Big Mac sneaks away to watch Princess Luna raise the moon.
After another Autumn day of work at Sweet Apple Acres, Big Macintosh has a moment to watch Celestia's sunset. But all he can think about are the words he wants to say to Princess Luna. He never thought to consider what might happen when he catches the Princess' attention...
Big Macintosh walked to the top of a large hill at the very edge of Sweet Apple Acres. From this vantage point he could see the faintest lights from Ponyville and the foreboding trees of the Everfree Forest. A drip of sweat ran down the back of his neck and on to his harness. With practiced ease, Big Mac slipped off the harness and dropped it to the ground. He plopped down beside it. The cooling winds of an autumn dusk played through his unkempt mane and his thick crimson fur. He inhaled the smells of harvested apples, the earth, the falling leaves, the hint of rain gathering for the scheduled storm tomorrow. A deep whinnying sigh escaped his muzzle.
Shades of flaming red and vibrant orange light streaked through the sky and danced around Celestia’s sunset. Big Mac leaned down and picked up a lone sprig of wheat that the wind had cast on top of the hill. All over Equestria, ponies and dragons alike watched in awe at the particularly magnificent sunset. Big Mac chewed on the wheat sprig. The sun set, spreading its yellows, oranges, and reds across the rolling green hills, the dense forest, and the nearby barn. Big Mac watched a ladybug crawl on a black of grass.
The moment Princess Luna’s stars shone in the sky, the stallion looked up. His eyes widened as Luna’s moon, full and bright, rose slowly. The dancing colors of Celestia’s sunset seemed to linger just so they could caress the moon and tint the starts for just a single moment. Big Mac sat at the convergence point of the dancing lights. His muscles relaxed and his eyes closed as the wind, the lights, and the sounds of the night danced around him.
As Big Mac bathed in the evening, he thought back to almost a year ago. Twilight Sparkle’s transformation into an alicorn and her work in saving Equestria was being celebrated at Canterlot. Twilight walked through the processional with a sheepish smile on her face. Queen Celestia stood in the middle of the dais, wearing her crown and her most regal robes, with Princess Luna and Princess Cadence on either side of her. On the left side of the dais, Applejack smiled with pride and tried not to look too uncomfortable in her "fancy doodads." Dignity and pride radiated from Rarity, while Dash trembled with enthusiasm. Fluttershy smiled, for once too happy to bury her face in her flower wreath and hair. Pinkie Pie beamed her best "It's almost Party Time!!" smile. Twilight walked up to the dais with a full singing processional following her. Spike offered Twilight her new crown. Everypony cheered. Then Celestia and Luna escorted Princess Twilight to the highest balcony, where ponies from all over Equestria gathered to cheer their new Princess. Streamers and confetti rained down from the sky. Tears of joy were shed. Parties were held all across the land.
All Big Mac saw was Princess Luna.
He stared at the constellations of stars flowing in her mane. Her mysterious eyes glowed with the light of moonlight across the waters. Her silver shoes shined, the intricate lacework dancing up her gorgeous legs. She was so dazzling she made the gaudy cape she wore look like the garments of a goddess. He worked his way through the crowd, trying to get closer.
Power radiated from her. Grace flowed from her. All the beauty and fierce passion and tender secrets of the night danced in her. It reminded Big Mac of a poem he’d read in school as a colt – “She walks in beauty, like the night / Of cloudless climes and starry skies; / And all that’s best of dark and bright / Meet in her aspect and her eyes.” But there was something else – Princess Luna gave off a small whimper from the soul. Big Mac seemed to be the only one who noticed. He had to get closer. He had to hold her, comfort her, make a fool of himself - anything to ease the Princess’ inner sorrow.
“Hey, watch it, buddy!”
Big Mac looked down. A burly, short pony looked up at him. “You almost knocked me over! Watch where you’re going!”
“Yeah, get in the back!” Another pony called. “We can’t see around ya!”
“Sorry…” Big Mac slunk to the back of the crowd.
The train ride home was even worse. Everypony clamored around Twilight, talking and laughing and smiling. Big Mac sat alone by the window. Stupid stallion, Big Mac thought. Thinkin' I could be any help to a princess. She's got a whole kingdom at her beck and call. All the servants and lovers and treasures she wants. I ain't got nuthin' to give that they can't do better'n me.
“Big Mac? You okay?” He turned to see Applejack sitting down beside him.
“Eeyup.”
“You sure? You’re bein’ awful quiet, even fer you.”
“Eeyup.” He gave his sister the best smile he could muster up.
“Okay, if you say so…” Big Mac nodded. “Anyways, we’re gonna go down to th’ dinin’ car. You wanna grab a bite to eat?”
“Nope.”
“Alright, big brother. Just – let me know if you need anything, ya hear?” AJ smiled and ruffled her big brother's mane.
Big Mac gave his sister a genuine smile this time. “Eeyup.” AJ stood up and followed everypony else to the dining car.
That moment of sisterly concern didn’t keep Applejack and Apple Bloom from teasing their older brother over the next few days, though. “Big Mac? Stop daydreaming about Princess Celestia and get movin’.”
“Maybe it’s Princess Cadence who caught his eye.”
“Naw, she’s a married mare. Big Mac’s got more sense than that.”
“Maybe it was one of those cute maids at the castle.”
Then Granny Smith would poke her head out from the nearest window. “Will you three get ta work?! The south forty’s gotta be bucked today! Zap apple’s comin’ soon and we need ta clear the orchard b’fer they get here!”
“Yes’m, Granny Smith.” Apple Bloom and Applejack hung their heads.
Big Mac stared at the ground. “Eeyup.”
“That’s better. Now scoot!” The three siblings scooted.
In time, the teasing stopped. The Apple family no longer gave much thought when Big Mac had a faraway look on his face. But Big Mac could not forget the wave of emotions washing from Princess Luna.
After a year of dwelling on it, Big Mac watched Luna’s moon shed the colors of the sunset to take on its own ethereal glow. Making sure nopony was within earshot, Big Mac whispered “Ah – Ah don’t know if you can hear me, Princess Luna, Yer Majesty…but I just want ya to know I get it. I been thinking a long time on this...” He gulped a bit of the chilly air. “When other ponies see ya, they see Nightmare Moon, or Princess Celestia’s little sister, or the pony they gotta talk with because the other princesses are too busy. I get it.” Big Mac looked down at the grass. “Ponies never see you fer you. Just like they don’t see me fer me. Maybe that’s why I – think about ya all the time. I want ya to know I see you fer you. And maybe – someday I can…”
He scoffed and hung his head. “Bah. Ah’m just a fool ta believe I got anythin’ she needs…” Popping his harness back on his neck, Big Mac looked back at the moon. “Sorry ta trouble ya, Princess. Y’all have a good night.”
*** Princess Luna closed her eyes and gave a radiant shine to her moon. As she had done so many times before, she stretched her consciousness across Equestria to sweep for troubled dreams from the early sleepers. She calmed several toddlers as they struggled through nightmares and helped a few nightshift workers through their last minute anxiety dreams before they had to wake up.
Luna’s eyes opened. She smiled in satisfaction. “Lady Luna,” a voice called to her from her outer chambers. “Evening court will be starting soon.”
“We thank thee, Nightfang. We shall be there soon.” The moment she turned to leave her balcony, a troubled voice from Ponyville grabbed her attention. “Who is calling to us?” she asked the night.
Big Mac’s voice reached her as if she sat next to him. “When other ponies see ya, they see Nightmare Moon, or Princess Celestia’s little sister, or the pony they gotta talk with because the other princesses are too busy. I get it.” Princess Luna dared not move. Every constellation around Ponyville flashed through her eyes until she found one close enough to use so she could watch the lone stallion.
“Ponies never see you fer you. Just like they don’t see me fer me. Maybe that’s why I – think about ya all the time. I want ya to know I see you fer you. And maybe – someday I can…” Luna beamed with all the colors of the night. She smiled at the brave, handsome stallion speaking to her.
“Bah. Ah’m just a fool ta believe I got anythin’ she needs…”
All of the joy and light fell from Luna. “Do not go…” she whispered.
*** A gentle zephyr wrapped around Big Mac. He cocked his head to the left. It was almost like the wind itself was trying to say something. "What is it?" he whispered back.
“Big Mac!” Applejack’s voice called from the distance. “Food’s getting’ cold and Granny’s worryin’ about ya. You comin’?”
The zephyr collapsed. “Eeyup.” Big Mac got up on his hooves and walked down the hill towards his sister.
"Purty night tonight," Applejack commented as they cantered towards the farm house.
Big Mac's voice was low. "Eeyup."
Behind them a single star fell from the sky.
*** Princess Luna wiped away a tear and raised her head when she heard her aide approach. “Lady Luna.” Nightfang’s voice was respectful but insistent. “The court is assembled and the herald is ready to announce you.”
The Princess of the Night did not turn to face him. “We shall attend – I will be there in a moment.”
Nightfang paused. Luna said nothing further. “I will let them know there is a slight delay due to other affairs of state, and that you will be arriving shortly to open court.”
“Nightfang…” Luna stood and turned to face him. Their eyes met. “Thank you.”
“At your service, my Lady.” Nightfang bowed his head slightly. Luna summoned parchment and a quill.
All My Nightly Dreams Are Where Thy Grey Eye Glances
Spike rolled over in his sleep, clutching his waifu plushie close to his chest. With a grunt, his face scrunched up. His eyes fly open. “Really???” he moaned.
URRRRP!
With a flash of green flame, a letter appeared in the air. “This better be important...” Spike grabbed it and read it through. “Oh my gosh! Twilight! TWILIGHT!” Spike ran down the hall into Twilight's personal library with so much excitement he forgot to put his Rarity slippers on.
Twilight looked up from her desk as she slipped a bookmark into a book. “What is it, Spike?”
“It's Princess Luna! She's coming to Ponyville for a few days. And she wants to stay here so other ponies don't know she's in town.” Spike gave Twilight the letter. It glowed with a purplish light as Twilight lifted it so she could read it.
“Spike! This is amazing!” Twilight looked over the letter again as they walked into the Great Hall. “I never get to spend any time with Princess Luna. I wonder why she doesn't want anyone knowing she's here. But look at this place!! It's not clean enough for a princess!”
The small dragon looked around the immaculate room bathed in the glowing lights hanging from the roots of the original Golden Oak Library. “Twilight, the place is perfect like always. I think you're worrying too much --”
“And what if Princess Luna needs my advice on something?” Twilight gave out a sheepish laugh. “Why would she need my advice? She's a princess! Silly me.”
“You're a princess, too, y'know --”
“Maybe she's coming to give me advice on how to be a better princess! I can't wait to learn from Princess Luna!” Twilight clapped her hooves. “I better get my notebooks ready! Oh, and my history on the Castle of Friendship! Princess Luna might want to see all the changes since she lived here. And my books on ancient magic in case we're fighting monsters.....”
“I'm going back to bed.”
“G'night, Spike!” Twilight bustled through the castle getting everything ready. Spike went back to bed.
***
Princess Luna sat upon her throne, her face full of strength and certainty, her eyes full of wisdom and kindness. “Thank you for your time, princess.” A unicorn gathered a bundle of papers into her pack using the magic from her horn, bowed, and walked out of the throne room. The doors shut behind the unicorn with a firm thud.
“Are there any other petitions or concerns to address?” Princess Luna looked out across the throne room. To each side of the room, several bat-ponies and night guards stood at attention. At Luna's left, a scribe scribbled a few notes. Nightfang consulted his list. “No, my Princess.”
“Any business from the previous evening we must finish?”
“No, Princess.”
“Then we give our thanks for your service.” She nodded at the guards. “You are excused.” The guards bowed before leaving. “Ensure a copy of the minutes is left with Nightfang, along with any documents that require our signature.” The scribe bowed as well, then left the throne room.
Once they were completely alone, Luna asked quietly, “Have Princess Celestia and my court been notified we will be away on business for the next few days?”
Nightfang stepped forward so Princess Luna could see his face. “They will receive the notice once you depart. By the time most of them see it, you should be in Ponyville.”
“Thank you, Nightfang. We – I would like to be alone for a few moments.”
“As you wish, Princess Luna.” With a bow, Nightfang slipped away in the shadows.
All alone now, Princess Luna closed her eyes and thought back to the first time she remembered seeing Big Macintosh – Twilight's coronation. It was such a large affair, full of bright lights and uplifting music and confetti everywhere. Obviously Princess Celestia planned the whole thing with Princess Cadance as her yes-mare. If it were up to Princess Luna, it would have been a quiet affair in the castle followed by a proclamation to all citizens of Equestria that Twilight was a princess, with all the rights and responsibilities due to her. But no, Tia had to have her pomp and circumstance.
Of course, she had seen the stallion before in his dreams. Part of her work was to look for those who had troubled dreams and help them as she could. Some dreamers needed Princess Luna to step in and help calm them or talk them through a complex or difficult dream. She relished this job more than any other task.
The dreamers who rejected her because she was Nightmare Moon in their eyes pained her. The ones who hurt her the most, though, were the dreamers like Big Macintosh – they needed to conquer their fears on their own. The struggle gave them purpose, gave them the will to keep moving. Now the farm stallion, walking towards the dais with determined stride – until those around him chased him away. Luna opened her mouth to call out, to demand in her Canterlot Voice that the stallion be permitted to approach. After all, he worked day in and out to care for the farm so Applejack could save Equestria countless times. He served as inspiration, friend, and mentor to almost every pony on that stage. Big Macintosh had every right to partake in this moment of glory.
Princess Celestia nudged her imperceptibly. Luna took the hint. The princess of the night said nothing. Big Macintosh walked away.
And now the stallion tossed in his small bed, the same dream playing over and over in his head:
A slightly younger Big Mac walks out of the library with a saddlebag full of books. The world around him is all but swallowed in shadows. Voices call out from the darkness. “Hey, Hayseed! You can actually read?” “Oh sure. Didn't you know he's the teacher's pet?” “At least he's good for something. He can't play hoofball worth a fuck.” “Whatcha doin', wastin' yer time w' those books, boy? They ain't never gonna help you out.” “Us Apples have been farm ponies fer generations, and you ain't gonna change it now.” “Yer just wasting yer time goin' ta college.” “Nopony reads what ya write anyways.” The cacophony stops. Granny Smith's voice breaks through the black. “Yer folks had a' accident. Ya better git back here.” Big Mac replies, “I'm scared, Granny. I can't help m' folks.” “Nopony can, boy. Now you gots t' run th' farm. “I can't run th' farm,” Big Mac whimpered to the shadows. “I don't know how...” “Ya better learn fast, boy. Yer sisters' ain't old enough. We ain't got nopony else.” “....eeyup...” Big Mac empties out his book bag. The books disappear the moment they hit the ground.
Princess Luna opened her eyes. “You do understand us, Big Macintosh. We just hope we are doing the right thing.” With a deep breath, Princess Luna stepped into the nearest shadow. Now, covered in a black, hooded cloak, she stood outside the Castle of Friendship. She raised a hoof and tapped at the door.
Her Highborn Kinsmen Came and Bore Her Away From Me
The castle door opened with a loud creak. Twilight Sparkle stood in the doorway. “Princess Luna! I'm so happy to see you!” Twilight moved towards the other princess.
“Shh!” With a wisp of night air, Luna slipped around Twilight and into the castle. The door glowed with Princess Luna's magic just long enough to close the door silently.
“Princess Luna? Is...is everything okay?”
“Yes,” Luna responded instinctually. “No.” The princess bowed her head. “We do not honestly know.”
Twilight fumbled for the right words to say. “I see.”
“Is there someplace we might talk?”
At this Twilight perked up. So Princess Luna does need help and advice. “Of course! Follow me.” Twilight led the way to her private library and study. Here, several cushions, chairs, and couches gathered near Twilight's worktable and close to the fireplace. “Have a seat anywhere, Princess.” Twilight fueled the fire and put on some tea to brew. Princess Luna allowed her cloak to dissipate before she sat down on a velvet-covered cushion. The princess of friendship moved a matching cushion across from Luna. “How can I help, Princess?”
Luna motioned for Twilight to sit. The younger mare obeyed. “Can we trust you to be discreet?”
“Of course you can!” Twilight perked up for a moment. Her face blushed. She slumped forward just a bit. “I'm sorry, Princess. It's just that I knew there was a problem when I saw your note...”
“It is not so much a problem, per se.” Luna chewed her lip for a moment. “We have a situation we do not know how to respond to. Tia would be all aloof and practical, and Cadance would misunderstand. Many ponies still do not trust us, and few would be able to keep their silence.” The tea kettle whistled. “We do not know where else to turn.” Twilight poured the hot tea into two cups. She offered one to Luna, who smiled her thanks and took a sip. “There is – well, there is a stallion we have come to care for.”
Twilight gasped. “Are you in love?” She placed a hoof in front of her muzzle and hid behind it briefly. “Sorry.”
“We – I do not think so.” Luna sat her tea on the work table and stood up. “I feel that I need to talk to him, but I do not know how.”
“What do you need to talk to him about?”
Luna paced slowly across the room. As she did so, she told Twilight about what Big Mac said to her earlier that evening. Then she explained Big Mac was forced to take on a role he felt unready for and unworthy of -- maybe even resented taking on. The princess of the night was careful not to mention Big Mac or Sweet Apple Acres by name. Instead, she referred to them as “a stallion” and “the family business.” When she finished her story, Princess Luna plopped back down on the cushion.
“Wow...” Twilight studied Princess Luna. “What do you want to say to this stallion?”
“I do not know. He does not want any pony knowing it, but he is lonely, sad, and scared. And he knows I hide the same shames.” For the first time since she arrived at the Castle of Friendship, Luna looked at Twilight Sparkle. “I do not want to feel alone. And I do not want him to feel alone.”
“Then you've come to the right place, Princess Luna!” Twilight perked up. “You just need some lessons in friendship!”
“Are you sure that is what we need?” Luna arched her brow.
“Of course. You need a friend, someone who sees you as more than a princess. He needs a friend to help him feel sure and secure. As the princess of friendship, I think I can help you make that happen!”
“If you are sure about this, Twilight...” *** Princess Luna walked through the open field. She attempted a nonchalant canter, but her nervous eyes kept watch for Big Macintosh – and to make sure Twilight did not follow her in secret. It took nearly an hour of debate and a near Canterlot Voice to ensure Twilight stayed behind. We can do this, Luna told herself. All we have to do is say hello.
“Princess Luna?” a shocked voice caught her ear. She turned to her left in time to see Big Macintosh bowing low. “Sorry, Princess. Didn't expect t' see ya here.”
“Please, Big Macintosh. You have no need to bow before us.” Princess Luna felt her cheeks turn red. “We are honored to talk to you.” She bowed slightly.
Big Mac's eyes widened. “You are?” his normally strong voice was a near whisper.
“Of course. Your wisdom, your strength, your determination has not only kept Sweet Apple Acres doing as well as it ever has, but your confidence and your heart give you sister and her friends the power they need as the Elements of Harmony. You are indeed an impressive stallion.” Luna slowly closed her muzzle. Where had all of that come from? She was just going to say hello...and calling him impressive. What was she thinking? Not that he's not impressive...
“Uh, Princess Luna? Are you okay?” Big Mac took a cautious step towards her.
“We are fine why do you ask?” she replied rapidly. She pleaded with her cheeks, hoping they wouldn't turn any redder.
“Well, ya just stopped talkin' suddenly and ya look a bit flushed is all.”
Luna took two heartbeats to compose herself. “We – I apologize. I did not mean to worry you. I am just happy and surprised to meet you like this.”
Big Mac scratched his mane with a forehoof. “I'm a bit surprised m'self. Ya don't usually visit durin' the day, and when yer here, ya come through town, not alone in th' fields.”
“It is you I have come to see, Big Macintosh.”
The farm stallion gulped. “It is?”
“I wanted you to know I heard your message last night.”
“Ya – ya did?”
“Yes.” Princess Luna stepped bravely forward. “You are right. Many ponies still fear me, and many more see me as weaker and less important than Celestia or Twilight. Even Cadance has her kingdom and serves as the embodiment of love. To them, all I do is raise the moon and step into an occasional dream.” She sat in a patch of dry grass and motioned for Big Mac to join her.
The stallion sat slowly, careful to still keep some distance. “Eeyup.”
“What about you, Big Macintosh. What do ponies see when they see you?”
Big Macintosh plucked up a stray strand of hay and chewed it for a moment. “They see a simpleton. A pony only good fer farmin'. Granny's got her stories to share. Applejack's always off savin' Equestria. Even Applebloom and her friends'r off helpin' ponies. An' there's good ol' Big Mac, buckin' away at trees.”
“If it helps any, I never see you in that light, Big Macintosh.”
“An' I know yer more'n a moon raiser n' a dream fixer.”
A loud trot towards them stalled the conversation. They turned to see a pegasus from Princess Celestia's guard. She bowed. “I'm sorry to interrupt, Princess Luna, but Princess Celestia needs you back at Canterlot to help with a problem.”
“What problem does she need our help with? We have seen no problems.” Luna's hair bristled.
“I don't know, Princess. I was just told you need to come with me.”
“Our apologies, Big Macintosh. Duty calls.”
“'S'alright, Princess.” The stallion stood up so he could bow. “Thanks fer stoppin' by.”
“Perhaps when the harvest is over and this problem is solved, we can talk again?”
Big Mac grinned. “I'd like that, Princess.”
“Farewell, then.” With a flurry of wings, Luna and the Pegasus dashed off into the afternoon sunlight. *** The moment Princess Luna arrived at Canterlot, she walked right into her sister's court. Ponies around her bowed and gave their greetings. Luna paid them no heed. “Sister, what is this problem you need our help with?”
Princess Celestia gave a gracious wave of her wings. “My apologies to all, but I must speak to my sister alone. Court will resume in one hour.”
With a shuffling of papers and confused mutterings, the guards, scribes, and courtiers left the room. When they were alone, Princess Celestia looked down at her sister from the dais. “Luna, love, I don't think you should see Big Macintosh any longer.”
