Chapter 17

Zecora’s hut, near the edge of the Everfree Forest

Zecora was happily humming to herself as she placed her hoof inside a small teakettle to test the temperature of the water inside. She decided it was the perfect temperature for tea, and placed a few leaves in the pot along with some cinnamon sticks. Zecora knew that it would be a while till her young assistants would be back; even so she decided they would be in need of a hot drink after their excursion. What she didn’t know was that the two young ponies would appear out of thin air in her kitchen. A brilliant flash of blue along with a resounding pop heralded Applebloom and Frostmere’s arrival into Zecora’s kitchen.

“It seems you two have returned from your quest, although I sense you both could use a rest.”

Applebloom ran up to Zecora and gave her a firm hug. “Boy am ah glad ta be outta that cave. Ah thought we were goners, but Emerald here saved our lives!”

Zecora ruffled Applebloom’s mane. “My prediction earlier was proven fact, for you both returned to my hut intact.”

“Ah had no idea that Emerald was so good with magic. He not only fought a burrowin’ hydra but teleported us all the way here. Ah reckon he might even be on par with Twilight.”

Frostmere reached inside the saddlebags and pulled out a few moon lilies. “I expect that five of these shall be sufficient for your needs Ms. Zecora.”

“Correct you are that five I require, but let me ask what use of the rest do you desire?”

“To put it simply Ms. Zecora moon lilies are quite valuable, both monetarily and medicinally. There are many ponies who would love to get their hooves on these. Considering the amount of effort Applebloom and I went to fetch them, we deserve to keep some at the very least.”

Zecora nodded. “You may have the rest as you need, but be warned do not use the lilies to fuel your greed.”

“I do not need them myself; I intend to give them all to Applebloom. She can make at least a thousand bits off of the remaining five flowers I have. Surely that will help her family.”

Applebloom stared at Frostmere dumbfounded. “One t-t-t-housand bits? That’s crazy! Ah ain’t never heard of a bunch of plants worth that much. What exactly do they do?”

“Moon lilies are known to have two distinct properties. When ground into a paste and refined it makes an excellent healing salve and can heal diseases and even mortal wounds in an instant. This alone makes it worth its weight in platinum to the medical community. The second property is not so altruistic.”

Applebloom’s eyes widened into saucers. “Wow no wonder ya were so desperate to get em. Ah sure am glad ah get to help sick ponies, but what else does it do?”

“I’m getting to that Applebloom. Moon lilies are also known as a super conductor for magic. If the moon lilies are refined with electricity, they can amplify a unicorn’s magical power tenfold. A unicorn would essentially be able to harness magic powers equivalent to an alicorn. They must not fall into the wrong hooves.”

“Are ya really gonna give mah family all of the bits? I’m sure mah sister would let ya take some of it for yerself.”

“I don’t really need them. Most of the time I live off the land and if I find any herbs worth selling I sell them to dealers to make a living. Don’t worry about me.”

“You mean to tell me that you don’t live in a house? Ya saved mah life the least ah can do is let ya stay on the farm. I’m sure Applejack won’t mind. As an Apple ah can’t let ya live out in the forest like some wild critter, it wouldn’t be right!”

Frostmere rubbed the back of his mane. “Alright I suppose it would be nice to sleep in a bed for once. Speaking of your family, why don’t we teleport to Sweet Apple Acres? I’m sure your family is worried about you.”

Zecora grinned. “Both of you may take your leave to the farm where apple trees loom, and allow the blossom of young love bloom.”

Applebloom face flushed. “Ah-ah never said ah I liked him that way. He just doesn’t have anywhere ta go that’s all. Granted he might’ve saved mah life and well…that’d sweep any mare off her hooves b-but…”

Zecora’s grin was so wide it made her look like Opal. “Deny your feelings all you want, but I know mare that’s on the hunt.”

Applebloom growled in frustration. “Oh fine think whatever ya want! Bottom line is I’m still gonna help him no matter what, whether because ah like him or just wanna pay him back.”

“Excuse me Applebloom but are you ready to go yet?”

“Yeah I’m ready ta go, just clearin’ some things up with Zecora.”

“Ok just make sure that you hold on tight because if you don’t it could get messy.”

“Messy? What are ya talkin’ about?”

Frostmere rubbed a hoof across his temple. “You haven’t been teleported much have you?”

“Now how do ya figure ah ever teleported anywhere? Hello I’m an earthpony fer Celestia’s sake.”

“Ok sorry. I just figured one of your unicorn friends might know how.”

“Well Twi knows how but she doesn’t usually take on passengers. Somethin’ about it puttin’ too much strain on her horn, ah don’t know it’s a unicorn thing.”

“Hmm that’s interesting, have you met any other unicorns that know how to teleport?”

“Nah, only Twi knows how ta do it. She mentioned that only high level unicorns can do it.”

Frostmere’s brow furrowed in thought. Its seems that just as it was in my time, unicorns who could utilize teleportation spells are quite rare. I shall have to investigate who this Twi is.

“In any case I need you to hold on tight because if you lose contact with my magic part of you might not teleport correctly.”

Applebloom swallowed a lump in her throat. “Ya mean that ah could get lost?”

“Well that’s one possibility. There are many other things that could go wrong for instance: you could lose some of your body parts or get teleported straight into solid matter. Trust me it’s not pretty.”

Applebloom rushed over to Frostmere grabbing his neck, practically chocking the poor stallion. “Ackkkk-Ap…guhhh. Not…so…tight…can’t…breath.”

“Oh sorry Emerald ah didn’t mean ta grab ya that tightly. Just a bit nervous is all.”

Frostmere coughed a few times. “It’s alright; most non-unicorns get nervous about teleporting. I promise you I’m completely competent with this spell, no harm shall come to you.”

“O-ok ah trust ya, but make it quick alright?”

As Applebloom clung to Frostmere, his horn began to glow bathing Zecora’s hut in a deep sapphire light. With a flash and pop the two ponies made their way to Sweet Apple Acres.

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Golden Oaks Library, Ponyville

Twilight and Big Mac were enjoying a cup of chamomile tea as they sat near the fire place, reading a book titled A wizard’s guide to magical botany. Both of them had gotten over their initial awkwardness pertaining to physical contact. They now were cuddled together in front of the fireplace, enjoying the book and each other’s company. Big Mac donned a pair of reading glasses, which he rarely wore except while at home. He seemed hesitant at first to wear them as if he was embarrassed to be seen in them. After making a quick Pinkie promise, Twilight assured him that she wouldn’t laugh at him and it was nothing to be ashamed of.

Much to Twilight’s relief she didn’t laugh but rather blushed. She could only stare at Big Mac in disbelief. The glasses didn’t make him look foolish at all; they made him look even sexier. It took all of Twilight’s willpower not to drool all over the floor and produce a squee loud enough to shatter window panes.

Big Mac arched his eyebrow. “Pardon me Twilight but is there somethin’ wrong with mah face, because ya seem mightily entranced by it.”

Twilight blushed lightly. “Oh umm not I didn’t mean to stare. I-it’s n-n-not like there’s anything wrong with your face…I oh horseapples!”

“It’s mah glasses ain’t it? Ah knew ah looked ridiculous in ‘em. Well ah appreciate ya tryin’ ta be polite and all but go on and tell ya think they look stupid.”

“Grrr no that’s not what I meant! Sorry Mac it’s just well…you look really sexy with them on. Like a stud-professor ready to teach his naughty student a lesson. OH CELESTIA DAMN ME!!! I DIDN’T MEAN TO SAY THAT OUTLOUD!!!!”

Big Mac bellowed in laughter. “Is that what ya really think? Here ah thought ya hated mah glasses. Well alright ah guess ah could stand ta wear ‘em more if they suit yer fancy so much.”

Twilight hid her face underneath her hooves. “Sorry I’m kinda new to this whole relationship thing. I know I have a lot of friends now but they’re all mares. I never really had much experience with stallions. Plus when I get nervous I blurt out what I’m thinking.”

“Twilight ta be honest I’ve had very little relationship experience mahself. Back when Applejack was a filly ah dated a few mares but they weren’t what you’d exactly call meaningful. Sure ah I got ta roll around the hay a bit but that’s all ah was to them, just a piece of flank. They never tried ta get ta know me for who ah was, but you’re different. You accept me for all ah am, and besides ah thinks it adorable the way ya act all flustered.”

Before Twilight could apologize further she was interrupted by a bright yellow flash in the library. There standing behind Twilight in all her regal glory was none other than Princess Celestia. A slight smile crept on the solar monarch’s face as strode over to her student.

“Good afternoon Twilight I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

Twilight’s jaw almost dropped to the floor. “P-princess what are you doing here…I mean how nice it is to see you.”

Celestia giggled. “Oh don’t worry my faithful student you aren’t in trouble. I just stopped by in pony to give you an important assignment.”

“Hmm I see. Umm sorry Princess but I’m kind of busy right now.”

“Ah yes I can see that, enjoying Big Mac’s company to the fullest no doubt. I’m terribly sorry to interrupt your date but I have an urgent matter that needs attending to.”

Twilight put on her best pout. “Fine, I guess you wouldn’t have come to me if it wasn’t important.”

“You see Twilight an essential part of the gala I’m hosting involves diplomacy. While the primary function of the hearts and hooves gala is to promote love, friendship and harmony it also functions as a summit for other nations. It essentially is a gesture of good will to the nations that surround Equestria. “

“Wait so let me get this straight. You mean to tell me that foreign dignitaries are going to be attending the gala?”

“Yes Twilight that’s exactly what I’m saying. The reason I’m here is to ask if you could act as my liaison for foreign procession.”

“Why would you want me to do it Princess? Certainly you have a highly trained, fully professional ambassador at your disposal right?”

“Normally that would be the case. My ambassador is a unicorn stallion by the name of Peace Broker. Ambassador Broker would normally lead the procession and do all the greetings but he has fallen gravely ill. I believe it was some kind of magic flu.”

Twilight shuffled her hooves. “Oh my, that is pretty serious. I had that as a filly and I was sick for two whole weeks. Alright I’ll do it.”

Celestia gently nuzzled Twilight. “Thank you Twilight this means a lot to me. I’m sorry I had to bring it up on such short notice.”

“That’s ok princess I’m always willing to help. Now, if I may ask just one question: When is this procession supposed to occur?”

“Why it’s tonight my faithful student.”

Twilight’s eyeballs almost shot out of her head. “WHAT!!?? B-b-but I’m nowhere near ready. I don’t have a checklist made up. No, no, no this is bad! What should I wear, should I even wear anything?”

“Worry not I have everything covered. All that is required is your presence. Perhaps you would like to take your stallion-friend with you as well?”

Twilight took a deep breath. “If you’re ok with Mac going, then that’s fine with me. When will we be leaving?"

Celestia levitated a banana up to her face and began to chew on it slowly. “Hmm in a few minutes, please allow me to eat I become quite famished after teleporting. Care for a banana?”

Both Mac and Twilight shook their heads. “Yer highness I’m ok with goin’ but ah might need some formal attire, seein’ as ah ain’t got any right now.”

“I shall have a suit ready for you as well Big Macintosh, it is not a problem. Now then, both of you touch my back and we can be on our way.”

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Guest Chambers, Canterlot Castle

Big Mac and Twilight stood inside the one of the many guest rooms located inside Canterlot Castle. Mac was dressed in a white tuxedo with gold trimming along with a red silk scarf tucked around his neck. The cufflinks he wore bore his cutie mark, a single green apple. Twilight was wearing a matching white and gold pantsuit, along with crystal slippers. She wore a pin on her chest that matched her cutie mark. Once the chamber maids had done dressing them, they met Princess Celestia outside the door where she was levitating a scroll.

“You two look wonderful in those matching suits, it seems my colors suit you both very well.”

“Princess why aren’t I wearing a dress? I just figured since I wore one the last gala that it was best to wear on this time as well.”

“You two are both representing me as my ambassadors; as such you are required to wear the official uniforms. As Luna would say tis tradition!”

“Ok, but what do we do first?”

“Simply accompany me to the main chamber of the throne room. I shall sit on the throne and you two shall stand by my side. We simply meet and greet the diplomats and representatives as they arrive. Mind you the gala isn’t for another few days, but I wanted to have them stay here and relax for a while beforehand as a gesture of good will.”

A blonde manned, tan coated earth stallion trotted up to Celestia. He wore an older cut suit, red in color with gold trimming. It reminded Twilight of her brother Shining Armor’s dress uniform, but more refined. The stallion had a scroll in his mouth and bowed to the princess as he neared the throne.

“Ah why if it isn’t Mezzo Forte, my favorite herald. Are you prepared for the ceremony my little pony?”

Mezzo spoke in a light Trotalian accent. “Yes, your grace. I am as always, ready to serve.”

“Excellent, inform the guards to start escorting our guests into the throne room.”

Mezzo cleared his throat and spoke in a melodious tone. “Her majesty, Princess Celestia of Equestria has now declared the diplomatic procession open!”

“The first of our guests to arrive come from the Crystal Empire. Announcing Empress Mi Amore Cadenza, protectorate of the crystal throne. Also announcing acting commander of the Grand Crystal Army, General Shining Armor.”

Empress Cadence and her husband trotted their way to the throne. Cadence was clad in a light magenta dress, sparkling like amethysts along with a sliver crown adorned by diamonds shaped like a snowflake. Shining armor wore a similarly colored dress uniform adorned with four stars on each shoulder. A medal shaped like a snowflake hung from his neck, a crystal sabre hung at his side.

Twilight ran up to her brother and gave him a bone crushing hug. “Twiley it’s good to see you! How do you like my new uniform?”

“It’s wonderful Shiny; I didn’t know that you got a promotion. Why don’t you ever tell me these things?”

Shining Armor rubbed the back of his mane. “Oh I guess it slipped my mind, what with all of the drama concerning Sombra and trying to reform the GCA into a formidable fighting force. At least the crystal ponies are tough, also their weapons and armor are top rate.”

Twilight bonked Shining Armor lightly on the snout. “Don’t you dare make it a habit, I want to know what you’re doing no matter how trivial it may seem. I worry about you ya know.”

“Alright, alright I got ya. Well I’m gonna make my way to our quarters; it’s been a long train ride. See ya Twiley.”

Cadence immediately dropped her regal expression and gave Twilight a hug. “Oh it’s so good to see you Twilight. Anything interesting happen lately…anything to do with a finding a nice stallion?”

Twilight blushed. “Umm well you see Cadence; I think I might have found my special somepony.”

“Really? Seriously? Oh my gosh who is it?”

“It’s Big Mac, in fact he agreed to come with me and greet the delegation.”

Cadence poked Twilight’s flank. “You sly mare you, who ever knew you had it in you to nab such a hunky stud.”

“Yeah…I guess he’s really handsome, but he also is really smart too. I honestly didn’t expect him to be an intellectual, but hay here we are.”

“I wish you both the best of luck Twilight, oh and don’t forget to write to me when you guys have your foal. I have to give my blessing you know.”

Twilight began to stutter. “Cadence t-t-t-hat’s too much we’ve barely even kissed!”

Cadence merely chucked as she followed her husband. Once Twilight regained her composure the herald was ready to announce the next set of guests.

“Our next set of guests hail from the southern lands of Saddle Arabia. Please welcome the Grand Mufti of Saddle Arabia, Hassan of the house Silverstar. He is accompanied by his wife, Tranquil Oasis.”

The Saddle Arabian ponies were at least as tall as Celestia and they wore intricately designed saddles and mouthpieces. Tranquil also wore a thin veil over her face, as was custom in her land to protect her modesty. Hassan had a chocolate mane and a sliver coat, while Tranquil had an aquamarine coat and a viridian mane. Both ponies came up to Celestia and gave her two kisses, one to each side of her cheek as par the customary greeting. They did the same with Twilight.

Hassan gestured to one of his guards. “Your majesty it brings me great joy to visit your beautiful kingdom, and as a token of my gratitude I present you with a chest full of our finest candied dates. Please enjoy them.”

“Thank you Mufti Hassan. My sister and I share quite the hefty sweet tooth, they shall be enjoyed I assure you.”

“Our next guest hails from the Kingdom of Griffania. Please welcome Crown Prince Tywnn Sharpclaw.”

Prince Sharpclaw was in his mid-twenties, prime breeding age for griffons. Unlike most griffons he had mostly black feathers instead of caramel brown. His crest was a vibrant white, his amber eyes burned with passion. He had chosen to wear a simple green military tunic, adorned with a small dagger. With a flourish he bowed to Celestia.

“Good evening Princess Celestia, I am overjoyed to have been invited to your little soirée. I do hope I’m not making any of your poor guards nervous, I tend to have that effect on…less predatory species.”

“Worry not Prince Sharpclaw, my guards were informed of your special diet. They also know you mean no harm. I also had my chefs prepare some dishes more to your liking. Please enjoy your stay.”

“Ah thank you your majesty. Kind, thoughtful and accommodating as always. Now if you’ll excuse me I believe I shall rest for a while.”

Other dignitaries filed in as the evening went by, such as a few Zebrican chieftains and the president of the Diamond Republic. The Diamond Republic was one of the few countries on the planet that hosted a representative democracy. Diamond dogs had come a long way since their days working in gem mines. The current and visiting leader of the DR, President Dirtmound, was a stalky little diamond dog with salt and pepper fur. Despite looking unassuming he was quite popular with his constituents and was one of Equestria’s prime allies in the gem trade.

Once all of the dignitaries made their way to their rooms, Celestia signaled the guards to shut the doors to the throne room. She cupped her hoof over her mouth and let out a long yawn.

“Oh my it’s getting late. I’d forgotten how tiring it is to meet and greet guests. By the way Twilight I arranged for you and Mac to share the luxury guest suite next to my bedroom, so you don’t have to worry about traveling anywhere. As for me I believe I shall trot off to bed.”

Big Mac noticed that poor Twilight had fallen asleep. He smiled at how beautiful and serene she looked, quietly snoring. Mac swore if he looked at her any longer he’d die of diabetic shock, this coming from a stallion who regularly enjoyed Apple family cooking. He gently hoisted her onto his back and trotted off to the suite that the Princess had given to them.

Once he took Twilight’s uniform off, he tucked her in bed gently brushing a strand of mane away from her face. Her only response was to give a cute little snort. Mac finally took off his uniform, showered and crawled into the bed. It was a large bed so he had plenty of room on his side. While he was very much attracted to Twilight he felt it would be best not to get to intimate at this early stage of their relationship. Despite his best efforts, Twilight almost immediately snuggled up to him. Mac let out a light chuckled and ran his hoof through her mane and drifted off to sleep.

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Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville

-earlier that day-

Applejack and Iron Cross were sitting at the table in the kitchen discussing what they would give to Pinkie Pie as a get well gift. Iron mentally scolded himself for the lack of desire to visit the bubbly mare, she terrified him after all. Applejack took another swig of coffee from her mug, then pounded her hoof on the table, which surprised Iron to the point of him letting out a yelp.

“Oh sorry Sugarcube, didn’t mean ta scare ya. Ah just came up with an idea fer Pinkie’s present.”

Iron bit his lower lip. “So what exactly did you have in mind?”

“That mare can’t get enough sweets ah tell ya. So ah reckon we should bake her a nice apple cobbler, complete with all the fixins.”

“Seems like a pretty solid plan to me. Sorry if I’m not overly enthusiastic about all of this, Pinkie just freaks me out. I know that I should try to be friendlier to her but…it’s just so damned difficult.”

Applejack patted Iron on the back. “Ah know yer tryin’ yer best Iron, maybe someday y’all will come to an understandin’. At least yer honest about it and that counts fer a lot in my book. “

While Applejack was preparing the oven a bright sapphire light flashed in the kitchen followed by a pair of young ponies. Both of their manes looked like they had been dragged through a muddy riverbed, the same could be said of their coats. The dirty filly ran up to Applejack and attacked her with a rib crushing hug.

“Applebloom where in tarnation have ya been? Ya look like you’ve tangled with a hydra in the middle of a swamp, and ya darn near smell like one too.”

“Applejack I’m so glad to see you! Ah promise I’ll never go to Ghastly Gorge ever again. Ah thought ah was a goner fer sure.”

“Now hold on a minute Sugarcube, ya mean to tell me that ya went ta Ghastly Gorge? Why in the seven hells would ya need ta go there?”

“Well…ah was just tryin’ to help Zecora get some moon lilies. Plus it’s not like ah went there alone. Ah had Emerald with me.”

“Who the hay is Emerald?”

Frostmere cleared his throat. “That would be me Miss. I accompanied Applebloom into the gorge in order to protect her, since I am quite adept in magic.”

“Alright that earned ya some brownie points, but it still doesn’t explain why a bunch of young ponies would go to one of the most dangerous places in Equestria. Ah think I’m gonna have a long chat with Zecora when this all gets settled.”

“Umm sis there’s one other thing ah forgot ta mention. Emerald saved mah life and well…ah thought it was only proper that we let him stay here.”

“Listen here Applebloom, ah appreciate that he saved yer hide but that doesn’t mean he gets ta stay here. He’s probably got a family worried sick about him so it’s best that he gets home as soon as possible.”

Applebloom twiddled her forehooves. “About that…he ain’t got a home nor a family ta go back to. He’s an orphan.”

Applejack gritted her teeth due to her major faux pas. “I’m sorry ah didn’t know. Well this certainly complicates things. Ah guess he can stay, but he’s gonna have ta stay in the attic seein’ as Iron uses the guest room.”

“I appreciate your kindness Ms. Applejack, I require very little in the way of living arrangements.”

“Heh, well shoot Sugarcube it’s the least ah can do for ya considerin’ ya saved mah baby sister.”

Applejack led Frostmere to his new living quarters, but just as the two ascended the stairs Frostmere shot a glare at Iron Cross. Iron wasn’t sure but he felt like he was having déjà vu. Shrugging it off he continued to mix the ingredients of the apple cobbler.