“And make sure she never finds the utensils!” Tibia wasn’t taking any chances. She had heard many a tale about the Element of Laughter. If she was coming into her kitchen, then she was not going to trash the place. The Changeling chef had the fullest intention to “Pinkie-proof” the kitchen. Even though nothing of the sort had ever been achieved, that didn’t mean she wasn’t going to try.
“Are they almost here?” Tibia asked one of her assistants.
“They’re right down the hall.”
“Great, now get to your station! Having guests doesn’t mean no work!”
“Yes Chef!”
Tibia turned to the rest of the kitchen staff, “That goes for the rest of you to! Put your heart into your cooking, and not just when special guests are coming!”
“Yes Chef!”
Tibia heard the sound of approaching hoof-steps. She stood at the door, bracing herself for the oncoming onslaught of hyperactive energy that she had only heard about through word-of-mouth.
A knock came at the door. She took a deep breath. ‘It’s now or never.’
The was opened and sure enough, the Elements of Honesty and Laughter were there.
“Hi there!” Pinkie Pie loudly greeted.
“Howdy Miss.” Applejack tipped her hat to the Changeling.
“Bonjour, Madam Pinkie Pie, Madam Applejack,” Tibia politely bowed her head a little, “It is wonderful to have you two here.”
“Oh, it’s nothing,” said Applejack humbly “We’re just happy to be here-”
“YEAH! Like super-duper-wooper happy to be here!” Pinkie Pie shouted.
“Of course,” Tibia forced a smile, hoping that Applejack would make this easier to handle. “Please, come in. I’m sure there is much you would like to see. Oh, and put these hair nets on please.”
“I’ve never seen an industrial kitchen before!” Pinkie bounced in anticipation.
“I’m sure it ain’t to different from a regular…old…” Applejack fell silent.
Tibia smirked satisfied with her guests’ amazement.
And they were amazed. The smell of several different dishes being cooked at once filled the air. Noise was constant, activity was high, and the space was massive. It was all ovens, burners, sinks, cabinets and more.
“Behold,” Tibia proclaimed, “My kitchen!”
As they walked around the place, the two ponies continued to be amazed. All the Changeling cooks were vigorously stirring bowls and flipping pans. Some had even given themselves extra hooves to handle their duties.
Applejack’s senses were overwhelmed. Never had she seen such an expansive and busy kitchen in her life. Not even the kitchen in Canterlot Castle was as big, and it certainly wasn’t as active.
“I…I-I don’t know what to say,” Applejack struggled to form a complete sentence, “I mean, this is just incredible!”
“That’s very kind of you to say,” Tibia said, adjusting one cook’s posture.
“Ooooooo.” Pinkie Pie was in hyperactive “poke everything, and ask questions faster than any pony can answer them” mode.
Which wasn’t good.
At all.
“What’s this do? What’s this do? Oh, what’s this do?”
“Pinkie, quit messing around,” Applejack attempted to get Pinkie Pie to stop, “You can’t just-”
“Oooo, what’s this do?” Surprisingly, it didn’t work.
Tibia snatched up Pinkie Pie and planted her on the ground. She delivered an annoyed expression. “Madam Pinkie Pie,” Tibia said, “You can not go poking and prodding everything you see. Especially when you are a guest in someling else’s home. You should know better than to do that!”
Pinkie Pie smiled nervously. “Sorry,” She said, her hyperactive state passing like a breeze, “Just got super excited.”
Tibia took a deep breath, letting her nerves settle, “Apology accepted. Now, are you calm enough to not poke and prod everything you see?”
“Yep,” Pinkie said in a cheery tone.
“Wonderful,” Tibia regained her earlier composure, “So, with that out of the way, I have a question for the two of you.”
“Uh, what’s your question?” Applejack was still a little star struck that the Changeling Chef had stopped Pinkie as quickly as she had.
“Was I wrong when I heard that both of you bake?” Tibia inquired.
Pinkie got a lot of energy back.
“Are you kidding!? It’s one of my specialties! I can make the best sugar pastries, and Applejack’s apple products are the best!”
“Is that so…?” Tibia’s curiosity had been awoken
“Well, I don’t wanna brag…” Applejack said trying to remain as humble as possible.
Tibia then said four words that ensured the events of the next few minutes:
“Well then…Prove it.”
A baking competition quickly ensued.