Apples Apples Apples! (Open: Ponyville)

[SteelEagle]

 

The sun had just begun to rise over Ponyville, casting a warm, golden glow across the sleepy town. Applejack, the ever hardworking farmer and former element of honesty, stood outside her newly expanded apple stand at the bustling Ponyville marketplace. With determination in her emerald eyes, she took a deep breath, ready to embark on a new chapter in her entrepreneurial journey.

The apple stand had undergone quite the transformation over the past few weeks, thanks to the help of her friends and family. The structure had been enlarged and reinforced to accommodate the increasing demand for Applejack's delicious apples. It now stood tall and proud, adorned with vibrant banners that proudly displayed the Apple family crest. It was twice, maybe three times bigger, and it had a nice covered cart attached to it for cooking for fresh pies and other goodies. In front of the apple stand was an outside cafeteria setup- tables with umbrellas for cover. Apples, pies, all sorts of treats and goodies, but also some warm foods and apple bread.

 

As Applejack surveyed her domain, a sense of anticipation bubbled within her. She knew that today would be a busy day. The whole family had chipped in. Some had worked on the construction, others (okay, it was all RD) paid for it, and most of them went ahead and offered their help on the first day. They had already offloaded crates of freshly picked apples, others had helped arrange it onto the display shelves, arranging them meticulously to entice the customers. Applejack admired their dedication and work ethic, grateful for her supportive family.

With a bandana tied snugly around her neck, Applejack busily arranged jars of apple butter, bottles of apple cider, and various apple-themed products on a nearby table. The scent of cinnamon and fresh apples permeated the air, creating an irresistible aroma that promised a delightful culinary experience.

 

Applejack glanced at her reflection in the polished apple-shaped mirror that adorned the stand. Her freckled face was framed by her signature blonde mane, neatly braided to keep it out of her way. She was more aged than the last time she had opened a new stand, and she could still feel a cold breeze along her spine bringing more than shivers. Still, no matter what today was going to be amazing. She adjusted her stetson and let out a contented sigh, ready to face the day head-on.

As the marketplace began to stir with activity, ponies of all kinds started to trickle in, curious about the buzz surrounding Applejack's newly expanded stand. Excitement danced in Applejack's eyes as she wiped her hooves clean on a nearby cloth, a gesture of pride and determination, an eye on a clock behind the counter. She opened not a minute early nor a minute late, same with closing. Not because she didn't want to work as long and hard as possible for her ponyfolk. No, instead she felt that routine and ritual was as important in business as it was in farm work, and hopefully ponyfolk would appreciate her consistency.

 

With a final nod of approval, Applejack stepped back, her heart pounding with anticipation. She had worked tirelessly to build her business and provide the best apples in Equestria, and today marked the newest culmination of her efforts. It was time to open her stand to the world, to share the fruits of her labor and the love of her family with everypony who walked by once more. A confident smile broad and proud on her face, Applejack extended a hoof and swung open the doors of her newly enlarged apple stand, revealing row upon row of gleaming apples, glistening in the morning sunlight. The sight drew gasps of delight and admiration from the onlookers, who quickly formed a line, eager to get their hooves on the succulent fruits.

 

"Welcome, everypony!" Applejack called out with genuine enthusiasm, her voice carrying across the marketplace. "Come on in and taste tha finest apples in Equestria! We've got 'em sweet, tangy, crisp, and everything in between!"

As the customers flocked to her stand, their eager expressions and joyful chatter filled Applejack's heart with warmth. She knew that her hard work had paid off, and she was ready to serve them the best apples they had ever tasted.

With her trusted hat shading her eyes, Applejack stood tall, ready to make this day a success. The marketplace echoed with the sounds of laughter, conversations, and the delightful crunch of apples being enjoyed.

[Blueblood]

Whenever there was an apple-selling stall being set up in town, there would be a cute little filly there to endearingly call out to all and sundry to "Buy Some Apples!"  For many a year this hallowed role had been filled by Applejack's little sister Applebloom, whose adorably beribboned head had peeked over the sales counter to give the truly irresistible pitch.  

 

But such could only be a temporary post, and it was soon time to cede her position (despite a quickly rejected offer to serve as a 'booth babe', AJ not wanting her sister to engage in any more of that nonsense after the trouble she got into, thanks very much!)  Fortunately, a new family member was ready and willing to step up to the counter.  "Buy some appuls, 'cause momma's Apples is the best Apples!"

The bonneted bonce of Ambrosia Apple was now just peeking over the counter, shining like the morning sun, framed by reddish curls of hair and garnished with a gleaming smile.  She was just old enough to know how cute she was, and therefore, how to weaponize it.  It would be up to her momma to teach her to use these awesome powers for good...

[Dusty]

A fresh morning was hardly the place or time he’d like to be. No, he’d rather be napping stretched out over the royal garden as his servants tended to him. But such things were pushed aside for something far more important. The morning walk with his Rasha, Spoiled Rich. Almost every morning they’d meet up and go for a short walk around the town before she slipped into the office to carry out the job of mayor. And well at first he was rather put off from walking at the crack of dawn he found it as enjoyable as she did to start the day. And so the town was greeted with the familiar presence of the giant sphinx walking down its paths. When he first arrived here a few years ago he was already taller than an alicorn and in the passing time he’s grown and grown. Now he towered over the ponies standing taller than two celestia’s standing on top of the other. And even then he was still growing, still eating more and more as his body grew. It will be many years yet before he is a full grown sphinx… But for all his size no pony seemed all that alarmed. They were rather used to him by now thankfully. 

 

And so Nilaavin walked into the marketplace parting the sea of ponies like an icebreaker over a frozen sea as Spoiled Rich walked alongside him. He’s changed over the years and not just in size. Cultural exchange and adapting to a new place and time has seen him pick up some more pony customs and fashions. He still kept his eyeliner, that was staying. But he now sported some new earrings and a huge cloak made out of fine fabrics and lined with thick furs. A pony might faint if they learned how much it cost to have it made. And even his claws were now decorated with a layer of gold gilding. He preferred the look of silver in all honesty, but silver gilding was hard to come by and even more hard to track down a pony willing to do his claws. At least the gold claws matched the golden magic bands around his four legs and neck. In many ways he looked more like some old duke or lord from old pony history and less like the sphinxes of old. 

 

And that was a change he liked. He felt more like fit in with the ponies, in a way at least. He’d never lower himself too much. But among the nobility his change in dress was doing wonders and helping him settle into a new life with blueblood as his guide… And speaking of a new life his eyes passed over a young filly at some stand. It took his brain a moment to register it was an apple stand run by a Ms’ Applejack. He’s never spoken to her formally or her kittens. He’s passed by plenty, but never once stopped down in the farm. And it looked like her farm was fruitful this year. Well he much preferred meat one must learn to eat less enjoyable food around ponies. And so he was not shy about apples. Better yet he can give his Rasha a treat. Fuss as she may, he can what her stomach and knew that once again she did not eat at home. Again. So he led the way to the stand and lowered his head down until was at eye level with the mare and the young kit. He looked at the older mare with a ‘friendly’ smile, as friendly as a giant pony-cat can smile, then looked at her young kit. “Hello small one, I’d like some of the very best apples you have. A hard task, as all of them must truly shine and taste better than all the rest. Two for Spoiled, and no do not fuss I can hear your stomach. And… Well, a dozen for me.” He chuckled and grinned. “A big cat needs big meals.” In truth, a dozen apples is hardly a meal for him. You'd need a dozen ponies for that. “He then looked back to AJ and ‘bowed’ with a dip of his nose. “And good morning Ms’ Applejack. The farm is doing you well? I heard you picked up a new tenant with some kittens of her own on the way soon.” He still had an odd accent in his words, one born from his odd place in this world. He after all natively spoke a dead language. Outside of scholars none knew it so learning to speak the pony language was a must. And it blinded oddly with his natively spoken tongue to give him a truly unique accent. Such was far from a bad thing, he found out many ponies found his voice… Nice. 

 

[SteelEagle]

 

Ponyville had changed a great deal over the years, even as the core concepts that made it the greatest town in all the land remained as bolted and centered as ever to its firm and lasting foundation. New types of critters had come in all manner of sizes and shapes and like all of Equestria she had learned to grow and learn about all of the great creatures that made her world as rich as it was, in ways she had never known or suspected in her youth. For all that and much more however, she had to admit some sight and sounds still pulled on parts of her that had otherwise long ago been left behind.

 

Nilaavin was one of those creatures that should by all rights have brought out the fear in her. He was a sphinx, a creature so near mythical and considered ahistorical that his mere presence made the world feel less and less real. His height was majestic, his gaze unnerving, and he looked like he was wearing the entire town's treasury. Which considering who his...rasha, was it?...was, well, it was not wholly out of the realm of possibility. He was gaudy and majestic and powerful and scary, made all the more unnerving by his rather personable way that seemed to shake all your conceptions of him.

 

Of course, it was hard to take him too seriously when you imagined he'd like to play with a ball of yarn. Which, despite all of his majesty, Applejack was very certain he would do. "Howdy there, Nilayveen! How've ya been? Yer claws lookin' extra fancy today. Got somepony to paint'm for ya? How's Spoiled? Please ta be seein' ya today in any case. Well, Ah guess Ah've been seein' ya for a while. Ya know, cause yer big an' all. Anyway," she said after realizing she had probably failed. She looked down at Amby, who had been such an adorable little helper so far. Why and how this stand hadn't been swamped by ten thousand customers dying with heart attacks at how adorable she was, Applejack would never know. It was hard enough living with her and not wanting to cry because of how much she found Ambrosia to be essentially perfect. She was going to be spoiled for a very long time, especially because she always seemed so eager to help her mom...help her mom sell some apples, especially so. And it saved Applejack from a booth babe situation; who the hay would want that?

 

"Ambrosia, think you can help the big cat?" She asked with a smile. Speaking of cats, it took her a few seconds to realize what Nilaavin meant by kittens. She meant young of any kind- oh, he was referring to Tempest and her calves! Or Apple Bloom and her pups?
Her farm was becoming a zoo, wasn't it?

"Oh, uhh- who exactly do you mean, sugarcube?" She asked, not sure if it was right or not to be discussing the affairs of a family guest.

[Blueblood]

 

Spoiled Rich would never have gone out of her way to say it, but as the years had gone by, she had come to understand what all the fuss about friendship was about.  All the time and effort she'd put into social climbing, building prestige, and attaining power... she valued none of the prizes she had won quite so much as these morning walks with Niilaavin.  Seeing her value a relationship that much might have heartened a certain purple pony princess, but the fact that this realization had come after everything that happened with Spoiled's family would probably provoke a lecture from that overpromoted academic, and the Mayor would never be in a receptive mood for that sort of thing.

 

Niil understood that, she was sure.  He respected his rasha and what she was due, unlike most ponies here.  And it lowered his dignity not one iota to give it, as he stood and strode regally as ever, dressed in gold and finery of a sort that Spoiled wished that Filthy would.  Affectations of being merely a middle-class shopkeeper were declasse in her opinion.  He ought to consider himself a prominent pillar and patron, one worthy of a wife like her.  But no, instead it was a giant cat taking the Mayor on her rounds as she inspected her domain with pride, distributing largesse to local businesses and clients.  

Speaking of... it might be a bit demeaning to call the Apple clan a 'client', they were a power bloc in their own right without whose support she would not hold the office she did.  But it would in either case do her position no harm to take her breakfasts from the fruits of their labors.  As they approached the booth, she saw Applejack with her daughter, provoking both a smile and a pang of jealousy from the older mare.  Now there was filial piety of a sort that you didn't see everywhere (and especially in her own household!)  Ambrosia knew how hard her momma worked on her behalf, and was here to support her in a way that spoke well of her ability to head the family enterprise in the future!  If only Diamond-

No, don't let sour thoughts spoil a good morning.  Giving a friendly nod of greeting to Applejack, she turned all her attention to little Ambrosia, aiming to be a good first customer for the filly.

 

 

Of course, to the filly herself, the Mayor wasn't her first customer.  "Big Kitty!"  She called out on seeing Niilaavin, forelegs held up in greeting as if she was going to hug the whole sphinx with her tiny little limbs.   Upon hearing her momma ask for her to help out the kitty, she nodded excitedly.  "OK, mama!  What kinda apples you want?"  She listened intently with all the obedient dutifulness of a young filly... along with the partial language comprehension found in one so young.  "Is... a dozen lots?  Like a bushel?"

 

Spoiled, sighing internally, stepped up to provide a translation.  "I would like two of the Granny Smith apples, the tart and juicy ones."  She tossed the bits on the counter.  "And just keep giving Niilaavin apples until your mother says to stop."  She'd made sure there were enough bits to cover the cost of fourteen apples total, before stepping back to see the little one set to work, listening in to the conversation.  She'd been aware of the mess that Applebloom had gotten herself into (no less than what that brat deserved after all she'd done to get into Spoiled's mane, but she knew better than to say that in front of the rest of the Apples).  But had they taken on another lodger?  AJ's reply seemed to indicate such...

[Dusty]

A deep rolling purring-chuckle vibrated the stand and apples in reply to both greetings. His eyes looked down at Ambrosia and pushed his nose downrods into her open forelegs so she may hug his muzzle. “Oh it is much for it is sissa-saa, that is as many as eight pies and four.” He chuckled even more and pulled his head up and away from the young mare so she may work before booking over at Applejack with that big sharp grin of his. “And thank you I had them touched up over the evening.” He says popping the claws out one paw to inspect them glitter in the early morning sun. “But I must admit, gold has lost some charm over me. But it is as timeless as things may ever be, long ago or now the powerful are enchanted by its shine. But if you ask me this world holds more beautiful views than the warmth of gold.” As if on cue Spoiled made her way around his side to take her place by the stand. 

 

“Oh you did not need to pay…” He fussed gently looking down at the bits she placed on the stand. “I’m more than able to provide food for you.” He added with a paw held up to his chest as if she wounded him. But soon it followed with a playful purring smile as he looked back at Applejack. “As you can see, Spoiled is well and as ever a pawfull. But such suffering is worth the laudiPrrum my Rasha brings to this oh so humble cat of the sun.” He chuckled again, clearly having a very amusing time with this. But the topic shifted back onto the new tenant and the need to clarify what he meant. “The mare of thunder and power. With the heart of a lion and the roar of a dragon. Two souls gifted by the mother of all bless her heart and soon she may call it pride.” He says, clearly clarifying what he was asking about. Ponies were such silly things. “But she is not alone is she? No, your pride is growing as well yet again as well. I must admit some jealousy seeing such when mine is a den of just one. But such life is a blessing, do pass my well wishes onto both mares.” He glanced down at Spoiled as he spoke, letting them linger for maybe a moment too long before pulling his focus back onto the stand. 

 

Seeing the small one… Ambrosia was it? Getting the apples he lowered his head down and opened his jaws. “Just toss them in. Gently! I’d rather not choke on some apple kicked into my throat!” He added as a warning. Not that he feared choking on some apple… But no one enjoys food being launched into their mouth at speed.

[SteelEagle]

 

She trusted Ambrosia's counting just fine, thank you. Even when she asked how many a dozen apples compared to a bushel, she knew that it was really just Ambrosia trying to the time-honored Apple Math that was the cornerstone of business. Normally, an Apple family apple bushel was about forty apples large, give or take a few, and the rough way of describing a dozen was a third of a bushel. Apple Math was among the first bits of math taught to an Apple pony. How many bushels fit into a cart? How many of any one type fit into a bushel? What about mixed bushels? When no one was looking, the Apple Baron took forty bushels. He took 40 bushels. That's as many as four small carts. And that's terrible. How many more carts do you need to fill now to fulfill the bi-weekly request from Shady Sands? You know, the easy stuff. Ambrosia had just started down that path, but Applejack was convinced she was going to do well. Assuming Niiv didn't accidentally eat her daughter. "Give'm one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve apples," she said as she pointed at each one, talking just slow enough for her daughter to join in." And be gentle with him. Isn't he such a handsome kitty?" Applejack said as she allowed her daughter to work. Confidence was high.

 

Her confidence was less high when it came to understanding what exactly Nilaavin was saying. What in the wide wide world of Equestria was sissa-saa? LaudiPrrum? She couldn't' help it if she thought that sometimes it felt like a Sphinx was designed from the mind-up to confuse other creatures as it spoke. Still, he was pleasant enough to speak with. She didn't fully know if he was a bodyguard or a pet or a housemate? She didn't know, but she also couldn't say much except she liked him and all his fancy-speaking. "Well, Ah think gold looks goo on ya. Timeless is as timeless does and what not, but I think it does well ta showcase yer...splendor, Ah suppose?" She said with a laugh, before turning her focus to the harder questions. "Ahh, her. Well, Ah suppose if you've heard tha scuttle butt, then ya already know. She is just stayin' at tha farm toget herself reoriented. She's had a hard life an' Ah'm happy ta help her," Applejack said with no small sense of pride. She looked at herself as a good Equestrian and a good Equestrian helped those in need.

 

Family, though, she could talk about. That and Apple Bloom hadn't been too quiet about it, even if...well, Applejack thought she should have been. "Yeah, heck of a thing. Can't say Ah expected Apple Bloom to be havin' pups, but she'll make a fine mama nonetheless," Applejack said as she picked out two beautiful Granny Smiths and put them in a tiny bag, hoofing them over to Spoiled Rich. She still maintained her haughtiness and air of superiority as before, but Applejack was nothing if not fair and honest and she would be the first to say she had benefitted greatly from Spoiled's time in office. Applerich Stadium was just one piece of evidence, but her coffers had rarely been as full...and never was it such when it was out of season. You didn't have to think somepony was a paragon of virtue to appreciate their good works and nopony could say that Spoiled had done anything yet to abuse her position. "How've you been, Mayor? I haven't seen yer daughter for a bit. Ah heard she was attendin' some sort of fancy school or somesuch now?" Applejack asked as she took the bits. "Thank ya kindly for tha business. How's tha town? Runnin' into anything weird lately?"

[Blueblood]

Apple math might not have been respected by Fancy academics, mostly because it wasn't easy to translate into their special hieroglyphics.  And as for sphinx math... actually, the academics probably would respect that.  A numbering system born in hieroglyphics and based on standard points and subtraction from them was just the sort of intellectual puzzle that sort loved.  But if you wanted to teach a little filly how to think practically, Apple math was the best math!

Counting along with her mother, Ambrosia lifted apples one by one with her magic, gently depositing each inside of Niilavin's maw.  "... nine... ten... eweven... twelve!"  She giggled to see them snapped up and swallowed down, the distance afforded to her through using her magic relieving her of any fear of being eaten.  Well, that and momma would buck open the middle of anyone who tried!

 

 

Spoiled, meanwhile, was taking the rare risk of eye wrinkles as she smiled at Niil's attempt at covering the bill.  "And here I thought it was the sphinx females who were in charge of bringing home food.  Or have you truly gone native, Niilaavin?"  Her eyes sparkled with the easy humor of a mare joking among friends, common enough in Ponyville, only remarkable for it being seen on the Mayor's face in particular.  She hadn't exactly lived the sort of life filled with truly meaningful joy like that, and such a lifestyle had its consequences.  Thus, while Applejack had a large and growing family to boast about, all coming together under the greater Apple clan, Spoiled had... a distant husband, and an absent daughter.

 

"Yes, Diamond has decided to complete her education abroad.  Filthy is accompanying her to help her settle in, and look into expanding the business."  Her tone was easy and polite enough, but the humor and happiness had drained from her eyes.  Not a good sign when a pony was talking about family.

[Dusty]

With his head hung low and jaws open and ready too be stuffed with apples he did not have many ways to join in on the counting. Or so it seemed if he was not a sphinx with a talent for illusion magic. He held up a paw and waved it to the side, revealing a small paper cut out of Ambrosia floating in the air. The paper drawing of Ambrosia moved about in the air, floating as numbers were drawn into shape. Leaping onto one she spoke in a perfect copy of Ambrosia’s voice. “Tchk!” A hieroglyphic popped up next too her in a speech bubble as she spoke it. Then she slept on two as the second apple was placed into Niils muzzle. “Tchk-Tchk!" This came with two hieroglyphics side by side that looked the same. When she lept onto three she shouted a new one. “Sii-Tchk!” And this came with a brand new hieroglyphic. And so it went as the drawing counted alongside her real counterpart in the sphinx language until she hit twelve and the drawing shouted “Sissa-saa!” As paper drawn fireworks go off behind the paper filly. 

 

With his muzzle full he pulled his head up and snapped his jaws shut with a nice crunch of apple and the dribbling of juices from the corners of his muzzle. He found the juice to be the best part of apples in his humble opinion. Sweet, rich and tasty. No wonder ponies liked too ferment them into drinks. Licking his lips and chomping down the food he looked down at Spoiled with a wolfish, or lineish grin. “Mm, yes that is true. Maybe I have gone somewhat native but what is a Tyr if he can not provide his Rasha the means and territory to bring home such?” He says chuckling with a small shake of his head. He then waved his paw over the paper Ambrosia and the living drawing disappeared underneath it. “As for you small one.” He says looking down at Ambrosia. “You count so very well. Let none say you are not a cunning filly and so very hard working!” With that he glanced back at Spoiled.

 

“He left his territory?” Nilaavin spoke softly, clearly remarking on that to himself silently. Well, silently as something twice the size of an alicorn can be. He looked rather confused for a moment but swiftly that charming smiling grin was back on his muzzle. “Come now, do not look so downcast. They shall return and so will your kitten with new found skills. But if you feel the territory is rather lonely you need just ask for me to spend the evening, I’d hardly feel offended to be invited to cast off the bardem of an empty home and garden.” He added, puffing himself up to look larger and more fluffy for some unknown reason. 

 

But looking back at Applejack he bowed his head gently. “The food is indeed good and lives up to the reputation. May I purchase some in bulk to be delivered to my servants? They can be found at Bluebloods estate, just drop them off there and inform the greeter its a delivery of goods for the mine. How much will it be… Oh what is the pony word for it… Oh just get me two bushels.” Without even asking for how much that may cost he reached a paw under his cloak and removed a comparatively ‘small’ bag that he dropped onto the counter with a _thump_. The bag of bits was as large as Ambrosia herself! “Take the change and call it a donation to your family by House Platinum. You do much for this town and we respect such hard work.”

[SteelEagle]

 

Applejack found herself watching the interaction between her daughter and the sphinx, enraptured by so many things. Nilla was very well heeled for a creature that was no doubt used to being the one who heeled others. But here he was being an absolute sweetie with Ambrosia. He even did one of those magical little illusions with a cut out of Ambrosia, something that even got Applejack's attention. He better not be getting himself any fancy ideas of adding a new kitten to his pride, though. Applejack wasn't above kicking a sphinx back to Saddle Arabia or somesuch. Not that she reckoned that it was much in the cards. He was just a friendly cat! Maybe a bit strange, but he was that good kind of strange that was interesting as opposed to the weird, bad strange that she thought about whenever she saw that strange, weird jelly pony.

 

"Great job Amby! You've got more smarts than a chicken's got feathers! Ain't no stumpin' you when it comes to usin' that noggin' of yours," she said as she got down and gave her daughter a hug. She was raising Amby to be the smartest and most helpful of all the Apples, and hopefully that meant a lot of counting from one to twelve. When the world faced destruction and they needed somepony to count to twelve and save them, Ambrosia would step up. And she'd step up all sorts of cute, to boot, and everypony would love her for all of her wonderful traits...wait, what was she thinking about again? Oh, Apple sales. Yes. 

 

"That'll pay for these apples for sure," she said as she finished up the sale to Nilla and the mayor, happy to see the business doing well to start off. And then Mr. Sphinx went ahead and decided to make one hay of an order! Two bushels, no big deal, she handled bushels all the time. The real difference was that he was paying with...a lot of bits. Apple math wouldn't help her much just as she looked at the bag of bits. Bags of bits were renown historically for being randomly assorted, unlike her fine-tuned bushels. Speaking of, two bushels for all that? The easy thing to do would be to get two bushels of normal apples and use the rest of the bits as he said it- as a donation. But that didn't sit right with her. She didn't overcharge and she didn't take bits she hadn't earned if she could help it. She would fill two bushels with her top of the line apples, see just how many of those bits she'd earn. 

 

"Well, Ah'll be- that there is mighty generous of you, Nilayveen! Ah'll make sure yer servants get right well supplied with some fine apples right quick!" She said as she quickly got the bag- she hid the effort it took- and put it under the stall, in a specialized drawer that she opened with her hoof print and closed with her hoof print. Hey, she paid for security. "Ah'll make sure by tha time Ah'm done, House Platinum ain't gonna wanna eat anything else!" She said with a chuckle as she resettled on the Mayor. "Shoot, between supplyin' all tha town functions an' Applerich Stadium, Ah think yer mah biggest customer now. An' Ah know ya can vouch for tha work Ah put into this," she said with an easy smile, hoping that the mayor's passion for business would draw out her better moods.

 

She wasn't the brightest mare in the world but she knew when she had stepped on the wrong hoof, even if by accident and without malice. Applejack heard plenty of scuttleflank about Spoiled and Filthy and how their marriage, while solid foundationally, was as far apart from warm as possible. She didn't much buy that and she also didn't involve herself in the gossip that went about town. Still, she heard enough of it and while she wasn't a buyer or seller in that market she knew that those stocks didn't rise without some cause. And her relationship with Diamond? Well, Apple Bloom had said enough for Applejack to surmise that Diamond's rosier disposition as a filly and now mare was something that stuck in Spoiled's craw. She was a mare all about advancement and getting your legs up in the world, even if it meant stepping on others. Applejack didn't have any illusions about how that may have met friction with Diamond. Still, it wasn't her right to pry or bring up poor feelings.

 

"Ah see. Well, when they get back they're gonna see tha proud and powerful Mayor of Ponyville kicking flank and earnin' everypony's respect. Shoot, Ah ain't read tha paper lately but Ah reckon yer getting mighty well liked, what with all that outside money comin' in. Ah ain't seen tha town treasury this full...well, ever!"
 

[Blueblood]

Flashcards!  Amby's eyes lit up at Niilaavin's little show, recognizing the technique.  Twilight would use it to teach her basic runes during her magic lessons, and at the filly's current age, her mind was supple and growing enough to comprehend multiple alphabets and symbologies all at once!  With each dropped apple, she repeated the number, fixing the glyphs in her head, "Chick, chick-chick, sea-chick..."  Her pronunciation could still use some work, though; she couldn't quite imitate the feline voicebox.  "Sissy-sah!"  She called out in triumph, placing the last of the apples and stepping back to see the sphinx crunch and chew the lot.  She was beaming at the praise from both him and her mama, she was a clever little filly, for sure.  She even remembered her manners!  "Thank-you, Mistah Neel-ah-veen!"

 

 

Mayor Rich, meanwhile, was trying to put as brave a face as she could at a situation that was becoming unexpectedly painful for her.  It was slightly ridiculous, really, when one thought about it; why should seeing a daughter work so well with her mother, and enjoying some mutual praise and loving between, hurt so much?  *You know why.*  The deep dark voice whispered from the depths of her mind, the same voice keeping her awake on her now-lonely nights.  *You had your chance for this, and now its gone.  Diamond's not coming back home to you, not anymore.*  Setting her lips to hide her gritted teeth, she wrestled both corners into a smile as she responded to Applejack's attempted encouragements and condolences.  "I do like to think I'm doing well in this role, its just... During the election, we were closer than we'd been for a long time, but shortly after, it all just seemed to fall apart, and I just don't understand..."

 

Oh no, no no no no, this was bad, her mask was slipping.  She needed to get out of here, before she did something dreadfully embarrassing.  Seizing on Niilaavin's offer like a lifeline, she nodded.  "Yes, I'd appreciate that.  A large house does get very lonely.  And with the nights so warm and balmy... I may join you in the gardens to sleep.  You couldn't exactly fit up the stairs into my room, after all."

[Dusty]

Nill let out a long purring chuckle at Applejack’s remarks. “I do not think they or myself can live on such alone. But your apples are very good and worth having at paw.” He then lowered his head down to be at Ambrosia's level. “And you keep up this fine work, I know you will be just as important as your mother to keep this town going down. Work hard, train and don’t forget to study.” He flashed her a cat’s grin before glancing over at Applejack. “You know what, five bits from that bag will go to her. For all her hard work” He winked at Ambrosia. “Spend it wisely!” With that he pulled his focus onto Spoiled. He knew more than most about what was going on behind closed doors with the poor mare. And it did not take a cat's cunning to understand this dealing with a family doing so well was pulling up the roots of some things best kept in the dirt for outsider viewing. 

 

“That sounds lovely, and wise. Lest we forget the toure you gave me… I have only gotten bigger and the doorway is only smaller.” He chuckled and leaned down to gently nuzzle his Rasha, doing such in the open was something he knew held some risk. But he was not about to stand about like some fool with her looking so downcast! This was a pleasant outing and something to be enjoyed, not lost in dark clouds. “Well let's not take up more of Ms’ Applejack’s time. We are hogging up her stall after all! Maybe I can give you a lift to the lake and we can enjoy some peace before you work? Unless you’d be willing to take some time off today and we can spend the day at your place?” He asked, gently leading her way from the stall. 

 

He tossed a look back and gave a swift bow of his head. “Thank you Ms’ Applejack and Ambrosia, may you have a wonderful day.” He added, as to not run off them without some well wishes.

[SteelEagle]

 

Applejack was happy to see that her daughter got along so well with a creature as intimidating naturally as a sphinx. It was a good sign that she was primed and ready to be better than Applejack, the true wish of every mother. When she was a filly she was scared, sure, but she was among first Equestrians to encounter other races regularly enough to know that her inborn biases were just straight up wrong. And now her daughter got to grow up in a world cornered by friendship and submitted to the joys of harmony, a world she was happy to have fought for and see change before her very eyes. For all that and much more though, the filly still had work to do. "Good job, Amby. Could you go get momma's little receipt book?" She said as she took her attention back to the Mayor.

 

Yeah, she was having a hard time. Watching from afar you could see it writ large in the way Diamond acted. of course, little fillies became little mares and there was a good chance that Spoiled was just taking her daughter's newfound freedom and self-expression in a manner unkind to the wonderful young mare that Diamond was becoming. Applejack was confident that when the tale was told of Spoiled and Diamond, a story that would take many chapters to tell she was sure, that both mares would be happy in its telling. "Well, she's her own mare now. Sometimes when tha little ponies get a big of themselves they need ta rebel a bit. Don't you worry none, sugarcube. She loves ya, and she'll let you know it 'fore long," Applejack ended with a smile. She was certain of it. Family always came around in the end.

 

"Ah'm happy to have given ya such a good meal here, an' right as rain Ah'll have them bushels set for you an' yers and such at tha estate. Should be able ta make tha delivery tomorrow afternoon, Ah reckon. Jus' maker sure yer greeter ain't a greeder," she laughed impishly with the sphinx. "Get it?...'cause it sounds like greedy, right?" She said, happy beyond anything with her brilliant joke. "Alright you two, have a good'n. Don't be causin' too much havoc!"

[Blueblood]

"O-kay, mama!"  Amby was always happy to help her mama, whether it be showing off with magic, counting apples, fetching books, or just being the cutest little salesfilly ever.  And the big kitty was so nice too, giving her the first tip!  She could hardly remember even being scared of him.  Sure, he might have teeth even bigger than those of the Timberwolf in Little Red Riding Apple, but they were only used for smiling, not gobbling up little ponies!  Well, maybe only the naughty ones, which she wasn't, so why be afraid?

 

Maybe Diamond should be worried, though.  She didn't understand a lot of what was going on, but it looked like Mayor Rich's not-so-little filly was making her sad.  Which was an awful thing to do to a mama!  

 

Spoiled would have agreed, if Ambrosia had said so out loud.  As it was, all she could do was sigh and tell Applejack.  "Rebellion I could deal with, even shouting is communicating.  This... feels more like secession."  Not wanting to discuss the matter further, she took her apple out.  "In any case, thank you, and have a good day."

 

Turning back to Niilaavin, she took a bite out of her apple, musing as they went along.  "I cannot take the whole day off, but a little time at the lake should help clear my head.  Bringing troubles to the office never solves them, it just adds to the ones that are already there..."  And with that they were off, leaving Applejack and Ambrosia to greet the next customers!