//------------------------------//
// An Average Morning 
// Story: An Average Morning 
// by Southern_Mercenary 
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Longshot wasn't a morning person, despite having a top of the line coffee machine that could make enough coffee to sate a herd of buffalo, he could never wake up and be aware in a timely manner.  But timely never mattered when the small town of ponyville seemed to still be asleep for the most part at noon. He shifted the thick covers off his body and stretched his fore hooves over his head while his back touched the bed frame.
Rolling over to the floor his shoes clopped some on the wood as he went to the bathroom to relieve himself. Sighing as he did so he looked at himself in the mirror that hung near the shower and sink. His brown mane was matted some to his neck and scalp, while other parts stuck out at odd angles. Shaking his head he tried to get it looking manageable, though it seemed to get worse. Sighing again he flushed and washed his hooves before drying them and trotting out the bathroom. 
Longshot's kitchen was bare except for the bare essentials and the ever important coffee machine. Taking the mug from under the spout he set it on the counter next to it and reached for the sugar jar and poured a small amount into the coffee before taking the stirring spoon and mixing it together. The coffee retained it's black color but swelled in size to where it almost overflowed the mug. Taking a large sip Longshot's eyes closed enjoying the warm drink as it started to clear the cobwebs in his head.
The oven was next on his to do list as he turned on the top. Reaching into the cupboard next to the oven he pulled out a small pan to fry an egg in. Letting the iron skillet warm he turned to the small fridge that hummed lightly in the warm spring day. The eggs where on a shelf next to the milk, taking one he closed the door and put the egg down on the counter. Cooking spray was applied to the skillet to let the egg cook without sticking.
Cracking the egg at the rim of the pan he opened it to let the yolk pour into the now hot pan. A sizzling sound came to his ears as he let it cook. Draining the rest of the mug he went to refill it, looking out the kitchen window as he waited. Ponyville while being the sleepy town it was, had life after all. Colts and fillies alike walking to the small school house, merchants such as the Apple family setting up in the center of town. Turning away from the window he flipped the egg as it needed it. Taking the mug once more he drank this one straight but was glad as the bitter taste helped clear his mouth out of dry feeling it held since he had awoke. 
Taking the egg out of the pan he put it on a paper towel to help soak up the oils before he ate it. The plates where in a cupboard above the pans one, the plates where plain being hand me downs from his college days. Put the egg which had now cooled some onto the plate he took it to the worn but still working table and proceeded to eat it wishing he had some salt but resigned to getting some next time he went out to the store. Finishing the egg in a few bites he took the plate and his mug to the sink and washed them, setting them in the drying rack.
He stretched again fed and somewhat awake he headed down to the main floor of his humble abode and got ready to do his daily work, mainly hitting hot metal with a large hammer. The stairs creaked some as he descended the main floor's smooth but still warm stone clinked some with his metal shoes. Going to the front door he unlocked it and flipped the sign from closed to open. Turning back to the main part of his shop he smiled ready to finish the work he wanted to do. 
The furnace started without a sound as the gas burned and ignited the coal. Heat flooded the room, Longshot paid no notice to it as he pulled out some iron ingots to began warming to their melting point. The iron turned a cherry red before turning yellow as it paled to a white he pulled them out with a pair of tongs. He set the metal on the anvil and he swung the hammer with his left hoof. The clang rang throughout the room as he continued. 
Pounding the metal into a flat mess he began to shape the metal. Gently pushing it one swing the next swing forcing into shape. He worked the metal into a u shape before putting it back in the heat to rewarm it. Taking the next iron piece out he repeated the process, of hammering and turning it. Soon he had all four pieces into the general shape of a horse shoe. Taking out the first one he began to take a smaller hammer to straighten the piece out to give it an even appearance and shape. 
He turned the shoe in several direction on the narrow portion of the anvil letting the warm metal bend with each strike. Satisfied with the curve of the metal be set it flat on the anvil and hit it to even it out for the last time. Taking the tongs he dunked it in the water pail next to him. The metal hissed as it cooled rapidly, filling the area with steam as Longshot set it aside to finish cooling. He took the next one and repeated the process.
Longshot worked on the shoes until a ring came from the door's bell. Turning his head he saw the filly who had ordered the pair of shoes. Applebloom smiled as she trotted to the counter.
“Howdy Longshot.” She said still smiling the ribbon in her hair still as large as it had always been. 
“Hey there Applebloom, Ready to pick up the shoes for Applejack?” Longshot replied.
“Eyup. You said it was 10 bits right?”
“Yah 10 bits hope she likes the shoes. Can't believe she wears them out so fast.”
“Blame all the adventuring she does now.”
“True.” Longshot said giving Applebloom the shoes wrapped in canvas. 
“Thank you Longshot!” She said setting the coins on the counter before trotting out but not before waving.
“Take care Applebloom.” Longshot said waving back. 
“I will.” She mouthed through the glass and trotted back towards Sweet Apple Acres.
Longshot smiled today was turning out to be a good morning.