The best laid plans of Mares and Stallions [ATTN:Bellosh101]

[Bellosh]

Somehow, Earth Writer managed to be as gentle of a kisser as Sugar Apple despite being loaded with sugar. For a moment, the purple mare wondered just how her date could taste so sweet and delicious too, but she quickly remembered the sugar apples he wolfed down just minutes ago. Oh yeah, Sugar kinda neglected to tell Earthy to wipe off the remnants of the frosting on his muzzle, so all this time he had been trotting around like a sweet-devouring slob. Thankfully, the mare remembered to wipe her own lips before she got off the train.

The kiss itself didn’t last all that long, about five seconds or so, before Sugar Apple pulled away and open her eyes at the same time as Earth Writer. Like the stallion, the mare too had a big smile on her face, and a blush quickly followed as she realized that her companion had been looking at her upright wings. All of that was before the lavender unicorn asked that one question.

What was a special somepony supposed to be anyway? Was he supposed to be someone that you just happened to share intimate experiences with every once in a while before the romantic sparks ran out? Would a special somepony be the one to ultimately be Sugar Apple’s lifelong partner and the father of her potential children? Or maybe he was supposed to be something else entirely that the pegasus hadn’t conceived of yet?

Sugar Apple did know one thing however; whatever the answer to the above question may be, there was only one stallion at the present time she wholeheartedly trusted enough to help her find the answer.[colour=#800080] “Of course ah’ll be yer special somepony hun!”[/colour] she squealed, extending her wings once more while wrapping her forelegs around Earth Writer’s neck; [colour=#800080]“But don’t ya’ reckon we’re goin’ a bit fast? We’re usually supposed t’wait til’ after dinner t’kiss an’ all thet, silly Earthy!”[/colour] She didn’t want to kill the romantic mood, but Sugar couldn’t help but comment on how the standard event sequence for the typical date had already been broken.

Then again, her story of love didn’t match up with that store display from earlier for that matter.....

[Blueblood]

Like a sudden firework, all the remains of nervous tension in Earth Writer's brain exploded into joy when Sugar Apple squealed her affirmation and hugged him. The stallion was quick to return the embrace with enthusiasm. Earth probably wasn't any more sure than Sugar Apple what it actually meant, all things considered, to be somepony's special somepony, but he also was as equally certain of who he would trust to lead him to an honest answer.

After all, as the stallion had said by the story display, every couple had to work out their own story. For the two ponies on the grass, their story was already rather unique in its plot and pacing, as Sugar couldn't help but comment on. Earth laughed, not minding the joke or thinking it out of place. As far as he was concerned, a sense of humor was a very healthy thing to have in a relationship. "[colour=#8b4513]Hm, you're right. You'll have to remind me after dinner, so we have a second take at it. I certainly won't mind.[/colour]" He said with a wink. The unicorn didn't bother to deny that he was being silly today, everything just seemed to suit this mood.

"[colour=#8b4513]Speaking of dinner[/colour]," He said, starting to get to his feet, "[colour=#8b4513]Your cousin's restaurant should be somewhere near. I seem to recall that we planned to drop by at some point. I owe him a debt of gratitude for suggesting this date, at the very least.[/colour]"

[Bellosh]

“Thet’s right!” Sugar Apple gleefully shouted as she got up back onto her hooves;[colour=#800080] “Mah cousin Greenshot will be expectin’ us enny time now. He’s got a table all set up fo’ th’ two of us.”[/colour] As Hearts and Hooves Day was obviously a busy time for restaurants, almost all the places in Canterlot would be packed by now. Hopefully, Greenshot will have everything prepped by the time the couple arrived.

Walking in the direction of her cousin’s restaurant, Sugar Apple remarked; [colour=#800080]“If mah memory’s right, Sweet Blintze's is off in this direction. Ah’m not quite sure what streets t’take though, since ah haven’t been t’this part of town. Ya’ know t’way, right hun?”[/colour] While the pegasus had confidence that she could lead Earth Writer just fine, it wouldn’t hurt to get his input just in case she lost the way.....

[Blueblood]

Earth Writer was grateful that Greenshot had been so considerate in setting up a table for them; an indefinite reservation on Hearts and Hooves day was practically unheard of, unless one happened to personally know the ponies running the place. It wouldn't do to abuse this hospitality, of course.

Nevertheless, Earth and Sugar kept a relaxed pace as they set off. The parkside streets rewarded a leisurely pace with a very nice panorama of sights and smells, as the early-blooming spring plants' fragrance streamed by on the breeze. "[colour=#996600]I have traveled this way before, though I hadn't looked up Sweet Blintze's before meeting your cousin. It's not that far, just around the corner of the perimeter street of the park.[/colour]"

(We going to invite Greenshot in?)

[GreenshotApple]

Inside the shop of Sweet Blintze's, Sweet Blintze herself and [colour=#006400]Greenshot Apple[/colour] were hard to work catering to the many ponies that had come to have a meal and chat with their dates on this wonderful Hearts and Hooves Day. Working their hardest to satisfy all the high class ponies that came in today. Every table in the shop was reserved so a sign on the window said "Reserved Seats Only." In the back, Greenshot had been bringing baking and cooking supplies into the kitchen for his mother so she could get to work with the pastry cooking. Leaving from the back kitchen and into the room where all the ponies sat with their glasses of tea, juice or even coffee, Greenshot began walking from table to table to see if their were any empty plates to take to the back room. His horn glistening as he began taking plate upon plate of empty pastry dishes from the tables and stacking them overhead until he went to the table near the window. This was the table he had reserved for his cousin and her date and wondered where they were at or why they had taken so long to get there. Heading to the back kitchen, Greenshot set the dirty dishes into a sink and let their dish cleaning pony clean them up. All rookies had to do this after all if they wanted a job a Sweet Blintze's

"[colour=#008000]I wonder what is taking them so long to get here. I want to see how they are doing since I last saw them and to see the article Earth Writer wrote up[/colour]" said Greenshot to himself. Walking back out, he had trays of more pastries that he began placing on customers tables as they became ready to be served. A bright smile on his face seeing all the happy smiles on the mares and stallions inside the shop enjoying their meals by sharing food among their partners. He was a single stallion who hadn't found his special somepony yet, but that day will come in no time someday. He'd walk over to where the register was and watch everypony, waiting to either take plates away, wait to give the couples a special gift for coming in that day or to take anypony's order. Greenshot was a little tired so this was his breaktime.

[Bellosh]

Just like Earth Writer said, Sweet Blintze’s was indeed just around the corner. Sugar Apple always loved coming here; Aunt Blintze always made fabulous pastries, while Cousin Greenshot excelled at providing service. [colour=#800080]“Hyar we are!”[/colour] the purple pegasus happily announced; [colour=#800080]“We better git inside before mah cousin thinks to give our table away, heh heh...”[/colour] Taking a quick peek at the windows, Sugar Apple saw that nearly all the other diners tonight seemed to belong to the Canterlot establishment. A blush formed on the mare’s face as it appeared that she and Earth Writer looked under-dressed for the occasion.

To their good fortune however, they personally knew the owners, so they faced no risk of being thrown out. With that comforting thought in mind, Sugar Apple opened the door into the restaurant. [colour=#800080]“Howdy Greenshot!”[/colour] the pegasus eagerly greeted and waved to her unicorn cousin, keeping the door open so Earth Writer could walk in; [colour=#800080]“Ah hope we’re hyar on time!”[/colour]

[Blueblood]

Sweet Blintze's shop had impressed Earth Writer favorably from the start, mainly due to its unpretentiousness. Sure, the building itself was not without elegance, being made of the white marble that Canterlot was famous for, but there was nothing about the place that suggested an effort to attract the upper-class. It simply was what it was, a particularly good cafe by the park, open to all who would make the walk over here.

Of course, even the smart set enjoy a good pastry, and they seemed to be out in force today. It was enough to make most anypony self-conscious, but thankfully most of the pairs in the restaurant had better things to look at than another couple coming in.

Sugar Apple had gotten ahead of him, and was the first to open the door. The unicorn followed in, jesting, "[colour=#8b4513]And here I thought it was my job to hold open the doors...[/colour]" Following the pegasus in, he waved to Greenshot as well. "[colour=#8b4513]Hope you'll forgive the wait; we got a little, hm, distracted on the way over.[/colour]" He said, smiling at the mare beside him.

The quiet bustle of the cafe surrounded them, the clinking of silverware, the murmur of the couples, various sounds from the kitchen, all blending with the smells to create an atmosphere indefinably wonderful. [colour=#8b4513]*Note to self: Mention this cafe in next Saturday's column.*[/colour]

[GreenshotApple]

Behind the counter, [colour=#006400]Greenshot Apple[/colour] had been placing bits inside a leather bag for the register was beginning to get too full of the shiny money. Placing it inside a tiny vault that only a unicorn could open and close, before coming back up to observe the customers once again. A sudden dingling of a bell that hung from the shop's door emitted in the crowded room of pony couples that single someone leaving or entering. His ears twitched a bit as he looked over and noticed his cousin, Sugar Apple followed with Earth Writer behind her. Greenshot eagerly trotted over towards to two of them with a hoof lifting up and over Sugar;s shoulder to give her a hug. "[colour=#008000]Hello Cousin! So nice of ya'll two too finally come by the shop.[/colour]" He then turned to Earth Writer and raised the same hoof, which was that one that had recovered it's injury back in the leaves race, to hoof shake with him. "[colour=#008000]It's really no problem at all you two. I still have your seat open just over here by the window. Go and take your spots there while I get ya'll some menus.[/colour]"

The table were as elegant as the shop itself and where they were sitting was decorated with a solo red rose that was inside a crystal vase that sparkled whenever it was touched by a hoof just in the center of the table, meant for it to be touched and motioned out of the way so the two could look at each other while the crystal vase would shine brightly when they did touch it.. On the floor were two heart shaped pillows that would perfectly fit any flank that sat on them. Greenshot's horn was illuminated as he hovered two menu's over the customers to rest flat on the table for both Sugar and Earth. "[colour=#006400]Is their anything you both feeling like drinking at the moment? We have some delicious punch, apple cider, warm tea, variety of smoothies as well as milkshakes which will come with a complimentary Hearts and Hooves Day cupcake![/colour]"

He then levitated a pen and a pad in front of him that came out a pocket from the outfit he was wearing to take down his cousin's and Earth's order.

[Bellosh]

Sugar Apple chuckled nervously when Earth Writer apologized for being late, prompting her to glance at her date too while reaching for the unicorn’s hoof with her own. Assuming Earthy was one of those types who would have preferred opening the door for his lady... which knowing the reporter, was most certainly the case, at least holding hooves would be a slight consolation prize. [colour=#800080]“Yeah,”[/colour] the purple pegasus fumbled; [colour=#800080]“We uhhh... kinda took th’ scenic route. Hope ya’ don’t mind, Greeny...”[/colour]

Cousin Greenshot took everything in stride of course, and he led the two over to their table by the window. Sugar Apple always admired how Sweet Blintze’s always had a theme for all the important holidays, and Hearts and Hooves Day was no exception. The mare really liked the crystal vases with the roses, remembering how she always loved to turn them on and off repeatedly with her hoof as a little filly; while all grown up now, Sugar still thought the flickering vases looked really pretty.

Once she sat down on the heart pillow, Greenshot asked what they’d like to have for drinks. Normally, Sugar Apple would have immediately gone for the apple cider, buy by golly she really wanted that complementary cupcake. [colour=#800080]“Hmm, ah reckon we’ll go fo’ th’ appl- err, milkshakes today,”[/colour] the pegasus fumbled again before asking Earth Writer; [colour=#800080]"Would ya’ like a milkshake, hun? This place hyar makes some fine ones.....”[/colour]

[Blueblood]

Earth Writer was quick to forgive the lost opportunity of chivalry, and he gave his lady a warm smile as he took her hoof... which led to a slight amount of awkwardness, when Greenshot offered his own to shake. Perhaps unwisely, the reporter attempted to shake the unicorn's hoof with the one that wasn't holding Sugar Apple's, which led to much stumbling and embarrassed apologies to the both of them. He was blushing again; the whole display might have been cute to an outside observer, if anypony had been paying attention.

"[colour=#8b4513]Ehe, right.[/colour]" Earth Writer managed to recover himself, and lead his date to the table, pulling out the cushion for the pegasus before taking a seat upon his own. He nudged the vase away with his hoof so he could see her clearly across the table, and he caught her delighted expression at the sudden glow of the vase. It made him smile as well.

Greenshot came forward with the menu, which Earth perused as Sugar made her fumbled order. He looked up, with a thoughtful look upon him face, "[colour=#8b4513]Would it be possible... for you to make the milkshakes with[/colour] [colour=#8b4513]the apple cider?[/colour]" He asked, giving Sugar Apple a wink. No reason why she couldn't have everything she wanted, right?

[GreenshotApple]

Looking over at Sugar as she was beginning to make her order seeming to have wanted to order apple cider, but asked for a milkshake. He would then turn his head to look at Earth to see what he would want to have. A smile on Greenshot Apple's face that quickly turned into a confused look when Earth Writer said "[colour=#8B4513]Would it be possible... for you to make the milkshakes with[/colour][colour=#8B4513]the apple cider?[/colour]" Shaking his head softly, Greenshot spoke towards Earth knowing that..that was not possible "[colour=#008000]It could be possible, but I don't think apple cider and milk would really mesh well together. Especially since apple cider is already amazing as is though you could ask for a apple cider smoothie? That as well as any other smoothie also comes with the delicious cupcake we have for anypony today.[/colour]" He looking over at Sugar wondering if she would want an apple cider smoothie now or stayed with a milkshake and what kind of milkshake or smoothie the two would want. Looking away momentarily to notice that their had been tables waiting for plates to be taken away and more orders to make. Greenshot looked back at Earth and Sugar and smiled "[colour=#008000]Alright, I'll be back in a few moments That way you both can have your mind made on what kind of drink you both will like to have while I get to the other tables. Be right back lovebirds![/colour]" Greenshot turned and went over to assist the other tables.

[Bellosh]

It took an extraordinary level of effort to keep Sugar Apple from laughing out loud at Earth Writer’s order... and unfortunately for the tan unicorn, his date’s mirth over it blatantly showed anyway. Making a milkshake... with apple cider? How do those drinks even mix?? The purple pegasus knew that Earth had the potential to go to absurd lengths to give her a good time; of course, there was absurd, and then there was hillariously absurd.

Greenshot Apple obviously thought the latter too, for he quickly offered up an apple cider smoothie as an alternative. As her cousin left the couple to their own devices momentarily to attend to other business, Sugar Apple could no longer hold back her amusement; [colour=#800080]“Just know this know hun, heh heh; if ya’ ever make one of them fancy cider milkshakes, ya’ will have t’drink it first before ah try it, eh heh heh heh.”[/colour] Oh boy; she’ll never let Earth forget this moment, not by a long shot. Trying to reestablish composure, the pegasus next offered; [colour=#800080]"Ah do suppose the apple cider smoothies will be good too, don't ya' think Earth?"[/colour]

[Blueblood]

Earth Writer shrugged as Greenshot doubted whether the cider would mix well in a milkshake, "[colour=#8b4513]Well, you can't know unless you try, right?[/colour]" He asked, as one who would put a question fairly. The unicorn seemed to be quite unaware of the humorous nature of his statements, looking a bit nonplussed as the waiter walked away.

Looking back at his date, he could see Sugar Apple trying, and failing, to restrain her hilarity. "[colour=#8b4513]What's so funny?[/colour]" He asked, as the pegasus stated that the stallion would have to be the first to try any culinary monstrosity that resulted from his experimentation. It was a suggestion that Earth took in stride. "[colour=#8b4513]Hey, I'm the pony who'll mix together all the drinks in the soda fountain, just to see what it tastes like, and I'll drink it afterwards too. Actually, I've found several rather unlikely combinations that really are quite good. Orange and cola, for instance, or sweet tea and lemon-lime. Almost every drink or dish started out as an experiment, after all. What primal courage filled the first pony to eat a cupcake, we may never know.[/colour]" It was about here that he realized how pretentious he was starting to sound, and he burst out laughing himself.

"[colour=#8b4513]But, yeah, maybe not on a first date.[/colour]" Earth Writer chuckled. "[colour=#8b4513]Speaking of cupcakes, your cousin's got me sold on one; so I think a cider smoothie would be an excellent idea.[/colour]" He set down the menu in the relaxed but decisive manner that comes to anypony making an order in a restaurant.

[GreenshotApple]

Walking away, [colour=#008000]Greenshot Apple [/colour]began slowly trotting down the aisles of all the pony couples that were enjoying their drinks. Taking the plates with small pieces of crumb and frosting that stuck to the plate away from tables. Stacking them up on top of each other and made his way to the back to place the dirty dishes by the sink. Greenshot trotted over towards his mother, Sweet Blintze, who was working on customers smoothie mixtures while mixing cupcake batter in a bowl and even getting the finished cupcakes set on a plate and ready to serve. His mother was quite skilled at multi-tasking which is why their is no other cook, but her. He was talking to his mum for about a minute to just let her know that cousin Sugar Apple had come in with her date finally and that everypony seemed to be quite happy with the services he was giving and how delicious her cupcakes and pastries were. Trotting back out in a happy manner, Greenshot went back down aisles to take the ponies who had completely empty drinking glasses away and came by Sugar and Earth to tell them something really quick.

"[colour=#008000]I'll be right back to take ya'll order cousin and future cousin-in-law.[/colour]"

With a small grin on his face, Greenshot continued his trot back into the kitchen to place the empty glasses by the sink where the plates had all already been cleaned by the dish washing pony and went back out. Heading towards Sugar and Earth once again with a floating pad and pencil just below his chin. "[colour=#008000]Alrighty, so what will it be for you two. Have you decided on a drink yet and is their any kind of pastry the two of you would like to go alongside the special cupcake?[/colour]"

[Bellosh]

If Sugar Apple’s poorly restrained laughter was any indication, Earth Writer’s assertions of having come up with numerous experimental mix-and-match drinks that actually tasted good proved to be a riot. Of course, the reporter had no means to prove his claims, and it really sounded like he wasn’t in a hurry to do so this first date of theirs. Fair enough thought the smiling pegasus, but one day...; [colour=#800080]“Ya’ git off this round hun, but ah’ll be expectin’ ya’ to down those drink mixes of yer’s next time we go out.”[/colour]

Before Sugar Apple had the chance to realize the ramifications of what see uttered, Greenshot Apple passed by to let them know that he’d return shortly, calling Earth Writer his future cousin-in-law in the process. This prompted a huge blush from Sugar, who knew enough about dating to understand that one simply doesn’t talk about marriage on the very first date. Did Cousin Greenshot think that he achieved the power of prophecy or something?

Greenshot however promptly came back for their orders, and Sugar Apple decisively told her cousin what she wanted. [colour=#800080]“We’ll be havin’ cider smoothies t’drink, and ah think th’ strudel sounds like a good choice, don’t it Earthy?”[/colour] With that said, Sugar also placed her menu at the end of the table.....

[Blueblood]

The subject of drinks having become a shared source of humor, Earth Writer was feeling happy, but slightly lightheaded. Part of having to become a more outgoing pony was having one's personal quirks, developed in isolation, up for public discussion. This was a slightly bewildering experience; in the back of his mind, he'd entertained the thought that most ponies mixed drink flavours when they could.

At least, the prospect of putting his money where his mouth was brought no terrors. "[colour=#8b4513]Challenge accepted.[/colour]" He said, returning Sugar Apple's grin.

Greenshot's little remark about in-law's, while obviously at least half-joking, did set the stallion's thoughts along that track. Of course, it was too early to start discussing that, but that didn't stop him thinking as he looked at the blushing mare before him.

There wasn't much time, though, to let his mind wander that road, as the green unicorn returned to take their orders. "[colour=#8b4513]Oh yes, the apple strudel sounds excellent. House specialty, isn't it?" [/colour]That was generally a good rule in his experience, to go with the house specials and the table wines. Even if they weren't necessarily the "best" things in the menu, the chefs took the most care in making them, and often you couldn't get them anywhere else.

(Seriously, though, those mixtures [cola+orange, tea+sprite] really are good.)

[GreenshotApple]

[colour=#800080]“We’ll be havin’ cider smoothies t’drink, and ah think th’ strudel sounds like a good choice, don’t it Earthy?”[/colour]

[colour=#282828]"[/colour][colour=#8B4513]Oh yes, the apple strudel sounds excellent. House specialty, isn't it?"[/colour]

[colour=#008000]Greenshot Apple[/colour] nodded at both with his ears raised to hear what they had wanted while trying his best to block out the giggles and the chatter of the surrounding pony couples. He had heard what they requested and replied back in a smooth and calm tone of voice "[colour=#008000]Alrighty, two cider smoothies as well as well as two apple strudel's. Yes it is our house special for Sweet Blintze loves making her own version of the strudel. Is the order that I have repeated back to you both correct and if so, will there be anything else you may want? We got brownies, cakes, pies, blintzes and more.[/colour]" Greenshot had been looking over at Earth Writer during his talk, but then looked over at his cousin with a smile as he gave his tail a sway. His horn illuminating lightly as he would levitate both of their menus over to lay flat against the designed saddle that Greenshot had been wearing on his back.

((My apologies for taking so long to respond to this))

((I'm not sure about those mixes as I am not a pop drinker. I only drink water and Aloe drinks))

[Bellosh]

[colour=#800080]“Thet order sounds correct cousin!”[/colour] Sugar Apple acknowledged Greenshot Apple's inquiry; “[colour=#800080]Ah don’t think ah need anythin’ else though... ah may or may not have snacked on some sugar apples fo’ this occasion, hahaha.”[/colour] Producing a forced smile, the purple pegasus started surmising that maybe it wasn’t such a brilliant idea to snack up earlier when she knew she’d be eating here tonight. Then again, maybe it was a good idea that she didn't pig out on pastries as well.

However, in the off chance that Earth Writer had enough room in his stomach for another treat, Sugar asked her date;[colour=#800080] “Ah be willin’ to split somethin’ else with ya’ hun if ya’ want. My tummy ain’t thet full yet, ah suppose..." [/colour]

[Blueblood]

Upon hearing that the apple strudel was indeed a favorite of the chef's, Earth Writer beamed. "[colour=#8b4513]Excellent! I believe that will be all; I had some sugar apples myself.[/colour]" He gave another smile to his date as Greenshot levitated their menus away. In truth, the Stallion probably could have eaten more, but it probably wasn't a good idea to gobble up so many sweets in one day. Besides, it would have been an imposition upon Sugar Apple, and that his chivalry would not stand!

Now that their orders were out of the way, the conversation could go on to other matters, and talk of strudel segued into a discussion of family origins. "[colour=#8b4513]I've heard that the Apple family originally came out of Germaney; I know Granny Smith's brother's from there, at any rate, since he used to visit Ponyville from time to time. You've all certainly branched out-[/colour]" He paused suddenly, realizing what he just said, "[colour=#8b4513]Er, if you'll pardon the pun.[/colour]"

[GreenshotApple]

"[colour=#008000]Awesome then. I will let Sweet Blintze know what you both want and It will be out here in a few, short minutes along with your Cider smoothies Earth and cousin Sugar. You both will just love the dessert and especially the smoothie. My lips are just dying to drink some now. I've not had anytime to break and still busy taking care of ya'll and the rest of the customers. I shall return![/colour]"

With that, Greenshot Apple let the two have their conversation as he went of through the table to place the menu's inside a box full of them and brought the order to his mum of their requests. Sighing in relief to take a short breather against the wall just behind the register as his glowing horn levitated a cherry cupcake towards his mouth.

[Bellosh]

As Cousin Greenshot left to handle other restaurant matters, Earth Writer turned the conversation towards the grand subject of Apple family genealogy. [colour=#800080]“Ah don’t think we all came from Germaney actually,”[/colour] Sugar Apple corrected, but not before laughing at her date’s apt pun; [colour=#800080]“Ah do know though thet one of Grandpa Strudel’s parents was Germane. Ah... don’t really know fo’ sure where exactly we came from. Some folks say thet we’re descendants of Smart Cookie herself, but personally ah think thet’s a load of hooey.”[/colour]

Now filled with curiosity, the purple pegasus asked a couple questions of her own;[colour=#800080] “Say, ah don’t know anythin’ ‘bout yer family history, hun. Ya’ don’t care t’give a history lesson tonight, do you...? Or a journalistic expose, eff thet’s what ya’ prefer, ha ha?”[/colour]

(Hey Rackenhammer, can you give a link to the full version of that Earth Writer avatar of yours? Looks cool! ^_^)

[Blueblood]

(Sure thing! http://generic-poizon-dart.deviantart.com/art/Commission-3-Earth-Writer-365344684)

It seemed that the Apple Family's origins weren't quite as clear-cut as Earth Writer thought. "[colour=#8b4513]Huh. I wouldn't have thought being descended from Smart Cookie all that unlikely, though. It was so long ago, there's probably a lot of ponies that can trace their lineage to her in some manner. Of course,[/colour]" He chuckled, remembering, "[colour=#8b4513]Judging from our behavior today, maybe one of us might be descended from Mayor Puddinghead instead.[/colour]"

This remark naturally segued into a discussion of Earth Writer's own family history. "[colour=#8b4513]Hm, well I don't mind telling you. It's a bit too mixed and varied to fit well into an expose, though.[/colour]" He began, tapping his chin. "[colour=#8b4513]My father's side of the family is the unicorn half; we've traced it back to one of the old nobles who went down and settled in the Gallopagos Islands. My grandfather came back to the mainland to teach at one of the universities. I suppose that means there's a title on te registry here we could claim if we cared about it.[/colour]" The stallion shrugged. "[colour=#8b4513]As much fun as it would be to spring it on the snootier portions of this city, it's really more trouble than its worth, as far as I'm concerned.[/colour]"

He had to laugh at the mental image that conjured up, of the reporter being snubbed by the likes of the Upper Crust, until he casually dropped the fact that he was the Duke of Clopacabana. "[colour=#8b4513]As for my mother, she's an Earth Pony rooted in the Heartland, though her ancestors came from practically everywhere, as far as we can tell. I think there might be a zebra in there, but we don't know for sure.[/colour]"

[Bellosh]

[colour=#800080]“Our behavior?”[/colour] Sugar Apple joked; [colour=#800080]“Well, it’s a good thin’ mah family’s connection t’Smart Cookie is established. Ah guess thet leaves ya’ t’be related to Puddinghead, hun. Sorry, haha!”[/colour] Gosh, it really was fun making good fun of Earth Writer!

Sugar Apple then listened in on Earth Writer’s family history, intrigued to learn of noble heritage. It looked like yet another thing to jest about; [colour=#800080]“Say Earthy... eff yer th’ current heir... and ah end up marryin’ ya’, does this mean ah get to be a duchess, or countess, or whatever it’s called? Not like, haha, ah really care, but still.”[/colour] The purple pegasus almost couldn’t hold back her juvenile giggling.....

[Blueblood]

This kind of mutual teasing had always looked a little odd whenever Earth Writer had seen it crop up, either in fiction or real life. Mind, a lot about having a special somepony couldn't be really understood until one had one. With a half-lidded smile, the stallion responded to Sugar Apple joking tone with a mock-serious one, which made it even funnier. "[colour=#8b4513]Your logic has a failure in argumentative consistency! Your premise is based upon a claim you had just dismissed as, quote, 'A load of hooey.' What exactly is 'hooey,' anyway? I heard that term a lot growing up, but no one ever defined it-[/colour]"

Realizing that he had veered into a tangent just like the legendary chancellor, he cracked up, waving a hoof. "[colour=#8b4513]Alright, alright, we concede the Puddinghead point...[/colour]"

He had to recover from his laughter, which gave him time to consider his date's question of titles. "[colour=#8b4513]I don't see why you wouldn't hold the title, but then I'm not exactly a member of Herald's College myself; I went to University for a more practical education.[/colour]" Earth's eye twinkled as he continued the jest. "[colour=#8b4513]But I shall be sure to have the answer to your question by the next time we meet, your grace![/colour]"

[GreenshotApple]

Back in the kitchen, [colour=#006400]Greenshot Apple[/colour] was assisting his mother with mixing ingredient's and bringing out bags of flour and sugared goodies to decorate the parties with. Coming back out to check on everypony out in the shop still enjoying themselves and their company. Looking over at his cousin and Earth Writer who had been talking with a soft smile on his lips as he would turn around and ready to bring them their order. Placing a tray on his back as his mother would levitate their Apple Cider smoothies onto the tray along with a hearts & hooves day cupcake as well as two apple strudel's. Looking back at his mother while his horn began to glow to lift over two straws as well as napkins and made his way out to the room and came up alongside Earth and Sugar's table. "[colour=#008000]Alrighty you two, your cider smoothies and pastries have arrived! I hope you two enjoy and wave a hoof if anything else is needed okay?[/colour]" Greenshot would place the napkins on the table in front of the two of them. Then, he'd levitate the apple cider smoothies to rest upon the napkins with two straws following suit to good into their drinks. Afterwards, Greenshot placed two plated apple strudel's in front of the mare and stallion along with two heart shaped chocolate cupcakes with strawberry filling and frosting with a small candy cherry on top of each of them.

"[colour=#008000]Please Enjoy you two[/colour]" Greenshot smiled at them while flicking his tail which had a towel on it that was cleaning the table which he had began looking at. The ponies had just left the table and place a tip of 4 bits which Greenshot placed inside his nit bag which was around his neck, but behind his neck underneath his flowing yellow-green streaked mane.