//------------------------------// // Chapter One: Mrs. Fanny Barnett is Surprised! // Story: Birdie of Dandelion Dale // by kleia //------------------------------// Fanny Barnett was a stout mare who lived in the middle of town. She defined the word "stout" in both body and mind alike. Like many other families, she and her husband made their money farming their land. Each family had their own trade they tended to. Theirs, in particular, was ground based vegetables.  Today, though, was a rest day for the mare. The unicorn was making work of her needlepoint in her drawing room, with tea she sipped on, mind thinking of various things she had yet to do. Make lunch for the husband, put on more tea so he could enjoy it with his lunch --  Elliot, one of Fanny's neighbors, was walking down the road she could see from her window. Her thoughts were quickly interrupted by his pace, her eyes watching him. Her needlepoint levitated idly in the air. Where in the world, at this hour, was Elliot Plundell going? At this time, he would normally be doing farm work, tending to his crops, and going in for tea.  And what a sight he was! He was dressed in his best! Whatever for? The stout mare knew just what she needed to do. She would trot right on over to Dandelion Dale and inquire within! Ethyl would be home, that was for sure and certain. Fanny took one more sip of her tea, and placed her needlework down on the table that sat in front of the window, taking a quick peek in the mirror, adjusting any stray hairs.  The mare made quick work of her purple coat and dark mane, which was held back in a loose, fancier bun. A few strands were curled and loose at the base of her neck, and fell neatly over her shoulder. After a quick once over, and a few minor mane adjustments, the unicorn levitated on her nearly-best hat and trotted off to Dandelion Dale.  Dandelion Dale was one of many homesteads in a newly founded Ponyville, but was much older. Elliot and Ethyl Plundell had roots set deep into Ponyville's history, of which their parents were the ones who were here before they took over the farm. Their parents were long gone, and even Elliot and Ethyl were getting on in years.  Fanny's hoof was quick to meet the Plundell home's door, knocking with hasty eagerness. Fanny fidgeted when Ethyl didn't come right away, knocking again with more fervor. The door opened swiftly, and there stood Ethyl, dressed in her apron and usual, practical dress.  "Oh! Fanny! What can I do for you?" she asked, the door held open with a hoof. Fanny pushed her way into the Plundell home, past Ethyl and to the dining area. Ethyl was not surprised at this. Fanny either had drama or gossip to tell, or drama or gossip to ask about. There was never an in-between. She was also accustomed to Fanny pushing her way in.  "Would you put on some tea? I have questions!" Fanny proclaimed, sitting at the table. Ah, there was Ethyl's answer. She had seen Elliot making haste in his best clothes, and wanted answers, plain and simple.  "Hello to you too, Fanny," Ethyl said, a thin smirk etched on her face. Ethyl made quick work of whisking the kettle from its position over the fire, and setting it down gently on the table, joining Fanny at the table shortly after, sitting across from the stout unicorn. Fanny gaped in reply. "Well!" she said simply, scoffing playfully. A silence formed in the air. Foalish looks were shared between the two, and they each let out a laugh.  "I tease, Ethyl." Fanny began, smiling at her friend. "Now, why was Elliot in his best clothes trotting off to Celestia knows where?" she asked, Fanny's expression shifting, her magic lifting the teapot and pouring herself a cup.  "Oh, well, as you're aware, Elliot and I are getting up there in years, that's for sure and certain. Plus, Elliot's issues with his health... We can't run this farm alone, so he's going to pick up an orphan colt from the train station, who's coming in from an orphanage in Canterlot. It is a practical decision, at that," she said. Fanny's teacup stopped its movement to her lips, and she blinked a few times in disbelief.  "Who are you and what have you done with Ethyl!" she spat, brows knit together. "What in Equis possessed you of such an idea!?" she set her teacup down with a ferocity, the cup making a sharp clattering sound. "Why! I read in the paper just the other day that an orphan adopted to a family on the outskirts of Canterlot found the family's matches and set fire to their crops! They were lucky to make it out alive! The fire spread to their home! Practical decision?!" Fanny was simply contrived! Confounded! She re-levitated her tea and took a sip, dumbfounded.  "Oh, that is enough out of you! You know well and good, as I just explained that Elliot and I are up in years, and his heart gives him trouble. We still have a farm to care for and simply can't do it alone anymore. A colt will be a fine help," Ethyl stated, her brows mirroring Fanny's. "Believe you me, we have thought long and hard about this, and Elliot has had to do a great number of convincing, I will have you know." She too took a frustrated sip of her own tea. Fanny let out a defeated sigh. "Well, don't say I didn't warn you. You could just hire help, like a zebra or thestral," Fanny said simply, sipping away at her tea. Ethyl simply rolled her eyes. For two old mares who went way back, some ponies would wonder how the pair were even friends.  "Well, I suppose you'll have to come around later this week and meet the boy," Ethyl said, her tone firm. Ethyl stood and opened the door for Fanny, showing her the way out.   "That I shall do." she said, offering a smile to Ethyl. Ethyl thinly smiled in reply. To a degree, Fanny had a point. On one hoof, some orphans were simply too much for adoptive parents to handle. Celestia knows what they were getting themselves into, that was for sure and certain. On another hoof, the siblings needed the help, and figured a strong boy from the orphanage would be able to help longer than somepony hired.  With a sigh, Ethyl returned the kettle to its hanging spot over the fire, and busied herself with work while she awaited the arrival of Elliot and the boy, cleaning the tea cups and preparing dough for bread.