Star Dust grunted as he pulled the plow through the dirt, feeling the hot rays of Celestia’s sun bearing down on him. Since he had reached his eighth year, his father had concluded that it was time for him to start doing more of the hard work around the farm. Needless to say, Star hated every second of it. He would much rather be pondering on that idea. He panted and struggled to take another step forward, the plow barely budging.
He muttered under his breath, deciding it was best to take a break. Star glanced around the field, noting his father tilling the far side. His sister, Dust Bowl, was busy planting seeds behind him. She stopped once she got to his plow. She trotted around it and gave him a frown.
“Star, thou can not be lollygagging around when there is so much work to be done,” she scolded.
“’Tis heavy!” he complained, kicking at the plow with a back hoof.
“It has to be to till the fields,” she said. “Thou art an earth pony, and a stallion. Thou must learn to pull it with ease.”
Star pouted at her, resuming his task with a grunt. He knew better than to put up a fight, his family depended on their crops and everypony had to be useful. He struggled for every step, sweat pouring off his body. This continued for hours, and Star collapsed into a heap when his mother called out that it was time for supper.
“Come now,” Dust Bowl prodded, poking at his side. “’Tis time for supper.” When he refused to move, she pushed her head under him, sliding him onto her back. “Thou art getting too big to be carried.”
“S-sorry, Sister,” he panted out, “but I cannot move my legs.” He tried to move them, only succeeding in making them twitch.
Dust Bowl rolled her eyes, trotting towards the house. “Thy legs will adapt in time,” she assured, giving him a slight smile. “But thou cannot stop before supper, father will be most displeased.”
Star pouted and looked down at the ground. “But ’tis too hard to do that. The plow is bigger and heavier than I am.”
“Dost thou think it was any different for father?” she question, stepping inside the hovel. The Dust family home consisted of a measly three rooms. A large bedroom for the adults and a smaller room for the children, on either side of the kitchen.
“I suppose not,” he replied with a sigh as she let him down from her back. He tested his legs, trotting to the kitchen to wash his hooves in the wash bucket. Once the dirt was removed, he took his seat at the table, sniffing at the pot his mother had set upon it.
“’Tis vegetable soup and fried potatoes,” his mother informed, setting up four plates and placing them around the table. His mother smiled at him, the white of her teeth standing out against her grayish-pink fur. She took her seat and brushed her white mane over her shoulder with a hoof. “Didst thou enjoy the field work?”
Star forced a smile and poked a t his meal. “Of course, Mother. ’Twas very rewarding.” Her smile became a knowing one, and he quickly looked away. He picked up a piece of potato and scarfed it down. “It worked up quite the hunger as well.”
His mother chuckled, sipping at her soup. “’Tis honest work, Star Dust. Many ponies rely on our crops.”
“I know, Mother,” Star replied, eating another piece of potato. “And it is what keeps us fed.”
“Aye, ’tis much more rewarding than mining,” his father, Rock Dust, added. The older stallion sat down at the head of the table, giving his soup a scowl. “Where be the salt?”
“Hold on, Dear.” His mother, Earth Salt, got up from the table and grabbed a bowl with salt in it. “I swear, thou shalt become salt with the way thou consume it.”
The light brown stallion took the bowl and threw a couple pinches onto his meal. His light whitish-gray mane was cropped short. “I like what I like.” Star snickered at the interaction, taking a long sip from his bowl. Rock turned to his son. “Thy work was good for thy first day. Do not feel disheartened by thy need for rest before supper.”
Star frowned, staring into his soup. “But father... what if I am not supposed to be a farmer?”
“And what dost thou think thou art meant to be?” Rock asked, raising a skeptical brow.
Star watched a piece of barley float lazily past a carrot. He didn’t exactly know how to answer the question. Whatever he was supposed to do, he knew it wasn’t farming.
“Know this, Son,” Rock said, pulling Star out of his thoughts. “I shall not dissuade thee from these thoughts. But thy first duty is to us, thy family. And the family that thou shalt go on to create.”
Star nodded, glancing up. “Of course father, family is important.”
“Good, then pursue thy interests when thou art done with thy chores. If they do not hurt the family, I see no reason for thou to not do them.” Rock went back to eating.
Star beamed, taking to his meal with gusto. When he slurped up the last of the soup, he pushed it away, turning his gaze to his mother. “May I be excused?”
“Yes, you may.” His mother smiled and nodded. Star nearly bolted out of his seat, leaving his family to their meal. Star scrounged up a shovel and a bucket, beginning the walk down to the river. Earth smiled and chuckled. “I know not where he gets his enthusiasm, but ’tis a joy to see.”
Rock peered after the colt, a bemused expression on his face. “What dost thou think he’s up to?”
“I have seen him drawing strange things lately, but he will not divulge what they are,” Earth informed. “Perhaps it is related to that?”
Rock hummed, stroking his moderate beard. “Perhaps I should have a talk with him.”
“Aye, we cannot let him hurt himself,” Earth agreed.
Star sat by the river, digging his little stream. It was slow going with his sore muscles, but he persevered. If all worked well, he’d be able to pursue his passions, and make his family's lives easier at the same time. His body was getting caked with muck, but that didn’t matter. He could always just wash it off in the shallows of the river.
He tossed the shovel away, climbing out of the glorified ditch. It was shallower towards the river, ending in a hole at least two feet deep. After a quick overview of his work, he gave a kick to the wall separating the river from the stream. The dirt crumbled slightly and a spigot of water started entering his ditch. He kicked the wall again, increasing the flow.
Star smiled, watching the ditch fill up. Once he was satisfied, Star leaned down, grasping a bar of wood with his mouth. Looking along the ditch, he dropped it in something near the middle. Instead of doing as he wished, it merely floated down into the hole.
“Hmm, perhaps something a bit bigger?” He wondered aloud, watching the ripples in the stream as the block of wood bobbed at the bottom. He looked around, spotting a dead tree at the edge of the farm. It had stopped bearing fruit long before his birth. It seemed perfect to adjust for his purposes. He rushed back to his home, gripping the axe off the stump his father used to cut firewood in his teeth.
“Star Dust!” His father’s voice called out, nearly making him drop the axe. “What dost thou think thou art doing?”
Star spat the axe out of his mouth before speaking. “I am doing as thou told me, Father. I am pursuing my passions and by doing so, I will make our lives better.” Star smiled at his father. “I just need to borrow the axe to do this.”
Rock Dust trotted other, grabbing the axe. “I also told thee never to touch my axe.”
“Please father, I would not touch it unless I had good reason to,” Star looked down in thought for a moment. He looked up, an idea striking him. “Father, thou art teaching me to work the fields, so perhaps thou could watch me and teach me to use the axe as well?”
Rock Dust stared down at him for a moment. Rock let out a grunt, gesturing to the stump. “Best to keep thee from hurting thyself.”
“Thank thee father!” Star beamed and got in front of the stump. “I promise thee, thou shalt be proud when my project is complete.”
“Aye,” Rock grunted. They spent the rest of the evening working, with Rock taking the opportunity to get the week’s firewood chopped. It left Star exhausted, though filled with a sense of accomplishment. Star let out a yawn, as he and Rock reentered the house. Rock patted his head and sent him to bed. “I know not what thou art planning, but it is certainly interesting.”
Star smiled tiredly, wobbling to his bed. “Good night, father.”
“Good night, Son.” Rock cracked a small smile and walked to his own bed. Star climbed onto his bed, eyeing his parents’ room. From the soft sounds of breathing, he could tell Dust Bowl was already asleep. Once the home was quiet, and the moon's light poured in through the window, Star slipped out of bed, slinking outside. His body protested as he grabbed the axe again, but he pressed on. He also grabbed a lantern and sat it on his back. He trotted back to the dead tree and resumed his work, his head bobbing as he fought to stay awake. Hours passed and Princess Celestia’s sun peeked out over the horizon.
Star slumped under a tree, finally passing out. He stirred some time later, hearing a lot of angry voices approaching. He slowly got to his hooves, seeing the village had come and were looking down at him. The baron of the land was leading the mob. The baron was a light blue unicorn with a well coiffed navy blue mane. He had yellow eyes that were staring daggers down at Star. On his head rested a copper and onyx circlet, a symbol of his station.
Star looked between them, stuttering out a, “Good morn.” He bowed his head, making sure not to look the baron in the eyes.
“’Twould be a good morn were it not for our river being blocked.” The baron pointed a hoof at the structure that Star had spent the night building. “Now the water wheel has stopped moving.”
Rock Dust rushed over, giving Star a look that just screamed ‘thou art in deep trouble.’“Baron Purse,” he began, turning his attention to the unicorn, “We art sorry for any trouble our son has caused. He is still young, barely able to till the fields.”
“Sir, the river’s blockage is a temporary thing,” Star chimed. “I wanted to stop the flooding every year.” Star walked over to his structure, pulling on a pulley to lift up a gate. The river started to flow again, much to the relief of the crowd. “We can control the river with this!” Star proclaimed proudly, beaming at them.
Coin Purse’s harsh look did not go away. “Didst thou truly create this? Or art thou stealing the credit from somepony else?” Coin Purse looked out at the assembled crowd.
Star frowned, pursing his lips. “Of course I did,” he protested, “I stayed up through the night to make it.”
“I highly doubt that,” Coin scoffed, looking out around the crowd. “Though, I would also doubt that anypony else assembled here could accomplish this.”
“It was me!” Star shouted, stamping his hoof.
Coin got into Star’s face, arching a brow. “Didst thou just raise thy voice at thy baron?” Star stumbled back, his ears pressed against his head. Coin raised his head again, turning away from the colt. “No matter, the river is flowing and thus I will be able to collect from the farmers. Finding out who created what can come later.”
“But, I did...” Star argued, daring to question the baron.
Rock put a hoof on Star’s shoulder, shaking his head. He pulled his son close, signalling that the matter was over. Star hung his head, feeling tears building up in his eyes.
Rock patted his son’s back, leaning down to whisper in his ear. “We shall know the truth. His acknowledgement means nothing.” Star nodded, wiping at his eyes. He glared at Coin Purse, swearing on Faust’s name he’d become more important than him.
The crowd dispersed as Coin left to return to his estate. The Dust family walked to their own home together. Once inside, they all looked down at Star.
Star shuffled, staring at his hooves. “I’m sorry, I almost got us in trouble.”
“That may be true, but thou hast helped the entire village,” Rock said. “That is something I cannot deny. Thou hast a real gift, Star.” Rock’s look then hardened. “But I will not allow thee to work on these projects through the night again. Thou still has a responsibility to do thy chores. Now, get some sleep, thou shalt need it for thy work today.”
Dust giggled, getting their attention. “I think Star should check his flanks first.”
Star looked down and saw that a cutie mark had appeared without him noticing. He did not quite know what it was, but that did not matter. He jumped for joy and let out a loud whoop. The mark consisted of a central circle, half blue, half red, surrounded by three rings, each holding a smaller dot.
“I am proud of thee, Son.” Earth smiled and ruffled his mane. “May thy work continue to improve as thou grows.” Star leaned into her hoof, and for a brief moment, everything was fine. “But thou art getting less helpings at meals today as punishment for sneaking out,” she informed, not slowing her rubbing of his head.
Celestia stepped out of her chariot as she overlooked the small village. She had heard reports that somepony had created a way to alter the flow of a river without damming it. She looked up, spying the baron of the land’s estate.
“With me,” she spoke to her guards, not needing to look back to know they were forming behind her. She trotted towards the estate, smiling at all the villagers that poked their heads out of their homes. She continued towards the estate, knocking on the baron’s door.
A few moments passed before it opened, revealing an older, brown stallion. “Yes?”
“Hello, sir,” Celestia greeted, smiling. “We had heard stories of a creation here. And we would like to ask baron Coin Purse about it.” Ever the one to be polite, Celestia made sure to memorize the name of all the ruling barons and dukes, even the more obscure ones. Coin Purse fell into the latter category.
The butler bowed. “I shall see if he will grant thee audience, Your Majesty. Though, I am sure that he would be happy to have thee as his guest.” The butler turned and trotted into the home.
Celestia hummed a tune to herself, examining the village. Like most, it was full of hovels, with just enough life space to be called a home. It always bothered her that the higher class treated everypony else so poorly. She examined the baron’s home. He certainly didn’t lack for space. It was two stories tall, which made it the tallest building in the village. It was constructed of wood and was well taken care of. It had banners with Coin Purse’s crest hanging from several places.
The butler returned, bowing as he stood in front of Celestia. “Master Coin Purse is waiting for thee. He is most excited that thou hast deigned to visit the estate today.” The butler turned and motioned for her to follow. She nodded, stepping inside. Two of her guards took up positions on either side of the door. The butler led her into a sitting room where Coin Purse was waiting for her with a fresh kettle of tea.
“Good morn,” Celestia greeted, inclining her head. “It has been far too long, Coin Purse.”
“Greetings, Princess!” Coin got up from his seat and bowed. “And do not worry about the time. Thou art so busy, I am just glad that thou can remember a baron of a village such as this.”
She waved him off, taking a seat on a nearby chair. “I have heard tell of a new invention in thy village.”
“Ah yes, our ‘floodgate’ as we of the village have taken to calling it,” the baron said, using his magic to pour her a cup of tea. “It should prove rather useful once the pegasi come for our scheduled rainy season. Unfortunately, Wheatgrass Farms was damaged during last year’s in an unforeseen flood and set the village back during the winter.” He put on a sad face and shook his head. “But, tragedies like that should no longer occur.” His smile returned.
Celestia lifted her teacup, taking a sip. “Dost thou know who created this... ‘floodgate?’”
“Nopony has taken credit for it,” Coin said, putting his cup down and shaking his head. “Aside from a young Earth pony colt that is.”
She tilted her head, interest piqued. “Oh?”
“Yes, son of a former miner turned vegetable farmer. The family has no education. In all likelihood it’s a tall tale he cooked up for attention.” Coin waved his hoof in a lazy circle.
Celestia nodded, placing her cup down. “Still, I would like to meet this foal. Even if he didn’t make it, he might know who did.”
Coin nodded. “Of course, Princess.” Coin bowed in his seat. “Their home is closest to the river. It is a modest lodging, no more than three rooms.”
Celestia rose up, gesturing to the door. “After you.”
Coin bowed again and led her back into the village. The two of them stopped in front of the small hovel, Coin stepping to the side. Celestia raised her hoof, rapping on the rather flimsy looking door. The door rattled in its place, but held. A moment later, Earth Salt answered it, gaping as she saw Celestia.
She recovered quickly and bowed. “G-greetings, Princess.”
Celestia smiled, biding her with a hoof to rise. “Good morn to thee.”
“Good morn, Princess,” Earth said. “Why hast thou come to my home?”
“I have heard that there was a colt here who claims to have created thy village’s ‘floodgate’,” Celestia explained, “I would like to meet him.”
“Of course, Princess,” Earth said, an excited smile on her face. “He is out in the fields.” Earth trotted out of the home and led Celestia to the fields where the rest of the family was working. She pointed out Star for the princess.
“Excuse me, young colt,” Celestia called, her voice causing the family to pause. They all turned to her, expressions of shock dawning on them. “May I have a word?”
Star gaped, but moved towards her as if moved by an unseen force. He gave her a shaky bow and asked, “Why wouldst thou wish to speak to me, Princess?”
She leaned down, looking into his eyes. “We hath heard you claim to have built the floodgate. Is this true?”
“Yes, Princess!” Star perked up. “I stayed up through the night creating it!”
“Do not lie to the princess!” Coin Purse barked, glaring at the colt. “Can’t you mud ponies do anything right?”
Celestia turned back to the baron, a quiet fire starting to burn in her eyes. She put on her sweetest smile and asked, “Excuse us, Baron Coin. We do believe we hath misheard thee. What was it that thou just called one of our precious subjects?”
Coin Purse gulped, his ears splaying back. “I well...er...” he stuttered over his words, desperately looking for a way out.
“Well, out with it,” Celestia said. “We wish to know what thou called this colt.” She rested a hoof on Star’s shoulder, boring holes in Coin’s head.
“A mud pony...” Coin Purse admitted, wilting under her gaze.
“So we did not mishear thee,” Celestia said, the fire becoming an inferno. “Now we must ask this, why didst thou call this colt such a horrific slur?”
Coin sputtered, looking between the two. “He is merely a peasant! What use besides working in the mud does he have?”
“Is that truly thy view of things?” Celestia asked. “Thou art truly an ignorant pony, Coin. We hereby strip thee of thy title and claim to nobility. It is thy turn to work in the mud. Perhaps this will teach thee humility.”
Coin gaped, staring at her like she had just insulted his mother. “Y-you can’t do that!!” he stomped his hoof, looking like an oversized foal. “Thou hast no right!”
“We have every right,” Celestia said, flaring her wings out. “We art the princess of this land. Thine authority is an extension of our own. As such, we can rescind it as we see fit.” Coin Purse let out a strained growl, storming off.
“Thank thee for defending me,” Star chimed with a smile. He immediately bowed his head. “Your Majesty.”
“Think nothing of it, little one,” Celestia told him, patting his head. “It is our duty to defend each and every single one of our subjects.” He blushed, sneaking a peek up at her. He was greeted by the sight of her warm smile.
“So um, dost thou believe me?” he asked, scratching his cheek. “Dost thou believe I made the floodgate?”
Celestia turned her head toward the river. “I will give thee a chance to prove thyself.”
“How wouldst thou like me to do that, Your Majesty?” Star inquired, following her gaze.
Celestia gazed down at him, her smile never waning. “Show me how thou did it, young one.”
Star walked over to the river, indicating the ditch filled with water. “I started small. I used this small stream I made to test a smaller version of the gate. After a few tests I found that this…” He walked over to the pulley, “...contraption was the best way to control the flow.”
“And what dost thou call that contraption?”
“Well, I pull on it, so I call it a pulley,” Star answered, batting the rope and smiling.
Celestia chuckled, impressed by the colt’s ingenuity. “What is thy name young one?”
“I be Star Dust, Your Majesty,” he answered with a bow.
“Dost thou have thine cutie mark, Star Dust?” She tilted her head, gazing at his flank.
“Yes!” He beamed, showing off his mark. “I know not what it is yet, but I know it means I must continue creating things like this!” Curious, Celestia moved in closer, scrutinizing the mark.
“I apologize young Star, but I do not know what thine mark means.”
“Do not worry, Princess,” Star waved off, “I will discover it myself one day.”
Celestia pondered for a moment, eyeing the floodgate closely. “Tell me Star Dust, dost thou get ideas such as this often?”
“Every so often,” he replied. “This is the first time I’ve succeeded in building something though.” Celestia nodded, gazing over his handy work. She doubted he had any sort of education, barring what he needed for farm work. Still, there was no doubt that he had talent. And a talent like this couldn’t be wasted.
“Tell us, Star, how wouldst thou like to become our student?” she asked, looking into his eyes.
Star stared at her, his body frozen. She simply smiled, waiting for him to process the request.
“Yes!” He nodded emphatically. “I would love to learn from thee!” He wilted slightly. “But... why wouldst thou want me? I’m not a unicorn.”
“Thou hast potential of thy own,” Celestia replied. “Thou may not be a unicorn, but thou hast a sharp mind.” She stroked his mane. “A mind that deserves to be nurtured.” Star shuffled, his gaze locked on the grass. Celestia’s smile grew. “Star Dust, Coin Purse was a unicorn, correct?” Star nodded in agreement. “And was he able to create something like thy floodgate?”
Star shook his head. “No, he wasn’t. I hath never seen him build anything.”
Celestia gently placed a wing on his back. “See? Thou art unique. Thou deserve to have thy mind nurtured.”
“Thank thee, Princess.” Star gave her a bright smile. “When can I begin my studies?”
“Thine parents must consent first,” she informed, gently nudging him towards the hovel.
Star nodded, his smile faltering for a moment. He trotted towards his home. He walked through the doorway. He found his parents, his father washing his hooves while his mother chopped vegetables.
“Mother, Father,” Star spoke up. “There is something I need to tell thee.”
Rock paused his scrubbing, gazing over at Star. “Art thou alright son?”
“I am fine, Father. I merely have important news for the two of thee.” Star shifted on his hooves. “The princess has offered to make me her student.”
Earth dropped her knife, staring at her son with wide eyes. “Truly thou jests!”
“No, Mother,” Star shook his head, “the princess was sincere in her offer.” He paused. “At least, I believe she was.”
“And what would being her student entail?” Rock asked, stroking his beard.
Star frowned, poking at the floor. He didn’t actually know how to answer that. What would being Celestia’s student entail? He paused, his eyes widening in realization. He’d have to... leave.
Earth looked down at her son and frowned. She then gave him a soft smile before turning to her husband. “Perhaps we should ask the princess herself what is expected of Star?”
Rock was already moving towards the door. He inclined his head towards the princess, casting his eyes at the ground. “Star tells us thou dost wish to take him as thine student.”
“This is true,” Celestia replied with a smile. “He has shown an aptitude for invention with no formal education at all. We believe that he can go on to change Equestria for the better if his mind is nurtured.”
Rock nodded, feeling a swell of pride. “He’ll be leaving with thou?”
“That is correct.” Celestia nodded. “Of course, he may visit regularly. A growing foal cannot be expected to spend too much time away from his family. And we art sure he wouldst love to talk thy ear off about his lessons.” She smiled at the thought.
Rock looked over his shoulder, spying his family in the doorway. “None of the Dust family has ever left the island.” To think his own flesh and blood was getting taken to Canterlot, by the princess no less. “’Tis almost a dream.”
“Thy son has earned this,” Celestia told Rock, her smile growing. “We foresee a bright future for him.” Celestia looked past Rock and saw Star poking his head out of the home, his eyes sparkling with hope. “And we art sure he is as spectacular as he is due to thy efforts.”
Rock grunted at Star, gesturing for him to join them. Star trotted over, stopping a couple feet from his father.
“Yes, Father?” Star asked, sitting on his haunches and looking up at Rock.
Rock grasped his son by the shoulders, gazing into his eyes. “Star Dust, I want thou to go with the princess. Thou art a gift son, and thou would be wasted here.”
“But, Father,” Star gasped, “what of my chores on the farm? Will the three of you be fine without me?”
Rock pulled Star close, patting his back. “Fear not son, we will make do. We always have, and we always will.” He pulled away, leaving the poor colt reeling. “Keep in mind, thy duty is always to thine family.”
Tears welled up in Star’s eyes as he wrapped his forelegs around his father and buried his face in his chest. “Of course, Father. And I shall make thee proud. I will learn everything I can. Then I’ll make things for everypony, not just the village.”
Rock smiled, gently stroking his son's head. “Aye Star Dust, thou will make the world a much better place.”
Star pulled away from his father with a small smile forming on his face. He nodded before turning to Celestia. “When will I be leaving?”
“Thou can leave in the morning,” Celestia told him with a smile of her own. “Thou can have one more night among thy family before thy training begins. Thou may not see them for some time.”
Star nodded, rubbing at his eyes. “Thank thee, Princess. I will be ready to depart in the morn, I promise.”
“We art glad to hear it,” Celestia said, turning to leave. “We will return an hour after we raise the sun. Now, we must be off.” She looked over at the guards. “Sterling, Luminous, please send word to the others that we will be making camp here tonight.” The guards saluted and galloped off.
The Dusts watched the princess take her leave, stunned into silence. Dust Bowl went over to her brother’s side and put a hoof on his shoulder.
“Looks like thou won’t have to worry about learning to use the plow after all,” she said with a soft smile.
Star sniffled and hugged his sister. “No, it would seem I don’t.” He nuzzled her leg, the reality of his new circumstances finally hitting him. “I will miss thee while I’m gone.”
Dust Bowl nuzzled his head, letting out a long sigh. “I’ll miss thee too, little brother.”
Earth and Rock joined in on the hug. “We will be with thee in spirit, Star, always,” his mother assured, stroking his head. The family remained in their embrace for a few more moments before pulling away. “Now, let’s have one last dinner together before thou leaves for thy lessons.” Earth pulled away and started cooking, humming happily with misty eyes.