The Iron Pony competition. A festival. Hard cider.
For Marble Pie, all of them are foreign, as strange as towns with houses built into trees or shaped like giant candy.
When her parents finally decided to go visit her eldest sister, she wasn't prepared for the fesitivities going on in Ponyville. And when she met her cousin Applejack? Well... she wasn't prepared for the feelings that surfaced either.
Many thanks to Karrakaz for prereading and idea storming.
Cover art by the talented Myandra
Chapters (9)
Not enough Pie sisters fics around the site. At all.
I'm stalking this.
Ohhhhh snap. I love these kinds of stories. And it has Marble in it.
. I don't think I saw one grammar or spelling mistake anywhere 
. You also wrote the characters perfectly in my opinion. I really like it so far and can't wait for the Pie family to come. Keep up the great work 
I've found barely any stories with the other Pie sisters in them.
I'm definately reading this and stalking it.
EDIT: Alright, I just finished reading. I have to say, your writing is very good
Well, color me whatever the color for interest is. Rare pairings are best pairings.
4057420
Egads, stalking! Happy to have your interest.
4057579
Thank you! And the appearance of the Pies will be something to look forward to, yes indeed.
4057622
Glad to hear the unusual pairing doesn't put you off. And the colour of interest would be... euhm... well, I got nothing.
Lookin promising.
You had me at the premise. I had an idea similar to this (that obviously never made it to paper), but that and unconventional shipping? I'm sold.
That said, I am a bit disappointed that we didn't get to Marble at all yet. And sometimes the narration could be a bit on the wordy side, to the point my eyes sort of glazed over just a tad?
But hey, that's just me. I can be patient. Sometimes. Maybe. When the moon is full. 
Anyway, regardless, I'll be tracking this. Keep it up!
Well now! This looks interesting. I think I shall hit the lurk button.
4058422
Oh, what was the idea you had? Would be interesting to see if this develops somewhat along the same lines as what you had in mind.
Also, hope you'll be able to stick with me, even if it gets a teensy bit word-heavy.
4062576
Lurk away, my friend! Hopefully you'll remain interested.
4058035
I'll strive to keep it that way.
Wow, 17000 words and there hasn't been a single development in the Applepie romance. I kind of like that, you are taking your time with this.
Yeah, a nice slow pace is definitely welcome, though I am pretty damn curious about the characterization of the Pie sisters, especially Marble, for obvious reasons. If romance itself is as slow-paced as this, I am going to love this.
And with the amount of content you provided in such a short amount of time, I would not even have to wait too long. So is this about the update time/word rate we can expect? Because that would be awesome.
4084703
4085266
I'm glad the slower pace isn't throwing either of you off. If you like it, you'll probably enjoy the rest of the story as well!
Regarding updates, the plan so far is about one chapter a week of roughly this length (5-6k words). The reason for the double update this time around is that I imagine some of you may be getting keen to meet the Pies, and we'll get to see them in chapter 4. Stay tuned!
4085507
Well, there's being slow-paced because you're taking your time and letting things develop organically, and then there's being slow-paced because you spend a bunch of time messing around with things that aren't part of the main premise, you know? And this is kinda looking more like the second, so far. Not really criticism as such, more of a random thought. Or, I guess it's really a problem with the description more than the story itself. It could probably be a little clearer that the Iron Pony competition is a big B-plot, IMO.
4087126
A fair concern, although I can assure you that there's a purpose behind what is being introduced, even if it might not be apparent right away. I appreciate your candour, though.
4087228
Sounds good! I shall eagerly await further developments.
Was there a little change in the description? I believe so. But 1 mistake, latest episode of MLP showed that Pinkie isn't the eldest, Maud is.
4089384
Hmm, the story description hasn't been changed, at least as far as I know...
And you're right about Maud. Unfortunately, since I began working on the story before I knew about the episode, it would require a fair bit of rewriting to incorporate her seamlessly. I'll probably have to just leave her out. Damn you, canon.
4090294 You could always say that Maud was busy in a trip to study rocks in a foreign country or something like that, then there's no need to mention her again.
See? You just can't trust wheels.
For the first half of the chapter, I was wondering why Limestone was suddenly Blinkie. That's a clever way to integrate the old fanon names with the story, I think.
Also, I do love the characterization more and more, especially Applejack's. It would make sense for her to stand against everyone not treating their family right, and for her to be stubborn enough to get her way even against someone like Pinkie's father.
And, to get a little bit more meta, Marble, as the obedient, nice daughter, being impressed by Applejack standing up to her father, and still showing herself as kind to anyone who deserves it is a much more believable way to establish a special connection than "love at first sight of AJ's beauty" or something similar.
So, yeah. This chapter is probably my favorite so far. This story is going to get better and better, I think.
Remember that Pinkie's full name is Pinkamena Diane Pie. Just as her father use Limestone instead of Blinkie, he probably would use Pinkamena instead of Pinkie. At least for this part.
See, this is why you bring extra axels and wheels. NEVER skimp on those.
4118517
I think it might actually be deliberate on his part. It's sort of saying she isn't really his daughter anymore, along with not actually greeting her.
Ie, he is being a dirtbag.
4119357 If that was his intention, Pinkie's father should have called her "you".
I do hope Pie family comes around and everything works out.
As for marble telling lie did seem to have any real negative impact. Also im curious to see where things go with AJ. she seemed real torn up in the 1st chapter.
Well this was a very enjoyable chapter
It's great to see everything coming together for the Iron Pony competition, and Berry Punch is awesome. I love the way you wrote her and Muggy
And by the way, your writing is very good. I haven't found 1 mistake anywhere, and just your writing in general is very amazing and admirable
I don't know what else to say,your writing is amazing, the story's lookin' great, and I still can't wait for Mau..er- Marble and the rest of the Pie family to arrive
Keep up the great work
4125427
The Pie family has a... troubled relationship. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.
4119444 4119357
To say that Mr Pie's relationship with Pinkie is frosty would probably be an understatement. Poor Pinkie.
4116904
Glad to hear the name thing worked out all right. When I started writing, I was debating which set of names to go with. This seemed like a good compromise.
And yeah, don't let AJ catch you being belligerent towards family. She doesn't take kindly to that kind of behaviour.
4116387
They're scheming, plotting bastards. Never underestimate them.
4126703
Glad you liked those two! Berry really grew on me as I wrote her, even though it was just a short scene.
And I try to keep the mistakes to a minimal (preferably non-existent) level. If you happen to stumble over one, please do let me know so I can correct 'em.
Poor Marble all confuzeld
4150541 poor pinkie, having to stay with her 'father'.
4150870 The wonderful thing about Tazers is Tazers are wonderful things! They deliver nonleathal shocks, and makes fools out of meanies!
Heh, Rarity's presence is enough to threaten relationships. And, just maybe, considering the way Marble thought of her, hints at certain inclinations?
The developing relationship between the characters is still very interesting, with the most important developments between our two leading ladies. Marble trying not to embarass herself and Applejack unknowingly "flirting" with (endearing herself to) Marble...
Interesting idea that the Pie family is not overtly familiar with magic. I am already looking forward to what happens when they meet the purple princess.
Never seen magic before hm? Well then, I wonder what they are going to do when they see a full blown alicorn princess wandering about.
4151077
No one is ever truly ready to encounter the winged magical neurotic creature known as "Twilight".
4150965
That's the thing about Rarity; she's got a certain effect on other ponies, whether she intends to or not.
As for AJ and Marble, well, sometimes the difference between a kind word and a flirt can get blurred for the listener.
4150893
Taze ALL the grumpy old stallions!
4150870
Well, look on the bright side; at least it'll give them time to... talk? Maybe?
4151496 -grins-
4151496 Yeah. Really, I cannot emphasize enough how much I like the subtle, natural approach to relationships in this story.
Ok, this goes from my "read later" to the favs right now.
Can't wait for more!
Okay, I have to do it. I hate myself for it, because it is pretty rude and pretty selfish, so please accept my honest apology for what I am about to do.
Any news on the next chapter? I am currently sitting above this story with a butterfly net, waiting for it to flinch.
Again, I am honestly sorry. But the story is just so damn good, and I am impatient.
4207009
No offence taken. It's really my fault for not having given any notification about this. Sorry about that.
Anyhoo, I got a bit caught up in some exam work last week, so I didn't have time to finish the weekly chapter. However, it's progressing rather well now, and I aim to have chapter 6 ready for release at the usual time.
4207099 Thank you for your patience with me, I hope your exam went well. In any case, that is good to know.
But Applejack, how is she supposed to know that when you never properly introduced her?
But Granny, nopony told you her name.
Geez... Blondie is not coming off very well, though some of that is probably a result of very poor social contact in her life.
Hm, Marble got over most of her awkwardness a bit faster than I thought she would. Then again, she is currently in the home of the most family-like family that has ever existed, ever.
Eagerly waiting for next week. Our two leads will finally get some alone time.
4221467
Oh, don't you worry. As you said, it's merely because the Apples are, well, the Apples.
4221094
'Blondie' as in Applejack?
4220379
Oops. Now how the heck did I miss the fact that I forgot to add in that small but important detail?
Good catch. Fixed now.
Keep up the good work, this story is a hidden gem.
4221550
No. I meant Blinkie. However, I am on my Kindle, and it's autocorrect is a butt trumpet.
4221860
Ah right, that makes more sense.
Yeah, Blinkie's had the same lack of interaction with other ponies as Marble, and on top of that, she's... well, she's got a rather more volatile temper than her sister, let's just say that.
4221737
Thanks! I intend to do just that.
Aw, no pancake taste reaction-- Still, great chapter! Loving Marble more and more.
Blinkie and Flint are growing on me a bit too-- I wonder if being named after the kind of rock that strikes a spark means there's more to him than his patient, upbeat demeanor.
Hm. I just reread chapter 6, and I retract my objection. Marble is just as awkward as the chapter before.
Wow I really like this story. Its pacing is gloriously slow. The build up is great and Marble is a very likable character. I can't wait for the next chapter. So many questions too such as how close are Blinkie and Flint (should we be worried or are they just falwed and need help, I hope flawed because so far Flint seems decent enough). I notice athat a large number of characters are unwilling to speak out and it is interesting to see. So far we have the mother, Marble (who may be coming out of her shell bit by bit), and Flint who all tend to be passive.
Lastly I sense something between Pinkie and Dash. I hope it is actually there and not in my imagination. lol