Letters from the Princesses

 

Applebloom slowly awoke in her bed in my Equestria dreamscape. The morning was dim and it was raining outside, it drummed steadily on roof and gurgled and sloshed in the gutters and drain.

 

Applebloom rolled over and looked at the alarm clock on her nightstand with one bleary eye. It was seven in the morning, well after her usual wake up time. Why had the alarm not gone off last night? Then she remembered she’d never set it last night, she hadn’t gotten to sleep until well after her normal bedtime. She snuggled into her pillow and pulled the fluffy comforter up over her head.  Helping Luna last night had really taken a lot of her and even more out of the Princess. In fact the Princess of the Moon had been out cold in bed with her when she’d finally drifted off to sleep. link 

 

“PRINCESS LUNA!” Applebloom sat upright in bed and look over to where the Princess had been sleeping last night. Applebloom was now the only occupant of the bed. Resting on pillow next to the little filly was a rolled up scroll bearing Princess Luna’s Royal Seal. Applebloom tumbled out of bed and went over and threw open the curtains to let more cold grey morning light into her bedroom. Scrambling back into bed she picked up the scroll and examined it. It was addressed to her; she ripped off the seal and quickly unrolled it. Writing was in Luna’s usual beautiful flowing script.

 

“To my dearest little Applebloom. Tis essential that a growing filly gets her sleep so I did not wish to disturb thee when I had to leave early this morning to perform my official duties. However it would be unconscionable for me to take my leave without at least leaving some token of appreciation for what thee did for myself last night.”

 

   Applebloom wiped the sleep from her eyes with a front hoof and the continued reading

 

“Last night you displayed all the traits that are admirable in a good pony, courage, compassion, wisdom and a willingness to help your fellow pony. My sister stated recently that she believed that you had the strength to overcome the foul burden that monster had left you. I now have no doubt of Celestia’s declaration. Last night you performed a deed that all of Equestria should thank you for.  You helped me confront a fear that has resided deep inside of me since I have returned from my banishment. By your actions you have strengthened the Crown and contributed to the greater stability of Equestria.” 

 

Applebloom reread the last paragraph to make certain she’d understood it in her still sleepy state. Was Luna really talking about her? She read the last part.

 

“I will be in further communications with thee in the next day or so, until that time peace be with thee.”

 

Sincerely, Princess Luna Co-ruler of Equestria.

 

Applebloom just stared at letter for several seconds.

 

“Um yer welcome. “ Said the little filly to the empty room.

 

Carefully she rolled the scroll up and crawled out of bed. With all the thoughts spinning in her head she couldn’t sleep anymore. Besides she needed to use the bathroom, a short while later she’d given herself her morning brushing and straightened her signature red bow in her mane. 

 

  

AJ and Granny Smith were standing in the kitchen when buttercream filly came down the stairs. AJ had a quizzical look on her face.

 

“Hey there Bloom how ya doing today? Is Luna okay? I checked in on ya around five this morning and she was gone. What all happened last night?”

 

Applebloom climbed up on to one of the dining room chairs and rested her front hoofs on the old oak table. Granny Smith brought a couple slices of warm apple bread and mug of tea over for the little filly.  The matriarch of the Apple family smiled gently at the little filly as she pulled up a chair herself to.

 

“From the sounds of it you and da Princess took care something important last night.” Said Granny. “Eat some breakfast and then tell us whatcha can. “ AJ joined the other two ponies at the table.

 

Over the next half hour or so Applebloom told of hers and Luna’s ordeal last night. AJ looked horrified several times during the little filly’s tale, but Granny Smith just sat quietly with a sleepy smile on her face the whole time.

 

“From what I’m a hearing it sounds like Princess Luna got rid of some old deadwood last night.” Said Granny Smith. “Ya did a good thing there last night little one. However I’d caution against discussing it with anypony outside this farm for now. Da Princess has extended a great amount trust in ya, but she might not want everypony to know about it. So mums the word, ya know what I mean right?”

 

Applebloom nodded her head and took sip of her tea. “Okay.” Said the little filly. “From her letter she dun left I get the feeling she’ll be contacting me in a day or so anyways.”     

 

“Letter?” Asked AJ.

 

“Yeah, let me go get it.” Applebloom left the dining room and went back upstairs to her room. A few seconds later she came trotting back in with the scroll in her mouth. Applejack and Granny read the letter then returned it to the little filly.

 

“I’d treasure that if I was you.” Said Applejack. “But Granny is right, I wouldn’t discuss this with any other pony with the exception of Big Mac until we hear elsewise from Luna. Okay Sugar Cube?”

 

Since Luna scheduled her session at the end of school weeks Applebloom had no classes that day, so after cleaning up her breakfast she went about taking care of her chores. It was about two in the afternoon and the little filly was in the kitchen peeling potatoes for dinner when there was a knock on the front door. Quickly she cleaned potato peels off herself, then the little filly trotted over and opened the front door.

 

Standing at the front door was a green pegasus mare she’d never seen before, but Applebloom recognized the mare’s livery as being that of the Palace Courier Corp. The mare snapped to attention as she addressed the little filly.

 

“Good afternoon! I am looking for a pony by the name of Applebloom, do you know where I can find her?”

 

“Yes I do.” Said the little filly. “I’m Applebloom! Um, ah what do ya need see me for?”

 

Without another word the courier snapped open one of the deep violet panniers she wore and quickly retrieved a large envelope from it. Holding it in her teeth she set it gently on the ground in front of the little filly.

 

“I was instructed by the Royal Court to deliver this parcel to you promptly. Now could I please get your signature please in my log?”

 

After getting a hastily scrawled signature from Applebloom the pegasus gave the filly a bow and then took off into the afternoon sky.  AJ was coming out of the barn when the courier went soaring over her.  Curious she strolled over to her little sister who was still staring at the envelope on the porch.

 

“Hey their Sugar Cube, what was that pony in the uniform doing here? “

 

Applebloom was still staring at the envelope intently. It was made of a sturdy ivory colored rag paper and bore it both the Royal Sisters seals on it.

 

“Ain’t certain sis, that courier was from the Royal Courts and she just gave me this letter addressed to me; it’s got both Luna and Celestia’s seals on it.”

 

“Well then don’t just leave it on the porch like morning paper! “ Exclaimed her big sister. “Bring it in and let’s see what’s inside.”

 

Applebloom set the package on the dining room table and Applejack opened it with a knife she carried in her satchel. Inside were several documents. They all looked very official and important except for one that obviously was a letter. It was not Luna’s flowing writing but it had many of the same graceful strokes and flourishes to it. The little filly began reading it.

 

“To my dearest Applebloom, Earlier today my sister told me of the courageous deed you performed rescuing her with a magical attack of a very serious nature. She had nothing but praise for you’re actions, and wishes that you and your family be rewarded and acknowledged for your actions.

 

Therefore it is my pleasure to invite you and your family to be VIP guests at this years Service to the Crown Parade. Both you and your family will be guests of the Crown here in Canterlot and all of your room, board and travel expenses will be paid for. Also an allowance for clothing and other apparel has been approved. I know that running a farm is a full-time occupation but I do hope you can attend this year. Twilight Sparkle will be acting as our liaison in my Ponyville, please let her now as soon as possible so we can make arrangements on our end. In the interest of efficiency I have already included several documents that we will need filled out by your family to finalize plans.

 

Both Luna and I cannot express in words the pride and joy we have for you and your family. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Sincerely Princess Celestia, Co-Ruler of Equestria.”

 

“Um big sis, I think we’re going have get some new fancy threads from Rarity cause we’ve got a parade to attend!” Exclaimed Applebloom. 

 

AJ whistled softly and stared at the letter and forms.  “Whoa Nelly! Little Bloom you’ve sure made some kind of big impression on Luna and Celestia, but if we’re going to attend this shindig we’re going to have make arrangements with our neighbors and see if they wouldn’t mind helping take care of things here while we’re gone for a day or two. We’ll discuss this over dinner. Okay.”

 

To be continued.