The Labors of Applejack
Chapter Three: Fall Harvest Festival
“Do you know what this is all about?” asked Rainbow Dash as she flew next to Rarity.
“No idea dear, but it is nice that Applejack sent us written invitations rather than firing off that dreadful cannon,” reflected Rarity as she trotted along the farm lane to Sweet Apple Acres.
“That was pretty cool.”
Rarity stopped dead in her tracks and stared at her friend. “If by ‘cool’ you mean falling out of bed and being scared half to death.”
“Would you have gotten up that early if she didn’t?”
Rarity thought for a moment. “I... suppose not.” She slowly began walking again.
“Anyways, I hope today doesn’t take too long. I don’t want to miss the hoofball game. I’ve got seats to see the Cowponies play the Chargers – fifty-yard line, front row,” she boasted.
“Well, I need to get my beauty rest so I can look fabulous tomorrow morning for Black Friday shopping in Canterlot.”
“Shouldn’t you maybe, I don’t know, be running your store tomorrow?”
“And miss all the good deals? Besides, I prefer to not have my stores open on Black Friday.”
“So your employees can be home with their families?”
“Please Rainbow Dash. Black Friday is known for bargain basement shopping. I don’t want my clothes associated with such... low-quality merchandise. I do, after all, have a reputation to uphold.” Rarity paused before continuing. “Besides, Barnyard Bargains and the other department stores draw most of the customers, so I wouldn’t be able to compete.”
“Yeah, I guess that makes sense.”
The two passed the orchard and the central part of the farm came into view... the old family farmhouse... the red barn... the chicken coops... the pig pen... the massive white tent. Massive white tent? Since when did Sweet Apple Acres have a massive tent occupying one of its fallow fields? The pair hurried forward, seeing other ponies arriving for the mysterious event.
Entering the tent, Rarity and Rainbow Dash discovered what lay within. It was filled with row upon row of tables, each one with a dozen chairs. At the far end, upon a raised platform, stood two tables. And along the left side lay several tables overflowing with all sorts of the most delicious looking foods: mounds of stuffing, loaves of steaming bread, salads, mashed potatoes and gravy, platters of vegetables, and scores of mouth-watering pies and cakes and other tasty desserts. There were also several barrels of apple cider.
“Cider!” cried the pegasus.
“Rainbow Dash! It is against etiquette to partake in the food before the formal start of dinner.”
“Oh, alright!” replied a disgruntled Rainbow.
“Rarity!” Sweetie Belle ran up and hugged her older sister. “I’m so glad you could come.”
“Well, I was stopping by for a few minutes before catching the last train to Canterlot.”
Sweetie Belle became crestfallen. “Oh, so you won’t be staying for the Fall Harvest dinner?”
“I’d love to dear, but....” She stopped as Sweetie Belle looked up at her with the largest, saddest eyes the filly had ever given. “I... suppose I could miss Black Friday shop –”
“Yay!” Sweetie Belle wrapped her sister in a massive embrace, at least as best as a small filly could hug a larger mare. “Come on, mom and dad are already here,” she said, leading her sister away to one of the tables.
Rainbow Dash chuckled. Looks like her friend wouldn’t be making it to Canterlot today. Too bad. Well, there was still the hoofball game to get to. Rainbow Dash turned –
“Dashie!”
“Mom! Dad! What are you doing here!”
Bow began, “We were invited to celebrate the Fall Harvest Festival.”
“Remind me to thank Applejack,” muttered Rainbow Dash. “I don’t suppose you’d like to spend the day in,” she awkwardly rubbed her hoof through her mane, “I don’t know... Dallas?”
“Oh that big city? It will be busy with all the ponies going to the hoofball game.”
“Yeah, about that....”
Windy picked up, “It’ll be so nice to celebrate the holiday this year as a family. It’s been, what, four years since we’ve been together for a traditional Fall Harvest dinner?”
Rainbow Dash sighed as she knew she couldn’t break her parents’ hearts. “So, where’s the table?”
“We’re sitting right over here,” motioned Bow.
“Oh, by the way,” continued Windy, “we’ve met this young stallion. He’s so very nice. We’ve arranged for you two to go out on a date.”
“Mom!” cried Rainbow Dash....
Applejack stood surveying the tent. Just about every pony she’d invited had come, and most were here with their families. Even the royal sisters were here, seated at the head table. It was going to be a Fall Harvest Festival no pony would ever forget.
Well, time to get this apple cart to market. Applejack walked up to the platform with all the distinguished guests and addressed the crowd, “Welcome every pony. Ah sure am happy y’all are here to celebrate the Fall Harvest Festival. Before we eat, there’s someponies here who would like to say a few words.”
She stepped back as Princess Luna rose from her seat. “Thank you Applejack. My sister and I were pleasantly surprised to be invited to a traditional Fall Harvest Festival. I must confess, this is a rather new tradition for me. Fall Harvest Festivals were not held during our youths, coming about during my – ahem – time away. But giving thanks for all that we have and spending time with those we love – those values are universal.” She took her seat.
Next rose an elderly, bespeckled pony. “I am Dr. Herodotus, and I will give a brief overview of the history of the Fall Harvest Festival. Nearly four-hundred years ago, a group of settler ponies set out from Canterlot in search of a new place to call home. They found a beautiful land on the edge of Griffon Kingdom. The first year was tough, and they nearly starved. The next year, with the help of the griffons, they were able to grow a bumper crop of food. To celebrate this harvest, and to thank the griffons, they held a festival. From that humble beginning, the celebration spread across Equestria, and has since become a yearly tradition.” Dr. Herodotus adjusted his glasses then sat down.
Next the leader of Griffonstone, Grand Master George, took the floor. “As the leader of the delegation from Griffonstone, we thank you for the invitation. It has been a long time since we’ve observed the Fall Harvest Festival. Not since the descendants of the settler ponies took our land for themselves –”
“Thank you Grand Master George,” interrupted Princess Celestia, rising from her chair. “May this mark the start of new relations between our two nations.” A disgruntled George took his seat. “Thank you all for coming. And let us thank Applejack for putting this together.”
Cheers and hoofstomps echoed throughout the tent. “Well, shucks. It wouldn’t be the same without friends and family. Now, there’s plenty of food for everyone!” The crowds formed a line to the buffet table.
*
At the head table, Gilda turned to Grand Master George. “The food looks good, but they only have tofu turkey.”
George laughed, “They do. But a certain Grand Master did bring a real turkey for us griffons.”
Gilda smiled. “I can’t wait.”
*
Rainbow Dash sat down at the table with her family. She looked down at her overflowing plate of food and the extra-large mug of ice-cold cider. She would miss the Cowponies game, but maybe that’d be a good thing.
“So how’s the Wonderbolts?” asked Bow.
“Oh, they’re great. We’re planning our routines for next season.”
“Over here!” waved Windy.
“Mom?”
“Here comes the stallion we set you up with.”
Rainbow Dash turned in her chair. “Zephyr Breeze!”
*
“So, you’re saying they nest in Griffonstone?” asked a surprised Fluttershy. “I didn’t know they flew that far.”
“Oh yes,” replied Grand Master George. “We have a dozen golden eagles come every year. They make their nests on the side of the mountain.”
“I would love to see them.”
“You should come to Griffonstone. And bring your bits.”
Fluttershy let out a nervous laugh, unsure how serious he was being. “Thank you for the invitation." She took her plate and headed to the table where her family, minus Zephyr, sat.
Meanwhile, Grand Master George took his plate up to the head table.
“You two were talking for nearly an hour,” noted Gilda.
“Yes, she wanted to know all about the animals of our land. But I can’t wait to have dinner.” He looked down at all the delicious food, but couldn’t wait to eat the turkey. Picking up his knife and fork, he cut a large piece and put it in his mouth – tofu? Tofu! Well, if he had the tofu, then that meant –
Fluttershy stuffed her face with food. She had no idea how good tofu could taste. In fact, it really didn’t taste like tofu at all. It was without doubt the best thing she’d ever eaten in all her life. She would definitely have to eat more!
*
At the Pie table, Pinkie sat scarfing down her third piece of pumpkin pie, before she turned to her first piece of sweet potato pie and her second piece of pecan pie. Everything was so good!
“Pinkie Pie.”
The pink mare turned to find Lyra and Bon Bon standing there. “Yes?” she said with a full mouth.
“We just wanted to say how great all the pies and cakes are,” said Bon Bon.
“The pies are the best I’ve ever had,” confirmed Lyra.
Swallowing, Pinkie Pie replied, “Oh, they’re not from Sugarcube Corner.”
“They’re not?” asked a surprised Bon Bon.
“Nope! The Apples made everything!”
Lyra turned to Bon Bon. “From now on, we’ll have to buy all our pies and cakes from Sweet Apple Acres.”
“What?” yelled Pinkie Pie.
“Oh yes. Sugarcube Corner has good food, but these desserts are incredible! From now on, I’m not eating another pie unless it comes from Sweet Apple Acres!” declared Bon Bon.
Lyra added, “We’ll have to tell everypony that this is the place to get desserts in Ponyville.”
Suddenly, Pinkie Pie didn’t feel so hungry.
*
Looking around the tent, Applejack let out a satisfied sigh. The Fall Harvest Festival had been a great success. Everypony left happy. Even she was surprised by what had transpired. For some reason Pinkie Pie had begged her for all the recipes used. Fluttershy said how great the tofu turkey was, even though several ponies complained it tasted dry. And she heard Rainbow Dash and Zephyr Breeze were now a serious couple. Applejack never saw that one coming. As far as she knew, Rainbow Dash couldn’t stand Zephyr. Regardless, Applejack couldn’t reflect too long. She had a lot of cleaning to do and she needed to start planning for the Winter Moon Festival.