Rarity peered at Silver, then down at the collapsed Twilight, "I'm afraid you have us rather at a loss, darling. Did you mean Twilight is a mother?"
Applejack tipped her hat, "Don't see no reason you'd know if she became a mother, so how'd she go and be a father?"
Silver looked over the Mane Six, to find Rainbow rush against her, driving her back and flopping over backwards. Rainbow stepped over Silver's form, "How do we know you're telling the truth? Some strange-looking unicorn just shows up and scares Twilight? Sounds fishy to me."
Applejack shook her head, "Remember what Twilight said, sugarcube. She was experimenting on this mare and being right rude about it. Hay, she was a stallion if I recall right." She hiked a brow, "She turned you into a mare, then put a foal in ya?"
Fluttershy hid behind her mane, "Oh my... that sounds awful!"
Rarity covered her mouth with a hoof, "You must be terribly upset with Twilight."
Silver denied it, legs wriggling impotently as she was still pinned down by Rainbow Dash, "No! She asked beforehoof, and... I want to be a mother, now that I've thought it through, especially if it's Twilight's."
Applejack ambled over and nudged Rainbow free of Silver, offering a hoof up. "Tell me straight, sugarcube. Do ya like Twilight?"
Silver went upright, pulling at Applejack's strong hoof, "Yes."
Rarity fluttered her lashes, "Do you love her?"
Pinkie snorted, "Of course she does! Does this mean I get to plan a wedding party? Weddings are so much fun!"
Applejack cocked an eye at Silver, "Ah get th' feeling yer not here to propose."
Silver pointed back at the cabin she had emerged from, "I'm part of a herd. My wives are sleeping. I don't... think Twilight would want to join that. I wouldn't object, and neither of them would, but she's a princess, and we're very not, so, no, I didn't come to propose. I just thought, er... she should know, right?"
Twilight stirred, climbing back up to her hooves, "Yes... I am glad you told me." She flicked her ears back, "I didn't think there would be enough love to form a foal."
Silver blinked, "Come again?"
Twilight tilted her head at Silver, then smiled, "Ah! I forgot how uneducated you were about some things. Usually, it requires a certain level of love to form a foal in a mare. The... act..." She flushed deep red, drawing looks from her friends. "It's not strictly required, it just creates a moment of focus for the love. A couple could watch some fireworks or share an especially fond moment over dinner and it could be enough."
Rarity looked to Twilight, twirling a hoof, "Well, do you love her?"
Twilight flushed, "They're, uh, you're OK! I didn't love love! I thought it was safe!"
Pinkie nudged Silver in the side, "That just means she had enough love for both of you."
Silver took a slow step back, "I didn't mean to be a huge bother... I don't want to turn your life upside down."
Twilight seemed happy to be offered the out, "Well! It's really nice knowing you're doing OK!"
Rarity shook her head at Twilight sternly, almost glaring at her, "You will not run over this poor mare twice!"
Rainbow shrugged softly, "Yeah, it's kinda weird to do that to a mare, however you did that, and walk off."
Applejack nodded in agreement, "Ya gotta take responsibility, Twi."
Twilight shuffled in place, "I'm not marrying her! We're barely friends, even if she does know an uncanny amount of things about us."
Fluttershy offered a shy smile, "A little kindness would be good."
"And loyalty," spoke Rainbow Dash.
"And honesty, with her and yourself," joined Applejack.
Rarity ran a hoof through her mane, "Just show a little generosity."
Pinkie stuck out her tongue, "Why's everyone so serious? We should be celebrating! I'm gonna plan such a huge party when we get back home!" She looked to Silver, "Where were you going? You need to come with us! We can't throw a foal shower without the mother."
Twilight sunk in a defeated fashion, an exasperated sigh escaping from her, "Fine... Silver, where were you going?"
Silver was a soft red as the girls fought on her behalf. "Canterlot... I was going to beg Celestia for a house and protection. Cadance said my spell-crafting ability would draw the wrong kind of attention soon."
Twilight shook her head with a frown, though it quickly turned to a thoughtful expression, "I could offer you protection, in my tower, and you wouldn't mind if I studied your talent, would you?"
Silver gave a slow nod, "If it's not too much trouble, no... Ponyville Isn't a bad place."
Fast's voice joined in as she walked up from behind Silver, "What she means to say is 'Thank you for your generous offer, please lead the way.'"
Night walked up on the other side, and Silver relaxed in the presence of the two. Night nodded at Twilight, "Your majesty, a pleasure to see you again."
Twilight glanced around at her friends, who all seemed to be waiting on her, "Well... you could all share one of the guest rooms that I seem to have an abundance of."
Fast leveled a hoof at Twilight, "You're being nice, but not at all loving with the mare that is eagerly bearing your foal."
Twilight's ears fell back, "I... wasn't planning for this. I..." She froze up with uncertainty.
Rarity stepped in, "I'm afraid our poor little Twilight has never had the pleasure of a coltfriend, let alone considered raising foals of her own. The poor dear is still adjusting to the idea of it."
Twilight stepped forward suddenly, approaching Silver until they were nose-to-nose, "Do you love me?"
Silver flushed softly, "Apparently a lot, or we wouldn't have a foal on the way."
Twilight asked, "Why?"
"Why?" echoed Silver, "Why what?"
Twilight twirled a hoof, "Name four things you love about me."
Silver smiled nervously, "I like the way you seek out knowledge. I love your dorkiness. I love how your royalty hasn't completely run over the fact that you're still a mare, and can get scared... like right now. I love... you. You're adorkable and smart and I'd even say just plain pretty on top of all that."
Twilight took in a slow shuddering breath before she circled around Silver. Her wives parted to allow Twilight to come in close, "This is all very... new to me. I'll try to be a friend, a true friend. I can't promise anything more than that. Celestia would turn colors if I joined a herd, and you don't look like you'd want to leave your wives."
Silver flipped her ears back, "No! They complete me. I would be lost if they were gone."
Rarity fluttered her lashes, "How romantic..."
Rainbow huffed, "Sappy stuff. Anyway! Now that this is settled, let's sit down and wait to get to Ponyville."
Night gestured at herself, "Speaking as the last-acting first wife, I extend the invitation to you, Princess Twilight Sparkle. If you wish to join us, we will welcome you. You've left a permanent mark on our Silver Stars, and her love for you is plain as the sun in the sky."
Fast bobbed in agreement, "I wouldn't imagine trying to keep her away from you, if you wanted her there." She flashed her flat teeth, "But we come with the package."
Applejack barked out a laugh, "Well shoot, here ah thought herding was on its way out! Ya could be a regular stallion of yer own herd, Twi."
Twilight had no proper answer to offer, just a stiff nod at Fast and Night before wandering off, looking dazed.
Silver shrank a little, "You're being too pushy with her..."
Fast nudged against Silver, "She's the one that did it. You're doing no favors by pretending nothing's happening."
Night nipped at one of Silver's tufted ears. "And you're being very readable. You want her to look at you with some warmth, and she's hurting you with her confusion."
Applejack reached out a hoof to rest on Silver's shoulder, "Give her some time. She always comes around. Ahm just glad yer not striking me as somepony trying ta take advantage of her. We're mighty protective of our Twilight."
Rarity nodded quickly, "Of course, darling, just relax and give her some time. She needs a moment to think about it, and probably write about it."
Silver glanced at Fast and then Night, "So are you two OK with Ponyville?"
Both nodded together as Night spoke, "A bit small compared to what I'm used to, but I'm sure I can get a job helping with the town watch."
Fast flashed a smile, "And it has my lovely wives, so what more do I need, really?"
Silver suddenly had a realization, raising her head, "Oh... Jake still lives with Twilight, right?"
Rainbow nodded, "Heck yeah. Jake's awesome! You know him?"
Silver smiled, "I used to be human, like him. Is he getting into trouble?"
Rainbow made a dismissive wave, "Nothing he can't get himself out of. He's gotten into the swing of things really good. Good guy." Rainbow looked Silver over curiously, "You don't look human though."
Night nodded, "And yet, human she was, male."
Rarity wrinkled her nose, looking thoughtful, "Ungainly two-legged thing to all fours, and then a mother. My, darling, you've been through quite a change."
Silver flushed lightly, "I think... I want to be a male, a stallion, again, but... not yet. I won't be a terrible mother. I let Twilight put it in me, it's my responsibility."
Fast nudged against Silver lightly, "And I bet you'll be a fantastic mother, and you'll have help."
Fluttershy approached timidly, glancing around, "If you... need help, I know some herbs that can help."
Silver pointed at Night, "Let's not forget I'm not the only expecting mother in here."
Pinkie bounced in place, "Yes! Double foal shower!" She bounded away, talking excitedly about her party plans.
Applejack tapped her chin, "Ya should also check in wit' Zecora. That mare knows tricks with brews and potions that'll have yer head spinning."
Rarity peered at Night, "You're not...?"
Night shook her head, "Not Twilight's."
Rarity let out her breath with relief, "One is already quite enough, darling."
Silver perked her ears, "Say, where's Spike?"
Rainbow huffed out a half-laugh, "Hanging with Big Mac, talking about hoofball."
Silver blinked softly, "I didn't know that was a thing, or that Spike was interested in it."
Applejack nodded, "Right adorable, ah say. Good t'see Big Mac bonding and having a good time."
The conversation died down gently as they decided mutually to retire to the dining car and get a snack along the way. Ponyville would come soon enough.
Knowing you, something will go horribly wrong and the little herd will get uprooted again and continue their itinerant lifestyle
"Beforehand" is a compound word.
Unless she's talking about Silver and Twilight both, that should be "Ya" instead of "Y'all," since the latter is plural.
Heck "yeah."
Humans are ungainly "two-legged" things.
Another edit:
There's no closing quotation mark there.
5835295 Eek, fixed!
This is the second time you've tried to redefine the basics insofar as pony reproduction goes, and this time it's even more radical, taking it nearly out of the realm of biology altogether. Once again I'm left wondering why; what does this add to the story?
The idea that simply having a single moment of intense love for another pony is enough to put a foal in a mare is one that seems simple, but I can already think of some very odd questions and permutations that this would take. Does the other pony even need to be present, if the would-be mother loves them enough, to knock her up? If so, then what's the range limit on how close they need to be? Clearly the love doesn't need to be shared, since one pony's overwhelming love is enough (which vastly changes the entire dynamic of responsibility - suddenly it's not at all Twilight's fault that she's a parent). Does this have to be romantic love, or can parents inadvertently knock up their own children (or vice versa)? What about very close siblings ("Love you too, B.B.B.F.F.")? For that matter, does the love need to be "real" (and how would you define that anyway)? Because if not, it's hard to see why Cheerilee isn't pregnant by Big Mac due to that love poison they both had. Can a very vain mare (such as Trixie) love herself so much that she becomes pregnant with her own foal? Is it infidelity to love somepony else when you know that they might become knocked up as a result? For that matter, how do you know that a mare's child is yours when she has other very close friends that she might love?
More to the point, this flies in the face of the biological clues we'd been given previously. If a single moment of love is enough to impregnate a mare, then what's with the heat period they enter? Sex might be a focal point to concentrate on, but it's no help if the couple isn't already in love, so the massive emphasis on it seems rather pointless on nature's part then. Especially so if they can't become pregnant during any other time...how does that interact with the idea of "conception due to love"? Are they only capable of feeling "real" love when in heat?
I get that Silver wants to manifest some sort of "proof of love" towards Twilight, but this just seems like overkill.
EDIT: More questions: Given that reproduction is a matter of love (and, I presume, magic) then why do ponies have sexes at all? Since they do, is a stallion really necessary to conceive a foal, when it's just a matter of sufficient love? If not, then how is Silver not knocking up Twilight right now due to her love for her, which has already been established to be enough to form a foal? Even if stallionhood and a heat period are required, wouldn't that still mean it's just a matter of time until Twilight is impregnated if/when Silver becomes male again and hangs around Twilight during her own heat?
5835351
To answer in turn:
Close proximity is required.
Twilight is not being entirely truthful, though her feelings were more of giddy first time loss of control. She loved Silver in the heat of the moment, but it was not an enduring emotion.
Passionate or romantic love is required, not protective or other flavors.
Cheerilee wasn't in heat.
A fanfic where Trixie knocked herself up with be so amazing! Write that, I command it!
A married mare in heat should be spending it alone, or with their married pony(ies), not wandering around town, and especially not making eyes with somepony else. That would be infidelity.
See above.
Heat is when a mare is ready to 'do her part', when her internal chemistry and magic is ready to create a foal. Shared love creates the spark, and life begins!
A mare can feel real love whenever she wants, but if her internals aren't ready, the spark can't catch. Just like a human female can have sex whenever she wants, but it often isn't the right time to make a baby.
So, what about the rest of the majority of the chapter spent discussing anything other than that? :D
5835367 I guess my major issue here is that this flies in the face of what I consider to be believable. Reproduction is largely about biological advantage, in that races that have less barriers that impede reproduction tend to be more "successful" - that is, enduring - than those that don't. Now, we've found out about a second barrier, that being that it must be done when the mare is in heat and she must be in love with her partner (or he with her) - what biological advantage does that offer, given that more opportunities to breed are an advantage over less opportunities?
I'm not sure I'm even capable of doing justice to that level of crazy.
Okay, I need to order my thoughts so I can comment on the rest of it.
5835389 More stable and safer environments for developing foals. Some species favor quantity, others, quality. Ponies erred to quality.
5835367 I'm pleasantly surprised to see the action shift to Ponyville, particularly since it seems like Twilight is going to be part of Silver's life. Given Silver's (and, more to the point, your) insistence in not interfering with Twilight's job as the "protagonist," it's impressive to know that the story can move in that direction on its own merit purely by the actions of the characters. Not only does that make anything seem possible based purely on narrative worth - rather than authorial fiat - but it strengthens characterization as a whole.
And make no mistake, everyone was entirely in-character in this chapter. While I did roll my eyes at little at Twilight's friends verbalizing their Elements when they gently chastised her, their reasoning was entirely plausible. Indeed, everyone was acting in a very forthright manner, and it was nice to see everything proceeding so smoothly. If we presume that Celestia and Luna back off (which isn't necessarily a given) and that Silver is out of range of those shadow forces, then things might be legitimately looking up.
Rather ironically on my part, I'm slightly concerned about how the story is wrapping up the various plot-threads that involve conflicts. While character drama is great, the only thing left at this point seems to be ironing out a potential relationship with Twilight, which might never evolve beyond close friendship anyway. With no conflicts left, the story starts to die - presumably something will happen soon. This is paradoxical on my part, since I think that Silver has earned her current comforts, but there's a difference between what's good for her as a character, and what's good for the story as a whole.
I'm also a bit miffed/confused about Twilight's exclamation that "Celestia would turn colors" if she joined a herd. Why would Celestia care, so long as Twilight was happy? Herds are seen as provincial, as I understand it, but not truly scandalous - would it cause that much of a political problem? Likewise, Twilight's considering how Celestia would react is natural for her, but strikes me as a very immature sentiment. If your first reaction to a potential change in your personal life is how your boss/parent-figure would take it, that says that you're still a child looking for their approval.
5835456 Has Twilight ever shown herself being beyond the need for Celestia's approval?
Have no fear, there's plenty of ways to twist and turn the plot and keep things interesting, but, again, perhaps it wouldn't be remiss to give our battered protagonist some simple happiness for a chapter or three.
5835465 Oh, Twilight's need for Celestia's approval is entirely in-character for her, I just find it rather childish, especially from somepony that's about to become a parent. Likewise, I agree that Silver deserves her happiness, even if it creates better narrative fodder when she's up to her ears in problems.
Twilight stirred, climbing back up to her hooves, "Yes... I am glad you told me." She flicked her ears back, "I didn't think there would be enough love to form a foal."
Pinkie nudged Silver in the side, "That just means she had enough love for both of you."
that is all the quote I need.
exultant chapter.
Harts Fire
5835351 imagine, Celestia popping foals non-stop as she's loved by whole Equestrian.
5836485 Fortunately we established greater alicorns don't 'take' that easily, even if you go through the act.
5836490 Millions of ponies, thousands of years. Statistically it should've happened quite some times.
5836493 That logic says that in thousands of years, SOME pony should have lucked out and blew out the sun with a powerful enough exhale.
5836501 that's not possible, or at least have abismally low possibility, unlike getting pregnant with love that you already established..
5836512 Except I also said they just... don't. How to knock up Celestia or Luna is simply never stated, but clearly whatever's going on is insufficient. It also requires a shared moment and close contact. It's not that common Celestia shares personal moments with a pony to even roll the dice(if there were dice to roll)
5836521 EVERYONE...PONY...THING!
PILE ON SUNBUTT!
NOW, LOVE HER! HARD! FAST! EVERYHOW!
Where is First Stars?
5840960 Enjoying a drama free life in Canterlot, probably dating Meadow Leaper, but that's just a guess. It's not set in stone until she pokes her head on the camera, which she has very little reason to, having been removed from Silver's view.
where's Spike Hanging with Big Mac, talking about hoofball. funny
at 7:43 M.A. Larson wrote something differ lol.
We do have to pause here a moment in confusion. First it was her amazement at the badges sticking to fur, now she's forgotten hoofball despite playing it as a colt, is she starting to lose her memories?
This was a welcome interaction with the mane six. Good character interactions, but I am starting to get really bothered by just how open Fast and Night are to Silver sleeping around. Also, not sure how I feel about foals being made from pure emotion and not biology. If that's the case, what's the point of sex organs if they have no function.
6257404 If you want to say they don't. But they do.
Oh, and she just defeated Glimmy without capturing her. What could possibly go wrong!