//------------------------------// // Guess Who's Coming to Dinner! // Story: My Big Fat Griffon Wedding // by LunaJack //------------------------------// Gulliand stood tall as he faced the gathered members of the Apple family standing before him. He had met Applejack and Spike before at the previous Grand Galloping Gala, but the others were new to him. At least they’re smiling, he thought. “I am pleased to meet you all,” he said with an elegant bow. Granny’s old eyes widened in delight. “Well, I’ll be!” she cried. “It’s been a long time since I saw some critter make a bow like that! When I was a filly, all the young fellers in town used to do it. I always thought it was a right purty gesture.” “I agree, Madam,” replied Gulliand, smiling. “I learned to do it while I was studying in Prance. It is still the custom there.” “This is Granny Smith, the boss of Sweet Apple Acres,” said Cinnamon Roll proudly. “Her family were some of the first settlers in Ponyville. She’s always telling us stories about how life was back when she was a filly.” The griffon chuckled. “Sounds like Grampa Gruff back in Griffonstone. He likes to tell stories of what life was like when he was young, but you have to pay him two Bits to hear it.” “Well, here, you’ll get it all for free,” Apple Bloom giggled, giving her Granny a teasing hug. “I’m Apple Bloom, by the way,” she added, extending her hoof to Gulliand. “I’m Applejack’s little sister.” “Ah, yes! I recognize you from the posters!” cried the griffin, his eyes lighting up. “You are in the band The Cutie Mark Crusaders! My sisters are big fans.” Apple Bloom stared in surprise. “Whoa, I didn’t know we were popular in the Griffon Kingdom!” Gulliand shrugged. “The older griffons tend to dismiss pony music, but the younger ones love it. Most like the grittier stuff, like Heavy Metal, but my sisters prefer Pop.” “Well, I’ll make sure they get an autographed copy of our new album,” Apple Bloom promised. “Thank you.” He took her hoof and gave it a small peck with his beak. “I know they will appreciate it.” “Oooh! Such fine manners!” Granny cooed. “Take notes, young’un!” She nudged Applespike. “That there is how you treat a lady!” The griffon chuckled as the dragon-pony squirmed in embarrassment. Applejack and Spike quickly stepped forward. “Good to see ya again,” said Applejack, giving his claw a hearty shake. Bowing and hoof kissing wasn’t her thing. “Glad you could make it to our little shindig.” “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, Madam.” “Hope you like country cooking,” said Spike, wiping his dragon claw on his apron before offering it to Gulliand. “Cuz you’re gonna get plenty of it.” “If it is half as good as Cinnamon Roll says it is, I am sure it will be delicious.” “Well, you’ll get a sample of it soon. I’m helping Granny fix a light lunch for everyone. It should be ready in a few minutes.” No one noticed Cinnamon Roll and Gulliand wince at the promise of more food so soon after their big taste testing at Sugar Cube Corners. “Wonderful!" said the griffon. "Can’t wait to try it.” Granny and Spike glowed with pride. Meanwhile, Cinnamon directed her fiance’s attention to the enormous red stallion who stood patiently, chewing on a piece of straw. “And this is Uncle Big McIntosh. He’s Ma and Apple Bloom’s older brother.” “Howdy,” said Big Mac, offering an enormous hoof. Gulliand gulped, remembering his experience with Cinnamon Stick. Griffons were typically bigger and stronger than average ponies, but this stallion looked bigger and stronger than average. Even his deep voice seemed to rumble like thunder. “Pleased to meet you, sir,” Gulliand said, tentatively taking the proffered hoof. To his relief, the stallion did not attempt to crush him. His grip was strong as befit a pony of his size but was not overpowering. “Uncle Big Mac’s married to Aunt Cheerilee, who’s the local school teacher. Their daughter’s named Apple Blossom, who’s married to Thunder Dash, Aunt Rainbow Dash’s oldest son. He and his sister Lightning Dash are in the Wonderbolts Reserves.” Cinnamon paused and turned to Big Mac. “Are Apple Blossom and Thunder Dash going to be here tonight?” “Eyup!” the stallion smiled. “Lightning and her wife, too.” “EEEEEE!” Cinnamon squealed, dancing in excitement. “It’s been so long since we’ve all been here together! I’m so looking forward to tonight!” “We all are, Sugar Cube,” said Applejack, giving her daughter a nuzzle. “Well,” said Spike, glancing back at the farm house. “Granny and I need to finish fixing lunch. Why don’t you all show our guest around a bit?” “Okay, Sugar Cube!” said Applejack enthusiastically. “Come on, young’un!” she called to Gulliand. “Let me give ya a tour of the place.” She showed him the henhouse first, explaining how the hens were fed and the eggs were gathered. Next, he was taken by the pig pen and introduced to the occupants. The griffon tilted his head in puzzlement. “Aren’t all ponies herbivores?” he asked. “Yup.” “But you raise pigs?” “Yup.” “Do you sell them to other creatures to…eat?” “Of course not!” Applejack gasped in horror. “We keep ‘em right here.” “Um…” Gulliand frowned at the grunting pigs. “Why?” Applejack rolled her eyes. “Well, we couldn’t call ourselves real farmers if we didn’t! Honestly, how many farmers do you know who don’t have pigs?” As the griffon did not know any farmers at all, he kept his beak shut. The next stop was the dairy. Gulliand was very impressed with the operation. The stalls were neat as a pin and the cows were all sleek and fat. “This is very nice,” he said to Applejack. “Everything is so clean and the cows look very healthy.” A nearby heifer raised her head. “Why, thank you, dear! Such a nice thing to say!” Gulliand jumped back with a cry of surprise. “WHAT THE FLAP?” Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Cinnamon Roll all fell out laughing. “I’m guessin’ cows in the Griffon Kingdom don’t talk,” said Apple Bloom, wiping her eyes. “N-n-no, they do not.” The griffon blushed in embarrassment. “I just assumed they were dumb animals like the chickens and the pigs.” “We’re not dumb critters!” cried a red cow with white spots on her side. “We’re Grade A bovines, don’tcha know!” put in another. “Our milk is top’o the line!” “Best butter, you betcha!” nodded a third. “My apologies, ladies.” Gulliand bowed with a claw over his chest. “By ‘dumb’ I meant non-sentient, unable to speak. I did not mean to insult your intelligence.” “Oh, that’s okay,” chorused the cows, cheerfully. “Must say, you’re mighty polite for a carnivore.” Gulliand was about to retort to this when a loud, rattling, clanging sounded outside. “Whelp, there’s the dinner bell,” said Applejack. “Come on, ya’ll! It’s time for lunch.” Space was tight in the Apple family kitchen, yet, somehow, they managed to fit six ponies, one dragon and one griffon around the table. The meal was light, if you considered hash browns, creamed corn, butter beans, and turnip greens served with crispy hoecake to dip in the pot liquor a light fare. Gulliand was fascinated with the greens and the pancake like hoecake. “These tastes quite good together,” he said, holding up a stiff piece of hoecake. “What kind of flour do you make these from?” “It’s corn meal,” answered Spike. “Ground from corn raised right here at Sweet Apple Acres.” “Really?” the griffon nibbled the crispy cake, noting the texture and unique flavor. “I rarely use corn meal, except when I am frying fish. It’s not commonly used in Canterlot.” “They prefer white bread there,” said Cinnamon Roll, rolling her eyes. “Well, them high-falutin’ society ponies don’t know what they’re missin’!” cried Granny. “Back when I was a filly, we ate dandelion greens and hoecake all summer long.” “I am curious, though,” said Gulliand. “Why do you call it hoecake?” Granny grinned as the rest of the Apple family members rolled their eyes and quietly groaned. “Back in the day, farmers worked hard from sunup to sundown. They weren’t always able to stop work to eat a good meal. So, they’d build a fire near the fields, mix up a mess of cornmeal, then bake it on the hoe blade. That’s how it got the name ‘hoecake’.” “We use a flat skillet now,” added Spike. “With plenty of hot oil.” “Interesting,” the griffon mused. “What other things do you usually make using cornmeal?” The elderly mare practically glowed with pride as she happily launched into a recitation of various recipes. Apple Bloom chuckled as she leaned close to Cinnamon Roll. “Looks like your special some-griffon is going to be stuck with Granny for a while,” she whispered. “Are you kiddin’ me?” the brown filly snorted. “They’re talkin’ about food! He’s happier than a pig in a puddle right now.” After lunch, everyone went back to work either finishing chores or preparing for the party that night. Spike washed the dishes while Applejack dried and set them away. Big Mac left to clean up the gazebo and set out the tables while Applespike finished weeding the garden. Granny and Gulliand sat at the table chopping onions for dressing and talking about other country recipes. Cinnamon Roll and Apple Bloom went to milk the cows. “I see you haven’t lost your touch, dearie,” said the red cow with white spots as Cinnamon Roll gently pulled on the udders. “Gentlest hooves in the family.” “Maybe she can give lessons to that little brother of hers,” snorted a white cow. “No offense, but Applespike pulls on the udders like he’s ringing in the New Year!” Cinnamon Roll giggled. “I’ll talk to him,” she promised. “I’ll be glad when you graduate and come home for keeps,” said the red cow with a swish of her tail. “Things just ain’t the same without you.” Cinnamon Roll blushed guiltily. She could not tell them that she would not be returning to the farm. After the milking was done, Cinnamon helped Apple Bloom count out the plates and the silverware and make sure the good tablecloths were clean. She tried to assist in the kitchen, but was ordered out by Granny and Spike. She was the guest of honor, and the guest of honor never cooks the dinner! Gulliand, who was busily chopping onions, carrots, and celery, gave her a sympathetic smile. “Let them do this for you, Cherie,” he whispered as she was shooed away. “You will be cooking for others soon enough.” By four o’clock everything was ready. The table under the gazebo was prepped, the plates were neatly stacked, and the food keeping warm in the oven. The mares took turns bathing in the bathroom while the men-folk used the outdoor shower close to the pump. Gulliand shivered under the ice-cold spray as he quickly cleaned himself with apple-scented soap. “Sorry fer the cold water,” said Big Mac, lathering up next to him. “We usually just use this if we get too dirty to go in the house.” Applespike nodded. “Ma makes me use it if I’ve been hangin’ out with Zany. She says she never knows if I might need to be decontaminated.” Gulliand raised an eyebrow. “Decontaminated?” “Don’t ask,” muttered Spike. The men had just started to towel off when there was a bright flash and Fluttershy, Discord, and Zany appeared right next to them. The yellow Pegasus gave a horrified eep before covering her eyes with her hooves. Spike, Big Mac, and Applespike scrambled to wrap towels around themselves. “DISCORD!” they screeched. “Well, it’s so nice to see you all again,” purred the draconequess, clearly enjoying their embarrassment. “I just didn’t expect to see so much!” “Discord!” Fluttershy’s soft voice snapped. “What? It’s not like you ponies aren’t naked all the time, my dear!” “Oh, come off it, Dad,” snarked Zany, rolling his eyes. “You nearly blew yourself to another dimension when Screwball accidentally walked in on you that time.” Discord blushed crimson. “Oh, all right!” he muttered. With a snap of his claw Fluttershy was teleported to the front of the house. “There! I hope you’re satisfied,” he said sulkily crossing his arms over his chest. “Yes, thank you,” replied Gulliand. Discord looked at the griffon, a mischievous smile crawling across his face. “Well, well, well, I see Cinnamon Roll has finally brought her griffon-friend to dinner.” He snapped his fingers. POP! To his horror, Gulliand found himself laying in a giant roasting pan with an apple shoved in his beak. “Dibs on the drumstick!” “DISCORD!” Zany used his magic to free the frightened griffon. “Sorry about that,” he said, giving his father a dirty look. “Dad just thinks he’s being funny.” “Well!” Discord harrumphed, his muzzle in the air. “It’s clear my talents are being wasted here! If you will excuse me, I will be setting up the lanterns in the gazebo. Ta-ta!” In a flash, he was gone. “Dad really doesn’t mean any harm,” said Zany, placing an apologetic hoof on Gulliand’s shoulder. “If he did, you’d be drowning in chocolate milk right now. You’ll get used to him.” The colt snickered, showing a little glint of his fang. “And don’t worry,” he whispered. “We’re not related to the Apples!” It wasn’t long before the other guests began to arrive. Rarity and Fancy Pants trotted into the orchard followed by Sweetie Belle and their daughters Gemstone and Jewel. The couple were slightly surprised to see the griffon assisting Applespike with the place settings but greeted him warmly. “It’s nice to see you again, Gulliand,” said Rarity, blushing as the griffon bowed over her hoof. “Such exquisite manners! One would think you were a noble of Canterlot!” “Indeed,” agreed Fancy Pants. “If only more of us could show such grace!” Applespike, who was busy folding napkins, leaped to his feet when he caught sight of Jewel. “Good evenin’, Mam-wah-zel,” he said, taking her hoof and bowing over it. Both Jewel and Gemstone tittered over the gesture. “Oh, Applespike! You are just too cute sometimes!” Before long, Pinkie and her husband Cheese Sandwich along with the Tri-Pies bounced in. Gulliand shuddered at the sight of the pink mare, but he managed to greet her and her family politely. The three fillies were a bit more restrained than their mother and cooed as he took their hooves. “Wow, you’re really nice!” said Blueberry. “Yeah, you’re super-duper sweet!” cried Raspberry. “Sweet as icing on a cinnamon roll!” squealed Cherry. “What?” she asked as her sisters face-hoofed. “What did I---Oooooohhhhh!” “So, you’re the Great Gumbo Griffin!” cried the grinning yellow stallion. “I’m Cheese Sandwich: clown, party-planner, loving husband of Pinkie and father of these three colorful ladies. Glad to finally meet you, sir!” He said offering his hoof. Gulliand took the proffered hoof. “I am glad to make your—” BUZZ! An electric shock shot up the griffon’s claw making his feathers stand on end. “Gotcha!” Cheese laughed, showing off the joy buzzer on his hoof. “That never gets old!” And neither will you, thought Gulliand as he resisted the urge to grab the stallion by his back legs and break him like a wishbone. He took a deep breath and smiled. “Good one, sir. Very funny.” Cinnamon Stick and Dinky arrived next. The brown stallion nodded coolly at Gulliand as his wife hurried assist with the silverware. By the time the other guests arrived, the table was set and ready to go. Twilight, Flash Sentry, and Twinkle all appeared in a magenta flash. A few seconds later, Rainbow Dash appeared like rainbow comet, pushing up grass and dirt as she skidded to a halt. “Time!” she gasped. “Three seconds,” said Twilight checking a stopwatch. “Two seconds better than last time.” “Rainbow, darling, are still trying to see if you can fly as fast as Twilight can teleport?” asked Rarity, looking at her friend in some amusement. “I thought you would have given up on that a long time ago.” “Hey, I’m just trying to get my speed back up to par before I return from maternity leave,” replied Rainbow Dash gulping down a bottle of water. “Man, it’s been a rough year! Having the twins didn’t knock me out as much as this last kid has.” “Well, none of us are getting younger, darling,” Rarity sighed. “And having a child at our age can be very challenging. Where is little Clipper anyway?” “Prism’s got him. She and the others should be flying in soon as long as Aqua Fresh doesn’t fall off Lightning’s back again.” Suddenly, the cyan Pegasus stiffened. “What’s a griffon doing here?” she snarled. Gulliand froze, surprised by the sudden animosity in the mare’s voice. Rainbow Dash glared at him, her teeth bared, her shoulders hunched as though she might attack him any moment. “Rainbow Dash!” Rarity snapped, placing herself between the griffon and her friend. “Mind your manners! This is Gulliand. He’s a friend of Cinnamon Roll’s” “Yeah!” added Pinkie, grinning widely as she threw a hoof over the griffon’s shoulder. “He’s her veeeeeeery special some-griffon.” “He’s the one who made that wonderful gumbo Pinkie and I brought with us when we visited you at the hospital in Whinnyapolis last year,” put in Twilight. “I remember you were glad to get it after all that hospital food.” “Yeah,” Rainbow muttered begrudgingly. “It was pretty good. I guess you’re okay,” she added to Gulliand. “Just watch yourself around my friends, capeesh?” “Yes, Madam,” Gulliand replied with a nod. As Rainbow turned away, he leaned in close to Twilight. “Have I done something to offend your friend?” he whispered. Twilight shook her head sadly. “No, Gulliand, you haven’t done anything wrong. Rainbow Dash had a bad experience with a griffon many years ago and she still hasn’t gotten over it.” “Really?” Gulliand frowned, wondering what kind of bad experience the cyan Pegasus had suffered at the claws of his fellow griffon. He had no time to ask as Twilight, Rarity, and Pinkie all left to greet Rainbow’s family as they landed near the gazebo. The twins Thunder Dash and Lightning Dash alighted first, their respective wives dismounting from their backs. Both mares appeared thankful to be on the ground again. “That’s it,” said Aqua Fresh shakily. The white unicorn looked much paler than usual. “No more piggy back rides! I thought for sure we were gonna die when you went into that dive!” “For crying out loud, I was taking off from Mom’s house in Cloudsdale!” Lightning Dash cried. “I had to fly downward otherwise we’d be over the mountains by now! And don’t call it a ‘piggy back’ ride, okay! I’m not a pig!” “It’s a Peggy Back Ride!” quipped Pinkie, popping up between the arguing couple. “Cuz you’re a Peggy-sus!” Everyone laughed at the pun. Even Aqua Fresh and Lightning couldn’t help but grin. A few seconds later Soarin arrived followed by Scootaloo and Prism carrying the newest addition to the family. All the mares gathered around to look at the little foal and coo over him. Cinnamon Roll, who had not been in Ponyville when the baby was born, ran to the gazebo to get her first glimpse of him. He was so tiny, barely over two months old, his wee wings folded close to his sleeping body. He had a cornflower blue coat and dark blue-gray mane like his father, but his tail was long and rainbow colored like his mother. Cinnamon softly ran a hoof over the foal’s back, dawwing as his little wings shivered at her touch. “Oh, Aunt Rainbow Dash! He’s beautiful!” she said in a loud whisper. “Thanks,” answered Prism before her mom could speak. “He’s been a great baby. Really sweet and well behaved.” “Huh, if he didn’t have our coloring, I’d have thought we picked up the wrong baby,” said Soarin. “Very funny, Dad,” grumbled Thunder Dash as everyone except his twin sister laughed. “We weren’t that bad.” “Oh, but I beg to differ, my dears!” said Discord suddenly appearing next to the twins to pinch their cheeks. “You two were almost as chaotic as Screwball and just as destructive. I have the video to prove it!” A large movie screen and projector appeared next to them. “All right! Home movies!” cried Zany. A row of theatre seats appeared with Applespike, Jewel, and Twinkle sitting in them wearing 3-D glasses. The draconequess colt plopped down next to Twinkle. “Roll film!” “TWELVE INCH RULE!” cried Discord and Twilight at the same time, each levitating a ruler between the two. Zany and Twinkle huffed in annoyance. “Drat!” “Hey, guys! What’s going on?” asked a new voice. A pink mare with swirling eyes wearing a beanie with a propeller on the top slowly materialized in front of the group followed by a tall black Changeling with a cobweb-like blue mane. Thunder, Lightning, and Apple Blossom squealed in delight. “Screwy! Mothball!” The three rushed to hug the couple. Aqua Fresh smiled nervously and greeted them from a distance. Thunder Dash and Apple Blossom cooed in delight as they noticed the tiny black foal Screwball was carrying in a basket on her back. The infant looked like a pony until you noticed the black carapace and little holes in her tiny legs. Her little mane was white and purple like her mother’s but was cobwebby like her father’s. “She is so cute!” squealed Apple Blossom. “What did you name her?” “Puffball,” said Screwy, grinning broadly. “We thought about calling her Softball,” added Mothy. “Or even Wiffleball, but we thought she looked more like a Puffball.” Thunder Dash tilted his head and looked at the hairless foal. “Yeah. I guess she does.” No one seemed to notice the griffon standing off to the side as he watched the joyful reunion. Gulliand remembered seeing the strange mare and the Changeling at last year’s Gala and knew they were connected to Discord somehow. He knew the Pegasi were all related to the angry rainbow mare and that the Pegasus mare with the orange and yellow mane was married to the white unicorn mare with the red and blue striped mane. Same sex marriages were not allowed in the Griffin Kingdom, but Gulliand had spent so much time in Equestria that he did not think it odd at all. His eyes flitted over the group, trying to remember what Cinnamon Roll had told him about her friends and their families, but with everyone milling about it was becoming confusing. Eventually, Cinnamon Roll made her way to where he was standing. “You okay?” she asked softly. “You look a little lost.” The griffin nodded. “It is a lot to take in. There is so much going on. It’s…crazy!” “Yep,” said Cinnamon Roll, smiling broadly. “It’s family.” A few minutes later Granny with Spike and Applejack pushing the food cart made their way through the crowd. “Every critter, wash up! It’s time to eat!” cried Granny as she took her place at the head of the table. Discord snapped his eagle claw, and a faucet and soap dispenser appeared in midair. After everyone had washed their hooves or claws, they took their place at the table. Applejack and Spike sat to the left of Granny, followed by Cinnamon Stick and Dinky. Fancy Pants and Rarity with Sweetie Belle and Gemstone sat next to them. Opposite them sat Rainbow’s family with Apple Blossom sitting next to her parents. Prism and baby Clipper, who was still asleep, sat next to Gemstone along with the excited Tri-Pies. Discord, as usual took up position at the other end of the table flanked by Fluttershy and Screwball with Mothball. Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry sat on the same side of the table as Fluttershy while Pinkie and Cheese Sandwich plopped down next to Mothy. The Chaotic Three, Jewel, Applespike, and Zany, sat near the middle. Twinkle had wanted to sit with them but Discord and her mother had placed her between Cheese Sandwich and the Tri-Pies. The little alicorn was a little annoyed at the arrangement, but glad she hadn’t been forced to sit next to her parents. Cinnamon Roll sat next to Granny as the guest of honor. Gulliand sat beside her. The long rectangular table groaned under the weight of the good food. There were platters of fried veggie sausage with savory mushroom gravy, huge bowls of creamed corn, seasoned snap beans, and black-eyed peas, an enormous pan of cornbread dressing, and a platter of Apples N' Onions. Rainbow Dash eyed the last dish suspiciously. “Seriously?” she asked. “Are you sure that isn’t something Discord came up with?” “Oh, no, my dear,” Fancy Pants assured her. “This is a delicacy Cinnamon Roll introduced to us last year. I assure you it is quite delicious.” “That’s good enough for me, sir,” said Soarin’, spooning a small helping onto his plate. His family watched as he took a bite, his eyes lighting up in delight. “He wasn’t kidding! This is good!” Everypony backed up as the twins and Rainbow Dash made a play for the Apples N' Onions. POOF! THUD! Their spoons hit the table as the platter disappeared then reappeared in front of Discord. “Excuse me,” the draconequess said coolly as he calmly helped himself to a modest serving. “You’re not the only ones at the table, you know.” For once, no one admonished him. Gulliand thoroughly enjoyed the feast. Though a carnivore, he enjoyed the deliciously seasoned vegetables and delighted in the savory corn bread dressing he had assisted making with Granny. After a while, when the guests finally looked to be slowing down, Spike rose and tapped his glass to get everyone’s attention. “Thank you,” he said as the guests quieted down and turned to listen. “First of all, I want to thank all of you for coming tonight. It’s wonderful to see all our family and friends again: Lightning Dash, Thunder Dash, Aqua Fresh, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo. It’s been a long time. We are so happy you could take time out of your busy schedules to be here.” “Are you kidding?” cried Thunder Dash, smiling at Cinnamon Roll. “We wouldn’t have missed this for anything!” “The first Apple to graduate with a Bachelorette’s Degree!” added Apple Blossom. “I am so proud!” “We all are!” said Twilight Sparkle. “Here, here!” agreed Fancy Pants, raising his glass. “To Cinnamon Roll! May her future be bright!” “To Cinnamon Roll!” everyone toasted. The little brown mare blushed brightly, tears pricking her eyes as she watched the creatures she loved most celebrating her accomplishment. Suddenly, she was aware of an arm sliding across her back and a claw gently squeezing her shoulder. She looked up and found herself staring into the loving face of her griffon. His golden eyes shone softly in the lantern light, she could feel them beckoning her… “So, what are you gonna do after you graduate?” Cinnamon startled as Rainbow Dash’s gravelly voice broke the enchantment. “I-I-I’m sorry?” The older mare rolled her eyes. “What are you gonna do after you graduate? You gonna come back to Ponyville or are you gonna work in one of those fancy restaurants up in Canterlot?” “Ewww! I hope not!” cried Pinkie Pie, looking disgusted. “Everything up there tastes like tissue paper and cardboard!” “Yeah!” agreed Cheese with a shudder. “And they give you such tiny portions!” “Well,” said Cinnamon Roll. “I can promise you I will not be working in Canterlot.” “Oh, drat,” murmured Fancy Pants. “There went Canterlot’s last hope.” “But what are you gonna do?” demanded Rainbow Dash. “You’re, like, graduating from some fancy-schmancy college! You got plans, don’t you?” “Leave her alone, Rainbow Dash,” said Applejack, standing up to face her friend. “She’s been attending school for four years. She might need a little time off before she makes any big decisions like that.” “Actually, Ma," said Cinnamon Roll suddenly. "I do know what I’m gonna do!” Everyone became silent as the brown filly rose from her seat. “My friend Gulliand is going to open a restaurant. He asked me to be his partner…and I agreed.” There was a gasp of surprise followed by applause and congratulations. Only Rainbow Dash didn’t look pleased, her eyes narrowed suspiciously on the griffon. Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie looked ready to explode. An enormous grin was spread across her face and her tail was ticking back and forth like a metronome again. “Well, that is wonderful!” cried Rarity. “You are both such talented cooks, I am sure you will do well. LeGrand and Apple!” Cinnamon Roll bit her lip. “Actually, Aunt Rarity, it’s gonna be LeGrand and…LeGrand.” Everyone sat in silence as the little mare drew Gulliand to her side. Her heart beat loud in her chest and her hoof tightly gripped the griffon’s strong claw as she spoke. “We are getting married.”