The butterfly who was gentle to the lion; the love story of Prince Blueblood and Fluttershy.
During the next Grand Galloping Gala, Fluttershy thought she never would find love as Rarity tried to. Most of the time, she was usually alone and kept away from her friends that lavished in the joy and entertainment. However, as she stood on the balcony alone, left to stare into the night sky, another soul was there with her, he too feeling the same.
(Beginning a new style in providing a source, the credit to the image cover goes to this fella highlighted. Enjoy the winter, and happy upcoming Thanksgiving).
The music from the Canterlot Symphonia featuring famous cellist, Octavia Stringchord, played a smooth musical melody introduced for slow dances to any noble or guest within the grand palace floor. While few danced with their partner or friend, plenty stood on the sidelines communing with each other on liked subjects, class issues, and some political pinpoints of the princesses' principle system. However, through such communallies, the smiles that adorn on the ponies' faces did not fade. The wine was great and the food was lavishing for such relaxation came in celebration in a new day of peace. That was what Prince Blueblood would see before him as he sat beside his aunt, Princess Luna.
His expression was boredom, that grew as he watched the noble life mix along with the non-noble. Perhaps it was a case of equality or subjective interest, but for whatever situation it was, it did not please him one bit. It was not the first time Blueblood sat and watch life begin its boring celebration for a kingdom he adored, but saw no impact in his eyes. There on the left side where corporate business ponies were at, were gryphons of trading companies enjoying their drinks; revealing a species acceptance since there were even Diamond Dogs and Manticores on the right.
However, nothing still struck him with interest. He remained quiet, still, and settled next to his aunt who greeted anyone new that came in. When nopony or new creature entered through the doors and into the palace, Luna took a glance at her nephew and noticed the silent gaze he gave towards the entire room. It was months since she was redeemed and had time getting to know him, even spending time with him out as he proceeded royal duties beside her.
"What does thou have in mind?" She spoke first, catching his attention as he shook his head lightly left and right, bringing his gaze upon her.
"What do you mean, your highness?" He questioned, confused from what she meant, however, only a giggle escaped from her lips as she looked down at her nephew.
"What we mean is, what is thou thinking of now upon this amazing event? Does thou not wish to dance or commune with the rest of the crowd?" Luna questioned, turning to him as she then sat back down. Blueblood scratched the back of his head with his right hoof, looking to the left at the crowd of ponies and grpyhons.
"It's not...bad, if you're asking me that, your highness. But if I may have an input, it is not the first time I participated in such quarrels. I find this party quite frivolous," Blueblood answered with honesty, staring back at her to reveal the unimpressed position he was expressing upon this grand event.
Luna finding this surpising, not accustom to any pony being disappointed in this celebration searched for some solution to change her nephew's mind or see what could help him think differently in such concluded thoughts. So she began scanning the room for any particular guest in need of a prince to accompany them to a dance or chat. Sadly, all she saw were ponies with partners and even those with no interest to the calming symphony playing its piece.
"It's just, I'm not a fond pony to things repeated over and over again. I'd like to expect some changes, but sadly none comes to mind," He sighed before returning his bored gaze at the lavished crowd, "This commodity is no different than the last."
"Nonsense," Luna interjected, causing Blueblood to look at her surprised. "We disagree, there is no constant without change first. So, we recommend you find some time to entertain yourself, unless you wish to take my position in greeting ponies and various of kinds?" Luna cast a Cheshire smile, causing Blueblood to gulp. He never enjoy greeting others and standing in one spot the entire day. If he had to greet any new guest coming in to do the same thing without change, was surely capable of making him go mad.
So he groaned in protest, before sighing in defeat. His aunt had him on the mark and was merciless with her smile. She was also not hesitant to change her mind if he agreed to replace her, seeing how she wanted to enjoy her stay and commune. What held her back was her duty as princess, and she didn't mind it one bit to which Blueblood would see her as the abberant one within this place.
"But what do I do?" He asked, "I'm not use to talking to others except Fancy Pants, and mind you, he had important plans for some mare; perhaps Fleur and their foal, Chestnut I assume, went on vacation." Though Blueblood did not admit it, his aunt understood that Fancy Pants was the only friend Blueblood had next to the acquaintances that followed behind him. Such a friend that stood beside him was special in the prince's eyes, but not seeing him anywhere to occupy his time, was only frustrating enough.
"Thou shall make communion then; less they be left behind for not getting to know another. Talk, about anything. Go now, before we give you the role as Greeter," Luna persisted him to get social, earning a sigh that escaped his lips and a soft nod.
"Alright, I shall, your highness," Blueblood stated, rolling his eyes before standing on his four.
"And Blueblood," Luna called, causing him to look at her calmly, "Thou does not have to have to announce us by title or rank, but permission be granted you call us by name." Her soft smile stood as her gentle gaze caused the prince to flush and look away. But she seen that hidden smile perked upon his thin lips. "Now, begone you, let thou rejoice this memorable year of peace and tranquility."
"You sure you don't need me to stay with you?" Rarity asked, sitting beside Fluttershy who kept close to the entrance into the garden.
Both dressed in their outfits similar from last time Gala event, Fluttershy still carried on that shy personality, finding it difficult to commune with large crowds. When Rarity stood behind with her while the others went off to enjoy themselves, Fluttershy was persistent to insist she too go off to enjoy herself while she explore the garden. But it was a difficult thing for her, knowing Rarity cared for her like an older sister, always looking out for her, especially after the last time she was left to herself. Fluttershy felt foalish, embarassed to look up at her friend who sat before her as many new guests walked by.
Such devotion, Fluttershy would only envy that part of her dear friend. Generosity came with sacrifice for another's benefit. Rarity would do so much for her friend, just as Rainbow Dash would not think of giving up to help her when needed.
"Mmmm, I'm sure, Rarity. Like last time, I'm not use to large crowds. I don't want to be a burden upon your hopes in restarting your event making time for you to enjoy. I'm alright," She spoke softly, having trouble keeping her eyes on Rarity was she spoke.
Fluttershy, so shy as she was couldn't be read so diffculty not due to her nature as the Element of Kindness, but for her name and personality befitting one another. Rarity would show sympathy for her dear friend and nod her head; not batting an eye for anything else, glamorous and distracting that passed her by. She was focused on Fluttershy.
"Darling," Though she felt rebellious to agree with herself, "I am going to trust you'all be okay." She lifted her chin with her right hoof, making sure eye contact was made. "Okay?"
"O-okay," Fluttershy answered softly as the wind blew against them, causing a slight shiver to run through their bodies.
"I'm surprised Celestia would want the Gala to be set up during such a winter, not even close to being the Wrap-Up." Rarity complained, shaking a bit, before hugging her friend gently and smiling gently at her. "I'm going now, I entrust in your words you'all be fine."
Fluttershy nods her head in response, "I'll be alright." She cracked a smile, soft and small, a bit difficult to see through her pink locks that fluttered in front of her face. The fashionista, nodded her head in return and trotted off.
Alone now in this chilly night of a special event, Fluttershy stared at the entrance into the garden and frowned. It was another day in this lonely event. And surely enough the animals would remember her face, thus hiding upon sight after the last mad build up. Such thoughts further her sadness, steeping to make her lower her head in shame. She felt it would be best to not enter but instead go to another quiet spot. One where no soul would find or bother to waste their time at. A quiet place fit for her and any pony like her.
She took a glance up, past the archway structures and beams that were decorated in its fine gold and strong rock. There, she spotted her destination, a right spot that stood out to overlook the grand city of Canterlot. A balcony, where two dark rails, curved and designed, was connected beneath the platform, melded with the wall. She looked left and right, before taking a deep breath and flew up towards the empty spot.
When she landed on the platform, she was faced before a glass panel door, where the hallway inside were filled with busy commoners and nobles. There faces gleamed with interest towards one another; with smiles so preen and pure. She gently smiled and silently hoped that sort of link to happiness would bask for her too. For now, she turned around and looked over the stone rail, overlooking the mass city and the stars of Luna's night and moon that cast an illuminating ray of light upon all beneath it.
But as she gazed upon the benevolent city of royalty and cooperative business, she could not help but further admire such awe and transcending beauty. Alone. The Pegasus softly frowned, before taking off her dress, neatly folding it, and placing it upon the ground, shivering from the cold air that brushed against her body.
"Such a beautiful and wonderful night," She muttered, lifting herself up so she can place her forelegs upon the rail. "I wonder, why did--" She paused once the sound of the door behind her opened and the sound of music came out. Fluttershy turned around quickly, looking at the one who entered into the balcony, her gaze softened, as her shyness crept up upon her, ceasing her proper response towards the stranger.
"You got a light?" The stranger asked, his tone sounding frustrated, along the lines of dread as he passed by her, leaning against the ledge, gazing at the city afar. The stranger was no other than Blueblood himself, cigarette in mouth, along with a tired expression upon his face where the shadow lines of his baggy eyes were at.
"I'm s-sorry, I do not smoke, s-so...no," She answered, backing up a bit to provide him space, though he did not looked bother by her presence.
Blueblood sighs in disappointment before tucking the cigarette behind his right ear for later. When he looked at Fluttershy, he cocked a brow, beginning to recognize her and when it clicked, he was more puzzle than surprised to see her here by herself, without any clothing to keep her body warm in this shivering windy day.
"You're that mare on Aunt Celestia's window panel? Or frame. The one with the Element of Harmony?" Such a question caused Shy to scratch her right hoof with the other, avoiding eye contact.
"I g-guess you can say that, I do wield the Element of K-kindness..." She said, her tone so soft and quiet-like, Blueblood could only tilt his head in confusion trying to muster out what she said.
"It doesn't matter, I don't think those accessories would come in handy for a while, or any time sooner since this country's running peacefully. What's your name? If you're one of this country's savior, why haven't I seen you around Canterlot?" He asked, "Usually, somepony highly prestigious and courageous, would lives around here."
"Oh, I'm none of that...well...as far as I know," She stated, unsettled from the thought of living in such a big city. "M-my names...F-Fluttershy..." Suddenly, something clicked into her head to realize who she was talking to. Though she did not know his name, hearing him state that Celestia was his aunt, she realized she was before royalty. Rarity had taught her to always respect those of noble and royal class. "I'm sorry, I-I didn't know you were a prince!"
Blueblood was taken back by her outburst as she suddenly looked like a goat frozen in fear, shaking like a skeleton next to it. She bowed politely before him, and could tell she was surely not even close to noble class and royal class bloodline. However, who was to say he couldn't let this one slide? Blueblood was truly in no usual mood of his prude behavior to vituperative manners. Plus, before him was a mare out in the cold, alone, and attending a royal event. Plus, her being a famous idol to this country, was not inside communing with the others.
It was like some tragedy before him, but an opportunity to make his time valuable without Fancy Pants around and his aunt Luna to pester him. So he yawned lightly and sway his hoof lightly around, he did care for common courtesy and gestures in greeting fashions.
"Spare me," He stated, causing Fluttershy to stand straight and attentive, looking at him nervously, "I'll let it pass. For now, this is a grand event, Fluttershy. Something we should be enjoying. But I'm sure we're both here for the same reason right?"
"What do you mean?" She asked, feeling saddened suddenly as if he figured out too why she wanted to be alone and up upon the balcony.
"What I mean is," He began as she bit her lower lip, "This party's boring." Fluttershy paused and looked at him both relief and surprise. She would never imagine some royal, especially a prince to call an grand event like this boring so bluntly and honest. "Last event was facetious. Full of clowns with the same talk and stuff, along with some mare hounding me like twenty of the others. Do not get me wrong, she was...pretty, but not beautiful. More or less, annoying. The way she acted, it was if she was pretending to be some royal herself, maybe Cadence put her up to it; I never bother asking nor caring."
Fluttershy, shyly approached him, standing beside as they both overlooked the city and continue to listen to him. His point seemed clear he was unimpressed with this event and him being a prince, he must have attended it plenty of times. Such reasons would solved and understandable in the pegasus' gentle mind.
"If you want to know why these events are always scheduled, it's because of foreign relationships. I clearly understand why Aunt Celestia hosts these events in the same particular fashion to symbolize equality and multiculturalism, but change should be expected if she really wants to lighten up the place." Blueblood stated, rolling his eyes in disinterest for his aunt's style and taste of events.
"It s-seems that all there is are some similar touches to a party. My friend, she likes throwing parties, but never does the same thing in a party. Most of the time and sometimes all, it's different," Fluttershy shared her response, causing Blueblood to softly chuckled.
"Then I would like to someday visit her party, commoner or not, assuming she too is not noble or royal. But what would boost this country's moral is entertainment that does not remain constant. Something that can strike awe in the eyes of the foreign allies and bring a gentle glow to this country's systematic structure of improvement. You can't wipe the stripes off of a zebra, but you can sure count them and realize the interest value they would have if they're impressed enough with what you do differently than constantly." Blueblood was compassionate with his ideals, but most of all, view in what seemed right.
Fluttershy softly tapped the rail and as the beats rattled, the music from the symphony inside the castle played a new type of song; gentle and melodiously caressing against the ear. The door being opened was not bothering Fluttershy or Blueblood, but played a lovely theme for them as they enjoyed the scenery.
"I never thought a prince would view such disinterest in this type of party but also give their own advice to improve it..." She softly said, as Blueblood gave a light smirk.
"I'm a stallion of change and action. A cause and effect. If it needs to be improved, so shall it be. Though, times like that, I can be quite rude and cruel; selfish and even mean. I learned that lesson though...never mess with a mare who can't stop gawking at you or a cake may just fly into your face." He shivered at the thought, remembering the last event was not so delightful.
Fluttershy giggled, causing Blueblood to softly chuckle beside her. This was decent for them, calm, relaxed, and enjoying the time of the night. When the wind blew, Fluttershy shivered, thinking it was a bad idea to take off her dress, though questioning why at the same time she did so in the beginning. Blueblood noticed her shivering and spotted the folded clothing lying beside her.
"It's a cold night, you should put on that dress if you want to at least get some warmth, even if it may be little or not," He suggested, levitating the outfit to her as she looked at him softly and back at her clothing. The mare gulped and nodded her head, taking piece by piece accordingly as she remembered, and worn the outfit Rarity made once more.
Blueblood was stunned, seeing such a beautiful creature in an amazing outfit, caused him to lightly flush before looking away to keep his composure. However, before he turned his head to hide the small blush, Fluttershy had already taken notice. The shyness that was a part of her character became fluttered with a warm sensation in her chest that found its way up her cheeks. What she felt was a silent flatter that may her flush pink before turning her head too at the city.
"So...where do you live, Fluttershy?" He asked calmly.
"I live near a small town called Ponyville," She answered, unaware that her comfort zone expanded, embracing the prince in with a gentle close proximity as she stood inches next to him admiring the city and night.
"Ponyville," The name rung off his lips, "A rural small town not so far away from here. Nonetheless. Do you...if time ever cometh...wish to be taken out to dinner?"
She gulped, feeling her heart swarm with feelings, as if the lost hope to never find that special pony would remain a stone till death did her in. She hesitated to answer but when she open her mouth, she could not muster out the simple words.
"Think about it, and I should present my name first, before you answer...I am Prince Blueblood, at your presence," He softly smiled, looking at her gently, "And I happen to grow a nice interest with you."
She remained silent, with red cheeks, and gulped again. "It's an honor...but...I...I am unsure..."
"Answer with your heart, if you can't come up with an answer." He suggested and as she took a moment to think, she looked at him softly with a small smile on her face.
"I...I would love to...whenever the time comes...I would love to."
That was all that was needed...to enlighten their day.
"So typical, they'd would definitely bring forth that damn bill before us!" Blueblood, furious, stared at a document levitated in the air before him as he sat upon a red cushion chair within a moving train heading south from Canterlot towards Ponyville. In front of Blueblood was Filthy Rich, father of Diamond Tiara, and widow. Tea was set before them due to being first class members of the cart by a unicorn maid who soon trotted away leaving the two alone to their beverages.
Rich chuckled, before pushing back his locks of hair upon his mane to keep it at its regular form and yawned lightly. Blueblood noticed this and pinched the middle of his nose in annoyance. Clearly showing aggravation towards the calm stallion.
"Clearly, it shows you care little to how swindle these charges are? I have no clue why in the slightest bit a mayor would make any trade agreements with the neighboring gryphons if by Equestrian Code 27: Deals with neighboring countries shall be permitted within capital cities. she clearly shows little care for the law yet got her old self in position," He complained, but Rich only took his respected cup of tea and calmly drank it.
"You forget, but Ponyville is an municipality. So, it can easily pass over that jurisdiction and make its way through Code 12: Freedom of mutual exchange is permitted as long as it pertains to legal standards. Whereas Code 43: Cities are permitted with mutual trade among other towns or capitals amongst counties that will border the lines of legal agreement. So, I believe that mare perhaps did follow the law, however, just did it without the Trinomials' awareness," Rich explained, setting down his cup as Blueblood scoffed and looked away.
"The only reason she has her job is because of you, her status in the commúne is nothing more than a merit you bestowed upon her. We're supposed to be making sure this country is funding properly," Blueblood stated, looking at him annoyed.
"We're supposed to be making sure this country is running blindly," Rich stated, narrowing his eyed at Blueblood. "This system has been working well for centuries before this country was even named. Her role plays vital to keeping the economic structure stable in that rural area, whereas we; higher ups are making sure Canterlot is managing well without a single doubt of suffering from an uproar like E.C. 427. Your aunt has sacrificed enough of her own funds to bring this country back up and we must not make the same mistake we've made before. Even sons will repeat mistakes their fathers had made."
Blueblood scoffed, taking away the stern expression he carried and replacing it with a wave of doubt. "I see why our ideologies tend to clash a lot, but who are we to downgrade each other if we seek the same thing and it's a perfect country?"
"No country's perfect, but a stabilized country always survives in the end," Rich gave a soft chuckle. "Plus, the reasons why I am with you in the first place, in defense for Ponyville is because of a certain agreement made by my great-great-great grandfather with the Apple Family."
"That's right, hmph, marriage. But why to a commoner?" Blueblood asked, curious to Rich's reason. The stallion chuckled lightly and eased his back upon the chair.
"The Apple Family are more than commoners, they are relics to history's finest past. Without them, not a lot of stuff would be built in our grand city and not a lot of money would be funded by the Labor Union. They're the supporters against Marxism after all. This deal would not just elude any problems in the future, but lure an appealing agreement to settle in the new law. This will help more laborers get a better pay and safer job, along with better housing."
"You simply want to baby earth ponies, huh?" Blueblood asked, lifting a brow, causing Rich to release a laughter laced with a form of amusement.
"You make it seem like I'm racist to others, but no, this will encourage Jet-Cloud to approve of this and also make it initial for pegasi too. Remember, Cloudsdale is not an city of within Equestrian borders. It IS its own country," Rich emphasized, gesturing a large object with his hooves.
Blueblood sighed before feeling the train come to a halt. He turned to the right and stared out of the window seeing that they made it to Ponyville. With another sigh, this time expressing stress and irritation, he got out of his seat and walked past Rich who took a moment to calmly drink his tea.
'It seems this day will be longer than I can imagine it, however, is this...the town,' He paused, stepping out to be embraced by a gentle wind from the invisible gust of nature as he stared through his flowing locks of his long mane, facing the busy rural town. "Fluttershy...does she live in this...ungraceful town?"
"Come now, Blueblood, we must make haste," Rich brought Blueblood back to reality, passing by him as he kept a calm smile, heading towards the Mayor's building at the center plaza. Blueblood scoffed before following behind him. There work was already in progress.
Fluttershy and Rarity were relaxed in the hot depths of the soothing pool within Aloe's and Lotus' Spa. Both mares, relaxing after a great night, were indulging themselves in a neat gossip, as they always had plenty of times. Fluttershy however talked less as usual, but was a good listener to the mare of fashion and etiquette.
"I swear, it was as if one of the greatest of music, dear. I really do wish you were with me," Rarity said, with sliced cucumbers placed on her eyes along with facial cream. "What made it even greater was the food, Applejack had a break and enjoyed the meals. It is Canterlot after all! In a castle where your dreams, or break from work comes true."
"I am really glad to hear that," Fluttershy commented, "Really."
"Tell me, darling, have you at least try doing something at the Gala!?" Rarity asked, smiling gently at Fluttershy's direction.
Fluttershy adverted her direction the other way from Rarity, as her cheeks flushed lightly pink. "Well, I did have a nice time though, if you're asking," her tone was a bit soft but also sounded pleasing when she thought about her night with Blueblood, how they simply gazed at the wonderful city of the Equestrian Capital.
“Really now,” Rarity sounded astonished, removing the cucumbers from her eyes and smiling gently at Fluttershy with a bemused interest, wondering what spent her day so nicely than it had went bad long time ago.
Fluttershy fidgeted with her hooves, blushing by the fact she knew Rarity would pester her to speak up with details, so in defeat, she sighed and began. “Well, I met a stallion—“
“A stallion!” Rarity caught her off, “Oh my, was he charming and kind to you? He didn’t do anything bad to you?”
Fluttershy shook her head and continued, “He was very sweet, but did not flirt with me just so you know. Instead, we just enjoyed the night and looked over the balcony admiring the scenery.” Rarity tilted her head, caught off guard from this as she would not expect Fluttershy to have such a calm passing moment, which love would just up and happen.
But Rarity rubbed her chin a bit, thinking that it was too early for such things. Though, a feeling of relief washed over her when Fluttershy enjoyed her time better than last time. Rarity rested back against the side and sighed in relief, enjoying the warm to hot sensation the water had provided with its soothing herbs that caressed her soft fur.
“I am glad though you enjoyed your time, so what was he like?” She asked, gently smiling at Fluttershy who had some confidence to speak.
“Well, he was…kind…nice…or kind and nice, knew a lot about politics and was also royal in Princess Celestia’s family,” Fluttershy said, causing Rarity to pause for a moment; all of it sounding too familiar, but decided to only to diminish those thoughts and listen on to Fluttershy, “Umm, I will not deny the fact that he was pretty handsome.” A tint of pink formed upon her yellow cheeks, “But that’s all I can really say.”
Rarity did not want to dwell too deep into Fluttershy’s special moment, but could only giggle at the nervous complexion she carried. As gentle and soft, as well as easily sensitive, that this feeling of attraction would spark a heat of thrill into her. “Darling,” she began, “do you hope in seeing this stallion again?”
That was a good question. Fluttershy gulped and nodded her head gently, "I...really do."
Rarity noticed her change of tone, perking an eyebrow before asking, "Darling, I hope you see him again, he must have made a very good impression to attract your attention." She giggled lightly, furthering Fluttershy's shy behavior, embarrassed by the fact she had develop a soft crush for Blueblood.
"I...hope so too..." She muttered, releasing a soothing sigh before settling back.
"Vile harlot!" Blueblood yelled, having Rich press his arm against his chest as the two were in the Mayor's office, facing the Mayor who sat behind her desk, folding her hooves together and grinning lightly, mocking Prince Blueblood.
"So, how long have you been under this plan of yours?" Rich asked, keeping calm as Blueblood was glaring daggers at the mayor.
"For ten years, more so after Fleur's birthday, understand that this plan is going well. It was a matter of time you two'd be sent here to propose a solution to dismiss this deal and focus on the actuals plans the Trinomial has set out," The mayor said, "Think about it, if it took me no less than two weeks back then to get in, and four weeks to be Mayor of this town, do you absolutely think I would not expect much from you all."
Rich suddenly chuckle, causing the Mayor and Blueblood to look at him confused. "My oh my, planned well, however, it was not uncommon to figure out that you were being assisted by another party. Sadly, you managed to put yourself in a position where we can't do anything...but..." His tone suddenly became stern as he cast a dark glare, "You forget, that we won't be putting you under our sole protection. Whatever happens to you, is on you and them, not us."
"Filthy...?" Blueblood looked at him shocked to hear speak with callous towards Mayor Mare, even when she retained a thick and cold expression.
"My point being: The world is not going to stop revolving around us, instead, it's going to keep on spinning while competition remains out there. Mayor Mare, keep in mind there is a Princess in your vicinity, if something were to happen, affecting her specifically, not only will you be abandon by your special party, but also charged with heavy crimes, mostly directed towards you and if you try to get out of it or begin to talk...well...you can guess what'll happen next." Rich finished, smiling softly back at her as the pride in the mare's face was diminish into a worry gaze, terrified at the possible outcome.
Adjusting his suit's tie and turning away from the Mayor who still remained silent, Rich made his way to the exit as Blueblood followed behind. When they were out of the building and in the center of the plaza, the two made their way through the cobblestone stone streets in a moment of silence until Blueblood broke it.
"So, are we done? Like that? We're letting her go?" The prince was obviously disappointed in his partner's actions, but mostly annoyed by the gentle smug smile that adorned upon his lips.
"Yes, she made her choice, no reason to extend the conversation. We came here for one thing, and so we're done. Right now, there's time shave and plans to be made, you can take the Train back home, I'm going to visit some old friends." Rich said, stopping in front of a available parked Taxi Carriage. When he got on and places three bits from his pocket and into the change jar, casting a soft nod at the cab pony.
"Old friends, just what is it with you and those Labor Class commoners?" Blueblood asked, looking at Rich with a confused gaze.
"Love, my partner, and love...it's very strong. Whatever you do, go enjoy yourself, goodbye. To Sweet Apple Acres." He finished, alerting the carriage driver to pick up and move off in a knick of speed, leaving Blueblood to himself.
"Pfft, old fool, sometimes I question how his wife put up with him...rest in peace, Ivory." The prince turned around, admiring the rural town's old form, almost as if similar looking to what it used to be back when it was built.
Hours had passed and the prince still wonder the town lost and bored, he had decided to miss the train, but deep down he was hoping to see a familiar face around. Rich was gone and surely not coming back for him, but the prince cared little for his partner's wants and needs, all he was hoping for was to see Fluttershy again. It was so long as he would feel that they enjoyed their moments together.
But everything paused for him, knocking him back to reality when he bumped into a pony. A soft sound of a mare grunting after falling down was heard, causing him to look left and right, before spotting a familiar face that froze him place. When the mare got up, a bit ruffle from the light landing, she gulped and gasped too, stiff before him.
"Fluttershy...?" Blueblood spoke first.
"Blueblood...?" She responded.
Realizing he that bumped into her a few seconds ago, the stallion quickly trotted towards her in worry, "Are you okay? I'm sorry, I didn't see you," He spoke fast but his words were kind and litter with care as Fluttershy blushed lightly and nodded her head, looking at the dirt marks on her fur.
"I'm fine, just need a bath that's all. I'm heading home, but, what are you doing in Ponyville?" She asked, looking at him softly.
Blueblood rubbed the back of his head as he sat down in front of her, the street lights turning on as the night sky approached with Luna's moon taking the sky in favor of the sun's descent. Blueblood sat and made a hesitant answer, "I came to see you, sadly I kind of forgotten I had no clue which direction around here I was heading and gotten lost."
"Here I am." She casted a soft smile, giggling lightly, Blueblood chuckled back in response. "So, umm, since you're here, maybe I could take you to my home and we could chat there, plus it's getting really late. It'll be safe where I'm at, so you should come...only if you want to."
"I'd love that, really would," He stated happily, as Fluttershy gave him a bright smile. "Where exactly do you live?"
"Near the Everfree Forest." Her answer caused Blueblood to freeze in place, gulping in shock when the name of the wild forest was mentioned. To live near such a place was dangerous.
'To believe she would be in the most dangerous or near the craziest places in this country, I would guess she has a problem with some ponies in this town. It's not my business though, I'm grateful I bumped in with her, who would know anything that'll happen to me if some other stranger found me and wasn't as kind as her.' Blueblood thought unaware of Fluttershy waving her hoof in his face slowly.
"Hello? Blueblood are you okay?" She asked, "You're staring at the ground awfully long, is it something I said?"
Blueblood blinked twice and shook his head, giving off a embarrassed chuckle before answering calmly, "N-no! I'm alright, just tired. And also happy."
"Happy?" Fluttershy asked.
"Happy that I found you." He answered, prepared to be led to her home for the night.
"You're a fool." Big Macintosh said, pouring the last bit of cider into the glass jar; gazing down at the strong beverage while Filthy Rich was relaxed on the wooden chair. He bore a smug smile at the red stallion in the kitchen.
"A fool? Not much of a fool, if I am willing to risk my reputation to make it possible. Think about it, Big Macintosh! The results of our profits would benefit more mutually than it had those eighty years ago." Rich calmly stated before looking back, spotting Applejack leaning on the side connected to the living room.
"Now you wait just one darn minute! Y'all tellin' me this here isn't all business? Come on Rich, Granny Smith knows you were raised by your father. He was a silver tongue devil; and you're the golden tongue serpent!" Applejack declared, glaring at him with disdain. However, Rich softly chuckled; easing his back on the chair while his gaze was on the ceiling. Big Macintosh was drinking his cider already expecting a headache on his way.
"I'm the Serpent in your trees, Dear.. But understand: I have no bearing interest in you.. Much. You better only hope our deal is met and that we proceed as planned. Think about the lives you both would be benefiting in this grand country! I know you are all religious folk, and it's obvious you don't trust me for my occupation and affiliation; but know, I too, care for this country as much as either of you. I just require help.. And to push that stubborn fool in the clouds to accept our terms, I'd see no reason why this should not be over and done!"
Rich had a way with words and it bothered Applejack more so than it did with Mac. She glared at him longer; and he avoided that dagger gaze, fully aware how dangerous she could be once you let her stare you down. Unlike Fluttershy: Applejack could read ponies, just by looking at them and immediately figure out if they were lying or telling the truth.
"If you're tellin' the truth, then I don't see why not to go and accept to your terms.. But don't take me like a fool in rodeo show unprotected. I don't trust you, nor do I like you." Applejack stated bluntly, causing Rich to finally look down at her with a soft smile.
"Macintosh?" He addressed, awaiting his own answer.
"If Applejack agrees, so will I. But that leaves Granny Smith--"
"I know it leaves me." Granny Smith interrupted, causing the three to turn towards the other entrance into the kitchen. That path being the hallway on the other side. "Rich, you look almost like your father, y'know?"
"As much as I can deny, I must accept the fact I do. But you look as young as I once saw you, Mrs. Smith." Rich said, hopping off the chair and walking towards her. With kindness and respect, he knelt down to lift her right hoof, kissing it while his eyes kept to hers.
"And also a flattering angel," She gave a weak old chuckle, Big Mac and Applejack rolling their eyes before looking away.
"Careful now; I did fall from the heavens, but landed in your graces." Rich continued, kissing her hoof again, earning a delightful giggle from Smith.
"Could we hurry up with this?" Applejack complained, earning a soft sigh from Granny Smith as Rich released her hoof and backed away a few feet.
"Now, I understand this arrangement was made many years ago. I also understand that you want to make sure it's all on official business. But I do not understand, though--what in tarnation pushed you to follow through now?" Smith asked, lifting her right brow. That question caused the siblings to look at Rich curiously for a response.
Rich gave off a soft chuckle, before answering in a subtle and genuine tone. “To make the country a better place; to provide ponies more rights and capabilities that Celestia is struggling to place into law and unite this country as one... That is why I am doing this.” He explained, earning questionable glares from Big Macintosh and Applejack.
“To make the country a better place? That sounds strange coming from the stallion that put out business for a lot of hard workin’ city folk in Manehatten and Decolt!” Applejack pointed out, “Trying to make the world a better place with the things you’ve already done long ago, you might as well have pulled off something more surreptitious.”
“Big word, Applejack. But—yes, that’s the plan: to pull off something surreptitious. I want to help the ponies I put out of business. I’ve seen the world since I was born, Dear, especially through my father’s eyes.. This world is dark and cold. Secrets are everywhere and we are simply just puppets to somepony else's desire...Even the princesses. But we are trying to survive, no? I only want to stop that secret; I want to make it get loud so that ponies all over this country would be liberated and finally free to live their lives to the fullest! I want to make the country better... And I need your help to do it.. Am I lying?”
Applejack swallowed her spit and bit her lip, glaring with frustration towards the mid-aged stallion. He was in fact not lying and an Apple could tell who was lying and who was not. If Rich meant his words, who was she to get in his way? He cared for the ponies in this country, for their health, problems and the situations that bind them into difficult lifestyles.
“My, oh my! You indeed have your father’s traits in you. A natural born leader,” Granny Smith commented, causing Applejack and Big Mac to place their attention on her as she gave off a soft cackle, clapping her hooves together with amusement. Rich only provided the best of esoteric smiles.
“I am flattered that you think me as one. However, differing from my father, I am not exactly.. How should you say? 'All' like him. He never put much mind into the safety of others, but the country as a whole. Anypony that stood in his path were stomped over, without looking back; he was more of an evolutionist, if you don’t mind me saying. He believed, that society needed to survive; be the strongest anypony could imagine! And if the weak cannot prosper, the strong cannot learn from their mistakes. That philosophy blinded him from others…” Rich removed himself from the chair as he calmly walked over to the window, leaning forward before giving a gaze to the sweet green hills that flustered with magnificent apple trees. An acre where the sun would rise and kiss gently the land in his grasp. So precious.
“I, however, want to focus on everypony. For they are what makes this country, not the country that makes itself. We are all born with different views, recherché to the point, some of us are just left with blanks. But that does not mean we have to focus on the little things first and ignore the bigger. Why not take them out with one stone?” Rich was clear on his goal to making the country a better place. But there was something lingering in his shadows. Big Mac was the only one who could see through those gentle eyes. This stallion was smart and detailed, but also loaded with recondite mysteries in his conquest for a new age.
He did not say anything he knew he could not. Rich was like his father; willing to do whatever it takes to see his goals accomplished and Big Mac understood that more than his own family.
‘Like, pa...stubborn to the end.’ Big Macintosh thought to himself.
“So...do we have a deal?” Rich asked, turning his gaze with a relaxing smile to Granny Smith.
“A deal ya' say? A deal we indeed have. After all.. I do see a leader in you, as well as a good husband.” Granny Smith replied with a soft chuckle, not aware that Applejack’s cheeks blushed red through her orange tinted coat. Filthy Rich closed his eyes, but that smile remained on his lips. Was he truly a natural born leader?
Blueblood chuckled lightly to himself as he was walking Fluttershy back to her cottage for the night. The evening was a quiet moment for them until the Prince brought up an interesting conversation about the city life he experienced and the castle life he was raised in. Though it was confusing for Fluttershy, the prince gladly explained to her the daily lifestyle he grew up with; though kept some things out due to their content.
“It’s not like the ponies there minded. When royalty is in your face, what will you do? Bow, greet, gawk, or fall face first to the ground? I was not much of a prince that cared about things being orderly done. In fact, don’t find it rude, but I did not like much of that to begin with. Only if it was along some great event that my aunt was hosting to settle down some heavy matters.” Said Blueblood as he took a soft glance at the smiling pegasus beside him. “What about you? What was your life like when you were small?”
Fluttershy took a moment to come up with an answer before looking to the sides of the dirt road they were on with a gentle smile. “Well, you see...I was just your normal filly, just trying to live the lifestyle of the pegasi...though...I did not like it that much,” She answered.
“Explain?” The prince requested.
“I don’t like hikes very often... They’re quite...umm...scary. I remember one time I fell down from a cloud when I was very little; a bunch of butterflies caught me and lifted me to the ground. I think it was the day I also got my own cutie mark.” Fluttershy said as the two were halfway close to the cottage on the small hill beneath a tree. With a soft glance, she looked at Blueblood’s cutie mark, curious to what it meant and how he obtained it. “If you don’t mind me asking, how did you get your cutie mark?”
The smile that Blueblood had along the way weakened as he looked on ahead to avoid eye contact. “My cutie mark...well...to be honest... It’s a long story I rather not go into. Let’s just say that I am quite proud of it, but the past events that led up to it are not so...light. Take note that Canterlot is a busy place and you have to be constantly busy every second you have, ‘less you lose your cool and you might see some prince on the daily paper with cuffs on his hooves,” Blueblood said as he gave a light chuckle to make sure Fluttershy would not feel bad for asking a sensitive question. But that failed due to her soft frown directed towards him with a gentle gaze.
The gaze of a commoner peering into the frail soul of a royal, this would rather be considered taboo in society, for it should be done the other way around. Blueblood felt a bit of a chill from this but released a soft sigh in defeat, knowing that his excuse would not pay off the curiosity that kindled in those blue hues of the fragile butterfly. With a moment to breathe in slowly and then out, Blueblood decided it was best to come out short and simple. But as soon as he opened his mouth, unaware that they made it to the front of the door, it swung right open with enough force to crash into the side of his face, knocking the daylights out of him. Falling back Fluttershy quickly gasped.
Stunned, as blood leaked slightly out of right nostril, Blueblood groaned lightly and looked at the front entrance, gazing in shock at the perpetrator responsible for his small injury. A small white rabbit (the devil in disguise) Angel. Their eyes locked with daggers, blade against blade, as silent words were shared through their venomous gaze, a promise that these two would most likely become enemies.
“Oh dear! I am so sorry for that, are you okay, Blueblood?! Angel you should be more careful next time when you are opening the door like that!” Blueblood’s thoughts were cut off by the sound of Fluttershy’s voice, panicking beside him as she checked his nose, grabbing a nearby herb leaf and pressing it against the bleeding hole that leaked its red fluids. The scent of mint was caught into his nostril, however the touch of tissue washed over his skin when it was pressed hard enough that he flinched slightly in pain. He was relieved a bit that something was there to keep his nose from running too much. However, his eyes returned to Angel, glaring at the cold-heartless white rabbit that folded its arms, tapping its foot repeatedly on the floor, as if waiting for Fluttershy to enter; but also to enter alone, not taking Blueblood’s presence kindly like a dog would if it smelt trouble in the house.
“That’s alright, Fluttershy. It surely was an accident. That, and I should have looked where I was going the entire time. Uhh, now that you are here... I believe I should go,” Blueblood said softly, only to feel a hoof gently rest on his shoulder. Like a spark of warmth, the stallion froze at his hooves, his eyes widened, and the sense of insecurity that he always had, hating when ponies touched him or even bumped him, washed away. It was her warm touch that made him hesitate on his decision, looking at her with confusion.
“You... You don’t have to go when it is in the middle of the night. The trains are barely running and plus, you need to get that nose checked out, in case something is broken,” She explained, her vibrant gaze already striking his pride without warning, softly taking him away into the rationality that she was right. He needed a place to stay. No stallion, especially of noble blood, should be out in the middle of the night. Luna governed those that dream, not the ones awake.
Blueblood opened his mouth thinking of a possible excuse for him to leave. Knowing that the rabbit below was not a strong excuse, he was already able to tell that Fluttershy was deeply connected to Angel. Inevitably he surrendered to her, nodding his head with a meek smile.
“First things first, let’s get that nose checked out. And last... Let’s get you something to drink. Tea perhaps?” Fluttershy asked, ignoring Angel’s disgruntling movement as he tapped his foot on the ground in protest upon the prince’s entry.
“Tea sounds good. Is it mint?” He asked in kind tone.
“It sure is! Though.. Not the mint that is covering your nose.” Fluttershy answered, as the two ponies were now in the cottage, Angel facepalmed and soon shut the door hard in an aggressive fit.
