//------------------------------// // Dear Somepony... // Story: All Is Calm // by Cranberry Muffin //------------------------------// Dear Gingerbread, How are things in Ponyville? I know you must be busy preparing for the holiday season, but I have a huge favor to ask. As you know, I’m expecting my next foal within the month. Graham and I couldn’t be happier and Lemon Meringue is very excited to meet her new sibling. Everything is going just perfectly, except for one small problem: I was chosen to cater this year’s biggest Hearth’s Warming party. I put in a bid for the job long before we even knew we were expecting; here in Canterlot, things are planned much earlier, because they happen on such a large scale. Imagine my surprise when I won the job! It, of course, means much much more work than I already see during this busy time of year, but it also means fame, recognition and –hopefully- increased sales. Graham and my doctor are both insisting there’s no way I can handle this alone so close to my due date and lately, I’ve found myself inclined to agree with them. There’s just so much to do and I’ve been so tired lately! There are other bakers, chefs, and cooks in Canterlot chomping at the bit to take my place (a few have even gone so far as to contact the party planner and inform her of my ‘plight’) but I refuse to miss out on this opportunity. I was hoping that you might be willing to come to Canterlot and work as my partner. I think we could pull it off, if we work together. With my training in the fine arts of pastry and your rustic, home-style confections, we could surely turn heads! You would, of course, be able to stay with us and it would cost you so little – Yet, it could bring recognition to your shop. You would get a chance to bake for some of the finest ponies in Equestria and this would likely boost your sales exponentially. Please consider it and let me know what you decide. Beyond just needing your help, I would love to see you and it would be great to have you here for the holidays. Love and hugs, Your sister, Cupcake - Dear Cupcake, Congratulations! Again for the foal –I hadn’t realized it was almost time!- and also for snagging such a huge opportunity. Mom and Dad must be so proud of you. Of course I’d love to help you out. What’s family for? There’s one thing, though. Is it alright if I bring Gusty along? I would never come without her, especially during the holidays. XOXO, Gingerbread - Dear Gingerbread, Of course your special friend may accompany you! I have been dying to meet her since you first told me you took up with her. Imagine, my homey little sister with a Canterlot unicorn! I suppose it says something for our family that you, I, and dear cousin Bon Bon all have such an affinity for unicorns. I don’t suppose your Gusty has any abilities that will help us, does she? We could use all the extra hooves we can get. No, I believe I remember you telling me once that her magic is rather peculiar, isn’t it? Not at all like most unicorns. Something more akin to an earth pony’s magic, or that of a pegasus, yes? But no matter! It will probably please her to visit her hometown and I’m sure she’ll be able to keep busy while you and I are hard at work. Or perhaps she can help out with Lemon Meringue! The poor filly will be sorely lacking in adult attention in the weeks leading up to Hearth’s Warming. You know as well as I do how busy a baking season it is; it’s also Graham’s busiest time at the jeweler’s, what with all of the ponies rushing to buy their special somepony a gift. I’m certain Lemon would be delighted to spend time with a grown-up who’s not family and perhaps Gusty could show her some of the places she visited in her youth. Oh, I am finding myself more and more excited, just thinking about it! I can’t wait to see you!! Love always, Cupcake - Dear Cupcake, Thank you; I appreciate your willingness to put up a stranger, especially when you’re so busy. You’re right that Gusty doesn’t have a special talent that will help in the kitchen. But there’s nothing ‘peculiar’ about her magic. It’s unique, like every unicorn’s, and I find it beautiful. I’m not certain how she’d feel about playing foal-sitter while we’re in town – She’s kind of impatient and brash and I have no idea whether she and Lemon Meringue would even get along. I will ask her, though. I’ll be sure to let you know when our train is scheduled to arrive, once I discuss things with Gusty, settle my affairs here, and purchase tickets. Yours, Gingerbread - Mom & Dad- Going to be in Canterlot for Hearth’s Warming. Staying with a friend’s sister. Might come by to see you. -Gusty - Dear Gusty, Please, please come see us while you are in town! Your father and I have missed you all these years and you barely write. I spend a lot of time wondering if you’re okay, since you don’t see fit to let us know. Have you found a good job? Have you made friends? Are you eating enough? Your poor mother is left to wonder, since you don’t keep in touch! I know things were difficult for you here, but they didn’t have to be as hard and complicated as you made them, Gusty. And believe it or not, many ponies here ask about you often. What am I supposed to tell them, since you never write? I have too much pride to admit my only daughter doesn’t write, so I tell them all you’re fine and enjoying your life in Ponyville. I know you must at least be doing well because I haven’t heard otherwise and thank Celestia for your cousin Rarity, who does take the time to keep us informed about your health and well-being. She wrote that you’ve found a special somepony. Is it true? If so would love to meet the pony who has captivated your heart. If you don’t want to come to the apartment, at least meet with me for lunch? You’re my only child and I miss you terribly. Love, Mother - Dear Cupcake, I was able to square away my business here in Ponyville. All of my regular customers who’s orders I won’t have time to fill are being referred to the other bakery in town for the holidays and Bon Bon is going to keep an eye on the shop for me. Gusty has agreed to accompany me to Canterlot, though she’s hesitant to accept your proposal about looking after Lemon Meringue while we’re there. She was quite adamant that she will do no such thing, but maybe they’ll hit it off anyway. Stranger things have happened. We’ll be coming in on the fifteenth on the three-fifteen train. See you soon! Gingerbread - Mom- Maybe. -G. - Dear Gingerbread, The fifteenth is so far away, and yet it seems like there will be so little time to get everything done in preparation for your arrival! I’ve been driving Graham and Lemon mad lately putting them to work with cleaning and washing and all of the things a good host does before company comes – The things I can’t be doing in my condition. Graham is, of course, complaining every step of the way (he says we should just hire a cleaning service for the day), but he’s doing his chores all the same. I don’t think there’s anything that stallion wouldn’t do for me. I’m sorry to hear that Gusty isn’t interested in entertaining the whims of a filly. Lemon Meringue is excited that her Auntie Gingerbread is coming and also excited to meet her ‘Auntie’ Gusty. I do hope she’ll indulge the poor filly at least a little bit; it would crush Lemon otherwise! She’s so looking forward to spending time with a grown-up pony who’s not family. I know she’s been telling her friends that she’s going to have the best school break ever. I sincerely hope she won’t be left disappointed. Lemon Meringue and I will meet you at the train station when you arrive. Your timing is perfect! I’ll have just met her after school and we’ll wander over to the station from there. And don’t you start worrying your pretty little head about me walking so far; we certainly have the money for a cab ride both to and from the train station. In any case, I will be seeing the both of you very soon! Travel safely! Hugs and kisses, Cupcake - Darling Gusty, You can do this and everything will be okay. I’ll be with you through it all, by your side and in your heart of hearts. All of my love, Gingerbread