Twilight Sparkle breathed deeply, filling her lungs with the gentle touch of small town air. She could almost taste the nearby fields, their crops giving off a potent scent that indicated new growth. The alicorn hadn't lived here for as long as many of the natives of Ponyville but she could already smell the entire town was being blanketed in the scent, telling all of Ponyville that new life was ready to grow.

The alicorn found the scent fitting, and with renewed confidence, pushed her way into Ponyville’s small town hall.

Inside the large wooden structure, Mayor Mare and another mare Twilight didn't recognize were in the middle of what looked like a heated argument. Both of their backs faced the princess and the light yellow and orange haired female pointed towards the wall, where a large list of names were plastered.

“What about Filthy Rich? Hes is always willing to help a pony in need.” The mare offered.

The mayor frowned, rubbing the bridge of her nose. “Unfortunately we can't use him. His wife decided that any mare desiring him as a stud had to pay a studding fee and the Festival Of Life is supposed to be a free celebration.”

The younger, more brightly colored mare frowned and pointed to another name. “What about Sweetie Drops? She's a, ya know, and they say she's fertile too!”

The mayor shook her head. “Out on a mission until a week after the festival.”

“Lucky Clover?”

“Not so lucky and down with a broken leg.”

The two mares sighed and hung their heads.

Twilight coughed into her hand, gaining the attention of the two mares. “Mayor Mare, can I talk with you? In private?” The princess asked.

The mayor’s expression lit up at the sight of the alicorn. “Oh thank goodness! Someone who might have an idea how to fix our little dilema, yes of course, my office is right over here.”

Twilight eagerly followed the older mare into her office and took a seat on the hard, uncomfortable chair. The greying mare plunked down in the seat across from her. “So, how can I help you today?”

“Just a second.” Twilight turned and gently closed the door with her magic. “Sorry, I just wanted to keep this between you and me.”

“Of course, of course. What did you want to ask?”

“Well you see…” The mare gulped. “I was thinking of volunteering for the festival, but after hearing about the shortage of stallions I just have to volunteer.”

The mayor blinked. “Uh, I don't see how making the line longer will help with our stud problem.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “I have a dick.”

“Oh.” The mare’s eyes lit up. “Oh!”

“Err yeah, so if you think it's acceptable, I was going to fill that position. If you still need somepony that is.”

The mayor suddenly leapt across the table, cupping the princesses’ hands in her own. “You have no idea what this means for the festival! To have royalty studding will make this an massive success!”

Twilight clutched the mare’s hands tightly. “But you can't tell anyone it was me. I don't want to cause a panic or something. It has to be anonymous, like every year.”

“Right. Of course.” The mayor pulled back and plopped back down into her comfortable chair. “I just got a little excited is all.”

“Don't worry about it Mayor. So, you’ll have me then?”

“Absolutely!”

Twilight clapped her hands together triumphantly. “Excellent! You won't regret this!”

“Make sure to get plenty of vitamins the day before the festival, and to stay properly hydrated.” Mayor Mare added.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “I’ve read about all the precautions already Mayor Mare.”

The Mayor chuckled. “Of course, I shouldn't have expected any less from our librarian turned princess.”

“If that’s all you need from me, I had an experiment I left back at the castle.”

“I have to get together a few forms, but I’ll send those over to the castle tomorrow sometime.” The mare stood and shook the alicorn’s hand one last time. “Thank you again, princess Twilight. You have single handedly saved the festival.”

“I’m just happy to help Mayor. See you tomorrow.” Twilight announced, before turning and walking away.

The Mayor stood there and watched as the alicorn walked out of the room, waiting a few seconds before letting out a tiny shriek of delight and doing a small spin in the center of the room. “Yes, yes, yes! This is perfect!”

Outside the door, and hidden from sight of the alicorn and the earth pony, Sunny Daze grinned like a mad mare. “Oh yes.” She whispered. “This is beyond perfect.”

The purple alicorn’s chest heaved as she turned the corner, jogging down the road next to the train station. Her muscles burned, her tight shirt was made even tighter by the sweat that made the fabric cling to her skin. Despite exhaustion looming it's ugly head, she was able to make it around the entire town this time before feeling like she was ready to pass out. The train station was just ahead, and beyond that her final destination, where Spike was waiting for her at cafe hay with a protein shake and a towel.

She grinned at her own brilliant plan.

Her endurance was rapidly increasing, partly due to her alicorn physiology, and partly due to her studies which enabled her to rapidly shed fat and add muscle to her increasingly toned and muscled physique. Though not nearly at the level of Applejack or Rainbow Dash, Twilight had no doubt that her time for the running of the leaves would vastly improve over last year.

A sudden shout from the train station drew her attention and she nearly tripped over her feet at the sight she beheld. A veritable swarm of mares had walked out onto the station platform, many of them bearing the hallmarks of a person who wasn't a ponyville native. She could see a few unicorn noble mares she vaguely recalled from her time in Canterlot dotting the station. Intermixed amidst the crowd were a few suited and professional looking mares that she assumed were from Manehatten or the few offices that made their home in Canterlot. Even more bizarre than those oddities were the fact that amidst their number were quite a few crystal ponies who looked around in what could only be described as abject wonder.

As the crowd slowly dispersed into town, the alicorn couldn't help overhear a few conversations as they passed her by.

“I can't believe it, royalty! Here in Ponyville, do-”

“-I think it's Luna, I hear she likes these kinds of risque things.”

“-hope it's Celestia, I’ve dreamt of having her foals since I was old enough to get the talk!”

Twilight’s jaw hung open as she realized what was happening.

She was about to run to Spike, only to nearly collide with a mare. “Oh I’m- wait. You’re Princess Twilight!”

“Err, yes?”

“Are you studding for the festival this year? Because I put twenty bits on Celestia and-” In a flush of magic the alicorn was gone, leaving the baffled mare standing in the middle of the road. “Was it something I said?”

Author's Note

There might be a few errors left so if you see em pm me or leave a comment.
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