Post by Mal on Apr 22, 2016 8:35:04 GMT -5
Yunalesca ventured out to the garden during a cooler part of the day, when the sun began its descent towards the far horizon but had not yet reached sunset. There was still plenty of light to see by out in the green garden, a welcome change from all the sand and tan stone. There was the gazebo she could sit in, but she decided to settle out on the grass; it was nice to feel it under her hooves again. Yuna set down comfortably, her eyes scanning her leafy surroundings for any sign of the animals she'd seen before, such as Lightning's white peahen. Relaxing enough, away from the servants in the mansion.
Silent Dusk is one of the animals in the garden and was actually grazing, the bat ate grass now and then, enjoying the last sun of the day while she had a perfectly calm look about her.
Gleaming Echo yawned a little as he stepped from the building into the rather lavish gardens of Lightning's familial estate. Tarnished had managed to coerce Gleam back into the fore while he took a break so thus the light half of the pony was out and about! He let his gaze drift about the garden only to catch sight of.. Dusky was out grazing? He quirked his head and continued to look only to see... Oh hey, there was Yuna! Two out of the three were here!
Yunalesca almost missed Dusk grazing nearby, and felt stupid for mistaking her as one of the animals. None of the creatures she'd seen here would ever share the same coloration as the thestral. Her gaze went back to the other mare, one eyebrow cocked up. "Dusk? What-.. I mean, I didn't expect to see you out here." Yuna gave the bat a quizzical look; she still didn't quite understand the grass eating thing. Most ponies didn't do it. Yuna caught the movement of something pale in her peripheral vision and turned her head while she waited for an answer, and spied the approaching form of Gleam through the foliage. "Hey."
Silent Dusk stopped her grazing and swallowed, eyes focusing as she smiled at Yuna and the approaching Gleam. "Hi Yuna didn't see you there."
Gleaming Echo paused long enough to reach a hoof up to his head and brush his mane back. It also gave him enough time to work up his bravery! Not that it was much of a problem because the dear goddess gave him strength! When the cultist stepped to join them he offered a smile. "Hello Lady Yuna, Dusky." He grinned some and scuffed a hoof. The talks recently with Tarnished had helped at the very least. He was out and about; which was more to say than before when he'd had Tarnished be the one piloting the body frequently!
Yunalesca briefly turned back towards Dusk, catching the sound of her voice. "I just got out here, to relax, you know." She managed. She often didn't know how to talk, or what to say, to the thestral. Sometimes Dusk could be rather quiet! A wing was shaken out from underneath her shawl and she gestured with it for Gleam to come over and join them; join her. If there was a chance Yuna could talk to the light half and reassure him of what Tarnished spoke with her about, she would. "Come on over, let's sit together." Yuna invited, her tone implying it was said towards both of them.
Silent Dusk trotted over to Yuna and lay in front of her, giving them both a loving smile as she rest her head on her forehooves. "How are my newest beloveds doing today then?" she'd inquire fluttering her wings some while flicking her tail, yup flirting a bit with her sweet herd members.
Gleaming Echo perked up when the wing was shaken into view and Yuna gestured for him to join her. The light half hardly needed any more prompting! He stepped up to her and slid down next to Yuna, cuddling up under the wing if he could. If not he happily cuddled up as much as he could. He turned his attention to the thestral and smiled. "I can't speak for Lady Yuna ~ Things have been going fairly well. I woke up from a nap and decided to see if I could find anypony."
Yunalesca looked over at the now close Dusk, blinking when she heard that word, beloveds. It would take some getting used to; a lot of the situation would take some getting used to, and becoming closer. She hadn't forgotten the herd thing, and the conversation kept returning to her. Remembering it with surprise that it was a thing now. Yuna almost forgot to answer while she was lost in thought. "I'm doing pretty good, myself. I just needed to get outside for a while." A glance was cast back at the building as she tucked her wing around the cuddling Gleam, not caring if anypony else saw. She would draw him close to her side, if she could, and leave a small kiss on his cheek. "I'm glad to hear you're doing well, now."
Silent Dusk knew they were uncomfy with it, honest but the bat just acted casual about it to maybe help them feel more free to relax about the idea themselves, gently brushing her lips along the corners of both their muzzles while keeping up her smile. "I woke up for you two actually."
Gleaming Echo could only smile at the two now that he was comfortable with his security blanket from Yuna draped over him. "I can understand that." he hummed only to lean and give Yuna a kiss to the cheek in return. His attention quickly turned to Dusk and he gave the thestral a nuzzle in return. He was a little more uneasy about the whole thing than Tarnished and Yuna were but the light half was more than happy to at least give it a try!
Yunalesca made a questioning noise at Dusk, her eyebrows going up at the statement rather than the brush. Her body had tensed a little at the thestral's closeness, and she thought to lean in, tentatively, to kiss Dusk's cheek in passing. "Did you?" Yuna asked, moving back to press her shoulder up against Gleam's. Her cheeks had darkened a little, from both of them; Gleam's kiss felt pleasant. "Gleamy," Yuna murmured, deciding to bring up what she'd wanted to say; they may have been around Dusk, but things were.. happening between them all now, "Tarnished told me how you felt. I just wanted to tell you that we- I like you. I like having you around."
Silent Dusk nodded and blushed. "We're a herd, you deserve my time too, sure I'm more familiar with Lightning and you three with eachother, but I will love you, I will give my all to you four, so yes love I woke up for you."
Gleaming Echo shifted and leaned against the Alicorn's side only to turn to her when she spoke. "I... Tarnished has been talking to me lately. It helps... and hearing that does to." he leaned in and nuzzled the mare only to turn to Dusk an smile even though there was now a red dusting on his cheeks. "I-I'll try to live up to everypony's expectations." he gave both the alicorn and the thestral a nuzzle. "I just need to get used to the fact that so much is different than I am used to." he reached a hoof up and rubbed the back of his head. "SO different!" he grumped and let his head hang. "At least herds are somewhat... familiar...."
Yunalesca gave Gleam a smile, leaning into his nuzzle and giving him one in turn. "I'm glad to hear it. You.. shouldn't have to worry about any expectations though. Just be yourself, we'll.. l-love you no matter what." The alicorn soothed and glanced over to Dusk, her ears perked. "There's always things we can do to get to know each other better, and Lightning too. I'm not exactly sure what those things will be, but I'm sure we'll figure out something.. like just talking, or games, or just.. spending time together." Yuna suggested with a little shrug and nudged Gleam back, looking over at his lowered head. "What all is different?"
Silent Dusk sighed a whine. "What is different is that many thestrals are polyamorous Yuna, and if you think I am not slightly attracted to both a beautiful alicorn and a tough nightmare with a side dish of sweet caring mage you're dead wrong." there out with the dirty laundry, no hiding or lying. "Yes I love Lightning but you two aren't just baggage or ponies that just are there you two saved my life!"
Gleaming Echo spun his head at the 'love' word that had been said. His ears perked and it actually seemed to cause him quite a bit of comfort. Unlike the last time that was said he rumbled happily and nuzzled the mare, even giving her a kiss. With that done he pulled back only to hear the next question. "Ooooh... Well, for one that one princess has known about us and we aren't being hunted! I mean, the cult always taught that equestrian princesses would strike down anypony that can potentially be a danger! A-and... I thought family helped each-other and Dissy's...." he shook his head and his head lowered with ears flat. "No, no ~ That is just fine. Herds in the cult were um.... encouraged! Not very many of us." he rubbed the back of his head. "Just.. things."
Yunalesca's ears perked towards Dusk, blinking. She had been called beautiful again, and it still baffled her. It was also.. nice. Nopony had an issue with her stripes, or anything. She self consciously rubbed one of her forelegs against the other, nodding. "Yeah, we did.. because we care." Her head turned towards Gleam when he made that noise, smiling again at his touch as she always did; if she could, she would try to kiss him back, on the lips. "Oh. Sometimes blood isn't everything in families, some ponies are pretty terrible to theirs." Yuna wrinkled her nose and squeezed the unicorn with her wing, gentle. "I.. realize, our.. relationship technically is polyamorous isn't it? You and Tarnished, and me. Now we're a herd."
Silent Dusk lay her head back on her hooves and stared at the grass, tongue slipping out to snatch a few of the green leaves.
Gleaming Echo could only smile as he turned his attention to the thestral that was laying in front of he and Yuna. His horn lit up and the Thestral might find herself being gently tugged close enough that the unicorn could wrap his hooves about the thestral and give her a kiss-like nudge. Then he laid his head down... Dusky pillow with a Yuna wing blanket! Aha! "I suppose it was polyamorous before! It is the same just with an adorable little thestral and Dissy on top!" The bat couldn't be left out of the affection; thus the huggles commence!
Yunalesca pondered something when Dusk went silent, but Gleam beat her to doing something about it. She moved closer to the pair, snuggling in and smiling at the unicorn. "Yeah," The alicorn murmured agreement, and rested her head on top of the thestral, nuzzling against the soft gray fur. She didn't really know what to say now, though she thought further on the way Dusk had phrased Gleam earlier, was amusing in its way. "Is there anything wrong, Dusk?" Yuna queried. "Anything you wanna talk about?"
Silent Dusk was hugged and used as a pillow. "Nothing is wrong but maybe I'm making you two nervous by being so forward about our herd."
Gleaming Echo let out a chuckle as he nuzzled against both Yuna and Dusk. "You aren't, Dusk." he hummed as he nudged the thestral and might have tried to give an ear a bit of a nip if he could manage it. He liked to do the same with Miss Yuna so maybe Dusky might be fine with it? He loved to lay around like this with Lady Yuna, and now Dusky was here; happy days indeed! If only he could get Tarnished out of his head and then have both him and Dissy both around in addition to these two?
Yunalesca remained silent for a moment, idly watching Gleam interact with Dusk. "I'm not nervous about it, persay, it'll just take me some time to get used to it. Without having to deal with the whole, dumb jealousy thing.. I'm not a jealous mare, but then again, I haven't been with anypony until Gleam, and then you and Lightning. It'll take a lot to learn." Yuna said at last, biting at her own lower lip. "There was stuff I was worried about before, but I can work through it, I'm sure." Yuna tried to curl herself to where she was pressed against both ponies; thinking of Lightning, she wondered where the pegasus could be at this hour.
Silent Dusk nodded she understood, she really did, she may be a flirty touchy feely mare but she wasn't dumb by any means, snuggling into them both she too wondered were her pegasus was, it would be nice to have him here to bond as well, quickly stealing a soft kiss from each of her herd mates.
Distant Lightning was keeping himself busy around the estate. The maids were already spooked once or twice by his grumpy expression. After tearing through his granpappy's chambers it was being cleaned out, the male gladly burning everything or having it sealed in a box never to be seen again. He had to keep focused. If it was not one thing, it was another. Worrying about the estate, when he never had to before, was a burden, but at the same time if he did not it would put the others at risk, so he had to keep face. He still, much preferred, academy work, but... He let out a sigh, the butler hovering over him with missives to sign, which Lightning was forced to do. He glanced out the window, spying the garden from the upper floors. Down below the others seemed to be enjoying each other's company. He could not help the sigh that escaped him, ears pressing to his skull. It was a nice day, but it was the season of long, warm days. They were to be enjoyed by the privileged.
Distant Lightning's butler rolled the last of the missives on the silver plate before nodding. 'Tis all for the day young master.' Lightning looked up curiously. "But we had--" 'That is all for the day young master.' The unicorn repeated. Lightning pushed to stand, hesitating a bit. Pressing his claret hooves against the ground he would trot away at a low speed before turning the corner to head to the lower floors. Weaving around the halls he would eventually come upon the door leading through the kitchen and into the gardens. He peered out, brows knitted in worry. He was rather excited to meet them for a nice sit, but now that he was at the threshold to this event -- He tucked his tail and backed up as his wings moved from his back, to his sides. They seemed well enough without him disturbing them. He was a big, clumsy horse. He had many innovative plans to insert himself into the situation, but none seemed viable now that he was here. Perfect plans turned to dust by the snapping of his nerve.
Distant Lightning fluffing up his wings he glared back at the nosy maids who turned back to cooking. They thought it was cute the young master was so shy. They had never seen any of his personality, feeling that he had closed himself off when Thunder died. But there was always plenty of gossip about that, not that they'd ever do it in front of him. None of them liked old Master Storm, but they were loyal to the family, enough to turn a blind eye and ear when necessary. They too had their family name to consider. Storm could have ruined any of them with a single word. Better a servant, than a slave. It was also a little selfish... oh well. In short, Lightning just sort of crept around the corner of the kitchen's back door, at the end of the long path towards the gardens.
Gleaming Echo let out a chuckle and quickly nodded. "Y-yeah! I mean... Tarnished and I weren't really sure anypony would dare to like two remnants; one being a nightmare of all things." he'd say with a sheepish grin and a smile. "First dear Lady Yuna proved us wrong, and now two more like us! It just... I love it, but I'm trying to assimilate it to." he'd say as he squirmed up against Yuna and Dusk. The appearance of Distant not too terribly far away went completely missed for the time being. He needed to get over and join them right and proper!
Yunalesca flustered a little upon being kissed again by the thestral, but this time it was not so much of a surprise that she froze up. After everything they'd talked about, the alicorn gave Dusk a kiss in turn, reaching one hoof to drape it over the bat. She cast Gleam a shy glance when he brought it up. "I was growing fond of you for a while. Tarnished did.. scare me a little, at first, but he was surprisingly gentle at times.. And you, promising to protect me at such a cost after freeing me.." Yuna shrugged a little, focusing on one of Dusk's wings, missing the approach of a certain lurker in the bushes, "you're quite attractive too."
Silent Dusk blushed at the compliment and nodded some, as Lightning would know the bat was less brash when safely near loved ones, her nose twitching as she smelled the pegasus and blushed deeper, she wasn't sure yet if it was grass addiction or.. "He's near us my dears."
Distant Lightning crept out into the gardens but kept to the bushes, watching them. He couldn't hear what they were up to from such distances, but he wasn't apart of it so snooping was bad manners. It was not until Dusk looked up that he tried to duck behind some sunflowers. Like-- that would work. Congratulations Lightning. He shuffled back and tucked away. His head turned away, as if they could see him. Maybe they could. He had snuck out just to -- see. He felt a little lonely and left out, but it was no excuse to invade their privacy. Damn Dusk's sense of smell. He was more given to just feeling when others were around. Weather horse and all. Feathers were sensitive, but otherwise... he was a bit of a potato. He was about to make a face, but thought better of it. Clearing his throat he stepped out. "I was coming to see what you all would like for lunch." He looked away, body language displaying a stiff, unsure stance.
Gleaming Echo let out a bit of a chuckle as he blushed himself. "Tarnished is just.. well, Tarnished and I am, well.... me." that just caused his blush to darken at how stupid that sounded. It sounded so much better in his head! Alas now it was said and he was thankfully granted a distraction in the form of Silent saying 'he was near'... He who? Distant? As if on cue the stallion stepped out and looked rather stiff but then... madness struck! His expression twitched into an impish grin. "Food of course... can't have lunch without food." that was said with a foalish accompanying action; ergo sticking his tongue out. "Forego the meal for a moment; get over here to the cuddle pile! We need one more!"
Yunalesca couldn't help but release a snort of amusement at Gleam, though she didn't have the chance to question him when Dusk spoke. Near? The alicorn looked up, her ears perked as she caught that tan and red coloration move past the green foliage. Lightning. She finally did let a laugh escape and rolled up onto her hooves to prance towards the awkward pegasus. "A good point, food, but I'm sure we can figure that out later. Come on and join us." Yuna added to the encouragement, bumping the side of her head up against Lightning, the way a cat would greet, and turned back towards the pile with a flick of her tail. She was.. in a good mood, and he had been left out. Yuna settled herself back against Gleam, sliding a foreleg around his shoulders.
Silent Dusk smiled seeing Lightning and waved a hoof. "Hey love come join us." she nodded waited for their pegasus to join them.
Distant Lightning's expression became flat at Gleam's comments. Foalish little -- "Yes well, food is what you normally ea..." A wary glance was turned towards Dusk. "But I would prefer to know your what it is you desire to consume..." He sighed, feeling a bit made fun of. His lip curled a bit at a weak attempt to laugh, though he did not quite feel the joke. Maybe it was him being a bit trapped, feeling stepped on by the smaller ponies. Maybe it was just his own insecurities, but they were at the forefront of his mind, near constantly. Was he good enough, were they just using him like the others? They seemed uneasy with the idea of being a group -- a herd, and -- His mind was pushed out of the trailing, negative thoughts when Yuna bumped against him. He moved to lower his head to brush against her, hoof tapping on the ground. "But..." They were outside.
Distant Lightning looked over to Dusk, she too among their ranks. He looked away, but even still moved to trot over. He didn't know where yo lay among the tangled limbs. Folding his ears back he took the stubborn route and dropped down on a stood across from them, close enough to be within hoof's reach, but far enough to satisfy his own foalishness. It was just different when you had ponies that wanted to be around you without ulterior motives.
Gleaming Echo could only raise an eyebrow at what he saw. That hesitance... how familiar it was. The cultist frowned minutely and smile as Yuna bumped against him. Soon enough the alicorn was once more at his side and he cuddled right up. "You know.. That isn't actually what we meant." the cultist let out a sigh and his ears laid flat as the horse took a somewhat distant stool spot.. "And here I thought you liked us... perhaps I should get Tarnished to come out here and help." he'd say with a somewhat unsure look. The seeming desire to keep his distance bothered the cultist some but he really was doing his best to hide it. Though, due to the rather downtrodden look he was getting, obviously not very well.
Yunalesca felt that brush before she retreated, but now by Gleam's side, she was disappointed to see Lightning seat himself nearby, but not among them. "Come on, join us. The grass is pretty comfortable, maybe more so than that seat." Yuna tried to encourage, an ear flicking back towards Gleam when he threatened to bring out Tarnished. She tried not to smile and instead draped her wing over Gleam again, embracing him with comfort. "Or Dusk might pounce you and drag you with us." Yuna smiled then, reaching a hoof for Lightning, hoping to brush a leg or a hoof.
Silent Dusk nodded and grinned toothily at him, chewing on some grass still as she reached for him with a hoof. "Yes join us here love it's nice and soft I promise."
Distant Lightning groused. he was not aware his actions had made Gleamished uneasy. It was obvious the mage did not like the dismissal towards social contact, but it was not something Light did easily, especially outside. Dusk gets scolded frequently for public displays of affection! Truth of the matter he was very uneasy about all of it. He was afraid of losing them and felt he was always the odd pony out. Last to group.... There was also the issue of manners, but they were on his private property... He sighed and pushed to stand once more. Hooves lightly touched against the grass, hesitating as if twas no thing he'd felt before! But he has, but he has not lain himself in the natural carpet much before in his adult life. In fact it could be count on one hoof. He moved towards them, leering down at the smaller ponies. He was a horse she he was not only larger, but heavier and found it was risky prancing around them. There were reasons aside from flank addiction he stayed in the back of the party.
Distant Lightning snorting he would flop down awkwardly. His rump would lean against Yuna while his shoulder, and much of his wings, would flip flop on Gleamished. Lastly his head and muzzle would bury itself under Dusk, just burrito'ing the pegasus among their bodies. He seemed to calm down once mangled among them. The tension in his body was gone, though his tailfeathers did still twitch.
Yunalesca lay waiting for the horse to join them, deciding not to push any further than she had been, until Lightning made the decision for himself. She inched back to give him some room among them, and moved back in once he had situated himself. His rump was close to her, but she didn't mind; if his tail wasn't already braided she would have entertained herself with that. "Perfect." Yuna murmured, wriggling close to rest her head somewhere on his back, her wing still left draped over Gleamy. "Now we're all together, as we should be. Are you doing okay, Distant?"
Silent Dusk nodded about this being perfect, a complete herd just enjoying the sun in the grass together even though the bat could easily overheat in the desert climate, nuzzling Lightning's mane lovingly when he decided to join them.
Distant Lightning situated himself amongst them and whinnied softly feeling Dusk nuzzle his mane. His face would remain hidden under her belly, tail unbraided, would splay out like a silky curtain. In his home he felt comfortable enough to remain somewhat undone. The only reason he dolled himself up was so -- nopony looked at him. The flowing locks were really noticeable. Shaking his head he snorted and peered out from beneath Dusk. he made sure to press himself against them as much as his larger body would allow. He was rather flexible for a big guy, and took care not to spread his hind legs, lest make the others uncomfortable with all his flailing about. He did feel -- comfortable with them, enough to present his belly, but lying on his side was show enough. "Exhausted." He muttered, feeling his skull pounding, eyeglass only serving to induce a larger thump thump on his head.
Distant Lightning shuffled his head back under Dusk, just breathing in her sent, wallowing in the grass the others were rest in. This was sort of nice... but he still felt uneasy. "...change is unwelcomed, but in the same respect..." He could not help but appreciate being able to just lay with them as, before, he could hardly stand their presence. Sighing out he grunted. "Otherwise I am well, adjusting." It was weird that it was just so quiet now.
Yunalesca turned her head on its side, getting comfortable against the sprawled pegasus, but beyond that she was uncertain what she could do other than use him as a big, soft pillow. "Have you not been getting enough sleep?" Yuna asked. "Or is it just stress?" The arrival, or in Lightning's case, return to Saddle Arabia seemed fraught with stress.. though she couldn't say as much about herself. They didn't get a chance to meet Lightning's grandfather and all he was, which was probably a good thing. Yuna lifted a hoof to the side of Lightning's ribs, brushing over the coat there; his scent was so different from Gleam's. Naturally. "We're here for you, if you ever need anything, anyway."
Silent Dusk nodded in agreement hiding Lightning's head if he felt better that way, curling around it somewhat, she eyed the grass and took a muzzlefull.
Distant Lightning startled a bit feeling his exposed side touched, but when the touch was soft, he relaxed. he neighed softly, the movement of the sound felt in his belly. He moved to cross his hindlegs, relaxing to the patting. Opening an eye he felt Dusk curl around him, the faint shifting of her body as she ate. Why did she take to munching grass? Was she hungry? Is unwell? He raised his head after he felt a bit more comfortable and laid it on Dusk's side. "I....thank you." He grunted and turned his head to the side to lick at Dusk's barrel, grooming her lightly. "It is not that I am.... remiss to have your company and... to try and offer you my affections, but at the same time I cannot figure out how to really express the things I know little of." He took guidance from Dusk on some level, his only attribute was following the rules of a society that did not work on Equestrians.
Silent Dusk is one of the animals in the garden and was actually grazing, the bat ate grass now and then, enjoying the last sun of the day while she had a perfectly calm look about her.
Gleaming Echo yawned a little as he stepped from the building into the rather lavish gardens of Lightning's familial estate. Tarnished had managed to coerce Gleam back into the fore while he took a break so thus the light half of the pony was out and about! He let his gaze drift about the garden only to catch sight of.. Dusky was out grazing? He quirked his head and continued to look only to see... Oh hey, there was Yuna! Two out of the three were here!
Yunalesca almost missed Dusk grazing nearby, and felt stupid for mistaking her as one of the animals. None of the creatures she'd seen here would ever share the same coloration as the thestral. Her gaze went back to the other mare, one eyebrow cocked up. "Dusk? What-.. I mean, I didn't expect to see you out here." Yuna gave the bat a quizzical look; she still didn't quite understand the grass eating thing. Most ponies didn't do it. Yuna caught the movement of something pale in her peripheral vision and turned her head while she waited for an answer, and spied the approaching form of Gleam through the foliage. "Hey."
Silent Dusk stopped her grazing and swallowed, eyes focusing as she smiled at Yuna and the approaching Gleam. "Hi Yuna didn't see you there."
Gleaming Echo paused long enough to reach a hoof up to his head and brush his mane back. It also gave him enough time to work up his bravery! Not that it was much of a problem because the dear goddess gave him strength! When the cultist stepped to join them he offered a smile. "Hello Lady Yuna, Dusky." He grinned some and scuffed a hoof. The talks recently with Tarnished had helped at the very least. He was out and about; which was more to say than before when he'd had Tarnished be the one piloting the body frequently!
Yunalesca briefly turned back towards Dusk, catching the sound of her voice. "I just got out here, to relax, you know." She managed. She often didn't know how to talk, or what to say, to the thestral. Sometimes Dusk could be rather quiet! A wing was shaken out from underneath her shawl and she gestured with it for Gleam to come over and join them; join her. If there was a chance Yuna could talk to the light half and reassure him of what Tarnished spoke with her about, she would. "Come on over, let's sit together." Yuna invited, her tone implying it was said towards both of them.
Silent Dusk trotted over to Yuna and lay in front of her, giving them both a loving smile as she rest her head on her forehooves. "How are my newest beloveds doing today then?" she'd inquire fluttering her wings some while flicking her tail, yup flirting a bit with her sweet herd members.
Gleaming Echo perked up when the wing was shaken into view and Yuna gestured for him to join her. The light half hardly needed any more prompting! He stepped up to her and slid down next to Yuna, cuddling up under the wing if he could. If not he happily cuddled up as much as he could. He turned his attention to the thestral and smiled. "I can't speak for Lady Yuna ~ Things have been going fairly well. I woke up from a nap and decided to see if I could find anypony."
Yunalesca looked over at the now close Dusk, blinking when she heard that word, beloveds. It would take some getting used to; a lot of the situation would take some getting used to, and becoming closer. She hadn't forgotten the herd thing, and the conversation kept returning to her. Remembering it with surprise that it was a thing now. Yuna almost forgot to answer while she was lost in thought. "I'm doing pretty good, myself. I just needed to get outside for a while." A glance was cast back at the building as she tucked her wing around the cuddling Gleam, not caring if anypony else saw. She would draw him close to her side, if she could, and leave a small kiss on his cheek. "I'm glad to hear you're doing well, now."
Silent Dusk knew they were uncomfy with it, honest but the bat just acted casual about it to maybe help them feel more free to relax about the idea themselves, gently brushing her lips along the corners of both their muzzles while keeping up her smile. "I woke up for you two actually."
Gleaming Echo could only smile at the two now that he was comfortable with his security blanket from Yuna draped over him. "I can understand that." he hummed only to lean and give Yuna a kiss to the cheek in return. His attention quickly turned to Dusk and he gave the thestral a nuzzle in return. He was a little more uneasy about the whole thing than Tarnished and Yuna were but the light half was more than happy to at least give it a try!
Yunalesca made a questioning noise at Dusk, her eyebrows going up at the statement rather than the brush. Her body had tensed a little at the thestral's closeness, and she thought to lean in, tentatively, to kiss Dusk's cheek in passing. "Did you?" Yuna asked, moving back to press her shoulder up against Gleam's. Her cheeks had darkened a little, from both of them; Gleam's kiss felt pleasant. "Gleamy," Yuna murmured, deciding to bring up what she'd wanted to say; they may have been around Dusk, but things were.. happening between them all now, "Tarnished told me how you felt. I just wanted to tell you that we- I like you. I like having you around."
Silent Dusk nodded and blushed. "We're a herd, you deserve my time too, sure I'm more familiar with Lightning and you three with eachother, but I will love you, I will give my all to you four, so yes love I woke up for you."
Gleaming Echo shifted and leaned against the Alicorn's side only to turn to her when she spoke. "I... Tarnished has been talking to me lately. It helps... and hearing that does to." he leaned in and nuzzled the mare only to turn to Dusk an smile even though there was now a red dusting on his cheeks. "I-I'll try to live up to everypony's expectations." he gave both the alicorn and the thestral a nuzzle. "I just need to get used to the fact that so much is different than I am used to." he reached a hoof up and rubbed the back of his head. "SO different!" he grumped and let his head hang. "At least herds are somewhat... familiar...."
Yunalesca gave Gleam a smile, leaning into his nuzzle and giving him one in turn. "I'm glad to hear it. You.. shouldn't have to worry about any expectations though. Just be yourself, we'll.. l-love you no matter what." The alicorn soothed and glanced over to Dusk, her ears perked. "There's always things we can do to get to know each other better, and Lightning too. I'm not exactly sure what those things will be, but I'm sure we'll figure out something.. like just talking, or games, or just.. spending time together." Yuna suggested with a little shrug and nudged Gleam back, looking over at his lowered head. "What all is different?"
Silent Dusk sighed a whine. "What is different is that many thestrals are polyamorous Yuna, and if you think I am not slightly attracted to both a beautiful alicorn and a tough nightmare with a side dish of sweet caring mage you're dead wrong." there out with the dirty laundry, no hiding or lying. "Yes I love Lightning but you two aren't just baggage or ponies that just are there you two saved my life!"
Gleaming Echo spun his head at the 'love' word that had been said. His ears perked and it actually seemed to cause him quite a bit of comfort. Unlike the last time that was said he rumbled happily and nuzzled the mare, even giving her a kiss. With that done he pulled back only to hear the next question. "Ooooh... Well, for one that one princess has known about us and we aren't being hunted! I mean, the cult always taught that equestrian princesses would strike down anypony that can potentially be a danger! A-and... I thought family helped each-other and Dissy's...." he shook his head and his head lowered with ears flat. "No, no ~ That is just fine. Herds in the cult were um.... encouraged! Not very many of us." he rubbed the back of his head. "Just.. things."
Yunalesca's ears perked towards Dusk, blinking. She had been called beautiful again, and it still baffled her. It was also.. nice. Nopony had an issue with her stripes, or anything. She self consciously rubbed one of her forelegs against the other, nodding. "Yeah, we did.. because we care." Her head turned towards Gleam when he made that noise, smiling again at his touch as she always did; if she could, she would try to kiss him back, on the lips. "Oh. Sometimes blood isn't everything in families, some ponies are pretty terrible to theirs." Yuna wrinkled her nose and squeezed the unicorn with her wing, gentle. "I.. realize, our.. relationship technically is polyamorous isn't it? You and Tarnished, and me. Now we're a herd."
Silent Dusk lay her head back on her hooves and stared at the grass, tongue slipping out to snatch a few of the green leaves.
Gleaming Echo could only smile as he turned his attention to the thestral that was laying in front of he and Yuna. His horn lit up and the Thestral might find herself being gently tugged close enough that the unicorn could wrap his hooves about the thestral and give her a kiss-like nudge. Then he laid his head down... Dusky pillow with a Yuna wing blanket! Aha! "I suppose it was polyamorous before! It is the same just with an adorable little thestral and Dissy on top!" The bat couldn't be left out of the affection; thus the huggles commence!
Yunalesca pondered something when Dusk went silent, but Gleam beat her to doing something about it. She moved closer to the pair, snuggling in and smiling at the unicorn. "Yeah," The alicorn murmured agreement, and rested her head on top of the thestral, nuzzling against the soft gray fur. She didn't really know what to say now, though she thought further on the way Dusk had phrased Gleam earlier, was amusing in its way. "Is there anything wrong, Dusk?" Yuna queried. "Anything you wanna talk about?"
Silent Dusk was hugged and used as a pillow. "Nothing is wrong but maybe I'm making you two nervous by being so forward about our herd."
Gleaming Echo let out a chuckle as he nuzzled against both Yuna and Dusk. "You aren't, Dusk." he hummed as he nudged the thestral and might have tried to give an ear a bit of a nip if he could manage it. He liked to do the same with Miss Yuna so maybe Dusky might be fine with it? He loved to lay around like this with Lady Yuna, and now Dusky was here; happy days indeed! If only he could get Tarnished out of his head and then have both him and Dissy both around in addition to these two?
Yunalesca remained silent for a moment, idly watching Gleam interact with Dusk. "I'm not nervous about it, persay, it'll just take me some time to get used to it. Without having to deal with the whole, dumb jealousy thing.. I'm not a jealous mare, but then again, I haven't been with anypony until Gleam, and then you and Lightning. It'll take a lot to learn." Yuna said at last, biting at her own lower lip. "There was stuff I was worried about before, but I can work through it, I'm sure." Yuna tried to curl herself to where she was pressed against both ponies; thinking of Lightning, she wondered where the pegasus could be at this hour.
Silent Dusk nodded she understood, she really did, she may be a flirty touchy feely mare but she wasn't dumb by any means, snuggling into them both she too wondered were her pegasus was, it would be nice to have him here to bond as well, quickly stealing a soft kiss from each of her herd mates.
Distant Lightning was keeping himself busy around the estate. The maids were already spooked once or twice by his grumpy expression. After tearing through his granpappy's chambers it was being cleaned out, the male gladly burning everything or having it sealed in a box never to be seen again. He had to keep focused. If it was not one thing, it was another. Worrying about the estate, when he never had to before, was a burden, but at the same time if he did not it would put the others at risk, so he had to keep face. He still, much preferred, academy work, but... He let out a sigh, the butler hovering over him with missives to sign, which Lightning was forced to do. He glanced out the window, spying the garden from the upper floors. Down below the others seemed to be enjoying each other's company. He could not help the sigh that escaped him, ears pressing to his skull. It was a nice day, but it was the season of long, warm days. They were to be enjoyed by the privileged.
Distant Lightning's butler rolled the last of the missives on the silver plate before nodding. 'Tis all for the day young master.' Lightning looked up curiously. "But we had--" 'That is all for the day young master.' The unicorn repeated. Lightning pushed to stand, hesitating a bit. Pressing his claret hooves against the ground he would trot away at a low speed before turning the corner to head to the lower floors. Weaving around the halls he would eventually come upon the door leading through the kitchen and into the gardens. He peered out, brows knitted in worry. He was rather excited to meet them for a nice sit, but now that he was at the threshold to this event -- He tucked his tail and backed up as his wings moved from his back, to his sides. They seemed well enough without him disturbing them. He was a big, clumsy horse. He had many innovative plans to insert himself into the situation, but none seemed viable now that he was here. Perfect plans turned to dust by the snapping of his nerve.
Distant Lightning fluffing up his wings he glared back at the nosy maids who turned back to cooking. They thought it was cute the young master was so shy. They had never seen any of his personality, feeling that he had closed himself off when Thunder died. But there was always plenty of gossip about that, not that they'd ever do it in front of him. None of them liked old Master Storm, but they were loyal to the family, enough to turn a blind eye and ear when necessary. They too had their family name to consider. Storm could have ruined any of them with a single word. Better a servant, than a slave. It was also a little selfish... oh well. In short, Lightning just sort of crept around the corner of the kitchen's back door, at the end of the long path towards the gardens.
Gleaming Echo let out a chuckle and quickly nodded. "Y-yeah! I mean... Tarnished and I weren't really sure anypony would dare to like two remnants; one being a nightmare of all things." he'd say with a sheepish grin and a smile. "First dear Lady Yuna proved us wrong, and now two more like us! It just... I love it, but I'm trying to assimilate it to." he'd say as he squirmed up against Yuna and Dusk. The appearance of Distant not too terribly far away went completely missed for the time being. He needed to get over and join them right and proper!
Yunalesca flustered a little upon being kissed again by the thestral, but this time it was not so much of a surprise that she froze up. After everything they'd talked about, the alicorn gave Dusk a kiss in turn, reaching one hoof to drape it over the bat. She cast Gleam a shy glance when he brought it up. "I was growing fond of you for a while. Tarnished did.. scare me a little, at first, but he was surprisingly gentle at times.. And you, promising to protect me at such a cost after freeing me.." Yuna shrugged a little, focusing on one of Dusk's wings, missing the approach of a certain lurker in the bushes, "you're quite attractive too."
Silent Dusk blushed at the compliment and nodded some, as Lightning would know the bat was less brash when safely near loved ones, her nose twitching as she smelled the pegasus and blushed deeper, she wasn't sure yet if it was grass addiction or.. "He's near us my dears."
Distant Lightning crept out into the gardens but kept to the bushes, watching them. He couldn't hear what they were up to from such distances, but he wasn't apart of it so snooping was bad manners. It was not until Dusk looked up that he tried to duck behind some sunflowers. Like-- that would work. Congratulations Lightning. He shuffled back and tucked away. His head turned away, as if they could see him. Maybe they could. He had snuck out just to -- see. He felt a little lonely and left out, but it was no excuse to invade their privacy. Damn Dusk's sense of smell. He was more given to just feeling when others were around. Weather horse and all. Feathers were sensitive, but otherwise... he was a bit of a potato. He was about to make a face, but thought better of it. Clearing his throat he stepped out. "I was coming to see what you all would like for lunch." He looked away, body language displaying a stiff, unsure stance.
Gleaming Echo let out a bit of a chuckle as he blushed himself. "Tarnished is just.. well, Tarnished and I am, well.... me." that just caused his blush to darken at how stupid that sounded. It sounded so much better in his head! Alas now it was said and he was thankfully granted a distraction in the form of Silent saying 'he was near'... He who? Distant? As if on cue the stallion stepped out and looked rather stiff but then... madness struck! His expression twitched into an impish grin. "Food of course... can't have lunch without food." that was said with a foalish accompanying action; ergo sticking his tongue out. "Forego the meal for a moment; get over here to the cuddle pile! We need one more!"
Yunalesca couldn't help but release a snort of amusement at Gleam, though she didn't have the chance to question him when Dusk spoke. Near? The alicorn looked up, her ears perked as she caught that tan and red coloration move past the green foliage. Lightning. She finally did let a laugh escape and rolled up onto her hooves to prance towards the awkward pegasus. "A good point, food, but I'm sure we can figure that out later. Come on and join us." Yuna added to the encouragement, bumping the side of her head up against Lightning, the way a cat would greet, and turned back towards the pile with a flick of her tail. She was.. in a good mood, and he had been left out. Yuna settled herself back against Gleam, sliding a foreleg around his shoulders.
Silent Dusk smiled seeing Lightning and waved a hoof. "Hey love come join us." she nodded waited for their pegasus to join them.
Distant Lightning's expression became flat at Gleam's comments. Foalish little -- "Yes well, food is what you normally ea..." A wary glance was turned towards Dusk. "But I would prefer to know your what it is you desire to consume..." He sighed, feeling a bit made fun of. His lip curled a bit at a weak attempt to laugh, though he did not quite feel the joke. Maybe it was him being a bit trapped, feeling stepped on by the smaller ponies. Maybe it was just his own insecurities, but they were at the forefront of his mind, near constantly. Was he good enough, were they just using him like the others? They seemed uneasy with the idea of being a group -- a herd, and -- His mind was pushed out of the trailing, negative thoughts when Yuna bumped against him. He moved to lower his head to brush against her, hoof tapping on the ground. "But..." They were outside.
Distant Lightning looked over to Dusk, she too among their ranks. He looked away, but even still moved to trot over. He didn't know where yo lay among the tangled limbs. Folding his ears back he took the stubborn route and dropped down on a stood across from them, close enough to be within hoof's reach, but far enough to satisfy his own foalishness. It was just different when you had ponies that wanted to be around you without ulterior motives.
Gleaming Echo could only raise an eyebrow at what he saw. That hesitance... how familiar it was. The cultist frowned minutely and smile as Yuna bumped against him. Soon enough the alicorn was once more at his side and he cuddled right up. "You know.. That isn't actually what we meant." the cultist let out a sigh and his ears laid flat as the horse took a somewhat distant stool spot.. "And here I thought you liked us... perhaps I should get Tarnished to come out here and help." he'd say with a somewhat unsure look. The seeming desire to keep his distance bothered the cultist some but he really was doing his best to hide it. Though, due to the rather downtrodden look he was getting, obviously not very well.
Yunalesca felt that brush before she retreated, but now by Gleam's side, she was disappointed to see Lightning seat himself nearby, but not among them. "Come on, join us. The grass is pretty comfortable, maybe more so than that seat." Yuna tried to encourage, an ear flicking back towards Gleam when he threatened to bring out Tarnished. She tried not to smile and instead draped her wing over Gleam again, embracing him with comfort. "Or Dusk might pounce you and drag you with us." Yuna smiled then, reaching a hoof for Lightning, hoping to brush a leg or a hoof.
Silent Dusk nodded and grinned toothily at him, chewing on some grass still as she reached for him with a hoof. "Yes join us here love it's nice and soft I promise."
Distant Lightning groused. he was not aware his actions had made Gleamished uneasy. It was obvious the mage did not like the dismissal towards social contact, but it was not something Light did easily, especially outside. Dusk gets scolded frequently for public displays of affection! Truth of the matter he was very uneasy about all of it. He was afraid of losing them and felt he was always the odd pony out. Last to group.... There was also the issue of manners, but they were on his private property... He sighed and pushed to stand once more. Hooves lightly touched against the grass, hesitating as if twas no thing he'd felt before! But he has, but he has not lain himself in the natural carpet much before in his adult life. In fact it could be count on one hoof. He moved towards them, leering down at the smaller ponies. He was a horse she he was not only larger, but heavier and found it was risky prancing around them. There were reasons aside from flank addiction he stayed in the back of the party.
Distant Lightning snorting he would flop down awkwardly. His rump would lean against Yuna while his shoulder, and much of his wings, would flip flop on Gleamished. Lastly his head and muzzle would bury itself under Dusk, just burrito'ing the pegasus among their bodies. He seemed to calm down once mangled among them. The tension in his body was gone, though his tailfeathers did still twitch.
Yunalesca lay waiting for the horse to join them, deciding not to push any further than she had been, until Lightning made the decision for himself. She inched back to give him some room among them, and moved back in once he had situated himself. His rump was close to her, but she didn't mind; if his tail wasn't already braided she would have entertained herself with that. "Perfect." Yuna murmured, wriggling close to rest her head somewhere on his back, her wing still left draped over Gleamy. "Now we're all together, as we should be. Are you doing okay, Distant?"
Silent Dusk nodded about this being perfect, a complete herd just enjoying the sun in the grass together even though the bat could easily overheat in the desert climate, nuzzling Lightning's mane lovingly when he decided to join them.
Distant Lightning situated himself amongst them and whinnied softly feeling Dusk nuzzle his mane. His face would remain hidden under her belly, tail unbraided, would splay out like a silky curtain. In his home he felt comfortable enough to remain somewhat undone. The only reason he dolled himself up was so -- nopony looked at him. The flowing locks were really noticeable. Shaking his head he snorted and peered out from beneath Dusk. he made sure to press himself against them as much as his larger body would allow. He was rather flexible for a big guy, and took care not to spread his hind legs, lest make the others uncomfortable with all his flailing about. He did feel -- comfortable with them, enough to present his belly, but lying on his side was show enough. "Exhausted." He muttered, feeling his skull pounding, eyeglass only serving to induce a larger thump thump on his head.
Distant Lightning shuffled his head back under Dusk, just breathing in her sent, wallowing in the grass the others were rest in. This was sort of nice... but he still felt uneasy. "...change is unwelcomed, but in the same respect..." He could not help but appreciate being able to just lay with them as, before, he could hardly stand their presence. Sighing out he grunted. "Otherwise I am well, adjusting." It was weird that it was just so quiet now.
Yunalesca turned her head on its side, getting comfortable against the sprawled pegasus, but beyond that she was uncertain what she could do other than use him as a big, soft pillow. "Have you not been getting enough sleep?" Yuna asked. "Or is it just stress?" The arrival, or in Lightning's case, return to Saddle Arabia seemed fraught with stress.. though she couldn't say as much about herself. They didn't get a chance to meet Lightning's grandfather and all he was, which was probably a good thing. Yuna lifted a hoof to the side of Lightning's ribs, brushing over the coat there; his scent was so different from Gleam's. Naturally. "We're here for you, if you ever need anything, anyway."
Silent Dusk nodded in agreement hiding Lightning's head if he felt better that way, curling around it somewhat, she eyed the grass and took a muzzlefull.
Distant Lightning startled a bit feeling his exposed side touched, but when the touch was soft, he relaxed. he neighed softly, the movement of the sound felt in his belly. He moved to cross his hindlegs, relaxing to the patting. Opening an eye he felt Dusk curl around him, the faint shifting of her body as she ate. Why did she take to munching grass? Was she hungry? Is unwell? He raised his head after he felt a bit more comfortable and laid it on Dusk's side. "I....thank you." He grunted and turned his head to the side to lick at Dusk's barrel, grooming her lightly. "It is not that I am.... remiss to have your company and... to try and offer you my affections, but at the same time I cannot figure out how to really express the things I know little of." He took guidance from Dusk on some level, his only attribute was following the rules of a society that did not work on Equestrians.
To be continued.