Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind
Celestia found it strange that so many ponies thought a crystal ball was the best way one could perceive distant events, even the future itself. She'd always preferred a pool of water. Divination with anything else seemed far more trouble than it was worth. Sitting in front of just such a scrying pool, a smooth marble white bowl set to about her chest level, the Princess of the Sun began to summon the complex magic necessary for farsight.
First she needed to contact the surface she would be divining through. With ease born out of having done this many times she lifted her hoof, tapping it into the cool water of the pool. Then came focus, a deep connection to either the location in question or a particular individual. Celestia chose her pupil, her connection with Twilight was unshakeable in her mind; something as inconsequential as being in a separate dimension couldn't prevent Celestia from finding her personal student and protege.
There. By now Celestia's horn was alight with the golden aura of her magic, the spell weaving itself automatically through the proper channels. Viewing distant events was almost as easy for her now as the levitation spell that came naturally to most unicorns. The bowl of water was enveloped in energy, the liquid surface which had rippled from the touch swirled violently for a few seconds and then stilled utterly. Withdrawing her hoof, Celestia peered down into the bowl and took in her first impressions of the scene laid out in front of her.
Twilight and her friends had definitely reached their destination. That was very good news as it had only been two days since they'd set out. Celestia instantly recognized the place that her student and friends were now in, an enormous and beautifully ornate feasting hall. The walls were made of brilliant gold with weapons and armor of all kind decorating virtually every surface. An enormous assortment of drink and food was laid out on the many long tables set in the room that was currently in the process of a massive party.
Celestia actually had trouble finding her student, or her friends. Everywhere there was the usual revelry of feasting and drinking. Not only were the Æsir present, but many ponies and other warriors of the various species of the world who had found their way into the hallowed halls after dying in battle. There were many familiar faces, but none that belonged to Twilight.
She continued to search, knowing that she had to be somewhere. A few long seconds passed before Celestia finally saw a glint of lavender and swung the view of her spell towards it. Twilight was sitting near the front on an upraised dais and speaking earnestly to a cloaked figure. Focusing her attention towards the two, Celestia couldn't help feeling some surprise after realizing just who her student was addressing. He was not a pony, but a very large caribou who possessed jutting antlers that poked high up through the sizable floppy brown pointed hat he wore to cover his face.
Said member of the Æsir looked incredibly old, he had a great many wrinkles and a scraggly white beard on his chin. Most striking, however, was his missing left eye. Despite towering over Twilight by several feet he seemed to be courteous enough to bend his head and look down at the little pony at his side.
"You are very bold to think you are capable of stopping the coming battle, little pony," he intoned seriously. Even with a whole world separating them his deep voice made Celestia shiver at past memories.
Twilight nodded, trying to match his seriousness. "You can't fight though, the fate of the world...all worlds depends on settling this without a battle. You don't really want to destroy the world, do you?"
The huge caribou snorted, taking up a golden stein and draining it in a few gulps. "The Jotunn have transgressed us for the last time, they have freed Loki and even now prepare to advance upon Asgard. The trickster Loki is responsible for the death of my son, she can never be forgiven. Not only that, but this is a battle which has been foretold since the earliest days of the creation of the worlds. Fate cannot be changed."
"What has been foretold, by those wise, shall surely occur. For the wise know to take council from their fellow sages." This was said by a head, sitting on the table in front of the pair. The caribou head lacked a body, but didn't seem any worse the wear for it. Unsurprisingly, Twilight looked rather uneasy at it speaking. Celestia could only guess what her reaction had been the first time it had spoken up.
Shaking her head, Twilight pressed on. "But what if you could change it? I'm sure if you just spoke to them..."
"Speak? To the Giants? And I suppose you would desire to mediate our 'talk'." The large caribou sounded amused at the prospect. "Tell me, student of Sol, how many wars have you prevented?"
Blanching a little, Twilight gave a clearly strained smile. "Er, how many? Well...there was one time when my friends and I worked to settle a dispute between a tribe of buffaloes and a town of settler ponies."
The oldest of all the Æsir did not look particularly impressed, his one eye lowered as he stared at her, his voice deadpan. "And how did this 'dispute' resolve itself?"
"Well...they kind of had a battle actually. But we were able to find a solution everypony was happy with before anyone was actually hurt!" Celestia couldn't help but give a little sigh.
"By this success of yours you intend to stop the very Twilight of the Gods?" After another drink the one eyed caribou wiped at his beard and continued to speak. "No, little pony, we must fight, though all of creation will be torn asunder we shall triumph. Many of us will likely fall, perhaps even myself, but we go forth willingly for we are not craven." At that very moment the caribou looked up, his eye locking directly on Celestia through the pool. There was no doubt that the Allfather was very much aware of her watching, his words had likely even been directed her way. Troublesome.
That was her cue to turn her sight away, as long as she was observing it would only be a reminder that Twilight was acting on her behalf. Her student was on the right track though, eventually she'd hit upon some important insight. They had to succeed, as they always had in the past. The situation was truthfully pretty dire, but she had faith that the Elements would figure out something.
Though, curiously, Celestia couldn't find any of the other Elements around her student. Searching the enormous, and yet still crowded, halls she recognized another of her student's friends.
"That is a truly wonderful necklace. Though I'm afraid I don't quite recognize what it is made of." Rarity seemed to have sidled up to the only member of the hall who wasn't covered in armor or carrying on in the usual, drunken revelry.
Said member, with her shining silver white necklace, was extraordinarily beautiful in appearance. She was a doe, lacking antlers, and covered in fine robes. Celestia was rather familiar with Freyja, it made sense that Rarity would be drawn to her. Freyja gave the Element of Generosity a benevolent smile, which Rarity seemed delighted to receive. "It is torc...fire-metal. Though that is not how you would say it."
Rarity had been about to reply when there was a loud, raucous cheering from across the hall. All eyes, including Celestia's, turned to see a ring of warriors and Æsir surrounding, and shouting at, two sitting figures. One of them was Rainbow Dash, opposite a member of the Æsir. The pegasus had clearly had a few drinks, judging by the rosy blush under her cheeks.
Much like the Æsir who was next to Twilight, Celestia felt worry at knowing who Rainbow had chosen to interact with. An imposing Caribou, much like his father, with shiny metal armor and a bushy red beard. However, the clearest identifier for this particular Æsir was the distinctive runic hammer set down on the table next to him.
The two were trading glares, evidently something had been said to cause a disagreement. Now a sizable portion of the hall was focused on them, cheering and jeering with shouted encouragement. Listening to them for a moment let Celestia know exactly what was about to happen, she only hoped that Rainbow was ready for the challenge.
Then the large Æsir warrior stood up from the table. An expectant hush fell over the crowd, Rainbow only gave a frown. At once the armored caribou began to speak.
"A little mare with rainbow mane
making noise; she's such a pain
A draught of mead did she just drink
daring, sure, but she'll soon need a sink
Many boasts, claiming to be brave
But battle would soon make your grave
Children, here, on an errand call
A cowards plan, made from those who fled our fall
We love to fight, for honor we don't lack
little mare, you should wait till we get back
Once concluded, and the dead we cannot count
comes thy true place, as all our mounts."
On the occasion of each rhymed insult there were raucous laughter and cheering. Rainbow blushed especially at the second and last stanza, and looked visibly annoyed. Celestia felt a bit nervous, hoping desperately that Dash had the sense not to get up and storm off. There was more to this than bandying insults, leaving the table would send an entirely bad impression.
"Give me a second, I've never done this stupid thing before," Rainbow mumbled. Her hoof was holding onto her drink while she looked to be thinking intently. "You sounded like Zecora," she commented absently.
Her opponent had sat down, draining his fifth drink quickly and then giving a belch. "We are all waiting, little pony. Perhaps you should have sat with Heimdall instead. He is well familiar with rainbows." There were some further laughs from the crowd at that.
"Shut up, I've got it alright?" Rainbow stood up, though wobbling a bit on her hooves and making a rather less impressive show of her size by rising. Then she began to rhyme as well.
"Don't make me laugh, I've had your...measure
Your little hammer couldn't give me pleasure
Plus, I read the book, and heard you're weird
About a dress, a wedding and now I see your beard.
I'm not fooled, but its okay
I bet they all think you're...a certain way.
Compete with me and you'd get a silver
Take me on, then we'll see....er...screw you!"
It hadn't been strictly within the traditional framework, but the crowd did laugh quite a bit and cheer at the returned insults. The caribou sitting at the table was red faced at the reminder of the particular incident involving the giants. Twilight must have given her friends a quick lesson on the trip up, somehow acquiring a book on the legends. Even though Rainbow had sabotaged herself at the end she sat down with a superior air of having given almost as good as she got.
"Your verse needs work, but not bad, little mare." The hammer wielding Æsir finally admitted, raising a drink in toast of a worthy opponent which Rainbow Dash mimicked.
Celestia let out a breath she'd been holding, there was definite progress being made. Back across the hall, though, Rarity looked absolutely mortified. "How barbaric," she grumbled, also a bit red in the face.
Freyja laughed, giving a little pat on the unicorn's shoulders. "It is a...word-battle, skill in wit that is almost as important as skill in battle. Your friend did well, though if we knew of you better the flyt would have been more biting."
That was three of the six, but it seemed strange that so far Celestia had not found the others. Try as she might though she couldn't find Pinkie Pie, Applejack or Fluttershy. After some thought Celestia considered what her student had said. She'd referenced the incident at Appleloosa as a guide for how to deal with this crisis. Celestia could recall the report, that the Elements had been split up and dealt with both parties separately. Though that had been more of an accident than done intentionally, it seemed logical that Twilight would try and recreate the effect.
That left the other three in Jötunheimr. Truthfully Celestia was a bit prejudiced against the giants, and could only hope that Twilight had made a wise choice. It was a bit trickier to locate them, eventually she settled on looking for Applejack specifically. Once found the vision of the scrying pool shifted and beheld a land of snow and ice. High peaked mountains and a blisteringly intense blizzard was raging all around a gathered band where the snow was unnaturally becalmed.
"So of course these louts all wanted to know why their new blushing bride looked like 'she' was positively murderous," a female caribou with modest antlers, red ringed eyes and parallel line scars like stitching over her mouth, was explaining to her captivated audience of one. "Well, I told them that 'Freyja' was just so excited about the wedding that she couldn't get a wink of sleep. They bought it! You should have seen how mad he was; the giants couldn't stop commenting on how good he looked in his dress!"
At that Pinkie Pie burst into laughter, falling over and clutching her stomach. "That's priceless! What did they say about the beard?"
Not everyone in the gathering was quite so entertained. True to his namesake of giant, an enormous figure just on the edge of the protection of the blizzard was sharpening an amazingly bright sword. Shrouded by the storm, glowing eyes narrowed down at Loki. "Reminding us of your days with the Æsir will not leave you as our leader for long, trickster. I recall that the tale ends with the slaying of our brothers."
"They shouldn't have stolen his hammer if they didn't want to be killed," Loki countered with a dismissive wave of her hoof at Surtr.
Applejack, who was sitting in a round table of Loki, Pinkie Pie and herself, looked a bit uneasy. "Er, maybe we oughta be gettin back to what we were talking about?"
"Aw, but Applejack. I wanted to hear more about her pranks!" Pinkie had stopped laughing instantly, back up at the table and giving a pout at her friend.
Loki was grinning, clearly happy to have found a kindred spirit in Pinkie Pie. Celestia rubbed at her forehead at a ghost of a headache forming, wondering if she'd inadvertently created a new problem. Discord could be a bad enough influence on Pinkie, Loki might be even worse.
Though that still left off Fluttershy, she wasn't anywhere to be seen. Looking around, and only recognizing the various members of the Jötunn, Celestia finally located the final Element of Harmony. Her breathing stopped, eyes going wide and getting perhaps the biggest shock of the day. Fluttershy was nuzzling, and rubbing, the belly of an enormous white wolf. Despite being several times the size of the Element of Kindness, the wolf was rolled over on its back, panting happily and kicking a leg while Fluttershy was cooing encouragement.
Celestia ended the spell at that point, filled with disbelief. The Elements seemed to have things under control after all. Everything was in place, there was nothing more that she could do.
That didn't mean that she was now free from work, far from it. It was only early morning in Canterlot and Celestia gave a yawn while stretching out the kinks that had formed in her neck. She'd already had breakfast in her room, knowing that the act of scrying would consume a fair bit of time and demand isolation. Looking at the clock, though, made her realize that there was still a bit of time remaining before she had to go anywhere.
A bit more divination closer to home couldn't hurt. It was how Celestia knew so many things about her realm, though she was careful to not invade the privacy of her subjects if she could help it. The water swirled once more after a few seconds focus and almost instantly became a complete scene. This close it hardly took any concentration to see what she wanted.
First she checked on her sister, amusingly Luna hadn't left her study since they'd spoken. Evidently the Cutiemark Crusaders had made quite the impression on her with their little game. Snoozing at her desk, hoof propping her chin up, Luna looked rather adorable and Celestia smiled at the image of her little sister. Likely she'd be up and joining them at lunch in the afternoon.
Celestia had been somewhat locked up in her study herself over the last day, though only because of the work that needed to be done. It was not because she had been brooding at all on the conversation she'd had with her sister. Absolutely not, it wasn't like she was averse to a personal relationship, or afraid of one. It was simply that she didn't have any time. All of the reports and issues piled up on her desk only proved as much, though her thoughts had occasionally strayed while she worked.
Responding to her distraction the pool had begun to shift, curiously it appeared for a second to be focusing on a busy street corner. Once Celestia realized she'd let her mind wander she forced the vision to move to where she really intended to look towards next. The water quickly shimmered and the image instead changed to inside the palace once again.
"Aw, do we have to keep shining these?" Scootaloo complained while her hoof continued to circle a rag along a suit of armor.
The Captain of the Royal Guard only narrowed his eyes and nodded, having already likely answered that question half a dozen times. The Cutiemark Crusaders sighed and continued their work. The royal armory was almost entirely picked up, a testament to the chaos that the trio had caused that it had taken more than a day to clean. As cute as they could be their actions could not be brushed off quite so easily as to make her guard pick up after their mess.
Instead, after their giggling planning on how to torment her sister was concluded, she'd had a very long talk with the three fillies about what they'd done. They would have to pick up every piece and put it back as well as any other measures that the captain saw fit. The guard were certainly unamused at the mess, though were happy that the three were at least learning their lesson. Everything was solved, the CMC were likely to be done also by this afternoon. To help lift their spirits Celestia would invite them to join her and Luna to lunch, they weren't in that serious of trouble after all.
Yes, thankfully everything seemed to be back in proper order and on track. Just outside her open window she could hear the sounds of chirping birds while a warm breeze of wind gently rustled the curtains. Celestia smiled, happy once more with the direction her life was taking. With just a little more time left waste, before she had to leave for the usual appointments of running Equestria, she indulged in looking directly over Canterlot.
The bustle of ponies going about their business was as comforting as the nice weather. How could she risk the perfect society she had worked so hard to create by being selfish? No, that was too negative. Luna had been at least right in that point, Celestia wasn't looking to be a martyr. It just...happened to have turned out this way.
A flash of crimson among the crowd caught the Princess' attention. Without quite realizing it she'd focused in enough to recognize Big Macintosh. Until now Celestia had been quite deftly thinking around the source of her distraction, being confronted by where it had come from did little to settle the internal argument that had been raging. Not that it was Big Mac's fault, no doubt he was entirely oblivious. It was more the idea, really.
Big Macintosh was actually working, surprisingly enough. Celestia watched the large stallion holding up a ladder, with another colt balancing on the top rungs and washing a window. This was a pony she did not recognize, a light brown coat with a slightly darker brown mane and, of all things, turnips on his flank.
"Thanks for the help again, cuz!" The brown earth pony colt in question wobbled precariously on the ladder, not seeming to have a sense of self preservation while holding up a wet sponge.
Big Macintosh looked up at him, shifting to keep the jostling ladder steady. "Just get your job done, 'for you go and break your fool neck."
Nodding in agreement the window washer went back to work and the chance of his imminent death by falling seemed to vanish while he focused. They were located at a fairly busy intersection, a number of cleaning supplies set out along the street. Most of the ponies in Canterlot were going about their business and gave the pair a wide berth, not wanting to disrupt their work.
Big Macintosh was right when he'd said he could find something to do. Despite having what was essentially a vacation, he'd elected to do something productive. That was certainly to be lauded, Celestia could content herself with closing the book on-.
"Looking good there, stud. Wish I'd brought my camera!" A female voice sudden sounded from across the street, interrupting Celestia's thoughts.
Shifting the focus of the pool a bit, she saw a gaggle of upper class mares very clearly looking towards Big Mac. The earth pony had posted up on his rear hooves, the front two holding tight onto the wooden ladder and thus set in a somewhat eye catching pose.
Big Mac barely reacted to the cat call, his green eyes moving only for a second towards where it had come from before returning his focus on the ladder. That did little to discourage the five or six mares who'd begun crossing the street. "Aw, c'mon," one of the bolder ones said, the others giggling. "You're pretty cute, you don't have a marefriend do you?"
That was actually a question of slight interest to Celestia, though she disapproved of the rude way they'd went about cajoling him.
With a quick sigh, Macintosh shifted the bit of straw in his mouth and looked towards the group. "No, but ah ain't interested."
The group, a mix of unicorns and a few earth ponies, gave a collective and disappointed 'aw' at his answer. "But why not? You like mares don't you?" Again, the boldest of the group kept at it.
There was the slight sign of tension in Big Mac's jaw at that, annoyed. "Ah do, still not interested. I'm workin."
The brown colt on the ladder had been looking down at them, and suddenly decided to draw attention to himself. "Hey y'all, my names Hayseed Turnip-Truck. I'm interested!"
"...Uhuh." One in the back said, the mares having collectively angled their necks to look up at Hayseed. Their attention went back to Big Mac. "But you can't work forever can you? Hows a night on the town sound? You don't sound like you're from around here, bet I could show you a good time." The leader of the little clique was an attractive unicorn, obviously from good money and was likely not used to being turned down.
A different mare, likely thinking she was speaking softly enough, whispered to one of her friends. "You just know he'd be able to show you an even better time later." There were, naturally, a number of giggling laughs at that.
Macintosh didn't react much to either the proposition or the comment he almost certainly had heard. Instead, the farmer turned his head back to the ladder. There was a few seconds pause. "No thanks."
The curt dismissal seemed to have been enough at last, though the group didn't take it well. The leader gave a frown, upset. "Yeah well, like I really wanted to spend the night with some country yokel anyway. Come on girls."
A few minutes of dead silence between Macintosh and Hayseed followed, the window washer very quickly finishing his work before descending the ladder. "Shoot cuz, I ain't never had mares come up to me like that before. Why'd you turn em down?"
Big Mac had been steadily packing up, putting the ladder across his back and harnessing the supplies. "They ain't worth it. Types like that just worried bout parties and the high life, don't know the important things in life. Would you rather I go with them and not help you work?"
Hayseed rubbed at his hat for a second, looking a bit nonplussed. "Well it ain't like I'd blame ya none. They was as pretty as all sin."
There was a momentary pause, Macintosh raised an eyebrow while looking at Hayseed. "Family is more important than a pretty face. Even if your family has about as much sense as a pile of rocks.
The brown colt nodded, agreeing with the statement before pausing. "Was you just talking about me there?"
Big Macintosh only sighed and the two started to make their way down the street, their cleaning equipment now packed up. They either had more work to do or were finished altogether. Either way Celestia decided to finally end her scrying spell. Before she could even dwell on what she had seen, any of it, the clock struck nine: she was now late. Annoyed at herself for forgetting the time, Celestia rose up and quickly set for the door.
"We really are sorry about all the mess, Princess Celestia. It won't happen again." After two days of steady work cleaning up the armory the Cutiemark Crusaders now trudging into the dining hall looked less like their usual cheery selves and more like beaten down prisoners.
Celestia smiled down at the three, glad they'd learned their lesson. "I'm sure that you will be more careful in the future, Scootaloo. All of you have worked very hard. As a reward I have had the staff prepare a special lunch.
That managed to pick them up at least. Very quickly they darted into the room and placed themselves in front of the small banquet of food, happily digging in. They weren't alone, either.
"Dearest Sister! We are happy to see that we were not the only one to invite a guest to lunch." Luna was positively beaming, a rather cheery air about her. Her guest was looking severely at his own sister.
"Applebloom, you'n your friends know better than to eat 'for the Princess even has had a chance to sit down. Where'd all your manners go?" Big Macintosh's voice had taken on a deep, reproving tone for the usually silent pony.
That tone had its effect though; Applebloom instantly wilted and stopped eating, her two friends following suit. "Sorry, big brother. We was just hungry."
Celestia was glad that the room, save her sister, were not looking her way. No doubt the obvious surprise that Luna had brought him here was written all over her face. Surprise was quickly changed into a suspicious stare at her sister, which Luna was returning with a look of amused superiority. Only a beat behind where she should have been, Celestia advanced towards the table.
"Its quite alright, Big Macintosh. There is no need for excessive formality. You're all welcome to eat." Then she sat down, her eyes moving right back to her sister.
Celestia didn't need magic to imagine Luna's voice in her head. After so many countless years together their traded looks carried the entire unsaid conversation.
Why did you bring him here?
What ever do you mean, sister? He is an honored guest. Why should it be a problem?
Considering our previous conversation you know very well why it might be a problem.
But you said it was a 'possibility'. Have you actually started to think of him as-
This wasn't going to be something Celestia could win; she looked away first. Luna was smiling all the more now, obviously well pleased that she could so effectively needle her older sister without so much as saying a word.
Rather than looking her way, and having to face all the unbearable smugness, Celestia instead began to eat. The Cutiemark Crusaders had already made impressive inroads on the meal, even Big Macintosh had started eating his sizable portion. There was silence between the six of them for a moment, though Luna had not touched her plate just yet.
For a fearful moment Celestia thought her younger sister would take a more active step in her self-appointed matchmaking. But instead she turned towards the trio of fillies.
"It is now the daytime, two days since our last meeting, and we remain quite unafraid. Is it safe to declare our victory in our little game?" Luna had leaned forward a tad bit, trying to make her question sound as casual as possible.
The three paused for a second, Applebloom swallowed the food in her mouth and then shook her head. "Night Fright? Nope, Princess. We're still playin."
A stricken look fell on Luna's face as Scootaloo chimed in. "Yeah, you can't play Night Fright during the day, that wouldn't work. The game starts again when the sun goes down. We couldn't really play yesterday because we had to clean the guard room."
"But we have lots of ideas now! Its going to be a lot of fun!" Sweetie Belle gestured with a fork to show just how excited she was.
Applebloom scowled a bit, nudging her unicorn friend. "Don't give it away, dummy."
"I wasn't!"
Now Celestia was the one smiling, her little sister much less so. But before Luna could speak a masculine voice interjected.
"Are you playing that game again, the one you know you ain't suppose to play, with Princess Luna?" Big Macintosh had stopped eating, turning once again at his sister and her friends and frowning.
Applebloom gave her big brother another guilty look, apparently they'd forgotten he was there and overhearing the conversation. "Er...well. Mayor Mare and you all told us not to play it in Ponyville. Since we're in Canterlot we tho-"
"I don't want to hear none of that. You near scared Miss Fluttershy and Miss Golden Harvest out of their wits. Princess Luna has a lot more important things to do than be looking around every corner for you to try and jump out at her. Sides', you don't need to go messing up the castle more'n you already have. Miss Fluttershy, Applejack and I spent a week trying to get all the red paint off her pets."
"Aw, but we didn't mean to make it look that realistic." Scootaloo complained.
The two princess' were, for once, far from the center of a conversation. Celestia had never heard of this game, though she thought it sounded rather fun. There was a lot of information in what Big Mac had just said, it was also the most she'd ever heard him speak at one time. Also by all appearances the Cutiemark Crusaders were rather committed to their games, not that Celestia didn't know that already given what she'd observed them doing the first night. She had to extend some sympathy for her sister, assuming they were still going to be allowed to carry out their schemes.
"If Princess Luna still wants to play would that be okay?" Sweetie Belle had put her hooves together and pleaded with Big Macintosh, as well as at Luna, for permission.
There was a moment of hesitation, Big Macintosh looked towards Luna. Celestia could see that her little sister very much wanted to say no. The three fillies had already deployed their most pitying looks, which was rather amusing when she considered that what they were begging for was a chance to try and scare Luna half to death.
It was best to stay as neutral as she could, though Celestia could feel her grin widening despite her best efforts to school her features. Evidently Luna saw that as well, and didn't like the reality that her older sister was going to endlessly tease her that three little girls had managed to get under her skin.
"No, it is...quite alright, Big Macintosh. We are still willing to play."
"Yay!" The trio of fillies were overjoyed at getting their way. Big Mac shrugged, washing his hooves of the issue and going back to his meal. Luna looked less than pleased, but was now fully committed.
This was how Celestia had envisioned the week going. Pleasant, peaceful and not requiring a great deal of involvement on her part. Luna had a tendency to sometimes overreact, she'd learned a minor detail of Celestia's personal life and had thought it necessary to raise uncomfortable notions. Why did her little sister feel the need to push for something as time consuming and distracting as romance when she had everything she could ever want now?
Her stomach rumbled a bit, much of her food still in front of her on the plate. The rest of the day was sure to be busy, an aide set to bring her daily schedule any minute. If she didn't want to be hungry while working she'd better think while eating. With the rest of the table at their meals, some more enthusiastic than others, she felt comfortable enough in finishing her meal.
Returning to the topic, Celestia had to conclude that having Big Mac here had added more to that enjoyable atmosphere. In a strictly platonic manner, of course. He was a fine pony, one that Celestia wouldn't mind getting to know a little better in the future. The short moment she'd seen earlier today could attest to that desire; he certainly had traits that she could admire. How could she not like someone who was willing to work despite having a vacation and no responsibility? He had standards, was apparently reserving himself and took the notion of relationships seriously.
By now Notetaker, her aide, had arrived and presented the schedule. Curious, but the young mare seemed a bit uneasy. It was likely because she was new at her job, her mother, the previous aide, had retired only last month.
Enjoyable domestic scenes and the reinforcement of just why she could be content with her life aside; Celestia had work to do. But upon unfolding the paper and looking it over, she couldn't help but feel confusion. There was nothing there. Nothing scheduled as far as work. All that was written was 'Personal Time: All Day'.
Lowering the paper, she gave her aide a questioning look. "Notetaker, I appreciate the sentiment but I would like to see the real schedule."
The young mare gave her a strained smile, her eyes flicking across the table for a second. "Your majesty, that is your schedule for the day."
Luna cleared her throat. "We took the liberty of talking to your staff, dear sister. It appears that in our absence you have never taken a true 'personal day'. We would be happy to oversee your work schedule and knew you would not mind the chance to relax."
Back to this again. Celestia did everything in her power not to frown or otherwise react; there were a number of ponies watching them. Her sister had forced her into a corner, correctly guessing that she'd never overrule her on something so seemingly minor. A disagreement like that would raise very uncomfortable subjects better left private. Celestia had to conclude that this must have been what it usually felt like to be in Luna's position whenever one of her plans worked properly, not unlike biting into a lemon.
"Ah, well. Thank you Luna. I hardly know what I'll do with so much free time." That was all she could say, though the last part was certainly true. An hour or two in her bedroom to wind down a day was one thing, but a whole afternoon and evening?
Notetaker departed as quickly as she arrived. No doubt Luna's impromptu decree had been taken with some trepidation by a staff that knew their Princess was a committed workaholic.
Now she had nothing to do and nowhere to go. Trying to quietly slip out and insist on a proper schedule would be almost as bad as publicly disagreeing with her sister. Celestia was left dead in the water, the one silver lining was that feeling lost was hardly a surprise anymore. She'd been stumped now half a dozen times in the last few days and it was starting to bother her. The world around her was receiving the bare minimum of attention; just enough to still look like she was eating and following the excited banter at the table dominated by the Cutiemark Crusaders. What would she do with her free day?
The dining room began to empty itself. Luna was first, head held high and off to be actively immersed in the busy hustle of daytime affairs in Equestria. That would be good for her; Celestia took small solace in that fact. Luna still craved social activity and she was more than competent to handle running the whole of Equestria by herself. The only downside to that plan was that it left Celestia with nothing to do.
The Cutiemark Crusaders were next. With their food devoured the three were quick to make their departure with a chorus of energetic giggles. Evidently they knew how to spend their day and would probably happily accept Celestia joining them, should she ask. That hardly seemed appealing to the Princess of the Sun though, not unless she wanted to get trapped in a similar sort of game as her sister had. That only left...
" 'Scuse me Princess." Big Macintosh said, rising up from the table and wiping his mouth with a napkin. The large farmer was already turning and heading off somewhere.
Now, considering the proposition, Celestia knew what Luna had been playing at. She was playing matchmaker after all, a galling prospect. For a moment Celestia considered letting Big Mac walk out of the hall, and out of her thoughts for the day. She could just spend the afternoon doing...something, likely by herself. But in a way that would be admitting that she really was afraid of the notion of becoming involved with another pony. After all of her speeches about friendship, especially to Twilight, she'd end up an enormous hypocrite if she ducked out now.
"Ahem, Big Macintosh?" Celestia heard herself say, her mouth moving automatically without much thought. It had the desired of effect of stopping him, though. Big Mac paused, began to turn around and raised an expectant eyebrow at what she would say next.
But what should she say or ask? Something that would involve him spending part of the day with her. Curiously enough it seemed that her heart was beating a touch faster than usual. There was a unmistakable tension of nervousness, too. All this just because she was about to ask a pony to provide her company?
But she needed to come up with something quickly, lest the moment become more awkward. "Since I have now found myself without anything to do today, just now." Already off to a terrible start, she'd said 'now' twice. "I was wondering if you were busy. I was...considering adding some fruit trees to the royal gardens." No she hadn't, Celestia could hardly remember the last time she'd even been in the gardens. "Considering your experience, would you be interested in providing me your expert opinion? On apple trees, that is."
Big Macintosh was now giving her a long, confused look. Celestia couldn't help but feel absolutely mortified at herself. Somewhere in a very short few sentences she'd lost her usually articulate manner of speaking. It shouldn't have been so hard to ask, but her words had started to tumble out. Now she'd went and lost her cool, the serious gravitas that could make any request seem like a matter of complete urgency. Her name was used in oaths, held with a near deity like reverence, and she was on the verge of blushing while asking a pony to spend the afternoon with her. Not one of her best moments.
But her fears were allayed after a few moments pause. Big Mac gave her a passive shrug. "Sure, Princess. Ain't likely I'll be able to help all that much though."
It had taken almost the entire trip out to the Royal Gardens before Celestia had calmed down enough to enjoy herself. The walk had passed without comment or words, the two side by side and hardly even looking at one another. But the sound of songbirds, the warmth of the sun, when they first stepped out onto the grass of the grounds had helped let out a great deal of tension she hadn't been aware she was holding.
It was the lack of purpose that she was enjoying. Celestia had realized that fact a few minutes later while they strolled through the gardens. The novelty was a more enjoyable version of what she'd experienced a few days ago at dinner, the flow of events out of her control. Even the gardens, which more accurately resembled a untamed forest now, seemed like some new thing. The myriad flowers and various animals offered a great deal to look at, much of it very beautiful.
Her silent companion was certainly adding to the pleasant atmosphere. Celestia had to admit that a solitary walk through the gardens would not have been the same. He was here because she'd asked, but Celestia still could enjoy that sense of...was it fellowship they shared? Big Macintosh had been welcome to say no after all, she hadn't ordered him, she got the sense that he would likely have if he'd had other business. As usual Big Mac was taking the moment as he usually did: with stoic passivity.
As comfortable as the silence was, sooner or later she would have to follow through with the pretense of why they were out here. What was it again? Oh right. Apple trees. They'd been walking through the gardens, past various trees and scampering animals for a few minutes and yet he hadn't said a word. Big Mac had been glancing around while Celestia had spent most of her time looking at him and thinking.
"Do you see anywhere good?" she asked, pausing in her walk. Macintosh did likewise, turning halfway to face her.
He seemed to really like having a bit of straw in the corner of his mouth, Celestia watched it move from one side to the other. Was it the same one from earlier today? After a few seconds Big Macintosh seemed to have collected his thoughts and answered. "Anywhere good?"
Was she missing something? "For planting?" confused, Celestia extended her left wing and gestured towards the garden to demonstrate.
Big Mac looked nearly as confused as she did, he slowly lifted up a hoof to scratch at his orange mane. "Er, planting apple trees in a forest, with plants and critters ain't the best way to get apples."
Oh. Celestia felt a bit foolish now, her knowledge on agriculture was apparently more limited than she realized. "Ah, of course. My mistake."
Of course Macintosh was too nice to lord something like that over her. He nodded only nodded, adjusting that piece of straw, and continued. "The trees would grow, of course. Reckon a earth pony could get just about anything to grow. But if'n you want apples to be big and altogether good to eat you're gonna need some space. Got to have a lot of room for the roots to spread out, get the nutrients. Also the animals are liable to eat up whatever does grow, no offense meant fer the critters of course."
Obviously he knew his trade well, Celestia couldn't help glancing down towards his flank and the symbol of his special talent. A green apple, split down the middle and showing its seeds. Each cutiemark held immense significance towards its owner, and even the most taciturn of ponies would usually open up with complete enthusiasm to tell the story of how they had found their place in the world. Now she was faintly curious how Macintosh had gained his.
But they were having a different sort of conversation. "What would you recommend then?" she asked, tilting her head a bit after the short introduction into the considerations of farmers.
"Well..." Big Mac set his face for a moment in thought, looking out around the garden. "Lest you wanna tear trees down, which I ain't about to suggest, you might be able to grow some graftage up closer to the palace. Applejack usually handles setting up the proper rootstock but I reckon you'll want the Mark type. Anypony that tells ya to get a M Nine ain't really in the business of healthy trees so much. Anyway, you'll also want to get more'n one breed. Golden Delicious, Gala and Empire are some of what we grow and they usually work well for pollinating one another....er, you get all that, Princess?"
She hadn't, not really. Celestia knew that farming was complicated, at least in a scholarly sense, but to hear it described in plain terms was daunting. "I admit that I feel a little lost," she said with a shrug of her wings.
The farmer actually grinned at that, nodding. "You usually are If'n you're not really in the business. Ain't a problem though, I reckon you ain't likely to be growing them much yourself. I'd be happy to set up a deal with whoever you have running the grounds out here."
There was a sound of rustling foliage off to their right, a old brown earth pony with a frumpy looking hat emerged from behind a bush. "Sorry for snooping, your highness, but I think this big fella was talking about me."
"Ah," Celestia began automatically. "It's no problem..." There was a pause as she struggled to recall her gardener's name. It'd been awhile since she'd even been out here, certainly years. She'd never had much of a gr- "Green Hoof, this is Big Macintosh."
The two earth ponies looked one another over, Big Mac giving a respectful nod and extending a hoof which the old grounds keeper returned with a friendly smile. "Always like to meet one of the Apple Family. You part of the farm that makes that Zap Apple Jam?"
Macintosh had lowered his hoof after the shake, another nod. "Eeyup."
"Got to admit its some of the finest tasting jam I ever did have. Anyway, I hear we're setting up some apple trees?" Green Hoof looked towards Celestia with an upraised eyebrow.
She'd drifted out of their back and forth for a moment. Her thoughts had drifted towards the realization that Green Hoof had been essentially left out here in the gardens for what had to have been decades. The time really had flown by, she could recall the day that she'd interviewed him for the position. Now he was much older and surely on the verge of retirement; she'd need to hire a new replacement soon.
"Er, Princess?" He spoke up again, startling her out of her thoughts.
Refocusing now, looking at the both of them, she realized that she'd missed her cue. "Sorry, I was thinking of something else. Yes, I think some fruit in the gardens would be an excellent addition for any ponies who might be having a walk." The more she said that the more Celestia was starting to like the sound of the idea.
Big Macintosh was rubbing at his chin for a moment and gestured off back towards the Palace. "I saw an open spot of grass next to the palace. Hows the PH in the soil 'round here?"
Green Hoof chuckled, looking out where Big Mac had pointed. "Always a bit of a tricky situation up here in Canterlot, big fella. This here mountains got a whole mess of metal in it, lots of aluminum I think, so usually the soil gets pretty acidic after awhile. I don't remember the last time I did a proper check on the grounds near the palace, probably going to need some treatment."
There was a brief, contemplative frown from Macintosh. "Ain't a problem. Whenever we plant for a customer we'll lay limestone down for free the first time, if it needs it anyway."
Celestia had a feeling that having Twilight here could have helped shed a bit more light on this conversation, assuming that her student was well versed in this particular field of study. The two continued to talk shop, arranging to do all the initial ground work in the next two days or so. Big Macintosh wanted a look at the dimensions of the grounds to plan out spacing, while Green Hoof suggested that it was better to arrange things in a less rigid manner.
Ultimately they decided to defer that decision until after they'd had an in depth look at the soil. Green Hoof had some more business to do around the grounds and quickly left after that. Then it was just Celestia and Big Macintosh again, a silence falling while they stood there for a moment without words.
Celestia didn't actually want it to end, the excuse to go for this little walk had been already tied up quite neatly. At least Macintosh would be around for the next few...well, that was getting ahead of herself, they'd only been walking through the woods together. She cleared her throat, tapping a wing to her mouth to complete the gesture. "I suppose you ended up providing quite a bit of help after all, Big Macintosh. Your depth of knowledge for your field is quite impressive."
Macintosh shrugged following her praise. "Ain't nothing to it Princess, it's what we Apples are good at."
Ah, a good opening. Celestia nodded, smiling graciously. "And is that what your special talent is? I have always been a bit curious about the Apple family and their tendency to have such thematic cutiemarks. If you don't mind, how did you earn yours?"
Again, he shrugged. There seemed to be a trend in Big Mac pausing deliberately, looking like he was thinking deeply about any question he was asked. Then he'd shift the ever present straw in his mouth to the other side. Followed by his answer. "Not much of a story about it I'm afraid. I was out in a field one day with my Pa. We talked, and at the end of it I had my mark. Been a apple farmer ever since."
Celestia couldn't help but blinking at that answer. It really had been 'not much of a story' apparently. But no, that couldn't be all there was. There had to have been a lot more to the story, it was just that Macintosh was avoiding having to share it. That was fair enough, Celestia was certainly not about to share her own story of how she'd got her sun, but it also made her want to know all the more.
The increasingly enigmatic stallion surprised her by speaking up. "Princess, can I ask ya a question?" He was looking unusually engaged then, his eyes meeting hers.
"Of course you can, Big Macintosh. What would you like to know?" Now she was a little nervous, her mind immediately jumped to a plethora of questions that would be difficult for her to answer. 'Why did you really ask me out here?' 'Are you interested in me?' 'Would you like to go out for a date?'. That last one was very unlikely, but it did leave her a bit on the skittish side.
It turned out to be none of those things. "Granny Smith's been telling Applejack, Applebloom and I about how she helped found Ponyville for as long as I can recollect. I was wonderin if you remember anything about my great grandpappy, since you gave him the first deed and all."
Ah, that was certainly not the question she would have guessed he'd ask. But was there something hidden there? No, she had to be over thinking it. It was, however, a reminder at just how intimately tied she'd become to so many personal histories. Drawing upon the memory that was not so distant to her, Celestia smiled at the memory. "He was a fine gentlepony. Your great-grandparents and grandmother were all very thankful when I presented the chance to settle. We had a party to celebrate the founding of the town, but I can't recall if they stayed for the occasion."
There was a pause, then Big Macintosh chuckled. "The way Granny Smith told me'n Applejack, when we was older, Great Grandpappy Acorn was a bit of a skirt chaser. Great Granny Rosy Glow apparently kept a bit of a tight leash on him. Reckon that's why they didn't come round to your party, Princess, didn't want him getting distracted by all the pretty mares and royalty."
She laughed, Celestia couldn't help it. The look of jealousy written all over the aforementioned married mares face so long ago, when her husband had knelt to kiss his princess' hoof in thanks, suddenly made a great deal of sense.
Macintosh was chewing on his straw again, watching her while there was another shared, comfortable silence. He really was quite nice to spend time with, for a variety of reasons. The biggest one was that, as had been demonstrated throughout this little excursion and before, Big Macintosh was not overawed by her presence. As far as she could tell he almost seemed to treat her as an equal. Though he was also studiously respectful, which was certainly a plus as well. It appeared there was something after all to what her sister had said before. Some, anyway.
But it had to come to an end. After a deep breath she turned towards the palace. "I think we should head back, unless you'd rather spend more time out in the gardens." It was fine though, Celestia had had quite a bit of fun, but she wasn't interested in dominating all of Big Mac's time.
His natural rhythm of doing things was getting a bit easier to anticipate. There was a shrug of his shoulders, which were quite nicely defined she noted, then he nodded. "Sounds fine to me, Princess."
They'd started to walk then, without thinking it Celestia spoke up. "Macintosh, it is quite okay if you just call me Celestia."
There was a flash of...something on his face, like he was about to frown. Big Macintosh had glanced towards her without turning his head and he was silent for a moment, guarded. "If'n you want me to P...Celestia, I will." Her name sounded strange to her ears without the preface of her title.
Almost nobody dropped etiquette around her, and she hardly ever asked or granted permission for anyone to do so. Big Macintosh was likely just confused at the request, trying to gauge the intention. Even Celestia had some trouble answering that to herself: why did Big Mac get to be different?
Ultimately Celestia had to suppose that, in the still highly theoretical notion of a romantic relationship, any pony would have to be her relative equal. Deferential titles somewhat undercut that notion. So naturally they would have to be dispensed with. Not that Big Macintosh was now set as such, no no. It was just a...test run, practice. Practice for whenever the proper potential romantic interest came around. It was no rush, Celestia liked her plans to take centuries to develop if at all possible. It just so happened that, whenever she devoted some time to think about it, the theoretical stallion had a tendency to posses a vaguely Big Macintosh like shape.
They ended up walking all the way back to the palace together. Their parting with very much friendly, with Celestia a little sad to see him leave. Now that she'd had a taste for...whatever the walk might be called, she wanted more. But social niceties could not so easily be ignored and these things would take time to properly develop. Besides, even if she had no official business to do she could still see how Luna was handling Equestria.
Nothing appeared to be on fire, which was a promising start. It did look like the day was going quite well as a matter of fact. Apart from the possibility of the end of the world Celestia might even say that the week was one of the best she'd had in a long while. Trotting down the marble corridors of her palace, the Princess of the Sun contemplated the idea of going for a flight. It was another thing she hadn't done in quite awhile, not for fun. It was her day off, after all, and relaxing didn't seem to be quite as bad as she'd feared.
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I truly enjoyed this chapter. Lots of detail and great narration from Celestia's view (point of view, whatever it's called).
I greatly look forward to more chapters like this..... OH! and before I forget, have a mustache parade
I like it!
This is actually quite fun to read. I do want to see how that would develop. I'm curious as to what Mac was thinking the moment Celestia told him he could drop the titles.
3493489
I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you.
Damn; big update... I like it.
3493519 How would you kill me. If i was to choose how I die then maybe I let you.
Hooray, even more. I kinda felt that the Norse quest got a little bit much focus, but that's more of a personal preference. Still, the developing romance scene is absolutely golden, especially the subtle denial about Celestia's growing attraction. Can't wait for the UST scene next chapter.
I was thinking exactly that, rap battles. Sounds like Odin's family invented the rap battle!
I'm glad this story's setting up the rationale behind why Celestia would find Big Macintosh attractive. Awhile ago I read a LunaMac story that I didn't read past the first four or five chapters because I was getting impatient with the story not giving a good reason for me to believe in the relationship; I have so little knowledge of either of them, let alone what might make them compatible, from the show, so the relationship just didn't seem logical to me. He just doesn't seem like her type, and the story had yet to give a defensible rationale for them getting together or for her having fallen for him before the story began (or early on, whenever it was she decided she wanted him).
Celestia/Big Mac, on the other hand, is sounding better by the minute. And this story is doing an excellent job of setting it up. I knew an update would be worth waiting for.
3494486
Have no fear, I didn't just include a bunch of stuff about Nordic Paganism because I like it (Okay, its not the only reason.) As you may have noticed, as I only keep implying it over and over, Luna and Celestia have a history with all of that. Theres a pretty good reason that they didn't end up frozen. It'll end up all coming back to the main focus of the story.
Naturally there is no way that its the 'canon' reason whatsoever. Hasbro would never allow a giant caribou Thor to go around drinking and smashing things with a hammer...even if it would be awesome.
3495663
There is actually a whole thing about it. Flyting was a ritualistic method of insulting one another during a feast. I tried my best to follow the dróttkvœtt meter which is known as 'heroic'. Of course I'm pretty lousy with poetry and stresses so the only thing I kept was the alliterative and rhyme scheme.
The first word and the last of the first line needs to have the same letter. Mare/Mane and the last line needs to rhyme with the ending of the first. Mane/Pain. Of course Rainbow doesn't really know it so she skips the whole thing and goes straight for the rhyme.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flyting
http://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/literature/text/Skaldic_Poetry.htm
3492808
Great chapter i would elaborate on why its a great chapter but i'm no good with words not much else to say anyway
I can't wait to read more, love a good CeleMac.
Macintosh shrugged following her praise. "Ain't nothing to it Princess, its what what we Apples are good at."
This is just fucking great, every bit of it. How I didn't find this before is absolutely beyond me.
Tia, it's Fluttershy. OF COURSE she's giving Fenrir belly rubs.
I adore the beginning sequence between Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Rainbow of course gets in a good jab with her rhyming, and Fluttershy...I recognised most of the Norse figures right away but had to think about it for awhile before figuring out it was Fenrir. Given Fluttershy gave Cerberus a belly rub, I'm sure she was of a similar disposition to encountering Fenrir
Luna consented to playing with the CMC some more, but that just gives her an excuse to interact with them and get them in on her game of matchmaking. Once more, I'm fully expecting Cutie Mark Crusader Matchmaking Yay!
Not that Luna's off to a bad start, getting Celestia to take a day off, and Celly's already taken the bait 
This sequence comes off a little bit weird, if only because between the comment about the open window and saying 'looking directly over Canterlot' I thought she was looking out of her balcony for a moment. Then when she saw Big Mac and overheard what he was saying and the mares, I went 'Wait, what?', backed up and confirmed that she was still using the scrying pool. Maybe just toss an extra line in there if you feel up to editing old stories to remind the reader she is still using the pool.
. A reference to how Thor had to allow himself to be disguise as Freyja in bridal clothes in order to get his hammer back after a giant stole it. Poor Thor, it looks like he'll never be able to live that incident down.
6653731
What?!! When was this. I must know!!!