Letter of Reference (Luna's Invitation)
"What would it take to convince you?"
Big Macintosh's serious expression was at odds with the tranquil surroundings of their picnic spot.
Golden Fields pondered the question, then smirked. The farm pony shifted uncomfortably. Big Macintosh's special some-pony was much smaller than him, but had more than enough fire to make up for it. When she had that scheming look in her eyes, and that grin... Brrr.
"...A letter of reference from Celestia herself?"
"That's really what you'd want?"
"Sure. If you get your hooves on a signed endorsement from the Princess saying you're husband material, not only will I take you to the couples' dance on Hearts and Hooves day, but I'll smooch you so hard that Granny Smith herself will be scandalized."
Big Macintosh considered this, absently chewing on his hay-stalk.
"You know what? I reckon I could do that."
With a quiet smile, the big farm-pony rose from his spot on the picnic blanket, and ambled off towards the path leading to Ponyville and its library.
"...Seriously?"
"Ee-yup."
Golden Fields trotted along the path behind Big Macintosh beneath the dappled forest canopy. Today's destination was farther afield than their usual picnic spot near Sweet Apple Acres, and the larger stallion's brisk amble was faster than she could comfortably walk - something he undoubtedly was aware of. Her curiosity was piqued; she'd been trying to pry information out of Big Macintosh for the better part of the trip, and asked again as they finally reached the sunlit clearing.
"So you aren't just teasing me? You actually got a letter of reference from the princess?"
"Ee-nope."
Golden Fields looked visibly relieved.
"Whew. You had me going for a minute there. ...Wait. If you don't have a letter, what was it you wanted to show me way out here?"
A musical and instantly-recognizable voice answered from behind them.
"Oh, I just thought it would be more fun to tell you in person."
Celestia's ever-present smile looked more amused than usual as the poor mare struggled to bow, make a polite response, and plot her colt-friend's doom at the same time.
Celestia sipped her tea contentedly.
"...and afterward, my sister and I had a long chat about changes in social mores. That said, I have no regrets about that evening.
Mr. Macintosh and I talked long into the night. He's a true gentle-stallion; his family and those he cares about are very important to him. He's always planned to find a special some-pony to settle down with some day; in my judgement, she'll be a very lucky mare indeed.
And it seems that mare is you."
The princess's now-empty cup settled gently back to its saucer. Having finished her tale, she rose to depart, stretching now-unfolded limbs and fluffing wings to put feathers back into place.
Both earth ponies bowed. Golden Fields was still at a loss for words. Big Macintosh just looked embarrassed.
A regal smile turned into a smirk.
"Though if you change your mind about settling down, Big Macintosh, the position of Royal Consort is still open."
With a downdraft and a flurry of feathers, she was gone.
