University newspapers made way through Canterlot, as will anything that mentions a royal, and ponies there saw their first ever kelpie. The picture given to the paper was deceiving at first, being an older one with Mud only just starting her growth spurt. Whether it was intentional, or she’d just not thought about it, Twilight now arrived in the center of city square with her kelpie, and ponies will see for themselves.

After a small crowd had gathered, first Bree exited the carriage, standing aside for Twilight. Some excited murmurs as the princess moved to the side, and all silenced as the last pony stepped off onto the curb.

Mud looked down at all the shocked looking ponies, used to the looks after living in Ponyville for so long, she closed her eyes and offered a hoof.

“Mud, pleasure to meet you.” She mimicked Bree’s accent and pitch, and grinned as she saw their expressions. Many were confused, and the stuttering of the mare she offered her hoof to let Mud continue with Twi and Bree.

Mud took short struts, keeping her muzzle high. If not for the long heavy dress, her tail would be free to swing side to side. She was beside Twilight, and with Bree in the lead. The princess stuff was just a few errands Twilight needed done that week, mostly paperwork and picking up other items for Celestia. Mud’s assistant role consisted of following, sniffing the documents, and as Bree suggested; “Just stand over there and look pretty.”

After the task was complete, Twilight stopped by the lab of the School for Gifted Unicorns. The foals all stared in awe, straining their necks to always look up at the kelpie mare. Mud watched them run around and gather in front of her, squeaking and asking questions. She found this as not the right time to use any of her “manners”, and gave a deep growl to show the fillies and colts what she really sounded like. They made happy giggles and some ran jumped back, pretending to be scared.

Once the last few had some rides on her back, Mud was brought to the older students. They gave more centered observations, of which Twi took over answering as well. Some of the students even asked what Mud’s favorite foods were, and then if they could give her some treats. Mud wanted to see what they had, but Twilight just smiled. “We don’t wanna spoil her dinner.”

The day slowly coming to an end, with the sun setting just over the wall surrounding the city. The carriage slowed to a halt, but not at the castle, instead at the very beginning of a long street. Mud peeked out the window, catching dozens of delicious smells in the air. “Where are we?”

Twilight’s smile stuck the whole way, “We thought you could use a break, and because you did so well as my assistant…” She looked to Bree.

“We are taking you to dinner.” The maid pony got up first, stepping out as the door opened.

Ponies lined the sidewalks, entering and leaving the glass walled stores. Colorful signs hung over the streets, shedding a warm light over the road. The low temperature of the mountain made the steam leaving the doorways visible, plumes of savory, creamy, and sweet smells flooding the streets.

The three walked into the first restaurant on the right, the waiter at the front door noticing the princess.

“Right this way your highness.” He immediately spoke up and gestured to follow.

Mud did not have to squeeze under a short table, or sit on the floor. Everything was perfectly sized for larger ponies, “princess sized” alicorns. The chairs were especially comfortable, having a large curve for wings to be tucked behind, or a nice recline for a kelpie.

Another waitress hurried over, a unicorn with notepad in tow, stopping just beside Twilight. “Welcome to ‘Alimento’s’, what will we be starting with tonight?”

Twilight eyed the personal menu that lay on the table, “hmm, well, it’s late enough for some red wine. And one large Pep soda.”

“Any appetizers?”

Twi gave one look to Bree, the two sharing a knowing look as they side glanced at Mud. Twi smiled and turned to the waitress, “We’d like one of everything.”

Mud’s and the waitress pony’s eyes went wide with confusion.

“Everything?” the unicorn lowered her notepad.

Both Bree and Twi nodded, and Mud watched as the little pony hurried off. She turned to her caretakers, “One of everything?” She repeated.

Bree huffed, but smiled still. “Against ma better judgment, the princess suggested you’d like this activity.”

“Like a reward.” Twilight added, brushing off Bree’s attitude.

It was a while before the first plates came, and first were the drinks. Twilight and Bree sipped there weird smelling juice, while Mud chugged her soda. She’d eyed the bottle Twilight would refill her own glass with, but remembered the awful time she had once long ago. The kelpie had learned her lesson after sneaking into Apple Jacks bottles of hard cider.

Thankfully the waitress pony came back after a few minutes to refill the kelpie’s drink, cautiously as well, and then the food came. It was appetizers first, one of every kind; chips, dips, and garlic bread. Then, as many as she could at a time, the waitress pony came back with plates of all different kinds of meals. The whole of the tabletop was covered, and the last few on an extra, smaller table.

Mud’s mouth watered, looking over every plate. Twilight selected one for herself, and Bree did as well.
“Go on.” Twi urged, “We gotta finish quickly.”

Mud looked at her, “Why? Something else after this?”

Bree rolled her eyes. Twi raised her glass to take a sip. “The next restaurant.”

Finally, it was the last establishment, every plate cleaned off. Twilight’s evening “reward” was one of everything from every restaurant on the street. Mud felt as sick as she could be, not wanting to move. Twilight and Bree both broke down and ordered wine from a few different places, though Bree having more control over herself.

Now it was time to head back to the castle, Bree leading her two companions to the carriage. First Bree carefully took her seat, Twi struggled to put her hooves on the steps but got in, and Mud hesitated. Afraid the floor would give under her weight, she took a deep breath and hoisted herself in. The suspension hissed and the whole carriage leaned to one side, leaving Mud to lay on the floor to avoid tipping the cabin.

Twilight laughed in her daze and slid to the floor next to her kelpie, both passing out from alcohol and food comas. Bree yawned, covering her mouth with a hoof. She watched her friends as they slept, until she herself leaned against the wall and closed her eyes.

Once at the castle, Bree poked a hoof at Twilight’s head. “Princess, we’re here.”

But she did not get up, still sleeping. Mud groaned as she fell out of the carriage, and Bree floated Twi onto the kelpie’s side.

“You can carry her.” Bree moved around, getting ready to push Mud to her hooves. “I’m too tired, and I must clean our mess.”

Mud dragged her hooves all the way to her room, not even dropping Twilight at hers. Stopping just before getting into bed, Mud leaned just enough for her alicorn to fall off into a pile of stuffed animals on the floor. Exhaustion preventing her from taking off the tight dress, the kelpie fell on the bed, springs and frame bending with a concerning creak.

After a moment, Bree came around. Peeking through the door she saw Twilight nuzzling the plushy fish and bears, face red and ears flicking as she dreamt. Mud was not asleep yet, large sides rising and falling as she took deep breaths. Her gut ached too much to try and fall asleep, but Bree attempted to comfort her.

“How are you Chérie?” The unicorn leaned against the bed, laying a hoof on Mud’s cheek. “You did super today!”

“You’d make a proper lady in no time.” She brushed gently.

Mud smiled, purring, and shifted to meet Bree’s eyes. “What is that?” Mud mewed.

Bree smiled, turning slightly to recline against the bed. “Is what?”
Mud blinked, “Cherry, you keep calling me that.”

“It means sweet heart, Cherie.”

Mud laid her head down again, not knowing what to say.

“I’ve seen it.” She rested her hoof.
“You try so hard to be the biggest and scariest, but you can’t help but want to make ponies happy.”

Mud was silent, too tired to ponder, but took in each word. Bree lowered to her hooves, reaching up one last time to run her hoof along Mud’s wide chin. “Goodnight, mon petit kelpie.”

And with a light, soothing spell for Mud’s and Twi’s stomachs, Bree turned to leave. But now Mud was free from her soreness, quickly reached out, hooking a hoof around the maid pony’s small body. Bree let out a surprised squeak, and was pulled into the kelpie’s chest. The massive warm arms locked in, surrounding her, and Mud’s large head resting on hers.

Unable to move now, and much too tired, Bree found her new place to sleep. After rotating enough to not be suffocated by the thick neck of her kelpie, and using it as a pillow, she fell asleep almost instantly.

Author's Note

girls night!