May I ask you a question? (Patreon)

After formal introductions had been made by King Trafalgar Maximilian Augustus Leopold the III and the ponies Princess Luna had brought with her across Dream Realm the issue on the king's mind was the matter of refreshments for his guests in my Equestria dreamscape.

     The ponies tried to convince his Majesty that it wasn't necessary, but he wouldn't hear of it.

     "What! Deny guests to my court the most rudimentary of courtesies!" The king exclaimed. "Why if word was to get out that I. King Trafalgar Maximilian Augustus Leopold the III the Ruler of Upper Lower Tortoisestan had failed to offer visitors to his fine realm any form of nourishment. Well! All I will say is that I would be the laughingstock of other kingdoms! No no! That will not do! So! Let me check the pantry. Fear not! I won't be gone for long! Galapagos! Be I fine fellow and move us over that small grove oaks where our guests may rest and partake of their lunch in the shade."

     The massive tortoise slowly nodded his head making the black shako on his head bob up and down. "Yes, your, Majesty. I'll, get, on, it, right, away."

     Applejack walked slowly, very slowly, alongside Galapagos. The tortoise's movement could be described as being glacial. The foals resumed flying through the afternoon sky. Princess Luna was walked as well, but her long stride meant that even at a slow walk she quickly pulled ahead of the tortoise.

     From within the small castle perched on the tortoise's back AJ could hear sounds of pots clanking, clattering silverware, muffled muttering and cursing, and every so often the occasional small explosion which was followed by a little wisp of smoke emerging from one of the tiny windows of castle.

     AJ cocked her head and addressed the tortoise. "Um, don't mean ta stick my nose inta other ponies business but is yer majesty alright in there?"

     The tortoise slowly lifted is head and smiled. "It's, alright. He's, like, this, but, thank, you, for, caring, for, his, well-being."

     The earth pony looked at the grove of oaks about 150yds away and then back down then at the lumbering Galapagos. "Uh, don't ta mean ta offend...but at this pace I figger we're more likely gonna be eating dinner than lunch."

     The smile on the tortoise's face grew even wider as he looked AJ in the eyes. "Worry, not, ma'am. As, you, can, see, we've, already, arrived, at, our, destination."

     AJ looked up. The grove of trees that had been so far away were suddenly right in front of her. The earth pony whipped her head around looked back at Princess Luna who was now 20yds behind them. She was looking around at the distant landscape. Turning her head she noticed that Galapagos was already settling down under a tree. Luna smiled and increased her pace. Apparently unconcerned by the tortoise's unexplained spatial movement. The earth pony's confusion was obvious and the alicorn grinned as she walked up.

     "Worry not fair Applejack. This is the Realm of the King which resides in the Dream Realm itself. Things are different here. They are not as constrained as in the waking world."

     The earth pony looked at the Prussian Blue alicorn. " Uh. If ya say so yer Highness."

     "Sorry for the delay!" King Trafalgar suddenly spoke. "Procuring necessary provisions took longer than desired, but I can now declare that lunch is served!"

     AJ looked back. Galapagos had already settled down on the grass. A great white table cloth bordered with red and the king standing in center of it had appeared out of nowhere. Arranged on it was assortment of dishes full of food. From castle there was another flurry of tinny fanfare proclaiming that lunch was now served.

     Under the shade of the oaks the ponies enjoyed what the king described as. "Something I just threw together." A thick stew-like mixture of lentils, rice, carrots, green peas, onions, garlic, cumin and a rich mixture spices was served in china bowls with big dollops of sour cream. A large, still warm, cast iron skillet of cornbread was kept company by crocks of whipped butter and honey. Next to it was a tray of assorted cheeses and a plethora of fresh fruits to enjoy. Several carafes of chilled iced tea assured that everypony could quench their thirst. Bowls of sugar cubes, lemon slices, and fresh mint leaves were available for anypony to mix into their drinks.

     For next hour the pony's along with the king and the tortoise dined. Once refreshments had been enjoyed Applebloom and Stone Mane sauntered off to explore around the grove. After a couple of minutes AJ excused herself to make certain the foals didn't wander off too far. However very soon the 3 ponies were engaged in a game of tag that had them cavorting around the meadow.

     Luna sat under the tree with the king and watched the ponies play. The king sat on princess's shoulder. In silence they watched. The afternoon wind made leaves of the trees hiss and rattle. After a few minutes the king coughed and spoke up.

     "Luna dear. Can I ask you a very personal question?"

     The alicorn arched an eyebrow. "Yes."

     The king eyes continuously tracked AJ as she galloped around the field with foals. The mare was laughing and hooting it up as much as the foals were. Her golden mane and tail glistened in the sun as she thundered through the tall grass. The king watched her silently for several more seconds then spoke.

     "Dear Applebloom's older sister. What is...well, how should I put it. What is her status?"

     Luna gave the king a deadpan look. "Your Majesty. Are you asking if Applejack is currently in any committed, intimate relationship?"

     The king's whiskers twitched. "Why yes! That's what I was getting at! Please tell me no one else has already stolen away that golden maiden's heart!"

     Luna took a deep breath and then slowly let it out. "So. You're looking for another partner? Really?"

     "Not necessarily a wife, but a companion. The company of one who's presence shines brighter than stars in the nighttime sky!"

     The alicorn groaned dispensed with all formality. "Traggy! What would this be? Your 5millionth partner?"

      "5,000,450th!" The king correct the mare and then paused when Princess of the Night scowled at him. "What. Remember you've been gone for a thousand years. I had a couple more while you were away."

     Luna groaned again and shook her head. " Ugh! To the best of my knowledge Applejack is not in any form of intimate relationship. Either formally or informally."

     This seemed to perk the king up. "Really! Could I trouble you to put in a good word on my behalf! Not now of course, but perhaps in a day or so. Maybe she'd like to do dinner? I know great little cafe we could go to. The service there is always excellent and I know the owner very well."

     The alicorn stared incredulously. "You want me to set you up on date with her? You're asking me to play matchmaker with my protege's older sister? Really?"

     The king's voice took on a very serious and regal tone. "Your Highness! I swear I will treat the maiden as if she was royalty herself if we were to embark upon this enterprise. Our rendezvous would be a most stately affair!"

     "Oh, so you won't try to propose to her on the first date. Thank you your Majesty for making such a noble sacrifice!" Luna said sarcastically. "Might I suggest you take a slower approach with her. Applejack is mare who's rather reserved when it comes to things like this."

     The alicorn paused. "I'm almost tempted against my better judgement to introduce you instead to one of her neighbors. She's another pony. A white unicorn of unique tastes, hobbies, and what I will politely describe as diverse carnal interests."

     The king waved a dismissive hand at this suggestion. "No no! Thank you for the thought, but I only wish to know more of this glorious golden creature who came into my world today!"

     "You've just met her. You don't even know if you two have anything in common."

     "Yes, yes. That's obviously why I want to see and learn more about her." Said the king.

     "She's a pony. You're not." Said the alicorn.

     "I fail to see that as an issue." The king countered. "I seem to recall a particular griffin that you were fancy for once. I can remember the time–"

     "Touche!" The princess abruptly interrupted the king. "Still you're royalty, and while Applejack is of noble heart she is of simple, rugged agrarian stock."

     The king puffed his chest out. "While it tis true I'm of royal pedigree. I feel that I can interact with others from different stations in life! Doing so gives me the opportunity to learn from a rich and diverse range of backgrounds and experiences!"

     "Knowing her, she'll be terrified of stepping on you by accident." Muttered the mare.

     "I'm dexterous and nimble on my feet!" Countered the king.

     "She'll tower over you like a mountain!" Said the princess in a exasperated voice.

     "True, true." Said the king as his eyes continued track AJ around the meadow. "But what a glorious mountain to climb!" He said in breathless manner.

     Luna rolled her eyes. "You're hopeless!"

To be continued.