La Vie Naturelle [mlp]

>A shift in direction jolts you awake.
>Stretching a bit, you look out of the charriot, finding your destination is finally in sight and growing closer.
>Surrounded by forested hills on all sides, a large flat sits, open and inviting.
>Only a few simple buildings and a single trail connecting it to the world saying it's anything other than a natural landmark.
>No other civilization can be seen for as far as the eye can see.
>As the chariot pulls in to land, you see the sign "La Vie Naturelle", and a number of other ponies. Some coming, some going.
>Stepping out, everyone drops what they're doing to bow.
>Waving them on with their days, you get back to your own business.
>Noticing a small booth that seems to handle entry, you trot your way their, luggage in tow.
>A young mare inside is there to greet you.
>"Welcome! Welcome to... La...Wow, I... never expected I'd see Princess Celestia here!" She says with a bow.
>You roll your eyes slightly while she's not looking.
"There's really no need for all that. I've simply come to take a week off and relax."
>The mare only seems to get a little more excited.
>"It's an honor to have you Princess."
"The honor is all mine."
>Pulling an envelope from one of your bags, you offer it to the mare.
"My sign up form and fee. I'm sure you'll find everything in order."
>"Thank you princess."
>She points out to a gathering of ponies in the distant field.

>"Anonymous will be welcoming this weeks guests soon. I'd hurry if you don't want to miss it."
"Thank you. I'll go see."
>"Very well princess. And welcome again to La Vie Naturelle!"
>Trotting off towards the gathering, you can soon make out the human himself talking to a gathering of ponies.
>The moment you enter the crowd, you have to deal with another instance of everyone bowing, which you quickly wave off.
>"Well, Princess Celestia! I certainly didn't expect that. Welcome to my little ranch."
"Hello dear Anonymous. I'm pleased to meet you."
>"Likewise princess. I was just going over the rules here, but I can start over if you'd like."
"Oh, that's not necessary, simply give me the important stuff."
>"Okay, well, it's not complex. As you know, here you live as the lesser equines of my world, like your pre-intelligence ancestors. Nothing modern, nothing complex."
>"Simply put, you just relax. Relax, and shed off all the worries of a fast paced life."
>"No worrying about your job, or your books, or if your clothes look good. Everything you NEED can be found here in the valley."
>"I know it might sound a bit...dull at first. But soon, you'll find the stress of modern life start to just melt away."
>He starts looking about the crowd.
>"Speaking of, I notice a lot of you have brought significantly more than instructed."
>The crowd starts talking all at once, making claims of packing light.

>"I'll lay it out plain. Unless you physically need it, it's not allowed. Anything else is just something to hang your old worries on."
"We're not allowed to keep anything else at all?"
>"No princess. The only exception is medical things. Like glasses, walkers, medicine. Other than that, only things provided to you are allowed."
>There are several grumbles among the other guests.
>"Don't worry, you'll get all your possessions back when you leave."
>A cart is soon hauled out by a large earth pony.
>"Your possessions will be sorted into boxes labled by name. Please take anything you absolutely need, or anything that will spoil out now."
>Ponies begin going through their things, pulling out item after item, only for them to be shot down as banned one after another.
>Anon approaches you and gets your attention.
>"*Ahem* I'm sorry princess, but there's no exceptions. I'll have to ask you to set aside your suitcases and jewelry."
>You stiffle a giggle at his straightforwardness before complying.
"Very well human Anonymous. Rules are rules after all."
>As he goes about managing the others, you slip your hoof caps, crown, and necklace into one of your suitcases.
>And, after ensuring you're not being watched, quietly hide a bottle of wine under your wing with a small smirk.
>By the time this dressing down is complete, you'd doubt that there's enough left amoung everyone to fill even a single suitcase.

>You must admit, this rule is taken a lot more seriously than you'd initially expected.
>But the man has managed to get good reviews from a number of respected ponies. And you do need a vacation, so you commit yourself to giving it a chance.
>"Lastly, you may have noticed that nature here works unrestricted. I ask that pegasi do not attempt to control the weather, and please not fly too far away."
>"The same thing for earth ponies and the plants. Unicorns, please stick to basic magics such as telekinesis."
>More murmers in the crowd as everyones possesions are wheeled to a shed.
>"Alright, I'll show you all to the stables. Please follow me."
>The trip is actually rather slow, the valley much more massive than it looked from the air.
>Eventually however, you arrive at a large building with many, many windows with feeding troughs below them.
>Anonymous slides open a large door, then makes his way to the center of the building.
>"And here we are, it's nothing fancy compared to what you're used to, but it gets the job done."
>Inside are many, many stalls. Each one is spacious, well made and maintained, but have only the most minimal of decoration, and allow little privacy.
>At the back of each one, a sliding window lets in plenty of light, and allows access to food and water.
>Their floors look to be hard packed dirt under large amounts of hay.
>It really is pretty barebones. Enough to make you reconsider this for a brief moment.

>"Oh, and there's a proper bathroom over there." He says, pointing to a fully enclosed room by the entrance. "That's the one thing people really shouldn't need to live without."
>"Feel free to come and go, socialize, run, what have you. Feeding is at 6, 12, and 10, though I encourage grazing. Grooming, if you want it, is available every morning starting at 8."
>"And that's it. If anyone needs anything, I'm always around. For now, I'd suggest getting to know your stable mates."
>With that, he leaves you all to your own devices.
>The crowd has already turned to you, looking you over. You can see a few familiar faces among them as well.
>A low level noble stallion, a mare who often brings complaints to the court, and most notably...
>"Well howdy there princess!"
"Greetings young Applejack."
>The rest of the crowd, seeing your attention drawn from them, slowly go about their own business.
>"Ah certainly didn't expect to see the likes of you in a place likes this."
>You motion for her to follow you as you talk.
"Oh dear, whatever do you mean?"
>"Ya know what ah mean. This whole things seems a little....plain for ya, dontcha think?"
"Nonsense. When you live as long as I have, you learn to appreciate the little things in life. Besides, a little time from all the hustle and bustle can only do me some good."
>She smiles at you in a way that almost says proud.
>"You'll get no argument from me on any a that!"

>A sudden change over takes her, as she seems to get somewhat worried.
>"What about yer guards? They usually watch ya like hawks. Are ya safe here?"
"I assure you I'm perfectly safe."
>She opens her mouth to ask again, only for you to stop her.
"Shush now Applejack. Changing the subject, what brings you here?"
>"Oh well, Rarity found out bout this place and insisted ah go. Said ah'd have as much fun here as she did at the Flax and Wheat place I sent her off ta."
"My, how kind of her."
>The two of you continue to chat for a while as you walk the plains.
>By the time you finish, you realize you've made your way far from the stables.
>A high hole in a nearby tree proves to be an easy place to hide your smuggled drink when Applejack is looking away.
>It's like being a filly again!
"Thank you for keeping me company Applejack, but I think it's time I stretched my wings."
>"Well, alright princess, ah'll see ya 'round then!" She says as she trots off to a nearby stream.
>Spreading your wings, you lift gracefully into the air.
>Moving high, you savor the feeling of the wind in your fur, especially in the usually covored tuft of your chest.
>The air here feels different than you're used to. Alive in a way.
>Landing carefully on a cloud, you take some time to really admire the valley.
>It goes on for miles. Rolling hills and open plains cut with gentle streams and thin woodlands.

>The area is framed on all sides with dense forests and mountains.
>A small waterfall from one such mountain feeds the streams and creates what you'd imagine to be a decent place to swim.
>It's all just so beautiful.
>Casting a small spell to thicken and anchor your aerial perch, you stretch a bit before laying down your head and drifting into a light slumber.
~
>Waking from a long series of stressful dreams, your eyes open to the setting sun.
>Turning away in annoyance, you look around.
>A couple of pegasi are watching your spot, but you pay them no mind.
>Streaching, you lift and flutter to the ground, letting your cloud "return to nature" as you leave.
>From the air, you can see a few ponies running or simply laying about.
>It's really quite peaceful.
>You'd love to explore a bit, but with light dying fast, you'll simply have to wait.
>Instead, you make your way back to the barn and hope it's almost time to eat.
>Going to your chosen stall, you make yourself comfortable and wait.
>It's not long however, before other ponies start making their way back, quickly filling the room with friendly chatter. Chatter that you decide to sit out.
>Eventually, Anonymous enters the barn and announces that it's dinner time.
>Everyone trots to their stalls as he steps out and bales hay into the window throughs, and fills the secondary ones with water.

>Eventually, he reaches your stall, and quickly fills yours.
>"Bout time you joined us Princess, we missed you at lunch."
>You stiffle a giggle.
"Appologies. I rarely get to relax and lost track of time."
>"No worries. Anyhow, I hope this isn't too bland for your tastes."
>You take a nibble as he moves on, and realize the ad wasn't kidding about the experience being very simple. But it's simple in a way you didn't expect.
>The hay itself is very high quality, likely home grown and harvested.
>The surprising part is that it's uncooked and unseasoned. Literally nothing more than dry grasses.
>It takes some effort to choke it down, but you manage a few mouthfuls before your appetite disappears.
> Having an entire staff of cooks has likely spoiled you. With a sigh, you lay down, promising to eat more in the morning.
~
>You wake to the sound of marching hooves and chatter.
>Looking up, many ponies are filing from the barn.
>Quickly taking notice, Anonymous makes his way to you.
>"Morning Princess. Did you sleep well?"
"A little restless to be honest." You say as you get to your hooves.
>"I've heard sleeping too much is bad for you. Maybe that's it?"
"Perhaps. My duties normally leave me little free time. Time I often use to simply rest."
>"Makes sense. Anyhow, it's still grooming time if you're interested."
>Trotting over, you gently move a wing under his chin.
"I am indeed interested. I'm quite curious as to how your people treat the lesser equines."

>He pats your snout and beckons you to follow him.
>You're led to an open stall in a different room, containing many, many tools. Likely enough to handle all the sparse needs of his guests.
>"Alright, wait here and we'll get started in a moment."
>He promptly returns with a small tote, a small tool box, and a wash bucket.
>"Now just stay quiet and relax, I need a bit of concentration for this part." He says as he positions on of your hind legs between his.
>A simple nod is his response.
>A deep thunk reverberates through you as a chunk of hoof is cut free.
>Looking back, you only see his arms swing as the large cutters snip away more hoof.
>After a third and final cut, he moves to the next leg, then the next, then the next.
>"Very good Princess. Now this next part can be a bit uncomfortable, so bear with me. And PLEASE don't kick."
>Slightly confused, you wait a short time before an annoying scraping feeling shoots through you.
>With a pick, he quickly scrapes any speck of dirt, any over grown spot, any small amount of packed filth.
>When he's done, your hooves look quite clean, with a well defined ridge of the hoof wall and the frog.
>With that done, he produces a file, and grinds away any imperfections and sharp edges.
>"Well then, now that that's done, how do they feel?"
>You walk in small circles, and trot in place getting a feel for things.
"Very nice! I do believe they haven't felt this clean in decades!"

>"Glad you like it. Now, would you like to be shoed, or would you rather just move on?"
"Oh dear, I haven't worn proper horseshoes in so very long."
>You lean in to whisper to him.
"The last time, the shoer chipped my hooves to pieces."
>"So that's a no?"
"Hmm. I figure a hundred years is long enough to avoid it. And you seem quite skilled. So yes, I accept your offer."
>"Very well princess, wait just a moment.
>He steps away before bringing out several shoes.
>"Let's just figure out your size here."
>A couple of minutes of comparison later, he settles on one.
>"Yeah, that's about it. Alright you dainty thing, hold still and I'll get these on no problem."
>You can't help but giggle as he steps back to put away he testing shoes and returns with a set.
>"Now just hold still."
>The shoes are held tightly in place and you feel the light tapping of the nails being driven in.
>Instead of letting him continue to the next hoof however, you pull away and examine his work.
>Putting weight on it, moving it around, looking it over. Perfect size, no chipping, no pain.
>"Well Princess, is it to your liking?"
"Indeed, your work is quite lovely. And please, enough of the titles, just call me Celestia."
>"Alright...Celestia. Can I get back to shoeing now?"
"Ah, yes, please do." You say, lifting another hoof.
>He quickly and skillfully attaches shoes to each of your remaining hooves before moving to his next bit.

>A quick burst of hose water surprises you, though you calm down.
>Anon gently sprays you all over, from head to hoof.
>It ends when he reaches your tail.
>"Alright Celestia. If you want to hose yourself down, that's fine, but I will if preferred."
>The thought brings a blush to your face, but you quickly regain composure.
"No no. You may handle it. I came here to live as but a simple horse, and wish to be treated as such. I trust you to not try anything inappropriate."
>"Heh. I'll be on my best behavior."
>Your tail is soaked like the rest of your body, and he proceeds to put a small amount of shampoo along your spine, from mane to tail, before he begins working it in.
>It feels...amazing honestly, as his fingers dance along your scalp, pet your back, rub your chest and tummy, wringing your tail.....
>And maybe you're a bit weird, but you have to hold back small moans whenever his fingers are working the suds into your hauches.
>The lovely hand work ends before to long, and he starts spraying you down with the hose.
>It's simple, but not too bad, as he casually washes all the bubbles from your fur, mane, and tail.
>The process ends with a brief burst directly to your most sensitive region, catching you off guard.
>"Alright, now we just brush you down, and you're free to go."
"Oh, was I not allowed to go before?" You ask as he begins combing you with a stiff brush, pulling much of the water free with it.
>"Heh, nope. You'll stand there till I say otherwise."
"And what if I were to simply...lay down right now?"

>"I'd have to wash the dirt and hoof clippings out of your fur and put you in your stall."
"Oh, do bad horses need training when they're bad?"
>He laughs lightly, but says nothing.
>After several minutes of brushing your coat, preening your wings, and filing your horn, he steps back and admires his work.
>"Oh yes, now THAT'S a horse, the kind you'd do dressage with!"
"Excuse me. What exactly is this "dressage"?"
>"Ah, it's suppoed to be the highest form of horse training. Incredibly difficult. Also, all the horses must have good breeding and all humans must be pretentiously fancy."
"Ah, well I appreciate the compliment on my...good genes?"
>"Yeah. Anyway, we're finished here. But before you go."
>He pulls out a plain but very well made saddle.
>"Horse riding is a time honored practice among my people. Normally I only offer this to the occassional Saddle Arabian I get here, but you..."
"I see. So you're a gentlecolt who appreciates larger mares."
>"What? OH! That's not what I meant!"
"Pity."
>"Are you...flirti-"
"Only teasing."
>You close in and place your neck against his head, causing him to hug back in his own way.
"I do enjoy your company however, few talk to me as a real person."
>Pulling back and clearing your throat, you get back on subject before things get awkward.
"Anyhow, yes. Riding. I suppose if you think I can support your weight, I can give it a try."
>"Alright. Let's get this on. Watch your wings."

>Anonymous quickly slides the saddle on before attaching a bridle with reins.
"My my Anonymous, I guess you meant THIS kind of riding after all."
>"Well, it's either reins, or I pull on your mane."
"Hmm, only if you tell me what a bad mare I am while you pull."
>He just laughs as he climbs the stirrups and plants himself on your back.
>"Why don't we just cut to the end where I break out the branding iron?"
>This time you can't hold back your laugh.
"Let's save that till we know each other a little better."
>"Heh, I'll hold you to that. Anyway, I'd suggest you get some food in you before we head out riding."
>Not a bad idea honestly.
>Making your way to the trough, Anonymous explains the basic commands of this riding as you down the fresh hay.
>It seems pretty intuitive, so you doubt you'll have any difficulty.
>Hunger makes the hay goes down much easier this time around.
>Once you've had your fill, Anonymous guides you out and begins putting you through some paces, supposedly standard stuff for getting people used to being ridden.
>This goes on for a little while, earning a few looks, but luckily no remarks.
>Well, no remarks besides the two of you chatting it up.
>You're a rather fast learner however, and by the time he calls off training, the two of you are operating like a well oiled machine.
>"Alright Celly, that's all there is to it. I best be off, figure you'd like to relax a bit."

>Using magic, you plant him right back in the saddle before he can get a leg down.
"Actually Anonymous, I'm feeling rather....what's the common word for it? Umm, pumped!"
>"Heh, is that so? Well, you certainly saved up your sleep. Tell you what, I'm gonna put down fresh hay and check on everyone, then we can go riding as long as you like."
"I would enjoy that. Very well Anonymous, you have a deal."
>You wait patiently as he rings a large bell, drawing everyone back for lunch, filling all the troughs, and seeing to everyones needs.
>He finally returns and hops into the saddle, the now familiar weight pushing you down.
>A squeeze signals you to move, but your hooves stay planted on the ground.
"Before we go, Anonymous, I'd intended to explore the area today. If you've any favorite spots, I'd enjoy seeing them."
>"Hmm, fair enough. Alright, giddyup."
>You rear slightly before taking off at a good pace, adventure hopefully ahead of you.
~
>After a leisurely canter across the field, you arrive at the waterfall from earlier.
>You're about to tell him you've seen it already when he calls you aside to the brush.
>Following through the dense leaves, you're soon led to a well hidden cave covered with a dull gray tarp.
>Anonymous lifts it and invites you in before quickly following.
>"And here we are." He says as he begins lighting lanters along the walls.
>As you reach the end of the passage, you can see several barrels and crates sitting among the rocks.

"A store room?"
>"Not quite."
>Anonymous shoves aside a larger crate near the back, revealing a small, narrow pathway.
>His flexible body allows him to easily slip inside.
>You try to follow, but quickly encounter trouble.
"Anonymous? I'm stuck. A little help?"
>He grabs your hoof and pulls, sliding you through the crack with a little effort.
>Looking around, you see why he wanted to show you.
>A large cavern lit dimly with sunlight greets you.
>The large cavern has a few stalactites and glistens with moisture and a few tiny gem deposits.
>"Like it? I think it's part of the spring that feeds the falls."
"It's lovely Anonymous."
>"Come up here." He says, calling you to the opening letting in the daylight.
>Walking the slightly steep slope, you find yourself on a ridge with a small natural pool of water overlooking a somewhat sparse area of forest.
>Sheer cliff face prevents most animals from entering from here.
"It's quite nice. Very tranquil."
>"Glad you think so. Feel like relaxing a bit?" He asks, motioning towards the pool? "I've been riding you quite hard today."
"*giggle* Indeed you have, indeed you have."
>Dipping a hoof into the water, the cool chill sends a shiver down your spine.
>Quickly slipping off your saddle, you immerse yourself in the pool before laying your head off the side. Anonymous quickly strips and joins you.

>For several hours, the two of you talk, watch the clouds, watch the forest, and occasionally flirt. All while escaping the summer heat.
>All too soon, the sun once again begins its descent.
>"Alright Celly, it's about time we got back, it'll be dinner time in a few hours here."
>With a nod, the two of you rise and begin shaking the water off before redressing.
>"So, Celestia. Think you could fly while carrying me? Or would you prefer just heading back through the cave?"
"Hmm, hop on and let's see."
>With Anonymous back in the saddle, you give your wings a might beat. A few more, and you're airborne.
>It's significantly harder than normally flying, but you manage.
>Anonymous clings tight as you soar over the field and past many onlookers, eventually touching down a ways past the barn.
"Oof. Alright Anon, off please. That hurt my back a bit."
>Anonymous dismounts as you look around a bit, seeing a familiar tree.
"So, Anonymous, where are we going?"
>"Hmm, well, I was going to my house for a little while before feeding time, but you can come if you want. Well, not inside."
"Of course. It's not really in the spirit of the resort, is it?"
>Snagging the wine bottle, you follow to the fenced off section where Anonymous' home sits.
>You're lead to the back, where a field of grasses stands higher than you.

>In a few cleared portions sit bales of fresh hay.
>The smell in the air is actually quite good, causing your stomach to rumble a bit.
>"Well HOWDY PRINCESS! Mister Anon!"
>Opening your eyes, you see the young orange mare step from the grass, and trot happily towards the two of you.
>"Ain't seen you two all day! Least not since ya were ridin round on the Princess all mornin."
>"Oh, hello there, umm."
"Applejack."
>"Applejack. Yes. Miss Applejack, did you miss the signs on the fence? Guests aren't allowed over here."
>"Oh, well ah just was meanin ta ask ya somethin, but ah couldn't find ya. Just figured ya might have been at home."
>"It's alright ma'am. What was it you wanted to ask?"
>"Just if ah could get some extra food. Gettin mighty peckish." She claims as she rubs her stomach.
>"I believe I said grazing is encouraged."
>"Yeah, well ah'm just not too keep on eatin right from the ground."
>"Anyway...I've gotta get to work. Celly seems to know you, so I guess you're free to hang around."
>The two of you watch as Anonymous sets to work clearing an area of the field using a scythe.
"So, lady Applejack. How fares your farm?"
>"Pretty good Princess. We got a bumper crop and hired on a little extra help. The extra bits and helpin hooves is why ah was able to come out here."
"That's wonderful news. Tell me, are you enjoying your vacation so far?"

>"Sure shootin. Ah wasn't so sure bout none of this resort business. But it's just good ol' fashioned relaxin."
>"The cleanin ain't nothin weird like eye scrubs and kiwi enemas, or whatever them spas get up to. Only what a hard workin pony needs. Wish he'd of let me keep my hat though."
"I'm sure your hat is fine."
>"Best be. YOU HEAR ME ANON! You tear up my hat an yer in fer a world of hurt."
>"Scary. Your stuff is fine."
>"That's right! By the way princess, if ya don't mind me sayin, them shoes really suit ya, better than them cup thingies."
>Slightly taken aback, you look at one of your hooves.
>Small amounts of dirt cake the interior, but in general they look and feel better than they have in a very long time.
"I must say I agree. I'm considering a change in style as it were."
>"Ah would."
>You slip the bottle of wine from your wing and show it to Applejack.
>Quickly understanding, she nods.
>The two of you talk, drink, and watch for a while longer.
>Eventually, he finishes his cutting, which he leaves to dry as he loads an existing bale onto a wagon.
>"Alright girls, time to head back to the barn."
>As he approaches, he notices your wine, and is quick to snatch it away.
>"Who's responsible?"
>You lightly raise a hoof in your inebriated state.
>"*sigh* Celly, you should know better. Bad horsey, no carrots!"
"Awww."
>He quickly chugs down the rest of the bottle before tossing it aside.
>"Bleh. It's weak AND soured. Alright, come on."

>Anon guides the two of you into your stalls to sober up and ringing the dinner bell. The last thing you see before going to sleep is Anonymous dutifully filling the troughs.
~
>Over the rest of the week, you and Anonymous continue riding and hanging out. Applejack occasionally joining for lead training.
>All in all, you think it'd be safe to say you forgot all about that whole "relaxation" silliness for the thrill of riding.
>Sadly, your time soon comes to an end.
>After Anonymous gives a proper send off to the crowd and gets everyone their belongings back. he moves over to adress Applejack and yourself personally.
>"Attention girls! I know I might not see you two again, so I just wanted to say that this has been one of the most fun weeks I've ever had here."
>"I wish you all the best, and remember that you're always welcome at La Vie Naturelle."
>The two of you move in and double team him with a large hug, which he's more than happy to return.
"Worry not Anonymous, I intend to return once I've the time away from my duties."
>"Me too Anon, ah don't think this'll be ma only trip." She says while adjusting her hat.
>A familiar voice catches your attention, and you take your leave.
>Returning to the your charriot where Luna awaits, you step inside and are soon airborne.
>"How was your "vacation" sister?" Luna asks with cautious curiosity.
"Let's just say I can't wait to come back."

>"We find it difficult to believe it was overly enjoyable, having read the description of their activities."
"Don't be decieved Luna. I discovered the joys of being mounted."
>"WHAT!?"
"Oh yes. I was mounted every morning, and ridden non-stop till sunset. Then I was hosed down and put away for the night. I dare say I've never had so much fun."
>"Celestia, this is horrible. Catastrophic. Imagine the scandal if this were to get out! We-"
>You smirk as you lay down your head to rest. You'll explain to Luna later. For now, she can simply sweat it out.