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I awoke to silence and the dim light of a gloomy winter morning. What little light peeking through the window's blinds did little to light up the room. So many shades of gray. It was almost depressing. I sat up in bed while groggier than I had any right to be. The wonder of winter was completely absent despite being surrounded by fields of white snow. Was that how it felt every morning Limestone Pie awoke in her own personal sanctuary? And speaking of which...

There she was. Sleeping like a rock beside me was the eldest and rockiest of the Pie sisters. At least Limestone looked peaceful in slumber. But then I remembered what we had discussed the previous night. A bunch of unknowns that we would not have answers for until morning. And now it was time to decide.

I searched my heart as I beheld the rocky mare beside me. She and I had learned much about each other in just a few days. She had learned the beautiful truth of the workings of my heart. And I had seen the more somber beauty that lay buried in hers. I wanted to help her. To love her. But only she would have the answer.

I once again rested beside the eldest Pie sister and got us both comfortably covered by her bedspread. My body hidden, I gently wrapped my arms around her to embrace Limestone from behind. She was so firm. A body of nearly pure muscle that even put the likes of Applejack to shame. And yet, there was tenderness and beauty hidden in the heart that faintly thumped against the inside of her chest. I was tempted to whisper sweet things into her ear, but resisted. All I could do was wait.

Limestone's light snoring gradually shifted into deep and soothing sighs. Was my embrace affecting her dreams? Was she being comforted? Minutes went by with only the whistling of a winter gale outside the room's one window joining Limestone's snores. Until she finally grumbled and stirred. Once I heard her make a sound that only her vocal chords could provide, I greeted my companion. "Morning."

"Is that...you? Holding me like this?" Limestone muttered as she wiggled herself backwards into my embrace. As if trying to beckon me to hold her more firmly. And I did. I kept her in my embrace and rested my face into her mane. She whispered quietly, "Feels nice... Waking up in the arms of a good man..."

"I'll hold you for as long as you want." I whispered back to her. I was Limestone's guest. We were playing by her rules. Whatever happened was up to her.

"Thanks, babe..." Limestone muttered while I pretended I did not hear that. I assumed it was just a slip of the tongue. It was not like she had ever really sweet talked a man before. But I continued to hold her small yet heavy and powerful body with my hands caressing her chest. That smooth silken fur coating her told a different story than her rock hard body. After a few more minutes of morning silence, Limestone let out a long sigh. "You're right... You do give a girl hope..."

"That was what Ember said, not me... But do I?" I replied softly into her ear. I was doing what I could to be good to my host. She had not known love before and I was giving her a taste of it.

Limestone nuzzled my face with the back of her head in an attempt to return my affection. Although I also felt her hoof rest atop a hand. "Yeah... I feel...like everything's gonna be all right when you're holding me like this. Is that normal?"

I almost got a chuckle out of that question. And I then proceeded to speak from experience. "When it's just you and your beloved, even if you had an awful day, just spending the evening together before bedtime can make it feel like it was all worth it."

"Then I guess...mornings are the same way." Limestone cooed while sounding genuinely happy. She really did not want to get out of my grasp. Given that virtually all forms of farm work is virtually impossible in heavy winter weather, she had the right to be slow to get out of bed for once. And it was our last day together. I wanted to start our morning on a good note.

Temptation gnawed at me. To see the rough and salty Limestone Pie so at ease in my embrace told me to test the waters. To push the envelope and see what she would want and not want. So I brought my lips to her ear and placed a kiss on it. I heard Limestone snicker through clenched teeth as she tensed up in my embrace. Did that tickle? I asked in caution, "Didn't like that?"

"Nah, it's just... Unexpected. Kinda felt nice... Go ahead. You...can do what you want..." Limestone whispered back to me as she completely relaxed in my embrace. And so I kissed her ear again. But at the base where it was less sensitive. I heard the cutest giggle come from the mare in my arms. I moved my head down to place a kiss on the base of her jaw. I could see her facial muscles clenching to show she was smiling. And a little further down I went to kiss the back of her neck. "Being so good to me... Is this how all good stallions greet their mares in the morning?"

"Some do, I'm sure." I replied before adjusting myself to kiss Limestone on her shoulder. Every time my lips touched her, they were greeted by the silky smooth coat of fur on her body. I then whispered back to her, "No two mornings are alike, now that I think about it. Although I do try to wake all of my wives gently."

"Still sounds so strange... Wives. Plural. But...I gotta believe you know what you're doing. Pinkie made a Pinkie Promise when she said that. And seeing how you are with Marble and Maud in the same room... Yeah. My sisters aren't your trophies. You really wanna build a life with them." Limestone said softly while letting out a sigh midway through. I know she had doubts. She had lived an entire lifetime of deeply old fashioned values. Even if she had started to become disillusioned to them even before meeting me. The concept of polygamy may as well have been a concept from another planet with how hard it clashed with everything she knew.

I closed my eyes to really visualize Limestone's two beautiful sisters. Maud Pie... So stoic and strong, but with a beautiful heart locked in stone. And with a beautiful mind. To think she crafted such a lovely poem that went far outside her comfort zone and just for me. And then Marble Pie... So soft and tender. Naive yet deeply earnest. As if she was a princess living in exile. Waiting for the day her knight in shining armor would take her back to the palace she deserved to live in. With my two newest beloveds etched into my mind, I whispered to the mare in my arms. "I didn't come back here expecting to find love with them... But I did. And I'm grateful. And...I'm hoping our futures will be together."

"I know Maud's got a plan to go to where you are. She'll make it happen. I haven't seen Ponyville, but it sounds like a really good place to live. Especially if you wanna start a family. And Marble... We'll figure something out. She would be much happier there than here." Limestone replied with a vaguely bitter tone. As if she was trying to talk about her sisters' needs and not her own. I sensed it. And I tightened my embrace to remind her why I was in bed with her. She whispered to me, "And when they are finally there with you... Don't ever leave them. I don't wanna see them for the first time in a while and see them heartbroken because the man of their dreams...fell out of love with them in the end."

"I won't. Ever. I won't allow myself to feel anything for a woman I can't see a future with. It's...not healthy to desire someone you know you can never have..." I replied while resting my face back into her mane. I could not imagine letting Maud and Marble go anymore. Not now. But there was another. The rockiest mare of them all that was now in my arms. "But what about you? Do you feel something for a certain man right now?"

Limestone shuddered in my embrace. It was time to answer the question we asked the previous night. "I...do. I feel something...big. But...would you have me? You think there's a future between us? Just like with my sisters?"

I closed my eyes and remembered what we discussed. And I especially remembered what Limestone's dream job is. "I can...definitely see it happening. I can see you securing a patch of land at the outskirts of Ponyville. Planting plenty of saplings that'll grow in the coming decades. Every year their branches would grow heavy with fruits covered in thick rinds. Yellows, oranges, and greens. And I...and everyone else in my family would be close by. I don't know how it would happen, but it's a future that I know is plausible."

"You would be there... And all I'd have to do is walk on over to see you and my sisters..." Limestone muttered before I felt her starting to shift. She rolled over to finally look directly at me with those striking eyes somewhere between yellow and green. And they were...filled with a great deal of uncertainty. Hope? Fear? Limestone rested a hoof on my side somewhere under the bedspread and asked, "I... I think I want that. If I... I mean I know you can't walk down the aisle with another mare anymore, but... If I wanted a man to grow old with... It's you. But would you have me then? Even after all the..."

"Yes. You don't even have to ask, Lime." I replied before pulling the crumbling mare into my arms. Her head rested atop mine as we embraced. And I whispered tenderly to her as I let my heart finally spill. "Yes... No matter how many years go by or what time does to us, I won't ever leave them or you. I'm ready to grow old with all of them. Even you, Lime... Because under that craggy surface, you are wonderful. Even...beautiful. And...I'd be happy to have you."

"James, you... Oh man, I... Don't... Don't ever let me go...! If you ever push me away, I swear I'll never let myself want another man again! I can't...do this twice..." Limestone whimpered with a quivering voice as she embraced me tightly. And I embraced her right back. I wanted to love her. To find a future with that tough yet lonely mare who had so much beauty in her buried deep. I wanted to see it all come to the surface someday. I could feel her tears dripping onto my cheek as she sniffled inelegantly into my ear. "Fine... I'll... I'll be your mare...if you'll never let me go. If you'll...never let me fall. Deal?"

"Deal, Lime. Hey, it's OK now... Shhh... I love you. I really do. I'm here. And I can't wait to see what happiness we'll find down the road." I whispered back to the weeping mare in my arms. I felt such a strong compulsion to help her. And she was gracious enough to accept my offer. She was beautiful. And unlike any other mare in my life. A crystal in the crags. All I had to do now was chisel away at the surface to bring that shimmering luster out. And only time could do that.

We held each other for a good while as I waited for Limestone to eventually stop crying. She could not get a single word out. But when she finally fell silent and pulled her head back to let our eyes meet... Even with fresh trails of tears all over her face, those intense eyes... They had never looked so happy before. She then whispered to me, "So then... How about we...seal this with a kiss? Our first, right?"

"Yep. Com'ere, love." I replied while taking the initiative. I pulled Limestone close and pressed my lips to hers while she slightly recoiled at me being so assertive for once. I mean it was her idea. But she all but instantly relaxed and loosened her embrace to be more gentle. Our eyes closed and our nostrils hissed with delighted sighs. For as rough as Limestone seemed, her lips were as soft as any mare's.

Our eyes slowly opened after our first kiss ended. And I could see fresh tears starting to build at the edges of her eyes yet again. But she did not frown. Limestone smiled as she spoke to me. "Hey... I mean it, OK? I'm taking the biggest gamble of my life here with you. Finding love with not just a man like you, but a man with an entire family of other mares sworn to him. This is like something out of some crazy amateur love story... But one that feels like it'll really work. I... I won't let myself get jealous. Not after seeing how you are with my sisters. This feels...right. Like everything really will work out in the end... Just don't ever let me go, all right?"

"Never. I'm not giving up on them, so I won't ever let you go either. Just as long as you don't let go of me either." I whispered back as we held each other some more. A new day off to the best start possible. With new love heralding the freshly risen sun.

I all too reluctantly had to get out of bed. Everyone else in the house was definitely waking up and would be wanting breakfast. And we both knew whose responsibility it was to prepare breakfast. But as I started to turn towards the edge of the bed to stand up, Limestone grabbed me and pulled me back into an embrace from behind. "Hey... A little longer. Please? I don't wanna get up yet..."

"Oh Lime... Sure. We really should savor this first morning." I replied before turning around and falling back into bed with her. All while Limestone let out a quiet giggle. She was in a very good mood and did not want to ruin it. But it was not long before there was a knock at the door. What time was it anyway? "Oh man... What now?"

The only voice it could have been spoke from the other side. Only Pinkie Pie would have the audacity to disturb her biggest sister in her own room. "Limestone? Everything OK? You're usually up by now."

Limestone and I sat up as I suddenly feared Pinkie Pie pulling one of her usual shenanigans like pushing her head through the keyhole and seeing the two of us in bed together. She stammered a bit before saying, "Uh... I'm... Yeah, I'm good! Just...having a hard time getting going this morning. I'll be down to start on breakfast in a little while."

Pinkie Pie definitely knew I was in there. She was present when Limestone and I agreed to spend the night in her room. And I am sure the cogs were turning in her head while she listened to her sister. It was then that Pinkie provided an unexpected response. "Actually... Why don't I take care of breakfast today? Let's all have a Pinkie Pie style meal! It's the last day before we go home, right? Lemme make this morning special!"

"You'd do that? Then... Yeah! Sure! Go ahead and...uh...whip up whatever you want! You know where everything is." Limestone replied with a relieved hint of haste in her voice. Pinkie Pie did not even say anything. She just went trotting away with a spring in her step with her hooves tapping the wooden floor growing ever distant. We both sighed in relief before Limestone looked at me with a smile. "I guess that means we've got some more time to kill."

"All thanks to Pinkie Pie. And she knows I'm in here. She really is one hell of a wingmare." I said with a smirk of my own. The two of us began to cuddle for a while longer. Until I noticed something on a dresser that I had overlooked. One of the only real pieces of decor in the room. It was the other half of that geode that she had dug up in the middle of a snowstorm the other day. And I was compelled to take a closer look. "Excuse me for a moment."

"What's up? You... Oh. That. You noticed it?" Limestone asked while I stood up and went over to retrieve the stone with its crystalline innards exposed. I took a seat by her again with the two of us examining it up close. "I'll be honest... I was just trying to be nice at the time. It was the only thing I could think of that would make for a suitable gift on short notice. I really wasn't looking at you as a potential...husband."

"You still braved a blizzard to go digging it up with all the snow on the ground getting in the way. I'd say that was enough of a sign that this was a labor of love." I replied while leaning over and turning on the lamp sitting on the nightstand to shed some proper light on the geode. The crystals inside shimmered beautifully. And as I examined the other half of that precious gift, inspiration struck. I spoke softly while rotating the geode's half in my hand, "You know what I think this represents?"

Limestone raised an eyebrow while flashing me a crooked smirk. "What? Is that supposed to be a trick question?"

"No, I'm being literal here." I replied while smirking right back at her. I then held the geode atop my palm and said, "To my eyes... It's your heart."

"Wha... My heart? How?" Limestone replied with a stunned look in her eyes. I had fully caught her attention.

I held out the geode between us as I said, "Look at it. Craggy and unremarkable on the outside. Radiantly beautiful on the inside. Just like you. And you gave me one half of it to keep."

Limestone stared at me with wide eyes. Not a look of confusion. More like a gaze of stunned realization. And so I delivered the punchline with a soft smile on my lips. "You gave me half of your heart. And I'll always take good care of it."

"Kiss me, you devil." Limestone said firmly as tears built at the edges of her eyes. And it was her turn to be assertive about it. She grabbed me in a tight embrace and aggressively pressed her lips against mine. It was a little startlingly, but I returned her affections all the same. Holding each other, kissing each other, even as those tears flowed down her cheeks. And when the kiss ended, Limestone smiled tearfully at me. "You really have the heart of an artist... I think that's something that's been missing from my life for a long time... Color. Poetry. Just...more than what happens around here."

"And someday, you'll find your way to Ponyville to stay. And that's a very colorful town. I don't know how you'll do it, but now you have a destination. Please... Find some time to come see me sometime. So you can get a feel for the lay of the land." I replied while holding Limestone's hoof in my other hand. It needed to happen. For her sake. I could not bear the thought of Limestone spending the next several decades withering away on a rock farm she had long stopped having any real love for.

And from the look of that smile on her lips, Limestone already had a plan. She spoke with a confident tone as her tears began to dry. "You know what? I think I can manage that. Since Ma and Pa are arranging a business deal with Sweet Apple Acres right now, I'll arrange for Marble and I to handle any future business meetings in Ponyville. That'll give us the opportunity to get outta town for a while and come check things out in town. And...we'll definitely come see you. Sound like a plan?"

"Absolutely. Just ask around town if you need help tracking me down. Or just ask where one Miss Fluttershy lives. I moved in with her once we became a couple." I replied with a big smile on my face. I could already imagine having a night on the town with the eldest and youngest of the Pie sisters. And Pinkie Pie would be there serving as my wingmare as always. She would never miss out on chaperoning her sisters to give them a good time on her home turf.

We cuddled for a moment longer with Limestone's hoof in my hand and half of her stony heart in the other. A contrast of firm and soft with rock hardness. The contrast drew my attention to the geode in my hand. I lifted it to look upon it as lyrics came to mind. A song from the holidays from the world I once called home.

Unable to resist, I softly sang what I remembered. "Last Christmas, I gave you my heart. But the very next day, you gave it away. This year, to save me from tears, I'll give it to someone special..."

Limestone let out a dreamy sigh once my voice went silent. She gazed upon the embodiment of her rocky heart before looking at me with a very soft gaze with those striking eyes. "Lovely but sad song... I can't say I emphasize though. I never had the chance to give my heart to anypony. You're the first man to ever hold my heart. So just...don't give it away. Please."

I pulled Limestone up beside me while we rested our heads together. I responded with a whisper, "Never. Both the heart I hold in my hand and the piece you placed in my soul... Should I lay off the more flowery talk for a while? I'm not exactly trying to be a poet who woos women with his words."

Limestone cracked up good, bowing her head as she burst into a snickering fit. I guess I was being a little too self-aware at the moment. I suppose my heart urges me to speak profoundly during moments of intimacy. But Limestone then looked at me with a big toothy grin and said, "No, you don't ever have to stop! I love it! Feels like I'm listening to an amazing painting talking to me. Like...I can literally hear the color of your words. You really are something when it comes to the art of text. I mean words. I mean... You get what I'm saying."

"Well I think I should put down that auditory brush for the moment. Don't wanna burn myself out. And...I should probably go take my morning shower before breakfast. I have no idea how long it'll take for Pinkie Pie to finish whipping up whatever she has in mind." I replied while knowing I had to take care of a few morning routines before we really got our days started. But I also did not want to make it sound like I wanted to cut our time together short.

My newest beloved sighed, but she still smiled at me. "Yeah, we should. Lovers don't spend every waking moment together anyway. You go do what you gotta do and...I think I'll go set up the dining room to pass the time."

Limestone looked a little apprehensive. She had never been in love before. And knowing what kind of person she was, there would be a lot of hoops to jump through as she adapted to the feelings in her heart. Something I knew all too well. I rested my hand on her shoulder and said, "Trust me, it will take some getting used to. Especially if you weren't planning on it happening. You might even start wondering if it's even worth it in the end and might feel tempted to call the whole thing off. But it will be worth it. Just hang in there and it'll get easier each day."

"You really sound like you're speaking from experience... All right. I'll hang in there. Even when you're not around. Now get going, handsome. I'll see you at breakfast." Limestone replied before giving me a happy nose touch. Just taking a second to let our noses nuzzle with a more traditional equine kiss. Eager to get washed up, I then placed the geode back where I found it and headed down the hall to the bathroom.

The scent of something frying reached my nostrils before I even entered the bathroom. Something vaguely sweet. And only one thing came to mind. Pancakes. I smirked to myself while I locked the bathroom door and said, "Whipping up flapjacks... Probably the most Pinkie Pie type of breakfast one could expect out here."

My morning shower went by without a hitch, although I had to track down my spare clothes once I was done. I had forgotten to bring some with me when I went to Limestone's room the previous night. It was a good thing everyone else in the house were all downstairs by then. With the scent of pancakes filling the house, I hurried downstairs to sate my appetite.

All four of the Pie sisters were jus getting seated in the dining room. And my assumption was accurate. Each of our plates were set with a stack of two large pancakes each with the edges fried to a dark crisp. They were not the neatest pancakes, but the imperfections just added to the home cooked charm. It is easy to forget that Pinkie Pie is a country mare, but her cooking reflects her humble roots. And that was not all. There was a bowl of chopped berries and a serving of whipped cream and syrup to dress up our meals. All with each of us being served a tall glass of cold milk. All the mares at the table greeted me with varying smiles while I marveled at the sight before me. "Man, those are some real Pinkie Pie style pancakes. Looks great."

"Juuuust a little Sugarcube Corner magic combined with home cooking wholeness! Dig in, everypony!" Pinkie Pie giggled before we started passing around the fixings to enhance our pancakes. There really is nothing like pancakes with crispy edges adorned with fresh berries and whip cream with a layer of rich syrup. After all the heartier breakfasts we had been eating for the past few days, it was nice to start our day with something sweeter for once.

And it was filling. I almost felt like I was in need of a nap afterwards. Although conversation was light. I think everyone at the table was more taken with savoring Pinkie Pie's cooking instead of distracting themselves with chitchat. Although given that Pinkie Pie asked Marble and Maud to help her with the dishes appeared to be a subtle indication that she knew what was up with me and Limestone. While they were busy in the kitchen getting our dishes clean, Limestone and I could have a moment together.

The two of us gravitated to the rug in front of the fireplace. We sat down before it and leaned into each other while I draped an arm over my newest beloved. I spoke with a satisfied sigh, "This fireplace really is the perfect centerpiece during winter..."

"Sure is. We get a lot of use out of it during the colder seasons. Should've gotten some marshmallows to roast over it while you were here... Next time, I guess?" Limestone said while scowling playfully in realization to that last part. It really should have been an obvious choice for a sweet snack, yet was too out of sight and out of mind for any of us to consider. Even Pinkie Pie never considered it. Probably because hot chocolate was our go-to sweet winter beverage.

We had little to say. All we wanted was to savor each other on a full stomach while watching the fire crackling away in the fireplace. Although Limestone did soon break the silence with a whisper into my ear. "Love you, babe... Is that all right? Can I call you babe?"

I loved that term when it came from Limestone's lips. I smiled at her and whispered back, "You can call me whatever you think suits me."

"Got it. Then you're my babe." Limestone snickered before nuzzling her nose against my cheek. Babe, huh? It definitely sounded like something Limestone would say. And it fit her well.

We did not go undisturbed for long. The sound of dishes being washed in the kitchen finally went silent. Only to be followed by the sound of hooves approaching. Then there was a presence. The feeling of something looming behind us. Limestone and I looked back to see Maud and Marble gazing upon us. Marble was wearing a shy smile while Maud was still wearing her stoic poker face. Maud then asked, "May we join you?"

There was no way they did not know why Limestone and I were cuddling together on the fireplace. She and I were not exactly trying to be discreet with our budding love for each other. I looked at Limestone and waited for her answer. She was the mare of the house at the time and it was her call. She looked understandably nervous. But she did provide an answer. She nodded.

And so I sat there in a pile of my three newest lovers. Three beautiful sisters of vastly different dispositions. And I felt...blessed. I did not come with Pinkie Pie to her old family home with the intention of finding love. But love found me regardless. I whispered to all three of the mares resting against me, "I love you all. So much."

Marble just let out a delighted giggle as she tried to get her arms around me for an embrace. Maud replied with a tender kiss upon my cheek while she displayed the faintest smile. But there was a reason why they did not speak. They were letting their big sister speak in front of them for the first time. And while it took courage, Limestone sighed and spoke with her eyes shut tight. "Love you too, babe... Love you too."

"I've never seen you like this, Limestone. You look...happy now." Maud said while she eyed her big sister out of the corner of her eye. And she was right. It was a true first for her and the rest of her sisters. I doubt they had ever seen their biggest sister appear so at peace.

Limestone sighed in some embarrassment. She was not used to being in love and definitely would take time in getting used to being seen as someone vulnerable enough to let herself fall in love. But she relented and said with a chuckle, "Heh... I guess that's because I am for once. I...found the same thing you and Marble did. I found...the right man after all this time."

"It's...good to have you with us, Limestone. It'll all work out in the end, right?" Marble whispered while still being unable to help in speaking from behind her mane.

"Yeah... I think it really will. James. Don't ever stop being good to my sisters. Or to me. Or...every other lucky lady who found you." Limestone said while relaxing fully into my embrace.

There was no doubt in my heart. I did not let myself feel something for those three wonderful sisters just to let the fire burn out. I whispered back to them, "I won't ever let you girls go if you won't let go of me."

It was then that I finally noticed who was missing. Pinkie Pie was peeking around the corner of the kitchen's doorway. Just to watch us all with a silent smile. But she did not stay away for long. She still needed to come forward and give her blessings. The peppiest Pie in the house walked our way before speaking up behind us. "Soooo? Everything turn out nicely between you two last night?"

"That's a good question. Was our time together fulfilling, Lime?" I asked while trying to let her speak first. Simply because she was the mare of the house for the moment.

Limestone could not even look at her sisters while wearing the most crooked grin on her face. With all eyes on her, she spoke with a quiet grumble. "Yeah... Yeah, it was...great. Really great."

It was at that point that we were likely all expecting Pinkie Pie to prod Limestone with more questions spoken in a provocatively playful manner. Just to get a rise out of her. And while Pinkie did looked tempted, her response was directed to me instead. "James? Please always be good to my biggest sister. She needs someone like you in her life."

"I will, Pinkie. She's wonderful." I replied while grasping Limestone's hoof. She quivered against me while letting out an awkward snicker. It must have been the first time anyone said something so brief yet profound about her. Let alone from a man. So many new experiences were happening so quickly for her. And she had no idea how to process it.

But she tried. Limestone at least managed to come out and admit something. "Man... Yeah, he... Do I really have to say it? I mean...you can see it, right?"

"Yeah. You're in love with him and he loves you. Just like us." Maud replied stoically while gently nuzzling the side of her head against her only big sister's. And I held the three of them the best I could. But Maud... She then asked Pinkie something that was both surprising yet not surprising all at once. "What about you, Pinkie? Have you and James ever felt this way about each other?"

Pinkie Pie and I just stared at each other with wide eyes. Although I could definitely see why Maud would ask such a thing. It was a perfectly logical conclusion to come to. I had found chemistry and love with Pinkie's three sisters. What was stopping the two of us from also finding love? Tragically, love is not logical. Just because it makes sense on paper does not mean it would work in practice. But I allowed Pinkie Pie to speak first. I already knew what my answer was.

The silliest Pie sister rubbed the underside of her jaw with her upturned hoof. Was she searching her memory for any instances of our time together where she felt more than just friendship for me? After a moment, she just raised her hooves and shrugged her shoulders with a confident smile on her lips. "Nope! Sorry, girls. I've known James for the past two years or so and I've never felt anything like that between us. I mean we're around a hundred and sixty-five chapters and more than four million and a half words in by now. You'd think something like that would've happened by now, right?"

I have no idea where Pinkie Pie got the idea to mention chapters. Or a word count. Although it would be wild if I really have scribbled and typed out that many words over just the past couple of years. I am shocked I do not have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by now! Maybe I just have very strong wrists... But regardless, Pinkie Pie speaking with such happy confidence put a smile on my own face as I gave my own response. "Yeah, same here. You've always been a great friend, but I've never looked at you and wondered if I should take you on a date. Not all friendships progress into romance."

Maud then spoke a reply with her monotone voice that no one expected. "Oh. I see. That's all right. It's just that not now, we are Pi cubed. If Pinkie Pie also joined in, we would be Pi tesseracted."

Everyone just stared at Maud in silent confusion. Even Pinkie Pie. But when it hit me, I burst into sudden raucous laughter. And then everyone just stared at me. But with Maud, I could see the tiniest smile on her lips. Once my laughter had run its course, I looked around at the confused faces of the three other Pie sisters and had to give an explanation. Only Maud Pie would be intelligent enough to drop a pun like that. "Heh... It's a smart joke. I'm not great with math, but even I got that one."

Pinkie Pie just shrugged her shoulders again with even her not getting the punchline. Which is impressive in hindsight since Pinkie Pie knows Maud better than their sisters. But she then said with a smile, "But yeah... Sorry, girls. I'm glad you two found love with this amazing guy, but I just don't feel it myself. But don't get me wrong! James is on of my bestest friends ever and that'll never change!"

"Same here, Pinkie. I wouldn't trade you for anything. You've always been one of my rocks since I first came to this world and that won't change." I replied while my friend and I shared a quick nuzzle. Only for me to realize what I had said and who I had said it around. I glanced at Maud out of the corner of my eye and saw her tiny smile get a little bigger. "Uh... You're my rock too, Maud."

"Heh. We're all rocks here. And we're yours." Limestone snickered while she and her other two sisters snuggled more firmly into me. All while I smirked and embraced them in my arms. Although Limestone then glanced at Pinkie and asked, "Come to think of it... What about you, sis? Have you found a stallion that catches your eye since you left home?"

"Hmmm... Nope! And I'm not exactly in a hurry to get married. All my friends make my life rich! Maybe I'll even stay a bachelorette forever, you know? And I do have kids in my life that I love almost like they're my own, so I'm good there too." Pinkie Pie replied without much thought. At least she was happy about where her relationship status was. She certainly never felt like much of a romantic type to me anyway.

I expected the topic to be dropped right there. Only for Pinkie Pie to add something else out of nowhere. "And besides! I won't have to worry about having foals of my own when you girls will be giving me plenty of nephews and nieces someday!"

"SSSSSSSSSHUT UP!!!" Limestone shrieked with a long hiss. And just like that, her rather happy face became much more like the grouchy and bitter face I had seen on her much too often. Limestone looked away while blushing furiously. While looking generally furious herself as her cheeks puffed up with a pout. Although while Maud did not react much at all, I could see a blush forming on her cheeks. I strongly suspected she was squealing internally at Pinkie's suggestion. As for me? I was just laughing my head off. As was Pinkie Pie herself.

But the only mare in the room who did not recoil at Pinkie's words was Marble. Who buried her face against my chest while blushing quite a bit. And she was smiling. All because she and I knew Pinkie's words were true for us. We had already whispered our hopes and dreams to each other. A family was in our future. And I just know Marble will be an amazing mother when the day comes.

Even so, I had to reign in my laughter. Maud and Limestone were right to recoil the way they did. I then explained, "All right, that's enough. Really though, we shouldn't be talking about having kids yet. It's OK to dream, but we shouldn't be making any plans that big just yet. Making those kinds of plans too soon is almost always a death sentence for a relationship."

All three of my new beloveds instantly looked at me with eyes filled with concern. And they rested their heads against me while Limestone spoke softly with that look of blushing fury in her eyes fading away. "Right... Thanks for the warning. I only said I love you for the first time a couple of hours ago at most. Don't...want it to burn out already."

"It's fine. As much as I love being a dad and want to have children with my beloveds, I understand not everyone is cut out to be a parent. We'll just have to see where things go, all right? Sometimes it's better to be left wanting than to have something you'll end up not being able to handle." I explained while hoping I too would not reach too high too soon with the three lovely mares in my arms. Some dreams are better staying as just dreams. I did not want to think about the future. I wanted to live in the moment with them.

"Wow, that's deep. And you gotta think deeply when you're living the family life you've got, right? That means you got this, James! I'll always be rooting for you and your mares! And your hens! And...everything else between!" Pinkie Pie replied with such glee before suddenly wrapping all of us up in a big spiraling hug. With her arms stretching like taffy to encircle the four of us several times over. And no one questioned how she did it. Pinkie Pie was just being Pinkie Pie.

And so we relaxed there by the fireplace for a while longer. Savoring each other's company in near sislnce. Until it was finally time for an unfortunate reminer to be brought up. And it was all a matter of who woudl say it first. In the end, it was Limestone who asked. "So then... When are you two heading home?

Pinkie Pie gasped before reaching somewhere and pulling out her train ticket. She looked at it and then at the clock that was nearby. "Uh... It says here our train leaves in...two hours."

I sighed in disappointment. If we were going to catch that train, we needed to start packing our bags right then and there. Maud then looked at me and said, "We'll come with you. Right?"

"Yeah. I'm going. I... I'm gonna savor every last minute I can with you two." Limestone said with a disappointed scowl. Marble let out nothing more than a quiet mumble while she nodded. All while looking so crestfallen. If anyone was going to have the hardest goodbye, it was going to be her. And I was dreading it.

Pinkie Pie and I went about the house rounding up everything we brought with us. Although I also had to be careful with the three gifts my new beloveds gave me. Limestone tracked down a paper folder to keep the sheet of paper that held Maud's poem from getting folded or crumbled. And I was given a soft pull string sack for the stone figurine Marble had chiseled for me. I brought the geode Limestone had dug up and went to the kitchen to wrap it in a paper towel. I then carefully stacked everything inside my backpack before zipping it closed. There is a certain art to getting the most out of one's pack space and I have become quite adept at it over time.

We still had more than ninety minutes before our designated train was set to leave Rockville. And it was a fairly long walk from the rock farm. The three Pie sisters waited for use by the front door. None of them were smiling while wrapped up in scarves to better endure being out in the cold for a good while. Pinkie Pie and I turned back once we were bundled up in our winter attire and took a long last look at the living room with the fireplace having been doused a bit with water to keep the flames weak until the Pie sisters returned.

I would not miss the farm house too much. Its interior design and bland aesthetics had worn out their welcome with me by then. But I would miss the three wonderful sisters who had made my visit worthwhile. I turned to the four Pie sisters and said softly, "All right... Lead the way."

There was one last thing I had to say goodbye to once we were outside. The snow was coming down gently and I appreciated it. We did not get far before we were more or less greeted by a few new additions to the yard. Our snow sculptures were still standing where we had built them. The five of us walked on over to take a good long look at them before we would head into town. I smiled at the snowman I had suggested building and nodded at it. "Keep an eye on things while I'm gone, Mr. Brown."

"I don't think he'll be going anywhere. He doesn't have the legs for it." Maud said with a hint of dry wit. We all said our goodbyes to our snowy sculptures and headed on our way down the road. Snow was coming down gently, casting a sound-absorbing veil across the land. And we respected that silence by having nothing to say.

The simple dirt road was covered by a frigid layer or frost with grooves on opposite sides left by wagon wheels. Although there was signs of hooves walking between the grooves as well. The roads had to be kept clear of snow. Both for anyone on foot and for anything on wheels. I am just curious of how the ponies of Equestria do it without automobiles, especially in more rural environments like Rockville. That earth pony muscle must be the key.

Rockville eventually came into view after a good thirty or so minutes of strolling down the road. No one said anything along the way. Although that did not stop Pinkie Pie from hopping along and going off the road to frolic in the deep snow for fun now and then. She was probably really happy to soon be on her way back to a more festive location. And while I was too, I was leaving something behind that I had only just gained. Something valuable. And the three of them knew it too.

I think a big reason why the three Pie sisters near me did not speak was because they were filled with some degree of dread. They had only just fallen in love. And it was already time to say goodbye. I carefully observed the faces of Pinkie's sisters. Maud was the same as always. That stoic and disinterested look on her face hiding the workings of her heart too well. Limestone was wearing a scowl I would have expected from her. Probably just trying to keep up her resolve to face the inevitable. But Marble... The frown on her lips. The ever growing look of silent despair in her eyes... I was certain tears would be shed before it was time to board that train for home.

Entering Rockville from the outside was a strange experience in the middle of winter. All those craggy rock formations capped with snow gave me the impression we were entering a rocky field with no signs of life. It was not until we entered the town properly that I could make out any locals and that the rock formations were establishments and housing.

Rockville is small for a town. I would say half the size of Ponyville at most. Not many were out and about. But with still a little over an hour left before our train departed, we all ducked into a local café to get out of the cold. The interior design of Rockville was quite rustic. Simple wood was everywhere that gave the interior a very country feel. Probably in a way not too far removed from what one might see indoors at Appleloosa. Just minus all the dust and dirt.

Limestone treated us all to rocky scones and some hot cider to pass the time. Thank goodness the scones only looked like rocks with icing on top instead of being edible rocks. Although I suspect the ability to eat and digest pure rocks was a trait exclusive to the Pie family. While the café was getting some good business at the time, we had little to say. Probably because we were just focusing on relaxing and not trying to worry about saying goodbye. And as much as I wanted to hold at least one of my beloveds, we could not show such affection in a location where everyone likely knew who the entire Pie family is. And being the only human in the world meant there was no way no one there knew who I am. I am married to Fluttershy from Ponyville. I am sure the newspapers have mentioned that about me when something I have done over the past year has made headlines. If anyone in Rockville saw me being too loving to any of the Pie sisters, word would inevitably spread. And we could not have that. Not many would ever understand.

One thing I considered while we relaxed in the café was if I should do a little last minute shopping for souvenirs to bring home to my family. Although I quickly backtracked on that thought. Hearth's Warming Eve was only days away and I had already stocked up on gifts for my family and friends during my recent visit to Capricorn Island. I did not want to overdo it. And besides that, what could Rockville possibly have to offer that would interest them? The town was clearly not a popular destination for tourists. I barely saw any holiday lights or decor outside anyway. Perhaps there was a shop or two that offered more niche memorabilia to the curious, but I doubt anyone unlike Maud would be interested unless they are the kind of person that builds collections from items unique to every town and city across the land. And no one I know in Ponyville has an interest for that lifestyle.

The time finally came for us to make our way to the train station. With less than thirty minutes left before our scheduled departure, we departed the café. We even got to see the train pull up to the platform with plumes of thick steam being released into the freezing air. But we were in no hurry. And while Pinkie Pie remained chipper, her sisters did not share her enthusiasm. Not many departed the train once we arrived, nor did anyone there board. But the train had a schedule to stick to and would remain where it was for a little longer.

The five of us gathered near the locomotive to savor the intense heat coming off of its boiler. The coal fire inside it was allowing the machine to serve as a convenient heat source. But while three of the Pie sisters appeared to be enjoying warming up beside the locomotive, one was showing no signs of joy or even contentment. And I had to inquire. "Marble...?"

There was no point in asking if something was wrong. Because there was. Marble kept looking back and forth from me and the length of the train idling at the station platform. With a look of fear and dread in her eyes. She looked like she was only barely maintaining her composure. Maud was the next to notice as she looked over her shoulder. "Marble? Are you...all right?"

"I... I..." Marble stammered quietly with a quivering voice. She was struggling to hold back tears. She knew what was coming. And while I did not want to say goodbye either, it was so much harder for the precious little maiden before me. The tears would not be withheld. Marble's composure shattered as she suddenly wept with her voice reaching volumes I did not know it could reach. "I don't want to see you gohohoooo!"

I shared in her sentiments. And I instantly dropped to one knee as Marble jumped into my comforting embrace. Faced with the inevitable departure of the love of her life, she just could not handle it. Thank goodness for the falling snow around us. It kept her cries from traveling far. And Pinkie Pie was courteous enough to set up a privacy screen around the five of us like one someone would see in a hospital. Although no one cared enough to ask where she got it. I tried to find the right words to say. I wanted to say I would love to stay. But I could not. Not in Rockville. And it was too soon to ask her to come with me.

But that did not stop my tender beloved from whimpering out her heart's desires to me. She embraced me tightly while her voice reached my ears. "Please... Please take me with you... Don't leave me! Not here! Take me home to your palace! Please, let me be with you, my knight!"

I was at a loss. What could I tell her without it being a pleasant lie? Was there a way we could make this work? Desperate for answers and pained by my beloved's sorrow, I turned to her two eldest sisters for answers while cradling Marble in my arms. "Girls... Be honest with me. Do you think Marble can come with us right now? I'll pay for a one way ticket for her out of my own pocket right now if I have to. And I promise I'll find a place for her to stay. Can we make this work?"

Limestone and Maud looked visibly troubled while Pinkie Pie gently rubbed her twin sister's shoulder. Even she had lost her smile. Maud, her voice still carrying its usual monotone, still looked at me with a subtle sorrow in her eyes. "I'm sorry... We really shouldn't. If Marble left town with a man our mom and dad barely even know about, there will be trouble. I really can't recommend it. Not yet."

Marble whimpered even harder into my shoulder. She had found love. Real love with a man who valued her and wanted to give her a better life in Ponyville. We would be so happy together. But there were just too many hoops to jump through at the moment. It was just...far too soon. I knew this. But it still hurt. I had fallen so in love with that wonderful little mare in so little time, but it was a rare example of a rapidly blooming love with strong roots. And I was trying to keep myself from spilling my own tears seeing that we would soon be pried apart.

It was then that Limestone finally let out a sigh and looked at me with such unhappiness in those intense eyes of hers. "James... I'm sure you've figured this out by now, but... None of us want to be here. Not in Rockville. Marble doesn't wanna be here. I don't wanna be here. Even Maud doesn't wanna be here! The whole rock farm... It's a ball and chain around our ankles. And we can't figure out how to pick the lock."

"I know... God, I really know. At least Maud and Pinkie found a way out. But you two... There has to be a way out, right? There has to be." I replied as I pondered such a life there. Winter's beauty was nothing more than a cold mask hiding the bleakness of the rock farm's true face. And I still found myself growing bored with the entire setting by the time Pinkie and I were ready to return home.

Pinkie Pie let out a sigh while she stepped aside to let her three sisters all embrace me together for a group hug. Marble's tears were slowing, but her sorrow was still there. Limestone then said softly, "Yeah... There has to be. And now that Marble and I have you... Now we've got some serious incentive to start searching. It hasn't even been half a day since we said 'I love you' to each other for the first time. And like hell I'm gonna let it be the last."

Limestone's embrace around me tightened. For as composed as she was, I knew she was weeping inside as hard as Marble was. But there was one Pie sister there who had managed to sever her ties from the family business and set out on her own. Maud spoke to me softly, "James... Just give me a little more time. My finals are coming up and I intend to move to Ponyville like I promised after graduation. We won't be seeing each other for a while. But next time we do, I'll be in Ponyville. And I'll be there to stay."

I was not the only person there happy to hear that. Pinkie Pie nuzzled Maud's cheek as they both shared a smile. Although Maud's was tiny and hard to see. The peppiest Pie sister then said, "It's gonna be so great to have you there fulltime, Maud. And just to make sure the move is super smooth now that we know it's gonna happen, I'm gonna get in touch with a local real estate agency to get things ready. I'll make sure they send you a correspondence as soon as we get an idea for where you can move in."

"Thanks, Pinkie. I know I can't show it very well, but I'm really excited about it. Ponyville always felt...nice. Hospitable. Even for me." Maud replied with her lips showing a tiny smile that grossly undersold how optimistic she was about the situation. And I was confident too that Maud would be happy in Ponyville. But she then reached out and adjusted the grasp of her arm to drape it across the shoulders of her eldest and youngest sisters. "And...I hope you two will be there someday. I really want that. For us all to be together with...our man. And his family."

"Thanks, sis... Yeah. It'll happen. I don't how yet, but it WILL happen. Because it needs to happen. So...buck up, Marble. We'll find our way home someday. We finally have a destination and the incentive to reach it. Right?" Limestone replied while trying to maintain some of her usual grit and resolve. And she was smiling. A smile I am sure she rarely shows.

Marble sniffled and lifted her head to look at me. And once again, words failed her. So she communicated to me her feelings through something else. A kiss. She and I closed our eyes and let our lips touch while her three sisters kept us surrounded and safe. And once our lips separated, she gazed mournfully into my eyes with only a whisper passing her lips. "I love you."

"And I love you. All of you." I whispered back as I tightened my embrace around the three beautiful sisters. One by one, I gave the three of them a goodbye kiss. But Limestone was a bit more hesitant. And her eyes were quivering. "Lime... It's not forever."

"I know, babe... It's just... I know I talked a tough game just now, but... It still hurts... Oh man, it hurts so much saying goodbye for the first time... I love you. I really do. And I really...really wanna be good enough for you in the end." Limestone sniffled while she wiped fresh tears away. She embraced me like a vice as we shared one final kiss. For now. And I could only pray she would succeed in finding a way out of her obligations. She was not meant for a farm of rocky grays. She was meant for a farm of brown bark, green leaves, and tart fruits.

It was then that Pinkie Pie spoke up a fortunate truth. One we had all forgotten about. "Hey! I just remembered! Mom and Dad are setting up a trade agreement with Sweet Apple Acres right now! And you know what that means!"

That little reminder put a more confident smirk on Limestone's face. And she nudged Marble to get her attention. "Hey, that's right. That mean's we'll be making regular visits to Ponyville for gravel deliveries. And Ma and Pa will definitely be giving me that responsibility. Which means... I want you to come with me when they happen, Marble. So we can see our man."

That sudden reminder instantly put a surprised and then relieved smile on Marble's face. One of true excitement. And she then whispered to me, "I'll be there... I wouldn't miss it for the world."

I knew it would be a while before that would happen. Nothing is ever happening on a farm in the dead of winter. All the work is done for the year and everyone is functionally in a state of hibernation to rest and ride out winter's grasp. But once spring comes around, that is when farms come back to life. And now I had something very special to look forward to once spring arrived.

At last, a voice carried out over the wind. And we almost did not hear it. The conductor making the last call to board the train. Pinkie Pie took hold of the dividing screen that was hiding us and said with her usual enthusiasm deflated, "That's our cue, girls... Time to go."

"Yeah... For now. Love you, James. Just...be patient, all right? We've all got a future together. I'm convinced of that now." Limestone replied while I gave her and her two sisters one last kiss. Only once I released them and stood up did Pinkie Pie tuck that screen back where she got it. Wherever that was.

"Right. And remember... I love you. All of you." I said back to them before we all headed over to the forward car to board. Pinkie Pie and I showed our roundtrip tickets to let the conductor punch out one more hole on them. Once we arrived in Ponyville, they would be useless. And we were eager to get back home.

We quietly bid farewell to the three wonderful sisters before taking a seat. But Pinkie's sisters did not depart. They stayed there and watched us from just outside the window. Poor Marble... She was the only one who could not hide her sorrow. And it must have been hard to not reach out to me. Just so no one would suspect anything was amiss between us. And once the doors closed and the locomotive's whistle blew, Limestone and Maud noticeably held onto Marble as the train started to lurch forward. Probably because she was likely to try and chase the train like in one of those old romance stories. I would not put it past her to try.

All Pinkie and I could do was wave goodbye. And...it hurt. I finally shed a few tears of my own once those three wonderful sisters were out of sight with the edge of Rockville fading into the distance. We were on our way home. Back to the much better town of Ponyville. And yet... I had left something very valuable and precious behind. Something that I just could not take with me yet. "I miss them already..."

"And they're gonna miss you so bad... I'm really rooting for you and my sisters, James. I'm convinced you four really have a future together." Pinkie Pie sighed while she leaned into me. I was propping myself up in the corner of the seat to watch the vast winter wilderness go by. And Pinkie was using me as a convenient pillow. We were fortunate enough to not have anyone else in the train car with us. We could speak freely. "But still... Wow. I had a hunch that you and Marble would really ht it off. She always sounded so smitten about you when she talked about you. But Maud? And Limestone?"

I was honest with my response. I had to be. "I really didn't expect to find love while I was there. Certainly not with all three of them. But your sisters are all wonderful in their own ways. When I said I loved them, I really meant it."

Pinkie Pie managed to get her arms around me for a snuggling embrace. "Yep! And I'm seriously so happy for them. I dunno how it'll happen, but I just know they'll find a way home. Then we can all be in Ponyville!"

It was comforting to know Maud's plans were already set in stone. She would likely become a proper resident of Ponyville in less than a year. But it was Limestone and Marble I was more concerned about. "But what about the rock farm? I get it has a lot of ancestral importance, but... You think they can really just leave it behind?"

That little reminder caused Pinkie Pie's happiness to deflate. She began to lean against me more out of a need for comfort instead of a show of affection. "Marble will have an easier time getting away from there than Limestone. But for my biggest sister... I dunno... I think she's gonna have to do something pretty drastic to leave it all behind. And I can't see her doing that without really disappointing Mom and Dad. I really wanna believe everything will work out, but... I gotta accept that Limestone's gonna have to make some hard decisions in the end."

"You mean like selling the rock farm once she inherits it? Yeah... But not everything stands the test of time. It'll be a sad day when it's time for things to change on that rock farm, but... Man, I don't know. Some changes need to happen at times, but it's never easy. Even when you know it's for the best." I said while failing to be optimistic about the prospects of what would be required for Limestone to finally haul anchor and move on to the greener pastures of Ponyville. She would reach an impasse eventually and a painful choice would need to be made. She would have to choose what was best for her and the family she was about to become a part of or maintaining a family tradition. Heavy stuff. And it was too soon to imagine how it would play out.

Pinkie Pie then nuzzled her head into my shoulder as she said something unexpected. "You know exactly what that's like, huh? You...had to make a big choice just to be here, right?"

She was right. And I bowed my head. I had to make a difficult choice between two worlds more than once. Earth. The world of my birth and the only world I had known for half a lifetime. And Equestria. An idealistic and borderline utopia of a world that my world would have viewed as being too good to be true. To choose one would mean giving up something in return. Equestria has always had so much to offer. But it also lacks some conveniences that I had taken for granted. But I adapted. And I am so much happier for it. "Yeah... I did. But it was all worth it in the end."

"See? There you go. Limestone will have to do the same someday, right? So just imagine how much happier she'll be when she leaves behind Rockville and moves to Ponyville!" Pinkie Pie said with a big grin. Her joy had been restored. And we both knew it would be a good day when the eldest Pie sister stepped off that train to finally set down roots in the town she really belonged in.

There was so much to think about. So much to plan for. But it was still too soon to even start. At the moment, all our plans for the future was just a dream. And all we could do was keep dreaming for the moment. And as I pondered this while seeing nothing but that lifeless winter landscape rolling by, I started to drift off for a nap. And Pinkie Pie stuffed a spare pillow under me to help us both along.

I do not recall when I dozed off entirely, but the next thing I experienced was the conductor calling out over the train car. "Ponyville! We've arrived in Ponyville!"

That call woke Pinkie Pie and I up with a start. We glanced around rapidly for a second before I noticed what rested beyond the window. A familiar mountain with a snowcapped elegant city built onto the side of its summit. Canterlot was in view. And on the other side of the now motionless train was the equally snowy town of Ponyville lined with holiday decor. A far cry from the rocky plainness of Rockville. And Pinkie Pie and I could not have left the train faster. It felt so good to be home.

We hurried to the edge of the train platform to get a good look at the entirety of Ponyville beyond it. Amongst a gentle snowfall, it felt wonderful to be back there. Perhaps even moreso than after any other visit to someplace else. "Man... The grass is always greener. Especially after you've been somewhere that is all rock and little grass."

"Ha! You can say that again! I always forget just how much I looooove Ponyville until after I get back after a visit to my family's farm!" Pinkie Pie giggled as she skipped the steps leading down with one springy hop of hers. I did not do the same. I had some precious cargo on me and did not want to shake up my backpack too much. Pinkie pie flexed her neck to loosen herself up before turning to face me. "Just one last question! How would you rate the last few days with me and my sisters? Did we have a good time or what?"

I quickly thought up a response while displaying a cheeky smirk on my lips. "I'd have to say...it was a nine out of ten."

Pinkie Pie looked shocked at my answer. And maybe just a little bit offended. But she was playful about it when she asked, "Hey! A nine instead of a ten?! What took a point off?!"

"Rockville. Just Rockville. Everything else was great, but the rocky aesthetics overstayed their welcome pretty quickly." I replied while Pinkie Pie and I got a good chuckle out of it. If our general surroundings only took one point off, then the rest of the elements present did a lot to compensate for it.

"Ha! I guess that's a good point... But I had a great time! Really, I'm so glad you came. We should have more vacations with just the two of us sometime! Just gotta decide when and where." Pinkie giggled while being a good sport. And she was right. I did have a great time with her being my only friend tagging along. I had my doubts of how things would go, but Pinkie Pie was great company on her home turf.

"I have to admit being a comic and straight man duo worked out quite well for us. But now that we're back, shall I walk you home?" I replied before taking into account the time of day. It was already getting late. The sun was setting over the western horizon. But it also meant the night would be young for longer.

Pinkie Pie looked like she was about to take me up on my offer. Only for her to turn the tables on me. "Actually... How about I walk YOU home? You're gonna need your wingmare when you tell Fluttershy about everything, right?"

"Oh man, I didn't account for that... I mean Fluttershy knows I would never lie to her about it, but you... Yeah, it would help explain things if you provided an eyewitness testimony. Finding love with three sisters over the course of a few days does sound way to situational to be real." I chuckled uneasily when I realized what I was going to have to talk to Fluttershy about. It was probably the one time I would need someone who is privy to the situation backing me up.

"OK then! Let's go tell Fluttershy the good news!" Pinkie Pie giggled before hopping along to lead me home. Although she soon settled into a relaxed trot as we slowed down to really appreciate all the snowcapped holiday decorations set up all over town. It added so much flavor and charm that Rockville was severely lacking in. "Wow, there's nothing like coming home during the holidays..."

We said little during the walk home. Especially when the sun finally went down entirely and the holiday lights came on to light up the town with shimmering color. Pinkie Pie and I even got sidetracked and took a few detours just to see more of what the town had to offer in spectacle. We were cold, but the sights made it all worth it.

The moon was high and peeking through a gap in the thick cloud cover that spanned the skies. And the snow was still coming down gently. Before we could reach my home, we passed by the newly completed duplex a short ways down the road. It had already been completed by the time we left, but now I was left wondering if Smolder and Ocellus had moved in yet. The lights were out inside and even the lights hanging over the front doors were not on. "Hm... I wonder. Just a second, Pinkie."

"You think they're home?" My friend asked while I knocked on both doors. And there was no answer. No lights turned on beyond the windows and it was just too dark for us to make out anything in there. Perhaps the two sides were still without furniture. Pinkie Pie shrugged her shoulders and said, "I guess not! But that just means we know where to find them, right?"

"Yep. Let's go home." I replied before following Pinkie Pie along the path in the snow. Fluttershy's cottage has always been a sight to see in winter. Even if we generally do not decorate the exterior. Not many visit the area often enough to make it worthwhile. Once we were standing outside the front door, I took a deep breath. There was going to be a lot to talk about. "Here we go..."

I entered first. The fireplace was at use with crackling logs. And the smell of dinner was in the air. Fluttershy must have been busy in the kitchen. But right when I looked down, I found someone waiting in front of me with a big smile on her face. "I could sense you coming. All that love's hard to miss."

"Heh... Hey there, love bug." I snickered before I snatched up Ocellus right away for a loving cuddle. She took the opportunity to sip at the love that was contained within me for just a moment. My little love bug must have really missed having the best love around for a snack. And right there in the middle of the living room was Scootaloo and Gladesong. It looked like the big sister of the house was reading a little book to her littlest sister. I called out to the two fillies, "Hey there, girls!"

"And that's when... Huh?! Hey! Dad's home!" Scootaloo cheered before galloping right to me with Gladesong toddling along after her. My baby girl babbled incoherently in joy while her tiny wings fluttered rapidly. Just like with how Scootaloo's do when she is riding her scooter. Maybe she was taking after her big sister. I had to set Ocellus down to scoop both of my daughters up in my arms. My eldest daughter gave me a nuzzle and she said, "We've been having fun while you were gone! I've been taking Gladesong all over the place on my scooter! Or...is it a snowboard at this time of year?"

"Just be careful to not let her fall off. Although if she does, make sure it's over deep snow." I replied while giving Scootaloo a playful smirk. She had always been careful with Gladesong during warmer seasons, but I suppose it is all right to relax a bit when falling a short distance into deep snow is harmless. I am sure Gladesong would even enjoy it. I then turned to the tiniest filly in my hearts and said with a smile, "And how've you been, sweetheart? Has your big sister been keeping you busy?"

Gladesong just responded with happy babbling, but I could tell by how she waved her arms that she was trying to convey something. It would be a while before she could figure out how to properly communicate. I am not even so certain she understands anything I say. But she knew her father was happy to see her. And so I then asked, "That's great to hear, dear. And how has your mother been?"

"She's been missing you, dear." A soft and loving voice came from the kitchen. I looked over and saw my beautiful wife peeking out from the doorway. She approached with that timid smile on her face as I gently set down our daughters and welcomed that wonderful pegasus into my arms. Scootaloo and Ocellus made sure to hold and keep Gladesong occupied while my first love took her place in my arms. "We had a nice time while you were away, but we always miss you. Welcome home, dear."

"It's been a while since visiting somewhere else made me miss home so much... But we can talk about that later. Missed you, dear. I missed all of you." I whispered back to my first beloved. The one mare I chose to walk down the aisle with. The woman who blessed me with our first child and the matriarch of the wonderful family we were building. No matter how many new wonderful women came into my life, she would never be replaced. And being away from home for a few days was just what I needed to come home and be reminded of how much I love her. And I told her that with one simple action. A kiss upon her lips. But we could not get too cuddly. Not yet. We would have time together at bedtime when it would be just the two of us. Alone. As husband and wife. And as mother and father.

I could still hear something frying in the kitchen. Someone was cooking something up in a skillet. And it was definitely Smolder. She was covering for Fluttershy while my wife was in my arms. And Ocellus must have gotten the same idea since she then trotted into the kitchen while the rest of us were distracted. It was then that Pinkie Pie stepped out from behind me and finally closed the door. We were so distracted that we had forgotten it had been left open. Pinkie Pie then leaned past me and said, "Howdy doody, ponies! Miss us?"

My body had done such a good job at hiding me that everyone still in the living room got startled by her voice. Even Gladesong. Although she almost looked like she was about to start crying from being started by a loud voice, she suddenly started smile when she saw who was there. Pinkie Pie had already imprinted on Gladesong by then and was always a source of fun and joy to my youngest child. She reached out and babbled as Pinkie Pie answered her call. "Hey there, flower filly! Did you miss your Auntie Pinkie? Com'ere! Because she missed you too!"

Scootaloo got a laugh at our friend's exuberance as Pinkie snatched up Gladesong for a cuddle. And then made her laugh by giving the cackling filly a belly buzz with her lips. Now that my daughters were distracted for the moment with our guest, Fluttershy and I slipped away to the kitchen to find Smolder with a spatula in hand at work in front of the stove. And she had the foresight to wear an apron. It always surprise me to see Smolder of all people cooking at such a young age. More woman than girl indeed. And after a moment, Ocellus tapped her friend on the shoulder to have her look my way. "Huh? What, over the... Hey! You're back!"

Smolder proceeded to cast off her apron while Ocellus took her place at the stove. The wonderful little dragon maiden came rushing into my arms as I swept her off her feet. Cradling her in my arms, I gave her a kiss on the forehead. "Missed you girls."

"Missed you bad." Smolder whispered before she then wrapped her wings around me the best she could. That long sigh coming from her lungs carried with it some subtle weight. She was so relaxed in my arms... Her dragon heart was telling me how much it longed for me. While it was still too soon for us to tell each other, I took comfort in knowing our hearts belonged together. Just one more year and we would finally be able to tell each other. But for now, what we had was enough.

Ocellus Reached over with her levitation magic and tugged on Smolder's tail with it to get her friend's attention. Even while she still used that magic to hold a spatula and keep stirring the skillet's contents on the stove. "Aren't you gonna tell him something important?"

Smolder's eyes lit up with excitement. She then lifted her head to look at me and said, "Oh yeah! It's done! Our place! Everything's all set up and ready for us to move in! We just... You know... We wanted to come home so you could see it yourself when we did. Think you could walk us home after dinner?"

Just as I suspected. Their duplex was basically done by the time Pinkie Pie and I left town. All that was left was to furnish the place. More than possible over the course of a few days. And I was delighted with the revelation. "Really?! You girls were busy while we were gone. Sure, I'd love to see the place!"

Fluttershy gave me a wink while she said, "I took the time to look inside while you were away. It's really cozy on both sides. Nice enough for sleepovers."

It was then that Pinkie Pie called out from the living room. "James?! I think Gladesong really wants to be with her dad right now! I can't make her laugh right now!"

"Come to think of it, you and I should both catch up with Gladesong. As a family." I then said to Fluttershy while rather reluctantly putting Smolder back down to focus on finishing up dinner. She and Ocellus manning the kitchen would get things done faster. And neither of the two lovely maidens objected as they went back to work. Once she and I had returned to the living room, Scootaloo was carrying Gladesong over to me atop her back. Probably just so I would not have to bend over much to reach her. "Hey, there's my girls."

"I'm gonna go set the table, Dad! See you in a bit!" Scootaloo said happily before galloping into the kitchen. She must have thought I was tired after getting home and wanted to be a little more accommodating. And truthfully, I was. I was looking forward to an evening of relaxation amongst my family.

I cradled Gladesong in my arms as she cooed in relaxation. And it was just the opportunity Pinkie Pie was looking for. With everyone else in the house preoccupied in the kitchen for the moment, our guest beckoned Fluttershy and I to follow her into Gladesong's nursery at the back of the living room. With just a lamp in the corner illuminating the room, we got comfortable while Gladesong started to doze off in my arms. Pinkie Pie made sure to shut the door as she said, "So then! Time for a follow-up! Gotta tell you about everything that happened over at my family's place!"

"Oh right, I wanna hear all about it! Was it fun? What was it like on the rock farm? I've never even really seen one before." Fluttershy asked with her eyes brightened with curiosity. I could have pulled out my DSi to show her the photos I took during the trip, but that could wait. Words would come first.

I decided to not mince words when it came to my experience. I began to speak while rocking Gladesong in my arms, "It...wasn't great when it came to the aesthetics. If it wasn't for winter's beauty enhancing the place, I'm sure it would have been unbearably bleak. What really made the visit worthwhile were our hosts. Pinkie's sisters were the stars of the show. Really good people with very distinct personalities."

"I know Maud was there. And while I don't...really get her yet, she's a good mare at heart. What about the other two?" Fluttershy replied while only knowing what little Pinkie Pie had told her at an earlier date. And I could only imagine what she would say upon finding out how things had changed between me and that stony mare.

It was still a bit too early to tell Fluttershy the most important things about Pinkie's sisters. We still needed to ease into that. And so I said, "Basically polar opposites. Marble is sweet and demure... Actually I'd say she's just like you. Like a long lost twin sister from another mother you never knew you had. I'm sure you two would become great friends if you ever meet... When you ever meet."

Fluttershy's eyes lit up at the description I provided for Pinkie's twin sister. "She is? Oh... Oh my, then... I really thought I was the only one. I've never met another mare who's so much like me. Is she gentle? Likes to listen?"

"Mmhm! Marble always let others do most of the talking. She even looks a lot like you! Long hair and everything! Although I don't think I've ever heard her talk so much before James paid a visit. They really hit it off." Pinkie Pie hopped in with some input. Being Marble's twin sister, she could vouch for that tender mare more than anyone.

"Goodness... I really want to meet her someday then. But what about the other? Um... Limestone, right? Doesn't roll off the tongue that easily..." Fluttershy then asked while noticing how unconventional Limestone's name is compared to the other three. Kind of rolls off the tongue a bit roughly, come to think of it. Almost like her name is a little too revealing of her general personality.

I adjusted my grasp on Gladesong now that she was completely dozed off for a short nap in my arms. I pondered my response before saying, "Gruff. Salty. Sour. I guess that's the basics of how I'd describe her. But that's not to say she doesn't have a good reason for it. She's...not the happiest mare I've ever met, but there's a lot of goodness under the surface... Come to think of it... Pinkie? Could you get her gift out of my backpack? I don't think I should put Gladesong down just yet."

"Sure thing! Hang on a second here..." Pinkie Pie replied as I turned my back to her. We had gotten so caught up with everything that was happening as soon as we entered the house that I had no time to take off my jacket or my backpack. And the half of the geode Limestone had dug up for me was pretty much right at the top. Pinkie Pie fumbled with the zipper before she reached into the pack. "Here we go! It's the one wrapped in a paper towel, right? Yep, I can feel the shape through it!"

Pinkie Pie then set it on the floor between us and unveiled the paper shroud's contents. And Fluttershy was quite impressed with how the soft light of the room almost caused the crystals in it to glow. "Ooh! That's... I think that's a...geode, right? So beautiful! Limestone gave you this?"

I too was eager to get that geode put in a good spot for display somewhere. Maybe in a spot where the light coming in through a window would strike the crystals in just the right way during certain times of the day. I then explained, "Yeah, it was a last second gift she dug up after the rest of us had passed our gifts to each other. And it was pretty fitting too since... That's how I'd describe her. She the pony equivalent of a geode. Rough on the outside, but with beauty hidden under the surface. You just have to go digging in just the right way to bring it to the surface..."

Fluttershy started to notice how oddly specific I was being about the words I was using. I noticed her starting to raise an eyebrow. And her soft yet excited smile started to show a certain playful curiosity. She then asked, "Digging? How?"

Oops. That definitely came out wrong. There was so many ways one could look at my words as a euphemism for something...kinky. Pinkie Pie even noticed and let out a long snickering fit as she snorted into her hooves. I just stammered while I could feel myself starting to blush. "Wait! Not like that! I swear I didn't...sleep with anyone. I mean... OK yeah, I did share a bed with each of them for a sleepover one night at a time, but we never..."

That was when Pinkie Pie took the initiative to guide the conversation towards the most important part. It was time for Fluttershy to know that our family was on the verge of growing a little more. Our silly friend regained her composure before saying, "Hoo, that was a good one! But...uh... About that, Fluttershy. There's something you need to know. I mean you do know that James and Marble already met once, right? When he went on ahead right when the war was starting?"

Fluttershy was already one step ahead of us after what we had described to her. Her smile relaxed as she asked, "You and Marble found love together? If she really is so much like me, I can see why you two would feel something for her. When can I meet her? We need to meet first to discuss how this will work out."

I was at a loss for words. While Fluttershy holds unwavering trust for me and knows I would never seek pleasure from another woman unless I felt something for her and she was willing to join our family, it was still a surprise for her to be so insightful. And if there was one mare out there who would find friendship at first sight with my wife, it was definitely Marble Pie. But Pinkie Pie then continued, "Hold on there! One part at a time! But yeah. Marble was super smitten with that beautiful winged knight who stopped by the farm on his way to face the enemy. And I just knew... I knew that they would be a great couple! So...I... I gotta admit I was kinda playing Cupid a bit during the first day there. Just from the background! And sure enough, James and Marble are just as good for each other as you and James are! And look at what she made for him!"

Pinkie Pie then reached into my backpack to pull out something else. The pull string sack holding that delicate sculpture resembling myself in armor. And Fluttershy's eyes going wide while examining it showed how impressed she was. That was when I knew that I had to say something. "Marble is wonderful, dear. So much like you, but still so different. A delicate and sensitive artist too. I know it's too soon for us to finalize anything, but..."

"You don't have to say anything else, James. I think Marble and I will be amazing friends if she's even half like what you've said about her. Just let me know when she can visit and I'll gladly have a talk with her about this. Maybe even over a picnic with tea. You think she'd like that?" Fluttershy replied while showing a very understanding smile. But the true surprise was yet to come.

"Thank you. I know she'll be happy with us. But..." I said softly before my voice seized in my throat. She knew about Marble. But I knew she would never have guessed the same would apply to Pinkie's two older sisters as well.

Fluttershy's face said it all. She was confused by why I had trailed off only for her widening eyes to show she was starting to put the pieces together. Before she could say anything, Pinkie Pie spoke up instead. "I mean I did say I was expecting something special to blossom between James and Marble. And they did! I just...wasn't counting on the same thing happening with my other sisters."

My wife's voice rose in volume just slightly as that revelation registered with her. "Them too? Even... Even Maud?! Her?!"

How could I even begin to explain the love Maud and I had for each other and how it came to blossom? Even I was convinced for the longest time she has always been an entirely platonic person with no room for romance in her heart. But I suppose even I can only see so deeply past her stoic exterior. It had always been there. Hiding in plain sight behind an unflinching face of stone. And realizing this, I felt a twinge of shame. "She... It was... I think it'd be best if you see it yourself. Pinkie? Can you fetch Maud's gift from my pack?"

"Sure thing, James. Here you go, Fluttershy. Just...be careful with this. Maud wrote it herself." Pinkie replied before she pulled the folder out of my backpack that contained that sacred sheet of paper. She handed it to Fluttershy, who placed it on the floor to make sure it would not fall before she opened it.

"This...is a poem? But it's not about rocks this time, is it?" Fluttershy replied as she began to examine the poem. We waited in near silence as Fluttershy's eyes widened in awe at what she was reading. Only for her eyebrows to lower as profound emotion began to fill her face. And then tears began to glisten at the edges of her eyes as she brought a hoof to her lips. "Oh... Oh my gosh... Maud... She really wrote this?"

"She did. And...it's beautiful, isn't it?" I asked while gently rocking Gladesong in my arms. I knew the contents of that poem was Maud Pie's heart laid bare. Everything hidden behind her stony facade revealed.

"This... This isn't something you write for just a friend... Oh my gosh, Maud... This is a love letter. I know I don't understand Maud as well as you two do, but... This... It's like it was written by an entirely different person from what I know about her... But this? This is really what Maud is like? And...you two found love?" Fluttershy said with a quivering voice before having to take a moment to dry her tears and blow her nose. I could not fault her. That poem affected me profoundly as well. And it was when all doubts I had about the workings of Maud's heart were obliterated.

Pinkie Pie gave me a gentle nudge to coax me to speak. And so I did. "I mean... It's not like I saw it coming. I've always known Maud is a very fine example of a mare, but even I was certain she had no capacity to that kind of love for anyone. So I never allowed myself to start to feel for her if I was so sure she would never reciprocate. But...I guess I just couldn't see what she was really feeling for me in the end. When she finally showed me that...and said through tears that she loved me... I couldn't say no. I was ready to love her and the opportunity was there to let those feelings bloom. And now... I'm hers. And she's mine. But whether or not she gets to be with us is..."

"James... Don't say anymore. Yes. Yes, I'd be more than happy for Maud to be with us. If this is really what's in her heart... It's... It's all just so beautiful. Maud is beautiful! She's amazing if this is how she really thinks! I want to try. I want to be able to see into her the way you two do!" Fluttershy said while trying to regain her composure. And she seemed determined. I know she struggled as much as the rest of our friends to really understand Maud as a person and friend the first time she came to Ponyville. But now that she had seen what was really beyond that mask of unflinching stone, Fluttershy was showing some unexpected resolve. She had seen the beauty in Maud Pie in the form of text on paper. And now that Pinkie's sister was on the verge of being giving Fluttershy's blessings, she was ready to try and read Maud as well as we could.

"You'll figure it out someday, Fluttershy! I mean even I took a while way back when to read Maud like a book. If I could figure her out, so can you!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed before trotting over to Fluttershy and giving her friend a big hug. But only after very carefully moving the poem and its protectively folder out of the way. She was handling that sheet of paper like it was a precious treasure.

But there was one last person to discuss. And it was a complicated topic for sure. I spoke up softly after making sure Gladesong was still asleep in my arms. "And then... There's Limestone."

Fluttershy's eyes fell upon the geode that I had set out. Her eyebrows lowered as she pondered what I had just told her. "You say she's like a geode... Rough on the outside, but beautiful on the inside? Then...how did things turn out?"

"I admit I never thought anything would blossom between us at a glance. Salty and bitter, she's someone who will definitely not make the best first impression if you meet her on her home turf. But...let's just say she's complicated. I... Wow, this is a lot harder to put into words..." I tried to speak while processing everything that had happened between me and the eldest Pie sister on the farm. It was a sudden realization of the twists and turns she and I went through while my budding romances with Maud and Marble were fairly straightforward.

As I pondered how to continue, Pinkie Pie once again stepped up as my wingmare. She tapped Fluttershy on the shoulder and said, "Hey, leave that to me. Lemme tell you everything, Fluttershy. I know Captain Grumpy better than he does anyway, so I get everything better."

I sat there and waited as Pinkie Pie spent the next couple of minutes whispering into Fluttershy's ear. My wife nodded every now and then. Sometimes her eyes would widen with a show of minor surprise. Ad then narrow with her eyebrows drooping in sympathy. Before long, Pinkie Pie pulled away from Fluttershy's head to let her speak to me. Now knowing more than she did, Fluttershy turned to me and said, "She's...had a hard time. Was never able to find a stallion for herself? And she's stuck with the family business? But then... How? Why did she start to feel something for you?"

I had to take a moment to recall everything that was said to me by that craggy mare. And so I said, "Because I'm not like most other men. She was surprised that I'm an artist and can really cook. And that's just for starters."

Pinkie Pie then spoke up with a hungry look in her eyes. "Oh you should've been there, Fluttershy! James cooked dinner for us two nights in a row! He really knows his pastas!"

"Pffft... He did? And if it's pasta, then I know it turned out amazing." Fluttershy had to stifle a laugh when she heard that sudden interjection. I just rolled my eyes. It almost feels like I performed a breach of guest protocol in hindsight by handling dinner during my stay. Fluttershy then smirked at me rather deviously and asked, "Does that mean you seduced her with your cooking?"

"You're not the first to make that realization..." I muttered while Pinkie Pie let out a hearty giggle. That was a funny conversation at the dinner table that night indeed. But there was more to talk about than that. I explained with a soft sigh, "Things just sort of...set in gradually as the days went by. It was just last night that she and I shared a night together to just talk alone. We... We didn't even finally say our first 'I love you' until just this morning. In some ways, she reminds me of Ember. And...you know how things are between me and her."

That was when I had an idea. It was time to show my wife exactly who I was talking about. I pulled out my DSi and turned on the camera feature to open up the photo gallery. And I found it. One of the photos that had all of Pinkie's sisters with me. I carefully passed her the device and said, "Here. Just so you know how she looks."

Pinkie Pie helped Fluttershy hold the device up on their upturned hooves. They did not need to press any buttons to look through the rest of the gallery at the time. "Oh? Ah, there's Maud. And...I can see that tiny smile there. She must have been really happy to be with you since she never smiled around me. And... Now I see what you mean with Limestone. She looks...rough. No mare I know cuts their mane and tail that short. And there's...Marble? Oh my, you were right. She really does look like me... Those eyes... Oh she's a very shy and quiet one. Now I want to meet her even more."

"So then... What's the verdict? Do they have your blessings to be with us?" I asked while certain I already knew the answer. But I still had to ask.

Fluttershy wasted no time in speaking with a smile while setting my DSi aside. "For Maud? Yes. For Marble? But for Limestone? I... I don't know. I think I need to actually meet her first. I'm not saying I don't trust her. I just...don't completely understand how things are between you two yet. When do you think we can arrange a meeting?"

"Probably when spring gets here. The Pie family are finalizing a trade agreement with Sweet Apple Acres, so they'll be making regular gravel deliveries to Ponyville once winter clears up. And Limestone told us she'll be in charge of those deliveries. Which means she'll be regularly making visits to Ponyville. And Marble will be with her too. You can talk to her next time she comes by." I explained as I felt a twinge of pleasant anticipation in my heart. I did not need to go to her and Marble anymore. They would be coming to me.

Fluttershy's eyes brightened with a hopeful smile on her lips. "They will? Then...that's great! We can talk then and get this all figured out. Limestone does sound wonderful from what you tell me, but... Well... She does sound complicated. The whole thing between you sounds complicated too. I just need to actually meet her first to be sure."

"Perfectly understandable. There was a lot of uncertainty between us. For all I know, we might not even feel anything for each other the next time we meet. Although I do doubt that..." I replied while knowing only time would tell when it came to Limestone. I had high hopes and did not want everything I said to Limestone that morning to end up being empty words in the long run, but we would not know if that spark had become a healthy flame until the next time we laid eyes on each other. All we could do was focus on the present and wait for that day to come.

Now that everything had been said that needed to be said regarding my three newest beloveds, it was time for dinner. We did invite Pinkie Pie to stay, but she insisted on getting back home as soon as possible due to her pet gator being in hibernation at the time and wanting to check on him. It is easy to forget that Gummy is still a reptile and winter does not agree well with cold-blooded creatures.

Gladesong woke up in time for a hearty vegetable dinner with all of us. It was so good to be back home with friends and family. And I showed off photos from my trip while we dined. There was not much to talk about, but it was a wonderful meal regardless.

Once dinner was over, it was time for the event we were both anticipating yet also somewhat dreading. I waited in the living room as Smolder and Ocellus gathered up their humble belongings in Scootaloo's bedroom. Their air mattresses had been deflated and put away for what might have been the final time. Even if the situation was not ideal and they did not even have their own proper beds in the house, on top of their presence making the cottage feel a little crowded, I was going to miss having Smolder and Ocellus around all the time. But it was for the best. For all of us.

"It was fun while it lasted. But you girls were great roommates. If anything happens at your new places, you can come back and bunk with me again!" Scootaloo said while she followed the two little ladies out of her room. I was always worried that having two new guests bunking in her bedroom might have cramped her style, but Scootaloo ended up liking having a couple of new gal pals hanging out with her at home. Even if Smolder and Ocellus were both older than her by a couple of years at most.

"It's not like we're going far. We're just gonna be the girls next door. You wanna hang? You just come knocking." Smolder replied while she and Ocellus gave Scootaloo a goodbye hug. From strangers to friends, I was grateful everything worked out how it did.

But there was one person there who was not on board with the two little ladies moving out. Gladesong started to become fidgety in spite of how sleepy she was. Tomorrow would be the first time she woke up where her two favorite foalsitters would not be there. And Ocellus was quick to come galloping over as the toddling filly babbled in a way that was on the verge of crying. "Oh no, don't be upset! Your love bug and dra dra aren't going anywhere! We're just moving to our own houses just down the road! Shhh... It's OK. We still love you. And we'll be coming back all the time to see you. Is that OK? Can you be patient for your love bug?"

That was so cute to see. Ocellus even planted a kiss on Gladesong's to siphon some of her own love into my daughter. Gladesong calmed down and let out a giggle as she felt the lovely changeling mare's love flowing through her. Ocellus had truly become another mother to dear little Gladesong. Same as Smolder. So perhaps I was mistaken just now when I labeled them as foalsitters. They are not looking after Gladesong. They are raising her as if she was always their own.

Smolder came over after putting on her amazing winter coat and thick boots that Rarity had given her on her birthday. She still looks so amazing in it. She scooped Gladesong into her arms with that plush coat adding a layer of comfy softness between them. Smolder rocked Gladesong in her arms as she whispered so softly, "Your love bug's right, you know. We're just finally getting our own place. And maybe you can come and spend the night sometime. Just be good for us when we're not around, OK? Be a good girl for your dra dra and love bug because we'll be seeing you soon."

Gladesong was already getting sleepy again. And having a dose of Ocellus' love merging with the purest love inside her was calming her quite a bit. But she still said a drowsy goodbye as Fluttershy scooped her up into her arms. "Dra dra... La ba... Bye bye..."

"Bye bye... Oh man, I'm gonna cry... I'm not leaving for real, I swear. Dra dra's just going for the night." Smolder said with a bitter chuckle while she smiled through fresh tears. Gladesong was the closest thing to a daughter she had ever known. And she had been excelling at surrogate motherhood. To say goodbye to the filly she had been mothering and raising just about every day for months was hard for her to swallow. Even if she would still be nearby.

Fluttershy leaned forward and offered our two housemates a hug while I got my own jacket on. I was happy to carry their bags to their home while also getting the chance to see the insides of their houses for the first time. Although Smolder's pack was much fuller thanks to all the gifts she had received for her birthday just last month. My wife said softly to them, "It was wonderful always having you two here. Just remember, you can always come back and bunk with us if something happens. We're just a stone's throw away."

"Thank you, Fluttershy. We'll be seeing you again really soon. And...thank you for always being so accommodating. You... You made my integration into Ponyville a lot easier than it would've been elsewhere." Ocellus replied almost sheepishly. Which did remind me. Fluttershy was not there when the rest of her closest circle of friends found out about Ocellus being a changeling. They were all quite hostile, even if they had a good reason to be. If not for Thorax being the first changeling she met that was perfectly decent, I dread to imagine how their first meeting would have gone.

We were soon on our way with the three of us trudging through the snow. Smolder even pulled her coat's hood up to cover her head. As for Ocellus, she eventually tired of walking through the snow and went airborne on her fluttering wings. It was such a strange sight seeing insect wings fluttering against the gently falling snow. Ad with how all that white blanketing the landscape lit the place up, she looked so much more beautiful amongst it all.

It was almost funny how little time it took for us to get to their house. Even with the snow slowing us down, the trip to the finally completed duplex took less than five minutes. We stood just outside the darkened house while I set their bags down. "So... Which one we checking out first?"

"You first, love bug. Age before beauty and all that." Smolder said playfully while reaching for the door on the right. She then looked up at me and said, "Hers is on the right. I'm on the left."

"Gotcha. Now then..." I replied before the door opened inward. It was so dark that we could barely see anything. But that was fixed with a flip of a light switch. And I was very pleased by what I was seeing. The furniture was cozy and composed off wood while covering all the basics. It looked like Ocellus had only had her furniture needs covered since there was not much in the way of personalized decoration. But that could wait. What mattered was getting her house to have everything a home needed. Although I did notice something about the paintjob on the walls. A trick had bee used with a brush, maybe even with a feather duster, that left patterns on the wall that brought to mind floral shapes. "Ooh... I like this. I really like this... Even the furniture is scaled up for human use!"

I flopped right onto the couch set up to the outer wall. It was such a surprise. Not only did I not have to duck through the doorway. Even the furniture Ocellus had furnished her home with was the size someone like me would use. Although she and Smolder then hopped onto the couch on opposite sides of me with former explaining, "Mmhm! I decided to get the bigger furniture because...I think I'm still growing. And to make things more comfortable for you when you visit."

"My place is outfitted with the same kind of furniture too, so you'll be right at home whenever you come over. I'm still growing too after all. Maybe I'll be as tall as you in another five years." Smolder added while she leaned into me. I then took a moment to survey our surroundings. There was a flight of stairs leading up into a loft. Probably a bedroom just like with how Fluttershy's cottage is set up. Towards the back was a kitchen that likely branched off into a laundry room as well as a bathroom. And directly ahead of us was the coziest feature of the house. A fireplace. Smolder noticed my wandering eyes and spoke up. "For the record, my place is basically this side, but flipped. So until I start putting my own personal touch on my place, there's not much different over there."

"So the two sides are mirrored? That's convenient." I replied before feeling Smolder reaching for my hand. And I answered in kind. Our hands closed their fingers around each other while my eyes met hers. Those beautiful blue reptilian eyes gazed at me while I asked, "You missed me?"

"Every single day. And I...especially missed doing this." Smolder replied while her grip on my hand tightened. Only for there to be a flash of green fire next to us for an instant. And with the green flash fading, I felt another hand grasp my left. A beautiful and familiar dragoness of sandy hues and flowing auburn hair sat next to me while she grinned sheepishly at me. Smolder looked past me at our disguised friend and said with a smirk on her lips, "I think a certain special buggy was missing out on some quality hand holding time too."

"Mmhm... I just really like this form. I can't...hold your hand when I have hooves." Ocellus cooed to me as she cuddled up to me. And there I sat between the two lovely little ladies. There in the silence of their new home surrounding by winter's blessings. We nuzzled and sighed. And before much longer, our lips were upon each other. A kiss that soon deepened as our tongues danced. We had no reason to hide our love anymore. We were on Ocellus' home turf. Her home. Her sanctuary. And we would not hide our hearts from each other. Smolder even released her grasp on me to free my arm and let me fully embrace my disguised lover. Mare or dragonesses, she was my love bug and only mine. Ocellus whispered into my ear at first chance, "This is your home too... Come by and see me anytime... I love you. Always."

"Man, you two are such a great couple." Smolder said smugly as she looked over my shoulder while embracing me from behind. And when I glanced over my shoulder at her, she snuck a quick kiss onto my cheek. Smolder then nuzzled her head into the back of my neck and whispered, "Just because we won't be seeing you all the time anymore doesn't mean we won't be thinking about you... I'm happy to have my own house now, but...gonna miss you."

"Hey, this is a very good thing you've got here. Having time to yourself and doing your own thing is healthy. And if you'd rather spend a day tending to yourself, then don't worry about Gladesong. Do things on your time on your terms. You're not silly little girls anymore. You're both wonderful young women who are coming into your own." I explained while wiggling out of Ocellus' embrace and getting my arms around both of them. And we sat there in a group hug for a while longer. I loved them. I truly did. But with Smolder, it was especially vital that she finally get some real distance from me. At least for one more year. Just a little longer. "I only want the best for both of you. Even if that means I shouldn't be there all the time."

"Awwww... Don't say that. You know I'm yours." Ocellus giggled before placing her draconic lips upon mine for another brief kiss. I could not help cracking a smile. Ocellus had no reason to hide her heart now. She was already a mare in the eyes of Equestria's society. Her days as a filly were already behind her when we first met. Smolder though... She averted her eyes while cracking a crooked smile. It was hard for both of us, but we needed to keep an emotional distance of sorts. And her living in her own house would provide a massive benefit for us. But that did not stop Ocellus from caressing my chest with her hand as she whispered sweetly to me. "You know where to find me. And I'll always be your mare. Come by anytime. I... I'll take...very good care of you. Make you happy..."

The sheer amount of need in her eyes... Were it not for Smolder's presence, Ocellus might have even started to undress me right there. There was nothing stopping us from making love to each other for the first time. And as much as I would have savored making my littlest lover feel like a real woman, I knew it was not the time. And she suddenly had that realization too while bowing her head into my chest. "Sorry... I just...love you so much... And now that we have a place where we can be...alone... With no one watching or knowing what happens in here..."

"And I love you, love bug. Probably more than words can say. At least my heart can tell you how much I really love you." I replied while knowing my treacherous heart was constantly transmitting my true feelings to her at all times. There was no lying to a changeling about my feelings for her. And she burst into quite the snickering fit while Smolder rolled her eyes with a smirk on her lips.

I kissed my little lover on the head while Smolder teasingly spoke up as well. "Hey, just what're you planning on doing to be good to him anyway? Giving him all the kisses in the world? Cooking him amazing meals? Holding hands for hours?"

Ocellus and I just stared at each other out of the corners of our eyes. How would we even explain what she really wanted to Smolder? Was it even legal to describe the acts of...sex to someone her age? Thank goodness Smolder is still a bit too naive about the concept of reproduction. If she was going to find out where babies come from, it would not be from me. I looked away from Ocellus while she did the same. All while blushing furiously. "I would do...stuff with him. Do stuff...to him. Lots and lots of...really nice...stuff..."

"Yeah. The nicest stuff. The stuffiest stuff you could ever stuff around with." I replied while desperately hoping Smolder would drop the subject. And it was not working at all.

Smolder looked like she was about to laugh as she rested her hands on our shoulders. "Oh come on! You guys can tell me! Don't leave me outta the loop here! Come on, is it gonna be fun? You know I could just knock on the door and check, right?"

That realization sent a jolt of shared horror through Ocellus and I. That was right. If anything happened between the two of us, Smolder would be right next door. And even if we made sure she did not have a key to unlock the front door... She might be able to still hear us right through the walls. I have no idea how much sound insulation is present in duplexes, at least by Equestria standards, but I had to assume it was not perfect. If Ocellus and I became intimate and Smolder was home next door... Would we have to wait another year to avoid risking Smolder discovering something she was not ready for?

Thankfully, Ocellus was savvy enough to give Smolder a playful smirk. "Not if my door's locked. And I'm not planning on giving you a spare key anytime soon."

"Oh come on! And here I was expecting we'd be having girl nights all the time! Well fine! No spare key for you either! You wanna come over? You're gonna have to knock! And just maaaaybe I'll keep you waiting!" Smolder groaned while crossing her arms. And all while failing to come across as bitter while she was constantly smiling. And then we all laughed. Ocellus had every right to not hand out spare keys to her front door to just anyone. As did Smolder.

But regardless, I had finished doing what I had come over for. I stepped outside with the two dragon ladies coming along. One true with the other false. Smolder then opened her door to the darkened left side of the duplex while hauling the pack carrying all her goods inside. After that, the two of them stood in their respective doorways while I stood out there in the snow. So quiet. So...solitary. In that instant, I dearly did not want to say goodbye.

Smolder and Ocellus had lost their smiles by then. The former said softly, "Then I... I guess this is goodbye, huh? We've got our own places now..."

"Trust me. It'll be great. You'll learn to love your new personal privacy. And you'll learn fast. Everyone needs time to themselves. Now then, you girls have a wonderful night. Sleep well. And if you want, we'll be seeing each other again very soon." I replied while finding renewed optimism in the situation. Everything would be just fine. Those two lovely ladies were finally living their lives on their own terms and under their own roofs.

Ocellus managed to smile and waved goodbye to me. "Right... Still... I love you. And we'll be seeing you really soon. Good night, James... And good night, Smolder."

"Good night, guys... Hey, Ocellus? You didn't stock your kitchen yet, right? How about you come over for breakfast tomorrow? I've got a few things in there I can cook up." Smolder replied before inspiration blossomed in her eyes. And that was a great idea. They could start their own routines as neighbors and pseudo housemates.

The two little ladies soon closed their doors and left me out in the snow. I then hurried off for home with a spring in my step as I jogged through the snow. It was turning out to be a good day with good things happening to everyone around me. Or at least... Some of them hopefully had good things waiting to happen to them.

The evening went by gently with night setting in over the household. Once Scootaloo and Gladesong had gone to bed, I took my gifts from the Pie sisters and found places for them in the master bedroom. I set the geode and little stone sculpture on the mantelpiece above the fireplace and placed Maud's poem in a frame Fluttershy had scrounged up. I had that poem set on the dresser where I would never miss it.

At last, my beautiful and devoted wife rested beside in bed after a hot shower. All while we had a small fire burning away in the fireplace to add some extra warmth to the room and just make the atmosphere even cozier. Fluttershy gazed at me with the glow of the fireplace casting inviting shadows over her pastel form. "Some many things happening this holiday season. Smolder and Ocellus have their own house now. All three of Pinkie Pie's sisters now...having a future with us? It's a lot to take in."

"But they're all good changes. Ocellus and Smolder need to grow on their own terms for the near future and getting out of our house is the best way to start. As for the three rocky pies... God, I really hope they all find a way outta there. I know Maud's set and ready to move to Ponyville when she graduates next year, but... All I can do is hope for the same with Marble and Limestone." I replied while my thoughts went back to the three lovely sisters that I had only parted ways with mere hours ago. I loved them. And I wanted to believe that spark would still be there next time we laid eyes on each other.

Fluttershy draped a wing across my bare chest as she looked at me in the shadows and flickering glow of the fireplace nearby. "A rock farm isn't the happiest place to be, is it? It sounds...so drab. Nothing but rocks all around you?"

"I'll never know how their parents handle it, dear. For all I know, they're not as happy with their lot in life as they claim to be and just keep up the facade out of tradition. Or maybe they love their way of life and have a passion for rocks that makes Maud's hyperfixations look modest. It might be for the best that we never ask..." I said while just staring at the ceiling. I felt so guilty. It was so wrong to have to leave them behind when they were clearly so unhappy with where they were. But what could I do? What would happen once the true owners of the Pie family rock farm found out their eldest and youngest daughters had bailed and fled to another town? The scandal and drama would be unlike anything I could imagine, I am sure.

"It's really a shame... Because Ponyville is a wonderful place to be. I moved here from Cloudsdale as soon as I could after all. And I first discovered what things are like down here completely by accident. I told you that story, right?" Fluttershy said while holding me in an embrace from the side. And I most certainly did remember that tale she told me. Or rather her and our entire circle of close friends.

I looked at Fluttershy and smirked in the shadows. "Yeah, you did. No wait, all of you girls did. All of you girls getting your cutie marks at exactly the same time and during a sonic rainboom that you all saw simultaneously and while spread out dozens of miles apart from each other? That must have been some Elements of Harmony shenanigans at work."

Fluttershy let out a giggle as she said, "It was! I mean Twilight even said the first time that it was really uncanny! But maybe it was the Elements of Harmony connecting with us before we ever even found them."

That walk down memory lane made for a good laugh. I then rolled onto my side and pulled Fluttershy into a warm embrace. And in that moment, I allowed myself to be weak. "Fluttershy... Do you ever doubt me?"

Her embrace tightened around me in a comforting manner. "Why do you say that? Why should I?"

"I dunno... Just insecure, I guess? I mean... I left to spend a few days at Pinkie Pie's old family home and came home telling you I had found love with three of them. That didn't...alarm you? Didn't make you...envious? This isn't normal, Fluttershy. There's a reason polygamy is frowned upon..." I explained while resting my head into her shoulder. My eyes focused on the weak flames in the fireplace at the time. As if reflecting the flames in my heart waning during a moment of weakness.

Fluttershy brought her lips right to my ear as she whispered to me. "James... Oh no no no, please don't ever think I'm second guessing this whole thing. Listen to me. When I said my vows at the altar, I already knew your heart was different. You shared love with Rarity without ever betraying me. And then our night at Rainbow Dash's house... I was so honored to be your wife for real and to be the one to walk down the aisle with you. But I always new something might change. Something special. And then when Rarity became the same to you that I am... I knew it was not a bad thing. A very different thing, but not a bad thing. And now... I couldn't be more excited for our future. For our family. Every new loved one who finds a place in your heart is a new friend for me. And a new friend for all the rest."

For once, I was without words. I could not help doubting myself. The bigger our family grows, the more strain the foundation it stood upon holds. And if that foundation ever crumbles... The results would be disastrous. Lives ruined. Bonds broken. Children growing up in fractured families. I was terrified of the results of what might happen if the gamble I was taking would ultimately turn sour. But Fluttershy continued to whisper to me as she held me in her arms and wings. "So go ahead, dear. You can doubt yourself as often as you have to. At least until you finally figure out how your own heart truly works. But I will never doubt you. And neither will they. Our love and faith in you... It's not a pony thing. Because no matter what we are, we all love you the same."

"God, honey... Thank you. I'm sorry for doubting myself. I'll never be infallible. I guess the occasional pep talk goes a long way. I love you... Always will." I sighed before raising my right hand to gaze upon the fireplace's glow dancing along the simple band of gold wrapped around my finger.

Fluttershy kissed me on my ear before she continued to whisper to me in her embrace. "And I'll always love you. I'll be strong for you. Because you are always strong for us. But right now... Let's get you to sleep, dear. You've had such a long day."

And sleep we did. And the two of us slept well. Over the next few days, I have been typing out these entries at every opportunity I could find. And I finished just in the nick of time. Because tomorrow is the big day. The Hearth's Warming Eve play in Canterlot is tomorrow and I am stoked.

The play tomorrow will be one of extreme significance. Because it is the first time in goodness knows how long that the unabridged history of Equestria's founding is shown to the world. The first Hearth's Warming Eve where the history of humanity in Equestria was unclassified and revealed to the public. How will it differ from the story that the world has always known? I will gladly chronicle the results afterward.

But for now, I shall enjoy the rest of the day with my family. Time to head out for the park to make snowmen and have a few snowball fights. The kids especially are eager to get outside.