//------------------------------// // Tea Time to Nap Time // Story: Little Jackie // by Zubric //------------------------------// Applejack hooved echoed against the cobblestone pathway leading up to the main gate of the manor.  She listened to the bird song that rang out from the trees across the yard. Sunlight glittered off the pounds in the front yard causing Applejack to divert her gaze as to not get blinded by the reflections. The gate itself was rather simple in design coated in a light silver paint. Vines wrapped around the pillars that lined either side. She looked for a way in before spotting a speaker embedded into the stone pillar on her right side. There was a soft buzz as she pushed the call button, awaiting a response from whoever was manning the gate.  After a short pause, the speaker crackled to life, a gentle voice ringing out. “Hello?” Applejack pushed the button again. “Yes, this is Applejack. I’m here to see Starfield.” There was a short pause before the happy voice replied. “Ah Applejack, right on time. Please do come in.” Applejack took a second look at the fountain that took up the center of the walkway as the gates slid open for her. The welcoming atmosphere eased her worries for the moment.  In fact she had been quite looking forward to meeting Miss Starfield, despite having no knowledge of what was to come of this treatment of hers. The bags on her back jingled as she walked up the porch steps and approached the front door. She pondered if she should knock first, but figure since she had already been let in by the gate that it be okay to enter.   The oak door gave a slight creak as she pushed it open and walked into the main lobby gently cleaning her hooves on the welcome mat.  The main area towered two stories above her proclaiming its grand appearance as the sun shimmered of the chandelier hanging from the ceiling.  Rainbows sparkled on the walls as light sprayed out in all directions, the sight quite dazzling. As she examined the staircase she spotted the mare descending them. Her emerald eyes glanced at Applejack, a smile upon her face.  Her coat reminded Applejack of Rarity in a way.  The bleach white shine almost made her glow. The mare approached Applejack doing a curtsy before rising and offering a hoof. “So glad to meet you Miss Applejack,”  Starfield greeted.  She pulled back part of her dark blue mane which had fallen to the one side of her face. A few brighter shades weaved through her mane creating a river-like effect. Applejack returned the hoof-shake adjusting her hat, a friendly smile upon her face.  “Well nice to meet ya too, Starfield I assume?” Starfield nodded. “Indeed I am, I see you brought a few things with you,” she pointed to Applejack's bags. Applejack shifted in place centering her saddle bag a bit. “Yeah just a few overnight things is all, hope you don’t mind.” Starfield shook her head as she ascends the stairs. “No, not at all Applejack, not at all.  Please make yourself at home.  The key is to be relaxed.” Applejack stopped for a moment to think deciding to keep her saddlebag on and followed alongside the gentle mare.  She took the time to admire the artwork that decorated the walls. Most appeared to be sunsets or beautiful sketches of the night sky.  A elegant image of a meteor shower caught her eye causing her to stop and admire further.  A half-crescent moon shined in the far right corner reflecting flares off comets that zipped through the void.  She thought back to the time she had seen a shower with Twilight and her other friends.   A smile creeped along her face reminiscing how they all brought their sisters along to bond and Spike adorable balled up body sleeping in the punch bowl. She is suddenly brought out of nostalgia when Starfield spoke to her. “It’s quite the sight, isn’t it?  My mother painted that a few years ago for my graduation gift,” her voice echoed nostalgia, and yet something else. Applejack nodding still beaming happily. “Yes, it’s very beautiful almost looks real,” her hoof reached out to feel it only to rub against the thin layer of glass that took up the frame. She felt kind of silly after she did t. “My mother does have quite the hooves for art,” Starfield said. Before she could talk further, a rapid rhythm of hooves was heard running down the hall towards them.   A orange filly no older than 5 raced around the corner, bumping right into Applejack backside.  Applejack jumped a bit before turning to look. The filly rose to her hooves. “Sorry,” the filly said, blushing as she moved her silver mane aside. Comet looked up with a smile before hoofing her mother the childish artwork in her hoof. “Mommy I drew you a picture,” she chirps happily. Starfield took the paper and looked at the cute drawing of her and Comet by a cartoonishly large purple tree.  the two of them were of course stick figures but it was still admirable.  “It’s very nice I love it,” she pets Comet’s mane gently. “Now you go play while I work with my client okay, we can talk during dinner.” Comet hugged her mother’s leg. “Okay mommy,” she scampers off quickly with a light giggle as she darted down the hall. Applejack watch the tiny filly vanished beyond a bend with a chuckle. “She really is cute. Reminds me of well...me when I was her age.” Starfield kept up her smile glancing out the window at the foliage. “Oh were you constantly running around and having fun?” She looked back at Starfield nodding her head. “Yeah I used to play tag with my brother a lot in the orchard,” she sighed thinking back to those times. “Things were...a lot simpler back then before…” Her ears flattened momentary.  “Sorry I promised Granny I would try to stay away from the negatives.” Starfield nodded. “It’s alright, that is why you are here. I’ll help with those intense emotional feelings about your parents and lessen the pain.” “Yeah I know, but thinking about the bad is what got me worked up in the first place,” she looked down at the floor shuffling her hooves. “You still seem tense, would you care for a drink?” Starfield gestured Applejack to follow as she proceeded down an adjacent hallway towards the kitchen. Applejack sat on a stool next to the table taking a moment to breathe again. She did feel quite at home already, despite it being more Manehattan like in style. Starfield placed the mug before her and poured hot water into the basin.  The mist bubbled up from the tea almost immediately unleashing a strong mint scent upon Applejack’s nostrils.  Her eyes closed as she took in a deep breath finding it intoxicating, but in the good kind of way.   Her mouth watered slightly. “Smells wonderful,” Applejack wasn’t normally one for tea but it be rude to refuse such a tantalizing smelling brew.  She brought the cup to her lips taking a few test sips.  She smiled as the warm liquid trickled down her throat tasting the sweet mint mixed with syrup.  She took a long sip and cough a few. “Wow, nelly that’s strong.” Starfield shifted upon her seat watching her guest. “Careful, take smaller sips it helps enrich the flavour,” she said. Applejack sighed. “I’ve never tasted anything quite like it,” she replied feeling more relaxed already. She took a deep breath of vapours her smile growing. Starfield slid a few chocolate chip cookies over to Applejack before resting her hoofs on the table. “It’s a special brew I acquired from a Zebra trade convoy.  The Zebra’s sure know their teas.” Applejack took another few sips of the soothing liquid nodding in reply.  She slouched in the stool ever so slightly feeling like she could melt away at any moment. ‘I know a Zebra, Zecora have you ever heard of her?” Starfield tapped her chin in thought before looking back at her guest. “Oh yes, I think I have heard her name a few times. She’s the one that helped save your sis from the Cutie Pox correct?” Applejack ears perked up, she set her cup down to gesture her hoof in the air. “Oh doggy, was that one hectic afternoon,” she chuckled adjusting her mane a bit. “ Although to be fair, Applebloom got herself into trouble in the first place.  I was so proud of her finding a talent only to be let down when it was fake. I didn’t even know we still had that old barrel ring.” Starfield laughed as well. “I can imagine she is quite the hoof-full.” “Oh yeah, but it all worth it in the end. I can imagine the same goes for your little one ain't’ it?” “Comet, oh yes she quite the hyperactive little scamp, but so adorable at the same time. I’m sure she’ll love playing with you.” The tea was doing wonders for Applejack, she felt more relaxed than she had felt in few weeks. The two talked onwards for a few more minutes and as a new hour began she remembered the gift Pinkie had given her. “Oh Starfield, I almost forgot about something,” she reached into her bag pulling out the present. “PInkie said this was for you.” Starfield took the box in her magic floating it over in front of her. “Oh I wonder what it could be,” she intrigued tearing at the wrapping paper. After a few seconds, she pulled out a hoof stitched teddy bear with pink button eyes. She dawed and hugged it. “Ah, it a wonderful gift.” As they talk Applejack's thoughts kept going back to how childish the gift had been. It could have been anything but why a teddy bear. Certainly, Starfield was too old for such things, right? “I don’t mean to intrude on privacy but Pinkie said she’d been here a few times and  then there that teddy she gave you.  What is so special about it?” “Oh all in good time,” she replied dodging the question, “I just have a thing for plush animals is all.” Applejack nodded, it made sense to her.  She let out a yawn as she finished her cup. She shook her head a bit blinking. Starfield chuckled at her guest's actions. “I guess I should have used a bit more water to make it weaker. A good stretch should wake you up again.” Applejack slid off her stool gasping as her knees gave out causing her to fall belly first onto the floor. She quickly put her hoof up, a light blush on her face. ‘i’m okay,”  she grabbed Starfield hoof when it was offered and soon got back on all fours stretching a bit. “I should try this stuff before bed it would have me out like a light,” she shook her legs until they decided to wake up again. Though still felt a bit tired. “I can make you some before bed if you want,” she walked into the hall gesturing Applejack to follow. “Well now that we have gotten to know each other let’s get this treatment started.” Applejack followed her down the hall letting out another yawn. “So where are we headed?” She blinked a few times shaking her head. “I think that tea making me drowsier than I thought.” Starfield turned another corner ascending a flight of stairs before stopping at a door to her right. “You can rest in a bit dear. We just need to get the treatment in motion,” she opened the door and walked inside. Applejack stepped into the doorway and stopped in her tracks as her eyes scanning the room. She tilted her head slightly, taking in the unmistakable scent of foal powder that tickled her nose. She blinked making sure she wasn’t seeing things.  Before her was what appeared to be nursery.  A collaboration of colours, all bright and happy were scattered about the room.  At first the farm pony simple took this as remanence of when Comet was a younger filly but then why would Starfield lead her here.   Further investigation only proved her wrong as she noticed that everything seemed bigger, definitely not something you expect for a foals room. Starfield seemed unphased by Applejack’s wondering eyes. She simply stood there like an actor awaiting her cue on stage. Unknown to the earth pony, she had moved towards the door before she spoke up. “Wondering why we are in a sized up nursery?” Applejack opened her mouth for a second before abruptly closing it and nodded. “Yeah...how did you know that?  Was I that obvious?“ Starfield gave a gentle smile as she remained near the doorway. “Well, not the first time I’ve done this treatment on somepony. Please just take a seat and I'll explain then you can ask any questions on your mind okay?” Applejack despite her confusion took a seat on the soft bean bag chair in the corner and gestured. “Okay, I’m listening, what this all about?” Starfield cleared her throat. “Well simply put, the treatment I had in mind is to treat you like a foal,” she watched Applejack eyebrow raise and continued. “It’s hard to really explain in words it’s more something you have to experience. Granted it might not work but given your deep sadness over your parents, a close and personal bonding experience might help you unwind.” Applejack shifted in her seat slowly rubbing her hoof against her forehead both puzzled and still feeling sleepy. “Wait, what do ya mean by treated like a foal?” Right on cue, Starfield floated out the poofy white diaper with red elastic. Its design is clearly meant to be infantile.  Applejack’s cheeks turn a light crimson as the realization sank in. “Oh…” Starfield once again seemed so sure of herself as she stood there with a smile on her face. “Yes, that kind of foal. Now if you lay down on the table I can get you diapered and tucked in for that nap you need.” Applejack remained sitting still not yet able to comprehend the sight before her.  At first, she wanted to say no to the idea. It felt rather silly and rather pointless. However her promise to try her best was centered in her mind and Starfield had shown her nothing but kindness so far. It'd be rude to not at least give it a try.  ‘I can’t believe I’m doing this,” she mumbled tiredly as she climbed onto the change table. Starfield came up with the garment. “Yes I know It’s strange, but it’s all part of the process. Now please lift up your hind legs,” she gestured laying the diaper out. Applejack blushed as she did so feeling a bit exposed in front of a stranger. She felt the slight tug as her tail was weaved through the back hole before being set down.  The plastic crinkled as she adjusted her posture noting the slight elevation it gave her rump.  The rest of the process felt so bizarre, yes soothing. It brought back such happy moments to the fore-front of her mind as she closed her eyes. Applejack had just finished collecting up the apples after a warm summer afternoon of helping her brother in the fields. After getting herself a cold glass of water from the fridge, she took a seat next to Granny Smith on the living room couch.  She let out a relieved sigh slumping back into the cushions. Her eyes glance over at the two-year-old Applebloom sitting in her play pen. She wheeled around a red plastic wagon making cute cooing sounds. She watched her younger sister enjoy her play a smile coming to her face the longer she observed.  Even after a hard day’s work, it was more than worth all the sweat to come back to the sound of Applebloom’s happy giggles.  At times she almost felt jealous of how easy Applebloom was having fun with such simple objects. While she’d be bucking tree after tree, the foal would be rolling her ball about her box of heaven without even a care. After a quick chat with Granny, Applejack wandered over to the pen. “Hey there sis,” she greeted standing by the edge of the pen her hoof resting on the gate. Applebloom cooed staring up from her blocks smiling. “Apple!” Applejack smiled. “Yeah apples don’t remind me,” she chuckled. lifting the latch she entered the pen and sat down near Applebloom. The younger sibling giggled offering her a plush elephant. Applejack took it and moved it about a little much to the foal’s amusement. “Hehe, thanks, sis.” Applebloom babbled a bit before suddenly hugging Applejack’s still sweaty mid section nuzzling into it. “Jackie” Granny giggled from the couch. “She sure likes you a whole lot. She kept asking where you were for a few minutes after she woke up from her nap.” Applejack daw’ed lightly. “That’s so cute, and I love her right back. We’re family after all,” she ruffles Applebloom’s mane causing a fit of giggles.  Her smile grew as she raised her forehooves. “Oh you’re ticklish,” she started to tickle Applebloom wiggling her hooves about the foal’s tiny body. Applebloom in return was sent into a fit of laughter kicking and squealing her diaper crinkling as she rolled about the floor.  Applejack kept up her ticklish assault until she noticed the light yellowing of the foal’s diaper. “Oops,” she giggled. Granny looked over with a smile. “Aww, the appleseed needs her diaper changed.” Applebloom giggled innocently having clearly not even felt it or cared. She hugged Applejack foreleg again as Granny approached.  Granny scooped up Applebloom setting the filly on her back. “Come on Applejack, I’ll teach ya how to change a diaper.” Applejack giggled. “Okay,” she followed Granny up the stairs and into the room that was now Applebloom’s nursery.  She still felt off walking into the room the incident still fresh in mind.  Despite this, she walked up to the table and got on the stool to watch. Applebloom giggling and kicked carefree as Granny explained the changing process as she did it.  Applejack watched making silly faces at Applebloom for fun.  “Can I try and put the clean diaper on?” she asked. “Of course,” Granny smiled, “have to learn sometime if you are to take care of her.”  She set the diaper in Applejack awaiting hooves. ---**--- As Applejack opened her eyes she noted the change of location.  She was still smiling from her memory as a light blush adorned her cheeks.  She’d fallen asleep right on the change table and was now laying in the large crib next to it.  After rubbing the sleep out of her eyes glanced about the room passed the bars. Judging by the sunlight peeking through the window it had only been about two hours or so. She stretched her limbs soon feeling the diaper now snug around her hind quarters. She shifted a bit to feel the cushion it provided. Her drowsiness was soon blown away as her eyes went wide at what she saw and felt between her legs. “Eeep!”  Applejack poked it just to be sure blushing furiously. There was no denying the sight, she blinked rapidly as the situation dawned on her, she had wet the diaper in her sleep.