It was a pleasantly warm day in Ponyville. In the town's library, the purple unicorn known as Twilight Sparkle was dealing with a different type of houseguest. While she was honored to have such a guest, she was a bit bothered with the fact that a princess was taking up residence in her home.
"Not to be nosy or anything, Princess Luna, but why is it that you are here in Ponyville again?" the purple mare asked as she was helping the royal alicorn arrange her new quarters in the basement treehouse.
"My sister insisted I should take a break from the royal and formal atmosphere of Canterlot. She claims that I should get to know the common pony again and get back in touch with them," Princess Luna explained as she used her magic to fixed the blankets on her bed so that they were neat and orderly.
"Princess Celestia does have a point, I mean, after the Night Mare Night incident," the purple unicorn thought aloud.
"Indeed, so I plan to stay here for some time and get to know the 'common pony'," the dark blue pony turned to Twilight and stared at her.
Twilight was nervous as the princess stared at her. After a short period of silence, Twilight finally spoke out in a panicky tone, "What is it, your majesty?"
Luna was slow to reply, "Well, it is just that, I am not sure how to relate to the citizens of Equestria and the 'common pony'. Therefore, I would like it very much if you could help me with such a task."
The unicorn tilted her head, "Come again?"
"You know," Luna tried her best to describe what she meant, "help me adjust and mingle amongst the townsfolk."
Twilight placed a hoof on the back of her neck and slightly rubbed as she spoke, "Huh, um….I guess I could show you around Ponyville or something. Is there any place in particular you are interested in visiting?"
Luna placed a hoof over mouth as she thought, "Well, is there some sort of merchant exchange we could venture to?"
"Um….we have some small stores throughout the town…." Twilight tried her best to answer.
"What about an eatery where we may sample delicacies from across Equestria?"
"Uh….we got Sugarcube Corner…."
"Perhaps we take a trip to the city of the pegasi?"
"I can't fly," Twilight was a bit sore with the last idea by the princess.
"Hmm….well, do you have to have an idea Twilight Sparkle?" Luna asked to the purple pony.
Twilight seemed at a loss, "I'm not sure myself. I can go ask Applejack. She knows this town better than any other pony I know. She's probably out on her farm." The unicorn led the princess up the stairs to the first floor and then out of the library.
"A farm, you say? How intriguing," the princess commented as the exited the library.
"You are a fan of farms, princess?" Twilight asked as they walked towards Sweet Apple Acres.
"I am quite fascinated by the charm of a farm, Twilight. It's something simple, but extremely vital to a nation's health," Luna mused as they drew closer to the farm, "A nation is founded not by a pony with ideals but on the workers who aid in the running of the land itself. There was a wise commander who once stated that an army trots on its stomach."
"I do agree with that, they are crucial and all. I remember learning about those political views in one of the books you wrote, no need to preach to me," Twilight giggled at slightly, "Anyway, maybe you can find something of interest while were here."
The two mares stopped in front of the barn. It seemed like the farm was deserted with nopony around.
"Huh, this is odd. I'll go check around back. I'll be right back, your highness," Twilight spoke as she began to trot away.
"Very well," Luna replied as she sat her flank down.
The princess's eyes wandered to observe the strange and captivating surroundings around her. The peaceful sounds of the gentle wind and the singing birds created more of an ambiance for the area. It felt absolutely wonderful for the princess to be out of the stuffy atmosphere of Canterlot and down to Equestria in Ponyville. She felt relaxed and as if Celestia was right, that Luna needed to just relax. However, Luna's daydream was interrupted by a low voice.
"Good afternoon, ma'am. Can ah help ya in some way?" a red stallion asked with a gentle smile.
Luna's heart paused as she laid her eyes on the colt.
"Ma'am?" the red stallion spoke to the dark blue alicorn.
"H-Huh?" the princess asked aloud, her face with a red tint to it. Big Mac brought her back into reality with his voice and startled her.
Big Mac repeated what he said earlier, "Ah was askin' if ah could help ya in some way."
"O-Oh! Well, I was waiting here for Twilight Sparkle. She stated that she would be back momentarily as she went to find her associate that works on this farm," Luna quickly regained her proper and regal demeanor, "I do not remember the name of her friend, however."
"Ah assume that Miss Twilight is lookin' fer Applejack," the stallion spoke.
"That is the name she said, yes," Luna added.
Big Mac smiled warmly, "Well, while Miss Twilight is lookin' fer mah sister, ah'll be more than happy ta help ya."
Luna slightly blushed again, but quickly spoke to cover that she was nervous, "Oh, thank you kindly. You are quite the gentlecolt, sir…."
"Big Macintosh, but most folks 'round here call me Big Mac. Pleasure to meet ya, ma'am," Big Mac bowed slightly towards the princess.
"Pleased to meet you as well, Big Mac. I am Princess Luna," the alicorn spoke, lifting her hoof in the air.
Big Mac took her hoof in one of his and lightly pecked it with his lips. While he was performing a customary tradition of royalty in Canterlot, it was still shocking to Luna that he would do such. She tried her hardest to keep her composure, and it seemed she was doing a good job of such.
"Ah am aware of who you are, Miss Princess."
Luna felt a little silly, "Oh, of course. I need to remember that everypony does know of me. I apologize. Also, you really don't have to call me that, Luna is fine."
"If you insist, Miss Luna," Big Mac gently smiled to the princess. This caused her to blush more.
The two began to chat for quite a bit in front of the barn on Sweet Apple Acres. After about thirty minutes from her original departure, Twilight Sparkle returned to the front and to Princess Luna. Along with her was her friend Applejack.
"Well, it seems ya found mah big brother there, princess," the orange earth pony said as she trotted towards them.
"That she did," Big Mac commented.
Applejack laughed slightly before continuing to Luna, "Well, it seems ya want me ta help ya adjust to Ponyville, right?"
Princess Luna nodded and replied, "Indeed. H-However, I would like to retire for the day. If we can change the plan for a later date, would that be acceptable?"
"Ah got no problem with it, what do ya think, Twi?" Applejack turned to the purple unicorn.
"Seems good to me. I'll let you know when you we figure out the day. Ready, princess?" Twilight asked Luna after speaking to her friend.
Luna nodded and the two began their trek back to the Ponyville library.
"So," Twilight began, "how long were you talking to Big Mac?"
Luna's face turned a dark red, "Well, for quite some time, to tell the truth."
Twilight noticed the change in color of the princess's face, "Um, why did your face seem all red, your highness?"
Princess Luna tried to say something, however, her words were completely failing her. She couldn't form an understandable sentence. It wasn't until Twilight spoke that she stopped.
"Princess Luna, do you have a crush on Big Macintosh?" the purple mare gave a sly smile to the alicorn who couldn't help but blush more.
Luna let out a sigh and agreed, "I must concur with that statement, Twilight Sparkle, I am quite taken by him."
Twilight could not help but laugh. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to laugh at you or anything, it's just seems really unusual."
"Why can I not like him? He is very handsome, quite the gentlecolt, and very charming," Luna defended her opinion.
"Nothing is wrong with it, honest," Twilight finished her laughing
After a pause, Princess Luna spoke again, "Twilight Sparkle, I know this sounds unusual and quite unorthodox, but could you help and teach me be more down to earth? More like Big Mac?"
Twilight smiled and joked as the continued to walk, "Of course, your highness. Just be careful and try not to scare him off, okay?"
The next day, the princess of the night trotted back towards the apple farm just outside of Ponyville. Luna had gotten a crash course about the common pony the night before from the town's librarian and resident egghead, Twilight Sparkle. The purple mare tried her best to teach what she could to Luna, despite not knowing exactly to teach her, and wished her luck for her next visit to Sweet Apple Acres.
As Luna trotted along the pathway, enjoying the rays of warmth from her sister's sun. The sunlight rubbed off onto the blue alicorn and her face beamed as she drew closer to the farm. The princess felt confident. Confident enough to ask Big Macintosh a question.
Arriving at the barn, Princess Luna saw Applejack making her way over the her.
"Howdy, yer majesty. What brings ya ta our humble farm?" Applejack asked, taking off her hat and giving a proper bow.
"Greetings, Applejack. I have come to visit to request an audience with your elder sibling, Big Macintosh," Princess Luna spoke with the royal and regal tone.
Applejack raised an eyebrow and double-checked what she thought the princess said, "Ya mean yer here to talk to mah brother?"
"Indeed," Luna nodded.
The earth pony thought for a moment before replying, "Ah think he's in the barn, doin' some barrelin'. Ah'm sure he won't mind much if ya just go on in."
Luna smiled and gave a thankful nod, "I thank you for your time."
The orange mare bowed again, "Always a pleasure, princess."
Turning towards the barn, Luna slowly made her way inside of the barn. It was dimly lit and smelt very musty. It was an unusual scent for her, very alien. Luna wasn't comfortable entering the building, however, she proceeded to tap a few times on the wooden door of the barn.
"Hello?" the princess called out meekly and almost uncharacteristically.
"Eeyup?" a low voice replied.
A little surprised, Luna jumped back. She recognized the voice, however, and proceeded inside the barn.
"Big Mac?" the princess called out as she slowly continued into the barn.
Finally, Big Mac came into Luna's eyesight amongst the barrels, to which he replied, "Eeyup."
"Oh, uh….greetings. How are you going on this fine day?" Luna tried her best to keep her prim and proper composure about her.
"Doin' quite fine, and yerself princess?" Big Mac smiled to the princess, taking a break from his work.
The smile caused Luna to trip over her words, "W-Wonderful. I'm enjoying my stay in Ponyville q-quite a bit. It's been a magnificent three days so far."
"How long are ya plannin' ta stay, if ya don't mind me askin'," Big Mac wondered aloud.
Luna blushed slightly at his words, "I do plan to stay for some time. I have no immediate plans to leave or anything of the sort."
"Ah see. Well, allow me ta welcome ya to our modest little town here, Miss Luna," Big Mac bowed to the royalty in his presence.
"Oh, well thank you very much. And you really don't have to bow…." Luna was a little ashamed to have the red stallion bow in front of her.
Big Mac was a bit puzzled, "But yer the princess, ma'am. Tis only fittin', is it not?"
"Well, that is true, but it is too formal for simple conversation between friends," Luna looked away with her face turning red, "would you not agree?"
Big Mac smiled warmly to Luna when she looked back towards the stallion, "Eeyup." This reply made Luna smile happily like a little filly who was given a cupcake.
The red stallion returned back to barreling apples. For a few moments, Princess Luna watched him work. She was impressed to see how well Big Mac could work with out wings or magic. He was very resourceful on his own as a simple earth pony. However, her daydreaming was cut short.
"Miss Luna?"
The alicorn was snapped out of her thinking, "Huh?!"
"Ah was askin' if there was somethin' that ah could help ya with," Big Mac restated his statement.
"Oh, actually, I was wondering, since you are a local pony and know the area well, if you could….possibly show me around Ponyville?" Luna was very bashful with her request. She could hardly look at Big Mac since and seemed to be just like any common love struck mare.
The stallion paused before he began to speak in his low voice, "Uh….well, ah'm currently workin' right now, bu-"
The princess quickly interrupted very flustered, "Oh, it is fine! I completely understand, you are very busy with your occupation. I apologize for my intruding with such a thought."
Big Mac tried to speak, "But, M-"
He was interrupted again by a panicky princess, "Actually, I do believe Twilight Sparkle had requested my assistance with something at the library earlier today. Again, I apologize, Big Mac. I do hope to see you again soon!"
Before Big Mac could try to speak again, Princess Luna had exited the barn and used her wings to take off back to the Ponyville library. Her face was completely red.
Back at the library, Twilight was consoling a very distressed Luna as the evening began to set in across Equestria.
"Princess, calm down, it's not a big deal," the purple mare said with a deep sigh.
Luna was lying down on her stomach on a couch, "But Twilight Sparkle, I had made such an imbecile of myself asking him such."
"But this is Big Macintosh. He's a very calm and gentle stallion, always kind, caring and wouldn't judge you in anyway," Twilight tried to reassure her.
"Nevertheless, I still made myself look like such a fool," Luna let out a heavy sigh of sorrow.
Twilight also let out a sigh, but more of annoyance, "Your highness…." her statement was interrupted by a knock at the door, "Hold that thought."
The purple mare trotted to the front door and opened it. On the other side of the door was Big Macintosh.
"Evenin' Miss Twilight. Would Miss Luna happen ta be here?" the red stallion asked Twilight Sparkle from the other end of the doorway.
"Um, yes, she is actually, Big Mac," Twilight replied.
Big Macintosh seemed to be flustered about the conformation. This echoed in his voice, "A-Ah see…."
The purple unicorn quickly pieced the puzzle together. "Big Mac, please come in."
The stallion did as he was instructed and entered the library. It didn't take long for Big Mac's and Luna's eyes to meet each other. As their gaze met each other, both quickly looked away and blushed heavily.
Twilight Sparkle's let out a frustrated sigh, "Look, let's just cut to the chase here, alright? I really don't want this to have any confusion like in some bad romance novel. Big Mac, you go first."
Being placed on the spot, Big Mac began to shake a little, "Uh….M-Miss Luna….A-Ah'm not sure how ta really say this ta anypony or such, but….Ah have ta admit that Ah'm fond of ya….well….more than fond of…."
Big Mac looked away from Luna. His face was blushing heavily. The princess, still on the couch, was staring at Big Mac, surprised that he was very forward with his feelings. Her face was extremely red as she stood up on her hooves. She slowly trotted towards Big Mac, whose eyes were closed.
Not hearing a reply, the red stallion continued with his eyes still closed, "Ah understand if this is sudden an' all, yer highness. Ah'm sorry…."
Big Mac finally did get a reply from the princess. Not by words, however, but by two hooves placed on his back. He turned to see that Luna had draped her front limbs across this back. While her face was still burning red, it had a warm smile.
"Now what is it that you are sorry for?" Princess Luna asked.
The princess's smile had rubbed off onto Big Mac, "Well, tha-"
Luna placed one of her hooves on Big Mac to stop him, "You have no reason to be apologetic."
Big Mac smiled again back to Luna, "Well, how about ah take ya out fer a simple date around Ponyville, Miss Luna?"
The smile on Luna's face grew larger at the offer. Big Mac and Luna then left the library together. Twilight Sparkle, who was standing off to the side as the two spoke with each other, closed the door after they left.
She smiled to herself, "You know, they're not a bad couple. I've read about worse romances."