//------------------------------// // Theatricky // Story: The Sweet Taste of Apple // by Icecane //------------------------------// It didn't take Applejack and Trader very long to reach the town hall and get the proper paperwork to sell their products during the fair, as well as signing up for the baking competition that was in the next two days. What did take time however, was getting everything ready after that. Dragging the wagon out of the shed, pulling it across town, and painstakingly setting up all of the barrels and baskets so browsing ponies could see what they'd like. It all took a grand amount of time. Though much of Hoofington seemed alive due to the fair, almost everypony congregated close to its center, where the beautiful town park was. A large expansion of green marred the otherwise settled land around it, with tall trees reaching up as high as buildings and ponds inhabited by small wildlife. The ponies where there to buy something, as evident by the many ponies who where there to sell. It looked very much like the market in Ponyville, with lines of stalls manned by ponies selling all kinds of things. From those selling basic fruits and vegetables, to others who sold knick-knacks and other miscellaneous items. There was even a stallion trying to sell old furniture to anypony willing to buy, as well as capable of lugging it away. Several local business seemed to take advantage of it as well, with banners and signs advertising their establishments as they greeted visitor and regular alike. Applejack and Trader were no exception. Though not having a stall of their own, they made due with the wagon they had brought. With spigots prepared and ready to go, the barrels of cider were at the edge of the wagon, and just enough mugs to empty them stacked nearby. The baskets of apples were allowed to rest on the grassy ground, their red surfaces shining like jewels. Other than that, they also had the pony-sized cart. Though the pegasus wasn't fully sure what it was, his questions were quickly answered as Applejack lightly kicked it. Immediately, the unassuming cart sprang open, revealing several extendable trays and compartments that were filled with delightful delectables that the Apple family had baked. From pies to fritters, they had it all, each and every one of them filled with the apples one would expect. As the cart fully opened, the smell of the fruity confections wafted into the air, making Trader drool ever so slightly as it invaded his nostrils. Despite his own reaction however, it didn't seem to be the same for anypony else around. Time ticked by ever so slowly as Applejack and Trader stood with forced smiles on their faces and expectant gazes cast into the crowds. Every so often a pony trotted by, perusing their wares while occasionally buying something. Many didn't even give them a sideways glance, passing by as if they were invisible. Braeburn eventually found them, chatting with his cousin and her friend for a short time before buying a small treat for himself and bidding them farewell. The futility soon began to seep in, seeing so little business despite seemingly doing everything right. Applejack showed her understanding of it as well, her smile growing all the harder to hold. “Are things usually like this?” Trader asked, mostly rhetorically, though his gaze did drift toward his friend curiously. A huff escaped the mare as she shrugged her shoulders, relieving it of an aggravating tension that had been building. “Not always,” she sighed, looking out into the crowd of potential customers. “Ah had at least thought we'd get a bit more by now.” “So what now? Just wait here and hope for more?” Applejack simply nodded. “It's all we can do. We need to make sales, won't do that if we leave.” Trader heaved his own sigh as he looked out across the area. It was difficult to say what the problem was. Though the pegasus could at least see that they were just one of many. Just looking at the other ponies trying to sell their own products, one could see how they differed to them. Several were actually quite extravagant in their presentation, their stalls decorated finely, pleasing to the eye. There were even some who did their business underneath large tents, keeping themselves and their customers in shade. In comparison to the others, Trader had to admit that they did look rather shabby. Nothing about them stood out. With the competition the way that it was, it wasn't much of a wonder why they couldn't draw in as many ponies. Thinking on that, something occurred to the stallion that brought a clever smile to his mug. “I have an idea,” he said, his tone as certain as his expression. As one might expect, Applejack looked skeptical. “Oh, yeah?” she murmured with a raised brow. “What's the idea?” The same smile was all the mare received as an answer as the stallion stepped toward the crowd. “Just follow my lead.” As he stood in front of the ever-moving mass of ponies, he cleared his throat before flying into the air. “Ladies and gentlecolts!” He shouted as loudly as he could, making sure his voice carried to all of them. “Everypony please, may I have your attention, please?!” Sure enough, many of the nearby ponies stopped what they were doing to gawk at the pegasus. “I'm here to tell of you of the most wonderfully amazing opportunity that you are all passing up! A chance to taste the succulent splendor that is the fruits of Ponyville itself!” Aghast, Applejack could only shrink down closer to the ground, hat hung down over her face, certain her friend was making a fool of himself. Several ponies seemed to think the same, looking at him as if he had suddenly gone crazy. But many others simply listened. Trader's confident smile remained etched onto his face as he remained in the air, pointing a hoof toward their lowly cart. “I know what you must be thinking,” he continued, “that they are just plain ol' apples. Well that's where you're wrong, my friends. These aren't just any ordinary apples! The tastiest apples you've ever had the pleasure to try is more like it. Not just apples either, but also apple pies, and apple fritters, and all the apple cider you could ever drink! Now please, everypony direct your attention to the lovely mare beside me here...” Applejack's heart nearly froze, the breathe stolen from her body as she suddenly felt dozens of eyes directed at her. It took every ounce of her will alone to not collapse on the spot, feeling her cheeks flare with red embarrassment. But that didn't slow Trader down in the slightest. “Beautiful gal, isn't she?” he asked aloud, only worsening the farmpony's condition. “But sorry fellas, she's spoken for... By her work that is. The very work that went into making sure every last morsel that enters your mouth will be like nothing else, just as her entire family has perfected the art for generations! But please, don't just take my word for it.” The pegasus then landed next to his friend, gesturing toward her enthusiastically. “Ask the one pony who is sure to give you the truth. Ladies and gentlecolts, I give you the Element of Honesty herself and savior of Equestria twice over, Applejack!” Everything fell silent. A long, excruciating pause bubbling up as Applejack was at a loss for words, finally realizing what Fluttershy must feel most of the time. But as she saw Trader's expectant smile, she felt coaxed into breaking the silence. “Um... well... Me and my family have been harvestin' apples and bakin' great foods with 'em for a long time. W-we do the best we can and Ah'm sure you all will like it as much as we think you will.” “There you have it, folks,” Trader declared, flying back into the air before Applejack completely lost it, “straight from the mare's mouth! Now how can you argue with that? But even still, anypony can speak volumes about their own food being the greatest! How about I help prove it to all of you?!” The pegasus paused for a brief moment as he scanned the crowd, his smile deepened as he spotted just the pony he was looking for. Amongst the many others, a rather portly stallion was watching the spectacle that was going on. Shooting down, Trader landed right next to him, the crowd around them separating just enough to give him ample room. “Now you, my good sir!” he said, addressing the stallion. He looked confused for a moment, looking about as if to make sure that Trader was talking to him and him alone. “Yes, you, that's right! Now, my friend, I can tell with but a glance that you must have been around the sweet block a few times. Heck, I bet you live on that block, don't you?!” The stallion held a mixed reaction on his face. From insulted anger to actual sadness, he looked ready to chastise the pegasus but quickly gave him a meek nod instead, realizing that he indeed had a point. Trader merely kept his cheerful demeanor on going, wrapping a leg across his back in a friendly gesture. “Now, now, don't take it like that. Your healthy appetite means you can show these good ponies here just what kind of quality delectables we offer. Why, you're a connoisseur of tasty things if I may be so bold.” Leading the stallion toward the cart, Trader displayed to him all of the baked goods that were on sale. “Now, so certain am I of your gratification, that I'm willing to pay for your first taste myself.” Taking a slice from one of the pies, the pegasus eagerly gave it to the stout stallion. There was only a moment of examination before he slowly took his first bite. All around them, the air seemed to grow still, everything silent save for a soft chewing. But the end result was clear before he even swallowed, the pleased smile on the stallion's face a dead giveaway. “Wow, that was good,” he said, licking his lips for any remaining taste. Before Trader could even say anything, the stallion was already facing Applejack. “I'll take a whole pie, if you don't mind.” Trader nearly burst into laughter at the sight of clear shock written on Applejack's features. But she quickly shook it away as she said, “O-of course.” Bits exchanged hooves and the stallion trotted away from the crowd with his newly acquired pie. “Another satisfied customer!” Trader shouted, back in the air and looking across to all the stares that followed. “That could be you next! Start small if you must. All it'll take is a few bits, including a bit of your time, and I assure all of you that none shall go away disappointed!” Again, a long, silent pause surfaced as the pegasus hovered in the air. Everypony there who still kept their eyes either on him or Applejack stood there. If it was any quieter, they would have heard the powerful thumping of their beating hearts. Then, a mare approached the cart, browsing for just a moment before buying a fritter for herself and a friend. Next, a stallion came, wanting to sample a mug of the apple cider they had brought. Several famished looking ponies walked by as well, buying as many apples as they could carry for a healthy lunch. Before long, more and more of the crowd began to follow suit, forcing Trader to land back down next to Applejack to help her with the rampant sales, broad smiles spread across both of their faces. All too soon, night fell across the bustling town. Though some of the stalls remained open for a little longer, most of the merchants packed up for the night and left the park. Applejack and Trader were no exception, loading up what they had and pulling the wagon back toward the inn. Unlike many of the others however, though their wagon was full of what they needed to carry, the best word to describe it would be empty. From the empty barrels that once were filled with apple cider, to the empty baskets of apples, to even the empty cart that no longer smelled of the pastries that it once held. Their trip back was a silent one, with Trader wearing a self-satisfied smirk on his face, while Applejack stared blankly ahead, like one might if they thought they were in a dream. Eventually they made it back, locking the shed up and returning to their room, feeling a need to rest after such a long day. As soon as they were within the light of their room, Applejack finally reclaimed her voice. “Ah... Ah still don't believe it,” she said, her cheeks practically straining from her expression. “We sold everything... Ah was hopin' to at least sell a lot of what we had while we were here... But all of it in one day? How in the world did that happen?” Trader simply shrugged as he made himself more comfortable in the confines of their privacy. “Who knows,” he responded coyly. “Must be the quality of a good product.” “Or a fool,” the mare shot back, beaming as she faced her friend. “How... Just where in Celestia's name did you learn somethin' like that?” A chuckle escaped Trader at his friend's reaction to it all, his mind going distant for a moment as he remembered another mare in his life. “It was actually my mom who taught me,” he said, bringing up his mercantile mother. “She always said that the most important part of selling something is theatrics, getting their attention anyway you can.” “Ah see she taught you well,” Applejack remarked with a laugh, still as giddy as can be. It would probably be a while before she was even calm enough to sleep. “Now Ah just wish Ah had you during the Grand Galloping Gala, would've helped a bunch.” “Well... I do owe you for all those bits you spent on me, remember? I need to help pay that back any way I can.” “That you have.” Her cheerful smile seemed to only grow by the second, even as she approached the stallion. Before he could react, she grabbed him in a tight hug, saying, “You're the best!” before happily kissing him on the cheek. The next moment, she broke away, heading straight out the door. “Ah'm gonna double-check the shed, make sure everything's locked up. Wouldn't wana ruin our good luck by losing the profits.” Alone, Trader's mouth opened as if to speak, but not a single word or noise could be uttered. Movement was completely lost by him, standing like a statue as his cheeks burning like an inferno. The two eventually found rest and morning came as soon as one would think. As usual, Applejack was the first to wake, feeling the kind warmth of the morning sun through their window. This time however, she did not rise, not right away. Her thoughts being dominated by how she found herself. Trader was right next to her, so close in fact, she was leaning against him, her head practically resting on his side. It was a small surprise to her, not remembering the night before very chilly, but she could feel his warmth nonetheless. Thinking on how little space they had to themselves on the bed however, it didn't take much thought into how they ended up the way they did. But still, Applejack did not fully rise. Instead, she nestled herself closer to her friend. For whatever reason, the farmpony felt no desire to greet the new day just yet, wanting nothing more than to rest for just a little bit longer. Trader didn't seem to mind either, if the smile on his sleeping face was any indication. Even more telling was the moment he lowered his head closer toward her, nuzzling softly against her. Oddly enough, even to her, she didn't seem to mind, feeling a strange sense of comfort from it. That was until the pegasus lightly licked her across the forehead. Immediately the mare was out of bed, staring off in mild surprise as she rubbed her forehead thoughtfully. The action stirred Trader as well, soft murmurs escaping him as he rose up from the bed sheets. He didn't seem to notice his friend staring straight at him, or the somewhat confused expression on her face. “Morning already?” he questioned as he stretched his limbs out as far as they would go. “And I was having such a good dream too...” “What dream was that?” Applejack found herself asking, retrieving her hat but never keeping her eyes off of her friend. Trader then fully noticed his friend, already up and about. He looked off into nothingness for a moment, as though recalling a distant memory. “Hm... I don't remember. But I'm pretty sure I liked it...” Dropping the topic quickly, the pegasus pulled himself out of bed and faced his friend with an expectant look. “So, what's the plan for today, Applejack?” The mare thought on it for a long moment, but as the truth of the matter dawned on her, she shook her head in response. “Ah dunno, Ah really don't have a plan,” she admitted. “The contest isn't 'till tomorrow, and Ah thought we'd end up spendin' today sellin' like yesterday. But now... Ah don't know.” Again, the room fell silent as she tried to think of something, not wanting the day to be wasted. “We did earn a day off... didn't we? Ah'd say we can have this day to enjoy ourselves.” Trader smiled at that, nodding his head in agreement. “That's a good plan,” he said, trotting over to the door and holding it open for her. “Now, how 'bout we go and get some breakfast? After a day of selling food, I'm starving.” Applejack was quick to agree, feeling famished herself. Both of them then headed out the door, smiles on their faces over their day of freedom. The inn had quite the selection of foods, able to serve the appetite of anypony whether it be for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Going the more traditional route though, the two ordered a heaping stack of pancakes and found a free table to sit at. There weren't many other guests staying inside at the time, giving the two friends much more privacy as they ate their meal together. As they devoured the simple breakfast, they conversed as they usually did, mostly trying to figure out what they would and could do within the town to spend their day wisely. Little progress was made however, and the conversation soon shifted to other topics. Given the events of the other day, a curious Applejack soon inquired about Trader's mother. Though the farmpony knew the mare well enough when they were young, she hadn't seen much of her merchant side before, having never had any reason to visit her stall when they were foals. Sure enough, there were stories to be told about the motherly merchant. How she had built her own store from the ground up, with his father's physical labor as well, and made it into a respectable business. Steering away from what eventually became of the place, Trader told of his mother's never-give-up attitude when it came to making sales. Applejack was even shocked as he told her of the time she coaxed sympathy from an indecisive customer, lying and saying that she had adopted him after being abandoned by his real parents. Of course, the kind mare was quick to make it up to her son, a bribe of sweets going a long way. As their breakfast ended and the middle of the day was fast approaching, the two decided not to spend the rest of it simply chatting. They left the inn in search of their next activity. Sure enough, the fair going on provided ample opportunities for them to enjoy themselves, only having to find them first. So the two left in search of their own entertainment, trotting through the streets and taking in the sights. With the weight of a job needing to be done hanging on their shoulders, they were able to enjoy themselves much more than they had during their previous treks across town. It was truly a lovely place. But Trader's own attention to his surroundings was limited, made certain as he never saw the large wagon that was moving into his path, or the more who was pulling it. With a startling crash, the pegasus was knocked off of his feet, his world spinning for just a moment as he came back down hard on his back. The sound of Applejack hurrying to his side was muffled as the world seemed to spiral around him. It took a few moments for him to recuperate, but he managed to stand, his head throbbing painfully. “Stupid oaf! Watch where you are going!” a voice said angrily, sounding just as dazed as he was. Trader's thoughts were too distracted however to pay it much mind, or to realize how familiar the voice was. But Trader's eyes then widened in shock as he saw something lying on the ground between himself and the mare he had collided with. A hat that he quickly recognized, shaped like a cone with a wide brim, covered in a pattern of stars. Seeing that, his gaze shot up to the owner of it, a unicorn with a blue coat and silvery-blue mane. “T-Trixie?!” he blurted out, quickly gaining the mare's attention. The unicorn looked at him perplexedly for a moment. “Trader...? Is that you?” Trying to speak, his words were soon caught in his throat as he felt another presence just beside him, not having to look to know who it was. Applejack's own reaction matched Trader's considerably, the shock clear to see. “Trixie?” It only brought on more surprise to the unicorn. “Applesnack?” It was again Trader's turn to look surprised, looking between the two mares. “Uh... you two know each other?” Sure enough, his voice caused them both to look at him, before they again returned to one another, brows immediately furrowing. “You know him?” “You know him?!” “You know her?!” they both said in unison, their demanding gazes locked onto Trader, who looked ready to swallow his own tongue.