//------------------------------//
// Episode 13: Simply Noble 
// Story: Elements of Heroism: Season 4 
// by Bahamut0 
//------------------------------//

Inferno let out a yawn as he woke up. "Yup. Another good morning." Inferno got out of bed and changed into his usual outfit. And as per usual, he saw Rarity whipping herself into a frenzy as she scribbled designs in her notebook for the coming festival. "Pouring your heart into it as usual?" Inferno asked as he wrapped Rarity up in a hug. "Mornin' gorgeous."

"Good morning to you too darling." Rarity said with a smile as she planted a kiss on Inferno's cheek. "I've almost finished. These beauties shall be the talk of the festival! Oh and I suppose Trenderhoof will find them quite lovely as well."

Inferno blinked. "Uh, Rarity? You're normally freaking out over whatever VIP shows up at an event where you get to show off your work. What's with being so mellow about it like it's an after-thought now?"

"Oh, darling." Rarity said with a giggle. "That was when I used to pine for the affections of those who were high-class. But I quickly realized the error in such interests not too long ago."

"And just what brought on this development?" Inferno asked.

Rarity smiled as she stood up, and draped her arms over Inferno's shoulders. "Why...you of course darling." Rarity then brought her forehead to Inferno's. "I was so busy looking for someone to treasure me, and you were right under my nose. It just took you punching Blueblood to get me to realize it."

"Really now?" Inferno said with a smile as he took hold of one of Rarity's hands. "Because it was so easy for me to see you for the gem of a girl you are." The two shared a kiss until Sweetie Belle told them to get a room. "I'd take her suggestion, but it's too nice a day to waste. You eat yet? I'm on my way to the kitchen."

Rarity smiled. "Toast would be lovely darling." And with that, Inferno set to work getting breakfast ready. As soon as they fueled up, Inferno and Rarity set about getting the decorations ready. "Looks like we've finished early. So when should this Trenderhoof guy show up."

"Within a few minutes Inferno." Rarity answered. Sure enough, Trenderhoof showed up. Rarity and Inferno showed him around town. But upon their visit to Sweet Apple Acres, Trenderhoof was quite taken by the sight of Applejack going about her daily routine. However, Rarity noticed that Applejack did not return Trenderhoof's interests. "Oh dear. I think Applejack may have just garnered some unwanted attention."

Inferno then noted North staring at the scene, and looking the least bit upset by it. "And I think North's not too happy about that. Look."

North walked up to Trenderhoof, and clamped his hand on the traveller's shoulder. "You're bothering her lad. I suggest that you make yourself scarce before things get rough." Trenderhoof backed away slowly, and took his leave. "You alright there lass?"

"Yeah. Ah'm fine." Applejack said. "Thanks fer steppin' in there. Ah was startin' to think Ah'd have to slap the guy to have him back off." She then planted a kiss on North's forehead making him blush! "Yer the Element of Nobility all right."

North tried to recover from the shock of Applejack making contact with him. "N-No problem!" He then tried to walk away as calmly as he could. "Just...let me know when you need me." And with that, North set about doing the rest of his work. Sure enough, the time of the fair came. However, an unpleasant surprise soon reared his head.

"Applejack!" Trenderhoof proclaimed! "I've come for your hand!" He then fell to his knees. "I would give up or do anything for you! Even the life that I live now, I would forfeit just to be with you!"

Applejack backed away slowly. "Look sugarcube. You seem nice an' all, but Ah'm not interested in you. Ah like mah life here. An' Ah don't want you givin' up anything for me."

"Please." Trenderhoof said witha  scoff. "Who wouldn't want to be with me."

North couldn't take it anymore. "Seems you need to brush up on your manners lad. When a lady says no, she means it. But I'll be more than happy to teach you." North removed his jacket, and cracked his knuckles. "Stuck-ups like you tend to put me in a certain mood." North then got into a fighting stance. "The only dancing you're going to be doing is dodging my fists. But I'll give you a free shot."

"So be it! Have at you!" Trenderhoof punched North in the face! However, North wasn't even fazed from the hit as he slowly righted his head so that he was looking Trenderhoof.

"Next time you travel, brush up on your brawling lad." North said with a smile. "But now it's my turn." North then bonked Treanderhoof on the head. "I'd say you've learned your lesson?" Trenderhoof nodded. "Good. Now then. I belive you've a festival to enjoy?" Things carried on as usual after that quick skirmish. However, as North was gulping down some cider, he noticed Applejack approaching him. "Something on your mind lass?"

"North...Ah wanna thank you." Applejack said with a small smile. "That guy was a little too eager to wrangle me. You stepping in was a mighty big favor. But why'd you jump in so quickly? Back at the farm and right now?"

North gulped. "Well...it's because I love you Applejack." North took a deep breath. "I like people who are genuine. They're always so easy to talk to. And you're such a lovely lass too. Always so honest in what you say, down to earth, and incredibly beautiful too." North then looked Applejack right in the eye. "And you've given me so much. When you let me into your home, I felt like I was part of a family. Like I belonged. Especially when I'm with you alone. I guess you could say the attraction I feel for you is magnetic. And I'm positively falling for you."

"North." Applejack said as she walked up to him. She then raised her head to reveal that she was blushing pretty hard. "Ah was worried Ah was gonna have to say it. You saved me and my family by driving out Flim and Flam. You might've lied, but Ah can't deny you did it with good reasons. You put your hide on the line for me, and you didn't even know me. Guys with a sense of nobility like that...they're kinda mah weak point."

"So...what now?" Norht asked hopefully.

Applejack smiled as she wrapped her arms tightly around North. "Pucker up sugarcube." And with that, Applejack planted a passionate kiss on North's lips! "Get used to it. That's gonna happen a lot."

North blinked before motioning at the dance floor. "May I have this dance?" And the two danced away. Quickly becoming the center of attention.