starswirlthebearded

((Apologies for the short post. This will be Tia's exit post))

 

 

 

 

 

"Bright colors make everythin' cute! I mean lookit you!" she said proudly before her mind drifted back to the mention of the milk snakes, "Do ya think they'd like ta pose fer a paintin' sometime? Oh! maybe I could paint you holdin' some of them or playin' with 'em!" The painter's eyes began to light up as she considered the possibilities.

 

 

Fresco in the meantime seemed to be more than willing to take Fluttershy's suggestion. The little purple Chiropteran shuffled on Celestia's horn to face her then nuzzled his little piglike nose against the Sun princess' own considerably larger one as if to bid her farewell. The small creature then spread he wings and fluttered off en route to the love princess's own horn. Seems he chose to greet her just in time as she was about to leave. There was a flash of purple in front of the pink alicorn's snout before she felt a small weight hanging off her horn and would see a pair of inquisitive and playful eyes looking at her, followed by a squeak of greeting.

 

 

The painter chuckled softly before she looked over to Princess Celestia, "Looks like e's a fickle little guy isn't 'e?" she smiled at the princess  and took one of the apples from her own bushel and began to chew on it. "No matter how many o' these I wind up buyin' me and Fresco never gets tired of 'em..." Once Presteza finished chewing on her bite of apple she looked back to the princess, "So, does my brother do a lot o' assignments fer ya, Princess?"

 

 

 

 

 

The Guardstallion was still frozen in place as his mind tried to desperately calculate and dissipate his ever increasing embarassment. When the Princess drew near and was about to whisper in his ear, Silver could only cringe as she was surely to do something that would shatter his hopes to live up to his father's military career with possibly the worst of punishments; Dishonorable discharge... or worse unpaid permanent leave! Soon the grey coated pony was only left blinking in confusion as the princess gave him a playful remark about how easily flustered he could be...

 

"U-uh... um, Well our mother can be a bit exciteable... maybe that's where I got it from?" he said, trying to calm himself down. "I think I should tay at your side your highness. Miss Applejack is without a doubt a lovely mare, but I've no time for such things now... and Presteza is able to take care of herself, I'm sure of that."

 

Celestia smiled at the painter and her pet. "I do not think he is fickle at all, but rather friendly, and perhaps a bit playful." The princess replied warmly. "I do not think his loyalty has changed to mine, but he does seem to like my horn as a place to hang from" she giggled with the painter, whom went on to talk about the apples. Celestia nodded in agreement to her statement about apples which was immediately followed up by an inquiry about her brother... "Your brother works for the Royal Guard, and while I often dictate orders, it is not usually I who issue them, or control the Royal Guard. Often that task is left to the officials that have risen through the ranks. However, I have requested your brother personally on a couple of occasions." Celestia smiled, sure if she wanted more information she could get it directly from Lt Silverheart. "If you would like you can visit him at the castle any time. Naturally if you would like to have Fresco meet Philomena I would not be opposed to that either." Celestia said with an inviting smile. "However, for now, I must return to my duties at the Castle."

Celestia turned to the clearly flustered guardstallion. "Ah yes, Dutchess Belle... Though she seems to like to paint herself as always composed." Celestia smiled. She nodded at the guardstallion's decision. "I understand and thank you for your diligence. Please, lead the way." Celestia motioned to the guard. "Naturally I can wait if you would like to say a farewell to your sister."

(exit Celestia)

Due to the sudden emergence of "social life" I will be unavailable from Wednesday through Sunday at the earliest. Perhaps longer depending on life status.

Changes look good. Please commence dokis.

Moved back by request of Elderflower.

I am the king of Westeros AND the father of dragons

"What if those were the droids I was looking for?"

"ooooh my hoof is devilishly shiny... excellent...."

Alright, this next month is going to be rough. Between moving, work, and [possibly] going to MD to hang out with friends for a week, my activity here will be sporadic at best. I apologize to anyone who is waiting for me to RP. And I assure you that I will try to get up to date before everything goes crazy here.

With her business concluded Celestia bowed her head respectfully to the Apple Family who had shown themselves to be gracious hosts. The princess then backed up politely and turned around to face the ponies that had addressed her. Though she had to return to her duties, she could not ignore ponies who greeted her. The first of which was a tiny filly, who seemed to be coaxed into greeting her by her mother whom was further back in the queue. The adorable little filly brought a smile to the solar princess's muzzle. "Hello miss. It is a pleasure to meet you," the princess greeted the filly who had greeted her but didn't give her name. Still, she was rather nervous and she didn't wish to make the filly do anything that would make her uncomfortable.

The other pony was a young stallion named Charming Masquerade... 'Follow their passions?' The princess wasn't even sure what that meant, but she supposed he was thanking her for protecting everypony large and small. And above all, that is what Celestia saw herself as, not as a monarch, but as a guardian who protected everypony and creature under her watch. The princess laughed at the thanks. "There is no need to thank me Charming Masquerade. I do what I can for everypony large and small. It is my pleasure to help and protect everypony as much as I am able." The princess replied to the odd thanks. "I must apologize for the short nature of this greeting, but I must return to my duties back in Canterlot. It has been a pleasure to meet you though Charming Masquerade." The princess did not enjoy quick meetings, she had plenty of them at the Gala every year. Still she had to get back to Canterlot, she has spent enough of her day not attending to her duties. She was certain that there was more than a few ponies who were getting worried.

She looked at Miss Presteza, Fluttershy and Princess Cadence, whom all seemed to be conversing. "Miss Presteza, your bat seems to have taken a liking to hanging from my horn." Celestia said playfully to the young painter, as she glanced over at Fluttershy and she smiled. "I'm sure they will be delicious. I just hope I chose the right types for my chefs and bakers. It is not often I buy produce without them or more often a representative buys everything for the castle on my behalf. It was a rather enjoyable experience and a fantastic escape from the duties of the castle, even if it did not go as I had planned." Celestia said with a smile, hiding her embarrassment from the ungraceful kiss she had just given Big Mac. "I do hope to see you and the rest of your friends soon. Please give my regards to all of them." Celestia said smiling.

She finally turned to Cadence before departing to rendezvous with the guard whom was sent to protect her. "It has been a pleasure seeing you Cadence as always. We must try and see each other more often. Please give my regards to Twilight. I'm sure I'll see her soon." Celestia pondered for a moment. "In fact I do believe she has an appointment at Canterlot Castle later in the week. And please let her know that I am sorry that I was unable to visit her while in town, but I have spent far too much time in Ponyville as is. I'm sure she would understand." Not only would she understand she'd probably know more than most what sort of schedule Celestia kept.

Celestia cantered over to the Lieutenant who had been sent to protect her. He was still probably brooding over what she had said to him earlier. As she got close she whispered into his ear "Is everypony in your family easily excitable" basically telling him that what happened earlier was her being playful. She stood up straight and once again acted as regal as most ponies expected of her. "If you desire you may accompany back to the castle" she said looking at the unicorn guard. "However, if you would like to stay I would understand, especially since your sister is also here." Once again moving into whisper "Also... it is not every day you get the chance to kiss a cute mare like Applejack" Celestia said with a wink, once again being playful with her guard. She could not deny that it would not help having somepony to help with the bushels though. It might be a good idea to send for a chariot with a letter. It would not take long for it to arrive. In fact, the princess was sure that they would rush one over.

((OOC: I've received permission from both Robi and Zoe to do the following post. However I will change it if they so choose.))

It was decided... The princess would kiss Big Mac. Though this was unexpected she did say if it was his desire she would. Not sure on how it would progress Celestia decided that if he was too shy to do it himself she would at the very least kiss him on the cheek. She wasn't entirely sure if any pony would be entirely brazen enough to kiss her on the lips, even though she was in line for a kissing booth, and if Big Mac was as shy as she had heard she was sure he would not do it. As he walked slowly towards her, the fruit bat that she had met earlier, Fresco flew around her head and ended up perching on her horn. Celestia smiled at the friendly creature. "Well hello again my little friend." Celestia said as she looked ahead as did Fresco who immediately flew off her horn and into Celestia's mane. Celestia was curious as to what would cause him to do tha... Before even completing the thought Celestia saw it...

There was a rather large rock in Big Mac's path that he tripped on, as he stumbled towards her he completely lost control and planted a falling kiss onto the sun princess's lips. With a look of shock and surprise Celestia accepted it, as it would be rude not to, even if it was an accident from a shy stallion. As he regained himself, Celestia blushed a bit, something she was not often seen doing, but she also rarely received or gave such a kiss from anypony. Celestia still smiled as she, herself, regained composure from the surprise kiss that she was landed with. With a smile and a bow of her head Celestia thanked the stallion for the kiss "Thank you Big Macintosh. And to you as well Applejack for the consideration to choose what I preferred." Celestia couldn't remember the last time she was kissed on the lips, nor the last time it happened like that, if it ever did. Celestia giggled at the thought, this was certainly an interesting memory and she was happy she chose this excursion to take a break from the castle.

The fruitbat whom was in Celestia's mane, clearly seeing what was about to transpire...somehow, resumed his perch on Celestia's horn. She'd have to talk to Presteza about this one and see if she'd like to one day meet her pet. Perhaps Fresco and Philomena would get along. They both seem energetic, though Philomena seemed to enjoy playful fun at other's expenses more so than this little one.

((I'll be making another post or two to tie up the loose ends from the line. But this basically ends Tia's reasons for being there))

The princess was met with a quandry. She really had intended to just pay her bits and give the farm mare a peck on the cheek (or the otherway around depending on how the situation presented itself). This however caught the solar princess off guard. She had not expected for the suggestion to be made after making a light joke about her older brother to come about. Now everypony seemed to be excited about a kiss between her and Big Macintosh. Celestia had hoped that she would have done as any other patron and not been given preferential treatment. However the situation now seemed unavoidable, as she did not like to disappoint her subjects especially when they went out of their way to try and accommodate her.

Celestia looked at Applejack and then at Big Mac, clearly her joking had gotten her into a bind, so she had to become a bit more serious. She saw how coy the stallion was, so she decided to accept under the condition that he be okay with the idea. "I thank you for your kind consideration Applejack, but I believe it is unfair to put your brother on the spot like that. However, I will gladly accept your kind offer if he wishes it." Celestia smiled and nodded at them both. If his shyness dictated that he could not do it, or just as likely he had other work to do on the apple farm, he should be given the choice and opportunity to decline.

Once again Applejack showed a bit of humour to the sun princess. In doing so offered to bill the castle rather than herself, joking that she shouldn't carry large sums of money that bore her own face. "Even a princess needs to be prepared to pay their own way Applejack, her face on the currency on hoof or not," Celestia said smiling. Princess Celestia levitated out two bags from her saddlebag, one empty and one full. From the full one she removed 85 bits and put into the empty one and placed it back in her bag. Celestia levitated the bag of bits to Applejack. "I do believe this should cover the cost of the apples."

Celestia looked around at the amount of apples they had, and they had every sort imaginable. "As for which apples I would like... I think I'll take a bushel of Fuji, honey crisp, and some nice big and juicy McIntosh apples," Celestia smiled "Oh and I do mean the apples, not your brother." Celestia added on jokingly. "As for the other twenty, I believe five each of the following will do nicely... Rome, Cortland, York Imperial and Empire should do well enough. I've heard several of the bakers and chefs talking about those." Celestia said with a smile. But now here was the tricky part... the kiss.

The way kissing booths normally worked was that the owner of the booth would initiate the kiss, however Celestia was not sure if Applejack's sensibilities would prevent her from kissing a princess. This was not for Celestia to decide though, so she elected to wait for Applejack to make a move, and she would react accordingly. She was used to kissing many ponies, whose custom it was to kiss in greeting, so whatever happened Celestia would not falter.

Behind her several ponies were greeting her, however she felt that she shouldn't be rude to her host and elected to give each a nod until she was able to properly greet them.

Over the next week I'll be exceedingly busy so my time on Canterlot will be severely limited. (Also holiday on Sunday and Auto Show the Sunday after) So the days I'd normally post on will be unavailable. If all goes well I'll hopefully not drop off the face of the site but don't expect much.

-StarSwirl

As Blueblood walked away Celestia got the feeling that he had learned something. Celestia was not sure what, but she was certain this was a good experience for him. He even commented that it wasn't as bad as he had feared it would be. Celestia smiled at her nephew. "I am glad you thought so." Celestia replied. "I shall see you back at the castle later." Celestia smiled sending her nephew off.

Celestia smiled at the confidence AJ was exhibiting. It was always a pleasure to speak with her student's closest friends, and this was no different, even if she was a customer at her farm. "The most interesting ponies always appear in a long queue, and is always a fun experience," Celestia replied with an air of knowing, "Even if the task at hand is not as interesting as kissing" Celestia said jokingly.

Celestia laughed at the farm pony and her comment about hundreds of bushels. "I of course will be buying some for myself and some for my castle, but a hundred is a bit excessive without my chef and bakers here to dictate what they need and they most certainly know more than I." Celestia said humbly. "I will be taking twenty three bushels though, three for myself now and some to be picked up later. It may not be a hundred, but I do hope it will suffice for now. I will have a chariot come later to pick up the remainder I leave here, if that is alright with you of course." Celestia waited for the reply before making her official order. She knew what she wanted for herself and for her chefs (at least of what she wanted to be made, and she was confident that they would make whatever she bought be delicious in their culinary creations).

Celestia's words had fallen on deaf ears, however she knew well how he was. There was still a hope that Applejack would be able to break through his years of elitist upbringing. She had a way with her honesty to get through in ways that the princess often could not. Though it could have also just become status quo in their relationship and any amount of chiding or gentle nudging away from his upbringing. His response to the Celestia's suggestion of a redux for an apology was not well met and, to a degree she expected that, though not to out right refuse, seeming defeated.

Applejack and Blueblood had a bit of an exchange, wherein Applejack not only gave Blueblood a kiss but explained her reasoning. And a light seemed to go off in her nephew's head. He even chose to take his produce himself, not calling on those that pulled his carriage, or suggesting one of the Apples should help him. Perhaps he was coming along after all. "See? That was no so bad, now was it nephew?" Celestia whispered in his ear as he cantered off with his produce, eating one.

Just then Applejack greeted the princess with a bow. Celestia smiled "Please Applejack, there is no need for that." Celestia said with a smile, suggesting that Applejack should raise her head. After all she was visiting her farm as a patron, not a princess. "And thank you for your kind welcome. It has been far too long since I have seen you last. It is nice that we can meet when the fate of Equestria is not in the balance" Celestia said jokingly.

The princess was rather entertained by the guard stallion's reaction, and felt that it was fine to continue it a bit more, though not much longer as she was quickly approaching the front of the line. It wouldn't be like when she enjoyed Miss Presteza's reactions to her playfulness, but still this was two-fold, it would be fun for her, and a learning experience for him. If at the end they learned to be careful of what they said of Luna behind her back, then it would be well worth it, even if she knew that it was a bit much to use her complicated past with her sister for a bit of a joke.

At Lt Silverheart's initial reaction, stating he didn't know what he assumed Celestia merely shook her head as if to be disappointed. Really it was a harmless inquiry, and probably had she not done similar to Presteza and allowed Silver to be more lax, she probably would have let it go and carry on acting as a princess, possibly even answering in earnest with current events that they had experienced. Even though the sister's were communicating better, Celestia still felt that she was getting more attention than her sister and that, even if just a bit, Luna felt, for lack of a better word, eclipsed by her at times.

He continued on saying he would make reprimands to those under his charge, unless Celestia did not wish him to return. Celestia smirked quickly but had to keep a straight face, so she quickly wiped it hoping that Silver would not notice and ruin her ruse. "Though I may make that decision myself, I do not often take action where I have officers to deal with internal discipline. I do believe notifying Col. Pummel would be the better choice Lt. Silverheart. However..." Celestia paused momentarily, "If you do as you say, I may...forget... to mention it to him." Celestia would likely tell him at the end that he really did nothing wrong and perhaps even tell him something personal as recompense, but that could wait for now... It was time to greet the host who was currently talking with Blueblood.

Celestia smiled and bowed her head slightly to her host. "It is a pleasure to see you again Applejack. And thank you for your kind welcome." Celestia greeted the farm mare. Just then she also greeted her nephew in what she quite honestly expected, with a bit of sarcasm and anonymity towards her wayward nephew. Even making a crack about paying for his own food.

Just then Granny Smith greeted the sun princess, asking if she remembered. And though it had been ages since they last met and she was just a filly at the time, Celestia of course remembered her. Celestia was nothing if not caring of her subjects, and she would not forget such a meeting like that. "But of course I recall that, it was when I entrusted this land to your family. You were just a filly back then." Celestia said with a warm smile. "And it does seem that it was the right choice to make. Your family has done a wonderful job taking care of this land, and a lovely town has even grown around your farm." Celestia praised the Apple family and their grand efforts to make this land as it is now. Before she could continue and even respond to her son's response to Applejack (and rather lackluster apology) Uncle Strudel used too much flash powder in his camera and was sent careening to the sky. With the flash slightly blinding her she could only hear the scream as he kept on going higher.

As Uncle Strudel made his way down Celestia's vision returned just enough to be able to see the falling stallion. She instantly used her magic and flew up to catch him in mid-air and gently brought him back down. "That was rather dangerous. You should not use so much flash powder in your camera flash, especially on such a lovely day as today. You would overexpose your film." Celestia said wisely to the elder stallion. Now that the incident was over Celestia could finally turn her attention to Blueblood. "I do think you should try that again my nephew, perhaps without the pause and the accusatory tone that they did such a thing to harm you. From what Princess Luna told me, something similar happened when she visited earlier. If anything it is because of my presence, rather than yours."

“That’s not what I-” Princess Cadence’s awkward smile turned into a frustrated sigh; “And that’s my personal royal train! It’s not intended to be used for-” Catching herself unnecessarily sounding like part of the upper crust, the pink alicorn covered her mouth in a rush; “That is to say, that has nothing to do with why merchants charge more when selling goods in the Empire. Oh,” Cadence raised her head up to save some face; “I’m glad you approve of the Crystal Train, Princess Celestia. The locomotive designers back in the Empire are really proud of it.”

Princess Celestia never figured it would be this easy to tease her niece. Much like her nephew and sister, they were both quite well aware of her antics especially in relaxed situations such as this. In fact the tizzy that Celestia got Cadence into was more entertaining to her than the exchange she had with Presteza previously. Rather than continue the dialogue about the price of produce in the Empire, Celestia decided to forgo it and go along with Cadence's play off to save face. Still, the sun princess could not help but giggle as she did. "As well they should be Princess Cadence. I look forward to see what they design for mass transit for the general public for the Equestria Games. I'm sure it will be nothing less than magnificent." Celestia said smiling, still entertained by how Cadence reacted. Though now, another pony opened themselves up for a bit of mischievous fun.

Silverheart nodded, "She sure can be very entertaining... if a bit of a hoof-full, especially when she was a filly." Despite what the stallion said about his sister his voice still had a tinge of pride for his little sister. She was indeed growing up into a great pony that he was sure would make her family proud... even if she still did have quite a bit of growing left to do. "Little sisters can be quite a trying presence on occasion though. Wouldn't you agree, Princess? I mean when I was traveling with her she'd always say whatever was on her mind whether or not it lead to trouble... and even then she'd still play tricks on me." The stallion probably would have gone on and on if Celestia had not told him of her appreciation of his confidence in her and the other princesses.

"Th-there's no need to mention it, Your highness. I only state the obvious." the guard said with a bit of a stammer at the beginning before continuing. "I suppose I could say Hello to Princess Luna in the mornings... Some of the guards have been saying she can be a bit... grumpy in the morning though."

Lt. Silverheart unwittingly set himself up, much in the same way his sister did earlier. "I did not think she was a hoofful at all Lieutenant. In fact she was perfectly proper." Celestia replied to the guardstallion's opening statement, the next opened him up for the fun. Celestia widened her eyes, as if to show surprise to what he said, slowly switching to a sad remorseful look. "I do not think I can speak of such things. The last time my dear sister was a 'trying presence' was the last time I saw her for a thousand years. She, unfortunately forced me to banish her. I always remember the good before that, and I choose not to remember the bad. I truly wish she had been around to play tricks on me, Lieutenant." Celestia said with a hint of sad reflection in her voice. She knew what he meant, but still the opportunity was far too good to pass up.

Then he spoke of Luna being 'grumpy' in the morning, which Celestia had never seen of her sister. In fact, Celestia often found that her sister was often rather chipper in the morning, telling her stories of what she had done the previous night. However once again, this allowed for a perfect segue. Straightening up and becoming more stern. "It is obvious why you think that. I too would be 'grumpy' if that is what my trusted officers decided to talk about. Such things are a sore subject for both my sister and I. If those are the things you would choose to say to her, then perhaps you would do well to avoid her in the mornings." Celestia replied with almost a chilling sternness, which, though was merely in jest, was still broken by his sister's pet fruitbat which landed on her muzzle.

"Oh my! Hello there little one." Celestia said looking at the small fruitbat, almost cross eyed perched on her nose, with a smile she could not help but produce.

"Sorry about Fresco, Yer highness. He's a sociable little fella." "Could you two take care o' the li'l guy fer a sec while I buy some apples."

Celestia smiled, though still planning on enjoying the exchange with her brother, "It is alright, Philomena, my pet pheonix, is also rather energetic, though she has not perched on my muzzle since she was a fledgling." Celestia said with a smile, almost regretting not bringing along her dear pet and friend. Though before she could even reply to the request to looking after the fruitbat, Fluttershy called him over and landed on her outstretched hoof.

"Princess Celestia, Princess Cadence!" she said in belated greeting. "This is rather unexpected! What brings both of you to Ponyville?"

The princess smiled at Fluttershy. "I have heard there was a rather good sale on apples from Sweet Apple Acres, which Princess Twilight Sparkle has spoke highly of. So I took the opportunity to get some fresh produce myself for the castle." Though her reason was more to keep an eye on Blueblood, Fluttershy needn't know that, also it is always good to get out of the castle sometimes and get some fresh air.

The pink alicorn blushed hearing her Auntie Celestia’s wording of the situation. “Ehh, it’s nothing like that at all!” The embarrassed Crystal Princess tried explaining, her upper teeth sticking out at a rushed attempt at an assuring smile; “Goods can get to the Crystal Empire just fine! They just… tend to be a bit more expensive, that’s all.” That sounded a bit undignified, didn’t it?

Celestia smiled with a slight giggle at Cadence's reaction to her playfulness. "I have seen the crystal train, it seems rather robust and fast, is it that much more expensive to run?" Celestia inquired with a slightly playful tone. She knew what Cadence meant but her niece's reaction was rather fun, so she continued her ruse.

"Thank you, Princess. I will definitely take you advice and write a letter to your chefs. I'm sure once they try my carrots they'll want to buy more."

Celestia nodded at Carrot, who was in turn for some apples. "I look forward to trying some new recipes using your delicious produce. I'm certain the chefs in Canterlot Castle will be very excited to get some new produce."

"That's great! I'll have ta start work on that after this! This is gonna be the most amazin' portrait ever!"

Celestia was pleased by the passion of this young pony, she really wanted to help her as much as possible, however she knew that she could only do so much to get her into the door, and it would be up to her to make the arrangements with Canterlot Court. Miss Presteza seemed up to the task though. "I greatly look forward to seeing your name on my schedule in the near future for a portrait appointment Miss Presteza. I'm sure you will do a fantastic job," Celestia said with a warm, encouraging tone.

"Thank you, your Majesty."

"That she is, your highness. She -was- going to attend your school for talented unicorns but she decided to instead pursue her talent."

Celestia nodded at the guard pony. "You are welcome Lt. Silverheart. Feel free to relax, I do not think anything will happen during the short while here," Celestia instructed Silverheart. She really wasn't expecting an escort, but now that she had one, she'd rather he be relaxed and enjoying himself rather than tense waiting for something bad to happen, which would likely not occur. When she heard that she was correct about their familial relations, Celestia smiled and replied "You should be very proud of your sister then, Lieutenant. She has been keeping me company and rather entertained," Celestia turned to Presteza. "Isn't that right?" Celestia asked with a wink and a smirk. "And as for her not attending my school, that is perfectly fine. While I am sure we could have helped her to develop her special talent magic and even hone some finer magical abilities, sometimes it is better for ponies to follow their own path, and your sister seems to have grown into a fine young mare, even without my school's aide."

"Neither of you need to worry, I think we both know the Princess is perfectly capable of defending herself from... well whatever event comes to Ponyville on a regular basis. Thank you though ,your highness.By the way as much as I'd like to I don't see very much of Princess Luna."

Silverheart seemed to have great confidence in Celestia's abilities to protect herself and the kingdom. "I thank you for your trust and confidence, Silverheart. My sister and I do our best to protect Equestria, with the help of the REA like yourself." Celestia replied hearing that he wished to see more of Luna. "There are ways to see my sister if you really wished to. I'm certain you could see her in the mornings before she rests for the day."

“YOU MEAN TWILIGHT IS PREGNANT???”

"Um, Princess Cadance?" she said, still feeling a little unsure. "If Twilight was pregnant, I'm sure she would have told us... I mean, I think she would have told us. She wouldn't keep something like this to herself... would she?"

"Twilight's not pregnant, guys." Applejack shrugged. "Ah know how a pony's apetite changes when they got a bun in the oven, and I don't see the signs. Besides, me and Twilight are pretty close, I doubt she would have kept it from me. You know I love to keep fun secrets like that!"

Celestia almost let out a full fledged laugh at Princess Cadence's misunderstanding of Blueblood's words, but managed to just let out a light chuckle. Though she couldn't be 100% sure, she was almost certain that he meant that Cadence was acting more like herself (more like his aunt that is). "Princess Cadence, I must agree with Fluttershy and Applejack. I am certain that Twilight is not pregnant." Celestia concurred with two of Twilight's best friends. "Also, I'm fairly certain that you would be one of the first to find out, along with her best friends, since her brother is your husband."

Celestia turned to Fluttershy to greet her. "Greetings Fluttershy, it is a pleasure to see you again."

“And I’m sure the Crystal Palace chefs would love to get their hooves on fresh Ponyville apples too. It’s quite expensive getting produce shipped that far up north.”

Celestia knew that her reasons seemed petty but Cadence didn't seem willing no discuss those matters further. After all grooming the young prince was more of a reaction to his behavior at the last Gala. A true prince should be able to act with grace and dignity to all no matter their social status. Though Twilight was not used to being a princess, even she knew and understood this all too simple concept. Celestia smiled with Cadence's reply, and couldn't resist a playful jab. "My dear niece, if the Crystal Empire is in such dire straights that you are unable to import produce, please let me know. Canterlot is always willing to provide assistance," she said with a mischievous smirk. She knew that the Empire was doing quite well despite it's long absence. But still Cadence's reply was too hard to resist such a playful retort.

"Well Princess, I'm glad that you are choosing produce from farms both great and small. I'm just glad that you are thinking about my little farm here in Ponyville as well as Sweet Apple Acres here. And if you or your chefs ever want to pay my farm a visit, well then it would be an honor to do so."

Celestia always tried to help everypony where she could, and buying from farms large and small was a simple way to help all farmers, especially those with smaller farms that perhaps didn't have as large of a clientele as the larger farms. "Just because a farm is large or small does not mean that it produces the best produce. Every farm in Equestria has something to contribute, my chefs know this well. In fact they often employ produce runners that have connections in various towns and cities that report to them when a crop is particularly good or bountiful so that they may buy at the right time from the right farms. The also personally go to farms to buy produce. As far as I know, there are no such connections in Ponyville or smaller settlements like Appleoosa or Dodge Junction, but I'm sure if you sent a letter to the kitchen at Canterlot Castle, the chefs would be glad to send a pony or two to visit your farm." Celestia said with a gentle smile and nod as it was Carrot's turn to buy apples.

"That's great, yer highness! I'll see what I can do about another form!"

Celestia giggled at the painter mare's clear excitement, and even willingness to do anything to achieve her dreams including menial paperwork. "I do not think there is a form for that miss Presteza," Celestia began thinking of what needed to be done to orchestrate such a portrait. "The best way would probably be to fill out the request forms for both, and then send letters to organize it separately. I'm sure Canterlot Court and The Household Office would have no issues working in conjunction of each other." Celestia replied tactfully to the mare. When Lt. Silverheart came it was readily evident that the two knew each other. Celestia knew that Silverheart was from a noble family and had siblinds... Celestia put it together based on how they interacted with each other.

"I'd honestly love to, Your Highness. It would be nice to relax a bit for a while I suppose. Might I have permission to remove my helmet?"

Celestia nodded to the REA Guard. "Permission granted." Celestia saw no reason to have the guard stallion remain in full regalia, after all she hadn't intended on having official guard there anyway. "I must ask Lt. Silverheart, is this your sister?" Celestia inquired while looking at Presteza, not wishing to reveal her playfulness with her from earlier. Celestia wasn't 100% sure either, but it was at least a very good hunch.

"Don't bother trying to put a leash on my Aunt. Generation after generation of guards have tried before you; there are no tricks, no tactics that she has not seen a dozen times before. Try your luck with Princess Luna, she rather likes the old-fashioned."

Celestia looked at Blueblood after he said with a bit of surprise and disappointment, not that he was wrong... She turned back to Silverheart. "Please do not listen to my nephew. You and the rest of the guard are doing a fine job. And as you probably know it is very rare for me to make excursions out of the castle without the Royal Guard." Celestia told the stallion to retort to her nephew's words.

The story relies solely on the idea that the reader is going to just go ahead and implant himself on the nameless personalityless protagonist. There is no real story, no characters and no arc. If you removed the pony aspect nobody would think this story was worth anything.

Heck, if you changed Rainbow Dash from a pony to a human then its the story of a man keeping a child isolated her entire life. It would be a horrifying tale of child abuse

You know... you just basically confirmed what SteelEagle has said, right? Nothing you said discredits any of how he feels about MLD, and in fact those are the reasons it is a work of emotional manipulation.

All ponies are pansexual.

"Oh thank you Princess Celestia. Anytime that you would like to visit, feel free to stop by. And thank you for looking for some to be delivered to Canterlot. It really means much that you like what i produce and what my cutie mark represents. How many small farms do you have put towards what is made in the castle in Canterlot?"

"You are quite welcome Carrot Top." Celestia replied to the gratitude for the praise she had given the farmer. Celestia often opted for small farms, it wasn't that larger farms weren't as good, but she liked helping out everypony where possible, and giving business to ponies whom needed it was an integral part of that. "I often opt for small farm produced goods when I can. While it might be easier to find what the Castle needs from large farms, it is important to remember that everypony has something to contribute, even the smallest of farms can bare the most delectable of goods. Naturally the Castle still uses larger farms for gross produce," Celestia explained. Hopefully her words would not cheapen the act of using her farm for the carrots. And Celestia was still sure that the chefs would be delighted to make some naturally sweet desserts and entrees using these sweeter carrots.

"Thanks so much, Princess! I can't wait! Maybe I should use one o' those fancy silk canvases! should I ask my folks back in Trottingham if they know anypony who makes really good paint?oh wot am I sayin' those two can't tell a flat brush from a rigger! Aw, hayseeds! I'm rabblin' again. Sorry this is just too cool! I promise that I'll start workin' on those forms n' stuff right away!"

Celestia giggled at the mare's excitement and nodded as she rambled on about what she was going to do and asking about where she could find the best supplies. While Celestia enjoyed art, she wasn't much of a painter. She always was able to enjoy the finer things in life though. Before she could reply to anything Princess Cadence appeared and Celestia made her greetings just as the painter mare was asking about a group portrait.

"Oh um... Princess ,when I get all that paperwork stuff done with would you mind if I painted you, Princess Luna, Princess Twilight, and--"

"Yep, her too!"

"Huh? Wot are ya talkin' abo..."

This mare was certainly a cute one in Celestia's eyes. She was so earnest with everything and Celestia enjoyed talking to her casually. She couldn't help but smile at the mare's reaction to Cadence's arrival. "I cannot speak for the other princesses when it comes to a group portrait. However I think it is a lovely idea, and I'm sure Princess Cadence would be happy to give you her input now as well," Celestia replied to the mare quite delicately and regally. "However it would require some coordination with Canterlot Court and I believe the Household Office in the Crystal Empire." Celestia decided to stop there not wishing to put a damper on the mare's hopes, as it would require quite a bit more than that considering how busy the life of a princess was. Nary a day goes by when Celestia doesn't have a full schedule. Somehow, even with excursions like this, Celestia manages to get everything done every day, unless something special was scheduled or cancelled (which is how she got the extra time today, a cancelled appointment means free time and a chance to get out of the castle at times for the Princess). However she did not need to know all of that, and it would still be possible with the right scheduling magic that her staff always seems to be capable of.

“Princess Celestia!”“Actually… I was dropping by Ponyville to visit Twilight Sparkle. I just happened to notice a huge line here, so I had my chariot land so I could see what the fuss was all about.”“Are you here for the apples too, Celestia?"

Celestia nodded at Cadence's purpose, and though not her own that did seem like a lovely idea. "Seeing Twilght sounds like a lovely reason to visit from the Empire. Perhaps I will stop by her loft as well before returning to Canterlot," Celestia concurred with the reasoning for her being there, however her reasoning was a bit more mischievous. Celestia didn't wish for Blueblood or anypony else to hear her reasoning but she knew she would be able to trust a fellow princess and family member. She cantered a bit closer to Cadence to whisper in her ear. "Not quite. You see it was my gentle push that lead Prince Blueblood to attend this, and I wished to keep an eye on him. The apples and helping the Apple Family's farm is a pleasant perk to being here today." Celestia finished her real reason as she stepped back and smiled. "Of course, I hear the Apple family is having a sale on their produce and they have some of the finest apples in Equestria according to Princess Twilight Sparkle. The Canterlot Castle chefs are sure to appreciate the fresh produce." Celestia slyly spoke aloud to throw the ponies around her to her true purpose, as it was not something she would want publicly broadcast, though she was fairly certain Blueblood was at least privy to it.

"Your highness!" "Princess, I apologize if i seem impertinent, but next time if you wish to leave the castle could you please tell the captain? he's guards to search all over Canterlot... and me to Ponyville to find you."

Celestia heard her name being shouted across the open field. It was one of her loyal REA officers, apparently sent to find her after she snuck out of the castle. Celestia nodded at the request. "I do have my reasons for doing what I did Lt. Silverheart. I do appreciate the concern of your captain and the rest of the REA and Royal Guards, though. I will be sure to make every effort to alert the Captain next time," By that of course Celestia meant she'd make sure to leave a note somewhere where it wouldn't be found until it was too late to stop her. Celestia knew had she told anypony in the castle about the scheduling change and about her plans to leave the castle her scheduler would have shifted things around and made her free time disappear until later in the evening. Even the sun princess needs a break and to stop being a princess every so often, this seemed like an opportune chance to relax a bit in the town where so many ponies cared greatly for her, including her former student and her friends. "You may continue to accompany me until I return to Canterlot, if it will set your mind at ease," Celestia offered Silverheart.

"Oh the pleasure is all mine,"

Celestia smiled at Carrot Top. She didn't wish to seem pompous by responding to that, however the mare did seem she was genuinely pleased to hear that Celestia was willing to taste some of her baby carrots. The mare started to rummage through her saddle bags.

"Oh, well I just bring a few with me but you can certainly have them," Carrot said rummaging in the pouch for the sweet carrots, taking care not to drop any in the process, "It's very nice of you to say that you might bring some back with you. If you're looking for more, my farm is just a short trot away from here. That is of course if you're free and wish to do so."

Celestia looked at the mare as she said she only carried a few in case somepony got hungry, and Celestia felt a bit guilty that she was merely indulging in her curiosity after hearing that they were as sweet as candy. "Thank you for your generosity, but if you carry them to help others then I cannot accept all of them," Celestia said as she levitated one from the mare's hooves and placed it into her mouth. Celestia has had many different carrots from all across Equestria, but the mare was right, these were extremely sweet, and rather tasty. "Though I will not be taking this bag, it seems that I may need to make a visit to your farm sometime soon. That carrot was rather delicious. I'm sure the Canterlot Castle chefs would appreciate new quality produce to work with, as well as using them as a snack," Celestia said smiling.

"She's also rather big on these little pranks. If you think this is bad, you try living with her."

Celestia mischievously looked at her nephew and cantered over to him. "Is that so my nephew?" Celestia whispered to Blueblood. "Perhaps there is a surprise waiting for you back at the castle." Celestia insinuated that she had arranged a prank at the castle, she naturally did no such thing, but it was fun to allude to a set up prank after he said such a thing.

"W-wait...wot?... uh..." She was dumbfounded for a few seconds but eventually she slowly pieced what was happening together. She had to admit, the princess had gotten her good. She also had to admit her pride felt a bit bruised so she put on a slightly tough facade with a smile as she wiped something away from her eyes,"W-Wow Princess! ya definitely got me good... I wasn' cryin' though!"

Though the prank was short lived Celestia felt that she may have gone slightly too far when she saw a tear coming from the young mare's eye. Though no sooner did Celestia start to move toward her to comfort her did she put on a brave face and wipe away the tear. Celestia decided to not say anything, so as not to seem patronizing, especially since it was her joke that put the mare into that state. However, she did seem to perk up when Celestia offered to alert Canterlot Court to her request.

"Thanks so much, yer highness! Do ya mind if I ask ya few questions about what kinda painting you'd like done in advance? how would ya like the overall feel o' the piece? I guess wot I mean ta ask is if ya want ta pose in a way that showcases aspects of you? I could do a painting that showcases yer power, perhaps yer authority, or maybe even your... uh allure. Anyway This is so bloody excitin' and so awesome! is there any kinda canvas ya'd like me ta use?"

Apparently Celestia's offer made the mare extremely happy and she started considering everything, likely planning in her head how she was going to paint the princess, how the princess would look, where it was going to happen. As such she started firing off several questions on how Celestia wanted to be painted. Celestia had been painted so many times before, been put into tapestries in various ways, just going to her old home, the Castle of the two Pony Sisters, in the Everfree forest would show you a number of tapestries, then there were stained class windows and paintings in Canterlot Castle, so for Celestia it was now less about what she wanted and more what the painter wished to do, within reason of course. Still Celestia smiled at the excitement of the mare who seemed to be brought from the brink of crying. "There will be plenty of time to discuss how the painting will be done once an appointment is arranged. I do favour allowing the painter to have creative license, within reason of course. So I'm sure however you choose to paint me will be fine," Celestia replied to the mare's barrage of questions.

Celestia looked over and she saw a familiar face approaching the back of the line, her niece, Princess Cadence. "Princess Cadence, it is so nice to see you again. Are you here to get some apples as well?" Celestia greeted Cadence, inquiring about her presence, though Celestia wasn't fully honest about her presence there, since part of the reason she was there to keep an eye on her wayward nephew.