//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 // Story: Derpy Delivers a Pizza // by DouglasTrotter //------------------------------// “What have I done?” she repeatedly questioned herself, those four words echoing within in the mare’s mind. Though she spaced out at times in the past, this was different. A picturesque scene greeted dutiful pony; wind gently blowing across the shrubs and trees in the Canterlot garden with ornate lampposts illuminating the smooth cobblestone pathways. The grey pegasus however, wasn’t staring at some painting in the Trottingham art gallery, run by monsieur trait de pinceau. Nor was she in one of her usual daydreams. Though Derpy knew she had flown into the royal flank of Princess Celestia, her fortune was worse than that. Even the rude comment about its firmness paled in comparison. She touched it. The grey pegasus had touched the regal mare in an impolite manner. She felt her actions more befitting an elderly pony, an ancient mare that questioned the ripeness of a piece of fruit at a shady produce stand in the Ponyville shopping district. “I-I… umm….” Struggling to clear her throat, the pony closed her eyes, trying to think of her “precious muffin” to calm her nerves; however, those thoughts her beloved Dinky wouldn’t work. The mail mare though she would be thrown into Canerlot Dungeon for just a month, in the best of circumstances. Perhaps some mercy would be granted. Suddenly, a strange sensation came over the grey pegasus, her cheeks flushing. It was the same, unique, loving embrace that always greeted her whenever she hugged Dinky. Derpy opened her eyes to see the princess calmly sitting next to her on an ornate pillow. Princess Celestia had gently placed her wing over the dutiful mail mare; to the point the pony barely felt it. “You appear to be in quite the rush. Why not take a second to calm your nerves my dear,” Princess Celestia said with a kind smile. “I rarely get visitors during my late nights off. It would be rather pleasant to have some company.” A white porcelain cup, filled with Mr. Grey’s finest tea, floated in front of the confused grey pegasus. “Why? Why is Princess Celestia so nice to me? I flew into her flank. I even touched…,” the dutiful mare’s thoughts froze. Though she had seen the princess before, this was her first time seeing the ruler of Equestria up-close. Derpy’s eyes fixated on her hooves while she let out an audible gulp. “I-I’m surprised she hasn’t ordered the guards to arrest me on the spot. Why?” The grey pegasus steadied herself, humbly taking the cup of tea. As she slowly sipped it, the unusually appealing aromatic blend helped to clear the pony’s throat, while slowly relaxing her clenched muscles. For the dutiful mail mare, to have this feeling come from another pony, it was strange. But it wasn’t unwanted, causing Derpy to heartily grin at Princess Celestia. “What do you think about Mr. Grey’s fine selection of tea, my little pony? Personally, between you and me, I hope his imports from Saddle Arabia arrive. I’ve heard they’ll be even better than this brew.” After finishing her tea, and neatly placing the delicate cup on the nearby table, the happy pegasus smiled as she thanked the princess for the cup of tea. “Pizza!” “Pizza?” the regal mare asked while raising an eyebrow. “Yes, Pizza!” the mail mare exclaimed, maintaining her cheery smile. Taking the box off of her back, the grey pegasus showed its contents to the royal pony. She felt content at successfully delivering on her oath. “Our orders got mixed up. Mr. Calzone sent me to personally deliver the order to you, Princess.” Princess Celestia slowly levitated the box towards her. Scanning every inch of the deliciously delectable dessert inside, it was perfect; not a chocolate chip out of place. Just like the regal mare’s previous orders, it was simply perfection. “You performed quite admirably. Might I have your name?” “Derpy Hooves, but most ponies just call me Derpy.” she heartily grinned. Firmly saluting the princess and closing her eyes, the dutiful mail mare said in a polite tone, “The oath of the mail mare shall always be fulfilled when pledged.” As the pony prepared to recite her oath, a pegasus stallion, clad in armor, walked towards the group. “O hey, it’s you from the restaurant.” Derpy said, opening her eyes after catching a whiff of her pizza. The guard, after properly greeting her highness, squinted at the pegasus for a second, replying, “Yes. I do remember you from Mr. Calzone’s establishment. Why are you here in Canterlot? For that matter, how did you get past the guards at the front gate and into the garden? It’s off limits to visitors after hours.” As she tried to find the right words, the grey pegasus gave a sheepish grin towards the guard. Before the mail mare could speak, Princess Celestia put her wing over Derpy, pulling the dutiful pony closer. “There is no need to worry Lieutenant Cyclone. Derpy Hooves is my guest. I invited her to accompany me into the garden for some refreshments, so that both of us could marvel at my dear sister’s nightly work.” Politely bowing to Princess Celestia, Lieutenant Cyclone put the box on the nearby table and left as quickly as he came, not wanting to question the regal mare’s words. “Thanks Princess Celestia… I mean thank you, your highness.” Derpy bowed to the princess. “That was definitely a chaotic moment for me. I wasn’t sure what I would do. Please, if you will excuse me, I need to get back home. My ‘precious muffin’ is probably wondering what happened to me.” “Have a pleasant trip my little pony. Be safe on your journey home to your daughter.” The regal mare chuckled, watching the grey pegasus secure the pizza box to her back. “I look forward to meeting your ‘precious muffin.’” Waving goodbye to Princess Celestia, the grey pegasus flew towards Ponyville, content with her accomplishment. It seemed like a wild ride. However, the dutiful mail mare knew it wasn't over yet. With tonight’s adventure one for the books, there was no telling what would happen on her way home. Derpy knew the trip to Ponyville was still on the horizon. Yet the pegasus pondered Princess Celestia words, wondering what the regal mare meant by "looking forward to meeting her daughter."