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Y'allin'

by shortskirtsandexplosions

Chapter 1: Y'

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“A most splendid castle indeed, Your Highness.” A smile crossed the aristocratic gazelle's muzzle. He trotted down the grand hall of Princess Twilight's Palace, escorted by Twilight herself and her six closest friends. “And I find it most impressive that sheer magic conjured it up. Surely it is a testament to your power and sovereignty as Equestria's new Princess of Friendship.”

“Well, I wouldn't know about all of that, Sir Autumn Breeze,” Twilight Sparkle said. She adjusted her crown and smiled at him in mid-stride. “I'm simply glad that the rainbow spell worked when it did. I'm not certain we would have defeated Tirek in any other way.”

“From what I've always understood, it was your untainted grasp of harmony that ended Tirek's reign before it started.” Autumn Breeze turned towards her, his bejeweled horns glittering in the light through the stained glass windows. “I'm most fortunate to have dined with you and your fellow companions in person, for now I know first-hoof that the heart of Equestria is truly at peace.” He bowed low, bearing an eloquent smile across his bleached white muzzle. “On behalf of all gazelle in Stone Trot Valley, I am honored to have made your acquaintance, Princess Twilight, and I greatly look forward to all of the future arrangements between your province and ours.”

“As do I, Sir Duke.” Twilight Sparkle curtsied. “My friends and I stand by to defend your subjects, just as we pledge loyalty to the equines of Ponyville and beyond.” She glanced over her shoulder with a smile. “Isn't that right, girls?”

“Oh, yes!” Rarity chimed in.

“Absolutely,” Fluttershy said with a nod.

“Darn tootin'!” Applejack smiled.

“Awww yeah!” Rainbow Dash winked.

“Yaaaay! Gazelle buds! Gazelle buds!” Pinkie Pie hopped in place. “We've got some happy bouncing gazelle buds!”

“Erm...” Twilight blushed slightly, turning back towards the Duke. “They... all m-mean that with the utmost respect, Sir Duke.”

“Heheheh...” He chuckled in a low, bass voice. “Of that, I have no doubt.”

Pinkie Pie shuffled up, giving a bold salute. “When you and your fellow stone-hoppers need cupcakes to the max—just call on Sugarcube Corner, Duke! We've got your royal backs! Heeheee!

“A most pleasant offer, Miss Pie.” Autumn Breeze smiled. “If the baking is anything like what you've graciously served me today, I'm sure my subjects will be more than pleased.”

Rarity trotted up, her cheeks slightly flushed. “Today was my first time having lunch with an actual Duke, and I must say: I shan't feel quite as thrilled again as I did this glorious afternoon.” She curtsied gracefully. “It was a supreme honor to bask in your handsome presence, Sir Duke.”

Autumn Breeze bowed low to the mare. “A pleasure, Lady Rarity. Goddess speed with your entrepreneurial fashion pursuits.”

Rarity stifled a deep, girly squeal. As she awkwardly backtrotted, Fluttershy stepped up. “If by any chance, Sir Duke, you and the subjects of Stone Trot Valley need any assistance in Wrapping Up Winter, I would be most happy to lend my hoof in waking the animals for you.”

“And the local fauna would greatly benefit from your expertise, Miss Fluttershy. Your merciful offer shall not be forgotten.”

Rainbow Dash zipped up. “And, y'know, if you need any clouds kicked?” She struck a brash pose in midair and smirked. “I'm just a horse whistle away! Sunny, rainy, or windy? I can give your subjects any weather they want in a Neigh York minute!”

Autumn Breeze's teeth showed beneath his white muzzle. “Of that, I have no doubt.” Just then, an orange shape shuffled up to the gazelle. He turned to look at her. “Miss Applejack, it's been a pleasure.”

“Right you are, Sir Duke.” The farm mare lowered her hat, holding it over her chest as she gave a freckled smile. “And should there ever be a need for the finest apples in all of Equestria...”

“Heheh... I know precisely where to go,” he said.

“Eeeyup!” She plopped her hat back on her head and winked at the monarch. “Y'all enjoy a safe trip back home, y'hear?”

Duke Autumn Breeze opened his mouth to respond, but he hesitated a bit, his smile hanging precariously off a listless blink or two.

Something in Twilight Sparkle's eyes twitched. She began fidgeting for some inexplicable reason, her gaze glued to the empty space between the farm mare and the visiting dignitary. The dull silence persisted, devouring the space of three seconds... five... seven...

“Erm... yes! Uhm...” Autumn Breeze's smile rocked from side to side like a fuzzy ship lost at sea. Finally, his voice settled with: “We... I will be certain to avoid any obstacles along the way home.”

“Heheheh...” Applejack chuckled, nodding. “That's the spirit! Take care, now!”

“Indubitably.” Autumn Breeze pivoted to face Twilight Sparkle one last time. “Your Highness...” He bowed. Applejack and Rainbow Dash held the door open for the gazelle, and he went outside with dainty little hops. Outside, his carriage and dutiful servants waited. Once he boarded the vehicle and departed, the mares closed the door gently, shutting out the warm Ponyville air.

“Whew-wee!” Applejack wiped her brow. “Wow, that went a heck of a lot better than I expected!”

“I was kinda expecting a real stiff poser,” Rainbow's voice cracked. “But that guy was totally cool!”

“Rainbow, darling, that 'guy,' is the Duke of Stone Trot Valley.” Rarity sighed, fanning herself. “And—my stars—those horn ringlets were absolutely divine! I must find out if the rubies are imported or not!”

Fluttershy walked into the main foyer with Rarity and Applejack. “I would absolutely love to meet his family in the Valley sometime. Just hearing his stories about the little ones they're raising?” Her cheeks turned rosy. “They sound soooooooo cuuuuute...”

“Heehee!” Pinkie bounced after them. “When I grow up, I wanna have cool sparkly horns like the Duke!”

“Pinkie, you are grown up!” Rainbow groaned.

“Then where are my horns, huh?”

“Where else?” Applejack chortled. “They grew into yer dang chest and bore you a second stomach!”

“Yeah! That's how I can eat so much, you guys!” Pinkie sing-songed.

The Palace filled with laughter, drawing further and further away with melodic echoes. Twilight could scarcely hear them, for she was suddenly frozen in spot, her lavender coat having turned a paler shade. The alicorn sat still, eyes locked on the door through which the Duke had made his polite exit.

And she couldn't stop sweating...

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