//------------------------------// // Friends, History and Love // Story: The Farmer and the Princess // by huntersunday //------------------------------// Friends, History and Love. Twilight’s time of healing was coming to a close. The last week and a half had been truly amazing. Her relationship had gone to whole new levels of intimacy. There was no longer any nervousness between the two, when they wanted to cuddle or just be close they didn’t have to worry about upsetting the other. No longer were there tiny fears of rejection. Twilight may not have been very experienced in love or intimacy, but she could proudly say Applejack was an amazing kisser. Everything the two did together just felt right, their first real date was no exception. Applejack had made a delicious home-cooked meal, she also read a love poem that brought Twilight to tears. The Princess would have never thought words of such beauty could come from her love. They both not only understood one another, they both were truly interested in each other's passions. Twilight could get lost in conversation about science and magic and Applejack could talk for hours about family and farming. They may have not understood everything the other said, but it didn’t matter. They were together and that was all they needed. Twilight smiled as she snuggled deeper into her marefriend’s chest, ever since that night under the tree they would wake up embraced in each other's arms. If they both didn’t have responsibilities they would probably lay together all day, Twilight giggled nuzzling her love. “I know you're awake Jackie, stop pretending to sleep. We have a big day ahead of us.” Applejack smiled, burying her face in Twilight’s mane, mumbling something probably a complaint about being too warm. Twilight shook her head pulling away, but not before placing a small kiss on Applejack’s pouting lips. The farmer sighed, untangling herself from the mess of sheets. “Spoilsport, Ah know we got a lot to do today, it's not mah fault yer so comfy an’ warm.” A blush bloomed as Twilight smiled, even though they were dating Applejack’s praise still caused her to blush. “Trust me Jackie, I would love to stay in bed with you. We agreed today would be the best day to tell our friends. The only real question is, do we want to do it with them all at once or individually?” Applejack didn’t answer as she brushed her mane. Once finished, she headed over to help Twilight with her mane as well. “Personally, Ah think we should tell ‘em one at a time. It would only be fair to let each of them adjust to it at their own pace. Question is... who do we tell first?” Twilight smiled, leaning into the soft pair of hooves that brushed her mane. There was no doubt about it she was truly falling for this mare and her magic hooves. “Good thing I already made a list of who to tell first. I already told you, Rarity pretty much knows already, so we’ll hit her up first. Then I think Fluttershy, followed by Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie last. Don't get me wrong, I love the girl, but she would probably tell the whole town before we even go home.” Giggling, Applejack placed a small peck on Twilight’s cheek. “Of course you’d have a list made. Ah have no problem with the order, jus’ remember, we have dinner at my farm after all this.” Twilight groaned, her friends were one thing but the Apple family was a whole other battle in itself. She really wanted to leave a good impression, especially with Granny Smith. Twilight yelped as a hoof smacked her flank, turning she gave Applejack a deathly glare. The farmer didn’t seemed bothered by the look. “Stop worrying about it, now get off your pretty butt. We won't get anything done with you just sitting there.” Twilight huffed, her blush disappearing as quickly as it came, gathering the last of their things, both mares headed out. Rarity couldn't help but feel proud, watching her two friends sit beside one another. They were simply too adorable, Twilight had been given Applejack’s hat to wear, and the farmer had her tail entwined with the princess’s. Rarity's smile slightly withered as her eyes fell on the bandages that still covered her friend’s legs. “Well I did tell you it would work out Twilight. And might I say you two look perfect together? Also I have a present for you Applejack.” Applejack’s brow raised as Rarity pulled a box that was off to the side placing it in front of her. Rarity’s eyes sparkled as she waited to see Applejack open her gift. Not wanting to upset the fashionista, she opened the box only to gasp, “They’re beautiful, Rarity.” Twilight's curiosity got the best of her as she leaned into to see the contents. Inside set two pair of very well crafted leather leg bands, what truly pulled the eye was the very in depth stitched apples that were connected by many branches. Realizing what they were, Twilight’s ears fell against her head. Rarity did not notice the change in the mare’s mood as she spoke, “I know they’re not my normal works of art, but I wanted you to have something to wear besides those nasty bandages. I even made them from a special leather I got from the Griffin Empire, so they should be able to handle you working in them. Par Celestia savent-ils faire des choses...” Rarity's smile faltered, finally noticing Twilight’s disappointed gaze. Applejack came to the rescue, placing a small kiss on the tip of Twilight’s nose.   “Wel,l that was mighty nice of you Rarity. Ah think Ah’ll go try them on right now.”   Even with Applejack’s reassuring kiss, Twilight still hung her head. Rarity took the opportunity to pull Twilight's attention as soon as the farmer left the room. “I’m guessing she still won't let you look under the bandages, dear?” Rarity asked. Twilight only sighed in response. Rarity smiled, knowing exactly what to do. “Well, if it makes you feel any better, you two are adorable together, and if that doesn't take your mind off it, this probably will.” Twilight lifted her head, giving the mare a curious look only to gasp as Rarit pulled her away from the table and into her dress making room. Twilight gasped once more this time in awe as Rarity showed her the hoof-stitched outfit she made. Twilight instantly recognized the outfit to be a Wonderbolt uniform. Rarity hand stitched the suit with the rainbow thread she had obtained from Cocco. The uniform also had and all too familiar cutie mark etched in the sides. Twilight smiled, grasping the work of art, “Does this mean I can stop pretending I don't know who your crush is?” Rarity laughed, giving Twilight’s shoulder a friendly push. “Hey now, don't go shovin’ mah marefriend ya hear?”   Both unicorns jumped, turning to see Applejack smiling in the doorway. Rarity smiled and nodded as she took in her handywork, Twilight on the other hand had to fight to keep her wings down. The leather bands were perfect, they reached just below Applejack’s knees, some how making the farmer’s already toned legs just pop. The beautiful design made the wraps look like a pair of work boots. Applejack wasted no time walking up to the flustered mare and place a kiss on her. “Well, Rares, Ah can't thank you enough, but me and ‘Twi got to get going when still have the rest of our friends to talk to.” The girls said their goodbyes and Rarity wished them luck as they headed out. As the two lovebirds walked, Applejack couldn't help but notice Twilight’s new silence. Sighing, she pulled Twilight into a hug. “‘Twi listen, ya need to stop frettin’. Let's get through today and if all goes well Ah will let you see mah legs. But you have to promise me you won't freak out, can ya do that?” Twilight nodded, never taking her eyes off the leg wraps. She knew deep down Applejack wasn't hiding them out of shame, she just didn’t want to hurt her. Even knowing her marefriend had forgiven her did not make the guilt weigh any less. “It's fine, Jackie, I know you said you would show me after my magic healed. I just don't like knowing I hurt you." Applejack said nothing as she grasped Twilight’s face, pulling her into a deep kiss. Applejack wasn't mad and in all truth the scars weren't that bad, she just feared Twilight may try to do something stupid if she saw them. “Oh my, I'm s-s-so s-sorry for intruding, I-I-I'll just go back inside, sorry,” a familiar soft voice apologized. Both mares blushed as they turned to see Fluttershy staring wide-eyed at them. Applejack was first to break the silence as she laughed. “Well, Ah guess the cat's out of the bag, huh ‘Twi?” Twilight said nothing as she stood motionless in a state of shock. She had not wanted Fluttershy of all ponies finding out about their relationship in this way.  Applejack waved her hoof in front of the Princess’s face before sighing. “Well, Ah think ya broke her, Fluttershy. Anyway, we both kinda need to tell you something, if you aint already figured it out.” Twilight finally broke from her state of shock and nodded. Fluttershy smiled, “I think it's great you two are together. unless I'm wrong oh I'm so sorry if I'm wrong.”   Fluttershy hid behind her mane as she continued to apologize. After a few more apologies Fluttershy offered them to come inside. Seeing they still had plenty of time, they obliged her. As they sat, Twilight finally spoke, “Yes we are together, we wanted to tell all of you guys today. I guess judging by your smile, that you're okay with us dating.” Fluttershy only nodded. With the tough question out of the way, the three spent some time sharing their story. Fluttershy thought it was very romantic how Twilight tried to ask Applejack out and thought that their dates were adorable. After a few more stories, Fluttershy gave Applejack a long glance, “Do you think Rainbow Dash will take the news well?” Applejack blinked before shaking her head, Twilight only raised a brow having know idea what they were talking about. Grabbing Twilight’s hoof Applejack smiled, “Ah don't think she'll mind. An in all honesty she doesn't have the right to get angry. That happened a long time ago.”  Twilight tightened her grip, giving her comfort the best she could. “‘Twi, Ah need to tell ya something, remember the running of the leaves?” Twilight nodded “Well afterwards, Ah got a surprise, Rainbow Dash showed up at the barn with flowers and she asked me out. Ah don't know if it was the competition or the rush but Ah said yes.” Twilight’s eyes widened. “Ah didn’t think to tell cause it didn’t last all that long, Ah hope you don't think Ah was keeping it from you.” Twilight wasted no time in her response pulling Applejack into a kiss. She smiled, “It’s fine I never asked if you ever dated before. Also, why would it matter? I do have a question though. Why didn’t things work out? You two seem like a perfect match.” Applejack laughed and Fluttershy giggled. “That’s easy, we’re both too stubborn, it also didn’t help that Rainbow Dash kept treating me like some sissy mare. It's kinda hard to connect when one tries to be the stallion. Especially if the other one does not want to be treated like a lady.” Twilight couldn't help but laugh as Applejack impersonated Rarity’s voice at lady. Twilight smiled as she turned to Fluttershy, “Well, it's been real fun but we still have two ponies left to talk to.” So they said their goodbyes and Fluttershy wished them the best of luck as they headed out. They soon found themselves walking along the outskirts of Ponyville in search of their rainbow colored friend. Twilight still had her love’s hat on her head, which although sweet lead to another problem. She wanted to give Applejack something as well, but with no magic it would be hard to make something. She gasped which caused Applejack to stop. “What’s up, sugarcube?” Twilight didn’t answer at first, extending her wing. With a grunt, she pulled a large feather from its tip. Applejack went to question her marefriend odd behavior, only to stop as Twilight placed the feather behind her ear giving the ear a small lick, “There, now you have something of mine as well.” Applejack blushed while she giggled. “You’re sometimes a real silly Princess. You know that, right?” Twilight said nothing as she walked away. Applejack took a moment to touch the feather a small smile appearing. Quickly she went to catch up. Soon both mares were about ready to give up their search, when the search abruptly ended as Dash darted towards them at alarming speeds. Applejack had no time to react as she was tackled to the ground. “What in tarnation do ya thank yer doin’!?” Twilight rushed over to yell at her friend, but stopped, noticing Rainbow Dash’s odd behavior. Rainbow’s eyes darted around looking at the sky as if an attacker was somewhere near. In a frantic voice she spoke “Listen Aj, I'm sorry for tackling you, but you need to remove that feather from your ear. Don't ask, just hide it please.”Applejack would have argued but stopped when she to noticed how strange Dash was acting. Doing as she was told Applejack removed the feather and slid it in one of her leg wraps. As soon as the feather disappeared from sight Rainbow Dash visibly relaxed stepping off her friend offering her a hoof up. “Listen I get that you two are together, awesome by the way. But Twilight how could you not know pegasus mating rituals?” Twilight was stumped, she had read many books on pegasus flight but nothing about mating rites. “I only read about flying, you know, to help me with my wings.” Rainbow Dash sighed giving an apologetic look to AJ. “Listen, I’m sorry for tackling you, but when a female pegasus gives a strong mate a primary feather it's kinda of a rite of passage.” Applejack glanced at Twilight, seeing if she had any idea what Rainbow Dash was talking about. She just shrugged. Rainbow Dash continued, “Well, I know you both know Pegasi were a tribe of warriors. Well when a female found a mate she would give them a primary feather to wear. Then she would watch them for a day, during that time any Pegasus could challenge the mate for rites to the mare.” Twilight was skeptical as she spoke, “I’ve seen plenty of other pegasus with feathers behind their ear. I didn’t see any fights then.” Rainbow Dash said nothing as she pulled a small feather out of her own wing. “Yes, but if it wasn't attached to a earring or a necklace, it probably wasn't a primary feather. This feather here is a secondary feather, it's not as important and grows back very quick. Primaries do not and after the mare decides who the winner is she puts the feather into jewelry for them to wear as a sign of victory.“ Twilight closely inspected the feather, it was significantly smaller than the one she gave AJ. A Pegasus could easily tell the difference. Applejack finally spoke up, “So you were looking up to make sure another Pegasus wasn't coming to claim the feather? Ah appreciate it, but Ah can handle myself, ya know.” Rainbow dash shook her head before blasting into the sky. Applejack and Twilight tried to find her in the sky, but to no avail. Applejack nearly jumped out of her fur when a hoof touched her back. Rainbow Dash smirked as Applejack calmed herself “I know you can handle yourself AJ. There are no rules to the ritual, any pegasus could dive in on you for the rite. Since you didn’t even know you were in a trial could you honestly defend yourself?”   Applejack’s response was kicking the dirt. Dash had her there. Twilight only smiled. It seems that Rainbow had no problem with them dating, but still she had to be sure. “So, I guess you're okay with us dating?” Twilight asked. Rainbow Dash smiled. “Are you kidding me? It's awesome! I actually was already looking for you to congratulate you. I was looking for you earlier to talk and Spike kinda spilled the beans.” Twilight groaned, she was really going to have to talk to Spike about keeping secrets. “Well, we still have time. What do you need to talk about?” Rainbow Dash face turned red as she shuffled her hooves giving Applejack a glance. “Well it's kinda personal, I was hoping to just talk to you if that's okay?” Applejack just nodded, giving her approval and the two mares shot to the sky. Soon they both settled down on a cloud. Rainbow Dash sighed giving Twilight a trusting stare, “This is going to sound sappy, so please don't laugh.” Twilight smiled, giving her friend a small hug. Rainbow Dash took in a breath, “What could a mare with no magic give a Unicorn as a romantic gift?” Twilight tried to not laugh but Dash looked so adorable, a tiny giggled slipped. Dash’s wings flared. “I said dont laugh!” Twilight fought off her giggles as she spoke, “Sorry Rainbow Dash, it’s just really cute.” Rainbow huffed, crossing her legs across her chest. “As for a gift, believe it or not most Unicorns think handmade gifts are a great way to show affection, since magic makes a lot of things easy. Try to make it something they enjoy, like maybe a handmade dress?” Rainbow Dash’s face dropped “Why would you say dress, when I didn’t say who it was?” Twilight just gave her a knowing look. Rainbow threw her legs in the air. “Fine! It's easy to guess, please don't tell anypony! Only Fluttershy and I guess you know, okay?” T Twilightdid the signature Pinkie Pie promise and said her goodbyes. Twilight landed beside Applejack, wrapping her wing around her. Applejack smiled, “Do Ah even want to know what you two talked about?”  Twilight smiled pulling a much smaller feather from her wing and placed it in her love’s ear. “Come on Jackie, Sugar Cube Corner is next. I will tell you once Rainbow Dash is ready; she made me Pinkie promise. You of all ponies know not to break a Pinkie promise.” Applejack said nothing, giving the princess another kiss. Sugar Cube Corner was busy as usual as Twilight and Applejack entered. Mrs. Cake greeted them and asked if they were here for food. They both shook their heads and asked where they could find Pinkie Pie. Mrs. Cake told them she was in the kitchen but not before saying they made a cute couple. It was just like Twilight predicted. The whole town would probably know by the end of the day. It also didn’t help they weren't really trying to hide it either. Opening the door to the kitchen, Applejack was tackled to the ground one more this time by a pink ball of fluff. “Oh my gosh, why didn’t you guys tell me you were dating? That is so super fantastic amazing sauce! Oh, I can't WAIT to throw you guys a dating party! Orange and purple streamers everywhere!” Pinkie Pie threw her hooves in the air as orange and purple pieces of confetti exploded out of nowhere. Applejack couldn't help but laugh. “Ah guess the word is getting around. Can Ah also assume you're okay with two mares dating?”   Pinkie Pie smiled hugely,  helping Applejack off the floor, as soon as the farmer was standing she darted over to the Princess, pulling her into a hug. “Why would it matter if two of my bestest friends became a couple, this is AWESOME! Besides, AJ, I don't like mares nor stallions so how would I have room to talk?” Twilight and Applejack glanced at each other before one spoke. Twilight smiled, “Well it's great you’re on board Pinkie, but do you mean you're not into ponies at all?” Pinkie Pie only nodded as she hopped back to her baking. Twilight’s curiosity got the best of her as she spoke, “So what are you into griffons, yaks, or (and please say no) Discord?” Pinkie Pie fell to the ground laughing, “Wow, Twilight, you can be real silly, its none of those. Also Discord’s a big meanie. Don't you two have an important dinner to get to though?” Twilight didn’t even bother to ask how she knew about their dinner plans and chalked it up as a Pinkie thing. So they both said their goodbyes and left. Once the two were alone Applejack spoke, “Ah guess that's a load off our chest. Ah’m just glad Ah don't have to hide how much Ah love ya.” Twilight completely stopped, giving Applejack a sly smirk. Applejack stared in confusion as Twilight leaned in. Then it hit her as her eyes widened, “Ah mean happy they're okay with me lov.. Ah mean lik-” her embarrassed rambling was cut short as Twilight claimed her lips. “I love you too, my silly little farmer.” “