Sister Slaves (Built Upon Dreams, Paid in Blood)

“Ma!” Pinkie whines as her mother rubs her cheeks with a handkerchief.

“Pinkie, stay still, you need to look presentable for the Lord.” Her mother smiles with a hum. “He likes clean little fillies.” Pinkie frowns as she gives in too her mother’s needs. “There…” Cloudy Quartz looks over her work. “See that wasn’t so bad.” She gives her daughter a soft smile.

Free from her mother’s grasp, Pinkie quickly worms her way from their place in the pew over to Marble waiting on the left-hand aisle of the church. Standing next to her twin, Pinkie fixes her bonnet as they make their way to the altar, up to the choir-chairs behind the pastor’s podium. Taking their seats, the twins wait patiently for the other children of the Frist New Light Church’s ‘Children’s Choir’ to take their places on the altar.

While she waits, Pinkie looks at the architecture of the church and the ponies within.

The floor plan of the church is simple, nothing to grand or extravagant. A church in a town like Ashmore has to keep it simple. Ten pews in rows of two sit in the center of the church’s floor. The layout of these pews creates one main center aisle and two narrow side aisles. Along the side aisles are six plaster coated pillars holding up the oak roof. In-between each pillar are stained-glass windows, depicting tales and parables from the holy book of the earth ponies.

The congregation is small only a hundred and fifty ponies in total fill up the space. It’s about a third of Ashmore’s population. With ten competing churches many devout followers flocked to what church was close to them. Pinkie’s home church is one of three that were the fullest of the bunch. She like that about her church, she has a lot of friends to play with.

The dress code from the members of her home church are simple. The Stallions and colts ware black Mennonite styled hats, white-collared shirts, black ties and black slacks. The mares and fillies ware white bonnets, white bonnets, dresses, and baby-blue cotton short-sleeve jackets.

As for where the sexes sit, the stallions and colts sit on the right-side pews, while the mares and fillies sit on the left-side pews.

Swinging her legs mindlessly, Pinkie looks for her father in the crowd. Seeing him sitting in the third pew, near the center aisle, she waves to him. Seeing his daughter waving to him, he returns the gesture with a soft smile. Giggling at her father’s expression, she turns her attention to her mother and elder sisters who sit in the fourth pew. They return her gesture.

As the choir maiden steps onto the altar, the children quite themselves down, awaiting her instructions. Standing in front of the children, the choir maiden raises her left hand into the air, commanding them to rise. The children stand and put their hands behind their backs. With a smile, she begins the song.

“Oh, heaven of glory, oh, Lord of kings,

Who made heavens and earth,

And every creature small and large,

And all the trees and all little, itty, bitty, crawly things.

Oh, heaven may,

Oh, heaven may,

Will we be blessed be?

Oh, heaven of glory, oh, Lord of lords,

Who made us from the dust,

He who gave us mortal breath,

And bestowed us this mortal realm.

Oh, heaven may

Oh, heaven may,

Will we be blessed be?

Oh, heaven of glory, oh, Lord of all,

Who gave his only, begotten son,

Who’d died for our sins,

For we may live once again,

Oh, heaven may,

Oh, heaven may,

We are the blessed be.”

Finishing up their song for the day, the children bow as their families praise their performance. Ushering the children off of the altar, the choir maiden smiles to the crowd and bows, before stepping off the stage herself. Getting back to their pew, the twins take their seats next to Limestone. Marble picks up a holy-book from the back of the pew’s pocket in front of her and shares it with Pinkie.

The pastor walks onto the altar and faces the congregation. Smiling at his flock, he sets down his tattered holy-book on the podium. “Hello my fellow believers, even though this day is overcast and the winds cold, I’m glad you could make it to today’s service.” He opens his holy-book. “Today I want to talk about encouragement… I believe its needed in these dark times, many of us worry that the war will come to our doorstep, to Ashmore, to the heartland of our great Republic…”

Maud keeps her gaze on the pastor, her mind soaking up his words. Taking a glance down at her holy-book, she follows along as the pastor reads one of the passages, but feeling like someone is watching her, she looks to her right over her shoulder. A young stallion, about twenty-one years old, stares at her with a goofy grin. His long gray mane hugging the back of his neck, his black fur glistening in the light. She blushes and returns the smile before quickly turning her gaze back to the pastor.

Her sisters look at her with mischievous grins, as they snicker to themselves. Their mother sighs, rolling her eyes as she rests her head in her hand.

After service, the congregation moves themselves to the church’s barn. Within, food and drink await them, as well as a raging fire within a large brick fireplace. Entering the barn, the Pie sisters walk to a cherry-pine table off in the back of the barn with a punch bowl on its surface. Pouring themselves a cup, they walk over to a group of fillies and colts.

Maud, Pinkie, and Marble stand in silence, sipping their drinks as they watch the crowd around them with mild interest. Octavia is with her friends from school by a table full of pastries. Limestone is off in the corner by the window, playing a game of dice with several fillies and colts her age.

Pinkie hums, rocking back n’ forth on her hooves, her hands holding her cup of punch to her lips. Her eyes are glued to her parents. They’re talking to the pastor and his wife. She wonders what they’re talking about, she has several thoughts on what it could be. She thinks about going over and eavesdropping on their conversation, but she fears that action in particular will get her the wrath of her father’s belt.

She shivers at that thought.

Feeling a tap on her shoulder, Pinkie swivels around to face the pony touching her. She sees a young colt a year younger than her. His curly white mane hugs his face. His bright green eyes stand out from his white colored fur. “Hello Cotton Ball.” She smiles.

Cotton Ball smiles back with a blush. “Hey Pinkie…” His ears fold back against his head. “Uh… Do you and Marble want to play baseball?”

Pinkie smiles. “Sure!” She turns to face Marble. “You wanna play?” Her sister nods with a smile. “Yes, we would like to play!” Pinkie turns around, facing the colt.

Cotton Ball smiles. “Well come on!” He runs off, waving the twins on. The Twins giggle as they give chase. Maud watches them exit the barn to the grassy field behind the church.

“Where are they going?” Limestone stands next to Maud.

“They went off to go play baseball.” She sips her punch.

“What! They’re playing without me?” She runs out of the barn after them.

Maud smirks at her sisters. With a hum she walks through the barn, looking for a particular pony. “Where is he…!” Hands cover her eyes.

“Guess who?” A young masculine voice asks.

Maud taps the rim of her cup, her lips pondering. “Let me guess… Obsidian?”

Obsidian groans. “How do you always know?” He pulls his hands away from her eyes.

She smirks, bumping her hips against his. “Because you have a unique voice.”

Obsidian blushes from her actions. “Maud!” He places his hands on her shoulders. “You know that’s uncouth behavior!” He whispers, leading her out of the barn.

She giggles. “But you’re funny when you’re all flustered.” Octavia sees the two lovebirds leaving the shelter. With a smirk, she gives her sister a thumb’s up. Maud blushes as she waves back. “So… Where are we going?”

Obsidian hums as he opens the door for her. “I thought about going on a little stroll around the church’s property and just talk to you about some stuff.” He holds her hand as they step out onto the grassy lot. Her parents see them walk out, both smile at one another.

Before the young couple begins their stroll, they turn their attention to the game of baseball that’s being played and decide to watch it for bit with a group of teen colts and fillies their age.

Pinkie is up to bat for the fillies. The sleeves of her dress-shirt are rolled up past her elbows. A young teenage colt is at the pitcher mound. He chews on his gum smugly. With all his strength he throws the ball her way. She swings hard, a loud crack rings out, her swing sends the ball skipping across the ground. In a panic she runs to first base, her hooves kicking up dirt and grass. Seeing a player throwing the ball to first base, she dives for the plate. With her hands touching the plate before the first baseman can catch the ball, she jumps up and cheers her performance. The crowd of fillies’ clap, while the colts’ grumble.

“So, what do you want to talk about?” Maud asks as she claps for her sister. Her eyes looking into his bright-blue eyes.

He smiles as he looks into her light-blue eyes, “I have two things I want to tell you… Come, let’s go.” He leads her by the hand as they walk over to the church. Arriving at their destination, they stand under a large birch tree in front of the church. The gravel roads are busy with activity as the town’s citizens go about their weekend activities. With a smile, he holds her hands to his chest. “Maud?”

“Yes?” She feels her chest get tight.

“Well…” He puts one of his hands in his right slack’s pocket and pulls out a handmade amber ring. “I know we’ve been dating for over a year...” He takes her ring finger. “And I know you’ve been patient with me.” He holds it over her finger’s tip. “I’ve just been nervous about asking this question… Been thinking a lot actually.” Maud feels butterflies swimming in her stomach as the ring slides down her finger. “I want to know if you would like to marry me…?” His words are cut off as her lips connect with his. Her arms wrap around his neck, pulling him close. “I take that as a yes?” He questions as she pulls away from the kiss, jumping up n’ down, giggling like a madman.

“Of course!” She giggles. “You took your time, you, big doofus.” She settles down and looks at her ring. The trapped air bubbles within the amber dispersing the light in such a manner that causes it to glow.

“What? I was nervous about it.” He laughs, rubbing the back of his neck as he watches her study the ring.

“I’m glad we’re finally engaged. Now my sisters can finally stop teasing me.” She hugs him. He laughs at her statement. “So, what is the other thing you wanted to tell me?”

Obsidian runs his hand down her back. “Well, it’s about my job.”

She pulls away from the hug. “What happened?” She looks worryingly at him. “Did you lose it?”

“Oh, no, I didn’t lose it. I just got a better one.” He smiles leaning against the birch tree.

“Really? What job did you get?” She leans next to him, still looking at her ring.

“Well, I’ve joined the army!” Maud freezes, her mouth agape. Her eyes stare at him in confusion. “Maud, are you alright…?” Her hand smacks him across the face. “Ow…”

“How could you! How could you do that to me?!” She snorts. “You go and ask for my hand in marriage, and then you tell me you’re joining the army!” She yells, her hoof stomping the grass.

“Maud, calm down…” He takes her hand. “I might not have to…”

“Calm!” Maud pulls her hands away. “What happens when we mate, and I’m bearing you foal!” Tears come to her eyes. “What if you die in battle?” She begins to feel sick. “You’ll leave your child fatherless and I husbandless…”

He pulls her into a hug, removing her bonnet, stroking her mane. “I don’t want to hurt you…” He pulls away from the hug and looks her straight in the eyes. “But it’s either I join now and pick what role I want to serve or wait for the draft and be at the whims of the government.” He runs a thumb under her eyes, wiping her tears away. “I promise you that I will be okay… Besides the army pays good tokes and the benefits are better than what coal mining could ever give.” He sighs pulling her into another hug. “I’m thinking of the long-term for our family.”

“You don’t know how long this war is going to last.” She rubs her eyes. “It’s already been going on and off for the past five years.”

“It can’t go on for much longer.” He kisses her and gives back her bonnet. “Don’t worry, I won’t leave you. I promise our children will have their father no matter what.” He holds her tight.

Maud calms herself. Taking a deep breath, she leans her head against his chest. She lets her worry fade away as she accepts his decision. ‘He is my future husband after all.’ She tells herself. “Did you ask my Pa for permission to take my hand in marriage?” She feels his body tense up. “Obsidian? Did you?”

Obsidian chuckles uncomfortably, “Uh… No… I wanted it to be a surprise for the both of you…” She smacks him again. “Ow…”

Igneous stands under the doorframe of the barn as he watches the game of baseball. Seeing Limestone catch a fly-ball, he gives her a clap and a smile, however his attention is drawn to his eldest daughter Maud and her colt-friend as he watches them walk back up to the barn from the corner of his eye. He studies them, looking them over, checking to see if anything is out of the ordinary. An amber ring catches his eye. A smirk comes to his lips as a sense of pride takes hold of him.

“Hello, sir.” Obsidian stands in front of him. “I have something to ask you…”

“You do… Don’t you colt?” Igneous states, looking at the ring. Maud plays with it. “I see you’ve already asked my daughter’s hand in marriage… without asking.” He raises his brow at the young stallion while he takes his daughter’s hand. He studies the ring, for a bit, a smile comes to him as he admires the craftsmanship. “You made this?”

“I sure did, sir.” Obsidian smiles. “I used my friend’s carving kit.” He fidgets with his tie.

Igneous rubs his daughter’s hand before letting it go. “Do you have the means to which you can provide for her and your future children?” He stares down his future son-in-law.

Obsidian feels a sweat droplet roll down his face. “I do sir… I’ve joined the army. I ship out for boot camp in three months.” He keeps his cool.

Igneous flattens out his smile. “Are you sure that’s what you want to do? As a veteran, I can tell you it’s not an easy life.” He frowns. “It’s hell in fact.”

Obsidian smiles. “I know it’s not going to be easy, but I talked to my parents about it, they think it will be good for me, the army will surely mold me into a better stallion, sir!” He gives a salute. Maud facepalms, her face red with embarrassment.

Igneous can’t hold his stern demeanor, he breaks out into laughter. “Well, even I wanted to stop you, I can’t…” He leans in towards the colt, placing his lips to colt’s ears ears. “She’ll be mad at me if I did.” His daughter rolls her eyes.

Obsidian laughs. “So, is that a yes, sir?”

“Don’t call me sir, it makes me feel old.” He smiles placing a hand on his shoulder. “You can call me pa.”

Maud smiles wide and hugs her father tight. “Thank you, Pa!”

Igneous returns the hug. “You should go tell your Ma.” Maud pulls away from the embrace and drags Obsidian into the barn.

“Did Obsidian finally ask Maud to marry him?” Limestone asks, walking up to her father.

He looks down and sees her and his twin daughters standing beside him. “Yes, sweetheart, he did.” He looks into the barn, watching them walk up to his wife.

Entering the barn, Maud and Obsidian see their mothers talking to a couple of mares by the fireplace. “Perfect…” Maud smirks as she nears them, all the while Obsidian tries to keep up with her. Standing behind her mother, she taps her shoulders. “Ma?”

Turning around, Cloudy Quartz looks down at her daughter and sees that Obsidian is with her. “Hello dear, I see you brought your colt-friend with you… What’s with your goofy smile?”

“The same goes for you, son?” Rose Sapphire, Obsidian’s mother states giving her son a raised brow.

Maud giggles like a little school girl. “Obsidian proposed!” She holds up her hand, showing off her engagement ring. Her mother, Rose Sapphire and the mares stare wide-eyed at the amber ring.

Feeling pride, Cloudy Quartz pulls her daughter into a hug. “Oh, sweetie! I’m so happy for you!” She looks at her future son-in-law and gives him a smirk. “This calls for a traditional premarital dance!” She pulls the couple by the hands to the center of the barn’s floor space. “Attention everyone!” The earth ponies within the barn look over at the mare and the young couple with curious stares. Seeing that she’s gotten their attention, Cloudy Quartz smiles wide as she places Maud’s hand over Obsidian’s. “I have wonderful news, my daughter, Maud and Rose Sapphire’s son, Obsidian, are officially getting married!”

The ponies cheer and clap for the newly engaged couple. Maud and Obsidian cheeks redden as they find themselves at the center of attention. The pastor and his wife walk up to the couple and places their hands on their heads. “By the grace of God, I pray to our creator to bless thee and to have the holy spirit guide you in all of your days…” They step back and bow to the couple.

Maud tries to hide her embarrassment. “What’s wrong?” Obsidian whispers.

She looks over at him. “I don’t like being the center of attention…”

Obsidian smirks. “But you’re adorable when you’re all embarrassed.” He smirks. Maud rolls her eyes.

Feeling the festivities kicking in, two stallions and four mares walk over to a metal cupboard and pull out three fiddles and three bass drums. Finding a spot, they pull up some chairs and begin playing a traditional earth pony dance song, one that’s played for such an event.

The ponies begin clapping to the music as a mare and a stallion places a two-feet in diameter and three inches thick, decretive red marble plate in-between the couple. Putting a small one-pound white marble ball in the middle of the plate, the mare bows to the couple before walking back to the group.

Sighing to calm their nerves, Maud and Octavia remove their attention from the plate to each other. Smiling, they hold hands and raise their arms above their heads. Maud lifting her left arm and Obsidian lifting his right. Tapping their hooves together, they skip around the marble plate to the beat of the drums. After three revolutions, they turn directions until they make another three revolutions, which after completing they change directions once more.

“Dance! Dance! Dance!” The crowd chants as they clap to the beat.

The fiddles kick in, alerting the couple to change their dance. Holding both hands above their heads, their fingers interlocking. They lock eyes as they skip around the marble plate. With every two revolutions, they touch the white marble ball with their right hoof.

“I want to thank you again for inviting us to your home.” Onyx, Obsidian’s father, states to Igneous.

“You shouldn’t worry yourself, your family is our family.” Igneous chuckles taking a sip of his sparkling cranberry cider.

“I can’t wait to plan out the wedding!” Octavia giggles, giving Maud a hug. “Oh, Limestone and I could play the wedding songs with our instruments!” She squeezes her eldest tighter.

“The wedding defiantly needs to take place before my son ships out for boot camp.” Rose Sapphire comments, while she breastfeeds her newborn. “There is no need to delay it.” She hums, looking over at her son and daughter-in-law, who sit in the middle seats of the dining table.

“We’ll plan it out in time, Ma.” Obsidian takes a large gulp of his cider.

“Well, I’m sure Cloudy Quartz and I would like you to leave us a grandchild before you leave for service.” Rose Sapphire smiles slyly at her son. The couple’s cheeks bush, both of them bury their heads in their hands, trying to hide from the world.

Pinkie hears Rose Sapphire’s words and jumps up from the floor with a giant smile. “I’m going to be an AUNTIE!” Pinkie shouts with glee. Obsidian’s younger sister, Ruby, joins her with cheers of her own. Their playful chants causing more embarrassment for the married couple to be.

Cloudy Quartz walks into the dining room from the kitchen with a strawberry-chocolate cake in hand. “Since we’re talking about grandchildren, have you thought of any names?” She teases, removing her oven mittens.

“MA!” Maud whines, glaring at her mother. “We haven’t even gone through with the wedding!” Obsidian tries to hide from the world.

Their mothers’ chuckle at their plight. “Oh, hush now, I’m just teasing.” She walks into the kitchen, grabbing a knife. “So, since you want us to change the subject, where do you want the wedding held?”

Maud runs one of her hands through her mane. “I’m not sure… I would like the after party to be held at the church’s barn, that’s for sure… Maybe the wedding can take place at Salt Rock.” Cloudy Quartz hands her and Obsidian a slice of cake.

“That’s a beautiful place for a wedding.” Limestone comments as she plays a game of dice with Marble, Pinkie, and Ruby. Marble nods her head in agreement.

“Well…” Onyx pulls out a calendar book from his pocket. “I think having the wedding in the next two weeks will give us enough time to put our affairs in order.”

“You never leave your home without that thing, do you?” Igneous asks, his brow raised.

Onyx chuckles. “You are correct my friend.”

Maud and Obsidian stand on the porch, watching the rains fall upon the land. The cold air, causing their breaths to condense around them. Giving a content sigh, she rests her head on his shoulders. Their bodies close together for warmth.

“Well…” Obsidian mumbles.

Raising her brow, Maud looks up at the stallion. “Well, what?”

Obsidian looks down at his fiancée. “Oh… I was just thinking.” He watches a stream of rainwater flow down the hill to the main street.

“Thinking about what.” Maud sighs as she squeezes his upper left arm.

“Just thinking how our lives will be changing.” He kisses her head, he feels her mane through her bonnet. “You, know… Marriage is a big change for both parties.”

Maud smiles as she buries her face in his chest. “But a change for the better.”

He rolls his eyes. “Of course,” He smiles. “A change for the better.”