Seven Very Chilling Mare's Tales

"Hey watch where yer going you-"

I found myself staring drunkenly into the green eyes of Applejack. As I tried to bring her into focus with my eyes, I quickly found a hoof jabbed into my nose. "You're the new pony in town, ain't 'cha? Hmmmm..."

She appeared deep in thought and circled me as if examining my body. A Stallion, I was justly proud of my muscular build. My drunken stupor had finally caught up to me as my vision blurred and I heard her say right before i passed out, "you'll do just fine, Sugarcube."

I awoke under some cozy cotton sheets. My head was killing me as I slowly raised it and looked around. I was in a room clearly designed for a mare. On the wall hung a motivational poster stating; Early to Buckin' Early to Rest. The walls were painted a rich pink color. Even the sheets i was tucked under were purple. As I looked around, I noticed a tray beside the bed. On top of the tray was a glass of golden liquid. I sniffed it. It was apple cider. A note beside the glass read, "Enjoy a little ray of sunshine to help with that headache, when you are ready we need to talk, Love Aj."

I smiled. What a nice thing to do. I slowly sipped on the cider as I pulled back the covers. Delicious! Quickly I guzzled the rest down in a greedy fashion, careful not to leave a drop behind. The note was right! I felt so light-hearted, my headache was gone. Smiling widely I headed downstairs to talk with Applejack and thank her for her hospitality.

I entered the kitchen and found a stack of pancakes with a note next to them; "I made these while getting ready to buck some apples, enjoy a warm breakfast, courtesy of the Apple Family, Sugarcube. When you finish, please meet me in the orchard. Love Aj."

Sitting down at that table, I proceeded to devour those pancakes. How could I not? They were so mouthwatering with their fragrant apple-based aroma. So delectable, so delicious. I savored each and every bite. Finally, I rose to go meet Applejack out in the orchard. She was bucking some Golden Delicious back in the grove.

Applejack slammed her powerful back hooves into the tree, causing apples to fall as I approached. Seeing me approaching, she halted and gingerly removed her hat as she wiped some sweat away from her brow. "Ah there you are Sugarcube, didja rest well?"

I responded with a big grin on my face. "Yes, thank you! That was so nice of you setting out that cider for me and those pancakes, were to die for they were so good."

She responded in her quaint but endearing country accent. "Think nothin' of it Sugarcube, everypony knows how hospitable the Apples are. Now then about yesterday-"

I interrupted, apologizing profusely. "I-I'm so sorry about that, I guess I partied a bit too hard and lost my head. Please forgive me."

Applejack frowned for a moment and then smiled warmly once more. "Oh relax Sugarcube, I had already fergotten about that. I was referring to Twi tellin' me you currently had no place t' stay. I was thinkin' you could stay in the guest room. Yer know that one you were nappin' in? At least until ya could find a place of your own."

I responded, feeling very grateful to such a hospitable pony. "Really? Oh wow! Thank you so much Applejack! How can I ever make this up to you?"

Applejack smiled and looked me in the eyes. "If it means so much to ya, why not help me buck these apples. At least for a couple of hours each day? It would be mighty helpful, and I would appreciate such a strong stallion helpin' meh."

She had been so nice, how could I refuse? "I would love to Applejack."

We began apple bucking side by side, until a while later she looked at me as the sun started to go down over the grove. "Ya know, Sugarcube, ah don' believe I got yer name."

I was exhausted, Sweet Celestia Above, how does she do this eveyday? "My name is Doug Loremaster. It's been my pleasure to meet you."

She smiled at me warmly and spoke in a soft tone. "No, Sugarcube the pleasure has been all mine. Thanks fer helpin' in the grove. Ya look exhausted, why don't you get some shut-eye? Early to rest, Early to Buck, Granny always says."
Thanking her, I made my way towards the girly pink bedroom once more. I slowly climbed into bed and pulling the covers over myself snug-like, fell into a deep sleep.

I awoke with the sun peaking over the treetops. I didn't want to get up yet, so turning over and snuggling further under the cozy sheets I fell back asleep. When I opened my eyes again, the sun was high in the sky. Oh no, I thought to myself. I'm late to help Applejack! As I flung back the sheets, I noticed a tray next to the bed. On it sat a glass of glorious golden cider. I downed it without a thought, that sparkling golden color, that crisp apple taste. Beside the glass was a note, just like before; "Come out when your ready and we can buck some apples together. Love Aj."

Once more I headed downstairs, once more a stack of pancakes awaited me and once more I headed out to meet Applejack in the grove. She saw me approached and smiled. "Good mornin' sleepyhead, now then uh..erm..what's yer name again?"

I smiled and reminded her in a friendly tone. "my name is Sugarcube, Applejack."

She nodded. "Ah right, right. Sorry bout that Sugarcube, well let's get to work."

Once more her and I began bucking apples as the sun blasted us with summer heat from above. My hooves ached that night as she looked at me and smiled. "You did good work out there, Sugarcube, Ahm proud of you."
I smiled and before saying good night once more said in a very happy tone. "Proud to help, Applejack. Same time tomorrow?"

She nodded. "Sounds good ta me, Sugarcube."

I awoke once more as the sun just peaked over the trees. I felt really energetic, my previous pains all gone, as I downed the Crisp, sparkling cider I found beside my bed once more. The note this time read; "Sugarcube, can't wait to buck some apples with my favorite stallion. Don't keep me waiting too long. Love Aj."

Downstairs, I rushed a feeling of joy once more filling my being. After gobbling down the stack of pancakes on the table I galloped to the grove to find Applejack bucking the third tree of the day. She saw me and said in her warm voice, "Ah there yer are Sugarcube, good ta see ya up so early."

I grinned. "Early to Rest, Early to Buck, Applejack. I couldn't wait to get out here and help you."
She gave a small laugh and said, "Right yer are, Well let's get to it, shall we Sugarcube?"

As the day went by, Applejack and I bucked apples while laughing and joking side by side. The sun was being lowered by Celestia as we stood there looking at the orchard together chatting. "Ah, Sugarcube, yer did wonderful, well done. An hey, yer don't seem as worn down as yesterday, still though why don't yer go get some rest, an we can spend some more time tegether, buckin' them apples?"

It was true, I wasn't sore at all. In fact I felt great, if not a little sleepy, listening to her soft, warm, country voice. Yawning I turned to her and said, "Same time tomorrow, Applejack?"

She just nodded and said softly, "Sounds good ta' meh, Sugarcube."

The next day, I woke up before the sun had even begun it's ascent into the sky. Full of energy I quickly swallowed that cool, refreshing apple enriched cider and bolted downstairs as fast as my hooves would carry me. I saw Applejack sitting at the oaken table slowly sipping some apple juice from a mug. As I approached, she smiled and said, "Good mornin' Sugarcube, how'dja sleep? Yer up mighty early."

I made my way to the stove and began to mix some batter as I responded. "Well, I got to be to make your breakfast like always, Applejack."

She smiled and took a small sip. "Ah right yer are, Sugarcube. Well get to it then. We got a long day of apple bucking ahead of us,y'know."

I continued pouring the now hoof-crafted batter as I grinned and said, "Of course Applejack, I can't wait!"
After I had served Applejack her breakfast, the two of us headed out to the grove where we found Princess Luna, who seemed to be waiting for something.

Applejack turned to me and said in that alluring country voice of hers, "Hey Sugarcube why don't yer go an' get started like a good stallion, Ah got some business to discuss with the princess about an order she placed."

I smiled and said with a cheerful expression, "Sounds good Applejack!"

Applejack trotted over to Luna and with a bow of her head, began to speak to her in words I couldn't hear as I went to go buck those apples.

That night as Applejack and I headed in and began to say our goodnights, she looked at me and asked, "tell meh Sugarcube, what is yer take on fashion?"

I thought for a moment before replying. "I thought you weren't much for fashion Applejack, but I personally would love a nice suit, preferably a dark blue. A suave, debonair look, for a bracing stallion such as myself."

Applejack looked at me for a moment and said in a distressed tone. Ah dun care fer fashion all that much but Rarity has been houndin' meh to get some new duds and Ah thought yer might want to come along while I pick out a dress."

I grinned. "I would love to, when were you thinking?"

Applejack laughed. "How about after ya make my breakfast tomorrow, Sugarcube? We ken make a day of it."

I smiled and said, "Sounds wonderful, Applejack."

The next day, I awoke before the first rooster at Fluttershy's crowed. I yawned and stretched and enjoyed the luscious golden liquid beside my bed once more. The note on the tray stated; "I am very excited to go to town with you. Remember, you need to help me pick out a dress for Sweetiebell's 25th birthday party. Love Aj." I proceeded to head downstairs to fix Applejack her breakfast as she watched me, once more. When we were done eating and I had washed the dishes. She looked at me with a kind, warm smile. "Are yer ready to go?"

My voice was like that of a melodious song as I replied, "Absolutely Applejack."

I could barely wait for the shopping trip she had promised me. She nodded and said, "Well then let's get to it, Sugarcube."
As we walked through the doorway to Rarity's Boutique, we were greeted with a flowery voice. "Oh Dah-lings! Welcome to Rarity's Boutique."

As I stood there in awe, the creamy alabastar colored fur of a unicorn trotting towards me, filled my gaze. Her voice was very prim and proper in tone. "Oh Applejack dah-ling, who is that wonderful mare beside you?"

Applejack nudged me with her hoof and spoke in a very absolute voice. "Go on, Sugarcube, introduce yerself."

I looked into Rarity's gaze and stated in a singsong voice, "My name is Sugarcube, I'm a guest at Sweet Apple Acres, we met when Princess Twilght introduced us, remember?"

Rarity exchanged a glance with Applejack and said, "Oh dah-ling! How could I have ever forgotten such a gorgeous mare as yourself? Of course I remember you now."

Turning to Applejack she asked in a everyday-business tone, "How can I help you two ladies this morning?"
Applejack smiled warmly and spoke softly. "we were wonderin' if you could make her get a dress, fer the party coming up."
Rarity seemed to be lost in deep thought for a moment and said, "I'll have to see what I've got Applejack, my fabric supply is a bit low at the moment."

Applejack nodded and turning to me, she spoke in the endearing country accent of hers. "Why don't 'cha take a look around Sugarcube, Ah'll see if ah can lend Rarity here a hoof."

I nodded and feeling quite happy began to peruse the dresses on display while Rarity and Applejack talked in hushed tones. I could only make out a few sentences of the many minute conversation. My mind was focused on the outfits anyway. "Her party is in a few days dah-ling, will the order be ready?"

"Have Ah ever let ya down Rarity? Ah promise it'll be ready."

I looked through the rack on the back wall when I saw it. The perfect outfit for me; a black and white laced, maid's outfit. The white frills the black undershirt, soft totouch, alluring to look at. I pictured myself wearing it while serving breakfast to Applejack, while she watched me. I could justify wearing it while doing my chores; dishes, dusting, sweeping. I got really excited looking at it and ran over to where Applejack and Rairty were talking. I was pretty sure it wasn't appropriate for a birthday party, but it was the dress I wanted since that conversation last night about clothes.
"Applejack, please may I get this? Wouldn't it look amazing as I did my chores for you?"

I put on my best sad-Fluttershy eyes and waited. Both ponies stopped in the middle of the conversation and stared at me. A second after Rarity gave Applejack a glare, I was shot a disproving look as Applejack took a deep breath and let out a small sigh. In the same gentle voice as always she said, "Sugarcube, ya shouldn't interrupt others like that. However, that dress does fit ya. Hmmmm..."

Rarity looked at Applejack as the latter turned to her and asked how much it was.

A little later, wearing my new attire and twirling around happily side by side with Applejack, I left the boutique. Applejack hollered back to Rarity as we left. "Hey Rar, why don'tcha come over tomorrow mornin' ah promise, she'll be on her best behavior."

Rarity seemed to ponder the request for a moment and said, "Alright Applejack, how's breakfast sound?"

Applejack smiled at her and said in her rustic country accent, "Sounds good ta' me, let's go Sugarcube."

After we got back home Applejack scolded me, her tone never raising or lowering always staying gentle. "Sugarcube, what ya did was wrong, ya upset a friend of mine. Tomorrow she's coming over, Ah expect you to spend tonight thinking of a way to apologize. Do ya understand? Ahm not mad, but ah am disappointed, now off ta bed with ya."

Those words stung. I had disappointed the most wonderful mare in Ponyville and upset a friend of hers in the bargain. I had been a bad mare. I closed my eyes and went into a deep sleep. Tomorrow, I thought as I fell into slumber, I will make her proud. After all I owed it to her for being so nice.

The next morning, I blinked sleepily and looked through the window. The sunlight was just peaking over the trees. I swiftly swallowed the glass of cider on the tray and read the note. "When you are ready to apologize, come down stairs. Be a good mare, make me proud. Love Mistress."

I looked over at the wall and saw a disciplinary paddle hanging there. I was a bad mare, I thought, I should be punished. After I had put on my maids outfit, I grabbed the paddle in my teeth and proceeded down the stairs, determined to make mistress proud of me.

Mistress and her friend Rarity were sitting at the table chatting and laughing as I approached. Mistress sipped slowly from her mug of apple juice, while Rarity drank a warm cup of morning coffee. Both stopped talking as I meekly stood by the door, waiting to be called over.

Smiling gently, Mistress called me over. "Sugarcube, are ya ready ta be a good mare? If so c'mere."

I trotted over, my knees were shaking in nervousness. I did not want to disappoint again. I stood where she had indicated as she said softly, "Do ya have somethin' ya would like ta say ta my friend, fer what ya did yesterday?"

I looked over at rarity and in a timid tone speak to her, as I placed the paddle in front of her on the table. "I was a bad mare for being disrespectful to you and to Mistress for interrupting yesterday. Please discipline me as you like to make up for my lack of manners, ma'am."

Rarity's horn glowed as she picked up the paddle. "Turn around dah-ling."

I slowly turned around. I waited patiently for my punishment. But nothing happened for about two minutes. Then I heard Rarity say, "turn around dah-ling, you are forgiven do NOT let it happen again, understood?"

I turned back around, the paddle rested on the table and she had turned to look at Mistress. "I am impressed at how well-mannered she is in comparison to yesterday. Nice job, Applejack dah-ling. Such a well trained pony."

After Rarity left, Mistress spoke to me in her ever calm and relaxing tone. "Ya can stop shakin' now Sugarcube. No need ta' be nervous. Ya made me very proud of ya just now. For a reward ya may take th' rest of the day off from yer usual chores. Why not go take a nap? You must be very tired after such excitement."

I truly did feel sleepy and after thanking Mistress for such a compliment, I headed upstairs once more and climbed into bed. Snug under those covers I fell into a deep sleep, feeling very proud to have made Mistress happy with me once more.

I awoke, renewed and feeling amazingly refreshed. I had a wonderful idea. I had woken up almost three hours before Mistress would be awake and decided she should be able to enjoy a wonderful breakfast in bed. All my chores were completed as I happily carried the tray into her bedroom with the frills of my maids outfit swaying to and fro. Sitting up in bed she looked me in the eyes, those green iris of her captivating me as she spoke. "Aw didja make this fer me, Sugarcube?"

I smiled brightly. "Yes, Mistress."

Mistress nodded and stroked my chin looking at me. "That's a good girl, just like Ah taught ya. Ah have an idea why don't ya come with meh when ah go to visit Princess Luna tonight? Would ya like that, Sugarcube?"

I nod my head obediently and give the correct answer. "Oh yes, please Mistress."

That night, after a day of chores and bucking apples for Mistress, I was told to go get my uniform and ready myself to meet the princess. It took an hour, but finally there we stood; in front of Canterlot Castle, with me carrying a heavy saddlebag upon my back. The nighttime guard eyed us warily as Mistress flashed a special badge. After they saw it, they let us pass, unhindered. Turning down a hallway, we arrived in front of the bed chambers for Princess Luna; I assumed this judging by the rather large silver crescent of a moon emblazoned upon the door. Mistress rapped on the door with her hooves, first slow then fast and once more slow. A deep females voice on the other side of the door spoke. "Come in, Applejack."

I was nervous and timidly began to shiver in place, as the door slowly opened. Mistress placed a hoof under my chin and whispered softly, "Do not be afraid Sugarcube, ah will protect ya. Now in ya go."

Feeling completely relaxed and comforted by her reassurances, I slowly trotted in at her side. The door behind us closed as we approached Princess Luna. She glanced at me for a moment and finally spoke looking at Mistress. "It seems that the serum I ordered from Twilight worked, Applejack."

Mistress sauntered up to the princess and placed a hoof on her. She spoke in a strange low and silky voice. "Ah came ta bring ya your cut of th' profits, Princess."

Princess Luna looked utterly disgusted. "I don't want your blood money, you evil, repulsive -"

My eyes widened. How could she talk to my Mistress like that? She was the most wonderful mare in all of Equestria. How dare she say those things? Mistress raised a hoof to stop me moving towards the princess and once I had begun standing still again, spoke to her in a gentle voice. "Now now, princess, that's enough o' that. Ya know very well what ah can do should ya' continue."

The Princess of the Lunar Heavens seemed afraid. "You promised you wouldn't! Please don't! Not 'Tia!"

Mistress spoke gently as she picked up Luna's chin and looked her in the eyes. "Every princess plays her part ya know. Now then, are you goin' ta' accept mah charity or not, your highness?"

Luna hung her head as tears streamed down. She seemed to force the words. "I will graciously accept your charity, Applejack."

"Ya know th' rules, if ya has an issue perhaps ya would like ta discuss this with the True Ruler of Equestria?"

Luna shook her head in submission. "N-no Applejack, I promise I won't complain anymore, please...don't report me. If she gets mad 'Tia will..."

Applejack smiled, gently running a hoof along Luna's flank. "Then perhaps you should remember your place, like a good mare."

Mistress gestured to me and I trotted forward. The saddlebags were thrown at the hooves of the sobbing princess. Before we left, Mistress smiled warmly and said, "keep up the good work, yer highness. Let's go home, Sugarcube."

Back in my room, I snuggled back under my covers and as I sat thinking about tonight, I noticed a glass of glorious cider sitting on a tray next to my bed. I eagerly drank the heavenly liquid and as I did, the thoughts in my mind slowly lessened until they had vanished. Once more I was in a deep sleep, completely content and proud to serve such a caring Mistress.

I was sitting in the dark. Mistress had told me to get dressed in my uniform for Sweetiebell's birthday. I was then led to a dark room and told to step inside. "Sugarcube this is a special surprise party. Now be a good girl an' stand still wih a smile."

Those were the words my amazing Mistress had told me, and now I stood in the dark room, with a smile, determined to obey Mistress Even though I was scared of the dark. It felt like forever I had waited there alone, hen a noise caught my attention. Suddenly the side of the room opened outward and I found myself staring into the eyes of Sweetiebell. She gave a gasp of excitement as I heard Rarity tell her, "Happy Birthday, Sweetiebell. I hope you like her, your very own Apple."

The word "apple"caused me to freeze. In my mind I saw Twilight point to Mistress and say, "This is Applejack, she sells Apples."

I looked around. It couldn't be, could it? Rarity had gone over to the corner and this time I heard them perfectly. "Oh dah-ling! She is exactly what I ordered, here's your bits."

Mistress took a rather large bag of bits from Rarity as Pinkie Pie chimed in. "Oh, I'm so jealous Rarity! Every mare in Ponyville knows only the best Apples come from Applejack."

No...No...no...My eyes widened in terror as the realization hit. I began to scream. Sweetiebell said to Rarity, "i think my Apple is malfunctioning."

Mistress looked at her and smiled. "No sweetie, every Apple is branded with a registration spell just say the following..."

Brand? My mind flashed back to the time Rarity and Mistress were at the table. When she had told me to turn around, She wasn't going to paddle me, she was branding me with that spell! I had to get out of here! This wasn't right! This-

"Bow before your True Owner! State your name and designation!"

Sweetiebell's voice echoed in my ears, causing me to halt. At once I smiled and felt at ease, my distress simply vanishing. As I lowered my head, I replied to her, just like a good mare. "My name is Sugarcube Apple, Mistress. I am your sole property to do with as you wish."