Earlier that same day, Applejack ran at a steady pace through the streets of Tranquility. With it being high noon in a city that venerated the Night Sister, the ponies who could get away with it slept the day away. As a result, the vast majority of houses she ran by were heavily shuttered and sound-proofed, but too many jobs required daylight for the city to truly ever sleep.
What that did mean, was that the streets were not as crammed with ponies as Canterlot would be, making Applejack’s gallop far easier. She toed the line between the industrial sector and the leading edges of downtown. With each passing building she counted the address numbers. Not because she didn’t know the way, but because it excited her all the more. Perched upon her head was a sailor’s blue flat hat from her naval days.
She flew by a few familiar faces, passing along what brief greetings she felt obligated to give, but there was only one group of ponies she needed to see far and above all others: her family.
The satchels stuffed with her belongings nearly smacked her in the back of the head when she came to a skidding halt in front of a business with living quarters stacked above it. It had taken her well over an hour to reach it, but by all that was holy she was here at last. “The Clanking Apple; a sight for sore eyes.” With a few tears in her eyes and a stupid grin cleaving her face, Applejack charged in the open bay door off to the side after hearing raised voices.
“You’re not seeing the big picture Macintosh. Oil engines are the future!” Came a shill masculine voice. As Applejack closed in on the open bay door, she saw a rickety contraption that looked like it ran into a brick wall.
“Be that as it may,” came the welcome drawl of her brother, spurring Applejack along. “But we’re in the fixin’ business, not the inventin’. I’ll fix your road-engine all you want, but I ain’t got the spare slips to invest in anything. Sure thing or not.”
Applejack remained silent with a smirk plastered on her muzzle as she crossed into the repair shop and leaned against the frame so she was within both stallions’ peripheral view.
Big Mac’s bright red coat peeked out from underneath worn out overalls and black shirt that were covered in old soot and lubricant stains. The tool arm he always wore was right where Applejack expected it, strapped to his left side with a tool box on the right to balance the weight.
The beige pegasus opposite him was thinner than most and wore a single leather saddlebag. The shrill old stallion was long past his flying years, but his sharp eyes and the energy behind his voice belied his stubborn vigor. “I don’t need too much to give you a percentage. Just something until I get a working model for the patent office.”
Big Mac rubbed his jaw, clearly interested, but his wrinkled brow spoke of deep caution. “I - I - I don’t know, Gold Trestle. After Night Breeze’s venture went under-” He halted once Applejack caught his eye. Upon being spotted, she flicked her navy hat slightly off center. “By the stars, AJ! Ya sea cat, you’re back five months early!”
“Shucks, more than that, Big Mac. I’m back for good.”
Gold Trestle had the good sense to not get in the siblings’ way as they raced to embrace each other. Applejack still remembered how to avoid getting pinched by the steel arm as she hugged her overgrown brother.
After both earth ponies finished squeezing the life out of each other, Big Mac pulled away first. “Applebloom and Granny’ll be tickled ta death you’re here. But-”. His sister’s words and the satchels clogged with too many personal effects finally registered. “Whatta ya mean back for good? I thought you had years to go.”
Applejack glanced at Gold Trestle, weary of his presence. “I’ll give ya the details later. But if all goes bad or good, I’m here for at least a good long while.”
Tutting at the perceived sour look he got, Gold Trestle shuffled over. “Now don’t go holding back at my expense. I’ll be off to let you two catch up.” He focused on the brother. “Granted I know the last venture you invested in wasn’t a success, but give me at least a night or day to think it over. I’m close. I can feel it in these old bones, and by my honor, this revolution will be my magnum opus!”
“I’ll sleep on it,” Big Mac said with polite dismissal.
Gold bowed his head with some effort before walking away with an old limp.
Applejack barely waited for him to leave before circling her brother and making for the stairs that would lead up to the kitchen. She had to hop over a few bits of loose parts and one too many fresh oil stains from Gold’s broken invention nearby. “Land sakes it’s great ta be back. Could use a bit a cleanin’ though.”
Ignoring the playful jab, Big Mac trotted over to lay his rigging down on a workbench. Between it and his broad frame, it was far too wide to walk through the narrow rooms of the living areas. “Eyup. And now that you’re back. After you catch up on things, I got a rag and some turpentine with your name on it.”
“S’long as my new boss don’t come a’ callin’. You’re not gonna believe your ears.”
Rolling his shoulders now that the weight was off, Big Mac walked back to the bay doors and yanked on a pulley to close up shop. “Well if the news is that big, ya might as well wake up Granny an’ Applebloom. Some lost shut eye ain’t nothin’.”
Barely half an hour later, both a young energetic filly and a crotchety old mare were camped out in the kitchen along with the others. Granny Smith wore an apron as she diced up some stringy veggies and a few choice apples for a dinner salad. Big Mac helped her out with some baked fish and the kitchenware while Applebloom stood on her chair, propped up into the table while Applejack regaled for hours about everything of interest from her two year absence. It was only with the last voyage that her family got any minute details.
“So ya think this Twilight will get the boot!” Applebloom half cheered. The little filly had dreamed many times of ripping her sister’s contract apart. That fervent wish had kept her going on cold nights when food was hard to come by.
“Ah don’t rightly know.” Applejack drank from her watered down, yet hot coffee. It was foul and grey, but at least it was familiar. Homely, such as it was. “I wouldn’t hold my breath.”
A disgruntled snort wafted from the ancient mare. Granny waggled a wrinkly hoof at her orange granddaughter. “Ah still can’t believe you let an Equestrian buy your contract. Boot or no boot, she’s trouble. Ain’t not one of them worth a squirrel fart.”
“Now Granny,” Big Mac said placatingly. “She freed a whole bunch of our boys in green.”
“Only to save her own hide!” Granny rebuked sharply. She leered at Applejack, making her sweat a bit. “You keep your head on, girl. If the Throne don’t give her the boot, you watch her like a hawk.” She spun around and started scooping the veggies up into a big, thin wooden serving bowl before setting it down on the kitchen table. “I bet you a month’s taxes she’s a spy. Or at least a fair-weather idealist that’ll high tail it back home the moment she thinks she won’t get prison time.”
It wasn’t the impression Applejack got from the pegacorn, but she kept her feelings quiet as Big Mac set a smaller bowl in front of her. “I will, Granny. But just don’t speak ill of my boss in front of the Pink One. She about took my head off for holding Twilight back a bit.”
Applebloom’s reply was cut short by a shrill doorbell that got a bit of a jolt out of Applejack. “When could we afford a doorbell?”
“Did a favor for it,” was all Big Mac would say as he leaned over the counter to peek at an angled outside mirror that allowed him to see guests at the shop door. “Pink face. Pink mane.” He turned back towards Applejack. “This ain’t that Pinkamena is it?”
Half dreading the truth, Applejack was not one to shy away from it. She joined her brother at the window and scowled at what she saw. “Speak of the blinded and they come a swingin’. That’s her alright.” She let off a groaning sigh. “Can’t even have dinner before I gotta see her face again.” Applejack made for the door. “I better see what she wants.”
“Is Pinkamena really that scary?” Applebloom inquired worriedly as her older sister walked by.
“Intense is more the word I would use,” the sailor remarked in passing.
Granny Smile then swatted Applejack’s hoof away from the door handle. “You sit your keister right back down. I don’t care who she is, ye’re gettin’ a night with your kin and no pony gonna say otherwise.”
“Granny, you know what my contract demands,” Applejack half-heartedly complained.
The elderly mare was having none of it and barged her way past the defeated sailor and stormed down the stairs as fast as her aching hip allowed, fussing at the air and whipping temper up something fierce.
Grimacing, Applejack followed after her, hoping to limit whatever damage Granny Smith was about to unleash.
Pinkamena wondered if she should ring the buzzer button again. The concept had a magical equivalent in Equestria, but none of those sounded as shrill. She checked the note depicting the business name and address, then up to the sign hanging off the wall above the storefront. This should be the place. She glanced up at the darkening sky, weary of being out after dark, or worse, leaving Twilight alone in a strange land.
The sharp clacking of open block locks pulled her attention back to the door. It cracked open just even for a wrinkled, irate, green mare to poke her head out. Wispy thin strands of grey hair had fallen loose from her bun. “Whatcha want, youngin?” The question was as sour as her face.
Remembering she was representing aristocracy, Pinkamena easily slid into the air of a servant who exuded pride and dignity. Briefly closing her eyes in a respectful bow, Pinkamena locked eyes with the elder. “Salutations, madam, I am here on an errand for Lady Twilight Sparkle. May I speak with Miss Applejack? It is my understanding she is here.”
“Well she ain’t.” Granny Smith nodded curtly and started to shut the door.
A troubled look fell over Pinkamena, and the untangling of some of her curly hair. Where Twilight lacked social acumen, Pinkamena could read a pony like a book. “Forgive me, but you look much like how Applejack described her grandmother. You’re Granny Smith, correct?”
“I am, so what of it?” Hoping to discourage and further questions, Granny leveled her best evil eye.
It might have worked with others, but Pinkamena was following Twilight’s direct orders, softly put they might have been. No evil eye outside that of a gorgon would stop her. “You seem more irate at me, and not at the possibility Applejack is missing. So if I am to take you at your word, then you’re implying Applejack is a liar.”
Granny Smith sputtered and was taken aback as if she had been slapped. “Now you listen here!”
“No you listen!” Applejack prodded Granny away so she could yank the door all the way open without harming her. “I’ll not be called a liar just to have a day off!” She growled at both of them. “I’m here, okay?”
Pinkamena brightened and spoke as if Granny Smith had never said a word to her. Her hair went poofy again and she nearly jumped for joy. In stopping herself, Pinkamena felt an odd short-lived euphoria that threatened to erode her composure. “Oh wonderful, I found you! Lady Twilight requires your presence at the old griffin embassy. The sentries have already been informed to expect you at eight o’clock. Come hungry, because I plan on making a celebratory breakfast.”
“Lady?” the old mare huffed. “No sun burnt title means a hoot around here.”
“She’s still an Equestrian noble,” Applejack interjected after seeing Pinkamena’s polite smile darken. “And that still means something to them.”
“I’m afraid I must correct you, Miss Applejack,” Pinkamena cut in with a proud, if barely showing smirk directed at Granny Smith. “By imperial decree, my mistress is now Lady Twilight Sparkle, Head of House Sparkle of Lunaria.” The bewildered silence from the other ponies gave Pinakemina a chance to reign in her vexation towards the elder. “I’m sure you will read all about it from the morning newspaper. Or evening. I am unsure how things operate here, nor is my Lady, which is why I must insist on compliance on your contractual obligations.”
“I’ll be there,” Applejack said tiredly. She could still feel the phantom rocking of the boat, and yet would be right back to work. Be like I never left the ship. Being honest with herself, Applejack was used to constant work with nary a vacation to speak of outside of shore leave. Point of fact, her time-off situation was rather typical for both nations.
Didn’t mean she liked it.
Dutifully, Applejack got up before dawn and arrived at the griffin embassy in the wee hours. She had never seen it before, and never cared to until today. After passing the gate manned by the freshly arrived day shift, Applejack went up the short concrete path to the front door of the three story townhouse. It was sandwiched by two other embassies, and other only a rather thick set of walls between them. Even the old stone Griffonia heraldry was still present above the door.
Her grumbling stomach pushing her forward, Applejack made it to the door and checked the pocket watch hanging from a steel necklace. “Right on the dot. Let it not be said I’m ever late.”
Letting the watch fall back to its resting place, she yanked the string doorbell. A few moments passed before Twilight emerged with a quick smile at seeing the sailor’s face. The pegacorn noble was in the buff, much to Applejack’s surprise as Twilight was never seen without a dress on while aboard the Sea Hopper. She seemed to suddenly realize this fact as well, making Twilight flush with embarrassment for a moment before gently shaking her head to clear her thoughts. “Ahh perfect, you’re here. Come in, come in. Pinkamena is almost done in the kitchen.”
The scent of eggs, bacon, pancakes, and freshly cut fruit wafted across Applejack’s nose. It was a far cry from the hard tack and overly salted meat she had at sea. For long voyages, a diet of dried fruits and vegetables alone took up far too much cargo space compared to meat and wheat, with some lime juice and plenty of grog thrown in for good measure.
So enticed by the prospect of real, never-preserved food fit for an aristocrat that Applejack almost forgot about barely having half a day to spend with her family. “Thank ya kindly, my Lady.”
It wasn’t long before the mares found their way into a somewhat tight dining room for diplomatic lodging. None of that detracted from the platters covered in the very food Applejack’s family had to reserve for the holidays. Twilight took her seat at the head and directed Applejack to join at her left side. “Please, have as much as you wish. It’s the least I can do for calling upon you so soon after we arrived.”
Pinkamena emerged from the kitchen with a pitcher of piping hot tea and creamers. “Some butterfly tea for all,” she said with a slight giggle. Only when everyone else was served did Pinkamena claim the chair to Twilight’s right.
“So, Miss Applejack,” Twilight began after a few bites. “The Emperor has a few simple tasks for me that will be more time consuming than anything else, so I won’t have too much need of your services for a few days. For the time being, I only ask that you help educate Pinkamena on the laws and customs of Lunaria so that she can relay it to me when I am not quite so preoccupied.”
“Shouldn’t be too hard to park her in front of a library,” Applejack half joked, unsure of how Twilight would act now that she was on more stable footing. Desperation made even the high and mighty debase themselves to survive, but once back in control…
Twilight smirked and let off a laugh or two. Thinking back on how no Equestrian library would even dare to house an engineering tome or speak ill of enstripement. The Canterlot Archives threatened to burn one such engineering tome she had written and tried to donate. Any hope of one day opening an Equestrian technological university was gone forever. “As much as it pains me to say, books are only as good as ponies let them be. I’m sure common sense laws are quite similar between Equestria and Lunaria, but I want to be careful. Please share the broad stroke of Lunaria’s laws and customs, both written and unwritten, with Pinkamena for today before ‘parking’ her at a library. If Pinkamena is satisfied, you can have a few days of leisure for yourself until I have need of you again.”
It was certainly far and above what Applejack had hoped for. I half expected her to make me work for a few months before even seeing more than a day or two off.. Applejack nodded in quick agreement, lest her new boss thought better of it. “Aye, I can do that. But mind if I ask when ya might need me for my actual skill set? You coulda hired a street rat for pennies compared to my contract.”
“I believe we’ve already gone over how much I value a mare with a sense of honor.” Twilight’s tone was more surprised than condescending. “As for your talents, it all depends on how quickly I can get my legs under me. I must get a feel for the markets here before I can answer definitively. Many an inventor has gone belly up thinking some new invention would solve all their financial woes. I have too long of a life ahead of me to make the same mistake.” Twilight’s tone became serious, along with her face taking a hard line. “And I aim to make sure to collect the due my birthright has wrought me.”
“My Lady,” Pinkamena chirped in respectfully. “You mentioned something about invention last night, I believe.”
“Oh yes, of course!” Twilight waggled a wing-finger at Applejack. “I want you to withdraw a book on patent law from the library before you depart Pinkamena’s company. I will need it sooner rather than later.”
Stopping to chew the mouth watering omelets, Applejack nodded in compliance. “Can’t be too hard. Mind if I ask what sorta thing you have cooked up?”
“A new naval boiler design I’ve been tinkering with for years,” Twilight waved dismissively out of habit. Even after a month at sea, the instinct to down play any mechanical idea of hers was still fresh. “I’m sure it should be of use to somepony.”
Half a world away, Rarity was cantering through the contained wildlife of the Canterlot zoo located on the valley floor. Opalescence, her white long haired cat, rested upon her back, careless to the world around her. “We simply must do this more often, Opalescence,” Rarity dainty cheers as she meandered through the crowd of sightseers. A simple enchantment on the cat’s collar kept the feline from panicking or from having any desire to leave her back.
That didn’t keep the cat from eyeing her pony with lazy amusement and meowing in complaint.
“You’d best get used to it. It’s not like I will be home much with work being what it is.” Pulling out a book, Rarity kept one eye on it, and one on where she was going. Instead of a novel, it was actually the file on the pony of interest today.
Druidess Fluttershy, she began while sidestepping a line for a food cart. Twenty three years old. Butter yellow fur and a pink mane, last seen in a long style. Current occupation: zookeeper…
She had read the complete file twice now, but Rarity still felt unwell over Twilight. Like a poorly fashioned thread threatening to snap if the garment was stressed. Fluttershy isn’t suspected of a crime, but that doesn’t seem to stop… No, stop it, Rarity! She stomped her hoof, garnering bemused looks from passers-by, not that she paid them any mind, save to keep an eye out for any would be assassins. Not everypony is going to be another Twilight Sparkle. You’re better than that. You are Celestia’s servant. You must shine as brilliant as the sun.
Radiant Dawn’s words echoed a little time longer until Rarity felt her fortitude return. Sucking in air, she marched on with singular purpose.
As she weaved through the zoo towards Fluttershy’s reported work area, animal calls and bird songs both jarring and beautiful crowded the air while ponies of all walks of life came to see creatures both tame and fierce. The edge of her mouth tugged upward at the crowds. All they need to see the fiercest of all things is a mirror.
Rarity passed by a habitat populated by a wolf pack. Well over twenty ponies and their foals watched the predators feed on a pair of goats in morbid fascination. The same such attraction public hangings draw I suppose. Still… Rarity took a moment to slide in between the throng to witness the feeding for herself. She was not wearing her cloak or her hat of office today, save for the emblem she hid within her more mundane (scandalous for her I know) sun hat so she drew no unwanted attention as she joined in the show.
A different sort of satisfaction bubbled up in her at the sight of the penned wolves. With spell, sword, and hammer, we toppled our once greatest predators. Now they serve only for our amusement and education. Oh how the mighty have fallen.
A sobering thought struck her, sapping what superior satisfaction she had gotten. Could that be us if Lunaria succeeds? A shudder passed through her as Rarity pulled away from the grisly scene. Nay. Even they would not stoop so low. ‘To demonize our enemy is to be shocked into uncertainty when they surprise you with honor and grace.’ Book of Swords chapter six, verse twelve.
She departed, feeling renewed clarity. Aviaries and exhibits poked and prodded at her curiosity. She briefly worried the noise might snap Opalescence out of her nap, but the cat remained blissfully asleep. It was for the best; she was a mare with little time left for leisure or chasing a cat. Radiant Dawn could be merciful, but he was an impatient one.
Eventually, she came upon the lion exhibit, like the wolves, they too once prayed unceasingly upon the ponies’ magicless ancestors. Probably still did with earthers until they invented weapons.
She came to a stop to realize this exhibit was closed for the moment. Rarity approached the viewing platform that had an array of birds sitting upon it. They scattered and flew away at her approach. Rarity spotted a single butter yellow pegasus mare in green work clothes tending to a lion with a bloody leg bent at a painful angle. And not a weapon in sight. Only a druid would trust a wounded predator like that.
All the same, Rarity couldn’t help but to be impressed with the pony’s bravery as she worked some medical alcohol into the wound along with a nearby bandage. The lion thrashed about in agony, but never once made a move to harm the pegasus, even as it clawed deep grooves into the soil and yowled for mercy. In fact, she was gently stroking the lion’s side with a wing while she worked, whispering calm assurances.
Fearful her intrusion might break whatever control the zookeeper had over the deadly beast, injured or not, Rarity opted to wait the twenty odd minutes it took for the pink maned pegasus to complete her work. Standing up, the zookeeper opened a satchel resting on the ground and used her mouth to withdraw a rack of raw ribs and her hooves to keep the satchel down before she placed it near the lion. She patted the animal as it blearily recovered enough from the pain to start sniffing at the meat before she started to make for the exit.
Rarity circled around to meet her, casting a knock spell on the service gate’s padlock keeping her from the staff area. It didn’t take her long to locate the zookeeper who was stuffing soiled bandages into an old rusting trash can. “Druidess Fluttershy, may I have a minute of your time?”
Startled almost into flying away, the skittish zookeeper turned to face Rarity only long enough to recognize her face before collapsing into a low bow. “Inquisitor, you - you honor me.”
How did she..? Rarity carefully hid her surprise at being called by name, an act made easier thanks to Fluttershy’s mane completely covering her face. “Rise, please.” Rarity waited a bit, but Fluttershy remained there, shaking with fear. Sighing, Rarity magically pulled Fluttershy back up to her hooves. A squeak escaped the terrified pegasus, only for Rarity to politely dust off the dirt on Fluttershy’s uniform. “Miss Fluttershy, you are in no trouble from me, please, there is no need for such supplication.”
“I’m not being arrested?” Fearfully looking up, Fluttershy backpedaled a bit to escape the unicorn’s touch.
Giving a toothless-friendly grin, Rarity shook her head, and turned just enough to make it seem like natural movement, but in reality it was to reveal her pet. “Unless you’ve done something unbecoming within the last few hours, then no.” Her thought returned to Twilight, making her inwardly cringe at her choice of words. But they had been said now, and she’d have to make do. “You have my apologies for startling you. I thought you wouldn’t know who I was, but clearly my face is enough.” Fluttershy said something under her breath, with ears down and head cowed. Rarity had to strain an ear to try and catch it, but it was lost to the wind. “Might I inquire as to how you knew of me?” There was a tactfully placed amount of warning in her tone to snap the pegasus back to being audible.
“A - a bbbird told me,” Fluttershy squeaked out. “I asked a pigeon what he was up to lately, and he said he was eating bread from a pony like you. I can’t help what birds do before I can warn them!”
Paranoia struck Rarity, but she masked it well. How oddly convenient.. Fearful of repeating her mistake with Twilight, and causing a possible criminal to flee, Rarity backed off with the subtle intimidation by laughing with too much giddiness. “I can hardly blame a druid for the actions of every wild animal.” Well, I could, but that’s neither here nor there.
Between the laughter and the reassurances, Fluttershy seemed to ease up a bit and managed to meet Rarity’s gaze once more. “T-thanks. So u-u-ummm, to what do I owe the pleasure?” She tried to say more, but stopped short to mask a delighted squeal behind both hooves. The careful timidity evaporated, and Fluttershy struggled to remain respectfully distant while the pearly white cat lazily looked at her.
Rarity inwardly smirked as she knew the druid had seen her cat. I think the file underreported her affection for animals. Seeing that she had removed the lion’s share of the druid’s fears with but a single move, Rarity couldn’t help but to feel satisfaction. And now to draw her in. Turn more fully to the side to expose the indifferent feline, Rarity nuzzled the creature, careful to avoid tugging the cat’s hair bow. “Her name is Opalescence by the by.”
“She’s so precious!” Fluttershy squeaked as she gingerly approached. Reaching a hoof over so the cat could sniff her, Opalescence begrudgingly obliged. Once said hoof had been indeed sniffed, the cat huffed and curled back up on Rarity’s back.
“Perhaps I overdid it with the pacify spell,” Rarity mused aloud, trying to disarm the pegasus further. “I wanted her to avoid being spooked by the zoo, not to be uncaring for affection.”
Frowning a bit in disappointment, Fluttershy’s posture became noticeably looser. “It’s fine. She looks well groomed and cared for. So long as you two are happy, that is all that really matters between master and beast.”
Beast? Little Opal can be persnickety at times, but a beast? Decided to mask her offense behind a smile, Rarity felt the time was right. “Miss Fluttershy, I’ve come with a job proposal.”
“A job?” Fluttershy meekly parroted as some nervousness crept back in. She started wringing the strap of her satchel, and struggled to stop herself and stand normally. “I don’t think I could make a good inquisitor at all.”
Rarity had to refrain from laughing, difficult though it was, and instead simply shook her head. “Perish the thought, my dear. We have different positions of power for pegasi, but I’m not here to offer that either. I would like to employ you as my retainer.”
“W-why me?”
“It can be a bit of a sensitive matter. Perhaps we can speak somewhere more comfortable? Your abode for lunch perhaps?”
Later in the afternoon, Rarity dropped her cat off at her home now that Opalescence had served her purpose in easing the druid’s introduction. It was just as well since Rarity didn’t want to force the issue by making Fluttershy leave before her shift ended. The mares had met back up in front of the Green Banks tenements, and shared greetings before riding a magically driven elevator up to the top floor. The small size of the building meant each floor was a separate apartment of a sort. So when Rarity stepped off the elevator and into Fluttershy’s abode, she hummed in genuine curiosity.
All of the outer walls had been replaced with thick glass, with only the runed wooden support beams remaining intact. Plants lined the walls closest to said windows in pots both on the floor and in long rectangular boxes on the inner walls. But instead of natural greenery or flowers, every plant was a crop of some kind. By the smell tickling Rarity’s nose, most were herbs. Probably uses her magic to grow expensive produce. But why would a druid do that? Leaving her question alone for the moment, she heard the occasional buzzing of bees going too and fro.
Fluttershy moving towards the washroom drew Rarity’s gaze to the interior. There, everything looked normal, for a regular pony. Wooden chairs, stone counters for the kitchen, light fixtures, things Rarity would attribute to modern interior décor, not a child of nature. Then again, zoo or not, a druid willingly living in the biggest city this side of the Gladius River would be unusual indeed.
“Let me soak my things in the wash before we start.” Rarity’s plan appeared to have worked as Fluttershy certainly seemed less skittish; and dare she say, almost confident. “Feel free to have some tea. The boxes are next to the stove.” Fluttershy still strode away with haste to have a moment without the inquisitor’s eyes upon her.
“Do you have a preference?” Sniffing around the kitchen, it didn’t take long for Rarity to find some porcelain cups and a kettle. No response was forthcoming by the time she started filling it up at the sink. Annoyed at the silence, Rarity leaned around the corner to ensure the druid had not taken the chance to fly away, only to find Fluttershy trying to rhythmically scrub her uniform and satchel to the frequency of a breathing exercise.
Poor dear can barely breathe. I should just leave her be, but if I don’t recruit her, somepony else eventually will. Radiant Dawn won’t let a talent like hers go untapped. Provided she wasn’t actually spying intentionally with those birds. Rarity opted to leave her be for now, and went back to the kitchen to use magic to heat the water rather than waste wood on the stove. Fluttershy didn’t take long, and had returned by the time the tea leaves had worked their magic and Rarity was pouring some piping hot cups.
Taking her seat, Rarity stood at the counter, idly stirred her tea, simply wanting to enjoy the smell before tasting. “I must say, Darling, you don’t mind me calling you that, right?” Phrased as a question though it was, Rarity had that tone which made it one with only one possible answer.
“Oh, that’s alright.” It seemed that Fluttershy had banished her jitters for the time being, and accepted her cup. She sniffed at it carefully as a genuine connoisseur. “Golden Monkey tea. Wonderful choice, are you familiar with it?”
“Can’t say that I am. The leaves smelled interesting though.” Rarity claimed a seat at the table, careful to avoid the most worn chair so she wouldn’t take her host’s favorite seat, and placed the teapot down with her magic. After Fluttershy took the very chair Rarity avoided, cream and sugar were passed along before Rarity could sip the homemade blend.
With hesitant waving, Fluttershy waved off the compliments. “You should try it with a piece of rock sugar first.” Flustered behind her pink locks, Fluttershy tried to sound respectful instead of timid. “It um, it’s the only way I like this one.” She realized Rarity wouldn’t know exactly where the rock sugar was and hastily jumped off the chair to get it.
“I’ll take your word for it.” Rarity scowled a bit, but kept such disapproval to herself, and flashed a warm smile upon the pegasus’ return with the sugar. Careful now, she’ll spook easier than Twilight did. So as not to be rude, Rarity accepted the sugar before taking a careful sip, just in the off chance that rock sugar was actually poisoned. After her protective wards gave no alarm, Rarity could enjoy the delightful beverage. “I have no doubt Celestia above would relish a cup.” Rarity paused a bit, letting the compliment do its work in calming Fluttershy’s nerves a bit more. Fluttershy shrunk in on herself, blushing furiously and gave whispered thanks. Poor thing sounds like she’s gone on for years without a compliment. She’s either a good actress, or might actually be telling the truth.
“...” Rarity gently tapped a hoof on her drained cup, carefully timing her pause before it became awkward. “Darling, might I inquire about something?”
Fluttershy had been inwardly working up the courage to pour herself another glass when the question came. She hesitated, unsure if she was about to be in trouble. “Yes?”
“What do you plan to do with yourself in the years to come?” Sensing Fluttershy’s desire, Rarity beat her to it, and magically took the teapot and refilled both of their cups.
Something changed on the druid’s posture. A certain strength emerged that left Rarity confused. “I want to create a new druid order. One in the service Equestria.”
In that moment, Rarity would have choked on her tea if she had been drinking it. Even so; it still took her a brief moment to recover in order to spread a careful smile that masked disbelief. “That would be politically rather difficult. Don’t you think? The accord all nations have with the various orders is that they stand apart. Never taking sides, only acting to stop the destruction of select areas.”
“I know…” There was little left of the original timidity. Rarity could see a fire in Fluttershy’s eyes that rivaled an Inquisitor’s during dawn prayers. “Nopony likes being lied to. Fewer still can handle being told everything they believe in is a lie. They would rather banish you, than listen.”
“Well,” Rarity stated as she leaned back a bit and sipped some more of the delightful tea. “That would certainly explain the philosophical differences you mentioned during your citizenship reinstatement interview.” She paused a moment to take another sip, humming in approval. “I’ll have to find a supplier for this.” She eyed Fluttershy with renewed interest. “So that’s why you’re here. You're hiding from the various orders?”
Fluttershy half shrugged, unsure how to answer at first. “I don’t think they’ll try to harm me. But they do believe living in a city is torture.”
Glancing around the apartment, the modern decor that harshly transitioned into a greenhouse didn’t sit right with Rarity’s idea of druidism. Yet at the same time, aesthetics had been paid attention to. The crops had a pleasant arrangement, the various pots and planters sat under a long winding pipe that had a steady trickle of water. Even the bee’s nest had a certain beauty that seemed to mesh well with the color scheme of the kitchenette. The normal furniture also had a pleasant arrangement. “You… seem to like it here.”
One of Fluttershy’s ears drooped and a frown crossed her. “You see what they willfully blind themselves to.”
She’s definitely worth keeping a close eye on. Rarity rubbed her chin, humming for a moment. “But that’s not the whole story on why you are in Canterlot. One might be forgiven for thinking you are here to beseech the queen for a grove to take over. No… You’re here for something more, aren’t you?” Rarity stopped with sudden surprise and looked around, realizing what the greenified apartment might actually be. “You’re not actually intending to form one in the middle of Canterlot are you?!”
“Y-yes I do, but it hasn’t been going very well,” the morose druid lamented with a crestfallen sulk. “I can never bring myself to the gates. It all gets too overwhelming, and I - I know I’d fail miserably in front of the Queen in that state.”
“Astounding.” Perhaps that is why she spies through the birds. She wants to learn the political scene so she can better petition the queen. A welcoming smile played over Rarity to further disarm her host. “I see… and yet I don’t think I have the whole picture. Forming an Order in the middle of a city would be in violation of the Accord on your part. Point of fact, it goes against what little I know of druidism.”
“That’s because other druids refuse to see the truth.” Fluttershy grit her teeth, a measure of disapproving anger slipping through. “Too many of them either came to the Order or were taught to despise civilization.” Fluttershy stopped a moment, then for a brief moment of strength, met Rarity eye to eye. “May I ask you something?”
Letting off a brief laugh, Rarity sipped from her tea before setting her cup down. “I have been bombarding you with questions haven’t I? By all means, please. If we are to work together, you must be free to voice any concerns.”
Tilting her head slightly, and angling her ears forward, the druid spoke with genuine curiosity. “Do you hate Lunaria?”
The question left Rarity a bit unsettled. Had the question come from a random pony on the street she’d have given an automatic affirmative. After a thousand years, the rift was deeper than just the split between the Sisters. Wars, culture, religion, it was expected of an inquisitor to loathe them. Rarity mulled over the proper wording while playing a hoof on the lip of her cup. “Hatred is so very easy, isn’t it? But it is not what Celestia Above would want.” Fluttershy seemed taken aback by the sober reply. “How can we unify with our wayward brothers and sisters if we despise them? It is true the path for peaceful unity is long since lost, but one day, one nation will claim victory. Of that I am certain. Should the day come when one of us capitulates, I like to think I will move forward with dignity and respect.”
Approval colored Fluttershy’s expression. “Such is the proper way of things. It would be an honor to assist you, but I would rather not let such work distract me from creating my own Order one day.”
Rarity gently clapped her hooves. “In that case, I believe we can help each other.” Rarity drank slowly from her tea, drawing her demure host in. “As you must already be aware of, as an inquisitor, I have the ear of many ponies in power, including the queen. With my help, I can teach you to become bold and more self-assured so that you can state your case before the queen. All I require in exchange are your services as a retainer.”
She stared mouth slacken at Rarity, being completely paralyzed by the proposal. “A - a retainer?” That was much more than just calling on her for the occasional job, but a full time position that could drag her anywhere. “I-I-I don’t think I could.”
Rarity leaned on a hoof, putting on her best reassuring tone. “Darling, you very much could. Your way with animals drew quite a few heads. There were some who saw you as a threat, but - I think you can do great things.”
“I - oh…” Fluttershy muttered, unsure how to handle such praise. “I um - I…” She glanced around at her plants. Rarity left her in silence, allowing her to think. Slowly, a firm determination settled over the yellow mare. When her gaze crystalized, she turned back to Rarity. “Only if you’ll help me create an order that is true to Mother Nature.”
And now to cement her loyalty. A pleased hum escaped Rarity as she sat back and finished the last of her tea. “Naturally. Now, I’m not one for natural magic, however…” Rarity paused as if to think, but her plan was already in motion. “While you are under my employ, I suggest you use your free time to jot down your version of Mother Nature’s true designs and search for possible recruits. If anypony asks, you can tell them you are my intelligence officer, and your neophytes are your agents. When the time is right, not only will you stand strong before the Crown, but will have the backing of both the Inquisition and your followers to demonstrate your worth.” She stood up and presented a hoof. “Do we have a bargain?”
That fire returned to Fluttershy’s eyes. One that banished her old enemy, for a time at least. She got up and shook Rarity’s hoof as firmly as she could muster. “We do.”
“Excellent.” Rarity summoned an Inquisitorial badge, only this one was of bronze. “This will mark you as a retainer. Go to the Solar Church near the palace and a training officer will aid you in some basic protocol. It shouldn’t take more than a few weeks.” She floated the icon over so Fluttershy could take it. The pegasus studied it briefly before looking back up when Rarity spoke again. “I suggest putting your affairs in order so nothing will-” Rarity glanced at all the greenery. “Will wither when you are absent for prolonged periods of time.”
“S-sure.” A moment of regret and doubt fell over Fluttershy, but she shook her head to remain firm. “How long do I have?”
Sighing, Rarity did a mental count of all her tasks. “You are my first recruit, but I already have the rest of my retainers in mind. Hopefully no longer than a month if some refuse.”
“Oh, good. I should be ready long before that. I need to harvest and dry what I can, and move the bees. I can travel light if you need.”
“Glad to hear it.” Rarity took the tea box into her magic and committed the name to memory. A true friend appreciates you for more than just what they can do for you. “I simply must have some of this later. This is sold at the local tea shop, yes?”
The act worked perfectly, causing Fluttershy to blush and hide behind her mane, but she kept one eye uncovered. “I get mine from the one on Fifth Street. I’m glad you liked it.” Sensing Rarity needed to leave, Fluttershy signed a half circle above her head. “May your strength never waiver.”
Nodding, Rarity placed a hoof to her chest. “And your days never darken.”