//------------------------------//
// "For What It's Worth." 
// Story: From Under The Cork Tree 
// by Muscle_Car_Brony 
//------------------------------//

Applejack took a step back, motioning for them to enter. “Well, come on in I s’pose.” She said, as they cleared the porch. “It’s probably a good thing that Granny’s already in bed an’ ‘Bloom’s just left for Pinkie’s party.” She said over her shoulder, noting Gale’s flinch at the mention of the party mare. 

“That woman doesn’t know how to take a hint.” He muttered as Twilight took Applejack aside.

Quietly she whispered, “He’s had a very rough week and Pinkie’s decided that throwing him a party would help, AJ.” She began, looking over her shoulder to see Gale resting. “So we both thought it better for him not to attend and instead get acclimated to town in a bit more of a relaxed fashion,” She continued, knowing full well that Gale was listening in. “And Pinkie bowling  him over in the middle of town probably didn’t help his impression of her.” She would have continued if not for Gale getting up and walking over.

“There’s also the fact that I know what those guards are probably doing,” He said as he walked up. “And if it’s what I think it is then things are looking up for me.” He said turning to Twilight. “You said my car crashed into a field on the edge of town right?” And turning to Applejack he continued. “And a group of guards won’t let you onto one of your fields right?” He finished.

Surprisingly, Applejack beat Twilight to the punch. “So you’re sayin’ that your ‘car’, whatever the hay that is, is what they’re guarding out in my family’s field?” The farm mare asked, stepping over to a table and picking up her hat.

“Well . . . I think so, yeah,” Gale answered. “It makes sense, and I don’t know the area well enough to think of anything else.” He finished as she put the hat on and walked to the door.

Before Applejack could leave, Twilight walked between the two and said, “So you’re just going to walk up to a team of guards and tell them that they should leave so that you can get to your shed?” She asked her friend, who was opening the door. “Because that’s a good way to get arrested,” She continued, walking over to her saddlebags. “At least, if I’m not with you it is.” She said putting them on and stepping toward the door. “Gale, are you coming?” She asked, looking back at him as he stood in the hallway.





“So, Gale,“ Applejack began as  they walked out the door. “What exactly is a ‘car’?” She asked, drawing a chuckle from the man beside her.

“Heh, well, basically it’s what we humans use for transportation.” He replied. “Think of it as a wagon that doesn’t need a pony to pull it,” He continued upon seeing her flat stare. “And boy can they move.” He sighed.

“How far apart are your cities then?” Twilight asked, increasing pace to match his stride.

“The major cities are several hundred miles apart on average, while most towns are only about twenty or thirty,” Gale answered. “What about here?” He asked.

“Well I know for sure that Fillydelphia’s ‘bout a hundred or so miles.“ Applejack said, moving closer to them.

“And Canterlot’s a full day by train, which can do about sixtymiles an hour or so, so yeah it’s a ways off, but it’s also up the side of a mountain.” Twilight added as they walked on.

Over the course of their walk, the topic shifted from city distances to what the various ones are like. “Name a city that you’d never want to raise a ‘foal’ in?” Gale rhetorically asked. “Chicago. I would never raise a kid in that hell-hole of a city,” He continued. “Especially since I lived there.”

Applejack, picking up on his tone, inquired. “It ain’t that bad, is it, sugarcube?”

Chuckling at her question Gale responded. “There was a joke going around for awhile when I was growing up. It went something along the lines of: Chicago, come for the food and stay ‘cause you got murdered.” He picked Applejack’s hat off of her head. “And wearing one of these would get you killed all the more quickly.”

“Sounds like Detrot.” Twilight quipped.

“Hold on, did you just say Detrot?” Gale turned to face her incredulously.

“Yeah, it’s one of the major manufacturing cities on the northern coast.” she responded.

“Okay. Fillydelphia I can see, it’s a nice play on words, but Detrot? There is no way that’s only a coincidence.”

“What’d you mean, Sugarcube?” Applejack asked. “What’s a coincidence?”

“You have a city named Fillydelphia and there’s a Philadelphia back home, although they’re probably spelled differently. Detrot on the other hand, I’m pretty sure is only one letter shy of Detroit.” He continued.

“That, is definitely strange, Gale.” Twilight commented, as they rounded another corner and came upon about a dozen royal guard surrounding both the wreckage and a chariot.

“Applejack when you said guards I assumed you meant the local regiment,” She said slowing her pace. “What are nearly two dozen royal day guards doing out here?”

Before Applejack could answer Princess Celestia stepped into view. “A very good question Twilight,” She started, walking over toward the trio.

Twilight quickly dropped into a bow and pulling Gale with her after a few seconds. Applejack followed suit, even removing her hat in reverence. “Princess Celestia! I didn't expect you’d be here,” Twilight stammered, slowly rising.

“It’s okay, Twilight,” She said, taking another step forward. “Quite frankly I didn’t expect to be here, but a scroll was delivered to me this morning stating that there had been an incident outside of town that would require royal intervention,” She continued. “And I suppose you’re wondering who I am?” She asked Gale.

Standing up from his forced bow Gale replied. “You’re Princess Celestia of Equestria,”he said with a snicker,”You, along with your sister, Princess Luna rule over the nation and protect it’s peoples- I mean, ponies.” Standing back at his full height he continued. “No offense meant toward you, your highness. I just find the country’s name a little, funny.” He added, noting her stare.

While she listened to him, Twilight realized something. “Not to interrupt, Princess, but may I ask who sent you that scroll?” She asked with a glance back at Gale. “Because if it’s who I believe it to be you may want to come into town.”

Her comment caused the princess to stop and think for a few minutes before answering. “I believe it was a mare named Ivory Scroll.” She said.

Twilight’s eyes narrowed as soon as she heard the name. “The mayor, then?” She asked, the venom in her voice starling everyone save for Gale.

“Looks like your friend doesn’t know when to keep her nose out of other people’s business.” He dryly commented, catching Celestia’s interest.

“Has Ms. Scroll been causing problems as of late?” She asked, surprising Gale with genuine concern.

“She’s better known in town as Mayor Mare,” Twilight started. “And I’ll admit she runs the town smoothly enough, but she’s always got some hidden scheme she’s working on.”

After Twilight had said her piece, Gale decided to chime in, saying, "Oh, no. I wouldn't say she's been trouble, not really." He waved his hand in dismissal, "You know, unless you count declaring me as Twilight's pet and then sending guards to keep me restricted to the hospital until she decided otherwise." He said, with about as much enthusiasm as a rock. "She's just the best."

Gale’s comment had left Celestia speechless. She’d known that some of her ponies were rather specist at times, but this was crossing the line. Twice even.

Applejack took the opportunity to break the tension with a question she’d had since they walked up. “If I may, Princess?” She began, finally putting her hat back on. “I’m terribly sorry to interrupt, but can you have your guards let me and my brother back into our shed? We kinda need to get started on harvestin’.” She said in as polite a voice as physically possible.

Celestia cracked a small grin. ”Of course, dear,” She said before turning back to her guards and saying. “Sgt. Lemon Squeeze,” She called out.

A minute later and a crisp white coated stallion walked up. “Yes, Princess?” He said, saluting. ”What is your command?”

Celestia turned to the soldier, "Sergeant, I do believe this is a few too many guards for this particular assignment." She said, walking over to the field's gates, "You may dismiss most of them, but keep at least six guarding the wreckage at all times." She then motioned over to Applejack and continued, "One more thing, the Apple family should be allowed access to their shed as they do need it."

Applejack took her hat off again and said. “Thank you kindly, Princess, now that we can get to harvestin’ we should be able to prepare for Nightmare Night next year.” She blushed slightly, “I don’t want a repeat of the fair from a few years back.”

After a few more minutes of discussion between Celestia and herself, Twilight walked back to Gale. “Well there’s good news and bad news. Which first?”

Sighing he said. “Might as well get the bad first, it’ll make the good seem better.”

That’s an, interesting view on things. Twilight thought before telling him. “After speaking with the Princess, it was decided that you’re going to live at the library for month or so,” Grinning, she continued “She said it was a good window for her and her sister to enact a few laws, and begin enforcing them.” Twilight finished.

A politician who actually gives a damn about their subordinates? Gale thought, fighting to keep the grin off his face. “Well, that’s great, but what about the mayor?” He said.

Celestia chuckled as she walked over. “I think it’s time for Ponyville’s next election,” She said, horn lighting up. “But for now? There’s a room in a library with your name on it.”

As soon as she finished her sentence the three -Applejack had left beforehand- all found themselves in Twilight’s second floor room in the Library.









As soon as the flash faded, Gale nearly collapsed. “Woah, boy. That’s not good on the stomach-,” He said grabbing onto a desk to steady himself. “-Or the head either, I guess.” He said slowly sitting down, back against a wall.

“Gale!” Twilight ran over to him. “Are you okay?” She hurriedly asked.

Slowly standing back up Gale replied. “Yeah, I’m okay. Just, do me a favor and warn me next time would you?” Grabbing his stomach, he continued. “That was murder on my intestines.”

Celestia walked over. “I’m truly sorry, Gale. Had I known that would happen I wouldn’t have done it,” She said, going over to the door. “How about we go into the sitting room?”

Twilight, just remembering Pinkie’s party, jumped up. “That might not be a good idea, Princess.” She said, walking to her. “Gale and I believe that Pinkie wanted to throw him a party, and she may still be on the main floor waiting,” Putting her hoof on the door she continued, “I think I should go down stairs and see about breaking it up real quick.”

“That sounds like a plan, my faithful student.” Celestia started, walking to the bed as Twilight shut the door. She sat for a few minute before addressing Gale. “I don’t mean to rude, but how are you coping with this?” She asked him.

“As much as I’d like to give you an answer, I’m pretty sure I’m still in shock. I know I should be freaking out, but I just haven’t yet.” He answered, getting up and pacing.

Celestia’s horn lit up for a moment before she chuckled and said. “Twilight’s always on point with these things, it would seem.”

Gale looked at her quizzically. “On point about what exactly?” He asked, walking toward her.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I mean that she’d already cast things like a translation spell. It seems that they weren’t necessary, but that can’t be right.” Celestia said.

“It is rather odd that we should speak similar languages, but I’ve just been rolling with it.” Gale replied. “This week’s been so weird already, what’s another thing or two thrown in the mix?”

“Well, for what it’s worth,” Celestia began as Twilight walked back in. “this should be the weirdest things get for awhile.”









Twilight stepped out of her room, closing the door behind her. Here’s hoping Pinkie didn’t invite the whole town. She thought walking down the stairs. Might as well tell her I’m here.

Before Twilight could say anything, the lights flashed on and Pinkie was right in her face.

“Heya Twilight! How’d you get inside without me noticing? And what took you so long? Oh, and where’s your friend? I wanted him to be here so that town could meet him!” Pinkie said, with barely any room for spaces.

“Pinkie there was a reason I’d agreed that he didn’t need a party,” Twilight said, much to her friend’s disappointment. “And I really hate to say this, but you need to clear the library out.” She said, noting the crowd of ponies circling them.

“Why?” Pinkie asked.

Twilight groaned. “Pinkie, now’s not the time.”

“Why doesn’t he want a party?” Pinkie continued, looking more and more crestfallen.

Twilight, seeing where this might lead, took Pinkie into the kitchen. “Pinkie, has it occurred to you that nopony really knows anything about Gale?” She whispered, walking closing the door behind her.

“Well of course,” Pinkie said, sniffing. “that’s why I wanted to throw him a party.”

Luna dammit, mayor! Twilight mentally swore. “Pinkie, the reason he doesn’t want a party is because the mayor’s labeled him as my pet.” Twilight said flatly.

“What?” Was all the party mare had as a response.

“Mayor Mare, she doesn’t like me that much  and I don't know how she found out about him, but when she did she must’ve decided to get some payback against me.” Twilight continued.

“Well that explains a lot actually,” Pinkie said, returning to her normally chipper demeanor. ”He probably thinks that if the mayor’s labeled him a pet then everyone else will, doesn’t he?” She asked.

“Probably.” Twilight confirmed.

“I guess I can tell everyone to go then,” Pinkie said sadly. “but he owes me a party!”

“I’ll tell him.” Twilight said, walking back into the main room, headed for the stairs.

“By the way, Twilight,” Pinkie started. “tell him I said I’m sorry.” She said.

That, was unexpected. Twilight thought, clearing the main room and starting on the stairs. Maybe she and Gale will get along though?

“Sorry everypony, but the party’s been called off for now,” Pinkie called out as Twilight ascended the stairs. ”There’ll be one again in a few weeks, I promise!” She continued.

I wonder how Celestia and Gale are doing. Twilight mused as she walked to her room. I hope they’re getting along.

Twilight walked into her room to hear Celestia say..”This should be the weirdest things get for awhile.”

Celestia stood as Twilight walked in. “I presume everything’s all clear, my student?”

Closing the door, Twilight responded. “Yeah. Pinkie said she’ll have everything clear, I’m gonna give her a few minutes though.”

“That’s good news,” Celestia yawned, getting up from the bed. “unfortunately I need to get back to Canterlot.” She continued, “I’ll inform my sister to the state of affairs and then we can go about fixing this glaring oversight.”









They sat for about half an hour after Celestia left before Twilight convinced Gale to go downstairs. “Okay I’ll go, but you’re going first.” He said, hopping off the bed.

“Of course Gale,” Twilight replied, opening and stepping out the door, “I doubt you’d know the way through my house anyways.“ She smirked at his confusion.

“Good point.” He conceded, pointing to the ceiling.

Stepping out of Twilight’s room, Gale noticed three things, one: the door across the hall was open, two: in that room was a basket big enough for a large dog and three: there was a bird cage with the door open in the middle of the hall.

“You have a dog?” He asked, motioning to the basket in the other room.

“Oh, no,”- Twilight replied, looking back. -”That’s just Spike’s bed.”

“So, a dog?” He continued.

“No, Spike’s my assitant, more like a brother actually, and that’s where he sleeps.” Twilight clarified, silently hoping Spike didn’t hear what he’d just said.

“Okay then.” Gale said, still confused as to what she’d just said.

Twilight stopped as she reached the stairwell and turned to him.

“There’s a good chance that she’s still waiting down there.” She said, worriedly gauging Gale’s face for a reaction.

“At this point? Screw it.” He said, walking to the stairs. “I see you don’t have a railing.” He continued, ignoring her worried looks.

Much to Twilight’s surprise and Gale’s relief, there had not been a group of ponies hidden and waiting for them.

“So this is where you live?” Gale asked, slowly walking around the library proper. “Pretty nice if you ask me.” He concluded.

“Yeah, well, being a princess’ personal student comes with a few perks, I guess,” Twilight said, idly walking toward the kitchen. ”Do, uh... Do you want something to drink?”

Gale didn’t respond however, his mind stuck on what she’d said. 'Yeah, well, being a princess’ personal student comes with a few perks, I guess.' He froze upon the realization that he was to be staying with someone who was the personal student to one of the most powerful women in the entire country.

“Gale, are you okay?” Twilight asked, poking him in the arm.

Startled, he jumped back from her touch. “Oh jeez, don’t do that!” He semi-shouted.

Before Twilight could say anything else a voice called out. “Twilight? Who are you talking to?”

The voice, although foreign to Gale, was instantly recognized by Twilight. “Spike?” She asked. “Would you come out here please? We have some things to discuss.”

From the other room a muffled thud rang out. “Can it wait for a minute? I’m trying to finish organizing the books in the backlog.” Spike hollered.

Twilight groaned. “Spike you can do that tomorrow. Right now you need to come out here.”

Spike, upon hearing her comment, stopped what he was doing and scampered toward the door. “What is it Twili-” He started, rounding the corner and seeing Gale for the first time. “-ght… Woah.” He said taking a small step back in fear. “Um, Twilight did you mess up a spell again?”

What the hell? Is... is that a dragon? Gale’s mind reeled at the sight of Spike. “A dragon?” He asked incredulously, turning to Twilight. “Your assistant’s a dragon?” Voice full of awe.

“Yes, he is.” Twilight responded. “He’s also supposed to be getting ready for bed right now,” She continued, glaring at Spike. “but I suppose given the circumstances that I‘ll let it slide.” She finished, eyes softening.

“By the way, what did he mean by ‘again’?” Gale asked, confused.

“Don’t ask.” Twilight responded scowling.

Spike, attempting to change the subject, asked. “So who’s this then?”

Twilight, calming down, replied. “I guess you could say he’s a friend of mine and Rainbow Dash’s.”

Gale waited for Twilight to finish before saying, with a grin, "Basically I’m your new roommate.”

Spike’s only response to this statement was a single, solitary. “Oh.”





Gale took a step back at Spikes comment, though it was more from the look Twilight was giving the dragon.

“Spike don’t start this again. I’m not replacing you or anything.” She said.

“So what’s he doing here?” The drake commented.

Oh great. I’ve got all the luck don’t I? Gale wondered as the scene unfolded in front of him.

“Come on, Spike it’s not like it’s his fault that he’s stuck here, and yes I do mean stuck here. As in he can’t go home.” Twilight said, getting increasingly worried over Spike’s attitude.

Gale’s eyes widened upon hearing that since Twilight hadn’t told him about it earlier. Forcing his mental anguish aside, he’d caught the tail end of her conversation and decided to step in.

“I don’t care about that.” Angrily crossing his arms, Spike continued. “There is absolutely no way that I’m sharing a room with him.” he retorted.

“Twilight, if I may?” Gale asked, walking over to them and putting a hand on her back.

“Sure,” She replied. “I’m gonna go get some spare pillows from the closet.”

Once Twilight left the room, Gale crouched down next to Spike and said. “So I take it you don’t like the idea of sharing a room with me?”

Spike responded. “You’re right, I don’t.”

Sheesh, someone’s in a bad mood aren’t they? Gale wondered before thinking up a solution. “How about if one of us slept on the couch?” He asked pointedly.

Spike gasped. “Twilight would never!”

“Would never what?” Gae chuckled. “Have me sleep on a couch because I asked? And here I thought you’d love that idea.” He continued while standing up.

“What?” Spike asked, utterly dumbfounded.

“Spike I was a kid too, you know. I get that you don’t want to share a room with someone you just met, honestly I do. I’m not even sure why Twilight thought that was a good idea.”

“Yeah-” Spike managed a chuckle ”- Sometimes she just assumes everything will go her way.”

“So, If I sleep on the couch, are you gonna be less of a jerk about me being here?” Gale continued.

“You mean you’d sleep on the couch just to make me feel better?” Spike asked.

“Hey, if I end up with a friend out of it, what’s the harm?” Gale replied.

Spike chuckled. ”Wow. You’ve been talking to Twilight a lot lately, haven’t you?”

Gale’s mock exclamation of ‘How’d you know?’ did wonders to lighten the mood.

“You know what, Gale? If Twilight says you’re okay then I guess I do, too.” Spike conceded as Twilight walked down the stairs, pillows and blanket in a telekinetic field.

“Alright, I’ve got some pillows for you Gale, I’ll just go put . . .  wait . . . did I miss something?” She asked, walking down the stairs.

“Not really, no.” They answered almost simultaneously

A few minutes later Twilight came back from putting Spike to bed. “I’m sorry about that, Gale,” She yawned.

Gale, yawning himself, replied. “It’s okay, kids will be kids after all.”

“Well you get some sleep then, okay?” Twilight said, walking to the stairs. ”I have a feeling you’re gonna need it.” She quickly whispered.

Despite how crazy the day had been, Gale found himself falling asleep almost immediately.