Born To Be Mild.by Shy Marble PieChaptersSet in stone.Mac-a-lacka.Cracks in the stone.Rocky Remembrance.Train of thought.Set in stone."I can't wait to get off the farm! If only for a week." Limestone stretched her slender frame slowly, lying lazily upon the monochrome sheets atop a small bed in Marble's room. "Mmhmm." Marble simply replied back in the softest of tones. "Not that I hate the farm or anything!- just nice to get away sometimes you know?" Limestone smirked quickly pouncing off the bed and walking over to her little sister, who at the moment was busy packing her luggage for the trip. "Mmhmm." Marble nodded along as she placed a family picture within her light gray suitcase, everything she needed for the trip neatly put away. "The only part of spending a week with Pink I'm dreading are those awkward parties she always throws!!" Limestone shuddered aloud as she plopped down on the floor next to her little sister. "I mean "Like hello! It's a getaway as in get away and let me relax!!"" Limestone couldn't help but giggle aloud as her lime green hues gazed to the ceiling in thought. "Parties or no.- It'll be a awesome time!" She gazed up to her little sister who just nodded along in silence. "When we get to Pink's I'm going to try and play it fast and loose. What about you?" The older mare asked as her sister just sighed aloud in a un-sure manner. "Knowing you I bet you'll find a way to visit Big Mac on the Apple Farm." Lime slowly rolled over a grin across her lips. Grey mane falling over her eyes mischievously. Marble just allowed her eyes to widen in complete shock, her cheeks were burning as they became a shade of light pink. The mare quickly turning away as she could hear her sister burst into giggles. "Why are you acting so shocked? Even a blind pony could have seen the way you kept looking at him." Limestone sat up pointing a hoof to her little sister as she teased. Marble just shot a small pout to Limestone who merely shrugged it off. "Essh don't worry I won't say anything. All I want is a week of relaxation not drama." Limestone got up to her hooves, walking over to the door in silence. "Don't stay up too late tonight sis. I want to be gone before sunrise!!" Limestone flipped her mane over her shoulder, swaying out of the room as Marble just sat alone in her room in deep thought. "Am I really that obvious?...I mean I really did try to not stare too much when he visited." Marble let her thoughts run free within her mind. The one true place she felt as if she could say anything, Even if it was just to herself. "He was just so sweet! A stallion of few words, though those eyes spoke volumes." Marble smiled to herself blushing again as she walked over to her open window. Gazing out over the vast dull land of the farm and beyond to the colorful horizon of the world. "Will he be happy to see me? Or was I just being really dumb and staring at him like a filly?" Marble huffed aloud as she ploped down on the window frame sadly. "Knowing my luck he has a special somepony back home! And here I was just oggling him like a piece of Rock Candy!" Marble couldn't help but groan aloud while she placed her hooves over her muzzle embarrassed. "I don't need to be worrying myself so much! This week is about spending time with my sisters not a stallion." Marble allowed a small smile to form across her lips slowly, the thought of spending a whole week with just her sisters warming her heart. It had been far too long since just the girls were able to spend any time with eachother, to be able to catch up and enjoy the happiness that comes with sisterhood. This week would be full of smiles, laughter, new friends and Big Mac. Marble softly caressed her mane with her hooves, her mind drifting off to her final thought happily. "Thinking about somepony close to your heart?" The deadpan voice of her sister Maud caught the young mare off guard. Twirling around she saw her sister dressed in her usual outfit, Ice colored eyes filled with warmth. "I decided to get here a day early, so we could maybe have a sleepover.- You know like when we were fillies." Maud spoke in a calming tone as she walked over to her baby sister, pulling in for a firm hug. "Mmhmm!" Marble chimed in with a joyous tone. She was so happy to see her big sister Maud again. She had been a bit worried she wouldn't be able to see her until they arrived in Ponyville the next day. Pulling in softly she deepened the hug with a smile. "Oh! Before I forget Pinkie wanted me to ask you something Marble." Maud suddenly spoke up with a questioning tone. Marble simply pulled out of the hug, her ears folding down in a un-sure manner. "Pinkie wrote she would be swamped tomorrow with a party she was hired to do.- She wanted to know if you'd be willing to help her out, I'd ask Limestone but you know how she can be." Maud spoke to Marble in a caring tone of voice. The mare biting her lower lip softly. "All it would be is a bit of baking and greeting ponies." Maud slowly flashed a sweet smile to the shy mare. Her big sister trusted her over Limestone, something that meant a lot to her. "Mm...hmm." Marble softly whimpered aloud in a gentle tone. Filled with un-ease and fear as a pit formed deep in her stomach. "Thank you Marble, you are always dependable just like a boulder." Maud nuzzled her sister's cheek lovingly. "Is that the voice of Professor Rock herself?!" Limestone giggled aloud galloping into the room to welcome her sister back home. As the mares began to talk Marble sat near her window in deep thought once more. "What have I gotten myself into?- Greeting!!?...yeah this is going to end so well!" Marble sighed softly in silence. "If I'm not a dork yet! I will be tomorrow!!" Marble frowned body shivering in anxiety. A piece of her wishing tomorrow would never come. Mac-a-lacka."Oh Big Mac! Your farm is so beautiful!" Marble sighed aloud as she watched the sun begin to set over the lush green farmland. Bathing the world around its glow in a lovely orange color. "Maybe so. But only a fraction as beautiful as you." Big Mac smiled in a loving manner. Both sitting atop a nearby hill overlooking the whole farm, the large red stallion slowly inching closer to the blushing mare. "I'm just happy you wanted to show me around. I kind of feared you might have thought I was weird." Marble giggled nervously her cheeks burning brightly. "Weird? Never! You are intelligent, mature and of course enchanting." Big Mac wrapped his hooves around her small frame, pulling in close as his warm green eyes gazed deeply into her violet pools. "Mmhmm." Marble squeaked unable to say anything, her whole body shivering in fear and pleasure. She could only close her eyes, heart racing widly in her chest as she edged closer to the stallion of her dreams. Softly pouting her lips into a kiss, wanting to melt in his hooves and share a passion filled embrace. "At least make the dream stallion work for it sis!" Limestone burst into giggles as she was muzzle to muzzle with Marble. Marble let her eyes shoot open in shock, her lips still pouted while she quickly began to blush and turn away. The train had come to a complete stop and was just about empty, save for the two mares. "A part of me didn't want to wake you lover mare." Limestone giggled again, unable to stop as she plopped down on the floor just about toppling over. Marble blushing a light pink just huffed aloud in anger, eyes glaring to her older sister who did her best to hold back another fit of laughter yet ended up only snorting softly. "Awww. Don't worry Marbles I won't say a thing to Big Mac..." Limestone stuck her tongue out at her little sister, Marble gently swiping a hoof at her as she swiftly dodged it and galloped out of the train. "Great! Just great!- Here two seconds and gave Limestone enough ammo to last a year!" The young mare sighed shaking her head side to side in embarrassment, her thoughts ringing within her mind. Looking up to the compartment across from her seat, she spotted her suitcase near the very top of the holding bay. Lifting up on her hind hooves, she did her best to reach for the suitcase. Falling just a inch short as she could hear hoofsteps behind her. " I...I'm coming." Her soft whisper of a voice spoke out, thinking it had to be Maud or Limestone. "Need a Hoof?" A strong but calm voice of a stallion replied instead though. Not just any voice at that! It was his!! Cheeks blazing the mare spun around coming muzzle to muzzle with Big Mac with a soft boop. Gasping aloud she quickly pounced back in fright, the red stallion blushing a bit as well from the touch of her muzzle. Wasting no time, he lifted up on his hind hooves and ease took down the suitcase. Placing it at the side of the mare who only gazed down to her hooves in silence. "Eeyup. I mean sorry for frightening you. Just Pinkie is helping me throw a party for the family, we came in the black this apple bucking season." Big Mac chuckled a bit, his golden mane falling over those warm welcoming eyes softly. "So I thought the nice thing to do, would be to help her pick up her sisters at the station." "Mmhmm." Marble squeaked slowly sneaking around the stallion, her hooves swiftly grabbing her suitcase. Big Mac just sighed and nodded. Looking a bit deflated as he felt the mare was trying to escape him or jolt away. " Well nice seeing you again Marble." The stallion nodded politely as he began to walk past the mare and towards the train exit. "What are you doing! He is talking to you foal! -Say something don't act so rude..." Her inner voice screamed at her to say anything, Marble folding her ears back in shame. "Of course! I'm just too scared to even muster out a hello. How about I just stay silent for the rest of my days and wear a sign with the words "Mmhmm." emblazoned across it!" Marble huffed aloud her thoughts getting the best of her, their words stinging her very soul as she let the suitcase drop to the ground with a thud. "Mm....mmm...Mmm...Mac-a-lacka!" Marble sputtered out complete nonsense in a loud yelp that reached across the whole train awkwardly. Big Mac blinked confused turning back to face the mare, smirking as he watched her place both hooves over her mouth in embarrassment. Chuckling aloud he slowly walked back over to her, intrigued on at least what she had to say. "Eeyup. Did you just say Mac-a-lacka?" The stallion asked with a playful chime to his voice, Marble taking deep soft breath of air. "Mmhmm. I...I mean yes..um no...maybe?" Marble felt herself tripping over her own words, she felt as if she were standing of a sheet of brittle ice. That in any second it would shatter and have her fall into the dark icy waters below. "Let me help you with your suitcase." Big Mac offered as he took the handle in his mouth, both him and the mare walking over to the the exit. "I didn't know the party was for you Big Mac." Marble spoke in a melodic tone of voice, her words dancing across the air delicately. Both ponies made their way off the train and onto the nearby platform, Big Mac placing Marble's case down at her side with a curious look on his face. "Pinkie already told you about it?" He questioned as Marble shrugged anxiously. "More than that really. She kind of hired me on as a hostess of sorts for it." Marble felt her voice grow softer and softer, coming out barely a whisper. "Really!!...I...I mean that's great! We could use all the help we can get. Eeyup." The large stallion chuckled aloud, his own words stumbling a bit with a blush. Marble could just smile softly, for a second she didn't feel so out of place. "Oh my Celestia! Is that my wittle baby sister!!" A cheerful and hyperactive voice squealed aloud across the platform, Marble could almost feel the color drain from her coat completely. Ponies around her softly had a laugh while her whole body tensed up. Violet hues darted forward seeing a bright pink pony rush over towards them. Pinkie Pie giggled happily wrapping her hooves tightly around her baby sister, Marble blushed softly being pulled way to close into the embrace. "I'll let you girls catch up. " Big Mac smiled sweetly to the mares before making his way off the platform, towards a large carriage full of supplies parked out front. "Mac." Marble whispered out in a small pout, eyes gazing down towards her hooves. "Squeeeee! I'm so happy to have all my sisters visiting me at once! It's like a dream coming true within a dream!!" Pinkie screamed through the busy train station, her wild mane frazzled out beyond repair. As Pinkie welcomed Limestone and Maud with equal enthusiasm, Marble felt her eyes follow the red stallion while he slowly hitched himself up to his carriage. He was so strong yet gentle in the way he spoke, a pony she felt at ease talking to. A ping of sadness filled her soul. Just when she began to feel at ease around him, everything went awkward once more. Shaking off the burning sensation from her cheeks, she suddenly felt a jolt of fright. Pinkie bounced directly in front of her view of Big Mac, a coy look across her face. "I got a surprise for you!!! " Pinkie giggled ruffling Marble's mane up playfully. "Mmhmm?" Marble winced slightly, something about the way Pinkie worded 'surprise' made her worried. Cracks in the stone.( Before the trip. ) All three mares decided to sleep outside, under the pale light of the moon and twinkling of the stars. Much like when they were fillies, they would go out in the middle of the field to have their Sleepovers . During the serene grace of the night they would share their dreams, fears and hopes for the future. But perhaps best of all, before the night would end. All four sisters would simply gaze up to the clear night sky, get lost within its pale blue glory and just watch the world go by. Anything bad or troubles they had would just melt away. For a little while, the world didn't seem so hard anymore. Though Pinkie was not present, the girls made the most of the time they had together. Maud kept everything interesting by explaining to her sisters the difference between a Geode and a Agate. Limestone did her best to keep her snarky remarks to a minimum while Marble sat silent with a smile just enjoying the company of her family. After hours of talking and sharing of memories, the girls found themselves in the embrace of silence. The farm was bathed in darkness, save for a dim light coming from the house across from them. The wind caressed each of their coats, not enough to give a chill but to keep the soul calm. Not a word was spoken, only the sound of nature around them could be heard. The moon high above almost seemed to inch closer and closer to the mares below, filling the sky like a flawless pearl, sharing its beauty with all in the world. Limestone gazed up to the moon in deep thought, lying on her back, mane cascaded around her. Pale green eyes never blinking, breathing calm and slow. Her face was froze not in a look of happiness but one that was solemn. The soft breathing of Marble could be heard from her side, she was fast asleep a smile across her muzzle. Dreams of what was to come filling her mind. Maud lying on the opposite side of Limestone turned her head to check on her sister. Limestone just huffed aloud, Maud's eyes burning into her soul like a fiery ember. Twisting her head to the side she came muzzle to muzzle with her sister, blue hues questioned what was on her mind. Pale green ones simply gazing away back to the sky in a hasty motion. Maud bit her lower lip, inching her hoof closer to Limestone's. Gently placing it atop her own, caressing up and down in silence, hoping she would know all would be alright. Limestone watched the moon unsure what to do, she allowed the tender touch of her sister to calm her mind. Maud had always been there for her when she needed guidance. Or at least she had been. Ever since she left the farm to pursue her career, the farm has had another chunk torn away from it. The workload got harder, the sun shined less and less while the nights grew longer. Limestone felt tears roll down her cheek slowly, dark grey clouds above began to form. Slowly gathering in front of the moon, the pale light fading from her life once more. Only leaving darkness behind. Limestone pulled her hoof away from Maud, she "had" always been there to guide her. Once upon a time. ( The Present. ) "I had my good friend make this dress just for you!!-you could say it's a "Rarity". " Pinkie giggled aloud at her own little joke, Maud shrugged a bit as Limestone just looked confused with no idea who that was. Marble sighed softly hidden behind a pink curtain, leading to the upstairs bathroom in Pinkie's room, switching into the so called gift from her sister. Pinkie wanted her to wear it before they went off to host the party, she said she'd be just adorable in it. "You know if you needed any help, you could have just asked me.-No need to drag the kid into this Pink." Limestone broke the silence among the mares as Pinkie gave a slight eye roll. "No offense Lime but....I mean I thought you wanted to relax, so I just went and picked Marble." Pinkie trailed off for a second only to rush out another choice of words. "Is that really what you wanted to say?" Limestone huffed softly, her chest pushing out to try and intimidate her sister. "Unlike you Lime. I think I know how to speak my mind." Pinkie flaunted a hoof to her sister while Limestone gave a sharp glare in her direction. "What the bucking hell! - You always talk down to me Pink and I'm freaking tired of it!!" The grey mare snapped in a loud booming voice, Pinkie stepping back a bit from the sudden noise. "Girls! Settle down please."Maud shook her head slightly, stepping in between her two sisters who were flashing pouts towards each other. "No! I want Ms.Thing here!! To share with me, what she really wanted to say!!!" Limestone pushed up against Maud roughly, every piece of her body telling her to pounce on her sister. "Lime..." Maud spoke in a stern voice, glaring towards the mare in hopes of calming her down. "Hmph! To be honest as a Applejack! - I think you are brutish, cold and just plain miserable to be around!! - I chose Marble because she can actually act like a pony and not some stone golem!" Pinkie pressed up against the other side of Maud, speaking every word swiftly and icy in tone. Limestone gritted her teeth in anger, heart racing wildly in her chest as her hooves strained to fight off the weakness building in her knees. The room stayed silent for what seemed like a lifetime, every mare daring not to move in fear something bad might happen. Yet it never did. Limestone just swallowed the growing lump in her throat and nodded in silence, turning away from all her sisters, walking towards the stairs. Soon vanishing from sight, Maud giving the pink mare a disappointed gaze. "Don't give me that look Maud, she started it!" Pinkie folded her ears back as she tried to explain herself. "Doesn't mean you have to finish it." Maud spoke in a calm tone of voice, Pinkie sighing aloud and lowering her head in shame. The curtain hiding the silent mare gently slid out of the way, Marble walking into view blushing a bright pink across her cheeks. Hugging her slender frame was a pink nightmare, the bodice was frilled beyond compare and the skirt puffed out wildly much like cotton candy. To make it worse the whole garment was terribly tight. The petite mare was almost certain this wicked creation was squeezing the life out of her.Violet hues darted to Maud quickly, praying to Celestia that she could get her out of this thing. "Awwww! You look just adorable!" Pinkie squealed aloud, wrapping hooves tightly around her little sister. "Mmmmm." Marble huffed, allowing her voice to trail a bit. "You know I supervised each detail of the dress myself!- Rarity had something else kind of boring in mind." The pink mare nudged her sister in the side softly, bouncing over to her vanity quickly, grabbing a large make-up case. "Hmmm!!" Marble felt her eyes widen in fear, Pinkie was set on transforming her into a living pony doll, all that was missing were pigtails. "And I have these cute ribbons for pigtails!!!" Pinkie swung around, bright pink silken ribbons wrapped around her hooves a wicked glint in her eyes. "Oh dear Luna!! - Everypony is going to think I'm some kind of overgrown filly in this spectacle!" Marble whimpered under her breath softly, mind racing. "Trip yourself down the stairs!- No fake a stomach ache!! - Or just maybe tell her the truth and break her heart while you are at it!! " The silent mare swallowed a nervous lump in her throat, unsure on how to handle this moment. The pink mare crept ever closer until Maud broke the tension building within the room. Her calm tone of voice directed at Pinkie who suddenly placed down the case and ribbons, a look of sorrow upon her face. "You need to find Limestone and apologize. I'll finish up here with Marble, we'll meet you at the party later." Maud flashed a hidden wink towards the frightened pony in the nightmare dress. "But I wanted to give Marble a Super Pinkie Makeover!" Pinkie pled with her older sister, who in return simply gave her a calm but stern gaze. "I know...." Pinkie pouted folding ears back, her mane deflating a bit as she began to trot downstairs, vanishing from view. "Limestone?" Marble spoke in a soft whisper. "Nothing serious. Those two Granite hearted ponies just need to run through a Rock Tumbler a few times." Maud sighed gently, walking over to her little sister in silence. "Mmhmm." Marble nodded along watching as her sister opened up a suitcase of her own, placed near the side of Pinkie's bed. "Well are you going to the party in that? Or do you want to change into something a bit more...simple." Maud smirked as Marble quickly rushed over to her side, eyes gazing down to the many mature styled clothes her sister had brought. Classy but free spirited. "Ummm." Marble whimpered as Maud gave her little sister a kiss on the cheek. "I'll handle Pinkie. Just pick something nice, I have a feeling Big Mac might like the third option from the bottom." Maud giggled, exiting to give her blushing sister some privacy. Marble felt her heart flutter with excitement. Violet hues gazing down to the clothes before her, now was her time to prove she was more than just the little sister. She was a grown mare. Rocky Remembrance.( Morning of the Trip. ) "Limestone is used often in construction, added to other sources to often make them stronger." Maud spoke up out of the silence of the early morning, Pale blue eyes gazing over to Limestone who scrunched up her muzzle in confusion. "What?" The eldest mare rolled her eyes, stretching her backside softly. She loved spending the night with her sisters, yet it was a nightmare on her back. Her eyes darting to Marble snoring aloud on the cold surface of the earth, drool softly dripping out of the side of her mouth. She could not help but let out a giggle, it was times like these she regretted she didn't have a camera to tape this. "I'm just saying Limestone is a important material, without it foundations wouldn't be as strong as they are." Maud walked over to her sister and gave her a warm hug. Limestone felt her heart sinking within her chest, did her sister truly believe those words she spoke? Or perhaps she just sensed something was wrong and decided to try and cheer her up? Limestone frowned gently pulling away from her sister and sighing aloud. "I'm not soft..." She huffed with a bit of exasperation to her voice. "Never said you were, I just think you feel perhaps your contributions to the family farm are going..." Maud tried to take her point home, the perfect time presenting itself. "Mmhmm?" Marble slowly sat up from the dirt, mane filled with all types of debris and tangled beyond repair. The mare still had drool covering one half of her face, Limestone just couldn't help but explode out in laughter. A part of her happy she dodged a conversation with Maud, she knew deep within she was not ready to talk about what she felt inside. "Awwww. You look like crap." Limestone inched closer to her baby sister, quickly ruffling her hooves through her mane playfully. The slender mare blushed brightly, swatting delicately with her hooves, thinking it was just way to early for her sister to be teasing her. Maud watched her sisters act playful and sisterly on the ground, a faint smile forming upon her lips. Perhaps Limestone wasn't as bad off as she thought, with Marble at her side she always seemed to be smiling. ( The Present. ) "Who needs this crap? I should've just stayed at The Farm, at least there I have respect!" Limestone huffed in a small fit, her mane was fluffed out as eyes gazed forward blankly. She sat under a large oak tree in the middle of the Ponyville Park, watching has happy ponies played and chatted, even some enjoying each others company. Friends could share a day with ease, yet it felt like pulling teeth trying to hang out with her sisters. The clouds gently floated across the pale blue sky. The grass below her hooves was lush, and a bit damp, Yet offered a cool tingle across her slender frame. This was a pleasant feeling at this moment, contrasting with her temper which made her feel aflame. "Lemon! C'mon Lemon! I have a job to get to!!" Pinkie yelled aloud in lackluster fashion, hooves dragging a bit as dark blue eyes scanned the park for her sister. Within seconds her hues fell upon Limestone, who had her eyes narrowed at the mere sound of her voice. The pink mare took a deep breath, quickly filling with peppiness before bouncing happily to her side. "Who the buck is Lemon?" Limestone spoke through gritted teeth. "You silly! Because to be honest you are acting like a total sourpuss." Pinkie shrugged her shoulders as she plopped down at Limestone's side with a thud. "What do you want Pink?" The eldest mare simply let her voice fall flat, a part of her just not feeling up to fighting. "I'm here to say sorry. I was wrong and should've thought about your..."Pinkie spoke as if reading lines off a script, her mind elsewhere. Limestone continued to listen in silence, the faux tone her baby sister was using with her sounded strangely familiar. Her muzzle scrunching up slightly as her pale green eyes fell to the grass below. Did she hear it from Maud before? Perhaps Mom or Dad? Marble... That tone, so mocking and cold. Had it been around her all along? Yet she had simply failed to catch on to it? "Hugs?" Pinkie smiled holding out her hooves, her scripted performance over and done with. Limestone merely blinked long lashes and noded along, tilting inward slowly in silence. The ice cold embrace of her sister squeezing her body caused her stomach to flip a bit. "Glad we could make up! C'mon let's go Par-Tay!!" Pinkie let a loud squee escape her lips as she shot up to her hooves, mane bouncing wildly on her head. "Pink. I..." She wanted to bring up how she was sorry, if she ever pushed her away or if by any chance it was her own cold heart that had caused this rift among them. Maybe she could try and make things right? Before this wedge between them would begin to grow, she could let Pinkie know the old mare she used to look up to, was still alive. But the more she thought of it, the more she knew she would be showing weakness. Father had always told her to be strong, not to show fear in the face of the unknown. Not to show pride, when given something good in life. Not to show... "Nothing Pink. I'll be there in a bit." Limestone shrugged with a solemn gaze, her sister just smirking as she bounced off into the horizon. Roughly pounding her hoof into the grass with a dull clunk. Limestone gritted her teeth in anger, it was flowing through her faster and faster. Why did she have to be the one to say sorry? It was they who left. It was Maud and Pink, who knowing full well the farm was in need of a group effort, abandoned her. Left all the dirty work to be done by the oldest mare, as if she didn't have dreams or wants. It was her destiny. "You promised to always be there! You promised..." Limestone swallowed the lump deep in her throat, if they wanted her to be a workhorse. Then she would act like one. And she knew just the place to start. Train of thought."Ma'am were you aware that your suitcase is full of rocks?" A young stallion with a sandy blonde mane, dressed in a train station uniform asked as the last case he put away didn't only weigh a ton but popped open to reveal nothing but stones. "Yes I was aware. Please do be careful I can be a little 'Sedimental' about them." Maud replied never batting a lash, the stallion merely gazing back a bit confused before getting back to work. "Leave it to the Rock Queen to bring the rock farm with us." Limestone smirked as she nudged her baby sister on the side softly. "Mmhmm." Marble giggled as her older sister gazed out the window for a second. Her pale green eyes watched the many ponies walking by with their daily lives, each free to explore and discover. Limestone bit her lower lip slightly, with such a large open world around them filled with countless ponies and stories. Did she feel her world was just a bit small, she loved the farm with all her heart. But was there more? Limestone found herself looking at a small filly with her parents near the exit of the train station. Her red mane was frazzled but she looked absolutely joyous, her father went as far to stop the child from picking up their last bag, happily carrying it himself. The child's hooves were so clean, never knowing a day of hard work. The grayish blue mare gazed down to her own in silence, so rough with calluses and hardened by stone. Her symbol of the rock farm. "Mmmmmhm?" Marble gently nudged her sister back, the sudden silence from her out-spoken sister worried her just a bit. "Hehe. I'm ok little sis...just drifted off for a second." Limestone smirked as she relaxed within her seat, the train echoing with a loud whistle into the bright blue sky. Soon the train began to move and they were on their way. The engine pushing against the tracks as the world around those within the carts became a blur of landscapes. Limestone let her eyes fall to her little sister again, she could tell by just a glance she was worried about something. "Maud told me Pink hired you on for a job." "Ummm..." Marble simply whimpered out not sure what to say. "Hey! it's ok by me, Pink wanted the sister with the light touch for this one." Limestone smirked as she gently brushed the bangs away from her little sister's eyes. "You need to open up some more anyway. Sometimes I feel like I'm talking to a stonewall." The older sister giggled as Marble huffed aloud. "I can't help it! I'm just not the talkative type...what if I say something dumb or if ponies laugh at the way I talk?" Marble groaned her mind racing with inner thoughts. "Sorry kid if I come off a little harsh. I just know you have a fiery spirit hidden within you." Limestone spoke as she slid lower into her seat slightly. Marble scrunched up her muzzle cutely, pointing to herself as her sister just burst into giggles. "Yes you!- you might not see it but I do! You have the fire inside to light up the world!" "Ummm." "It's a rare thing to have. You just need to learn to take a chance and jump into the world!" Limestone smiled her voice rising a bit as ponies quickly glanced towards them out of curiosity. "Because before you know it...the world has passed you by." She trailed off almost into a hushed tone gazing back out her window. "Do you want to talk about it? I know you try and act all scary but I want to be there for you." Marble felt her mind echo with those words. Gently she lifted her own hoof to place atop her sister's. Maud's voice suddenly calling to her from across the aisle, the seat next to her open and for the taking. Marble decided maybe Limestone just needed a bit of space. Softly sliding off her seat she walked over to Maud taking the spot at her side and smiling brightly much like the sun outside. "Is everything alright? I noticed Limestone had the same look as Boulder when he thinks about his old quarry." Maud spoke with a soft pitch, reaching into her pocket taking out her polished and loved pet rock. "Umm." Marble tried to find the words to best describe the feeling she was having at the moment. "You're worried about her that much huh?" Maud shrugged as she gently stroked her rock in her hoof. The young mare let her eyes widen in shock at how her sister was able to read her so easily. "I know you're thinking how I did that. Simple your eyes, they show more than words could say." Maud gave her sister a blank stare as Marble just returned a look of awe. "Did you know Marble is a strong and durable stone? It can be placed almost anywhere and bring a air of beauty and grace with it." Maud slowly let her hoof come to a stop, pale hues gazing over to her baby sister. "But being as strong of a stone as it is. Marble can easily be scratched or stained by the weight of the world around it." Maud swiftly slid the rock back into her outfit, placing her hoof onto Marble's afterwards. "If at anytime you feel like the weight of the world is getting you down. Let me know ok? " Maud slowly flashed a small smile from her usual indifferent gaze. Marble sat there in silence as she simply nodded. Her mind was racing with many thoughts, she wanted to share with her sister but at a time like this? It was supposed to be a vacation, a time to have fun and enjoy. She would soon discuss a few things with Maud, but perhaps near the end of the week. For now she just wanted to have a good time, forget about all the un-ease she felt within and think about happy things. She wondered what Pinkie had in store for them once they arrived. Maud had spoke of her first visit to Ponyville and how Pinkie nearly got crushed by a large boulder. Though Marble didn't want that to happen, a part of her wished Pinkie would do something crazy again. So just maybe she'd be there to catch all the laughter her sister was able to bring to the ponies around her.A gift she more than once dreamed of having, to be able to speak your mind and not fear what others might think. As the train sped ahead towards its destination, her mind began to wander. Would she be able to be graceful and strong to make Pinkie proud this week? Or would she just end up being stained by the weight of the world?
Set in stone."I can't wait to get off the farm! If only for a week." Limestone stretched her slender frame slowly, lying lazily upon the monochrome sheets atop a small bed in Marble's room. "Mmhmm." Marble simply replied back in the softest of tones. "Not that I hate the farm or anything!- just nice to get away sometimes you know?" Limestone smirked quickly pouncing off the bed and walking over to her little sister, who at the moment was busy packing her luggage for the trip. "Mmhmm." Marble nodded along as she placed a family picture within her light gray suitcase, everything she needed for the trip neatly put away. "The only part of spending a week with Pink I'm dreading are those awkward parties she always throws!!" Limestone shuddered aloud as she plopped down on the floor next to her little sister. "I mean "Like hello! It's a getaway as in get away and let me relax!!"" Limestone couldn't help but giggle aloud as her lime green hues gazed to the ceiling in thought. "Parties or no.- It'll be a awesome time!" She gazed up to her little sister who just nodded along in silence. "When we get to Pink's I'm going to try and play it fast and loose. What about you?" The older mare asked as her sister just sighed aloud in a un-sure manner. "Knowing you I bet you'll find a way to visit Big Mac on the Apple Farm." Lime slowly rolled over a grin across her lips. Grey mane falling over her eyes mischievously. Marble just allowed her eyes to widen in complete shock, her cheeks were burning as they became a shade of light pink. The mare quickly turning away as she could hear her sister burst into giggles. "Why are you acting so shocked? Even a blind pony could have seen the way you kept looking at him." Limestone sat up pointing a hoof to her little sister as she teased. Marble just shot a small pout to Limestone who merely shrugged it off. "Essh don't worry I won't say anything. All I want is a week of relaxation not drama." Limestone got up to her hooves, walking over to the door in silence. "Don't stay up too late tonight sis. I want to be gone before sunrise!!" Limestone flipped her mane over her shoulder, swaying out of the room as Marble just sat alone in her room in deep thought. "Am I really that obvious?...I mean I really did try to not stare too much when he visited." Marble let her thoughts run free within her mind. The one true place she felt as if she could say anything, Even if it was just to herself. "He was just so sweet! A stallion of few words, though those eyes spoke volumes." Marble smiled to herself blushing again as she walked over to her open window. Gazing out over the vast dull land of the farm and beyond to the colorful horizon of the world. "Will he be happy to see me? Or was I just being really dumb and staring at him like a filly?" Marble huffed aloud as she ploped down on the window frame sadly. "Knowing my luck he has a special somepony back home! And here I was just oggling him like a piece of Rock Candy!" Marble couldn't help but groan aloud while she placed her hooves over her muzzle embarrassed. "I don't need to be worrying myself so much! This week is about spending time with my sisters not a stallion." Marble allowed a small smile to form across her lips slowly, the thought of spending a whole week with just her sisters warming her heart. It had been far too long since just the girls were able to spend any time with eachother, to be able to catch up and enjoy the happiness that comes with sisterhood. This week would be full of smiles, laughter, new friends and Big Mac. Marble softly caressed her mane with her hooves, her mind drifting off to her final thought happily. "Thinking about somepony close to your heart?" The deadpan voice of her sister Maud caught the young mare off guard. Twirling around she saw her sister dressed in her usual outfit, Ice colored eyes filled with warmth. "I decided to get here a day early, so we could maybe have a sleepover.- You know like when we were fillies." Maud spoke in a calming tone as she walked over to her baby sister, pulling in for a firm hug. "Mmhmm!" Marble chimed in with a joyous tone. She was so happy to see her big sister Maud again. She had been a bit worried she wouldn't be able to see her until they arrived in Ponyville the next day. Pulling in softly she deepened the hug with a smile. "Oh! Before I forget Pinkie wanted me to ask you something Marble." Maud suddenly spoke up with a questioning tone. Marble simply pulled out of the hug, her ears folding down in a un-sure manner. "Pinkie wrote she would be swamped tomorrow with a party she was hired to do.- She wanted to know if you'd be willing to help her out, I'd ask Limestone but you know how she can be." Maud spoke to Marble in a caring tone of voice. The mare biting her lower lip softly. "All it would be is a bit of baking and greeting ponies." Maud slowly flashed a sweet smile to the shy mare. Her big sister trusted her over Limestone, something that meant a lot to her. "Mm...hmm." Marble softly whimpered aloud in a gentle tone. Filled with un-ease and fear as a pit formed deep in her stomach. "Thank you Marble, you are always dependable just like a boulder." Maud nuzzled her sister's cheek lovingly. "Is that the voice of Professor Rock herself?!" Limestone giggled aloud galloping into the room to welcome her sister back home. As the mares began to talk Marble sat near her window in deep thought once more. "What have I gotten myself into?- Greeting!!?...yeah this is going to end so well!" Marble sighed softly in silence. "If I'm not a dork yet! I will be tomorrow!!" Marble frowned body shivering in anxiety. A piece of her wishing tomorrow would never come.
Mac-a-lacka."Oh Big Mac! Your farm is so beautiful!" Marble sighed aloud as she watched the sun begin to set over the lush green farmland. Bathing the world around its glow in a lovely orange color. "Maybe so. But only a fraction as beautiful as you." Big Mac smiled in a loving manner. Both sitting atop a nearby hill overlooking the whole farm, the large red stallion slowly inching closer to the blushing mare. "I'm just happy you wanted to show me around. I kind of feared you might have thought I was weird." Marble giggled nervously her cheeks burning brightly. "Weird? Never! You are intelligent, mature and of course enchanting." Big Mac wrapped his hooves around her small frame, pulling in close as his warm green eyes gazed deeply into her violet pools. "Mmhmm." Marble squeaked unable to say anything, her whole body shivering in fear and pleasure. She could only close her eyes, heart racing widly in her chest as she edged closer to the stallion of her dreams. Softly pouting her lips into a kiss, wanting to melt in his hooves and share a passion filled embrace. "At least make the dream stallion work for it sis!" Limestone burst into giggles as she was muzzle to muzzle with Marble. Marble let her eyes shoot open in shock, her lips still pouted while she quickly began to blush and turn away. The train had come to a complete stop and was just about empty, save for the two mares. "A part of me didn't want to wake you lover mare." Limestone giggled again, unable to stop as she plopped down on the floor just about toppling over. Marble blushing a light pink just huffed aloud in anger, eyes glaring to her older sister who did her best to hold back another fit of laughter yet ended up only snorting softly. "Awww. Don't worry Marbles I won't say a thing to Big Mac..." Limestone stuck her tongue out at her little sister, Marble gently swiping a hoof at her as she swiftly dodged it and galloped out of the train. "Great! Just great!- Here two seconds and gave Limestone enough ammo to last a year!" The young mare sighed shaking her head side to side in embarrassment, her thoughts ringing within her mind. Looking up to the compartment across from her seat, she spotted her suitcase near the very top of the holding bay. Lifting up on her hind hooves, she did her best to reach for the suitcase. Falling just a inch short as she could hear hoofsteps behind her. " I...I'm coming." Her soft whisper of a voice spoke out, thinking it had to be Maud or Limestone. "Need a Hoof?" A strong but calm voice of a stallion replied instead though. Not just any voice at that! It was his!! Cheeks blazing the mare spun around coming muzzle to muzzle with Big Mac with a soft boop. Gasping aloud she quickly pounced back in fright, the red stallion blushing a bit as well from the touch of her muzzle. Wasting no time, he lifted up on his hind hooves and ease took down the suitcase. Placing it at the side of the mare who only gazed down to her hooves in silence. "Eeyup. I mean sorry for frightening you. Just Pinkie is helping me throw a party for the family, we came in the black this apple bucking season." Big Mac chuckled a bit, his golden mane falling over those warm welcoming eyes softly. "So I thought the nice thing to do, would be to help her pick up her sisters at the station." "Mmhmm." Marble squeaked slowly sneaking around the stallion, her hooves swiftly grabbing her suitcase. Big Mac just sighed and nodded. Looking a bit deflated as he felt the mare was trying to escape him or jolt away. " Well nice seeing you again Marble." The stallion nodded politely as he began to walk past the mare and towards the train exit. "What are you doing! He is talking to you foal! -Say something don't act so rude..." Her inner voice screamed at her to say anything, Marble folding her ears back in shame. "Of course! I'm just too scared to even muster out a hello. How about I just stay silent for the rest of my days and wear a sign with the words "Mmhmm." emblazoned across it!" Marble huffed aloud her thoughts getting the best of her, their words stinging her very soul as she let the suitcase drop to the ground with a thud. "Mm....mmm...Mmm...Mac-a-lacka!" Marble sputtered out complete nonsense in a loud yelp that reached across the whole train awkwardly. Big Mac blinked confused turning back to face the mare, smirking as he watched her place both hooves over her mouth in embarrassment. Chuckling aloud he slowly walked back over to her, intrigued on at least what she had to say. "Eeyup. Did you just say Mac-a-lacka?" The stallion asked with a playful chime to his voice, Marble taking deep soft breath of air. "Mmhmm. I...I mean yes..um no...maybe?" Marble felt herself tripping over her own words, she felt as if she were standing of a sheet of brittle ice. That in any second it would shatter and have her fall into the dark icy waters below. "Let me help you with your suitcase." Big Mac offered as he took the handle in his mouth, both him and the mare walking over to the the exit. "I didn't know the party was for you Big Mac." Marble spoke in a melodic tone of voice, her words dancing across the air delicately. Both ponies made their way off the train and onto the nearby platform, Big Mac placing Marble's case down at her side with a curious look on his face. "Pinkie already told you about it?" He questioned as Marble shrugged anxiously. "More than that really. She kind of hired me on as a hostess of sorts for it." Marble felt her voice grow softer and softer, coming out barely a whisper. "Really!!...I...I mean that's great! We could use all the help we can get. Eeyup." The large stallion chuckled aloud, his own words stumbling a bit with a blush. Marble could just smile softly, for a second she didn't feel so out of place. "Oh my Celestia! Is that my wittle baby sister!!" A cheerful and hyperactive voice squealed aloud across the platform, Marble could almost feel the color drain from her coat completely. Ponies around her softly had a laugh while her whole body tensed up. Violet hues darted forward seeing a bright pink pony rush over towards them. Pinkie Pie giggled happily wrapping her hooves tightly around her baby sister, Marble blushed softly being pulled way to close into the embrace. "I'll let you girls catch up. " Big Mac smiled sweetly to the mares before making his way off the platform, towards a large carriage full of supplies parked out front. "Mac." Marble whispered out in a small pout, eyes gazing down towards her hooves. "Squeeeee! I'm so happy to have all my sisters visiting me at once! It's like a dream coming true within a dream!!" Pinkie screamed through the busy train station, her wild mane frazzled out beyond repair. As Pinkie welcomed Limestone and Maud with equal enthusiasm, Marble felt her eyes follow the red stallion while he slowly hitched himself up to his carriage. He was so strong yet gentle in the way he spoke, a pony she felt at ease talking to. A ping of sadness filled her soul. Just when she began to feel at ease around him, everything went awkward once more. Shaking off the burning sensation from her cheeks, she suddenly felt a jolt of fright. Pinkie bounced directly in front of her view of Big Mac, a coy look across her face. "I got a surprise for you!!! " Pinkie giggled ruffling Marble's mane up playfully. "Mmhmm?" Marble winced slightly, something about the way Pinkie worded 'surprise' made her worried.
Cracks in the stone.( Before the trip. ) All three mares decided to sleep outside, under the pale light of the moon and twinkling of the stars. Much like when they were fillies, they would go out in the middle of the field to have their Sleepovers . During the serene grace of the night they would share their dreams, fears and hopes for the future. But perhaps best of all, before the night would end. All four sisters would simply gaze up to the clear night sky, get lost within its pale blue glory and just watch the world go by. Anything bad or troubles they had would just melt away. For a little while, the world didn't seem so hard anymore. Though Pinkie was not present, the girls made the most of the time they had together. Maud kept everything interesting by explaining to her sisters the difference between a Geode and a Agate. Limestone did her best to keep her snarky remarks to a minimum while Marble sat silent with a smile just enjoying the company of her family. After hours of talking and sharing of memories, the girls found themselves in the embrace of silence. The farm was bathed in darkness, save for a dim light coming from the house across from them. The wind caressed each of their coats, not enough to give a chill but to keep the soul calm. Not a word was spoken, only the sound of nature around them could be heard. The moon high above almost seemed to inch closer and closer to the mares below, filling the sky like a flawless pearl, sharing its beauty with all in the world. Limestone gazed up to the moon in deep thought, lying on her back, mane cascaded around her. Pale green eyes never blinking, breathing calm and slow. Her face was froze not in a look of happiness but one that was solemn. The soft breathing of Marble could be heard from her side, she was fast asleep a smile across her muzzle. Dreams of what was to come filling her mind. Maud lying on the opposite side of Limestone turned her head to check on her sister. Limestone just huffed aloud, Maud's eyes burning into her soul like a fiery ember. Twisting her head to the side she came muzzle to muzzle with her sister, blue hues questioned what was on her mind. Pale green ones simply gazing away back to the sky in a hasty motion. Maud bit her lower lip, inching her hoof closer to Limestone's. Gently placing it atop her own, caressing up and down in silence, hoping she would know all would be alright. Limestone watched the moon unsure what to do, she allowed the tender touch of her sister to calm her mind. Maud had always been there for her when she needed guidance. Or at least she had been. Ever since she left the farm to pursue her career, the farm has had another chunk torn away from it. The workload got harder, the sun shined less and less while the nights grew longer. Limestone felt tears roll down her cheek slowly, dark grey clouds above began to form. Slowly gathering in front of the moon, the pale light fading from her life once more. Only leaving darkness behind. Limestone pulled her hoof away from Maud, she "had" always been there to guide her. Once upon a time. ( The Present. ) "I had my good friend make this dress just for you!!-you could say it's a "Rarity". " Pinkie giggled aloud at her own little joke, Maud shrugged a bit as Limestone just looked confused with no idea who that was. Marble sighed softly hidden behind a pink curtain, leading to the upstairs bathroom in Pinkie's room, switching into the so called gift from her sister. Pinkie wanted her to wear it before they went off to host the party, she said she'd be just adorable in it. "You know if you needed any help, you could have just asked me.-No need to drag the kid into this Pink." Limestone broke the silence among the mares as Pinkie gave a slight eye roll. "No offense Lime but....I mean I thought you wanted to relax, so I just went and picked Marble." Pinkie trailed off for a second only to rush out another choice of words. "Is that really what you wanted to say?" Limestone huffed softly, her chest pushing out to try and intimidate her sister. "Unlike you Lime. I think I know how to speak my mind." Pinkie flaunted a hoof to her sister while Limestone gave a sharp glare in her direction. "What the bucking hell! - You always talk down to me Pink and I'm freaking tired of it!!" The grey mare snapped in a loud booming voice, Pinkie stepping back a bit from the sudden noise. "Girls! Settle down please."Maud shook her head slightly, stepping in between her two sisters who were flashing pouts towards each other. "No! I want Ms.Thing here!! To share with me, what she really wanted to say!!!" Limestone pushed up against Maud roughly, every piece of her body telling her to pounce on her sister. "Lime..." Maud spoke in a stern voice, glaring towards the mare in hopes of calming her down. "Hmph! To be honest as a Applejack! - I think you are brutish, cold and just plain miserable to be around!! - I chose Marble because she can actually act like a pony and not some stone golem!" Pinkie pressed up against the other side of Maud, speaking every word swiftly and icy in tone. Limestone gritted her teeth in anger, heart racing wildly in her chest as her hooves strained to fight off the weakness building in her knees. The room stayed silent for what seemed like a lifetime, every mare daring not to move in fear something bad might happen. Yet it never did. Limestone just swallowed the growing lump in her throat and nodded in silence, turning away from all her sisters, walking towards the stairs. Soon vanishing from sight, Maud giving the pink mare a disappointed gaze. "Don't give me that look Maud, she started it!" Pinkie folded her ears back as she tried to explain herself. "Doesn't mean you have to finish it." Maud spoke in a calm tone of voice, Pinkie sighing aloud and lowering her head in shame. The curtain hiding the silent mare gently slid out of the way, Marble walking into view blushing a bright pink across her cheeks. Hugging her slender frame was a pink nightmare, the bodice was frilled beyond compare and the skirt puffed out wildly much like cotton candy. To make it worse the whole garment was terribly tight. The petite mare was almost certain this wicked creation was squeezing the life out of her.Violet hues darted to Maud quickly, praying to Celestia that she could get her out of this thing. "Awwww! You look just adorable!" Pinkie squealed aloud, wrapping hooves tightly around her little sister. "Mmmmm." Marble huffed, allowing her voice to trail a bit. "You know I supervised each detail of the dress myself!- Rarity had something else kind of boring in mind." The pink mare nudged her sister in the side softly, bouncing over to her vanity quickly, grabbing a large make-up case. "Hmmm!!" Marble felt her eyes widen in fear, Pinkie was set on transforming her into a living pony doll, all that was missing were pigtails. "And I have these cute ribbons for pigtails!!!" Pinkie swung around, bright pink silken ribbons wrapped around her hooves a wicked glint in her eyes. "Oh dear Luna!! - Everypony is going to think I'm some kind of overgrown filly in this spectacle!" Marble whimpered under her breath softly, mind racing. "Trip yourself down the stairs!- No fake a stomach ache!! - Or just maybe tell her the truth and break her heart while you are at it!! " The silent mare swallowed a nervous lump in her throat, unsure on how to handle this moment. The pink mare crept ever closer until Maud broke the tension building within the room. Her calm tone of voice directed at Pinkie who suddenly placed down the case and ribbons, a look of sorrow upon her face. "You need to find Limestone and apologize. I'll finish up here with Marble, we'll meet you at the party later." Maud flashed a hidden wink towards the frightened pony in the nightmare dress. "But I wanted to give Marble a Super Pinkie Makeover!" Pinkie pled with her older sister, who in return simply gave her a calm but stern gaze. "I know...." Pinkie pouted folding ears back, her mane deflating a bit as she began to trot downstairs, vanishing from view. "Limestone?" Marble spoke in a soft whisper. "Nothing serious. Those two Granite hearted ponies just need to run through a Rock Tumbler a few times." Maud sighed gently, walking over to her little sister in silence. "Mmhmm." Marble nodded along watching as her sister opened up a suitcase of her own, placed near the side of Pinkie's bed. "Well are you going to the party in that? Or do you want to change into something a bit more...simple." Maud smirked as Marble quickly rushed over to her side, eyes gazing down to the many mature styled clothes her sister had brought. Classy but free spirited. "Ummm." Marble whimpered as Maud gave her little sister a kiss on the cheek. "I'll handle Pinkie. Just pick something nice, I have a feeling Big Mac might like the third option from the bottom." Maud giggled, exiting to give her blushing sister some privacy. Marble felt her heart flutter with excitement. Violet hues gazing down to the clothes before her, now was her time to prove she was more than just the little sister. She was a grown mare.
Rocky Remembrance.( Morning of the Trip. ) "Limestone is used often in construction, added to other sources to often make them stronger." Maud spoke up out of the silence of the early morning, Pale blue eyes gazing over to Limestone who scrunched up her muzzle in confusion. "What?" The eldest mare rolled her eyes, stretching her backside softly. She loved spending the night with her sisters, yet it was a nightmare on her back. Her eyes darting to Marble snoring aloud on the cold surface of the earth, drool softly dripping out of the side of her mouth. She could not help but let out a giggle, it was times like these she regretted she didn't have a camera to tape this. "I'm just saying Limestone is a important material, without it foundations wouldn't be as strong as they are." Maud walked over to her sister and gave her a warm hug. Limestone felt her heart sinking within her chest, did her sister truly believe those words she spoke? Or perhaps she just sensed something was wrong and decided to try and cheer her up? Limestone frowned gently pulling away from her sister and sighing aloud. "I'm not soft..." She huffed with a bit of exasperation to her voice. "Never said you were, I just think you feel perhaps your contributions to the family farm are going..." Maud tried to take her point home, the perfect time presenting itself. "Mmhmm?" Marble slowly sat up from the dirt, mane filled with all types of debris and tangled beyond repair. The mare still had drool covering one half of her face, Limestone just couldn't help but explode out in laughter. A part of her happy she dodged a conversation with Maud, she knew deep within she was not ready to talk about what she felt inside. "Awwww. You look like crap." Limestone inched closer to her baby sister, quickly ruffling her hooves through her mane playfully. The slender mare blushed brightly, swatting delicately with her hooves, thinking it was just way to early for her sister to be teasing her. Maud watched her sisters act playful and sisterly on the ground, a faint smile forming upon her lips. Perhaps Limestone wasn't as bad off as she thought, with Marble at her side she always seemed to be smiling. ( The Present. ) "Who needs this crap? I should've just stayed at The Farm, at least there I have respect!" Limestone huffed in a small fit, her mane was fluffed out as eyes gazed forward blankly. She sat under a large oak tree in the middle of the Ponyville Park, watching has happy ponies played and chatted, even some enjoying each others company. Friends could share a day with ease, yet it felt like pulling teeth trying to hang out with her sisters. The clouds gently floated across the pale blue sky. The grass below her hooves was lush, and a bit damp, Yet offered a cool tingle across her slender frame. This was a pleasant feeling at this moment, contrasting with her temper which made her feel aflame. "Lemon! C'mon Lemon! I have a job to get to!!" Pinkie yelled aloud in lackluster fashion, hooves dragging a bit as dark blue eyes scanned the park for her sister. Within seconds her hues fell upon Limestone, who had her eyes narrowed at the mere sound of her voice. The pink mare took a deep breath, quickly filling with peppiness before bouncing happily to her side. "Who the buck is Lemon?" Limestone spoke through gritted teeth. "You silly! Because to be honest you are acting like a total sourpuss." Pinkie shrugged her shoulders as she plopped down at Limestone's side with a thud. "What do you want Pink?" The eldest mare simply let her voice fall flat, a part of her just not feeling up to fighting. "I'm here to say sorry. I was wrong and should've thought about your..."Pinkie spoke as if reading lines off a script, her mind elsewhere. Limestone continued to listen in silence, the faux tone her baby sister was using with her sounded strangely familiar. Her muzzle scrunching up slightly as her pale green eyes fell to the grass below. Did she hear it from Maud before? Perhaps Mom or Dad? Marble... That tone, so mocking and cold. Had it been around her all along? Yet she had simply failed to catch on to it? "Hugs?" Pinkie smiled holding out her hooves, her scripted performance over and done with. Limestone merely blinked long lashes and noded along, tilting inward slowly in silence. The ice cold embrace of her sister squeezing her body caused her stomach to flip a bit. "Glad we could make up! C'mon let's go Par-Tay!!" Pinkie let a loud squee escape her lips as she shot up to her hooves, mane bouncing wildly on her head. "Pink. I..." She wanted to bring up how she was sorry, if she ever pushed her away or if by any chance it was her own cold heart that had caused this rift among them. Maybe she could try and make things right? Before this wedge between them would begin to grow, she could let Pinkie know the old mare she used to look up to, was still alive. But the more she thought of it, the more she knew she would be showing weakness. Father had always told her to be strong, not to show fear in the face of the unknown. Not to show pride, when given something good in life. Not to show... "Nothing Pink. I'll be there in a bit." Limestone shrugged with a solemn gaze, her sister just smirking as she bounced off into the horizon. Roughly pounding her hoof into the grass with a dull clunk. Limestone gritted her teeth in anger, it was flowing through her faster and faster. Why did she have to be the one to say sorry? It was they who left. It was Maud and Pink, who knowing full well the farm was in need of a group effort, abandoned her. Left all the dirty work to be done by the oldest mare, as if she didn't have dreams or wants. It was her destiny. "You promised to always be there! You promised..." Limestone swallowed the lump deep in her throat, if they wanted her to be a workhorse. Then she would act like one. And she knew just the place to start.
Train of thought."Ma'am were you aware that your suitcase is full of rocks?" A young stallion with a sandy blonde mane, dressed in a train station uniform asked as the last case he put away didn't only weigh a ton but popped open to reveal nothing but stones. "Yes I was aware. Please do be careful I can be a little 'Sedimental' about them." Maud replied never batting a lash, the stallion merely gazing back a bit confused before getting back to work. "Leave it to the Rock Queen to bring the rock farm with us." Limestone smirked as she nudged her baby sister on the side softly. "Mmhmm." Marble giggled as her older sister gazed out the window for a second. Her pale green eyes watched the many ponies walking by with their daily lives, each free to explore and discover. Limestone bit her lower lip slightly, with such a large open world around them filled with countless ponies and stories. Did she feel her world was just a bit small, she loved the farm with all her heart. But was there more? Limestone found herself looking at a small filly with her parents near the exit of the train station. Her red mane was frazzled but she looked absolutely joyous, her father went as far to stop the child from picking up their last bag, happily carrying it himself. The child's hooves were so clean, never knowing a day of hard work. The grayish blue mare gazed down to her own in silence, so rough with calluses and hardened by stone. Her symbol of the rock farm. "Mmmmmhm?" Marble gently nudged her sister back, the sudden silence from her out-spoken sister worried her just a bit. "Hehe. I'm ok little sis...just drifted off for a second." Limestone smirked as she relaxed within her seat, the train echoing with a loud whistle into the bright blue sky. Soon the train began to move and they were on their way. The engine pushing against the tracks as the world around those within the carts became a blur of landscapes. Limestone let her eyes fall to her little sister again, she could tell by just a glance she was worried about something. "Maud told me Pink hired you on for a job." "Ummm..." Marble simply whimpered out not sure what to say. "Hey! it's ok by me, Pink wanted the sister with the light touch for this one." Limestone smirked as she gently brushed the bangs away from her little sister's eyes. "You need to open up some more anyway. Sometimes I feel like I'm talking to a stonewall." The older sister giggled as Marble huffed aloud. "I can't help it! I'm just not the talkative type...what if I say something dumb or if ponies laugh at the way I talk?" Marble groaned her mind racing with inner thoughts. "Sorry kid if I come off a little harsh. I just know you have a fiery spirit hidden within you." Limestone spoke as she slid lower into her seat slightly. Marble scrunched up her muzzle cutely, pointing to herself as her sister just burst into giggles. "Yes you!- you might not see it but I do! You have the fire inside to light up the world!" "Ummm." "It's a rare thing to have. You just need to learn to take a chance and jump into the world!" Limestone smiled her voice rising a bit as ponies quickly glanced towards them out of curiosity. "Because before you know it...the world has passed you by." She trailed off almost into a hushed tone gazing back out her window. "Do you want to talk about it? I know you try and act all scary but I want to be there for you." Marble felt her mind echo with those words. Gently she lifted her own hoof to place atop her sister's. Maud's voice suddenly calling to her from across the aisle, the seat next to her open and for the taking. Marble decided maybe Limestone just needed a bit of space. Softly sliding off her seat she walked over to Maud taking the spot at her side and smiling brightly much like the sun outside. "Is everything alright? I noticed Limestone had the same look as Boulder when he thinks about his old quarry." Maud spoke with a soft pitch, reaching into her pocket taking out her polished and loved pet rock. "Umm." Marble tried to find the words to best describe the feeling she was having at the moment. "You're worried about her that much huh?" Maud shrugged as she gently stroked her rock in her hoof. The young mare let her eyes widen in shock at how her sister was able to read her so easily. "I know you're thinking how I did that. Simple your eyes, they show more than words could say." Maud gave her sister a blank stare as Marble just returned a look of awe. "Did you know Marble is a strong and durable stone? It can be placed almost anywhere and bring a air of beauty and grace with it." Maud slowly let her hoof come to a stop, pale hues gazing over to her baby sister. "But being as strong of a stone as it is. Marble can easily be scratched or stained by the weight of the world around it." Maud swiftly slid the rock back into her outfit, placing her hoof onto Marble's afterwards. "If at anytime you feel like the weight of the world is getting you down. Let me know ok? " Maud slowly flashed a small smile from her usual indifferent gaze. Marble sat there in silence as she simply nodded. Her mind was racing with many thoughts, she wanted to share with her sister but at a time like this? It was supposed to be a vacation, a time to have fun and enjoy. She would soon discuss a few things with Maud, but perhaps near the end of the week. For now she just wanted to have a good time, forget about all the un-ease she felt within and think about happy things. She wondered what Pinkie had in store for them once they arrived. Maud had spoke of her first visit to Ponyville and how Pinkie nearly got crushed by a large boulder. Though Marble didn't want that to happen, a part of her wished Pinkie would do something crazy again. So just maybe she'd be there to catch all the laughter her sister was able to bring to the ponies around her.A gift she more than once dreamed of having, to be able to speak your mind and not fear what others might think. As the train sped ahead towards its destination, her mind began to wander. Would she be able to be graceful and strong to make Pinkie proud this week? Or would she just end up being stained by the weight of the world?
