> Love as Strong as a Rock
>  by StrandedGeek
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Maud's gifts
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Boulder, Boulder? Where are you?” Maud calls out. The gray mare gives a rather neutral sigh with a hint of frustration. “I can’t play camouflage today. It’s Hearts & Hooves day and I made a promise to see Pinkie’s friends today.” She informed her pet pebble. She looked over on her dinning room counter and soon spotted her pet hiding behind her breakfast plate. “Come on Boulder we can play later.” She picks her pet rock and placed ‘em in his pouch and grabbed her gifts she had made for Pinkie & her friends. She looked at her gift for Rarity especially, she knew at first these gifts would no doubt raise a few eye brows as few understand her passion for geology. But one her old collage friends actually suggested the idea one time & Boulder agreed it was a good one. Rarity in particularly she wanted to be sure hers was the nicest. Not because she liked her more so, although the two were close sharing an interest in gemstones, but mainly because she knew Rarity had more refined tastes and wanted each of their gifts to reflect them and Maud knew Rarity’s would be the most difficult. Just as she was about to step out the door she remembered something, Opening her pouch to mention something to her pet, “Don’t forget, I have a date today. I need to behave yourself.” She say in her monotone yet stern voice. Closing up her bag she headed out into Ponyville. 

The day was beautiful enough. The whole town was decorated with Rhodochrosite pinks, Scoria reds, and Marble whites. Though maybe not to those exact shades but it was what first came to Maud’s mind when she looked around. In fact few ponies were a little surprised that Maud herself had done away with her traditional teal dress & instead wore a lovely sandstone red dress. It also made Maud blush wearing such a stark color, though not many could tell from her quiet looks. She headed into Sugar Cube Corner, she always wondered why there wasn’t compressed Sugar or Salt cubes for sale but she wisely chose not mention it the Cakes to avoid being rude. “Hello Mrs. Cake. Is Pinkie here?” She asked at front counter.
“Hello Maud, she’s right upstairs. I’ll call for her, can I get you anything while you wait?” She asked.
Maud blinked thinking it over, “Pinkie said you made those Lava Cookies from that video game she’s been playing. Do you have some please?” Mrs. Cake nods and handed her a few & Maud paid for them. The Cookies were good though at first Mrs. Cake was about to apologize when she gave Maud one that was burnt bit black on the bottom when Maud ate it with almost no effort, “This one was really good. Thank you.” She said simply.
Pinkie Pie bounced down the stairs with Pumpkin & Pound Cake on her back all three giggling with big smiles on their faces. “Hi ya Maud! Happy Hearts & Hooves Day!”
“Happy Hearts & Hooves Day.” Maud replies.
“Oooh, look at you all dressed up. I bet somepony is gonna be impressed.” Pinkie nudged with a sly wink.
“We’re just friends Pinkie. He’s nice but that’s all.” Maud replies.
“You can’t lie to me, I know that embarrassed face too well big sis.” Pinkie continues. The other ponies in the store were a bit confused since from their perspective Maud’s “embarrassed face” looked just like her “enjoyment of that Lava Cookie” face, or her “curious at what to buy” face.
Maud sets down her rather large pack and got a few things out, The first two were Pink & Blue Rock Candy sticks for Pound & Pumpkin they were smaller but that’s only because she didn’t want them to be hyper for their parents later on. Maud then handed her little sister her own share of Rock Candy with a necklace, as well as box with something inside. “Here. This is for you.” She says.
Pinkie Pie eyes widen in surprise, “Oooh! Thanks Maud this the best H&H present yet! Except for the time You got me Gummy, Nothing will ever beat Gummy.”
“Of course.” Maud replies. She actually mistaken Gummy’s egg for very a limestone rock as limestone is known for having shell. When she later discovered it was an egg they actually kept it secret until he hatched later on in the year. Maud liked Gummy, he was probably as good of a pet as Bolder. Though Maud would never tell Bolder this, he tends to get jealous.
The gray mare then pulled another set, “Can you make sure this gets to Rainbow Dash please? I can’t fly.” She requested.
“No problamo! I know she’ll really like if it’s anything like mine.” Pinkie Pie says with a smile & salute.
“I gotta go now. I’ll see you later.” Maud gives a faint smile. However just before she leaves, she turns to give Pinkie a look, “Pinkie...don’t eat any of Rainbow’s share. I gave you plenty. Promise?”
Pinkie sighs in frustration, “I did it once! I said I was sorry! I promise. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” She gives the traditional Pinkie Pie promise.

Satisfied the older Pie sets off to make the rest of her trip. She first started with Fluttershy since her home was a lot farther and she didn’t want to wear herself out from the day. Maud looked around and could see even the many little animals Fluttershy took care of were also exchanging gifts and snuggling into each other. Maud’s blank expression said all. She loved Hearts & Hooves Day. It was probably one of her favorite holidays.  
Hearing knocking on the door, Fluttershy opens it, “Oh hello Maud. Happy Hearts & Hooves Day.”
“Happy Hearts & Hooves Day, is Discord here?” Maud asks.
“Oh no, He said he’s not big on mushy stuff but did say he was probably gonna see Princess Celestia later.” The yellow pegasus explains.
“Okay then. Here.” She gets out two sets of rock candy in pails and then handed her the gift she made, “The 2nd pail is for Discord if he comes by later.” Maud explains.
“Thank you Maud. I’m sure he’ll like it.”

Maud then happened to notice a pouting Angel, the rock expert could tell something wrong as she had seen that expression before, “You should know your pet rabbit is upset because a girl rabbit rejected him & he doesn’t want to talk you about it because he thinks you wouldn’t understand.”
Fluttershy blinked for a moment. Angel practically covered his white turn pink face with his tiny paws, “Angel is that true?” Angel nods. “Oh you poor thing, I’m sorry. Of course I understand. Come on I know just the thing to cheer you up. Thank you Maud.”
Maud nods and turns to Angel, “Not everything works out Angel. But you should be grateful to the ponies who do care for you.” She says to the rabbit. Angel couldn’t really tell if Maud was suppose to sound she was lecturing in her advice but the bunny nodded all the same.

The next stop on Maud’s list was Applejack and her family. She would actually be relived of some of her heavy burden as not only did she get Applejack something, but she brought enough for her family too. When she discovered two of them might be related, she actually wasn’t as surprised as Pinkie & AJ were because she quickly pieces together it was the Apples’ who founded Ponyville & with how big farm families like the Apples & the Pies were, a cross over was bound to happen. Greeting her fellow possible relatives Maud says, “Hey Big Mac, Marble says ‘Mmm Hhmm’.”
“Eeyup.” Big Macintosh replies. And that was that. Applebloom wasn’t around as she was hanging out with her fellow cutiemark crusaders. Applejack sadly was also not around to say hi so she left her share with Granny Smith.

Rarity was the next stop, checking her gift again she nod and finally accepted that yes it was perfect. However along the way she happened upon Spike who was sitting in a tuxedo at a restaurant by himself sucking on an emerald clearly deep in thought and looking rather depressed. Maud had a special gift for him as well so this trip was convenient. She actually liked Spike a lot. Dragons were something special & knew just about rocks and gemstones as she did. “Hey Spike.” She greeted.
“Oh...hey Maud.” He said with a downer tone.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s...ugh...I don’t know. I like two girls & I can’t decide. Ember’s really cool & a fellow dragon but...I’ve been in love with Rarity since I moved to Ponyville. Both of them are amazing. I wanted to ask Rarity out, I’ve wanted to tell her how feel but...she just doesn’t seem interested, but Ember’s not great with feelings either. I don’t know what I’m gonna do.”
“Would you like some advice?” Maud asks.
Spike gives the gray pony a curious look, “Uh...okay?”
Maud hands him his present as well as new sapphire gemstone to chew on, “Ember is Dragon Lord right?”
“Yeah?”
“And dragons live for a very long time correct?”
“Yeah?”
Maud tilts her head a bit, “Being in charge of her people is a huge responsibility & learning to express her feelings in different new ways can be hard & takes time. Ember may like you, maybe more than just a friend...but she needs to take care of herself & her kingdom first. Rarity however is fickle and doesn't know how you really feel. And because she’s a pony she won’t be around as long you. It maybe difficult for them to understand at first, but perhaps you should spend what time you have with Rarity and over time Ember can learn from you both & later the two of you can be together.”
“Really? You think that could work?” The little dragon asks.
“Ember can’t replace Rarity in your heart, but if they both genuinely care for you, they should understand. Both should want the other to be happy.” Maud explains.
Spike was rather floored but perked up a bit, “Wow that...actually makes a lot of sense. Thanks Maud. Maybe I should ask Rarity for that date...that is...” he sighs, “...if I’m not too late.” 
Maud nods, “I’m going to see her now. I have a gift for her anyway. Don’t worry. Wait here.” She slowly close one eye which the dragon could only assume it was meant to be a wink. The Geologist Mare swiftly sets off to Carousal Boutique.

Rarity was rather stunned to see her, “Maud! What a surprise! And that dress, such a lovely shade, it complements you’re colors nicely.”
“Thanks.” Maud thanked her. She handed her, her gift basket, “Here. Happy Hearts & Hooves Day.”
Rarity smiles with a nod, “Thank you. To you as well.” There was a silent pause she noticed the gray mare looked around the place at the various dresses. “Interested in something?”
“No. I do like these morganite gems you used. They’re perfect for today.” Maud complemented.
“Thank you dear. I thought so myself but I’m glad to hear your opinion. Could I get yours on this one dress I’m making? I’ve rarely been asked to do a wedding dress and this one requested diamonds on them. They were going to get married today but sadly both had to reschedule due other issues.” Rarity brought out the gown for Maud to examine. She leaned in a bit, sighs, giving it a glace, then blinked, “W-well?”
“These aren’t diamonds across the left sleeve. Their cubic zirconia, you can tell if you breath on them. Diamonds will lose their fog quickly. Cubic Zirconias are often cheaper but less quality. The rest is fine.”
Rarity was impressed with a look of amazement, “Goodness, that’s incredible. And thank you for the warning, I promised real diamonds on the entire dress & I wouldn’t want to produce a sub-pare product.”
“You’re welcome.” Maud says. There was another silent pause for a moment, “Rarity...do you have a Special Somepony today?”
Rarity shook her head, “No...I did but he canceled on me.”
“Interesting.” Maud says casually.
“Why do you ask?”
“I just spoke to someone who was a fan of your work and wanted to ask you out. He’s at the Outdoor Restaurant right now.” Maud informed the mare.
“Really?” Rarity asks. “This had better not be a prank.”
“He’s real. He’s Emerald &Amethyst in color. Does this look like a face who would lie?” Maud asks. She gives her casual blank stare.
Rarity sighs for a moment, “Maud...dear...I...never mind. If you of all ponies thinks he’s interesting enough for me then I’ll take your word for it.”
“I don’t know a lot about love but I do know it can be like a geode, full of surprises.” Maud says barely suppressing a grin as she watched Rarity change to a lovely dress and sets out to meet her blind date.

And now came to final place on her list. Twilight & Starlight at Castle Friendship. Maud actually admired the young princess’ castle home. Though she was more of plain rock mare personally, she did enjoy crystals & gemstones and was often fascinated as to what kind the castle was made from. When came to Starlight, Maud had expressed some guilt in the fact she had unknowingly played a part in the Staff of Sameness and helped Starlight with her cult, but Pinkie assured her it was an honest mistake and couldn’t have known. But that was all in the past and the two were good friends now.
Starlight Glimmer would be getting her present later as believe it or not, she took Maud’s advice and ask Sunburst out to be her special somepony so she was at the Crystal Empire right now on their date. Maud felt Boulder jiggle in her pouch, “I’m going as fast as I can Boulder. I know. I don’t want to be late either.” She patted her pet with in the pouch as called out, “Twilight?...Princess?”
“I’m in the map room!” Twilight called back.
It took Maud a bit before she finally found the right door. Entering the Map Room, she noticed her cutie mark was actually on the map, “I was wondering why my flank was glowing today.” She said casually.
“I find it hard to believe myself. I wonder what kind of friendship problem is going on?” Twilight says in wonder.
“I dunno.” the geologist shrugs. She sat down her last pail of rock candy and package for Twilight. “Here. This is for you.”
“Thanks Maud. Happy Hearts & Hooves Day.”
“Same. I gotta go. I have a date today. But can I come over to study your castle later? It’s really interesting.” Maud requested.
“Sure I just...Wait a moment...Date? Oh no oh no! How can I forgotten? I thought for sure I double checked my double checklist!” The purple Alicorn scans through her rather long scroll. To find she skipped something. “I’m sorry Maud I gotta go. I have a date today too. Of course they know me, I mean of course they do. It’s why we’re together. I hope she’ll understand. Hehehe. ” Twilight chuckles nervously.
“I’m sure she will.”
Twilight’s eyes widen at her error,“She? Did I say she? I meant he will. Hehehe slip of the tongue there...happens when I get...”
“Twilight… It’s okay.” Maud assured her. “I know. I’m sorry things didn’t work out with you & Flash Sentry. He should have been more accepting of you, no matter if you're a pony or not. You are who you are. You shouldn’t have to be ashamed of that. Your friends will understand. If Sunset Shimmer makes you happy, then that’s all that matters.”
Twilight was taken aback. How did Maud know? She was fairly certain Pinkie didn’t know. “How did you...”
Maud shrugs, “Years of listing to rocks & noticing the details, you tend to pick up on things. Tell her I said Happy Hearts & Hooves day. I gotta go.” And with that she left a very confused and completely floored princess.
“I wonder who is her lucky guy is?” Twilight asks herself.

The view was perfect, a nice pretty forest area away from everyone else. It was quiet & peaceful just way she liked it. Maud had to admit her Special Somepony could pick the spots. She sat down making herself presentable to her date as she got her own set of rock candy to eat next her date, “Sorry if I’m late. It’s good to see you again...Tom.” Yes Tom the Boulder. The large gray rock Rarity found when they first fought Discord. “I had quite a day today. Lots of ponies needed some help.” There was a pause, “Yeah...even Twilight’s Map called me in for it apparently. I didn’t know until I got there.” Maud leans into her date affectionately, “Thanks. I’m sure they’ll appreciate it too. I know they’ll like their gifts.” Tom then asks her an interesting question, “No, I don’t think they will get it at first. They aren’t like me after all. Which is fine, I understand but I wanted them to try and understand myself.” Tom understood. He was good at that. He’s a very good listener. Maud then looked down at her pouch, “Oh right.” She soon gets her pebble out of his pouch. “Tom, this is Boulder.” She introduced. “He’s my pet rock.” The wind rustles through air, “He gets kind of jealous and protective of me.”Maud explains. She sat Boulder down and stared at the two for the a short while.

There were a few pony couples who were taking stroll noticing Maud as she was curled up next Tom with her head leaning against him. They gave a few confused looks and whispered to each other but not saying anything to her and just walked away trying to act casual about it. “At least my love life is more honest.” Indeed she happened to notice a trend with some of the problems she had helped with today. Maud was at least glad to know her two rock friend were getting along. She had hoped that once she introduced the two Boulder would grow to enjoy Tom’s company. She knew one of her geology collage friends had a very jealous cat who would intentionally sit between her & her coltfriend. And Maud knew her Boulder was the same. While it didn’t help the other girls didn’t know how to play Camouflage at the time, Maud did admit later on that Boulder was being rather mean with his hiding spot which ended up hurting her first impression a bit. Even though Maud admits she could have tried harder to be into what Pinkie’s friends are. Relationships of any kind be it romantic or platonic requires a bit of give & take after all.

Tom then asked something with concern noticing the gray mare’s expression, “No...I’m fine. I was just thinking that’s all.” Tom however now being a little more insistent and then guessed what was bothering her, “I guess so, I mean I like being with you Tom but...you know.” Indeed he did. Indeed he did. “I know, I should try harder to meet the right pony or dragon but I feel safe with you.” She sighs, “But then...maybe that’s my problem. I’m too scared to try. Like Spike was with Rarity & Twilight with Sunset. I want to be liked for who I am but...if who I am is becoming self erosion...” Tom & Bolder scooted closer to their friend, “Tom...if I promise to try...could I still be with you? Just until I find the right one?” Tom agrees. “Thanks. You’re a true gentlecolt.” She leans in giving him a nuzzle.

Maud stayed with her rocky friends until late in the afternoon before deciding to visit Twilight’s Castle to study the crystal composite that makes up the place. She wasn’t sure of what it was made of but being magical in nature she was fairly certain the crystal had both Quartz & Apatite in it. Her ear twitched a bit as she heard the murmuring coming from outside the door. Maud anticipated this. She kind of hoped maybe Pinkie would explain for her but that apparently was not to be. Twilight Sparkle opened the door to find Maud sitting a corner still looking up at the crystal walls until she heard the door open. “Hello everyone.” Maud greeted. “Did you guys have a nice time?”
“We did. Angel is feeling much better now.” Fluttershy replied.
Spike was on Rarity’s back and Maud noticed few kiss marks on his cheek, “I didn’t figure you for a match maker Maud. I honestly had no clue Spike really cared for me.” Rarity admitted.
“Ah gotta say though your uh...Hearts & Hoove’s Day gifts were a little...odd.” Applejack added.
“Yeah I get the rock candy & the gemstone thing but why in Equestria did you get us lumps of coal?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I told you guys, it was super sweet. It means a lot...” Pinkie started.

“It’s okay Pinkie. I knew this would happen.” Maud interrupted. She got up from her spot and picked up Twilight’s small box opening to reveal the gem & coal. “I actually put a lot of time into this. I picked out everyone’s birthstone. I also sorted out everyone’s favorite flavor of rock candy and made them to match your colors. It took me hours. Rainbow Dash’s was easy because instead of just blue I went with rainbows, and Discord was easier as I thought he would like chaotic swirls of colors. But I knew you wouldn’t understand the coal.” Maud started to explain.

“So why did you give them?” Twilight asked.

“Because they’re meant to be symbolic. I tried really hard to find coals that matched you in some way. Rainbow Dash’s is shaped to be more aerodynamic for throwing to fly through the air.” Maud continued. Dash looked down at her coal and did notice there was decent curved shape that she did admit would go pretty far if she threw it. “Fluttershy’s is more like flint than coal because it’s softer & gentle. Pinkie’s used to my gifts so I always try to find one that makes her laugh. This year it’s a balloon shape.” Pinkie giggled with snort. “Twilight was a little harder to do. I couldn’t find any magical coals so I carved one into a rune stone which gives a magical like aura to it.” Twilight looked at her own, she was wondering the odd shape in the black stone and only now recognized it. “Spike’s I laced with with sugar since I assumed he was going to eat it anyway. Coals are actually healthy for dragons as they help with their fire breathing.” Spike blushed a bit as hint that he did in fact ate his gift. “And Rarity’s I tried really hard to polish to give it a shine to make it look nice like a piece of Onyx or Obsidian since I knew she would want it to look it’s best.” Rarity had to admit she almost confuse it for the two and it was only thanks to Spike she learned to see the difference herself.

“Pinkie suggest the rock candy as a bonus. But I actually wanted to give you guys the coal for a special reason.”
“Why?” Rarity asked now rather curious as to how much thought Maud put into these gifts.
Maud took a deep sigh, “Love & relationships is a lot like coal. To some it doesn’t seem great on surface. To others, ponies just find useful for personal gain. But if you take time to care for it...even when it goes through a lot of pressure & strain...eventually it will turn into something beautiful like a diamond. Something that a lot of ponies wish they could have.”
Everyone’s eyes & jaws were wide open. It actually made a great deal of sense. Maud went on, “Hearts & Hooves Day is actually my favorite Holiday. I know some of you don’t see me as someone who could express those kind of feelings. Especially when my current colt friend is a rock named Tom.”
Rarity gives a surprised & confused look, “Uh...Tom? As in...”

Maud nods, “Yes. Pinkie introduced us. He said he’s sorry for lying to you about not being a diamond, and he understands that you weren’t yourself either when you first met. & he hopes there aren’t any hard feelings.” The white unicorn could only stare and blink. “Any way...I hope I managed to help you girls out. I want you to be happy. Some ponies don’t know how lucky they are to have someone special.” Maud managed to give a light smirk. Everyone came over and gives her a big group hug.
“Thanks.” The girls say together.
“Sure.” Maud replies.