Notes of Cinnamon
"Go!"
The buzzer echoed in Soarin's ears as his wings propelled him through the sky. Banking left and right, he zipped past other pegasi with his sights set on the finish line. He loved the wind blowing through his mane but it didn't compare to the thrill of winning. As the wind pushed against him, Soarin grinned in anticipation as the finish line peaked at him past the wispy clouds. He was so close he could taste it. He could also taste a hint of something sweet as his train of thought derailed. Before Soarin knew it, he had crashed into the pillar from the distraction.
"See you at the finish line, Clipper!"
Peeling himself off the pillar, he raced back into action as he tried to regain his first-place ranking. Well, he tried and settled for second place behind Spitfire. The referee placed the silver medal around his neck as he beamed with pride and shook with a hint of anticipation. He savored the small victory, but that didn't matter much to him as the smell taunted him from up top of the podium.
Once the race was called, Soarin darted past Spitfire who tried to talk with him. He had to find the source of the smell! He dipped below the clouds to Ponyville as he followed the scent. Ponies chattered around him as they went on their business and Soarin darted in between passersby. After such a race, he found himself on a mission for the source of the sweet scent. It didn't take long before a shrill voice called out above the clamor of the crowds.
"Come get your apples, here! They're delicious, nutritious, and have so many uses!"
He made his way towards the rustic apple stall where an orange filly called out to potential customers and a red stallion stood behind the stall, watching her with a slight grin. The stall contained an assortment of apple-baked goods that Soarin knew to be the origin of the wonderous scent. He trot towards the stall and the filly noticed him with a smile.
"Howdy there! Would ya like to try some caramel apples, apple pie, apple fritters, or maybe some apple fries?"
"Careful there, AJ! Let 'em decide what he wants!"
Soarin only chortled in response, not paying them any mind with the pie staring right back at him. His adventure finally caught up to him as his stomach growled and his mouth watered slightly. He had to have that pie.
"Heh, sounds like somepony's hungry," Applejack laughed.
"Like a horse! Can I have that pie?"
"O'course! That'll be two bits."
Soarin went to reach for his saddlebag when he suddenly realized he left it back up in Cloudsdale. He grinned sheepishly as he looked back to the expectant filly who had her hoof outreached.
"About that... I left my bits at home," Soarin sighed.
"No worries, then. On the house!"
"Applejack!"
"Hush it, Big Mac. It's just a pie. A sample is a guarantee to a returnin' customer!"
Soarin's eyes widened in wonder as she handed him the pie. He looked up trying to find the words for Applejack who just smiled as Big Mac glared at her in turn.
"Well? Try it!"
Soarin didn't need to be told twice as he tore into the flaky crust, the apple filling perfectly warm. He couldn't begin to explain the bliss he felt as the flavors melted on his tongue and once the tin was empty, he licked his muzzle for the crumbs and sighed. It felt as if Celestia herself had baked that pie specifically for him.
"I take it ya liked it? I baked it myself!"
Soarin just nodded his head in response as he processed the deliciousness that was not a pie baked by the solar princess but rather by a small orange filly named Applejack. Said filly laughing at his wordless response.
"Well, I'm glad ya liked it. Make sure to remember your bits next time, ya hear?"
"Yea, I'll be sure to do that," Soarin responded as he lifted himself in the air. He saluted the Apple siblings goodbye as he raced back home with apple pie still fresh in his mind.
"Spitfire! I'm telling you, you have to try their pie!"
The mare in question rolled her eyes at her teammate's insistence. He was attempting to drag her towards the food stalls parked outside the stadium but remained firmly still.
"And I'm telling you we don't have time for this. We can always get pie after the show."
"But Spitfire," Soarin whined in response.
"But nothing, Soarin! We gotta prove to Wind Rider that we're ready for promotions!"
Soarin knew she was right. They had just left the reserves and became full-time members of the team. And with Wind Rider's retirement age quickly approaching, everyone was on best behavior for a chance at Wonderbolts Captain. Soarin didn't really like the idea of being captain though, being a part of the team was enough for him, and Spitfire deserved the position more than he did anyways.
As Spitfire tugged her uniform above her mane, she began exiting the locker room, but Soarin stayed behind. He began sneaking away towards the food stalls outside. He had yet to put the uniform on like Spitfire had so he was able to fly towards the nostalgic apple cart lodged between two other carts.
"Hey there! Fancy anythin' you see?"
There was still an assortment of apple treats, but the golden brown pie stood out amongst the rest. He would be foolish not to snag it up before somepony else bought it up!
"Yeah! I think an apple pie would hit the spot!"
Soarin pulled out four bits and went to hand them to the mare. She took two from him with a nervous chuckle, nudging the pie over to him.
"'m afraid it's only two bits. If I charged anythin' else, Granny'd have my hide."
Soarin quickly placed the remaining bits on the counter, grabbing the pie from Applejack before she could protest.
"And I'm afraid I have a tab to pay off," Soarin winked.
"Wait! You're the colt that didn't have the bits on him!"
"The one and only! Being a Wonderbolt pays well, after all," Soarin bragged.
"Would it pay the interest on the tab?"
Soarin drooped a bit at the mention of "interest" and lack of reaction at the word "Wonderbolt." While being a Wonderbolt did pay off fairly well, he didn't know if it'd cover a debt going that far back. Applejack snickered as she waved a hoof playfully.
"I'm kiddin', I swear. You didn' have to do all that but it's mighty appreciated!"
"Well, I've been dreaming of that pie so it'd be bad if I didn't," Soarin winked, "Anyways, I better be off. I gotta job to do, but this is gonna be the best aftershow snack I have! Will you be at the show?"
"I dunno, I do have a stall t' run, but I'll try," Applejack offered.
"I'll take it! Thanks for the pie!"
Soarin took off as he zipped through the crowd once more and into the locker room where an expectant Spitfire waited for him. She tapped a hoof impatiently which stopped at the sight of Soarin and his beloved pie.
"Oh my Celestia, don't tell me you were off getting pie! Soarin, we have a show happening in less than five minutes!"
At this, he yelped placing the pie on the benches and flying to get his uniform on. Spitfire nagged at him through the whole process before he finished and threw his goggles on haphazardly. Despite the whole tirade, Spitfire calmed down shortly thereafter and readjusted his goggles.
"That pie better be good."
"It's gonna be as good as you're gonna be as captain," Soarin grinned.
Spitfire rolled her eyes and slapped him over the head. Once again she left the locker room, this time with Soarin in tow, to a roaring crowd above the field where their teammates waited. Soarin loved winning, Soarin loved flying, but Soarin loved the apple pie waiting for him the most.
It was his first Grand Galloping Gala as First Lieutenant of the Wonderbolts. Both he and Spitfire worked through the ranks and when she took up the mantle as captain, he had the honor of being second-in-command. While he wasn't expecting anything like that, it was a bit exciting to be rewarded and comforting to know that he and his best friend were working together.
However, the routine for tonight was as exhausting as it was exhilarating- the Canterlot nobles equally so. While Spitfire had no issue discussing the logistics of the flights, he found the nobles a bit irritating. Sure, there were routines and rules to be followed, but there wasn't more to it besides flying high and flying fast! Thankfully, he was able to shrug it off and his aloof attitude put off more than a few snobby unicorns.
It didn't matter that much to him as the snack bar was calling to him. Well, that was before the familiar aroma of apples overwhelmed everything else. In his sleepy stupor, he made his way through the thinning crowd toward the garden where he watched Applejack kick her popup stall open. The smell only intensified once the stall was set up and he drew closer.
"Howdy partner, you hungry?"
"As a horse!"
"Well, what're you hankerin' for? Caramel apple, apple pie, apple fritter, apple fries?"
Despite the deja vu he felt at that moment, Soarin just pointed at the pie that Applejack was already reaching for. His energy was already returning just being near the rustic stall and he knew that the troublesome night would all be worth it.
"I'll take that big apple pie!"
Soarin wanted to talk more as he threw his bits in the bucket but Spitfire was already calling for him from inside the gala. He gingerly took the pie from the stall as Applejack thanked him and excitedly talked to herself after his retreat. Maybe he could talk to her more later?
"Always hungry after a show, eh Soarin?"
Soarin nodded in agreement and dropped the pie to his horror. He shouted as he watched the pie fall to the ground, drowsiness holding him back from catching the pie in time, as a multicolored blur raced for the pie.
"You saved it! Thanks," Soarin wheezed.
It was the only pie he had seen on Applejack's display and after his heart calmed down he sat down away from the aisle and began devouring the treat in earnest. He could faintly hear Spitfire talk about him and his pie and gave a halfhearted reply. Nothing mattered to him that night beside the pie Applejack made.
The hospital was hospitable but it was still lonely and boring. It was a popup for the qualification races after all but it didn't help his mood regardless. Soarin's wing already healed, and he could honestly hop up and out of bed without the doctors giving him too much trouble, but Spitfire was insistent he stay and get rest. It gnawed at him how her voice carried a hint of something he couldn't put his hoof on. He didn't bother shoving that feeling aside since the sting of abandonment outweighed anything he felt since his friends didn't visit him since his hospitalization.
Thankfully, he didn't have to dwell with Rainbow Dash being checked into the bed next to him. There was a shuffle of ponies and familiar voices surrounding her side of the room. At least she had her friends. He lay there quietly until the shuffle of ponies leaving the room became nothing but a faint afterthought. He pulled the curtains back where Rainbow Dash lay more battered and bruised than he thought possible.
"You sure have nice friends. Nopony's been by to visit me. Eh, too busy practicing I guess."
"Well, hopefully your wing will be better soon," Rainbow Dash tried helpfully.
"Oh, It's fine. I-I'm just keeping it warm in case my team wants me back," he stuttered. Soarin hoped it didn't come off as too desperate.
"Whadya mean, "wants you back?" Spitfire and Fleetfoot told me that you were still too injured to fly!"
"And they told me that they were worried that I wouldn't be 100% by the tryouts. Said they were going with somepony else!" Soarin furrowed his eyebrows in thought with Rainbow Dash confirming his suspicions.
"That somepony else was me! Until, uh- Er- Well until, I got hurt that is."
Soarin dropped back down into his pillow, the pieces slowly coming together. He didn't know Rainbow Dash's position on Spitfire and Fleetfoot's antics, but he was sure it wouldn't be good. He certainly felt betrayed, and surely the Element of Loyalty felt something.
"So I guess we're all outta luck. Cloudsdale won't qualify without three flyers and Ponyville won't qualify without you! Too bad..."
After a moment of silence, Rainbow Dash ripped the blankets off suddenly, startling the poor stallion. He followed after getting over the shock to find himself amongst the spectators where Rainbow Dash confronted Spitfire and Fleetfoot. It was heartfelt, even more so when he got his position back on the team, but the feeling of hurt still tore at his heart. After qualifications, he could tell Spitfire tried to reach out, but he brushed her aside for now. Something changed, but he was sure he'd get over it.
He split off from the rest of Cloudsdale's Team and towards the hydration tents. It was nice knowing he was still a part of the team for now, even if he and Spitfire would have to talk once they were back at Cloudsdale. Once he had a water bottle in hoof, he wandered off trying not to think of such things, if only temporarily. He won his chance to shine in the Equestria Games and he loved winning.
He didn't get far in his prompt adventure since Applejack waved him over from near the stands. Ponies still congregated around the area but mostly dispersed since then, the only thing standing out being Applejack's food cart holding the remainder of the apple brown betties.
"Glad to see ya could make it alright, Soarin," Applejack greeted, brushing her mane out of her eyes.
"I'm glad I could too! Nothin' beats blazing through the clouds in my opinion. Say, can I have one of those apple treats you got there? Not apple pie, but it'll still be just as great!"
"Well, I actually baked ya one when Rainbow told me the Wonderbolts would be here. I remember you sayin' it was the best aftershow snack you could have, " Applejack chuckled at the memory.
She pulled out a pie from the cart hidden below a few of the brown betties and handed it over to Soarin.
"Y'may not be my most frequent customer, but I could call ya the most memorable."
"Thanks!"
Soarin immediately dug in without hesitation, welcomed immediately by the faint notes of cinnamon.
"You still eat the same as ever, don'tcha Soarin?"
Soarin looked up in equal measure of embarrassment and confusion as apple filling dripped down his muzzle.
"I saw you at the Gala, remember? An' Rainbow's always tellin' us about you Wonderbolts and all yer quirks," she winked.
Soarin finished the last bites of the pie fast before coughing into his hoof.
"Well, you make really good pies!"
"Doesn' mean you hafta eat like you never ate in yer life."
"Well, maybe I only eat your pies!"
Applejack threw her head back in unbridled laughter at that as Soarin shuffled his wings in merriment. He was enjoying her company as much, if not more, than the fresh apple pies. The banter paired wonderfully with the pie, at least.
"I gotta give you that. Although, you could definitely stand to visit the farm more often if ya need yer fill that badly."
"I could?"
"Well, sure! I mean, it's in Ponyville but nothin' beats a visit to Sweet Apple Acres for some homemade food, I say," Applejack proclaimed.
"Then maybe I should," Soarin mused.
Maybe things between him and Spitfire were changing, but at least the welcoming taste of apple pie was consistent.
The holidays were fast approaching and the Wonderbolts' Winter Wonderland Tour came to a close. Soarin breathed a sigh of relief as he shut his locker for the last time of the year and sat on the bench. The show was packed, bringing in ponies from all over Equestria to the sendoff show. And to Soarin, it felt like the more he flew for ponies the more exhausted he became. He sat on a bench to decompress as exhaustion and bitterness swept over him in ugly waves.
Spitfire had changed. It should've been crystal clear back at the Equestria Games, but now she had become a completely different pony. The other Wonderbolts didn't notice but how could he not? They were foalhood friends after all. Long gone was the time when they were starry-eyed recruits fighting for Wind Rider's legacy. Now Spitfire was the captain, chasing to have a legacy worthy of a Wonderbolts Captain, and she was leaving Soarin in the past.
Soarin snapped out of such thinking when Rainbow Dash came waltzing in through the door, waving off to Thunderlane with her wing. She was still in uniform and Soarin couldn't help but smile.
"Hey, Soarin! You just finished up?"
"Yea, just taking a breather," Soarin stretched to emphasize.
"I feel that. Spitfire's been running us like crazy! Don't blame her though, it's definitely been a busy season. Not that I mind," Rainbow smiled. She shuffled as she peeled the suit off her coat.
"I don't know how you do it, Crash," Soarin muttered.
"What was that?"
"Oh, uh, nothing. I'm just thinking about Hearth's Warming."
"Oh! What're you doing for it then?"
Rainbow had just put her suit up and started rummaging through a duffel bag.
"I dunno. Usually, Spitfire and I hang out but she's staying behind in the barracks to finish paperwork. Y'know we have that Spring Fling coming up for when Princess Cadence comes to visit."
"But that's like months away! I understand trying to be ready but yeesh. Anyways, have you made any other plans?"
"Nah, I might just stay home and try to catch some z's!"
"Well, you could always visit Applejack."
Soarin perked up at the mare's name.
"What d'ya mean?"
"She's always talking about when you'll come to visit. And there's always a room at the farm when Hearth's Warming comes around." Rainbow packed up and made her way toward the showers.
"Huh. Didn't realize she thought of me so much!"
"Oh, puh-lease. She always tries to ask about you when I come back from practice or shows. Worried about you since your last accident I guess, Clipper," she snickered. Soarin couldn't help but roll his eyes.
"Whatever. I'll think about it."
"Well, whatever you decide, just know she thinks about you. AJ wanted me to give this to you, actually. Didn't know if you'd see her before Hearth's Warming but wanted to be sure you got your pie. She'd kill me if I forgot it," Rainbow chuckled. She slipped the container into Soarin's hooves.
"I guess you're right," Soarin smiled as he opened the container of pie. It had cooled significantly but the smell of cinnamon wafted from the container.
"Of course I am! Anyways, I gotta go hit the hay myself. Catch ya later!"
Soarin picked himself up off the bench and placed the pie in his own bag. He could visit Applejack he supposed, but what about Spitfire? It wouldn't hurt to stop by her office real quick before heading home. He just wished she'd be in a better mood than usual. He hesitated in front of her offices for a second, swallowing stale saliva, as he put his hoof to the door.
"Spitfire?"
"What Soarin. Make it quick," Spitfire replied from mountains of paperwork.
"I just wanted to check in with ya before break. You sure you're gonna be fine doing all this over Hearth's Warming?"
Spitfire snorted in response as she peered over her aviators.
"Of course, why wouldn't I?"
Now or never, Soarin thought.
"Well, it's just you've been really busy lately. Like, busier than usual. I know you wanna get all this done, but don't you think you need a break?"
"Now why would I think that? I'm the captain for a reason, Lieutenant."
"I know, I know, but I just think you haven't been giving yourself enough credit. I mean, you already have three months of planning done, what else needs to be done?"
"Princess Cadence's Spring Fling," came her automated response.
"Besides that."
For the first time in forever, Soarin saw Spitfire flinch ever so slightly. He got her.
"Listen. I don't wanna push you into doing something you don't want to do. You don't have to hang out with me this year if you think that's what I'm trying to do. I'm thinking of going to see Applejack this year myself but a break would be good for you," Soarin explained.
"You're going to Applejack's?"
"Er, maybe? I dunno yet, but why is that important?"
"You and her always got along real well," Spitfire answered, "I thought you'd get together sooner rather than later."
"What!? We're not dating!" Spitfire raised an unamused eyebrow.
"Sure, and you don't giggle your hooves off around each other."
"Are you gonna take a break or not?"
"I'll think about it. But I think it's nice you're going to see her."
"Really? I go to see her all the time."
"Yeah, but you haven't gone to see her in a while have you? And not for the holidays at that."
"I guess. I suppose I'll go see her for Hearths Warming, I'm sure she'll have pie for dessert too!"
"You never change, Soarin. Now get out of here so I can try to relax on Hearth's Warming Eve," she ushered him out with her hoof, "and you enjoy Hearth's Warming with your new marefriend."
Soarin laughed lightheartedly at her quip and hesitated before the doorway again. Before he left, he turned his head around to look back at Spitfire who wasn't as engrossed in her work as she tried to make it out to be.
"It's nice to talk to you again, Spitfire."
"It is, isn't it, Soarin?"
Soarin simply smiled, walking back out with dreams of apple pie weighing on his tired mind and in his saddlebags.
The train to Ponyville was a quiet one. Most ponies were already home but Soarin didn't want to impose on the Apple family. Even with Spitfire and Rainbow Dash telling him to see Applejack, he was worried that he might be turned away. Still, he tapped his forehoof until the conductor called out the stop.
He climbed out into the fresh snow, taking in the sights. Twilight's Castle twinkled in the distance, Canterlot even farther, and yet the robust village of Ponyville was just as enticing. He passed by with heavy saddlebags, trying to make his way through the bustling town. Hearth's Warming Eve was today and it was still chilly but the townponies were out and about the shops enjoying the holiday spirit with carols, food, and love. It warmed Soarin's heart just a bit and eased his nerves in kind.
It wasn't hard finding the apple orchard, even when the town was crowded with decorations. The bright red farm stood out in the white fields and was decorated with fairy lights leading up to the fence. He breathed in the apple fragrances surrounding him as he made his way up to the door. Before he could knock, the door whipped open revealing a little yellow filly.
"Hi there, Soarin!"
"Hey, Apple Bloom, is AJ here?"
As soon as the last word left his mouth, she barked for Applejack and just stared at Soarin. Usually he and the filly were able to hold a conversation, mostly about his cutie mark, but this time found himself nervously smiling under her stare. He tried speaking up but Applejack came down the stairs in a rush with an irritated look. Soarin's smile faltered a bit as he wondered if this was the right thing to do, but the thoughts were washed away with relief when Applejack smiled at him.
"Soarin! C'mon in! Apple Bloom, let the poor stallion in," Applejack cantered over.
Apple Bloom just smiled a bit more and stepped aside to hold the door open a bit more. Soarin crossed the doorway inside the rustic home as the smell of apples only intensified. Applejack quickly hugged him and smiled as he shuffled his wings around.
"What brings ya here? It's been a while since ya last came! Are ya wantin' some dessert to take back home for Hearth's Warmin'?"
"Oh, uh, Rainbow told me to come here! For Hearth's Warming. That's if you don't mind," Soarin smiled.
"Well, I'll be! Apple Bloom, go tell Granny to make a bit extra for dinner. And set the table while yer at it!" Applejack hollered to the filly who galloped off midsentence.
Applejack turned away from Soarin back towards the stairs as she motioned for him to follow with a slight smile. He was eager to follow as they went up the stairs and listened to the older sister talk.
"I'm glad you came down to see us again! It's been a while since yer last visit, I was scared you wouldn' visit us again. Guess ya got busy with the Wonderbolts?"
"Yeah, I guess, but that wasn't gonna stop me from visiting you," Soarin replied.
Applejack froze temporarily in front of a door, muzzle scrunched up with wide eyes, but quickly laughed it off with a faint blush. She pushed it open revealing the plain guest room, pale green paired with gentle oak. It was simple but comforting. It was just right for the pegasus.
"Well, here's yer room!"
Applejack made her way inside fidgeting with the sheets quickly. She began looking outside where the sun peaked above the treeline soon afterward. It was a beautiful sight but Soarin's attention was turned toward the mare inversely framed by the window.
"Y'know, Big Mac's outside still buckin' away at the trees? I oughta go help him, maybe throw an apple pie in the oven for ya while 'm at it," Applejack turned to meet his gaze in a brief pause, "I'll just letcha get settled."
Before she could pass Soarin, he stopped her with a hoof. He gently smiled as he took the saddlebag off and placed it on the bed with care.
"I didn't exactly come empty-hoofed."
Out came a wrapped pie. It was crumbling and banged up from the trip, but it was at least identifiable as an apple pie. Applejack kept switching her focus between Soarin and the baked confection. At first, he couldn't tell what she was thinking, and once again nerves began wracking his body. And once again relief washed over him as she threw her head back to laugh. Soarin couldn't help but join her.
"Alright, I know it's not the prettiest thing, but I thought I'd try my hoof out and it seems I'm not gonna be on the Royal Jelly Juggernaut anytime soon, huh?"
Applejack wiped a tear from her eye as her laughs toned down. Both were staring at the sad pie before she looked back to Soarin.
"No, it's not-"
"Ouch! You really are the Element of Honesty!" Soarin fake-gasped, clutching a hoof to his chest.
"But! I gotta say this is the sweetest thing anypony's done for me in a while, Soarin. Thank you!"
Applejack gave him a tight hug and at that moment everything felt perfect. The sounds of Granny Smith and Apple Bloom working on dinner downstairs were distant, but the merriment was strong. Sunrays beamed in from the window shrouding them in soft golden light as Celestia planned for this perfect moment. Applejack was wrapped against him with her heart beating fast against his chest and the smell of apple pie filled the air.
Soarin wouldn't change this Hearth's Warming for anything in the world.