Dear Celestia,

I know you're a busy woman, but I was hoping to discuss something I think you'd like to know about the Golden Apple Tree as well as the Tree of Harmony. I'd have told you sooner, but every time I had the chance, something interrupted us and I never got around to it. Now that I once again have your attention, I'd like to speak to you and Luna about this, and possibly Cadance as well if you'd allow it.

And speaking of Cadance, I was also hoping I could talk with her this coming Wednesday about the matter you discussed with me and Zecora that one time, since I'm still so confused about the whole idea.

On another note, how is Eve doing? Is she growing up fast? Is she healthy?

Your Ever Adjusting Subject and Friend,

Jethro

Dear Jethro,

My sister and I would be delighted to come speak to you this Wednesday. I look forward to hearing what you have to say, and I'm sure Luna does as well.

Cadance is already in the know about my suspicions about Luna, and she's been trying to determine if my thoughts are correct. Feel free to discuss it with her. I'm sure she can help. Bring Zecora along too, if it would help.

Eve's doing magnificently. She's bonded to Philomena, but I get the sense she's eager to see you again. I'd bring her, but she's still too small to move too far.

See you in two days!

Your Friend,

Celestia

"Scarlet actually did that?" Cadance asked, eyes wide in shock.

I smirked and nodded. Beside me, Zecora was trying hard not to laugh as I described Scarlet's teasing of me the day I went to the school. As the mansion was still being worked on for the upcoming Nightmare Night this Friday, I'd had Cadance in my Earth house for this meeting. We were sitting in my living room, Cadance sipping on the honey chamomile tea and eating a teacake I'd ordered from Sugarcube Corner just before Cadance's arrival. "She's never been this bold, before. I'm wondering if I've been a bad influence on her."

"Well, I've never met her, but she sounds like an intriguing mare," Cadance smiled. "Sounds like she trusts you enough to feel comfortable enough to tease you in such a…provocative manner."

"I'm almost afraid to see what her Nightmare Night costume is gonna be," I chuckled. "With my luck, she'll pick some sexy schoolgirl outfit and constantly flash me her panties through the entire night."

"Well, I'm sure Twilight isn't too pleased with how you've been influencing Aunt Celestia," Cadance chuckled a bit. "Her new vocabulary isn't exactly…regal."

"What? Her saying that she's the fucking princess?" I snarked with a lopsided grin.

She pointed her hoof at me. "That's the one. I've never heard Celestia use those words except when she was explaining them to me. If anything, I would have thought Aunt Luna would be more the Pony to use those words."

"And speaking of her," I said, grateful for the opening to change the subject, "I'd like to talk about Celestia's suspicions."

"Ah, yes. The matter at hoof." Cadance's expression became more serious. "Aunt Celestia told me about your discussion with her the day after the Gala. I know I'm going to sound like some therapist when I ask this next question, but how do you feel about it?"

I looked at Zecora, who put her front leg through my arm, giving me a reassuring smile. Turning back to the Princess of Love, I sighed. "Like I had so much stuff thrown at me at one time. I doubt I'd have slept well that night if Zecora hadn't been there with me."

I felt Zecora's grip on my arm tighten as Cadance nodded in understanding. "I'll tell Auntie you said so. But, knowing her, she told you because she's overcompensating again. She ignored Luna for so long before her banishment, and now that Aunt Luna's back, Aunt Celestia's been probably smothering her with love and attention as much as possible."

"Like the situation with Sunset Shimmer and Twilight," I murmured. Clearing my throat, I spoke up. "I get her being overprotective of her little sister, but Luna's a full-grown adult. Sure, she might have missed a thousand years, but she's mature enough to make her own decisions."

"And while I agree, that's not what we're here to talk about," Cadance said.

"Right, still trying to break that habit," I said sheepishly. "I still don't understand why Luna would have any feelings for me."

Cadance nodded. "I understand why you'd feel like that," she said reassuringly, "but I've been observing her over the past week. She's a mare out of time, Jethro. She's still scarred from her experience on the moon. And that's not all. Even before her banishment, Aunt Luna was very hard to get along with around anypony except for Aunt Celestia. Pile a thousand years of catchup on her, and she feels lost. Then, out of nowhere about a month after she comes back, here comes a strange alien who says he likes her night. Somepony-sorry, someone-who she only dreamed about meeting or at least hearing about just shows up practically right on her doorstep. In a sense, you're a dream come true for her."

"So…that's it?" I asked, tilting my head curiously.

"No, far from it," Cadance said. "That might have been a starting point, sure, but the fact that you've been casual with her and treating her both with royal respect and as just another Pony further caught her attention. Love can sprout from even the simplest and briefest of contacts."

I groaned and facepalmed. "Great…"

"And you two share a few common interests," Cadance added. "That's always a plus for a relationship."

"I'm already in a relationship," I said, turning to put an arm around Zecora.

"Yes, I know," Cadance said, "but didn't Aunt Celestia tell you about herds?"

"Yes, yes she did, but I don't think I'd be capable of forming one," I replied.

Cadance looked at me curiously. "Could you tell me why?"

"Just like I told Celestia, in my culture, it takes a rare circumstance for a polyamorous relationship to form," I explained. "For most of us, we've only got enough room in our hearts for one woman. How am I going to open mine for more than one?"

Cadance pointed to Zecora. "Well, support from her would help."

"My love," Zecora said tenderly, "I have already said that if we were to form a herd, it wouldn't bother me. It's common in Farasi, perhaps more common there than here."

I turned to her. "Zecora…"

"Nopony's forcing this on you, beloved," she said. "It's your decision, and I'll respect either one you make."

"She's right," Cadance said. "Nopony would want to pressure you into this. But may I offer some advice?"

"Sure," I said, looking back at Cadance eagerly.

"Earlier, you said that humans find it hard to form polyamorous relationships, correct? Well, despite our similarities, Ponies and humans aren't quite the same."

That damned Anon-A-Miss comic certainly proved that, I inwardly sighed. "What do you mean?"

"We're a herd species, Jethro," she explained, "we thrive more in a community. When romantic herds are formed, it's a given that some of the interherd relationships will be different than others. Nopony denies it, and in many cases, other members welcome these types of relationships."

"Wait, they do? How?" I asked, growing more confused, but still wanting to learn as much about this subject as I could.

"Let me give you a simple example," she said. "Stallion A has a three Pony herd with Mare A and Mare B. Now, Stallion A enjoys going for long walks in the forest, but he also enjoys nights out on the town. Mare A enjoys long walks but doesn't particularly care for nights out, while Mare B enjoys nights on the town but doesn't care for walks in the woods. Stallion A and Mare A use this shared love to bond, while Stallion A and Mare B use nights on the town to bond. Each of their bonds are different, but no less loving. In a normal herd, the two mares will have reached an understanding as to how to make their stallion happy. Because, in the end, both mares will bond over their love and devotion to their husband. Although, that doesn't mean that they can't be friends for more than that reason. A good herd always consists of mares who get along well with each other."

"Which is why every member has to agree on who enters?" I asked.

Cadance nodded. "A foal born into a house with a herd can't learn about the Tenets of Harmony if there is no harmony between spouses. If there is a problem among the herd, a family meeting is the go-to where everything is put on the table. Any concerns are brought to light. Even if there are no visible problems, allowing for a hidden problem to fester can be just as dangerous for a herd. A family meeting is a great way for the bond between the members to grow."

"That makes sense," I nodded.

"It takes a lot of work to maintain a herd, but in the end, it's very rewarding. The amount of love generated between each member and the children is extremely strong and powerful. There have even been studies done that suggest that members of herds statistically live longer on average for around ten years."

"Well, I doubt I'll have that problem," I said, fluttering my wings a bit.

Cadance nodded with a small smile. "Probably not. I'm sorry I threw so much information your way."

"I'm the one who asked," I said. "Besides, the more info I have, the more informed my decision will be." I frowned and stroked my chin. "Maybe…"

"Maybe what?" Cadance asked, leaning forward.

"Maybe it would behoove me to spend some one-on-one time with Luna, or alternatively spend time with her with Zecora by my side. I don't know…"

Cadance nodded. "When first forming a herd, both options are used. Normally, the latter option is used first."

"My love, remember we planned to stargaze the night after Nightmare Night?" Zecora asked. "If you're willing, why don't we invite her to join us then?"

"That's an excellent idea," Cadance said. "Something like that would definitely be a good first step."

"You think?" I asked them both.

Zecora replied, "It's something we can at least try," she said, nuzzling my face.

I pulled Zecora closer, stroking her mane as she relaxed in my arms. "I think that will work just fine."

"Sounds like a romantic first herd date, love," Zecora said, leaning forward and licking my cheek affectionately.

Cadance clapped her hooves, beaming. "Glad to hear you at least considering it." She stopped, and a worried expression came over her face. "You're not feeling pressured, are you?"

"Hmm…not from anyone in this room. Maybe from Celestia a little bit, but from what you said, she just wants her sister happy."

"More than anything," Cadance said. She looked at the clock. "Well, it's almost been a half hour since we started. I believe my aunts will be coming soon. Are you sure you want to only have a half hour check-in with me?"

I nodded. "The whole Luna and herd thing was what was foremost on my mind anyway. That, and the other topic which I was going to bring up which requires all three princesses."

"Do you wish for me to go, dearest?" Zecora asked.

I shook my head. "I don't want to hide things from you. I'd like you here. Besides, I know you can keep this a secret with your life."

"Of course I can, my love."

Just then, a knock on the door caused us all to turn. I untangled myself from Zecora and walked to my door. Opening it, I saw both Equestrian princesses standing there. Celestia was all smiles, while Luna was her normal stalwart self. "Good afternoon, Jethro," Celestia said. "Are we here on time?"

"You're early, actually," I said as I stepped aside. "Please come in."

The princesses came in, but not before Luna turned to me. Her horn glowed and she lifted something towards me. It was a wooden rectangular box, which I took from her. "We wished to give thee this," she said in a regal tone. "We hope thou like it."

I slowly opened the box and saw, to my delight, a decent sized handheld looking glass. I gently lifted it up and looked it over. It actually looked surprisingly simple with a dark blue sheen on the outside. "Wow…this is really well made. Thank you, Luna! I'll use it tonight!"

"We know thou hast a larger looking glass, but we felt this could be useful in any daytime activity thou might choose to undertake," Luna replied.

"It certainly will," I said, putting it back reverently in the box, closing it. "Thank you, Luna. I'll put this away in my room before I inform you of my unusual discovery."

I walked down the hall, placed the gift on a place of prominence on my dresser, then headed back out. As I joined Zecora again, Luna turned to me. "Did thou receive those beds we sent?"

"Yeah, I did actually," I said. "They're all in my other house, now. Each bedroom has them."

She finally smiled. "We are glad."

"You two can discuss bedding later," Cadance said, and I almost saw a knowing smirk form on her face.

"Agreed," Celestia turned to me. "Jethro, forgive me for saying so, but Cadance told me you wish to include Zecora in these discussions. Are you sure?"

"I hate hiding anything from her," I replied.

Celestia nodded. "I understand, but is this sensitive information?"

"I don't think I'll budge on wanting her here," I said, putting my hands on my hips. "She can keep a secret. I have complete faith and trust in her."

"Don't take it personally, I didn't mean anything by it," Celestia said. Turning to Zecora, she said, in Farasi, "You understand the consequences if you should breathe a word of this, correct?"

"I understand, your Highness. I swear by the First Elders."

Celestia smiled. "Good. Now then, back to the subject at hoof."

"Quite," Luna said, turning serious again. "What is this we hear about news regarding our sister's apple tree and the Tree of Harmony?"

"In short, they both are in a way sapient," I said.

The room went silent as I allowed the three princesses and my marefriend to digest this. Celestia finally spoke up. "What do you mean?"

"A few nights before the Gala, I was utilizing my Morphean magic near the royal garden," I explained, "when suddenly a Dryad appeared from the Golden Apple tree."

"What is a Dryad?" Celestia asked.

"Oh, you don't have that name here, right," I said. "Well, Melora called herself a Treeguard."

Celestia's eyes widened, as did Luna's. "A Treeguard…are you sure?" Celestia asked.

"That's what Melora said."

"Who is this Melora?" Luna asked.

"That's the name I gave the Dryad of the Golden Apple tree," I said. "It's a human name I gave her. It means golden apple."

"I see…" Celestia said. "But how did you speak to this Treeguard?"

"Apparently, the last Pony to talk to Melora was one named Midnight Breeze," I said. "I suspect it was due to his abilities that I now have."

"But, how does that make sense?" Cadance asked. Turning to Celestia, she asked, "Auntie, have you ever heard of any other Pony having Morphean magic?"

"Not since Midnight Breeze," Celestia said. "His magic was extremely powerful, and nopony else could figure out how he managed to unlock this magic. Plenty of other Ponies have tried over the years, but all failed."

"His magic was the envy of many a Unicorn," Luna agreed.

"After you were…banished," Celestia said, sounding pained, "they continued trying to figure out his magic, but eventually as the centuries passed, Midnight Breeze's magic was slowly forgotten. And now it's back." She turned to me. "Have you done anything big with these powers?"

"Just rebuilding your old palace, teleporting all my money to my house, then teleporting my house here. Aside from that, I've just been flying around at night." I looked at my hand. "I don't know what the extent of this power is, and I'm a bit nervous to explore what I can do with them. I know I need to eventually, and I will, but I don't know how to do it without anyone else there to help." I turned to them all. "Honestly, I'd love to have help from everyone in the room. And presumably the Bearers of Harmony, too."

"Speaking of them, you said there was something about the Tree of Harmony as well?" Celestia asked.

"Yeah," I said. "She's gathered enough power to manifest into a form we can interact with as well."

If the news about Melora was a shock to the three Princesses, that practically froze time around us. The three stared at me in complete stunned silence. I waited patiently as they processed it. Finally, Luna spoke. "…What…?"

"The Tree of Harmony spoke to you!?" Celestia shouted, suddenly directly in my face. Her eyes were wide with astonishment. Her entire face filled my vision. She smelled absolutely wonderful today, like freshly grown roses and honeysuckle. Her dark purple orbs gazed almost into my soul, pleading for answers. "What did it say?!"

"Sister! Calm thyself!" Luna called out.

"Auntie!"

"Your Highness?!"

I held up my hands, stopping all three mares before putting my hands on Celestia's cheeks. Her fur was incredibly soft and well groomed. She didn't even seem to react to my touch as I gently moved her head away. "Relax, Celestia. Relax."

She looked at my hands, then a blush crept up on her cheeks as she stood up. "Ah, um…yes. Sorry."

"It's fine. As to what she said, and I call the Tree a she since she appeared in Zecora's form to me, she told me a few things. She and Melora told me a few things." Clearing my throat, I began recounting the entire memory, which for some reason was clearer in my mind than any waking memory. All four mares listened carefully. I saw them all look a bit upset when I recounted how the Tree of Harmony had said how Equestria was falling into a rut and beginning to stagnate, forgetting what true harmony was. I made sure to mention to Celestia how Melora defended her actions on Sunset Shimmer's potential, something that made her brighten. All the mares made me recount my discussions about my own potential, despite my reluctance. Finally, I was finished and I looked around the room, waiting for a reaction from anyone.

Luna was the first one to speak, to my surprise. "We…have to agree with the Tree of Harmony on the fact that the Ponies here are starting to slowly forget true Harmony, dear sister."

Celestia lowered her head, almost in shame. "I…I guess I was hoping it was just a phase my little ponies were going through, but if the Tree of Harmony is telling us this…I should accept the facts." She stood up straight, facing me. "Jethro, thank you for telling me this. Thank you once again for everything. I'm finding myself more and more in your debt."

"Celestia, stop," I said, standing and walking over to her. Looking up into her startled eyes, I reached a hand out. "I might not be a completely full citizen, but I want to help. I mean, I live here too."

She nodded, and finally smiled. "Still, you've given us more information to think over."

I leaned in and whispered, "Think of it as revenge for all that infodump you gave me the day after the Gala."

Her ears flattened. "That was a bit much at one time, wasn't it? I apologize."

"It's alright. Cadence told me why."

Celestia actually looked a bit sheepish, but Luna interrupted, "What didst thou tell him?" She sounded a bit concerned and upset.

"Celestia was telling me a bit more about some of the cultural norms that are different than ones on Earth," I replied. "It was a bit much at the time."

Luna looked at Celestia with a frown. "Sister, why wouldst thou do such a thing to him?"

"Luna, please relax," I said, putting a hand on her withers. "She was just trying to help. I'm fine now."

Luna looked up at me, examining my face carefully. Her lovely cyan eyes were full of worry and concern, and with the new information about her potential feelings for me and the reasons behind it, her look made sense. To my surprise, she put a hoof on my shoulder. "We see…if thou art sure…"

"I'm positive," I said kindly, putting my hand over her hoof. "Thank you for asking, though. It means a lot." And it really did. Any kind of gesture like that from anyone touched me, but especially if it came from either Zecora or the princesses.

"Well, thou art our subject," Luna said with a regal note in her tone, although she didn't move her hoof away from my touch, "thy safety and the safety of all our subjects is paramount."

I gave her hoof a squeeze. She must have finally taken notice, because she quickly removed her hoof from my shoulder. Lowering my hand, I nodded. "I'm glad to hear it."

"If there is nothing else, we should all take our leave," Luna said.

As she walked towards the door, I saw Cadance gesturing towards her with a bit of an insistence. I immediately got her message, but there was something else I wanted to talk to her about first. "Luna, hold on just a bit."

She paused, then turned around. "Yes?"

I walked back up to her as she turned back around to face me. "Well, just a couple of things. First, I'm wondering if you've made a decision about joining all of us here at the Nightmare Night celebration. It's happening now all at my house."

"We…are still unsure," Luna said. "Isn't the point of Nightmare Night a celebration of our defeat?"

Celestia quickly joined in. "No! Not at all! Lulu, I told you why I did what I did. It's a night of enjoyment."

"We still do not wish to terrorize our subjects," Luna said.

"And you don't have to," I said, giving her a warm smile. "You can just play the games there and interact with other Ponies."

"We shall have an answer for thee within a few days," Luna said.

"That actually brings me to my next question," I said, then looking back to Zecora. She joined me and stood next to me before I turned back. "The night after Nightmare Night, Zecora and I are going to go stargazing. We talked about it, and we'd like to invite you to join us. If you're interested."

Luna's eyes shot open in shock. "Oh! Um…well…thy offer is greatly appreciated, but would I not be intruding on a lover's night?"

"Your Highness," Zecora said, "it's rare for me to meet somepony who loves the night more than the day. I enjoy the stars, but since I live in the Everfree, I rarely get to see it."

"And the two of us would love to get to know you better," I said.

Luna looked thoughtful for a few moments, then turned to me. "We shall…give it some thought."

"Shoot me a letter whenever you make a decision," I smiled.

"We shall."

"Is there anything else?" Celestia asked.

"I've told you all I can think of at the moment that I thought was important," I said. "If something else comes up, I'll be sure to dragonmail it to you."

Celestia giggled. "I'll be awaiting your letter."

Zecora and I watched as the three princesses walked up to their chariots. Celestia's had two white Pegasus stallions pulling hers, as did Cadance's, but Luna's had two black furred Pegasi pulling hers. I raised an eyebrow, half expecting what the fandom had called bat ponies or thestrals, the latter of which didn't make sense since thestrals were from Harry Potter as far as my research had shown. As the three of them flew away with a small contingent of Pegasi guards flanking them, something else came to my mind. "Ah, I did forget something!" I snapped.

"What was it, my love?" Zecora asked, sounding worried.

"Ah, it'll keep," I said. "I was just gonna ask them about their former SCP Foundation knockoff, staring Sweetie Drops."

To our loyal subject Jethro Bethridge,

We greet thee and hope this letter finds thee well. We have considered both of thy offers, and we shall be glad to grace thee with our royal presences on both occasions thou mentioned. We shall come to Ponyville to participate in the festivities and we shall be pleased to join thee and thy paramour for a night of stargazing. At what time wouldst thou like us to grace thee with our presence on both nights?

Awaiting your reply,

Princess Luna

Dear Luna,

I'm glad you decided to join us, and we look forward to having you there on both nights! To answer your question, I was thinking you could join us at the same time on both nights, a couple of hours before sundown. That way, we can all get something to eat before things begin.

See you then!

Your friend and subject,

Jethro