extracurricular was involved.” Stone let out a breath of relief. He asked Starless, “How did you know she was kidding around?” “I have known this mare a long time. I can tell when she’s joking.” Starless kissed Freight’s forehead. “I hate I wasn’t there to help you. What did you need calming down about?” “Me and Windless,” Care said. “We were talking about some stuff with Cobalt, and she and Cobalt’s parents heard us.” “You must have been talking about something unpleasant,” Starless said. “We were.” “Are you three okay?” “We’re fine.” Care gave Starless a sad smile. “We needed to help each other through some things.” “Speaking of helping others, I need to go save Puca. There’s no telling what Amore, Mend, and Twilight are doing to her.” Stone nodded to Starless. “It’s great to see you again.” “You too,” Starless responded. He sat down beside Freight and smiled at Care. “Did you tackle Cobalt again this time?” “No,” Care huffed. “I didn’t tackle him.” “You should have. I think you both enjoyed it, and it's a fond memory for him, you, and us.” “She slept with him, though,” Freight said. “Mom!” “Windless did too,” Freight added before taking a sip of her tea. “Really?” Starless said. “Cobalt’s got stamina then.” He grinned at Care. “Did he treat you two right?” Care blushed. “He was perfect. He held me tucked against his chest like I was a doll.” “So you did sleep with him.” “Windless and I slept with him on the floor the other night in a pony pile.” Care giggled. “Windless drooled on his back, while he was asleep.” Starless chuckled. “I hope they’re still talking to each other.” “They are.” Care gave him a cautious look. “You’re not upset about me sleeping with him?” “You’re mother seems fine with it, and Windless was right there.” He smiled. “I would like to ask some questions, though.” Care nodded. “Sure.” “I'll start with what is a pony pile and how did you two end up in them?” ***** “Bonsmara,” Cobalt named in a wheeze, tapping her arm with a hoof. “I need to breathe.” “Sorry.” She loosened her hug. “They are just too adorable.” Windless was settled on den floor sketching Labra, who was sitting on a pillow close to him working on her homework. Pyrite lay on his belly, leaned against Windless and watching him sketch. Pyrite’s tail would wag when Windless would explain the techniques he was using. Puca smiled and nuzzled Stone. “I think I’m close to being impaired,” she told him, her words coming out with a slight slur. “There’s so many good emotions in the air.” Stone adjusted his position on the couch to allow Puca to snuggle into him. “That’s what having family and good friends being around does.” “Everyone’s so happy in so many ways right now.” Mosaic said, from where she and Field were sharing a blanket on the floor. “I’m not a changeling and I’m feeling it.” Field chuckled. “There seems to be a glow around you both.” “You did quite a lot to contribute.” Mosaic leaned against her husband. “Thank you for the day off. I needed it more than I realized.” “I’ve enjoyed it too,” Field said. “We should take days off more often.” Puca, Labra, and Pyrite looked towards the front door at the same time. A second later, someone knocked. “That was kinda freaky,” Windless said. “What do you mean?” Labra asked. “Please don’t take it the wrong way. It was cool when you three turned like that, but it made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.” “Momma says the same thing when Daddy, Labra, and me do it,” Pyrite said. “I’ll get it.” Cobalt looked up to Bonsmara. “I’ll be right back.” “I will hold you to that,” she said as she let him go. Puca’s wings fluttered and she grinned. “So they pulled it off.” “What is it?” Pyrite asked, “Can you tell how many ponies are at the door?” She asked. “I think I heard two, but I’m not sure,” Labra said. “Me too.” Pyrite got to his paws. “They were quiet, so it’s hard to tell.” After the front door opened, a series of hushed words filtered into the room. Pyrite raised to three paws and went on point towards the den’s entryway. “There’s a stranger at the door.” “You can’t get up,” Windless protested as Labra stood and turned towards the den’s entry. “I’m almost done!” Pyrite took a deep breath through his nose. “It’s the pony from Windless’ sketch book.” Windless gave Pyrite an amused and curious look. “What do you mean?” Cobalt poked his head around the doorframe. “We have some a surprise guest that's come to visit.” “It’s a Stone sized bat pony!” Labra said, as Starless stepped into the den. “Dad!” Windless hopped to his hooves, rushed to Starless, and gave him a hug. “What are you doing here?!” “I’m not sure myself, but I’m here on royal orders.” Starless returned the hug and patted Windless on the back. “Have you been behaving yourself?” “As much as I can.” Starless let Windless go and grinned at Puca and Stone. “Congratulations you two, I look forward to meeting the new comer.” “Thank you,” Puca said. She glanced towards Pyrite, who was creeping towards Starless and sniffing. “There is a pair of newcomers you can meet right now.” Starless smiled at Pyrite and extended a hoof. “Hello. My name is Starless Night. What’s yours?” “Pyrite, sir,” he answered, and sniffed Starless’ hoof. “You are the pony from Windless’ sketch book.” “Pyrite, you should shake when somepony offers their hoof to you, not sniff them,” Bonsmara prompted through a suppressed laugh. Pyrite shook Starless’ hoof. “It’s nice to meet you, Mister Bat.” Starless chuckled. “Just call me Starless, please.” He looked towards Labra. “Hello there.” Labra, her ears down, approached Starless with less enthusiasm than Pyrite had. “Hello. My name is Labradorite, but everyone calls me Labra for short.” “Your full name is pretty, but it is a mouthful.” Starless gave her a kind smile. “You seem nervous. Is something wrong?” “I’m Windless’ practice special somedoggy,” Labra said as if making a confession. She shuffled towards Windless till she touched him and then pressed herself to his side. “Really now? How did a nice lady like you get involved with a rascal like my son?” “He’s not a rascal,” she told Starless, stroking Windless’ back like he was a cat. “He’s a good pony.” When Starless raised an eyebrow, she added, “Sir.” Windless put a comforting foreleg around Labra. “Be nice, Dad, please. We didn't plan for it to happen.” He nuzzled the top of Labra’s head. “I’m glad it did, though.” Starless laughed. “Care and Freight were right. You two are precious.” He grinned, as Labra’s tail wagged hard enough to pat against Windless’ back. “I was just thinking you didn’t have to call me ‘sir’, since you’re my boy’s special somedoggy.” “I think I still need to call you, sir, sir,” Labra looked towards Bonsmara. “Mommy’s always telling us we should say it to older ponies.” One of Starless’ ears fell, and he made an amused face. “I’m not that old.” Bonsmara sighed. “Adult ponies, dear. You say ‘adult’ to be polite.” “I thought I recognized your scent, Starless,” Fierce said as stepped into the room. “Good to see you again, my friend.” Labra and Pyrite ran to him and gave him a hug. “I am glad to see you too.” “Pyrite knew who I was from my smell too.” Starless gave himself a sniff under a foreleg. “I don’t smell bad, do I? It was packed on the train.” “Don’t worry, you smell fine,” Puca told him. “Their noses are keen. Fierce could tell that I was expecting a delivery by my scent.” “Impressive,” Starless said. Care entered the room with Freight, scooped up Pyrite, and cuddled him. “There’s my watchdog. How was school?” “It was okay,” he said, snuggling into her. Labra scampered to Freight, who held her hooves out for a hug. Freight hugged Labra and nuzzled the top of her head. “Has Windless drawn you yet?” “He was almost through, till you four showed up,” Windless mock complained. “Can I have my model, and practice special somepony, back now?” “Go on.” Freight nudged Labra towards Windless. “He gets fussy if doesn’t get to finish a drawing.” Labra veered towards Windless, on the way back to her spot. She gave him a hug and put her forehead against him. “Are you okay?” Windless asked, looking down at her. “Can we get in a pony pile with Miss Mosaic and Mister Field after you’re through?” Windless looked to the couple who were the pony pile spot. “I’m game if they are.” Mosaic smiled and told him, “You’re welcome to join us.” “Getting a little clingy to him aren’t you?” Freight said. Labra tightened her hold on Windless. “I have to get my snuggles and nuzzles before he’s gone.” Care smiled at Cobalt, who smiled back and nodded. Puca giggled and then put a hoof over her mouth. “Sorry. That just came out.” “What, pray tell, caused that?” Fierce asked. “Those two are up to something,” Puca said. “It tickled. I’m still having trouble with controlling emotional feedback.” Windless gave Care a look. “Dear sister, are you conspiring without me?” He raised an eyebrow. “Or are you conspiring against me.” “Cobalt and I are conspiring, but not against you,” Care said. “You seem to have been doing a lot of conspiring the last couple of days,” Windless said to Cobalt. He nuzzled the top of Labra’s head. “When I’m gone, stick to my sister. She’s less trouble than Cobalt.” “You need to finish your homework, and Windless should sketch with a purpose,” Fierce said. He nodded to Cobalt. "Thanks again for letting me slip in." Starless smiled. “So you’re the contact.” Fierce smiled. “No, but someone has informed me who is. I was asked to make sure you were all gathered together.” “Daddy’s great at herding things,” Labra said. “He helps Miss Applejack with her cows a lot.” Fierce chuckled. “While I would not have used the same approach, the purpose of what they asked me to do is much the same.” “Hello, is anypony here?” a voice from the front asked. “I would knock, but the door’s open.” Cobalt called, “Come on in, we’re in the den!” Scootaloo came to a full halt, when she stepped into the den’s doorway. “Whoa!” She looked around the room. “Maybe I should come back later.” Pyrite’s ears shot up and his tail beat against Care’s ribs. “Scootaloo!” “Hang on, little guy, I almost dropped you.” Care put the wiggling Pyrite down. As soon as Pyrite’s paws touched the floor, he raced to Scootaloo and gave her a hug. “Hello to you too,” Scootaloo said and hugged Pyrite back. “How’s my flying buddy doing?” “Great!” He looked up at her, his tail wagging. “I didn’t know you were coming over too.” “I didn’t know I was either, till a bit ago.” “Did you train with Rainbow Dash again?” “I did, and it was awesome.” “I missed it!” Pyrite pouted. “You can see me train anytime. You can’t hang out with new ponies every day.” “This is my Dad,” Windless said, “Starless Night.” “Nice to meet you,” Scootaloo said, seeming awed at Starless' size. Starless grinned. “Likewise.” “Windless was letting me watch him draw Labra,” Pyrite told her. “Speaking of that,” Windless looked down at Labra. “You ready to be my model again?” Labra nodded and went back to her spot. Windless followed behind her, returning to his position on the floor. Scootaloo gave Cobalt a teasing grin. “Did Diamond behave?” Cobalt sighed. “Mostly, except when she took another pass at me.” “I hate I missed it.” Scootaloo looked to Care. “You have no idea how much you have put a bur under Diamond’s saddle. That there was a mare out there that could interest Cobalt more than her, by writing to him, when she was right here has almost driven her nuts.” She grinned. “She keeps raising the bar with her flirting and teasing, and he keeps ignoring her. It’s been great to watch.” “It hasn’t been all that great for me,” Cobalt grumbled. “You turned down a special somepony over writing with Care?” Starless asked Cobalt. “Diamond and he have a history,” Care said. “She was the school bully, when they were growing up.” Starless gave Care an inquisitive look. “Do you know if he has he dated anypony else?” “I don’t think so. He didn’t mention it in his writing.” “He hasn’t,” Scootaloo confirmed, giving Starless a smile. “Thanks, Scoots,” Cobalt hissed through clenched teeth. “You’re welcome,” Scootaloo gave him a mischievous grin. “I’ve been very busy with school and my training,” Cobalt told Starless. “I didn’t want to date somepony and not be able to spend time with them.” “Understandable.” Starless gave Care a grin. “You’ve only dated that one colt, now I think about it. What was his name?” “Whispered Nothings,” Care named in a polite, strained tone. “I let him take me to one festival as a favor for a ‘friend,’ that was all, and it was nothing like it thought it would be.” “I take it he lived up to his name,” Scootaloo said. “He ended up with my friend by the end of the night. I found out later that her parents didn’t like him so she used me as a smokescreen to get him to go to the dance with her.” Scootaloo winced. “Ouch. That’s just wrong.” “I got to dance with other ponies and a nice dinner out, so it wasn’t too bad. Night Chill, the friend of mine I did the favor for, made up for it later too. I have to admit, even though he ditched me, Whispered was sweet when he was with me.” “You don’t have to worry about that kind of thing with this guy, if you two go that route.” Scootaloo patted Cobalt on the shoulder. “We could tell when he got a letter from you. He would walk around with a grin on his face for days.” Pyrite gave one of Scootaloo’s hooves a tug. “Come watch Windless with me. He’s close to finishing, and I don’t want to miss it.” “Okay. But you’re in the middle. I feel like making a puppy sandwich.” Pyrite nodded and moved to settle at Windless’ side. Scootaloo got on the floor next to Pyrite’s free side and leaned so he was gently pressed between her and Windless. “That’s perfect.” She leaned in with Pyrite and smiled. “Wow, you’re good.” Windless smiled and adjusted the pencil in his mouth. “Thanks.” “Speaking of sandwiches,” Starless turned to Mosaic and Field, “I hate to impose, but could I make a quick snack of my own? I didn’t get to grab lunch, and I think I need something to tide me over till whatever happens happens.” “Sure,” Mosaic said. Starless turned to Cobalt and Care. “You two, and my lovely wife, should come with me. I need somepony to show me where everything is and I would like to know more about you two 'mixing magic' the other night.” Scootaloo’s ear’s perked and one rotated towards Care and Cobalt. She turned her head, as the four left the den. “Are Cobalt and Puca in trouble?” Pyrite asked, looking up to Windless. Windless grinned and shrugged. “I doubt, but with Dad, there is no telling what he's planning.” Pyrite’s ears folded back. He gave a worried look toward the kitchen. “They’ll be fine.” Scootaloo scooped Pyrite against her side with a wing. “Cobalt’s faced much worse than this, and I’m sure Care is not without a few tricks for getting out of trouble with her dad.” Scootaloo scooched over so that Pyrite was snug between her and Windless again. Windless blushed as Scootaloo’s feathers brushed against his wing. “You comfy?” she asked, looking at Pyrite. “Yes,” Pyrite and Windless answered, drawing laughs from around the room. “Hey!” Labra protested. “She’s my practice special somepony! You can’t have him until he’s sent me letters! You can have Pyrite till then; he likes you because you take him flying!” Scootaloo’s ears angled in confusion. “What in Equestria is a practice special somepony?” Windless put his forehead on the floor and sighed. “Princess Luna, if you could teleport me out of here I would appreciate it.”