Luna got up from the front porch at Sweet Apple Acres and looked down at Applebloom in my Equestria dreamscape.

“I’m very happy that you would be interested in undertaking this study and training” link Spoke the Princess of the Moon. “But understand Little Bloom your further education in this area arcane knowledge can only happen if your family agrees to it. Also keep in mind that you will be expected to continue your ongoing school curriculum and excel in those studies. Nor will this training be excuse for you not fulfilling your responsibilities here at Sweet Apple Acres or to your friends, neighbors.”

Applebloom nodded her head. “Yes, I understand princess that yer giving an amazing chance and will won’t let ya down.”

Luna smiled. “Very then, I shall make my proposal to your family.”

Upon reentering Apple family’s home Luna was able to convene a meeting of all members of the Apple family in the kitchen area of the farmstead. It took a couple minutes for the full-effect of what the Princess was proposing to dawn on the rest of the family.

Applejack just stared dumbfounded at Luna. “So let me see if I understand whatcha trying tell us. Ya want to start teaching my little sister how to be some dream-walking apprentice of yours, and eventually she might be going out into this invisible Dream Realm and actually entering other ponies dreams to help them their problems. Is that correct?”

“Yes, that would be correct fair Applejack. In all my years your little sister has exhibited the greatest pool of raw talent and potential I’ve ever encountered. And based on extensive research in the Royal Archives there are no surviving documents of a pony as young as your little sister exhibiting the level talent she’s demonstrated in my presence.”

Granny Smith just smiled at Luna. Big Mac looked dumbfounded. AJ sighed and pulled at the brim of her tan Stetson-style hat.

“We’re appreciative and all of the offer Princess Luna, don’t get us wrong. But this seems like a heap of responsibility for my little sis to be taking on at her age. And if ya don’t me asking what does your sister thing of all this?”

Luna smiled the yellow-orange mare. “I briefed Celestia on the situation and she’s given her approval to this enterprise. Your little sister is willing to undertake the training. The final vote though rests with the rest of Applebloom’s immediate family. If you wish to dwell on the subject for few days I understand.” Princess paused for a moment. “I also want you to understand that Applebloom’s efforts will not be just voluntary in nature. For her efforts she will begin receiving a stipend from my personal staff budget of seven bits a week upon her beginning of training. If she moves into the role of assistant then her pay will be that of one of my personal palace staff officers and she’ll begin receiving a salary of two hundred bits a week. Also she will qualify for a full Royal pension upon completion of thirty years of service to the Crown.”

Big Mac was taking a swig of cider when Luna delivered this bit of financial information. Only with greatest of self-control did he not spray it cider all over the princess. Applebloom tried to comprehend the number the princess had stated. Granny Smith gave Luna a sly smile. AJ’s eyes went wide with disbelief and she slowly repeated Luna’s words.

“Two hundred, bits, a week. Really? Princess there are weeks when we all here at Sweet Apple Acres don’t even gross fifty bits! Two hundred bits just seems, seems, um.”

“Absolutely appropriate for the type of work she’ll be performing for me if she becomes my assistant.” Said Luna. “She will be working directly toward the well being of the realm. Eventually she’ll have to be given a proper portfolio to outline duties and powers. In some cases she’ll be acting in proxy for me just as one of my ministers does and they receive the similar financial compensations. If she’s taken on the responsibilities why should she not be granted rewards of equal worth? Also understand she will not be receiving a formal position until after she’s completed many years of formal training. Of course once she’s completed her basic education here in Ponyville she’ll need to receive further expanded instruction related to her job, but that can arranged through the Royal Palace when that time comes.”

All of this was making AJ’s head spin. It seemed like so much. Yeah she was one of the Bearer of the Elements of Harmony and was now sworn as an agent of the Crown, but the thought that her little sister was getting pulled into all of this palace/royal service really took her back. Less than a year ago she had just been a silly little filly. Now she was being recognized as a hero of the realm, and being groomed as potential inner member of the Royal Staff. AJ shook her head.

“Princess I can’t speak for every member of my family but I need a bit of time to give this a good thinking. Let all us Apples chew on this for a couple days and we’ll get back ya on this. Is that alright with ya your highness?”

Luna nodded her head. “Of course. I understand what I am proposing will have a profound impact on not only on Applebloom but the immediate and extended Apple family. Can I expect and answer within one weeks time?”

The Apple family nodded their heads in agreement.

Luna smiled at the Apple family. “Very well then, I propose we proceed to the dining room and partake of some of that wonderful cake I saw earlier this evening. Assuming Pinkie Pie has left any for us.”

To be continued.