//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: The Reward // Story: Dreams of the Heart // by Dreadnought //------------------------------// PART I: Shared Dreams Chapter 3: The Reward Several weeks passed by…. Princess Luna made significant progress in her recovery. Her wounds healed, leaving no trace of the multitude of cuts, scratches, and gashes that mangled her body when she had arrived. Her sides, once sore due to seven broken ribs, no longer caused her any pain, allowing her to breathe freely again. New, crisp feathers replaced those lost in batte, and the fractured bone in her wing had been set. To help her fly again, Luna underwent numerous hours of physical therapy with experts Princess Celestia hired from Canterlot. Celestia even arranged for a special visit from the Wonderbolts, much to Rainbow Dash’s delight. And Luna’s mane, drained of magic during the battle with the riesen, finally returned to its starry, magically flowing form. Nearly everyday Luna was visited by most, if not all, of the Elements of Harmony. And true to their word, they had done their utmost to make Luna’s stay as comfortable as possible. Rainbow Dash delivered not just one, but the entire Darring Do collection for Luna to read. Twilight too brought books, but being Celestia’s ever-faithful student, her books were more serious in nature, ranging from history to astronomy to medicine. Of course Luna thanked Twilight for the thoughtful assortment, saying she would read every one. But the moment Twilight would leave, Luna cast aside those dull books and dug into the latest adventures of Darring Do. She would have to thank Rainbow Dash for introducing her to the series. Though Luna preferred the simple, nutritious meals served by the hosptial, her diet was dramatically augmented. Applejack brought a basket of apples every few days, along with apple pies, apple fritters, apple fries, apple strudels, apple tarts, apple brioche, apple cinnamon crips, apple cobbler, apple chips, apple dumplings, apple turnovers, and caramel apples. Luna was truly astonished at how many treats could be made from apples. Applejack even sneaked in apple cider from the private family stash, although before she revealed the surprise, she made Luna perform a Pinkie Promise not to reveal this secret to Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy, for her part, brought in fresh sweet honey from the hives she worked behind her cottage. Even Spike offered Luna a large sparkling emerald, though he knew she could not eat it. Luna kindly thanked Spike for his thoughtfulness then surreptitiously passed the gem to a ecstatic Rarity. But it was Pinkie Pie, backed up with the full force of the Cakes and Sugarcube Corner, that provided the most bountiful spread. Cream puffs, cookies, sweet rolls, eclairs, muffins, scones, cinnaom rolls, piononos, pies, cakes, danishes, doughnuts, and every type of candy flowed into Luna’s room. She even, with the levitation magic of Twilight and Rarity, brought in an entire Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness. Luna of course politely received every gift. After they left, these treats were distributed amongst the patients and staff along with the Night Guards protecting her. Coincidently, and on a completely unrelated note, cases of stomachaches spiked at Ponyville Hospital. Rarity proved to be the most ambitious and industrious of the group. Not to be stopped, she received permission from the staff to redecorate Luna’s room. Beautiful new drapes framed the windows and hoof-stitched quilts adorned Luna’s bed. An antique wooden vanity replaced the simple table, accented with a vase of flowers Rarity changed everyday. Next to Luna’s bed sat a bookcase, straining under the ever-increasing number of books Twilight brought. Rarity even assured Luna that she was working on a fabulous new dress the princess could wear when discharged from the hospital. Princess Celestia also frequented the hospital, though royal duties prevented her from coming everyday. Luna and Celestia spent much time reminiscing, from their youth, to their accension to power, to recent events. Strictly off-limits was any mention of Nightmare Moon’s banishment, lest it upset Luna. Celestia ensured Luna was kept abreast on all matters of state, from important diplomatic affairs to minor protocol changes at the castle. Celestia even managed to play a pratical joke or two, such as hiding all of the Darring Do books, nearly driving Luna insane. And every time Celestia left, Luna overloaded her with a large asortment of the treats given by the Elements of Harmony. The one pony Luna expected to see had yet to make an appearance. She knew from Applejack that the family was busy harvesting apples and working the fields, along with all the numerous chores involved with running a farm. Yet still, she anticipated Big McIntosh coming any day to receive his reward. After all, he saved the life of a princess of Equestria, not a trivial matter. *** The day finally came when Princess Luna was discharged from Ponyville Hospital. She had been a patient for several weeks and, as Doctor Horse promised, made a full recovery. Everypony was amazed at the progress, though many suspected the alicorn magic she possessed aided the recovery. She had been brought in to Ponyville Hospital, battered and broken. Cuts and gashes scarred her body giving a visual record of the ferocity of the battle. Fractured ribs ached, making every breath a painful labor. But most serious was the internal bleeding. Only a rushed surgery saved her life. Though Luna knew she had been near death, only the staff and Princess Celestia knew exactly how close she had come to passing. Luna took a longing gaze around the hospital room that had become her home. It once again looked like the simple room she awoke in. The bed lay bare, the beautiful quilts packed away in a trunk awaiting the trip to Canterlot. The simple table again pushed against the wall, replacing the antique vanity. Even the lovely drapes Rarity provided had been taken down. “Your highness, are you ready?” Luna turned and saw one of her Night Guards standing at the door. Originally Celestia posted her own Royal Guard to protect Luna. Only when Luna insisted that the Night Guard had not failed her, that she neglected to take them with her to Ponyville on the night of her battle, did Celestia relent and allow them to stand watch over the recovering Luna. “Yes, I am ready.” Luna walked to the door, and with one final glance, stepped through and closed the door behind her. *** Luna’s departure proved a small affair. The staff had thrown her a going-away party the night before, aided by a certain pink pony. Luna exchanged a few, brief words to Doctor Horse and Nurse Redheart before receiving her final out-processing paperwork. With that, her stay officially ended. Luna stepped outside. Celestia’s sun shone brightly, its rays warming Luna’s coat and feathers. The smell of fresh flowers wafted through the air, carried along by a soft breeze. Ponies wandered around, going about their day’s business like any other day. Normally Luna would be retiring to bed at this hour, but the weeks at Ponyville Hospital had altered her schedule. Now, at least for the time being, she was a princess of the day, like her sister Celestia. Before Luna sat her royal chariot. Two of her Night Guard stood in front, eager to fly their beloved princess back to the castle in Canterlot. Captain Night Shadow stood by, bowed, and said “Your highness, are you ready to return to the castle?” “I am ready.” Luna stepped forward, putting her right front hoof onto the chariot, then paused. She stepped back. “No, I will not be leaving at this time. I have unfinished business in Ponyville,” Luna said, much to her guards’ surprise. “Your highness, all your belongings have been packed, all accounts settled.” “Yes there is still one matter to attend to before I leave. When my business is concluded, I shall return here for the ride back to Canterlot,” Luna said, turning away from her chariot and preparing to take to flight. “Princess Luna, we are under strict orders from Princess Celestia to guard you at all times” Night Shadow protested. Luna turned, fury in her eyes. “Does not the Night Guard answer only to us? Celestia has no say in its affairs.” “Well, yes your highness – you see Princess Celestia had taken command of the Night Guard during your recovery,” Night Shadow stammered, with some fear in his voice. Luna let go of her anger. She knew she always possesed a bad temper, and this was not the time to let it flare. Celestia was right. Given the circumstances of her stay at Ponyville Hospital, perhaps Luna should be more prudent when it came to her protection. Luna began, a little apologetically, in a very calm voice, “Yes, I see your point. Very well, I will take several members with me as I conclue this business.” “Molossus. Blue Moon. You’re with me” ordered Night Shadow. The three ponies formed around Luna. She gave a slight smile, and took to the air, followed by her guards. Luna soared though the beautiful morning sky. A few pegasus ponies populated the clouds, all waving at the passing princess. She gazed down at Ponyville, the town a sight to behold. Sugarcube Corner lay below, scents of freshly baked treats rising from the ovens, though the thought of its confections made Luna and her guard a tad bit nauseous, having been overloaded with mountians of sweets during the princess’s recovery. Located in the town square, the town hall stood proud, having been rebuilt since a certain accident-prone gray pegasus unwittingly destroyed it. Over to her left lay the quill and sofa store, that unique shop that only purveyed the two most unlikeliest of pairings. And there was Carosel Boutique, home and business of Rarity. Ahead stood the Castle of Friendship, Princess Twilight Sparkle’s striking new home, ever since Lord Tirek destroyed the Golden Oak Library. But Luna’s destination lay not in Ponyville. She and her security detail passed over the outskirts of town. “Your highness, are we heading for the Everfree Forest?” asked Night Shadow, concern showing in his voice. “No, but it is near the forest,” replied Luna. The group flew over orchards. Luna saw the complex that made up Sweet Apple Acres. In the middle stood the old family farmhouse, with the large red barn close by. Other small buidlings surrounded the two central structures. Luna looked down, but did not see any activity. Really it should not have been a surprise. She had noticed Granny Smith attending to business in town. And Applebloom must be at school with all the other phillys and colts. Which left the older two Apple siblings, who must be working in the fields or orchards. Luna circled, attempting to decide the best direction to go. Finally, she headed towards the South Orchard. If she was wrong, what difference did it make? She had no appointments to keep, and her chariot would wait the whole day if need be. As Luna flew over the apple trees, she remembered her battle. Furiously she fought the beast, hurtling blasts of magically energy, throwing wild punches, and kicking with all her might. She recalled the pain, the claws ripping into her flesh, the bleeding, her bones cracking, her strength failing, her magic waning. The battle had brought her within an inch of death. Below Luna sighted her quarry. She saw Big McIntosh pulling an old plow. Luna descended and gracefully landed at the far edge of the field. Turning, she instructed her guards to remain there while she conducted her business. With her guards carefully surveying the scene, searching for monsters or threats, Luna trotted over in front of Big McIntosh. When Big Mac first saw Luna, it took him quite by surprise. When he found her in the South Orchard, she lay broken, bloodied, and only capable of a few, wispy breaths. Instantly he had thrown out the apple pies he was hauling to market, and gently loaded the fragile princess into the cart. He then hurried with all due haste to Ponyville Hospital, careful to not overturn the cart and taking into account every bump, rut, and rock on the road. When he arrived at the hospital, the staff instantly rushed the princess into the emergency room. He stood there for a while, until he was told it would be some time before she would regain consciousness and the royal court at Canterlot was alerted. He had thought of visiting Princess Luna in the hospital, but work always got in the way. That, and his wish to avoid Princess Luna. Not that he feared or disliked Luna, but it seemed to go against his humble nature. He felt visiting the princess would make him appear smug, brash, or conceited. He knew she was in good hooves with the hospital staff and with Princess Celestia and the Elements of Harmony always visiting her. But Big Mac was also a bit surprised at her presence. What was she doing in this field, with its rows of dirt marking the plow’s path? Obviously she wanted to speak with him, for he was the only one there. He dreaded the conversation, fearing his saving her life would hang over the discussion like a lead weight. Big Mac, without unhitching himself from the plow, bowed and stood there, looking at Princess Luna. Luna stared back, expecting him to say something. When he did not, she began, “I understand that you are the pony that found me after my battle. You were the one who took me to Ponyville Hospital.” “Eeyup.” The directness and informality of the response surprised Luna. Most everypony she met displayed extreme courtesy in front of her, even when she requested they not. Still though, he was a farm pony. And what she knew of Applejack and Applebloom, the Apples were not one for pomp, favoring the simple life. Princess Luna continued, “I have come to dispense your reward. Would you accept a thousand bits?” “Nnope.” Luna was shocked. Being a princess of Equestria “no”, or in this case “nnope”, was not an answer she was accustomed to hearing. She fully expected him to graciously accept the money she offered. But Big McIntosh had a point. Though she had never really thought about it before, the life of a princess certainly was worth more than a thousand bits. “Very well, would two thousand bits be acceptable?” “Nnope.” Nnope? Again he had refused her request. And worse, he just stood there staring at her. Still, perhaps he was right again. Two thousand seemed like a low value for the life of a princess. Luna thought for a moment, and increased the offer. “What about five thousand bits?” “Nnope.” Again he had refused. Five thousand bits seemed like a very reasonable amount. It was a large sum, but five thousand bits still was not enough. Slowly, Princess Luna began to understand. He saved her life not out of compassion but greed, knowing he hit paydirt. She was his ticket off the farm to a better, richer, more comfortable life. This large pony in front of her intened to milk every bit he could out of her, holding his act over her horn to extract money from her for the rest of his life. Doing her best to restrain her anger, she countered “Ten thousand bits?!” “Nnope.” Princess Luna had had enough. No amount seemed large enough. She could no longer control her anger and she snarled through clenched teeth, “Name your price!” “Ah don’t want no reward.” “What?” was all Luna could mutter, shocked at his statement. “Ah don’t want no reward.” Luna couldn’t believe that he didn’t want anything. Perhaps he was cleverly employing the double negative, like so many sly lawyers. Still, he did not seem like the type to try to decieve her. “Thou does not seek a reward?” “Nnope.” “Why not?” Luna prodded, still sceptical of his admission. “Ah didn’t do anything special.” Luna’s shock returned. “Thou didn’t do anything special!?” “Ah only did what any other pony should do.” “You saved our life, a royal princess of Equestria!” “Ya being a princess had nothin’ to do with it. Ah’d a done the same for anypony else.” Slowly Princess Luna began to comprehend. He treated her like anypony who was dying and desperately needed help. “I- I understand. Still, you saved my life, so you are entitled to compensation.” “Nnope.” “If you will not accept money, other arrangements can be made. Perhaps new roof for your house?” “Nnope.” “Another barn for your family farm?” “Nnope.” “A new plow to work the fields?” “Ah don’t want anythin’. Ah didn’t do what ah did for the reward.” Luna was at her wits end. Even if it wasn’t a reward, she still wanted to do something for him in appreciation for saving her life. “What – what about dinner?” she blurted out, almost without thought. “It is the least I can do. Let me thank you for your kindness. Please, you saved my life” pleaded Luna. Big Mac was about to speak, but instead he stared at Luna for a long time. Perhaps a meal sounded good to his hungry stomach. Perhaps his upbringing had taught him not to turn away the generosity of other ponies. Perhaps he was tired of telling her no. Perhaps it was the way she appeared, eyes wide, pleading with him. “Eeyup.”