brianblackberry

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.

Lightning Dust should join the Shadowbolts, or start it!

Also so much shipping material there for the ship fans; expect a lot of ship pics and fic.

Isn't it a bad idea to post scans of the comic on the site? <_<

I was referring to publicly released material you would fine on Equestria Daily or the comic's publisher site, etc. Just to clarify.

Started a thread specifically for issue #2 as it was requested to have threads for each issue (like each episode) for spoilers and the like.

It was requested by some users that we do threads for each issue of the official comics series to avoid issue spoilers being revealed in the original thread for those who haven't read the issue yet. So in the spirit of that idea here is the thread for issue #2. This thread of course will contain discussion and images from the comic and therefore spoilers.

So let's here it, what do you hope to see in issue two, what do you think of it, discuss and share!

Derpy charges one muffin per issue.

This is the official thread for information and chatting about the seventh episode of season 3 - "Wonderbolts Academy"! It's the first Rainbow Dash episode of season three, and of course the return of the Wonderbolts; does Dash have what it takes to get in? The episode airs at (9:30am Central/10:30am Eastern).

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 (especially given the episode was leaked two days early) so read at your own risk if you haven't seen the episode!

Truth is Fluttershy becomes one because he just asked nicely! I am not making that up I swear!

I thought the episode taught a pretty good lesson although I too would like episodes to be more lesson focused like before, or character focused with development like the Scootaloo one. That being said, this is the second episode in a row where Dash played a major or starting role and she has certainly shown in both occasions that she has matured and learned, something sorely missing from before. That makes me happy.

Judging from the preview synopsis, the Family Reunion one will be a lesson episode for AJ.

Expect the following ships to be common now:

PinkieDash - Renewed interest

LighteningDash

LighteningPinkieDash - You know the shippers will do it

ThunderRarity - from that one scene

SpitfireDash

BiffCloudchaser - Ewww

I thought the episode taught a pretty good lesson although I too would like episodes to be more lesson focused like before, or character focused with development like the Scootaloo one. That being said, this is the second episode in a row where Dash played a major or starting role and she has certainly shown in both occasions that she has matured and learned, something sorely missing from before. That makes me happy.

Judging from the preview synopsis, the Family Reunion one will be a lesson episode for AJ.

Expect the following ships to be common now:

PinkieDash - Renewed interest

LighteningDash

LighteningPinkieDash - You know the shippers will do it

ThunderRarity - from that one scene

SpitfireDash

BiffCloudchaser - Ewww

People have to remember before this episode, Spitfire didn't really have a developed personality. Really, what did we know about her beforehand? She was a Wonderbolt and she remembered Dash and that was about it. We didn't know really anything else about her. Even in this episode we don't truly know the true Spitfire, just the front she put up similar to all intensive trainers. That hard nose attitude is expected though, it is part of her job to be hard on them, if she wasn't, she wouldn't be doing her job.

Out of curiosity, when and how many people still play? Whenever I'm on it's empty, and I'm finding a lot of large, but seemingly abandoned builds.

I am but I haven't been able to be on much this month.

Braeburn looked shocked a moment as Apple Bumpkin corrected him on the name of the pony that has enraptured her so deeply; it wasn’t the correction that shocked him, simply the volume. Braeburn’s face turned to a broad smile as he started to laugh,[colour=#daa520] “sorry ‘bout that, cuzin’ Bumpkin, Ah’da sworn y’all said Sherry. Ah always wondered what the life of a wine making pony would be like. Anyway, y’all said she is Applebloom’s teacher? That’s a right coinkidink, ya see ah happen to know cuzin’ Mac went on some Heart’s an’ hooves date with a local schoolteacher! They probably know each other, yer Cheerilee and Mac’s date; just gotta get him to talk about it.[/colour]” Braeburn gave Bumpkin a warm family hug, [colour=#daa520]“thanks for sharin’ though. Ah just like to know how each and every member of the family is doing in their lives. Ah don’t hear much news down in good ol’ AAAAAAAAPPLELOOSA! And speakin’ of mah town…”[/colour]

Braeburn heard shot and Apple Cinnamon talk about his beloved home, so he just had to find out more. Suddenly sliding over and popping up between them, he put his forehooves around his green unicorn and light brown earth mare, [colour=#daa520]“so what is this ah am hearin’ all about AAAAAAPPLELOOSA from y’all? Don’t tell me y’all live on our fair town too, cuzin’ Greenshot?”[/colour] He was a cousin right? Well he was an Apple, so he had to be related somehow, even if Braeburn never met him before or even know he had unicorn relatives.

Trixie listened as Hooves finally explained what he meant by being there, it was actually pretty interesting, the idea of passing down from one pony to the next the mantle of chronicler and purveyor of the arcane and mystery sounded pretty exciting. Such a calling in life would have fascinated her even before she began her ardent new interest in mystical tomes and artifacts of magical power, but now even more so, it made her wonder if such métier was as worthy of a lifelong pursuit as the act of public performance. In any case, she couldn't let him know how intriguing she thought it was or she'll never hear the end of it from his obviously oversized ego! [colour=#6699cc]"The Great and Powerful Trixie finds your story interesting, perhaps sometime you will have to regale the tale about fortuitous circumstances that led you to this profession!"[/colour] Perhaps more importantly, she can learn how this legacy is passed on to the next pony.

Fortunately Whooves was also willing to reveal any and all information about this staff, it was enough to keep Trixie's focus, even with the annoying pegasus bouncing around in excitement like some school filly. She was even willing to tolerate… barely, the idea that Pathfinder would be there the entire night in the small wagon with them. Magically floating a pen and paper before her, the blue unicorn laid down to listen, she was going to find this thing, either with them, or if need be, alone. [colour=#6699cc] "Ready when you are."[/colour]

Well finally watched the episode, and glad that we got a second excellent episode in a row for the third season. Not too much to say other than I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Just a few extra thoughts:

• This is the first episode Luna had a role that was important to the plot since her return in Luna Eclipsed. Always felt Luna is one of the most under unitized characters in the show. It was also nice to see she is adapting to the modern world.
  
• Finally Scootaloo episode. Of course all the fannon around her stays pretty much intact as no relatives were shown for the filly. Personally I don't see her orphaned as much as just living with an aunt or something and thus not having close family ties and prefers to spend all her time with her friends.
  
• You get the feeling rarity and Sweetie belle are always manipulating each other into doing stuff together the other doesn't really want to do. Also loved rarity's outfit.
  
• This story didn't feel really fast paced like the others of season three and felt like much more of a character development and interrelation story, which we need more of.
  

People were talking about a nerd moment for this episode, my guess is Luna. Perhaps it was the canon confirmation of Scootaloo and Dash now being like sisters (or course I also expect a lot of ScootaDash ship, bleh... )

But Spike is too fat and stupid to help

[colour=#800080]Cheerilee[/colour]

Cheerilee was a bit surprised by the question that the little yellow filly draped across her shoulders asked in such a quavering voice, and could feel Apple Bloom’s body shake with the tears. [colour=#800080]“Applebloom, you and your crusader friends are a smart, innovative, resourceful trio; you always impress me with your imagination and cleverness, not to mention your kindness. I am proud to have you all in my class.” [/colour] Cheerilee hoped that helped - truth was, Applebloom was an average student – not that she lacked smarts, but she just didn’t always apply herself very well, and got easily distracted by her friends and their cutie mark crusade. But this was certainly not the time to give the Apple filly a full critique.

Speaking of her friends, Cheerilee really admired how close the CMC were – so much closer than any friends she grew up with when she was their age. Sweetie’s dedication warmed Cheerilee’s heart, but it actually made things more complicated, when her well-meaning gesture accidentally pulled the inebriated Applebloom down from Cheerilee’s back.

[colour=#800080]“Sweetie, wait!”[/colour] It was too late and the tipsy earth pony was again walking aimlessly in a stupor. Cheerilee sighed; it was time for a more direct, forceful approach. She gestured towards one of the back rooms,[colour=#800080] “Sweetie Belle, dear, could you get some water and meet us back there? Guiding Light? Just … follow me.”[/colour] Cheerilee went up to the pawing Abby and sighed,[colour=#800080] “Sorry about this, but we need to get you hydrated, stat.”[/colour] With that, she grabbed Abby’s tail with her teeth and walked backwards, pulling her along. Cheerilee was going to salvage this situation no matter what!

[colour=#ff8c00]Carrot Fields[/colour]

Carrot wanted to give that pink mare a piece of his mind! He was so upset, he even wanted to give Applejack a piece of his mind over what happened. The pink earth pony probably didn’t mean her laugh in a mean fashion, but Purple Haze was so devastated and it didn’t seem anypony else cared; this was his baby sister! Well, he would just have to care that much more.

Carrot gave Purple a strong, reassuring hug as she buried her face in his chest,[colour=#ff8c00] “Oi’m sorry Purple”[/colour]. It sounded odd for him to apologize, saving the centerpiece, but somepony had to. Guarding the cake might be a silly assignment to anypony else, but he wasn’t going to let her down. He glanced around the chaos in the barn. Perhaps not all that silly, at that… Carrot smiled back at purple as she gathered the bales, and he very carefully slid the plate off his back unto a small table, [colour=#ff8c00]“Nae pony is ginnae tooch thes until yoo’re ready tae present it tae th' birthday filly, Oi promise!”[/colour]

[colour=#9999ff]Flitter[/colour]

Flitter was a little taken aback by Dash’s aggressive demeanor as she denied any relationship with Soarin’, and couldn’t quite understand why. He was a Wonderbolt, after all, and a pretty good looking one at that; Dash worshiped these guys, but she had no desire to date him? Maybe she was dating already … or maybe she had somepony she wanted to date. The more Flitter thought about it, though, that just didn’t seem right. Perhaps it wasn’t that there was somepony else, but instead because Dash wanted to be a Wonderbolt! If she dated one and got in, ponies would accuse her of only qualifying because of her relationship and not because of her accomplishments; a cloud of doubt that Dash would struggle under for years. Flitter just nodded with an awkward smile, [colour=#9999cc]“okay, okay, we just think you two are just, like, so cute together! I mean, should date, uhh ... I mean, well, nevermind, I won’t say anymore about it, sorry.”[/colour] [colour=#9999cc]Way to go, Flitter, can’t you ever be suave about anything?[/colour]

Flitter’s own bumbling, though paled in comparison’s to Cloudchaser’s own dodgy and vague answer. Cloudchaser was always far more specific and certainly more enthusiastic about how awesome she was when storm chasing or fighting! Flitter’s expression became increasingly melancholy in response. She was a little upset, but she didn’t want to confront Cloudchaser openly about it, not in front of Dash and her Wonderbolt friend; still, she felt hurt. Flitter just looked away with a somber expression that matched her flattened mane,[colour=#9999cc] “it’s alright … You don’t have to tell me any more. I’m sure all the details would be boring to tell anyway.”[/colour] Flitter’s reply was pure horse apples, and was pretty sure her love knew it. She just needed to step away for a minute,[colour=#9999cc] “I’m thirsty still, going to get another cider from the bar, did anypony else want anything?”[/colour]

[colour=#cc6699]Martini Paradise[/colour]

Martini Paradise smiled as she watched Pocket Change’s spell at work; it was great to see ponies helping each other out, even if they were strangers. She couldn’t help but let out a little giggle as the spell literally fizzled out at the tips of Misty’s mane.[colour=#cc6699] “Here, let me help”[/colour]. Martini’s own horn glowed a soft green and fixed up the ends of Misty’s mane right up. Martini wasn’t sure if it was her normal style but at least it looked good. [colour=#cc6699] “I hope that helped; and sure I would love to hear any tales about the Wonderbolts! At the very least I can impress my daughter with all my ‘inside scoops’”[/colour]

She was also curious about Pocket Change’s mentioning of a dig. Was it something archeological or more mundane? Martini’s interest in such things had certainly grown since her and a certain Mr. Nut started seeing each other on a regular basis, and he usually had some fascinating story about some mystery ruin, or artifact, or dig. [colour=#cc6699]“So, if you don’t mind me asking Mr. Change, what were you digging up?”[/colour]

Cheerilee felt the worry rising as Apple Bumpkin wanted to talk to her one on one. Cheerilee could only imagine what their gracious host wanted to discuss - Bumpkin was happy to host the foals, teach them about orchard farming, and give free apple juice, but that tree was a real investment and somehow, they had to be compensated. Of course, she’d have to agree, and then explain to Haywire’s guardians why they owed a little far-away farm a couple hundred bits. And failing that – explain to the Mayor why the school had to pay all those bits. And getting “well, unfortunately, as the foal was under your care, we will dock the amount from your salary; sorry but we can’t just afford to give away bits like that,” or something like that. [colour=#800080]Oh Haywire, why do you always have to sneak in firecrackers. Why didn’t I watch her more? Why didn’t I check her bag? [/colour]

Cherrilee tried not to let any of that out, putting a smile on her face - she was sure it didn’t look much better than her flattened, soaked mane, but she needed to look positive! [colour=#800080]“Sure Miss Bumpkin, why don’t we step into another room?”[/colour]

As Cheerilee exited the room she turned her head back, [colour=#800080]“Miss Zecora, could you watch the class for a little bit while I talk to Miss Bumpkin here? It would be only for a moment.”[/colour] She disliked the idea of burdening anypony else, oops, anyone else with supervising her class; especially Zecora, who was an unexpected visitor. But it would only be a couple minutes, and she didn’t want the foals to hear their teacher getting scolded. What could possibly go wrong?

According to one of the show's staff members, there's going to be a "nerd out" moment in this episode. And perhaps in "Apple family reunion" and the season finale as well.

Just warning ya.

I hope they don't do those just to do them but as sincere desire to make the universe better.

This is the official thread for information and chatting about the sixth episode of season 3 - "Sleepless In Ponyville"! The episode we have been waiting for since the debut of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, the Scootaloo episode! The episode airs at (9:30am Central/10:30am Eastern).

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!

Scootaloo is also available for RP; figure I would just plug.

Scootaloo is so not chicken!

It was amusing - subterfuge clearly wasn't something Applejack was familiar with. Still, she was uncomfortable, and he was worried that she really didn't like the food, but glad that she tried so hard to make Purple Haze feel nice. [colour=#ff8c00]"Thanks, we wanted tae make sure tae gie some thick breed jis' fur this occasion… um, coz they gang sae weel wi' th' spices, they make a stoatin combo."[/colour] That wasn't entirely true - wheat bread would have worked better. That the bread was there was just pure chance.

Big Mac's suggestion was perfect though, what better to help bring the two families closer together than food? No doubt Purple Haze would have a blast in the Apple family kitchen. Carrot smiled broadly, [colour=#ff8c00]"Oi'm sure purple would love tae make some apple an' carrot recipes wi' yoo; fa in yer family is th' cook? unless ye aw loove cookin'."[/colour]

As if on cue, Purple Haze returned with the main dishes. Carrot couldn't help but smile proudly - surely this would impress; his sitter had worked so hard on them, especially the pie. Carrot almost laughed upon hearing Purple's cautionary note about the sausage,[colour=#ff8c00] "Dinnae worry abit th' links, jist tak' wee bites an' dinnae forgit th' bread".[/colour] He watched as his sister cut the pie, both eager to find out what their guests thought, and looking forward to one of his own favorite deserts, himself.[colour=#ff8c00] "Sae, thes campin' idea, if yer really keen, mebbe we can fin' a time an' place, coz Purple here, she loves campin'!"[/colour]

Braeburn just stood there for a few moments with a wide-eyed stunned expression as he attempted to mentally parse the barrage of words. He coughed softly and gave a broad smile.[colour=#daa520] "well, cousin Bumpkin, she sounds a right special filly, indeed!"[/colour] He rubbed his hoof against the back of his neck as he still tried to figure out what she'd said. [colour=#daa520]"T'be honest, Ah uh… Ah didn't catch alla that. Ah mean ah got the part where she's cute. Did y'all say her name was Sherry? Does she own a wine vinyard?"[/colour]

That was alright though, what was important was she confided in him. Braeburn put his hoof around his cousin and gave her a good squeeze before proclaiming loudly, [colour=#daa520]"She sounds wonderful, your Sherry. Have y'all told her how y'all feel yet? Ah'm so glad y'all are out there dating'; can never add too many ponies to the Apple clan!"[/colour]