brianblackberry

Braeburn looked shocked, the very concept of not being fed on the train, it was barbaric! There is nothing like a good meal; after all what is better than eating? Well maybe sleeping, or Wild West dances; but if there is one great thing Apples have a love for, it is food! [colour=#daa520]"Well take as much pie as you like! It has a honey glazed crust, and the honey's fresh too! We'll have an apiary here in APPPPPPLEELOOSA now! Can y'all believe it? Our town is really growin'!"[/colour] [colour=#daa520]"As for our last reunion, 'tis were a big one! Not the biggest, but plenty of Apples showed up from all over, boy howdy. Oh! Would you believe we have pegasus and unicorn Apples?! Tis' true! Met a pegasus cuzin' named Sugar Apple and a unicorn cuzin' named Greenshot! Just goes to show, y'all don't need to be a good ol' earth pony to be a part of our family!"[/colour] Braeburn gave a playful wink with that last statement. As much as he liked flirting what really piked his interest was Willow's story about where she had been. Before he met the mysterious black unicorn mare he never thought he would ever have an interest in the magical, or the mysterious, let alone the spooky, but he had to admit, that adventure with the Spirit Lanterns was the most fun he had in a very long time, and it only made him more curious about what other supernatural mysteries were out there. He listened intently but couldn’t help looking perplexed at the mention of black skinned apples that were blue on the inside; could such a thing even exist naturally? There they were though in front of him, well the seeds at least. [colour=#daa520] "Ah gotta admit ah never heard of such thing in all my years, never have I heard from all the stories told around the Apple family gatherings about black skinned blue apples!"[/colour] Braeburn pulled open the pouch and looked with reserved curiosity at the seeds, they looked like any other. He wasn’t sure about them at all, but what he was sure of is that he didn’t want to insult her by not accepting them, [colour=#daa520]"well ah guess they can't be any more mysterious than zap apples, right?"[/colour] She did say the researchers tried them and they were safe and even good tasting. [colour=#daa520]“Ah suppose we can try planting one later on the edge of the farm, just to see how it goes.”[/colour] Braeburn was proud their adventure together helped Willow’s career, but his mind quickly wandered to what that meant in the long term. Braeburn rubbed the back of his mane again with his hoof, [colour=#daa520]“soo uhh.. Does that mean y’all will be doing ‘em long term trips all the time now?”[/colour]

Carrot Fields head crooked to the right as his left eye brow raised, was Applejack serious about wanting the carrot veggie sausages because they were spicier? She could barely handle charromangas despite the good front she attempted to put up. It was no surprise then her reaction when she finally had one of the sausages. Purple Haze was right, those were specifically for Carrot and his sis, not because they wouldn't share them but because the sausages were known for their extra spiciness, one that even a Carrot family member had to grow tolerant of over years of eating them. One does not simply chow into Mordo- er ... carrot-bean sausages! [colour=#ff8c00]"We hae some milk left Purple…"[/colour] Before he could complete his sentence, his resourceful sister took off and came back with a pint of the vanilla ice cream originally for the pie; even more effective in helping quench the fire in the orange mare's throat! [colour=#ff8c00]"ah guess we shoods have mentioned th' sausages ur one of those specialty dishes ay th' Carrot clans knoon fur their extreme spiciness. In fact they have annual contests back at Fet Loch fur th' sausages an' one ay th' categories is "most spicy"; Purple hair is usually one of th' finalists, she is a right stoatin cook!"[/colour] Carrot pushed forward the salad and the pie as suitable alternatives. "try these, ah ink you'll loch them e'en more!" He hoped to encourage his guests to go with the mild, safe foods without calling any attention to their inexperience with the spicy fare. Now that dessert was out, there at least be no more spicy surprises and they could get down to the business of eating and enjoying each other's company. [colour=#ff8c00]"So campaign'! ah ink we can surely dae 'at these weekend! 'At Galloping Glades sound retie fun, we have never bin thaur ourselves, we can make a whole weekend of it if ye aw know of some other nearby places. At nicht Ah can shaw ye aw th' constellations, mebbe we'll e'en catch a few shootin' stars!"[/colour]

Trixie just rolled her eyes and sighed, why did Whooves always spend so much time with the talking and so little time actually doing anything? The mentioning of food didn’t help her patience any, as instead of finding the promised gourmet meal they ended up with a plate full of mechanical monsters and near disaster! Now that she thought about it, that was how things usually went. It was as if catastrophe followed them, or… No, that couldn’t be it could it? Did he actually instinctively know where and when the next catastrophe was going to be and purposely arrange to be there?? Trixie shook her head, that couldn’t be it, there was no way he would have foresight; he was an earth pony, just an earth pony! Right? Trixie quickly dismissed her conspiracy theory, it was time to go, and food was simply one more reason. [colour=#6699cc]“Well the Great and Powerful Trixie believes the good Doctor here owes us both a real meal after today’s adventure, don’t you Lyra hon? “[/colour] Trixie climbed into the wagon herself, ready to go, and to drive that point home she lifted Whooves with her magic and carried in right into the wagon next to her, dropping him flat in front of the controls. [colour=#6699cc]“Now why don’t you be a dear for Lyra and Trixie and get this contraption of yours going so we can find something nice to eat; you wouldn’t want to disappoint us beautiful ladies.”[/colour] Trixie turned to Lyra smiling and offered her forehoof to help the mint green unicorn aboard. [colour=#6699cc]“The lovely and single Trixie is pleased you’ll be joining us for dinner. It’ll be great, two lovely mares on the ocean, the warm breeze in our manes, and you can regale to Trixie all about what brought your lovely self here in the first place.”[/colour]

[colour=#cc99cc]Flitter[/colour] Flitter was letting her emotions get the better of her as she sulked in silence at the bar counter, contemplating what drink to try. Something strong, something to show she could hang with all the tough flyers here. [colour=#cc99cc]“Could I have a tall cider, please? The strongest you have.” [/colour] As Flitter waited for her drink, she couldn’t help but wonder what Cloudchaser was hiding from her; didn’t her fillyfriend trust her enough? Didn’t they share everything? What was it about the storm or the night that Cloudchaser didn’t want to tell? Flitter’s mind started to wander into all sorts of unfounded possibilities, each more unlikely and more depressing then the last. Just as the mug of hard cider arrived Flitter even contemplated that perhaps her marefriend was having some kind of illicit affair… [colour=#cc6699]“Here you go, dear!” [/colour]The forlorn Flitter jolted out of her unfounded paranoia as the cider was placed before her. She needed to keep a level head about this; there was no reason to start suspecting the worst without evidence. Flitter just sighed, fighting her instinct to turn around and see if Cloudchaser was alright as her fillyfriend thumped around clumsily and muttered about the cloud. She took a long drink instead, the cider was strong! Almost too much so and she had to work hard not to choke it up, determined to finish it. Something did happen, something bad! Why not talk about it?! She looked about the bar; most of the other ponies were engaged in conversation except one yellow coloured pegasus with a dark mane. She seemed so isolated. Flitter didn’t recognize her from ay of the storm teams either, but she had the look of a strong flyer. Flitter took another long drink, feeling warm inside, and more bold. The light lavender mare walked up to and sat next to Acclaim, [colour=#cc99cc]“Hi! My name is Flitter, what’s yours? Were you helping with the storms, also? I was! Didn’t see you there, so I figured I’d ask. Are you from here?” [/colour]Flitter had a big grin on her face and took another long gulp of her drink? [colour=#cc6699]Martini Paradise[/colour] Martini Paradise listened attentively to Pocket Change’s story about the dig he was at; as her own interest in archeology and adventure was considerable thanks to her association with a certain handsome professional adventurer, a one Brazil Nut. [colour=#cc6699]“You mention the mages found something, any clue to what it was? Or are they keeping it all hush hush?”[/colour] As a unicorn, Pocket Change knew magic, but Martini herself was all too well aware, being a unicorn certainly didn’t automatically privilege one to access to the various magical mysteries of the land, especially if they were deemed dangerous by the royal mages. Martini was also more curious about the rainbow maned mare, mainly because Pocket Change kept playing her up as some great hero. Like most other ponies, Martini knew of the Elements of Harmony and that there exist the six bearers, but other than “Twilight Sparkle”, Martini didn’t even knew their names, let alone ever met one. [colour=#cc6699]“So our rainbow maned guest, she is one of the actual avatars for the Elements? Is she in the R.E.A? A personal guard of Celestia maybe?”[/colour] That sounded about right for somepony who bears something so important, right? Listening also to Misty Morning’s stories, Martini got the impression that being a Wonderbolt mainly consisted of pranks and pitfalls. She actually visibly shuddered as she imagined what it must have been like to put on a fur tight suit, and those suits were definately form fitting, something Martini lingered on a little too much when her daughter show pics of some of those stallions in them. Even more interesting was Misty's story of the unicorn that was tumbling to her demise aftering knocking the Wonderbolt silly; despite what Pocket Changed said, that unicorn didn’t sound much like “a hero of Equestia”. [colour=#cc6699]“So.. What happened next? How did you get out of that situation? Since your cute self managed to grace our bar, you must have gotten out of that mix up somehow!”[/colour] Martini smiled warmly as she poured another cool lemon water for the Wonderbolt mare. Just then Martini heard a loud thump, one of the other guests, the ice blue spiky maned pegasus, somehow slammed her chin on the bar counter. Martini trotted over as she magically stood the pegasus mare back onto all fours in front of the bar, [colour=#cc6699]“are you alright hun??”[/colour]

Braeburn smiled, and even blushed a little at Willowisp's complement, it really had been a long time since he seen her and her kind words served to remind him of that time together in the caves, especially those more awkward moments. The goldenrod stallion took off his Stetson and held it to his chest, his unkempt mane blowing wildly in the warm steppe wind. [colour=#daa520]"Ah received it six months, two weeks and three… Umm, ah mean its been ah while."[/colour] Braeburn rubbed the back of his mane with his hoof, [colour=#daa520]"so, uh its good to see ya back in good ol' APPPLELOOSAAA!"[/colour] It didn't take a genius to realize the black unicorn was feeling a bit nonplussed and concerned about being gone for so long. Braeburn wasn't upset, but he was pretty curious what had all happened top her over these last few months. [colour=#daa520]“Ya’ll got a gift for the farm?! Well golly, that’s a mighty sweet of ya! Say! Why don’t cha come on in and you can show me what it is and tell all about what ya’ll been up to! I'd be mighty curious!”[/colour] With that Braeburn quickly placed his Stetson back on and pushed Willowisp's side side with his head, moving the unicorn mare right through the open door of his house all the way to his living room before stopping. [colour=#daa520]“Settle in, and I’ll get ya some grub, mah cousin makes some of the best pies in APPPPLELOOSA and we still have plenty!”[/colour] Brabeurn walked over to the open kitchen to grab one of the honey glazed pies and quickly returned smiling. “[colour=#daa520]As for lil’ ol’ me, well been doing much the same ah’m afraid… Oh! I did visit your town again for another reunion… Wish I could of brought ya along.” [/colour]Braeburn looked a little forlorn for a few second, but quickly shook it off, he didn’t want her to feel guilty. He placed a slice of the pie before her and sat down across the coffee table grinning broadly, [colour=#daa520]“so now, let’s hear all about ya’ll exciting adventures!”[/colour]

Cheerilee was taken aback, feeling awkward, yet flattered as well. Nopony had taken the time to say something like that to her in a long time, and Bumpkin deserved a response. However the foals came first, and it was time to get back to them, so such an answer will have to wait. Cheerilee gave Bumpkin a reassuring smile, [colour=#800080]"well hopefully the students haven't caused too much of a ruckus for Miss Zecora while we were gone."[/colour] Hopefully… Cheerilee walked back out into the main room where the juice presser with all its various locomotions stood, [colour=#800080]"Miss Zecora, I hope the class haven't given you too much trou-" [/colour]Cheerilee stopped in mid-sentence as she was greeted by the presser wheel spinning at such a high speed that it was starting to come loose, the foals inside had since lost control. Zecora was already inside trying to slow it down before it broke loose, or equally as bad, have the poor student flying out it in every which way! [colour=#800080]"Hold on guys, I'm coming!!"[/colour] Cheerilee, not knowing what else to do, jumped right in using her hooves to press against the wheel along side Zecora, hoping that their combined efforts would be enough to stop the wheel. Unfortunately by this time Sweetie Belle and Ruby Pinch had already been carried by the wheel's momentum up and over to where they crashed right into the still running Applebloom. The mass of stunned foals collided with Cheerilee, causing her to fall backwards into Zecora, resulting in the whole lot of them being spun full circle in the slowing wheel one more time until they found themselves laying still at the bottom, eyes and heads spinning. In the case of Cheerilee, she found herself sprawled on top on Zecora, muzzle to muzzle with the zebra. Cheerilee blushed fiercely as she quickly sat up, [colour=#800080]"s-sorry Miss Zecora!" [/colour] Cheerilee quickly looked around as she took a head count, at least all four of the foals wear there, safe and sound, if not a little dizzy. She started to feel pretty guilty about the whole situation, would this had happened if she hadn't left the room? One thing was for sure, the students needed an adult with them for each part of the machine, the last thing Cheerilee needed was explaining to the Mayor why the school had to pay for a whole broken juice maker. Well at least nothing else seemed out of place. Just then Cheerilee heard a yell that echoed through the entire farm, causing her to leap up on all fours, eyes wide like saucers. As out of nowhere, Cheerilee then found herself face to face with a ruddy maned mare exclaiming why she was suddenly there. It was Haywire's sister! Cheerilee knew her from all those times she either picked up Haywire from detention, or when had those conferences about her baby sister's scampish behavior. Cheerilee's eyes just darted from side to side in surprise, wondering where Haywire even was. [colour=#800080] "Uhh… Well, it is alright Miss Haymaker, we have everything under control and settled. I don't believe Miss Bumpkin here is requiring any payment for the… accident. Right Miss Bumpkin?"[/colour] Cheerilee gave an awkward smile Bumpkin's way, one of a 'please help me here' variety.

[colour=#800080]Cheerilee[/colour] Cheerilee simply watched as Ingrid started her strange attempt with the pendulum in order to help Applebloom out of her inebriated stupor. At first Cheerilee had no clue what the beige unicorn mare had planned with such an instrument, but it soon became obvious Indrid was using the circular motions of the pendulum and her own magic to lull the filly into a soft slumber. It appeared to be working as Applebloom became less and less agitated and for the first time that night, quiet; maybe this was going to work out after all! [colour=#800080]"That's amazing Ingrid; I never saw a trick like this before."[/colour] Cheerilee's next thought naturally turned to the question of the same trick working on the other three tiddly foals - Scootaloo, Guiding Light, and Nursery Rhyme. Sure snoozing foals don't make for much of a birthday party, but rest and liquids is what they need and perhaps they can recover in time. Cheerilee continued to sit behind the dosing Abby as Guiding Light came a quietly sat by her. The teacher mare watched with rapt curiosity at first, but soon she found herself getting a little drowsy. [colour=#800080]I can't believe I'm this tired already, it's barely sunset, I'm not some old mare![/colour] Still, she felt a sudden wave of lassitude come over her. [colour=#800080]Maybe if I just close my eyes for a moment, at least until Abby is asleep.[/colour] Cherilee's eyes slid shut and for a brief moment she felt blissfully relaxed, filled with a vision of her vacationing in some distant tropical beach, perhaps the Gallopacous, she wasn't sure, but it felt comforting; beautiful blue waves making a calm soothing sound. She was lying on a blanket with some sort of fruity drink and flowers in her mane enjoying the quiet moment and feeling like a nap... Suddenly there was a jarring noise of a ruckus and Cheeriee's eyes shot wide open as she shorted, "huh, what? Where?" It took only a moment, but she realized she was still back in the barn, a barn suddenly invaded by inebriated pigs and chickens! Cheerilee facehoofed, how can things get any crazier?! [colour=#800080]"Ingrid, just please stay with Applebloom and Guiding Light. Class! I need the rest of you to gather by Miss Marie! Now!" [/colour]She was in full on teacher mode, there was a problem to be solved and by golly she was going to solve it, even if she had no knowledge of animal herding! [colour=#ff8c00]Carrot Fields[/colour] Carrot Fields gave his sister a reassuring hug. Sure it was a bit silly to be standing watch over a cake in some makeshift fort as if they were foals playing pretend, but it was really important to Purple Haze this her centerpiece survive and he wasn't going to let her down! Of course this party has been one catastrophe after another. It wasn't apparent to Purple but Carrot knew the signs of inebriation, somehow the other foals had something spiked. [colour=#ff8c00]"I'm pretty sure some ay th' foals ur a wee bit boak purple, thaur was somethin' nae reit in th' bevvy! Ah guess they shoods hae waitin' fur ye tae dae aw th' servin'."[/colour] He didn't want to come out and say they were all snookered, not really sure how Purple would react to that. [colour=#ff8c00]"Aam afraid they're gonnae hae tae tak' it easy fur a while sae they can gie better; aam sorry Purple." [/colour] He was starting to feel really bad for his sister, everything that could have gone wrong for her did, well all except for the cake, it at least was safe. As if on cue, at that moment various inebriated animals came stumbling into the barn, raising a ruckus and getting into everything. One pig made a beeline for the opening in the bales of hay, no doubt smelling the cake. [colour=#ff8c00]"Ack ye don't!"[/colour] Carrot gave the hungry sow a good ol' headbutt, sending it tumbling backwards into the far wall. What the animals needed was a good rounding up but there was no way he was leaving his spot; he made a promise!

As Trixie listened to the Doctor talk about this Staff of Fate, she grew increasingly annoyed at Pathfinder’s constant interruptions, having to yell for the overly excited pegasus to shut up on more than one occasion. The only reason Trixie didn’t magically zip the scattered-brained winged pony’s mouth shut during the whole ordeal, other than Whooves disapproving, was because she kept revealing the details about other mystical artifacts of potential power; although Trixie was starting to suspect Pathfinder may have subsequently damaged, lost, or destroyed most of them. Whooves' contorted facial expressions during Pathfinder's regaling only seem to confirm this. Despite all of this, the brown earth pony's recollection about the clues to the Staff's location and the various dangerous obstacles in their way were meticulously detailed, enough to convince Trixie they were genuine. She found it strange that he never once mentioned what the Staff actually does. He either didn't really know, possibly because he wasn't a unicorn, or he did and it was so amazing he didn't want to reveal it! Either way Trixie had to know, although this time she would be careful, she didn't want another Alicorn Amulet "incident" on her hooves. As Trixie pondered her last fumbled attempt with artifacts of magic she heard the words "you two", and her eyes widened in recoiled horror! She was about to protest the very notion of being saddled with the clearly insane pegasus, well in any situation, but especially when it involved finding an artifact of no doubt untold power when Whooves appealed to the one aspect of her personality that would work - her pride. After suffering at being mocked and laughed at so many times after the Ursa incident, the fact that it appeared he truly believe in her was exhilarating. Maybe that was the real reason she stayed with him and not just the promise of new magical knowledge through mystical artifacts of yore. Still, it was Pathfinder, and Trixie sighed and rolled her eyes, [colour=#6699cc]"fiiiiiiine, but you owe Trixie for this one!"[/colour] [colour=#6699cc]"We'll leave in the morning Pathfinder, just be sure to be ready and more importantly, be sure to follow the Great and Powerful Trixie's lead when we do! You have been blessed with a fortuitous opportunity, you shall have a mistress of magic there to help find the Staff!"[/colour] More importantly, to keep the crazy pegasus from breaking it before Trixie discovered what it did. With that Trixie didn't have anything more to say and just levitated an old, well used blanket and walked to the corner opposite of the other two ponies to lay down on her side, covering herself. It was adequate and she was used to the cold, wooden floor of a wagon, [colour=#6699cc]"night… And try not to make too much noise, the tired and dreamy Trixie needs her sleep."[/colour]

To Carrot Fields, watching the three Daring Dos banter with Princess Veil was simply the best. Thing. Ever! The only thing that would have made it better is if he had a recorder of some kind, given the great improv between them. Thank Luna his sister Purple Haze packed his camera into his saddlebag, otherwise this would have been another moment lost, another dumbtail moment. Carrot stepped back some so he could get the entirely of the scene before him in the lens and clicked away. It appeared none of the quartet even appeared to notice he was there, which was just fine by him as he wasn’t even supposed to be in the convention in the first place. At least Dash appeared to be blending in seamlessly with the paint job he did on her; who knew that he was such an artist! After a few more pictures it was obvious to Carrot that he had faded into the background as far as Dash was concerned, and felt it was best to move on lest he start having the appearance of some hanger on, or worse, some obsessed fancolt. The dealer’s room was nearby; maybe he could find some sort of cool souvenir, or a collectable! For Purple Haze of course! Leaving the Daring Dos to their ad libbing, Carrot Fields walked into the dealer’s den, not sure where to start, so he figured he'd just go with the closest table which happened to be that of “Gems & Trinkets Pawn Shop” ran by a griffin fella. Who would have thought it, Daring Do had griffin fans! He smiled broadly to the proprietor, [colour=#ff8c00]“awrite! Ah figure Ah woods be jist lookin', mebbe fur some collectables.. fur mah sister!”[/colour]

I agree, and we are working on ideas to redo our map to include new places and regions.

Carrot Fields stood there frozen. He wanted to bolt, he wanted to squeeze his eyes shut in preparation for the hoofsmack across the muzzle he so richly deserved, he just wanted it to end so he could craw into a hole in the Everfree forest; lord of the dumbtails. Instead, something completely unexpected happened! At least to him. Bolt wasn’t angry, hurt, or upset; instead she appeared to take to his little sister. More amazingly, she took to what his sister had done! Carrot was dumbfounded, but quickly shook himself out of it. Now wasn’t the time for his all too regular self-doubt to take reign again; the last thing he wanted to do is question Bolt on this because of his own apprehension, and instead just accepted that she was fine with it. Especially given that her response just demonstrated his feelings towards her to be valid; she was wonderful! He couldn’t blow the opportunity just hoofed to him now! Carrot just chuckled as Purple Haze protested the word baby used in any description of her, even one of affection. [colour=#ff8c00]“Yeah, she is mah yoonger sister purple haze an' apparently mah shadaw too e'en if she is supposed tae be at haem daein' 'er hamework fur school!” [/colour]Carrot rubbed Purple’s mane affectionately to show he was no longer upset; well, mostly. Everything looked like it was going to work out after all. Despite the oddity of the night, thanks to his wonderful sister. That is until his clueless sister asked that question! Seeesh! She is as blunt as their sire but without the social tact to avoid awkward situations! Or worse, purposely create them! [colour=#ff8c00]“Err.. umm, waw Purple Haze don’t ye hink 'at is a wee inappropriate an' presumptuoos!? Ah wanted tae shaw a kin' an' bonnie pony mah favorite pastime, ye shooldn’t be forcin' onie matchmakin'!”[/colour] Carrot turned to Bolt, blushing, [colour=#ff8c00]“She can be a wee forward wi' 'er thooghts, heh! she didn’t mean anythin' by it, nae 'at.. ye ken, Ah wooldn’t want tae, jist hate tae see ye oan th' spot!”[/colour] He could just hope she wasn't uncomfortable now!

Sounds pretty exciting. Best of luck to you and we'll keep the place running for your return.

Braeburn was having an extremely busy week; for it was the secondary harvest. Like many of the apple farms and farmsteads of various other kinds, Braeburn grew a relatively small variety of other crops in addition to the primary produce; in this case particular instance it was the oats that needed reaping. Almost every farm in existence had at least one patch of this staple. Braeburn didn’t really care for these cereal grains, but they were easy to grow and excellent as emergency provisions, either for travel or for those long harsh winters; especially when uncontrolled storms came through from the lands beyond the pegasai’s control. He wasn’t alone; little Apple Pie was out there in the fields with him, but she was so work focused that she didn’t converse much at all, even when he actively tried to engage her in conversations about any little thing, which was often. Her reticent demeanor and singular focus at whatever chore was at hand often only help remind the goldenrod stallion how lonely he was; not that he didn’t love his little cousin, but it would be sure nice to have some personal companionship of a more amorous nature. As Braeburn approached the house and storage shed, pulling a wagon full of bags of raw oats and a bit ragged and dirty from the day’s harvest, his thoughts indeed did recall his less than stellar record of meeting some pony he would fancy, and fancy him back. Sure there were a few that almost came to be- Caramel Bistro, Bluebell, even Honeysuckle. Why there was even that cute, charmingly spooky unicorn he went on an adventure with! It seemed she just disappeared like the ghosts that she studied. [colour=#daa520]Now don’t ya’ll get those lonely feelins’ in yer mind Braeburn[/colour], [colour=#daa520]there be plenty of fine single ponies out thar[/colour]. He just needed to finish storing today’s harvest, and then he could get some social time down at the ol’ Salt Lick, that always lifted his spirits! Braeburn’s ears perked up when he heard a knock at the front door of the house. [colour=#daa520] “Now who could that be?”[/colour] He quickly unhooked himself from the wagon and trotted along the side of his home toward the front, hoping to Celestia that his currently unkempt mane wasn’t too much of a fright. Braeburn quickly turned the corner,[colour=#daa520] “well howdy thar what can I do you… “[/colour] Braeburn stepped back ; his eyes widened in shocked surprise before a grin quickly overtook his muzzle. [colour=#daa520]“Willo Wisp? Is that, is that you? Well ahh be! It is!”[/colour]

Truth is there hasn't been a Spike episode I cared for; not that I dislike Spike, just the episodes centered on him have always felt second rate. This is no exception although I found it to be mediocre and not awful (like Mare Do Well). The biggest mark against the story is that it felt trite and cliche; must like a typical kid's cartoon story. As Whitehawke stated earlier, this episode depended on the idiot ball being passed around, which weakened it. I didn't care for Spike being so utterly useless as an assistant in anything other than what he does for Twilight; the different isn't that great. That all being said, the episode did have moments of great humor and character: Rarity being so generous as to eat the dirt pie of Spikes; Dash's hilarious self-inset fanfic; the fact that AJ used Twilight's OCD to get her attention; all great moments. The Timberwolves were a little off in their animation but I liked the concept that they are constructed of some kind of malevolent or at least mysterious magical force, it adds to the concept the Everfree is much more than just a forest. 2.5 out of five stars.

This is the official thread for information and chatting about the ninth episode of season 3 - "Spike At Your Service"! Another Spike episode, but it also looks to be a major Applejack episode as well; so two in a row for her. The episode airs at (9:30am Central/10:30am Eastern on December 29nd). This thread will not be locked and thus commenting is open as soon as you see this; remember though, there are spoilers in the comments section so read at your own risk if you haven't seen the episode! License to burn! Happy New Year!

Haven't posted here in a while, so here we go: You know she did this: Not much to say here other that it is a very beautiful image of Celestia: :Why yes, they are an adorable couple.

But it saves so much time! Thanks though; fixed!

This is the official thread for information and chatting about the eighth episode of season 3 - "Apple Family Reunion"! Finally, finally we get another Applejack episode, please no pony steal the spotlight for her, pretty please? The episode airs at (9:30am Central/10:30am Eastern on December 22nd). This thread will not be locked and thus commenting is open as soon as you see this; remember though, there are spoilers in the comments section so read at your own risk if you haven't seen the episode! Best pony from best family, and yes I am biased!

Braeburn had a huge smile as his unicorn cousin regaled where he is from. Canterlot, the lovely magical city in the mountains, where it seemed most ponies were unicorns; so any Apples who lived there probably would be a unicorn as well. At least that made sense to the goldenrod stallion who felt pride in the idea of pegasus and unicorns in the family. [colour=#daa520]"Nooo kiddin'? The fancy capital and all is home to the Apples as well, well how 'bout that! 'Course it makes sense, us bein' the best family and all! So have you ever met the Princesses? Bet they're even prettier in person then all deem magazines and photos!"[/colour] Braeburn, like most ponies, has never met the princesses in person, or only seen them from afar, but surely the ponies of Canterlot regularly saw them up close, or even spoke to them! What really surprised Braeburn though was that Greenshot wasn't sure if he was Appleloosian! [colour=#daa520]"Mah name is Braeburn! Cousin Bareburn!" [/colour]Braeburn smiled as he shook Greenhorn's forehoof with both of his vigorously. [colour=#daa520]"I have been a part of good ol' APPPPPPPLELOOSA since the beginnin'! One of the very first settlers there when the town got started a couple of years back; have the largest apple orchard there too!"[/colour]Braeburn grabbed one of the sugar apples his pegasus cousin had brought and took a big ol' bite as he continued rattling off his accomplishments. [colour=#daa520]"I like to think it's one of the best too! Sure not as grand as Sweet Apple here, but it is just mahself and lil' Apple Pie. Say I wonder she'd wander off to?"[/colour] Braeburn had a brief moment of concern but given how huge the farm was, he quickly dismissed his worries with thoughts of her just studying the local trees or something equally as dull. [colour=#daa520]"Ah'm sure she's fine. Where were we? Apples! We have almost all varieties, but we specialize in ones for pies! Say is that what you do Apple Cinnamon in good ol' APPPPPLELOOSA? Make 'em delicious pies?[/colour]

Cheerilee felt pretty bad for the little yellow Apple filly, this was supposed to be Applebloom's night after all. Instead, here she was inebriated and being pulled to the back room to be sobered up and the little filly probably didn't even know why. As Cheerilee pulled Applebloom sputtered incoherently in an upset tone, [colour=#800080]"its alright Applebloom, just need you to relax and drink for a few minutes"[/colour]. Well that wasn't entirely true, given Abby's condition it was much more likely to be a few hours, if not all night, before she was fine again. What else could Cheerilee do though? At that moment Ingrid stepped and ask if she could try something first; something about a pendulum. Cheerilee didn't understand what a pendulum could possibly do for the Apple filly, but it could be simply that the ins and outs of unicorn magic were beyond her knowledge; besides it was very unlikely the Apple cousin wanted to risk anything harmful to Abby. Cheerilee let Abby's tail and sat just behind the filly. [colour=#800080]"Well... If it you really think it's going to help." [/colour]Curiously drove Cheerilee as much as her concern for Applebloom, how was this going to work? If it did though, perhaps the party could be saved after all.

Trixie was annoyed - the place was a total bust. Was all that information that Whooves spouted worthless? After all, he said his predecessor was the one who hid the staff, not himself. Perhaps long-ago thieves had pilfered the place. [colour=#6699cc]“Stupid earth pony”[/colour], Trixie mumbled to herself as she whacked one of the decayed books with her forehoof, sending yellowed, torn papers flying as it slid across the damp floor. She should have known he would have mucked it up! Unless ... Unless they only managed to get so far. Whooves had spoken of a series of traps and tests one had to get through. Maybe the trespassers never were able to find the Staff itself, if they even knew it was here. Spin Tale confirmed that they were in the right locale, but he had no confidence what they were looking for existed. What did he know? He was an earth pony; he couldn’t appreciate mystical artifacts like the Great and Powerful Trixie! Yet again, so was Whooves, but he was ... different. It was only that difference that kept her here, that and Twilight Sparkle. Trixie had so many conflicting emotions when it came to the purple librarian mare. It used to be simple; just anger and the desire for revenge. However, those emotions slowly consumed Trixie in such a way that it almost enslaved her to a magical amulet, one that brought out the worst aspects of addiction and malice. She had been freed of her all-consuming desire for retribution, but she struggled with jealousy and her own feelings of inadequacy. Trixie just wanted to prove she, too, could be just as good of a magic user, just as responsible, just as loved. This Staff was her opportunity, an opportunity to shine! She wasn’t sure if she could trust Twilight, a feeling that instantly caused Trixie’s head to turn when she caught of glint of glowing purple out of the corner of her eye. It was pretty obvious Twilight was stuffing papers into her saddlebags, but why? [colour=#6699cc] “Twilight Sparkle! What are you hiding in your bags, is there something you are not telling us? Maybe some sort of clue-.“[/colour] Before Trixie could finish her line of questioning the ceiling above made a horrid creaking sound. She looked up only to see the stones coming loose and beginning to fall. Now was her chance! She was well versed in dealing with stone, after that humiliating time at the rock farm. Her horn began to glow, but before she could take control, the stones stopped in mid-air, surrounded by a purple hue not of her own making. Twilight had already taken the situation into her own hooves. Trixie could do nothing but watch in jealous indignation as the purple mare dealt with the issue as if it was a first year magic test. [colour=#6699cc] “I’ve could have handled that! But… uhh, good job, I guess.”[/colour] Why was being nice so hard! At least Pathfinder finally had a good idea. Indeed, they were stuck for the night, the storm making any trip back quite impossible. Trixie’s horn glowed brightly once again, [colour=#6699cc]“the Great and Powerful Trixie agrees, we can only go forward!”[/colour] Trixie marched proudly into the blackened hall, it might be scary, but at least it was dry. Sort of. The next chamber was much like the first one, shelved by the remainder of books, also gutted by thieves. It seemed like a dead end, just a convenient campsite, till Trixie noticed the tiled pattern on the floor, an ornately tiled, but cracked and broken pattern on the floor which included a large X made of little tiles of obsidian. To anyother pony, it might just be decorative, but Trixie remembered a fragment of Whooves' ramblings. The next clue! A secret doorway! Trixie smiled brightly, they were on the right track, thanks to her! [colour=#6699cc]“The Great and Powerful Trixie thinks this would be a good place to rest for the night!”[/colour]

Cheerilee turned around as Apple Bumpkin entered the small side room, a cozy space filled with stored apples of seemingly limitless variety. It was private, which is exactly what this discussion about the tree needed. Cheerilee gave a warm smile as she faced the Apple pony, hoping that the conversation would go well enough - Bumpkin seemed to be the very understanding and friendly sort, so this could go well, and ... Cheerilee’s expression turned from cautiously cheerful to wide eyed shock when Bumpkin finally spoke. Did she just hear what she thought she heard? Did Bumpkin just ... ask her on a date? The orchard pony continued to make her sudden and impromptu case, and Cheerilee couldn't doubt her ears any longer. This was coming at her far too fast, and for a few seconds after Bumpkin finished baring her heart, the purple mare just continued her stunned, wide-eyed silence. Cheerilee shook her head and quickly regained her composure. She'd certainly had her share of surprise bombshells dropped on her before, but this one was unique. [colour=#800080]“Well, umm ... Miss Bumpkin, uhh, Apple Bumpkin, that was ... unexpected.”[/colour] Cheerilee’s eyes darted from side to side as she put her forehoof to her month, contemplating her next words carefully before she gave a reassuring smile. [colour=#800080]“I’m flattered, of course, and that is very sweet of you, and all...”[/colour] Now these next words were critical. She wasn’t actually turning her down or saying no, [colour=#800080]“just that I don’t think this is the appropriate time to discuss such a thing. Like I said, I am flattered, sort of. Just right now, I am on the job, and when I am on the job, it’s all about the students.”[/colour] Cheerilee pointed back out to the main room where, she hoped, the foals were keeping out of trouble for Miss Zecora. [colour=#800080] “Right now I, we, need to focus on them; afterwards we can talk about what you asked.”[/colour] Cheerilee hated putting off giving an answer; truth was, she was unsure what to think or even what her answer would be. She'd never had a mare ask her out before. Heck, it had been a long time since a stallion had, love poison notwithstanding. She really had to think on this, but her students needed her first.