//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: A Canterlot Courtship // by TheDoktor //------------------------------// I don’t own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.  If I did, I wouldn’t be broke. Don’t bother with a lawsuit. ************************************************************************************************************************************************************ “So... was there kissing?” Rainbow Dash asked with a smirk. Macintosh sighed.  The pegasus had been grilling him about his evening with Twilight Sparkle ever since she and Rarity had arrived at his rooms that morning.  “No, Dash, and y’ know that even if there was, I’d not tell ya.” “Well why not?” “A gentlecolt don’ gossip that way. It’s rude.” Her face grew sly. “Ah-ha! so I’m betting there was a kiss! You’re just being coy,” she proclaimed triumphantly. He sighed again. “Dash...” “So c’mon, I want details!  Are we talking like, a peck on a the cheek, or full-on muzzle-mauling?” He flushed, and was about to protest, but Rarity beat him to it.  “Really, Rainbow Dash, could you be any more uncouth?” she asked, leaning around Macintosh’s shoulder to glare at her friend.  “Besides,  your questions are making Macintosh fidget, and I won’t be able to make sure his suit fits properly.” “Y’ shouldn’ worry so much ‘bout it, Miss Rarity,” he assured her. The fashion pony had been fussing over his outfit for the banquet since just after breakfast that morning. “It all looks just fine, and ya still haven’t gotten dressed yerself.” “I’ll attend to my own ensemble after I have you ready,” she said while smoothing his lapel for what was probably the sixth time that day. “And indeed, you look fine, but ‘fine’ simply won’t do for today.  You must look absolutely stately, or I haven’t done a proper job of it.”  She shot another annoyed look over at Rainbow Dash. “Please try not to rumple your dress, dear.  It took me hours to get it neat again.”  She rolled her eyes before returning her attention to Big Mac.  “It’s the Gala dress I made for her a few years ago.  I was delighted to see the fit was still perfect, but I swear she simply balled the thing up and threw it in a closet.” “Yeah, kinda,”  Dash replied, swishing the dress around dramatically. Rarity winced. “What?  This is like the only clothes I actually own, pretty much, other than that bridesmaid dress you made me for when Twi’s brother got married.  Who needs clothes?  I look too good to cover up, anyway,” she said, preening. The unicorn took a deep breath, her ears laying flat on her head as she visibly fought to reign her temper in.  “Why can’t they all be like you, Macintosh?” She lamented. “Modest, patient, undemanding...” He chuckled.  “Don’ be too hard on her.  Ya know how much she hates bein’ stuck in one place, unless she’s sleepin’.” Rarity responded with a laugh of her own.  “That’s the honest truth.  You should have seen me trying to wake her her this morning.”  She raised her voice so their companion could hear.  “Apparently Equestria’s greatest flyer had herself a long night last night. She and the friends we were staying with decided to ‘sample’ some of the Apple Family cider we brought them.  And by ‘sample’ I mean they utterly drained an entire cask.” “It was a matter of pride,” Dash protested. “I wasn’t about to let that prissy pink unicorn out-drink me.  I won, so it was worth the headache and dry mouth this morning.” Mac nodded sagely. “Sometimes victory takes sacrifice.” “That’s right!” Dash agreed cheerfully.  “Glad somepony around here is cool. This is why I approve of you dating our friend.” Mac blushed a bit.  “Y’all don’ think maybe it’s mite early to say that  we’re datin’?” “Perhaps, perhaps not,” Rarity said as she began giving his jacket one more going-over with a lint brush.  “Things did go well last night, yes?” “Eeyup, I guess so.” “Specifics, darling.  Dinner went well, and it sounds like you got to know a little more about each other.  Was there anything after?” “We talked a while, an’ I walked her home,” Mac said, as he lowered his head so Rarity could touch up his mane with a comb.  “She talked a bit about growin’ up in city with the Princess teachin’ her about magic an’ stuff.”   “Were any plans made for you two to do anything like this again?”  Rarity asked. “Hmmm, nothin’ specific, but we both said we’d like t’ do it all again.” “I see.... well, I assume she will be attending this afternoon’s function as well?  I’d say you have an opportunity, then,” she said with a nod.  “Yes, this could work out very well. You should definitely ask her to accompany you on a second romantic evening, Macintosh.” “Um... y’ sure ‘bout that?  I’m... I’m not so much good w’ words,” he confessed, feeling slightly embarrassed. “Pish-posh, you needn’t worry about such things.  The words being said aren’t as important as the feelings behind them.  After all, she hardly composed a grand love poem for you, did she?  And you need to do the asking this time, because she took the first step herself.”  He opened his mouth to interject, but she cut him off. “Yes, Macintosh, even if she didn’t quite know she was taking that step.  I am positive she was very impressed with you.”  Rarity glanced over at a large the large dressing mirror that stood to one side of the room. It briefly glowed with a light blue nimbus, then slid so that it faced Big Macintosh. “And with you looking like this, she’ll be even more impressed. She won’t be able to help herself.” Macintosh checked himself over in the mirror. He had never been in any way a vain pony, or had ever considered himself at all handsome.  In point of fact, he would’ve gladly confessed that he had no idea what a mare might find attractive in a stallion, at any rate.  The pony that looked back at him from the mirror wasn’t a stranger, as Big Mac had feared he’d be in fancy clothes, but simply a refinement of what he essentially was.  The cut of the clothes flattered a physique he’d gained from years of working the fields and orchards, doing what he loved... even the colors, the light brown of the jacket and the rich green of the necktie - they were solid colors of the earth, colors that were somehow him.  In a flash of insight, Big Macintosh suddenly understood why Rarity indeed was the very best at what she did, and that her claims that she could make anypony look their very best were totally Celestia’s own truth.  It wasn’t just that her designs were fantastic, though they were, even to eyes as unsophisticated as his;  Rarity could see what made everypony special, and brought that out for all to see. “I don’ have the words, Miss Rarity, and I sure wish I did,” he said softly. “‘Thank you’ will have to do until I find ‘em.” Rarity smiled softly. “That’s more than enough, especially between friends.”  Then she giggled rather impishly. “In any case, I do believe you were concerned with having flowery words for Twilight Sparkle?  Save them for her, if you find them.  In fact, perhaps we can talk about how to phrase your proposal  for a second date to her, once I get myself dressed for the Banquet.”  She looked over at Rainbow Dash, who had kicked off the intricate golden shoes that were a part of her outfit, and was now dozing in Macintosh’s bed, heedless of her own finery.  “And once I get her sorted out again,” she huffed. ***************** Their preparations did take most of the rest of the morning, but at last everypony was dressed for that afternoon’s affair- Big Macintosh in his suit, Rainbow Dash in her dress, and Rarity in a stunning blue silk gown.  Mac had  asked if the pair were going to accompany him to the castle’s Banquet Hall, but Rarity had insisted not, despite him still having a touch of nerves. “People would talk if a single stallion arrived at an affair such as this in the company of two mares,” she’s explained.  “Tongues would wag and rumors would spread, and I will not have your reputation tarnished, especially since you’re courting one of my best friends,” she’d said with a wink.  “Besides, I do prefer to be a trifle late to these sorts of things.” So it was that Big Macintosh found himself alone as he approached the doors of the great hall, shortly after the 2 o’clock bells had sounded.  He approached  one of the small cadre of castle servants who stood in front of the doors, liveried in uniforms which identified them as part of Celestia’s personal staff. “Macintosh Apple, ma’am,” he said to the servant, an orange unicorn mare with a neatly-combed pink mane and a cutie mark that looked to be a sundial.  “I’m here fer the banquet,” he said before drawing his invitation from a pocket inside his jacket. She nodded. “One moment, please.” A brief glow of her magic levitated the paper, opening it so that she could confirm the contents, while she cross-checked the information with a list that another unicorn held for her.  Her eyes briefly widened.  “Oh, I see.  You’re a bit earlier than expected, Mr. Macintosh,” she said with a polite incline of her head.   “Oh, I’m sorry, I thought th’ paper said two hours past noon,  but I s’pose I might’ve misread,” he apologised. The mare smiled.  “Oh no, you read it right, sir, it’s just that we’re used to the guests of honor at these sorts of things being what they like to call ‘fashionably late,’” she said with a roll of her eyes. “I think I’ve heard a friend talk ‘bout somethin’ like that, eeyup,” Big Mac said. “I think they just get a kick out of throwing all the careful planning and scheduling that goes into these things completely out of order,” she confessed.  “Meeting someone who can keep a schedule around this place who isn’t a part of the Royal Guard is just a surprise. Anyhow, my name is Daybreak, and if you’ll follow me, sir, I’ll show you to your table in the hall,” she said. Macintosh fell in behind her as she led him through the huge doorway and into the grand banquet hall beyond.   The room was easily big enough to contain all of Ponyville’s town hall, possibly with some space to spare.  A red carpet stretched beneath their hooves, between two rows of tables, each one capable of seating twenty ponies at least.  Most of those tables were unoccupied currently, though at least fifty or so well-dressed ponies had arrived early.  They circulated around the room, talking in quiet voices while a small cadre of wait-staff scurried about supplying them with drinks. Off to one side of the room, a string quartet led by a storm-cloud gray earth pony mare on cello provided a relaxing soundtrack for the proceedings. Daybreak continued to lead him up the red carpet, past the rest of the tables up to a raised dais at the far end of the chambers.  The table that was set there was just as big as the others, though it only had place-settings on one side, all of which were currently empty.  She directed him to a seat near the center of the table, where a card laid with his name written in elegant calligraphy.  Macintosh scratched one ear, puzzled.  “I’m really s’posed to be sittin’ here?” “Of course!” The servant replied.  “You are one of the guests of honor, so you have the honor of dining at the Royal Table with Princess Celestia herself.” “That may not do wonders fer m’ appetite,” Big Mac noted nervously. “No need to worry, the Princess is very informal at these functions,”  Daybreak assured him.  “Just be sure to rise to your hooves when they announce she’s entering the room, and also when she’s leaving.  She’ll introduce you to the assembled guests, say a few nice things about you, and present you with the accorded honors.  You’ll get to say a few words after.  The only other rule is no food-fights,  unless Her Highness starts it.” “Now yer pullin’ m’ tail,” he accused. “Well...you might be surprised,”  Daybreak said with a slight smile.  “Someone should be stopping by with refreshments in a bit, and just let one of us know if you need anything, sir.”  She offered him a little bow, before heading back to the chamber door. Macintosh took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves as he sat alone at the Royal Table.  Rarity had told him he’d be expected to say a few words while receiving his recognition from Celestia, and Mac knew that public speaking was hardly his strength.  Even in rural Ponyville, the Apple family accent definitely stood out.  As a school-foal he’d certainly endured his share of taunting from a few other students, which he’d learned to accept stoically (that teasing had definitely dropped off after a combination of constant hard work and puberty made him three times the size of all the other stallions.)  It’s not that Big Mac wasn’t proud of who he was and where he came from, but he simply didn’t like being the center of attention;  Applejack handled that much better than he did, which was why she was well-suited to being the public face of the family business.  This was the sort of thing she excelled at;  she should have been the one accepting this honor, not him. He tried to stay calm as the great hall gradually filled with ponies, resplendent in rich clothing, all chattering with one another, making enough of a cacophony that he missed the sound of somepony clearing their throat for his attention next to him at first. “Pardon, sir,  might I have a word?” Big Mac turned to face the speaker, and found an impeccably-dressed white unicorn stallion with a well-groomed blue mane and moustache, and a monocle in one eye. “You would be Macintosh Apple, if I don’t miss my guess?” The unicorn’s posh accent betrayed his Trottingham heritage. “Eeyup, that’d be me,” Big Macintosh said with a polite nod.   “Splendid,” the unicorn said, taking the seat next to him.   “It was most fortunate that the seating arrangements worked out to put us here.  But forgive my manners.”  He offered one hoof.  “Fancy Pants, at your service, sir.” Macintosh shook the offered hoof. “Macintosh Apple, but y’ seemed to already know that.” “Indeed, sir.  As it happens, I am an acquaintance of Miss Rarity’s, and she’s spoken quite highly of you.  She’s told me of your family’s potential business expansion into Canterlot, and suggested I may be able to offer assistance.” “That’s mighty fine of ya, Mr. err...”  Macintosh had no idea what to call the high society stallion... ‘Mr. Pants’ just sounded far too odd. Mac needn’t have worried.  “Please, no need for formality, Mr. Macintosh, not for a friend of Miss Rarity’s,” Fancy Pants said. “I appreciate that, an’ my friends call me Mac or Big Mac.”   “Mac then,”  Fancy Pants said with a smile and a nod at a server who brought them both glasses of dandelion wine.  “Very nice,”  the society pony noted, “But it can’t compare to your family’s cider.” Something clicked in Macintosh’s head.  “So yer the friend that Rarity and Rainbow Dash are stayin’ with.” He nodded. “Rarity was kind enough to bring a sample of your cider as a gift... I have to say I’ve never had any other that compares to it.” “Yer too kind.  Perhaps I’m assuming too much,  but I was always thinkin’ that such high-class ponies as yerself weren’t into such things.” “Actually, I acquired a fondness for apple cider when I was living in Dodge Junction for a time.  My father gave me a position at a newspaper we own there right after I finished University.  My family has long been in the publishing trade, you see.  I suspect he was trying to dissuade me from any notion that I would have an easy job at one of our publications here in Canterlot or back in Trottingham,  but I actually found rural life quite agreeable.  I spend most of my time here in Canterlot now that I’m in charge of all my family’s operations, but I still miss the simpler way of life in the countryside.” “That’s quite nice a thing for ya t’ say, Fancy Pants.  If you ever find yerself in Ponyville, ya’d be quite welcome to visit our farm.” “A generous offer, Macintosh!  I should certainly like to visit to at least purchase some of your cider...” His expression grew speculative. “That reminds me,  I may have an offer to make.” Macintosh sipped his wine with a raised eyebrow. “My wife has recently been looking into going into business with some of her friends, looking to open a pub in town.  Like myself, she was most impressed with your cider. She asked me to inquire on her behalf to see if we could come to an arrangement. She’d make the offer herself, but she saw some ponies she knew and broke off to talk with them. She’ll be along in a bit if you wish to discuss things further.” “Well, I’d have t’ talk it over with m’ sister Applejack,”  Macintosh noted. “But I think there’s potential.  Now... we don’ produce a whole lot o’ cider.  My family does things old fashioned, an’ I don’ foresee us changin’ that any time soon.” “Oh but of course,”  Fancy Pants agreed.  “That’s quite all right;  it merely means that your product is... exclusive.  Affluent ponies simply adore exclusive.  If you picked up a rock off the ground and proclaimed it was a ‘limited edition,’  we’d throw Bits at you until you were buried.”  He made a rueful face.  “We’re rich, it doesn’t mean we’re smart.” Macintosh couldn’t help but laugh. He definitely found himself liking this pony.  “Like I said, I’ll have t’ run it by AJ, but I’m thinkin’ we might be able t’ do business.” “Very good!  And while we have a moment I’d also like to-”  Before he could continue, they were approached by a large white unicorn with a blonde mane, and a compass rose cutie mark.   “There you are, Fancy Pants, I’ve been meaning to talk to you,”  the newcomer said.  His tone was one of a pony used to having his wishes indulged, and immediately. Fancy Pants’ cheerful countenance flattened.  “Ah, Prince Blueblood,” he said in a rather measured voice.  “Might I have the pleasure of introducing Mr. Macintosh Apple, of Ponyville?  Your aunt is presenting him with honors today.”   “An honor, Sir,” Mac said with what he hoped was a polite bow. “Quite, yes,” Blueblood said indifferently, before turning back to Fancy Pants.  “I was hoping to talk to you about the photographer for the upcoming interview in Gentlecolt’s Quarterly.  I specifically requested Photo Finish for my pictures, and you ignored me.” “I did not ignore you,  Sir,”  Fancy Pants replied.  “Photo Finish is in Baltimare, at the Seapony Exposition.  The Daily is paying her far too much for me to be able to lure her off that assignment, unless you wish to put forth some of your own funds...” Blueblood sniffed haughtily. “I suppose I shall have to make do, then.  Do keep in mind this article is possibly the most important thing your publication has ever carried.  Many ponies look to me in these times.” “I don’t doubt it, Prince Blueblood.  Rest assured what we print shall reflect you accurately.  And since so many ponies do look up to you, are you still on for the charity game tomorrow?” “What?”  Blueblood scratched his mane.  “Oh, I remember , that silly hoofball game of yours. Seems like a waste of time to me.” “I’d beg to differ,”  said a throaty feminine contralto from behind them.  Macintosh turned in time to see the approach of a stunningly beautiful  unicorn mare. Her coat was white, and her intricately coiffed mane was a very soft pink.  Her elegant white dress was cut in such a way as to accentuate her impossibly long legs and sleek body, as well as a cutie mark that resembled three stylized flowers.  “Many ponies will gather to see the game, Blueblood, and many of them will be mares.  If the potential for donations to my husband’s charity doesn’t influence you,  maybe that will.”  Her inflection made little effort to conceal her contempt for the Prince.  She trotted up and gave Fancy Pants a quick kiss on the cheek.  “Hello, darling.” He smiled at her. “So glad you could join us, love.  Macintosh Apple, this is my wife, Fleur.” Macintosh rose from his seat and bowed to the lovely mare.  “I’m greatly honored, ma’am. ” She smiled, eyes twinkling merrily, and gave him a fond pat on the withers.  “Oh, no bowing, please!  Any friend of Rarity’s is as good as family to me, so there’s no need for formality.  Besides, you’re one of the guests of honor;  we should be more deferential to you, really.” Macintosh flushed a bit at the praise.  “Far too kind of ya, really.  I’m just a farmer, after all.” Fleur chuckled a bit.  “A farmer who’s apparently going to be supplying apples to Canterlot, from what I hear.  Once you’ve seen how this lot eats, you’ll know what kind of task you’ll be facing.  Oh, apples, that’s right-” she turned to Fancy Pants. “Darling, did you-” “I already asked him, love,”  the dapper pony replied.  “He said we may be able  to do business.” “Smashing! We can get the details ironed out later,  and toast it with more cider, even.”  She suddenly gave Macintosh a speculative look. “And since we’ve got you in such a generous mood...  would you perhaps be interested in being a part of our little game tomorrow?” “Would this be th’ hoofball game I heard Fancy Pants mention?”  Big Mac asked. “Indeed.  My husband and I are involved in some of the local charities,  mostly to make sure the underprivileged ponies in the city are properly fed and receive medical care, and the like.  Every so often, we stage an informal hoofball game with some of the prominent Canterlot stallions.  We sell tickets and put the proceeds towards those causes.  It’s quite successful.”  She glanced over at Blueblood, who was hovering near with a look of studied disinterest.  “Many ponies can’t resist the chance to watch  the cream of local stallionhood act like a bunch of foals,” Fleur said sweetly. Blueblood rolled his eyes.  “Ridiculous,” he muttered. “There’s nothing wrong with being ridiculous once in awhile,  it keeps one properly humble,” Fleur scolded,  before turning back to Macintosh.  “So...  is there any chance you might be interested in participating?   I do believe my husband’s team still has a few spots open.” “Quite so,”  Fancy Pants said.  “And you’d be most welcome, Macintosh.” Big Mac gave the matter some thought.  “I ain’t played hoofball since I was a school-foal,  so I can’t be sure if I’ll be any kind of good.” Fancy Pants shrugged.  “That doesn’t really matter, this is all for fun and good causes.” Mac nodded.  “All right then, I’m in.  Like ya said, it could be fun.” Fleur made a delighted little noise and gave Big Macintosh a hug.  “Oh, this will be a delight!  My husband will go over the details during the banquet, all you’ll have to do is show up and have a good time.” “I’ll give it my best, Miss Fleur,” he said,  a bit surprised at her informal manner. She back to Blueblood.  “And you, Sir?   Might we count on you to follow this gentlecolt’s noble example?” The Prince huffed a bit, but nodded.  “I suppose.  I don’t have anything important planned for tomorrow at any rate.” He turned to Fancy Pants.  “Give the details to my assistant, I’ll have him find you.” Fancy Pants nodded in return.  “I thank you, Prince Blueblood.” “I suppose it’s the least I can do for an old schoolmate.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I have several other ponies I need to speak with.” He gave the couple curt nods and sauntered from the table into the growing crowd. Fleur made a face one would expect to see on a pony who’d just bitten into a lemon.  “Arrogant jackass,” she muttered.  “I don’t know how you can stand to even talk to him, dear.” Fancy Pants shrugged.  “He’s far from my favorite pony in Equestria, but he is an old classmate from prep school, so I suppose he’s due some regard.  And while unpleasant, he is useful, sometimes.” “As what, an ipecac?” “Be nice, love,” the unicorn stallion murmured, though his face betrayed amusement. “He barely even noticed Mr. Macintosh was here,” Fleur said as she took a seat at their table next to her husband.  “Deplorable manners.  I apologize for that, Macintosh, you certainly deserve better.” Big Mac laughed a little. “Shucks, as hard as I’ve been tryin’ not t’ be noticed?  I’m not complainin’ at all.” Fleur beamed at him.  “Staying out of the public eye?  That’s going to be hard to do in a bit.  Princess Celestia is... I make it to be about a half hour late, so we should be getting started with the festivities shortly, if she’s true to form.” Macintosh sighed, and took another small sip of his wine, “I was afraid that was the case.  I think I’m expected t’ say a few words.” Fleur cocked her head at him curiously.   “I ain’t exactly the speakin’ type, in the first place, and I reckon m’ accent sticks out a bit ‘round here.” Fleur grinned at him crookedly.  “An’ so what if it does?”  she asked, all traces of  her genteel diction suddenly replaced by a lazy rural drawl.  “Hardly yer fault if this crowd don’ know what an honest pony sounds like.  Me?  Ah’m findin’ it quite refreshin’. It’ll do ‘em all good to know that there’s more t’ Equestria than jus’ Canterlot.” Macintosh stared at her, gaping in shock. Fancy Pants laughed warmly. “I didn’t get the chance to mention that I met my wife while I was in Dodge Junction, did I?”  He gave Fleur an affectionate pat on the shoulder.  “You were the Cherry Blossom Queen in...  how many years ago was it?” “Too many fer me t’ talk about unless they start servin’ something stronger than this,” she said, sipping her wine.  “But yep,  Ah grew up in Dodge Junction, and that’s where Ah met a certain fancy-talkin’ newspaper pony.  He interviewed me at the Cherry Blossom Festival,  we got friendly, and the rest as they say is history.” “Well ain’t that somethin’,” Macintosh said.  “But how did ya lose th’ accent?” “I married Fancy Pants and we moved back to Canterlot  once he took over his family’s interests,” Fleur said,  her more refined speech returning.  “Living here played a part, but I was also studying to become an actress, and I had to eliminate my accent in the course of doing that. But even so, believe me, it definitely wasn’t a matter of be ashamed at my roots, so don’t you be either, Macintosh.” He nodded,  seeing the truth of what she said.  “Thank you, Miss Fleur,  that does make me feel better.” “You needn’t worry too much about your speech,” Fancy Pants noted.  He nodded to the other end of their table, where several other ponies had taken their seats.  “You do know you’re one of three ponies receiving honors today? And one of those ponies is Bulwark, the former Captain of the Guard.  If I remember the itinerary correctly, he’s being presented before you, and he is notorious for being rather loquacious.  Your brevity will be appreciated, I predict.” Just then entrance doors to the chamber opened and an officious-looking pony walked in and banged one hoof on the marble floor three times, the loud reports drawing the attention of all.  “Honored Guests! Her Highness, Princess Celestia!” Macintosh rose with every other pony in the room and knelt as the Solar Princess entered the room,  looking around at all of them with a radiant smile.  “Please rise, My Little Ponies.  I thank you all for being here today.”  She made her stately way up the carpet between the two rows of tables, trailed by a  pair of Royal Guards in golden armor and several other important-looking ponies - including Twilight Sparkle.  She was wearing a simple yet elegant magenta dress that Macintosh somehow knew was also the work of their mutual friend. eyes locked with the purple unicorn’s briefly,  which earned him a brief shy smile as she trailed her mentor towards them. Celestia paused when she reached  the Royal Table.  “Twilight Sparkle, would you be so kind as to join us?” “Me?”  She asked in a small voice.  “I figured I’d just sit wherever.” “I think it’d be nice if Macintosh had a friend beside him today.”  Celestia gestured to the place next to him.  “And it seems we have an extra place!  The staff always makes a place for my sister, even if she rarely attends our little functions,”  the Princess explained.  “We certainly shouldn’t waste it.” Twilight shuffled her hooves a bit skittishly, before nodding. “Okay! Thank you, Your Highness!”  She took her seat, giving Macintosh a little nudge with her shoulder as she did. Celestia turned to guests.  “Thank you all for being here to celebrate the accomplishments of these outstanding ponies.  Bulwark, who for decades was the bedrock upon which my Royal Guard was built.”  She gestured to a solid-looking pegasus stallion, with a brown coat and an iron-gray mane.  “Also, we shall honor Clockwork, who for many years served as Professor of Engineering at our Royal Academy, and whose work as an inventor has revolutionized a diverse range of industries.”  A blue unicorn mare with a mane like a fluffy white cloud grinned and offered a little curtsy.  “And last but certainly not least, Macintosh Apple.  Mr. Apple and his family have been agricultural pioneers for many years now.  Their orchard in Ponyville has become a model for farmers across the realm, and they were recently granted a Royal Warrant to supply the Crown with apples.  Macintosh will be accepting his honor on behalf of his family.”  Mac nodded to the audience as they politely applauded for the three of them. Celestia spoke once more, after the applause had died down.  “Now, I came through the kitchens on my way here, and now that I’ve seen what’s waiting for us, I propose we get the formalities out of the way so we can all get right to the good part.”  That got a few laughs out of the audience as Celestia beckoned the three of them to her side. The actual ceremony was wonderfully informal -  the Princess  presented each pony with a medallion, gold on one side and silver on the other, with each side emblazoned with the seal of Celestia and Luna, respectively, as well as a scroll that listed the accomplishments they were being honored for in some detail, which she read to the crowd.  At the end of it all they were given the opportunity to speak, and true to form, the former Guard Captain droned on long enough that Macintosh and Clockwork got by with only a few thank-you’s. After that, to everypony’s delight, the feasting began.  Everything was delightful  (Big Mac hadn’t realized one could do so many things with carrots)  but dessert was a particular treat, being a tart made with apples from Sweet Apple Acres.  During the socializing after the meal, this fact earned him many compliments and more than a few business propositions, which he dutifully promised to respond to once he’d discussed them with his sister. As he drifted around the banquet hall, Macintosh was beginning to feel he was getting the hang of socializing somewhat.  That all changed when some of the mares began to notice him.  Most were simply curious about his clothing, which was easy enough to deal with by giving a simple referral to Carousel Boutique.  A few others, however were a bit more intent on Big Mac himself, and the farm-pony was beginning to run out of ways to dodge personal questions.  Fortunately, he was rescued. “Ah, there you are, Mac,” Twilight said, giving him a quick hug.  “I kind of lost you in the crush.” “Eeyup, there sure are a lot o’ ponies here,”  he said.  He was about attempt to introduce Twilight to the three mares that had been lavishing attention on him, but they’d seemed to have disappeared into the crowd. Twilight smirked at him.  “You were looking a little harried.  You’re not used to Canterlot social-climbers.” “I haven’t th’ slightest clue what got into ‘em,”  he said.  “I ain’ good for talkin’ ‘bout much except apples n’ how t' grow ‘em.  Hardly what that type o’ mare would want to talk about.” “Mac, remember, you are rather wealthy now, thanks to that Royal Warrant,” Twilight noted.  “Not to mention you apparently have some proximity to the Princess. You’re going to attract attention.” “I guess so?”  Mac replied dubiously.  “Still don’ know what that’s got t' do with anything.” Twilight giggled merrily.  “You’re entirely too good for Canterlot, Mac. don’t ever change.” “Wasn’ plannin’ to,” he said. As they walked the crowd they’d found themselves at the edge of a large open area in the room that several pairs of ponies had decided to make into an impromptu dance-floor, accompanied by the music of the string quartet.  Macintosh stood there quietly, watching the dance and occasionally sneaking glances over at his companion.  Twilight’s eyes were  focused on the dancers, though her expression was quite pensive.  Several times she looked as if she were about to say something, but before she could, a blue blur seemed to drop out of the sky overhead. “Twilight!” Rainbow Dash cried, throwing her forelegs around the unicorn’s neck.  “Oh my gosh, I missed you so much!” “Oh, hi there, Rainbow Dash!” Twilight said, returning the hug.  “I didn’t know you were here!”   “Yeah, I came with Rarity to see Mac’s big day,”  She turned to him and gave him a punch in the shoulder.  “You really knocked ‘em dead up there, big guy,” she said. “I barely did anything,” He noted. “Less is more sometimes”  Dash said. “Always leave ‘em wanting more.  You did great.  Oh, by the way, that fancy pony’s looking for you. What’s his name? Got the silly little moustache?” “Ya mean Fancy Pants?” “That’s him. Says he’s got stuff to talk about, something about some thing that’s supposed tomorrow.” Macintosh nodded.  “I’d better go find ‘em, but this gives ya a chance to catch up with some o’ yer friends, Twilight. Would ya like me t’ catch up with ya after?  Maybe when things die down here I can walk ya back to yer home?” “I’d like that, definitely.” She said. “I’ll catch up w’ ya, then.  Y'all say hi to Rarity for me,” he said before braving the crowd again in search of Fancy Pants. ***************** Twilight watched Macintosh walk off for a moment. She had the sense that the stallion had been on the verge of saying something to her before they’d been interrupted.  After the previous evening, she’d spent much of the night awake, trying to classify just what was happening between her and Big Mac. Cadance’s view of what had gone on had definitely surprised Twilight, but the more she’d thought about it the more the idea of having a colt-friend appealed to her.  She was self-aware enough to know that she was lagging behind other ponies her age when it came to matters romantic... in the past, socializing of any sort had been secondary to her studies.  And romance was merely something she read about.  But now...  was she ready?  More importantly, were Mac’s feelings the same?  This was not an area she could afford to miscalculate. But while her efforts at data-collection had been thwarted, she couldn’t truly be mad at Rainbow Dash; she genuinely missed her friends dearly.  “How long have you been here, Dash?” “Just a day,” the pegasus replied.  “We’re staying with that Fancy Pants friend of hers.  Hey, we should catch up with Rarity!”  Twilight found herself grabbed by one hoof and pulled through the crowd at what was quite probably not a safe speed.  “She’s mingling around here somewhere.” Indeed, the fashion designer had found staked a corner of the room out for herself, and was intent in conversation with Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance.  When she saw Twilight and Rainbow Dash approach, she jumped up with a pleased little cry and threw her forelegs around Twi’s neck.  “Oh darling, look at you!   You look wonderful!  We’ve all missed you so much!” “So I gathered from all the hugs I’ve been getting,”  Twilight said. “I’m really glad to see you here!  Only wish some of the other girls could be here too for Mac’s big day.” “Indeed,”  Rarity agreed.  “Sadly, Pinkie Pie is covering for Mr. and Mrs. Cake while they are on vacation, Fluttershy’s rabbits are having babies or some-such, and Applejack had to stay behind to mind Sweet Apple Acres.” Princess Celestia nodded. “I wish I had been made aware- I would have made personal arrangements to lend help so that they could attend.  I’ll try to give more notice of any future gatherings.” “That’s very generous of you, Princess Celestia,” Rarity noted.  “We should have these little gatherings more often, since Twilight Sparkle lives here now.  Not to mention this is my first chance to catch up with Princess Cadance since the wedding.  You look wonderful, dear.” “Thank you, Rarity,” the pink alicorn said.  “I won’t be staying too long today, I fear. I have an appointment in a bit,  but I’m glad I managed to stop by and reconnect.  I promise we’ll all be able to talk more tomorrow at Fleur and Fancy Pants' charity event.  Will you ladies be attending?” “Well, I certainly will,” Rarity said.   Rainbow Dash flitted about in the air above them excitedly.  “Me too!  The Wonderbolts will be there to meet ponies and sign autographs, you know.  Wouldn’t miss that for anything!” Twilight smiled.  “Good to see some things are constant in the universe.  So what’s this whole thing about, anyway?” “It’s a charity event that Fancy Pants and his wife are doing.  There’s going to be a little party and hoofball game with some of the colts.  You should definitely come, Twilight!  Shining Armor already let me know he was going to be there in his last letter. ”  Twilight’s friend looked at her with suspiciously innocent eyes.  “You could certainly ask Macintosh to come along.” “Actually,” Celestia said,   “I spoke to Fleur de Lis just a few minutes ago, and I already know that Macintosh will definitely be there.” Perhaps that was what Macintosh had been meaning to speak to her about earlier.  “Well, that could be nice... I’d be happy to go.  I’m not sure if Macintosh is into hoofball, though.” Celestia smiled.  “I’d say that he is, considering that he’s playing in the game. At least, that’s what Fleur said to me.” The thought of watching Macintosh in an athletic exercise made Twilight feel rather strange.  Pleasantly so.  “... Is that right?”  She could feel herself flushing a bit. “Well this is simply fantastic!” Rarity said.  “I’m a bit surprised, being that Macintosh is so shy.” “Oh, but he seems like a perfect gentlecolt,”  Cadance noted.  “At least that was the impression I got when he came to pick up Twilight for dinner the other night.” Twilight almost squeaked like a field-mouse when four sets of eyes focused on her.  “Why... why yes, yes, he’s an upstanding sort of colt, Macintosh is,” she said.  “I mean.. this is for charity, right?  He’d definitely want to be involved.” Rarity nodded,  “Quite so,” she said, giving Cadance a curious look.  “He has a caring streak a mile wide.  I for one wouldn't miss this for the world, even if I know little of sports." Rainbow Dash patted her on the back. "Don't worry, I'll let you know what's going on. I’m gonna be there to root  for Mac." Cadance smiled.  “This is shaping up well... It would be wonderful if you could be there as too, Aunt Celestia.” “Sadly, I am going to be busy with matters of state,”  Celestia said with a sigh.  “I will be making a donation to the charity, but I won’t be able to attend the game.” “I didn’t know you liked to watch sports,”  Rainbow Dash noted. Celestia’s grin was wicked.  “I don’t watch sports, dear.  I do like to watch the stallions, though.” Twilight felt all the blood rush to her face all at once, while she and the rest of her friends erupted into peals of scandalized laughter.  “Princess!”  she managed to gasp out,  “I can’t believe you!” “What? What did I say?” Cadance gave Celestia an affectionate hug.  “You’re being bad again, Aunt Celestia, that’s all.” “Well... I know I’m old, my dears, but I’m not that old.” “And on that note, I think I should go,” Cadance said.  “I have a few things to see to before Shining Armor gets home.  I will definitely be looking forward to tomorrow.” “I’ll see you to the door, Cadance,” Celestia said.  “Enjoy the rest of the party,  ladies.” They said their goodbyes to the two Princesses, and Twilight and her two friends settled in to catch up on each others' lives.  Twilight again found herself torn between the pride she felt at the important things she was a part of in Canterlot, and the slow, relaxed pleasure of Ponyville life.  Fortunately the presence of her two friends kept her thoughts from becoming too morose. “I will certainly stop by your tower to visit before we leave for Ponyville,”  Rarity said as the evening began to wind down.  “I couldn’t come to Canterlot without seeing Spikey-Wikey, after all.” Twilight giggled at her friend’s pet nickname for her dragon companion.  “I’m sure he’ll be thrilled.  I won’t tell him you’re here, so it can be a surprise.” A set of heavy hoofsteps approached them. "Miss Twilight?  I wanted t' let ya know that I'd be happy t' walk with ya if yer ready t’ go." Big Macintosh said respectfully. Somehow, she didn't blush as her two friends found excuses to slip away without clearly audible reasons. Well, to be fair, they could have been very clear, but her world had suddenly narrowed to just Macintosh Apple. "I'd like that, thank you" she said warmly as she stepped up besides him.  “Shall we?” ***************** “You have to admit, that went better than you were expecting,”  Twilight Sparkle said to him as they walked through the Castle Grounds.  The sun was just settling on the western horizon, bathing everything in a rich orange glow. “Eeyup. I mean, I guess so.”  He laughed ruefully.  “Maybe it couldn’ have gone any worse than I feared it could.  I was barely sleepin’ last night, I was so afraid I’d embarrass the family somehow.  I still ain’ too comfortable talking to all these fancy ponies.” “Me either,” she admitted. He gave her a curious look. “What? Just because I grew up here that doesn’t mean I necessarily feel like I belong to the culture, you know.  I mean, don’t get me wrong, the ponies here are for the most part good and kind and helpful, as we all should be.  But...”  Twilight trailed off for a moment and looked up at the sky, thinking. “Spike and I were talking not that long ago,  about how much more hectic it is here than in Ponyville.  And he’s right, I wish sometimes we could all just take some time to stop and take a breath and kind of... I don’t know, just focus on the little things.” Twilight seemed particularly thoughtful now, and Macintosh couldn’t resist.  “Such as?” “Such as fun, and family and friends and...” she paused, and gave him a an odd look.  “The stuff that’s not about work or school or politics... I mean more personal stuff, stuff that’s close to the heart.”  She looked away, and glanced down at her hooves rather nervously.  “I-I mean that... well, I do so many important things these days, between the teaching and the research and the studying, that there’s not much time anymore.”  She glanced back up at him. “Time for me, I mean.  Oh dear, I sound selfish, don’t I?” “Not in the slightest,” he said gently.  “Ya gotta take time f’ yerself once in a while.  Hard work’s sure important, I mean, but it’s not everything.  Heck, Applejack’s been tryin’ to hammer that into m’ head for ages now,” he admitted ruefully.  “Maybe it finally took.  And even though I don’ know ya real well, I think but there’s more t’ ya than the studyin’ an’ teachin’.” The look on Twilight’s face grew impish.  “Such as?” she asked, almost parroting his tone of voice as she turned his question back at him. He flushed a bit.  “Well... I mean, I... y’know, I notice stuff.  Like... I notice how ya tried to help out around the acres to give AJ a hoof, even when it weren’t exactly the sort of thing you were familiar with.  And when ya helped tutor Applebloom in math.  I mean, I tried it, an’ I’m pretty fair, with doin’ the finances fer the acres an’ all, but I couldn’ get it t’ stick with her, even though it meant takin’ time out from yer own doings.  Ya’ve always been there to help out, an’ not just with the big scary stuff ya took on with th’ rest o' the girls.”  He stopped walking a moment, shuffling his hooves nervously. “AJ told me about some of th’ stuff ya had to face, an’ she told me how brave ya were, and how ya always kept everyone safe.  I don’ think I ever could thank ya enough fer bringin’ my sister back, every time.” “Oh, Macintosh,”  she said, clearly struck by his words.  “I mean... you make me sound like some sort of hero!   That’s just... after all, we always tried to look out for each other, It was always all of us,” she said shyly. He nodded.  “Eeyup.  But don’ downplay yer own part in it.  Yer as fine a pony as I’ve ever known, Twilight Sparkle,” he said, a little breathlessly. Her eyes darted back and forth from his face to the ground, but she was smiling.  “I never realized you noticed so much,” she said quietly. “It’s an advantage t’ bein’ a quiet pony.” “And last night I did tell you you should talk more,” she said.  “I really like listening to you.” “I’m really not used t’ talkin’ like I did just now,” he admitted.  “But I meant it all.” Big Macintosh took a moment to look around, having been so intent on his words that he’d lost his bearings.  They had paused in a small clearing on the grounds, looking out over the plains below the peak that Canterlot was perched upon.  Celestia had almost finished setting her sun, and a few stars had begun to glimmer in the twilight.  Rarity had said the time and the place would matter, and that he’d know when he’d found both, and this felt right.  “Miss Twilight,  I’m.... I was wondering,  what we did the other night, I really liked spendin’ that evening with ya.  An... I mean, I was hoping that maybe, if ya wanted, that we could see each other again?” She was quiet for a moment, her eyes quite intent.  Then she nodded, smiling happily.  “Yes.  Yes, I’d like that very much, Macintosh.” Macintosh let out the breath he didn’t know he’d been holding.  “Really?” “Of course, ‘really’!” she chided.   Mac felt like his hooves were about to leave the ground.  “That’s... this is... ya’ve made me the happiest stallion alive, Miss Twilight.” “I told you,  just ‘Twilight,’ or ‘Twi,’ or whatever,” she protested with a grin as they started the walk to her tower once again.  “No need for formality, especially if we’re going to be dating.”  She giggled a little bit.  “I have a colt-friend!” she sang to herself, sounding distinctly pleased as she leaned into him and nuzzled his cheek affectionately. Macintosh blushed deeply, but that seemed perfectly all right in the company of his mare-friend. To Be Continued... *****************