Author's Note

Somewhat on time!

Sorry about the delay folks. As I stated in the blog, I had a rough start to my weekend. No matter I was recharged, cranked out the last five-hundred words for this chapter and finished it before the weekend was over. For me at least. Some of y'all are living in the future.

I want to thank those that spoke to me over my own issues, it really means a lot.

Welp hopefully I will be able to maintain a much cleaner schedule.

As always I would love to hear from you guys on how ya feel the story is going. So leave a comment.

Thanks for reading.

Peace.

Preparations

Orion smiled. He had been taking a sip from his cup when his pocket warmed and one of the bands attached to his left ear chimed just loud enough for him to hear.

“Almost showtime.”

It took everything in him not to bust out grinning. He hoped that they liked surprises.

“Okay, so it's safe to say Ponyville sounds amazing. But a statue in my honor? Really?!” He laughed. “But you two still haven’t told me how you both met. So out with it ladies.”

Both mares in question looked at each other. Any male knew that look. Exasperation. He started grinning.

“Come out with it, or you won’t hear how I got here.”

That finally did it.

Rarity huffed cutely, “Fine Darling, but after this you will tell us where you’ve been. We’ve been worried.”

He grinned. “Oh yeah sure. Totally!” He covertly crossed his fingers under the table. No telling if they understood that reference but he wasn’t leaving anything to chance. Now all he needed was a little time.

It was with some trepidation that five mares approached Ponyville Town Hall.

A summons from Mayor Mare was almost unheard of as the mare believed that a government best served it’s ponies with a certain degree of a “hands-off'' approach. Only when a pony had made a mistake in a grievous manner did one get a request like this, usually delivered by guard.

Rarity was wracking her mind with any malfeasance that her or any of her friends could have done. They had become quite famous as of late, each being a prominent member of their community. Even Fluttershy had become well known for being a miracle worker when it came to the less sapient farm animals.

Rainbow Dash had moved her stunt practice to the north-side, on the outskirts of the town. So there was less chance of an ‘accident’ in town. It still happened for the show boating mare, but nowhere near the frequency that it had first plagued the community.

Pinkie Pie’s parties had become a staple in Ponyville life. Her Cutieceanera parties had become a hallmark of fillies and colts coming of age when they discovered their purpose. Even her pranks had become somewhat subdued in recent months, as she had received a cease and desist order from the town itself on more than one occasion. Signed by over half the town. They loved the party mare, but it was clear that her shenanigans would not be tolerated to that extent anymore.

Applejack, well the farm mare hadn’t had a mix up with authority in years. In fact many ponies had found employment in the Apple Family farm as they had acquired Thorny Thistle’s farm last year.

It hadn’t been a good last few years for the family. So Thorny had decided to just sell her plot, and move her family further west in hopes of a better land to farm their herbs and vegetables.

The Apple Family had wasted no time in setting up those newly purchased acres for their own use. Hiring on a multitude of ponies for reshaping the field, plans were in motion for the whole extended family to come and help cultivate the land for the main crop. Bringing in saplings from across the nation itself.

Fluttershy never made waves with anypony, and had become the go to veterinarian when it came to anything related to animals. Miss Dew Drop had not been found, and her practice had vanished with the family, who could no longer stay in town because of the painful loss.

But the demure mare filled in the void of that loss beautifully. Her advice and guidance had helped a multitude of farms in the community better care for livestock.

She had even built a small community amongst the foals, who would often bring her injured wild animals to care for, and taught them what to do when she wasn’t able to help in time. The new School teacher, Miss Cheerilee, had arranged to have her come in once a month to teach about anatomy.

Though those classes were often done in utter silence so they could listen to the shy mare.

A recent development had been that birds had begun singing in popular tunes around town during the morning. It was a pleasant way to wake up and when the source had been traced back, it had been discovered that Fluttershy had been singing to herself and the birds had picked up on the songs naturally.

Even Rarity herself had made significant contributions to the town. Not only was she still providing free clothing to Ponyville Orphanarium, but she had capitalized on Pinkie’s Cutieceanera parties by making clothing as a gift to fillies and colts with their new Mark on them.

That in turn had older ponies clamoring to get their own Cutie Marks placed on clothing of their own, and for a while she had been worried she would never get sleep again. But in the end many in Ponyville now sported their marks on various pieces of clothing, and she was finally getting more rest.

Okay, maybe that last was more self serving, but she would never make any kind of social faux pas.

So she was utterly baffled when she and her friends got a summons from Mayor Mare late into February.

Any speculation seemed to only make the mares even more nervous, poor Fluttershy was very nearly in tears at the possible trouble.

So with great reluctance the five friends had made the trudge through snow and ice, next week was supposed to start the Wrap Up. Of which they were happy to see coming, as the snow had gotten ridiculous this year.

Entering into Town Hall they were greeted by the mayor’s secretary, Quick Correspondence. A handsome champagne colored stallion that bordered on gorgeous, he was sadly wasted in his current role considering he wasn’t given much to do.

“Miss Mare is upstairs in conference room B. May I get you anything while you are up there?” The hope in his eyes for something to do was palpable.

“I’m afraid I will have to decline, Darling. It was indicated that this meeting would be swift.” Various other confirmations from her friends were of the same. It broke her heart to see his expression become forlorn.

Not having time to dwell on it, they ascended the stairs and made their way to the conference room. The door was open and they filed in to see Mayor Mare herself sitting at the end of the table going through some papers with what appeared to be excited energy. A huge smile plastered on her face.

Perhaps the day would not begin with doom and gloom after all.

“Ah Ladies! Thank you so much for coming so promptly, I will keep this brief as there is much to do and little time to do it in! Please sit, sit! Has my nephew asked if you wanted anything?”

“Nephew!? I thought...well….I mean...buck…” Rainbow had started and quickly shut her mouth before she dug any deeper than a divot. Though she almost voiced the shock in Rarity’s mind.

“Yes, my nephew….wait. I’m sorry, did you think he was my eye candy?” The mayor’s lips quivered in a half hidden smile. “Well Miss Dash, while I’m flattered you think I still got it, he is my brother’s son. He is here to get some experience and I’m trying to ease him into his new role as a budding bureaucrat.”

She shook her head laughing softly. The prismatic mare could only blush in embarrassment.

“Anyway, enough of that! Ladies, as you no doubt know, every year we apply for the honor of hoisting the ‘Summer Sun Celebration’.” She paused, struggling to hide her grin. “And as you know doubt also know, we have been passed over again and again.”

Rarity’s eyes began to widen. Could it be? Did they actually win?!

“This year we have been selected to host the celebration ourselves!!” She practically shrieked only to be drowned out by Pinkie Pie launching off a firework.

“What?!” Pinke loudly responded to all the glares in the room as everypony tried various ways of getting their hearing back.

After a few minutes Mayor Mare spoke up once again, though a bit loudly.

“Miss Pie, what have I told you about launching fireworks indoors?! Where did you even get that?” The bureaucrat was clearly incensed, and to be fair this hadn’t been the first time the part mare had unleashed minor explosives indoors.

“I always have a stash of party supplies on hand in town. Never know when a bottle rocket is needed!” She happily and loudly replied.

“Why would you need a firework indoors?!” The mayor’s hair was disheveled as she glared even harder at the party pony.

“I don’t know. That’s why I said you never know?” She smiled back oblivious to the incoming storm that was brewing in the elder mare’s eyes.

“Oh this does not bode well.”

Thinking quickly Rarity decided it's time to speak up in hopes of heading off the worst. There had been blowouts recently between the pair. Mostly fire code violations that the perpetually plucky party pony outright ignores.

“Mayor Mare? Why did you call for us? I, as I’m sure a few of us here, am confused as to why we have been called in for such an occasion.”

Huffing the tanned pony takes a moment to fix her mane before explaining.

“Well Miss Belle I am glad you asked. And more than happy to move this along.” The fashionista catches her say as she sits back down.

“You five, have become pillars of this community. When an issue rears its head you have been able to collectively, or individually, solve the problem. Ponies rely on you all. Yes. Even you Miss Pie.” The bubbly pink mare squirmed in her seat excitedly, a happy smile plastered on her face.

The mayor just groans.

“You are also in the best position to help preparations for what is now the biggest event for Ponyville. Ponies from all over the nation will be coming, and I and the council would like you all to coordinate together.” She smiles graciously.

“Now, ma’am. I know my family and I are well known around these here parts, but what use could farmers be to this here fancy shindig?” Rarity had to wonder herself, her best friend wasn’t exactly known for her high society blending.

“I’m glad you asked Miss Apple. This year your family is hosting the near entirety of your extended family for a reunion. I know this because Granny Smith applied for the permits to reserve the field south of your farm for the family’s tents.” She pushed forward a piece of parchment that no doubt held the permit itself.

It was true, Applejack’s family held a reunion every four to five years, and everytime it was hosted in a different community as a way of strengthening the bonds between them all. Always done during the celebration as to make use of the holiday to its fullest. It was really rather touching and would be nice to experience this time around.

“I suppose she did, but that doesn’t answer the question, Mayor. Why?” The farm pony doggedly pursued.

“It is well known how well your family cooks, and cooks well Miss Apple. Considering the majority of your ‘kin’ will be in attendance for the summer celebration we, the council and I, figured what better way to showcase what this community had to offer by giving the visiting ‘city folk’ a taste of country cooking. Really it was quite fortuitous that you’re hosting the reunion this year.” But the mayor wasn’t done.

She turned to Rarity. “Miss Belle, your fashion sense is beyond anypony else here. Oh sure we could hire a decorator, but I don’t believe they would be able to capture who and what Ponyville is. I want visitors to see our town through our eyes. The way we see it. Who better than Ponyville's own premier fashion designer to represent us?” Rarity flushed at the praise.

“Besides. Your generosity has drawn in more than just customers. Over the past few years we have seen both an influx of industry as well as ponies that actually moved into town. We have more revenue this year alone than the last ten!” She exclaimed excitedly.

“Well, I suppose my name getting out there would draw in a crowd.” She could tell her ego was being inflated a little bit. Just a little though.

“Of course! There's even a rumor that a certain rising singer is fond of your work.” Mayor Mare was laying it on thick, everypony in that room knew it too, but Rarity could not help but swell with pride that her work often adorned Sapphire Shore’s shoulders.

Smiling like a cat that got the cream, the bureaucrat set her sights on Rainbow.

“And let us not forget our aspiring Wonderbolt. Miss Dash, from what I hear, has been scoring exemplary marks in her job. Ponyville hasn’t suffered an Everfree storm since you signed on.”

“Ex-exemplary?” The prismatic maned mare said dubiously.

“She means you are top of your weather crew Dash, dear.” Rarity piped up.

“Oh….Che’yeah of course. I’m awesome!” She puffed up her chest and stuck a thumb at herself, eyes closed.

“Indeed, you are Miss Dash. With you in the ranks of our weather team I do not doubt your ability to keep the skies clear for the eventful day. I even heard a rumor that you can do it in ten seconds flat. Is that true?” She knew what answer she was going to get.

“Duh! Of course I can! Would show ya now if it wasn’t scheduled to snow for the morning.” She grinned victoriously.

“I am sure you could.” She turned to Pinkie, and visibly braced herself.

“Miss Pie, your parties are truly second to none. I have never enjoyed myself as much as when you throw one for whatever the occasion. Because of you a fledgling business now thrives in our town. However, this will be unlike any party you have thrown before.” She said seriously.

Pinkie just cocked her head. Waiting.

“I’m afraid you have to plan a party with less of your trademark zanniness and more pomp and circumstance.” There was a small frown on the pink muzzle of the party pony. Rarity inwardly cringed for her.

“What do you mean? Ponies like my parties just fine! I even came up with new things to do for each one!” She stuffed her hand into her mane and pulled out a planner crammed full of notes and scribblings when she opened it up to shove into the mayor’s face.

Politely Mayor Mare pushed the binder away. Everypony else was attempting to figure out how she hid it in there.

The mysteries surrounding the bubblegum colored mare was as deep as her energy, no pony really knew how she did certain things, and her friends had long given up trying to figure that out.

“And they are truly engaging and fun to do. But sadly, not everypony is going to get your brand of fun and excitement. That means no roulette cupcake games. At all.” The mayor had been a victim of that particular game more than once. “Or any party games like it. My advice, and I hope you will take it, is to work with Miss Belle. She is far more familiar with the etiquette that the guest will have than I.”

The fashionista was a bit hesitant at the idea at first, but as she thought she realized that Pinkie could still have some of her games just off to the side where younger visitors would enjoy them more.

“I believe I can help reach a compromise that will satisfy all here for the criteria you wish to have, Mayor.” She smiled and winked at Pinkie. “Even you.”

She hadn’t realized it, but the part time baker had somehow turned a grayish pink, at her encouraging words the pink in the fur seemed to surge forth and she was back to her bubbly giggly self as she gave several winks with varying degrees of success.

Mayor Mare just chuckled and shook her head in amusement. “I hope that you can, Miss Belle, Miss Pie.” She gently turned to the last member in the quintet, then turned away to look out the window.

“Do you know what I, and likely many citizens of our fair town, woke to this morning?” She paused for effect. “Bird song. Most notably the snow finch singing, but I do believe I saw a few buntings as well.” Sme smiled softly at the memory.

Rarity had heard them too. In fact it had been going on for quite some time. Various birds chirping away in the morning happy little tunes. In concert to one another.

It had surprised ponies all over town when it first began. Slowly at first, a flock here, a collection of them there. But soon in the morning happy tunes were being echoed throughout the farming community. Rarity, and many others had spent a great deal of time wondering how it had happened, and where they had learned those tunes from.

It was Rainbow Dash that had found out first.

During an early morning cloud busting routine, she had overheard a soft voice singing in tune with the birds. When she investigated, Fluttershy was in a small clearing in the Whitetail woods, picking various plants and insects for feed for the many animals that came to see her.

In that clearing with her, were hundreds, if not thousands of native birds singing along to a familiar tune.

Well it had soon come out, that the demure mare had been singing to the birds everyday with different tunes. Some from her home city of Cloudsdale, and many from right there in Ponyville. Anything from lullabies to the more complicated pop music that had come out on the radios that had started to make an appearance in homes around town.

That same mare was now blushing a lovely shade of ruby under her fur as she tried in vain to hide behind her voluminous mane.

Mayor Mare smiled softly, not quite looking straight at her. “Miss Shy, if you would do us the honor of coordinating with your feathery friends and Miss Belle in creating a symphony in which to not only greet our guests, but our Princess herself, we would be most grateful. If that is of course, okay with you?”

For a long minute no pony breathed. An almost imperceptible nod and everypony broke out into grins and smiles. This was a big step for the reclusive mare.

Rarity looked at her friends, meeting each one in the eye and smiled, turning back to their town’s elected official. “Mayor Mare, I do believe we would be delighted to help host this years ‘Summer Sun Celebration.’ In fact, it would be our honor.”

“Wonderful! I will give you a list of everything that we will need done to prepare for the coming event. Sadly, I’m afraid we may just be late for Wrap Up once again this year.” They collectively groaned.

It had been that way for years, always something that ended up getting in the way and delaying the Winter Wrap Up festival every single time. Though this year, they all at least had a good excuse.

“C’est la vie, Mayor. It can’t be helped this year. But one day.”

“But not this day,” replied the frustrated bureaucrat.

Hooves and scaled feet hit the dirt just outside of Ponyville. The flight team was already pulling the carriage around for the return trip to Canterlot.

“Thank you very much for the smooth landing.” Truthfully Twilight hated to fly, trusting in her magic or the train to get her where she needed to be. Having grown up in Canterlot she was privileged to have trams capable of taking her anywhere on the four great plates that made up the platform that supported the city.

They should have been here two weeks ago. But she had delayed her departure, once again obsessing over Starswirl’s book.

Thus she lost the train option this morning as she would not make it in time to quickly run through the preparations she would no doubt need to sign off on.

Spike hauled onto his shoulders their bags. Both had packed more than their fair share and the little drake struggled under the weight of it all, but insisted on being the one to carry them.

“No problem ma’am. Happy to be of service.” The one, Stone, if she remembered his name correctly, replied. He had been more talkative of the pair and had been a delight in distracting herself from the mild fear she was having on the flight over.

Though when she had asked about the strange warping on the rails of the carriage, both stallions had clammed up tighter than a locked book. It had been annoying and she didn’t know why they both refused to talk on the subject.

She shook her head, it didn’t matter.

As they took to the sky, she sighed. There went her chance to go back to Canterlot. No, she would not disappoint her mentor. She squared her shoulders and turned around to face the town.

Pulling out a scroll with her pen, she marked off their arrival at the top. Next was visiting the Mayor’s office and then getting settled into their temporary lodgings before she began her inspections to make sure everything was running smoothly.

“Alright Spike. Let's get this going. I want to be settled in and see what resources they have in the library by five pm.” She stated smoothly. It was very warm down in the valley. She was glad she had dressed in a summer dress of blue instead of her normal thick skirt and sweater vest attire.

“Y-yeah….the soo-oner the better.” The young drake piped up, causing Twilight to turn around.

Her poor little brother’s legs were shaking trying to hold up both bags, her’s being the larger and heavier of the two. She shook her head and levitated her bag off of him.

“H-hey! I could have gotten that!” He stood up straight, shouldering his own with more ease.

“I’m sure you could Spike, but I can’t subject you to carrying such a load, your legs looked like they were about to give out.” She smiled gently trying to spare the young drake’s feelings but needing to be honest.

“I could have handled it! Besides, how am I supposed to get any of the mares to notice me if I don’t! I have to look strong!” It was everything she could do not to laugh out loud as she turned around and made her way into the town proper, passing by the residential district with a grumbling little brother at her heels. She could hear the near stomping of his scaled feet as he trudged behind her.

Well he was at that age she supposed.

Since he had turned fifteen he had taken less interest in his comic book collection, and started looking at mares and fillies more and more. It was really adorable to watch him puff up his chest and march through Canterlot Market on Saturdays.

It was a shame his list of rejections dominated his list of acceptance. She felt it unfair, but knew his carnivore nature was mostly to blame for those rejections. It was too bad that there wasn’t another dragon in his situation.

As they walked, the amount of greetings and nods they were receiving from the crowd was a little overwhelming. Neither of them were used to this as most ponies in Canterlot would walk on by somepony without a second glance.

Here she had shaken more hands and accepted more greetings than she had ever done in the entirety of her life!

It was with a sigh of relief from both siblings when they rounded the square and found Ponyville town hall sitting at the end. They both fairly sprinted up the short steps and into the building awning before stopping to take a breath.

“Twilight?” Huffed Spike.

“Yes?” She panted back.

“This town is weird.”

“Yes. Yes it is.”

Opening the door they walked in, and was greeted by a young champagne colored stallion with and off white mane and sapphire eyes.

“Oh...um...How can I help you today Miss…?” He blushed profusely, and it was evident he was trying not to turn his head away from her in his embarrassment.

She smiled gently and tried to spared him.

“Good morning. My name is Twilight Sparkle, I have been sent from Canterlot to oversee the production of the Summer Sun Celebration. Is Mayor Mare in?” She held up the scroll with her title and duties written within.

“Oh! Weren’t you supposed to be here a couple of weeks ago?” It was her turn to flush with embarrassment as Spike snickered behind her.

“Yes, I was. I apologize for not showing up sooner, but I ended up getting caught up in my research and had not realized how fast time had flown by till it was too late. I am here now, however.”

“Yeah research chasing her own tail!” Her little brother barely gasped out through increasing laughter.

“Spike!” She hissed through her teeth.

“Yeah. yeah.” He turned to the secretary. “Hey dude, where's the bathroom?”

“Oh it’s just down the hall to the left over there.” He pointed right.

“Thanks. Well Twilight, I’m gonna hit the little dragon’s room while you deal with the boring stuff. I’ll wait with our bags when I get back.” Not waiting for a reply he made a beeline to the restrooms.

There were several awkward seconds between the two ponies that remained. Finally she had had enough of the silence.

“The mayor’s office?”

“Oh...um right it’s upstairs to the right!” He blurted out. He followed up with jabbing his other hand up the stairs.

“Oh thank you very much.” She smiled, the fire in her cheeks finally retreating.

“You’re quite welcome….Um...My name is Quick by the way. Quick Correspondence.” He blushed fiercely.

Twilight’s head cocked to the side as she looked at the squirming stallion. “Good to know his name but why was he so nervous telling me?”

“Thank you for letting me know.” She didn’t know what else to say, so she turned around and proceeded up the stairs.

‘Um...yeah no problem!” He called out. She didn’t see him smack his head into the desk before him.

“Well, no offense but it is about time you arrived. Were you not scheduled to be here two weeks ago?” The dull tan mare behind the desk asked with a frown.

Twilight gritted her teeth in frustration. It seemed she was going to have to apologize every step of the way.

“I apologize. Really I am sorry. I ended up getting caught up in one of my research projects and didn’t even realize.” She blushed. This was embarrassing, and she did not like the constant blushing becoming a habit.

“You managed to get caught up in research...for two weeks?” The arched eyebrow screamed disbelief.

“Yes, I did. I get a lot of assignments from Princess Celestia, sometimes it puts me behind my own.”

“The Princess gives you assignments?” Mayor Mare rose from her seat, pulling off a suit jacket from the back of it. Twilight noted with some curiosity that there was a small ‘R’ on both the navy blue jacket, and the black skirt on the hem. On the shoulder was a scroll wrapped in blue ribbon.

“Is that her mark?”

“Yes. I am Princess Celestia’s student. I have been since I was seven.” She was not prepared.

“OH MY FAUST! I am so sorry, My Lady, I had no idea!” The bookworm blinked in response, as the bureaucrat fell over herself to bow before her.

“Um. What are you doing?”

Looking up from her ninety degree position the mayor answered her, “I’m making up for my mistake. I was rude to you, My Lady. I should not have had such a crass tongue with one of your rank and station.” The mare was actually sweating.

Seizing her magic she straightened her out. This had happened more than once and it literally made her sick to her stomach anytime anypony did this when they discovered her connection to the Princess.

“Please don’t. I have no title, and I am no noble despite my family’s well to do stature. So please…..don’t bow. I hate it.” She cringed at the surprised look on that tan face.

“Oh. Well Miss Sparkle I still apologize regardless. I have been under a lot of pressure and cannot imagine the strain you must contend with being in direct service to Her Highness.” She coughed into her fist.

“Allow me to start again. I am Mayor Mare, let me be the first to welcome you to Ponyville, Miss Twilight Sparkle.”

The meeting had gone fine after that, she had received her itinerary, and the keys to the Golden Oaks Library where she and her little brother would be staying for the duration of the celebration.

After the initial embarrassment and confusion, she found the mayor to be insightful and calm with plenty of advice on how to treat her constituents. Though she did name drop her nephew, Quick, more than a few times during their meeting. Mentioning what a bright future he had.

Twilight shook those thoughts away as she and Spike finally unlocked the door to the library, and was promptly greeted by dusty air. Both coughed a little as they made their way inside, she generating orbs of light in each room they passed till they could open the curtains.

“Wow they couldn’t even clean up the place before we got here?” Spike groused as they picked out their rooms. He chose a rather small one, but with a great view of the park from the double windows over his bed.

“Well Spike, let's be honest. They have been really busy the past few months getting set up for this event. Nopony likely had time. Besides, from the records nopony has occupied this place in a few years. There was bound to be some dust. I only hope the books haven’t been damaged.”

She had opened all the windows to allow a breeze to roll in and take the heavier particles out into the open air.

For herself she had chosen the loft in the upper reaches of the structure. It was a shock to find out the library had been built inside of a still living tree.

When they had approached, she couldn’t help but admire the natural beauty of the place. Nothing looked sawed or cut, everything grew naturally, if larger than any oak she had read or seen. Truth spoken, the base of the old oak was massive.

Inside on the first floor, though laden with dust, was an entire room stuffed with books on shelves. With a round table in a shallow dip in the middle surrounded by a pair of crescent moon wooden couches. The little steps into the depression between the couches was cute to her.

At the back of the library sat a door that she later learned went down into a basement of sorts. A boiler for water and a small heat unit kept water and warm air through the winter. But there was a massive amount of open space down there.

A stairwell led up and over the basement entrance and into the second and third floor respectively. On the second floor was a dining room attached to an open kitchen. Moderately sized, what the kitchen lacked in room made up for in storage space. If she had been moving in, she would have had to have ordered a new stove and fridge as there was none.

Spike’s room was on the second floor, opposite the stairs. Really he had chosen a good one, as she watched him combat the dust and cobwebs in his temporary room. A full bath was to his room’s left.

On the third floor was, of course, her chosen room. It was much larger with an attached full bath of her own, and a large open balcony. More bookshelves looked to be molded into the walls but with no books of their own this time.

The whole establishment made her smile, the Princess certainly knew her well. In another time, Twilight would have chosen to live in a place like this herself. It was calm and quiet, the hustle and bustle of Canterlot would often disrupt her studies till she cast a sound dampening spell.

Just then the whole tree shook as a violent whooshing noise drowned out her thoughts.

“Okay, perhaps not.”

It took two full days to clean out all the dust, cobwebs, and random debris left to settle inside the Golden Oaks.

She couldn't help herself. After they had gone out to get some hay burgers and fries they had settled back into a casually cleaned dining room, and ate what was likely to become a staple of their diet while staying in the sleepy town.

It was then that the filth had finally broken her resolve. Staring at it, with nothing much else to look at, had made her eye twitch. She could see Spike out of the corner of her eye, his grin getting bigger and bigger as the minutes wore on. He knew what was about to happen, and likely looked forward to it.

The little drake had a surprising interest, he actually enjoyed cleaning. He was the single reason why her little tower had not turned into a full blown disaster area. Couple that with his gift for cooking and it was clear that one day he was going to make some mares very very happy.

She broke. She could not take the disaster that had befallen those poor books, so at Spike's direction, they began to clean in earnest.

It wasn't like they had anything better to do as it was.

When they had arrived at their home away from home, she had opened the packet that Mayor Mare had given her to discover there wasn't much for her to do.

Her delay in getting to the task Princess Celestia had assigned her quite firmly removed her from the planning phase. Her entire purpose now was just to make sure things were going well in the final week, and nothing else.

So with budding joy, as this would involve books, she helped clean the great tree from top to bottom. A list hovering nearby with what was needed in order of priority.

Not only was cleaning needed, but a fair amount of repairs were also required. Spike ended up heading out a number of times, for broken hinges, various wall hangings, even a window on the second floor had been cracked.

She hadn't even realized that she was dipping into her own funds to repair the library until just before it was done.

In the end she shrugged. It's not like she was really spending her allotment on anything, and with that acknowledgement she had her little brother order a fridge and stove that arrived on the fifth day.

The third day had her going over the organization of the shelves. The books were all over the place. There was no system of organization and it made her grind her teeth.

"Who in Tartarus ran this library!" She screeched on the fourth day.

"Oh Twilight, clearly the town wanted to punish you for not getting here when you should have." Spike sing songed as he installed the new window on the second floor.

She glared in his direction ineffectually as she couldn't see him.

Her face burned in embarrassment once more. He was right. Not about setting up the library in such a mangled way, but that she SHOULD have been here. Instead she had once more lost herself in trying to solve a millenia old riddle.

At night, when her little brother had long gone to sleep, she would dive once again back into that ancient tome. Hoping in vain to uncover some new piece of information, and discovering nothing.

It had been a week since their arrival, and it was finally time for Twilight to do her job. It would involve a preliminary visit at the beginning of the week, then a final run down on the day before the event.

Her first real conversation with a resident of Ponyville did not go the way she expected.

"Okay Spike, we need somepony to tell us where Sweet Apple Acres. So grab the first pony you see."

"You got it Twilight!" And he flagged down the nearest resident he saw. A bubble gum pink mare skipping, no she was hopping, of all things, down the road. "Hey Miss! Can you tell us-" He never finished.

Impossibly, the pink mare stopped in mid air and gasped loudly. One sparkling blue eye looking at her, and the other at her little brother, which boggled her mind how she did that considering how far apart they were from each other. Before either sibling could much more than step away she herself bolted back down the avenue.

She was itching to know how the mare pulled that particular move off considering an earth pony such as her lacked the appendages to suddenly halt her forward motion. Or magic.

But the pair of siblings just looked at each other and shrugged. Soon a lovely young mare named Roseluck had directed them on the south path heading toward the Whitetail woods.

She nearly had to drag Spike away as he was busy making eyes at the blushing pale yellow mare.

She laughed and poked fun of him as they made the short journey. He fussed back in denial.

It took nearly an hour before the farmstead finally came into view. Twilight wished she had kept the pair of pegasus stallions for the day just to make getting around a little easier. Her hooves were beginning to throb painfully.

Another thirty minutes and they finally found the gated entrance. The farm was expansive, calculating what she saw she guessed was at least four hundred acres if not more.

It was a normal farm despite its sheer size with one large barn and a couple of smaller ones set amongst the orchard itself. The home was a beautiful two story structure that, on approach and closer inspection, bore carvings on the door and window frames.

As they walked up the path, Spike was first to mention what she was beginning to notice.

"Awfully noisy for a farm."

It was true. There was a low murmur of voices that drew them over the hill further west. On the other side they could see a sprawling tent city. Various earth ponies and a few pegasus and unicorns mingled amongst the tents.

Between them and the tent city was a small crowd gathered around a row of apple trees.

"Well that seems to be where the party is!" Her little brother announced excitedly. He was already making his way down the hill.

"Uh huh…" came her hesitant reply as she followed after the enthusiastic dragon.

Nopony seemed to notice them just yet, and the din of noise masked their approach.

"Alright alright! One mer time. But all y'all are picking up these here baskets and taken 'em to the barn right after. They just barely ripe enough ta harvest as it is. Ya hear me?" A feminine, strong voice rang out.

A course of agreements rang out, some disgruntled, some excited. Twilight and Spike managed to get through the crowd in time to see a tall sun kissed orange furred mare wipe her brow as she turned to a lone apple tree.

She wore denim short shorts and a flannel red shirt that was tied up at the bottom showing her midriff. Her blond mane was a simple tie back, a ponytail as some called it, and on top of her head was a strange hat she had read about but never seen before.

The mare squared her shoulders, spun around and landed a bone breaking kick straight into the tree. From the tree rained apples which miraculously landed into baskets that seemed to have been placed at the bottom beforehand.

"And that ladies and gentlestallions, is how the Apple Family bucks a tree." She huffed proudly. Turning around she reached down and grabbed a towel and slung it over her shoulders. "Now ya all best be picking up these here baskets and doin' what ya was told ta do. I see ya tryna sneak off there Buttermilk."

The chargrined soft yellow filly grinned sheepishly and picked up a basket with the other on watchers.

"Are you not worried about bruising the trees?" A green maned mare asked.

"Naw not really Sour. These here trees is tough. And they may get a little bit scuffed from time ta time, but they handle anything thrown at 'em."

Tilting her hat back she wiped her forehead and smiled glancing over the now moving crowd and spotted the two still stunned Canterloanians.

"Now I don't recken I've seen the pair of you before. You twos an Apple?" She cocked an eye at the dragon, skeptical.

It took Twilight a moment to shake off her confusion.

"Ah no. My name is Twilight Sparkle, and this is my little brother Spike." That seemed to only generate an even harder skeptical look from the mare. The purple mare knew what that look implied.

"Adopted. But very much my brother." The sun blessed mare smiled kindly nodding.

"We are from Canterlot on behalf of Princess Celestia to make sure that all is going according to schedule.

The frown was back. No skeptical looks this time.

"Weren't ya supposed ta be here something like three weeks ago?"

"Ah yes. I was. I am so sorry, I got distracted in my studies and didn't realize. We arrived last week." She looked down. Once again having to explain herself.

In the time they had begun speaking the farm mare had closed the gap and Twilight had discovered just how much taller the mare was then her, and those muscles.

The blonde mare stared her down, and then smiled. "Well I don't quite know how ya can lose a couple of weeks studying but I can see ya tryna do right. My name is Applejack Apple. Most just call me AJ. Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres."

The now named Applejack practically shook her arm right off.

"Hey she's the one we were supposed to meet!" Spike grinned broadly at the antics going on between his sister and the intimidating mare.

"Well sure as rain I am. Me and my family have been asked ta make sure there would be nuff food for all them fancy ponies coming in from the cities. Show them what real cookin' is!" She crowed proudly.

Once again both siblings could only look at one another before turning back to the beaming cow mare.

“Right.” Twilight says slowly, “I’m just here to make sure everything is going smoothly and that you have no issues. Is there anything you need that is not readily available?”

“No maree we gots everything in hand!” Still standing there now with both fists on her hips.

“Oh well that’s great to hear. Well we must be going no-”

“Now hold on a minute Missy. Ya can’t just come over and not meet the family! Besides, it's juuussst about lunch time. Y’all can stay fer a bit to eat and make some friends now can’t ya?!”

“I-” Twilight sputtered.

“Ain’t ya gonna stay for a little while, Miss?” A soft voice spoke up behind them.

Spinning around she noticed a little light yellow filly in a flannel red shirt and overalls. A Big red bow bound her pink mane in a ponytail, much like Applejack’s. They didn’t even hear her coming, and the pouty look on her face was quickly breaking Twilight’s resolve.

Spike was more than happy at the idea of free food.

“Oh, alright.” Cheers erupted from the gathering ponies, and Applejack began to recite the names of her family.

With every name came a confection or dish of an apple related food.

"This was a mistake…."

A flash of purple light illuminated the mid-afternoon streets of ponyville. Twilight groaned in both relief and agony as she slowly sat down on a bench.

"Well that was fun!" Exclaimed Spike. He was finishing off three Apple fritters. She wanted to throw up.

"Ugh...Spike, how can you still be eating?"

"Hey! It's delicious, how could I not?" He chuckled in response. He could see she had eaten way too much. But with that little filly Apple Bloom there looking forlorn anytime she looked to be stopping she just kept going.

Evil little foal.

"Hey just think, we got three more places to visit. Plenty of time to walk off all that food." He sat down next to her and fished out another apple fritter.

"Where does he keep getting those? How many does he have? Oh Celestia, I think I'm gonna be sick."

She turned her head and burped, managing to keep everything down. "Who's next on that list?"

"Oh let me see…." She could hear him digging into his satchel for the list they had been given. She sat there, just trying not to think of food. "Ah, there's supposed to be a pony pegasus named...Rainbow Dash? She's in charge of the weather team for this event."

"Well, let's go find her then." She groaned, getting up from the bench and facing Ponyville. "Any idea where she is?"

"Says here, ya gotta look up." He shrugged. He picked up a twang in his pronunciation she did not like.

She shook her head. This was already turning out to be a long day.