Disclaimer: I own none of these characters or places, Hasbro please don’t sue me. Lauren Faust and co. are the greatest.
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The journey to Canterlot from Ponyville via train was an overnight trip, so Big Macintosh had thought it prudent to spend a few extra Bits on a small single-sleeper cabin for himself. Trains were cramped by nature and things would probably be awkward enough for a pony his size without having to share space with another passenger. Even so the cot provided was just small enough to have him worried about falling out in the night. There was however a small table that would give him just enough room to spread out his possessions and organize his last-minute gifts.
Macintosh first examined the extra outfits that Rarity had graciously provided him... there was another suit jacket, similar to the one she’d made for him originally, but of a somewhat heavier cloth (wool, from the feel of it,) dark green in color, matched with a sunlight-yellow necktie. The second box contained a long tweed coat, in gray. Big Mac reckoned it would probably be too warm for such a thing during the current time of year, but Rarity did seem to be a thorough pony. The contents of the third box nearly took his breath away - within was a very expensive-looking black tuxedo jacket, cut long in the back, with a white shirt and a curiously-designed deep red silk necktie with gold silk brocade worked into it,with the free ends secured with an emerald tie-pin, the combination of scarlet, gold and green echoing his coat, mane, and cutie mark. Also enclosed was a note, written in elegant, flowing calligraphy-
Macintosh-
The green suit jacket is slightly heavier and more suitable for evenings. The overcoat... well, do remember you will be at some altitude in Canterlot, and even in the summer the temperatures can be somewhat unpredictable at times, particularly at night.
As for the Tuxedo... yes, I do know that you did not wish anything too ‘fancy’ and even though your appointment at the castle is a fairly informal affair, there are some establishments (restaurants and the like,) that insist on formal wear for all ponies in attendance. Canterlot society has a way of sneaking up on a pony, and I would be remiss in my duties as a friend and fashionista if you were not properly prepared! And do not be intimidated by the Naud Gordein-style ascot... I have already properly knotted it myself; all you should have to do is tighten the knot upon donning it. It was Fluttershy’s suggestion actually, and a very good one I think. I should be most grateful that pony has never decided to enter fashion herself!
Do remember to get these all properly pressed before wearing! The housekeeping staff at the castle provide this service gratis for all guests.
Above all else, though, please remember to relax, enjoy the moment and be true to yourself... as much as I do adore the glamor of the capital, being from Ponyville is something to be proud of, and you shall represent us well no matter what is on your back.
Truly Yours,
Rarity
P.S.- I wanted to include a hat, but I ran out of time... perhaps upon your return I shall have one ready?
Macintosh shook his head in amazement; Element of Generosity indeed!
Carefully repacking the garments and setting them aside, Mac spent the next few hours reading through several tourist guides to Canterlot that were provided for him in his little cabin. While enthusiastic enough, the information about the city provided was so generalized and bland that he could barely keep his eyes open. Perhaps Rarity was right.- he could ask Twilight Sparkle to show him the real Canterlot, not just the tourist traps.
It was a nice dream, but probably just a dream, Big Mac told himself. He had no doubt Twilight would be friendly when and if they saw each other - he couldn’t imagine her being anything other than gracious. But he couldn’t realistically expect her to take him by the hoof and play tour guide. She was an important pony, a student of Celestia herself, an instructor at the Royal Academy. He was sure she had lots of duties, responsibilities... and friends. Probably even a....
Macintosh took a deep breath and closed his eyes, listening to the clicking of the train-wheels on the tracks. It was no business of his if she’d met someone. There would be no jealousy. He was a better pony than that.
Around then, the aching from the empty space in his stomach managed to distract Big Mac from aches of love sickness, and he decided to investigate his other going-away gift. Not without a degree of caution; Mac liked sweets as much as the next pony, but sometimes Pinkie Pie’s confections gave him cavities on sight alone. However upon opening the box, he was shocked to see that Pinkie had provided him with an entire four course meal - entirely in cupcake form. The carrot cake cupcakes were not totally unexpected but there were also zucchini-bread cupcakes (or maybe they were muffins? All that mattered to Mac was that they were surprisingly good,) potato cupcakes (touch on the starchy side, if he was being honest,) and even a set of tomato flavored cupcakes. And of course there were dessert cupcakes a-plenty... from vanilla-fudge swirl to peanut butter iced, to a rather elaborate raspberry-filled confection with chocolate icing and sprinkles. And yet, nothing incorporating apples... either an oversight on Pinkie Pie’s part, or the eccentric baker had developed a rather subtle sense of humor somewhere along the line. Mac leaned towards the former, knowing what he knew of the strange mare.
Macintosh had only intended to sample one or two of the pastries, but soon found himself covered in crumbs with an empty cake box keeping him company. Glad that nopony else was around to witness his gluttony, Macintosh took a look out of the window of his cabin. The train had no more stops before Canterlot, but they still seemed to be several hours away from the base of the mountains, at best, and he knew they would slow considerably for safety’s sake as they began the climb up the the cliff-side where the city was perched. The sun was already dipping below the western horizon and with nothing else better to do, he decided to turn in.
********************
It was early morning when the bright sunlight woke Macintosh. He sat up in his bed and peeked out of his cabin window, and was struck breathless by the vista outside.
Canterlot was situated on a cliff high up on one of the largest mountains in Equestria (the cliff had been hewn artificially by the magic of Celestia and Luna, according to one of the complimentary tour booklets that came with the cabin.) Celestia’s sun had been up less than a quarter of an hour, Mac reckoned, and there was still a light fog over the glen on the cliff-top. Below them the vast plains and hills of Equestria stretched off into the distance; Macintosh thought he could even almost see Ponyville far off near the horizon. Ahead of them, perhaps less than an hour away was the Royal City itself, it’s white and gold spires set to blazing by the sunlight. Behind the city clinging impossibly to the side of the mountain was the vast Royal castle itself, towers and minarets looking vigilantly out over all below.
Judging from their rate of travel, Macintosh figured he’d have just enough time for a quick breakfast before they pulled into the station. He gathered all his belongings into his saddlebags and tidied up his cabin before heading to the dining car.
Macintosh was just finishing up a serviceable but unspectacular muffin with a glass of orange juice as the train slowed and entered the station. He dropped a tip on the table for the waiter and hoisted his saddlebags, making for the door just as the train came to a stop. As the doors opened his senses were practically assaulted by the overwhelming sights and sounds of the Equestrian capital. The buildings were built all of a fine white stone, with colorful highlights on the roofs and trim. Apparently the train station was very near to a market, as Mac could detect the scents of produce and baked goods in the air.
Many ponies were gathered at the station, all calling out for friends and acquaintances they were meeting; despite Rarity’s assurances, Macintosh was not sure how he was ever going to find the pony that was supposed to be meeting him there. Then he noticed it... a sign, bearing his sliced green-apple cutie mark (hoof-painted from the looks,) being held aloft above the throng by a pale nimbus of magic. Mac thought that could only be the pony Rarity spoke of before he left, so he gradually made his way towards the pony holding the sign, still obscured by the crowd pressing around him. It took time, but he gradually managed to negotiate the crush, and found that the pony waiting for him was none other than Twilight Sparkle.
As soon as she saw him, her violet eyes widened and a radiant smile lit her face. “Big Macintosh!” she exclaimed, dropping her sign (and earning a rebuke from a nearby pegasus that she seemed not to notice,) as she rushed up to him and wrapped her forelegs about his neck, hugging him tightly. “I am so glad to see you here! I’ve missed you so much!”
Macintosh was sure his heart was about to explode out of his chest, at any second. “I-I really missed ya too, Miss Sparkle!” he stammered out as he gently hugged her back. “Things sure ain’t been the same back in Ponyville without ya.” Macintosh had rarely been this close to the lovely unicorn, and certainly had never had so much physical contact- she felt so tiny and delicate next to his own hulking frame. Sustained, rational thought was becoming rather difficult for him, and he wondered if she could feel him trembling just a little - Mac felt like his insides had turned to Zap Apple jam.
Twilight smiled bashfully at him. “Well, I’ve missed Ponyville. I mean, I may have grown up in Canterlot, but after the last few years I think I’m a Ponyville filly at heart,” she said. “But what about you? I mean, I was so excited when I heard the Apples were going to be part of the Canterlot Honors! That’s a real big deal you know, but you and A.J. work so hard, you really deserve it.”
“Well, Granny Smith n’ my sisters are all pleased as punch, that’s f’sure. I never realized that what we did on th’ Acres would get this kind of attention. Heck, I’m just a simple farm-pony, I don’t know anything ‘bout all that,” he said humbly. “But I guess it’s nice t’ be noticed.”
She nodded. “Exactly! Which is why I’m so glad it’s you here. I mean, I’d love it if Applejack was here too, but you never seemed to get any of the credit for what Sweet Apple Acres accomplished, and you were such a big part of everything. You were always every bit as reliable and kind as your sister ever was, in your own quiet way.” Twilight gave him a friendly pat on his shoulder. “I think it’s great that other ponies will get to notice you now.”
Macintosh flushed a bit at that. “That’s mighty nice of ya t’ say, Miss Sparkle. My sis said much th’ same.”
“She’s a smart mare,” she said, “And please, Macintosh, we’re friends, call me Twilight. Now then, I’ve got a few hours before my class, so I can get you up to the castle and settled in your rooms, at least.”
He nodded and followed her as she deftly wove her way through the crowd, away from the station and through a large marketplace that was obviously designed to cater to tourists. The thing that struck Macintosh most was the noise. Well, not that any one pony was particularly noisy (though the one trying to cajole passers-by into a gypsy hoof-reading was definitely trying a little too hard,) but the sheer mass of ponies around him made things so loud Macintosh could barely hear his own thoughts. Then there was also the crush; Mac had never considered himself a claustrophobic pony, but he was suddenly very conscious of just how large a pony he was in very tight quarters. More than once he had to trot gingerly to avoid stepping on anypony’s hoof.
Once they got clear of the market, things got a bit better. Though the streets ahead were a confusing spiderweb to Macintosh’s eyes, Twilight’s stride was confident. She looked back at him and gave a sympathetic smile. “It’s a bit much, the first time here, yeah,” she admitted. “But you get used to it quickly.”
“I reckon so, sink or swim an’ all, eeyup,” Mac replied, still somewhat taken with the fact she was talking to him, as in directly to him. It occurred to him that this was probably the first time he’d really been anywhere with her without his sister or one of her friends around.
She giggled a little. “You’ll be just fine, Big Macintosh.”
“Ah, you can call me Mac, if you prefer it, Twilight. I mean, if ya like,” he said, hoping he didn’t sound too nervous as he followed her.
She seemed to mull it over. “Hmmm... Mac. I do like it,” she affirmed. “C’mon, Mac, let’s get you to the castle.”
It was a substantial hike from the train station to the gates of the castle itself. Twilight introduced Macintosh to the pair of guards at the entrance. “The guards here have really good memories, and since I’ve just informed them who you are and that you’re staying here, they probably won’t challenge you,” she said as they passed across the drawbridge and under the great portcullis.
“I see, but what ‘bout later, when th’ shift changes?”
She nodded, and reached into her saddlebags. “That’s why you need to keep this on you, when you leave the castle for anything,” she said, passing him a small piece of paper, bearing his name at the top and elegant hoofwriting below, stating his purpose in the castle. “Show that to a guard if they have any questions for you. It’s enchanted, so it can’t be damaged by water, and can’t be easily torn. Also, since the enchantment comes directly from Celestia herself, it can’t be replicated in a forgery. Don’t worry too much if you lose it or something, though. That just means the guards will have to check with someone who knows before you can get in... it just takes a while, and it’s annoying.”
“Huh, that’s right nifty, there,” he said, tucking the identification into his own bags.
Twilight nodded. “Indeed. they didn’t use to go quite that far around here, but my brother thought it would be best to take a few precautions after the whole episode with Queen Chrysalis a while back.”
“Yer brother? Oh, ya mean Shining Armor, Captain of th’ Guard,” he said, remembering his sister’s account of that adventure. “He’s still here, then?”
“Mmhmm, though he’s been away on some sort of review of a garrison in Trottingham,” Twilight said. “Actually, he’s due back tomorrow, if all went well. You might even get to meet him.” She laughed brightly. “I think he’d like that, actually. He always complains that he’s-” she cleared her throat and affected a rather silly masculine voice, “‘Surrounded by flighty mares, all day, every day!’”
Macintosh grinned. “S’pose we might have somethin’ in common, then. Though I wonder what th’ Princesses might say.”
“Oh, they giggle at it. Those two are probably the least formal ponies here. Princess Celestia’s always had a bit of a... I guess you’d call it a mischievous streak. And Princess Luna’s relaxed a lot recently, though she’s definitely more of an introvert than her sister.”
The castle itself was not just one building, as Big Mac had assumed, but rather a complex incorporating the main keep, build into the mountainside itself, and many smaller buildings situated on the grounds. The ponies they passed on the way were much more quiet and serious than the crowd in the city earlier, and seemed a good deal more official, though everypony was totally cordial, despite a few curious glances at Mac’s yoke.
As they proceeded through the grounds, Twilight pointed out areas of interest with the enthusiasm of someone proud of her home, including the path to castle gardens and the tower where she was living, easily recognizable from a distance due to the large telescope the projected from the domed roof. Finally their path led to a tall stairway that wound up the side of the castle itself, leading to a tall, slender spire rising from the side of the keep itself.
“And here we are, your home away from home,” Twilight announced as she opened the door for him. The tower had a large central room, with a fireplace, a writing desk by a large window off to one side, a wardrobe and a bed easily big enough for even Macintosh’s huge frame. He could see an open door off to the side that led to a bathroom.
“They’ve redecorated, I see,” Twilight said, smirking. “It was a bit frou-frou when Rarity was here, so that’s a good thing. Not really your style, I’d think. Oh, before I forget, take this.” She produced a folded sheet of paper from her packs. “It’s a map of the city. It was Rarity’s idea, actually, though I made it myself. She suggested it when she wrote to me and told me you were coming.”
“That’s right thoughtful of both of ya,” Macintosh said, accepting the gift.
“You’ll notice the circles on there... those are points of interest. Restaurants, stores, and other fun places. I color-coded it for your convenience - the blue ones are the ones Rarity suggested, the purple ones are my personal favorites.”
Macintosh thought it was good to see that a change of scenery hadn’t stopped Twilight Sparkle from being the queen of organization. “I thank ya, Twilight, this’ll be handy f’sure.”
She smiled prettily at him, then glanced back out at the sun through the open door. “Argh, almost ten o’clock, I have to go get ready to give my lecture at the Academy on political relations between earth ponies and unicorns in the pre-classical era. If you need anything, all of the staff around here are very helpful, or if you like, stop by my tower for a visit. Even if I’m not around, Spike will probably be there.”
“I-I’d surely like to do that, Miss Sparkle,” he stammered out. “Visit, I mean, while I’m here.”
She smiled. “You did remember you can call me ‘Twilight,’ right? Though, it’s good to see there are still some gentlecolts left in the world.” She trotted up to him and gave him another hug. And just like before, Macintosh had to remind himself to breathe, though returning the hug definitely came more naturally this time. “I’m sure we’ll run into each other again soon. Hope I see you soon, Mac!” she said with a friendly little hoof-wave before turning to canter out the door.
Mac returned the wave, savoring the rush of seeing the mare he was so infatuated with again. And she’d talked to him! Quite a bit, actually. Honestly, Big Macintosh had always figured he didn’t rate very high in the awareness of someone like Twilight Sparkle, with all her other friends and duties as a pupil of Celestia.
That was a revelation both gratifying and terrifying to Macintosh. Had he already made all the impression he was ever going to? Was he just Applejack’s brother, just a friend forever? The large earth pony mulled the matter over carefully as he laid out his belongings in his rooms. His sister certainly seemed to be rooting for romance between them, and she seemed to think it was possible. But truth to be told, Macintosh had no idea how any of this part of life really worked. Perhaps if he’d have known better if he hadn’t had to drop out of school when his parents passed away...
Mac cut that train of thought off immediately. It had been for the good of the farm, and he knew from experience where such morose musings would take him. Normally when thinking got to be too much, Macintosh would find some easy, menial task to occupy him. That wasn’t really an option here, and it bothered him.
But... he was on vacation for the first time ever, and he was supposed to be enjoying this experience according to all his friends and family. He glanced down at Twilight’s annotated map, and decided to see if Canterlot really lived up to the hype.
********************
Macintosh found that folded maps were definitely not designed with earth ponies in mind. Unicorns certainly would have no problems simply levitating the paper and referring to it as they walked, but there was no dignified way for him to use the thing; he had to stop every five minutes, fight a ridiculous battle with the rather sizable document as he tried to unfold it on the ground using his hooves and mouth, and check to make sure he was still on the right path to his destination. The sniffs and disdainfully shaken heads of all the high-class ponies that passed him during his struggles were beginning to grate on his nerves. Finally tiring of it all, he decided to duck into an unassuming-looking restaurant on one of the main thoroughfares and have some lunch while planning his sightseeing.
The food wasn’t quite as spectacular as Granny Smith’s cooking, but it was good and it gave Big Macintosh the chance to study the map in more detail. Once he’d finished he settled the bill and left the restaurant to take a quick look around to get his bearings. Twilight had noted a few interesting things that seemed to be fairly close to his current location, if he could only find his way around the confusing warren of side streets and alleys that weren’t always clearly marked out on the map. He was about to head back into the restaurant to ask directions of a local when his ears caught the sound of a squeaky wagon axle accompanied by distinctly pained muttering. Looking down one of the streets that ran nearby, he caught sight of a sight of a large wooden covered wagon being drawn by a rather slight light blue mare, her mane and tail with alternating powder blue and white stripes. She was dressed in a rather outlandish costume consisting of a cloak and a tall pointed hat, both purple and decorated with pale blue stars. There was something oddly familiar about her, but Macintosh couldn’t for the life of him figure out why.
The street ran on a rather steep incline and the weight of the wagon was clearly proving to be almost too much for the small pony. As she stopped briefly to catch her breath, her rather ridiculous hat levitated from her head, revealing a unicorn horn beneath. She sat her hat on the ground and attempted to levitate a cloth from inside her cloak to wipe her sweat-soaked brow, but before she could her wagon gave a lurch and began creeping slowly back down the sloped street, threatening to drag her down with it. She braced and managed to slow its retreat, but the weight was simply too much for her.
Fortunately Big Mac, despite his great size, was also quite a quick pony. Lowering his head, he dashed down the street and managed to get to the back of the wagon. Setting his massive neck and shoulders against the back of the vehicle, he planted his hooves firmly and braced himself, stopping its descent. With a grunt and and a heave, he began pushing the wagon up the slope towards the flatter ground in front of the restaurant. It was hard work, but that was one thing that Macintosh was perfectly comfortable with.
Once the wagon was settled, Macintosh approached the mare, who was still panting from effort. “That was a close one, Ma’am. Are ya all right?”
Her violet eyes narrowed and she gave a curt nod. “Trixie is grateful for your assistance,” she said, with a somewhat haughty air, “Though she had the situation well under control.”
Mac cocked an eyebrow at that. “Are ya entirely sure ‘bout that, Ma’am? That harness ya have there is entirely unsuited to th’ sorta pullin’ ya have to do to move that monster o’ yours,” he said, too polite to mention that the pony in the harness might also be rather unsuited for the task. “Not t’ mention that the streets only get steeper from here fer a good ways.”
“The Great and Powerful Trixie requires no further assistance, thank you,” she said with a sniff.
“Th’ who?”
“I! The Great and Powerful Trixie!” she exclaimed grandly, rising to her hind legs and striking a dramatic pose. “The most magical of all unicorns! Trixie, who has delighted and entertained ponies from Las Pegasus to Baltimare! Trixie, whose knowledge of the mystical rivals that of the famed Starswirl the Bearded of antiquity! Trixie, who faced down the dreaded Ursa Maj-” she stammered briefly. “-Ursa Minor! Surely you must have heard of Trixie?”
Suddenly Macintosh knew who this bizarre pony was. He had stayed up on the farm when the debacle involving a magician pony and the Ursa Minor happened, but he’d heard the story from his sister, including how Trixie had embarrassed her in front of most of the town. He knew from Applejack’s account of the tale that Trixie had indeed faced the Ursa Minor... and then ran from it like a scalded dog shortly thereafter, leaving Twilight Sparkle to save Ponyville from a disaster all by herself. A rather mean part of Mac wanted to point that fact to the egotistical entertainer, but he decided to be nice and not mention anything regarding Ponyville at all. “Ah, eeyup. Now I remember ya. Now then, if ya want I could give ya a hoof with that wagon-”
“Trixie does not require charity,” she said disdainfully. “Though.... hm. You are clearly a pony looking for work,” she speculated.
“What makes ya think that?” Macintosh asked.
“Why else would you be wearing that, in a place such as Canterlot?” She said, gesturing to the pulling yoke around his neck. “A workhorse in Canterlot is must assuredly looking for some employment. If you help Trixie to the location of her next performance, she would be willing to generously share in the proceeds, for today only.” She grinned. “Five percent seems fair.”
It hardly did, but... Trixie was clearly completely out of her depth, and even if a rather mean voice in the back of his mind suggested that he should leave her to her fate, Mac just couldn’t stand to turn his back on a pony in need, particularly a mare. After a moment’s consideration, he decided to play along and see where this all went. “Eeyup. I’ll do it.”
“Trixie is pleased to hear that!” she said with a satisfied smile. “Hitch up and follow, and Trixie shall show you to the place for the first performance.”
The magician led him to a public square in Canterlot’s bustling, affluent business district where he set up her wagon. One of its sides dropped down, revealing a stage and curtains, along with an array of strange devices that Trixie informed him were pyrotechnics involved in her act. She seemed loathe to let him near them, being trade secrets of hers, so once the stage was set up Macintosh spent about a half hour circulating among the well-heeled business ponies, passing out fliers for Trixie’s act.
At last the time came, and Trixie did her very best to astound the crowd, with fireworks, impressive feats of precision telekinesis, and illusions. Macintosh found those aspects of her act to be quite impressive, when Trixie wasn’t getting in her own way with exalted (and obviously exaggerated) accounts of her adventures and exploits. He could see that the rest of small crowd that had gathered was quickly growing tired of the show, however, and Big Mac’s concerns were confirmed when her hat was passed around at the end of it all.
“Ten Bits?” Trixie exclaimed. “Ten! And three hundred Bits worth of play money from a Ponopoly board game! Who even carries that with them?” Growling, the unicorn kicked at one of the wheels on her wagon. “Ingrates! Trixie has never been so insulted, her performance was astounding!”
“Miss Trixie, beggin’ yer pardon, but I don’ think the act was th’ problem,” Macintosh said as he lifted the side of her wagon and shut it.
“What ever do you mean?” she asked.
“The act was fine. Well... there are a few things that could use a bit o’ work,” he admitted. “But yer magic tricks ‘n all, those were just dandy. I think ya might’ve chosen the wrong audience.”
“But these are some of the wealthiest ponies in Canterlot,” she said. “Trixie has to go where the money is to make a living.”
“These ponies are wealthy, sure ‘nuff,” Macintosh agreed. “But many rich ponies stay rich by bein’ mighty tight w’ their money. They squeeze every Bit until it bleeds. They’re not real inclined to be generous tippers, y’know.”
Trixie’s pursed her lips thoughtfully. “Go on,” she prompted.
“And what’s more, now... I ain’t one to talk bad about other ponies, but I do get the feelin’ that these ponies weren’t real impressed with ya because they’re hard pressed to be impressed with anypony ‘cept themselves, honestly. It’s just how things are here with a lot of th’ fancy ponies,” Macintosh said. “Now... I might have an idea, if yer willin’ to give it a chance.”
The powder-blue unicorn sighed. “Trixie has little to lose.”
Macintosh nodded and hitched himself up to her wagon. “I saw a promisin’ place on th’ way here,” he said. “We can be there in just a bit.”
Macintosh led Trixie not more than a few city blocks back the way they came, until they came to a spacious open park, it’s well-manicured lawns dominated by a large statue of the historical unicorn hero Clover the Clever in its center. A number of school foals were gathered, many too young to even have cutie marks.
“Foals?” Trixie asked in disbelief. “You expect The Great and Powerful Trixie to be able to feed herself playing to foals?”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac affirmed as he began setting up her stage. A few of the young ponies had already begun gathering around in curiosity.
“How? Foals don’t have money.”
“Nope.” Macintosh agreed as he put the finishing touches on the stage. “I’m guessin’ ya ain’ got any foals of yer own?”
“Trixie has no time for such things,” she answered.
“That’s ‘bout what I thought,” Macintosh said. “As ya said, foals ain’t got money. But they do.” He nodded towards a gathering of rather tired-looking adult ponies on the park benches beneath some shade trees, watching over the chaos of the foals at play. “Those are th’ parents. And I figure right about now, they’ve been run pretty ragged tryin’ to keep up w’ their foals, an’ keep ‘em out of trouble. I figure they’d be right generous with anypony who could keep ‘em sittin’ still and entertained for a little while. And I think your show is just the kind of thing young foals would just love t’ see.”
“You really think so?” Trixie asked, sounding slightly skeptical.
“Eeyup. I did help raise two lil’ sisters, after all. And if it goes well word will get around, and ya can play here every day, a few times each day, and make a right tidy sum, I think.”
Trixie sighed. “It is worth a try, Trixie supposes.”
Mac gathered up a stack of fliers and gave her a nod before leaving to drum up some business. “If it don’ work, ya can keep my share of the profits.” Mac said.
But it did work, indeed. As soon as the first volley of fireworks went off, every pony in the park who wasn’t already gathered at the foot of the stage rushed over to see what was happening. Soon what had to be near a hundred foals sat entranced as Trixie wove her magic. They clapped their hooves enthusiastically after every trick, even the ones that were slight misfires. Their eyes were wide as Trixie wove her tales of adventure and magic. Trixie herself was being caught up in the moment, clearly feeding on the energy of her youthful fans. The smug, haughty sneer that had graced her face during the earlier performance was soon replaced by a smile of genuine delight. When the time came to collect Bits at the end of the show, Macintosh actually had to run back to Trixie’s wagon for a bucket, for her hat simply wouldn’t hold the considerable amount of money the grateful parents contributed.
“That was amazing!” Trixie said after the performance as she counted out every gleaming Bit, dropping them into a safe built into the floor of her wagon. “Trixie has never made so much money from a single performance! Nor enjoyed performing so much! They adored Trixie!” The unicorn straightened and, surprisingly, doffed her hat and bowed to Big Mac. “Trixie never thought that a simple work-pony could have such wisdom, but she is in your debt. Is there any chance that Trixie might be able to hire you on full-time, Mr.-?” she never had asked his name, the whole time they’d worked together.
“Macintosh, Ma’am,” he said, bowing his head politely. “And I’m ‘fraid I already have things t’ see to, so no. But with the amount of money ya’ve made here, ya should be able to look into hiring some more long-term help. Keep yer performances here for the summer, and ya should do fine, ‘specially since school lets out soon. Ya might have to look into other arrangements once school starts again and all th’ foals are back in class, but by then ya might have a reputation that’ll serve ya when it comes time t’ cross that bridge.” Mac glanced up at the sun, estimating the time to be early afternoon. He reckoned it would be a good idea to head back up to his rooms at the castle soon. “An’ speakin’ o’ that, I’m ‘fraid I should be goin’ soon.”
She nodded. “Trixie is grateful for all your help.” She counted out some of the bits from the safe. “Trixie agreed to share five percent of the profits with you, Mr. Macintosh, but she feels that you have more than earned ten percent,” she said, sliding him about thirty-five bits, a fairly tidy sum for a few hours of fairly easy work, by Macintosh’s standards.
“Much obliged,” he said, accepting the coins, and dropping them into his bags. Then he smiled and reached back into them, producing a large gleaming golden 100-Bit piece, a small portion of the amount of money he’d withdrawn from the generous payment the Princesses had given to his family. He dropped the coin into the safe as she looked on, wide eyed.“I was mighty entertained by th’ act, Miss Trixie, and I thank ya kindly,” he said with a wink, relishing her astonished face as he turned and trotted off towards the castle.
********************
The shift had changed for the guards at the castle gates, but with the pass Twilight had given him Macintosh had no problems, and was soon trotting through the castle grounds. And it short order, he became lost. The map he’d been provided had no details on what lay inside the castle walls, probably for security reasons, so Mac figured he’d just wander around until he saw something familiar - or got frustrated enough to ask for directions, whichever came first. Before too long, his meanderings brought him to the Royal Gardens.
Big Macintosh had thought that the private gardens of the Princesses would be nothing short of grand, and indeed, the sheer scope of them was impressive. Vast flower beds and ornate water features shared space with intricate topiaries and elegant statues. There were plenty of shade-trees, as well as a large hedge-maze. But upon closer inspection, the farm-pony noticed a few details that gave him pause. The hedges, while generally in good shape, needed a judicious bit of pruning. The lawns definitely needed some weeding, and the flowers didn’t seem to have received any sort of attention at all, judging from the large amount of dead flowers still clinging to the plants. Macintosh figured that the Princesses had the very best gardeners in Equestria at their beck and call... he wouldn’t have expected things like this to slip past them.
Macintosh was so lost in his critical examination that he almost didn’t notice the voice calling his name. He looked up and saw a Twilight Sparkle trotting towards him. “Hey there! Going out or just getting back?” she asked, adjusting a heavy set of saddlebags, bulging with books.
“Hiya Miss... I mean, Twilight,” he said, still feeling slightly sheepish about being so familiar, but she gave him an encouraging smile. “Just gettin’ in, actually. Went out fer lunch and saw a few things in th’ city.”
“Nice! Wish I could’ve given you a personal tour but...” she winced and adjusted the bulging pack on her back again. “...Duty called.”
“Where are my manners, I can take that for ya, Twilight,” he offered.
“I don’t want to be any trouble, I mean, you’re a guest!” she said.
“Ain’t no trouble at all, Ma’am,” he said with a little half-bow. “T’would be m’pleasure, actually.”
Twilight giggled and bit her lip, looking for all the world like a school-filly. “If you’re sure... okay!” Her horn glowed and the heavy book-bag rose from her back and settled onto his broad shoulders, resting comfortably just behind his collar. “That good, right there?”
He nodded. “Not a burden to bear, at all,” he replied with a smile. “What brings ya out here?”
“I like to cut through here on my way back from the Academy,” she said. “It’s kind of the long way home, but I like it. What brings you out here?”
“I got lost on th' way back to my rooms.,” he admitted sheepishly, earning a laugh from her. “But I’d certainly not mind walkin’ ya home myself, pretty confident I can get my bearings from there.”
“Sure thing, I think I’d like the company,” she said, and they set off at a leisurely pace through the gardens. “I think I like it here because of all the trees and flowers, I think they remind me of Ponyville. I mean, I like the architecture of Canterlot, and I grew up here, but I loved being in Ponyville and I like to keep that close to my heart, too.”
“I suppose I can see that,” Macintosh sad. “We sure do miss ya, but we’re also happy for ya, each and every one of us. We are expecting visits, ‘course.”
She grinned. “Just try and keep me away when you and AJ bring out the cider.” She looked ahead, and seemed to spot something. “Awww, I was hoping it had bloomed,” she murmured, sounding a bit disappointed.
Macintosh raised an eyebrow curiously.
“Oh, I mean, here, I’ll show you,” she said, leading him towards a sheltered little area a fair bit away from the walking path. A large tree (a magnolia, Macintosh reckoned from the broad leaves) grew over over a circular bed of mossy ground, its old limbs stretching wide. A group of large rose bushes bordered the shaded area in a rough semicircle. While they appeared fairly robust, Macintosh noted they lacked any new growth or signs of putting out flowers.
Twilight wandered around the tree, her face bemused. “Back when I was a filly and being personally tutored by Princess Celestia, this was my favorite place,” she said. “I used to come here to study or just read for pleasure nearly every day.” She laughed softly. “I’d lose hours here, off in my own little world. I bet if we looked hard enough we could find indentations left in the ground by my rump and whatever book I happened to be reading. Quite a few times, I’d sneak off to the kitchens first and filch a few things and have a little impromptu dinner while I read.” Her eyes suddenly widened. “Hey! I just remembered, I’m going to be done with work early tomorrow. Feel like going out for dinner? It’d give us a chance to catch up on everything, and I know a few nice places,” she offered. “I mean, if you don’t have any other plans.”
Big Mac’s mouth was suddenly quite dry. “Why, uh, I mean....um, no, ma’am, I, uh, I don’t have plans, at all,” he said a little breathlessly. “I’d be right pleased to be with ya. I-I mean t’ go out with ya, get some dinner and such.”
She beamed at him. “Great! Honestly, I was feeling like I was letting you down a bit, as a host and all. This’ll be nice. Just meet me at my tower around five o’clock in the evening tomorrow.”
He nodded vigorously. “Eeyup, that sounds just fine.”
“Excellent. To be honest, it’s probably going to be good for me to get out a bit, anyway.” She made a disgusted face. “Tomorrow, I have an appointment with the Royal Equestrian College of Medicine. I published a paper shortly after I arrived, with some medical ideas and theories based on what I’d learned from Zecora while in Ponyville. Some of it was a little... radical, by conventional wisdom, and the board wishes to ‘discuss these theories in greater detail,’” she said in a clipped voice. “What I actually think that means is I’ve bruised a few egos and they want to put me in my place, the jerks. And of course they want to do this early in the day, as in the crack of dawn, and I am definitely not a morning pony,” she growled, her ears laying flat on her head. She sighed. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to gripe at you, Mac.”
“It’s quite all right, Twilight,” Macintosh assured her gently. “We’ll have ourselves a nice time tomorrow night t’ make up for th’ aggravation.” He touched one of the rose bushes gently with his nose. “What color did th’ roses happen to be?”
“A deep purple, actually,” Twilight responded.
“Indeed,” said a richly musical female voice from behind them. “Not too unlike your coat as I recall, Twilight.”
The pair turned around and found themselves in the presence of Princess Celestia herself. Twilight gracefully dropped to her knees in deference, Macintosh followed much more awkwardly after a brief, stunned delay, awestruck by her presence.
The farm-pony had only seen The Sun Princess in the flesh once before, and that was a brief glimpse from afar in the aftermath of the Summer Sun Celebration incident all those years before that had led to the return of Princess Luna; being in her immediate vicinity was a far different experience. Her height struck Macintosh immediately - he hadn’t had to look up to meet another pony’s eyes since he was a colt. Contrary to his bulky mass, though, she was slender, feminine, sculpted as if from pure white alabaster. Despite her size, it seemed that her golden-shod hooves barely touched the earth as she approached them, the grass completely unmarred by her passage. Her mane and tail seemed to be not hair but coruscating veils of pure rainbow-hued light, perpetually tossed by a breeze that couldn’t be physically felt. The eyes that regarded them were pale violet, and glowed with wisdom, warmth, and mirth.
“Please rise, My Little Ponies,” she addressed them fondly, “It’s far too nice a day to worry about formalities.”
“Princess Celestia,” Twilight Sparkle said after standing, “This is Macintosh Apple, a good friend from Ponyville. He is representing his family at the upcoming Honors Banquet.” Macintosh bowed again at his introduction. Even if she was encouraging informality, he was determined to be polite to the Princess.
She bowed her head deeply in return. “It is a great pleasure to have you here, Macintosh,” she said. “I’ve known the Apple family for years and seen their dedication to their work; this is an honor long overdue, I think.”
“You are too kind, Your Highness,” Macintosh replied, speaking carefully. “And I’m real honored that I’m being allowed to stay in the castle.”
“Think nothing of it,” Celestia said brightly. “It’s always nice to have guests.”
“What brings you to the gardens, Princess?” Twilight asked.
“A few things. Mostly, I saw you and Macintosh from my tower-” she pointed her horn up at the tallest spire, “-And thought it’d be nice to introduce myself before things got too dreary and formal later on. Also, I wanted to let you know that the local Pegasus Weather Corps has rescheduled a few things, and we’re due for a good little rain in about twenty minutes. You might want to be indoors by then.”
“We appreciate th’ warning,” Macintosh said gratefully.
Celestia smiled back at him. “In truth, our gardens certainly need the rain.” She regarded the old rose bushes critically. “About two months ago, our long-time chief gardener, Greenhoof, retired and moved back to her family home in Fillydelphia. Her health was slipping, and it was all rather sudden. And I fear we weren’t prepared to find a suitable pony to take her place.” She turned to Macintosh. “I’m sure you noticed that some things aren’t being taken care of as good as they should be around here.”
He nodded. “I did, Your Highness, though I’m sure you’ll have no trouble finding somepony worthy of the task to take over.”
“You’d be surprised,” Celestia said. “Canterlot is a unicorn city, primarily, and the magic of that which is green, that which grows... that has ever rested within the hooves and hearts of earth ponies.”
“Magic?” Macintosh asked, surprised at her use of the term.
“Just look at what your own family has done with Sweet Apple Acres,” she pointed out. “When I granted that land to your forebears, it was wild, rough, and almost inhospitable. And now... well, who needs to even say it? All of Equestria is enjoying the fruits of your labors, quite literally. What you do is as magical as pegasus flight or unicorn spells.”
Macintosh bowed his head, smiling but silent at her praise.
Celestia smiled and touched her horn to the same rose bush he’d been regarding before. “Many of the trees and plants here, they are like old friends,” she said quietly, her eyes deep and mysterious. “The tree we’re standing under, I remember planting it from seeds taken from its predecessor, over two hundred years ago.”
“Amazing,” Macintosh said. “This whole garden is, I mean. I should love t’ see it once it’s in full flower again.”
The Princess gave him a speculative look. “Good Macintosh, how long were you planning to remain with us here? Don’t think I’m pushing you out the gates, mind, I’m just curious.”
“Why, I...I hadn’t given it much thought, Your Highness,” he said. “I’d like t’ see a few things, I suppose, before I went back to Ponyville. This is my first time away from home, ever.”
“An adventure,” Celestia said, her eyes sparkling. She nodded, as if confirming something to herself. “I’d like to make you an offer, Mr. Macintosh. On a temporary basis, how would you feel about remaining with us a while, and overseeing the task of bringing our gardens back to their former glory? Now, I stress, this is an offer, and a request, not a command,” she said gently. “You are under no obligation to accept, and even if you do, you will be free to leave at any time. And of course, you will be paid a stipend for your work, matching the compensation Greenhoof and those that did the job before her received. We have seen what you are capable of, and we know you are more than equal to the task.”
Macintosh was stunned. The Princess was personally offering him a job? “I... I would...” he took a deep breath. “If it’s temporary? I mean... I’d have to check with m’ sister back in Ponyville, make sure she doesn’t mind me bein’ away for a while longer, Your Highness... and I’d want to be back for Applebuck Season, at least.”
“Of course, I’d expect nothing less,” Celestia replied. “So... tentatively?”
He glanced over at Twilight, who gave him a huge smile of encouragement. Macintosh took another deep breath, and bowed. He felt he was getting better at that. “If it can all be worked out... I’d be honored, Princess Celestia.”
“Wonderful!” The Royal Pony said, smiling broadly. “We will, of course, ensure that Applejack has help to compensate for your extended absence.” She turned to Twilight Sparkle. “Twilight, when you get a chance, could you perhaps go over to the School of Agriculture and talk to a pony named Mayflower? She’s the Dean there. Ask her, per my request, to choose one of her best first-year undergraduates to send to an internship at Sweet Apple Acres.”
Twilight nodded. “Of course, Princess.”
Celestia glanced at Macintosh, and suddenly chuckled merrily. “On second thought, ask her to select three undergraduates.... our Macintosh here is quite a stallion, isn’t he?”
Twilight shared the laugh, and gave his shoulder a gentle touch with her own. Macintosh could only smile and duck his head a little. It was a little embarrassing, but it was clearly all in good humor.
Celestia glanced up at the sun, suddenly obscured by a few small clouds. “Oh, but you two should be going,” she said. “The rain will be coming soon.” She nodded to Big Mac once more. “Again, thank you, Macintosh.”
“It’s my honor, Princess,” he said.
“It’s always nice talking to you, Princess,” Twilight said. She turned to Macintosh. “You’re still going to walk me the rest of the way home?”
“Of course,” he replied.
She smiled in return. “Such a gentlecolt,” she said, before leading him back to the walking path.
Princess Celestia watched the two young ponies depart. The were so young, those two... there were certain things in the air that they couldn’t quite feel at work.
Celestia was not young, except perhaps at heart. She could feel what was happening. She’d seen it many times in the past, after all.
She couldn’t keep the smile from her face as they trotted out of sight together. “You are such a naughty pony, Celestia,” she said to herself with a little laugh, “But it’s fun.” The smile didn’t leave her face as she flew up to her tower while mentally composing her reply to Applejack’s letter.
To Be Continued......
***********
Many thanks to my three pre-readers/plotting saviors, Badriddance, Calliope, and They-Call-Me-Orange. If this is any good, it’s probably because of them!
Regards,
TheDoktor