Letter from the Queen: 08 A Day at the Market

Chapter 8: A Day at the Market (As told by Applejack)

    “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’;  whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” - James 4:13-14

    I’m no stranger to changelings, at least not as much as I was before. I admit I’ve learned a lot from them. I probably took on more than I bargained for, but nothing goes perfectly and you don’t learn unless you take a chance. Just in the week we’ve been back home, Apple Bloom and I have grown even closer than before. I didn’t think that was possible, especially after ma and pa left this world, but that just goes to show how inexperienced I really am. But then again I guess we all still have a lot to learn in this life. Thankfully Flinnit was far enough away that my mind could rest easy.
    Flinnit currently stays with them under house arrest, not to mention well deserved labor. They all still live on the farm, but Chrysalis insisted they build their own barn house until the uneasiness between them and the locals calm down a bit, not to mention they haven’t had any time to really look around yet. I asked why they didn’t rather look before building a barn, but Chrysalis insisted and intended it as a farewell gift when they finally find a place to call home. Fluttershy suggested building a home in the Everfree forest, but they agreed that wouldn’t really help them socialize with the town very well.

    Suddenly there was a knock on my bedroom door. It seemed a bit late for someone to be knocking at this hour, but I knew Big Mac was still up.

“Come on in.”

It was Chrysalis, wearing a woeful expression.

“Permission to speak, Applejack.” She requested.
“I ain’t no princess. What’s on yer mind, sugar cube?”
“… Flinnit. And while you may not be a princess, after the love you continue to show us, you command my great respect, Applejack.”

I guess I’ve never thought of it quite like that being a farm pony. I had taken one of the biggest chances of my life and the lives of my family, and while it’s been tough, we’re still coming through together. What makes a noble pony? … I waited for her to speak again, but she just glanced down at my rug.

“Chrysalis, we can’t keep feeling sorry for what happened. I don’t blame you or any of your family for what happened. It was Flinnit and nopony else, ya hear. Now please tell me what’s on your mind about Flinnit, sugar cube?” I asked.
“Since we’ve returned form Canterlot, I’ve been haunted by a concern I’ve foolishly left unvoiced and I’m no longer able to withhold it.”
“Well, what’s your concern?”
“… Flinnit’s horn. Everypony believes it’s the end of his changeling ability or magic. I myself would also like to think likewise, but my experience tells me otherwise.”
“What do ya mean, ‘experience?’” I curiously asked.
“Look at my horn Applejack. Why do you think it looks like this?”

I took a long hard look and thought. So many crooks, curves, and jagged points. Scratches that looked as deep as scars…

“Horns can grow back!?” I blurted as it bit me like barbs on a fence.
“Well, mine did, a few times, but I don’t know if it was on account of my power or a completely natural occurrence. My wings also grew back.”
“So what does this change?” I had to know.
“For the present, nothing.”
“Well, then there’s nothin’ much to worry ‘bout right now, is there?”
“…Well, I suppose not, but sometimes I let my thoughts get the best of me. All the things he might try to do if his horn finally grew back. I should’ve simply told you earlier.” She spoke with a serious softness.
“What did I tell you about the future? If there’s something brewin’, there’s not a whole lot we can do right now. We have to take things as they come just like we did before.”
“Ugh! How could I forget? And it’s just like it says, ‘Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?’ Please accept my sincere apologies Applejack. I should really get back to studying again.”
“No apology necessary! I’m glad you at least told me, but it’s nothing we can do anything about but wait an’ see. We can always just break it off again if we have to, right?” I asked shrewdly.

Her eyes lit up, then she let out a short, almost involuntary smirk.

“You’re right Applejack. Thank you for hearing and dispelling my concern. I bid you a very pleasant good night dear Applejack.”
“Don’t sweat it sugar cube. Y’all are just part of the family now. …Well, except Flinnit.”

She smiled and soon went back to her own barn house. Sadly, her concerns didn’t really help my other concerns about Flinnit, but I tried not to think about it too much. Apple Bloom and the others were safe, and that’s what mattered. The thought of Flinnit becoming part of the family, even just her family seemed far-fetched, but if a changeling Queen could change, it’s possible. Not that I’d hold my breath. Some people never change.

    Big Mac was already out in the field by the time I finally rose from bed. I came downstairs to a great smelling breakfast with nopony or changeling other than Dannel himself. He probably headed here after making breakfast for his own kin since Granny went out. Next to Big Mac, he’s become quite the dependable one around here. Strong, strong willed, and independent. That’s something I like to see in a stallion. I have to admit, for once his interest in me seemed a might bit comforting.

“Where’s Apple Bloom and Granny Smith?” I wondered.
“They went to market for some various ingredients.” Dannel answered.
“…How’s Flinnit?” I dared to ask.
“Oh, he broke lose and is now rampaging in town.”
“Hah, hah. Funny. But really now.”
“Well, he might as well be. He and the Timesails are showin’ him the ropes and putting him to work. He’s been a bit difficult, but he really minds when Chrysalis is around.”
“He showin’ any remorse yet?” I had to know.
“…The jury is still out on that.”
“Ah see. Okay, so how’s the barn house coming along?” I decided to change the subject.
“Just about done! A few more windows and a paint job are the last major things left to do.”
“Wow, coming along ah see! And Shratney is with Big Mac?” I was curious.
“Actually, she and Rainbow Dash have been flying about today. Big Mac told her she ought to take a break. She actually didn’t want to, but Big Mac suddenly looked into her eyes, smiled, and asked her to take a break for him. You should’ve seen the look on her face, she nearly melted, haha!”
“Heh! Well, thank y’all for keeping an eye out for me. I’m still not sure if Big Mac is actually startin’ to show interest or he’s just learning how to pull the right strings.” I wondered.
“Love is a beautiful thing Applejack, tasty too! But it’s hard to be as sweet as you.” He complimented.
“Okay you silly lovesick love bug.” I jokingly replied.
“What?” He asked with a grin as he set the warmed plate before me.

I took a whiff and looked at my plate. Fresh artichoke, parsley, chives, all delicately arranged on an egg with a bed of various greens and thin carrot slices.

“It’s hard to beat your cookin’ sugar cube.” I complimented back.
“Thanks Applejack, but I must give due credit. Your granny has taught me a number of tips and tricks.”
“She’s always there to lend a supportive hoof, isn’t she?”

    After breakfast, it was that time again. Market time, and there was a nice load of apples waiting for me to bring to town. I told Dannel and Big Mac bye and was about to head off, but then it struck me. I should bring Dannel along with me to help the townsponies get to know them!

“Hey Dannel, want to help me sell some apples at the market today? It might help the townsfolk get to know y’all better.” I offered.
“Oooh! That’s a great idea, unfortunately I wouldn’t be able to go. … I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me today.”
“Oh, okay. I understand. … How about Firemay?”
“Huh, I’m not sure.”
“That’s okay. I’ll just go ask myself.”
“Okay. Bye Applejack!”
“Buy! Er, I mean bye!” Heh, already ready to sell.

It turns out Firemay was able to help after all and Chrysalis loved the idea. Firemay was nervous about it, but she also knew it would help. Immediately we headed off with the cart. I figured we might catch Granny and Apple Bloom on their way back, but we didn’t see either one. Arriving into town drew a number of odd glances, but I didn’t pay no mind and told Firemay to do the same. Just act like a friendly pony trying to sell apples.
    After about an hour of seeing ponies passing by, she seemed a bit more comfortable in the crowd. She later developed one the friendliest and docile smiles I’ve seen. Sadly, nopony had really spoken to her yet. I told her to ask ponies who stopped by if they would like to buy some apples, but she only got a  few, “nah’s” and “maybe’s.” I even tried to play busy and ponies were still coming to me. Later I thought to have her bag the apples and hand them to the customers, which at least got her a few “thank you’s.” I couldn’t figure out the issue other than her being a changeling. She smiled and waved,  Luckily Twilight started in on us and readily greeted her.

“Hello! How are you doing today? Firemay, is it?” Twilight asked.
“Yes. … I’m a little nervous, but I’m hanging in there.” She replied with a smile.

I motioned toward Twilight.

“Twilight, may I have a word with you?”
“Sure Applejack, is there a problem?”
“If it’s not too much trouble, could you maybe small talk with Firemay a bit more? Nopony else has spoken to her.”
“Oh. I understand. … Sure!”

Not only did Twilight talk to her for a minute or so, she asked about apples, and bought one from her. And with a stroke of luck, ponies saw it right in front of them. I know because some ponies selling in nearby booths and carts had been watching us like a hawk. Twilight went on her way, but that wasn’t all, she let Rarity in on the situation and she also bought a few apples! Then came along Pinkie Pie.

“Firemay, what’s up! Selling apples? How’s the day been!? Are you gonna eat any cake later at the party?”
“What party?” I asked.
“Oh, just a party I’ve been planning.”
“Ah guess we could stop by later.”
“No need to do that.” Pinkie insisted.
“But then how… Never mind.” I digressed.

Pinkie attracted more attention than was necessary, but I can’t say it was bad. A few ponies finally asked Firemay how much the apples were even though they still gave their bits to me. I suppose progress is progress though, as slow as it may be.
    After the day was done, we started heading back, and to my surprise, Firemay was beaming as if she had been to the fair and even offered to pull back the cart. I obliged and let her take care of it since it was near empty than when we hauled it. It turned out she was really happy to see and observe so many ponies.

“They’re curious and skeptical, but I can’t blame them. Yet they’re not afraid, at least not like the past.”

She continued talking and it made a lot of sense, but I had to remind her that not too many ponies around here have probably ever seen a changeling to really fear one. But then again, I guess you don’t fear somepony who looks like somepony you know and love, so how could you know who they really ever were? Then it hit me. I don’t really have a clue who Flinnit really is or why he did what he did. It doesn’t make him any less accountable, but a talk with Shratney could be quite insightful.
As we came near Apple Acres, Firemay quickly put away the cart and went inside our barn house. I wasn’t sure if she had forgotten they had their own barn now or if she was just visiting to tell how her day went, but I couldn’t hear a thing and it was getting dark. I walked up to the barn house and felt a creepy eeriness come upon me. I didn’t know what to make of it, but I kept myself alert and continued toward the door. I couldn’t see a light one but started to open the door real slow.

“Firemay, you in here?” …
…
“SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY APPLEJACK!” Everypony shouted and my spirit just about left my body!
“MY STARS! Ah don’t know what to say!”

I was ambushed by confetti, balloons, and all my friends. How could I forget my own birthday!?