//------------------------------// // The Truth of the Heart - Part 2 // Story: The Princess and The Peasant // by DapperLilArts //------------------------------// CHAPTER 9 💔THE TRUTH OF THE HEART💔 - PART 2 It was good while it lasted. The sound of the rain pounded on the roof of the bar, and the chatter of a handful of patrons echoed in its walls at this hour, interrupted only by the occasional strike of thunder in the distance. the sun had set, so it was time for drinking. For Applejack, it was time for drinking for a whole other reason. But even a couple of beers couldn’t really help with her ailment. It only added to her guilt. Pinkie sat next to her, eyeing her friend with concern, having drank only one, being there to keep Applejack from overdoing it. Staring at nothing, averting thoughts of the events that had passed earlier that day, the Peasant attempted to talk about anything else. “So… What a month, huh?” The tone, and the lack of energy, betrayed the casual nature of that question. Pinkie shoved a bit of her own mane aside from her eyes; it was now slick and smooth, and not just because of the rain water. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt this bad. “Y-yeah…” “So what are your plans after this? What’s next for Pinkie the bard?” Once again, the tone was dead. A casual question brought to a tone akin to that of a funeral. Pinkie absentmindedly blew on the top of the bottle she had finished, trying to play a quiet little song. “Well… I’m not sure yet. To be honest, I was thinking of shadowing you just a little while longer. I wanted to get to know your family a bit, y’know…?” No reaction from the Farmer, who still stared at nothing. The Bard continued, softly. “I guess I'm just not ready for this adventure to be over…” “Preaching to the choir, Pinkie.” The Peasant drank more, for several seconds, before placing the bottle down. The Bard knew that Earth Ponies had high metabolism, so this wasn’t an immediate problem, but she was still concerned at a friend attempting to numb her pain. “...How about you? What’s your plans, now that we’re done…?” Scratching her chin absentmindedly, and with a frail inhale, she considered. “I guess… I guess I'll go home. Hug my family. Then sleep for 24 hours. Then wake up and go do… Chores… I think. Yeah. Chores.” The way she said that word sounded like it was the most absurd thing; And it really was, considering what she was doing the whole month. How could she possibly return to her normal routine after what she had lost? Blowing raspberries, the Bard turned to her. “Doing chores…? C’mon, AJ… Are you seriously giving up on Rari–” “Stop.” “But I–” “Just stop.” Even hearing her name caused heartache that she simply couldn’t bear. The Farmer spoke plainly, devoid of emotion, every word slurred with sorrow. “She’s going to live her dream of being a Princess. And I'm going to go be with my family. The Princess is in the tower, and the Peasant is in the mud. This is how it should be.” The Bard responded softly, knowing she was treading on thin ice. “Your love can’t have been for nothing… It just can’t be. What if you… Maybe you could……?” The sentence trailed off, realizing that she had no ideas. No suggestions. Hanging her head even lower, it was as if she could fall asleep on the table then and there. “What exactly would ya have me do, Pinkie. Get myself killed raidin’ a castle? Reinstate that stupid bounty on my head and double its price? Put my family in more danger? Put… her in more danger? Destroy her dream?? No. I can’t. I just can’t. I’m not some legendary hero, okay? I’m just Applejack the Peasant. And she… Well, she… Ugh… You wanted a legend outta us…. Well you better get okay with bad endings, then.” Pinkie blew on the bottle some more, completely devoid of energy. “This is a terrible ending.” She muttered mournfully. “Again. Preaching to the choir.” More uneasy, unenergetic silence, accentuated only by the sound of thunder outside. As if there were no words worth speaking anymore. But the Bard wasn’t ready to stop. “...So… You’re really just going to let her go?” Silence. Applejack turned to her friend, as if she were about to say something, but then she turned back forward, losing steam. “Pinkie. I told you before. What I want don’t matter. It never did… but thank you for being a darn good friend through all this. And congrats… You convinced me that love is real, and it came knocking. Now the bad news? Love hurts, so goddamn much. I think… I think I'm better off. And I think it’s time for the Peasant to go home…” The Bard didn’t respond, just watched her friend slowly shuffle out of her seat, then reach the bar. “Keep the change.” Much to the bartender’s shock, he was being paid with a small silver ingot. Walking on a thunderstorm sounded like a pretty relaxing thing, in contrast to how she felt. She stepped outside quietly, into the fray. Shuffling through royal halls used to be the sort of thing that brought Rarity unending joy; admiring the carpentry, the decorations, even the stonework and paintings she passed; But tonight, she found herself staring straight ahead listlessly as she was guided through the castle of Prince Blueblood. Everything that came out of his mouth sounded like a fork in a plate; a nail on a chalkboard. Rarity found herself ignoring the Prince nigh completely, trying to think of anything else, and then regretting that decision, when all she could think of was of what she had lost that day. And with that ever so punchable smile, the Prince just wouldn’t shut up. “Now I know you are just brimming with excitement over all you’ve won today, Fair Rarity; After all, all your troubles are over! Tomorrow we will wed, but tonight,  I have a marvelous dinner prepared for us, and we can share my quarters–” The mere idea of sharing space with him revolted her in the moment. She interrupted him thoroughly. “I won’t be joining for dinner. I am simply drained from my journey; I would like to retire to private quarters and rest for the night.” She couldn’t muster much emotion in her voice, much less her usual charm. Not getting what he wanted was an inconvenience. And it was also a surprise. “W-well then. Alright. I shall arrange suitable private quarters for you.” His displeasement was hidden under his usual annoyingly regal tone. Knowing how royal people spoke, Rarity decided to play along. “After I get proper sleep, my disposition will most certainly improve… A month of gallivanting around the countryside takes a lot out of a Princess.” The Prince scoffed. “Well I certainly hope your disposition improves; It would be quite a tragedy of a wedding if you were not to smile through it!” She couldn’t, as much as she probably should, find the energy to be mad at her parents for accepting the proposal; After all, a month ago, she absolutely would have accepted in a heartbeat. Most of the distaste she felt towards the prince was only there for one reason; and the reason was that Rarity had the taste of something infinitely better the last few weeks. “Indeed it would. I take it everything has been arranged for it to happen then? At what hour will it be so?” “When the sun is highest in the sky, Fair Rarity. A blessing from Celestia herself on our Legendary union!” Not that he had even considered inviting the Queen of the Sun, who would rather fight a Kraken than attend a Prince Blueblood party. “Certainly so.” It was not usual for her to be cold. But it was either this, or crying, or maybe stabbing. After what felt like an painful eternity, they reached the quarters she would spend the night in. Many, many floors above ground level, The fancy doors opened, revealing large, regal chambers. Rarity stepped inside without a second thought, turning to shut the door on the Prince’s face. He struggled, with his inferior skills with magic, to keep the door open, as she pushed it with her own magic, barely trying. “F-fair Rarity; Know that servants are at your beckon call if you so much as ring that bell; and Know that your wish is my command, my Princess–” “Then I wish not to be disturbed.” It was not a scowl, but it was certainly a command. She shut the door in his face, and locked it, without a second thought. Muffled, from the other side, she heard a “Get your beauty sleep, then!” which she promptly ignored. She was completely aware that to someone like him, a favor was only extended with something to be taken in return. Every word hid a dagger, every sentence was coated with poison. With a sigh, she looked around. An incredibly beautiful suite, three windows in only one side, gorgeous lamps that she lit with her magic, large spacy closets, multiple couches, one light enough that she could easily carry with her magic, and Paintings of landscapes, matched by one painting of Prince Blueblood, which she promptly flipped to face the wall. The bed was incredibly large and comfortable, with silk sheets she dreamed of resting in, and, one of the most important items in the room to her, a vanity mirror. She took a moment to drink it all in. Attempting to feel joy and comfort for having reached a dream she dreamed of since she was a filly. But this dream came at the cost of another; And a much better one, at that. She stood, on beautiful carpentry, on a gorgeous room, in a fancy castle, all which would be hers, and despite everything, she did not feel even a drop of joy, no matter how hard she tried. At that moment, she came to realize; this was the first time she was truly alone in a month. The distant sound of the storm with thunder occasionally crackling in the sky snapped her out of her trance. With a frail breath, she suppressed tears. Summoning her suitcase once more, she started unpacking, attempting to make the room more hers. Halfway through, she opened one of the windows. She stared into the foggy, stormy night. Unable to discern many lights in the town below. She looked for something, anything. A sign, maybe? More darkness, more rain. She shut the window. She had no idea where her Knight lived in that darkness. What was the point in wondering? She continued to diligently unpack, keeping her mind occupied. Once she was finished, she found herself no more at home than she was in the dragon tower. She sat in front of the vanity, with her brush at the ready, observing her reflection. Maybe it was the current circumstances, maybe it was the past circumstances, but she could finally see how tired she was. How drained she felt. She wondered, for a moment, if this was simply the cost of long travel, or if this was the cost of losing what she had lost earlier that day. Shaking her head, staving the thoughts away, she began brushing. Okay Rarity, what’s your plan? As she brushed her mane, she considered for a moment, if there were any options to regain what she had just lost. If there were any way to keep both dreams alive; or if she even wanted this dream, at the cost of the other. She kept trying to plan something; Anything; But nothing came to mind. No options, no ideas, no escape. Okay Rarity, what’s the next step? She considered what would come next. What would entail the life of a non-alicorn princess? What could she do to prepare, with this castle her home? What could she do to return to her business, with reinstated vigor and determination, with newfound popularity? She found herself lacking in excitement for any of it. Okay Rarity, can you work with this? Could she make this work? Could she live this royal, fortune, lavish life, while feeling so hollow? Could she play this part simply for the sake of power and recognition? Was this even something she wanted anymore? Okay Rarity. What do you want? Applejack. And there it was. The dam burst. Tears streamed down her cheeks, as she quietly sobbed, brushing her mane. She could deny it no longer, she was profoundly unhappy in this position. There was one pony that could console her, and through cruel circumstances, they were separated. She laid her brush down, feeling a hopelessness that she had never, ever felt, even when she was trapped in a tower guarded by a dragon. Tears streamed down her muzzle and landed on the vanity stand. A knock on her door almost sent her into a frenzy. “I thought I asked not to be disturbed!!” She scowled, and with an unintentional outburst of her magic, the mirror in front of her cracked. A quiet yet friendly whisper came from behind the door. “Rarity? It’s me, Twilight! Twilight Sparkle..? Sorry to disturb you so late, but…” A small light in a dark tunnel, an actual friend. She hesitantly walked to the door, not before wiping her tears. “T-twilight? Is that really you?” “Yes! May I come in? Is your door working? I could just teleport in if you’d rather–” Yep, that was really Twilight. She quietly unlocked the door, taking a peek outside. Princess Twilight Sparkle, dressing incredibly modest for a Princess, stood nervously outside the door, fidgeting with her sweater. “Um. Hi? Can I come in?” With one swift magical motion, Rarity dragged her into the room, shut the door, and then hugged her. “O-oh, Twilight, it is so good to see a friendly face…!” She hugged her friend tightly; Maybe too tightly, but one certainly couldn’t blame her; The last pony she had embraced this fiercely could take it tenfold. “Just because we haven’t seen eachother in a while, it doesn’t mean you should stop dressing like a Princess, you know?!” She attempted to be indignant at the Alicorn’s casual clothing choice. “I-it’s g-good to see you too…! You’re squeezing me, can y-you maybe…?” After a cough, The Princess of friendship was released from her embrace. “Apologies, darling…!” the Unicorn recoiled, and sat, looking away in silence, sniffling a bit. She certainly didn’t know what to say. Tilting her head, Twilight beheld her with pity. “Have you been… crying?” There were too many words to be said at once, so she opted for the simple honest truth, with no further explanation. “Yes. I have.” “O-oh…” A quiet, uneasy silence. Neither of these two friends ever expected their reunion to go this way. Both had too much to say, and no idea on which words to prioritize. Rarity breathed unsteadily, looking at the floor. After a minute. Twilight cleared her throat. “U-um, well, I guess you should know, me and my Captain are staying in this castle, too. We have for a while. And I guess, uhh, congratulations on your wedding…?” The question was analytical, yet clumsy. Rarity walked away to the vanity. Using her magic, she repaired the cracks, with an exhale. She stated the next words coldly. “Prince Blueblood is a pathetic slithering snake. Every word that comes out of his mouth is poison, and I would sooner see him fed to a Chimera than be happy marrying him.” A sigh of relief from the Alicorn, who nodded. “O-okay! Phew! We’re on the same page, then. He’s a pretty bad guy. So….. Are you still marrying him…?” Rarity looked at Twilight through the mirror, with unease. “I have to. Not just to become a princess myself, but… I can’t risk him going back on a deal he made with my rescuer… I-I can make this work, Twilight. I think I can, at least…? This should be everything I've ever wanted…!” Twilight nodded along, attempting to decipher what was behind those words. “So, the Peasant that rescued you, did you two… Did you two get close?” “In a way…” The smallest smile appeared on her lips, which faded, quickly leading to longing. “I suppose I shouldn’t burden you with the details of the last month I spent being escorted across Equestria, darling… It’s a tale far too long for tonight.” Even retelling a bit of it might burst the dam once more. Twilight walked a bit closer. “Are you sure? I wouldn’t mind listening… Friends gotta be there for eachother, you know…?” “The tale is far too painful, darling. I think I'd rather forget it.” She lied with unease. She’d sooner have those memories drafted onto her hide, than forget her Knight. “Well, okay… Either way, I heard you were skipping dinner, so I brought you a little something, just in case!” She removed a fruit out of her pocket and left it on the vanity stand, before Rarity. It was an Apple. And just like that, the dam burst again. A mere seconds of beholding the fruit was enough, and the Unicorn started sobbing again, beholding the Apple like it was everything. “U-um… Do you not like Apples…? Because I can get you something else–” “NO!” She embraced the fruit with her hooves, and munched on it, desperately. Cries, chewing, cries, chewing. Less than 24 hours before, she had shared an Apple with her love, and it was absolutely not the same. And yet, even the suggestion of Applejack brought her to tears. Twilight reached in and hugged her friend, consoling her while she ate a fruit. “Sunset told me about you and Applejack… What happened, Rarity…? What really happened…?” She spoke softly. A sorrowful, but definitive nod from the Unicorn, as she finished eating her fruit, beholding its core with sadness. “O-okay, darling. I’ll tell you everything. About me and my Knight– The tragic tale of the best month of my life…” Finally, After what felt like a year, home again. Apple Acres was ahead of her, and Pinkie followed close behind. The storm pounded on their sides, the darkness of the night was overbearing, occasionally lit with thunder, but as usual, Applejack was unaffected. She felt better, actually, with the flow and torrential sound of water, it was as if she could drown her thoughts. But she was home. Nothing else mattered anymore. Nothing else could matter. Nothing else should matter. They reached the porch, at a slow pace. The Peasant did not open the door. The lights were on, and faint hearty laughter could be heard from inside. Pinkie stood, watching her friend, waiting for her reaction. For a painful, long minute. Applejack turned her head and looked behind her. To the Castle of Prince Blueblood. The rain made it seem like it was fading out of reality. As if it wasn’t even there. And yet it was. She looked at it intently. Waiting for nothing. Waiting for something. Waiting for anything. A sign, maybe. Anything at all. But nothing happened. She forced herself to turn forward. She forced herself to look forward. She hovered a hoof over the door handle. “Pinkie. When we get in there. Just… Just let me rest, okay…?” It was a simple plea, but she understood its meaning. Don’t start something. Follow her lead, and don’t remind her of what she lost today. For the love of everything, don’t remind her of what she lost today. “...Okay.” Applejack opened the door. Immediate jovial laughter was heard from inside. “...You’re a riot!! I GOTTA bring Scootaloo here sometime!! You two would get along so well!” Rainbow Dash stated gleefully, leaning back on her chair. The Druid, Fluttershy, giggled, nudging her with a hoof. “Maybe after the storm, sweetie.” Applebloom, ever the giddy filly, climbed on the table excitedly. “Any friend of Applejack is a friend of ours! And that includes friends of friends too!!” Giggling, Granny Smith started taking the plates away, and placing them in the sink. It had been a lovely dinner, as usual. “Well, dearies, you can stay in the guest room again, I won't be havin’ you two flyin’ away in this storm, no siree!” “Eeyup!” Big Mac agreed, while helping in the kitchen. Speaking softly as always, Fluttershy helped clean the table. “Thank you so much for dinner, Granny Smith. You’re all really sweet…!” The Rogue Pegasus smiled confidently, while helping take the plates off the table. “Now, you know we appreciate the hospitality, but it’s Applejack I'm indebted to. Once she shows up, we can figure out a way to clear my life debt, and we’ll be all square!” Applebloom snickered. “Hihihi of course my big sis would beat you in one strike. She’d beat anyone in one punch!” “Eeyup!” Big Mac agreed, snickering, while helping clean up. Granny Smith chuckled, while organizing the kitchen. “Now, I know just how ya could repay yer debt, dearie. Do some more of our darn chores tomorrow!” The Apple family chuckled at the idea. Blowing raspberries, but smiling, Rainbow nodded, and began speaking in a heroic tone, which made the Druid giggle. “Well a life debt is a bit more cooler and awesome than just chores and mail work, (about 20% cooler), but if Applejack demands that is how the debt should be paid, then I have no choice but to oblige. It is my code of honor as a warrior!” “Chores sound pretty good.” Applejack stated blankly, standing on the living room like a mournful statue, completely drenched in water. The entire group yelled in surprise seeing her there, not having noticed she had arrived. “APPLEJACK!!” Her family cheered joyfully, running to her side. She reciprocated on their triple hug, of course. And felt warmer, being even capable of smiling. But she also felt more vulnerable than ever. And she couldn’t have that. “I missed y’all so darn much.” She spoke, fraily, eyes closed tightly, holding back tears with all her strength. Even in the tight warm embrace of her family, she couldn’t kid herself into thinking things were okay. The little filly was the first one to speak. “Big Sis!!! C’mon ya gotta tell us what happened on your journey rescuing that princess!! Did you really fight a dragon?!?! I wanna know everythin’!!!” The Elder Apple quickly inspected her biggest granddaughter's hide. “Now what’s with all these darn scars on ya? Did ya fell off of a ravine or somethin’?!!” “Or something.” Dejected, Applejack tried not calling attention to all the wounds she had healed that month. Shuffling out of the hug and back to the table, Granny Smith offered her a seat. “Go on dearie, sit down and tell us how it went!” “Eeyup!” Big Mac eagerly joined them. Silently, the Peasant put her hat on a coat rack, dropped her bag on the floor, and took out the huge sack of money, thudding it on the kitchen floor with a multitude of tinkle sounds. Even with it half open, everyone could tell what it was. “Well… We’re millionaires now.” She spoke plainly, without energy. “Holy cow...” Applebloom leaned in, never having seen that much money in all her life. “Sweet mama-jamma that’s a lotta dough…!” leaning forward, Granny Smith’s dentures almost fell off. “Eeyup…” Big Mac was in awe. With an exhausted exhale, Applejack spoke plainly once more. “Our money troubles are over, at least. This is the reward I got for completin’ the job…” The Apple trio cheered, but the Peasant didn’t join them. They once again ran over to her and hugged her tightly. Leaning forward into the sack of silver, Rainbow whistled. “Wow. That’s a whole lotta moola.” She immediately stuttered when her eyes met with Applejack’s; maybe because the look that the Farmer gave her implied that she was in the mood for folding anyone that pissed her off into origami. “I-I have been helping your family out with chores and stuff while I waited for you to be back– I haven’t been abusing their hospitality, h-honest!” Applejack narrowed her eyes further. The Rogue shuffled closer to the Druid, almost hiding behind her, still intimidated. “H-have I mentioned that it’s storming real hard and me and my girl can’t fly out of here…?” Fluttershy gave the Farmer a friendly wave, unaware of the danger. “Hello again! Our dragon friend still thinks of you!” Rolling her eyes, and ignoring the two, the Farmer nudged her family and pointed at Pinkie, who was drying herself off by the entrance. “That there’s Pinkie, a friend of mine. She followed me on my travels. She’s a Bard.” A shy wave from the Pink Pony, as she entered the room, still kind of drenched. Granny Smith immediately took action. “Now I Ain’t havin’ no family or friend of family of mine cold and soggy!! Imma start the fireplace, you two get comfortable around the table!” Big Mac immediately moved to help the old mare. The little filly went to greet the Pink Pony, and ask her a thousand questions about her profession, while Applejack placed the contract of her previous job on the table. “We also own Apple Acres completely now. I got full ownership for finishin’ the mission. We ain’t ever payin’ that rat bastard of a Prince another cent.” Granny Smith ran as fast as an old mare could, grabbed her reading glasses, and started inspecting it. Applebloom followed closely, climbing on the table to look. Fluttershy curiously peeked at the piece of parchment. “That piece of paper says you own this place? You need pieces of paper for that…? I kinda just live in the woods…” Rainbow nuzzled her affectionately immediately. “Babe you’re so freaking hot.” Applebloom turned to her big sister, losing interest in reading. “I still wanna hear about the dragon!! C’moooon Applejack, tell me about the dragoooon, did you slay it with one mighty PUNCH?!” Fluttershy gasped. “Heavens, no! The dragon and her are friends now!” much to the filly’s disappointment. Pinkie chuckled from across the room, in response. “Just you wait ‘till you hear about the Manticore!” With a cute little gasp, Applebloom’s ears perked up. “You fought a Manticore too?? Oh my gosh, coolest sister ever!!” Entirely focussed on the contract, Granny Smith was in awe. “Well I'll be dog darn damned, ya did it… Our troubles really are over…!” The old mare’s eyes got watery as she hugged Applejack softly. “Yer the best granddaughter I could ask for, Applejack…! Yer parents would be so darn proud of ya…!!”  Once again, the Farmer closed her eyes shut, suppressing tears. Try as she might, she couldn’t feel happy, and she didn’t want to make it her family’s problem. Pinkie watched her intently from across the room. She had been away from her family for months; and here they were, united, and with all their problems solved. And despite everything, she did not feel even a drop of joy, no matter how hard she tried. Poking her granddaughter in the chest, then making her way to the kitchen, the old Mare got peppy. “Ya just sit right there, I'm gonna warm up some soup for ya, dearie. Don’t you dare work more tonight!” Clearing her throat and scratching her chin, Applejack interrupted her. “A-actually… Y'all mind if I skip dinner? I’m just… mighty tired, after the trip. I could use a shower, and some long shut eye… I’ll just go do that now, if that’s alright.” She did not wait for a reply, simply moved forward to the stairs. With a pout, Applebloom tried getting her to stay. “Awww but what about the dragon?? And the Manticore!??? I wanna knoooooow……!!” With a disappointed groan, Rainbow Dash complained. “Hey! What about my life debt?? One daring Rogue’s services, going once!!” Fluttershy just nudged her, with a giggle. “Let’s just do the dishes for them, sweetie.” Granny started protesting Applejack’s departure, but she stopped as Pinkie spoke up, garnering all their attention. “Just let her go, everypony… She had a really, really hard day.” A hush came to the room as Applejack’s footsteps distanced themselves from them onto the upper floor. They looked amongst each other, wondering why, despite the victory, did Applejack look like she had lost. She looked like she had lost everything. Pinkie simply waited. As soon as her friend was out of earshot, she would tell the family why. “...And well, that’s it, darling. We had such a wonderful day together, I simply wished for nothing else but to remain that way, and well… The moment I stepped into this castle I already felt hollow. Walking away from her pained me deeply– A-as if my heart was bleeding…!” Rarity finished her story, lounging on the couch. Several tissues and tears later, it at least felt good, sharing with a friend. Twilight Spent a bit longer thinking, wondering, considering solutions. “It’s crazy… You actually killed that assassin that came after you both…?” The teary Unicorn had no remorse. “I would have sooner killed TWENTY assassins, before letting them kill her! It’s just another reason for me to despise this horrid prince; HE sent that assassin, HE placed a bounty on her head!! …Though I suppose it is, by extension, my fault as well… After all, I stalled… I delayed us, just to have more time with her…” “Gosh, you… You really, really love her, don’t you…?” She waved her mane, a tad dramatically, accentuating her sorrow. “She was my Knight in Shining armor!! We are star crossed lovers, her and I!!! Oh, what I wouldn’t give to be in her embrace again…!! And to once more climb her like a tree–” “Ahem, let’s stay on track here…!” Twilight swiftly interrupted that rant before it went further. Still sniffling, the Unicorn rested her head on the side of the couch, with one sorrowful hoof fidgeting it. “Oh, I missed having a fainting couch… I miss Applejack even more…” She pouted. A bit of sad silence, and after another mournful sigh, she continued, softly. “I… I think I love her more than I've ever loved anything, Twilight… And… I think she felt the same way…” The Alicorn fluttered her wings in frustration.“You both endured so much, it hurts to see it all have been for nothing! Ugh, there has to be something we can do…?” “It’s hopeless, Twilight. I have her heart, but I don't have her! Without her, this is all hollow! I find myself empty!!  Because of that awful Prince, there is significant danger in us reuniting, however it may be– And I simply couldn’t, I simply couldn’t just– destroy the happy ending she has with her family…! I don’t know if there’s anything we can do…!” She fidgeted with her mane, with longing. They sat in silence, accentuated only with the sound of the rain. And then strangely, with a sniffle, that came from under the bed. Both of their ears perked up, and Rarity got up from her couch, lifting the bed with her magic. “Now who do you think you– SWEETIEBELLE??” The little filly got out from under the bed, with an embarrassed look, and puffy eyes from tears, having cried over her sister’s story, she frowned, getting confrontational. “I-I knew there was something up with you and Applejack! Why didn’t you tell us??” She was too upset to consider her little sister’s words. “Now just what do you think you were doing, hiding under my bed, spying on us?? How did you even get in there?!” Clearing her throat, Twilight gave a sheepish smile. “U-umm… I may have helped her sneak in here with magic when you opened the door for me. This was her idea.” The Unicorn scoffed. “Eugh, is that why you made me skip over the details on the river of fireflies? Honestly, darling! Sweetiebelle, you should head to your room right now!” Refusing, the little filly walked to the window. “No!!! What’s the point, Rarity?? Prince Blueblood is a jerk, anyways! We should just run away!! Maybe if we make a rope out of these sheets and drapes, we can jump outta this window– I’m sure mom and dad would understa–” Twilight was quick to correct. “We are much, much too high to use ropes to go down, and it would be unsafe, especially with the storm! There are plenty of more efficient ways of running away, if you want suggestions…?” Sweetiebelle ignored that, clumsily trying to make a rope out of drapes with her magic, succeeding at none of it, still hounding her sister. “You love Applejack!! Why don’t we just run to her house or something? Isn’t she super strong?? That ‘True love’ stuff is so much better than this royal junk with that stuffy prince anyways!!” Quick to refute, Rarity held her little sister, taking her away from the window, looking away, listlessly. “I couldn’t impose like that, Sweetiebelle; I just couldn’t barge into her home and demand her to take me, as much as I wish I could, it has to be her choice… And more importantly, yes, she is incredibly, wonderfully strong, but she is not invincible… if Prince Blueblood found out I ran away to be with the Peasant he despises most, there would be dire consequences for all of us, most of all her. I can’t have that. Anything but that.” Her mind flashed to the last time she thought she would lose her love, with a shudder. A brief period of silence, accentuated with rain. Until a simple idea came to Twilight. “What if you could give her a choice?” “Huh?” “If you could ask her to help. If you could ask her what she thinks, what she wants, or if you could ask her something, anything… What if?” It took only a few seconds of thinking, her gaze away with longing, before Rarity had her definitive answer.  “If I asked her… She would come for me.” Sweetiebelle nudged her with her tiny hooves. “Then why won’t you! C’mon, sis!” “I’m– I’m afraid of what would happen to her if I did… To both of us. I… I just couldn’t bear to lose her– I just couldn’t…!” The mere suggestion nearly burst the dam once more. Twilight approached her, speaking kindly and softly, with understanding. “Rarity. I can have a letter sent to Applejack. You could write anything you’d like to say, be it a request for her to save you, or be it a proper goodbye. What do you think…?” Rarity closed her eyes, with uneasy breaths, trying to suppress tears once more. “I… I owe her a proper goodbye… She deserves that much…!” The little filly regarded her with pity. Twilight smiled, even if weakly. “Okay then…” She closed her eyes, and her horn sparked with a purple glow leading to a red shine, only for a moment. Sweetiebelle tilted her head. “What was that…?” Smiling, the Alicorn poked a hoof on the floor, almost with a light blush. “Give it a couple of seconds, she–” With a flash, Sunset Shimmer teleported into the room, immediately running to the Princess of Friendship. “I’m here! Everything okay? You’re not hurt are you?” She inspected Twilight thoroughly. With a giggle, the Alicorn assured her. “I’m okay, Sunset. It’s a different kind of emergency. Ahem! Captain Shimmer, I would like you to gather your most trusted Pegasus guard, for the emergency delivery of a very important letter to Sweet Apple Acres!” The Captain gave a salute, and a nod. “Absolutely, Princess. I know just the Stallion for the job– Though I suspect the delivery can only be made tomorrow morning at the earliest, given the storm. Permission to speak freely, my Princess?” “Granted!” “I love it when you pull rank on me.” Her entire demeanor changed, as she approached the Princess closely, with what could only be summarized as a deeply intimate flirtatious grin. The room got a couple degrees warmer, as the Princess was flustered to oblivion. “Sunsun!! There’s others watching!!” She whispered, stopping the incoming tidal wave of passion that approached her. “Oh. Hey Rarity. Hey Sweetiebelle.” the Captain’s eyes narrowed, as she stopped, blowing raspberries in annoyance, demeanor changing back. Rarity, having observed such a brief display of passion, broke out into tears once more, leaping into her new fainting couch. “WAAAAAH– A-APPLEJACK USED TO LOOK AT ME LIKE THAaaaAAT!!” And her sister walked over to give her consoling head pats. Sunset regarded the scene with a mix of confusion and pity. “So, it’s that bad, huh…?” Twilight sighed sadly. “The letter is one that Rarity will write to Applejack. She plans to give her an official goodbye... But I'm trying to convince her to send a letter that asks her love to come rescue her, instead… She said that if she asked, Applejack would come for her.” Sunset tilted her head, already considering the worst angles. “Are you sure you want to get her involved in this mess? The Prince has a LOT of defenses, and basically an army at his disposal; And generally, including Applejack in this— ” Twilight was quick to speak to reason. “Sunset. If I was getting forced to marry someone I didn't love, And you were forced to live on from afar, wouldn't you get mad?” “I would probably start killing people, yeah” Zero hesitation on her response. Twilight nearly choked hearing that response, but she wasn’t exactly surprised. Regaining her composure, she fetched a piece of paper and a pen. “Rarity… Please consider what you want, over everything, even your fears.” Sunset gave the weeping Unicorn an understanding, warm look. “There’s nothing I'd like to see more than someone crashing that asshole Prince’s party. If you choose this, know that you’ll have our support. I been looking forward to taking down that smug bastard...” Even Sweetiebelle nudged her. “C’moooon sis!!” Sitting up, Still sniffling, Rarity picked up the paper and pen with her magic, with an uneasy shake. “I… I just can’t lose her. I just can’t…! How could I possibly demand this of her…?” Twilight nuzzled her Captain’s neck, with a weary smile. “Love is a choice you make every day, Rarity…” “...And it’s worth the risk. Above everything, it is. Trust us.” Sunset added, nuzzling her back with a smile. The Unicorn sniffled, in despair, pondering.  She thought, for a whole minute, of what she would write into that letter for her Knight. Knowing that these perhaps would be her final words to her. And then, after giving it enough thought, she wrote. Feeling warm water on her hide was at least a comfort. Keeping her eyes closed for most of it, Applejack showered, attempting to remove a month’s worth of soreness and exhaustion from her body. Being alone, she finally attempted to let go, and cry. But she found that no tears came. With an exhausted sigh, she got out of the shower, wiping the foggy mirror in their bathroom. Maybe it was the current circumstances, maybe it was the past circumstances, but she could finally see how tired she was. How drained she felt. She wondered, for a moment, if this was simply the cost of long travel, or if this was the cost of losing what she had lost earlier that day. All these scars. All this weariness… For what felt like nothing. The sound of distant chatter downstairs snapped her out of it. It was worthless to dwell on it. No good would come from it. She stepped out of the bathroom, intent on heading straight to her room. Interrupted only by her brother, who sat in the hallway waiting for her. “Yer hurtin’.” He stated plainly, knowing it was a fact, regarding her with pity. She sighed, deflecting the statement. “These scars will heal, big mac. Most of em’ anyway. No need to worry bout’ me.” “It’s a different kinda hurt.” He stated, plainly, looking through his sister with ease. “Eeyup.” It was all she could muster as a response. He spoke softer, hoping she would open up. “Why ain’t ya telling us?” “Give me a day. Maybe a couple days, actually. Goodnight, brother.” She walked past him, to her room, shutting the door quietly without saying another word. She desperately hoped to not be disturbed anymore, even if she understood her family’s good intentions. She just needed some time alone. And there she stood, alone. For the first time in a month, too. Her room felt almost dusty, barren, untouched. Nothing had changed in a month. The soft pounding of the rain outside was the only thing that accentuated the silence of this tomb. She wasted no more time, and laid in her weary, creaky, old, extremely comfortable bed; The mattress had a crater with her vague shape in it. Oh, the many times she had laid in it, and fallen asleep in under a minute. It was a cozy, familiar comfort to lay in that bed. But for the first time in her life, that bed felt empty. She struggled to fall asleep that night. And she was not the only one. Covered in silky sheets, with the height of comfort, in the most royal bed she had ever slept in, Rarity tossed and turned, attempting to fall asleep to no avail. She hugged her pillow, missing an embrace; but it lacked the warmth of her Knight. With a long sigh of hesitation, she mustered her magic. The pale blue aura danced around her, and she shaped it on the form she required. Applejack, or as close to her as she could manage. Her Knight stood, akin to a Blue hologram, maybe even a ghost, at the foot of her bed. She commanded that flawed copy to join her, and intertwined with her embrace, attempting to mimic or remember how the real thing felt. It lacked warmth, it lacked the fuzziness, and it lacked the gentle rise and lower of her lover’s breaths. But it would have to do. She shut her eyes, with a mournful exhale. “I love you, Applejack.” “I love you, sugarcube.” Her ghost whispered, with the closest she could muster of a copy of her lover’s voice. And so, despite the struggle, she fell asleep. Roosters sang in the distance, and Applejack ignored them. The sun rose in the sky, and Applejack ignored it. Chatter was heard from downstairs, and she ignored that too. Nothing could pull her out of that bed. Not for a couple more days, she considered. Fossilizing in that mattress felt like an adequate choice to spend her day, maybe week. The light footsteps of her little sister approached her room, and she ignored them. Her door opened, and she ignored that too. “Sis, it’s past nine! C’mon, you need breakfast!” the Little filly imposed, awaiting a response. The door opening allowed the scent of breakfast into the room; Pancakes, and what seemed to be cookies. Maybe pie? And the voices of her family and friends echoed up there, too. A quiet grumble was all that the Peasant could muster for a response. Leaping into the bed, with the softest of thuds, Applebloom started nudging her sister. “C’moooon you need food! Get uuuup!” Another grumble, one that could be loosely translated to the word “Tired.” For a moment, the little filly stayed quiet, and so did her sister. Until she broke that silence.  “Applejack… What happened with Rarity?” The Farmer’s body moved immediately, forcing herself out of bed. “I’m getting breakfast.” She murmured, ignoring the question, heading straight out, ignoring her little sister’s complaints, too. All chatter faded, the moment she stepped into the kitchen. Granny Smith, Big Mac, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and even Fluttershy, all simply stared at her as she walked in, as if she were a ghost. And she remained as quiet as one, as she sat on the table, grabbed a plate, and served herself some lukewarm pancakes. The room remained silent with all eyes on her, and she ignored it. The clumsy steps of a filly could be heard coming down the stairs. “I got her down!!” She rushed to sit at the table as well. All eyes quietly watched her munch on her food, and she ignored it. She spoke, casually, even if lacking on energy. “I was thinkin’. I might go to town buy us some supplies this afternoon’. Now that we can afford it, we oughta fix a couple things–” Her grandmother interrupted her, plainly. “Applejack. What happened to ye this last month? What happened with Rarity?” She stopped chewing, regarding her Granny with tired eyes. “Do we really gotta do this now? Is this an intervention or somethin’?” Pinkie poked the table with her hooves, looking at her sternly. “AJ. I told them a bit, but not nearly enough. They deserve to know what you’ve been through, from you, and you know it!” Rainbow dash leaned forward, egging her on. “C’mon dude, even we’re curious to know.” Her temper started wearing a bit thinner, pointing at the two pegasus. “So you two are just livin’ here now or somethin’??” And the daring pegasus surrendered, muttering an intimidated “Life debt, man…!” Fluttershy spoke softly. “I think it’s important to be honest with your family, Applejack. If befriending a dragon is only one of the things you did on your journey, shouldn’t they know the rest?” Applejack frowned, considering the irony of being told to be honest by another pony. She was about to complain, but her grandmother gave her a stern gaze, crossing her arms. “Applejack. Spill the beans. Now.” With a groan, the Farmer leaned back on her chair. After an exhale, she started speaking. “Fine. It was the best month of my darn life, alright? It all started when I met Pinkie, near that damn arena…” “...And well, that was that. We had a couple drinks, then headed here. The first time I ever been in love, and of course it was with a darn Princess… I never, ever thought i'd be in love. But I guess there's a first time for everything. And by Celestia, how I loved her. Too much. Too damn much. It tore me apart, leavin’ her there… But what choice did I have…? I couldn’t let our home be taken from us… I couldn’t lose us. And well, I paid the price, I guess. There’s a hole in my chest where my heart should be...” She hung her head low, breathing unsteady. Retelling the events of the past month only added to her weariness. The whole room silently regarded her with either pity, concern, or surprise. The Rogue fluttered her wings slightly, breaking the silence. “Dude you suplexed a manticore?? Ack!” Fluttershy silenced her immediately, with a slap of her wings. This was a family matter. Her Brother and her little sister hung their heads low, in sadness, considering just what to say. The eldest of them was the first to break the familial silence. “Applejack… i’m very disappointed in ye.” The statement hit the Farmer like a slap to the face. “W-what?? C’mon, Granny?!” But her grandmother did not let her finish, angrily. “I’m very, very disappointed in ye! Yer always doing everythin’ fer us, workin yerself down to the bone, and well, the first darn time you get a chance to be happy, fer you, and you throw it away, fer us? Ya were in love, Applejack!” The two apple siblings nodded along, in agreement. Shaking her head, she interjected. “C’mon now, I couldn’t let that rat bastard of a Prince destroy Sweet Apple Acres!! Why, Our parents–” But her grandmother interrupted her thoroughly. “--Woulda been thrilled to find out that their daughter was happily in love. And they wouldn’t have minded none, they wouldn’t have even blinked at our farm getting destroyed, as long as you were happy!” She slapped her old hooves on the table, assertively. “How can you say that?! This place–” “--Yes, it’s our home, and yes, it matters. But ya know what matters more? The ponies in it, Applejack! Why, I woulda sooner rather live in a rickety old carriage, than see ye heartbroken like this!!” “Eeyup!!” Her brother agreed enthusiastically. Applebloom nodded fiercely. “Yeah!! I’d be okay living in a darn barrel, as long as you were happy!!” “Language!” All of the apple family interjected, resulting in her holding a hoof over her mouth. “Sorry!”  The three visitors couldn't help but snicker. A bit more softly, Granny Smith continued. “Ya fight fer us so damn often, Applejack. Why couldn’t ya fight for yerself?” A moment of silence and regret, while the Farmer stared at the table. She hesitated on her words, unsure of what to say. “So y’all are really just… Fine with me lovin’ a princess? Hell, with lovin’ a mare…?” Her brother placed a mindful hoof on the table, regarding his sister kindly. “Sis. If you were in love with Celestia herself. She would be lucky to have you.” Applebloom and Granny nodded in agreement, and the eldest snickered. “Darn tootin’. And don’t think we didn’t know ya liked mares. Lyin’ and keepin’ secrets ain’t in yer nature, Applejack.” She smiled warmly at her granddaughter. With an exhale, the Farmer leaned back in her chair. She looked away, listlessly. “Well… Thanks, y’all. But either way, it's over. She’s out there livin’ her dream…” The Bard enthusiastically tippy tapped her hooves on the table, her mane finally returned to its usual joyful poofness. “Well then go get her, Applejack!! After everything that’s happened, you couldn’t possibly think that you’re better off without each other!!” “Pinkie, look–” “No! I’ve been right about basically everything on this entire adventure! When are you gonna trust in me, AJ? I’m telling you, you can do this!!” Defiantly raising a hoof, with glorious determination, Rainbow dash smugly smirked. “If raiding a castle to rescue a maiden is what you need, you’ve got yourself a life indebted Rogue that will assist you loyally to her dying breath!!” Big Mac crossed his arms, with a stern look. “And a brother. You deserve to be happy, AJ. I’ll gladly raid a castle with you if it helps that.” Applebloom hopped on the table. “A-and me!! I ain’t sittin’ this one out!! C’moooon, sis!!” Even Fluttershy nodded enthusiastically. “I’ll help too! In any way I can! Love is worth it!” Pinkie smugly and proudly nodded, as well. “And you have your Bard! Through thick and thin, AJ! C’mon, what do you say? One last adventure, for all the marbles??” The whole table went silently, as they awaited her response. She scratched her chin, torn up, considering it. Considering it strongly. With an exhale, she looked down at the table. “Y’all… Thank you. But I can’t. I just can’t. She has her dream, and I just… I just couldn’t ruin that.” The whole table groaned in disappointment, prepared to attempt to convince her one more time… Until they all stopped. With the sound of knocking at the front door. “Letter delivery to Applejack Apple, from one ‘Princess Rarity Belle!’” A muffled cheerful voice came from outside. Applejack’s heart stopped. The whole table was quiet. Until Pinkie shot up from her seat, ran to the front door and opened it. “Yes it’s here! That’s her, over there! Right there!!” All while the Farmer fearfully glared at them. An armored pegasus smiled warmly, handing the Bard the letter. “Here you go, ma’am! Flash Sentry, at your service. Sorry for the delay, lotsa farms around here, i got a bit lost...! I oughta be going now, but I hope this letter brings you the answers you’re looking for! You look troubled…?” “HeresatipthankyouverymuchseeyoulaterBYE” The Bard tossed a silver ingot at him from their money sack, and gleefully shut the door. A muffled “ma’am this is a serious overpayment– Oh, what the hell. Bye! Thank you!” was heard from outside, before the Pegasus took off. The Bard rushed to the table, resting the closed letter in front of Applejack, and sitting next to her, waiting. Everyone else in the table shuffled behind her to get a glimpse, all while the Farmer stared at it, heart pounding, uneasy. “Well, go on, open it!” Granny affirmed, nudging her. Everyone else around her agreed. She closed her eyes, breathing deeply, steadying her heart. The Rogue nudged her too. “Dude c’mon what are you waiting for everyone wants to know what's in this.” “I’m thinkin!!!!” Applejack stated, covering the letter with her hoof. Applebloom hopped on the table, excited. “What’s there to think about?!! C’mon, sis!!” Pinkie placed a friendly hoof on her shoulder. “Applejack. She’s reaching out…” After a bit more hesitation, the Peasant exhaled. Steeling her nerves, taking a breath, she opened the letter. Dearest Applejack. Missing you has hurt me deeply. I burdened myself, with consideration, before writing this letter, but it needed to be done. I needed to give you this chance. I love you more than I can bear… But I couldn’t stand to ruin your dream. If you feel the same way about me, then, well… Know that I find myself utterly devoid of happiness, knowing that I'll marry this awful Prince. Even if this was a dream of mine, it isn’t worth it. Not with missing you. The wedding will happen today, when the sun is highest in the sky. Remember when you said you would do anything I asked of you? If you still feel the same way… And if you love me, the same way I love you… Then come rescue me from another castle, my Knight. And I'll be yours. I love you, Applejack. PS: You don’t actually have to destroy his castle, I'm just writing this because I know you would. - Your sugarcube Leaning back on her chair, eyes widened, staring at the piece of paper, Applejack let out a huge exhale. “She… She asked…!” Quiet mutterings around her over the letter and its subject, pointing out how romantic it is, or how surprising that a princess would write such things. And Applejack ignored all of it. She got out of her chair, and headed to the door, picking up her hat from the coat rack. Granny gasped, seeing a recognizable drive from her. “Where are ya goin’?” With single minded determination, Applejack narrowed her eyes, picking up her backpack, reaching into it.  “I’m her Knight. She asked, so I'm goin’.” She took out an object from her backpack, one she hadn’t considered in days, maybe weeks. Fluttershy gasped at its sight. It was the Dragon-Calling flute the druid had gifted her. Applebloom approached her with concern. “B-but it’s a whole castle??! What are you going to do?!” Applejack opened the door, and readied the flute. “Nothin’ sensible.”