//------------------------------//
// Chapter 27 
// Story: My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship 
// by Godzilla313 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 27

As the days approached for Ponystock, things were getting active.  Many of the town ponies were bringing their wares to sell, setting up food booths, having plenty of water handy, while the Apples were preparing a special batch of their famous cider to sell, apple based treats, and Sugar Cube Corner was preparing plenty of desserts.  Pinkie Pie was all over the place, getting fun side activities ready, considering that this would be a three-day festival, and not everypony liked every band.  Mayor Mare, however, was a tad worried that the town could hold all the ponies expected, though just how many were not certain.  She wondered if the zoning was right, if they had the space, what kind of security might be needed, and so forth.  She worked closely with Princess Twilight to organize and prepare for any emergencies, as well as make sure there were medical people handy just in case.  The twins were able to contact all the bands that had bards in them, and even those that did not.  They just wanted a great music festival, and much of the proceeds were going to the orphans and foster foals of Equestria.  Rarity decided she wanted in on this and had a booth set up for the fashions that the Bardies like to wear, and Rainbow Dash managed to get the Wonderbolts to perform as part of the whole thing.

Yet, the press was wondering just what this would bring.  The Bardies were industrious enough, but seemed to want to spend as much time around the local bards as they could.  In fact, the experience they spoke of having was called “getting barded.”  This was the euphoric state they always hoped to achieve when they combined their music with the present bard, which also seemed to enhance what the bard was doing.  Moreover, though it was not harmful, many not into this worried about the lifestyle that some had.  They weren’t lazy per se, but they did not seem as focused on building a future and a career as other, being in a state of euphoria most of the time.  Yet, others didn’t seem to mind, and, in fact, scolded some of those who were critics, because the Bardies didn’t seem too concerned about amassing fortunes, power, or anything like that.  They truly embraced the message of the Bardic Order: love and tolerate.  Even the princesses were questioned, and Celestia thought it great that more and more peace was spreading across the land, while Luna said that it’s just a new paradigm that some were not used to seeing, and that they needed to give it time to normalize itself and find its niche in the world.  Cadence was thrilled how much love the held, while Twilight Sparkle loved the message it spread, knowing it could strengthen friendships, and model exactly everything friendship is about.  Of course, there was a protest coming from the Tripes, and Nero was vocal about it.  He claimed that this culture was going to corrupt the youth of Equestria, and nothing good could come out of it but a bunch of lazy bums who have no ambitions and no life.  However, Celestia’s response to that was simply that the culture was not all that big, and to raise a fuss over all this.  It would be a great festival.

Nopony had any clue what was coming.

About a day before the festival commenced, they started coming; a few hundred at first, then a few thousand, and then an ocean of ponies was flooding the town and region.  Very quickly, Twilight, (after calming herself on the sudden overwhelming of ponies on Ponyville,) she started channeling the guests directly to the concert grounds.  She tried to explain that there would not be nearly enough hotel space, but they quickly told her that they had brought all their own camping gear.  The land they were being permitted to use was spacious enough to hold a huge amount of ponies, and because many among them wanted to assure a fun and peaceful time, they started marking off areas for this purpose and spaced it out to keep things sanitary.  Yet, it seemed that they were staking out a huge area, and Applejack said, “Say, we appreciate y’all takin’ th’time t’make sure things go smooth an’ all, but, y’all look like yer preparing fer a small city t’show er sumpthin.”
He looked at her oddly and said, “Dude, you ain’t been looking at the roads heading in here, have you.  In fact, you might wanna consider letting us use the land inside parts of the orchard, because we just might need it, dig?”
“Uh, Granny ain’t gonna like that,” she said, “She’s already had a problem with this.  Ah mean, she’s worried about some ponies not respectin’ the trees an’ pickin’ ‘em all clean without payin’ fer ‘em.”
“Ah, I see,” he said, “Okay, I dig it.  Well, let me spread the word.  I’ll get some to put up some signs around the areas and let the others know that those are off limits to take from.  We don’t want no trouble.  We wanna keep it peaceful as possible.  This crowd’s pretty respectful.  You’ll see.  It’s all cool.”
Applejack nodded, but she still was not all that sure.  This wasn’t helped any when Rainbow Dash spotted her from above and came down, saying, “Hey, I sure hope you’re ready!”
“Whatcha all mean?” asked AJ.
“I just spent time up there with Thunderlane and Fluttershy,” she said, “We’ve tried to count, and this is just estimating, but there looks to be anywhere between 300,000 and 600,000 ponies on their way here!  Twilight is over in the camping areas furthest from the orchard already, directing them to set up their camps their first.  She’s using all her magic to try to manage the crowds already gathering.”
AJ looked at the Bardy there and said, “Look, jus’ hang up yer signs an’ I’ll be back.  I gotta see this.”
With that, she charged across the grounds to where this was all happening.

Once there, it was already a sight, and AJ was absolutely stunned.  A huge tent city was already forming, and Twilight was all over the place, settling this one, guiding that one.  Yet, what was amazing was that the potential trouble that could have happened, that often accompanied situations like this, were very few.  Twilight had to get in between a couple of camps, but it was able to be settled rather easily.  They were actually trying to set this up peaceably, often settling things before she could get there.  AJ caught up with Twilight and said, “I jus’ can’t believe what ah am seein’!  I didn’t know y’all could have that many ponies in one place like this, much less have ‘em not fussin’ ‘bout this bein’ that one’s and that’s my space an’ all that.”
“I can’t believe it either!” said Twilight, “I expected fussing and fighting over squatting space and such, but they’re all trying to do it all nice and quiet.  Once they saw what I was doing, they all seemed to catch on and they’ve been rolling with it.  They’re starting to get better organized than I could do it!”
Within the few minutes they had been talking, they were standing in a makeshift road that had formed, as a new battalion of ponies were setting up their camps, paying their proper respects to Twilight, all greeting them in peace signs and smiles, all contented as if they had not a care in the world.  Wanting a better view of things, they went to a hill that was on the edge of the marked off territory to get a look at this.  Once there, they saw the concert area with the stage all ready to go, a concessions area opposite the grounds, ponies that had already settled in staking off seating areas for themselves.  There already seemed to be about 20, 000 ponies present, and waves more pouring in.  Yet, what they saw next stunned them as to who would be attending.

Coming from the direction of Canterlot, and one from the north, were three chariots flying towards them.  After casting a binocular spell, she was stunned to see the royalty approaching.  Celestia was being pulled by her guard, while Luna had her bat ponies pulling, and Cadence with Shining Armor in a chariot being pulled by a team of crystal pegasi soldiers.  They landed on the broad hill which was flat enough for campsites, and that was exactly what was intended here, for, right behind them came three wagons being towed in their wake.  They all landed, and as soon as they did, and the princesses were aided in stepping off, the troops went right to work setting up their tents.  Of course, they were sizable and elaborate, but they were going to camp out nonetheless.  Many of the Bardies spotted this, and at first thought that someone was going to cast a bummer over the whole thing.  However, when they arrived, they were pleasantly surprised to see how they all looked.  Celestia had on a tie-dye tee shirt, peace beads and a peace medallion, her face painted with flowers and hearts, a patchwork pleated skirt, and a fresh daisy chain.  Luna, looking as if she was not quite sure about the whole thing, but ready to get into the spirit of it, was wearing a single flower in her mane and a flower print dress similar to what Downy would have worn.  Shining Armor was wearing a headband, peasant shirt and jeans with a vest and headband and a big button saying, “Peace Sells.”
Cadence was wearing a nice paisley poncho with a daisy chain as well, nice blouse and long skirt with a button saying, “Make Love, Not War.”
The Bardies were cheering, shouting, “Righteous!  Right on!  Far out!  Cool Beans!”
Celestia made the peace sign, and they all returned it, and she said, “I think this shall be a great message to the rest of Equestria and the world that we all can get along and show them what peace and harmony is all about.”
They all cheered, and Luna added, “Therefore, it is imperative we do all we can to keep things peaceful.  If you believe in love and tolerance, let it be on display.”
Again, this was greeted enthusiastically, and they all went back their tasks, and word spread fast that the princesses may have been “establishment”, but they were not out of touch and actually appreciated them.  This set a very good mood over the proceedings, and because of Luna’s exhortation, respect for the Apple’s property was pressed to all as they arrived and indeed enforced within themselves.

Meanwhile, Twilight could not believe her eyes.  “But…I don’t get it…I mean, I knew you liked the twins and the music…but I never expected…I mean, of course you can do what you want…but I wasn’t sure that…”
Cadence came up and put her hoof gently on Twilight’s mouth and said, “Breathe…”
They both did her breathing exercise, and they suddenly did their normal “Sunshine, Sunshine,” greeting, happy to see each other again.  She then looked around for their foal and said, “So, where’s the foal?”
“Oh, the foal isn’t ready for such trips yet,” answered Cadence, “So we left the foal back at the palace with caretakers.  The foal’s in good hoofs.”
Celestia then said, “So, where’s your tent?”
“Well, I really don’t have…” she started to say, and then suddenly realized what Celestia was saying and asked, “Wait, are you trying to say I should be here?”
“This is important,” said Celestia, “With the turmoil going on with Nero and that region, if we can put a good face on this, perhaps this will calm some ponies down and really show that Nero’s hate is misguided.  If all four of us are united in this, then the good message they have can get spread.”
Applejack then said, “Well, we’ll have t’get sumpthin put t’gether fer a tent.”
Twilight wanted to question this, but she nodded, knowing better than to question the good judgment of her former mentor and went off to find a book for three day campouts, hoping there would be a chapter for three-day music festivals.

“SHE WAS WEARING WHAT!” squealed Rarity when she heard, wearing her own version of the Bardies, but covered with just enough jewels to make it more her, “Oh, how divine!  And she wants you to be with them?  Oh goodness!  You’re going to need a Bardy makeover, darling!”
Before Twilight could protest, she was swept off to Rarity’s boutique for said makeover.  In no time flat, using the patterns she used for Downy, she had enough outfits for a two-week festival, getting carried away with things.  After Twilight found something near what she wanted as far as a book on the matter was concerned, she was floating it in front of her, reading as Spike was pulling her things for the three-day trip with Rarity beside her, rambling on about the styles and look of the Bardies, wondering if this would start a trend she would have to answer in her shop in town and in Canterlot, they arrived at the campsite.  By now, it was an ocean of tents, all organized into a canvas and nylon city, ponies mingling, playing music, and foals playing several kinds of games all over the place.  They seemed to be about 150,000 present, with more on the way, and they were all greeting Twilight and company as they passed down the main thoroughfare.  However, when they arrived, Rarity saw the three royal tents, which seemed more like small one-ring circus tents in size, and she was certain that it was suitable for the purposes of a princess, filled with all the luxuries one could have when roughing it.  Yet, Twilight’s tent was a far cry from that.  It looked more like a military general purpose tent, medium size.  Applejack then said, “Well, we were able t’find this in town in an old military surplus shop.  We jus’ charged it t’yer account an’ brought it here.”
Rarity, upon seeing this, had a small freak out.  “Applejack,” she said, “No offense, darling, but, HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND!”
She rushed up, looking over the Spartan look of the whole thing, with the grass underneath being a floor, enough cots for the mane six, spike and Starlight Glimmer, considering her place in things now, with sleeping bags…and not much else!  “Hey, it’s cozy, and good fer campin’ out.” Applejack mildly protested.
“Maybe if we were going to battle or preparing for an expedition up Mount Everhoof,” Rarity said firmly, “But not for a princess!  We must fix this!”
With that, Rarity went to work, and started getting everypony of the mane six and whoever else wanted to help to fetch this or that.  Spike, as was normal for him, was her right hoof dragon, keeping it all together.  Rarity had plenty of gems handy to pay for it all, and when Celestia saw what was happening, she gladly contributed to the cause.  By the time Celestia was ready to set the sun and Luna raise the moon, the tent was far more fitting.  She wanted to put gems all on it, but Twilight wisely waved this off, not certain how much weight the poles and support beam in the middle could take.  Nonetheless, it now had carpet, proper lighting, beds instead of cots, a dining area and a place to relax.  Rarity was a sight, a bit frazzled, but the job was done.  Some of the Bardies had joined into the effort, adding their effect, and heard Rarity say, “Well, I suppose I should hit the sauna and clean up.”
However, one of the mares in the group say, “Sister, why would you want to do that?  Like, be one with nature, at least for this.”
“Um…one with nature?” Rarity asked, curiously.
“Sure!” said another mare, “Like, you should come to the lake.”
Not certain where this was going, she followed them, and many ponies had turned the lake into a combination swimming area and bathtub.  Some had already started to make some cleaning agents with some herbs and flowers and were using mud of all things to clean their manes.  “Like, it’s all organic,” said the first mare, “It’s all natural, and won’t kill the karma of the lake by hurting it with chemicals, y’know?”
Rarity could dig the things they were using, considering that they indeed were some ingredients in the things they used at the sauna, but she never saw them used as such, but then she said, “But, mud for the mane?  Isn’t that, well, counterproductive?”
“Oh, not really, sister,” said the other mare, “It actually, like, helps absorb excess oil.  And you, like, take a good swim under the water and, like, shake it out.  Make sure you’re thorough, and you know, you’ll be surprised how it cleans you mane.”
What was more, everypony there seemed to be enjoying themselves, and they guided her down to the lake.  She was not sure about it, but there were a few bards there playing for the group, casting their magic as they did, and all she felt was love and a welcoming spirit all around.  Whatever doubt she was feeling was melting away as they did everything they could to make her feel loved and welcome.  They cast aside their dresses, as did Rarity, and they began to show her how to clean herself the all-natural way.  The others, curious on how this was going to turn out, were shocked and amused to see Rarity getting all into it.  The Bardy mares even helped her with the mud thing they explained before.  She then went for a good swim and they helped her get all the mud out of both her tail and mane.  The herbs felt sensual and the swim only enhanced the feeling.  The Bardic magic added to the whole thing and she burst through the surface of the water with a gleeful squeal.  She came out and dried off, feeling fresh, clean, and happy.  She put on her dress as one of the mares said, “This must be the first time you’ve gotten barded.”
“Is this what I feel?” she said.
“Like, yeah,” came the answered, “How do you feel?”
“I feel like a foal again!” she said, “I feel happy, fresh, clean, beautiful…just at complete peace!”
“Right on,” the Bardy answered, “Welcome to our world.”
By that point, tikka torches were set out as a full moon shone overhead, and the princesses joined them.  Upon hearing about this, Celestia told the other princesses, “Now, that is something I have to experience.  Besides, it’s a good lesson in Bardic magic.  Come on!  WOOHOO!”
She tossed aside her duds and went down to get the treatment Rarity had.  Luna was not as sure at first, but as the magic spread, she started to smile and get into it herself.  Cadence then said, “Come on, Twilight.  I think you’ll all enjoy it.”
With that, the Mane Six with Starlight and Spike went down to the lake to be a part of the party there.  Everypony was filled with even more joy as they came to see who came to get barded with them, and it was certain that the festival would be something that would be recorded in the annals of history.  The next day started the festival, and indeed, everypony would be in the right frame of mind.