"Be right with ya, your highness."
That was how Celestia knew this pony was different from the others. No bow, and no apologies. Not that Applejack was disrespectful. Far from it. She was simply busy, as the rows upon rows of filled apple baskets proclaimed.
Applejack was also perceptive enough to know when to stand on ceremony and when to just be herself. It was refreshing, and made the coming conversation that much easier. Celestia settled under a nearby tree and watched the farmer work in this little corner of the Acres, far from prying eyes both familial and otherwise.
One last buck sent a final batch of apples down, the majority landing neatly in the only remaining empty basket. Task completed, Ponyville's most dependable pony wiped the sweat from her brow, gulped down some water, and finally turned to her. "Welcome to the farm, Princess. What can I do for ya?"
So direct. No pomp, no formalities. It was as if she were any other visitor. Just another reason to enjoy a visit to Ponyville, despite the circumstances. "I've come to inquire about something only a sibling could offer."
The farm mare stopped midstep, her expression exasperated. She studied Celestia's patient smile, an equal judging her peer, then sighed. "This is about Twilight Sparkle, ain't it?"
Good, then she was aware. That made things easier. "I understand she'd been coming around the farm a lot lately."
"You could say that." Applejack tipped her hat forward, hiding her eyes.
"Her letters of late have been interesting. Nothing so direct as a confession, but—"
"But her interest is more obvious than a sonic rainboom over market street?" Applejack nodded stiffly. "I'm surprised you're talking to me and not Big Mac."
Celestia's smile tightened. "Is he aware?"
"He don't say much, but I reckon so."
Celestia scanned the area with her superior height. No potentially eavesdropping students. Or brothers. She turned her full attention back to the grim mare. "What do you think of their potential?"
Applejack's words were hesitant and full of suspicion. "I don't know yet. I love Twi like a sister, but is she right for Mac? I got my doubts." She eyed the princess. "As do you, I'm guessin'."
"Your guess is most astute," Celestia replied, her smile at last gone. "Twilight is like a daughter to me. I want to keep her from getting hurt."
"And me my brother," Applejack agreed with a firm nod. "I won't say they shouldn't be allowed to try, but something about it don't sit well with me."
This was going far better than Celestia anticipated. She pulled out a bottle of dragon fire. "Then I can trust you to keep me appraised of the situation?"
The bottle promptly disappeared beneath the ever-present Stetson. "That you can."
"Wonderful!" All smiles, Celestia spread her wings wide. "I must head back before my sister suspects anything. Your cooperation is appreciated."
Somewhere in the wider landscape, a librarian and a big brother sneezed in tandem.