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Insights Into Love

By Tsar_Anon_I
Created: 2021-02-17 06:39:28
Expiry: Never
/nmp/nothing more puretsar anon isingular insight

  1. >Be Anon.
  2. >You're currently chilling on a bench outside the newly-formed Department for Human Husbando Immigration.
  3. >This was also more simply known as Peetzer's Husbando and Waifu Shipping Co. Ltd.
  4. >The primary reason why so many humans came across to this side of the portal was, simply put, a search for love.
  5. >Many other of your fellow anons had crossed on this Hajj for Love, and they had generally found great success.
  6. >Some ran into acclimation issues with the mares that were the best possible fit.
  7. >Things like their own personailities were on the opposite side of the spectrum, they came from different walks of life, or one of them was more prepared for the climate they dwelled in than the other.
  8. >Just the little things like that.
  9. >For you, though, you had an entirely different issue on your own part.
  10. >You had been waiting on this for much longer than most Anons would normally be forced to undergo.
  11. >It had indeed been so long, you had been filling out job applications in Horseshoe Bay and planned on moving in there.
  12. >It made you very curious of who your waifu was planned to be, or if she was even in Equestria.
  13. >For all intents and purposes, she might not even be a pony, which would really activate your almonds.
  14. >You came for a pony waifu, but would not be surprised if something gave a snag in that.
  15. >Besides the cynicism on your part, you were here today because you had the same hope as the last five bajillion times.
  16. >That Condense had confirmed this, and it would be working smoothly for you and the lucky mare hopeful.
  17. >As you happened to be thinking about it, the Proncis of Love opened the doorway to her office, inviting you in.
  18. >A surprise that you would never have seen coming from your current position of waiting for the chance at a very stable relationship.
  19. >"Come on inside, Anon, I was just getting everything together for you."
  20. >Sure did take her time these past few weeks
  21. >At this point, you would just be glad for it to all be over.
  22. >You were quick to leave the bench, stepping inside to take a seat.
  23. >The moment you were inside, Cantdance closed the door behind you.
  24. >Locked the thing, too.
  25. >Was she going to deliver some news she didn't want to leave this room?
  26. >"I'm sorry for the...very long wait to get this through for you, Anon. The best match I could find for you was, well, not what anypony could have expected..."
  27. >Shit was about to get a little more real than you would be accustomed to, was it not?
  28. "Anything bad I should know, about?"
  29. >She hands you a little flyer about the pone you were deemed most likely to have a loving, compassionate relationship with.
  30. >Strangely enough, this one does not have a picture of them.
  31. >Most of these would include one, and a bit of a fuller bio about the pony in question.
  32. >"They're a fairly unique case for me to see...somepony that I would never have guessed the Crystal Heart would point you to."
  33. >According to this little packet, the mare was a prisoner.
  34. >Specifically, a prisoner whom had been accused of some pretty serious arcane crimes.
  35. >The time they've been locked away astounds you.
  36. "...You're sure this is what the Crystal Heart told you?"
  37. >She nods in affirmation, having worked with it for many an Anon before you.
  38. >"Positive. One of the big reasons why it took so long to get this to you was the pardon that had to be arranged for them. You'll have to be led there by guard, just in case. I'm sure this can work, though."
  39. >That totally helped to calm the worries you may have had about this pony.
  40. >It honestly was spooking you a bit more than it should.
  41. >The journey would be deep into the dungeons, to a section long forgotten at this point.
  42. "There, uh...anything I should watch out for?"
  43. >"If you're worried about their actions, the Guard won't be too far behind."
  44. >The mystery surrounding this individual pone was almost as scary as what it would be like to meet them.
  45. >Especially the nature as to why they were sealed for such a long time.
  46. >Candylove brings to your attention another set of papers.
  47. >"You'll need to present this to the Guard when you get down there. It's the pardon in question for the mare in question. I'd come with you, but there's a backlog of other recent human immigrants that I do need to get to."
  48. >Well, that doesn't make you feel like shit at all.
  49. >You might have been the reason there was such a hold up.
  50. "You have a nice day, then, Princess."
  51. >That makes her smile a little bit, the common courtesy of wishing farewell.
  52. >"Same goes for you, Anon. I hope you two take well to one another."
  53. >The cyan glow of magic unlocks the door behind you, letting you free to get started with your journey to acquire waifu.
  54. >Waving goodbye to Peetzer for the time being, you make the descent to the castle's dungeons.
  55. >A place you never thought yourself entering under any volition of your own.
  56. >The first stop from a guard pony was to make sure you were even allowed to be down there, and a quick display of the papers Princess Cadence presented to you allows your passage.
  57. >Futher into the bellows of this glittery kingdom of magic and shiny rocks and shiny rock ponies' prison complex.
  58. >Most of those behind bars watched you walk by, judgemental eyes following your moves further down.
  59. >After a certain point, there were fewer and fewer ponies watching you descend.
  60. >And soon there were none.
  61. >All until you arrived at a checkpoint, where some more seriously-equipped guards demanded you show whatever reason you had for being down here.
  62. >In this border between the normalcy of the rest of Equestria's denizens and what was sealed down here.
  63. >They at first didn't seem to believe it, but the paperwork checked out.
  64. >And so the opening of the "cell" for this mare would begin.
  65. >To be frank, it looked more like a vault to seal something in forever.
  66. >So that it may not be let free unless it was deemed necessary.
  67. >You could only pray that this wasn't a bad idea on the part of Cadence and yourself.
  68. >The lengthy process to open the vault door does give you plenty of time to admire its simplistic-yet-reduntant mechanisms.
  69. >That and how once it was up and out of the way, the entirety of the walls were covered in writing.
  70. >Clearly, this mare was dwelling in the higher planes of insanity.
  71. >It was even on the damn ceiling.
  72. >The guards were arrayed in defensive formation, allowing you to pass.
  73. >Taking a lantern from nearby, you enter and see that every square inch was covered in this unreadable madness mantra.
  74. >And at the end of the cell dedicated to this one pony, you spot what apears to be a maroon pegasus.
  75. >With bandages around her eyes.
  76. >The first thing to jump out was that this more avian-inclined mare was put in this prison due to their serious arcane crimes so long ago.
  77. >The second is a dread that this was a horrible mistake.
  78. >Seeming to notice your arrival, the pony looks at you dead in the eyes.
  79. >Even while effectively blindfolded.
  80. >"...are you...real...or a phantom...?"
  81. >Their voice sounded as though they hadn't practiced it in so long.
  82. >As though it was barely a skill they understood.
  83. >The question was poignant, a reminder of the potential insanity of this mare.
  84. "I'd...I'd think so..."
  85. >Perhaps unconvinced that you are indeed telling the truth, the Pegasus get up.
  86. >Being sealed away for so long would undoubtedly bring to mind the deprivation of one's senses as they spiral deeper into insanity.
  87. >The blind-folded mare tactfully steps closer and closer, the ragged and unkempt nature of their mane and coat became even more apparent.
  88. >The prodding of her hoof against your leg was a bit forceful, but was over when she registered you were real.
  89. >Now curious of what purpose you were serving down here with her, the mares began to question you.
  90. >"...why...are you here...the prison opened?"
  91. >Now this will certainly be interesting to explain.
  92. "It's for a program...about lonely mares and humans being matched."
  93. >Her expression was undoubtedly skeptical.
  94. >"I...have a few...doubts. I should...not be getting off so easy..."
  95. >Hey, you'd certainly be cynical about it, too.
  96. >But you had the knowledge of this whole portal thing and the initiative supported by Cadence.
  97. "I guess you need a bit of proof?"
  98. >It was only natural that she responded with an expectant nod, desiring to know why a mare such as herself was being pardoned, with proof as a recognizeable source.
  99. >You show her the pardon for her, and that it let her free on the condition of the Husbando Initiative and how the Crystal Heart identified her as the best possible match to you.
  100. >Normally, this might make you feel like an idiot, presenting writing to someone with a blindfold.
  101. >But they followed, as though theere wasn't any cloth keeping her eyes shut.
  102. >This was starting to make you a bit uncomfortable.
  103. >"I...want to say I...still do not believe...it...this is...authorized...by the Princess?"
  104. >A nod of affirmation comes from you.
  105. "It took a while for the pardon...the Princess needed approval from one of the others."
  106. >You at least assumed that, if she was needing that long to get this meeting to happen.
  107. >The mare, for the most part, seemed lost on what to think.
  108. >It was a most unusual end to the sentence she had to serve that for all intents and purposes, was an indefinite one.
  109. >How was a pony supposed to react to news like that, if not assume it was all a hallucenation or cosmic jest.
  110. >"...what now...now that I am...free?"
  111. "Now, uh...guess first we leave? We...might have to sort things out, afterwards."
  112. >Well hot diggity damn Mr. Romance, if you didn't know to break the ice and introduce yourself.
  113. >She stared up at you for a good minute or two, before turning back her attention to the impending trip.
  114. >"...leaving...this prison. To where?"
  115. >A good time as ever to explain this trip will take fucking forever on the return.
  116. "Uh, it's Horseshoe Bay."
  117. >Within reason, she seems a bit curious of how in the world the two of you would get there.
  118. >"That is...a very...long...journey...How do you...intend...on crossing the Crystal Mountains...?"
  119. >The length of her sentence reflects on her age, most certainly.
  120. "Well, there's the train. That can get us to Horseshoe Bay kinda quick. Faster than walking."
  121. >Taking a moment to absorb this new information, the Pegasus slowly and carefully gives her wings a stretching they'd desperately been needing.
  122. >The appearance of them remind you of how an owl's wings were, as though deliberately designed to make her quiet as could be.
  123. >Her hoofsteps were also quiet, barely making a sound along the stone surface.
  124. >The guards were certainly suspcious of this pone, but we slowly starting to file away to allow the two of you passage.
  125. >You take the reins of leadership here, stepping out of the vault and inviting the pony to do the same.
  126. >She follows, with perhaps some unseen gratitude from being freed of that horridly isolating cell.
  127. >The next question she would ask you was, perhaps, a little unexpected.
  128. >"...do you have books?"
  129. >It did catch you off-guard at first, but you gathered yourself.
  130. "A few...you a big reader?"
  131. >Her head tilts from side to side, answering the question in a neutral way.
  132. >"Only a little."
  133. >Looks like you were making progress in meeting the mare without completely crashing and burning.
  134. >Today was your lucky day, Anon.
  135. "That's kinda cool...I'm Anon."
  136. >Taking in this sudden wealth of information brought to her, the mare walking beside you responds in kind.
  137. >"My name is Singular Insight."
  138. >It seemed the mare really didn't have much in the way of social skills.
  139. >About as much tract as you had on the situation.
  140. >Perhaps she didn't come off as a normal pony at first, but you didn't even know if she was expressive of anything.
  141. >The trek out of the Castle was in silence, still trapped in the realm of awkwardness.
  142. >Staying completely silent was not all that you had done, no.
  143. >You began to look her over, studying her appearance beyond the readily-apparent bandages or her frazzled mane and horribly-ungroomed coat.
  144. >The first thing to notice was that Insight was a lithe kind of mare, her figure being certainly trim.
  145. >This may be because she had been sealed up in that oversized prison cell, or it could have something else as the root cause.
  146. >Her ears began to flicker a little, as though someone were blowing on them and annoying her ever so slightly in the process.
  147. >Immediately after that, you hear whispering.
  148. >You look around, but there is no one in sight that was close enough to do that.
  149. >And the mare you'd be getting to know was most certainly still silent.
  150. >The mystery of what had happened compounded some of the curiosities surrounding this mare.
  151. >It added to the numerous questions you felt were necessary for her to answer.
  152. >And if possible, understand a little better the actions she took that led to the consequence of imprisonment.
  153. >That might be something you'd rather discuss in private.
  154. >Insight may not like talking about a likely-sensitive topic so openly in a public setting.
  155. >Upon arriving at the train station, the mare took a good, long look at what the contraptions were and if they were something actually used for travel.
  156. >"...the Equestria I knew...certainly has passed."
  157. >Her voice was slowly starting to get used to speaking now, and it became clear Insight spoke mostly in a low monotone.
  158. >This moment had a twinge of wistful sadness, however.
  159. >You'd wager that she was still dealing with the culture shock and setnencing pardon.
  160. >Boarding the train after proving you weren't some sort of hobo travelling with a weird mare wearing a blindfold proved interesting.
  161. >Namely, because you could watch as a pony who had never seen a train before take their first careful steps onto a truly revolutionary piece of equipment.
  162. >"What else has changed...it has been so long..."
  163. >It was a little painful to hear her begin about this new Equestria.
  164. >A place where a pony now felt as though they were temporally displaced.
  165. >In a world they didn't fit into, now just a remnant from an age long past.
  166. "Are you..feelin' okay, Insight?"
  167. >You really couldn't tell if she was actually fine or not.
  168. >These ponies could express so much with their eyes and tone of voice.
  169. >And now you lacked much of those cues to judge how the mare denoted as the best choice for your waifu felt.
  170. >She did nod, though.
  171. >"I should be...can you...tell me, about this new Equestria?"
  172. >Singular Insight asked of you, walking down the aisle of seats for a long ways back from the front.
  173. >She took window seat first, the cheeki mare.
  174. >After coming to be next to her, you tried to describe this new land.
  175. >Though familiar, it had seen so much change in the course of history.
  176. >Shaped by conflict and union, by the actions of single ponies to those of an entire clan or nation.
  177. >You could only go by the basics you knew, but even that seemed like precious information to the mare.
  178. >Those words the only way for her to discern the world around her.
  179. >Coming to a close on your limited knowledge of Equestrian history, Insight let the car sink into silence.
  180. >One that you decided to break a few minutes after the train began to leave the station.
  181. "You, uh...you don't mind if I ask questions about you, do you?"
  182. >She looks out the window, one ear coming to rest parallel to her head.
  183. >"I will tell you if you are bothering me, Anon."
  184. >A bit of a frigid reception, but you'd perservere.
  185. >All in the name of trying to find love with a mare you just met.
  186. "What did you do, before you were imprisoned?"
  187. >Insight's focus shifts back to you, staring directly at you.
  188. >Somehow, those hidden eyes of hers had the same judgemental power as a disappointed parent.
  189. >It was a teensy bit disconcerting.
  190. >"I was a mare interested...in the arcane. Since I am not a unicron, though, I needed to take a different road."
  191. >Now this was going to be quite the odd story to hear from her.
  192. >You let her proceed, remaining quiet as to allow her to elucidate.
  193. >"What I found was...that I was really good at uncovering old tomes...hidden literature that could enlighten. Inspire. That if I could seek long and hard enough...I could find what I was looking for."
  194. >So her talent was in finding old books and stuff.
  195. >Granted, those books would likely be infinitely more interesting than a Common Core textbook, but you wondered how this got into touch with her arcane crimes.
  196. >"The knowlege of the old masters...is something many a magi would like to know. I would gain a position in a magical academy, if only to locate texts they needed."
  197. >You had to admit, that made you feel a little sad.
  198. >You knew all the ponies supposedly had a connection to magic, that each race could do something important none of the others might be capable of.
  199. >But fate decreed that Singular Insight would be relegated to the study of magic.
  200. "And you were good at finding this kind of stuff?"
  201. >She nodded, coming to answer your inquiry.
  202. >"For a while, it was a position of glorified book-hunting or shopping...There may not have been much for me to do...but to learn it, to find those new depths in secrets...that is what I lived for."
  203. >A fair point, though you'd imagine she'd want to take a more proactive role in the study of magic than her current position.
  204. >"Eventually...I could not wait. I felt desperate to observe more directly. Maybe even be a part...it...my misfortune begins there..."
  205. >If she had a smile of any sort from previous pleasant memories, it would have been erased now.
  206. >It would be a time of remembering the regrets of one's past, and perhaps a painful reminder of what led to the mess she was in.
  207. >"The descent began with friends...asking to help, and secrets...we were never meant to know."
  208. >At the moment of beginning this part of the conversation, Insight looked around, as though making sure you two were alone.
  209. >"We did not know...it should not have ended as it did..."
  210. >A twinge of bitterness could be felt in her voice, mixed with terror and a remorse for the times past.
  211. >You elect to remain quiet, thinking she might just need a moment to vent to you about this.
  212. >"...my...friends, or...colleagues is a better description...they were studying...things they should not have. Elder Secrets. Knowing what I was good at...they roped me in...promised an active role in this study."
  213. >Insight actually began to manifest more emotion than in the previous conversations combined.
  214. >She had come to lay down in the seat, sighing as the peculiar mare began to end this little tale of hers.
  215. >"One thing led to another...and...it...did not end well..."
  216. >She may not be ready to talk to you about it.
  217. >The experience of whatever she had gone through, however, had certainly imprinted on your thoughts.
  218. >As she lay there with her head between her hooves, you mulled over what you should respond with...
  219. >You weren't even sure how to handle a mare as...strange as she was.
  220. >How this would even come to work out would be left only for the future to know...
  221. >To be wholly honest, Insight seemed a broken mare.
  222. >One that had been consumed by insantiy and isolation, and having been exposed to something she wished no conversation about.
  223. >You were frankly afraid to lay a hand on her, or show some form of affection at the moment.
  224. >You just didn't you how she'd react, or recognize it was you and not some freaky interdimensional bullshit.
  225. >Singular Insight sometime later straightened her posture, doing so to observe what interesting sights passed by on the train.
  226. >Like endless frigid wasteland.
  227. >That was among the most riveting of sights to have yourself beholden to.
  228. >Though you are questioning your sanity, you decide to make the risky decision.
  229. >You were going to attempt to pet the mare to see if this was a mistake in the making.
  230. >Gently and carefully, you decide the best place to do so was between the Pegasus' barn owl-like wings.
  231. >The moment your hand comes into contact, Insight stiffens like a brick.
  232. >This catches her attention, breaking her from the lovely frosty quagmire to you.
  233. >Even without a direct line of sight on her eyes, you could tell that was a decision that surprised her.
  234. >"Why are you doing that?"
  235. >nervous_sweating.config
  236. "I just...thought it might be nice. Y'know?"
  237. >She spends the next moment gazing deeply into your very soul, as though dredging up every intention you may have with this foreign contact she was most certainly not used to.
  238. >Eventually, Insight starts to let her guard down, as you can feel her not being so stiff to your touch.
  239. >"You can keep doing whatever it is you are...just, keep it there."
  240. >Hey, if you could pet the pone that was good enough for you.
  241. >Acknowledging what she requested of you, the decision was to keep it right there.
  242. >With the added bonus of running your fingers through her coat, getting used to its texture.
  243. >It was a little oily, like hair that hasn't seen a good washing in a while.
  244. >You couldn't tell what Insight might have been thinking, but you swore you could see a very slight upwards curl of the lips.
  245. >This feels like a grand achievement on your part, having succeeded in some capacity to make this not a completely awkward encounter.
  246. >Now, it was only mildly so.
  247. >Singular Insight wasn't even mad at you, too.
  248. >While enjoying this success, you decide you might want to strike up some conversation with this morose, maroon mare.
  249. "There's a library in Horsheshoe Bay, uh...you think you'd want to get anything from there?"
  250. >Such buttery-smooth conversation, and with such elegant prose.
  251. >You'd say you surpassed all the criteria for a mare's man, alright.
  252. >Insight is at least willing to humor the conversation, to save yourself from sounding a little too smooth.
  253. >"Arcane treatises and a mystery novella or two would suffice...for me. Something to keep the mind occupied."
  254. >Looks like you had a checklist on what she wanted so far.
  255. >Now, you would have something to go on.
  256. >You weren't always an avid reader, but you could see yourself trying to get into it.
  257. >Hey, anything to get to know this strange pony a little better.
  258. >The file on her certainly did not describe much of what she could be now, except that she might be dangerous.
  259. >You could feel the hours running by as you think about this mare, and how she's already got your attention.
  260. >There may be some sort of pull together, but you just didn't know what was there.
  261. >How Singular Insight was further down underneath the monotone and general spookiness.
  262. >Perhaps there was something you'd greatly admire, if the consuming coolness of her character were to thaw to a degree.
  263. >You were not quite used to the numerous whispers you might here around the blindfolded Pegasus, however.
  264. >That still gave a sensible case of the heebie-jeebies.
  265. >Over time, Insight began to lean on you as she continued her examination of Equestria.
  266. >She was...colder than you'd expect a pony to be.
  267. >Was she feeling cold at all?
  268. >It was pretty chilly in the train car, which you could blame for her relatively low body temperature.
  269. >But that did raise some concerns.
  270. >If she didn't have that high a body temperature period, something about this pony must have changed tremendously whenever she took part in whatever kind of 'experiment' she had.
  271. >If she was just feeling cold, you kind of feel like a prick for not noticing.
  272. "Are you cold at all, Insight? You feel pretty cold..."
  273. >It was only natural you'd ask her this, just to make sure that one of those aforementioned possibilities can be ticked off.
  274. >Turning to look back at you again, Insight's head cocks to the side as though expressing curiosity over the question.
  275. >"The environment around me is...not miserable."
  276. >Well golly gee, that sure helped.
  277. >So that probably meant she was naturally partial to a block of ice.
  278. >And just left you with more questions than beforehand, Anon.
  279. >Deciding to not prod much further out of simply dealing with more spooktacular things from this mare, you relegate to giving carefully-executed pets.
  280. >Over time, you are able to move further north from the position between her wings, now capable of giving a scratch or two while petting her.
  281. >Upon trying to move a little upwards to maybe feel her mane, a force you can't see politely moves your hand back into your own personal space.
  282. >Singular Insight is quick to explain why something like this happened in her usual way of saying things.
  283. >"I would very much appreciate it if you did not venture that far with your actions. It would displeasure me greatly for you to touch my bandages."
  284. >A bit of a strong reaction to something you didn't know she'd be so sensitive about.
  285. >Did she just not want anyone to see her eyes?
  286. >Did she have no visible eyes?
  287. >Or was the answer more sinister than you thought it could be?
  288. >Now you've immersed yourself in another layer of weird.
  289. >If you weren't so preoccupied with what lay behind those bandages, you'd ask what moved your hand.
  290. >When the sun finally set over the horizon an hour or two later, you had long since crossed the iceworld to a more verdant plain.
  291. >On the way to Horseshoe Bay.
  292. >Singular Insight was starting to falter with her own consciousness.
  293. >Every now and again, you'd catch her starting to nod off as though a mare deprived of sleep.
  294. >As a madmare, she likely did not have a whole lot of opportinuties to enjoy a good rest.
  295. >She was doing her best to fight off the desire to come to rest.
  296. >Sometimes you'd see the resolve that was so steely falter.
  297. >The mare unsure just how much longer she could hold out against the call to Luna's dreamscape.
  298. >Fortunately, the destination of the train was coming into view.
  299. >The harbor that you now called home in Equestria.
  300. >Singular Insight watched as the town came closer over the hills, her mind temporarily drawn out of the slump of drowsiness.
  301. "This is where we'll be living...specifically that small home halfway between out of town and the city center."
  302. >You point to the spot, a quaint little abode of yours.
  303. >Insight takes in that spot, observing it intently with every pasing minute.
  304. >The sight of the town becomes ever more clear, and the train slows down.
  305. >When you and Insight finally arrive, you spend a good few minutes stretching your legs.
  306. >Sweet heaven above, this is what you need to do more often.
  307. >Everything below your waist is upset you chose to stay sitting down for too long.
  308. >The madmare that Peetzer had chosen to join you up with her in a bid of matchmaking was following what you did.
  309. >Getting the blood flowing and feeling bitter about all the aches and pains.
  310. >"I presume a visit to the library is due for tomorrow?"
  311. >Insight was a skilled observer of the fact the town was as quiet as a grave.
  312. "They've been closed the whole day. Something about visiting a friend who'd gone through with the Immigration Program."
  313. >There was that, too. If they weren't back tomorrow, that might really activate your mare's almonds.
  314. >The journey to your home was, as per most walks with Singular Insight, a quiet one.
  315. >The existential silence weighing down on you as you walk may hurt just a bit.
  316. >Coming to your humble demense, you unlock the door to let both of yourselves in.
  317. >Not like you really needed to lock your door, but habits from Earth took some time to be phased out.
  318. >The Pegasus was the first inside, taking her silent steps as she examined your home.
  319. >You really didn't know what she appreciated in a man's home, but left her response as a verdict of your current state.
  320. >"You must be living frugally, Anon. It is a good way to live."
  321. >Guess she isn't a mare big on all the stuff one can buy in the modern world.
  322. >That may have something to do with her overall condition, but it's nice to know she isn't chewing you out over it.
  323. "More by circumstance than choice...but it is not too bad."
  324. >As you respond, the madmare wanders off, exploring your home and getting used to its layout.
  325. >When she'd find something of interest, Insight would stop at it and ask you a question.
  326. >What a device's function was.
  327. >What some of the home appliances you had were for.
  328. >She surprised you with the boundless curiosity she had whenever she wasn't being deathly silent.
  329. >And it was kind of cute to see it come out, a trait of her personality beyond the abnormalcy of the meeting between you two.
  330. >Watching Insight stumble around and admire your modern luxuries the Equestions of yore never had did impress upon you just how long she had been sealed away.
  331. >Acclimating to the modern world and its new traditions and technology was only a part of this journey you'd be embarking on with her.
  332. >You had no idea what she had dealt with for all those years, or what might await you while getting to know her.
  333. >While she continued to examine everything in your home, the creeping need to actually rest would come into mind for you.
  334. >This brought you to the couch in the living room, which with one weird trick folds out to be a bed.
  335. >You didn't have an actual bed as of yet.
  336. >Not your fault that those damn things cost about half your soul across either side of the portal.
  337. >Which meant that you would not be having a classic bed for a while.
  338. >It was not a good feel, especially with a mare that would be sharing your home.
  339. >It probably wouldn't be bad if she wasn't a mare for the comforts of luxury.
  340. >Singular Insight found the concept of pulling a bed outside of a couch to be quite the novelty.
  341. >And it was better than the impression made on the floor of her prison of crushing darkness and exponential insanity.
  342. >"If you do not mind me asking, Anon, may you show me to your home's bathing quarters? My coat has felt awful for half of my imprisonment, and my mane is in need of a long-overdue cleaning."
  343. >That may have been on her list of priorities.
  344. >Like, at least within her top ten.
  345. >You lead her upstairs, showing her that what you had was but a shower, and how it worked.
  346. >This kind of advanced wizardry was something that had transcended the basics of a wooden bathtub and a bar of soap.
  347. >With the knowledge of how to operate such futuristic technology, Insight rigidly asked you to leave.
  348. >She really wanted to be alone.
  349. >This was likely in relation to the fact that she did not want your hands anywhere near her bandages when you were on the train.
  350. >Deciding to not make too much of a deal about this, you leave her be to get cleaned up for the night.
  351. >You would not know why she was so sensitive about it, for now, and didn't want to mess this up at all.
  352. >Not having heard any slipping or angery noises of frustration, you decide to make up the couchbed for the first night with the pony the Crystal Heart recommended as a good match.
  353. >There were some fears that it may not be right, as it was merely the highest probability of success.
  354. >Though she seemed to be a decent pony, all things considered...
  355. >You barely even knew what you had in common with her.
  356. >A young human being paired with an ancient pony whom had seen things no eyes should see...
  357. >You were in a very curious position.
  358. >Your body reminds you that it is in need of sleep, direly.
  359. >The thoughts jumbling about your mind are put away into their respective corners.
  360. >Drawing the blanket over yourself, sleep overtakes you quicker than you could notice.
  361. >You would not be awake to see your match come back from her shower, and how her mane might look.
  362. >How her coat might feel now that it wasn't so oily and greasy.
  363. >When you had woken up once more, you realized there was a weight beside you.
  364. >It was Singular Insight, resting on top of the blankets.
  365. >Seeing her asleep made Insight seem...
  366. >At peace.
  367. >A place to rest her head that didn't remind her of the mistakes she had made.
  368. >The threshold that she crossed into a world that was not her own.
  369. >She must have changed her bandages out, as these were newer and appeared much more fresh.
  370. >The cuteness of this pone was overwhelming.
  371. >You could not resist it any longer.
  372. >Your hand moves to her side, petting her gently.
  373. >Her coat feels quite soft, all things considered.
  374. >This was much better a feeling than unwashed hair.
  375. >Singular Insight began to stir, noticing your actions as though touch alone was enough to wake her up.
  376. >It was kind of weird, to see a pone wake up and not be able to see her eyes flutter open.
  377. >"A good morning for you, Anon."
  378. >Singular Insight wished you in that dull monotone of her, starting to stand up to preapre for the day ahead of her.
  379. "Uh, good morning to you to. You want to go see if the library is open today?"
  380. >That seemed to catch her interest, and what would bring another gentle smile to grace her face.
  381. >If only for a moment.
  382. >"I would appreciate that very much, if you wish to leave at this moment."
  383. >You might be able to put off slapping food together and calling it breakfast for a bit.
  384. >The last thing for you to do was make sure you didn't look like a disheveled squatter before leaving your quaint abode.
  385. >With that out of the way, you and your mare left to go see the temple of reading material.
  386. >An open sign was thankfully there.
  387. >Insight's almonds would rest peacefully, unactivated.
  388. >Walking in, you spot the pony who owned this establishment passing you a happy smile.
  389. >The older mare had a human of her own, helping out by sorting the books.
  390. >She would make sure no one would turn in their books late.
  391. >It would be extremely peeving.
  392. >"Hello, Anon! It's been a while since you last came for a book to read! And is this a special somepony you have here?"
  393. >This bookhorse's inquiry was, in a way, to be expected.
  394. "I guess you can say that, yeah. Didn't you apply for a husbando of your own?"
  395. >The mature mare happily nods, having acquired a husbando when the program started seeing more human immigrants.
  396. >"Yep! He's busy setting the books up right now. Is there anything you're looking for in particular, you two?"
  397. >Singular Insight is the first to speak up, knowing exactly what she wanted.
  398. >>"Do you carry treatises on magical study, and mystery novellas? That is what I wish to check out for today."
  399. >Blinking a little as she saw Insight's...peculiar occular attire, it took the book-keeping pony a moment to respond.
  400. >"Both of those will be...closer to the back."
  401. >Thanking the librarian for her time, Insight begins her literary escapade.
  402. >With the madmare turning away from you, it was possible to get a glimpse of her cutie mark.
  403. >It left you somewhat curious as to what her talent was supposed to be.
  404. >It was a verdant-green Heart of Tursas surrounded by a black circle.
  405. >You could only guess what this pony was good at, but her history of finding old magical tomes was suspect.
  406. >Eventually, she turned corner and was left with finding what she wanted.
  407. >The librarian struck up some conversation with you in the meantime.
  408. >"So...is she okay?"
  409. >She must be talking about the bandages...that might bring up quite a few interesting conversations.
  410. "Yeah, she seems to be alright...Insight moves around like she can see anything."
  411. >Adjusting her glasses, the librarian mare takes a moment to comprehend that for a moment.
  412. >"That is certainly quite odd...do you know a whole lot about her?"
  413. >You unfortunately could only shake your head in denial, having no real things to build off of besides her story as to how she got imprisoned in that horrible cell.
  414. "She hasn't opened up about a whole lot...but I don't think I can blame her for that."
  415. >Seeing Singular Insight return from her bookhunt effectively ended the conversation about her.
  416. >The books in question are resting on her back, somewhat held in place between balance and her wings.
  417. >Bringing them to the counter, Insight hands each one over for the other mare to examine them, and give Insight the date the books would need to be returned.
  418. >With that out of the way, Singular Insight began to leave from the haven of literacy.
  419. >The librarian mare gives a wave goodbye to the two of you, happy someone came by to get read.
  420. >"Goodbye you two! Have a lovely day!"
  421. >It wasn't ever unpleasant to come here, with the friendly atmosphere and the adventure it could afford to any.
  422. "Same to you, Page Query."
  423. >While returning home with your madmare, your curiosity takes over.
  424. >You just gotta know what it is her special talent was.
  425. >You couldn't easily tell from her cutie mark.
  426. "Insight? You mind me asking what your cutie mark is about?"
  427. >She seemed to have been really surprised by the question.
  428. >Like it was the last thing she would have expected you to suddenly bring up.
  429. >"Anonymous...that is a very lascivious question to be asking...it implies you have been ogling a mare's flank for a little longer than a cursory glance..."
  430. >You realize that just as she discusses it in great detail.
  431. >It makes you suddenly flush like a beet that this peculiar pegasus brought it up in such a light.
  432. "I-It's just a question about your special talent!"
  433. >You may or may not have started drifting into damage control.
  434. >Singular Insight had you right where she wanted you.
  435. >After letting you sit there in embarrassment, she could be seen with the barest hint of a smile.
  436. >"I'll answer your question, Anon. It's about an inclination for more arcane studies, the understanding of what those that came before would leave for the next age to study."
  437. >It seemed that your one idea on what she was good at might have been somewhat spot on.
  438. >There was probably more to it, as a mare of magic might have more to do that book running.
  439. "What exactly did you do all those years ago?"
  440. >Tilting her head from side to side, the mare thought about what to tell you.
  441. >"...I've already explained to you what I did primarily...find tomes for the center of learning I studied under. I was also responsible for translating or transcribing what was on these ancient tomes, to preserve their secrets."
  442. >That was actually pretty neat to find out.
  443. >She must know a few old languages that Equestria hasn't heard spoken in many a century.
  444. "You must have seen some really fascinating things, back then..."
  445. >She wistfully looks onward, your words striking a chord with her as she reminisced on the past.
  446. >"So many things..."
  447. >Nothing quite reminded you of how far Singular Insight was from her own time like that sentence.
  448. >Nothing could easily describe what she might have been going through, out of her temporal water.
  449. >When you got home with Insight, it almost seemed as if she was sullen over the matter.
  450. >As though it was something that she still had yet to come to terms with.
  451. >You do the common courtesy of opening the door for the mare carrying her books, to which he thanks you quietly.
  452. >After arriving home, you realize another need of yours that has to be met.
  453. >Slapping together things you'd loosely call 'food' and deeming it worthy of being your overdue breakfast.
  454. >Insight seems to have taken a spot on the couch bed, setting the books she recently checked out to the side.
  455. >One of the things that draws her attention was the gramophone in your living room.
  456. >It was the one luxury you would rather not do without.
  457. >The luxury of some sweet musics.
  458. >You couldn't find much but these old machines for tunes, but that didn't mean they were bad.
  459. >Hell, you were even able to get some more contemporary music for the thing.
  460. >When you had some money to throw away, of course.
  461. >"Anon, can you tell me what that contraption is? It appears most interesting, but I can't discern its function."
  462. "It's a gramophone, it plays music through disks. Some of the older ones used cylinders, but this is a newer one."
  463. >You explained with what you knew about the device, which probably wasn't much in comparison the more hardcore vinyl obsessees.
  464. >Insight seems pretty interested in whatever this magical musical machine could do, and what kind of music would assail her ears.
  465. >Catching onto the mare's interest, you stop preparing your glorious sandwich to show her how it worked.
  466. >When you arrive at the machine, you firstly drew out a record and set it gently on the turntable.
  467. >Giving the motor several cranks, and getting the disk to start moving, you place the needle upon the vinyl.
  468. >After the white noise passed, the room was gently filled with music, amplified by the horn. https://youtu.be/viqGhuvC42M
  469. >This song was a personal favorite of yours, and you were curious of how your mare would respond.
  470. >First hearing the song in the first place caught her attention, Insight's ears standing straight and at attention.
  471. >The slow pace of the song and the vocals seem to really connect with her.
  472. >You thought that, at least, since she was so focused on the song she hadn't touched her books.
  473. >In that moment, it felt as though the music was the only sound in the room.
  474. >Everything else drowned away as the song carried on.
  475. >By the time you were done making your basic sandwich, the song had ended.
  476. >Singular Insight was still listening on to the music in her head, feeling the track all over again.
  477. >"...that was...It was a particularly fine song, Anon. Thank you for sharing it with me."
  478. >Safe to say, you think she loved that tune.
  479. "Glad you liked it, Insight. It's one of my favorite songs to listen to, y'know?"
  480. >The pegasus nodded, absorbing this information.
  481. >"It possesses a penetrating impact...the tone really clings in the mind..."
  482. >Taking a large bite of your piled-high sandwich, you nod as she vocalized her thoughts on it.
  483. "There's plenty more songs to choose from. If there was ever a weakness I had, it was for music."
  484. >Singular Insight was interested in what else you had in store, especially if she could get behind the first one you played for her.
  485. >She could only guess as to what the rest of modern music is like.
  486. >While your busy enjoying your bomb-ass sandwich, the first book of Insight's choosing to read was one of the thicker mystery novellas she wanted to check out.
  487. >How she moved the book in front of her to read certainly caught your attention.
  488. >After looking at the book and focusing on it, the book began to levitate into place infront of Insight.
  489. >nigga u wot
  490. >This mare was but one surprise after another.
  491. >You decided that this was a question that may have to remain unanswered.
  492. >For now.
  493. >Your mare may open up about it in time, since this was undoubtedly related to the incident that changed her life.
  494. >In a way that was probably negative.
  495. >Thinking about Insight, you remember that she had not really eaten, either...was she even okay?
  496. >Did she even have a need to eat, or did she sustain herself through some serious voodoo?
  497. "You, uh...you want anything, Insight? You haven't eaten anything since you were released..."
  498. >Singular Insight heard your concerns, and aptly responded after a moment of thought.
  499. >"I am partial to a cup of tea, if you have any to brew."
  500. >Boy howdy, did you ever.
  501. >It was all you could make your own sugar water with and not have it be literally sweetened water.
  502. "I got some black tea, will that do? Would you like it sweet?"
  503. >Yeah, you only really had black.
  504. >A plebeian you most certainly were.
  505. >Who could afford experimenting with the more premium stuff, anyway?
  506. >Your ass sure as shit couldn't.
  507. >Insight mostly seems indifferent to your relative tastes.
  508. >"That will do, and I'll have it sweetened, thank you."
  509. >Thus came the most entertaining aspect of brewing tea.
  510. >Watching it boil so very slowly.
  511. >Just to add to your plebeian rating, you didn't even have a boiling vessel.
  512. >Just a pot and a lid.
  513. >absolutely_barbaric.jpg
  514. >While you watch the tea boil in the meantime, it seemed Insight had some questions for you.
  515. >"Anonymous...you've had plenty of questions and inquries about myself...yet I have returned few inquiries of my own about you...it would not be of consequence if I asked you about yourself, would it?"
  516. >You really don't have much else to do in that moment.
  517. >It was also only fair for her to get to know you as well, if she was your match.
  518. "Lay your questions on me, Insight."
  519. >Now was the time to wonder what she might ask you.
  520. >What memories she might drudge up.
  521. >And what she would think about you, as an immigrant just looking for love.
  522. >"Firstly...where did you come from, and what was your reason to immigrate?"
  523. >Well, a simple question was alright to start out with.
  524. "It's a little blue-green marble called 'Earth,' and it's not the same dimension. Came here as a part of the Husbando Immigration Initiative."
  525. >She gazes upon you with suspicion, and not without reason.
  526. >The last time she engaged in interdimensional travel was met only with despair and life-altering consequences.
  527. >"You are awfully benign for something that crossed the barrier into Equestria...can you explain what exactly this Initiative is?"
  528. >Not like you have really explained it to her in any of this timeframe, have you?
  529. "The Initiative sorta...began after the portal opened. Princess Cadence organized the whole thing, when she could feel the 'palpable' loneliness on the other side of it. The whole thing is...just lonely humans looking for love, at the core."
  530. >Speaking aloud, it would be amiss to not recognize it sounds odd.
  531. >Who would believe such a thing would be happening, after all?
  532. >"That concept is intriguing. You lept at the opportunity to engage in trans-dimensional tunneling - which could have ended horribly - all in the hope of searching for your better half?"
  533. >Singular Insight wrapped that one up pretty nicely.
  534. >You kinda just had to agree with her.
  535. "Every human that goes through the portal is just hoping for that. When you've been lonely for so long, any chance you have seems to be worth its weight in gold."
  536. >That was really all you could say about the program.
  537. >It was about the search for love, and the hope of making a better life.
  538. >Insight was going through the thought process of what it might be like, in your shoes.
  539. >Until it impressed upon her about the idea of longing.
  540. >Longing for something that looked eternally out of reach.
  541. >Slowly, she nodded as the next question was being formulated for you.
  542. >While she thinking about what next to ask you, the tea began to boil.
  543. >Letting it burn might be not so good.
  544. >Singular Insight brought her next question up as you actually focus on the beverage you've been boiling.
  545. >"The act of traversing time and space for this goal of...love...are you able to return, if you needed to?"
  546. >Fishing out teabags, you suppose that's a salient point to bring up.
  547. "Not at the moment...two way travel is...very difficult."
  548. >It had left Insight dumbfounded.
  549. >That anyone would just so willingly sacrifice everything they had ever worked for, everything that they had known where they were born, even.
  550. >All for this one chance at love.
  551. >To seek out a mare on the other side.
  552. >Without any possibility of going back for the perceptable future.
  553. >"Relinquishing all you know, and all you have, is a serious course of action to follow through. Relating to this, the Initiative...it is the reason I've been released, am I wrong?"
  554. >All you really could give was a nod, still remembering the wait time for a pardon to be approved.
  555. >Insight gives a final question for you to answer while the tea receives its healthy dose of sugar.
  556. >"In summation...you cross time and space, leaving everything you had come to know...in search of a mare...and the mare that fate decreed from its red-threaded halls would be me...a pegasus that rotted in a cell for the better part of an aeon..."
  557. >A nod of comfirmation came from your end.
  558. >This would leave Insight silent, wondering just how bad it was.
  559. >How anyone could have been driven to do such a thing.
  560. >What made her appealing to anything, honestly.
  561. >Singular Insight didn't expect any freedom after being locked behind that vault.
  562. >And now?
  563. >She was free, and this 'Cadence' was playing matchmaker for you and her.
  564. >The thought of being free with the chance for love was never something that would have crossed Singular Insight's mind.
  565. >She could only guess as to how it would turn out.
  566. >And the thought of the more intricate parts of a relationship seemed to be complicated.
  567. >She certainly had lived for a very, very long time through whatever means brought her to that state.
  568. >Insight did not know how long you may be on this earth with her, however.
  569. >Mortality had not come for her, but it had most certainly for those she knew before corssing into a forsaken dimension.
  570. >It would come for the match that was provided, though.
  571. >And that was terrifying for the mare.
  572. >Singular Insight could handle the crushing atmosphere of that damnable vault for a cell
  573. >She could handle the fact that she would have to acclimate to a more modern age.
  574. >But if she were to lose a special somepony she had just come to know...
  575. >It was something she had not known, and the unknown frightened her.
  576. >For you, Anon, the silent atmosphere was but waiting for the tea to cool down just a bit.
  577. >You liked hot tea, yeah, but scalding your mouth was not on your priorities list.
  578. >When it looked to not be a mass of molten sugar water anymore, you brought out a pitcher filled with cool water.
  579. >Activating your innate pouring skills, the sugary tea-water lands not a single drop outside of the pitcher.
  580. >That made you feel bretty good.
  581. >It was a glorious action.
  582. >Taking two cups from your cupboard, you pour a delicious, full glass of home-brewed tea.
  583. >With glass in hand, you brought one to the mare on your couch-bed.
  584. "Here's your glass of tea, Insight. Hope you'll like it."
  585. >Singular Insight gave you silent thanks, taking the glass with her hooves.
  586. >The book was still held in place by this unknown force she was likely exerting.
  587. >Looks like she could only focus on but one object, if she could levitate things like a Unicorn.
  588. >Holding onto your glass, you look over to what your mare might have checked out.
  589. >You knew it was mystery-themed, don't be a smartass, yourself.
  590. >It was the first of a collection of short stories, each one a little different than the first.
  591. >As each page was turned gently, the story unfolded quite curiously.
  592. >It revolved around the typical mystery stry crux, a detective trying to figure out what the offender in a crime had done and who they were.
  593. >Interestingly, as it got closer and closer to the end of every story, the criminal offender was being shown as having full justification for what they had done.
  594. >It left a very interesting moral dilemma for the reader to discuss with themselves.
  595. >Should the detective let the criminal free because of the moral justification they had?
  596. >Or should they stick by the principles of justice for those violating the law?
  597. >This question was left to the reader to decide for themselves, but when the story came to its conclusion, the author decided the fate of the one the detective would be investigating.
  598. >Most of the time, they would be found out, and consigned to their fate at the hands of the law.
  599. >It certainly did get you noggin joggin' pretty good.
  600. >Your mare seemed to really enjoy these stories that were filled with such moral ambiguity.
  601. >Insight took a long sip of her tea, quiet in her appreciation of the stories in the novella.
  602. >The book shifts its position onto a nearby coffee table, and Insight moves onto a longer read.
  603. >It was one of those thick-ass books about magical theory.
  604. >Just looking into the thing gives you nightmares.
  605. >Nightmares of having forgotten to study for a Physics final.
  606. >You were pleased to no longer have that kind of burden on your soul in Equestria.
  607. >While your mare continued to read her textbook of information, you had an idea.
  608. >Resume pettings of the mare.
  609. >Gently shifting your hand onto her back, you begin to run your fingers against her coat.
  610. >It felt a bit floofy.
  611. >You could see that same reaction, stiffening upon your touch.
  612. >Finding out it was just you brought the mare some form of comfort, knowing that you were the one doing that.
  613. >That it was just you behind it.
  614. >It wasn't anything that was deceiving her.
  615. >Just someone close, and not doing anything too funky.
  616. >When she relaxed, if you didn't know better, you thought you could see her smiling.
  617. >Just barely.
  618. >"That is...very appreciated, Anonymous...thank you for that. Would you mind playing more music from that...'Gramophone,' was it?"
  619. >You nod, thinking that shouldn't be too much of an issue.
  620. "Sure thing, Insight...you want more like that last song?"
  621. >The ancient, blindfolded mare nodded to you.
  622. >She really didn't know if there was any variation to what you owned, anyway.
  623. >Taking the old disk off, you gently place a new one onto the turntable, cranking the motor about 63 radians before stopping.
  624. >With the disc spinning, you set the needle down and let the machine take you and Insight away.
  625. >https://youtu.be/1nZmguVEVIA [Embed]
  626. >Swing was your thing even if this particular song was technically outside the era.
  627. >It seemed Singular Insight caught onpretty quick, finding the tone upbeat but at the perfect pace.
  628. >Slow and steady.
  629. >As the music continued, you returned to your spot beside the pegasus.
  630. >As content as you were to gently pet your mare as you had, her long mane did draw anttention.
  631. >Very unkempt, yet it didn't look like it was as coarse as steel wool.
  632. >Moving your hand from the spot it occupied, you reached down to run it along her lengthy mane.
  633. >It was wondrously soft, you'd compare luxury linens to how wonderful it felt.
  634. >Insight looked back to see you were messing around with her mane.
  635. >If you weren't messing around near her bandages, she thought it was pretty alright.
  636. >This would of course change the moment you tried anything like you did on the train.
  637. >"You appear to certainly be enjoying yourself, Anon...are you a mane kind of stallion?"
  638. >You couldn't deny her assertion.
  639. >You certainly loved many different manes mares had, but this style was that of your mare.
  640. >That made this mane all the more special.
  641. "It's a very nice mane, Insight."
  642. >You could feel the eye-rolling.
  643. >It's all you really could do since it's not like you could see them.
  644. >"You have a particular penchant for mares who put minimal effort to styling their manes?"
  645. >Well, you thought it was pretty on her.
  646. "It looks lovely...and it feels great. It's as soft as fine cotton..."
  647. >She faced away from you, listening to your flattery.
  648. >"Aren't you such a charmer, Anon? You surely could convince feathers to preen themselves."
  649. >Insight's usual monotone made it difficult to understand if she was being sarcastic or genuine with you in that moment.
  650. >Her voice was certainly gentle, having the quality of a quiet lullaby.
  651. >It was always welcome to hear her say anything, even if it was just the most inane thing you've ever heard.
  652. >For most of the day, it was just you and Insight relaxing on the couchbed.
  653. >Reading books and chilling out with some tea that progressivey got cooler.
  654. >Even if you didn't understand half of what Insight was reading, being at her side and reading along with her made it enjoying nonetheless.
  655. >On the magical theorems she understood, if you had a question she'd answer to the best of her ability.
  656. >What she didn't understand was most of the newer material.
  657. >That drew her fascination as she tried to divine what it conveyed and how it was used.
  658. >Not being a unicron meant that it had limits, despite the fact she could manipulate objects in a very non-pegasus manner.
  659. >Unfortunately, the day was not young any longer.
  660. >Luna's moon rose high above when the sun crossed the horizon.
  661. >All the light outside was but the silver light of the moon.
  662. >Insight closes the tome, leaving it sitting down in the pile of other books that caught her fancy.
  663. >"If you do not mind, Anon, I will be leaving to bathe. I would suggest you do the same when I have left your bathing quarters."
  664. >It was probably a good idea that you should.
  665. >You can't really recall the last time you have in recent history.
  666. >Singular Insight was up and gone for the shower in the moment.
  667. >It left you with time to reflect about the mare you lived with now.
  668. >About what could possibly be the cosmic motive of this magic blue love rock.
  669. >Again, you hadn't understood the fact you were 'matched' with a madpony, at least not on a metaphorical way.
  670. >Was it to redeem and give some much needed stability for the mare?
  671. >Your thoughts were broken when you heard a shrill noise that made your heart drop into the pit of your stomach.
  672. >It was a blood-curdling scream from upstairs.
  673. >The protective instincts kick in, and you're off before the scream had ended.
  674. >All you need to know is whether or not Insight is okay.
  675. >Opening the bathroom door so fast that it threatened to fly off the hinges, you examine the bathroom.
  676. >The shower is still running, and a mare is behind those curtains.
  677. "Insight? What happened?"
  678. >Hearing your voice, you see her silhouette face you.
  679. >"...It...it was right there...it was coming back, reaching out for my sight..."
  680. >She points to somewhere in the shower.
  681. >Whatever she had seen, it spooked her something fierce.
  682. >Coming over to the shower curtains, you pull them back...
  683. >There is just your mare, and nothing else.
  684. >Except for a thick, violet liquid that dripped from a scrape along her hind left leg.
  685. "Insight...can you come out? You look scared to death."
  686. >The concern in your tone thick as tar.
  687. >Her eyes closed, she nodded as the water handles were both forced back to their initial positions.
  688. >Timidly, Singular Insight exited the shower, close to where you stood.
  689. >Kneeling down, you envelop the mare in a warm hug.
  690. >Not even resisting, she holds onto you tightly, needing something to anchor herself to after what she had born witness to.
  691. >She began to cry, the horror of what was no longer there still fresh in her mind.
  692. >You didn't bother sking any of the details, letting her slowly come back to reality.
  693. >Whispers of sweet nothings, promising she was going to be alright flowed from you.
  694. >Though you had doubt you could remedy the problem she was experienced.
  695. >What could you do to stop the madness from seeping through?
  696. >It began to creep into your mind that something still lingered.
  697. >That something still terrified her.
  698. >Eventually, she came back to you, her eyes still closed as she held onto you.
  699. "There, there...are you alright now, Insight?"
  700. >She slowly nodded, though still somewhat shaken.
  701. "Good...I saw you had a scrape...you look like you're bleeding. If you'll give me a second, I'll get that fixed up for you. Sound good?"
  702. >The Pegasus accepted, letting go and sitting down to let you have access to her leg.
  703. >It wasn't that bad of a cut, but you weren't gonna take chances.
  704. >Getting some soap, you clean the area.
  705. >You weren't such a monster as to use hydrogen peroxide on the poor girl.
  706. >She endured, and it didn't take long before you got a bandage for her leg ready.
  707. >Drying the area off beforehand, you wrap the cloth around.
  708. >all_fixed_now.png
  709. "That's better...I'll leave to give you time to dry off, arlight."
  710. >Though reluctant of seeing you leave, she relented.
  711. >She would need her privacy after all.
  712. >It only took her a few moments before she had exited, dry as could be.
  713. >Your own shower went by quickly.
  714. >You'd rather not leave her alone for too long after she had been scared half to death.
  715. >The violet blood that had come from her wound did impress upon you just how much more different she was than a normal pony.
  716. >It was unnatrual to see that.
  717. >The surprise ride never ended when you learned something about this mare.
  718. >She sees things and bleeds purple?
  719. >It was terrifying to think that you might just be powerless here...
  720. >You prayed that she wouldn't have to endure these bouts of terror.
  721. >When you came back downstairs, your mare was sitting on the couch.
  722. >Insight had made sure to take care of her quirk of needing her bandage on for her eyes.
  723. >That wasn't too much a concern for you.
  724. >All you were worried about was Insight.
  725. >Sitting down next to the pegasus in question, you think it prudent to ask her about her current state.
  726. "Anything happen while I was away, Insight?"
  727. >The Pegasus shakes her head, not having any frightening visions.
  728. >You sigh in relief, the night not getting any more complicated than it was.
  729. "That's good...if you need anything at all tonight, or want to talk about it...I'm right here, okay?"
  730. >You offered what assistance you could, not extremely experienced in the matter of helping others' mental health.
  731. >Singular Insight gives a quiet 'Okay,' registering your willingness to help her through this.
  732. >Drawing the covers to the side, you get ready for bed.
  733. "I'll be needing to go to bed, 'cause I'll be needed for dockhand duty tomorrow...if you need me, just wake me up."
  734. >Again, Insight nodded, looking around to know it was safe to consider laying down.
  735. >Some time after you had drifted off, Insight could no longer force herself to stay awake.
  736. >The Pegasus laid down at your side, draping her wing over you.
  737. >She didn't want to be alone after a recurrence of her fears.
  738. >And if she could be this close, coming to rest beside you...
  739. >It may just be an easy night, after all.
  740. >Dim light was what you woke up to.
  741. >That and your internal clock was very particular about making sure that you didn't miss your hours.
  742. >The next thing you come to realize was how close Insight was to you.
  743. >She had huddled up beside you during the night, perhaps needing someone right there for her.
  744. >So close that she could be certain it was not some nightmarish dreamlike quiagmire.
  745. >You could even feel her wing draped over your back, its soft plumage grazing your exposed skin.
  746. >Singular Insight's breathing had become less shaky, and definitely calmer since her panic last night.
  747. >At peace once again, anchored to a steady island in her time of distress.
  748. >You entertained a few thoughts about calling in a sick day, just to be with her a little longer.
  749. >Concerns over her well-being were not unfounded, after all.
  750. >But you did need the bits to keep going, at least until it wasn't much of a concern for you anymore.
  751. >Stirring from your own awakening, Insight grumbled, as though wishing you could stay a little longer.
  752. >"...Leaving for your employ, Anon?"
  753. >You give her a nod, starting to shift out of bed as her wing no longer acts as a secondary blanket.
  754. "Yeah...gotta go make bits. Spending time with you is free, but since I don't own a farm, food ain't. It won't be too long, though."
  755. >Being tactful as ever, you give your mare a careful pet between the wings like you knew she liked.
  756. >It was enough to satiate her for the time being, the Pegasus looking up at you as you got ready for the morning hours of your shift.
  757. >"Pray tell you aren't away a while longer, Anon. It's an empty home, otherwise."
  758. >Her words lingered in your mind as you began to dress yourself in the dock worker's uniform you were afforded.
  759. >Insight could entertain herself with the books and tomes she had acquired from earlier.
  760. >Was she concerned about separation after last night?
  761. >Or was it just not as mildly entertaining with you out and working?
  762. >The mare didn't clue you on which of those it might be.
  763. >Waving goodbye to her when you were sure you weren't missing anything, you left to resume your normal routine.
  764. >Outside, what awaited you was a day of overcast, much unlike the days before.
  765. >It would normally make you feel a little more sullen when the sun was blotted out by clouds.
  766. >However, in Equestria, the weather ponies seemed to have found a way to make even a dreary day not that bad.
  767. >The harbor here in Horseshoe bay was always busy, having something that needed to moved.
  768. >Something that needed to be loaded.
  769. >And someone or somepony who needed to make all of that a reality.
  770. >At least it payed alright.
  771. >Arriving at work, you could tell just how busy you were gonna be today.
  772. >A sinking realization comes to you.
  773. >All this moving was going to really take a toll on you.
  774. >And you had been so thoroughly admiring your mare, that you hadn't grabbed breakfast.
  775. >This workday was going to be in a totally-not-good situation.
  776. >Valiantly marching on, you resolve to make it through your shift until lunchtime.
  777. >The day is monotonus as you work with the ponies and humans at hand to handle what packages you could.
  778. >Here at the docks, there were only two options.
  779. >Get swole.
  780. >Or tear a ligament trying.
  781. >Most of the time, you wouldn't have noticed the hours pass by, as your work was on your mind.
  782. >Today, you could almost register yourself counting the minutes as they came.
  783. >Both because you were eager to get to some food, and because Insight occupied your thoughts throughout the day.
  784. >Despite the cool exterior of the Pegasus, she had a personality all her own.
  785. >It felt to you that she had a gravitational pull on you.
  786. >Even if she didn't say much, it was definitely more than enough to be said.
  787. >Then there was that air of mystery that enveloped her...
  788. >Eventually, your curiosity would get the better of you.
  789. >You would probably end up asking her about her past.
  790. >Perhaps you should ease her into it with something simple, like about her family life.
  791. >Surely that isn't a question loaded with deep-seated issues,right?
  792. >Hell, you were now unsure how you could gently get around to that, now that you think about it...
  793. >You didn't want to upset her, but knowing more about Insight might help you understand her a bit more.
  794. >Besides, she seemed curious about you.
  795. >That could be where you'd start.
  796. >Questions for questions appeared as fair as could be.
  797. >You were a genius, Anon.
  798. >While still trapped in your thoughts, your supervisor had begun dismissing your fellows for their lunch break.
  799. >Well hot damn if you weren't happy to hear those magic words.
  800. >Taking a breather after surveying what you and your shift accomplished, and how much more there was to go.
  801. >The barely-audible clop of hooves nearby nearly made you jump.
  802. >Turning to see what the source of the sound was, it was a very familiar Pegasus.
  803. >Singular Insight had ninja'd her way here, and nobody around seemed to be paying her any mind.
  804. >She was carrying a paper bag on her back, which was levitated in front of you.
  805. >"I noticed you had not eaten before you left for your employ...so I cobbled together what I could."
  806. >Did your waifu make you a sack lunch while you were away?
  807. >That was so sweet, you could feel your blood sugar rising.
  808. >Finding a good makeshift bench to seat yourself, you open up to see what she had made you.
  809. >She packed you a sandwich similar to one you had made for yourself earlier, along with some other miscellaneous snacks she could raid from your pantry.
  810. >Oh, and some water to stay moist.
  811. "This is very kind of you, Insight...I really appreciate it."
  812. >Your words seem to really make the mare happy on the inside.
  813. >You could tell by the small smile she sported.
  814. >While you began to voraciously tear into your lunch prepared by Insight, the mare in question sat next to you.
  815. >This was not a bad way to spend lunch at all.
  816. "So, you come out here just to make sure I didn't starve myself because I'm incompetent at remembering things? Or was there something else to it?"
  817. >The peculair pegasus gazed out to the harbor, taking in her surroundings and the weather that day.
  818. >"Ensuring you haven't left yourself unnourished is important to me...but alongisde that, I did wish to observe what you performed here, as a dockhand."
  819. >You suppose that wasn't too bad a thing.
  820. >Spending some time out of the house can do a lot of good for anyone.
  821. >Besides, those walls would get pretty dull to watch the wallpaper peel from, wouldn't it?
  822. >Halfway done with your sandwich, you began to point around the workspace.
  823. >Your mare observed what you pinted at.
  824. >She listened so attentively to what you had to say about the place.
  825. >Everything she observed had a question about its function.
  826. >A question about what each new technological innovation was named and how it made your work easier.
  827. >It was curious she took such an interest in something as mundane as what you did for sustenance.
  828. >You'd wager it was because of all the wodnerful creations on hand that she had never seen before.
  829. >Even though she was much outside of her own time, Singular Insight had an enthused fascination with the new world.
  830. >Being able to witness a new era for the first time may have been frightening at first, but it isn't as scary when you have a special someone to weather through it.
  831. >After a while of explaining what everything was, and what your job was like, the conversation died down.
  832. >It wasn't uncomfortable for silence.
  833. >A pleasant one to enjoy with Insight by your side.
  834. >Listening to the waves roil on the shoreline.
  835. >Unfortunately, your break was not an eternal one.
  836. >You would have to return to work soon, and Singular Insight caught onto that fact.
  837. >Finishing your rejuvenating meal, you open the parting conversation.
  838. "So...I guess this is goodbye for now."
  839. >Singular Insight nodded as she saw the writing on the wall.
  840. >"It appears to be so, Anonymous...your employ beckons your return."
  841. >The mare lept down to the ground, getting ready to return home.
  842. >"I will await your return. Will you be much longer before coming home?"
  843. >You surveyed the landscape of boxes n' shiet that needed to be moved.
  844. "I'll have to see what my supervisor thinks is acceptable. Shouldn't be that much longer, Insight."
  845. >That's really all you could say on the matter.
  846. >Nodding solemnly, Insight spreads her wings and takes off to leave you to your own devices.
  847. >The gentle flapping was soon fading from your ears, and your shift team had returned.
  848. >Throwing away the paper bag, you returned to your assigned task.
  849. >A soft smile on your face all the while.
  850. >Work wouldn't be so bad.
  851. >You had a special mare in your heart and mind, and an appreciation for her kindness.
  852. >Your work day was nowhere near as long as you thought it was.
  853. >But good haven above, everything ached by the time you were done.
  854. >You had spent all day lifting shit you had no idea could be as heavy as it was.
  855. >And this had most certainly exhausted you after doing it for several hours.
  856. >With your supervisor dismissing everyone for the day with a check, your day was done.
  857. >No longer would you need to toil in the dockyard for your keep.
  858. >You even got some bits out of the arrangement, as well.
  859. >Getting dollar and going home was a nice way to end your day.
  860. >Arriving at your door, you wonder what Insight may have been up to while you were at work.
  861. >The warmth in your heart still burned from the moment your mare brought you lunch today.
  862. >It felt really good that she could remember things you forgot, and that she took your well-being into account.
  863. >Underneath that cool exterior of a madpony, Singular Insight was actually kind of a sweetheart.
  864. >Turning the doorknob and opening the door, you look inside to see what she might be up to.
  865. >The maroon pegasus was still at her spot on the bedcouch, now looking at you after returning home.
  866. >She easily noticed your exhaustion, setting down one of her books.
  867. >"You have returned home, Anon...your employ has run you ragged. Have they awarded your keep for your tenure?"
  868. >Insight asked you, hopping down from the bed.
  869. "Today was payday...odd enough...but whatever. Money's money."
  870. >She nodded, giving you a glance-over to see that you were indeed okay.
  871. >You were, though your body language conveyed that your aches and pains were screaming about how they hurt.
  872. >"You should bathe yourself. Afterwards, you should rest. It would not do to see you suffering this afternoon."
  873. >There was no disputing that was the course of action you wished to take.
  874. >Wash off all the sweat and grime, then lay down for an hour like a corpse.
  875. >While you were busy showering, you guessed that Insight might be up to something.
  876. >That or just reading more.
  877. >That mare sure does like books.
  878. >When you looked down at the soap you had, you spotted an anomaly.
  879. >There was twice as many as you had before, without you having even gone to the store.
  880. >You doubt Singular Insight had gone shopping at all.
  881. >The reasoning behind this thought came from the fact that, say, both bottles of shampoo were both a quarter empty, and didn't have any tags.
  882. >That was pretty weird.
  883. >Deciding not to delve to deeply into the implications of what might have happened here, you continue to rinse off the feeling of nasty.
  884. >Otherwise, you would be moderately uncomfortable.
  885. >And that would be terrible.
  886. >When you had finished your shower, you weren't as beleagured by pain.
  887. >A cold shower will do that for ya.
  888. >You dry off after turning both the shower knobs to not spew forth more cold water, and slip into something more comfortable.
  889. >Like Hell you were going to wear sweaty clothes.
  890. >Going back into the living room, your thoughts about Insihgt being up to something was valid.
  891. >She had checked the mail, and was drinking tea while waiting for you to come back.
  892. >"I haven't seen such statements since I had first applied for higher learning."
  893. >Inflation will do that.
  894. "Better to pay for a roof over my head than to pay for nothing and have nothing in return."
  895. >A notion you always stuck by.
  896. >Besides, food was also on the list of things that weren't free.
  897. >Insight sighed, setting the letters like the whole two of them that weren't bills down.
  898. >You could not resist the call of bed.
  899. >You flopped down onto it as though you were a felled tree.
  900. >The gainz had yet to flow to you.
  901. >Maybe one day.
  902. >After a minute of laying down, you felt a light weight pressing against your sore back.
  903. >Insight had just landed on top of you.
  904. >The way her hooves were impressing into your muscles at first hurt a bit.
  905. >The hard keratin putting on a lot of pressure.
  906. >Then it seemed to just fade away over time.
  907. >You had come to find out she was laying on top of you.
  908. >Taking a roost atop the resting human.
  909. >"It is disconcerting to see you ache so, Anon. I presume you haven't been in their employ for much time at all?"
  910. >You shake your head, having only recently gotten the job to do something productive.
  911. "I'm not used to this line of work...but hey, it ain't that bad. I at least have someone else to spend the day with."
  912. >You can feel her hooves kneading into your upper back.
  913. >As Insight continues the motion, it feels as though your pain fades.
  914. >The entropy of your soreness was noticeable, it leaving you feeling not rejuvenated...
  915. >But certainly much less in a state of aching agony.
  916. >"Were you a stallion of science, in this 'Earth' you originated from?"
  917. >That wasn't really the case for you, but you weren't a man of manual labor.
  918. "Eh...not exactly. I was a teacher."
  919. >She seemed to take a considerable interest in this particular part of your past.
  920. >"A professor in a school? That is commendable for you to choose. What exactly was it that you taught to young foals?"
  921. >Insight had a sort of respect for education, and it showed with a surge of enthusiasm in her voice.
  922. "I mostly taught math, entry level Algebra. Nothing too fancy."
  923. >She was a bit surprised, since the thought of important math like that was of the highest respect.
  924. >"For somepony lectured in formulae, you are humble about your position. If there was anything I had dreamed of doing, so long ago, it would be educating from a learned position."
  925. >Quite the idealistic outlook on the institution.
  926. "Really, you flatter me. Were your professors any good?"
  927. >Her unending enthusiasm about schooling was answered with a very mildly energetic nod.
  928. >"They were dedicated to their craft, and understanding the importance of magic was what the houses of wisdom were for. There may have been problems, granted, but the education I had acquired was...something I take pride in."
  929. >You could almost feel the wistful smile from there.
  930. >It must have hit the nostalgia centers in Insight's mind, to remember the good times instead of the bad.
  931. >Something different than the nightmare of seeing beyond the horizon.
  932. >Seeing everything there, that was all she did not know.
  933. "What was your favorite part of it all, Insight?"
  934. >Your own lack of knowledge regarding magic universities made you ask.
  935. >Was it like back on Earth, but with a different subject?
  936. >Or did it choose to mix up aspects you knew with things you did not?
  937. >"I found myself in magical theory. I could not cast spells akin to Unicorn, though other options were available for those ponies who could not channel magical forces like those aforementioned. Studying how magic worked was all I really could do, as close as I could reach."
  938. >It almost seemed sad, that ponies fascinated with magic who couldn't do the same things as Unicorns were relegated to just study.
  939. >However, more materials-related courses would reasonably be available in light of those resrictions.
  940. >At least, so you thought.
  941. "You didn't like anything more...'hooves'-on?"
  942. >Singular Insight shook her head, her wings unfurling slightly.
  943. >"I had no desire to continue those courses for much more than the required minimum. I did not undertake my schooling to do more of the same in Alchemical arts. My desires were to understand the theory, and how it reflected in the waking world."
  944. >You suppose that was a point as any to be given.
  945. >An old friend of yours before you had drifted far apart loved Physics, of all things, for some similar line of resoning.
  946. >Now, however, a new question was in your mind.
  947. >You saw what she could do, with those strange abilities of hers.
  948. >How might it work, though?
  949. "Insight, if you don't mind me asking...have things changed? After everything that happened?"
  950. >A response was long hanging in the air.
  951. >You worry the question was too much to bear upon your waifu.
  952. >Eventually, you got a response from her that started with a sigh.
  953. >"Anonymous...I am a little uncomfortable with the subject...discussing this 'form' of mine...but, yes, things have changed somewhat. I am able to do things I then could not, and I still have yet to understand it all."
  954. >You take a moment to process what few words she offered.
  955. >It may have been that she was simply too uncomfortable to get to the core of the matter, but would walk cricles around the issue.
  956. "I'm sorry, if that was an inappropriate one, Insight."
  957. >She gently set a hoof on your shoulder soon after you offered an apology.
  958. >"You don't need to feel sorry, Anon...the question was bound to arise, and I'll have to discuss it at some point...I would prefer to defer this to a later time."
  959. >That was alright by you.
  960. >Her happiness and well-being was worth more than making her uncomfortable.
  961. "Alright...we'll save the topic for later."
  962. >Sensing that your aches and pains were long since passed, Insight gently eases herself off of you.
  963. >"Are you still plagued with any soreness, Anon?"
  964. >You shake your head.
  965. >She had been very thorough in relieving any aches you might have had.
  966. "Nah...I'm good. I'm probably going to have to make dinner soon. Do you want anything, Insight?"
  967. >Sitting down and putting a hoof to her chin, the mare thought about it.
  968. >It would normally be said that she didn't have to worry about sustenance.
  969. >She seemed to have survived quite literally on her own for an astounding amount of time.
  970. >"Should you have the prerequisite ingredients, I thought it might be worth it to bake bread. Bread is the gateway to any homemade culinary masterpiece."
  971. >That might be a good activity to share tonight.
  972. >It's been a while since you've tried any of that.
  973. >Besides, can't hurt to enjoy a cooking session with your waifu, could it?
  974. "That sounds like a great idea. Think I got all the ingredients for making dough, you have any special bread-baking tricks from yesteryear?"
  975. >After getting up from her position on the bed, she looks up at you inquisitvely.
  976. >"Has the process of baking bread changed significantly since last I was under Celestia's golden sun?"
  977. >You don't really know how to answer a question that impactful.
  978. "Uh...on Earth, it can come pre-sliced."
  979. >Her expression changes to one of mild bemusement.
  980. >"Such an innovation in the process of baking. Is such a thing possible in Equestria?"
  981. >You shrug with some uncertainty.
  982. "I have yet to see it, but I wouldn't be surprised if there were such a thing."
  983. >Reluctantly, you part from your prison of comfort.
  984. >The bed calls your name like the gentle whisper of a lover.
  985. >But you have pone waifu.
  986. >And you were gonna make some bomb-ass bread with her.
  987. >The bed could wait.
  988. >Once in the kitchen, Insight looked around, observing the cooking utensils available.
  989. >You didn't have any power ones, which meant you had the joy of doing everything by hand.
  990. >While you raided the pantry for the goods, Insight was acquiring dishes.
  991. >Baking was always a bit of a waiting game.
  992. >It took a while for bread to be ready.
  993. >Often it might take a few hours, which made your hunger screech autistically at you.
  994. >The offset of this wait was something truly wholesome.
  995. >The aroma and satisfaction of bread straight out of the oven.
  996. >Coming back from your pantry raid, you now have the dry ingredients you require for properly mixing dough.
  997. >A quick stop by the fridge awards you with a unit of chicken produce in oblong form.
  998. >Setting everything on the counter, you were prepared.
  999. >Insight had laid down what utensils you would need on the countertop.
  1000. >However, she wasn't anywhere to be seen...
  1001. >Looking around, you find out what she was up to.
  1002. >She had been pillaging the fridge for blackberries.
  1003. >"Bread would be meaningless without a spread. Blackberry jam is one of the numerous things I am grateful of my mother for teaching me how to prepare."
  1004. >Probably the first time she had referenced her parents since you met her.
  1005. >At the moment, they appeared as nebulous figures from days long ago.
  1006. >The only picture of what you had to go off of was that her mother knew how to cook.
  1007. >Or you presumed that was the case.
  1008. >You hadn't any idea if the way her mother cooked was like shit.
  1009. "Not gonna knock that, Insight. You gonna make that while I get the bread ready?"
  1010. >The mare nodded, having already transferred about 9.8N of blackberries into a steel pot.
  1011. >"That would be ideal for conserving our effort. Perhaps I may be surprised with your choice of dry additions to the dough?"
  1012. >Maybe she might.
  1013. >Pouring some water mixed with sugar into a large mixing bowl, you open a packet of yeast.
  1014. >This was to make sure the effort was not wasted in making bread.
  1015. >Nothing worse than having to start all the fuck over again.
  1016. >Once the sugar-water and yeast had turned into something that looked like sewage, you knew it was ready.
  1017. >Mixing together the dry ingredients and the wet, you begin the creation of the dough.
  1018. >This would take a lot of upper body exercise, but it would be worth it.
  1019. >Everything began to coalesce into a liquidy dough.
  1020. >It was not ready yet, however.
  1021. >If it still stuck to anything but itself, it was not ready.
  1022. >You busily continued to mix the everliving fuck out of it with a whisk.
  1023. >As it was starting to take more shape as a proper dough, you continued to add flour along the way.
  1024. >As the dough began to come close to fruition, it made that characteristic slapping noise each time it collided with the bowl.
  1025. >And you began to hear a little snicker.
  1026. >Maybe a bit of a giggle.
  1027. >Looking behind you, it became evident who found this humorous.
  1028. >Insight had raised a hoof to cover her mouth, for some reason finding the action funny.
  1029. >The first time you hear her laugh, even if it was only a mild guffaw.
  1030. >You now have a quite devilish idea floating around your mind.
  1031. >The power of Greyskull surges through your upper body.
  1032. >You mix the dough with unrelenting fury, intentionally being as noisy as possible.
  1033. >It was quick to get a reaction out of your mare, her giggling at such a sound kicking up.
  1034. >At one point, you could even hear a snorting separating moments of giggles.
  1035. >It made your heart flutter, hearing her laugh for the first time.
  1036. >Even though most of her reactions to anything were quite tame, this must've been a real knee-slapper for her.
  1037. >Eventually, when you think your laughter torture has been enough on the mare, you stop.
  1038. >Things slowly return to a more relaxed pace, with the laughter fading away for that moment.
  1039. >It still lingered in your ears, just how it sounded.
  1040. >Despite how it may have sounded suppressed, it had a sense of joviality.
  1041. >Having found some joy or comedy in something.
  1042. >Playing it over in your head, it could brighten any day.
  1043. >No sorrow you could ever feel would last long when you had such a wonderful memory.
  1044. >After making sure the dough was at the right consistency, you would need to let it sit.
  1045. >Putting a cover above the slightly-less-liquid bread, you set a timer for about an hour.
  1046. >Singular Insight had been working on the jam, and was presumedly done.
  1047. >It looked like jam now that it had a chance to cool.
  1048. >And the mild satisfaction on your waifu's face was as clear as ever.
  1049. >The scent of the spread-in-production was quite delectable.
  1050. >While Insight was overseeing the fruit spread, you acquired a sealable glass jar from your cupboard.
  1051. >Setting it beside her, you decide to strike up some conversation.
  1052. >Not like you could do shit while you waited for the bread to rise.
  1053. "What all did your mother teach you to cook, Insight? The jam's looking pretty tasty."
  1054. >Singular insight does not break her concentration while food was being made.
  1055. >"A few things...in the aeon of dwelling beneath the earth in a vault, I cannot recall it all. My mother was an infinitely better cook than I, however."
  1056. >There might be a little reason to any personal doubt about her own skill.
  1057. >Forgetting most of it while locked away would be one of those reasons.
  1058. "Ah...well, what do you still know?"
  1059. >The pegasus thought about the matter, digging up memories of old.
  1060. >What she describe were mostly basic foods, since it was long before the time any pony of her time could have access to a wide vareity of food groups.
  1061. >After a while of rambling about the olden cooking, Singular Insight seemed to recall something of significance.
  1062. >"Pardon the sudden interruption of this leg of our conversation, but there is something I noticed in your mail. A missive from this Princess Cadence. I have not unveiled the contents of the letter, but it is prudent to point out such missive carry importance."
  1063. >Judging by her words, you should probably look to see what Cadence had mailed you.
  1064. >Promptly excusing yourself, you return to the mess of letters in your living room.
  1065. >The letter for you was in a cyan envelope, with gentle orange highlights along the edges.
  1066. >Opening the letter, it read as a check-up on your current condition.
  1067. >Your initial concern over the madpony had not gone unnoticed, and the Princess of Love didn't want a relationship to end up in a place it most definitely shouldn't be.
  1068. >After concluding the questioning, and overall request for an update, Cadence listed a return address for your own letter.
  1069. >Taking some paper and a pencil, you begin your response letter.
  1070. >Lord help your handwriting.
  1071. >You opened up with the usual greeting mumbo jumbo, and give her the basics of your situation with Insight.
  1072. >You explain that within the first few days with her, she's been opening up considerably.
  1073. >Granted, she still had that quite tame personality and calm reactions to almost anything, but she had become accustomed to you faster than you thought.
  1074. >One major issue was her sudden panic attack when she had gone to shower, something that unnerved you to your core.
  1075. >You didn't know if these would continue to plague her so, and that you worried for her.
  1076. >Nonetheless, you've enjoyed the opportunity to get to know your waifu.
  1077. >To see her in an ever-clearer light each day.
  1078. >And so, you conclude your letter, getting the necessary postage ready for an outgoing response.
  1079. >When you came back to the kitchen, Insight had been pouring out the jam into the jar you had provided.
  1080. >You couldn't wait to see what it might be like.
  1081. >Its aroma was so sweet, and you anticipated that it would pair well with your bread.
  1082. >Speaking of which, you need to check out what may be going on with your dough.
  1083. >Peering into your mixing bowl, it appears the dough was almost ready.
  1084. >A few more minutes of arising was all it needed.
  1085. >For now, you had some time to kill.
  1086. >With your mare wrapping up her part, you didn't want to keep her bored.
  1087. >Now was the time.
  1088. >Engage totally-not-awkward conversation with waifu.
  1089. "Uh...you ever think about styling your mane at all?"
  1090. >Frictionless surface levels of smooth.
  1091. >"I have not as of yet. I have come to observe that you are a stallion with a fondness for manes, though. Do you wish for me to perform somethign with it?"
  1092. >Now that all there was left of her cooking was just the pot, she shifted her attention to you.
  1093. >Insight appeared genuinely curious about your initial question, and if that was what you wanted.
  1094. "Well, I just think it's a real beautiful mane to not do anything with."
  1095. >After hearing what you had to say, Insight looked between you and the floor.
  1096. >She hadn't really been a mare with much consideration for her own appearance for a long while.
  1097. >She had just grown accustomed to the ungroomed look.
  1098. >"I'll...consider your request, Anonymous. Your flattery is welcome for the meanwhile."
  1099. >You at least didn't slip too easily along with your awkwardness.
  1100. >Insight may have even liked what you had said just then.
  1101. "You are beautiful, Insight. I just thought you should know that."
  1102. >A gentle smile graces her face, the pegasus waving a hoof at you as though dissuading the compliments.
  1103. >"You appear quite affectionate today, Anon. I assume this is a segue towards a new topic, or are you desiring to flatter a mare?"
  1104. >Insight asked, thinking you might have something more to say.
  1105. "I guess a bit of the former...you don't mind if I ask about family life and stuff from back then, do you?"
  1106. >The pegasus' head cocked sideways, a bit curious of when this might have come up in your mind.
  1107. >In her mind, she supposed it came after she let free the words about her mother and her culinary prowess.
  1108. >"I do not possess any qualms over the topic...it isn't as though you are about to be introduced to them or anything."
  1109. >A bit of a grim reminder that she was effectively alone without you.
  1110. "For starters...what were they like? Did they support your effort to study magic?"
  1111. >Taking a moment to recall how they felt about her pursuits, Singular insight responded as best she could.
  1112. >"When I was but a filly, I believe they treated my personal fascination with the arcane arts as just a passing interest. Upon earning my cutie mark, as you described it, they began to take it with a modicum of seriousness. I do not lay any blame on them, as the more intricate matters of the arcane lay with Unicorns."
  1113. >It must have been a long time since she had to bring up these old memories.
  1114. >Her tone was not angry.
  1115. >It was not filled with sorrow.
  1116. >All you could discern was a hiraeth as Singular Insight brought up the nearly-lost memories.
  1117. "How did you earn your mark, Insight? It seems to have changed a lot of things for you."
  1118. >Another question your mare took a moment to consider.
  1119. >It had been so long ago, that she could almost barely remember.
  1120. >"After learning how to fly, I often went on grand journeys to explore all around the cloud homes of the pegasi. It was not long before I grew tired of the same view. I longed for something more exciting. My journeys guided me to the lands below, to which I discovered a cave. This passage in the earth was not as deep as one might expect; when I had arrived at the bottom, there was a threshold. A doorway that had been sealed. Pressing my hoof against a sigil much like the one on my flank led me to the first arcane tome I discovered."
  1121. >All she could recall about it was laid before you.
  1122. >Another moment of impression that Insight was a mare out of her time.
  1123. >A mare whom had nearly lost herself entirely.
  1124. "It must have been a proud day for you, Insight...showing them that your talent was related to your interests."
  1125. >She nodded, recalling the joyous celebration of earning her mark.
  1126. >"For every pony, no matter their Tribe, acquiring their marks is a rite of passage. Few things can bring a mare to such joy than seeing their own foals, the little ones they've raised understand what they were meant to do."
  1127. >Insight wasn't really wrong, there.
  1128. >Watching the ponies while waiting for a pardon made clear that your mare was telling the truth.
  1129. >Whenever you observed that a filly or colt had recently gotten a cutie mark, it rocked their world.
  1130. >It was just as significant for their parents, an important ritual in every pony's life.
  1131. >In the silence that followed, you went back to observe the dough.
  1132. >It had officially become double its size, and now came more upper body workouts.
  1133. >Clearing off a sanitary countertop and sprinkling the area with flower, you scooped out all the dough you could.
  1134. >Like hell you were gonna waste any.
  1135. >Besides, that would mean thatr you have a bigger mess to clean up.
  1136. >With the gfelatinous blob of bread now on the counter, you kneaded it to perfection.
  1137. >This didn't elicit as much of an intense giggle fit from Insight, but watching you work was enough for her.
  1138. >The wasn't much said in this moment, your efforts focused on making sure the bread wasn't gona turn out too hole-y.
  1139. >Once you finished, you were left with lubing up the bread tins to prevent sticking or burning.
  1140. >Burnt bread was not something you wanted your waifu to have to savor.
  1141. >That would make you feel real bad, man.
  1142. >When you had judged it sufficient and separated the liquid bread into two loaf-like halves, Insight saw fit to resume conversation.
  1143. >"You have aroused my curiosity, Anonymous...what brought the question of my past familial life to the forefront of your attention?"
  1144. >Now that was something to get your noggin joggin'.
  1145. "I guess it was just curiosity about you in general, Insight. What you did growing up, how things were. Getting to know you more is always a treat."
  1146. >A sigh comes from your mare, and a moment of worry crosses your mind.
  1147. >"I suppose it is only natural that a mare and a stallion must ask these questions...my memories of them are hazy, but it's good to remember. Remember what they have done for me. It hasn't gotten much easier than after the first few centuries..."
  1148. >Her tone had gotten fairly somber, recalling the long nights alone in her prison of insanity.
  1149. >She could barely recall anything about her past, and those memories were the world to her.
  1150. >The anchor keeping her from a more feral madness.
  1151. >Seeing as she had gotten a bit sad, you cleaned off your hands.
  1152. >Your mare needed a hug after letting that off on you.
  1153. >Kneeling down to her level, you envelop her in one.
  1154. >Not reacting for a bit, there is concern you invaded her space.
  1155. >Two forelegs locking over your shoulders proved otherwise, your mare taking a moment to quietly hold onto you.
  1156. >"A sort of humor at my expense is...how even as long as I have been left to fester...the eternity that was left for those committing what I had done...it still stings. I could not wish them a final farewell...and the twists of the threads of fate decree I can barely recall what they looked like. The terror at forgetting their faces..."
  1157. >You hushed her, gently running your hand along her lower mane.
  1158. >The moment of being there together was long.
  1159. >A moment of confession from her about how hard it was on her mind.
  1160. >The taxing pressures of her isolation was not only the weight of sensory deprivation, but the inconceivable amount of time this pegasus was sealed away.
  1161. >It could buckle anyone or anypony's sanity.
  1162. >You didn't know how long it had been.
  1163. >The two of you coupled together in a warm, comforting embrace.
  1164. >You didn't hear her crying, though her breathing for a while was shaky.
  1165. >You almost blamed yourself for this.
  1166. >It felt as though you had dug up something she didn't wish to feel at that moment.
  1167. >"...thank you, Anon...it doesn't get any easier to accept the reality of my situation, though you're here. My own emotional baggage is not what I wish to offload unto anypony, but...it is crucial to express these sensations, is it not?"
  1168. >You nod as you hold her, thinking now that she just needed to vent about it with all the parent talk.
  1169. "It's good to vent, every now and again. I never would have known how hard it was for you, otherwise, Insight..."
  1170. >Granted you could guess, but it wasn't like you could know the truth of it.
  1171. >"I suppose so, Anon. It did bring some good memories to my attention again, however. Something I am grateful I can even recall. In the present, after being pardoned...I don't wish to forget anything I experience."
  1172. >With time, your mare felt better, having calmed herself in your embrace.
  1173. >She was the one to part from the close hug, promting you to let go of her.
  1174. >Though you had learned some more about the ancient pegasus, you reflected on the matter.
  1175. >Perhaps your questioning did upset her in a way.
  1176. >It had only been but a few days, and you had prodded her about some serious matters.
  1177. >A pang of guilt for some of her moments did arise in your heart.
  1178. >This would need to take a bit more time.
  1179. >You couldn't rush her about anything, it would feel too wrong for you to.
  1180. >She had just come out of her imprisonment.
  1181. >Was she still thinking this was but a fantasy?
  1182. >Something that would pass at any moment?
  1183. >It was hard to comprehend the specifics of her, this peculiar little mare.
  1184. >For now, your mare had chosen to mill about the place, not having much to do beyond waiting for your bread.
  1185. >Speaking of which, you have yet to check the loafs.
  1186. >When you do, you realize they are ready.
  1187. >You catch yourself from drooling at the thought.
  1188. >Taking off their covers, you set them in the oven.
  1189. >The smell of this baking bread would take you back to the comfiest of feels.
  1190. >With the time passing like a glacier, your stomach decided to autistically screech in your general direction.
  1191. >The bread simply could not come fast enough.
  1192. >You watched it slowly rise in the oven, starting to become what you craved.
  1193. >Some delectable homemade baked goods.
  1194. >It took so long before the wonderful aroma finally flooded the house.
  1195. >Haw lawdy, that was exactly what you needed in your life.
  1196. >Forget Febreeze, this was the true air freshener every house would die to have.
  1197. >It brought a big smile to your face, a joy in the knowledge that everything you were working for would be in your hands.
  1198. >All in just a few, painstaking minutes.
  1199. >Okay, maybe half an hour.
  1200. >The wait was always the worst part when it came to making bread.
  1201. >Spend so long waiting for everything, and it goes by so slowly.
  1202. >It was a real shame when you found out that homemade bread doesn't last super long, either.
  1203. >It encouraged you to feat upon it quickly, or let it get moldy and poisonous.
  1204. >Your internal diatribe of just how bread baking could be bittersweet was interrupted by the reminder to check the bread.
  1205. >It was looking pretty done now.
  1206. >Donning your +2 Oven Mitt of Safety, you reach in and individually pull out each tin.
  1207. >The bread within was looking mighty fine.
  1208. > Closing the oven after setting the tins down, your excitement built.
  1209. >You were beyond ready for some bomb-ass bread.
  1210. >It took little more than the minimum effort to pop the bread out of its tin.
  1211. >That means you didn't fuck up the lubrication.
  1212. >All that crust was perfectly intact.
  1213. >Equipping your +3.5 Bread Knife of Carving, you begin to make slices of your ideal thiccness.
  1214. >It seems Insight had come back, as a jar of her jam had come to rest nearby you.
  1215. >It would normally mkae your heart jump from the spookiness, but you were hungry.
  1216. >And you presumed your waifu might be wanting a slice after all this waiting.
  1217. >You had cut out four pieces of bread for you and Singular Insight, the dissected loaf still steaming from its fun in the oven.
  1218. >Insight had taken a slice already, deciding to sample what you could do.
  1219. >Would be amiss if you didn't feel any anxiety at what she might think.
  1220. "So...you think it's any good?"
  1221. >Her muted reactions meant all you could really go off of was her words.
  1222. >"...I believe it could do with nought but a pinch more of sugar, but you are a talented baker, Anon. I laud your prowess."
  1223. >She even gave you a soft, gentle smile of approval.
  1224. >It never failed to assuage your concerns and fill you with happiness.
  1225. >Unsealing the sacred jar of jam, now was the time.
  1226. >Time for your own sampling of how it just might taste.
  1227. >Evenly spreading it along the warm slice, you prepared your tastebuds.
  1228. >And filled your facehole with jam-coated bread.
  1229. >You were not prepared for this.
  1230. >The sweetness of the jam was the first thing that hit you like an freighter.
  1231. >Another thing that surprised you was that it had a somewhat similar taste to the second main component in a PB&J.
  1232. >Nonetheless, you were very pleasantly surprised by how this jam came to be.
  1233. >This was the sustenance of the Gods.
  1234. "Insight...you jam is some of the best I've ever had. Just sugar and fruit?"
  1235. >The mare nodded, her smile increasing to a degree that was only so slightly noticeable.
  1236. >"That is correct. It shan't expire for two years, if nopony were to savor it. Otherwise, it can be safely presumed it would only last for a number of weeks. In that time, more would need to be procured."
  1237. >Shit, you doubted it would even last but a week in your hungry, hungry hands.
  1238. >For now, it would be the time you and your waifu would enjoy a homemade dinner together.
  1239. >You weren't even sure if she needed food whatsoever, but it was nice to share these little things.
  1240. >Just a quiet day of sampling the simpler pursiuts of life.
  1241. >And that was a-okay with you.
  1242. >You hadn't a need for anything much more high-society than this.
  1243. >All you would need in the near future would be your waifu at your side.
  1244. >Sharing little moments like these with her.
  1245. >It gave you a sense of hope for something you hadn't in much quantity back on Earth.
  1246. >An excitement over what the future may be like.
  1247. >What it had in store for you, and those closest to you.
  1248. >The sensation was describably alien to you, but it was not unwelcome.
  1249. >Such a sensation was exactly what you had been hoping for on this other side of the portal.
  1250. >A part of your thoughts drifted to what Insight may be thinking about.
  1251. >Putting aside the fears that this was but a fantasy to keep her sane, it left you with room to question.
  1252. >She could be having any number of ideas on the future.
  1253. >A mysterious mare such as her had any number of potential positions.
  1254. >Her allure resided in eldritch nature.
  1255. >In the time that passed from your baking day, shared with your waifu, you hadn't been asking as many questions about her past.
  1256. >Last time felt as though you pushed a little too hard.
  1257. >You didn't want her suffering any more than she had to.
  1258. >Speaking of which, you were very thankful that she had not experienced any terrors as she had before.
  1259. >In all these weeks that had passed, she wasn't anywhere near as terrified as that dreadful night.
  1260. >It was something that brought you no end of peace.
  1261. >The thought she could suddenly have another panic attack like that did weigh on your conscience, however.
  1262. >Setting aside your fears, Singular insight had warmed up to you considerably.
  1263. >She still had that archaic way of speaking, but things had gotten slightly more intimate than those first few days.
  1264. >Insight had allowed you to pet a little north of just her mane, but you did still have to be careful around her bandage blindfold.
  1265. >You had even acquired enough bits to get an actual bed.
  1266. >For the first few nights, Insight actually had some problems adjusting to it.
  1267. >She explained it felt so soft, that it made her feel like she was sinking into it.
  1268. >It took her so long to adjust to the comfort of a more modern matress.
  1269. >One of her ways to adjusting was simply to rest as close to you as possible.
  1270. >You wouldn't complain at all.
  1271. >It was quite the enjoyable strategy to adjust to a new bed on your part.
  1272. >Today was but a slow weekend.
  1273. >You weren't needed for a shift at the dockyard anytime soon.
  1274. >Your spine thanked you for not pushing it closer to committing sudoku.
  1275. >The mare you had grown to know and appreciate so dearly was coming back from changing her bandages.
  1276. >Her reason behind doing so was mostly for comfort.
  1277. >Old bandages didn't feel quite right on the muzzle, and it looked a little cleaner to not wear the same ones for too long.
  1278. >She looked between you and the few hallways of your home, before coming to you with a question.
  1279. >"Anonymous, would you mind a stride outdoors for today?"
  1280. > You were a bit curious of what prompted this, but thought it might be a good idea.
  1281. >Staying at home might get a little cramped after a while.
  1282. "Sure, Insight. Just around town?"
  1283. >She shook her head, that not being her intended destination.
  1284. >"Perhaps along the coast? I am partial to escaping the town after some time."
  1285. >Odd, however it might do you some good.
  1286. >Breathe in a bit of that radical nature grandmama always suggested you should do.
  1287. "I don't mind, we can head out now, if that's what you want."
  1288. >Her gentle nod is enough to suggest she would appreciate that.
  1289. >Getting up, you prepare for your journey to the great outdoors.
  1290. >One thing you had taken note of, was that she had braided her bangs, keeping her two-tone cream and silver mane from blanketing her eyes entirely.
  1291. >Insight had been experimenting with her hairstyles recently, and this was her most recent thing to try.
  1292. >Granted, she could see through her bandages that would act as a blindfold, but could she not see through her lengthy mane?
  1293. >Maybe one day you might know the answer to that question.
  1294. >Though you don't know if your soul will be intact if it was a hard answer to listen to.
  1295. >When you and your mare came to the door, you showed her the courtesy of opening it for her.
  1296. >You even tried to not occupy space to let Insight out first.
  1297. >Giving you a quiet 'thanks,' the maroon pegasus looks around, unsure of which path would lead to where she wished to go.
  1298. >For now, you decide to take the lead.
  1299. >You've sometimes had a beachside stroll.
  1300. >You know, when your back wasn't giving out on you and the bed wasn't so damn comfy.
  1301. >Showing her the way out of town and to the shoreline, you lead the relatively quiet walk.
  1302. >It would have bothered you long before being introduced to Insight, that any one could be so silent for such a long while.
  1303. >Perhaps the word bothered was a little too strong to use.
  1304. >The silence itself would probably have been off-putting.
  1305. >The company itself was so much more to you than the need for words.
  1306. >And hey, this demure mare you had come to know had really grown on you.
  1307. >Her tame reactions to most things.
  1308. >Her gentle, soothing voice.
  1309. >You could go on for a very long time about all the positives you enjoyed with your Insight.
  1310. >Looking up at the sky, you could see that there was an overeecast starting to form.
  1311. >Guess the weather ponies decided today wasn't going to be all sunshine and blue sky, huh?
  1312. >The pegasus at your side occasionally glanced around, taking in the sights of the town around her.
  1313. >Sometimes, the denizens of Horseshoe Bay would give you mare an odd look.
  1314. >Understandably curious of why there was a pony trotting about just fine with a human while completely blindfolded.
  1315. >Their questions would remain unanswered.
  1316. >Yours had kinda been as well, however.
  1317. >But you had restrained yourself from prodding any deeper than you had.
  1318. >Your mare's happiness mattered more than extracting information.
  1319. >Speaking of which, you couldn't help but reflect back on when she had come asking if you wanted to stroll outside.
  1320. >The way she looked around seemed to be nervous, if anything.
  1321. >What might she have to be nervous about?
  1322. >Did she believe she was due for another day-terror?
  1323. >You didn't know if such things had a schedule.
  1324. >It didn't seem very punch-clock to you, the concept of a panic attack.
  1325. >Other than fearing for something that was a very real, you were left guessing over what made insight nervous.
  1326. >When you and your mare had made it outside of town, the silence became a little more deafening.
  1327. >The rolling winds and breaking waves all there was to keep the silence from being all-consuming.
  1328. >When you had come to the coastline, it seemed no ponies or humans but you and Insight were there.
  1329. >All along this particular stretch of sand.
  1330. >It would yield privacy in spades, that much was certain.
  1331. >Another quirk of your peculiar mare that you had learned was that she didn't leaves hoofprints.
  1332. >Anywhere behind her that her hooves imprinted upon the sand left nothing.
  1333. >Every day, your mare had a unique way of surprising you, it seemed.
  1334. >The time you spent together started off as just a quiet walk, enjoying the nature around you.
  1335. >Occasionally, you'd marvel at some of the larger waves that would crash on the shore.
  1336. >Just a comfy walk to enjoy nature.
  1337. >Grandmama would be so proud of you actually getting out of the house for once.
  1338. >Singular Insight stopped after a while of this exploration.
  1339. >This encouraged you to do so as well, wondering why she had done so.
  1340. >She had an answer ready before you even needed to ask.
  1341. >"Anonymous...after the time we have shared, these weeks that have been spent following my release...I believe it is time I answered what has laid unknown."
  1342. "Insight? Is this about what happened all those years ago?"
  1343. >You asked, presuming this to be the case.
  1344. >She noodeed, taking a deep breath as she sat down.
  1345. >"Every passing sunrise that we have shared, every sundown that I once more witness...therein every moment under Celestia's golden sun once more, with the winds billowing under my plumage has been relished with you, Anonymous...I have nought experienced such a sensation before."
  1346. >She pauses, gathering her words once more.
  1347. >"The secrets, the memories I keep can't be repressed forever. What questions you possess regarding the incident all those years ago crossing the threshold, I am prepared for. Ask what you may."
  1348. >That was pretty heavy to lay down onto you, there.
  1349. >Sitting down beside her, collecting your thoughts, you ready your first inquiry.
  1350. "For starters...how did it all begin for you? I know some ponies roped you into it, but what was the whole about the thing?"
  1351. >She gazed out to the sea and sky above, her memory of this low of her life still fresh.
  1352. >"A study into the outer realms, those that our minds dare not foster an image of for their own sake. Cosmic dwellings from the times before. This occult study was not carried with permission of the institution, as such expeditions were often dangerous. As aforementioned, I was overly-exuberant at the thought of taking an active role in arcane study, thus explaining how a mare such as myself ended up in their lot."
  1353. >Alright, something to contextualize how it all began.
  1354. "...I see, Insight...what happened when you crossed this 'threshold?'"
  1355. >It took her a little longer to prepare for this next question.
  1356. >It was the hardest of them all to answer.
  1357. >"Where I had arrived was the realm of the fertile black soil where nothing grows, under a sea of alien stars. The indefinite realm where only one being resided. Nopony could have anticipated what laid there, in the outer realm of these blaspheming whispers..."
  1358. >Draping an arm carefully over your mare, you try to offer her some form of comfort to say her piece.
  1359. >She didn't fight it, and you had certainly hoped it was welcome.
  1360. >"The memory of what I had witnessed was not some abberation of a chimaera, born as a mockery of life as we know it...to describe it is impossible, take every word ever compiled by ponies or man...then realize nothing could come closed to understanding what it was..."
  1361. >Her breathing became shaky once more, needing to find out how best to cope with reliving this experience.
  1362. >She had even pushed a little closer into your arms, needing comfort in order to trudge through this story.
  1363. >"What followed I cannot recall in a sane state of mind, but to abridge...from active manipulation of this entity...my physical form was transformed. My eyes were no longer my own, my blood drained to be replaced with what violet sanguine substitute it had in its machinations...my next waking moment was in the medical ward, being examined."
  1364. >Her ramblings about whatever this dimensional horror was had certainly activated your almonds.
  1365. >What horrible thing woul do this to your mare?
  1366. >Why would it bring such nightmarish existence to what came across it?
  1367. "This...thing, it sounds very evil, Insight..."
  1368. >She had started to hug you, and after hearing what you had to say, she embraced you a little tighter.
  1369. >"It in and of itself would be diificult...to ascribe our morality steeped in tradition to such a distant figure. Its motivations are not what we are meant to comprehend...all I know without uncertainty is that it observes natural life with a warped fascination."
  1370. >It escaped you as to how anything could possibly do this to Singular Insight and not be entirely evil.
  1371. >Her ending to the sentence was a bit more chilling.
  1372. >To what degree did this fascination with life run in this entity?
  1373. >Why does it change things like it did to Insight?
  1374. >For now, you had some questions that you believed could be answered.
  1375. >As much as it hurt to put Insight through the questions, she had desired to spill what she knew.
  1376. >You would have to ask her why she would put herself through this.
  1377. "So...what happened to your eyes, Insight? Why do you wear these bandages all the time?"
  1378. >She looked up to you, however unable to meet your gaze as she described what the changes were.
  1379. >"I...cannot explain exactly...though what it had done I understand with certainty...anything living that I would bear witness to without my bandages would leave the back of my mind with the numbing sensation of horrible, fascinated whispers in profane tongues...it sees what I would see. I don't...I do not wish to let anything else become an object of its admiration..."
  1380. >Insight finally met your eyes, as though to drive home a point.
  1381. >"I do not want it to take the same fascination with you..."
  1382. >Insight prolonged the hug, seeking little more than a familiar embrace.
  1383. >The mare had been wearing that improvised blindfold to prevent some cosmic horror from finding the rest of Equestria fascinating and in need of changing.
  1384. >For one reason or another.
  1385. >You let her bask in the embrace for a while.
  1386. >It was alright for her to take her time.
  1387. >This little pegasus could spin the rest of her yarn when she was ready to continue.
  1388. >The mare eventually was, gathering the strength for what you may have to ask.
  1389. >"Are there...any more questions on your end, Anonymous?"
  1390. >There was only one more that you had.
  1391. >Everything else she had sufficiently answered for you.
  1392. >You weren't going to put her through much more trouble than she had already been.
  1393. >It would pain you deeply to see that happen any more than you would need to.
  1394. "Just one, Insight...what led you to being sealed away for so long?"
  1395. >Fortunately for you, this would be a much easier question to answer than the others had been.
  1396. >Nothing as crushing to recall as the crossing of the dimensional doorway.
  1397. >Still might be a little difficult, however.
  1398. >"Coming back to the material realm, the more mundane plane of Equestria...it was not easy to adjust. The madness of what I had borne witness to plagued every waking thought. My dreams were not any safer; penultimately, this would drive me to attempt to put another through what I had...I was caught, fortunately. Nopony should experience what I had gone through."
  1399. >Her tale came to a conclusion.
  1400. >The trials and tribulations of recalling those old wounds now over.
  1401. >And so, silence blanketed the beach once more.
  1402. >You and the pegasus mare beside you continued to watch the waves crash against the sand.
  1403. >Tossing a glance upwards to the skies showed that the overcast of the day had begun to clear up.
  1404. >The sun broke through the haze and shone upon you two.
  1405. >It gave you ample time to reflect on all the things that happened, and the past of your sweet, ancient pegasus.
  1406. >Some things were left ambiguous.
  1407. >Mysteries that would likely remain in a state of limbo.
  1408. >You knew the partial truth of the story of Singular Insight.
  1409. >What she had run afowl of.
  1410. >However, what was out there and lurking was cast in a new light.
  1411. >For what purpose did it change things about your waifu?
  1412. >Why would it be so fascinated with life as something outside the mortal coil?
  1413. >These questions echoed at the void would stay in your mind for years to come.
  1414. >Your waifu had enveloped a wing around your back, desiring to not part from you.
  1415. >At least you had the solace of her company.
  1416. >The tender mare that she was.
  1417. >You couldn't register the amount of time that had passed in that moment.
  1418. >The eldritch pegasus and her human sitting upon the shore together.
  1419. >But it was a welcome time to immerse oneself in.
  1420. >You were very hesitant to shatter this still silence, something you'd liken to the surface of a still pond's waters.
  1421. >Though you also desired to make sure your sweet pony was okay.
  1422. >An unhappy mare would hurt your soul deeply.
  1423. "Insight? Can I ask what brought you to talk about this stuff?"
  1424. >Your waifu nodded, beginning her justification for bringing this up.
  1425. >"Within the purview of our meeting, it would have arisen anyway...and there was another reason. It came to light during this week."
  1426. >You were curious to hear what brought her to the decision.
  1427. >"Since our meeting, I have felt this sensation...a warmth that was not there for an aeon. a sense of belonging and steadiness that was not in the time preceding now..."
  1428. >Her gaze returns to your visage, an earnest confession to you.
  1429. >"...an affection for somepony that was genuine. Anonymous...the reasoning behind letting free all I had experienced to you was because I entrust you with it..."
  1430. >She rested her head against you, having faith you were the one to trust with this.
  1431. >"...because I love you, Anonymous..."
  1432. >It was the first time you heard her say those three words.
  1433. >That she loved you.
  1434. >It had definitely slammed your heart, a realization of everything you hoped for in this new life.
  1435. >That you'd find that one special companion every man had only in their dreams before the portal opened.
  1436. >And you know what?
  1437. >This mare had been a wonderful blessing to every waking moment of your life.
  1438. >You couldn't recall a time when hearing a voice set your mind at ease.
  1439. >You don't remember anyone that could make you feel like you were as welcome in their life as they were in yours.
  1440. >Insight had become that special someone that brought joy whence none existed before.
  1441. >Keeping your mare close, you respond with what is only appropriate for you to.
  1442. "I love you, too, Insight...with all my heart."
  1443. >It felt so damn nice to be able to say it and actually mean it.
  1444. >It touched you right in the heart.
  1445. >As an emotional critical hit.
  1446. >"How I have pined for somepony as you, Anonymous...my dearest heart. The freedom I have been afforded...the time with you...it has felt lucid, as though a dream unparalleled."
  1447. >You didn't doubt that she would feel every moment might be but another step in a fantastical dream.
  1448. >But that wasn't the case.
  1449. >It was all so very real.
  1450. "Well, soak everything in. It's all happeneing, and it's as real as ever."
  1451. >Though you did have to admit.
  1452. >You did feel this was all so nice to be a reality for you.
  1453. >Paired with a sweet mare of your own that made everything all worth living for.
  1454. >It filled the hole that had become more painfully present with every passing year back on Earth.
  1455. >How could it feel like it were anything but a dream to either of you?
  1456. >It was all an idyllic scenario for either of you.
  1457. >Living it and slowly accepting its veracity was not exactly unwelcome, mind you.
  1458. >It just meant every tribulation you had endured had all been worth it.
  1459. >And you would do it all again.
  1460. >All for Singular Insight.
  1461. >With her at your side, anything's possible.
  1462. >Gazing to the heavens above, it seemed that you and Insight had spent most of the day there, on the beach.
  1463. >Had it really been that long?
  1464. >The world had certainly passed you by today.
  1465. >The sunset looked so very gorgeous, however.
  1466. >Each cloud as to a stroke of paint on a grand canvas.
  1467. >The sky still retained the breathtaking cobalt blue for the most part, but at the fringes of Celestia's grand sunlight the transition began to a navy blue.
  1468. >Fringes along every cloud bore a fiery corona of gold and orange, the embroidery of every fluffy billow that adorned the heavens.
  1469. >Even the waves below had been gifted with the touch of sun that turned the white caps of each wave in the sun's path to a bright gold.
  1470. >The majesty of every sunset in Equestria had been so wonderful to savor.
  1471. >Each day gave you a new, equally beautiful sunset to bear witness to.
  1472. >And now, you had someone else to share in this simple little pleasure with.
  1473. >Someone that could make even the dreariest of days the world could throw at you still a warm, welcome one.
  1474. >A mare to build a prue, trusting relationship with.
  1475. >Insight for the most part had been silent as you were.
  1476. >Watching the world around her, and taking in the peaceful sight.
  1477. >A world that had been alien to the torment of the deep prison.
  1478. >You were without a doubt suffused with joy that she had no reason to suffer any longer.
  1479. >That you would be there for her no matter what.
  1480. >Man and mare, side by side in their fidelity to one another.
  1481. >You and Insight shared in enveloping each other in your gentle affections.
  1482. >Feeling her plumange drape across your back to try and keep you close as could be.
  1483. >Your arm gently keeping her in a kind, loving hug.
  1484. >Spending this time with your sweetheart was exactly what you wanted in life.
  1485. >The boundless happiness swelling in your chest brought much hope for the future.
  1486. >It looked so bright from where you stood now, and it would always be so.
  1487. >From now, until forever.
  1488. >As you and Insight share in the comfortable pursuit of watching the sunset, an idea hatched in your mind.
  1489. >You were already feeling the jubilation of indulging in romantic aspirations, and you thought some sappy talk might be in order.
  1490. >Just the little things, you know?
  1491. "So...what might you be thinking about, Insight?"
  1492. >Her ears flicker slightly from hearing your voice after so long basked in silence.
  1493. >"My thoughts dwell on the future, Anonymous...the future our paths have become intertwined with. I have no knowledge of what arrives on the heels of this. In parts, it is exciting and intimidating. It is not a path I have tread before."
  1494. >You hadn't really been in the ring of romance much at all either.
  1495. >Despite how welcome the feeling and knowledge of having someone to love, a special someone, it was a little nervewracking.
  1496. >What you may not have much experience in could be a little bit intimidating.
  1497. "I haven't, either...there's a lot left to the future, isn't there?"
  1498. >Singular Insight gave a gentle nod against your arm, tossing a glance upwards at the darkening sky above.
  1499. >"We possess the time of the world, Anonymous. A wide open pathway for the both of us to stride, and the lifetime that we may share."
  1500. >Insight held a conviction that you and her had all the time in the world to share with one another.
  1501. >Therein was no reason to rush into anything about the relationship.
  1502. >Taking the time you and your mare were afforded would be all the more worth it.
  1503. "Yeah...taking it slow sounds...very nice."
  1504. >The sun soon set once more, fading off the horizon.
  1505. >Rays of sunlight still radiated, taking longer to become swallowed by the encroaching inky blackness of the night.
  1506. >The Night Princess' moon would begin to rise, overtaking the sun in its journey across the sky.
  1507. >Its eternal movement, the dance in tandem across the heavens above.
  1508. >In time, the evening stars would be the first to appear, the warm glow of the sun fading against the serene coolness of night.
  1509. >As the twilight of the day had finally passed, your waifu turned her attention from the horizon to the starry skies above.
  1510. >A soft, gentle gasp escaped her lips, the first real good look at the heavens.
  1511. >These stars were not as alien to her as across dimensions.
  1512. >Even if the constellations were familiar to her, each star was more or less what she could call homely.
  1513. >Each star above was a glittering jewel adorning the crown of heaven, bathed in the silver moonlight of Luna's moon.
  1514. >The glittering gemstones of the heavens each held its own place, with others there accentuating their collective beauty.
  1515. >The waning quarter-moon that rose to prominence as the grand centerpiece.
  1516. >Though being the largest of any celestial object among its place, it seemed to acknowlege its position but remain humble and bringing all the attention to the amassed beauty of the night sky.
  1517. >Your hug grew just ever so slightly tighter around the pegasus at your side, aiming to tell her that you were right there.
  1518. "It's even more beautiful out in the far-out countryside...light pollution from the city reaches far."
  1519. >Facing your sweetheart while she gazes out to the heavens, you admire the beauty of this pegasus.
  1520. >Especially how the moonlight seemed to reflect upon her two-tone mane.
  1521. >"Such a grand total of stars is enough for me. I wish not to be overwhelmed by so many...it does not have a fond memory in my mind."
  1522. >Right...
  1523. >About the whole mess.
  1524. >Well, that is in the past now.
  1525. >Your focus shifts to stargazing for a moment, taking in the same view as your beloved pone.
  1526. >Even if it isn't as grand as it would be should you be farther out, it was sufficient for you.
  1527. >Because you had a mare by your side, and a wamrth in your heart.
  1528. >And that warmth that had blossomed forth was that of a pure, innocent love.
  1529. >Such a feeling left your heart aflutter every time you thought on it.
  1530. >Any instance brought a dopey smile to your face quite easily.
  1531. >Did the sensation of love do this for everyone?
  1532. >The answer to that question was not on your priorities list right now.
  1533. >Coming back down to the ground, you notice Insight had been facing you.
  1534. >And your eyes met as best they could, given bandages and all.
  1535. >There were few words that you had in your mind at that moment.
  1536. >Nothing more was needed to be uttered.
  1537. >No words in need of exchanging.
  1538. >Just a silent moment of passion with a mare and her human.
  1539. >Locked in this quiet, gentle moment, there came only one act of love.
  1540. >A kiss between a man and the mare he loved.
  1541. >A first one shared slowly, an act of union between two kindred spirits.
  1542. >Love between man and mare realized on the shores of Horseshoe Bay.
  1543. >Such a delectable act of love as a kiss couldn't last forever.
  1544. >It may look a little weird if it did, anyway.
  1545. >You and Insight part after it had lasted sufficiently long enough.
  1546. >There would most certainly be plenty more to give and receive.
  1547. >"That was nothing short of divine, Anonymous."
  1548. >A gentle, slight smile remained on her face.
  1549. >It was a welcome sight to bear witness to.
  1550. >For the most part, this sweet pegasus of yours tended to remain expressionless.
  1551. >Seeing that wonderful smile of contentment brought forth a well of happiness that would never be drained.
  1552. "Y-Yeah...that was something else."
  1553. >You had transcended to the Seventh Heavenly Realm of Pure Bliss during that kiss.
  1554. >Your words were merely the succinct, salient observation of that.
  1555. >Singular Insight noted how astutely you observed the wondrous occasion of sharing your first kiss was.
  1556. >She had also taken into account that both of you had been out fairly late.
  1557. >"Moment for moment, this has been an experience I will treasure...should we return home, my dearest heart?"
  1558. >You also became aware of the time to a degree.
  1559. >Your weekend would be ending tomorrow.
  1560. >Where you must trudge yourself back to dockyard work once more.
  1561. >Your spleen cried out in desperation.
  1562. >But alas, twas what a man needed to do.
  1563. "I suppose we ought to...got work and all."
  1564. >It was hard to even think about pulling yourself from your spot on the ground.
  1565. >It was an inevitability, however.
  1566. >As you prepared to get up, Insight had something that just came to mind.
  1567. >"Preceding our return, might I request of you a favor?"
  1568. >Oh?
  1569. >What might your sweetheart need at this moment?
  1570. "Sure, what's the favor, Insight?"
  1571. >She shifted her gaze away from your face as she began to elaborate.
  1572. >"...I believe my plumage has caught granules of sand from this stretch of coastline...preening can only offer so much, thus I request if you were able to utilize those fingers of yours to ensure none of it is brought home?"
  1573. >She had a bit of a point there, Anon.
  1574. >Would you like sand particles in your bed?
  1575. >Both of you would be fucking miserable.
  1576. >You'd have to go through all the effort of changing the sheets and maybe even wash them.
  1577. >And that's terrible.
  1578. >You accept her request of you.
  1579. "Alright, I think I can do this. Just say if I'm doing anything too rough or wrong, okay, Insight?"
  1580. >The pegasus nodded, her wings spreading to their full glory.
  1581. >You came to sit down beside her, having found your comfy position.
  1582. >Now would be the time to work your magic.
  1583. >You started with her left wing, it being the most extended of the two.
  1584. >Though you had never really touched or handled a Pegasi's wings, you had some ideas on how best to go about it.
  1585. >Gently, you run your hand along her feathers, getting a feel for the act.
  1586. >She didn't scold you for fucking something up so far, so you assumed you might be doing something right.
  1587. >You kept this up for a moment more.
  1588. "I am doing this correctly, am I not?"
  1589. >Insight didn't meet your gaze, but gave you her advice.
  1590. >"Just be delicate with your touch, Anonymous. Pegasi wings require careful handling, lest they be injured. Graze a finger along each feather gently, and please do not act aggresive with the wing itself."
  1591. >Alright, some advice for you to heed carefully.
  1592. >The thought of even daring to hurt your waifu would shatter your soul.
  1593. >Seeing that become a reality would drive you to pasta la vista outta here.
  1594. >With all the delicate care in the world, you let your fingers run along her feathers.
  1595. >She was right about some sand ending up along the fine structures of her plumage.
  1596. >You could only imagine how irritating that must be.
  1597. >The grains of sand escaped the clutches of her fine, soft feathers with each stroke of your touch.
  1598. >As you continued, you realized that you might not be able to reach every feather that well.
  1599. >Insight had not expanded her wings to their fullest.
  1600. >You were somewhat nervous about what you would do next.
  1601. >Gently grabbing a hold of her left wing, you slowly move her wings into a more open position.
  1602. >You were especially careful about not letting it move in a way that would hurt your sweetheart beneath you.
  1603. >A gentle gasp that could not be suppressed was uttered by Insight.
  1604. >A glance towards you and what you were doing revealed the outline of a blush.
  1605. >whoa_mama.jpg
  1606. >Maybe it was because you surprised her?
  1607. >You might not know exactly know the cause of this.
  1608. >You hoped it wasn't entirely adverse for the mare that requested assistance in removing sand.
  1609. >Continuing while your mare patiently waited, there wouldn't be any silica taking refuge in her wings.
  1610. >Not when you were done.
  1611. >Soon, you had cleaned out every last granule you could see.
  1612. >Letting go of her wing, you switched sides to work with her right wing.
  1613. >Insight's left wing remained slightly spread, even without any stimulation.
  1614. >Before you get a gentle hold of her right wing, you think it a good thing to ask beforehand this time.
  1615. "You, uh...you don't mind if I grabbed your wing gently for this kinda thing, right?"
  1616. >She shook her head quickly.
  1617. >"I do not...remain gentle and I have not a grievance to vocalize."
  1618. >Accepting her words, you resume the task at hand.
  1619. >As always, you gently extend her wing outwards to achieve access to every feather.
  1620. >It would not do to leave anything in her silken plumage.
  1621. >Spending the time to take care of this conundrum for your waifu wasn't so bad.
  1622. >In a way, this felt quite intimate.
  1623. >There wasn't anything you could quite compare this against in a relationship back on Earth.
  1624. >The special feeling you sensed from this action must be quite impossible to replicate with such a mundane thing.
  1625. >Each tender stroke against her feathers felt as though a close connection was established between you and her.
  1626. >How implacable was it to describe beyond a heart warming intimacy.
  1627. >Spending each moment to make sure your mare was not annoyed by the sand that caught in her wings.
  1628. >After spending so long to make sure nothing was left in either wing, you had reached a satisfactory conclusion.
  1629. >You let go of her right wing, both left perfectly cleaned of debris.
  1630. >Though, you hadn't a clue if you messed up how Insight kept them groomed.
  1631. >Getting up from your spot, you announce that feather grooming is over.
  1632. "There we are...that should be it, Insight. Feel a whole lot better now."
  1633. >The pegasus collapses her wings against her side, letting them take their resting position.
  1634. >"Very much so, Anonymous. The sensation of irritation lingers no longer."
  1635. >Singular Insight got up from her position on the sand, careful to not accumulate much more of it.
  1636. >She gave a small smile to you, though you noticed the blush from ealier still remained.
  1637. >Faded as it may have, it still lingered at the memory of your touch.
  1638. >Insight must have taken the sensation of your gentle touch as an intimate act.
  1639. >Your thoughts would begin to guesstimate what this meant to these little ponies.
  1640. "Guess we should be going back now...there anything else you need while we're out, Insight?"
  1641. >A simple shake of the head revealed that she hadn't much that she pined for at that moment.
  1642. >"Nothing of an urgent magnitude. The quaint hours of night are passing us by."
  1643. >A point she did have there.
  1644. >You thought you could navigate back home at this hour.
  1645. >Surely, it wouldn't be too difficult, right?
  1646. >Now to take those words and see if you could live up to them.
  1647. >The journey from the shoreline was silent as it had been on the way to it.
  1648. >The happiness shared between you and Insight now left it feeling much more pleasant.
  1649. >You could get used to seeing her smile more.
  1650. >Because it brought a happy little smile to your face, as well.
  1651. >Fortunately, you were able to guide yourself and your sweetheart back to your residence.
  1652. >It would have been real awkward trying to find directions at this hour.
  1653. >Letting your mare in, you bring up the rear in sealing the door behind you both.
  1654. >In a way, it was a shame for such a wonderful day to have passed so quickly.
  1655. >A day in which love was realized, and not just merely implicit.
  1656. >From this day forth, a man and a mare would have their love for one another only grow stronger.
  1657. >And it was a good sensation.
  1658. >Today was effectively over, however.
  1659. >Sleep was calling to you and Insight.
  1660. >It could only be fought off for so long.
  1661. >Pulling the covers off and double-checking you brought in no fookin' sand, you climb in and get /comfy/.
  1662. >Your waifu follows suit, coming to rest beside you.
  1663. >You were quick to envelop her in your loving embrace.
  1664. >Show that she was loved.
  1665. >And help her adjust to the softer mattress.
  1666. >Whispering goodnight to one another, sleep overtook you.
  1667. >Tomorrow would come for the both of you.
  1668. >And it would be another day of exploring your love for one another.
  1669. >Morning came a little too quickly for your liking.
  1670. >That accorsed ball of bright light just had to coerce you into leaving your humble abode.
  1671. >You were most reluctant to leave your sweetheart for the day.
  1672. >But you had work to do.
  1673. >Giving your mare a kiss before leaving the warm, comforting embrace erstablished between you and Insight.
  1674. >This time, you would not forget to feed yourself before leaving for work.
  1675. >Not because you didn't want to see your mare around lunchtime, as was tradition now.
  1676. >But because you didn't want her to worry that you were exerting yourself without proper nourishment.
  1677. >You had to take some care of yourself, because a little canary tells you that Insight would appreciate it.
  1678. >When you had left home, work appeared to be just as any workday before it.
  1679. >Check in with your supervisor and see what the hell your shift was to do that day.
  1680. >Today was going to be much longer than you thought it might.
  1681. >Fug.
  1682. >The end of your shift could not come soon enough.
  1683. >At least most of your fellows weren't looking too ornery.
  1684. >That would help speed up this process significantly.
  1685. >Nothing worse than working with extremely irritated people.
  1686. >Your thoughts begin to drift on to what the cause of this may be.
  1687. >Perhaps the Initiative has been improving overall morale of Equestria's citizenry?
  1688. >You had been noticing more of your nignogs around Horseshoe Bay.
  1689. >It does bring a smile to your face at the concept.
  1690. >If everyone and every pony were to feel what you've been enjoying with your sweetheart, that would be an idyllic world.
  1691. >One that was much different than the one you were used to.
  1692. >The magic of love deserved to blossom once more, not to be extinguished with decadence.
  1693. >It was enough to help pass the time to imagine what kind of waifu or husbando was paired with anyone on your shift.
  1694. >Why not have a bit of fun coming up with shipping ideas?
  1695. >It entertained you sufficiently to reach lunchtime.
  1696. >The gentle clopping of hooves near you resounded.
  1697. >It was definitely time to unwind.
  1698. >Forget that you had economic responisbilities.
  1699. >Because it was time to chill with the waifu.
  1700. >Waving over to her, you invite the peculiar pegasus to a comfortable spot.
  1701. >Twas a place to share what had happened so far in the day.
  1702. >And that was all that mattered to you about it.
  1703. >When Insight was close enough, you gave her a big, loving hug.
  1704. >A mare like her could do with all the love in your heart.
  1705. >She was quick to return your affection, most pleased to bask in it.
  1706. >"It suffuses me with jubilation to see you once more, my dearest heart. You have had your morning meal, have you not?"
  1707. >You nod as you begin to tear into the lunch your mare had prepared for you.
  1708. >You could not thank her enough for this display of kindness.
  1709. "I've been doing my best to not forget, and I didn't forget this time. It's an improvement, right?"
  1710. >Her soft, calm smile and a nod of approval followed.
  1711. >Alongside the warm, happy fuzzies you got every time her visage shone with happiness.
  1712. >"Indeed, a significant one."
  1713. >For a while, it was quiet.
  1714. >Just a moment shared between you and a loving mare.
  1715. >It was what you lived for, and would live for.
  1716. >As you were wrapping up your satisfying lunch, Insight seemed to have recalled something important.
  1717. >"Something I ought to tell you before the memory leaves my mind, Anon; an interesting parcel has arrived after you left for your employ. I am not a mare to peek into another's mail, though it has piqued my interest."
  1718. >Some interesting mail finally come your way?
  1719. >Now that really got your noggin joggin'.
  1720. "That so? Guess I'd have to take a look at what it is when I get back. Might be a while, looks to be a long day ahead."
  1721. >Insight gazed about the fields of labor.
  1722. >An unfortunate realization that today was more or less going to be one of those days.
  1723. >"It would appear you are correct, Anonymous. I will anxiously await your return. Home is empty when you leave, my dearest heart."
  1724. >Emotional Critical Hit - %400 Feels.
  1725. "I know, Insight...I can't wait to be back home again."
  1726. >A satisfying homecooked meal would be all you have to remember by for now.
  1727. >Singular Insight would make sure to give you another memento of sorts.
  1728. >The sensation of a warm kiss from your sweetheart was a pleasant surprise gift to you.
  1729. >Your mare made it last just perfectly.
  1730. >Upon breaking the bond of a loving kiss, you gave her a hug goodbye.
  1731. >She took to the skies, leaving you to your machinations.
  1732. >The return of your shift left you with more labor that had yet to be accoimplished.
  1733. >Trudging on, you throw away the trash left over from your homemade lunch.
  1734. >Just leaving trash laying about would be disgusting.
  1735. >Oh, and your boss might yell at you for it, too.
  1736. >That was another concern you might have.
  1737. >Resuming your work ahead of you was of prime importance, however.
  1738. >The time spent didn't feel as bad now.
  1739. >Hearing from your mare and a little kiss from her brought your spirits up again.
  1740. >By the time your shift had finally called it closed, you could really feel the burn.
  1741. >Everything ached with the wrath of Thor.
  1742. >You hoped that one day, you would have the gainz necessary to make this all the less tiresome.
  1743. >When you had arrived back home, you attempted some stretches at the door.
  1744. >Keeping the aches down for now might be a good idea.
  1745. >Entering your humble little shack, everything appeared to be in order.
  1746. >Insight was pouring herself some tea, though upon seeing you return she poured a second glass.
  1747. >"Welcome back home, Anonymous. Has your employ left you particularly strained and overexerted?"
  1748. >Just a wee bitty bit.
  1749. >You nodded to the maroon pegasus, sitting down at the couch.
  1750. "Kinda; left me feeling pain where I didn't even know I could feel it..."
  1751. >Left on the coffee table was the mail.
  1752. >Everything that was not of interest had been delegated to its own pile.
  1753. >The letter of interest sat right in front of you, in a cyan-and-orange envelope.
  1754. >You wonder if it was from Cadence.
  1755. >The last letter you received from her was just like this.
  1756. >Opening the envelope gave you the knowledge you sought.
  1757. >There was a sticky note attached to a piece of paper.
  1758. >The sticky note was from the Princess of Love herself.
  1759. >It was mostly just checking in with you again after receiving your reply on the general state of things, but it also clued you into the contents of the folded paper.
  1760. >The Initiative had figured a way to send postage between worlds, allowing anons and their families to keep in touch.
  1761. >Y'know, if they were close and all.
  1762. >Apparently, yours had sent you a message sometime after this groundbreaking step had been achieved.
  1763. >Regular ponies or humans could not cross themselves, still.
  1764. >It would not be a good idea to have couples end up somewhere not quite friendly to life.
  1765. >Trying to not think too deeply about that last part, you open up the folded sheet of paper to read what it might say.
  1766. >You didn't notice your waifu coming to sit down beside you.
  1767. >The letter they sent you was more or less similar to what Cadence had first sent you, just asking about how you were adjusting to your new life in Equestria.
  1768. >What the mare of your dreams was like.
  1769. >Just the little things.
  1770. >They kinda couldn't hear from you in a while, and would appreciate an update to see if you were faring well.
  1771. >A postscript from your father caught your eye.
  1772. >'P.S. Your mother would be violently disappointed in me if I didn't remind you to send any pictures of what little ones you may end up having. Just covering my bases here, alright champ?'
  1773. >You guess that might have been inevitable to see in a letter.
  1774. >Setting it down, the pegasus at your side tosses you a glance.
  1775. >"Pray tell, what might have been in the letter, my dearest heart?"
  1776. >Taking a moment not to jump from surprise, you explain what was in the mail today.
  1777. "A little something from family is all. Been a long time since I've seen them, and they kinda wanna know how it's going."
  1778. >Singular Insight found that particularly interesting, not expecting that.
  1779. >"Should it be of little consequence, would you like to discuss your parents? You also wouldn't mind something to help assuage your soreness, would you?"
  1780. >You wouldn't mind any of those things, really.
  1781. >Assuming a laid-down position, you prepare the ripping yarn for the day.
  1782. >Your sweetheart's hooves gently plant against your back, alerting you to the acute aches.
  1783. >Soon, however, the magic of her touch began to make the pain fade away.
  1784. "Well...they're alright, I guess...they aren't the kind that are real lovey-dovey with one another, but they've at least sustained things for as long as they have. In a way, I guess they kinda inspired me to look for love when the portal opened."
  1785. >As she continued to work out the soreness with each gentle movement of her hooves, Insight responded.
  1786. >"Were you ever quite close?"
  1787. >You think about the question she presented while her hooves worked into each knot of your muscles.
  1788. "I don't think as close as idealized...it's still good to hear from them. I'll have to write them back sometime soon..."
  1789. >She stops for a moment, giving you a curious glance.
  1790. >"Do you miss them whatsoever, Anonymous?"
  1791. >A bit penetrating, but you're able to answer.
  1792. "A little...I'd still have gone through with everything...it's been worth every second, just to be here with you, Insight."
  1793. >A light blush rises as she gives a dismissive wave of her hoof.
  1794. >"My dearest heart, how sweet of you to say. Do compile a response at some time, though."
  1795. >You give her a nod in response as she resumes her work on your sore back.
  1796. >One thing does remain in your mind from that letter.
  1797. >The talk of little ones.
  1798. >You couldn't tell why it stuck so well ijn your mind.
  1799. >It certainly would remain for most of the day...
  1800. >The thought of how your parents were already asking for babbu pictures if ever you and Insight were to go down that road certainly didn't expedite your thoughts on the matter from your memory.
  1801. >The thoughts weren't bad ones, but you weren't sure about what your mare felt about such a thing.
  1802. >You sighed, not really knowing how best to address the question to her without sounding desperate.
  1803. >As the last of your muscles' aches were carefully pressed out, Singular Insight chose to stop her delicate work.
  1804. >"Does your soreness persist, Anonymous?"
  1805. >You shook your head.
  1806. >She had done an amazing job making the pain go away.
  1807. "Nah...it's all good, Insight. Thank you for that."
  1808. >You smile somewhat at just how caring your mare was for you.
  1809. >She gently parts from the soothing embrace of massage, seeing as it was no longer necessary.
  1810. >Insight presents the glass of tea that she had poured once she saw you enter the household.
  1811. >"Something for you to savor; cold tea succeeding your employ."
  1812. >She knows all the ways into your heart, the lovely mare.
  1813. >You thank her kindly with a hug and a gentle petting.
  1814. >Taking a sip, you let the cool rush overtake you as relaxation floods your core.
  1815. >Just what you needed after a long day at the docks.
  1816. >Your mare leaned against you, taking in the moment as she chose now to crack open a good book with her human.
  1817. >Singular Insight had been trading out her older books for new ones.
  1818. >The Pegasus didn't venture often far from her favorites, and had continued her exploration into the more advanced theorems of magic.
  1819. >She seemed to get a kick out of it.
  1820. >Alas, you could not divine the intricacies of these moonrunes.
  1821. >The formulae looked titillating, if they could produce clean numbers.
  1822. >You expected that they would not, since that always seemed to be the case in math.
  1823. >At least you weren't having a "math situation" or anything that ridiculous.
  1824. >Going over the theorem, however, was of course a long-winded lecture distilled into a page.
  1825. >It reminded you of the time you studied the mathematical proof of 1 + 1 = 2.
  1826. >It was well over a hundred pages in the Principia Mathematica.
  1827. >Sharing a moment like this did give you time to pull plenty of these random memories out of your ass.
  1828. >Though, the question brought up from your parents' letter would grow more present than your bizarre adventure through mathematics.
  1829. >It shouldn't be that taxing a question for you and Insight to discuss, right?
  1830. >Just have to ease it in somehow.
  1831. "...Your parents ever nag you for anything, back all those days ago, Insight?"
  1832. >Your tact knew no bounds, Anon.
  1833. >The peculiar Pegasus paused in her expedition through arcane tomes, tapping her chin with a hoof.
  1834. >"As it has been millennia, recollecting those faded memories is understandably difficult. To give an appropriate response, all I am able to remember would be nothing residing beyond normalcy."
  1835. >A page in the novel was turned before she resumed.
  1836. >"It would most often consist of desiring to direct my attention to more Pegasi-oriented activities in the stead of arcane study in my foalhood years, and as I rose to become a mare, it would drift to the shores of settling down after completing academic studies."
  1837. >Separating her gaze from the heavy tome to you, Insight continued her retelling regarding memories of old.
  1838. >"I believe that I have achieved the first step of that; finding a stallion whom I can consider a better half."
  1839. >Her curiously owl-like wings drape over your back, a form of hug you were not averse to.
  1840. >Bringing her into your embrace with your arm, you ready another question.
  1841. "What might the second step be?"
  1842. >Her front hooves clacked together as she tapped them against one another, Insight beginning the discussion.
  1843. >"Following intermediary processes, it would be that of rearing a foal, Anonymous."
  1844. >Now the conversation was taking off.
  1845. >You still worried over whether or not you were sounding much too desperate with a topic like this.
  1846. "What might be your thoughts on it, Insight? What do you think about that?"
  1847. >You pet her mane while she opens up about the topic, taking note that she had reverted back to her normal, discordant mane-style.
  1848. >"I possess the notion that the concept of bringing new life into the world is a fundamental foundation to a wed pair, those whom share true affections for one another would relish in the delight of a filly or colt to watch blossom."
  1849. >A mare choosing to save herself for marriage?
  1850. >You had genuine respect for that.
  1851. "Do you ever think about that part, and what it might be like?"
  1852. >Insight glanced around, to what you had not much reference.
  1853. >"My personal conundrums with the thought of foal-rearing are...complicated. It is both something to expectantly look forward to, and a source of great concern."
  1854. >Now that was a response you could not easily anticipate.
  1855. >What might be causing her distress over the idea?
  1856. >Was she just nervous at it all?
  1857. "What makes you concerned about it, Insight?"
  1858. >She sighs as she began to explain.
  1859. >"The quintessential fear I possess regarding rearing a foal would be what my altered physique would mean for any resultant young. What they might inherit from a mother having undergone the voyage I had, I do not know. The unknown has long since daunted me."
  1860. >Well, you guess you hadn't thought about that as much during your initial fixation on family talk.
  1861. >Your mare did have a right to be concerned if it might spell a more difficult life for any offspring you may create.
  1862. >If that would work, considering all sorts of factors.
  1863. >Insight had told you during that confession on the beach how she wished not for another pony to experience what she had undergone.
  1864. >To become antiquated with things that lay beyond the horizon of what ponies know.
  1865. >Her trauma was but a testament to what such sacrilegious secrets were capable of doing.
  1866. >As the path of concern was well-founded, you felt it appropriate to ask about what she thought positively about it.
  1867. "I see...though, what makes you think well of the idea, though?"
  1868. >Her attention more obviously draws to you as she explained why she looked forward to the whole family-thing.
  1869. >"Directing attention towards the whole of Equestria, it would appear mares whom are able to pursue a family with a stallion appear fulfilled, do they not? The bond of maternity is a concept I am...unfamiliar with, but it is not as daunting as other unknowns may be."
  1870. >A little more food for thought alongside her concerns.
  1871. >Both of these conflicting viewpoints gave light into how Insight regarded establishing a family.
  1872. >You would definitely need to put as much thought into the issue as your mare had.
  1873. >Her views on it were quite...perceptive, to put it?
  1874. >She knew of the potential dangers and had concerns.
  1875. >Insight had known exactly what terror lurked beyond the veil, and its maddening nature.
  1876. >However, in spite of all of this, there was a genuine want for the idea.
  1877. >A wholehearted curiosity of what had been unknown to her for the greater part of an aeon.
  1878. >Views may differ on raising a child between Earth natives, both before and after having one.
  1879. >Singular insight held an idealistic, almost romantic view of the topic.
  1880. >Equestria was certainly different than Earth in many, many ways you could go on listing for the greater part of a century.
  1881. >The idyllic way of life enshrined by those back home appeared to me much, much more feasible here.
  1882. >Insight might be onto something there, about the fulfillment offered by parenthood.
  1883. >Her words lingered in your mind not unlike an aroma that left a fond, bittersweet memory.
  1884. >As your thoughts on the matter had shifted their attention to your sweetheart's words, she would call you back with an inquiry of her own.
  1885. >"Pardon should this be intrusive, my dearest heart, but mayhap you could elaborate as to what brought this to the forefront of your mind today?"
  1886. >Your skillful tact caught up with you.
  1887. "Uh, just that letter from family, is all."
  1888. >Insight gave you a slow nod, supposing that was acceptable for an explanation.
  1889. >"Your progenitors are certainly quite influential to how you view the world surrounding you. I believe now would be an appropriate time to pen a response?"
  1890. >She certainly seemed quite keen on ensuring you kept in contact.
  1891. >Singular Insight seemed to place extraordinary value on the idea of family.
  1892. "Alright, Insight...I'll get on with that."
  1893. >Giving you a kiss as you accept the herculean task of writing a letter, your mare prepared to get up for a moment.
  1894. >"Take the necessary time to convey what your heart desires to say, Anon. You never know with certainty how long it will take a response to arrive."
  1895. >Your sweetheart got up from the couch, heading off to another area of the home to do what laid in her purview for the while.
  1896. >Taking out a trusty pencil and paper, you prepare a response letter.
  1897. >You tell begin to describe just how the time with your mare had been.
  1898. >All the wonderful moments you had shared with her, and what an amazing improvement to your life she had been.
  1899. >Really, it was such a fortunate realization of the hopes and dreams of any crossing to the other side.
  1900. >Seeing that they cared enough about you to at least make sure you weren't knee-deep in serious shit, you thank them for paying you mind.
  1901. >Oh, and you also assure your mother you would definitely send photos of any little babbus you might end up having, should you get to that point.
  1902. >After glancing over the letter to make sure it was satisfactory, you sign and seal it.
  1903. >Now your postage ritual was complete.
  1904. >You wonder how your parents might feel about anything that would come in the future.
  1905. >At least they were supportive of your journey for a sweetie like Insight.
  1906. >Speaking of the Pegasus, you get up to see what she may have been up to.
  1907. >Leaving from the indentation you have left on the couch, you search high and low for the mare.
  1908. >When you arrive at the bedroom, you could see that Singular Insight was wielding a knife in her magical grip as she carved something out of wood.
  1909. >You could not tell what it was, and your curiosity had expanded.
  1910. "Insight? What might you be up to right now?"
  1911. >Her attention shifted to you as she stopped her wood-carving.
  1912. >"I was creating something to add to the furnishings of our bedroom, my dearest heart. I believed it would be an activity to assist in progressing time further while you were writing your own outgoing parcel."
  1913. >Sitting down on the bed beside her, you decide to ask her what exactly this thing she was making was.
  1914. "Alright, and what did you decide you were gonna cut out of that block of wood?"
  1915. >Insight resumes her carving, knife grazing along the surface as a new layer of wood was peeled back.
  1916. >"What this will become upon completion is a totem of protection, in the quaint hours of the night."
  1917. >Taking a moment to observe what this totem looked like before you asked another question, you really didn't know any Earth parallels to it.
  1918. >Perhaps it was a more aniconic representation of something with deeper meaning.
  1919. >Or it was just two triangular pyramids with their top vertices facing outwards.
  1920. >You really didn't know at all.
  1921. >As Insight began to work on the middle, it took the form of a sphere.
  1922. "Well, what's the story on making these sorts of things, Insight? I thought protecting dreams was part of what Princess Luna did."
  1923. >Supposing it was story time now, Insight began a yarn for the two of you.
  1924. >"Within the general timeframe of my return to Equestria following the...Incident...the sickles of madness caressed my mind early. The tongues of blaspheming, sacrilegious voices had been taxing my fragile sanity."
  1925. >Her work on the totem was slow, making sure every angle met her specification.
  1926. >"Preceding the descent into insanity in totality, I embarked on a journey to remedy the conundrum. A multitude of methods...how shall I speak of it...did not function as intended."
  1927. >Shaking her head as she recalled the failed attempts at a home remedy to insanity, Insight continued her ripping yarn.
  1928. >"And eventually, I came upon a practice utilized at the fringes of Equestrian-known societies. The practice of forging totems for a number of functions."
  1929. >As the last peelings of wood were moved, Insight set the knife down to observe her handiwork.
  1930. >"These little things would be a temporary salvation, until the inevitable would happen; the rest of the story is history from that point on."
  1931. >With her piece said, Insight found a place to leave this little ornament.
  1932. >Balancing it on the surface of her choice, your sweetheart whispers something to it.
  1933. >Something you are unable to quite register.
  1934. "Are these a familiar comfort, then?"
  1935. >Singular Insight shrugged, not quite sure how to describe the attachment she had to these strange crafts.
  1936. >"The familiarity of the totems is not lost on me. I suppose such a creation is but a comfort, though I desire this to establish a vanguard..."
  1937. >Insight directs her gaze to meet your own.
  1938. >"I wish not for you to have to suffer anything that I have undergone. Should the marginal possibility exist, I would not wish upon you the night terrors I endured then. My dearest heart, it would afflict my spirit with great sorrow if you had to bear through such things."
  1939. >Just as you would do anything in your power to see her happy, Insight would want no harm to come unto you.
  1940. >She wouldn't want it to take an interest in you.
  1941. >Your mare may have also created this little carving to ward off anything that might try to scare her.
  1942. >Insight always found a way to warm your heart.
  1943. >Even if this may have seemed to be an alternative remedy type of thing, the thought that your sweetheart cared about you so was always pleasant.
  1944. >It would never fail to bring a smile to your face.
  1945. >Your mare joins you on the bed once more.
  1946. >After she takes her spot, you gently reach out for her hoof with your hand.
  1947. >You come to realize it's nice to hold, despite being hard keratin.
  1948. >As you take her hoof, Insight looks up to you.
  1949. >You believe you might have seen her start to blush.
  1950. >It wasn't scandalous to hold hooves, right?
  1951. >"I have yet to experience once more anything on par with what I saw while in the shower, all those weeks ago..."
  1952. >Your hold remains firm, but comfortable.
  1953. "And I'm so very happy you haven't, Insight...are you afraid that it will happen again?"
  1954. >She sighed as she nodded, having felt that it would be a possibility long overdue.
  1955. >"I came to expect the terrors of what lies far beyond the realm of Equestria long ago...it is alien to me to not witness such events daily."
  1956. >Keeping one hand holding her hoof, you use the other to cup her cheek.
  1957. "As long as we're together, Insight...nothing's going to hurt you. If nothing has been frightening you, no horrid visions...do you think things are getting better?"
  1958. >It seemed for the Pegasus, such a thing was almost an impossibility to consider.
  1959. >"I cannot recall such a time like this, Anonymous. A time not pockmarked with such vivid visions or maddening night terrors. The silence of such machinations...it is deafening."
  1960. >You feel it is an appropriate time to embrace your mare.
  1961. >You couldn't imagine what she might be going through.
  1962. >Putting yourself in her shoes, to experience nightmares of an unimaginable memory as often as she must've...
  1963. >Wouldn't you be suspicious of this sudden pause?
  1964. >Your sweetheart was not averse to the embrace, welcoming it as her quandary was left unanswered by the forces at work.
  1965. >"My dearest heart...the grace of safe harbor, sheltered from the roiling currents of fear...it has a remarkably bittersweet sensation."
  1966. >The pause that followed was a moment to simply enjoy the shared warmth of a bedside cuddle.
  1967. >"I want to ascribe this time we have spent as a change of fortune...so dearly. I have grown weary of the visions of the beyond..."
  1968. >The liberating touch of love did take plenty of time to adjust to.
  1969. >Feeling that special bond blossom had been a general improvement in both of your lives.
  1970. >If your beloved mare had been free of what kept her in fear, that was wonderful to hear.
  1971. >You began to pet her gently, believing this might assuage her concerns.
  1972. >The silence grew once again, but it was not unwelcome.
  1973. >A moment as man and mare spent more of their day relishing in the bond they had forged.
  1974. "It'll all be okay in the end...love has made everything shine with hope."
  1975. >You were sure that it would.
  1976. >The thought that what haunted her had not returned was attributable to the power of love.
  1977. >As corny as that may be.
  1978. >You hoped that Insight might take your words to heart.
  1979. >Seeing her worry or fret over the possibility of any further panics ate at your heart.
  1980. >For the greater portion of the day, you would be there with her.
  1981. >You hadn't noticed the time passing.
  1982. >It eventually caught up with you.
  1983. >The night called for you to rest.
  1984. >And you simply could not resist.
  1985. >Giving your mare a goodnight kiss, you wish her sweet dreams.
  1986. >She could use the break she had been given.
  1987. >As you began to nod off, you heard that wonderful, serene voice of hers.
  1988. >What exactly she had said you could divine.
  1989. >Sleep had overtaken you.
  1990. >The world of dreams awaited, and it was welcome after a laborious day.
  1991. >Something to give you reprieve.
  1992. >You could only hope that your mare would come to not dread a temporary sanity slippage.
  1993. >The night was calm, for both you and your mare.
  1994. >It had been one of the best night's rests you could recall.
  1995. >It would be amiss to say your mare didn't share in the peace of that night.
  1996. >As time went on, Insight seemed to accept the freedom from whatever tormented her.
  1997. >You breathed a sigh of relief, believing the era of such things had come to an end.
  1998. >Each day you spent with her only built upon the foundation of love you and Singular Insight had forged.
  1999. >It was a marvel at how much time had passed.
  2000. >Granted, it wasn't a decade or anything, but it was still quite a while.
  2001. >The exploration of your love for one another was slow and steady
  2002. >Now, however, a new sight crossed into your view from over the horizon.
  2003. >You had been thinking about it for a while.
  2004. >It just became more intense in your mind as time went on.
  2005. >How should you say it?
  2006. >How should it happen?
  2007. >Your mare had been the light of your life.
  2008. >You just had one question you felt you needed to ask her.
  2009. >You had to admit, even in Equestria, the prospect of asking the question did bring with it a whole host of fears.
  2010. >You believed it had been long enough to come to know your mare.
  2011. >You and Insight had come to know more about one another in the long while you spent together.
  2012. >And you believed the two of you were ready for this.
  2013. >Ready for the joining of two souls through the holy institution of marriage.
  2014. >It was not too early to ask such a thing, was it?
  2015. >Waiting as long as you have to prepare the question, you thought it was perfectly okay.
  2016. >Even as you had faith your most beloved mare would say 'yes,' those knots in your gut still remained.
  2017. >At least you were good at hiding your distress over how you were planning all this out.
  2018. >An idea had come to mind on how you wanted this to go down.
  2019. >The knowledge of how much Insight loved to read gave you something to work with.
  2020. >At the moment, she was taking a bit of a nap.
  2021. >Nothing wrong with one of those.
  2022. >It even gave you some secrecy to work under.
  2023. >The outline of the plan was simple.
  2024. >Write a book that would be a proposal in disguise, and hide a bracelet at the end.
  2025. >At that moment, you would pop the question, as it were.
  2026. >There would be some coordination with Page Query.
  2027. >Hey, it would make more sense to have this happen at the library.
  2028. >Out in the middle of bumfuck nowhere didn't make as much contextual sense.
  2029. >You already felt the pressure and stress, and it did feel like it was getting to you.
  2030. >Taking a deep breath, you gather yourself.
  2031. >It wouldn't get any more complete if you were just gonna sit here and worry about it.
  2032. >The first sheet of paper lay before you, waiting for ink to grace its blank template.
  2033. >Taking a quill in hand, you began your excursion into writing.
  2034. >You felt it might be best to make this a simple little story.
  2035. >Then again, there was an idea for you to make it a little more direct.
  2036. >Having two conflicting ideas made this more difficult to go through with.
  2037. >Exactly what you needed.
  2038. >The frustration of writer's block just had to grace you with its presence.
  2039. >Not knowing how best you wanted this to start and progress was not an ideal situation.
  2040. >You could feel the hours of hair-pulling creeping up your spine.
  2041. >It also gave you an opportune time to critique your own plan that you had devised.
  2042. >You honestly had no idea if it would be the best approach.
  2043. >It wasn't anything grandiose.
  2044. >A more down-to-earth style of proposal.
  2045. >You also hadn't exercised your creative writing skills in Lord knows how long.
  2046. >Numbers didn't demand the creativity literature did.
  2047. >Resting your hand against your brow, you let the criticisms sit.
  2048. >Would Singular Insight find your approach to a proposal a good one?
  2049. >You understood she was not one for excessive luxuries.
  2050. >Perhaps she might enjoy something that was simple and sweet.
  2051. >Besides, you didn't want to go through all that trouble and expense.
  2052. >Something unique, without all the flair of some bolder ideas.
  2053. >After some self-reassurance, you think you can do this.
  2054. >The debate between an analogous story and a more direct approach still had to be settled.
  2055. >Eventually, you would find that a direct approach might work better in the context of a proposal.
  2056. >You could probably work in some drawings alongside what you wanted to say.
  2057. >Now feeling possessed by the spirit of writefaggery, you take the quill after dipping it in ink and let it glide over the paper.
  2058. >If memory served correctly when you learned how to use these things in Equestria, these things would be ground to nothing quickly.
  2059. >Fortunately, you bought plenty of them from your local Quills and Sofas® store.
  2060. >You were set for a long day of writing.
  2061. >And a broken quill was not going to stop you now.
  2062. >You felt that for this book, it would be best to pour your heart out.
  2063. >Let her know just how special she was to you.
  2064. >The prose you chose was deliberate and carefully selected, not wanting the text to be dull nor dry.
  2065. >Either wouldn't bode well.
  2066. >There was a perfect mix of flowery language and keeping things simple.
  2067. >The goal was to find that perfect balance.
  2068. >When to utilize the more elegant vocabulary and when to keep your words simple.
  2069. >Amiss it would be to say you had to discard a page or two because you fucked something up.
  2070. >This was something that you wanted to be as meaningful as you could make it.
  2071. >And you really, really didn't want any of what you wrote down to read poorly.
  2072. >Something as important as this at least needed a modicum of quality control.
  2073. >You even learned how best to improve your handwriting.
  2074. >Dedication and effort would make this all complete.
  2075. >Slowly but surely, every word came together to form a symphony of how you felt about Insight.
  2076. >How she brought nothing but joy into your life.
  2077. >How much one mare could bring a man's life something he thought he would never get to enjoy.
  2078. >And how it would make you the happiest man around if she would take your hand.
  2079. >If she would be your wife.
  2080. >Perhaps some of your words made you feel like you were being a big ol' sap.
  2081. >You didn't mind, however.
  2082. >It felt okay to just let your heart out about how you felt.
  2083. >With the final page having been written, now came a good look-over to make sure it was all you felt you wanted.
  2084. >Maybe some simple drawings to go one some of the pages, and break up the monotony of just text.
  2085. >You didn't want to mess up any of the pages you had, however.
  2086. >They all looked so damn nice.
  2087. >Deciding you'd rather not mess it up, you move onto the next part of book-making.
  2088. >Actually binding the thing.
  2089. >You had practiced with some blank pages a few times.
  2090. >This shouldn't be too hard.
  2091. >You even had some corrugated cardboard leftover.
  2092. >After ensuring its dimensions would fit, you now needed a fabric for the cover.
  2093. >Just cardboard would look a little too icky to be a good book.
  2094. >You actually had to buy this stuff earlier, since you didn't just have that shit just lying around.
  2095. >You weren't a seamstress, damnit.
  2096. >The cloth you chose to use for this book was one that was soft, but also with some grip.
  2097. >Applying glue to the back of the cardboard, you set it against the sheet of fabric.
  2098. >Each of the three pieces you would need to come together would find their spot.
  2099. >Letting them sit and the glue adhere to the two surfaces, you get the meat of the book ready to be added.
  2100. >Setting the paper spine against the corrugated cardboard after applying more glue, the book was coming closer to completion.
  2101. >All that would be left is the lining that hides the cardboard.
  2102. >Acquiring two thicker sheets of paper for each cover, you again spread some glue out where appropriate.
  2103. >Gently setting it as perfect as human hands could, you let both sides become what you needed them to be.
  2104. >This book looked pretty damn nice.
  2105. >Anon - Secret Author.
  2106. >Now that this was complete, your magnum opus, you had but one thing left over.
  2107. >Where to set the bracelet, and to pop the question in writing.
  2108. >The back of the book seemed most appropriate.
  2109. >And luckily for you, the bracelet in question was in your pocket.
  2110. >You had been saving for a while to buy this.
  2111. >The bracelet you chose was a platinum one, with a blue diamond as the centerpiece.
  2112. >Maybe it wasn't the traditional of a gold bracelet with a diamond.
  2113. >But you gauged that this was a lovely setting.
  2114. >You just hoped your mare loved the appearance of it.
  2115. >And that you wouldn't embarrass yourself by having to get it resized.
  2116. >Your spaghetti would flood forth with an undreamed fury.
  2117. >Setting it at the center, you begin to trace the outline of the piece of jewelry.
  2118. >With a pencil, of course.
  2119. >You wouldn't want to have bad ink markings messing up a pristine page.
  2120. >After that was said and done, you began to carve a circular indentation.
  2121. >This would be where it would lay, hidden until Insight reached the end of the short text you penned.
  2122. >It took a while to make sure you weren't digging into the cloth on the other side of the back cover.
  2123. >That would be an awkward thing to run afoul of.
  2124. >And you would be screeching angrily for messing it up.
  2125. >Once you had gotten the bracelet to fit to your satisfaction, you had one last touch you wanted to add.
  2126. >Gently tracing the outline of her cutie mark in a pencil within this circle, the last steps were being walked.
  2127. >Going over it in ink gave it a finer look, appearing just as her mark would in greyscale.
  2128. >It actually fit quite well, all things considered.
  2129. >Writing just above and below this setting for the bracelet was all that was left.
  2130. >Those words to ask if she would accept the bond of matrimony.
  2131. >If she would marry you.
  2132. >It had taken plenty of effort and thought, piecing together this tome.
  2133. >You had finally completed your grand masterpiece.
  2134. >You could taste the viscous tree-emissions that metaphorically dripped from your short book.
  2135. >It was now complete.
  2136. >You had to admit, you were pretty proud of this.
  2137. >Your handwriting had significantly improved while you tried to learn how properly use a quill.
  2138. >A skill you never thought you would need to use in your entire life.
  2139. >At least it would all pay off, or so you hoped dearly.
  2140. >The fear of rejection would seem irrational.
  2141. >Your mare had shown you just how much she loved you, in all her peculiar, subtle ways.
  2142. >And you had shown her reciprocal affection and care.
  2143. >The strength and passion of your love for one another was palpable.
  2144. >Why should you be afraid of this?
  2145. >You doubted either of you shunted at the implication of responsibility that came with marriage.
  2146. >Perhaps Insight even awaited this, in a way?
  2147. >You knew she was an old-fashioned kind of mare, waiting until marriage for anything heavy.
  2148. >All you could dig up that was a remotely reasonable concern was just the jitters of nervousness.
  2149. >Those pre-proposal demons on your shoulder that whispered insecurities into your ear.
  2150. >Foul creatures, they were.
  2151. >Trying to metaphorically brush them off, you looked back at the positives.
  2152. >Things had been going quite well, and hope should be stronger than fear.
  2153. >Not a day went by that you had not felt love in your heart.
  2154. >A love only a soulmate could bring.
  2155. >And that soulmate was the sweetest mare you had come to know.
  2156. >This should all work out quite nicely, no?
  2157. >Setting the book off to the side, in a place Insight would probably not look, you thought it appropriate to see how she might be doing.
  2158. >She was, in many ways, always in your thoughts.
  2159. >Coming back into the living room, you see that she was still asleep.
  2160. >Resting peacefully on the couch beside her stack of books.
  2161. >A pleasure in reading she indulged daily.
  2162. >As best you could recall, she enjoyed books because of quite a few factors.
  2163. >For the informative ones, she could learn something new.
  2164. >See what she had not been able to learn in all of her years away.
  2165. >And maybe what she had learned in the past was no longer valid or wholly correct.
  2166. >For fiction, she loved to go on adventures in print.
  2167. >See a new world that wasn't like crossing the veil.
  2168. >And explore this world a writer had set up.
  2169. >Now that everything was ready for asking her hoof, you thought this was actually a great idea.
  2170. >Maybe her knack for finding obscure tomes could find this special little book?
  2171. >Coming to sit down by your waifu, you notice just how peaceful she appeared.
  2172. >Insight may have had problems with sleeping before she had come into your life, if your observations on the train ride were anything to note.
  2173. >But seeing her at peace...
  2174. >It gave a respite from worry, and you could marvel at her beauty.
  2175. >And she was very beautiful.
  2176. >Her lengthy, two-tone mane.
  2177. >Her gorgeous maroon coat.
  2178. >Everything about her appealed to you.
  2179. >While she rested, you gently and carefully began to pet her.
  2180. >She didn't stiffen upon your touch anymore, finding it familiar enough to not worry about the sensation.
  2181. >Singular Insight had changed considerably, with the romance between the two of you blossoming.
  2182. >She seemed to have been quite aloof and distant upon your first meeting.
  2183. >Perhaps weary, even.
  2184. >Seeing how she warmed up to you from that first point, the subtle changes in behavior.
  2185. >It was quite significant, and it felt pretty nice to see how the relationship fostered would continue to develop.
  2186. >She still kept many of those quirks of hers, granted.
  2187. >It was only the change in the right areas, kind of thing.
  2188. >Insight shifted slightly in her nap, attempting to find a more comfy position.
  2189. >Moving closer to you, as though knowing you were there.
  2190. >Wanting not to be separate.
  2191. >You embraced her being close to you, taking a load off from all your machinations.
  2192. >You would not have anticipated how fast the day would come when your proposal was imminent.
  2193. >Curse time for flying faster than you desired it to.
  2194. >At least everything had been laid out the way you'd want it to go.
  2195. >Before your next obligatory visit to the library to check in books, you informed Page Query of your plan.
  2196. >To say she was ecstatic was a bit of an understatement.
  2197. >The idea of orchestrating a proposal in her library was new to her.
  2198. >Page Query really wanted it to work out perfectly.
  2199. >Seeing what you had in mind, she asked what you might be proposing to her with.
  2200. >How the bracelet itself looked.
  2201. >Showing the platinum band with a blue diamond setting, she had gasped at its beauty.
  2202. >Page Query had informed you at how perfect she thought it looked.
  2203. >It gave you confidence that a mare such as Insight would like it, as well.
  2204. >The librarian mare found a good place for your book, nearby where your mare usually browsed for her choice in books.
  2205. >Just fitting in enough to at first not look out of place, but not really quite belonging.
  2206. >She also double-super promised that she wouldn't tell any gossipy mares about this.
  2207. >And that she would do her bestest to not spill the beans preemptively.
  2208. >All you had to do was place a little trust in her.
  2209. >The nice librarian mare could be trusted.
  2210. >When the day had come to check those books back in, she welcomed you and Insight back as per the usual.
  2211. >When you mare wasn't paying attention to Page Query, she flashed you a bright, giddy smile.
  2212. >Both of you knew that today was going to be the day.
  2213. >Singular Insight, of course, was left in the dark for the moment.
  2214. >It was all about the surprise.
  2215. >The checking-in of the tomes she had requested was like any other day.
  2216. >A quick process that passed by without issue.
  2217. >Page Query, of course, had to make sure you had no other outstanding books.
  2218. >Seeing as you and Insight always tried to return things on time, you didn't have any.
  2219. >Damn, it feels good to be gangsta.
  2220. >With everything done and out of the way, the librarian bid you two farewell on your excursion for more literature.
  2221. >She had come to know this routine well enough.
  2222. >The mare watched as you and the Pegasus left to the hallowed halls of learning.
  2223. >Voyaging onwards to gather more sweet, sweet knowledge.
  2224. >Insight was back in her usual section of novels, comparing which ones she might want to take.
  2225. >You and her could carry only so much.
  2226. >She looked through several books, eyeing what may catch her fancy.
  2227. >Insight picked out things that were exactly what she would usually pick.
  2228. >Mostly more on the abstract and arcane.
  2229. >She had started branching out to experience different genres.
  2230. >The first thing she had tried new was catching up on general history.
  2231. >Insight had admitted with some reluctance that she wasn't the greatest fan of history.
  2232. >She could still find some enjoyment of reading through a historical treatise, of course.
  2233. >It just had a much more difficult time of holding her attention than the numbers-crunching and fascinating phenomena of the realm of magic.
  2234. >Nothing you were gonna knock, really.
  2235. >Guess she was just trying to spice things up instead of choosing more of the same, eh?
  2236. >The minutes passed by, and you were doing what you could to not anxiously sweat bullets.
  2237. >You glanced over at where the book you created was, and how it had remained untouched.
  2238. >You prayed this would all pay off, in the end.
  2239. >That she would notice this out-of-place book.
  2240. >The whole proposal hinged on this little creation.
  2241. >If it was forgotten, this would be kind of embarrassing.
  2242. >You might even have to rethink just how exactly you were gonna approach this.
  2243. >As Insight continued to shift through her finalizing collection of choice novels, she stopped.
  2244. >For what reason had she chosen to stop?
  2245. >sweating_bullets.scroll.
  2246. "Anything wrong, Insight?"
  2247. >You asked, hoping the inflection of nervousness didn't bleed through to her.
  2248. >She sighed, gathering her response you anxiously awaited.
  2249. >"The sensation is difficult for me to lay a hoof upon...I have selected every volume that garnered my interest, and yet there is a palpable emptiness. A novel that should reside with its fellows instead remains absent."
  2250. >Your curiosity had been rustled from its resting place.
  2251. "Did you look high and low for what's bothering you?"
  2252. >She shook her head, starting a newfound search for a tome she had no idea of.
  2253. >And it was nearby exactly where your creation sat.
  2254. >"I haven't the foggiest of what grasps at my mind. All that I am able to say would be that whatever the volume may be, it is unaccounted for."
  2255. >Now that she was looking around where your created novel was, your hopes were restored.
  2256. >You were also doubly nervous.
  2257. >Those proposal jitters and butterflies in your stomach were not playing it nice today.
  2258. >Insight came closer and closer to this mystery book, carefully pulling back books beside it to see if any of them was what bothered her.
  2259. >To no avail, she drew ever closer.
  2260. >Everything seemed to pass by slower, time having decided it wanted to move at glacial speeds just to make you wait.
  2261. >Wait with anxiety to see what she would say.
  2262. >Out of the corner of your vision, Page Query was watching the two of you, as though she could sense what was to unfold.
  2263. >Soon, her hoof contacted the spine of your very own magnum opus.
  2264. >Singular Insight stared at it with great interest, wondering what this unmarked book may be.
  2265. >The barely-visible magic the mare could use tugged at the tome, bringing it into view.
  2266. >Still without any lettering on the cover.
  2267. >She sat down, opening it up carefully to the first page.
  2268. >She was certainly surprised to see that this mystery novel was addressing her.
  2269. >Even more so to figure out that you had written it.
  2270. >"Anonymous...have you inscribed this?"
  2271. >You nodded, remembering the mental strain of coming up with this proposal idea.
  2272. "Yes I have. Why don't you read on?"
  2273. >Curious of what you had written for her, she flipped the first page.
  2274. >You had started simply, not being too overt with your words.
  2275. >In fact, you had chosen to state the amount of time you and Insight had been together.
  2276. >You also wrote about how it marveled you that you and her were together for this long.
  2277. >It was impossible for you to recall any relationship outside of family that lasted as long as this had.
  2278. >As the novel unfolded, you began to pour out your affections.
  2279. >Explain to her just how much she meant to you.
  2280. >The more Insight read onwards, her hoof came to rest against the barrel of her chest.
  2281. >You interpreted this as something akin to a human resting their hand over their chest.
  2282. >Some of what you had written, you worried, might have been a little cheesy.
  2283. >It kinda just ended up that way when you opened the Spigot of Sap tapped right into your heart.
  2284. >Every word you put to print was heartfelt, however.
  2285. >You meant every single stroke of a quill.
  2286. >She was your everything.
  2287. >Nothing was quite like the time of your life spent with her.
  2288. >The love you had for her surged from a never-ending well.
  2289. >As you waited, watching anxiously as she read every page, you could see the first tears begin to fall.
  2290. >These were not those of sorrow, of heavy grief.
  2291. >Not tears brought by an unadulterated fury, burning brighter than a dying star.
  2292. >These were the kind that came from experiencing a joy that could only be properly responded to as such.
  2293. >It was only a matter of time, now.
  2294. >She was approaching the end of the book.
  2295. >Where the bracelet you had commissioned was awaiting.
  2296. >Now, or never.
  2297. >You continued to wait, wondering if she was piecing together exactly this whole scenario was.
  2298. >With a final turn of the page, she had arrived at the end of the book.
  2299. >And thus was the question presented to her, alongside the platinum band.
  2300. >Those six words written for her, asking the question that had been on your mind.
  2301. >'Singular Insight, will you marry me?'
  2302. >A gasp could be heard, this one from your mare.
  2303. >Her attention first rested on the band.
  2304. >Then it came to rest upon you.
  2305. >Your nervous visage unsure of what her answer would be.
  2306. "S-So...will you, Insight?"
  2307. >There was but a second of an intermission.
  2308. >The next moment, you have been enveloped in a tight hug by the Pegasus you had proposed to.
  2309. >A resounding confirmation came from your mare.
  2310. >"My dearest heart, I accept!"
  2311. >Hearing those words was such a relief.
  2312. >Your heart couldn't bear to hear 'no.'
  2313. >You held her in your arms, beginning to feel the rolling of your own tears of joy.
  2314. >You wouldn't have noticed it at the time, but Page Query began to prance in place adorably.
  2315. >She even did a little squeal of happiness.
  2316. >There were no more words that needed to be said at that moment.
  2317. >All that was needed was just a moment to share with your wife-to-be.
  2318. >You could not recall such a time when joviality and love suffused your entire being.
  2319. >Becoming engaged to the mare you loved had elevated this as the experience to compare others by.
  2320. >Some would consider the act of becoming married to someone they viewed as the love of their life was a bad idea.
  2321. >That the days of bachelorhood that were looked upon so fondly would now be over.
  2322. >You hoped to prove the thoughts wrong.
  2323. >Sweet mares like Insight didn't give off the vibe of insidiousness that had infected the holy institution of marriage.
  2324. >In fact, you'd wager that in Equestria, things worked out pretty well for those who went through such an institution.
  2325. >There was no turning back, anyway.
  2326. >You were in this for the long haul with your waifu.
  2327. >The wedding procession was not a large one.
  2328. >Mainly because neither of you knew a whole lot of other ponies or humans.
  2329. >And neither of your parents could be there, for one reason or another.
  2330. >You did invite Page Query and her humanbando, since all of this kind of hinged on the use of her library.
  2331. >A short, sweet event that solidified and brought permanence to matrimony.
  2332. >No longer were you and Insight just lovers.
  2333. >No longer was the relationship simply left at that stage.
  2334. >You were now husband and wife.
  2335. >Ready to face the world together.
  2336. >This brought you to where you were today, at home with the wife.
  2337. >You didn't have an endless reserve of bits at your disposal, so you chose a relatively simple honeymoon.
  2338. >Taking leave from work to spend time as a newlywed.
  2339. >Singular Insight didn't seem to mind.
  2340. >You could recall how she liked seeing your home at first.
  2341. >Not one dotted with every possible luxury, even if some more modern conveniences were viewed as such by a mare of her age.
  2342. >Instead, however, your home was more frugal and austere.
  2343. >It may have reminded her of home all those years ago, in some way or form.
  2344. >At the moment, the two of you were enjoying some smooth tunes from the gramophone, and a good book.
  2345. >It's the simple things in life, man.
  2346. >Since you had married the mare of your dreams, you had noticed that Insight had become more...
  2347. >You would describe as touchy-feely.
  2348. >More intimate.
  2349. >Well, you and your sweetheart had been sharing in warm, loving embraces for a while now.
  2350. >That wasn't unusual at all.
  2351. >You just felt things starting to kick up a little.
  2352. >As you were venturing down this rabbit hole of thought, Insight managed to pull you back.
  2353. >Her side pressed against you.
  2354. >"Anonymous, my dearest heart; what thoughts keep you as a rapt audience?"
  2355. >Coming back down to Earth, you shake your head as you begin to run a hand delicately along Insight's back.
  2356. "It's nothing, dear. Just silly little things."
  2357. >Singular Insight seemed to really enjoy your touch in that moment, you assuming she found it quite welcome.
  2358. >"Should that be the case...there has been a quandary occupying my mind, as of late."
  2359. >She set the current story of choice off to the side, it no longer being the center of attention.
  2360. >You had to wonder, just what was on your wife's mind?
  2361. >"Do you have any recollection of the inquiry you presented to me on the first day you received a parcel from your family?"
  2362. >You nodded, remembering the faux-foal talk.
  2363. >You had some ideas of where she might be headed with this line of thought, but didn't interrupt.
  2364. >"As it is apparent you do...can you recall alongside that the question of a relationship's progression?"
  2365. >That you could also do.
  2366. >It was such a joy to recall the skillful use of tact that ultimately led to you feeling flustered.
  2367. "That I do, Insight. Has anything about that been on your mind?"
  2368. >The Pegasus nods, sighing.
  2369. >"Having taken your hand in matrimony, it has come into focus...the thought of continuing this progression."
  2370. >Your pone wife sets a hoof on your upper thigh, though is careful to avoid venturing into the danger zone.
  2371. >A creeping realization came into mind that this might be a special kind of talk.
  2372. >"Marriage, of course, took precedent over any action further down that progression...such things before marriage are unacceptable."
  2373. >You believed you understood where this was going now.
  2374. >Insight was indeed a pretty old-fashioned mare, if you had trouble deciphering that by now.
  2375. >Talking about such lurid things was typically not in her purview.
  2376. "So, you're asking if I'd want to...consummate, right?"
  2377. >It wasn't really in your purview to use a more verbose vocabulary.
  2378. >But you'd thought it would be a good thing to fluster your wife with something as intimate as that.
  2379. >She did nod, her gaze shifting away from you slightly as she continued.
  2380. >"Yes, Anonymous...that is the proposition."
  2381. >The Pegasus at your side shifted, her wings slightly freed from their resting position.
  2382. >If Insight was as principled in this notion of marriage before sex as you thought, this would likely be her first time.
  2383. >More than likely both of you were curious of how this would turn out.
  2384. >"I cannot speak with certainty that such an act between a human and a mare would produce any offspring...even a mare as....'changed,' as I."
  2385. >Recalling her words on what she called a progression in relationships, Insight had described siring a foal as a fundamental foundation of marriage.
  2386. >A delight for both parties to bask in, with raising the new life they brought into the world.
  2387. >"...definite value could be placed in attempting, would it not?"
  2388. >You couldn't really fault that logic.
  2389. >If you cared to look, you'd notice her hind legs had been pressing a little close together.
  2390. >Thoughts of what lascivious ideas Insight may have had over the time you two spent with one another arose.
  2391. >She was good at subduing her reactions for the most part.
  2392. >Keeping things beneath the surface to a degree.
  2393. >Your curiosity also made you think about all the things you might have done that could be interpreted as erotic.
  2394. >Did Pegasi find it highly erotic to have another help them with wingcare?
  2395. >You thought it was primarily a wonderful bonding activity, with healthy doses of loving trust.
  2396. >You also didn't know just what kind of long-repressed desire Insight may be harboring.
  2397. "Yeah...no harm in trying."
  2398. >It would be amiss to say that you were probably nervous about this next impending encounter.
  2399. >Just how full of spagh would it be?
  2400. >You prayed that this wouldn't be so awkward as to bury the bay in tomato sauce.
  2401. >Hearing your words, you pone wife lifted herself from the couch.
  2402. >"It would be more appropriate to recede to the privacy of our bedchambers, Anon..."
  2403. >You wouldn't refuse the invitation.
  2404. >Following your pone wife, you felt less shame in admiring her from.
  2405. >Her flanks that she teased you over when you asked what her cutie mark represented fit her more athletic build.
  2406. >It didn't mean there wasn't anything there, however.
  2407. >In contrast, there was still enough to enjoy, but it remained within proportion to her build.
  2408. >Describably svelte.
  2409. >You weren't sure how she maintained the look, though.
  2410. >Another thing you would likely never understand about your mare.
  2411. >Upon entering the bedroom, the door closed behind you.
  2412. >Likely the work of the peculiar Pegasus you knew as your wife.
  2413. >She seemed a bit shy at the prospect of what you and her would be doing.
  2414. >"I possess little familiarity with what comes next...especially regarding an interspecies romance."
  2415. >You presume where she went to school didn't allow neighponese stone comic tablets.
  2416. >Such things violated good, Celestian values.
  2417. "Well...guess there is only one real thing to do..."
  2418. >You had begun to undress, your mare watching as she witnessed her human become fully nude.
  2419. >You did take off clothes before bed, but she never saw the entire deal.
  2420. >At least, so you thought.
  2421. >You were pretty sure she didn't do things like peep on you in the shower.
  2422. >Now, to figure how this was gonna work...
  2423. "So, uh...do you think you should take top?"
  2424. >Behold: Anonymous, smoothest talker in Equestria.
  2425. >Mares would clearly swoon if you discussed such things with them.
  2426. >After piecing together what you meant by that, Insight nodded.
  2427. >"I would assume such a...position...would be feasible."
  2428. >At least the ball was rolling, otherwise this might look like a trainwreck.
  2429. >You next chose to sit down on the bed, because the floor was nowhere near as comfortable.
  2430. >Inviting your wife up was after that.
  2431. >Then, starting the lewdenning was to come.
  2432. >"Human physiology is...different."
  2433. >Singular Insight astutely observed that you had many different characteristics from a pony.
  2434. >As she came to meet you on the bed, you felt something should be done to lessen the awkwardness and clumsiness.
  2435. >You bring your mare into a kiss, hoping that it would bring the atmosphere to a more romantic setting.
  2436. >It at least achieves expanding dong, as you could feel yourself come to be more erect.
  2437. >The kiss had become more passionate towards the end, and by the time you had parted, it felt as though it were getting pretty heavy.
  2438. >It would be rude to keep her waiting for this for much longer.
  2439. >Before you assume the position, your mare had found a way to encourage you to move a little quicker.
  2440. >Namely, by gaining leverage over you and taking the top for herself.
  2441. >She was at least careful not to hurt you, but wanted things to go a little quicker in her eagerness.
  2442. >As you came to rest with you back on the bed and your mare overtop, you felt as though you should spend a moment admiring her beauty.
  2443. >The grace such a mare possessed.
  2444. >Seeing her wings outstretched and her atop you...
  2445. >It took a bit for you to remember it wasn't just time to admire your mare, but also that it was time for sexxings.
  2446. >Doing what comes naturally, you cop a feel of her flanks.
  2447. >They are noticeably firm, with little extra cushioning.
  2448. >You had regained control of the situation.
  2449. >The time for taking this further was at hand.
  2450. >"It is rude to keep a mare waiting, my dearest heart..."
  2451. >Insight suggested you actually begin now.
  2452. >Realizing that feeling up those sweet, firm pone flanks was only half the battle, you oblige.
  2453. >Guiding your shaft to her equine slit, you prod a few times as you could feel it winking.
  2454. >Even if you had not engaged in such lurid acts beforehand, you did marvel at how odd it felt to engage with a different species entirely.
  2455. >You also hadn't a clue if anything else about Insight's biology was warped by what was across the veil that wasn't visible on the surface.
  2456. >After wasting enough time, you finally dive right in.
  2457. >Your length parts her netherlips, being guided into her depths.
  2458. >Each moment was a new pleasure you had no idea could be experienced.
  2459. >You wondered if this is what it felt like to be a Pegasus having their wings gently touched.
  2460. >Eventually, your hips met with your mare's flanks, having hilted as deep as could go.
  2461. >Feeling every ministration of her passage working on your cock took you to a new level of heaven.
  2462. >While you were busy feeling amazed at the sensation, your wife decided that she would take control from there.
  2463. >The gyrations of her hips began to work up and down your length, starting slow as she tried to find an ideal pace.
  2464. >She gently bit her lower lip as she experienced the bliss that was the consummation of your love for one another.
  2465. >This delectable moment continued to intensify, as Singular Insight chose to keep things going a little faster.
  2466. >If you were to judge, she was letting free all those years of repressed desire, and embracing this moment to make it the best she'd ever have.
  2467. >At the rate of Insight coming down onto you, it was a reasonable fear that you'd not be able to last long.
  2468. >Just when you think you'd couldn't take it any more, she would slow down just enough to derive pleasure, but not enough for you to explosively nut.
  2469. >It was starting to drive you insane.
  2470. >You also began to wonder just how your mare kept such an incredible endurance.
  2471. >There could be reasons behind it, but they didn't hold your thoughts for long.
  2472. >All that mattered now was keeping herself and you in this lust-locked state.
  2473. >Sometimes, between each movement of her hips, you could get a glance at her teats.
  2474. >They weren't really any larger than would be considered normal for a mare.
  2475. >An idea approached fast from over the horizon.
  2476. >While you still enjoy the wonderful sensation of feeling up that amazing behind, you reach under...
  2477. >And give one of them a pinch.
  2478. >Your mare blushes profusely, something she had not anticipated.
  2479. >In her surprised state, you could feel her depths clench and spasm around your length.
  2480. >You were not anticipating this kind of a reaction.
  2481. >You let go for now, letting you mare resume her work on you.
  2482. >As time went on, each moment she rode you became more intense.
  2483. >More comparable to a session of primal, pelvis-shattering enjoyment of the bliss sex could provide.
  2484. >She was finally approaching that peak.
  2485. >It had seemed like it was but an eternity away for you, but it was finally cresting over the metaphorical ridge.
  2486. >Every ministration and spasm of her walls called for you to fulfill the biological need demanded from breeding of this caliber.
  2487. >You would not deny it any longer, if you mare was practically calling for you to release.
  2488. >With the final, resounding smack of her hips against your own, you reach the orgasm of a lifetime.
  2489. >You could not recall a time when you blew a load with such intensity, each moment amazing you with just how powerful it felt.
  2490. >Your mare ground herself against the base of her shaft, milking you for every fluid ounce of seed you may be able to give.
  2491. >She would not want to waste any that you could offer.
  2492. >The spastic actions of her inner muscles likely meant she was riding out the wave of orgasmic merriment.
  2493. >Locked in the throes of an orgasm to split the heavens, there was not much else to do.
  2494. >Not much beyond riding every second of it like a champ.
  2495. >Which, of course, you did your damnedest.
  2496. >By the time this orgasmic bliss had faded away, you and the pony you loved the most were left in the beginnings of an afterglow.
  2497. >Resting there with your mare atop you, it felt only appropriate to give her a little kiss.
  2498. >You felt like being sappy in that moment with her.
  2499. >As you and her needed to breathe after experiencing such a powerful orgasm, the kiss was short.
  2500. >The loving embrace between man and mare supplanted this short kiss, your arms gently wrapping around her.
  2501. >You never wanted to let her go.
  2502. >You wanted to lay there with her for as long as you could.
  2503. >Anyone as wonderful as her deserved all the love and care you could give.
  2504. >As your mare was draped over you, you couldn't help but admire her charm.
  2505. >Resting there above you after such an intense first moment of consummation with her, she looked...
  2506. >Angelic?
  2507. >You didn't know how to best describe it in words.
  2508. >There was just something about her that looked so graceful and beautiful in this moment.
  2509. >Though spent from such a session, you could at least enjoy a tender moment with her.
  2510. >You begin to twirl a lock of her two-tone mane in your finger, starting off the session of pillow talk for the evening.
  2511. "That was...just...wow."
  2512. >The most smooth words poured from your lips.
  2513. >Like fine wine straight from the bottle.
  2514. >insight nodded as she rested atop you, her wings gently coming to rest against your sides.
  2515. >Her silken plumage felt quite wonderful against your skin.
  2516. >"I cannot recall such divine tactile harmony..."
  2517. >She had begun to trace a hoof in a circle against your chest, gentle as could be.
  2518. >You couldn't handle yourself.
  2519. >You just needed to stroke those beautiful wings.
  2520. >Delicately, you move a hand towards them.
  2521. >You had to be extra gentle.
  2522. >Such sensitive appendages required your utmost care.
  2523. >The moment you touched them, you could hear a gentle gasp.
  2524. >It reminded you to be extremely careful with such things.
  2525. >As your delicate touch began, you kept things to just simple rubs.
  2526. >You weren't gonna do anything risky at the moment.
  2527. >It was all about trying to keep it gentle and loving.
  2528. >Your wife seemed to appreciate how you delicately handled her wings.
  2529. >Biting her lower lip while you sensually stroked the graceful wings your beloved pone possessed.
  2530. >She rested her head against your chest, the soft coat of the pone feeling just as amazing as her plumage.
  2531. >A bit less feathery, though.
  2532. >She continued to rub a hoof against your chest, tapping it on occasion.
  2533. >"I love you so, my dearest heart..."
  2534. >Hearing her sweet words, you give the cuter-patooter a kiss.
  2535. "I love you, too, Insight."
  2536. >She continues to snuggle against your chest.
  2537. >Good Lord above, if she continued being this sweet you feared you'd catch the Type 2.
  2538. >While you recovered from the heavy dose of sweetness this pone gave you on a regular basis, she continued the pillow talk.
  2539. >"...do you believe we may produce foals, my dearest heart?"
  2540. >You weren't quite sure.
  2541. >Maybe it could work out all nice and smooth in this magical land that is Equestria.
  2542. "I really don't know. Maybe."
  2543. >Her gaze shifted to meet your own, still snuggling with you slightly.
  2544. >"Such a possibility appears to be negligible, does it not?"
  2545. >She smiled slightly, though you hadn't any knowledge of why.
  2546. >You shrugged, supposing that it might be.
  2547. "It may exist...we'll just have to wait and see."
  2548. >Your hand moves from playing with her wings to running along her side.
  2549. >Her back legs press a little tighter together.
  2550. >"You are right, Anonymous...though, should the possibility arise..."
  2551. >Singular Insight folds her wings back to their resting position.
  2552. >Next thing you know, she is now resting at your side.
  2553. >"What do you imagine a hypothetical foal like? A resultant offspring from our consummation?"
  2554. >Now, if that wasn't food for thought.
  2555. >What would even be a child from such a union?
  2556. >It's not like there was a whole lot to go off of.
  2557. >You were throwing dice in the genetic lottery, after all.
  2558. "There's a few possibilities...for example...what if they were just a pony foal? What do you think they might be like?"
  2559. >As the words left your mouth, it did give you and Insight both fuel to continue the journey of imagination.
  2560. >Only heaven above could know what the outcome of this all would be.
  2561. >What might be different about a child you fathered with your wife than any other in Equestria?
  2562. >"It is difficult to predict such a future event, Anonymous...mayhap they be a colt, or a filly?"
  2563. >A more answerable question than what you'd been faced with before.
  2564. "I'unno...maybe a filly? That seems like a possibility."
  2565. >Given that there was an abundance of mares, this seemed the case.
  2566. >"I suppose...the probability of that being the case is weighed against a colt."
  2567. >With the foal talk continuing, she looked up at the ceiling, as though something were there.
  2568. >"Regarding a pony's mark and talent...the quandary that many a mare asks themselves concerning what their offspring will achieve...what do you think it would be?"
  2569. >Regarding such a thing, you had no fuckin' clue what any child of yours would have as a talent.
  2570. >Would they know how to do integrals real damn good?
  2571. >Just kidding, as all you taught was Algebra, not Calculus.
  2572. >It was still a great question to keep you up at night.
  2573. >You guess you'd just have to piece it together based on what their name was?
  2574. >Granted, some pones had names that didn't hint at what their talent was with all the subtlety of the Sun.
  2575. "I'd like to think it'd be something ironic. Two parents that are bookish and mathy, and what's the result? An athletic foal?"
  2576. >That did get a small, sweet guffaw out of your beloved Pegasus.
  2577. >"Such an event would be a sort of lighthearted cosmic jest, would it not?"
  2578. >You nod, thinking some lighthearted conversation was perfect as you slowly would initiate spooning.
  2579. "Either that, or something out of left field. Maybe something artsy or creative? An entomologist? There's a whole world of possibilities..."
  2580. >There really were so many things a little pone could be.
  2581. >This is, of course, assuming that you and Insight are able to foster young of your own.
  2582. >"Should the fortune of being able to conceive a foal fall to us...it will be but a voyage to see what develops."
  2583. >You would never know until the future unfolded.
  2584. >You did have some hope left in you, and things had been looking bright.
  2585. >As there wasn't too much else to discuss that would be befitting pillow talk time, you chose to start intensifying the cuddles.
  2586. >Your lovely pone wife deserved every moment of it.
  2587. >You couldn't imagine the soul-rending loneliness.
  2588. >And you would do everything to make sure it would remain a memory.
  2589. >The idea of loneliness was alien to you now.
  2590. >You were wed to the sweetest thing you've ever known.
  2591. >And life was something you looked forward to every day.
  2592. >It would only shine brighter with every step you took with your mare.
  2593. >As you invited her into your warm embrace, you could feel sheets draw over the two of you.
  2594. >Looking down at the pone who was likely the cause, she was quick to respond.
  2595. >"Spending the day savoring intercourse is draining. Do not give me a stare of disapproval."
  2596. >Well, if she insisted...
  2597. >You wouldn't dare do so anyway.
  2598. >She was kind of right, though.
  2599. >You had no idea how much time had passed.
  2600. >And frankly, when you were being ridden so roughly by Insight, you don't recall caring about the amount of time spent.
  2601. >It could have been anywhere between a good half-hour to something much longer.
  2602. >Once satisfied in how she was covered, Insight made sure that she was at appropriate snuggle level at your side.
  2603. >For extra snug, the Pegasus drapes her wing over you, even though you had covers.
  2604. >It felt like a noice, warm hug.
  2605. >You returned the favor.
  2606. >Pone and man giving hugs to one another was a pure sort of affection.
  2607. >A good thing to balance out the possibly impure thoughts of lascivious shenanigans.
  2608. >As she got comfortable, the cute poner gave you a yawn, before wishing you goodnight.
  2609. >"Rest well when you choose to, my dearest heart...and thank you. Today was nothing short of magical."
  2610. >She gives you a chaste peck on the cheek, before coming to rest and closing her eyes.
  2611. >You fuss her mane just a bit, wishing her goodnight as well.
  2612. >At least, you presumed that.
  2613. >You hoped you didn't upset Sunhorse or Moonhorse by assuming the time of day.
  2614. >The least you could have done was be kind and actually ask the day what it was.
  2615. >But you didn't want to get out of bed.
  2616. >Fug that.
  2617. >You had pone wife to cuddle.
  2618. >And that was all that really weighed on your mind in that moment.
  2619. >So that was what you were going to occupy yourself with.
  2620. >What would await you in the future?
  2621. >How might all of this turn out?
  2622. >Would anything come of your actions today?
  2623. >Questions began to swirl around your mind while you cuddled the pone.
  2624. >Even as the questions of concern dwelled on your mind, sleep called for you.
  2625. >That siren's song would not want you to be awake forever.
  2626. >And with your wife this close, you could not resist.
  2627. >You closed your eyes.
  2628. >It was time to retreat from this world of tired thoughts.
  2629. >In the coming next weeks, you would not have known what would happen.
  2630. >Your wife, Insight, had begun to feel somewhat ill.
  2631. >She wasn't vomiting blood or anything that you'd have to go to Central Africa to catch.
  2632. >No, that wasn't the case.
  2633. >Some form of malaise was plaguing her, and you didn't know what it may be.
  2634. >The only thing that made sense was to go see a doctor.
  2635. >That was easier said than done, regarding your wife.
  2636. >Insight didn't have much fondness for a visit to the doctor's office.
  2637. >She also had a great deal of suspicion with what remedies they peddle.
  2638. >Your wife recounted the many tales of ineffective or downright horrible cures she and her ancient-times friends endured.
  2639. >And also all the snake-oil sales that would only make the situation worse.
  2640. >There were genuine medical practices back then, but let's just say it wasn't as good as ponies and humans have it today.
  2641. >Such a pone was shyer to lure to a needed doctor's visit than sheep to shears.
  2642. >Eventually, you were able to convince her.
  2643. >You'd hope you wouldn't have to waste as much time for the next visit.
  2644. >If she was truly ill with something horrible, you didn't want her to prolong a check-up.
  2645. >Coming to the clinic you often visited when you felt like you caught the general sickness.
  2646. >You realized that you might have to explain a few things...
  2647. >Namely, why your mare kept her eyes from being seen.
  2648. >If they had to do any blood tests, things would get even weirder.
  2649. >Entering this quaint little institution of medicine, you are met with a pone at the counter.
  2650. >She looks up at you and your mare with a small, welcoming smile.
  2651. >"Good afternoon, you two! What brings you to the doctors' today?"
  2652. >You give a wave to the receptionist, finding her demeanor something to calm your nerves.
  2653. >You were worried about your wife, okay?
  2654. "Just a checkup; is Pacemaker in today?"
  2655. >Looking through a schedule sheet, the receptionist gives a nod.
  2656. >"They indeed are; who is in need of an appointment?"
  2657. "Well, the Missus isn't feeling real well, so I've...encouraged her to get checked out."
  2658. >You tried to not say you had to corral her into this.
  2659. >Insight didn't give you a death glare, which meant you probably succeeded.
  2660. >The receptionist gives you a nod, comparing schedules for the day.
  2661. >"Alright, just a checkup...Doctor Pacemaker will see you in about five minutes."
  2662. >The receptionist pone gave you an estimate of how much time you would spend in lobby purgatory.
  2663. >Waiting to see what might be afflicting your peculiar Pegasus.
  2664. >You were left in the realm of your thoughts, as per the usual.
  2665. >To say you were unconcerned would be a lie.
  2666. >It had come after you and your newly-wed mare engaged in lurid beside fun.
  2667. >Had something finally come into fruition from this romantic tryst?
  2668. >Or is your wife afflicted with some illness?
  2669. >While you were nervously waiting, Insight seemed to instead be impatiently waiting to get this over with.
  2670. >At least five minutes in purgatory would pass by quicker than you thought it would.
  2671. >The doctor in question, Pacemaker, came into the lobby once the moment was over.
  2672. >Pacemaker was an elderly unicorn stallion, mane long since turned white after he'd seen through many winters.
  2673. >You would have thought he'd retired long ago, but he just kept going.
  2674. >"Anon, good to see you again! Have you been trying to live healthy and all that? Think you pulled anything at work? And who is this lady here?"
  2675. >You shake your head, that not being the case.
  2676. >You were a big guy now.
  2677. >You could handle it.
  2678. "Nah, nothing's particularly wrong with me. The whole appointment's about her, since she's the one not feeling up to snuff."
  2679. >Pacemaker sees it as an appropriate time to introduce himself.
  2680. >"A pleasure to meet you, Miss...?"
  2681. >Your wife introduces herself, although reluctantly.
  2682. >"Singular Insight."
  2683. >With that out of the way, the stallion led the both of you back to his...office.
  2684. >You weren't sure how to exactly call it.
  2685. The exam room?
  2686. >Fuck, you wished you knew with certainty the terminology.
  2687. >You were now getting mentally flustered over trivial bullshit.
  2688. >And that was not an ideal situation.
  2689. >When in the room, the doctor closed the door behind you, taking a seat on a stool.
  2690. >"Alright, now, Insight; if you could take a seat on the exam table, we'll get this started. If everything's going well, it won't last but a minute."
  2691. >With a graceful flap of her wings, Insight arrives atop the exam table.
  2692. >Taking out a notepad and pencil with the gentle glow of magic, he begins to ask questions.
  2693. >"First off, what's been bothering you? Any major symptoms that are making life less than enjoyable?"
  2694. >Looking between you and the old doctor, your pone wife opens up about what she had been experiencing.
  2695. >"The sensations I have been experiencing recently would be describable as nausea. It is an unpleasant malaise."
  2696. >Scribbling with the pencil followed, Pacemaker nodding slowly.
  2697. >"Anything else? Or is that it?"
  2698. >Insight shook her head, signifying that was all that plagued her.
  2699. >Taking this into account, the elderly stallion continued his line of questioning.
  2700. >"And when did you start feeling this symptom?"
  2701. >Your beloved did her best to recall when exactly this all started.
  2702. >"I believe the nausea had begun to reveal itself around two moons ago. Would that be a fair estimate, my dearest heart?"
  2703. >You give Insight a nod, believing that was indeed the case.
  2704. >As the stallion wrote down this information, he pondered over what might be the source of the issue.
  2705. >Such a symptom was experienced in a wide range of illnesses.
  2706. >"Hmm...well, there are a couple of tests I can offer, to guess what the cause might be. The first will be a blood test. You aren't afraid of needles at all, right?"
  2707. >The doctor got up from his spot, ready to draw the dreaded cold needles for blood extraction.
  2708. >Your wife cocked her head, not exactly having too much experience with needles to develop a fear.
  2709. >"Well, just a little warning...it might feel a little unpleasant. It's because we need to keep them cold and sterile."
  2710. >Approaching your mare, Pacemaker gestures for Insight to extend a foreleg.
  2711. >Wearily, she allows it.
  2712. >The next moment, the needle pierced her skin, extracting the violet liquid beneath.
  2713. >To say the doctor was surprised would be to stare at grass for an hour and conclude it was green.
  2714. >"Well, that is unusual...and you have been doing well before this, am I wrong?"
  2715. >Insight nodded while she waited for the small vial to become full.
  2716. >"My situation was markedly ideal before this development, yes."
  2717. >It certainly stumped the old stallion as to why a mare would bleed a color that you really didn't see in mammals.
  2718. >"I guess asking questions as to why your blood is purple would be besides the point at the moment..."
  2719. >Insight hoped this would not evolve into prodding about her story.
  2720. >She would rather not discuss such things with those she was not fully comfortable with or wholly trusted.
  2721. >Once it was over, Pacemaker withdrew the needle.
  2722. >Afterwards, he wiped down the spot to sanitize it and placed a little bandage over it.
  2723. >"I'll be back after a few minutes with the blood test results, if it shows anything normal I'll go off of that."
  2724. >While he was gone, you found it appropriate to ask her if she felt too uncomfortable.
  2725. "You doing okay over there, dear?"
  2726. >Insight nodded, still waiting to hear the news as to whether or not she was ill.
  2727. >"The experience so far has not been extraordinarily unpleasant, Anonymous. It was, however, mildly uncomfortable to feel the cold steel beneath my skin."
  2728. >Not something that you thought many people or ponies adored.
  2729. >There was at least some reason as to why people became scared shitless at these little skin-perforators.
  2730. "Yeah, those things can kinda hurt when you're a kid...it gets a little less painful down the line, for some."
  2731. >With a few more minutes passing, Pacemaker returned to break the news.
  2732. >"The test results seem to show things are...normal, I guess. Some things I have never seen before, but otherwise, you're perfectly healthy blood-wise."
  2733. >There was uncertainty in the stallion's voice, since he was dealing with something he had really not expected to deal with when he graduated from medical school.
  2734. "Well, that's wonderful to hear, Doctor. What other tests you have in mind?"
  2735. >Pacemaker rubbed a hoof against his temple.
  2736. >"Well, it depends on a couple things...looking at the ring and bracelet, would it be safe to assume you're a married couple?"
  2737. >You nod, happy to admit such a thing.
  2738. >Insight also gave a nod of approval.
  2739. >With that being a given, Pacemaker continues his thought progression.
  2740. >"And within this time, you two have...explored your love for one another...presumably?"
  2741. >Your mare didn't respond to the question.
  2742. >An old-fashioned lady such as herself would be a bit flustered at discussing that more publicly than just between you and herself.
  2743. "Uh...well...yeah."
  2744. >Talking about your sex life would never not be awkward to a degree.
  2745. >With this knowledge in hand, the elderly stallion withdrew a box from a drawer...
  2746. >And what came out was, presumably, a pregnancy test.
  2747. >"Now, I really ain't the most ideal doctor for this kind of thing, but gotta be prepared and all. How this works, Insight, is you urinate on the test strip and it'll give you a result. If you're expecting, you'll get a positive; if not, it'll be a negative. Bathroom's right behind the door."
  2748. >At this point in time, your mare was likely the most embarrassed she had ever been.
  2749. >A nice, heavy blush had formed, and she was nervously running a hoof along an opposing foreleg.
  2750. >It wasn't her fault for not knowing the more advanced forms of testing available.
  2751. >Hell, you had no idea what they did in the last turn of the aeon.
  2752. >Hopping down from the table, she takes the blank test with her.
  2753. >Sealing herself away from the both of you, it gave you time to contemplate the future result.
  2754. >You weren't a biologist or anything in that realm of the sciences.
  2755. >But you did think it might be difficult for species to crossbreed.
  2756. >Something something chromosomes and species relation.
  2757. >Granted, Insight was no ordinary mare through what she had undergone.
  2758. >Did it really effect something such as that?
  2759. >You didn't know the full effects.
  2760. >Neither did you understand how Insight gained magical abilities.
  2761. >As your thoughts began to drift onto whether or not you were truly ready for parenting, the bathroom door opened.
  2762. >Your wife was still flustered at the previous conversation with Pacemaker.
  2763. >As she approached you, it was imperative that you know the result.
  2764. "So...what did you get, dear?"
  2765. >Your mare looks up to you as she began.
  2766. >"After completing the procedure, and viewing the result..."
  2767. >The suspense was killing you.
  2768. >"...it appears you are anticipated to be a father, Anonymous."
  2769. >...
  2770. >You didn't expect that, now did you?
  2771. >The full emotional impact of realizing you were gonna be a father was just starting to seep in.
  2772. >While you were still awestruck by this knowledge, Pacemaker decides it appropriate to give you his best wishes.
  2773. >"Well, that surely explains it! Congratulations, by the way, Anon. The magic of love must surely be on your side."
  2774. >Well, that's one takeaway from realizing two completely different species could produce children together.
  2775. "Uh, thanks, Pacemaker. Appreciate it."
  2776. >You still didn't know just how to put it to words.
  2777. >The knowledge that you and your wife, Insight, were anticipating a little foal on the way.
  2778. >How was it even possible?
  2779. >An unexpected alteration to her physiology that you couldn't anticipate?
  2780. >Could ponies and humans do such things of their own accord?
  2781. >Each question only led to more questions.
  2782. >"Anonymous, my dearest heart, does something trouble you at this moment? Was the knowledge of such a result unwelcome?"
  2783. >Through her usual monotone, there was genuine concern.
  2784. >She didn't know if you were taking to this newfound development poorly.
  2785. >You were just kinda sitting there, feeling the impact slowly start to be fully realized.
  2786. "No, no, perish the thought...it's good news to hear...just a bit unexpected."
  2787. >You give your mare a hug of reassurance.
  2788. >You weren't the kind of man to get suddenly furious over the results of your romantic trysts.
  2789. >You were married to Insight, after all.
  2790. >You accepted the responsibilities that came with marriage.
  2791. >After the warm embrace had been parted, the good doctor spoke up.
  2792. >"If this concludes your visit, perhaps you and your significant other should head home and discuss this more privately?"
  2793. >It wasn't exactly telling you 'fuck off, your check-up is over.'
  2794. >But Pacemaker did suggest that it might be more comfortable to discuss this in a setting that didn't include other ponies.
  2795. "That might be for the best. Thanks, by the way, doc."
  2796. >He dismissively waves, letting you and Insight out of the exam room.
  2797. >"Just doing my job, is all. If you have any health-related issues regarding your wife's pregnancy, I'd direct you to a hospital. They'd provide better care than this quaint little clinic."
  2798. >You believed your mare was relatively healthy.
  2799. >Though, you took this into account if you feared there were any other issues.
  2800. >Thanking the elderly stallion for his time, you and Insight leave the building.
  2801. >Of course, not before compensating said clinic for their services.
  2802. >The fees were but a pittance in comparison to understanding your mare's well-being.
  2803. >The journey back home was quiet, and relatively uneventful.
  2804. >You didn't live in Ponyville, where apparently all the weird shit happened.
  2805. >When you had arrived back home, sealing the door behind you and your wife, you felt a nice rush of emotion.
  2806. >Knowing that you and Insight had a little foal on the way gave you a sort of happiness you couldn't quite recall.
  2807. >Perhaps she was right, in regards to what she said earlier.
  2808. >It gave a sense of fulfillment that you couldn't quite describe.
  2809. >Granted, you weren't the mare in this relationship, but you felt a sensation that was hard to describe otherwise.
  2810. >There were also fears of what the foal may develop as.
  2811. >Just what would they inherit from their parents?
  2812. >Would they inherit the terrors that had plagued their mother?
  2813. >Would they be able to fit in?
  2814. >Your internal monologue was interrupted by witnessing your mare do a little prance where she stood at that moment.
  2815. >It was something you saw some ponies do when they got really, really excited.
  2816. >As with Insight, though, even that was slightly subdued.
  2817. >Her reactions usually were more subtle than quite a few other ponies.
  2818. >It still made her a turbo-cutie when she did such things.
  2819. >"There is an insurmountable jubilation that suffuses my being, my dearest heart!"
  2820. >Seeing her happy would never fail to brighten your mood.
  2821. >Happy pones could always do something like that for you.
  2822. >It meant something when Insight did it, though.
  2823. >And, well, her genuine elation at the fact you and her had somehow conceived a new life bled over to you, also.
  2824. >"In the aeon of basking in nothingness, I would never have anticipated indulging in the joys of marriage..."
  2825. >Her small, subdued smile shone upon you.
  2826. >And it was good.
  2827. >"...the marginal possibility of bearing new life...through some machination, we have done it."
  2828. >You just can't handle yourself.
  2829. >You must embrace the cutie.
  2830. >In the rush of excitement, you and Insight spend a nice, long moment in a joyous hug.
  2831. >Her wings keeping you just as close as her forelegs.
  2832. >It was all so wonderful to experience.
  2833. >If there was anything to add onto the wonder of marrying the mare of your dreams, it would be this moment.
  2834. >Knowing that you would soon become parents to child that you would be certain to show love.
  2835. >You had almost entirely forgotten the worries you had running through your mind.
  2836. "Are you nervous at all, Insight?"
  2837. >She answered you with jubilation and excitement still lingering in her tone.
  2838. >"The concerns I possess are reserved for the final bend undertaken by mares along this journey...now is but a time to celebrate."
  2839. >You supposed for now, you could throw concern to the wind.
  2840. >If your wife was as happy as she was right now, it might feel good to indulge in it.
  2841. >For most of the day, you and your mare spent your time gushing ever so slightly about what was to come.
  2842. >Planning for things months into the future.
  2843. >Just that sort of thing.
  2844. >Even the foal talk after copulating wasn't quite like experiencing the real, happening thing.
  2845. >Nervousness and concern had been set aside, and it felt quite nice.
  2846. >Not having to be plagued by it for a moment did ease the burden your mind sometimes set upon you.
  2847. >Your wife was right, in this regard.
  2848. >Celebrating the miracle that was being able to conceive new life when you thought it was impossible mattered more than fear.
  2849. >The time for tribulations was not in that moment.
  2850. >Any of it would be for later.
  2851. >Even as you enjoyed every second of that day, it passed you by so quickly.
  2852. >When you enjoy a day, it seems that the night just sneaks up on you.
  2853. >You were in bed, previously having been dreaming the good dreams.
  2854. >But now, something had awoken you...
  2855. >Insight was not beside you, as you might have expected.
  2856. >Where could she have gone?
  2857. >Stepping out of bed in little more than your boxers, you seek to find out.
  2858. >She was not anywhere in the room, as you came to understand.
  2859. >Your attention then moved onto the bathroom.
  2860. >The nausea she experienced these past few days was almost assuredly morning sickness.
  2861. >Perhaps she felt ill and needed to leave the bedroom to avoid making a mess?
  2862. >Well, she wasn't in there either.
  2863. >Now wasn't that just curious.
  2864. >Where could she have gone?
  2865. >Stepping outside of the bathroom, you hear rustling from your living room.
  2866. >A flicker of light from the kitchen also caught your notice.
  2867. >Stepping down carefully, you don't know what you might stumble upon.
  2868. >Just what might it be?
  2869. >As it turned out, Singular Insight was down here, preparing a small meal for herself.
  2870. >Some bread, her world famous™ blackberry jam, and other assorted foods.
  2871. >Had she contracted a case of the midnight munchies?
  2872. >Tiredly, you call out to your beloved mare.
  2873. "Insight, dear? What're you doing? It's...well, I dunno, but it's pretty late..."
  2874. >She stopped in her tracks as she noticed you were awake.
  2875. >"I request you do not hurl any judgmental glances in my general direction. The need for satiety stirred me from rest."
  2876. >You nodded, sighing as your expecting wife continued preparing herself a meal.
  2877. "I'm not going to judge you for grabbing a midnight snack...just wondering where you went is all."
  2878. >You decided to get a glass of water while Insight dined on what she had acquired.
  2879. >The munchies of champions.
  2880. >At least you knew where she was.
  2881. >It would not be good for your blood pressure if you couldn't find her.
  2882. >Taking a moment to breathe, you set those concerns aside.
  2883. >Where else would she have gone?
  2884. >You certainly had no clue.
  2885. >The mind of a tired man could not structure much of a plan.
  2886. >For now, you would just down some cold water.
  2887. >While you were temporarily awake, you did get a moment to ponder how your mare suddenly started feeling hungry.
  2888. >Usually, she wasn't in need of food.
  2889. >She had certainly gone quite a while without it, if nothing was given to her for the duration of her imprisonment.
  2890. >Had the pregnancy awakened a need to feed?
  2891. >Such interesting questions were beyond your muddled mind.
  2892. >After you had finished your glass and set it in the sink, you gave Insight a kiss on the cheek.
  2893. "You go ahead and eat up, alright dear? I think I might head back to sleep..."
  2894. >She gives a nod, downing a jam-coated slice of your bread.
  2895. >"I shan't be but a few minutes, my dearest heart."
  2896. >Giving her a parting, tired smile, you leave to return to bed.
  2897. >The siren's song of sleep was too strong.
  2898. >Being woken at this hour was not something you were used to.
  2899. >You wonder if this will become quite common...
  2900. >Your train of thought would have to pull into the station for now.
  2901. >It was time to abandon the material realm in favor of the land of dreams.
  2902. >You were tired, and knowing Insight was okay reassured you that you could indeed rest.
  2903. >Though, it was a little difficult to without your sweetheart nearby...
  2904. >Eventually, you were able to get comfortable enough to at least try sleeping.
  2905. >It wasn't easy, you did have to admit.
  2906. >However, it would all become easier as your mare returned.
  2907. >Insight quietly entered the bed, wanting to get cozy beside you now that her cravings were satiated.
  2908. >Her forelegs locked around you as she relaxed back into her position at your side.
  2909. >And it was good.
  2910. >It was much easier to rest knowing that your wife, Insight, was okay and near you.
  2911. >Closing your eyes for a final time that night, you doze off.
  2912. >Morning came early for you, the rays of gold-orange sunlight peeking through your blinds.
  2913. >Once again, it seemed Insight had left the bed early.
  2914. >Since you weren't as tired as you were last night, tinges of concern arose.
  2915. >Where might she be this time?
  2916. >Again, she wasn't in your room anywhere.
  2917. >Throwing the blankets up and leaving the confines of your bed, you go to check the bathroom.
  2918. >Inside, the maroon Pegasus was curled up beside the toilet, apparently suffering from more nausea.
  2919. >Looks like the morning sickness was plaguing her again...
  2920. >Taking a sigh of relief that you knew where she was exactly, you kneel down beside her.
  2921. "Insight, dear? Are you okay? Is it hurting terribly?"
  2922. >Hearing your voice, your wife turns her attention to you for but a moment.
  2923. >"Good...morning, my dearest...heart. To properly...respond to your inquiry..."
  2924. >Insight, in her curl beside the toilet, tightens her posture whenever the nausea got temporarily more intensive.
  2925. >"...the sunrise has not been particularly...pleasant for myself."
  2926. >The poor thing...
  2927. >It was difficult to imagine seeing her like this often.
  2928. >In such great pain, desperately awaiting relief.
  2929. >Coming to sit beside her, you hoped to weather this morning development with her.
  2930. >You just hoped that she wouldn't mind the company.
  2931. >At first, you tentatively began to run your hands along her side.
  2932. >She didn't fight it, mostly spending her time dealing with the aftershocks of nausea.
  2933. >Insight hadn't vomited during the time her morning sickness developed.
  2934. >Perhaps she was among the lucky third of mares who didn't need to?
  2935. >It still must've felt quite awful for her to deal with the urge to do so, but not actually having to.
  2936. >You cooed, hoping it would all pass soon.
  2937. >Eventually, it had, your mare taking a moment to herself for recovery.
  2938. >It was quiet moment as you stayed with her.
  2939. >Gently running your hands alongside her gut, you break the silence.
  2940. "Feeling much better now, dear?"
  2941. >Insight nods as she lets you continue to rub her no-longer-aching belly.
  2942. >"The malaise has passed...such tactile discord is a displeasure, pray tell, shan't be the entirety of this...development."
  2943. >To be honest, you really didn't like seeing her in pain.
  2944. >It felt like it hurt your soul.
  2945. >Though, you supposed it would be something that had to be endured.
  2946. "It shouldn't last past the first leg of your pregnancy, Insight...after that, things should get a bit easier."
  2947. >That's at least what you thought was the case.
  2948. >It would be difficult to stomach it lasting much longer.
  2949. >At least for today, it had passed.
  2950. >It would not be a problem for now.
  2951. >Your mare soon got up from her spot, not feeling the dire aches of early pregnancy at that moment.
  2952. >When she had, you gave your pone wife a kiss.
  2953. >You thought she could use one.
  2954. >It didn't possess the intense passion of one right before a session of love-making, but it was a way to show your affection for her.
  2955. >The mare you loved with all your heart.
  2956. >If the little things like this might brighten her day, that would be enough for you.
  2957. >Seeing her happy was among the things you lived for.
  2958. >Maybe there's something else you could do for her?
  2959. >In that moment you realize something.
  2960. >It was morning, and you haven't made breakfast yet.
  2961. >Such an important and integral meal of the day, and it was set aside all this time.
  2962. >Well, now that your mare wasn't feeling like her guts weren't trying to start a revolution against her, it might be a good idea to make some.
  2963. >And you had just the perfect thing in mind.
  2964. "Now that you're feeling a little better, would you be up for a warm breakfast meal?"
  2965. >You were pretty sure it wasn't too soon to ask such a question.
  2966. >Singular Insight gave you a nod of approval.
  2967. >"The present is an opportune moment to dine...what might you have in your purview for this morning?"
  2968. >You had just the thing in mind for a hearty sunrise dining experience.
  2969. "Something warm and sweet, just like you, dear."
  2970. >You couldn't resist a perfect moment to flatter her.
  2971. >It just felt perfect, at that time.
  2972. >As your beloved covered her small, subtle smile with a hoof at your flattery, she continued her inquiry.
  2973. >"Really, my dearest heart, if you would entertain your wed mare's inquiry..."
  2974. >You would, if she so kindly asked of you.
  2975. "How does some pancakes and fruit sound?"
  2976. >You had her attention now.
  2977. >"Be certain to prepare sustenance for yourself, as well, Anon. In the interim, I shall take the time to bathe."
  2978. >It would appear that was your cue to leave the bathroom.
  2979. >Having come to know Insight, she preferred it that you weren't in the bathroom with her while she bathed.
  2980. >The whole eye-thing and all.
  2981. >You didn't mind all that much.
  2982. >Whatever made her feel happy was alright with you.
  2983. >Leaving the bathroom, you head off to the kitchen.
  2984. >Now all that was left was for you to do was plan out your breakfast in advance.
  2985. >The first trip was to the pantry, where a bag of pancake mix was stored.
  2986. >You had yet to level up your baking to the proper skill to make such complicated mixtures.
  2987. >Only ten thousand more loaves of bread to go to reach that level.
  2988. >Maybe you'd get a sweet baker's hat as a reward.
  2989. >It was not, however, something to bemoan in that moment.
  2990. >Right then was the breakfast preparation sequence.
  2991. >You had no ordinary pancake mix in your possession, either.
  2992. >This was the good shit.
  2993. >It was the Equestrian version of a Pan-Kit.
  2994. >Maybe some subtle differences here and there, but that didn't matter when you could have pancakes at the ready right quick.
  2995. >Acquiring ingredients partial to remaining in liquid state, you prepare yourself for batter making.
  2996. >First came the powdery mix.
  2997. >Following on the heels of the mix, came the liquids necessary to turn it into a proper batter.
  2998. >Equipping your +4.75 hand whisk, you make sure everything blends very well together.
  2999. >You were pretty sure you had the measurements right.
  3000. >A small prayer in the scrambled temple resounds, asking for you to be right.
  3001. >After vigorously stirring, you come to the conclusion that your batter was A-Okay.
  3002. >Praise the Guardians of Breakfast.
  3003. >Givers of Sustenance.
  3004. >Now came the next step in your morning meal excursion.
  3005. >Setting a skillet to warm up, you prepare it with appropriate lubrication.
  3006. >Can't help but play things safe.
  3007. >With lubrication appropriately spread out, you pour a tiny dollop of batter to gauge when it would all be ready.
  3008. >It was a small sacrifice to ensure you didn't waste any more than you needed to.
  3009. >With that dollop starting to properly bake into the world's smallest pancake, you pour the batter into saucers of glory.
  3010. >This shit was gonna be so good, it would be great.
  3011. >You wonder if your mare would enjoy it.
  3012. >Hell, you wonder when such glorious breakfast foods were invented.
  3013. >Have such marvels of engineering been around since her time?
  3014. >Were they only just rediscovered at the turn of the century?
  3015. >Were they reverse-engineered from ancient Tenochtitlan technology?
  3016. >Only time knows.
  3017. >As you donned the spatula necessary for flipping these disks of power, you could hear the faint clopping of Insight's hooves.
  3018. >You allow yourself a peek away from the skillet.
  3019. >Perhaps the food wouldn't mind if you admired her beauty for a second or two longer...
  3020. >That slightly unkempt mane just looked so beautiful after washing it.
  3021. >The bands of silver in her mane gleamed just as wonderfully as the real metal.
  3022. >The way it blended with the cream was so seamless.
  3023. >Insight's maroon coat was perfectly matched for her mane and tail.
  3024. >What did you ever do to deserve anyone as perfect as she was?
  3025. >A little nagging demon known as Insecurity would sometimes chastise you as not being good enough for such a beautiful mare.
  3026. >Insight's pure and unconditional love for you, however, pushed it back down.
  3027. >Realizing that you've been admiring her beauty for so long, you remember the task you had set out to do beforehand.
  3028. >Making a breakfast for the two of you to enjoy.
  3029. >Now, granted, it might be just a little bit cliché of you to be making pancakes.
  3030. >It was such a common breakfast food that some might equate it to a cultural infestation.
  3031. >However, you didn't feel like you should force your expecting mare to wait for twenty-five years for something super unique.
  3032. >This was quick, easy to make, and it was tasty.
  3033. >Besides, it was better than just throwing a fucking hot pocket into the microwave and calling up to her a little like this:
  3034. >'Eyo wife, hun, you want sum pok?'
  3035. >If you were going to make a quick n' easy warm breakfast, you could at least avoid fake food.
  3036. >And maybe just try a little bit better than that.
  3037. >Besides, you doubted your wife wanted sum pok.
  3038. >Keeping your attention on your creations, you gauge they might be ready.
  3039. >Carefully and quickly sliding the spatula beneath each of these powerful disks of breakfast delight, you give them a good flippin'.
  3040. >A sense of success and satisfaction arises when you witness a perfect flip.
  3041. >They didn't even slide and spread the batter like a skid mark.
  3042. >If Insight saw your magnificent flips, it would raise your confidence levels by a whole point.
  3043. >Think about just how amazing that would be.
  3044. >You're gonna do this just right for her.
  3045. >Gee Anon, you may even score a whole two points.
  3046. >It really didn't take long to finish this part of breakfast.
  3047. >Pancakes really didn't take that long to make.
  3048. >And if they did, they'd be a charred brick only good for the garbage.
  3049. >After deciding they had reached ideal brownness, there was little more to do that plate the ones that were golden.
  3050. >A few more would be made following their earlier brethren.
  3051. >You weren't gonna waste any of this, now were you?
  3052. >Grandmama would be very disappointed if she saw you wasting anything.
  3053. >That was one thing you could feel across time and space.
  3054. >With the last of the batter you could pour out of the measuring cup came the final fluffy edible disks.
  3055. >Golden, fluffy and soon gone.
  3056. >Such is breakfast's life.
  3057. >At least they would go to good use, in powering your day.
  3058. >Providing satiety for both you and Insight.
  3059. >When each circular breakfast produce item finished, you decided it was now time to move onto fruits.
  3060. >As delicious as a pancake may be, it unfortunately does not contain all the nutrients you might desire.
  3061. >Y'know, in case living without health problems made it onto your list of concerns.
  3062. >Checking the fridge, you take inventory of what's available.
  3063. >Appuls, bananas, and strawberries.
  3064. >You used to have blackberries, but that goes by quickly to make jam.
  3065. >Besides, you had more to store in the refrigerator than just blackberries.
  3066. >Withdrawing the necessary amount of fruit to complete the daily morning meal, you grab a knife.
  3067. >This would certainly go over well.
  3068. >First up, the apples.
  3069. >Simple enough, cut them into smaller bits.
  3070. >Oh, and avoid chopping your fingers.
  3071. >Insight appreciated those quite a lot.
  3072. >After finding them satisfactory, the next step would come.
  3073. >Like hell you would even need to try with bananers.
  3074. >Calling upon your inner simian, their protective casing yielded before your fingers.
  3075. >Slicing and dicing these was a breeze.
  3076. >The final step was the strawberries.
  3077. >Slice off those stems, and call it a day.
  3078. >It went perfectly at first.
  3079. >Smooth slicing with the sharp, leading edge.
  3080. >Then you ran into a slight snag with the last strawberry.
  3081. >You went a little too far with slicing the top off, and the blade cut into the skin of your thumb.
  3082. >George Washington tap-dancing with Charlemange pogo-sicking and Frederick the Great doing a mean kazoo solo of the Hurrian Hymn it fuckin' hurt.
  3083. >Dropping the strawberry in your hand, you begin to shake it as you react to the sudden sensation of pain.
  3084. >You heard a slight gasp from your wife as she saw you hurt yourself.
  3085. >"Husband, dearest, are you okay? Have you injured yourself?"
  3086. >Hearing her concern, you try to stay strong.
  3087. >Do it for her.
  3088. "Uh, y-yeah...I'm fine. A little accident with a sharp knife."
  3089. >You knew you shouldn't have invested in the Edge of Glory.
  3090. >Getting up from her seat, Insight comes to take a look.
  3091. >"It appears to minor...however, we must not mistreat such injuries. I will retrieve an aid kit, and assist you in addressing your injuries."
  3092. >You sigh, hoping the breakfast would be at least somewhat warm by the time she were done.
  3093. >You would have held this off until it was done, but she looked pretty hell-bent on fixing your blunder.
  3094. >The worst part of this whole mess was that you caused it, and it felt mildly disappointing.
  3095. >Insight came down with the first-aid kit you kept in the bathroom, beginning to open it.
  3096. >"Mayhap you should clean your injury, before we initiate anything else?"
  3097. >Accepting her advice, you decided to wash your hands.
  3098. >It hurt, but it would have hurt much more to use hydrogen peroxide.
  3099. >That was burning of the fury of the Devil himself compared to this mildly-unpleasant sensation.
  3100. >After dealing with that, Insight directed you over.
  3101. >"Should I recall correctly, had you applied anything beforehand? On the night you assisted me with such a task?"
  3102. >You nodded, pointing to the disinfectant.
  3103. "Yeah, that stuff. Keeps a wound from turning green and starting to grow real funky stuff."
  3104. >Insight listened to your sufficient explanation, looking between the bandages and band-aids you had available.
  3105. >She elected to use the smaller ones, as those looked more appropriate for the situation at hand.
  3106. >The packaging it came in split before your eyes.
  3107. >With a stroke of magical ability, your Pegasus mare applied a dollop of the disinfectant.
  3108. >"Would you kindly reach out your hand, my dearest heart?"
  3109. >Feeling somewhat compelled to do so, you reach out for Insight.
  3110. >The Band-Aid folds over the cut finely as you feel the coolness of the disinfectant applied to the cut.
  3111. >Your wound was addressed, thanks to Insight.
  3112. >"Everything should be improved now...do you feel as though such a thing has been achieved?"
  3113. >You give her a small smile.
  3114. "Yeah...it feels all better now, Insight, dear."
  3115. >Sealing up the kit, your mare gives you a pleased smile.
  3116. >"Wonderful, my dearest heart. Should that be all, might we enjoy a breakfast with one another?"
  3117. >You had forgotten about that.
  3118. >You nodded, still feeling a little embarrassed in yourself for fucking it up.
  3119. >Throwing away the fruit that rested on the ground, you move on.
  3120. >Bringing plates that carried all you had prepared, you sit down with your pone wife.
  3121. >You also didn't forget syrup, as pancakes just weren't the same without it.
  3122. >Breakfast hadn't been too cold, though you felt it would have helped if you didn't cut yourself.
  3123. >You did at least do your mare a favor by giving her the warmer batch.
  3124. >She deserved it, as sweet as she was.
  3125. >No matter what she did, it never failed to lighten your spirits.
  3126. >Bring a jovial smile to your face.
  3127. >Make you feel like there was a purpose for you.
  3128. >It was to be the complimentary half to your wife, as she was to your own.
  3129. >Two souls, joined in matrimony by love.
  3130. >If there was anything you had done to deserve such a fate, you could not recall.
  3131. >You would imagine such things would be of a saintly disposition.
  3132. >How could you ever deserve such a beautiful, loving, compassionate wife as Singular Insight?
  3133. >Seeing her give you a little smile and wave of her hoof, your contemplation was cut short.
  3134. >Right, you had a meal to finish.
  3135. >Breakfast passed by in relative silence, nothing needing to be said.
  3136. >Food was good, and spending the day with family was just what you needed.
  3137. >By the time you were finished, however, Insight was still preoccupied.
  3138. >While waiting on her to finish up so you could wash the dishes, an idea came to mind.
  3139. >Today was mail day.
  3140. >Excusing yourself, you left to go out and check the mailbox.
  3141. >Once out in front of the thing, you wonder what foreign goods have been sent your way.
  3142. >Pulling the hatch down, you spot a box-like parcel.
  3143. >You didn't order anything...
  3144. >Curiously, you withdraw it from the mailbox.
  3145. >Looks like it's from Princess Cadence.
  3146. >Now, what might she have for you?
  3147. >Did either you or Insight request something from the Initiative?
  3148. >Taking a peek at the note, you aim to discern why this was here.
  3149. >From the looks of it, this was meant to be given to you earlier in your pairing with Insight.
  3150. >However, someone at the Initiative lost it.
  3151. >That was not ideal, of course, and the Princess of Love hoped that you had received it sooner than later.
  3152. >Well, you got it now.
  3153. >Supposedly, this would be quite helpful for humans in understanding their mares.
  3154. >Odd, as you thought you came to know Insight very well.
  3155. >The parcel's attached note was signed with best wishes, from you-know-who.
  3156. >Your curiosity having gotten the better of you, you peel off some of the wrapping.
  3157. >What you had received was a book on the anatomy of ponies, along with some other important facts, as well.
  3158. >The gears in your mind began to turn once more.
  3159. >A book on anatomy would normally seem far too out-of-place to give to just anyone.
  3160. >Unless they were a biology student, it wasn't something you just handed out like candy.
  3161. >Regarding recent developments, it could be seen as Cadence sending some knowledge your way on how to understand mares and their pregnancy.
  3162. >In the context of what was developing in your life, it would be fitting.
  3163. >Maybe you'd learn yourself something new, eh?
  3164. >Still slightly weird to receive such a thing, however.
  3165. >You had to ponder if Cadence had a sense for such thing, or if this was meant to be sent to you earlier, as she said in written word.
  3166. >Breaking away from the mesmerization this book had on you, you check for any other mail.
  3167. >Looks like that was all for today.
  3168. >You were expecting more, but whatever.
  3169. >Closing the hatch on the mailbox, you return to the interior of your humble abode.
  3170. >Singular Insight had just finished breakfast, and was curious of what you had brought in.
  3171. >"What have you brought inside, Anonymous? It does not appear to be any parcel normally received."
  3172. >You continued to rip off the packaging, bringing the book out of hiding.
  3173. "A book from the Initiative...didn't order anything, but it was meant to be here earlier. Got lost."
  3174. >Her curiosity had been piqued at the little story regarding this peculiar package.
  3175. >"Certainly a peculiarity, my dearest heart. What, pray tell, might be the topic of the volume?"
  3176. >You weren't sure if it was a good idea to go ahead and say what it was.
  3177. >What else might there be to receive from the Initiative anyway?
  3178. "It's a, uh, anatomy book. Regarding ponies of all races in Equestria."
  3179. >Your wife nodded, mulling over the potential meaning of such a gift from Cadence.
  3180. >"I suppose it might be an intriguing volume for you to immerse yourself with; do you not possess much understanding of pony physiology?"
  3181. >To be frank, you did understand that ponies were much different than humans.
  3182. >One commonly known fact was the miracle of hoers puss.
  3183. >Another fact you had realized was that mares also possessed crotchtits, as it was so happily deemed.
  3184. >Each race of pony possessed defining traits that set them apart from one another.
  3185. >And things appeared to be moreso infused with magic than your world could ever be.
  3186. >This was not metaphorical shitting-on for things back home.
  3187. >Magic literally existed in Equestria, thus most if not all things were somehow infused with it to a degree.
  3188. >Beyond some extra facts relating to Equestrian ponies, there was a sort of knowledge you desired to understand.
  3189. "Well, I'd say I could learn a lot of new things from this little book. Can't hurt to learn something new, can it?"
  3190. >Her small, subtle smile at your enthusiasm was quite appreciable.
  3191. >It was a sight you strived to see, and it was always a delight to get such a reward.
  3192. >"Observing that you have such a strong desire to build upon your existing knowledge, would you wish for assistance in washing the leftover mess?"
  3193. >Should you really ask that of your pregnant wife?
  3194. >Granted, it wasn't along the later stages, when there would be a noticeable...rotundness.
  3195. >Then again, there also wasn't a whole banquet's dishes left behind.
  3196. >You arrive at the conclusion that it could wait.
  3197. >You'll deal with it at a later time.
  3198. "Eh, I'll handle it in a little while. Don't worry about it, Insight, dear."
  3199. >You give her a little kiss on the cheek.
  3200. >Today felt like a slow day, and doing chores on a slow day was haram.
  3201. >Insight gave you a dismissive wave with her wing, letting you do as you wished regarding the dishes.
  3202. >Now free to read, you take a good spot in a chair.
  3203. >You get comfortable as you flip open the tome.
  3204. >While you were preoccupied, Insight was standing before the Gramophone.
  3205. >Such advanced technology was not her normal realm of understanding, back in those ancient times.
  3206. >However, Insight seemed to have learned plenty from watching you work the machine.
  3207. >She began to shuffle through your collection of music.
  3208. >Turning your attention away from this at the moment, you crack open the tome before you.
  3209. >As an informative text, you doubt it'll be akin to a riveting fictional story, but learning was cool too.
  3210. >t. math teacher.
  3211. >A thick amount of the opening was pretext, and like you gave a shit about that.
  3212. >You wanted to move onto the good stuff.
  3213. >Flipping through the beginning preface, you found yourself beginning this new literary excursion.
  3214. >As the book opened, it generally described the variants of pony races within the borders of Equestria.
  3215. >Namely, the big three: Pegasi, Earth Ponies, and Unicorns.
  3216. >It would also begin to describe their relation with the magic of Equestria.
  3217. >The plot thickens now.
  3218. >Of course, such a thing would begin with the most magically-inclined race.
  3219. >Unicorns, naturally.
  3220. >The book, however, did give a warning that though some aspects of Unicorn physiology could be understood, magic was still not fully so.
  3221. >It was like Physics, in a way.
  3222. >Some parts were so well understood, that it had been written as the Code of Law.
  3223. >Other parts were poorly understood, or at least not as developed as they could be.
  3224. >Thus, anything in here should be taken with a grain of salt in case of some unexpected breakthrough that changes literally everything.
  3225. >That being said, it was time to move onto what is understood of how the horn works.
  3226. >With contemporary understanding, it appeared to act as a conduit to focus the enigmatic force known as magic.
  3227. >With such forces being suffused throughout this land, nothing unfocused could have a similar effect.
  3228. >Having the horn be affixed to the head and well-connected to the skull, it was believed that this played into the need for mental aptitude in mages.
  3229. >You know, the whole training for magic to improve their abilities or learn new spells.
  3230. >This would explain how they aren't capable of awe-inspiring and world-shattering spells from the moment they leave the womb.
  3231. >Next in your study was Pegasi & Earth Ponies.
  3232. >As a general overview, their abilities were much more innate and static than that of a Unicorn.
  3233. >Pegasi could manipulate clouds and stride across their surfaces, alongside weather manipulation.
  3234. >Earth Ponies were quite hardy little things, and had a more intimate connection to the nature around them, generally.
  3235. >Coming to understand the vagueries of how magic worked in keeping their passive abilities running was a bit more complicated.
  3236. >Several theories have been proposed, but it was not understood entirely beyond how they physically interacted with the world.
  3237. >After reading this section, you noggin jogged quite profusely.
  3238. >How might your mare interact with magic in the way Unicorns do?
  3239. >She didn't possess anything quite like they did.
  3240. >Nothing obvious, to you.
  3241. >Perhaps the answer lay in her blood?
  3242. >It was much more distributed than the approach of a Unicorn's horn, which might explain how her abilities weren't as...
  3243. >Intense, if that was a way to put it.
  3244. >She had only just been able to manipulate more than one object with her telekinesis recently.
  3245. >Other things jumbling around in your mind, you however persevere to the next portion of the book.
  3246. >Going over the anatomy of mares, and little tidbits like how pregnancy develops.
  3247. >This information was quite important to understand for you.
  3248. >It could help aid you in not messing anything vital up.
  3249. >For the most part, it was relatively standard mammalian gestation.
  3250. >Benis in bagina, jidz makes babby and all that.
  3251. >Though, there were uniquely equine traits to the later stages.
  3252. >One such observation was that a mare's mammaries would begin to expand, or 'bag up.'
  3253. >This was towards the final two weeks before foaling.
  3254. >Close to the end of this process was when the mare began to lactate.
  3255. >At first, it would be a yellowy color, due to a special set of antibodies being produced for those early moments in a foal's life.
  3256. >Their immune systems weren't as strong as an adult pony's, which is why it would be that way.
  3257. >Of course, this would change later during nursing to a more familiar white.
  3258. >Typically, nursing could last anywhere from six months to a year.
  3259. >Another aside was that a typical pregnancy should be around eleven months in length.
  3260. >There wasn't much information on crossbreeding between humans and mares at this point, though...
  3261. >It still left you in the dark on the potential state of the foal you and Insight were expecting.
  3262. >There was worry intermingled with hope.
  3263. >Really, you were at the mercy of fate here.
  3264. >Insight and the foal she carried were in your thoughts and prayers.
  3265. >Always.
  3266. >After your moment of appreciation for the impact your mare had on you, you return to the realm of the book.
  3267. >There were some tidbits about mare lactation as a sign of impending foaling.
  3268. >Generally, the lactation was a dead giveaway that a mare was very soon to foal.
  3269. >Another would be general restlessness, which meant a mare was imminent to birth.
  3270. >There were some other additional flakes of information, but those previous two things gave a clear outline.
  3271. >It wouldn't be easy to determine these things outside of experience.
  3272. >Thanks to your handy-dandy little guide here, though, you had an outline.
  3273. >Perhaps it may have at first seemed a weird gift to give to anyone, but you had hopes it would be helpful in the future.
  3274. >And fast the future would come for you.
  3275. >Enjoy every second you would try, but it was hard to forget that fact about time flying when you were enjoying yourself.
  3276. >The time, in total, had been about six months.
  3277. >As you could observe, you mare was now visibly pregnant, with the tell-tale sign of a distended belly for all to see.
  3278. >You did have to admit, seeing it did bring some pride.
  3279. >Pride that your wife and yourself had been able to conceive new life.
  3280. >It also warmed your heart as you could sense each leg of the pregnancy pass smoothly as it had.
  3281. >She was no longer feeling the horrible aches of morning sickness, which really gave you peace of mind.
  3282. >However, as the foal grew in the womb, you still possessed concerns.
  3283. >Concerns of how they would turn out.
  3284. >You couldn't suppress that as the development of your mare's pregnancy continued.
  3285. >As you thought about the matter, you sighed.
  3286. >Things had been progressing just fine on their own for the longest time.
  3287. >You took delight in every day you spent with your beloved.
  3288. >Perhaps you should instead leave the matter as water under a bridge, waiting to be crossed.
  3289. >You didn't have much control over the situation.
  3290. >Taking each day in stride would probably be more helpful than panicking over the future.
  3291. >You'd keep yourself raven-haired longer that way.
  3292. >Worrying as much as you have been would give you a head full of gray hairs before you'd even seen forty winters.
  3293. >That, of course, didn't mean your worrying wasn't valid however.
  3294. >You set your thoughts aside, as you heard the soothing, gentle monotone of Insight's voice.
  3295. >Bringing yourself back to where you were in the home, you turn your attention to Insight.
  3296. >Both of you were on the couch, you having come home from work recently.
  3297. >Work had become less exhausting as time went on.
  3298. >With a foal on the way, there was a certain drive awakened within you.
  3299. >A drive to achieve success at %231.76 to be able to properly provide for your family.
  3300. >You could feel yourself either suppressing the pain very well, or acquiring some nice gains.
  3301. >Either or worked, really.
  3302. >As Insight spoke, you tuned into what she was saying instead of letting your thinking tune her out.
  3303. >"...husband, dearest...are you certain you are indeed not maligned by aching after returning from your employ? I recall how it put strain unto you."
  3304. >You shook your head, in fact feeling relatively fine.
  3305. "Trust me, I feel okay, sweetheart. Don't worry."
  3306. >You attempted to dissuade her concern, your hand starting to run along her distended, pregnant belly.
  3307. >It felt right to do so, letting your fingers glide over where the foal had been residing these past six months.
  3308. >You couldn't really place your finger on it, to be sure of what exactly felt so good about doing it.
  3309. >There was a multitude of things to consider.
  3310. >Alas, you were but a simple man.
  3311. >After initiating this intimate contact, Insight sighed with a hint of acceptance, her concerned prodding having gotten nowhere.
  3312. >You'd rather not see your expecting wife worry so much.
  3313. >That was your job, and you didn't want to stress her so much.
  3314. >She was already dealing with the laborious process of carrying your child.
  3315. >After a few moments, though, you felt a hoof against your thigh.
  3316. >It began to move closer to your inner thigh.
  3317. >Your wife's hoof was very close to the danger zone.
  3318. >When you turn your attention to her, you can see a small smile that was different than just happiness...
  3319. >You could tell there was something more to it.
  3320. >Something sultry, as she continued to run her hoof in circles against you.
  3321. >"Within the time you had left, I had not anticipated the degree to which I would miss you..."
  3322. >Her posture shifted, allowing you a view of her flanks.
  3323. >"One could describe it as though a burning for you to return. It fills my heart with such joy to see you return home safely every day, though now...perhaps there would be another scorching desire you might assist in quelling?"
  3324. >You had a pretty clear picture of where this might be going.
  3325. >Insight was probably dealing with the hormonal soup that was pregnancy, and she was starting feel a bit randy.
  3326. >Nothing wrong with that, though.
  3327. >It gave you more opportunities to enjoy some very intimate loving with your wife, Insight.
  3328. >However, since she was quite noticeably pregnant...
  3329. >You thought it wouldn't hurt to be a little more gentle this time.
  3330. >Sure, Insight did appreciate a more rough-riding experience, if your first copulation with her was anything to go by.
  3331. >You just believed it more appropriate to tenderly love her during this time.
  3332. >Smiling at the thought of an afternoon of passion, you begin to tenderly run your fingers along her sensitive wings.
  3333. >Her hind legs quite visibly began to press against one another, eagerly awaiting you returning to breed your mare once more.
  3334. >Both her wings had risen from rest, allowing you to view their majestic glory.
  3335. >While you continued to stimulate her wings, you brought her into a passionate kiss.
  3336. >Eventually, you did move onto exploring more of her form.
  3337. >You wanted to explore every inch of it, intimately know everything about it.
  3338. >Know every curve and bend.
  3339. >Explore each sensual spot she might possess.
  3340. >As the kiss broke, you began to trace your fingers against her equine sex.
  3341. >You could feel her winking with each passing minute.
  3342. >Insight was quite needy for your attention.
  3343. >As you remember her saying once, it would be rude to keep a lady waiting.
  3344. >To your discovery, you had found that Insight worked off the pants you were wearing.
  3345. >Undergarments, too.
  3346. >The most striking sensation was that she had begun to tease you with fellatio.
  3347. >Or, at least, just that in the slightest.
  3348. >It mostly focused on teasing your glans with her lips and tongue, intent on bringing you to a fully-erect state.
  3349. >To say the least, it worked quite stunningly well.
  3350. >Blood rushed to bring the organ to its full size and readiness, and soon it throbbed in need.
  3351. >With it brought to stand at attention, your pone wife gave the crown a kiss, letting you shudder at the sensation.
  3352. >She guffawed slightly at your reaction, thinking it was pretty cute.
  3353. >In no time at all, you mare had turned around, presenting her flanks and winking sex to you.
  3354. >It even dripped in anticipation, eagerly tempting you to fill it with what you could provide.
  3355. >You chose not to waste any more time than you honestly needed to.
  3356. >You first started with prodding the exterior, feeling both of those equine netherlips part readily at your touch.
  3357. >Admittedly, you were quite eager to ram it home and get on with it.
  3358. >Pressing on, you let her passage envelop your length.
  3359. >It was always a delight to let its ministrations and contractions coax you closer and closer to release.
  3360. >Soon, you began to gently pump into and out of her, each gentle slap against her wiry flanks echoing through the living room.
  3361. >Fortunately the only audience was but you two.
  3362. >Each thrust into her was met with a gentle lurch forward, Insight's pregnant stomach kept against the cushion of the couch.
  3363. >There was no rush to blow your load deep into her.
  3364. >You and Insight could spend as much time as you wished in gentle passion.
  3365. >Exploring your love for her.
  3366. >Keeping things intimate, you begin to explore her body once more.
  3367. >Running your hands against her distended abdomen, you begin with showing her your love.
  3368. >Hell, you might even consider it showering her in your love.
  3369. >Moving on from there, you went with an old favorite of yours.
  3370. >Gently squeezing her teats to get a reaction out of her.
  3371. >As per last time, you could hear a surprised, high-pitched gasp.
  3372. >Every time you pinched one of them, you could feel erratic milking of your shaft.
  3373. >You bite your lower lip, needing to slow down to not go over the edge before your mare.
  3374. >It would not do to leave her hanging like that.
  3375. >Utilizing your other hand, you begin to carefully fondle her wings.
  3376. >You knew they were very sensitive, and knowing just where to touch was all the more better for pleasing her.
  3377. >Continuing to tease her just right, each movement of your own began to drive her figuratively mad.
  3378. >She had begun to orgasm before you, in fact, her depths clenching and milking you in such a way that it demanded your seed.
  3379. >Demanding that you sow said seed into her fertile...tracts of land.
  3380. >Having such a strong interest in this kind of agriculture, you couldn't hold back.
  3381. >With each short, pounding thrust of yours was punctuated with your seed being shot into her womb.
  3382. >Bliss had been achieved, and each moment in the throes of orgasmic pleasure intermingled in your affection for one another.
  3383. >As mind-blowingly wondrous as your orgasm had felt, it wouldn't last forever.
  3384. >At least the afterglow would be plenty enjoyable.
  3385. >Each moment that passed felt as though the bond of intimacy had become more cemented.
  3386. >Maybe the concept of pregnant sex did indeed bring couples together.
  3387. >It felt so much more...intimate, than your first time.
  3388. >It had started quite awkwardly, and had been quite rough.
  3389. >You didn't know that Insight would ride you as she had.
  3390. >Things had certainly changed significantly since then.
  3391. >Whenever you and Insight sensed the need to breed, it had become more sensual.
  3392. >You both knew how best to please one another, and just how to accomplish it.
  3393. >Such things made the experience infinitely more unique and personal.
  3394. >You didn't need to get involved in incredibly kinky shit.
  3395. >All you needed was the close intimacy that such tender experiences brought.
  3396. >That was more than enough for you.
  3397. >As the afterglow waned, you had come back to reality and observed your living room.
  3398. >Insight was just starting to get up, stretching her legs.
  3399. "Now...where might you be off to, sweetheart...?"
  3400. >After plopping down on her hooves, Insight answers you.
  3401. >"Only to the bathing quarters, of which might something you would be in need of as well."
  3402. >She wasn't that wrong...
  3403. >Disregarding passionate sex, you had been doing manual labor for a good portion of the day.
  3404. >A nice shower might be what you're due for.
  3405. >You would have to wait for your mare to finish, though.
  3406. >Or...you could try something a little risky.
  3407. >It was something you would not have considered much earlier in your relationship.
  3408. >You could assist her in bathing, and subsequently take your own shower after she left.
  3409. >Insight was hypersensitive about you even seeing her eyes, and this was among the only time she wouldn't have her impromptu blindfold on.
  3410. >How would you even go about suggesting such a thing to your wife?
  3411. >Should you even try?
  3412. >It was a road not ventured.
  3413. >Should you follow poster tips?
  3414. >You doubted it would necessarily drive a wedge between your love for one another.
  3415. >But did you really want to try?
  3416. >You could ask, at the very least.
  3417. >Make some promises, if that helped.
  3418. >Readying your courage, you extend your offer.
  3419. "Insight, dear? Maybe you could do with a hand?"
  3420. >She stopped as she heard your words, facing you once more.
  3421. >"Are you certain such things would be wise, husband, dearest? I have brought to your attention why exactly I wear these obscuring bandages..."
  3422. >Insight wasn't being outright hostile over this matter.
  3423. >There was apprehension in her voice, however.
  3424. >You knew her reasoning, even if you had never quite understood the true depth of her statement those many fateful moons ago.
  3425. "I know you prefer your privacy...I just thought it could be something to do together. Also thought maybe I could help out a little, y'know?"
  3426. >You had been doing your best to help your wife wherever you could.
  3427. >Of course, you didn't know if it might feel patronizing to her at all.
  3428. >You just wanted to pitch in a hand and help her out.
  3429. >Insight meant the world to you, and you wished to show it every day.
  3430. >"To my knowledge, you have been offering assistance aplenty in other daily tasks. Proposing an inquiry, what brought you to ask such a question?"
  3431. >Insight sat down slowly, intrigued about why you were suddenly curious of attempting this.
  3432. "Well, maybe it'd be nice...and we could both do with a bath, after 'that.'"
  3433. >Perhaps you would consider it an exercise in trust, but you were certain she'd trust you with a wealth of things.
  3434. >Insight mulled over your words and reasoning, questioning if it was really worth it.
  3435. >It would save water, and the shower could fit the both of you.
  3436. >At least on a hypothetical level.
  3437. >For two humans, it would undoubtedly be less than pleasant.
  3438. >Fortunately for you, your wife was a pone.
  3439. >A Pegasus pone.
  3440. >You could also help ensure her wings were clean without her having to crane her neck.
  3441. >Lord above, why didn't you say that?
  3442.  
  3443. >That would actually be a much more rational reason to offer.
  3444. >Your wife, Insight, came to deliberate her decision.
  3445. >"...alright, husband, dearest. I shall entrust you this once, though before bathing commences, I request that you swear you shan't attempt to sneak a peek at what you should not."
  3446. >You nod with vigor.
  3447. "I swear I won't, sweetheart. I don't want to abuse your trust."
  3448. >It would be absolutely haram to do such an action.
  3449. >Your wife's trust in you was something you treasured beyond the glittering gemstones and precious metals abundant in Equestria.
  3450. >To see that evaporate through one misstep would be heartrending.
  3451. >With a nod, your expecting mare leads you unto the bathroom.
  3452. >Insight does the honors of removing her bandages, starting slow as she keeps her focus away from you.
  3453. >You stick to your word, not trying to see what her eyes themselves looked like.
  3454. >Sure, you were quite curious after all this time.
  3455. >It wasn't worth upsetting her beyond measure, though, was it?
  3456. >Letting her take care of her matters, you turn on the water to warm it.
  3457. >Looked like the water pressure was still going strong, instead of being limp and half-flaccid.
  3458. >That made showers unnecessarily uncomfortable.
  3459. >As the water reached acceptable warmness, you invited Insight to enter first.
  3460. >It would make more logistical sense for her to, if she wished for you to not gaze upon her eyes.
  3461. >After she had entered, you took off your shirt and followed Insight when she allowed you in.
  3462. >She was facing away from you, so not as to tempt you into seeing her eyes.
  3463. >One might lament that you might be handling a pony that was part Gorgon.
  3464. >You weren't really sure what would happen.
  3465. >You probably wouldn't turn into stone, but being noticed by an interdimensional horror was probably not a good idea.
  3466. >Moving on from the uniqueness of the situation, spying your mare's mane in its damp appearance...
  3467. >You had only seen in such a way once before.
  3468. >That wasn't exactly as happy a time as this was...
  3469. >You occupy yourself with happier thoughts as you appreciate the beauty of your mare's long, luxurious mane.
  3470. >Insight couldn't find any other real style that fit her, it would seem.
  3471. >Perhaps she was so used to having it slightly disheveled that it just didn't feel right to style it.
  3472. >Whatever the case, you began to help her wash it.
  3473. >Freed from her vault, it was no longer oily and in dire need of a wash.
  3474. >It felt so wonderful to twirl a lock of it betwixt your fingers when dry.
  3475. >When wet, you doubt silk could compare itself superior to it.
  3476. >Alas, you could only admire it for so long.
  3477. >Making sure to clean deep with soap, you scrub her magnificent, lengthy mane thoroughly.
  3478. >When it was wet, you could also observe that it wasn't as...poofy?
  3479. >That was probably a good way to describe it.
  3480. >Water always had that effect of drastically altering a mane's appearance.
  3481. >After making sure it was thoroughly cleansed, you moved onto her tail.
  3482. >You would aim to be a little more careful here.
  3483. >Mainly because it was a bit close to her mare bits, and you don't think it would be a good time to stimulate her.
  3484. >You were trying to live up to her trust, after all.
  3485. >Doing your best to avoid sexually stimulating her, you begin to handle her tail.
  3486. >It was, admittedly, a little more coarse than her mane.
  3487. >You were a simple man, and did not know what would cause this.
  3488. >Either way, you did what you could to properly and thoroughly wash her tail.
  3489. >Every action you took was meticulous, aimed to show her just how sacred her trust in you was.
  3490. >Finishing with her mane and tail, you moved along to her body.
  3491. >The situation became more hot n' heavy then.
  3492. >You wished to be thorough, but you also wanted to be careful.
  3493. >Some areas were, as you had come to know, quite sensitive.
  3494. >As you delicately continued the process of washing her body, she spoke up.
  3495. >"Husband, dearest, may I pose a request? The molting season for Pegasi initiated, and the sensation of loose feathers has plagued me."
  3496. >Was this a preening request?
  3497. >You could feel the sweat collecting on one of your rags already.
  3498. "Need me to check for molting feathers?"
  3499. >Insight nodded, her wings spreading for you.
  3500. >"I would appreciate it very much."
  3501. >You were nervous, but would accept her request.
  3502. >Gently gliding your fingers over her plumage, you looked for feathers that may be ready to be removed.
  3503. >You'd find a couple, some of which appeared to be less than optimal.
  3504. >You were as delicate as possible when removing these undesired feathers.
  3505. >It was also an important thing to not pull her healthy feathers.
  3506. >It would be extremely painful, and Insight would bleed if you had done so.
  3507. >On occasion, you hand had touched her wing proper.
  3508. >You swore you could see Insight biting her lower lip gently.
  3509. >After just a bit longer, you could be certain there were no longer any visible feathers ready for removal.
  3510. "There we go, Insight...all done with preening."
  3511. >Your wife let her wings come against her side, fortunate that you haven't plucked any still-functional ones.
  3512. >"Marvelous, my dearest heart. I believe this bath has been sufficient...might you close your eyes for one moment?"
  3513. >You abided her request.
  3514. >After a few moments had passed, you felt her lips meet yours.
  3515. >A bit of a surprise, but a pleasant one.
  3516. >This kiss was short, but sweet.
  3517. >"You have my sincerest thanks, Anonymous...my dearest heart."
  3518. >And with that, she left you to enjoy a shower of your own.
  3519. >You still needed to clean up, yourself, after all.
  3520. >The experience between you and Insight was, actually, quite enjoyable.
  3521. >The fact that you could indeed live up to her trust when she extended it brought you joy.
  3522. >Insight seemed to greatly appreciate that you didn't abuse something as sacred as her trust in you.
  3523. >It was likely she could handle this task on her own.
  3524. >She did have the ability to use magic to a limited degree, and it allowed her to do things Pegasi or Earth Ponies normally couldn't.
  3525. >You just preferred to help her with anything you could.
  3526. >Perhaps it was only a natural reaction to do your best to help make her pregnancy somewhat less taxing.
  3527. >As you were not a mare, you couldn't imagine what it was like.
  3528. >You'd think it was both laborious and something Insight might take delight in.
  3529. >How it would feel exactly would remain a mystery for you.
  3530. >Not like there was any way to know exactly what it was like.
  3531. >Disregarding that, you do wonder if Insight thought it was spoiling her at all.
  3532. >The thought had crossed your mind every now and again.
  3533. >Insight would probably speak up if she was uncomfortable with it all.
  3534. >You did all of this for her because you wanted her days as an expecting mare to not be more burdensome than necessary.
  3535. >You had hope that it would be all okay in the end.
  3536. >And every day, that hope had never faltered, standing strong as those said days passed by.
  3537. >Every day that passed with your wife brought the date closer and closer.
  3538. >The date she was due to foal.
  3539. >Playing it back in your mind, It was fascinating to watch as the foal developed.
  3540. >Insight's abdomen had reached the apotheosis of its swelling with the unborn foal.
  3541. >The pregnant dome of her belly at its zenith.
  3542. >It had not reached something of a ludicrous size.
  3543. >She was only expecting one little foal.
  3544. >Not twelve.
  3545. >Towards the final leg of this pregnancy, your wife's mammaries had begun to swell.
  3546. >The process of 'bagging up,' if you recalled correctly.
  3547. >Inisght had complained that she did have to adjust her walk for them.
  3548. >It would be thirty days from that point when she was likely to foal.
  3549. >The day Insight began to lactate was when you decided that you couldn't wait at home anymore.
  3550. >Recalling as best you could, that dribbling yellow milk was a telltale signal.
  3551. >You had convinced her to accompany you to the hospital.
  3552. >Going there for foaling may not make sense to a mare such as herself, given she had existed back when medicine was not up to what it was now.
  3553. >You explained that the doctors there would be much better at handling complications than yourself.
  3554. >A math teacher who now earned his keep as a dockhand was not medically trained as they were.
  3555. >Besides, you really didn't want anything wrong to happen to the foal as it as being born.
  3556. >A time such as this could be seen as quite stressful.
  3557. >At least for you, it would be.
  3558. >Getting checked in for the matter was a somewhat lengthy process, but it wasn't enough to have your brain melt and seep out through your ears from boredom.
  3559. >While this was all going on, you could observe that Insight was starting to become a little restless.
  3560. >A bit unusual, it was likely related to her current state.
  3561. >At last, everything had been checked through and made clear.
  3562. >Given that signs such as the ones Insight had been giving, the maternity ward of the hospital did allow check-ins for mares imminent to deliver.
  3563. >Your wife had, on the way, criticized the strong stench of sterility in the building.
  3564. >It was unpleasant, and not anything she had been familiar with.
  3565. >You doubted many liked the smell beyond just having gotten used to it.
  3566. >A nurse helped your mare get situated in the room where she would be, offering some support to ease the tension you felt.
  3567. >Naturally, you had plenty to feel, and the wait for the inevitable was drawn out to a glacial pace.
  3568. >Insight remained relatively restless still, as though unable to remain entirely still.
  3569. >All that would come for now was more painful waiting.
  3570. >You preoccupied yourself with reading.
  3571.  
  3572. >Of course, the material you were provided with was trite you didn't care too much for.
  3573. >Anything to try and reduce your stress, right?
  3574. >Occasionally, you would get up to see if your mare was alright.
  3575. >Insight would answer that she was indeed doing okay, and that you shouldn't take it so hard on yourself.
  3576. >For now, you supposed she was right.
  3577. >Nothing bad was happening, and you could do without raising your blood pressure.
  3578. >Doing your best to not worry, you let the time pass by.
  3579. >Day slowly turned to night as the eternal dance of the Sun and Moon passed on by.
  3580. >You didn't even catch yourself falling asleep early.
  3581. >You had no idea how much time had passed before you awoke.
  3582. >The reason you had was that a different nurse pone was encouraging you to do so.
  3583. >"Excuse me, Sir, are you Anonymous by any chance?"
  3584. >Doing your best to wipe away the drowsy still present on your face, you nod.
  3585. "Wha...Yeah, yeah that's me. What's going on?"
  3586. >She gestures to the door to the delivery room you had been waiting outside of.
  3587. >"Singular Insight has recently gone into labor. If you wish to assist or just be there for her, now would be your opportunity."
  3588. >Those words of hers took a moment to register.
  3589. >The gears in your mind just needed to turn fast enough before the full impact was realized.
  3590. >When it had been so, you could not have gotten to your feet any faster.
  3591. >This was now happening, and there was no way around it.
  3592. >Accepting the opportunity, you ask the nurse of what you needed to do.
  3593. >Washing your hands and donning the right clothes was necessary.
  3594. >You did whatever this Prometheus asked of you.
  3595. >All you knew was that you ought to be there for your wife.
  3596. >This was a special time, one that would change everything about your life.
  3597. >Coming into the room, doctors were there to ensure everything was going along safely.
  3598. >On occasion, you would hear your mare give a pain groan.
  3599. >Insight was kept in a standing position for the process, it being a natural one for equines.
  3600. >As much as you wished to be as directly involved as the doctors, you were also concerned with seeing this go right.
  3601. >You took the middling approach, helping where you could.
  3602. >Getting in the way or annoying the doctors might not be the best thing to do.
  3603. >You don't know how long the labor had been going at this point, only just being jolted awake recently.
  3604. >The difficulty of such a labor had dawned on you as the first hour passed.
  3605. >Naught but the front hooves of the foal had passed into the world.
  3606. >From what you could tell, they appeared to be a Prussian blue.
  3607. >Not much else could be seen beyond that.
  3608. >There was a part of you somewhat grossed out by natural biological functions.
  3609. >Another marveled at the knowledge fatherhood was more realized now than ever before.
  3610. >The final part of you hanged its head in relief.
  3611. >As it appeared in the moment, your child was not some eldritch abomination.
  3612. >It appeared to be just a normal foal that wouldn't cause the End Times.
  3613. >Here is where nothing much had progressed.
  3614. >For a couple of hours, the progression of the birth of the foal was as slow as could be.
  3615. >Every now and again, it would appear the forelegs moved further out.
  3616. >You prayed this wouldn't be prolonged to where it might endanger your child.
  3617. >Each moment put Insight through more pain, the kind that was all-encompassing.
  3618. >The only really unpleasant part of pregnancy, as it made morning sickness look like an uncooked noodle.
  3619. >As enough time passed, the sun crested above the horizon.
  3620. >Morning had come, and you didn't even realize it.
  3621. >As time continued its eternal march onward, new developments finally arrived.
  3622. >All of the effort your beloved Insight had put behind forcing the foal out had culminated in the head coming into view.
  3623. >it was definitely the head of a pony, and what little tufts of mane they had appeared to be a rich orange.
  3624. >Their eyes were closed.
  3625. >What might they be like?
  3626. >Your thoughts were quickly set aside, attention focusing back to Insight.
  3627. >Insight was gathering her breath once more, overexerted from the long, agonizing labor.
  3628. >Her effort had been not in vain.
  3629. >Hopefully soon, she could rest.
  3630. >After taking a break, she began to push once more.
  3631. >Insight did no wish to stay in labor for much longer, the foal needing to be birthed.
  3632. >Her efforts were rewarded, and with that, the foal was freed.
  3633. >The exhausted mare no longer needed to labor against the burden of bringing new life into the world.
  3634. >The newborn foal gently coming to rest beneath her.
  3635. >Remarkably, they looked very pony-like.
  3636. >Would there be anything...human, about them, beneath the surface?
  3637. >All that was left was simply leaning any resultant mess, which the doctors were taking care of.
  3638. >Your mare was tired; every breath she took ragged and deep.
  3639. >It was many moments before she spoke to you once more.
  3640. >"Anonymous...husband...what might the foal be...?"
  3641. >Well, gosh, you didn't know beyond that it was normal.
  3642. >One of the doctors whispered it to you, allowing you to be the one to break the news to her.
  3643. "It's a filly...a healthy, newborn Pegasus filly. You've done it, Insight..."
  3644. >Insight was given the newborn to hold, taking to it quickly as she was finally able to rest.
  3645. >Laying down, she enveloped the little thing in her warm, motherly embrace.
  3646. >Seeing this, it brought the realization even further into focus.
  3647. >You were a father now.
  3648. >This, was your daughter.
  3649. >Seeing your wife and newborn daughter together was a sight marking a new age.
  3650. >The age of fatherhood.
  3651. >Kneeling down, you get a good look at your daughter.
  3652. >Such a little cutie was a gift from heaven above.
  3653. >Insight kept the newborn filly close to the barrel of her chest, doting over her.
  3654. >Your wife hadn't begun crying over the joy of holding her own firstborn, but you could tell she was filled with joy.
  3655. >You would chalk this up to being exhausted after spending hours trying to give birth to her.
  3656. "She's beautiful, Insight..."
  3657. >Insight gave you an affirmative nod, eventually breaking her attention from the foal.
  3658. >"It had never occurred...to me, holding my own foal...not in all those years shrouded...in crushing isolation..."
  3659. >Inisght's voice was still strained and hoarse, quieter than normal.
  3660. >Her words had a much greater volume than her voice; it must not have been easy for a mare such as herself.
  3661. >For all she knew, that aeon spent alone with nothing but her insanity would be her eternity.
  3662. >That she would never have such joys as this.
  3663. "Soak it in, sweetheart...this little filly is ours. Our precious daughter."
  3664. >Occasionally, the newborn filly would stir, but soon come back to rest.
  3665. >Insight looked up to you, proposing a question.
  3666. >"Anonymous...my dearest heart, would you wish to...hold her?"
  3667. >You have never been more ready to hold a babbu.
  3668. >You excitedly nod.
  3669. "I'd love to, sweetheart. Just hand her over."
  3670. >You extend your hands outward, ready to pick up the little one.
  3671. >Almost reluctantly, the new mother hands you the filly.
  3672. >When you finally hold your daughter in your arms, it was...
  3673. >Something indescribably magical.
  3674. >The avalanche of feels could not be put into word.
  3675. >Such a rush of emotion was difficult to unpack.
  3676. >Holding this new life you and Insight had brought into the world was something you would be content doing for as long as you could.
  3677. >You were sure to be gentle with her, especially since you were afraid of hurting her little wings.
  3678. >They looked so delicate, and you didn't wish any harm to them.
  3679. >The thought of any harm befalling your little filly raised your blood pressure.
  3680. >You just wanted your little baby girl to be happy, and safe.
  3681. >"You have certainly taken quite an adoration to her...my dearest heart. May I...hold her once more?"
  3682. >Insight asked, hopeful to have her newborn returned to her motherly embrace.
  3683. >Your train of thought arrived at its station, and you nodded.
  3684. >Carefully and gently, you returned her to Insight.
  3685. "Here she is, sweetheart...do you know what we should name her?"
  3686. >You didn't think naming a pony Anon Anony Anonsson was a good idea.
  3687. >After taking the foal into her forelegs, Insight laid there perplexed.
  3688. >What would be the name of this little filly?
  3689. >What might she be gifted with in the future?
  3690. >Her name would be indicative of who she was as a pone.
  3691. >Eventually, as Insight finished deliberating over the name, she brought the name in mind up to you.
  3692. >"I believe her name should be Sandlight...what do you think about such a name, my dearest heart?"
  3693. >It was a very pretty name, rolling off the tongue well.
  3694. >Though, perhaps it was vague on what fate your daughter's talents would rest on.
  3695. >You'd only really know as the time came.
  3696. "It flows very well, Insight...a bit mysterious, but it's very nice."
  3697. >So it would be settled.
  3698. >The newborn filly's name would be Sandlight.
  3699. >Back in her mother's forelegs, Sandlight nestled herself against the thick, winter coat Insight possessed.
  3700. >You did have to say, she looked quite at home when held by your wife.
  3701. >You stayed at Insight's side, wanting to spend every moment with her.
  3702. >The gentle sensation of tears ran down your cheeks.
  3703. >You just couldn't handle the rush of emotions that flooded your very being.
  3704. >Your most beloved wife and precious daughter, one cradling the other with all the love in the world.
  3705. >It could not be helped that tears of joy rolled on down.
  3706. >Your jubilation in that moment indescribable.
  3707. >Insight glanced over to you, seeing the tears you had running down your face.
  3708. >"What might be wrong, husband, dearest?"
  3709. >You wiped away the liquid joy overload, putting on a smile.
  3710. "Nothing's wrong, in fact, this is probably the happiest day of my life."
  3711. >You cupped her cheek, collection yourself.
  3712. "Being here with you for Sandlight's birth, seeing my little girl for the first time...I wouldn't trade this for the world."
  3713. >Insight smiled at your words, knowing you were just fine in this special time.
  3714. >"Such sweet words, husband, dearest. It was fatiguing to see Sandlight brought into the world...if I must be honest, my womb feels as though it must be in knots. All toil I would endure once more, to hold her."
  3715. >Your pone wife sighed tiredly, her breathing back to a slow, normal pace.
  3716. >"Shall it not trouble you so, I believe it would be opportune for me to rest..."
  3717. >You couldn't blame her for needing a nap.
  3718. >Even as she bonded quite easily with the filly, she could not remain awake forever.
  3719. >It had gone on from the quaint hours of the morning to sunrise.
  3720. >She could really do with some time to sleep.
  3721. "I don't think anything too big will be happening soon...you should catch some sleep, sweetheart."
  3722. >Your pone wife gave a quiet yawn, getting settled on the hospital bed.
  3723. >She kept the newborn filly close to her chest, not wanting to part with her.
  3724. >You didn't blame her, as you'd imagine she'd be quite possessive of her firstborn child.
  3725. >Insight would not wish to let go at the moment.
  3726. >You gave her a kiss 'goodnight,' sitting down in a chair nearby.
  3727. >Insight and Sandlight rested together, sleeping soundly in the morning hours.
  3728. >As they took their little nap, you mused over your situation.
  3729. >Your firstborn was, indeed, quite normal in appearance.
  3730. >That could be seen as a blessing within the never-ending well of fortune you had come to know.
  3731. >You could not help but ponder if she had more unique quirks that would surface.
  3732. > Had Sandlight inherited from you both?
  3733. >Granted, the quirks of ponies often developed uniquely to themselves.
  3734. >You were curious if Sandlight was born with any traits that were human.
  3735. >In your mind, you rationalized that it would be more than likely that she would possess traits from the both of you.
  3736. >It would appear that it wasn't extremely obvious and flagrant.
  3737. >You would observe in the coming years if little Sandlight would grow up with any peculiar traits.
  3738. >There was some concern if she had been misfortunate enough to inherit a trait from her mother that was...
  3739. >Less than desirable.
  3740. >You'd rather not see her marked by the void that was beyond anyone's understanding.
  3741. >Cursing the thoughts that attempted to dour the mood, you tried to focus on happier thoughts.
  3742. >What might their special skills be in the future?
  3743. >Sandlight's name was quite enigmatic of what she would be talented in.
  3744. >Really got your noggin joggin'.
  3745. >Would she follow in her mother's footsteps along the path to discovery?
  3746. >Maybe it would be something exploring related.
  3747. >The other possibility you were considering was that she might take the mantle of something you wouldn't expect.
  3748. >That might be interesting to observe.
  3749. >Seeing something that you wouldn't have anticipated being the passion of your little girl.
  3750. >No matter the case, you would support her always.
  3751. >You would do anything to see her smile.
  3752. >In your mind, it would be among the most valuable things in the world.
  3753. >And in your fatherly opinion, you would be right.
  3754. >As you continued to daydream about the future you may have with your wife and child, biology calls you.
  3755. >It requests that you get some rest, as well.
  3756. >You could not tell when you got up or fell asleep, but you presumed it was a while ago.
  3757. >Besides, not much else for you to do other than sample if the hospital food of Equestria tasted like ass.
  3758. >It would be something you'd rather not subject your wife to, should that be the case.
  3759. >Regarding the filly, you didn't know.
  3760. >Insight was an old-fashioned mare.
  3761. >Perhaps she would nurse it?
  3762. >That seemed the most likely course of action.
  3763. >It would be kinda sweet to see.
  3764. >The intimate closeness of it all.
  3765. >As you continued to muse about the developments of the future, you passed into the realm of dreams.
  3766. >Your biological clock was tired of you putting off the need for rest, and it had just about enough of that nonsense.
  3767. >At least you had comfy dreams.
  3768. >The following days, you spent time with your dear wife as she recovered from bringing Sandlight into the world.
  3769. >That, and it was a couple of days before you were able to leave with Insight and the newborn foal.
  3770. >Just needing to make sure the both of them were healthy enough to leave.
  3771. >Better to be safe than sorry, right?
  3772. >With such precious things as Insight's health and the foal's condition, you'd be willing to wait.
  3773. >It felt wonderful to finally be able to return home, no longer constrained to that hospital.
  3774. >You could have left at any time, really.
  3775. >It was not an option to abandon the two most important ponies in your life, though.
  3776. >Spending time with your family was all you desired, at the moment.
  3777. >Finally being able to leave, your wife and you left to return home.
  3778. >As she trotted beside you, you elected to carry Sandlight back to your humble demense.
  3779. >You would never let go, now that you held your daughter in your hands.
  3780. >Well, you would let go when Insight asked to hold her once more.
  3781. >It wouldn't be very kind of you to deny Sandlight's mother a chance to hold her as well.
  3782. >It wasn't long before you returned to your dwelling, entering it to see that everything remained in order.
  3783. >Granted, you'd expect there to be a very thin coating of dust on any shiny surface after being gone for a day or two.
  3784. >Coming back in, your dearest Insight requested to hold her foal once more.
  3785. >You obliged, handing Sandlight over to her.
  3786. >Insight left for the couch, doting over Sandlight.
  3787. >You couldn't really blame her.
  3788. >In the meantime, you made yourself a little breakfast.
  3789. >You hadn't eaten in a while, and you wished not to upset the foal with angery stomach noises.
  3790. >Mid-eating your loosely-defined food, you heard a slight gasp from Insight.
  3791. >"Husband, dearest, come quickly!"
  3792. >She didn't deliberate what had caught her attention and demanded your presence as well.
  3793. >All you knew was that you were kinda interested.
  3794. >Setting down what food you had, you investigated.
  3795. >Singular Insight was laying with her back legs and belly to the side, with her front in more proper posture.
  3796. >Beside her was Sandlight, who had been attempting to stand up.
  3797. >From a human standpoint, it would be amazing to see a relatively newborn child start to walk so soon.
  3798. >However, Sandlight was a pone.
  3799. >It would make sense that she would start walking sooner for quadrupedal reasons.
  3800. >Her little legs quaking as she attempted to stand.
  3801. >Remembering a certain letter, you recalled a certain promise you made to family back home on Earth.
  3802. >You had some pictures that needed taking of your little babbu.
  3803. >Rushing to retrieve your camera, you return to get to snapping photographs.
  3804. >The instance you were able to catch was with Sandlight's eyes open.
  3805. >...
  3806. >Woah.
  3807. >From the looks of it, Sandlight possessed teal eyes that had a gradient to a slight green towards the bottom of her irises.
  3808. >The cool colors blended together quite well, and just how rich they were...
  3809. >They really popped when she looked right at you.
  3810. >You didn't turn on the flash, thank the Lord.
  3811. >Besides, there was plenty light in the living room.
  3812. >You didn't need to summon a white-hot blinding sun of fury to brighten it up any more.
  3813. >Now, to get that picture processed...
  3814. >Setting the camera off on a table or something, you come to Insight's side.
  3815. >As you had, the little foal's legs couldn't support her weight anymore, and Sandlight plopped down onto her belly.
  3816. >It would take some attempts to get it down pat.
  3817. >You decide to give gentle encouragement.
  3818. >She might not understand it, but you were gonna do it anyway.
  3819. "Come on, Sandlight...you can do it."
  3820. >Her little ears twitch gently as they listen to your voice.
  3821. >Giving it another go, the little foal stands once more.
  3822. >Her legs still quake, but she's able to stand on her own.
  3823. >Pride for your daughter swells from within you, rising as a tide.
  3824. >"You performed quite admirably, sweetest Sandlight...how you have brought your mother pride and jubilation..."
  3825. >Insight gave the foal a kiss on the forehead, likely feeling the same emotions you had.
  3826. >Feeling familiar contact, Sandlight made her way over back to her mother.
  3827. >She was careful to make sure her footing was sure, each step as careful as it could be.
  3828. >The cushioning of the couch didn't allow her to sink in too deeply, but the filly wasn't going to take any chances.
  3829. >Slipping was instinctually unpleasant.
  3830. >As Sandlight came to be against Insight, you heard a slight 'eep' escape Insight's lips.
  3831. >Looking around to see what may be the cause, you determine it was the foal.
  3832. >Sandlight had latched her lips against one of Insight's swollen, milk-dribbling teats, and had begun to suckle.
  3833. >Little thing must be pretty hungry.
  3834. >Your wife, Insight had begun to blush slightly.
  3835. >A bit flustered by the sudden actions of the foal, having not expected the suddenness of it all.
  3836. >"I s-suppose she has been awaiting breakfast for some time, has she not?"
  3837. >That seemed pretty reasonable to you.
  3838. >The logic checked out as well-founded.
  3839. >You give Insight a kiss on the cheek, then follow it with ear scritches.
  3840. "Even now, she's a growing filly."
  3841. >Your mare's ears slightly twitched in response to receiving scritches.
  3842. >Insight accepted your reasoning, letting Sandlight nurse from her.
  3843. >Seeing such a display, you did have to admit...
  3844. >There was something quite intimate about it, the bond between mother and child during these early years.
  3845. >As Sandlight continued to feed, you decided that it would be a good idea to finish off your meal.
  3846. >You took a seat nearby, wanting to be close with your family.
  3847. >You were sure to ask Insight if she would be craving anything.
  3848. >She declined, not feeling much a need for sustenance at that moment.
  3849. >Perhaps a curious observation, when you think back on how Insight gained an appetite during the course of her pregnancy.
  3850. >Though she could subsist without much of a diet for a long while, the feeling of hunger struck when she was with foal.
  3851. >How curious.
  3852. >For the rest of that day, you and Insight spent it together, doting over how precious Sandlight was to you both.
  3853. >The foal brought into your lives after eleven months of waiting.
  3854. >Only a few days old, and she was already having such an effect on the both of you.
  3855. >It was a good sensation.
  3856. >Even as much as you were enjoying the day, it felt as though it passed by both quickly and slowly.
  3857. >It was strange.
  3858. >Eventually, however, night fell over your household.
  3859. >There would be no more running around.
  3860. >Just time to fall asleep, and have some bomb-ass dreams.
  3861. >At first, it was following down exactly such a path.
  3862. >Then, a shrill noise awoke you.
  3863. >The crying of a little certain someone between you and Insight.
  3864. >The both of you were awakened to it, wondering what had upset Sandlight so.
  3865. >She was safe, kept in the loving embrace of both her parents.
  3866. >Was she hungry?
  3867. >You didn't think so.
  3868. >Insight had fed her, what, a few hours before bedtime?
  3869. >There wasn't a foul stench anywhere.
  3870. >As the cries continued, Insight gently held the foal close, and a sound you never heard before followed.
  3871. >Your beloved wife began to sing Sandlight a lullaby. https://youtu.be/EDOHj_CXDp0 [Embed]
  3872. >Each word sung gently and calmly, trying to bring the foal peace.
  3873. >You weren't exactly sure what she was saying, but it seemed to calm the little one down.
  3874. >Soon, her cries quieted, the lullaby having brought Sandlight back to rest.
  3875. >Carefully and quietly, you whispered to your mare.
  3876. "You have a beautiful voice...it's probably the first time I've heard you sing."
  3877. >Tiredly, she responded after laying back down.
  3878. >"You flatter me, husband, dearest..."
  3879. >Exactly what you were good at.
  3880. >You wanted show her just how much you appreciated her.
  3881. "What were you singing, dear? It really seemed to have calmed her down..."
  3882. >Feeling her soft plumage drape over both you and Sandlight, Singular Insight responded.
  3883. >"I cannot recall where I learned such a song...it is familiar, amongst hazy memories."
  3884. >Probably lost to time, where she learned it.
  3885. >No real harm done, however.
  3886. >It's not a ground-shattering deal for you to know.
  3887. >Cupping her cheek, you wish her goodnight once more.
  3888. >Hopefully this time, without any interruptions.
  3889. >Her voice echoing in your ears, you close your eyes.
  3890. >Insight's lullaby helped rock you to sleep just as much as it had for Sandlight.
  3891. >Unto the realm of dreams, your ship departed once more.
  3892. >Each waking day with your daughter, Sandlight, was a new adventure.
  3893. >A new chance to learn what she might turn out like.
  3894. >Even as but a newborn foal, she gave you insights into what she would grow into.
  3895. >What you learned so far was that she really, really didn't want to be in a room that had mirrors when it was dark out.
  3896. >When she couldn't speak words yet, she would cry with such intensity.
  3897. >You hadn't known exactly why, but when she could finally speak, she mentioned that there was 'something in the bathroom window.'
  3898. >There were no windows in your bathroom, however.
  3899. >It took you quite a while to piece together that she meant the mirror.
  3900. >Ever since, you've made sure it was covered after the sun went down.
  3901. >Sandlight had never elaborated on what she saw, though.
  3902. >It worried you from time to time, but if she couldn't see it, you hoped it wouldn't see her.
  3903. >Another thing you learned was that Sandlight inherited Insight's blood.
  3904. >The violet, viscous, sanguine essence that perplexed you.
  3905. >You hadn't observed her utilizing magical ability quite like Insight, though.
  3906. >You only learned this because of when she would get a scrape against the pavement.
  3907. >Sandight did heal pretty quickly, though, which made those accidents less arduous for her.
  3908. >She had not inherited the issue with intense nightmares or lucid daydreaming that plagued Insight before you came into her life.
  3909. >That let you breathe easier, for sure.
  3910. >On a more positive note, she was growing up healthy and at what you assumed was the natural pace for foals.
  3911. >Sandlight's legs were quite slender when compared to other foals of her age.
  3912. >Her wings, though, were developing quite normally.
  3913. >Today was going to be spent teaching her how best to fly.
  3914. >Your wife, Singular Insight had chosen a good spot out in the country.
  3915. >Wide open, and perfect for earning one's wings.
  3916. >The wind was favorable enough for Sandlight to practice her flight skills.
  3917. >Right now, you were sitting down, only but a few feet from them.
  3918. >You thought it would be best to bring food with you as well.
  3919. >Flying was a task that demanded plenty of energy, and while Insight might not require as much sustenance, Sandlight did.
  3920. >Also, you might get a little bit puckish while watching Insight showed her daughter how to fly.
  3921. >At the moment, it was fairly basic stuff.
  3922. >Wing movements, instructions on how to handle the current conditions, etcetera.
  3923. >Insight did her best to make her lecture more integrated with actually doing something.
  3924. >She wasn't there to bore Sandlight to death.
  3925. >The motherly Pegasus simply wanted their daughter to learn what was special to Pegasi.
  3926. >Alicorns could do it too, but that wasn't part of the conversation here.
  3927. >After spending time teaching Sandlight, Insight gave a practical example of what she was talking about.
  3928. >With momentum, your wife took to the skies, her majestic wings lifting her into the air.
  3929. >It always captured your imagination when ponies took to the skies.
  3930. >There was just something...magical about it all.
  3931. >Perhaps playing into the dreams of men taking flight that led to the invention of airplanes was inspired by similar things.
  3932. >Watching things as delicate as butterflies gently take off from flowers.
  3933. >Gazing upon the breakneck maneuvers of birds of prey.
  3934. >It felt humbling, in a way, to watch these winged pones join with the great blue sky.
  3935. >Sandlight must have been amazed upon seeing Insight flying.
  3936. >You supposed this was the case because she had begun 'clapping' with her two front hooves.
  3937. >It was cute as fuck.
  3938. >Her little giggles of happiness made you acutely aware that these ponies must be partial to sugar.
  3939. >How would you explain the feeling of inching closer to the Type 2 every time they did something cute?
  3940. >Your pone wife played along with her daughter's theatrics, doing a little bow mid-air before her hooves connected with the ground gently.
  3941. >It would now be time for the younger of the two to take to the air.
  3942. >Singular Insight would be right there.
  3943. >Taking inspiration from her mother, Sandlight spread her wings.
  3944. >Gaining velocity, she galloped forth and attempted to fly.
  3945. >The first time...wasn't that successful.
  3946. >She had gained some air, but came to rest against the ground after an arrangement with the grass.
  3947. >Sandlight wasn't hurt too bad, but it was enough to activate Insight's maternal instincts.
  3948. >She was over there quicker than you could have been, making sure her daughter was A-Okay.
  3949. >The smaller Pegasus did her best to dissuade her mother from being overprotective.
  3950. >There weren't any cuts or bruises, just temporary pain from making contact with the ground.
  3951. >After being triple-sure that her daughter was okay, Insight let her make another attempt.
  3952. >Standing back in proper position, Sandlight prepared another go at making it to the skies as her mother had.
  3953. >She focused deeply on the task at hand, as though it were the most important thing she could be doing in that moment.
  3954. >With another galloping start, Sandlight spread her wings and made her run for it.
  3955. >All eyes on her, she began to fly.
  3956. >Slowly but surely, she had left the ground and made it higher than before.
  3957. >Had she done it?
  3958. >Well, not exactly.
  3959. >Sandlight could not hold the steadiness of her flight, and soon came back down.
  3960. >This time was more gentle than before, her hooves drifted against the grass and starting to dig into the dirt.
  3961. >So close, too...
  3962. >The childish 'swear' words like phooey and darn were tossed around by Sandlight, but she still had confidence for one more go.
  3963. >She said she knew she could do it.
  3964. >If her mother could, she had the confidence she was able enough for the task.
  3965. >Headstrong, she most certainly was.
  3966. >If there was a task she felt she could do, Sandlight damn well was gonna give it her all.
  3967. >It was admirable of her, you did have to give her that.
  3968. >Coming back to her starting position, Sandlight planned her third attempt as flight.
  3969. >Would she take flight this time?
  3970. >Or would it be longer before she got her wings?
  3971. >Only one way to find out.
  3972. >You and Insight awaited with baited breath, waiting to see if your daughter would take off.
  3973. >Looking up to the great beyond of that cobalt-blue sky, dotted with clouds, Sandlight knew it was her time to shine.
  3974. >With her third galloping start, she let her feathers feel the billowing and roiling of the wind beneath her.
  3975. >Following a strong flapping of her wings, she took to the skies.
  3976. >You and Insight encouraged her all the more, watching as she seemed to get the hang of it.
  3977. >With each flap of her wings, she gained air.
  3978. >Soon, she was flying all on her own, sailing through the air with...grace.
  3979. >Yeah, that's what you'll call it.
  3980. >Seeing how her little girl was performing, Insight took to the air once more to show her Sandlight just how much she approved of her success.
  3981. >Which was a warm, jubilant hug.
  3982. >Sandlight, though surprised, welcomed the embrace of her mother.
  3983. >In that moment, you felt such pride for her.
  3984. >Your little angel gained her wings today.
  3985. >It was near impossible to say just how much the foal had delivered joy into the lives of you and Insight.
  3986. >A delight that neither of you expected to take part in.
  3987. >It simply could not be said just how much an impact it had on your life.
  3988. >While some parts of rearing a child were...not as enjoyable as others, you felt it was all worth it.
  3989. >A net positive that you would not trade for anything.
  3990. >All of the gold in Equestria might as well be sand in comparison to what you had.
  3991. >A family of your own.
  3992. >While they were up in the sky, you called for them to come down.
  3993. >You didn't want the lunch you'd packed to go uneaten.
  3994. >Sandlight might be hungry, as well.
  3995. >A little something you may have not recalled earlier, while they were practicing flight...
  3996. >It seemed that Sandlight had also inherited something from her human father.
  3997. >She was much more omnivorous than most ponies.
  3998. >Granted, ponies did on rare occasions dabble in more carnivorous foods.
  3999. >Meat was not plentiful in Equestria.
  4000. >Mainly because too much of what there was to eat kinda talks back at you.
  4001. >You doubted such creatures as ponies would eat something they could develop a friendship with.
  4002. >Back to the topic of biology, Sandlight needed more than simply a little bit every blue moon.
  4003. >You and Insight found this out when she started looking a little anemic and sickly after being weaned off mother's milk.
  4004. >She wasn't getting enough protein, and there was really only one way to rectify that.
  4005. >You bought meat from shops that catered more to humans, bringing in said meat from Earth because animals there didn't possess the same kind of sentience.
  4006. >At least Insight wasn't taking that kind of news too hard...
  4007. >Probably because it wasn't anywhere near as horrifying as what she had endured.
  4008. >As they came back down, you gave them both a big hug.
  4009. >You made sure to mention just how proud you were of your little angel.
  4010. >For taking the time to learn how to fly, she even got herself a couple of sweet treats.
  4011. >A whole two cookies.
  4012. >Though not a whole box, it was surely enough to see her jumping with joy.
  4013. >At her age, some sweets were like being told you got a promotion.
  4014. >For now, she wouldn't have to worry about grown-up things.
  4015. >It was just spending some time with family, enjoying a lunch out on the countryside.
  4016. >Away from the congestion of the city.
  4017. >Just the three of you, together.
  4018. >As time went on, your little angel, Sandlight grew with its passing.
  4019. >Her wings were coming in nice and healthy.
  4020. >You and Insight did the best you could to help with preening when she first started to molt.
  4021. >It was important to learn these life skills, though you did want your baby girl to remain as such for the time being.
  4022. >Another curiosity beyond inheriting Insight's violet blood and your human diet was that she some different teeth than a pony.
  4023. >While some were quite easily distinguishable as such, others reminded you of human canines.
  4024. >Though a gift from heaven and the sweetest little foal you knew, you could not help but marvel at such a peculiarity.
  4025. >Your fascination, though, was cut a bit short when they were coming in pretty badly crooked.
  4026. >A little mild crookedness in teeth may not be too much of a concern, but it was looking pretty bad.
  4027. >So, as a concerned father, you had her get braces to correct the severe misshapenness.
  4028. >Sandlight may not have been the happiest foal at that moment, and you felt kinda bad when she complained.
  4029. >You didn't want to delude yourself with the whole 'greater good' ripping yarn.
  4030. >You worried you'd become a horrible father should you use that for every excuse.
  4031. >But it was what you were doing.
  4032. >It would pain you just as much if your little angel suffered because of her peculiarities.
  4033. >To assuage your concern, her braces did look pretty cute.
  4034. >They matched her coat and mane colors, with blue for the rails and orange for...
  4035. >Whatever the fuck those things were called that stuck to the teeth themselves.
  4036. >Sandlight also didn't complain as much as she got used to wearing braces.
  4037. >The only remaining complaint was that she would mention it hurt, every now and again.
  4038. >There wasn't much you could do about the pain, sadly.
  4039. >All that was left was to weather the time needed to adjust her teeths.
  4040. >That began a few days ago.
  4041. >Today, not much really had happened.
  4042. >Daylight passed, and it was eventful.
  4043. >In a good way, of course.
  4044. >Nothing bat-shit insane or taxing on your mental fortitude.
  4045. >It was as it should be.
  4046. >Right now, it was nightfall, your wife and yourself were sleeping rather comfortably.
  4047. >Sandlight had her own room now, after much insistence that she could handle it.
  4048. >Some nights, she would still sneak back into your room and cuddle with her parents.
  4049. >You didn't complain, though.
  4050. >It was always nice to hold your little angel close, and know that she was safe.
  4051. >You were certain Insight appreciated it as well.
  4052. >As you rested comfortably, you felt stirring beside you.
  4053. >Rather fervent stirring, too.
  4054. >This dragged you out of the realm of sleep, to find Insight hyperventilating.
  4055. >It took a moment for Anon to fully boot.
  4056. >Realizing something was wrong, you jumped into action.
  4057. "Insight, sweetheart, what's wrong? Did something happen?"
  4058. >You set a hand gently on her withers, concern palpable in your voice.
  4059. >She stiffened at your touch, the first time in so very long.
  4060. >Glancing around, Insight found the source of the sensation against her shoulders.
  4061. >Your dearest wife, Insight, looked panicked.
  4062. >After a moment of slowing her breathing, you felt her forelegs lock around you.
  4063. >Insight hugged you nice and tight, quaking breaths all that were uttered by her.
  4064. >Perhaps she didn't wish to speak in that moment.
  4065. >You sighed, keeping her in your embrace as your arms encircled her in a gentle hug.
  4066. >What spooked her this badly?
  4067. >It had been so very long since you've seen her in such a state.
  4068. >Whatever the case may be, you let her calm down first.
  4069. >Insight'd surely speak up about what may be troubling her when adrenaline wasn't coursing through her.
  4070. >Slowly but surely, she did calm herself.
  4071. >Locked in a comforting embrace to drive away the fears.
  4072. "...Are you feeling any better, sweetheart?"
  4073. >You ask, just to be sure Insight was no longer in the throes of hysteria.
  4074. >Slowly, your wife nods.
  4075. >"Yes, husband, dearest...I believe myself in a better condition in this moment..."
  4076. >You begin to run your fingers through her lengthy mane, showing your appreciation for her.
  4077. >It was much better knowing she wasn't in full delirium right now.
  4078. >Though, your curiosity got the better of you.
  4079. >You had to know what terrified her so in that moment.
  4080. "Good, good...if you're feeling better, Insight...can you tell me what got you so riled up?"
  4081. >Your mare rested her head against your chest, nodding slowly as she began.
  4082. >"It was a night terror that I had experienced, my dearest heart."
  4083. >Bad dreams?
  4084. >It had been a while since you recalled such a thing happening.
  4085. >It would make sense, though, unfortunately.
  4086. >Waking up in a cold sweat and erratically breathing...
  4087. >All the things you prayed had been laid to rest.
  4088. >Insight was okay now, though.
  4089. >She was here, safe and sound.
  4090. >Right there, in your arms.
  4091. >That's among the things that mattered most to you in this world.
  4092. >Ever more curious, though, you feel the need to ask what about the nightmare scared her so.
  4093. "What was it about, sweetheart? Can you tell me?"
  4094. >If Insight was looking at you before, she certainly wasn't meeting your gaze now.
  4095. >"My night terror was...there were visions of what lay beyond the horizon of what we know. It was there, observing everything in recent memory."
  4096. >Your heart dropped deep into your stomach.
  4097. >Your blood ran cold.
  4098. >It was still there, the gibbering maws in the void that watched on.
  4099. >This monstrosity let you know it was still out there, watching everything as though it were a rapt audience to everything going on.
  4100. >For what purpose?
  4101. >Was it there to see how its altered pone was fitting into society, or was it there to taunt you?
  4102. >What did it want?
  4103. >It would drive you mad to wrap your head around the desires and intentions of this...thing, that was at the edge of understanding.
  4104. >All that you knew was that it remained there, letting the both of you know just how it could still reach into the world.
  4105. >An enigmatic observer that lay in wait, its warped fascination evident.
  4106. >As you held your wife there, in your arms, all you could ask yourself was 'why?'
  4107. >Why was it still there?
  4108. >Why must it remain there, plaguing your lives?
  4109. >And when you thought it fucked off, too...
  4110. "Insight, dear? Do you know why it's doing that...?"
  4111. >She shook her head, taking a deep breath.
  4112. >"Husband, dearest...to comprehend what its machinations are is for a mote of dust to comprehend equine thought. We cannot hope to understand it in its entirety. As aforementioned, it has a particular fascination with all things living."
  4113. >The reminder was all that as needed to remain in confusion.
  4114. >Neither you nor Insight could hope to understand why it did what it did.
  4115. >Only that is was, is, and will be.
  4116. >It frustrated you to no end, but you supposed there was little hope in comprehension.
  4117. >While you festered in thought, Insight moved a little bit forward...
  4118. >And planted a kiss on your lips.
  4119. >You were a bit surprised, given the dour mood tonight had been in quite a stark contrast.
  4120. >Seeing your surprise, Insight gave her rationale.
  4121. >"We shan't dwell on the howling nothingness. We have not experienced the happiness of our relationship through remaining timid and terrified. As much as it inspires terror, to rest our thoughts there would not be productive. We should return to rest."
  4122. >You would propose a counterargument to putting off your fears.
  4123. >You would say that anything that threatened your family activates protective instincts.
  4124. >But what Insight said had a truth to it.
  4125. >Whatever it was, you might not have the power fight it.
  4126. >And besides, if this was what it did when it was fascinated with something...
  4127. >What might it do should it become royally pissed?
  4128. >Angry that something was fighting it?
  4129. >That uncertainty seemed much more terrifying a possibility.
  4130. >You sighed, giving gentle scratches along her scalp.
  4131. "I guess you're right, sweetheart. It's just...we've been free so long. Not with one incident like this for years."
  4132. >You spoke with a feeling of defeat.
  4133. >Insight nodded, knowing it didn't feel good to be revisited by what had changed her.
  4134. >"Every day without fright has been a blessing, Anonymous, my dearest heart. I deliver a promise unto you, that we shall brave this. It is but another tribulation to be overcome."
  4135. >Singular Insight spoke with an optimism that you thought she might not possess regarding this.
  4136. >She had endured this onslaught of terror for aeons.
  4137. >All alone in the cold darkness of a cell.
  4138. >Now, she had you.
  4139. >She had a foal of her own.
  4140. >And she loved the both of you with all her big, sweet pony heart.
  4141. >With both of you at her side, Insight believed this wouldn't be anywhere near as awful as before.
  4142. >She whispered a goodnight to you, wrapping you in her wings.
  4143. >A blanket of love.
  4144. >You sigh, giving her a goodnight kiss.
  4145. >You close your eyes, praying to any who'd listen to shine countenance upon your wife.
  4146. >What you had not seen were two little teal-green eyes watching from the threshold of your room.
  4147. >The little one whom watched left soon after, down to the living room.
  4148. >She felt that you and Insight might need something to cheer up with.
  4149. >Returning to rest, you had...
  4150. >Strange dreams that night.
  4151. >Nothing that would render your mind incapable of sane thought or anything.
  4152. >All you could describe it as was just strange.
  4153. >You were at the pier of Horseshoe Bay, just going for a stroll by yourself.
  4154. >It was incredibly foggy out that day, though you can't remember how far your field of vision went before it was entirely obscured.
  4155. >Eventually, a pony hailed you, initiating conversation.
  4156. >You couldn't quite tell what they looked like.
  4157. >Their voice was decidedly mare-like, if a bit peculiar.
  4158. >Their features were impossible for you to remember, no matter how hard you tried to recall.
  4159. >It was akin to sand passing through your fingers when you returned to the waking world.
  4160. >The conversation that occurred in your dreams was just as enigmatic for your drowsy mind.
  4161. >However, you could remember bits and pieces, unlike this dream mare.
  4162. >At the start, it was about life in general.
  4163. >How it had been for you, and whatnot.
  4164. >After a while, it took a turn towards more...intimate matters.
  4165. >Discussions of family, and what it meant to have.
  4166. >Family was something you were passionate about now, and your words equally so.
  4167. >The rest was a blur for you.
  4168. >The last memory you had of this dream was the genuine confusion of this dream mare.
  4169. >As though they didn't understand entirely what the concepts were.
  4170. >They thanked you for your time, and the dream ended there.
  4171. >What it meant, you could not fathom.
  4172. >When you woke up, you heard little hooves gently clacking against the floor.
  4173. >Just who might be awake and walking around?
  4174. >Insight was still in bed with you, sleeping cozily.
  4175. >You thanked your lucky stars she didn't have another nightmare that night.
  4176. >Next thing you heard, when the hoofsteps stopped, two little teal-green eyes peered into your room.
  4177. >It was Sandlight, her short, vivid orange mane contrasting with both the Prussian blue of her coat and her eyes.
  4178. >"Papa? Can I come in?"
  4179. >Conscientious and polite as ever.
  4180. >You nod, gesturing for you little angel to come into the room.
  4181. "Sure thing, honey, come right on in."
  4182. >As Sandlight made her way in, two things popped out to you.
  4183. >One, she had band-aids pockmarking her forelegs.
  4184. >Two, she was carrying something on her back that her little wings obscured.
  4185. >For now, you were more concerned about why she had so many band-aids applied on her forelegs.
  4186. "Sandlight, honey, what happened to you? Are you alright?"
  4187. >You began to get out of bed, worried as could be for the foal's health.
  4188. >"They're just cuts, Papa...they aren't too bad..."
  4189. >Sandlight said, guilt in her voice.
  4190. >What might she have to be guilty about?
  4191. >Had she done something that got her hurt?
  4192. "How did you get them, Sandlight? Tell me the truth..."
  4193. >You tried to not sound too stern with her, but you were worried.
  4194. >Fathers didn't want their little angels to get themselves hurt.
  4195. >Sandlight sighed, looking away from you as she began to tell the truth.
  4196. >"Papa, I was up when you and Momma were...you looked sad, so I made a present for you..."
  4197. >She had your attention.
  4198. "That's...very sweet of you, but how did that get you all cut up?"
  4199. >As she is discussing this with you, your wife was beginning to wake up.
  4200. >Probably because you weren't there beside her and cuddling her at the moment.
  4201. >"Well, Papa...I...used a knife to make it..."
  4202. >She whispered that last part, but you could make it out.
  4203. >You felt a bit disappointed, and also somewhat curious of just what she needed a knife for.
  4204. "Honey..."
  4205. >Sandlight shrank a bit at your words, which did make you feel a little bad.
  4206. >Parental concerns for your child did take precedent, however.
  4207. >Soon, your mare was awake, questioning why her little foal had looked like she had a bad run-in with a whirlwind fury of papercuts.
  4208. >Insight was always a bit...overprotective.
  4209. >The first foal she had, one she never expected to ever have.
  4210. >Would you feel the same way about your little angel?
  4211. >You suspected you kinda would, after so long in loneliness.
  4212. >And, to be honest, you did catch yourself feeling quite protective.
  4213. >After making double-triple sure that her daughter was not suffering any deathly ailments and that her cuts were not severe, she properly dressed them.
  4214. >Sandlight did know how to apply bandages, but making sure they were properly disinfected mattered, too.
  4215. >Insight did gently chastise the foal, wanting Sandlight to know that she should be much more careful.
  4216. >The present she had made was all wrapped up, not letting you know what it was immediately.
  4217. >Sandlight had to set it down before her mother dragged her off to make sure she was okay.
  4218. >When she returned, she asked with all the sweetness in her heart if she could show it to both of you.
  4219. >With a cute voice like that, and those bright little eyes, you couldn't deny her.
  4220. >She picked up the small present with her hooves, and presented it to you.
  4221. >Undoing the little ribbon, you marvel at how well she wrapped the present.
  4222. >You would question how a foal of her age could master the grand art of wrapping.
  4223. >Such skills required ascribing yourself to the monastic order of Merry Chrysler.
  4224. >It took years of skill to get as good as this.
  4225. >Ponelandia was ever more confusing for you.
  4226. >As the ribbons fell to the sides, you lifted the top off.
  4227. >You wondered what she put inside that called for all this fanciful wrapping.
  4228. >You were due to find out.
  4229. >After the top was all the way off, you looked inside.
  4230. >It was made of wood, and you weren't certain what it may be from this top-down view.
  4231. >Utilizing the power of human digits, you pull this wooden gift free from its gift-wrapped housing.
  4232. >It was a wooden heart, with a little engraving.
  4233. >It read, 'Momma + Papa'.
  4234. >Of course, her 'hoof'writing was scratchy at this young age.
  4235. >Running your fingers over it, it had been nicely carved.
  4236. >You couldn't feel sharp edges from using a knife to chip off wood.
  4237. >It was very smooth.
  4238. >Granted, you weren't a woodworker, you were a math teacher.
  4239. >Still, it was quite impressive.
  4240. >You couldn't hide your smile.
  4241. >These ponies, man.
  4242. >They knew just how to touch your heart the best.
  4243. >Coming from the very daughter you and Insight brought into the world, it was priceless.
  4244. >You gestured your beloved wife over, showing her just what Sandlight had made.
  4245. >"Sandlight, my precious daughter...was this what you required a knife for?"
  4246. >The foal nodded, still feeling a bit guilty about frightening the two of you with her wounds.
  4247. >"Yes, Momma...do you like it?"
  4248. >Sandlight nervously asked Insight, not sure if her mother would approve.
  4249. >The next thing she knew, Insight had enveloped her little one in a warm, motherly embrace of happiness.
  4250. >"Sandlight, daughter of mine, I do not possess a heart that would allow myself to be angry with you...your gift is very welcome, and wholly appreciated."
  4251. >In case your little angel didn't understand the much bigger words Insight liked to throw around in her vocabulary, you chime in.
  4252. "That's her way of saying she loves it, honey. We both do. Just promise us you'll be more careful with things like this, okay?"
  4253. >That sure helped to cheer her up.
  4254. >Seeing your daughter's smile and subsequent perking-up was another gift sent from heaven.
  4255. >"I promise, Papa!"
  4256. >Atta girl.
  4257. >You'd rather not have a panic attack every morning because your daughter is just as shit as you when it came to handling knives.
  4258. >She did have a knack for this sort of thing, though...
  4259. >A dim flash of light, and a surprised look from Sandlight cut your musings short.
  4260. >It was found out moments later just what that was.
  4261. >Your little angel earned her cutie mark that day.
  4262. >It was a wood chisel over a heart (presumably made of wood, if you were going by the coloring).
  4263. >Going off this, she was likely to grow into a woodworker.
  4264. >You were a bit curious as to why it was a wood chisel, despite her not having worked with one before.
  4265. >You guessed the cosmic forces of fate thought that a knife over a heart wasn't as indicative of her talent.
  4266. >Regardless of these musings, it was certainly a happy time.
  4267. >This was one of those occasions that Insight damn-near squealed in delight for.
  4268. >This was a major event in every pone's life.
  4269. >It decided what their talents would be, and the future they'd embark on.
  4270. >Not necessarily something you were used to in human culture, that's for sure.
  4271. >Insight was quite right to be as excited as she was.
  4272. >Today would most certainly be filled with celebration.
  4273. >For today, the celebration would be sort of like a birthday.
  4274. >Or it could be equated to Christmas/Hearth's Warming.
  4275. >Fact of the matter was you thought she might like some proper woodworking tools.
  4276. >You also believed it might assuage Insight's worries that Sandlight might do another knife-based gift making and hurt herself.
  4277. >Then again, some of the tools could also have an opposite effect than you might think.
  4278. >For now, you would get her just a few new, shiny tools to start her collection.
  4279. >Wood chisels and accompanying mallet.
  4280. >Hoof plane.
  4281. >Some sand paper of varying grits.
  4282. >A few other basic tools, as well.
  4283. >You didn't have a whole lot of bits on you at the time for something real big like a pedal-powered lathe or drill press.
  4284. >Besides, better to start off with the basics.
  4285. >Her room might not be big enough for such massive machines, anyway.
  4286. >Okay, maybe some of them weren't that big, but you were planning now to save such things for her birthday.
  4287. >That wasn't too soon, so you had something planned out.
  4288. >Where did you gain such foresight?
  4289. >You had no idea.
  4290. >As much as you liked to marvel at your own machinations, there was much more to the day than that.
  4291. >After acquiring some more appropriate tools for your daughter to experiment with, next she would need some wood.
  4292. >You had found out that she made that wooden heart out of a letter block.
  4293. >The next stop was to a hardwood vendor.
  4294. >What good were tools if she had little to nothing to practice with?
  4295. >You would have to rectify that conundrum.
  4296. >When inside, you let Sandlight look around and see what she might want.
  4297. >You didn't know too much about woods and their vagueries, and your daughter might well be more experienced than you on the matter.
  4298. >Sandlight avoided cherry, saying she wasn't quite sure about that one in particular.
  4299. >Eventually, she settled on walnut.
  4300. >Not a bad choice, its color can be quite a e s t h e t i c.
  4301. >And with a couple boards of walnut, you no longer had bits on hand.
  4302. >It was off to home you went.
  4303. >Sandlight was so very eager to experiment with her new 'toys.'
  4304. >It may have been unorthodox, granted, but you thought it would be nice.
  4305. >Playing into the talent she would continue to foster.
  4306. >When you got home, she begged you to let her go try and make something new.
  4307. >You permitted it, at the price of one whole hug and a thank you.
  4308. >You presumed your toll was not that steep for a foal such as herself.
  4309. >If anything, it was a bargain that could not be beaten anywhere else around.
  4310. >Without an ounce of being begrudged, she lept up to give you the biggest hug she could manage.
  4311. >Sandlight thanked you several times, ecstatic to have found her talent that day.
  4312. >It was...
  4313. >It felt like she was growing up right before your eyes.
  4314. >You spent every day enjoying the life you had been gifted with now, wanting every second of it to matter.
  4315. >For it to mean something.
  4316. >Becoming a father had certainly changed what life was like for you.
  4317. >When once you were content to labor solely for sustenance and some enjoyment, now you felt the drive to provide.
  4318. >Your family was what mattered most to you, the mare who was mother to your foal and said foal being the gleaming gemstones adoring the setting of your life.
  4319. >You half-expected to be handling a teenage filly within the next five blinks of your eyes.
  4320. >That fortunately was not the case for now.
  4321. >At the moment, you were just making some more tea.
  4322. >Something to drink as you reflect on your current state of affairs.
  4323. >You could occasionally hear the sound of clacking from your daughter's room.
  4324. >Sandlight was very enthusiastic about her new toys.
  4325. >Pondering the matter, you wonder if all ponies preferred gifts relating to their talents.
  4326. >Your proposal to your most beloved wife had been related to her knack for finding hidden books.
  4327. >Hidden knowledge of anything, really.
  4328. >A bright, joyous smile comes back to your face as you remember.
  4329. >The incredible and indescribable sensation you felt when she said 'yes.'
  4330. >Heaven above, that was something that would always be held close in your heart.
  4331. >Her reaction to seeing the engagement bracelet was priceless.
  4332. >Remembering how she locked you in a loving bear-hug and profusely accepting...
  4333. >You could end up getting lost in those wonderful, sweeter-than-honey memories.
  4334. >Alas, you had a duty to fulfill.
  4335. >Tea was cool enough to go into a pitcher without cracking it.
  4336. >Glass was more expensive than plastic, and you just didn't like breaking your shit.
  4337. >Your pouring skills ever-evident, you wasted none of this heavenly elixir.
  4338. >After finishing your masterful emptying of the pot, you pour a glass for yourself and sample it.
  4339. >It was pretty okay, but lukewarm.
  4340. >It would be much better cool.
  4341. >For now, the pitcher went into the fridge to reach ideal temperatures.
  4342. >In the meantime, you sipped your lukewarm tea-flavored sugar water.
  4343. >The experience wasn't unpleasant, and it was certainly still enjoyable.
  4344. >With the temperature not being at its ideal for the brew, it wasn't the perfect beverage in that moment.
  4345. >Occasionally, as had become customary in your household, you'd hear some whispers.
  4346. >Not discernable to your ears.
  4347. >Their conversation remaining unknown to you.
  4348. >This was one of those instances of hearing whispers that you hoped meant you weren't going crazy.
  4349. >Hearing voices was just the start.
  4350. >It made you think about what you had no desire to rest your thoughts on.
  4351. >Something from the beyond, and eagerly watching life unfold.
  4352. >As much as you disliked how involved it became in your affairs, and how it gave your wife nightmares...
  4353. >What exactly did it even want?
  4354. >You knew that asking such questions would leave them without an answer.
  4355. >You could still entertain thoughts about it, however.
  4356. >You knew it had a morbid curiosity with all living things.
  4357. >That was a given, since your mare had reminded you of this fact.
  4358. >Why did it possess such fascination?
  4359. >Like fuck you knew.
  4360. >You did not know if it could be counted as 'living.'
  4361. >Such eldritch beings from beyond the stars were difficult for mortal men to wrap their heads around.
  4362. >It could be likened to trying to make a paradox completely logical and sensible.
  4363. >Their intentions and desires were not understood, either.
  4364. >Reflecting upon the fact that you didn't know shit about what it wanted, but that it had a fascination with living beings...
  4365. >Could it be said that it loves life?
  4366. >The notion seemed strange, considering the fact that anything that saw it in its true form was driven mad.
  4367. >The actions it took when Insight crossed the threshold between worlds made you also question this.
  4368. >For what reason would it change her blood, and imbue her with unnatural magical powers?
  4369. >Such things went against the grain of what you knew about Equestrian life.
  4370. >You also didn't know what ponies really thought about your mare.
  4371. >Humans did not possess telepathy.
  4372. >There was also the fact that Insight had lived for so very long, sealed away from all.
  4373. >She could survive without sustenance for a considerable amount of time.
  4374. >Hell, her incredible long-liveness would be another incredible thing to add to the megamix there.
  4375. >All of these things were against the nature of a typical Pegasus.
  4376. >Depending on how one could look at it, they could be considered one of two things.
  4377. >Enhancements gifted in an attempt to improve the livelihood of a pony.
  4378. >Or a curse to see if these things were indeed deserved for pony-kind.
  4379. >It could honestly be both, neither, or just one of them.
  4380. >The world of elder horrors was not one you had much knowledge in.
  4381. >As you held the cup of tea you'd barely sipped, a voice broke you out of your thoughts.
  4382. >It was Singular Insight, undoubtedly.
  4383. >She was standing nearby, looking right up at you.
  4384. >"...husband, dearest, are you well?"
  4385. >Breaking out of daydreamlandia, you nod.
  4386. "Yeah; feeling fantastic, Insight. Just...thinking, is all."
  4387. >You were an Olympic Champion at pondering and contemplating.
  4388. >Alas, you left those awards back home.
  4389. >Your wife acknowledged how you loved to think so often.
  4390. >"We are surely two of a kind. My thoughts had been drifting towards a topic I wish to discuss with you. It has...dwelled on my mind for the better part of a week."
  4391. >Oh?
  4392. >Color you interested, what might Insight have to bring up with you.
  4393. "Sure, we can talk. What's been bothering you?"
  4394. >Singular Insight used a wing to gesture you to come with her.
  4395. >"The conversation I wish to begin is one that should...remain private."
  4396. >Your curiosity doubled itself.
  4397. >Perhaps this is something she wished not for Sandlight to pick up on if she went downstairs for anything.
  4398. >If that was the case...
  4399. >What might this conversation be?
  4400. >Insight led you back to the master bedroom, closing and locking the door behind you.
  4401. >"Anonymous...my dearest heart...Sandlight has certainly brought joy into our lives...has she not?"
  4402. >You profusely nod.
  4403. >Such a question was almost unnecessary to ask of you.
  4404. "Of course! I don't think I could ever remember being as happy before then."
  4405. >You didn't immediately know where Insight was going with this, but let her continue.
  4406. >"That is wonderful to hear from you, husband, dearest. There are reasons as to why I wished for this to be private...I do not wish for Sandlight to take this...negatively."
  4407. >If she wasn't going to start elaborating, you might get worried.
  4408. >What would Sandlight hold against Insight?
  4409. >Your mare took a deep breath, feeling nervous about what she would ask of you.
  4410. >"If you would pardon myself, should I sound desperate...I believe it might be time for another foal."
  4411. >She let out what had been on her mind, as of late.
  4412. >You were a little surprised, as you had been spending so long admiring your little angel.
  4413. >Putting some thought into it...
  4414. >Would it be bad from adoring one little angel, to adoring sweet little angels?
  4415. >You didn't think it would be too bad, honestly...
  4416. >A nice, big family was something that had fallen out of favor back home.
  4417. >It might not be bad here, though...
  4418.  
  4419. >All you would be worried about was if there was enough room in your home and that you could bring home enough keep.
  4420. >You had been making headway up the employment ladder.
  4421. >Y'know, something that whole 'drive to provide' thing gently coerced you into doing.
  4422. >You wouldn't be too against the idea.
  4423. >Having two little sets of hooves to run around the house, make your day brighter...
  4424. >Gee Anon, two little angels!
  4425. >You believed that this would invariably be a net positive.
  4426. >All that you'd have left to do was ask Insight if she was certain this was something she wanted to go through with.
  4427. >Bringing a new life into the world was a very big decision.
  4428. >Especially since you now knew with %145 certainty you could indeed impregnate her.
  4429. "I think that would be...very nice. Having another little one. What made you want for another?"
  4430. >You know Insight loved her little foal with all her heart, to the point of being a tad overprotective.
  4431. >It was interesting to note how even though Insight had never been in contact with any pony for so long, and remained so socially isolated...
  4432. >Insight was a good mother to the foal,, as though she possessed a strong maternal instinct.
  4433. >After the mare coalesced her thoughts, she presented her points to you.
  4434. >"The desire to have another foal is both a sensation I can describe as well as remain unable to do so...there is an element to it which most definitely is felt as natural. It is instinctual for a mare."
  4435. >Insight shyly averted her gaze from you, if only for a moment.
  4436. >"During my time, studying in almost monastic fashion, I may have entertained the fantastic notion of a larger family of my own...I would believe such a fantasy is wholesome, and delightful."
  4437. >Returning her gaze to you, she wraps her thoughts up for you.
  4438. >"To make such fantasy a reality with you, my dearest heart...there would be no fantasy that would supersede it."
  4439. >It was kinda sweet that your mare wanted a large family.
  4440. >It had been a while since Sandlight was born.
  4441. >The wait to ask if you shared in her wishes for another foal had been a few years.
  4442. >Perhaps because Insight did not find the experience of giving birth the most pleasant thing in the world...
  4443. >That many hours locked in labor must have been nothing short of agonizing.
  4444. >If she was willing to go through it all again, to hold another foal in her grasp...
  4445. >It would be possible to say that she felt she was ready.
  4446. >"I did not wish to ask for another foal so soon after Sandlight for reasons twofold; the sensation of agony kept my womb in knots for so long, and I desired to get to know my firstborn. Now, instead of memories of birth-pains, there is a broiling desire..."
  4447. >You could observe that Insight's tail slightly hiked as the conversation continued.
  4448. >"Should you possess no objections...shall we lose ourselves in passion for one another?"
  4449. >Perhaps not the world's smoothest request for sex.
  4450. >But your mare was an old-fashioned lady.
  4451. >Such uncouth phrases as requesting one whole fuk were out of the picture.
  4452. >You nod, having no objections to losing yourself in carnal pleasure.
  4453. >Alongside your unending love for the mare that made your life complete, of course.
  4454. >You give her your best 'come hither,' inviting her to the same bed you and her conceived Sandlight upon.
  4455. >It wasn't weird to note that observation, was it?
  4456. >You sat down on the edge of the bed as Insight came closer.
  4457. >You felt the strange magic your mare possessed begin to pull down your pants after properly undoing them.
  4458. >Your undergarments were the next to drop, allowing your mare access to your shaft.
  4459. >How Insight began was reminiscent of the pregnant sex you remember so fondly.
  4460. >She planted a kiss atop the crown of your shaft, the sensation against your sensitive glans prompting a shudder from you.
  4461. >Seeing your reaction did give her a wee bitty giggle.
  4462. >Hearing such a thing from Insight was divine, like fine wine.
  4463. >Insight did not leave you teased for so long, beginning to offer proper oral pleasure.
  4464. >There was no use in even thinking about attempting to resist.
  4465. >Each passing second, your length surged to fuller erectness.
  4466. >Before long, you were at full mast.
  4467. >You couldn't leave such masterful treatment of yourself unrewarded.
  4468. >You knew just the places to tease your mare in return, first starting innocuously with some ear-scritches.
  4469. >Give that mare some physical affection.
  4470. >Mares loved physical affection.
  4471. >While doing this simple-yet-addictive action, another hand continued to explore Insight's body.
  4472. >Something you had come to realize as of recent was that Insight had...gained some weight.
  4473. >It wasn't far too significant, but her normally lithe figure did have a little more added to it.
  4474. >Of course, your beloved Insight insisted that she had not gotten any fatter.
  4475. >It was just a thicker winter coat, was all.
  4476. >This was easier to buy when it was getting pretty chilly out.
  4477. >Besides, pegasi had naturally thicker coats to help cope with the much colder temperatures higher in the sky.
  4478. >Once winter had passed, the guise was much more difficult for Insight to maintain.
  4479. >You didn't constantly tease her about the matter, though.
  4480. >Insight did what she could to get exercise in between raising a foal.
  4481. >There were some advantages to this new development, however.
  4482. >For instance, there was more sweet, plush mare to enjoy.
  4483. >Hugs also felt amazing.
  4484. >Not that they didn't beforehand, mind you.
  4485. >It was just a subtle difference that you quite enjoyed.
  4486. >You'd always love your mare.
  4487. >Insight deserved every ounce of it you had to give.
  4488. >Speaking of which, she had nearly coaxed you over the edge.
  4489. >You would have gone over it with the subtlety of a souped-up rustbucket through a ring of fire.
  4490. >But the mare you loved so did not allow you.
  4491. >Coming off of your cock, she explained why she wouldn't continue.
  4492. >"As much entertainment as we are savoring...let us not waste anything."
  4493. >Insight spoke with a sultry tone, breaths heavy as she tapped your inner thigh to convey her point.
  4494. >Another quirk of your mare being old-fashioned was that she preferred for your virility to be emptied in one place in particular.
  4495. >Her undoubtedly fertile womb.
  4496. >Even when she was with foal, and likely not going to be impregnated any further, Insight preferred it released there above all else.
  4497. >Limiting; perhaps.
  4498. >Just another side of the coin of marrying a more traditionalist mare such as herself.
  4499. >It wasn't bad, perish the thought.
  4500. >There was plenty to appreciate in your wife's tastes.
  4501. >Speaking of which, the Pegasus mare was presenting to you, awaiting your next action.
  4502. >Her flanks shifting side to side, teasing you to come hither and properly mount a needy mare.
  4503. >Her equine femininity winked as it invited you to fill it with what it was missing.
  4504. >You would not hesitate to accept the invitation.
  4505. >With equal parts tender affection and rising, savage lust, you followed through with your desires.
  4506. >Mounting your mare as the moment called for, you recall how Insight was one for a rougher riding experience.
  4507. >And that is what you would deliver.
  4508. >Pushing her front down closer to the floor, you thrust forth after aligning yourself with Insight's netherlips.
  4509. >Once more you delved into the velvety, muscular confines of her snatch, coming to rest against those haunches.
  4510. >From before her first pregnancy, they were noticeably wiry.
  4511. >Now, they also possessed some slight cushion, from the 'winter coat,' as Insight described it.
  4512. >Every impact of your hips colliding with hers was punctuated with a delightful cacophony of lurid slaps.
  4513. >This was magnified by the aforementioned cushioning provided.
  4514. >Such beautiful music made in passion for one another.
  4515. >The fact you were doing this with the aim of having another foal running around made it even better.
  4516. >Each thrust you made was to the hilt, aiming to keep it at the pace you knew Insight would enjoy.
  4517. >As you were doing so, you couldn't help but admire Insight's beauty.
  4518. >It was only natural for you to have appreciation.
  4519. >Quite a few anons out there would be more inclined towards the thiccer side of the spectrum.
  4520. >You saw their point, as the appropriate amount of thicc could be considered perfection to a mare's form.
  4521. >It was a careful, delicate balance that thiccness reached with every anon.
  4522. >You, however, did have an appreciation for the more svelte side.
  4523. >To put it into word, such lithe forms as what Insight possessed had a certain grace.
  4524. >A certain majesty that thiccness had a little more difficult a time to capture.
  4525. >It wasn't sticc, mind you.
  4526. >You were talking about the attractive kind of thin - svelte.
  4527. >And your mare still had it, despite the baby-weight she managed to put on.
  4528. >With your musings on the intricate nature of thicc and svelte complete, you come back to the real world.
  4529. >The primal breeding occurring in your bedroom between you and Insight, specifically.
  4530. >One of your hands had moved south to her teats, as you knew it was such a delicate, sensitive spot.
  4531. >Her every reaction when you handled them was delightful.
  4532. >Feeling Insight respond to your every teasing touch, squeeze, and pinch.
  4533. >You note that they still retained some of their size from when she was nursing Sandlight.
  4534. >Insight did not produce any milk right now, and hadn't for a long time.
  4535. >It honestly was not a biological necessity when her foal was actually able to eat solid foods now.
  4536. >As hawt as it may be to milk your mare, that would have to wait until way later.
  4537. >At least for now, Insight was content to thoroughly milk your shaft, each contraction and ministration magnificent.
  4538. >While giving the whole of her teats a gentle squeeze, the familiar wild spasms of her inner muscles massaged your length.
  4539. >As you ventured closer towards the especially-sensitive nips themselves, clenching and spasming became more predominant than just the regular milking motions.
  4540. >Handling Insight's teats was somewhat like handling the dough for bread you baked.
  4541. >Soft, somewhat warm, and plenty of fun to play with.
  4542. >As much as you could just do that for as long as you were able, there were other areas that deserved your attention.
  4543. >Another point of focus that you knew Insight was quite susceptible to was definitely her wings.
  4544. >Pegasi were always vulnerable in these sensitive spots.
  4545. >While the wings themselves were plenty to work with on any occasion, there was a spot in particular you were looking for...
  4546. >It wasn't exactly the withers of your mare, that was where her shoulders were.
  4547. >It was right in that spot between her wings, somewhat down from the withers.
  4548. >You could pet there without turning anything into a sexual encounter, except for one spot...
  4549. >And that was what you were looking for.
  4550. >It took a bit of experimentation, roving your digits across her coat, searching for that one place to stimulate.
  4551. >When you had found it, you just knew it.
  4552. >How so?
  4553. >You could hear your mare moan, albeit at a reasonable volume.
  4554. >Accompanying her reaction was a change in the way her equine sex contracted and milked your shaft.
  4555. >What once was a steady, controlled tempo became much less so.
  4556. >It devolved into a wild, erratic motion without regard for pacing.
  4557. >You swear you could also notice Insight quivering at your actions, her legs barely refraining from buckling at your tactile onslaught.
  4558. >How exactly you knew about this hidden, magical expanse came from that handy-dandy anatomy book.
  4559. >Turns out, pegasi and birbs share a couple other things than just molting, preening, and flight.
  4560. >Right between the wings, there was a sexually-stimulative area.
  4561. >It wasn't as vast as it was for birbs, for a few general reasons.
  4562. >Didn't mean it was any less orgasmic to tease a mare with.
  4563. >How exactly it was there may not be as easy to explain, but then again, their wings were plenty easy to get them worked up.
  4564. >You must have been a lucky, clueless bastard when you pet her between the wings back on that train, those years ago.
  4565. >You somehow avoided sexually stimulating Insight on your first meeting.
  4566. >Your spaghetti would eclipse the sun should you had accidentally done that on your first 'date,' as it were.
  4567. >You could only imagine just how that would go over.
  4568. >Not even five minutes in and you're already trying to cop a feel from the madmare locked away beneath the Crystal Empire.
  4569. >Mentally, you guffaw at the potential awkwardness that could have occurred.
  4570. >Now, however, it was all safe to do so.
  4571. >At the right time, of course.
  4572. >There was a time and place for everything.
  4573. >Speaking of time, in the moment you had been stimulating your mare where you knew she was vulnerable, you had managed to push her far over the edge of climax.
  4574. >As you continued to rail Insight in the procreative pursuit of pleasure, her passage demanded you not withhold your own impending orgasm.
  4575. >Each powerful, mind-shatteringly blissful motion of Insight's sex worked to bring you ever closer.
  4576. >You knew you had no chance of resisting.
  4577. >All that was left to do was to give Insight what she desired in that moment.
  4578. >Planting a foal in her womb.
  4579. >With one swift motion, you wrap your arms around the barrel of her chest, pulling her up so her flanks rested against your lap.
  4580. >You were careful not to hurt her wings, as they were spread wide.
  4581. >Once you were sure you weren't twisting or compressing Insight's wings, you resumed where you left off.
  4582. >Your arms locked around Insight's chest, you grinded her atop your cock, her orgasm drawn out as marecum coated your shaft.
  4583. >Every thrust you hilted, you could feel your balls collide against her teats.
  4584. >Crotchtits are love.
  4585. >Crotchtits are life.
  4586. >With each gyration of your hips, your resistance eroded.
  4587. >You could hold back no longer.
  4588. >With one final, mighty thrust, you slammed as deep as you could into Insight.
  4589. >Your mind had left rational thought behind for a little while, and you couldn't be bothered to check when it would be back.
  4590. >All that mattered in this moment was one thing and one thing only.
  4591. >Making sure that every drop went into her womb.
  4592. >With your arms still locked around Insight, you held her in this upright position.
  4593. >Haunches resting against your lap as you sowed your seeds with enthusiasm.
  4594. >Every rope of cum shot deep into your mare assuring a new foal would be conceived in the coming days.
  4595. >As much as you wished to savor this delight as long as possible, it wasn't eternal.
  4596. >It would pass as a fleeting moment of carnal pleasure.
  4597. >What would follow was a pleasant afterglow, one that was quiet and peaceful.
  4598. >Such bedroom exercise called for a moment of rest, after all.
  4599. >It was mostly silent, with just the sound of breathing filling the room.
  4600. >There weren't too many words that needed to be said.
  4601. >Action had spoken much louder than words for today.
  4602. >While holding your beloved wife, you gave gentle physical affection, showing your love for her.
  4603. >It was the simple little things that mattered.
  4604. >You opened with a caress of her little pony ears, with you finding enjoyment in how soft they were.
  4605. >Everything about these marshmallow equines screamed of cute n' cuddly.
  4606. >Even when some them had a particularly crusty exterior metaphorically speaking.
  4607. >Spending time with your sweetheart was all that you needed in life.
  4608. >Checking back in on her, you realize that she had left the waking world to go take a little pony snooze.
  4609. >With Insight at rest, you felt it was appropriate to lay her down on something that would be a bit more comfortable than just the floor.
  4610. >Carrying her in your arms, you set her down on the bed, letting her get comfortable.
  4611. >Without you there, it might not be as pleasant.
  4612. >You had one last thing to do, though.
  4613. >Cleaning yourself up and dressing up, you went to see how Sandlight was doing.
  4614. >Opening the door to her room, you could see she was hard at work sculpting something from the walnut boards you bought her.
  4615. >She was still wearing the band-aids from her stumbling with the knife earlier.
  4616. >After breathing a quiet sigh of relief, you saunter off to your room.
  4617. >You knew she inherited your clumsy skillz with knives.
  4618. >If Sandlight possessed the same blood as Insight, you wondered if she would ever manifest the same magical ability.
  4619. >It would certainly mean she could handle such sharp instruments as well as her mother did.
  4620. >Returning to the master bedroom, you examine the place to see if it was as you left it.
  4621. >Lo and behold, it was.
  4622. >No freaky shit happened while you were away.
  4623. >Or, so you presumed.
  4624. >Something about the totem of protection Insight carved so long ago caught your attention.
  4625. >There were black lines running along it, in a pattern you couldn't quite describe.
  4626. >Weird...
  4627. >Was it supposed to do that?
  4628. >You'd have to ask Insight when she woke up.
  4629. >Should you remember to.
  4630. >Putting that concern of yours aside for now, you felt some sleep would recuperate your expended energy.
  4631. >Normally, you wouldn't take a nap so early, but railing a certain special someone took it out of you.
  4632. >Coming to lay beside the Pegasus that had such a positive impact on your life, you make yourself comfortable.
  4633. >No need to rush yourself to bed.
  4634. >Sleep would surely come naturally as tired as you were.
  4635. >As though sensing your presence returning, Singular Insight moved closer to you.
  4636. >Shifting to the side, with the goal of some sleepy-time spooning.
  4637. >That was plenty okay by you.
  4638. >Enshrouding her in a warm, loving hug, you close your eyes.
  4639. >Knowing she was there was all that mattered to you.
  4640. >Knowing Insight, love of your life and mother to your foal, was right there in your arms.
  4641. >Sleep overtook you, and the dreams would come flowing back.
  4642. >Again, you would have that same dream with the mysterious mare talking with you.
  4643. >Her features still far too ambiguous and shrouded for you to picture clearly.
  4644. >Her voice had become more distinctly mareish, however.
  4645. >It had lost some of its peculiarity, adopting a more...girly tone.
  4646. >Were it not for being in a lack of control, you'd comment on this in-dream.
  4647. >It was pleasant to listen to, however.
  4648. >As before, this dream mare continued to ask of you what you knew of metaphysical bonds such as friendship and love.
  4649. >Now, you weren't any Princess of the subject, but you could at least give it a whirl.
  4650. >You began to explain to this mystery mare as the both of you walked alongside the pier of what you knew in the way of friendship.
  4651. >Turns out, it was both easy and hard to explain succinctly.
  4652. >The concept of a metaphysical bond such as friendship was fascinating.
  4653. >In some weird way.
  4654. >You explained that was a social experience, a bond that was established when two people (or ponies) found each other's company pleasant.
  4655. >What friends did was entirely up to them and their interests.
  4656. >From that point, it became difficult to explain what friendship was.
  4657. >You hadn't studied it all that well, and so you only really knew one thing about it.
  4658. >The miracle of friendship was a thing to be experienced.
  4659. >Action and experience would be a more perfect explanation than speaking of it.
  4660. >Ever curious of such mundane things, the dream mare asked how love came to be.
  4661. >You had previously explained the treasure of family, and love was tied very closely to it.
  4662. >These would be questions more suited for others more learned than you on the matter, but you still tried.
  4663. >Love was...very special.
  4664. >How it was something many craved in their lives tied into how important it really was.
  4665. >There were distinctions between what kind of love one was talking about, mind you.
  4666. >There existed familial love, puppy love, a more mature romantic love...
  4667. >You could not do it justice as to how intricate the subject was.
  4668. >All the while you tried to paint a clear picture, the dream mare was ever confused.
  4669. >Whether at your lackluster grasp of the matter, or her lack of knowledge on the matter, you could not tell.
  4670. >That same confusion when you explained just how family mattered to you.
  4671. >If anything, it would concern you that a sweet, marshmallow equine didn't grasp the concepts you were discussing.
  4672. >Your natural concern for these sweet ponies drove you to ask why she didn't understand.
  4673. >It took a long time for you to receive an answer.
  4674. >The dream mare spoke of being isolated for a long time.
  4675. >They could speak and converse as they wished with others, but friendship?
  4676. >That was not a thing they could understand fully from such isolation.
  4677. >Nor was love.
  4678. >Your earlier conversation had piqued their interest, bringing out the curiosity within.
  4679. >Being left in such confusion at the thought of family...
  4680. >They wanted to understand from the basics, first.
  4681. >That conversation was a bombshell, in and of itself.
  4682. >And now, such curious things were being proposed.
  4683. >Family, love, friendship; all of these things were incomprehensibly fascinating.
  4684. >The dream mare once more thanked you for your time.
  4685. >The dream would end shortly after.
  4686. >The only visual you could recall of her was a mane.
  4687. >A mane so dark, it looked like it swallowed the light around it.
  4688. >It left you with plenty of questions, yourself.
  4689. >What might it all mean, in the end?
  4690. >Was this but another dream you couldn't quite lace together any form of symbolism for?
  4691. >Or was it something deeper and more meaningful?
  4692. >Just what was the reason you had been plagued by such abnormal visions?
  4693. >There may not even be a reason for it, if you dug deep enough.
  4694. >No matter what they meant to you, the same dream would happen, night after night.
  4695. >You would lay down beside your most beloved Insight, close your eyes, and you would be back in that nightly realm of your harborside hometown in Equestria.
  4696. >This mare of mystery would visit, and discuss with you the abstract concepts of metaphysical bonds.
  4697. >The ones that were so very simple to understand from personal experience and living.
  4698. >Yet, they were so difficult to explain beyond giving a mechanical definition.
  4699. >Sure, you could define it as a dictionary would, and leave it as that.
  4700. >There was more to it than just that, as to any esoteric concept.
  4701. >How could you properly describe the emotion of making new friends, even if it would be a short-term friendship?
  4702. >That meeting and socialization that brought the hypothetical two of you together?
  4703. >The feeling of spending time with one another?
  4704. >Attempting to describe the simpler pleasures such as these was quite difficult in and of itself.
  4705. >An almost hopeless endeavor beyond simply saying that it was something, simply put, to be experienced for oneself.
  4706. >Nonetheless, you did try, if only because cute marshmallow pones deserved what answer you could provide.
  4707. >And as per the usual, this mare with the impossibly-dark mane would always be confused on such matters.
  4708. >Running with the idea that this mare was as isolated as she said she was, it must have been monastic levels of isolation.
  4709. >Like, without any pony for thousands of miles in all directions.
  4710. >The only thing you could imagine in the world of such social creatures as ponies would be something like Singular Insight experienced.
  4711. >Even then, she still retained some ability to establish relationships.
  4712. >How else would your love for one another and eventual marriage come about, otherwise?
  4713. >This mare that visited you in your dreams simply did not know the intricacies of it.
  4714. >As though she had never learned to do so.
  4715. >She could speak, yes.
  4716. >She was able to maintain a conversation.
  4717. >But to establish friendship?
  4718. >Learn what it as an abstract concept was?
  4719. >That was beyond her horizons.
  4720. >She would have to learn the implicit sensation that it carried for herself.
  4721. >In this dream, you would not know if it were to be accomplished.
  4722. >You wondered to yourself if they would come to understand that.
  4723. >For every dream, every night for months, it would just be conversation.
  4724. >One that she would always thank you for, despite not fully grasping the concepts you proposed.
  4725. >They would change subject, every once in a while.
  4726. >From the enigmas of interpersonal relationships to the daily milling-about you embarked on.
  4727. >It all kept this peculiar mare's fascination running high.
  4728. >You remark to yourself that this would seem like it might be friendship-problem material, if it were in the real world.
  4729. >Alas, 'twas but a dream.
  4730. >A dream that kept recurring, and was becoming easier for you to recall than beforehand, as well.
  4731. >From being fuzzy and difficult to remember, now with such clarity.
  4732. >This mare's features had become more clear as time went on.
  4733. >You could recall their form being somewhat different every dream, but not their coat color.
  4734. >Nor could you discern a cutie mark, if any.
  4735. >The conversations remained in your mind for much longer, as well.
  4736. >Sometimes, you'd catch yourself thinking about them while at work, or when you had downtime with your family.
  4737. >How strange it might seem, to be so curious of a mare that you didn't even know her name.
  4738. >She was always there, though.
  4739. >Always in your dormant hours, waiting for you to return once more.
  4740. >Always with more questions in tow.
  4741. >As you came to rest this night, the conversation would be different.
  4742. >And for the first time, you could see the rest of this mystery mare in full clarity.
  4743. >The entirety of her was this unnatural darkness, so much so that it made it seem like it devoured the light around such a color.
  4744. >It amazed you that such a darkness could exist.
  4745. >Occasionally, you could see her mane billow and roil, slow as though an incredibly gentle breeze came by just for her.
  4746. >Its movement was notably fluid, its motions almost...hypnotic.
  4747. >For the most part, it was either at rest, only so often beginning to dance slowly to the unseen wind.
  4748. >Nothing quite as evident for, say, the Princesses that governed the heavens, mind you.
  4749. >It was decidedly more subtle than that.
  4750. >You couldn't discern what her cutie mark may have been, either from the angle or just poor memory.
  4751. >When her eyes focused on you, it was somewhat unnerving.
  4752. >It felt as though you were audience to many, such a gaze was indeed piercing.
  4753. >Her rich, silvery eyes almost shone in the light.
  4754. >Her appearance was abnormal, but in its own way certainly fascinating.
  4755. >Suffice to say, this mare of your dreams had a rapt audience in you.
  4756. >It wasn't long before she would begin to say her piece for you.
  4757. >In this dream, going against the grain of your usual conversations, she thanked you immediately.
  4758. >Not only for this conversation, but all of the past ones you had.
  4759. >Each one was certainly insightful, bringing to her a perspective she had never known beforehand.
  4760. >In fact, had she never had these conversations with you, there would be nothing for her to grasp.
  4761. >In all of the discourse shared between the two of you, there was one element that still stuck out.
  4762. >That there was a need for experience to truly comprehend what it all felt like.
  4763. >To understand the answer to that first conversation you had, and all that followed.
  4764. >As aforementioned, how could you truly describe the wondrous pleasure of having friends?
  4765. >Or, even moreso, the sensation of finding love?
  4766. >Those were all but impossible to describe.
  4767. >Granted, the memories of those things would always be there.
  4768. >Nothing could ever hope to make you forget just how wonderful they were.
  4769. >You just didn't have the words necessary to speak of such things clearly and succinctly.
  4770. >You doubted even a dictionary and thesaurus working in tandem could hope to achieve a proper definition.
  4771. >And that left this mare in a state of confusion.
  4772. >There was but one thing left for her to do.
  4773. >Achieve the experience necessary to fully wrap her head around the concept.
  4774. >She could only get so much done by continuing the conversations that you shared for months.
  4775. >Not that they weren't productive, of course.
  4776. >It was the reasoning behind her decision.
  4777. >She would be leaving for the foreseeable future.
  4778. >It was her time to learn from experience instead of just silent observation.
  4779. >One was indeed able to learn from sitting outside of hands-on experience.
  4780. >This was, however, more of an...academic way of learning.
  4781. >This mare would need more than what was available from this position far from sensation.
  4782. >After giving you a friendly wave goodbye, she walked off into the mist of the surroundings.
  4783. >Funny...
  4784. >All this time, and you never asked for her name.
  4785. >It was long since past for your chance to now.
  4786. >She was gone, as to the fading haze surrounding the pier.
  4787. >A curious thing for you to note.
  4788. >Since she had left, there was no longer anything obscuring your vision of your Equestrian hometown.
  4789. >Soon, however, you were awoken.
  4790. >The dream fading, and leaving you back in the waking world.
  4791. >Where were you?
  4792. >A simple question to answer.
  4793. >You were in the master bedroom, beside your wife, in bed.
  4794. >What had brought you from the sleep you enjoyed?
  4795. >None other than the expecting mare at your side.
  4796. >Her hooves tapped gently against you, aiming to wake you but not violently so.
  4797. >You wiped the drowsy from your eyes, wondering what was so important as to require you to wake up.
  4798. "...Insight, dear? ....what is it?"
  4799. >Before she spoke, Insight gave a sigh of relief.
  4800. >"Anonymous, my dearest heart...another night terror arose. Why I awoke you was to assert I had not remained in such a state."
  4801. >Another nightmare?
  4802. >They had been happening infrequently.
  4803. >Each time, however, was enough to warrant concern.
  4804. >Perhaps you might be just as overprotective of your beloved as she was to your foal.
  4805. >You just didn't know if it would start to become a very real danger.
  4806. >Sitting up straight, you inquire further.
  4807. "A bad dream...? What happened, sweetheart? Are you alright now?"
  4808. >Insight raised a hoof, indicating that one question at a time would be sufficient.
  4809. >"I am well, husband, dearest; no malaise afflicts me. At the very least, not anymore."
  4810. >Hearing she was well, you felt it was appropriate for Insight to elaborate.
  4811. "Alright...can you tell me what happened in your nightmare?"
  4812. >Insight gave you an affirmative nod, nestling closer beside you as she explained what disturbed her so.
  4813. >"The content of the night terror was once more in the realm of that unimaginable being, the realm of the fertile-yet-empty soil beneath the infinity of an alien sky."
  4814. >Back in the realm of that eldritch horror?
  4815. >Your heart dropped.
  4816. >Hearing that it was still present in your lives always brought a new terror and grim reminder to your doorstep.
  4817. >What had it wanted this time?
  4818. >Insight elaborated after taking gentle hold of your arm, as though it were an anchor of stability.
  4819. >"The experience was altered from what I would anticipate...in the stead of unintelligible interaction with...whatever it may be, this cosmic entity...it was dormant. No profane and blasphemous secrets spoken. It was as though it had turned to stone, unmoving and unthinking."
  4820. >That was...
  4821. >Not what you were expecting, if you would be honest with yourself.
  4822. >Normally such dreams Insight had involved this forgotten, ancient one's interaction.
  4823. >The loose term used as it was difficult to really understand what in the fuck it was up to now.
  4824. >But in this most recent development?
  4825. >There was nothing.
  4826. >A lack of any sort of action on its part.
  4827. >"Gazing upon such a maddening being as itself was enough to strain the mind, even as it lay in dormancy...my sanity, what may remain of it, bled as I observed its form once again. Despite the terrible visage, in the night terror's machinations, I was inexorably drawn to it."
  4828. >That description of what it felt like to look upon such an elder creature was...
  4829. >A bit graphic.
  4830. >You could only imagine just what kind of suffering it would be.
  4831. >Perhaps coming into contact with such a being on multiple occasions made Singular Insight a bit more used to it?
  4832. >Maybe it could be said that after being broken in, such terrors won't drive you any more mad.
  4833. >Whatever the case may be, you wished to hear the rest.
  4834. >"In time, I stood naught but a hoof's reach from what elder monstrosity lay before me, and I was no longer able to bear gazing upon its terrific visage. Eyes wide shut, my own hoof was drawn to the surface, invariably establishing contact between it and myself. From that contact, I witnessed something incredible."
  4835. >This dream was fairly weird, but given the subject matter, it must not be too pleasant to experience.
  4836. >Your mare continued nonetheless, yourself paying attention to what she had to say.
  4837. >"In the eye of my mind, I bore witness to life across the threshold of multiple dimensions. Every aeon that passed across the rift this beast of yore bore witness to, if the interpretation I am able to draw was correct. The overwhelming influx of these visions was far beyond what a pony was meant to bear, and with a splitting migraine unlike anything I have experienced I found myself awakened."
  4838. >The tale your mare spoke of undoubtedly had your curiosity piqued.
  4839. >It may have even given an understanding of this eldritch horror from beyond the stars you did not possess before.
  4840. >Had it really been there in the void, just...watching for so long?
  4841. >It only left you with more questions that would more likely than not remain unanswered.
  4842. >Insight's story had been finished, and you were concerned with your wife's condition at that moment.
  4843. >Hearing she suffered a headache of untold proportions did aspire such emotion from you.
  4844. "Are you still feeling a real bad headache, sweetheart?"
  4845. >Your tone held plenty of concern you felt was healthy.
  4846. >Insight dissuaded your worry with resting her head against your chest, and giving you a sweet pone hug.
  4847. >"My condition has improved, husband, dearest. Your appreciation for my personal well-being is verily appreciated, however."
  4848. >You always loved knowing your better half was doing well.
  4849. >Especially in a time like this.
  4850. >Directing your gaze to the dilation in Insight's abdomen, you were reminded of why.
  4851. >The second little gift from heaven that was on its way.
  4852. >You supposed it might only be natural that you'd have a heightened sensitivity for her well-being during these times.
  4853. >Anything for her health.
  4854. >For the safety of your most precious mare, and the cargo she carried.
  4855. >It always brought immeasurable ease-of-mind to know the both of them were safe.
  4856. >Staying in a warm embrace with your mare, you knew this was exactly where you wished to be.
  4857. >With Singular Insight, your pone bride.
  4858. >Not but an arm's reach away, and right there for you to tenderly cuddle.
  4859. >With her in a snug hug, you are irresistibly drawn to resting a hand against her pregnant belly.
  4860. >It was significantly warmer than most of Insight's body, curiously.
  4861. >In a way, that made it all the more pleasant to feel.
  4862. >Just sweet, tender, gentle touching with love swelling in your heart.
  4863. >Soon enough, there would be another set of hooves running around, and making your day brighter...
  4864. >All was as it should be.
  4865. >Despite the oddities in the night you and Insight experienced, it did not subtract from the simple pleasures.
  4866. >Spending the quaint hours with one another, with the warmth of company chasing away the cold.
  4867. >As time went on, you and Insight drew closer to sleep once more.
  4868. >Staying up too late would throw off your biological clock.
  4869. >And sleep was kinda important, so there was that.
  4870. >Just as you might be minutes away from returning to Luna's world of dreams, a tiny knock came from your door.
  4871. >It had caught your attention, and kept you from falling asleep on the spot.
  4872. >You had an idea of just who that might be.
  4873. "Door's unlocked. Come on in."
  4874. >Slowly, the doorknob twisted, and the door moved inward.
  4875. >In the doorframe stood little Sandlight, coming to rest on her four hooves.
  4876. >"Papa, Momma...I couldn't sleep...can I sleep here for tonight? Please?"
  4877. >You couldn't deny her request.
  4878. >Gesturing for the young foal to come onto the bed, you nod.
  4879. "I don't mind. Go right ahead, honey."
  4880. >With a bright smile to make any father infinitely pleased, she was quick to take up your acceptance of her request.
  4881. >Sandlight had been getting better at sleeping in her own room.
  4882. >She still liked to come on by every now and again, though.
  4883. >Sandlight came to rest atop Insight's middle, laying against the distended belly of her mother.
  4884. >Insight didn't voice any complaints, letting Sandlight rest where she may.
  4885. >The foal profusely thanked the both of you, happy to be where she could sleep easy.
  4886. >You messed with her rich orange mane, wishing her goodnight.
  4887. >It was not long before Sandlight departed for dreamlandia, the foal finding the presence of her mother and father comforting.
  4888. >Insight would follow, the gentle, slow breathing of your mare letting Sandlight rise and fall in time.
  4889. >It was so sweet to see the both of them, together.
  4890. >After all your time spent with Insight, every trial and tribulation you had endured...
  4891. >You had come to know as fact.
  4892. >There was nothing more pure than love between a man and a mare.
  4893. >Keeping your family close, you leave for the land of sleep.
  4894. >Content with the joy you experienced...
  4895. >And the life you had made for yourself here in Equestria.

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