Starry Skies over the Apple Orchard

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Granny Smith slowly walked into the kitchen as she carried dried apples for the day’s breakfast. Looking at the table, she saw Apple Bloom placing bowls and cups onto the table. She looked over towards the counter and saw Big Macintosh stirring the oatmeal. Hearing hoofsteps near the door, she looked over and was just in time to see Applejack walking into the kitchen with a bottle of milk. Granny Smith placed the dried apples onto the counter for Big Macintosh to add to the oatmeal and then walked over to the table.

Applejack placed the milk onto the table and then she, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith sat down at the table. Big Macintosh stirred the oatmeal for two more minutes and then turned the stove off. He carried the oatmeal over to the table and sat down. The apples ate breakfast and when she noticed the others had finished, Granny Smith looked over to Apple Bloom and smiled.

“So, are you and your friends working on your cutie marks today?” she asked her granddaughter.

“Yes, we are,” answered Apple Bloom as she wiped her mouth. “We’re gonna meet at the clubhouse and decide what to try later.”

Granny Smith nodded and smiled. “Why don’t you get a head start and go on on over to your clubhouse?”

Apple Bloom, seeing that she was just excused from cleaning up breakfast, said “Sure thing!” as she ran through the kitchen door and out into the farm.

Granny Smith chuckled as she watched the youngest take off into the sunrise. She then looked at Big Macintosh and Applejack and stopped smiling. “Ok, now that the young’in is out of earshot…” she said she she narrowed her eyes. Applejack and Big Macintosh looked at each other in confusion. Granny Smith pounded the table, causing the bowls to clatter and four eyes to look back in her direction. “I’ve waited long enough,” she began raising her voice, “I want grandfoals!”

“Uh…” said Big Macintosh as he slowly leaned away from the table.

“Grandfoals? We are yer grandfoals!” replied Applejack as she raised her eyebrow.

“Fine then…” Granny Smith rolled her eyes and then looked back at Applejack. “I want great-grandfoals. Y’all have been workin’ hard on the farm for years, puttin’ in long hours. I appreciate that...the whole family has to work together to keep the farm going.” Granny Smith sighed and looked down at the table. “But you haven’t allowed yerselves any time for anything else. I don’t want ya to miss your chance.”

Applejack sighed as she looked at her grandmother. “Now’s not really the best time for this. We have a lot that needs done the next couple of weeks.”

“Now’s as good a time as any!” Granny Smith said as she raised her voice. “Take today off and think on it. Bring somepony home to supper and I’ll not mention this again.” She got a wicked glint in her eye as she looked at the two across the table. “Or should I recruit Apple Bloom and her friends to help arrange something?”

Big Macintosh’s pupils shrunk to pinpricks as he scrambled backwards and fell off of his seat at the table. He quickly got to his hooves and ran through the kitchen door to get out of the house, yelling “Nope!”

Applejack looked at the door that will now need some repair, and then turned her head back to the table to face her chuckling grandmother. “Now that there was a tad cruel.”

*-*-*-*

A dark form was gliding through the air and began to descend as it neared the very outskirts of Ponyville. Lightly landing a few feet beside some bushes at the bend in the road, Princess Luna looked around and saw that she was alone. She lowered her head and placed the box of donuts she had been carrying onto the ground. Luna looked around once more to make sure she was alone and hidden from view by the bushes. Luna then closed her eyes and concentrated. A light began to surround her horn as she started to cast a spell, and slowly the light engulfed her whole body. Her body began to shrink a few inches, and at the same time her mane shortened and stopped flowing. The top half of Luna’s horn faded from view and the ‘end’ of her horn became rounded by illusion. Her wings disappeared altogether. Her cutie mark had also changed...her flanks were now graced by a field of stars instead of a moon. Luna opened her eyes and breathed a contented sigh. “We shall have to thank Tia for the suggestion of taking a small vacation. Some time off to clear the mind...’tis just the thing we needed.”

Luna lowered her head and picked up the donuts she had placed on the ground earlier. Smiling around the handle of the donut box, she began humming to herself. Paying more attention to the song she hummed than her surroundings, she did not notice the hoofbeats coming closer. The moment she stepped out of the bushes and onto the road was the moment a red blur rushed around the bend in the road. She had enough time to yell “Aaagh!” in the few seconds before they collided.

Big Macintosh heard the yell and noticed the dark blue unicorn and jumped to lessen the impact of the collision. He succeeded in that most of his body was in the air above her, but his legs still hit with enough force to knock her to the ground flank over teakettle. Big Macintosh fared no better, as he had rotated in the air from his legs hitting the mare on the road. He fell with a thud and skidded off to the side of the road. Groaning, he shook his head and looked over to where the mare was laying on the ground. He heard her breath in sharply and say “Owww.”

Big Macintosh slowly got up onto his feet and walked over to the mare who was rubbing one of her forelegs. “Ah’m mighty sorry about that ma’am...I was panicked about somethin’ and didn’t pay attention to where I was going.” The mare slowly sat up and winced as she put pressure on her left foreleg.

Big Macintosh noticed her discomfort and laid down on the ground. “We should probably have somepony look at that. Ah’ll take ya to see a doctor.”

Luna moved her foreleg and shook her head. “No, ‘tis only a sprain..we don’t need to see a doctor...no need to worry yourself.”

“Ah reckon it’s better safe than sorry. ‘Twould be no trouble at all,” replied Big Macintosh as he shook his head. “Just climb aboard and we’ll be there in no time at all.”

Luna looked at Big Macintosh laying on the ground and and grinned. “Well...ok, if you insist.” Slowly she climbed onto his back, carefully sitting down upon the large stallion.

“Y’all settled back there, ma’am?” asked Big Macintosh as he felt the movement on his back gradually decreasing as the unicorn on his back got comfortable.

“Yes, good sir,” Luna looked away and grinned, enjoying the game of being disguised. “I am ready.”

Big Macintosh placed his hooves carefully onto the road. He turned his head towards the side so that he could see the unicorn on his back. “Hold tight, now.” He slowly stood up in the road, carefully rising so as to not shake the unicorn off of his back. Once he was standing up again, he paused for a few seconds and then started walking towards Ponyville. “Oh, and no need for ‘sir’ - the name’s Big Macintosh, or Big Mac is fine.”

Luna smiled and leaned forward. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Big Macintosh. My name is…” Luna blinked twice, “my name is…” she repeated in a lower voice as she tapped her chin with her hoof. “Starry Skies! My name is Starry Skies, but you may call us Starry if you wish.”

Chapter 2

Starry Skies over the Apple Orchard

Chapter 2

Big Macintosh walked through Ponyville towards the Hospital, carrying a disguised Luna on his back. It was still early morning, so there weren’t many ponies out and about yet. After ten minutes of walking, Big Macintosh turned his head to the side to be able to look at the unicorn he had run into. “You doin’ ok back there?”

Luna smiled and replied, “We’re doing fine back here.” It had been a while...a long while...since she had last ridden like this. Aside from the occasional odd or curious glance she received from a pony on the street, she realized that this was rather quite pleasant. She could feel Big Macintosh’s strong muscles in motion underneath of her, and combined with the rocking and swaying of his stepping, it was very soothing. This was a very different experience than riding in a cold, unfeeling chariot. Luna turned her head to the side and lazily watched as they passed various houses. This….this is quite wonderful. I could ride this stallion all day, she thought to herself. A few moments passed, and then suddenly Luna’s eyes opened wide as a furious blush spread across her face. Dear me, I’m glad we didn’t say that out loud! Luna rubbed her face with hoof and took a deep breath, exhaling slowly.

Further thought on this matter was cut short as Big Macintosh stopped in front of the Hospital. He carefully opened the door and stepped inside, allowing the door to shut behind him. The front desk was currently staffed by a unicorn mare wearing a white hat. She looked up when she heard the door closing and blinked when she saw Big Macintosh carrying the unicorn on his back. “Good gracious, what happened?” she said as she quickly levitated a clipboard and quill.

Luna looked at the worried unicorn and smiled as she waived her hoof. “I’m ok, it’s just a sprain. We bumped into each other a bit roughly, that’s all.”

The unicorn behind the desk visibly relaxed. “Oh, well that’s a relief. The way he was carrying you, it looked much worse. Go on back to room 4 and Nurse Redheart will see you shortly.”

Big Macintosh nodded and replied, “Eeyup.”

Big Macintosh continued down the hall and opened the door to room 4. He walked in and headed over to the examination table. “Careful, now. Ah’m gonna lean over so you can slide onto the table.”

Luna rolled her eyes and looked at Big Macintosh’s turned head. “That’s really not necessary, I can climb up onto that myself if you put me down onto the floor.” Big Macintosh kept standing still after Luna said this. “But, you’re probably not going to let me, are you?”

“Eenope,” Big Macintosh replied as he shook his head. “It’s my fault that you’re hurt...Ah’ll help you to see the doctor, and then afterwards y’all can take over.” He then slowly began to lower himself to the level of the examination table and gently tilted towards it so that the unicorn on his back could easily slide onto the table.

Luna slid onto the examination table without any trouble. She watched as Big Macintosh sat on one of the nearby chairs. She opened her mouth to say something, but the door opened as she was about to speak. Nurse Redheart entered the room and closed the door behind her. Walking towards the examination table, she looked at Luna and then over to Big Macintosh. “So, you two bumped into each other?”

Big Macintosh nodded and said, “Eeyup, but it was more along the lines of me running her over.”

“It wasn’t all your fault,” Luna said as she looked over at Big Macintosh. “I also was not looking where I was going.” Big Macintosh opened his mouth to reply, but Luna continued. “I forgive you...it was an accident.”

“But…” Big Macintosh started to argue, but closed his mouth upon hearing somepony clearing their throat. He looked over to see Nurse Redheart becoming impatient.

“How about we take a look at that leg, shall we?” Nurse Redheart walked over to the examination table and looked at the unicorn sitting upon it. “I’m going to examine your leg - let me know if anything hurts.” Gently taking hold of Luna’s foreleg, she began to look it over for visible signs of injury. Next, she began to slowly move the leg to test movement and stopped when she heard a small intake of breath. Nurse Redheart then released the leg from her grasp and looked at the unicorn on the table. “Well, Starry Skies, the good news is that your leg isn’t broken. You do have a minor sprain, though, which may hurt for a while. You may walk on it,” she briefly looked over at Big Macintosh with a look that clearly said you got that? and then looked back at her patient after receiving a nod from the stallion. “Just take it easy when you can. If possible, don’t run for the next two days.” Nurse Redheart then smiled and left the room to go see her next patient.

Luna slid off of the examination table and onto the floor and watched as Big Macintosh stood up from the chair. Luna could tell that he was relieved after hearing that it was indeed just a minor sprain.

“Ah’m mighty sorry about your leg,” Big Macintosh started to say.

“We’ve already forgiven you,” Luna smiled at the stallion. “Let’s just put this behind us.”

Big Macintosh nodded and smiled. “And also for your breakfast.”

“Breakfast?” Luna blinked twice, and then her stomach growled loudly. “Oh, yes...my donuts seemed to have gone missing.”

“If it’s ok with you,” Big Macintosh mentioned as they walked out of the hospital, “Ah can take ya to a place that makes a great breakfast.”

“That would be lovely,” replied Luna as she walked out into the street. Her stomach growled to voice its approval.

Chapter 3

Starry Skies over the Apple Orchard

Chapter 3

Luna walked beside Big Macintosh as they headed towards a restaurant that was halfway across town from the hospital. She looked around as they walked and saw that more ponies were walking on the streets now that it was later in the morning. After they had been walking a few minutes, Luna sniffed the air and was rewarded with the heavenly scent of breakfast cooking in the distance. She breathed out and smiled as she thought of the upcoming meal, and then her stomach began to growl. With a faint blush she started to open her mouth to say something until a matching growl in a lower octave sounded off right beside her. Looking to her left she saw Big Macintosh grinning at her. “So, are you thinking what I’m thinking?” she asked.

“Eeyup!” replied Big Macintosh with an enthusiastic nod of his head.

“Breakfast Supreme Combo #3 from Breakfast Epiphany!” Luna and Mac excitedly said together.

Suddenly, a pink blur zoomed in from the space between two buildings to stop in the street in front of Luna and Big Macintosh. The blur became a familiar pink mare with three balloons on her cutie mark. She began dancing in the street and sang, “And I said, what about...Breakfast Epiphany! She said I think I’d, like the number 3 combo...” and then as fast as she appeared, she stood up on her hind legs, spun around on one hoof, then jumped up into the air. There was a loud sound that was a cross between a kazoo and a cannon as she threw confetti and streamers into the air, and then she zoomed off again into the crowd of ponies walking along the other side of the street to perform another random song and dance.

Luna looked back at Big Macintosh and saw that he was covered in confetti and also had pink curled streamers clinging to his mane. Even after the sudden dance number, she was not prepared for the sight of Big Macintosh. Before she could contain it or even cover her mouth with a hoof, an abrupt snort gave way to a giggle. Big Macintosh looked back towards Luna, and the pink curly ribbon followed the movement of his mane, which caused Luna to go into a full-bellied laugh.

Big Macintosh chuckled and said, “Pinkie Pie sure knows how to keep things lively ‘round here.” Upon noticing that Luna’s mane was covered in confetti, his chuckles increased in volume. “Say, you’ve got a little somethin’ right here,” he said as he reached up to his own mane to show her where to reach. Upon moving his hoof, he felt the mass of streamers on his head and pulled them off to look at them. Pausing for a moment to inspect the pink streamers, he then waved his hoof around and watched as they swayed in the air. He tossed the streamers behind him and then grinned at Luna. “Nice touch, but they don’t really match my yoke.” They both chuckled and then continued walking towards the enticing aroma coming from a building that is no longer very far down the street.

As they drew nearer to their destination, Luna looked around and saw that Breakfast Epiphany was still busy, even though it was getting closer to lunch than breakfast. She looked back and forth until she spotted an empty table at the edge of the crowd. Luna turned her head to speak with Big Macintosh and saw that he had also turned his head towards her. “Why don’t we split up...if you don’t mind going to the counter to place our order, I’ll head over and claim a table.”

Big Macintosh nodded. “Eeyup...good idea.”

Luna walked over to the empty table and turned to watch Big Macintosh as he walked towards the restaurant’s counter. She saw his ears turning to the side as if he was listening to something, but other than a twitch of his ears he showed no indication that he was listening to anything. Curious, Luna focused in that direction and heard a young filly speaking. She looked in the direction of the sound and saw a mare and a filly walking down the road.

“But why?” said the filly as she looked up at the mare. “He doesn’t really like that hospital food.”

“Shh, it’ll be alright. Maybe we can make something tonight for tomorrow’s visit.” The mare gave the filly an encouraging smile, but Luna noticed that the smile had some stress lines around the edges.

Hearing the sound of hoofsteps approaching from the side, Luna turned and saw Big Macintosh walking over to the table that they would be sharing. “That was fast,” she said as she first looked at Big Macintosh and then at the counter where the line had vanished.

“Eeyup. They take the orders at the counter, and then when the food is ready they’ll bring it out to the tables.” He smiled at Luna as he sat down beside her at the table. “It keeps the line moving and ya don’t have to stand at the counter waiting for your food.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a mare wearing the restaurant’s uniform pick up a pie at the counter and putting it onto her back for carrying. She then trotted over towards the two ponies that Luna had watched walk down the road and briefly spoke with them. The filly jumped up and down excitedly and the waitress transferred the pie from her back to the other mare’s back. The waitress bowed her head for a moment and then trotted back to the counter to pick up the next order.

“So, Starry, what brings ya to Ponyville?” Big Macintosh asked as they began waiting for their breakfast.

“Well,” replied Luna as she looked over to Big Macintosh, “We’ve been rather busy lately...at, uh, work... and it was beginning to wear us down. Our...uh, my... sister mentioned that it would be a good idea to take a bit of a vacation. A few days off sounded delightful, so I accepted her offer. For a while I have wanted to visit Ponyville again, and thought that it would be a great place to relax. I’ve been here a few times, but it has always been for brief visits.”

Hearing the sound of hoofsteps approaching from behind, Luna looked around and saw the waitress bringing their breakfast. Luna watched as the waitress first placed a bowl of oatmeal in front of Big Macintosh, who smiled and cheerfully thanked the waitress before he lowered his head to his bowl and started to eat. The waitress then placed three plates in front of Luna containing an order of Breakfast Supreme Combo #3. Luna looked at Big Macintosh’s bowl of oatmeal and it was not lost to her that the cost of a Breakfast Supreme Combo #3 minus the cost of a bowl of oatmeal equals the cost of one of Breakfast Epiphany’s specialty pies. “Say, that oatmeal looks pretty good...may I try some?” she asked Big Macintosh.

Big Macintosh sat up, smiled, and nodded. “Eeyup.”

Luna moved closer to Big Macintosh and lowered her head to take a bite of oatmeal. “This is rather good,” she said through a mouthful of oatmeal. Hiding a smile, she proceeded to rapidly finish off the rest of the oatmeal. Raising her head again, Luna stifled a burp. “Oh, dear...I think I got caught up in the moment.” She turned her head to look at Big Macintosh and smiled. “Well, no bother...we can split my order.” Seeing the stallion about to protest, she gently placed her hoof over his mouth. “Oh come now, ‘tis only fair. I’ve eaten over half of your breakfast already, you can have some of mine.” Luna pushed the now empty bowl off to the side and moved her three plates over so that they could be easily reached by both of them. She lowered her head to one plate and began eating, taking a bite and raising her head again to chew. She smiled as she saw Big Macintosh doing the same.

Luna and Big Macintosh quietly ate, savoring the flavors of the restaurant’s famous signature meal. Nearing the end of their meal, Luna closed her eyes and thought about her morning as she swallowed a bite of food. She lowered her head to take another bite and felt something brushing against her lips. Opening her eyes she saw she was right up against Big Macintosh’s face. Big Macintosh was frozen in place at the plate they shared with a panicked look in his eyes. Luna blinked and slowly it dawned upon her that she had just brushed her lips up against Big Macintosh’s...and were still in contact. After a few moments of attempting to think, she felt her cheeks warm up and then she pulled away from Big Macintosh’s lips to sit upright again.

Luna scratched the back of her head and looked at Big Macintosh. “Um, “ she started to say and then coughed to clear her throat. “It appears that keeping one’s eyes open while eating is probably a good idea.”

Grinning sheepishly, Big Macintosh nodded. “Eeyup.”

“Oh, you two are so cute together!”

Luna slowly turned around to see the waitress standing behind them.

Chapter 4

Starry Skies over the Apple Orchard

Chapter 4

As they were walking away from the cafe, Luna looked over at Big Macintosh. "So....what else is interesting around Ponyville today? Your recommendation for brunch was a good idea." Luna raised a hoof to her mouth and quietly burped, as if her stomach was agreeing. "I'm curious to see what else you recommend. Would you show me around?"

Big Macintosh looked over at the mare who was walking beside him and smiling. "Eeyup,” he said as he smiled and nodded. “I can think of a few places that would be nice to visit. I am mostly free for the day...there is something I need to do, but I can take care of that later."

"Wonderful, let us see..." Luna started to say when she noticed three very energetic fillies rush by. They were running about, first one way and then another. Luna watched as they zipped back and forth on the road, speaking fast and animatedly. Luna watched closely as they made a final pass in front of them and ran down another street. She noticed a medium-sized paper bag under the young pegasus's wing. "Well, there's one less mystery now," she said with a quiet laugh. "It appears that somepony has found the doughnuts from earlier. Though it looks like the Supreme Ultra doughnut recipe might be a little too much for them...there's a lot of sugar in those and a hint of caffeine from the coffee that is added."

Nodding in agreement, Big Macintosh said "Eeyup."

"So, anyway....where do you recommend we go next?"

*-*-*-*

Luna walked beside Big Macintosh as he led the way to their next destination. The sun was shining down pleasantly in the early afternoon, and the temperature was very comfortable - pleasantly warm with a nice breeze. The sky had a few clouds, but mostly it was clear. They turned to the left and after a few minutes of walking the buildings lessened and the Ponyville Park came into view. Luna looked at Big Macintosh and said, "The park? 'Tis quite the perfect day for a trip to a park."

Big Macintosh smiled and continued walking. "On a nice day, this park is always a popular place to visit. Some go to relax in the shade of a tree, and others go to meet friends to do more physical activities."

"Hey, Big Macintosh! Up for another round of Line Prancing?"

Both Luna and Big Macintosh looked over to the small group that had gathered in an open area of the park. "Line Prancing...," said Luna, "I don't think I've ever heard of this."

Big Macintosh waved at the group and started walking with Luna towards the gathered ponies. "Line Prancing is a combination of Starswirl Says, memory, and dance. The first pony in the line says a way to move, and the group does so. The next pony says a way to move, and the group does the first move and then the second. If a pony misses a step, they are out for the round and stand outside of the group. The game ends when only one pony is left standing."

Luna grinned and began walking with enthusiasm towards the group. "This sounds quite enjoyable. Is this new?

Big Macintosh nodded. "It is new. It started a couple years ago when our family was having a picnic with some friends. Pinkie Pie, one of our friends, became very excited when she saw a group playing Starswirl Says and rushed over to them to join in. One thing led to another, and soon they were all playing what became known as Line Prancing. It quickly caught on and now it is not uncommon to see a group playing it in the park on nice days."

Luna and Big Macintosh stopped in front of the group. There were earth ponies, unicorns, and also a few pegasi. Luna watched as one pegasus landed onto the ground, and then turned to face Big Macintosh. "So, what happens when a step involves wings?"

Big Macintosh turned to face Luna. "I forgot to mention that. When a step involves a wing movement, we've been using ear movements for the earth ponies and unicorns. This way it allows everypony to do the move whether they have wings or not. It doesn't have to be an exact match for ears to wings, just close enough." Big Macintosh moved his ears down and then up again. "This is for flapping wings...you'll see when we get started. We'll start slow so you can see how it works."

Luna and Big Macintosh joined the line of ponies and waited for the the game to start. They didn't have long to wait...once everypony got in line the first step was called. The first pony in line yelled, "Left hoof stomp!" The line of ponies lifted their front left hooves and then stomped the ground.

"Hop!" yelled the next pony in line. The line of ponies then stomped their left front hooves and then hopped in the air.

"Step to the right!" called the next pony. Grinning, Luna stomped her left front hoof, hopped, and then stepped to the right after she landed.

"Spin left to face back," called out the next pony. The group stomped their front left hooves, hopped, stepped to the right and then turned to their left to spin around and face the opposite direction.

As the game continued, some ponies forgot a step and stood apart from the group to wait for the next round and watch the group. Luna's smile grew and her movements became very enthusiastic. The line of ponies stomped their left hooves, hopped, stepped to the right, spun around to face the opposite direction, shuffled to the right, jumped backwards, flapped their wings (or ears), and then stomped their right front hooves twice. Luna accidentally stomped her left hoof, and then went over to stand with the others who were waiting until the end of the round. She watched as the rest of the group continued. The group was down to half of its original size now, and Luna watched as they Line Pranced. One by one the ponies in the line joined those watching as they were eliminated from the round. Big Macintosh joined Luna after he had hopped instead of flapping his ears.

"Enjoyin' yourself so far?" asked Big Macintosh as he walked up beside Luna.

"Yes, very much so," Luna replied with a grin. "It has been a long time since I have last done anything like this." A very long time indeed, thought Luna.

The group started cheering, and Luna looked over to see the winner of the round taking a bow. From her side she heard Big Macintosh ask "Another round?"

"Another round!" exclaimed Luna as she almost ran to get back in line with the others.

*-*-*-*

Several rounds of Line Prancing later, Big Macintosh and Luna were side-by-side in the line that had only five ponies left. Having had some experience with a few rounds, the group went to normal speed and Luna loved it. Stomping, side-stepping, hopping, and many other motions combined into spontaneous dances that were different each round that they played. Big Macintosh stepped to the left and Luna stepped to the right, and they bumped into each other instead of hopping forward like the current motion was called. Laughing, they walked over to the group of ponies that had to step out of the line. They caught their breath as they stood and watched the final few ponies in line.

After a few more minutes, the final pony in line took a bow and the crowd cheered for the victor. Luna looked at Big Macintosh to say something, and as she opened her mouth a loud growl came from her stomach. She blinked twice, and then grinned. "It appears that the evening hours are approaching. Would you be interested in recommending a place for dinner?"

Big Macintosh blinked and began to look confused, and then his eyes grew wide. "Dinner?" Trotting in place, he began rapidly breathing. "Dinner? Uh, I was, uh..." he said as he quickly looked back and forth around at the crowd. "I was...supposed...to...," he stopped trotting in place. "OH NO!"

Seeing Big Macintosh in a panic, Luna looked at him with concern. "Are you ok?" she asked. "Is there something wrong?" Stepping closer, Luna looked at the stallion as he began looking around again.

Looking back at Luna, Big Macintosh took a deep breath. "I was supposed to find a mare to bring to dinner! If I don't...I don't even want to talk about what might happen. I'm mighty sorry, but I need to look for somepony to ask," he said as he started to quickly walk away.

"Big Macintosh," Luna called as she raised her hoof to rub her forehead, "a moment, if you will." Seeing him stop and turn around, Luna walked over to where Big Macintosh stood. "Why do you need to find a mare to invite to dinner?"

"Granny Smith told me to find one and bring her to dinner, or else...."

Caught by surprise, Luna tried to hold back a laugh, but it came out as a snort at first, slowly becoming a giggle and then a hearty laugh. Once she calmed down, she grinned at Big Macintosh and said, "It appears that some things have stayed the same over time." Her grin deepened, and she dramatically looked around. Looking back at Big Macintosh, she raised a hoof to the side of her mouth and loudly whispered to him. "I happen to be hungry for dinner, and I also seem to be a mare as well." Trying to stay dramatically serious didn't quite work and a snort escaped from Luna before she continued. "Perhaps I shall rescue you this time."

Author's Note

Let me know if anyone tries Lune Prancing - it sounded pretty fun when I wrote it :pinkiesmile:

Chapter 5

Starry Skies over the Apple Orchard

Chapter 5

Luna and Big Macintosh walked down the road that went from Ponyville to Sweet Apple Acres. She watched their shadows grow longer as she continued a story she was telling as they walked. "And then the guards surrounded the bandits, closing in from both sides. They were able to quickly subdue the outlaws with minimal injuries to both groups. The maneuvers were so successful that the town guards added them to their regular training sessions."

Big Macintosh looked at Luna as she finished the story. "That's pretty interesting. Do we know who came up with the tactic?"

"Unfortunately, no," Luna answered as she shook her head. "That was long before my sis..." catching herself, she quickly covered her mouth with a hoof and coughed. "That is, it was long before history was written down, and also before the Princesses. At that time, history was passed down by mouth from one generation to the next." Luna sighed, and then continued. "Ponies knew how to write then, but it was mostly used for recording early business transactions."

They neared the farmhouse, and the sounds of a meal in the final stages of preparation came from within the kitchen. Big Macintosh paused at the front door. He lifted a hoof and scratched his face. "Uh, looks like I'll be fixing the door tomorrow..." he said quietly. He reached for the door and pulled it open, and then they walked inside. "I would like to hear more of this story some time later, if possible. You know a lot about this."

Walking into the kitchen, they saw Apple Bloom sitting at the table, and both Applejack and Granny Smith were starting to sit down at the table with her. Applejack saw Big Macintosh step into the kitchen and raised an eyebrow. "Hear more about what?"

Luna stepped into the kitchen after Big Macintosh. She smiled when she saw the gathered family. "Flanking maneuvers!" she proudly replied.

The kitchen grew quiet for the few seconds it took Applejack's spoon to hit the floor. Several voices rose at once.

"I beg your pardon?" said Applejack.

"Huh?" asked Apple Bloom.

"Heeheehee" giggled Granny Smith.

"Uh....." Big Macintosh said as he looked from one family member to the next.

Luna, puzzled, blinked and asked, "What?"

Big Macintosh coughed into his hoof, cleared his throat, and then looked at his family. "This is Starry Skies. We, uh, bumped into each other this morning." He grinned sheepishly for a moment, and then raised a hoof to point to each family member at the table. "This is Apple Bloom."

"Hi," said Apple Bloom. Tilting her head, she said, "You look familiar."

"Hello, young one. You and your friends ran by us in town earlier today."

Applejack took one step forward. "I'm Applejack, and this here is Granny Smith."

Luna smiled at the Apple family, and bowed her head. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

"Have a seat, young'in," Granny Smith said as she looked at their guest and pointed a hoof to a vacant place at the table: a seat that was conveniently beside the seat normally occupied by Big Macintosh. Then, she quickly looked over at Big Macintosh with a mischievous grin. "Big Macintosh..."

Taking a few steps back, Big Macintosh blinked nervously. "Eeyup?"

"Be a good host and dish up a plate for our guest." Granny Smith then looked over at Luna. "Tonight we're havin' dried apple casserole, with a granola topping.

"That sounds," Luna started to say before her stomach interrupted her with a loud growl. "That sounds lovely," she said with a grin.

Luna heard steps to her side and she looked over to see Big Macintosh placing a plate onto the table in front her her. "Thank you," she said as she watched Big Macintosh quickly retreat to the counter to get his own serving.

Big Macintosh brought his plate over to the table, and then sat down beside Luna. Luna leaned over towards Big Macintosh, and with a loud stage whisper said, "Eyes open this time..." Seeing Big Macintosh freeze up, she started giggling and tapped her hoof on the table.

"Eeyup...hey! That wasn't entirely my fault..." said Big Macintosh.

From across the table, Applejack raised her eyebrow. "Now, what did y'all do?"

"Well, we were eatin' brunch," said Big Macintosh, before getting quiet and trailing off, "and we..."

"Oh? What was that dearie?" asked Granny Smith as she leaned forward.

"We were eatin' brunch," started Big Macintosh, and then he trailed off again, "and we..."

"And you what?" asked Applejack.

"We were eating and out lips accidentally brushed against each other," added Luna.

"Consarn it!" exclaimed Applejack. "Y'all have better table manners than that!"

"It was merely an accident," said Luna in Big Macintosh’s defense as she looked at Applejack.

"Doesn't matter!" replied Applejack as she pounded the table.

Granny Smith looked over at Applejack. "Calm down Applejack. There's no need to fight. Now, apologize!"

"Fine," said Applejack. "Sorry."

"Applejack," Granny Smith said with a disappointed frown, "that apology was lacking in enthusiasm."

Luna nodded her head, crossed her hooves over her barrel, and in a somber voice said, "Aye, half-hearted."

Apple Bloom, having just taken a drink of apple juice, promptly coughed and spurted a mouthful of juice from her nose. "Owie! Ahahahahaha! Ow! Hahahahaha!"

The room grew quiet, with the exception of Apple Bloom. Applejack looked at Luna, Granny Smith looked up and scratched the back of her head, and Big Macintosh froze. Apple Bloom was hunched over and holding her sides as she continued laughing.

"What?" asked Luna.

"Didn't we just finish telling Big Macintosh about table manners?" asked Applejack.

Luna raised her eyebrow. "Yes, that is correct..."

"You just said that you farted," said Apple Bloom as she gained control of her giggles.

"I most certainly did not!" Luna replied. "I said 'Aye, half-hearted'!"

Apple Bloom began giggling again at this outburst.

"I said: AYE, HALF....hearted..." Luna closed her eyes and rested her head on her hoof for a moment. She took a deep breath and let out a deep sigh. Raising her head, she opened her eyes and gave a sheepish smile. "I see what you mean...that does sound similar." She looked around and saw a pen next to a tablet of paper on the counter. Summoning her magic, she levitated them both to her over at the table. She then wrote in medium-sized letters the phrase 'Aye, half-hearted' and then passed the tablet around the table.

The tablet was passed from one pony to the next at the table, and as each pony received it there was an abrupt snort of laughter. Big Macintosh was the final pony to receive the tablet. He looked at it and then let out a powerful laugh for a few seconds. He covered his mouth with a hoof to try to stopping his laugh and looked over at Luna. A smile started on her face, and then she joined in on the laughter.

*-*-*-*

As Luna ate, she looked around at the gathered family and enjoyed the warm atmosphere. Dinner in the castle was nice, and she could find no fault in it or the effort the staff put forth, but she had missed this kind of dinner setting. Luna finished her casserole, and rubbed her stomach as she gave a contented sigh. She looked at the seated Apples. "That was a wonderful dinner. Many thanks to the cook."

Granny Smith smiled at Luna and leaned forward. "You're welcome, dearie. Say, tell us about yourself. Where are you from?"

Luna looked at the ceiling for a moment and rubbed the back of her head. She took a breath and then looked back at Granny Smith. "Well... at the moment I am living in Canterlot. I needed a vacation, so I came out here to take a break."

Luna became aware of motion off to her side. She turned her head and saw Big Macintosh stand up, and then he took his plate over to the sink. Luna stood up and started to take her plate over to the sink, but when she put her weight onto her front hoof a sharp, burning, pain ran up her leg. Grimacing in discomfort, she quickly raised her hoof again and slowly stretched it out.

"Are you ok?" asked Apple Bloom from the table.

'I'm fine," said Luna, "it's just a minor sprain. 'Tis nothing to worry about. I felt very little discomfort while I was still on my hooves; 'twas only when I stood up again after sitting a while did the pain return."

"Oh, my," said Granny Smith as she looked at the sunset through the window. "You weren't planning on going back to Canterlot tonight were you? That's too far to go with a sprain, especially at night."

Luna turned around and sat back down at the table, facing Granny Smith. "No, I just arrived this morning and was planning on a few days of vacation. In fact, I wasn't here very long before your grandson and I...met."

"So, tell me," Granny Smith leaned forward rested her head upon her upraised hooves. "Have you found a place to stay yet?"

Luna shook her head. "No, I was just going to get a room in the inn."

Granny Smith hid a smile behind her hooves. "Hmmm...it'd be a shame to go all the way back into town to find out there were no available rooms." She reached over and put her hoof on top of Luna's. "Why don't you stay here? We have a spare room that nopony is using at the moment."

Luna smiled at Granny Smith. This is a good family, Luna thought to herself. We have the bearer of the Element of Honesty, a wise matriarch, an enthusiastic filly, and a hard-working Stallion who is honorable, kind, strong, good looking, and has a mane that smells good. Luna blinked. Wait, what? Hold on there...calm down, Luna. Luna quickly recovered, once again glad that she was thinking to herself. She then answered Granny Smith. "That is very kind of you to offer, thank you."

Big Macintosh stepped backwards, and slowly crept away until he bumped into the counter at the other side of the kitchen.

"Now hold on there a minute!" said Applejack as she tapped the table with her hoof. "We just met Starry Skies, and now we're invitin' her to stay?"

Well, technically, we've known each other for a while, thought Luna. Although, "Starry Skies" has just met the family. I really should drop the disguise...but it is so nice to be able to act, and be treated, as a pony and not a princess.

Granny Smith looked over at Applejack. "I've been talking with her this whole time and have a good feelin' about her."

"Fine," Applejack said as he looked over at Luna, "but I'm keepin' my eye on her."

"Wonderful," said Luna with excitement as she looked at Big Macintosh. "Later we shall continue our discussion on flanking maneuvers!"

"Uh..." said Big Macintosh.

"What?" asked Luna with a puzzled look.

Chapter 6

Starry Skies over the Apple Orchard

Chapter 6

Luna carefully walked up the stairs to the second floor of the Apple farmhouse, making sure that she did not agitate her leg any further. Line Prancing probably wasn’t the best choice of activities for this afternoon, but it was much too fun to be missed. Besides, it is only a minor sprain and should be fine by tomorrow, Luna thought to herself as she reached the top of the stairs. Luna looked down at Apple Bloom, who walked a few steps ahead of her, and saw the filly slow down and turn around to face her.

Apple Bloom raised her right hoof and pointed at a door. “This here’s the bathroom.” She lowered her right hoof and started walking again, stopping in front of a door at the end of the hall. She opened the door, turned on the light, and then looked back at Luna. “And this is our spare room. It might be a little dusty around the edges, but we keep it clean,” she said as she smiled up at Luna.

“Thank you,” Luna replied as she looked down at Apple Bloom, “this room will be wonderful.”

“You’re welcome, Starry Skies. If you need anything, just let us know,” Apple Bloom replied. “There are clean towels and washcloths in the bathroom closet if you need any.” She walked over to the bedroom closet and opened it. “There are also a few robes if you like...sometimes it gets a little cold after a bath.” She closed the closet and then walked out of the room and down the hall to rejoin the family downstairs.

Luna turned and exited the spare room, turning the light off as she left. She went down the hall and walked into the bathroom. After closing the door, she walked to the closet. Upon opening the closet doors, she was greeted with the sight of a number of towels and other supplies. She collected a large towel and then walked over to the bathtub, laying the towel onto the stand that stood nearby. She looked at the bathroom door to double-check that it was closed, and then took a deep breath. As she slowly exhaled, her horn lit up and she was surrounded by a glow. Her disguise spell slowly faded, and in moments she had returned to her normal form. She took another deep breath, extended her wings, and stretched as she slowly breathed out. Luna repeated this once more as she stretched out first her front legs, and then her back legs. A good stretch, and a good soak, will do wonders for my leg and is the perfect start to the evening, she thought to herself.

Luna reached over and turned the water on, put her hoof under the stream of water to feel how how it was, and made adjustments until the water was just the right temperature. She watched as the tub began to fill, and then looked back and forth, grinning as her horn lit up. A flash of light accompanied by a popping noise briefly lit the bathroom. After the flash went away, a small bucket sat on the floor, filled with small boats and two rubber ducks. Grinning widely, she lifted a rubber duck and squeezed it. She listened to it as it squeaked, and then put it and the rest of the toys into the tub. “Now, where were we? Ah, yes, now I remember. When last we saw our heroes, Valor Mallard was heading towards the Mystic Bubble Mountains of S’oap…”

*-*-*-*

Big Macintosh sat in front of the fireplace, watching a few logs cheerfully burning. As he watched the fire, he could hear the logs crackling, as well as the creaking of Granny Smith’s chair at the other side of the room. Whew, that was close. Starry really saved me by coming to dinner. He lowered his head and rested it on top of his front legs. He continued to watch the fire dancing over the logs in the fireplace, having a peaceful moment to himself. Hoofsteps could be heard walking down the steps towards the living room. Big Macintosh turned his head to look behind him and saw Apple Bloom walking down the stairs.

*-*-*-*

Luna pushed the rubber duck around a large mound of soap bubbles.

And so Valor Mallard quickly hid behind a rock to escape those who were pursuing her.

”Who knew that the Mystic Mountains of S’oap were inhabited by territorial sheep?”, said Valor Mallard. “The S’oap Baa’r were friendly enough until I suggested climbing the mountains to explore ancient ruins.”

Valor watched as the group of S’oap Baa’r ran by the rock. She waited for five more minutes to make sure that the road was clear before stepping out from behind the rock.

Luna reached behind her to grasp one of the toy boats. She quickly pushed it towards the front of the tub, causing a small wave to move ahead of it. When the wave hit the front of the tub, it bounced back towards Luna, carrying the other rubber duck with it from where it sat at the front of the tub.

Unknown to Valor Mallard, one more member of the S’oap Baa’r had fallen behind the group that was chasing her.

Luna looked ahead and saw the second rubber duck bump into the first rubber duck. She blinked and watched the two rubber ducks floating beside each other in the tub. After a few minutes of staring at the rubber ducks, she lifted the second duck in her hoof and held in front of her face. Her horn lit up, and the duck became surrounded by a magical glow. The duck changed from yellow to a reddish color, and some of the feathers on its head changed color as well. She lowered her hoof and placed the rubber duck, which had been transformed to resemble a certain stallion in the Apple family, next to the first rubber duck in the tub. Luna’s horn lit up a second time, and this time the glow surrounded the other rubber duck; Valor Mallard changed to resemble Luna’s coat and mane.

”My lady, please forgive me for running into you and knocking you over. The S’oap Baa’r are no longer friendly towards outsiders and I needed to get away from my camp as fast as possible.” Valor looked at the duck, and saw that he was dressed as a knight would dress in a non-combative assignment.

”And who might you be?” she said with a questioning look.

Luna moved the second duck closer to the first rubber duck.

”I am called Mighty Mackenzie, but you may call me Mack. Please, allow me to carry you to safety,” said Mighty Mackenzie as he helped the lady duck to her feet, noticing that her leg had been hurt during their collision.

Valor looked at Mackenzie as he gently lifted her up onto his back. “Thank you, Mack, for your help. I am Valor Mallard, but you may call me Valor.”

*-*-*-*

Big Macintosh continued watching the fire as he thought about everything that had happened during the day. As his thoughts wandered towards the accidental kiss during brunch, he felt a warmth in his cheeks that did not come from the fire. He quickly blinked his eyes and then thought about the afternoon they spent in the park.

Unseen by Big Macintosh, Granny Smith grinned as she watched the stallion. Suddenly, she stopped rocking in her chair and her ears swiveled to catch a sound coming from another room. “Brr,” she said as she started to shiver. “Big Macintosh, would you be a dear and get the blanket that I keep on the quilt rack up in my room?”

Big Macintosh stood up and turned around to see Granny Smith shivering in her chair. “Eeyup,” he said and then walked towards the stairway to go upstairs.

Granny Smith shivered and rubbed her sides as she watched Big Macintosh leave the room. After he was no longer in sight, Granny Smith resumed rocking her chair with a smile.

*-*-*-*

Luna pushed the two ducks over to the side of the tub. “And so, we leave our heroes at the traveller's lodge for the night. What lies in store for our heroes? How does Valor Mallord feel about all of this? What does Mighty Mackenzie think about everything? What shall our heroes do?” Luna grinned, and said, “To be continued…”

Using her telekinesis, Luna gathered the rubber ducks and boats and placed them into the bucket that was sitting by the tub. With a flash, the bucket disappeared again. Luna sat up and looked around, and spotted a bottle of shampoo sitting on a shelf. She levitated it in front of her muzzle, opened it, and breathed in the aroma. Smiling at the pleasant smell, she squeezed some onto her hoof and then began rubbing her scalp and mane. She took a deep breath, and began singing as she washed her mane.

“I travel all around the land,

And see what I can see.

But there are none to call my own,

Or walk around with me.

I saw the place where once I lived,

Before I left to roam.

I cannot recognize it now;

The trees are overgrown.

I once had family and friends,

But now they are unknown.

No matter how I wish it so,

I cannot go back home.”

As she finished washing and rinsing her mane, Luna rubbed her face to clear away the water and soap. “Alas, it has been quite some time since we last sang this one. ‘Tis an old song, but a good one.”

*-*-*-*

Big Macintosh stood at the top of the stairs with one hoof on the top step. He paused when he heard the first notes of the song, not wanting to make any sounds to ruin the music. He had heard many ponies singing before, but this voice was enchanting. He listened as Luna sang, not moving a muscle.

All too soon, the song ended and he could hear movement in the bathroom. Slowly, he resumed walking towards his room. As soon as he neared the bathroom door, there was a flash of light from a magic spell being cast, and soon afterwards the door opened. Luna took a step into the hallway right as Big Macintosh had reached the doorway. Halting just in time to avoid another collision, he grinned at Luna. “Your song was mighty pretty, Starry. I didn’t know you could sing like that.”

Luna froze, and her eyes opened widely. Oh...that’s right...this is not the royal bath in Canterlot. These walls are not designed to muffle sound. “Oh, um, thank you,” she said as her cheeks slowly darkened with a red tint. “Tell me, was there anything else you heard?” Luna slowly asked, and then held her breath.

“Eenope,” answered Big Macintosh with a small shake of his head. “I came up to get a blanket and heard you singing when I got to the top of the stairway.”

Releasing her breath in a quiet exhalation, Luna smiled in relief.

Author's Note

Luna playing with the toys in the tub was originally just a joke that popped into my head (my first thoughts for the chapter was just to have her singing in the tub). I mentioned it to a friend of mine and we talked about it for a while, and it turned out to be a great way to give Luna a moment of introspection and thought.

Luna's song is something I wanted to sound like an old song and also resonate with her feelings about returning from her long banishment. It needed to be a little sad, but I tried to keep it from being too melancholy.

Chapter 7

Starry Skies over the Apple Orchard

Chapter 7

Standing at the top of the stairs, Luna and Big Macintosh stood facing each other. For a few timeless minutes, neither had moved. Suddenly, Big Macintosh blinked rapidly and shook his head. “Uh, sorry, I got lost in thought,” he said with a sheepish smile. “I just need to get something for Granny Smith and then I’ll be right back.” He stepped to the side and started to walk past Luna when he paused mid-step. He sniffed and looked at Luna. “That shampoo smells mighty nice. It suits you.” He smiled and then continued on his mission to get the blanket.

Luna watched as Big Macintosh continued walking down the hallway for a moment, and then slowly turned her head forward. She stopped and paused when she found herself facing Big Mac’s room. A stallion’s room… thought Luna. Hmm, I wonder what they look like now. She started walking towards Big Macintosh’s room and paused at the threshold. She looked down at the floor, and raised a hoof. Should we, or shouldn’t we… Luna quietly smiled and placed her hoof on the floor inside of the door. A quick look can’t hurt. Luna stepped into the room far enough to see, but still being able to have her rear hooves on the hallway floor. Technically, we’re still in the hallway.

Looking around, the first thing that Luna noticed was that the room had a rustic look that reflected life on the Apple farm. The walls were stained wood, instead of being covered up with paint. Luna nodded as she looked at the walls. Too many of the newer homes paint over the woodwork, covering up the natural beauty of the wood grain. A few feet away to her right was a peg in the wall that held a toolbelt. Further into the room sat a desk that faced the wall, and a few feet beyond that at the end of the room was a bed that sat next to an open window. Luna continued looking around the room, and noticed a closet that was a short distance from the bottom of the bed. The closet door was open halfway, and inside of it was a bag. Luna leaned to the side and craned her neck in an attempt to see better into the room. Luna's face had a look of deep concentration as she stretched and balanced in an awkward position.

“Uh, you can look around if you want,” came a voice from behind Luna in the hallway.

Luna shook in surprise and then slowly returned to a normal standing position. She turned her head around to see Big Mac carrying a blanket. Caught with my hoof in the cookie jar, thought Luna. With a sheepish grin, Luna looked at Big Mac. “Eh, heh heh, thank you.” She watched as Big Macintosh smiled and nodded as he continued towards the stairway with the blanket. Turning back to face the room, Luna then proceeded to walk inside. It was much easier to see the decor from inside of the room. Walking closer to the desk, she could see the pictures that were sitting on top of it; some were recent, and a couple of the pictures were older. Luna turned around and her eyes were drawn to the closet once more. The bag inside of the closet was a medium-sized bag, and it was closed with a button. She lifted her front right hoof and scratched the side of her head as she tried to guess the contents. Hmm, there are lumps, so whatever is inside must be solid. Luna lowered her hoof and took two steps forward towards the closet. “What is it about this bag that has me curious? We don’t need to know, yet...we very much want to know.”

“I reckon I could show you, if you can keep a secret.”

Luna nearly jumped when she heard the voice of Big Macintosh behind her. She turned around and looked at him, looked back at the bag, and then looked at Big Mac again. She noticed that Big Mac was no longer carrying a blanket. “Ok, now our curiosity has been doubled. I suppose we could keep this a secret as long as it won’t hurt anypony.”

Big Mac grinned and looked back at the bedroom door. He saw that nopony was in the hallway, and he could hear that the rest of the family was downstairs. Big Mac slowly walked over the the closet and then pulled the bag out into the room. He looked up at Luna, chuckled, and then opened the bag.

“Wax...fruit?” said Luna as she looked into the bag. “Why would this need to be kept secret?”

Big Macintosh scratched the side of his face with a hoof. “You may have noticed a certain theme for the farmhouse decoration... one that involves apples.”

Luna nodded. “Yes, ‘tis true that there are many apples decorating the Apple family farmhouse.”

“Every now and then,” Big Mac said, and then quickly looked at the bedroom doorway before looking back at Luna. He leaned closer to Luna and said, “I put some other fruit around the house...oranges, strawberries, bananas, grapes, grapefruit...”

“I don’t see any problems with that,” said Luna.

“It irritates Applejack somethin’ fierce.”

“Then why...” Luna started to ask, and then with a twinkle in her eye she grinned. “Nevermind...you are siblings. I think I understand... my sister and I also play jokes on each other from time to time.”

“Eeyup.”

Luna could hear the sound of hoofsteps as somepony started to walk up the stairs. She watched as Big Macintosh quickly closed the bag and put it back into the closet, and then closed the closet door as quickly and quietly as possible. She almost had to take a step back to avoid another collision when Big Macintosh spun around to face away from the closet.

Big Macintosh started looking around the room and whistling nervously as Applejack walked into view in the hallway. Applejack stopped and looked into the bedroom, and raised her eyebrow. “Ok, now what’s goin’ on here?” she asked.

“Nothin’,” said Big Macintosh as he continued looking around the room.

“Yes, nothing is going on,” said Luna as she turned around to look at Applejack. “We were just talking.”

Applejack tilted her head. “Yeah, I’ll bet nothin’ is goin’ on. I’ve got my eye on you.” She raised her front right hoof and pointed to her eyes, and then pointed to Luna. She then continued her journey down the hallway. I don’t know what it is, Applejack thought to herself, but Starry Skies is not being honest with us...I don’t know what it is, but somethin’ is not right.

*-*-*-*

Granny Smith leaned back into her chair. She had been leaning over to the side of the chair and stretching in order to get a better position for hearing what was being said upstairs. She closed her eyes, shook her head, and sighed. She opened her eyes after a moment and then looked over at Apple Bloom. “Apple Bloom, could you come here a moment?” Granny Smith watched as Apple Bloom stood up and walked across the room to sit beside her rocking chair. “Did you see Applejack today while you were out with your friends?” she asked.

Apple Bloom nodded her head. “Yeah, she was out in the east field gathering apples.”

Granny Smith leaned forward and waved her hoof in a motion asking Apple Bloom to come closer. When Apple Bloom was close enough, Granny Smith whispered into her ear. “I have a mission for you and your friends…”

*-*-*-*

Later that night, Luna sat in her temporary bedroom. She was not yet ready for sleep; she was used to being awake late into the night. Tia handled this evening’s transition into night very well, Luna thought to herself. It was kind of her to take care of the rising and setting of the moon. 'Twas nice that we did not need to prepare excuses for if somepony were to see us performing our nightly duties.

Luna scooted over to the edge of the bed and gently stepped onto the floor. Perhaps a quick snack before bed, thought Luna as she walked towards the door. Granny Smith did say that if we were hungry to help ourself. She opened the door and slowly walked down the hallway. Most of the lights were turned off, except for some light coming from under one of the doors she passed. She continued down the hallway and then walked down the stairs, pausing to look at the family photos hanging on the stairway walls. Such warmth exists within this family. She smiled as she looked from one photo to the next. Her gaze lingered on a family group photo, especially the part where Big Macintosh was leaning against one of the trees in the orchard. She leaned closer and noticed that the photo was slightly crooked on the wall. Luna lifted her hoof and gently tilted the photo so that it was level. She nodded and then continued onwards to the kitchen.

Luna quietly walked into the kitchen and stopped in front of the fridge. She carefully opened the door and narrowed her eyes as the light from within the fridge shone brightly. She leaned closer to the shelves and looked around. “Leftover macaroni,” she said as she opened one lid. “Aye, this could work. What else have we in here?” She moved containers around and examined their contents. Corn...no...rhubarb...no...carrots...no, she thought as she searched for chilled treasure. Milk? Yes...now, do we have… she thought as she looked down to the next shelf. She opened another container and grinned. Cheddar! “Huzzah! Tonight there shall be hot mac & cheese!” she said as she pulled ingredients from the fridge and closed the door, leaving her in darkness once again.

“Oh, my, that sounds exciting.”

Luna blinked her eyes as they adjusted to the darkness again. She looked towards the entrance of the kitchen and saw Granny Smith walking in through the doorway. “Good evening, Granny Smith,” Luna said as she walked over to the counter.

“Howdy, young’en. Are you settling in ok?”

Luna nodded. “Yes, thank you. My duties normally keep me up later into the night...I was not quite ready for sleep yet and thought that a quick snack might be helpful.” She walked over to the counter and set the ingredients down. “I didn’t wake you, did I?”

“No, dearie, I was just finishing up some work on a project. I thought I would get a drink of water before heading to bed,” said Granny Smith.

Luna looked over her shoulder to look at Granny Smith. "Where do you keep your glasses?”

Granny Smith lifted a hoof and pointed at one of the cupboards. “Over there in the cupboard.” She watched as Luna opened the door and levitated a glass to the sink and turned the faucet lever. Granny Smith sat down at the table as Luna levitated the glass over in front of her on the table. “Thank you kindly,” she said and then lifted the glass to take a sip.

“‘Tis our pleasure,” said Luna. “Think nothing of it.” Luna took the cassarole dish that was air-drying at the side of the sink and placed it on the counter in front of her. She poured the pasta and milk into the dish, and then sprinkled cheese on top of the pasta. After looking back and forth, Luna spotted the spice rack and walked over to it and selected a few bottles. She levitated the bottles over top of the cassarole dish and then sprinkled them one by one onto the pasta. Holding the cassarole dish in the air with her levitation, Luna carefully opened the oven and placed the dish into it. She lifted a hoof and turned the temperature knob of the oven and then returned the spice bottles to the spice rack. Once the spices were returned, she put the other ingredients back into the fridge.

Luna walked over to the table and sat down by Granny Smith. “If you don’t mind me saying, your family seems very close.” Luna smiled and continued, “It warms our heart to see a close-knit family with a lot of warmth in the home.”

Granny Smith smiled and took another sip of water. There’s always room for one more… thought Granny Smith.

*-*-*-*

Luna returned to her room, and closed the door behind her. The mac and cheese had been delicious, and both Granny Smith and she had enjoyed a pleasant conversation while they snacked upon it. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. The dream realm was pleasantly calm tonight, so Luna cast an alert spell to notify her of any nightmares and then drifted off to sleep listening to the sounds of wind rustling through the leaves of the apple trees.

Chapter 8

Starry Skies over the Apple Orchard

Chapter 8

Luna woke to the smell of breakfast cooking. She breathed deeply, savoring the smell of the upcoming meal. “Aye, ‘tis a wonderful way to wake up,” she said as she got out of bed. She walked to the door and opened it, and then looked down to see Apple Bloom standing in the hallway with a raised hoof.

“Oh, hey Starry Skies! I was just comin’ to get you for breakfast,” she said as she lowered her hoof to the floor.

“Thank you, Apple Bloom. Shall we head down?” Luna smiled and took another deep breath. “Breakfast smells delicious!”

Luna followed Apple Bloom downstairs and into the kitchen. As she walked through the kitchen doorway, Luna saw that Applejack was setting the table and Granny Smith was stirring something in a pot on the stove. “Good morning,” said Luna as she walked into the kitchen. “Is there anything that I can do to help?”

“No, dearie, we’ve got everything covered,” said Granny Smith. “Just have a seat and we’ll get started soon.”

Luna and Apple Bloom headed over to the table. Luna sat down in the seat that she had used during the previous evening’s meal. Her ears perked up as she heard hoofsteps beyond the kitchen doorway. She turned her head to look and her eyes opened widely when she saw the figure in the doorway. Well, hello there! she thought to herself.

Standing in the doorway was Big Macintosh. His freshly combed mane seemed to flow down the back of his neck and reflected the sunlight from the window. He slowly walked into the kitchen, and with each step he took the tool belt he had slung over his back subtly shifted from the movement of his muscles. “Mornin’, everypony,” he said as he walked over to the table.

“Good morning,” said Luna as she watched Big Macintosh as he first put the tool belt over by the door and then walked over to the table to sit down beside her. “I shall help out with today’s repairs.” Luna tilted her head and smiled. “They will get done faster with two working on them.”

“Eeyup,” said Big Mac as he looked over at Luna. “Thanks.”

“Dagnabbit! Who put this wax pineapple here?”

*-*-*-*

Luna and Big Macintosh stood outside, looking at the door that needed to be repaired. The door frame was still good, and the door itself had very little damage. The hinges and screws, however, needed replacing. As Luna held the door in her telekinesis, she watched as Apple Bloom walked through the doorway and then ran towards a tree house at the edge of one of the fields. Luna smiled as she watched the filly running, wondering what Apple Bloom had planned for the day.

Luna felt the door move slightly and looked back to see that Big Macintosh was already working on removing the screws. He was using a screwdriver with a curved handle that resembled a question mark. The screwdriver had a mouthpiece on the curved end so that the pony using it could hold it in place without the use of magic, allowing it to be used by both ponies with and without magic. Big Macintosh held the mouthpiece in his mouth, and the middle part of the curve was held with a bent fetlock as he rotated the screwdriver. One by one he removed the screws and placed them onto a cloth on the ground. As he removed the last screw, both it and the door hinge were removed from the door.

Big Macintosh placed the screwdriver onto the cloth and then looked at Luna. “Thank you, this is a lot easier with you holding the door. If you’ll keep holding it just like that for a few more minutes, I’ll install the new hinges and screws.”

Big Macintosh watched as Luna smiled and nodded, and as he worked on replacing the door hinges he thought about Luna’s smile. It was a genuine smile, reaching up to her eyes, and she really looked cute when she smiled. Her mane caught the morning sunlight when she nodded, surrounding her face with a nearly magical glow.

Once he had replaced the last of the hinges, Big Macintosh lowered the screwdriver and looked over at Luna. “That should do it. Could you give it a test swing to make sure that everything is working?”

Luna gently moved the door back and forth a few times before fully closing the door. “Huzzah!” she said as she clopped her front hooves together. “The repair is a success! We make a good team...is there anything else that we could repair?”

Big Macintosh smiled at Luna’s enthusiasm. “Well, there are some other things that could use some work. Are you sure you want to work on your vacation?”

“Aye, ‘tis work,” said Luna, “but ‘tis a different kind of work than what my normal duties entail. If we finish what needs done, there will be more time for the both of us to enjoy.”

Hoofsteps approached from the kitchen, and as they grew nearer Big Macintosh and Luna looked over their shoulders to see Granny Smith eyeing the repairs to the door that were recently completed. “Hmm, nice work on the door.”

“Thank you,” said both Luna and Big Macintosh.

“Did I hear that you were interested in some more repair work?” Granny Smith said as she raised a front hoof and tapped her chin. She looked at Big Macintosh, and then sat down. “I seem to recall a few repairs you said were needed over at the barn.” Granny Smith smiled at the pair in front of her. “Now might be a pretty good time to take a look at ‘em.”

*-*-*-*

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo crouched behind a bush at the edge of the farm. “Ok, is everything ready?” asked Scootaloo.

“Yeah,” said Apple Bloom, “Operation Special Somepony version 2.65 is all set. We should start seeing something happening any minute now.”

As one, the three Cutie Mark Crusaders peeked through the leaves of the bush to watch Applejack as she made her rounds to check the trees. She checked the first two trees in the row, and as she walked toward the third tree, a tan earth pony stallion with a cutie mark of two quills crossed over a scroll walked in front of her.

“Oh, dearest Applejack,” he said as he struck a dramatic pose. “You are the Apple of my eye. You are the fritter of my heart. You are the...uh...dumpling...of my soul?”

Applejack closed her eyes and slowly shook her head back and forth. “I”m not sure why you are here, Plume Scribbles, but if you don’t have any business to discuss then you should hit the road.”

Scribbles smiled, and said “Gladly!” before he jumped up into the air and pounded the ground upon landing again.

Sighing in frustration, Applejack shook her head. “No, Scribbles. Beat it.”

“Ok,” said Scribbles as he tilted his head to the side and smiled. He lifted a front hoof and then used it to swiftly pound the ground twice.

Applejack raised a hoof and pointed towards the Sweet Apple Orchards entrance. “Go back to Ponyville!” She kept a close eye on Scribbles as he nodded and turned away. His smile disappeared as he walked away, heading through the gate and towards his home in Ponyville.

*-*-*-*

Luna walked beside Big Macintosh as they headed towards the barn to continue working on repairs. She breathed deeply, enjoying the morning air as it blew through the orchards. She could hear birds singing as they flew through the sky. The closer they walked to the old barn, the more Luna could see how much it needed repairs. The structure was still strong and sturdy, but various small parts needed to be fixed. The outside could use some paint, the loft window on the top floor hung at a strange angle that would most likely allow a draft, the latch that keeps the barn door closed was no longer present, and the roof could use a little work as preventive maintenance. “Hmm, thy matriarch,” Luna started to say before she quietly coughed into her hoof. “I mean, Granny Smith was correct that some repairs are needed. ‘Tis a good barn, though; all that is needed are some minor repairs.”

Big Macintosh turned his head away from Luna and spit something out of his mouth. He looked back at Luna and nodded. “Eeyup. If you’ll help me with the loft window like you did with the door earlier, we can finally get that fixed. It’s not an easy job for one pony, but with your help we can get it done in no time.”

“Excellent,” said Luna, “we shall work on the loft window first.” Ah, ‘tis mint that he was chewing, she thought to herself. Perhaps I shall chew a mint leaf myself. They are quite refreshing, and having breath that smells good is useful in some situations. Luna shook her head quickly and cleared her throat as she blinked rapidly a few times. For talking! Yes, ‘tis good for talking. Talking while standing close as we work. Yes, for talking.

“You ok?” asked Big Macintosh.

“Er, yes, we are fine,” Luna said with a sheepish grin. “We were just planning what we shall be doing when...dust caught us by surprise.”

*-*-*-*

Applejack continued the inspection of the trees, but stopped and turned her head when she heard hoofsteps approaching. She narrowed her eyes upon seeing a dark orange unicorn stallion approaching. He smiled as he approached, and held a bouquet of flowers in his telekinesis.

The unicorn took a deep breath and sat down across the row from Applejack.

“Oh glorious Apple in the morning light,

wouldst thou come with me to dinner tonight?

We could order…”

“Ok, stop right there,” Applejack said as lifted a hoof and pointed towards the road. “Out! Now!” She watched the unicorn walk through the gate and head back towards Ponyville. She turned around and continued inspecting the trees.

In the bush down the row, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle backed up a few steps and sat down, being careful to not make any noises in the bush.

“I thought for sure that last one would work. I spent ten minutes on that poem and Applejack didn’t even let that unicorn finish!” Sweetie Belle said.

“At least he remembered the words,” said Scootaloo as she used her front hoof to rub her forehead. “Scribbles only remembered the first line from the one I gave him.”

“Don’t worry, girls,” said Apple Bloom. “There’s bound to be one stallion that will be able to recite one of our poems. Well, hopefully, anyways…”

*-*-*-*

Big Macintosh leaned the ladder against the front of the barn. The top of the ladder was right next to the loft’s window, on the side where its hinges were connected to the barn. The ladder that Big Macintosh was using was designed by earth ponies and had deep steps so that one could plant a hoof on the step with plenty of room. He looked back at his tool belt and patted the pockets to make sure that he wasn’t forgetting anything. He looked over at Luna as he put his front hoof onto the first step of the ladder. “When I get up there, could you please hold the loft window like you did earlier? I’ll start removing the hinges when I see you have a good hold on it.”

Luna nodded, and watched as Big Macintosh climbed up the ladder. There wasn’t enough room on the ladder for two ponies to stand safely, and since her magic allowed her to hold the loft window from a distance, Luna remained on the ground.

*-*-*-*

As Rainbow Dash flew towards one of her favorite trees for napping, she looked down at Sweet Apple Acres and saw Applejack walking along a row of trees. She glided down and landed right beside Applejack. Applejack quickly looked at Rainbow Dash with a sour expression on her face before she realized who it was that landed beside her. “Whoah, AJ, having a bad morning or something?” Rainbow asked as Applejack gradually sighed and then smiled in greeting.

“I’m mighty sorry, Rainbow. But I gotta ask...did you schedule any strange weather for this mornin’?”

“Uh, no…not really,” answered Rainbow Dash. “Just a few clouds, but nothing unusual for this time of year. Why do you ask?”

“I was just wondering because it seems to be raining stupid on the farm today.” She walked over to the nearest tree. “It’s not applebuckin’ season yet, but I’m about ready to let loose on a few trees.” She reared up and gave a mighty applebuck to the tree. The tree shook quickly from the kick, but what fell to the ground was definitely not an apple.

Rainbow Dash promptly closed her eyes and raised her hoof to her forehead upon seeing the yellow-maned pony with a pale, semi-gray aquamarine coat. She took a calming breath and then opened her eyes to see the pegasus stand up and brush the dirt out of his yellow mane.

“Hey, there, Rainbow Dash! Let me tell you that that was quite a way to wake up from a siesta,” Zephyr Breeze said as he walked over to where Dash stood. “I’m not usually one to court more than one mare at a time, but I wouldn’t want to be rude and exclude anypony. Since you brought your good friend along, why, the three of us could make some kind of arrangement.” Zephyr Breeze made a failed attempt at a smarmy grin. “How about we go and have a talk about the birds...and the Breeze?”

In a display of uncommon coordination between the two, Rainbow Dash and Applejack both had an eye twitch at the same time. Applejack pushed her hat back. “Ok, that’s it...you better start runnin’, because you don’t want to know what will happen when I catch you.” Applejack started walking towards Zephyr Breeze.

Zephyr Breeze swiftly turned around and ran through the orchard. “Run! Retreat! Regroup! Regret! Stallions, away!” he yelled as he picked up speed. As he ran, other stallions joined him as they fled for their lives in a mad dash for safety.

Rainbow Dash watched as Applejack started chasing Zephyr Breeze away. Dash's eyebrow rose as she watched more and more hidden stallions join Zephyr Breeze, until there was a large group of stallions running through Sweet Apple Orchards, trying to escape from Applejack. She turned her head and started walking towards a bush at the side of the road when she heard an exasperated voice yelling, “Oh, come on! That isn’t even what we told him to say!”

*-*-*-*

Luna chewed on a couple mint leaves as she walked towards the ladder again. She noticed a mint plant at the corner of the barn a few minutes ago and decided that she did indeed want to chew some mint. As she walked, she heard a loud noise rapidly approaching. Oh, don’t tell me that Celestia sent guards, thought Luna. When she was halfway back to the ladder, her eyes grew wide as the group of terrified stallions ran around the corner of the barn. All of a sudden, a stallion came around the corner of the barn that was not looking where he was going, but rather where he was running from. He followed the other stallions as they ran, but did not realize that there was a ladder leaning against the barn directly in his path. The stallion ran into the ladder, knocking it out from underneath Big Macintosh as he ran quickly away from Applejack.

“NO!” yelled Luna when she saw the ladder knocked out from underneath Big Macintosh, causing him to fall and start spinning due to the angle that the ladder was hit. In a moment of panic, Luna did not think to release the limitation on her magic that she had placed upon herself as part of her disguise. She ran towards Big Macintosh as he fell and poured as much magic as she could into her telekinesis to slow Big Macintosh’s descent towards the ground. Big Macintosh was still falling, though, and in a bad way. In a moment he would hit the ground head first if Luna didn’t do something. She jumped towards Big Macintosh with outstretched hooves and pushed his shoulders when they collided. Big Macintosh made one final turn in the air as Luna kept pushing from her jump. Their backs collided softly in the last few moments of the fall.

Big Macintosh looked up at his hooves as they pointed up at the sky. He heard a muffled “OOF!” when they hit the ground. He blinked slowly and tried to think about what had just happened.

“Big Macintosh,” Luna said, “are you ok?”

“Eeyup,” he said. “I don’t know how, but somehow I’m just fine.”

“Oh, good,” said Luna with a relieved sigh. “Now then, would you mind getting off of me for a moment? I think I may have pulled a muscle.”

Big Macintosh quickly, yet carefully, rolled over to put his hooves onto the ground and stood up. He started to help Luna stand up, but she smiled and shook her head. “Thank you, but I’m ok. I just need to walk around and stretch it out.” Luna slowly stood up and then slowly stretched her back right leg, kicking it out behind her a few times before standing on it.

Big Macintosh took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “Thank you, Starry; I owe you one. That fall could have turned out badly...if there is anything I can do for you, just let me know.”

“Let us head back to the house for a few minutes for some tea, and then we can return to finish the loft window. It looks secure, but ‘twould be best if we make sure that repairs for it are completed.”

Big Macintosh looked up at the loft window and nodded. He had finished replacing the first hinge before the ladder was knocked out from beneath his hooves, but they still had one more hinge to replace. At least that’s the last hinge that needs replaced today, thought Big Macintosh.

Luna and Big Macintosh started walking back towards the farmhouse, and Luna moved to walk a little closer to Big Macintosh. “You know, I have an idea of what you could do…if you wouldn’t mind,” she said with an almost shy expression on her face as she looked sideways over at Big Macintosh. “Do you remember when you carried me yesterday morning?”

Big Macintosh smiled and nodded. “Eeyup.”

“Wouldst thou...carry me...on a tour of the orchard later? We think that we would enjoy it very much.”

Chapter 9

Starry Skies over the Apple Orchard

Chapter 9

"Iced tea?” asked Luna as she eyed the pitcher. “I have never quite understood this. Why would one drink tea that has gotten cold?”

“Just try it and tell me what you think,” said Big Macintosh with a knowing grin. “If you don’t like it, I’ll make you something else to drink.”

Luna looked down at the glass that she was levitating in front of her. She shrugged and took a sip. The moment the iced tea hit her tongue, her eyes opened widely. She blinked, swallowed the tea, and then took a much larger sip. In just a few moments, Luna had emptied her glass.

“More?” asked Big Macintosh as he picked up the pitcher.

“Please,” said Luna as she held her glass out for Big Macintosh. “This was not what I was expecting. The tea is stronger, and is only semi-sweet. ‘Tis very pleasing on a warm day like today.” Luna leaned back in the porch swing that she and Big Macintosh were sharing on the front porch of the farmhouse. As she looked out at the farm, she saw a pegasus’s shadow approach the porch. It grew larger, and when it was roughly pony-sized, it met up with its owner as she landed on the ground.

“Hey guys, how’s it goin’? Mind if I join you for a moment?” asked Rainbow Dash as she walked up onto the porch.

“Iced tea?” asked Big Macintosh.

“Ooh, yeah, thank you,” said Rainbow Dash. She looked over at Luna. “Have we met? You look familiar…”

Luna thought a moment before answering. “Were you in the park yesterday afternoon? Big Mac and I spent quite some time there enjoying a game with some other ponies.”

“Oh, yeah, that’s right. I flew by the park a few times yesterday. I’m Rainbow Dash, by the way.”

"Call me Starry Skies," said Luna.

Big Macintosh placed the pitcher of iced tea onto the table and gave Rainbow Dash a glass. “What brings you here today?”

Rainbow Dash grinned and sipped her tea. “Oh, I’m just getting a good seat for the show.”

“Show?” asked Luna. “What type of…”

“Shh!” said Dash as she quickly covered Luna’s mouth. She leaned closer to Luna and whispered, “Just watch.”

Luna nodded and looked back out at the farm. She noticed some movement behind one of the larger bushes in the yard. She started to lean forward to see what it was when she heard hoofsteps on the porch.

“Good afternoon, y’all,” said Applejack as she approached. “Oh, good...I could use some iced tea,” she said when she saw the pitcher. She sat down beside Rainbow Dash, and when she received the glass that was passed down the row, she took a large gulp.

As Applejack started to take another large gulp of tea, a pegasus flying band flew overhead and started playing an upbeat song. Immediately after the music started, a line of stallions danced out into the yard. Applejack started to cough and then sprayed the lawn with her mouthful of tea. “What the hay?”

“Oh, my,” said Luna as she leaned forward. “What is the name of this dance?”

“Most ponies call it the Can-Can dance,” said Big Macintosh as he focused on slowly pouring a glass of tea.

More and more stallions danced out of the bush, and once the last stallion emerged, the large line split up into three smaller lines to form rows in front of the porch.

Rainbow Dash shook with silent laughter, covering her mouth with a hoof. She noticed another pegasus flying towards the porch and she stopped laughing. “Uh oh,” she said as her eyes grew wide.

“Zephyr Breeze!” yelled Fluttershy as she landed on the ground near the stallions.

The stallions stopped dancing, and the music stopped as the pegasus flying band quickly retreated to a cloud on the other side of Ponyville.

Zephyr Breeze looked around, but with the other stallions moving away there was no place to hide. He looked back at the porch and gave Rainbow Dash a pleading look.

Luna watched as Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and then jumped from the porch to fly over towards Fluttershy. She couldn’t hear what was being quietly whispered, but she could see Rainbow Dash point a hoof at Zephyr Breeze and then pointed around at the other stallions. Interesting, Luna thought as she watched Fluttershy’s expression change from angry to confused.

“You!” Fluttershy said in a medium-loud voice as she pointed at Zephyr Breeze, “Go home!”

Zephyr Breeze nodded his head rapidly and then quickly flew away from the farm. After Fluttershy turned her gaze upon them, the other stallions immediately turned and ran towards the exit gate, leaving nothing but a cloud of dust.

Applejack took another glass of iced tea and went inside the farmhouse.

Luna sighed. “‘Tis a pity; we were enjoying the dance number.”

Big Macintosh coughed, and then looked over at Luna. “I, uh, need to run into town for a moment to stop by the library. Would you like to come along?”

*-*-*-*

When they left the farm, Luna and Big Macintosh were walking side by side, but with a few feet of air between them. Without realizing it, with each step that they took, they walked closer and closer to each other until they were nearly shoulder to shoulder when they arrived in Ponyville. As they walked through town, Luna took the opportunity to look around at the various shops along the road. One shop’s display caught her eye.

Carousel Boutique was having a sale on accessories. Hats, scarves, and many other items were displayed in the window. Luna looked closer and saw some dark kerchiefs in the corner of the window. She slowed down as she gazed at the window, and then stopped for a moment. Big Macintosh stopped and looked to see what had caught Luna’s eye.

“If thou wouldst wait here for a moment, we would like to see what prices have been reduced.” Luna quickly trotted into the store, and returned with her purchase before Big Mac finished nodding. Luna levitated her paper bag in the air, and then suddenly it vanished with a small popping sound.

Luna returned to Big Macintosh’s side and they continued walking down the road until they arrived at the doors to the library. Big Macintosh looked at Luna with a nervous grin. “Uh, would you mind waiting out here for a few minutes?” Big Macintosh coughed and cleared his throat. “I, uh, won’t be too long.” He smiled and quickly went into the library.

Luna stood outside of the library, and after a few minutes Big Macintosh returned with a medium-sized box balanced on his back. “All set,” he said.

*-*-*-*

The sun was starting to approach the horizon when Luna and Big Macintosh returned to the farm. When they were halfway between the farm’s entrance and the farmhouse, Big Macintosh looked over at Luna. “If you’ll go on ahead, I’ll meet you at the barn. I, uh, need to take care of something first.”

Luna nodded and continued walking towards the barn, and after a few moments was joined by Big Mac. That didn’t take very long, thought Luna. I could have waited...but mayhap he has a surprise in mind. He is no longer carrying the box from the library.

Big Macintosh looked at the sun as it began to set, and then looked back at Luna. The way the light of the sunset lighting up her smile was...alluring. “Would you like to see the farm?”

Luna smiled, knowing that something had been planned. She walked with Big Macintosh until they were out of sight of the farmhouse. Big Mac slowed to a halt, and then kneeled down onto the ground. Smiling up at Luna, he said, “If you would like...I could carry you on the tour…”

Luna pranced in place. What is that noise going “eeeee” she thought? Immediately stopping her prancing, she covered her mouth with a hoof. Oh...that was me. She cleared her throat and then quickly walked over to Big Mac to accept his offer, happy that he was honoring her request from earlier this morning.

*-*-*-*

The weather was pleasant, the temperature was only slightly chilled, and Luna was thoroughly enjoying herself as Big Macintosh carried her into the orchard. It was...magical. It was...musical? Luna blinked as she heard faint musical notes slowly get louder around them. She saw Big Macintosh look around with a puzzled expression. She then felt him shrug and take a deep breath...and then he began singing.

[Mac]
I will show you the farm;
take you orchard by orchard.
Tell me Starry, now when did
you last let your stomach guide?

I could bake you a pie;
or maybe your own dumpling.
There’s nothing quite like touring,
On a Big Macintosh ride!

An Apple Farm!
It may be rustic, but that’s it’s charm.
I’ll show you everything.
You ride; I’ll sing.
Let me show this Apple Farm to you!

[Luna]
An Apple Farm!
A big surprise out of the blue!
And right from the start,
The Crystal Heart,
Could not compare with this great tour with you!

[Luna]
Many contented sighs;
Heart...it quickly is beating!
What is this that I’m feeling,
As my mouth is smiling wide!

[Luna & (Mac)]
An Apple Farm!
(Careful you do not fall off)
Emotional awakening!
(Hey, I mean it - you’re slipping)
I’m feeling it once more,
My heart doth soar,
Whoa, hey wait a moment, I don’t have wings!

Luna safely landed on her hooves. After a quick shufflling of her hooves to get her balance, she stood up with a sheepish grin. She watched as Big Macintosh walked towards a row of trees and lifted a branch to reveal that a picnic had been set up behind the row of trees. There was a basket sitting upon a large blanket, candles, apple juice chilling in a bucket of ice, some books near the edge of the blanket, and a wind-up record player sitting next to the books. Luna’s eyes opened wide and her mouth opened for a moment. “Oh, wow,” she said quietly. She blinked twice before she smiled and walked over to the blanket. She sat down by the picnic basket, and then Big Macintosh sat down beside her.

“I thought you might enjoy an evening supper with a view of the night sky. I sometimes come here to think because it’s out of the way and has a nice view.”

Luna looked around and saw that the picnic site was in an open area on the side of a gentle slope. Apple trees on the side of the hill framed a wide view of the night sky. Hearing rustling beside her she looked back to their picnic and saw that Big Macintosh had opened the basket and was placing its contents onto the blanket in front of them. Pie, dumplings, salad, and many other tasty dishes were arranged on the blanket. Big Macintosh then lit the candles and reached over to the record player. He slowly turned the crank and then moved the needle onto the record.

A gentle, soothing sound met Luna’s ears. The piano music resonated with Luna, and had an almost magical feeling to it. “This music is lovely,” Luna said as she looked at Big Macintosh. “What is it called?”

“This is Neightoven’s ‘Moonlight Sonata’,” Big Macintosh said as she reached for one of the books and placed it in front of Luna. “I asked Twilight for some suggestions for an evening picnic and she recommended this song.” Big Mac flipped the pages of the book until he found the page he was looking for. “She said that Neightoven wrote this as he was enjoying an evening under the stars. It’s a pretty nice song and…” Big Mac noticed a drop of water had fallen onto the page of the book. He looked up at the sky and saw that it was still clear, then looked over at Luna. “Oh! Starry, are you ok? I haven’t said anything wrong have I?” A small wet trail on her cheek reflected the candle light.

Luna wiped her cheek and sniffed. “Nay, you have done nothing wrong.” She leaned over and against Big Macintosh. “We are happy,” she said and sniffed. Luna felt Big Macintosh lift his front leg and move it behind her, but then it kept alternating between starting to move towards her and then quickly moving away. Luna lit her horn and pulled Big Macintosh’s front leg down and across her back to complete the hug. She looked up and saw a surprised expression fading from Big Macintosh’s face. “Tell us more.”

Big Macintosh nodded and told Luna about the various artwork, music, and stories that were inspired by the evening or night. The books that he borrowed from Twilight had many examples for the two of them to look at, and they only stopped when Big Macintosh’s stomach loudly growled.

Luna carefully placed a bookmark into the book, closed it, and set it on top of the others near the record player. She then looked at the meal before them, and then her eyes lingered upon the large salad bowl. Grinning, she pushed their individual salad plates to the side and pulled the large salad bowl closer to them. She lit her horn and summoned her purchase from earlier that afternoon. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she looked at Big Macintosh. “Big Mac,” she said, “would you like to try on one of these?” She opened the bag and pulled out two sleep masks that were used for covering eyes at night.

Big Macintosh looked at the eye masks and scratched the side of his face for a moment until his eyes suddenly opened widely. He looked around, then looked back at the eye masks, and then grinned and nodded.

As they ate their dinner blindfolded, there may have been a couple times that their lips touched. Or perhaps a bit more than a couple times.

*-*-*-*

When they finished eating, Luna removed her eye mask, and then gently removed Big Macintosh’s. Big Macintosh reached over to the pile of books and pulled one over that they had not yet looked at. “Before we head back, I have one more thing that I think you might like. He showed Luna a storybook. When he saw her puzzled look, he explained what it contained. “These are stories inspired by the constellations. Some of these are ancient stories, and some are recent; many are from the times in between. Would you like to take turns reading some?”

Luna and Big Macintosh spent the next hour reading from the book and pointing out the related constellations. As Luna was finishing a long story, she heard a light snore coming from beside her. She looked over and saw that Big Macintosh had fallen asleep. Luna covered her mouth and quietly chuckled. Maybe I’ll just read one more story, and then wake him up so we can pack up and return to the farmhouse. She continued reading, and then rubbed her side. Stomach...so full... She put her head down upon the book. My eyes are a little dry...I’ll just close them for a quick moment and then finish reading this story…