The Perfect Model of Honesty (Closed: Message for acceptance)

[SteelEagle]

 

“Are you sure you'll be okay there? It's going to be six months.”
What wasn't fun about spending time in Ponyville?
“The Apples are fantastic caretakers, but are you sure they are as understanding of your...needs as the Hamptons?”
Without a shred of doubt.
“Cousin Applejack is a hero and one of Twilight's advisers. Will she have time for you?”
Of course she will!
“Well, I suppose you have made your decision, son.”

And Valen had known that since they had first brought up the prospect of the international orange tour. He didn't have a shred of desire to spend half a year wasting away advertising oranges, not even for all the bits in the world. He had a goal, a life, and a place he loved to be. Oh, he knew his parents loved him and he loved them back, but he knew as well as they that he wasn't going to be caught dead out there. He wasn't fit for it. Their time amongst the cream of the Manehattan crop had not made them deluded, sickly, or insane. All he would do is moan and complain so they had decided to allow him to stat behind in the care of somepony they trusted. But the Hamptons? Under what mind was sending a foal away from home to some distant, remote mansion, away from friends and a comfortable environment, the proper course of action? A sick one.

 

On the other hoof, under what mind was sending a foal away from home to some distant, remote farm, set up with friends and a comfortable environment, the proper course of action? A great one, so he had argued for him to be sent to Sweet Apple Acres for a long, long time. He had eventually worn them down with his battering ram of logical debate, one of the skills he had been able to harness in the academy that did come in hoofy the majority of the time. Their arguments held little water as far as he was concerned and while he was always polite, Valen was also always outspoken and let them know why he refused their options.

The Hamptons? They were a well to do family that was for the most part kind and in no way a terrible place for a colt to land. They lived in a mansion just outside of town with a wonderful view of the city and room aplenty for a colt to find himself. He knew their son well enough and the parents were more or less capable of helping him do everything he needed to do for school while they were gone. Of course, this was all only a true surface reaction. The parents were often away and the son was in some ways cruel and unforgiving, easily capable of emotional cruelty. He had an obsession with Gilded Lilly and had given Valen some looks that seemed inquisitive. There was no doubt that he would put it together and who knows what would happen then, and even if he didn't, Valen knew he couldn't be himself while he was there.

What about other Orange farms? No doubt most would be kind and capable and unlike the Apples they had a great deal of mechanization in their farms, so it would be easy. He would get to know his Orange cousins a little bit better. That was a good incentive, and the Oranges would be more than ready to contact his parents if anything came up. Well, in theory. There was a bit of disconnect between the branches of the Orange family and not a little bit of dislike. Those who worked the soil got plenty but not what they considered their share from the members of the family who tended to be administrators and merchants. He would be a symbol of that disconnect, an embodiment of riches and well to do New Manehattan Money off of the backs of the ponies who were now looking out for him. He didn't expect to get mistreated, but it was all so uncomfortable.

They had a reservation at a boarding house and for education purposes this was easily the most superior option. In the care of experienced professionals and with a tight schedule, he would be safe and pushed along for academic excellence. All things told, if being the best academy student ever was his priority, this would have been chosen. But it isn't and never was his priority. At the boarding house he wouldn't have an outlet for his creative spirit, he surely couldn't do any shows, and his life would be confined to a series of rules that he would likely find suffocating. There was few things truly appealing about the idea to Valen. It was bad for him emotionally, financially, and friendship wise since communication was somewhat difficult. No, not the boarding house.

The answer was easily Sweet Apple Acres. He knew what life was like there- hard work but not necessarily something he couldn’t enjoy somewhat. He knew the ponies there and around Ponyville and had several very dear friends along with incredible relations like Granny Smith and Applejack. The town was laid back and more accepting of ponies who didn't want to press and push every little thing. Rarity and Applejack knew his true self better than most- Rarity approved of it and gave him a career because of it while Applejack was accepting of however he was. Sure, local Ponyville education wasn't as top tier as the Academy, but everything else about it was better. He had made sure that when his parents left Manehattan, he was leaving for Ponyville. It would be for six months, during which Applejack would be his guardian and he would likely attend Ponyville Elementary.

Valen was fine. He made sure to pack plenty of books and clothes, lots of those, as well as some kits and supplies for other elements of his work. He had one large box shipped there already and had two large carryons ready to go, these ones of the more immediate requirement. A few outfits for sure, but the bulk was in the stuff he had shipped. More or less what he needed to go on was here with him. The trip there was by coach, and again it was better than last time- the smell was less offensive ad the ride seemed smoother. Maybe this was all just a product of expectations, but everything was turning up better than it had last time. No doubt the same would hold true of his time at SAA.

 

He arrived in Ponyville, exiting the train without issue last time- no head in the back of the seat like last time for this colt! Valen trotted out and took a deep breath- time to face Ponyville's music!

[Hippo]

"There he is!"

Applejack and Apple Bloom rushed over to Valen as he got off the train. Applejack was sporting an apple cart, which without her little sister Apple Bloom inside it was otherwise empty. She figured Valen would have lots of stuff to pack for an extended stay so she brought a cart to help with the task. And maybe, if there was enough room, she would go ahead and cart Valen all the way to the orchard like some kind of apple royalty tradition. "Valen! Welcome home, Cuz. The whole family is so excited and ready to welcome you, so lets get all this luggage loaded up and get to the farm. We are gonna have one heck of a time!"

Applejack was very enthralled to have her cousin Valen stay with the Apples in Ponyville for a change of lifestyle and environment. She knew it wouldn't be the easiest decision for Valen's parents to make allowing him to make such a trip, but he sure did come up with the most logical of reasons. And if Applejack's excitement wasn't enough to get Valen hyped up on adrenaline, his other female cousin, Apple Bloom was over the moon. Applejack loved meeting ponies both old and new, and that quality of life has been passed on to her younger sister like contagious disease. Apple Bloom was so excited about Valen coming to stay on the farm that Applejack had to make sure Apple Bloom got worn out on chores late last night in order for her to fall asleep and rest.

As Applejack started lifting the few pieces of luggage with ease into the cart, she huffed questions in between thrusts. "Have you eaten yet? How was the trip? We got your shipped stuff. Did you forget something from Manehatten they can mail over? How are the Oranges? How is Babs Seed liking her cutie mark?" Both Applejack and Apple Bloom were running their mouths a mile a minute. It was quite possible Valen's nap on the train would be the last bit of rest he would get for the next six months.

​
 

[SteelEagle]

 

Valen almost buckled under the overwhelmingly powerfull force of love and kindness that radiated from his cousins as they besieged his already fragile tower of tranquility. Not that it was a strong bastion anymore- previous attacks, often by the same pair, had brought low his barriers and rendered him more accessible than before. Applejack brought with her a sense of grounded moral fiber and lovable agency of character. She was strong and ethical and gave of herself to those she cared about. Apple Bloom was an optimistic ball of energy that wanted to transmit all of her positive energy into you at all times and involve you in everything. It was infectious, but he wanted to stop getting sucked in too much! He was already as open and free as he wanted to be. Sharing all elements at all times- conservative or not, broken by their love or not, a colt had to have moments of solitude.
 

But he wouldn't have them here, or at least his moments would come slowly and be well-earned. That was the hope, anyway. He wanted to feel like he was earning something besides the meaty paychecks from his modeling career. No place in Equestria could make you feel as though you earned something than Sweet Apple Acres. It was almost as much a part of their family as the orchard was or their namesake product. But before he could get to the farm and earn his keep and those moments of solitude, he had navigate the minefield of questions they laid out. Less on account of how tricky the questions would be to answer and more because there was so many of them. And he would do so in the lap of luxury, being carted away by the mighty Applejack as Apple Bloom. Well, that was the plan. He would help them put away his luggage. It, after all, the right thing to do.

“I ate before I got on the train and not since then. A little hungry, I'll admit. The trip was fine, a lot better than the last time I find myself coming this way. Nothing from Manehattan needs to be sent- I'm very pleased that the stuff has arrived. The Oranges are doing just fine. Making money, business deals here and there and everywhere. Babs is doing great, really having fun with that cutie mark of hers. She wanted to do my mane before I came out here by the way, but...well, she is a great stylists, but not for my style,” Valen laughed once everything was packed, leaping into the cart in the brisk morning air. Apple Bloom jumped up next to him, giving him a big ol' hug. “Ah'm excited ta see ya, cuz!” She asked, giving him a nice and hard squeeze. Again with the Apples and their squeezing! Valen returned from his momentary jelly form and shook his head. “I am excited to see you as well, Apple Bloom. Applejack, is there anything we've forgot?” Valen asked, excited to see the farm again above other considerations.

[Hippo]

Applejack knew she had to tame Apple Bloom some more if Valen was to ever set foot on orchard property in one piece ever again. "Heheh. Alright, alright, Apple Bloom, that's enough. Let our cousin breath. You're more excited than a fruit bat in a fruit cellar." Applejack got finished throwing the few cases into the cart and invited Apple Bloom and Valen to both ride, since there was plenty of room. "Hop on sis, and you too Val. You haven't eaten yet, huh? Well, OK. We'll stop by the market and see if they have any food there you can eat."

Applejack then slapped the back of Valen's head playfully. "Ha! Just kiddin'! Get got all the food you can eat waitin' for you at home!" Applejack started trotting on the path to the orchard. "In fact, we're glad you're hungry, otherwise all that food we prepared for now was all fer nothin'!" Applejack chuckled. This was great. To Applejack, it was like they brought home a new permanent family member. Even though it was only six months, and by the time it ended, there would be many thoughts from the family about how fast the time flew by, but all the same it was six whole months of spending time with a member of the extended family. Babs Seed was Apple Bloom's favorite cousin, but she only stayed for a week. She could only guess by exposure to Valen that she would practically be Apple Bloom's second brother. Oh yeah, and then there was Big Mac. Wonder what he thinks of Valen staying for half a year.

Eventually, but not so long of a trip, Applejack reached the farm, and started dragging Valen's luggage to the front door of the barnhouse. Inside, she stepped carefully up the stairs with all the luggage on her back. Once in Apple Bloom's room, she dropped all of the luggage next to the big wooden crate that Valen sent. "Oh, there's you're other stuff. We didn't want to intrude on your privacy so we didn't open it." Applejack then got a crowbar into her hooves and started trying to pry it open. "So, what's in it!?"

​
 

[SteelEagle]

 

Only when you knew the possibilities inherent in the Apple family diet did you realize what was possible if your stomach growled only a little. It was like a five alarm fire in Manehattan except instead of a local fire crew working their unified magic to quell the fire, here it was a pony being rushed to the farm for some apples and pies stat. That was probably why they were the most popular family in town, and what a good cause to have your name attached to! He could only wish the Oranges had a similar reputation. But- what was this? The Apples were not stocked and ready for a hungry, hungry little colt? Well, that was unusual. They weren't Princess of Friendship level of organized but he had never caught them unprepared and takemn aback at the rush of a single colt. Well, he supposed he would simply have to make do-

-Smack. Applejack playfully knocked his brains about and corrected such a silly notion, revealing that they weren't just prepared, it would have been a poor outcome if he was anything less than hungry because they had everything set up and needed an extra mouth. Ha, well, looks like the Apple family ways stayed the same! That was comforting. Knowing how good their food was and their ability to create absolutely mountains of it seemingly on command, he didn't doubt that what awaited him was a feast of untold proportions. Baked apple pies, fritters, apple juice, sauce, and apples themselves all seemed to be standard Apple family fare and he could only wait to share in their bounty tonight, tomorrow, and the foreseeable future. “Well, I can't wait, cousins. Your family creates the best food in all of Equestria, let there be no doubt about that. Can't wait to see what all of you fine mares and stallion have cooked up!” Valen said with as much earnestness as he could muster, which was a considerable amount.

They arrived at Sweet Apple Acres before long with both Apple sisters helping haul in luggage, taking him to the room he'd be staying in with Apple Bloom. The aromas of the house spoke to the family- food that permeated the whole structure and became embedded as deeply as the passionate, overwhelming sense of familial love that was always in the holster and ready to go when an Apple family member was concerned. And in the middle of the room was a box, the box he had sent ahead of himself. It had yet to be opened, which suited him just fine. Applejack went to town on it with a crowbar, and against character, Valen approached and helped his small bit, followed quickly by Apple Bloom. After just a little effort, it opened. Inside was a single, self contained, small bookshelf with books strapped in tight, and some small kits full of modeling tools. Packed as nice as possible and in good order were several sets of clothes, none of them entirely practical for day to day use and obviously of a higher class and directed towards modeling purposes. Valen pulled all of this out bit by bit, laying some of it on Apple Bloom's bed and some on the spare mattress he could only assume was his.

“Thank you so much for your help on that!” Valen thanked his cousins before looking around. “Stuff for work, mostly. And then my books! Can't say no to books, right?” Valen chuckled before rubbing his belly. “I assume this is my bed, correct? And pray tell, where is this vaunted Apple family buffet waiting here for a trio of hungry, hungry ponies?”

[Hippo]

Applejack watched as Valen placed his things around the room, like he owed the place. Applejack was happy that he could make himself at home, but he wasn't expecting this attitude! Valen knew the Apple family ways well. "Gosh, AB, he's got more stuff than you do. Now remember, both of you, gotta keep this room clean. It's bad enough with just Apple Bloom. However, I know Valen is all neat-like, so it shouldn't be hard. But Valen, don't clean up after Apple Bloom, she's a big girl, she can clean her own stuff up." Applejack gave Apple Bloom a noogie on the head. It varied from time to time whether or not she wanted the noogie, but it never kept Applejack from initiating it.

"Food's downstairs, partner. You mean you didn't smell it on the way up the stairs? Granny Smith should be offended!" Applejack chuckled. The orange mare walked out into the hallway and back down the stairs. She went to the kitchen to reveal the spread that was set on the table. And at it's centerpiece was a large cake, shaped like an orange with a green stem, with orange frosting. "You're going to love this cake. In fact, I want you to eat it first!"

​
 

[SteelEagle]

 

Looking around the room confirmed Applejack's words pretty quickly. Apple Bloom's room wasn't by any stretch bare, but it reflected the pony who lived there and the farm as a whole rather well. She didn't have many clothes except for the outfits in her closet, most of which weren't really everyday ensembles but special event wear. And a sailor's outfit for causes Valen couldn't understand. Beyond that it was a bunch of random materials- all sorts of Crusading expedition gear, he figured- but it didn't quite compare. He could only guess that she had put plenty of stuff in the clubhouse. He did have much more than her- so many books and outfits, along with some materials for his work and even some hoity toity board games. Even a card game his friend had made.

“Don't worry, cousin Applejack. I'll make sure to clean up after myself. Who knows, maybe I'll teach Apple Bloom some good habits while I'm at it,” Valen said, sticking his tongue out playfully to the little fill who was in the process of getting noggied into friendly oblivion by her far more capable older sister. “Ah wouldn't count on me learnin' nothin' from ya, cuz. Mah room is more fit and fine than a dog after a shine, and Big Mac gave me that rhyme!” Apple Bloom replied proudly, mussing her mane back in place while Valen looked dumbfounded. What in blue Tartarus was a dag after a shine? He'd have to consult with the older stallion to learn more. He thought he had their countryisms down pat but it looked like he was still in the stable.

“I can't wait to see what she has cooked up for us. It may seem old hat-” he was proud of that delightfully country term-”to you, but her cooking is sublime. The equal of any trained high society cook in Mahehattan for my bit,” Valen said, which was mostly true due to his preference for a good, hearty meal when he ate rather than the waffers they sold at high society dinners. Truthfully he didn't eat much, maybe just once a day, but when he ate he preferred something he could burn off rather than something that phased through him like auras on ghosts. What stood before him at the end of Applejack's travels was a single large cake, decorated just for him. Valen smiled all around, feeling as if this day couldn't get any better. Good family, good food, good home- what more could a pony ask for?
“Well, if you so insist- thank you, everypony! This looks absolutely delightful!” Valen said before cutting himself off a piece and taking a big, bold bite!

[Hippo]

"There ya go!" Applejack cheered for Valen as if he was in some sort of cake eating contest. Applejack had a few unwelcome habits, one of which was staring at other ponies while she treats them to a meal. She never knew why she did it. It wasn't for looking for a response of the taste, or even a comment on the meal itself. She just enjoyed watching ponies eat. It was like watching someone win in a game. "Go ahead and fill up tonight, cuz. I got lots of fun things planned, but its mostly for tomorrow. I didn't think it would be fair to give you the annual tour of the farm after the trip. So if you want, you can eat your fill, rest up tonight, and we can giddy up tomorrow mornin'! Yeehaw! Does that spit your bucket?" Applejack tagged at the end to give an extra unnecessary country flare to her welcoming.

​
 

[SteelEagle]

 

 

Valen was snout deep into the cake by the time he could summon any intelligent thought to put to her cousin's words. When was the last time he had an honest slice of cake? It seemed like years. His diet was so controlled by his job that he could hardly even look at a treat normally, let alone partake in the genial celebration of devouring cakes at all times. He had to maintain an appropriate figure for a model of his caliber and he had to maintain it at all times. Luckily, he was going to be involved in some hoof-breaking labor, so whatever delicious mistake he made now could simply be sweated out at a later date and time. Which he would, because unlike last time he was here as a thorn in the side of the Apple family, he was prepared to really become involved and be an asset that they would be proud to be around.

“That...umm...does spit my bucket. Is that a good thing? Spit usually isn't,” He wondered out loud, licking some frosting from his lips. She did have the most unusual phrasings; countryisms that even city-slickers like himself had a hard time believing existed. Some of it would have sounded downright fanciful in a novel, let alone coming from the mouth of an Equestrian heroine. “That sounds like a good idea. That would give me time to check out the room, get everything organized, and relax a bit. I can't wait to see how the farm has changed in the past year! I wonder- how is my tree doing? Hmm. I guess I'll have to find out tomorrow, won't I?” He asked, eyes going from Applejack to the cake. Then Applejack. Then the cake. It was truly a difficulty and lovely day.

[Hippo]

"Well, that all depends, partner." Applejack watched as Valen took a bite of something. "It depends on how early you want to wake up. Tonight, I figured we would just relax and catch up. What's going on with you? How is your modeling going?" Applejack decided to start snacking on some apple chips herself. She was tempted to just start the tour of the farm right now, but Valen's trip, combined with the sun falling fairly rapidly in the sky, Applejack figured it would probably be best if they spent the rest of the night killing time doing and saying things that did not involve farm tools. "Did you know Rarity opened a boutique in Canterlot? We're all mighty proud of her. And I have to admit, when we went to Canterlot to see her open her new store, I couldn't help but think of you, seeing all those fashion ponies work hard on their art. Rarity should be in town all month, I'm sure you planned on visiting her at some point while you're up here."

​
 

[SteelEagle]

 

It was a little weird, his cousin simply looking at him eat. If this was a cheap horror projector show, this was where it would be revealed he was eating pony. It reminded him of the stories of one Griffon tribe feeding the King of another Griffon tribe his own children under the guise of having caught some nice game in retaliation for the king berating them for not catching food. Well, Apple Bloom was here. Granny Smith was here. Big Mac was here. And Applejack probably wasn't the type of crazy mare to do that, but it was still uneasy. His eating slowed as the conversation turned to him, on subjects he was familiar with and a little shocked came up so quickly. Once she was done he allowed himself a moment to respond, forcing down a giant helping of food.
 

“I'd like to get started maybe mid-morning. And as for Rarity- oh yes, I plan on meeting her. We have some styles to go over and a schedule for shows to move around. Not to mention-”

“Ah'm so excited ta show all mah friends that mah cousin is Gilded Lilly, superstar model!”

“-....Umm, anyway, probably not...but back on topic, I've been to the boutique. It is quite marvelous. The design is top notch and the choices are sublime. I hope she reconsiders some of her processes because if she doesn't, it will always be a niche little store when it could instead be something absolutely awe-inspiring and historic. But she is an artist at heart, and sometimes you can't use logic when dealing with an artist,” He shrugged and then laughed, “not that it would be wise to do so. She is outstanding at what she does,” he finished, turning the page to another topic and one he could more confidently speak of.

“My career goes very well. Just finished a few shows in Canterlot and Solstice Heights. I'm taking a break for a while. Maybe I;ll do some local shows, but I'm not heading to Saddle Arabia or Roam until I have a break. It can be very exhausting, you know. Plus dropping the accent gets annoying after a while,” he laughed, rubbing the back of his neck.

[Hippo]

Applejack sneaked some apple chips and a sip of sarsaparilla while listening to Valen speak. It was interesting to hear him talk, especially of business. He was becoming such an adult pony these days, despite it being difficult to always see the little foal in Valen every time Applejack sees him. But it also kind of bored her a little. It wasn't that she found Valen uninteresting, but she just wasn't sure how far she could tango in conversation about being a model or a fashionista without cracking a smile or making fun. She was, however, really good at being herself. "Oh you might do some local shows? Well, maybe you can do a small show for the other fillies and colts at the schoolhouse, hm? I bet Apple Bloom would like that, wouldn't ya Sis!" Applejack was really just leading her on, knowing full well it would make Valen a little uneasy. But she wondered how much of a struggle it really was for him to play two roles in one pony body. "Heh heh, on second thought, yeah, I could do without that accent too."

Applejack walked over to the sink and started pre-washing some dishes. She spoke over the running water. "Must be really nice gettin' to see all kinds of places. You ever get homesick?"

​
 

[SteelEagle]

 

Valen's face would have a hard time keeping still if the pair of Apples turned the screws any harder, hitting that sweet spot between desire, work, embarrassment, play, and identity. But he supposed they meant nothing by it. Apple Bloom at least. Applejack may have, she understood a little bit more. But sometimes that just meant a pony had certain ideas and would worm them expertly into conversation. It was hard at times to see where Applejack was coming from or going to, but who was he to deny what she was saying? It was true. He could make a lot of ponies happy by doing specific shows for the fillies and colts of the town. And while Applejack walked it back a bit by mentioning that the accent could go, the shaking excitement of Apple Bloom told him that some ideas died harder than others when it was time to put up or shut up, and a pony begged the easy to convince Valen to do something. A whirlwind of smiles was worse than a pit of vipers in that regard.

“Well, I don't really think I'd qualify it as being homesick. Maybe just being tired. When you're on tour for three weeks, sixteen hour days across multiple provinces, all you want to do is curl up and take a nap. And get a message, because your back hurts. And a hoof message. Maybe get some petty work. And while I'm at it, get a nice refresher. But...that's for another time, I suppose. I might do some local shows. It is always good to make ponies happy, after all, and it never hurts to get more work in as I'm sure you're more than aware,” Valen said, finishing up and giving his plates to Applejack. “But that isn't on my mind at the moment. It is this most beautiful farm!”

[Hippo]

Valen spoke the words of true honesty.  Applejack knew it, because what kind of pony exists that doesn't enjoy the coutryside comforty of sweet apple acres on a warm summer day?  To her, everything outside of the farm was just considered most simply as 'less home'.  She may never consider a vacation to another place a real treat as leaving the farm, even for a few days.  Of course, she also knew Apple Bloom wasn't so keen to agree.  Applejack would not mention out loud the adventures she had that her little sister always wanted out of a simple delivery of apples across the country.  Nor would she explain in detail the time with Rarity and she went to Whinnyland and spent a spontaneous day at Applewood.

Of course, beyond all of the details of fashion and Valen's overall purpose to stay in Ponyville a short while as it pertained to business, his highlight of staying here 'just because' struck Applejack with a joyous smile.  And though Valen's point was valid and true, she would inevitably over-sensitize it until he nearly regretted the mentioning of the surrounding apple orchard.  "That's great!  'Cuz we do the same work as usual like you would think, but many of the small details have changed, and yes, yer little tree is doin' fine.  And I'm as eager as a pig rolling in dirt before it rains to show you around the place again."  Applejack grabbed a nearby apple fritter, hesitating to bite in it before clarifying, "with less pain this time, of course."

And as she chewed on the fritter for what seemed like several minutes of apple-tasting heaven, Applejack conjured an idea.  "Well, I tell you what.  Since I know you're tired.  I'll let you sleep in tomorrow morning, OK?  I'll wake you up at dawn."  Applejack was joking of course, but should Valen agree with any kind of haste, Applejack would hold him to it.  She might even assign one of the loyal roosters to the kids' bedroom window.

 

[SteelEagle]

Ah good, so she was cognizant of the pain and suffering he had been put through the first time he had come to Sweet Apple Acres. It was a memorable time for all the...reasons, he supposed, good or ill, that could be associated with a somewhat disaster prone city colt visiting such an active and physical place. It could have gone much smoother, like an almond milk bath at the most luxurious spa in Manehattan, but the experience was worthwhile and doing activities with the Apples was worth the price of admission. Still, not having a flock of chickens tenderize him would be enjoyed, as would the capability of breathing. No matter what though, he had his trust in Applejack. If she said it would be okay, he'd believe her. Even if the nightmares told him otherwise.

"That sounds great. I can't wait to see Alfred H. Humperdoodle. Been a bit since anypony has given me an update on him! I also can't wait to see how the farm is going. I can read progress reports and such but that never tells you the full story," Valen said, stretching out a bit. He gave his attention back to the deliciousness prepared for him, eating with his cousins until Applejack piped up again. That was both very unexpected and very delightful. He had expected to be early to rise but if she was going to acquiesce to other's schedules who was he to say no? he was very tired and while that jolt of energy one gets from seeing friends and family in pony after such distance could carry you a while, even that had its
limits.

"That would be very appreciated, Applejack. Thank you. But I can't wait to see the farm! Tell me, is it true that the harvest was up six percent year over year? Would you point to a better crop or better hooves at work?" Valen asked, hoping to impress his cousin with how on top of everything he was regarding Sweet Apple Acres, even from afar. As he spoke he finished up his meal, tidying up his plate and cleaning himself so he didn't send spit everywhere. That would be uncouth.

[Hippo]

Applejack was a small confused at Valen's proper pronoun thrown into the conversation.  She hadn't expected Valen to name the tree.  Although it was perfectly understandable if he did, but there was always the possibility that Applejack herself had already picked out a name for it, and has been possibly using it for the past four months.  Applejack questioned immediately, before changing the subject to avoid having to explain it, at least for tonight.  "Humper-what now?  Um, well sure!  We'll find out all about that and other stuff.  You wont believe what the new egg laying record is now set by our own champion hen.  Ain't that right, Apple Bloom?"

"Six percent?  More like six and a half!"  Applejack shot back with unashamed context.  "We did very well for ourselves and our customers.  Lots of reasons to explain the higher yield.  Although the Ponyville pegasi would probably contend that their precision weather timing as a factor of growth.  We had more trees, and a stronger Apple Bloom than last year.  However, come to think of it, it is pretty amazing we yielded more considering there was a week where one of our orchard sections was infested with star spiders from the Everfree."  Applejack grimaced and then fell her emotion to a flat explanation.  "Fortunately Fluttershy was able to teach them 'advanced spiderweb art' someplace else."

"Anyways, I reckon that's enough chit chat for tonight.  It's dark outside.  We all better get some rest before we start wasting energy for tomorrow."  Applejack started placing a few food items in containers for preservation, and left some out that need not be kept in a container.

[SteelEagle]

A new egg-laying record? Well, talk about excitement he guessed? It seemed like a lot of work by the hen. Did they stand by her and keep count as they came or just wait until the hen was done and rely on the honor system? There was a lot of probable methodology concerns if he wanted to go at this record, but he'd let the hen have it. Last time he saw the chickens they had pecked him every which where until he was tender and raw and ripe for the cooking. he'd probably make a medal or something of the sort for the hen to boost her confidence and hopefully forestall any future incidents with the chickens. "What's the record?" Valen asked as Apple Bloom nodded with her sis, "and what was the record previously, if I may ask?"

he was glad his facts had been 'wrong'. More accurately, he was glad she knew her numbers and could correct him. He always told his family that there was this general disrespect given to Applejack when it came to operative information and statistical analysis. Some believes she was simply an intuitive farm hoof and not somepony who could run facts and figures and draw conclusions. It was a silly thing to believe that she couldn't handle it, but Valen chalked it up to the respect ponies had for her parents that they didn't think that anypony could compare. Maybe if they spent more time dealing with her they'd understand she was just as capable as anypony who had ever run an orchard, if not more so, and definitely as committed and loving.

"That is great to hear that you exceeded even what I was told. I would have to imagine a combination of factors aided in it, but in the end I have always believed it comes down to good, able hooves. You can have the best weather and the best stock but if you don't have the knowledge and physical ability to do it, the crop will fail regardless. With good knowledge and hooves you can more easily rectify the issues of bad weather and stock. The two competing theories are not in total harmony, after all," he said eloquently as Apple Bloom perked up at her sister's phrasing. In any case, it was time for bed.

"I see. Well, it has been lovely so far, Applejack. I figure I'll use the bathroom and head to bed. Should get some nice rest-" he said as he started walking away, Apple Bloom in tow as they started heading up.

"Why, Ah reckon we can play games now!" she bellowed out as she pronked alongside him, more than overjoyed at having her cousin there.

"Like what?"

"Like rollin' tides!"

"What is a rolling tide, perchance?"