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// Fluttershy's Gift 
// Story: Baking Ginger Cookies 
// by Kumare Tanamaru 
//------------------------------//

"No," Paprika replied. "I haven't... What's it like?"

"Well," Fluttershy resumed. "Close your eyes and think about water. Slowly moving water, with gentle waves that barely touch your hooves as you breathe in the warm salty air."

Paprika was put in a trance. She had a huge smile on her face, and looked like she was thoroughly enjoying herself. Fluttershy picked up a conch shell quietly and hovered over Paprika.

"I can't hear anything yet..."

"Just hold on, it'll come to you. Be patient" Trey said in a lighthearted tone.

Fluttershy held the shell to Paprika's ear, and smiled as she watched her reaction.

"Wow... I can really hear it!" She said without opening her eyes. "It's like I'm really there!"

"You can open your eyes now, sweetie." Fluttershy said.

Paprika did so and much to her surprise, she found that Fluttershy was holding a beautiful Conch shell next to her ear.

"This was a shell Trey and I found on the beach a while back. We figured you might like to have it since you've never been before."

"It's beautiful!" the little filly said with her eyes wide and gleaming.

"And, let's not forget about the father. Pineapple, we also got you some new spices down by Sea Horse Shore."

Pineapple took the bottles off their hooves and smiled a great smile.

"This is fantastic! New tastes, new recipes! Thanks pal!" Pineapple said, giving Trey a audible bro-hoof.

"Is it my turn yet Twilight?" Spike whispered.

"Not yet Spike, don't be rude."

"What was that Spike?" I said looking over the scaly little serpent.

"Uh.. I have a gift for Chocolate...?"

"Oh," I said with a warm smile. "Well, by all means! Jump on in there."

Spike gave Twilight a snide look and walked to the middle of the room where Chocolate Pie was hanging out.

"Yo, Choco, my man. Got you a present! I hope you like it. I had a little help putting it together, but here you go! It took a while to get all the materials together for it, but I think it's well worth it."

Chocolate stared at the box in confusion, and started unwrapping the gift carefully.