Castle Tales

Chapters

The Maid
The Composer
The Chef
The Gardener

The Maid

“Will that be all, Your Highness?” the maid asked, passing over the cup of fresh hot tea in the glow of unicorn magic.

“Yes, thank you, Grace,” Mark Wells replied.

Graceful Style beamed and turned to push away the tea cart, tail swishing just on the safe side of saucy.

Mark’s guest, the hippogriff ambassador, stared at the retreating yellow-coated servant with a long teal-blue mane and tail dressed in the full traditional maid’s uniform. “That maid is a stallion!” he exclaimed.

“Yes, he is,” Mark agreed.

At the equanimous response, the ambassador blinked a few times before asking, “Is it common to put cross-dressing stallions in such positions?”

Mark chuckled. “No. In fact, Grace’s position is unique, although hardly the only oddity living and working in Canterlot Castle.”

Ambassador Windsurfer took a thoughtful sip of his tea. “While it may not be any of my business, may I ask the story behind having a male maid?”

“It’s no secret. Graceful Style is the son of the Head Maid. He grew up in the servants’ quarters although he was schooled like any other young colt. Despite that, from an early age, he decided he wanted to work here too. He gained his cutie mark sooner than most foals because he was so passionate about it.”

“So, you decided he would make a good maid?”

Mark laughed. “Good heavens, no! He started off at the bottom as all servants do, but he quickly rose up the ranks. He managed to catch my interest not only because of his work ethic, but also his personable interactions with everyone. He’s able to maintain a friendly and cheerful relationship with my family and guests while nevertheless sustaining a completely professional approach to his work. Frankly, I prefer ponies like him to boring sticklers to propriety any day. Besides, somepony who likes working for you invariably does a better job than one for which this is just a way to earn a living.”

“I suppose that’s true, but still, a maid?” The hippogriff could not wrap his head around that.

Mark sipped some tea before continuing. “Graceful Style is also ambitious. There are only a few ways to reach the top echelons as a royal servant, and for some of them, that way is to become a maid. Maids are privileged. They have access to the royal bedrooms, attend to the very personal needs of my family and our guests, and have the responsibility of seamlessly attending to occasions like our private talk without getting in the way. As such, they have to be very discreet about what they see and hear. It’s a goal many ponies aspire to. The only rank higher, not counting the Head Maid, is hoofmaiden. Those are assigned one-on-one to a princess as required, so there are rarely any opportunities there. Also, to put it mildly, the position of my valet won’t be open any time soon.” Mark and the ambassador shared a chuckle at this understatement. “Anyway, when a position opened for a maid, Grace applied for it.”

“He obviously got it. Did he realize he would be required to wear that uniform?” Windsurfer queried.

“When he was interviewed for the position, it was pointed out that a maid had to wear the traditional outfit. Did that dismay him? Heck, no! He practically demanded the right to wear it! He correctly pointed out that it’s a badge of honor. He was one of three who qualified for the job, but as I said earlier, I really like the ones who can chat with you and smile while still doing their work perfectly, so I lobbied in his favor. And that’s how he became the first-ever male maid. He’s a little effeminate, as you may have noticed, but that just makes him look better in the uniform he wears so proudly.”

The hippogriff shook his head and chuckled. “I was told to expect many unusual things at this posting, but this was certainly nothing I imagined. Wouldn’t that harm his chances of finding a mate?”

“His griffon fiancée doesn’t seem to mind,” Mark pointed out with a grin. “She thinks he’s cute.”

Windsurfer rolled his eyes. “I better quit before I get thoroughly boggled by you telling me that he’s in line to be the next hoofmaiden.” He put down his now-empty teacup and rose from his chair. “This has been an enjoyable and educational conversation, Your Highness. I look forward to our next scheduled meeting. Have a good day, Princess Mark Wells.”

“And you too, Ambassador Windsurfer.”

As the hippogriff departed, Mark looked at Grace as he came to collect the empty cups. Windsurfer’s words echoed in her mind. Her hoofmaiden, Prim Daisy, would not be retiring for a long while yet, but when it did become time to replace her, would it be so odd to have a male hoofmaiden for a gender-swapping princess?

She giggled. Stranger things had happened, but not by much!

# # # # # # #

Author's Note

So, what do you think of Grace?

The Composer

The Canterlot Symphony Orchestra reached a crescendo as the earth pony conductor Glissando brought the masterpiece to a stirring conclusion. With the cessation of the music, there were a few moments of awed silence before the audience broke into tumultuous applause. Such was the magnificence of the work that the gathering of nobles who were privileged to hear it could scarcely refrain from more undignified displays of enthusiasm.

The applause continued as the conductor and musicians took their bows, and might have lasted even longer but for Princess Trixie walking out onto the stage and holding up a hoof calling for silence. When the audience finally quieted, she addressed them.

“Ladies and Gentlecolts, your Princess is honored to have brought to you this premier performance of the Harmony Symphony by the newest composer on the classical music scene, Travertine. You will have the opportunity to meet Maestro Travertine at the reception that will be held in the adjacent ballroom. You are invited to enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres before he joins us.”

With a flash of starbursts, Trixie teleported away.

The audience members conversed as they filed out of the auditorium. Discussion of the symphony and speculation on the new composer were the topics of conversation. The nobles made their way to the ballroom and mingled. Some headed for the tables where food and drink were being served. Waiters took trays around to the clusters of ponies who were not so eager. Only some of the serving staff were ponies; many were Canterlot changelings that were a familiar sight nowadays. However, there were a couple of other species represented.

Lady Stylish Soirée approached a table where a diamond dog wearing a classy vest and bow tie was pouring a glass of sparkling wine. The mare wrinkled her muzzle in distaste.

“You! Get us a red wine from Vigne Dorée’s winery,” she commanded haughtily.

The diamond dog raised an eyebrow at her tone. “They are better known for their white wines,” he commented.

“I said red. Are you stupid?”

The dog did not reply but did as he was asked. He uncorked a bottle, filled a new glass, and passed it to the noble lady only to get a scowl in return.

“And where’s my husband’s?” she asked, inclining her head toward the stallion nearby studying anything but the interaction between his wife and the bartender. “Did you not hear me?”

The dog’s eyes flicked toward Baron Top Drawer momentarily before he nodded. “Forgive me,” he said before pouring a second glass.

The stallion took the wine in his magic with a curt nod before he and his wife turned away to join their peers.

Conversation continued among the guests for a while as the serving staff saw to their desires. The diamond dog especially was kept busy after the nobles witnessed him serving the Baroness and her husband. He possessed an expansive knowledge of the different wines available, much to the surprise of most. They guessed that was why he had gotten the job.

It was not long before Princess Trixie made one of her spectacular entrances, teleporting up onto the stage with accompanying music and grand illusions of Pegasi with halos forming an entire orchestra. Having caught the attention of everyone, she smiled and acknowledged her audience with a broad, sweeping gesture of her hoof.

“My dear Lords and Ladies, we are here tonight to meet and do honor to a rising star in the music community. Doubtless, none of you have heard of Maestro Travertine before, but that is no great surprise. He chose not to have his earlier works played in the concert halls because he was not satisfied with them. Only when he completed the Harmony Symphony did he feel ready to present himself to the world.”

Trixie paused for a moment to let that sink in. Travertine was obviously a perfectionist and, judging by the symphony they had just heard, with some justification.

The Princess continued. “Still, it’s not easy to remain unnoticed with such talent. Travertine’s journey toward mastery was an unusual one. He was one of many from across Equestria who answered the call to fight Grogar and his monsters. He came from an isolated village and was nearly overwhelmed by what he saw and heard in Canterlot after the battle. In particular, he was entranced by a classical music recital that he encountered. He strived to learn more about that style of music and discovered that there is a world-class school for performing arts in the Equestrian capital. However, he had no resources to pursue that interest. Travertine approached the Crown to petition for assistance and, because we were amenable to requests from the brave volunteers who helped us defeat Grogar, we were keen to help him. Fortunately, the Great and Wise Trixie was presiding when Travertine petitioned and she recognized his potential. She started him on the road to a new career with a scholarship.”

“Travertine began studying at the prestigious Canterlot College of Musical Arts where he learned exceptionally fast and excelled in composition. Of course, the Crown is not a charity and Travertine had to do part-time work to support himself. It was at some of the popular cafés and restaurants where he worked that his music for the string quartet was tried out on the clientele with the help of his fellow students. In the years since, he worked on his masterpiece. When he finally deemed it ready, he returned to the Court to present the result. Trixie was delighted to confer upon him the title of Maestro and arranged tonight’s performance.”

“Now, it is time to meet the maestro himself, although several of you have unwittingly done so already. Yes, he has been among you all evening. Maestro Travertine, please join me on stage.”

The lights in the ballroom dimmed, leaving only Trixie illuminated and a spotlight on a figure out by the tables. The diamond dog put down the glass he had been holding and headed for the stage amidst gasps of shock and mutters from the gathered nobles. When the dog joined the smiling alicorn princess, there was no doubt among those gathered that the lowly servant was indeed the musical prodigy Travertine.

Trixie turned back to the audience. “Ladies and Lords, you showed your appreciation earlier for the magnificent performance that you heard earlier. Now, let us celebrate the diamond dog whose genius brought you such pleasure.”

The applause started slowly at first, but under the glare of their princess, it grew. Finally satisfied with the response, Trixie called for silence once more before turning to Travertine. “Would you care to say some words, Maestro?”

The diamond dog stepped forward. “Thank you for your applause. Music has become my life, my reason to be. I am very grateful to Princess Trixie for the opportunity to take me away from the drudgery of my hometown to pursue my dream. Work has already begun on my second symphony, and I promise that I will pour all my skill and passion into making it greater than my first.”

Travertine turned away before pausing and facing the crowd once more. “And some of you have poor taste in wines. Listen to your wine waiter in the future.” He then faced Trixie with a grin. She smirked and nodded before whisking them both away.

# # # # # # #

Author's Note

You would think a diamond dog would be into rock music.
Sorry, I'll slink away now.

The Chef

Twilight Sparkle hummed to herself, skipping down the Canterlot Castle hallway. The evolved changeling at her side smiled. “I can feel your joy like the warmth of Celestia’s sun, Your Highness.”

The purple mare beamed as she glanced at her companion. “Yes indeed, Daffodil! The next Friendship Festival preparations are ahead of schedule, our Equestria has excellent relations with many others thanks to the dimensional portals, plus I just learned that the latest brood hatched by our breeders all got clean bills of health! Aaaaannnd… Thorax agreed this morning that a new princess is just what our thriving hive needs!”

The changeling returned the smile. “I’m very glad to be able to take part in such an auspicious day, Your Majesty.”

Twilight waved a hoof briefly. “Oh, and thank you for filling in today.”

“Always happy to help.” She looked over her clipboard. “Between the training Moon Dancer gave me and her meticulous scheduling, everything is on easy mode until she gets back from vacation.”

A scroll appeared in a flash of dragonfire in front of Twilight. In a practiced motion, she caught the scroll and opened it. After reading the contents twice, she sighed and teleported the message away. “Well, so much for easy mode. The Zebrican High Council is sending a surprise delegation… again.”

The changeling nodded. “I remember that last time didn’t work out so well. Four hours of yelling at all three Triarchs, I think.”

“Exactly. I’m not going to interrupt my co-rulers’ private time, so the elderly zebra mare will have to settle for yelling at me.”

“Elderly mare? Did the message describe her?”

Twilight nodded. “Twelve black stripes on the left side, thirteen on the right. Below average height. Small scar above her left forehoof. Permanent scowl.”

Daffodil laughed. “I’m glad you had more than that last bit to go on. You’re describing Senior Counselor Ebony Gaze. I don’t think the Zebricans have sent one of the three senior council members before – even the Grogar crisis didn’t rate as important enough.”

“The delegation will arrive around lunchtime.” The purple mare narrowed her eyes. “I wonder if something important has happened in Zebrica? I don’t recall anything from Celestia’s recent briefings. Please inform Chrysalis of the visit and have her tell me about anything that might have changed in the last two days.”

Daffodil got a faraway look as she walked down the hallway. Several seconds later, she blinked and focused on Twilight. “Our drone in the Agency passed on the word and got the following reply back, ‘No.’.” Twilight snorted back a laugh. That was so like Chrysalis.

After another few seconds of her eyes going unfocused, the changeling continued. “A further message, ‘Princess Twilight. Our intelligence on Ebony Gaze describes her as fiercely independent, doesn’t put up with ceremony, and does whatever she damn-well wants whenever she damn-well wants to do it.’.” Daffodil shook her head to clear it. “Would you like me to cancel Day Court?”

“No. Ebony Gaze is coming to visit us. We’ll adjust our schedule as needed after she arrives.” Twilight had a thought and stumbled a step. After recovering, she said, “Fortunately, Day Court is in Canterlot today. I can’t imagine the fallout if a Zebrican High Council member ‘in need of a welcome party’ came to Ponyville.”

As Twilight, Daffodil, and their two guards entered the Royal Dining Room, a voice bellowed out. “There you are!”

The tallest minotaur Twilight Sparkle had ever met stomped across the floor. His spotless white jacket had been tailored to perfection and his likewise white fluted hat gleamed in the sunlight. “Welcome, Your Highness! I, Royal Chef Apicius stand ready to carry your taste buds away on flights of fancy. Please, Your Eminent Grace, challenge me! Let my staff pull you away into a ten-course ecstasy of gastronomic bliss.”

Twilight laughed. “Oh, Chef! You always know how to brighten my day. Just the usual, please.”

The minotaur seemed to shrink a few inches in all directions. “Ahhhh … of course. Plain oatmeal with plainer coffee.”

“Ah, ah!” Twilight waved a hoof. “Don’t forget the fresh-squeezed citrus juice blend. I do enjoy that delightful concoction you introduced to me. But no more trying to slip vanilla or crystal berry extract in my oatmeal, please!”

With a bow, Apicius said, “At once, Your Highness.” He turned on his heel and marched to the kitchens.

Twilight expected her temporary advisor to go over the Day Court schedule. Instead, the ensuing deafening silence broke through the alicorn’s musings. “Wait. Did I do something wrong?”

Daffodil shared a look with the one changeling guard before putting on a fake smile. “ ‘Wrong’, Your Majesty?”

“You just called me ‘Majesty’ instead of ‘Highness’, despite my insistence not to do so while performing my Equestrian duties. I’ve observed this happens when someone of my hive is hiding something from me… over 80% of the time.” Twilight narrowed her eyes. “Do you need me to give you an order as your Hive Queen?”

Daffodil glanced at first at the changeling guard then the earth pony one. Both kept very busy scanning the room for threats. Finally, she lowered her eyes and sighed. “It’s just… changelings used to enjoy working in the Royal Kitchens. But ever since Chef Consommé retired and Chef Apicius took over, this just… hasn’t been a happy place.”

Twilight was very good at connecting the dots. “And I just made it worse.”

The changeling guard spoke up. “By no means, My Qu— ah, Your Highness. You just… didn’t… make it any better?” He finished with an awkward smile.

The alicorn stared at the guard until he started to fidget. She chewed her lip. “That’s exactly right, Arbalest. No better and no worse.” She turned away and faced the kitchen, missing the guard slumping in relief.

Twilight tapped the floor with a hoof. “What I need to do is ‘think sideways’ as my co-ruler puts it. So, what are the pieces in play?”

A few seconds later, the tapping stopped and Twilight trotted forward, causing Daffodil and the guards to hustle after her.

Twilight entered the Royal Kitchens and scanned her eyes across the cooking stations. Just as it had been described, ponies, changelings, and a griffon stood around or poked listlessly at the few dishes being prepared. The large minotaur raised his head from supervising something a subordinate was stirring in a pot. “Your Highness! Preparations are –”

The alicorn held up a hoof. “Never mind that. Something much more important has come up. For the first time in the history of Equestria, a senior member of the Zebrican High Council will be visiting Canterlot Castle.” Twilight paused as she looked around the room. To those watching, it seemed she was emphasizing the importance of the visit. In actuality, she searched her memory to check if what she said was true. In the end, she decided she had no idea. Best to press forward. “Chef Apicius, do you and your staff stand ready to prepare a lunch meal worthy of Ebony Gaze on this auspicious occasion?”

The minotaur’s yell drowned out her final words. “Cardamom! Gather all vegetables from rows Z-ten through twelve!

“Yes, Chef!”

“Mortar! Pestle! You know where the Zebrican herbs are hiding!”

“Yes, Chef!” in stereo.

“Leavening! Have the interns gather wood! When you get back, start grinding spelt and amaranth!”

“Yes, Chef!”

“Who has the charcoal we prepared last month?”

Twilight dodged to the side to avoid a galloping earth pony stallion, his chef’s hat flying off in the process. A quick levitation placed it back on his head before he rounded a corner. The purple mare grinned and closed her eyes. In a flash, the party of four appeared on the dais of the Throne Room.

The alicorn took a deep breath and let it out. “Mission accomplished… for now.” She turned to her guards. “Arbalest. Staunch Legion. Arrange for both myself and Chef Apicius to stay informed of any updates regarding when the Counselor is expected to arrive.” The two bowed and hustled down the dais stairs then out the nearest door.

Twilight sat on the throne and waived her advisor closer. “Who’s first on the docket today?”

Thirty minutes before the scheduled end of Day Court, Twilight heard Daffodil clear her throat. Following the changelings’ gaze, the alicorn saw Arbalest jog up to the staff entrance to the Throne Room. He tilted his head to indicate somewhere behind him. Twilight nodded, not surprised at the Zebrican’s sudden unannounced arrival.

The alicorn faced her supplicant. “Thank you, Lord High Station. I will need to do more research on your proposal. Please apply for the remaining permits required for the water park. If your project is approved, that will minimize any delays.” She did not say out loud what Moon Dancer’s research told her: the permits not yet requested were the ones least likely to be granted.

The stallion bowed deeply with a smile. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Twilight smiled. “Good day to you, My Little Pony.” She raised her eyes and voice. “Day Court is concluded for today due to unforeseen royal business. The three remaining petitioners may choose to be heard first at Evening Court or be the first addressed tomorrow morning.”

The Sergeant at Arms rapped the butt end of his spear on the marble tiles. “Day Court is adjourned!”

The alicorn descended the steps to the throne and reached the floor at the same time an elderly zebra mare shoved Arbalest aside with her gnarled staff. A group of six zebras scampered in behind the mare, equally divided between guards and advisors, if the armor, halberds, and saddlebags full of scrolls were any indication.

The zebra stopped a body length in front of the alicorn and her frown deepened.

Twilight gave a respectful bow while keeping her eyes on the mare. “Greetings, High Counselor Ebony Gaze. As a triarch of Equestria, I, Twilight Sparkle, welcome you to our capital.” The silence stretched out with nothing more than an eye blink from the zebra.

The alicorn continued. “Please join me for lunch. Our chef Apicius has prepared –”

Ebony Gaze slammed the base of her staff on the floor. “Child, I’m too old for any of that time-wasting nonsense. Now go gather up the rest of your alicorn flock so I can get on with my day!”

The silence lasted longer this time. Twilight spoke almost ritually. “Ebony Gaze. You enter my hut as my friend. Do you refuse the food and drink I offer?”

The six zebras behind the elderly mare all jumped as if hit by an electrical spark. The Equestrian guards picked up on the mood and tightened their grip on their weapons.

Slowly, a smile spread across the counselor’s lips. “You are the pony who sang at Carpus Island until the zebras caved to your will. I see that your backbone has not changed.”

“I wasn’t going to let pestilence take ninety percent of their males, even if the disease hadn’t been seen in years and should be a dimension away. I had to be… persuasive.”

“As you should. Unlike me, none of those idiots lived through the last great plague a century ago.” Without looking, she tossed her staff to one of the soldiers who barely caught it. “Very well, Twilight Sparkle. I shall sit at your table and receive your proffered food and drink. Speaking will wait until later.”

Taking the hint, Twilight said nothing but guided the delegation to the castle dining hall. Stepping inside, she had to stop to take it all in.

The room was unrecognizable. Every table and chair was gone. In their place, woven reed mats fanned out in front of a roaring bonfire. Glancing to the ceiling, Twilight saw the smoke gathered by a stable vortex and guided out a high window. Instead of stone walls, a darker woven material stretched across the ceiling and down to eye level. Split logs arranged vertically reached the remaining distance to the floor. Twilight’s nose confirmed that this was not one of Trixie’s illusions. While the scent of stone was still present, the other earthy smells nearly overpowered it.

Around the room, Twilight counted twelve banners. Each showed the flag of a region of Equestria and their allies done in the Zebrican style: The royal flag of two alicorns chasing each other in a field of stars (Twilight made a mental note to look into updating this), the Griffinstone banner, the Crystal Principality, Yakyakistan, Seaquestria, the Southern Protectorate, and even a banner for the flag of Ponyville. Twilight smiled to herself as she stepped into the room. She supposed they needed to come up with twelve banners one way or another to match the number of Zebrican provinces.

Twilight led the elderly mare to the two mats placed centrally on the floor a half-dozen body lengths from the fire. The alicorn kneeled on the rightmost mat with her legs straight beneath her, thanking Celestia mentally for the lessons on Zebrican customs. Only Daffodil likewise knelt on one of the six positions behind her until Twilight waved to Arbalest, Staunch Legion, and three other guards to leave their weapons and likewise occupy the remaining mats. Ebony Gaze was much more efficient, only requiring a brief scowl and head flick to convince her assistants and guards to do the same.

Fourteen serving ponies exited the kitchen, each wearing a braided silver torc that ended in two pony heads facing each other. The first two served the elderly zebra, then Twilight. The rest walked in an arc behind the leaders to reach the remaining diners.

Looking down, Twilight saw a wide and deep platter holding an assortment of grilled marinated vegetables, three types of bread (one partially burnt), and two hollowed-out gourds holding different soups. A larger gourd held a dull grey liquid that smelled delicious… except for the tiny green pepper slices floating on top, which promised unending pain.

The alicorn racked her brain for the proper phrasing of the invitation to “partake in this gift from our homes to yours” … no, that wasn’t it. She opened her mouth to improvise only to see the old zebra already sampling the cuisine.

Just before lighting her horn, Twilight remembered to use only her hooves for the meal. Deciding on a roll of thin, spongy bread, she tore off a piece and used it to grip a charred reddish vegetable she wasn’t familiar with. Her mouth watering, Twilight lifted the piece to her lips when she heard, “I will speak with the chef.”

Swallowing her saliva and forcing herself to place the food back on the platter, the alicorn nodded to the serving pony closest to the kitchens.

In short order, the hulking minotaur emerged from the Royal Kitchens. He stood in front of Ebony Gaze and bowed. In passable Middle Zebrican, he said, “How can this servant please the honored guest?”

The elderly zebra waved a hoof. “Equish. I have no intention of speaking your native tongue. You are Chef Apicius. Who was your teacher?”

The minotaur stood up straight. “I studied under Master Chef Reginald Split-Horn for eight months until he deemed me ‘competent’.”

Ebony Gaze narrowed her eyes. “That is a Yak name.”

“Yes, High Counselor. I endeavored to learn under the tutelage of the best chef of Zebrican cuisine that I could find. That was Chef Split-Horn in an alternate dimension. He has single-hand… ah… single-hoofedly made it his purpose in life to elevate Zebrican cooking to levels not seen since the time of Golden Flower.”

“So, the rumors of a Grand Master Chef are true.” The zebra looked behind her. “Everyone get back to eating while the food is still warm!” Not needing further convincing, Twilight tucked in. The explosion of alien flavors made it difficult to pay attention to the continuing conversation.

Apicius said, “Yes, High Counselor. The spelt bread is prepared above burning logs and removed when the surface is a quarter blackened. ‘As was done in the old days, let it forever carry forward.’.”

“The seventeenth mantra of Golden Flower. And the marinade for the banshin root? That must be pale taiga berries. My grand-matron served them but they went extinct decades ago.”

“No longer. They’ve been imported from that same dimension. There are two bushes in the kitchen greenhouse. It would honor myself and my teacher if you accept cuttings for your greenmasons to root.”

After an hour of discourse with the minotaur, the zebra counselor stood up. Everyone kneeling quickly did the same. She reached out for her staff which her guard quickly supplied. The aged mare rapped it three times on the ground. “Chef Apicius. You may pass on to your staff that the meal they prepared was… better than competent.” Glistening tears in the bull’s eyes and gasp of happiness let Twilight know he had received high praise, even if she didn’t recognize it.

After three more raps of her staff, Ebony Gaze said, “Dismissed.”

The chef bowed deeply and then took off at a run for the kitchens. One of the zebra advisors spoke in hushed tones with a yellow-maned serving pony who soon cantered after the minotaur.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle!”

The alicorn turned and faced the zebra directly. “Yes, High Counselor?”

“We shall not have discussions at this time. Instead, I shall return with the other senior High Counselors in two days. Expect us at your evening repast. May the warmth of sunlight always grace your lands.”

Twilight returned the second half of the blessing. “May the cool night grant rest to your people.”

A glance ensured that Arbalest and Staunch Legion would lead the delegation to the daggerscale portal room. One of the advisors lagged behind until he accepted a large covered basket from the yellow-maned serving pony. Then the zebra hurried to catch up.

As soon as the advisor left the dining room, Twilight’s horn lit and she reappeared in the kitchen. Quickly finding a carafe of citrus juice, she quaffed down the entire contents. After putting down the empty container, her whole body shook.

Daffodil galloped into the kitchen and saw the end of the display. She held a hoof up to hide a smile. “Had one of the inferno pepper slices from your drink? You’re supposed to sip around those, you know.”

Twilight slowly got her breathing under control. “No, I got distracted and I think I swallowed all of them! Did you have one? How can you stand it?”

The changeling shrugged. “They’re tangy, but I like tangy.”

The alicorn turned her attention to the minotaur who walked to each staff member. He complimented their work and gave pointers on how to improve their skills or new techniques or ingredients to try.

Daffodil whispered into Twilight’s ear. “I don’t think I’ve ever been in a room with so much happiness radiating from every occupant.”

Before Twilight could reply, Penumbra walked into the Royal Kitchen followed by Princess Marklestia. They both looked around. Every cooking station was a mess and every member of the staff from the Head Chef down to the interns looked exhausted. But each wore a beaming smile. Marklestia said, “I think… No. I know I missed something. Based on the dining room remodelling, I’m guessing a surprise Zebrican delegation?”

Twilight said, “Ah, you haven’t talked to Chrysalis yet? That’s right, she’d still be in her office right now. Senior High Counselor Ebony Gaze stopped by for lunch.”

“Senior High Counselor? That’s new. I take it from your smile that it went well. Thank you.” The last was in response to a serving pony handing her a platter filled with exotic cuisine. One glare from the batpony was enough to convince the servant to fill a second platter.

Twilight led Daffodil past her fellow triarch and Penumbra. “It certainly did! Thanks to the hard work of our castle staff, I believe it was a great and successful start to a deeper friendship between our nations.”

Just before leaving the Royal Kitchens, Twilight looked over her shoulder. “Oh, Chef Apicius? All three Senior High Counselors will return for dinner two days from now. Are you and your staff up for the challenge?”

“WOO-HOO! Everyone up! Get your stations clean! New pots and pans!”

“Yes, Chef!”

“We’re not resting on our old and tired recipes, are we?”

“No, Chef!”

“We have the time, but just barely. I want to see some risk-taking! Show me that you are all worthy of the title ‘chef’!”

“Yes, Chef!”

Twilight saw that the entire staff was smiling even wider than a few minutes before. An observation confirmed by Daffodil giving her a nod.

Marklestia protected her platter with a wing from the controlled chaos until she entered the Royal Dining Room. “OK, what was that all about?”

Twilight swished her tail as she pranced away. “Oh, just doing my part to spread happiness wherever I go!”

# # # # # # #

Author's Note

This episode was Airy Words' baby.

The Gardener

The maid poured tea for Princess Celestia and her guest before bringing out a covered plate. Lifting the lid, the servant revealed a haskap berry chiffon cake, bringing a smile to the lips of the alicorn.

“Thank you, Grace – you always know the perfect treat to go with these events.”

The maid grinned before levitating a knife to Celestia, knowing that she preferred to cut her own portions – generous, of course. The alicorn offered an equal-sized slice to Queen Novo who smiled.

“When have I ever knocked back one of your cakes, Celly?”

“In all the decades that we have been allies, I do not recall one, my dear friend,” Celestia replied as she passed the loaded plate to the hippogriff queen.

“I do remember you declining one of mine though,” Novo said slyly.

“You will have to forgive me, but seaweed sponge cake is an acquired taste.” Mentally she added, ‘Especially when made with sea sponges!’

Novo chuckled. Her prank on her friend still caused Celestia to pull faces years later. She still hadn’t told her alicorn friend that the foulest ingredient had been sea urchin. Perhaps Celestia would puzzle that out one day. Or perhaps not.

The two settled into silence as they drank their tea and savored the cake while admiring the view of the Canterlot Castle gardens from the shade of the arboretum.

Novo was the first to speak up. “The gardens are looking lovelier than ever. I see that you have made a few new additions since my last visit.”

“Yes, we have. While Grogar’s attack was disastrous for so many, the recovery after our victory brought an influx of refugees, many of them with useful talents. I had already planned on adding displays of new plants, so I was pleased to be able to secure the services of several professionals to set those plans into motion. We also expanded the number of gardeners to maintain them. The head Groundskeeper surprised me with one of her hires though.”

Novo arched an eyebrow. “How so?”

“Most of the gardeners are earth ponies, as you probably realize. There are some unicorns and pegasi too, but this one was not a pony.”

“Oh? A zebra, perhaps? I hear that they are very good with plants.”

“No, although I wonder what one could do here. Perhaps it would be best if you meet him yourself. Would you care to join me in a stroll when you’ve finished your tea?”

“Just my tea? And leave a half-finished slice of this delightful cake? You’ll have to try harder than that, my dear friend.” Novo put on a mock glare that collapsed into a good-natured smile. “After I finish my treat, I’d love to get a closer look at the new additions, and you’ve certainly gotten me curious about the gardener.”

The alicorn and the hippogriff continued to catch up on gossip from their respective countries while they enjoyed their tea and cake. Then, Celestia led Novo on a tour of the new garden beds and the bushes and flowers planted therein. There were several stands of azaleas, orchids of several varieties, a bed of velvet moonflowers, another of ursagloves, and a number of newly planted beds of seedlings of exotic plants from faraway lands. Celestia was about to lead Novo to the next when a stray breeze wafted a familiar scent their way.

“Oh, my!” Novo said after taking a deep appreciative breath. “The roses smell especially nice today.”

“There have been several new additions there too, and we might just find that new member of the garden staff tending them,” Celestia said with a small smile.

“Now I know you’re hiding something, Celly,” Novo said with a suspicious glance at her friend.

“Not at all. I just prefer to see your reaction when you meet him.”

The hippogriff queen decided not to push for details but, instead, she hastened their pace toward the wonderful fragrance. After reaching a gap in the tall hedge that separated the rose garden from the section that they had been in, the two walked into an artfully laid out display of dozens of varieties of blooms. There were easily double the number that Novo had seen the last time that she had visited. Checking out the new varieties momentarily distracted her from looking for the mysterious gardener. Celestia eventually brought him back to her attention.

“There he is. I would have been surprised to not find him here.”

The alicorn pointed over several rows of the roses where Novo could just see some wings sticking up. She frowned.

“I thought you said he wasn’t a pony, but I see feathered wings. Is he a hippogriff? Has one of my subjects moved here?”

“An interesting guess, but no. Let me end the mystery.” Celestia raised her voice. “Garrick – can you spare a moment?”

A head raised up and looked around. Despite having a beak like a hippogriff, Novo quickly realized that this was a griffon, the last species she expected to see.

“Ah, Your Highness,” Garrick said in a rough voice as he appeared to set something down. “A pleasure to see you.” He made his way out from the garden bed and toward the pair.

Novo looked him over as he approached. He was no young cock and the graying fur in his otherwise golden feline hindquarters spoke of quite advanced years. Scars were noticeable both there and on his aquiline forequarters, especially at his throat. Novo speculated his speech had been affected by that injury. Nevertheless, his eyes remained bright and keen, and age had not diminished his powerful physique. The hippogriff found him to be quite attractive… for a griffon.

“Good afternoon, ladies,” Garrick said as he stepped up to them. “What can I do for you on this fine Canterlot day?”

Celestia said, “Novo, I’d like you to meet Major Garrick Swiftstrike of the Griffonstone Defense Force. Retired,” she added at the raised eyebrow of the griffon. “Garrick, this is my good friend, Novo, Queen of the hippogriffs.”

“A privilege to meet you, Your Highness,” Garrick said with a respectful bob of his head.

“A delight to meet you, Major Swiftstrike,” Novo replied.

“Just Garrick, if you please, ma’am. I have left those days behind me.”

“I find it surprising that you have. It’s quite obvious that you have seen a lot of fighting in your day, but here I find you tending roses instead. There seems to be quite a disconnect there.”

Garrick chuckled. “You are not the first to notice that.”

Celestia said, “Would you please tell my friend how you came to be in our employ?”

“As you wish. I don’t know how familiar you are with Griffonstone’s history, but suffice to say that our city-state had virtually collapsed. However, that did not mean that we didn’t still face threats to our civilization. I joined the army back when every young cock and hen did military service for three years before moving on to other careers. By the whims of fate, I saw action that resulted in me being promoted through the ranks at a remarkable pace. However, the nation started to fall apart about the time I was considering leaving the army and finding a new career. When faced with the prospect of uncertain civilian life or staying with the decaying military, I chose to remain to defend my homeland. Today, I do not regret my choice, but there were times that I did. Especially when I almost died.” He unconsciously put a talon to his scarred throat.

Garrick chuckled. “I got promoted to major for that campaign. Then there was a time when there were no more threats for a long while and I thought Griffonstone was going to fade away with a whimper rather than a screech of defiance. Nevertheless, I stayed on despite having no real purpose. It was still better than what I saw Griffonstone had devolved into. That is until one day this young hen started making a lot of noise about cooperation and friendship, of all things. However, whatever else you thought of her, it was clear that Gilda was starting to get griffs motivated once more. She even managed to secure aid and support from Equestria. So, we made her our Princess. Then they sent an Equestrian griffon to whip our military back into shape. General Satin Plume seconded me to be his right claw, so I was still stuck in that role despite wanting to retire.”

Garrick sighed. “The General found me too useful to just let go, so it was several years before that changed. By then, I was assigned to the General’s wife, Princess Gilda, as her bodyguard. Then, one day, Her Highness visited Canterlot. She was conversing with Princess Trixie in these very gardens when we encountered the roses. Their fragrance riveted me, and their beautiful blooms captivated me. For the first time in decades, I lost sight of my warrior obligations and found myself absolutely entranced by something both delicate and vicious. Their petals reminded me of gorgeous hens that I have known, and the thorns reminded me of their talons. Yet, despite that danger, I was drawn to them, just like a she-griff. The princesses never noticed that I was transfixed by the roses and left me there. Later, they found me in a dreamlike state, a smile on my face for the first time in so long, I couldn’t recall when I last had.”

The griffon turned to caress a nearby bloom. “I had found my true love. Princess Gilda is no fool and she recognized that I had reached a turning point. She… suggested that it was time for me to retire.”

Celestia giggled. “As I heard it, Gilda said she had no use for a bodyguard whose priorities had changed and told you to get a job tending flowers.”

Garrick smiled. “That is the much shorter and sanitized version suitable for young ears. My Princess does not mince words. So, I did as she suggested. I tendered my resignation from the army and applied for a job as gardener here. To my surprise, I got the job. I suspect one or two strong references played a claw in that. Under the guidance of the Head Gardener, I quickly familiarized myself with the work and, at my request, was put in charge of the roses. With a bit of luck, I will spend the remainder of my days tending to these beauties.”

“That was fascinating,” Novo said. “There seems to be just one thing missing though. Have you never found a mate to share your love?”

Garrick’s beak split in a grin. “Have you ever seen the Head Gardener? Toughest earth pony mare I’ve ever met. We had some wonderful fights, one of which resulted in me getting the privilege of tending these blooms, and another that resulted in our first foal.”

Novo smiled. “You are blessed, Garrick Swiftstrike. Not everyone finds such a wonderful match. Thank you for your time. We’ll let you get back to your work.”

Garrick nodded. “Have a good afternoon, Your Highnesses.”

The hippogriff and the alicorn left the griffon to lovingly care for the roses, the fragrance reminding them of their own loves.