Canterlot's Mirror

Young fillies were running along side me and were laughing as they played. Walking through Ponyville was always so peaceful and captivating. The town was filled with life and smiles on a normal basis. Everypony was tending to their booths, gardens, cleaning, and staying busy. The sound of laughter, chatting, and birds chirping filled the small town. It's a wonderful town to live in and the ponies are amazing too. As I walked towards the dirt path on the edge of town, a large shadow was casted over me. I looked to my side to see Big Macintosh pulling an empty cart behind him. I figured he had just made some local deliveries in the market. He is a member of the Apple Family, the main providers for apples in Ponyville and some other parts of Equestria. Anypony who has ever lived in Ponyville knows that Big Macintosh is a stallion of few words.

"Good morning Big Mac," I said looking directly ahead at the path.

I knew the path to Sweet Apple Acres would take a few minutes to travel and I didn't want an awkward silence between Big Mac and I the whole way there. I looked over to him to see him just glance my way and nod. I decided I just needed to try to talk again.

"Did you just come back from a delivery?" I asked.

"Eeyup," he replied still looking ahead at the path.

I looked away at the dirt and tried to think of something to talk about. We had just reached the dirt path on the edge of town and still had quite a way to travel. I didn't know his personal life much and he would never bring it up himself. All I know about his family is that Applejack has helped me load a heavy crate onto a wagon before. She lifted the crate herself when she saw I couldn't do it myself. Needless to say I was embarassed. Without much thought I tried to continue our talk.

"How do you think Applejack is going to handle Twilight's coronation?" I blurted out. I realized the topic was rather sudden and I hoped I hadn't said something wrong.

He took a deep breath and said, "I'm worried 'bout A.J."

I looked his way, noticing the sincerity in his deep voice. "Why is that?" I answered.

Big Mac looked at me. "When Princess Celestia made Twilight into a whatever-you-call-it-icorn, Applejack sounded pretty nervous 'bout it," he explained. "She said she was afraid that Twilight would leave for good and that she would lose one of her best friends," he continued. He was quiet for a few seconds and was obviously thinking about Applejack.

"I'm sure things won't change that much," I replied very unsure of the truth in what I had said.

Looking towards Sweet Apple Acres in the distance, he quietly and simply said, "I hope not."

We were interrputed by the quick patter of small hooves pressing on the ground behind us. Three fillies ran around and between Big Mac and I. They were obviously headed in the same direction as we were.

"Hi Big Mac!" yelled Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle in unison. "Hi, uh, er, Big Mac's friend!" Appleboom quickly followed with a smile.

Sweetie Belle hopped in front of me preventing me from walking. We all stopped.

"Applebloom, this is Diamond Blaze. He helped Rarity move gems from the field to her boutique!"

Applebloom looked me over, "Oh, now ah remember"

Scootaloo jumped on her back suddenly knocking Applebloom to the dirt, "Do you think we could borrow that wagon Big Mac?"

He looked at the young ponies, "What for?" he asked aware of their mischievous ways.

"It's not for anything dangerous, we promise!" squeaked Sweetie Belle.

Big Mac removed the wagon from his back and set down in front of the three. Together they fit the large harness around themselves.

"Thanks Big Brother!" Applebloom exclaimed.

Once again in unison as the three were running away towards Ponyville, they shouted, "Cutie Mark Crusader Taxi Service! Yay!"

Big Mac and I looked back to see the cloud of dirt rise behind the Crusaders as they ran. I heard him sigh and then turn around to keep walking towards Sweet Apple Acres. I trotted to catch up to him. We were silent the rest of the trip to his home. Enough was said between the country pony and myself. I saw the fence enclosure of Sweet Apple Acres in the distance. It was simple, but a joy-creating evironment.

The house was a silhouette in the morning light. The color changing sky in the horizon complimented the outlines of Sweet Apple Acres. Apple trees with empty buckets surrounded the path and indicated the work to be done. Near the entrance to the estate lie a crate I knew was meant for me.

"Well, hello fellas!" shouted a older strained voice. Granny Smith roped herself down from the top of the barn. To this day, I have no idea what she was doing up there. When she reached the ground, she ran up to me, and got within inches of my face. After an awkward five seconds. She smiled and said, "Well howdy Blaze! Ah havn't seen ya 'round here fer a long time!"

I smiled. "It's nice to see you again Granny Smith", I replied. Delighted by her greeting, I took a bow for her. Just then, Winona ran up to and circled the three of us.

The old pony laughed. "Calm yer coat Winona! Ain't Applejack, but a friendly face either way!"  hollered Granny Smith.

"So are ya ready to take this here package to Canterlot?"

"Sure am!" I was excited.

She smiled and walked towards the crate. "Maybe you'll see ma' Applejack when ya get ta Canterlot," she said jokingly.

I sensed some seriousness in her statement and recognized the concern that Big Mac and Granny Smith shared. "Maybe I could give her a message for you guys," I blurted.

I realized the weight of the service I just offered. The Apple family has always been very family based and I just offered to be a messenger for their love and care. I also forgot that I probably wouldn't see Applejack at all anyways.

Before I could even react to what I had just said, Granny Smith jumped on the offer. Big Mac's smile showed his relief as he was now more at ease about his sister. "Would ya do that fer us!" exploded Granny Smith. Big Mac shook his head furiously behind her.

I had to play it on, "Of course I will! I'm sure she'd do the same for me!"

"She sure would," agreed Granny Smith in a slow joyful manner.

Big Mac dropped the crate on my back causing me to shake and stumble. I recovered and forced a grin to show that I could handle the cargo. I will admit that the box was really darn heavy and I doubted that I could deliver it, but in the presence of Big Mac, I had to tough it out. I just needed to travel all the way back to the other side of Ponyville. That's where the train station was located. If Big Macintosh can make it look easy, then so can I.

Granny Smith dropped a pouch of bits into my saddlebag. "Just tell Applejack that we miss and love her," said the sincere old pony.

I turned to the dirt path headed back towards ponyville and began walking. I never looked back. I felt that the Apples were expecting me too, but I couldn't. I was too deep in thought about what I had proposed to them about Applejack. The chances of me seeing her in massive city of Canterlot were very small. I still had to visit my parents anyways. I had a lot on my plate, but the only problem was the Applejack dilema. I tried to forget it for the time being while I began the long journey to the train station.

I tried to think of the pro's and con's of the situation. This occurence would allow me to build a stronger relationship with the Apple family. I have never had many close friends in Ponyville and this could be the means to change that. However, if I fail, they may lose some respect and trust in me that could never be repaired, especially because I offered to them in a delicate time.

I continued to drag myself through the dirt path. The sun barely rising in the distance helped to remind me that today would be very long.