INTRO
It was almost Hearts and Hooves Day, and Twilight and her friends were visiting the Crystal Empire, at the request of Princess Cadance.
Twilight was walking along with her Sister-In-Law down the halls of the palace.
“I can’t thank you enough for this, Cadance.”
Cadance smiled at her “I figured you all could do with a little holiday vacation, especially considering what time of year it is.”
Twilight loved Hearts and Hooves Day, especially when it meant spending it in the Crystal Empire.
All over town, ponies were putting up pretty decorations, and others were exchanging gifts with their sweethearts. Some stallions were giving their mare-friends flowers, or candies, while others were serenading others in windows with lutes or flutes.
Still, other ponies of business were conducting charity events, collecting donations as their way of spreading love to help the poor and homeless across the land.
Pinkie Pie was going around town throwing white and pink confetti while shouting, “HAPPY HEARTS AND HOOVES EVERYPONY.”
Applejack came along pulling a cart full of hot and loving heart-shaped apple pies. “Pinkie Pie, take it easy! Ponies ain’t gonna want confetti all over their pies.”
Fluttershy was handing out lovely gift baskets she had made back home to all the colts and fillies, each containing a fake flower, a few chocolate hearts, and a cute little cards with witty sayings on them.
“Here you go.” she said sweetly.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, and happy Hearts and Hooves.”
The kids just loved the cute remarks on their cards.
“I’m MAD about you”: A picture of an enraged fire-pony.
“I Choo-Choo Choose You”: A with a picture of a train.
“U and I Together.”: With a letter U and I and a heart in between them.
Suddenly there was the sound of a fanfare, and Rarity announced though a megaphone, “Attention every-pony! I, Rarity of Ponyville, am happy to announce that my official Hearts and Hooves Auction has begun.”
She pulled on a rope, and a large banner with a picture of herself in a large purple heart was dropped open.
“Yes! Come one, come all. Place your bids, and by sundown tomorrow, whoever has the highest bid shall win the grand prize: The honor of myself being your Hearts and Hooves day companion, just for the day, and all the money gathered shall be donated to charity.”
She gave her eyes a playful flutter, and naturally every stallion, whom was single and interested in a date began to huddle around placing their bids; writing them down on a pad with the promise to pay later, when and if they won.
Rainbow Dash was fluttering up overhead, and sighed, “Oh, brother. This can’t end well.”
She wasn’t much of a fan for Hearts and Hooves, but was glad to be in the empire.
While up in the palace, Spike saw Rarity’s stand from a window, and he sighed sadly. “I wish I could place a bid. I wouldn’t mind Rarity being my special some-pony for the day.”
Cadance and Twilight were giggling behind him at how cute he seemed, which made him feel embarrassed.
“Why don’t you place a bid, Spike?” asked Cadance.
Spike answered by playfully pinching his side like pockets, meaning he was strapped for cash.
“Besides, what chance do I have against all those handsome, rich looking ponies down there?”