//------------------------------// // Chapter 1—Deals and Dates // Story: Double Date // by OleGrayMane //------------------------------//   As always, the train trip from Manehatten was dull and uncomfortable. The journey seemed to be composed of nothing but bumps and dust, with the high point being a box lunch, where eating the box seemed preferable to eating its contents. But Ponyville was close-at-hoof, and it meant one thing for Jay Orange, some decent rest and good food at his great aunt's farm. His stay in Ponyville wasn't about visiting relatives though, it was about expanding the family's business. Orange Imports brought in goods from all over Equestria—even a few from overseas—and, as a junior member in the firm, Jay's job was to do the hoof work of visiting retailers across the countryside introducing new products and signing new accounts. Ponyville wasn't exactly a major market, but the little town was growing, and the ambitious Oranges would never leave a single market untapped. Places like Ponyville were the perfect place for an young salespony to advance his career. Jay stretched as he stood on the platform and surveyed the station and its surroundings. He could see no cabs for hire, so he decided to hoof it down to the farm. A nice walk would feel good after hours of riding in an uncomfortable, noisy train. One of these days, I'm going to have my own private berth, he thought. No more squabbling with accounting over expenses—first class, all the way. Yes sir, Mr. Orange! Right away, Mr. Orange! Just wait and see. To make his dream come true he needed to make some very profitable deals for the firm, and Ponyville had some real potential. He gathered up his bags and got his bearings. It had been years since he was last here to visit the Apples, and there had been many changes in the little town. It pleased him to see the place grow, and he enjoyed looking at the new developments as he headed off to Sweet Apple Acres. Jay was looking forward to staying with family rather than at some two-bit hotel. He paused in front of a new store who's sign indicated they sold quills and sofas. He shook his head in disbelief. Only in Ponyville—I give 'em another six months. As he moved on, there were plenty of businesses he did remember from visits of his youth. Down the street to his left he could see good ole Sugarcube Corner; he would pay them a visit in a few days. But the real target of his trip was Filthy Rich and his little retail empire. If Jay managed to land the Rich account it would be quite a coup for Orange Imports, and a step up the ladder for him. Being a young stallion, Jay's mind wasn't strictly business, and although he may have been from Manehatten, the most cosmopolitan city in all Equestria, like many in his profession he loved the game of pursuing the small town filly. It may have been a bit late in the afternoon, but plenty of ponies were still on the street, and Jay liked what he saw. His eye was quickly drawn to one of the loveliest flanks he had seen in a while. It was attached to a filly selling flowers on the street—a cream colored flank marked with a simple, red rose beautifully matching the color of her mane and tail. He sighed in delight. He'd have to remember her. Unfortunately, he had no time to chat her up. It was getting late and he was weary from the long, boring ride. Right now all he really wanted to do was get to his lodgings at the Apple family farm. And damn if he wasn't hungry for some of Granny Smith's old fashion cooking. ~~~ “Ah'm sorry we didn't get ya a better spread nephew, but we weren't too certain when ya'll be in. Ah promise we'll make it up to ya tommora,” Granny Smith apologized as she and Applejack began clearing the table. “Granny,” he began as he slid back from the table, “even the most simple fare is a feast when the Apples mares make it.” He had always called her 'Granny' even though she was actually his great aunt. Jay knew flattering the cook was always a good idea, and if there was one thing he had mastered it was flattery. “If you mares out do yourselves tomorrow night I don't know how I'll ever be able to eat again!” “Oh, you!” Granny laughed at his transparency. “Enough with yur fancy talk, so what exactly are ya'll trying to sell while yur here in Ponyville?” She returned from the kitchen and seated herself at the end of the table. “All the usuals, spices, exotic foods, and some new canned fruit.” He raised a hoof and stood up. “And that brings me to gift time.” Jay turned around and proceeded to pull a few items from his bags he had parked along the wall. “First something for you sweet little Apple Bloom.” He placed three oblong cardboard boxes side-by-side on the table. All of the Apples stared at the incomprehensible foreign writing on the boxes and the unusual drawings depicting their contents. “Thanks, but, uh, what are they Cuzin' Jay?” She looked at the drawings of what appeared to be sticks dipped in mud. “It's a tasty little biscuit dipped in flavored chocolate, dear. We've been selling these for quite a while in Manehatten and they are very popular, particularly with you young fillies. This one here is banana flavored, this one is coconut, and this one is, uh, um, uh...” He pondered the illustration, looking for a clue to the content's flavoring. Not finding anything he could readily identify, he concluded, “...this one's a surprise. You will have to tell me what flavor it is.” “Neat!” she replied enthusiastically. “Can Ah have some now Granny?” “Just one now dearie. But don't fret, we'll make sure some of them get into your lunch for school, all right?” The little filly opened the box, extracted one of the 'surprise' flavored sticks, and began happily munching away. “Mmm, sorta fruity,” she said between crunches, “but Ah cain't tell what type. Granny, could you put in some extras in my lunch, for Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo that is? Ah'm sure they'd like these.” Applejack smiled and ruffled her sister's mane. “We'll make sure ya have enough for yur friends.” From across the table Big Macintosh piped up to his youngest sister, “Could Ah have one of those too?” “Sure,” she replied and pushed the open box in his direction. The big red pony put an entire stick in his mouth and began crunching away. “And for my big cousins,” Jay stated as he placed two bottles on table, “some fine imported toilet water.” Mac halted his noisy crunching, and gave his cousin a perplexed look. “Wha kinda water?” “It's another word for perfume, Mac!” Applejack blurted. “Even Ah know that.” “Eau de Cologne, Mac, it's good stuff, I use it everyday,” Jay reassured him. “A lovely lavender for my lovely cousin,” he said as he gave one bottle to Applejack. “And your's Mac, contains rare spices and some expensive tree resin I'm told.” Macintosh looked skeptical as he took the bottle and unscrewed the top. He gave it a good whiff. His nose crinkled and his eyes narrowed as he pulled his head back and declared, “Strong stuff.” “Strong stuff for a strong pony!” Jay joked as he rested his hoof on the red pony's massive shoulder. “And you just need to use a little, you don't need to take a bath in it.” Applejack chuckled. “Well, thank ya' Jay. Ah don't know when Ah'll get to use such a fancy thing, but thank ya' anyway.” He smiled and nodded his head in acknowledgement. “Now for my hostess, and premier chef of Ponyville—“ “Ah'm warning ya' 'bout yur silver tongue,” Granny shot back as she pointed at Jay. “Yur layin' it on too thick.” “—some exotic fruit from across the sea.” He proudly placed a box made of thin wood strips upon the table and removed its top, revealing a dozen small cans inside. Granny Smith removed one of the cans and turned it about in her hooves. She examined the label carefully and then placed the can down in front of her. “Am Ah understanding the label right ta think these here things got an orange in 'em?” “Yes, ma'am.” The Apples all stared at the small can in front of their grandmare. “An' how they get a whole big orange into one these tiny things?” she asked skeptically. “Well, it's not a regular orange for a start,” he explained, “it's a special variety that's smaller than a regular one—no seeds, already in sections, very delicately flavored.” A chorus of understanding “Ahhs” came from his relatives. “You can eat them plain, mix them with other fruits, or even use them in baking. This is one of the new items I'm going to try to get Mr. Rich to carry.” Jay's voice carried genuine excitement about the product, but he was nervous at the Apple family's reaction. Now was his chance to gauge the market for the product, using his relatives as test subjects. “Why don't we try some?” he suggested cheerfully. Applejack took the can to the kitchen while Granny got spoons from the sideboard. Applejack returned with a small bowl filled with contents of the can. The four Apples sat with spoons in hoof, suspiciously eyeing the tiny orange segments, waiting for somepony else to try some. Granny finally went first, followed by her eldest granddaughter. The two Apple mares looked at each other as they tasted the delicate flavor and exchanged approving nods. Macintosh and Apple Bloom tried the treat next. Macintosh took a second spoonful then declared, “Ah'd like it better if it was in a nice sweet syrup.” “Macintosh, ain't you got no couth?” Applejack admonished. “It's quite tasty, Jay, Ah like it.” “Thank you, I'm glad you do. And your opinion, Granny?” “Ah think we can put 'em to good use in the kitchen.” She nodded thoughtfully. Since she was a businesspony as well as a consumer she asked, “So how much you reckon these gonna sell for?” “We wholesale them for twelve bits a can and the suggested retail is sixteen bits.” Applejack let out a prolonged whistle. “Well now,” a startled Granny stated, “Ah don't know how often these will be gracin' our table at dem prices, but they sure are tasty, and Ah thank ya for 'em.” “You are welcome, Granny.” “If'n yur all done showerin' us with gifts we best be getting' things ready for tommora'. Why don't you and Mac sit a spell on the porch while me and Applejack finish up here. We'll join ya'll later.” “Sounds like a plan,” Jay replied. “Apple Bloom, if ya got homework you best be finishin' it now.” “Yes, Granny Smith,” she said reluctantly. “Ya'll got yur orders. Now, hop to it, let's go!” the elder mare exclaimed as they rose from the table in unison. ~~~ The two cousins sat on the porch in the cool evening air like they had done many times over the years. Jay had always enjoyed sitting out in the evenings when he was younger. The farm seemed such a contrast to the hustle of the big city, with its open spaces and the breeze sweetened by the ripening fruit. But no matter how pleasant it seemed, he was convinced the small town lifestyle would drive him mad, and he was always grateful to head back home. “So, what have you been up to big feller?” Jay prodded his laconic cousin. “Oh, same as always. Workin', eatin', sleepin', workin' some more.” “Ah.” Cousin Mac had never been a conversationalist, but Jay thought the response was rather pathetic. Regardless, he proceeded with his real line of questioning: finding out what Mac knew about the ladies in town. “So, are you going to put that cologne to good use on some nice filly?” “Like on a date? Naw, Ah don't do that no more,” came the sullen reply. “What do you mean, 'no more'?” “Ah, ain't got time. There's too much work to be done.” Macintosh's weary voice seemed to belong to a pony twice his age. “An' when Ah'm done workin', Ah'm just plumb tuckered out. All Ah want to do is hit the hay.” A frustrated Jay wasn't about to let his cousin drown in self pity. “Mac, you are wasting the best years of your life!” he fumed. “You need to get out and live! Look at you—you're good looking, you have a physique they would kill for in Manehatten. Do you know there are stallions who pay good bits to work out seven days a week and they aren't half as built as you are?” Mac hung his head in quiet despair. “When was the last time you went out with a filly?” Jay grilled him. “Uh, Ah don't know—” Mac searched his memory. “Maybe 'bout two years ago?” “What!” Jay's response made Mac turn his head and look sullenly out into the orchards. Jay shifted to a less emotional line of questioning. “Well, don't you know any fillies in town?” “Not really.” Jay assumed it was Mac's shyness. All I need to do is work with him a little, get him to relax, open up a bit. He'll be fine. “And why don't you know any fillies?” Macintosh's voice filled with anger and frustration. “'Cause most of the time Ah'm workin' here on the farm,” he snapped resentfully. “An' when Ah do go to town it's to cart goods back and forth, and no filly wants to talk to some sweaty ole workhorse, that's why!” “I'm sorry cousin, I didn't mean...” “It's all right, it's just who Ah am—ain't yur fault.” Jay sat quietly, letting his active mind formulate a plan to help his forlorn cousin, and himself as well. “Listen, I'll tell you what I'll do. But I can't have you getting shy or anything. No backing out on me, okay? “What you plannin'?” “I think I'm going to have some spare time tomorrow afternoon, so, let's say I spend my time rounding up a couple of nice fillies to go out with us, would you be game?” “You serious?” “Of course I'm serious, but if I do swing it, you have to promise to go. I don't want to hear excuses about work or being too tired. I won't promise you anything, but if I can arrange it, will you go?” “You'd do that—for me?” Mac looked incredulously at his cousin. Jay looked him directly in the eye. “For you, absolutely!” “Heck yeah Ah'll go,” came the enthusiastic reply. “There we go! That's the Big Macintosh all the fillies love.” “Jay yur a goof!” The big pony grinned bashfully, giving Jay a shove that almost toppled him off the porch. Jay recovered his balance and delivered a solid smack to Mac's back. “Watch it you ole workhorse, don't hurt the goof who is going to get you a date!” “Okay, city slicker,” Mac jested and the cousins shared a congenial laugh in the evening air. ~~~ Jay's sales pitch to Ponyville's leading retailer lasted a little over an hour. Mr. Rich was receptive but there was just something that wasn't clicking. Sure he was nodding his head, grunting at the right places, and even occasionally asking a question, but Jay got the feeling that Filthy Rich wasn't ready to make a deal. When the businesspony finally spoke at the end of the presentation Jay's fears were realized. “I must say Mr. Orange that was a fine presentation,” Rich pronounced from behind his desk, “and I like Orange Imports's products, but—” “But what Mr. Rich?” He hid his nervousness behind a cheerful façade. “If you have any reservations you may rest assured that we at Orange Imports are more than eager to answer your questions.” “Of course, of course...” Rich massaged his chin thoughtfully. “It's not so much to do with your goods, or your fine presentation, it's more to do with—well, Ponyville.” “I don't understand, sir.” “You see,” Rich pontificated, “Ponyville is still rather, how can I say this politely, provincial. Why your specialty products would be right at home in Manehatten, or on the Rich's family table for that matter, but I'm not so sure about the rest of Ponyville. Folks come to us for bargains, not fancy goods, that's why 'bargains' is in the name of the store, get it?” “I do, sir,” Jay replied tactfully, “and I think that—” The office door behind him flew open with a bang, startling both occupants of the office. Then the voice of a snotty little filly assaulted their eardrums. “DADDDDY—” “Darlin' I've told you—” She talked over her father and continued up to his desk. “—I need one-hundred bits—” “—I'm in a meeting—” “—so I can go out shopping with Silver Spoon.” An embarrassed Rich grinned nervously at his guest and introduced the little pink filly, “Mr. Orange, this is my lovely daughter, Diamond Tiara.” “Charmed,” he lied. The child paid him no attention and continued her demands in a strident voice. “I need it now Daddy, we want to leave right now!” Her father tried to be graceful while gritting his teeth. “Say hello to Mr. Orange, dear,” then he bent down and whispered under his breath, “or you won't get your money.” She finally deigned to recognize the room's other occupant. “Oh, hello. Now about my money—” “You should be more polite my dear,” her father scolded while grinning. “He's a relative of your little Apple friend.” Diamond Tiara slowly turned her head to look at the pony seated across from her father. Being related to an Apple in any way made a pony her enemy, and her eyes narrowed into daggers that pierced Jay's soul. He smiled back nervously while thinking, What a little— “He's an important salespony from Manehatten.” Manehatten—the word acted like a magic spell which triggered dreams of social climbing in the filly's mind. Manehatten! That's where she belonged, not in this wretched backwater. One day she would be in the big city. It would be her destiny! Suddenly her face lit up and her voice became saccharine. “Thank you for visiting us, Mr. Orange. I hope you enjoy your visit.” She swiveled her head back to glare at her father, and was once again her arrogant self. “My money?” “Yes, yes, dear.” He slid open a top drawer to retrieve a bag of bits. “There you are darling. Go enjoy yourself.” Having completed her extortion she became ebullient. “Oh, thank you Daddy!” she bubbled as she trotted out. “Nice to meet you Mr. Orange!” she exclaimed and slammed the door. “Now,” Rich sighed, relieved that he was free from his terrible progeny, “where were we?” “We were discussing your reservations, about your customer's sophistication.” “Yes, that's it,” Rich stated. “I fear I just won't be able to sell your goods, no matter how fine they are. The two just aren't the right fit, you see?” “Now, Mr. Rich...” Jay began to nonchalantly gather up his papers. “I think you are underselling yourself, on two points.” A surprised Rich perked up and grinned at his guest. He wasn't sure if he had received a compliment or an insult. “How so?” he pressed. Let's see if we can inflate the old hay bag's ego a bit, Jay thought. “Well, first you are renowned for being one of the sharpest businessponies in these parts. I'm confident that you would be able to sell our products. After all, I'm told that if you can't sell it, why, it just can't be sold.” Rich put his elbows on the desk and brought his hooves together studiously. “True, true. And your second point?” “And second, I think you are underestimating your cultural leadership in Ponyville. You are so hard at work here,” he gestured to indicate the store at large, “that you don't realize how ponies see you and your family as trendsetters.” Rich took the bait. “Hmmm, go on...” “Once the word gets out that you and your family are using our products, I'd be surprised if they didn't fly off the shelves. Your customers see you as much more than a store owner Mr. Rich, they see you, and your family, as leaders of the community.” The room fell silent except for Rich tapping his hooves together lightly. The two salesponies stared at each other for what seemed an eternity to Jay. Finally Rich broke the silence. “I like the way you think young sir,” he declared, “and I do like Orange Imports's products. I'll tell you what I'm willing to do. I will take a risk on some of your new products—providing we can reach an amicable deal, of course.” Jay kept his cool despite his excitement. “Excellent. I'll just get the pricing sheet,” he stated calmly as he began to rifle through the papers in his bags, “and we can get started—” “Well, I'd like to do that too, but you see I've got another appointment soon, and I think this is going to take a while. Hmm, let's say we meet again tomorrow—at about ten o'clock—and we'll draw up the contract.” “All right,” Jay replied pleasantly. Although he suspected Rich was up to something, there was little he could do at the moment. Never mind, he told himself, at least you got the deal. “Till tomorrow morning then.” “Yes, tomorrow.” Rich got to his hooves and escorted his guest out. ~~~ Jay felt pretty darn good about himself. Here it was just past midday and he had at least a verbal agreement with Rich. Sure, it would have been better to get it down on paper, but that was a worry for tomorrow. He had a beautiful day and the remainder of it was his to use as he pleased, and being past noon, it pleased him to have lunch. The little café was the best place to eat in town this time of day. It was clean and convenient, a perfect place for him to grab a bite, have a cool drink, and watch the fillies walk by. He asked the waiter for a 'front row seat', outside, near the road. He was led to a small, pink toadstool table: he stared at its absurdity and smiled. Only in Ponyville, only in Ponyville. Once seated, he ordered a nice vegetable soup and a tall, cool drink. With business done for the day, he would have plenty of time to see if he could corral dates for himself and Mac. He thought he should go see if he could find the filly with the rose he spotted the other day. Maybe she had a sister, or a friend, to complete the foursome. Jay relaxed after eating and ordered a second drink while he continued his scheming. Sometimes I seem to enjoy the planning and the hunt more than the conquest, he mused. But today there would be no need to hunt, as his quarry trotted right past him. They were positively radiant as their coats and manes shone in the midday sun. The mares were simply appointed but fundamentally elegant and Jay's heart skipped a beat. They must be twins, for they were virtually identical except for the reversed colors of their coats and manes. He stared dumbfounded as they ambled past his table and through the streets of Ponyville. He need no convincing, they were just what he and Mac needed! He needn't pursue them now, he would take his time and devise a plan. Ponyville was a small town and it wouldn't be a problem finding them. He sipped his drink and chuckled softly to himself, “Today is turning out quite nicely.” He signaled for the waiter. “Say, you didn't happen to see those two nice young mares who passed by did you? Could you tell me who they are?” “Those two? Oh, they run the Day Spa all the chic mares frequent.” “I see.” Jay rubbed his chin connivingly. “And where is this spa?” “It's about two blocks down the road, the one to the left.” The waiter pointed to the road the pair had just trotted down. Jay didn't look like the type of stallion who frequents spas, so the puzzled waiter asked, “If you don't mind sir, why do you want to know?” “I was thinking of seeing if those two were available tomorrow night, to go on a date.” The waiter looked at Jay as if he had said something extraordinary. “Excuse me for being forward sir, but you're not from around here are you?” “Uh, no, I'm from Manehatten.” “Ah, well, good luck then,” the waiter replied with a sardonic grin. “While I'm here, may I get you another drink?” “Yes, one more please, then the check as I think I need to be headed to the spa.” ~~~ Granny cooked up a big spread in honor of her city kin that evening, just simple fare but delicious and plentiful. Jay had his fair share of the feast, but he had to fight for it, as his cousins seemed to be bottomless pits. By the time dessert arrived he thought he could eat no more, but hot from the oven Apple Brown Betty with fresh whipped cream managed to convince him to soldier on. He managed to make it about halfway through before he had to admit defeat, and the only graceful retreat was to praise the cook. “I've had some might fine meals, but this was fit for Celestia!” he declared. Granny smiled and gave him a nudge, “Oh, ya still like my country cookin' like when ya was a youngin' eh? Well if ya liked tonight's, we got a hummdinger planned for ya tomorra.” “I'm sorry Granny, but I'm afraid I'll have to take a pass on tomorrow night,” he announced. “You see I've made plans for tomorrow evening.” “Business plans?” Granny asked. “No, far from it. I had some time on my hooves this afternoon, so was able to arranged a date with a couple of nice mares—for me and Mac—for tomorrow evening. “Oh, that's so kind of ya,” Granny chimed as she headed back to the kitchen to begin her nightly chores. “Mac hardly gits out the house anymore. He needs a bit more socializing, don't ya Mac?” Her prodding elicited a barely audible grunt as the big red pony continued to shovel down the tasty dessert. “And an opportunity to use that cologne I got for him,” Jay added jokingly. “So who are these nice young mares, anypony we know?” Granny asked loudly as she began her cleaning up. “Why yes,” her great nephew said casually, “it's those two nice businessmares that run the Day Spa.” Applejack suddenly grabbed her throat, choking and coughing violently. Forks froze in mid air as the dinners stared at the distressed mare, waiting to see if she would survive the attack. For quite a while, the room remained still and silent except for Applejack's dwindling coughing fit. “Land's sake child,” Granny said as she peered with concern through the doorway, ”did Ah leave a core in there again?” Applejack wiped her watering eyes with a napkin as she regained her composure. “No Granny,” she apologized hoarsely, “Ah'm sorry. Ah just swallered wrong.” She cleared her throat with the last of her cider. “Well you be careful there dear,” the old mare advised kindly. Applejack's siblings went back to noisily finishing their dessert as if nothing had happened. “Well, Ah think Ah'm done for the night anyway.” Applejack rose from the table. “Oh, Cousin Jay, if ya don't mind could Ah talk to ya—” She focused a frosty glare at him. “—outside—NOW,” she growled through clenched teeth. ~~~ “So what's so urgent, Applejack?” They walked from the dining room towards the front porch but she gave no reply. Once out on the front porch, Applejack turned around to face him and unloaded both verbal barrels. “Julius Orange! Have ya lost yur cotton pickin' mind?” He cringed. He hated his given name. “What? What did I do?” “You know perfectly well what! Messin' around with dem spa ponies, that's what!” “And what's wrong with that?” he pleaded. “There's nothing wrong with going out on an innocent date with two nice...” “First off, those two ain't innocent, and probably not nice! But mah big brother is and Ah don't want ya to...” Jay threw his head back and rolled his eyes. “Oh for pete's sake Applejack! Look at him,” he boiled. “He is all grown up, he can take care of himself. And what's wrong with those two mares? I'm pretty sure you have been to their spa, haven't you?” “Yes, Ah have, and that's the problem.” Applejack's demeanor changed and she plopped down on the porch. “When we're there, they uh, sometimes, they, well...” She hesitated, looking for the right words, and unable to find them she abruptly said, “Ya see they tell stories—stories Ah ain't gonna repeat.” She looked away and began to anxiously rub one foreleg with the other. Jay sat down too. “Stories?” he asked softly. “Yes, stories. Stories no ponies should repeat, least not no nice ones. Ah mean, well, Rarity seems to enjoy them. Pinkie laughs too—'course she laughs at pretty much anythin'—but Ah'm not certain she understands 'em. Fortunately, those two got sense enough to never tell 'em when Fluttershy's around, and Twi' an' I, well, we always try to change the subject. But Ah think they like embarrassin' us or sumptin'.” Jay's curiosity was thoroughly piqued. “Really?” “And then there's stories that Ah heard from other ponies in town, and they make the ones Ah hear from those two sound down right...” “What a nice cool breeze,” Granny observed as she ambled onto the porch to enjoy the evening. “What y'all talkin' about?” Applejack's head snapped up and her eyes opened wide. “Business Granny, just business folks, uh, talking business talk.” Granny walked to the end of the porch and sat down in her rocker. “Well, that's nice. Ah hope business is good for ya nephew. Ya gonna be right busy again tomorra ain't ya?” “Yes, ma'am, Mr. Rich and I are going to sign a contract tomorrow.” “That's good news there, but watch yurself,” Granny warned. “Filthy can be a real snake, wrigglin' around till ya don't know if ya got the head or the tail. Sometimes things in life ain't always what they seems, an' that's especially true when dealin' with Filthy Rich.” “I'll keep an eye on him Granny.” Applejack rose to retire for the night, but stopped to poke her cousin in the chest. “Yeah, watch yurself cousin. Goodnight, Granny.” “Goodnight, dear, see you bright an' early for breakfast.” The old mare looked out into the distance, watching night descend over the farm. “An' you best get some rest too nephew. Sounds like yur gonna have a busy day ahead, an' yur gonna need yur wits about ya.” “Yes, that's a fine idea, Granny. Goodnight.”