Autumn Celebrations
A cool, crisp wind blows through the Ponyville Square, the center of town, offering a slight relief from the warmth that most ponies had been feeling up to this point. There's no lying about it, it's finally Autumn. The time of year where the trees turn their different shades of yellow, orange, brown, and red.
To celebrate the changing of the seasons, the farmers of Ponyville had got together to use what was leftover from their harvests to make a large town gathering to sell their assorted treats. Most ponies realize the significance of this event and almost all of the ponies in town decide to attend. In the beginning, it was just a small way to get rid of leftover stock at low prices, but it's become a town-wide festival complete with food, music, dancing, rides, and even a chance to win the top prize of the Autumn Festival, the Golden-Crust Ribbon.
The smell of sweet pumpkin spices and cinnamon wafts through the cool air, hypnotizing the senses and drawing passerby's closer to the colorful tents that lined the Farmers' Market area near the center of town. There were red and gold streamers lining the trees and light posts and there was music playing from a rather energetic fiddle-filly up on a stage. Despite going farther away from the celebration, ponies could still hear the fiddle playing, as if a small pony was playing the song softly into their ear.
This was one of the major celebrations that Ponyville had to offer, before the annual Running of the Leaves competition comes to clear away the leaves. While the athletes are shunning sugars and training hard, they would later curse themselves for not sticking to their diet, for no pony could resist the famous pies created by none other than Sugar-Cube Corner, who wins the ribbon almost every year. Though, most of the connoisseurs of Ponyville believed that the Cakes had the judges in their pocket.
However, the pastry-chefs of Ponyville finally have a reason to rejoice, the mayor had decided that the honor of judging the competitions for the Ribbon would fall to none other than their newly crowned Princess of Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle. The town knew her, and she was always fair, with no reason to misjudge. A clean slate, exactly what the competition was needing!
Despite the judging of the competition being a huge honor, and even a potential gain in popularity by the town, Princess Twilight Sparkle didn't really know if she wanted the position or not. In her newly found home, a large crystalline tree, where the Ponyville Library used to stand, she discusses her position with her friend Spike.
Twilight slowly paced her new bedroom, matching the crystalline structure of the building; glossy floors and shining walls that reflected almost like a mirror if one focused too much on them. While normally accustomed to living modestly, Twilight had begun to ignore the changes to her home and focused mostly on the contents within. She had a modest bedroom with a large repertoire of tomes and books to read. She had picked up several more after defeating Tirek, and the citizens of Ponyville thanked her with donations.
"Spike, could you just stop bothering me with it? I told you that I don't even know if I can stay around Ponyville long enough for the competition!" Twilight exclaimed with a slight annoyance. The baby dragon had been pestering her with going to the celebrations since the middle of Summer.
"Oh, please, please, please, Twilight? You know how much I love celebrations! Can't we take a nice, relaxing time off from this 'Princess Duty' and just go back to being how it was?" Spike begged. "I mean, without the constant studying." Spike added, waving his claws for effect.
Twilight sighed and offered Spike a harsh look, "Absolutely not, I need to go to Canterlot to help Princess Celestia, Luna, and Cadence rebuild relations with the surrounding neighbors of Equestria. This whole 'Tirek' mess got a lot of ponies upset, and we've got to assure them that everything is okay." She stated as-matter-of-factly.
Spike wanted to protest, though he felt something brewing inside of his stomach. "Urp... Twilight, hold that thought--" Spike burped up a magical letter. On the front of the envelope had a familiar scribbling which Spike recognized immediately. "Twi', mail for ya'." He gave the letter off to Twilight.
Twilight took the letter in her magical grasp and broke the wax seal, "A letter from Princess Celestia? I wasn't expecting any mail today." She spoke with confusion, then began to read...
Dear Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student and new colleague...
Twilight felt a little giddy at reading the new addition to Celestia's letter, she'll never get used to hearing that from her previous teacher.
Spike had sent me a few letters saying that he was worried that you may have been working too hard these passed months. I believe, in the spirit of being your teacher, that you have deserved a short time away from your usual duties. Do not worry about coming to the political relations summits, as I have chosen one to take your place while you rest.
Twilight shot another glare at Spike, who had slipped out of the room as Twilight began to read. He avoided the storm, for now, but it'll only be brewing further during his absence.
I have learned that after centuries of leading Equestria, that even a Princess deserves a little break from things every once and a while. You're a wonderful asset to Equestria, and I'm proud to be able to call you a dear friend. Accept this token of my appreciation, as I won't be in Ponyville during my most favorite of holidays.
Twilight raised an eyebrow as two flashes of magic appeared behind the letter, and two slips of paper fell to the floor. They were similarly decorated with yellows, reds, and browns. Twilight realized what they were.
"Tickets?" She focused on the letter again.
Enclosed, I have expressly ordered two tickets to the Autumn Festival, that I'm sure you're well aware is arriving in your town. I hope that will help you relax from your recent stress. Also, Spike wanted me to tell you to take him with you.
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia
P.S.
I'll see you again when the summits are over, perhaps in a month or so. Also, my sister didn't wish to accompany us on my and Princess Cadence's trip, it seems. She may wish to come by and visit you. She was quite impressed with how you fell Tirek.
Twilight couldn't believe what she had just read. Princess Celestia had officially anchored Twilight to Ponyville, and in turn, to the Festival. She let out an aggravated sigh and put the letter down onto a nearby desk. "Okay, so... Princess Celestia had decided that as my 'duty' as Princess, I should continue doing as I have been for the passed couple of years; nothing." Twilight wanted to yell into her pillow, as she thought that she had solidified herself as a position on the royal council. Instead, she's still being treated like a little filly, with Celestia standing over her and telling her that she won't be needed.
Her thoughts then fell to the last part of the letter, "Princess Luna might be coming?" She grasped the letter with her magic again and raised a brow, re-reading the post-scriptum.
"Well, at least if she comes over, we'll be able to discuss this issue." She shrugged, putting the letter back down and heading towards the door. "Oh, Spike? Come here, I want to discuss something with you." Twilight grinned deviously, magically grasping a spray-bottle from a nearby shelf.
At the fair grounds, Applejack was hard at work setting up her booth representing Sweet-Apple Acres. Honestly, she didn't really enjoy the fall festival, as apples aren't typically in season for Autumn. The fruits of her labor are often disregarded, as apples are easily obtained throughout the year, but pumpkins are only 'in' once, and many ponies take advantage of the season. Applejack had tried to compete with the Pumpkin-Tarts, Pumpkin Pies, Pumpkin Cake, and she's sure she even saw a booth selling Pumpkin Soup before.
Applejack stared off into space, remembering all of that which caused most ponies to forget about her apples. She caught herself, shaking her head and loosening the thoughts on her mind. She focused on setting up the awning over her booth.
"This year is gonna' be different." Applejack stated, smirking, "I've figured out a sure-fire way ta' earn that Golden-Crust Ribbon and earn my place in tha' winner's circle." Always the competitive pony, Applejack had never given up on winning the grand prize, despite her apples not being 'fashionable' this time of season. She had broken a few rules and stock piled a small jar of Zap-Apple Jam that she was going to use for fried fritters. It's a good thing that Granny Smith is normally too busy napping to come to the festival, or else she would be shamed to the highest degree.
Applejack shuddered at the thought of being publicly shamed by her own Grandma. "Oh, nothin' is going to make me live that one down."
"Hey, AJ." Applejack turned to see a more than welcome change from the monotony. She smiled brightly and greeted her rainbow-maned friend. "Well hey there, RD. Aren't you supposed to be on cloud control? Y'know, to stop any weather that could ruin our little celebration?" Applejack questioned.
"Oh, that? Yeah, I've got a few good pegasi on the job. Don't worry about that. I think I've deserved a little break, don't you?" She nudged the farmpony in the side with a smirk. "So, what do you have this year to try and beat the horseshoes off of the Cake family this year?"
"Ooh, no. I ain't telling you nothin', RD. You might be workin' for the Cakes." She smiled playfully, "I know you've been hangin' around Pinkie Pie."
"Oh, like Pinkie Pie would resort to spying on her competition." Rainbow rolled her eyes, "You know they win this thing every year, there's no need to --" Rainbow caught the glare from her friend, "I mean... It's not like you're the only one that loses, y'know? Everypony else loses, too."
Applejack snorted and pushed the last nail into the awning. Rainbow's heart was in the right place but she's terrible with words.
"Well, not this year, Rainbow. I've finally got the perfect recipe that'll blow the competition away." Applejack stated smugly.
"Oh, yeah? What is it, AJ?" Rainbow questioned, tilting her head out of curiosity.
Applejack was about to speak when she saw a nearby shrub rustle slightly. She narrowed her eyes at the bush and then leaned forward to whisper into Rainbow's ear about her secret plan of stashed Zap-Apple filling.
Rainbow's eyes went wide, "Woah, really? I thought that --" Her words were cut short by AJ's hoof falling across her lips. She made a motion towards the bush and Rainbow looked over, seeing the edge of a pink fluff sticking out of the bushes.
Applejack looked at Rainbow Dash, giving her a silent signal to lead her sentence in another direction. Rainbow seemed to catch on. "Oh, that? Pff. That's not going to beat the Cakes' not by a long shot. They've been working on something huge, too."
The bush rustled once again and the pink fluff had disappeared.
This was the first that she heard about the Cakes' secret plans for this year, and she had to get her hooves on the information. "RD. Tell me more about this 'huge something'."
Rainbow chortled, wrinkling her nose a little to stifle laughter. Applejack stared at her with cold seriousness. "Could ya' try and be a little more grown-up?"
Applejack shook her head and went back to the stand, "Listen here, Rainbow. If you tell me everything you know about their little plan, then I'll give you ... first dibs on this comin' up Apple Cider batch."
Rainbow's mouth watered at the very thought of the delicious golden nectar. She had almost accepted the proposition, until she remembered what Pinkie told her just earlier that day. "... Thanks, but no thanks, AJ. I sort of promised Pinkie that I wouldn't say a thing to anyone about it. Top secret."
Applejack sighed, feeling that the chances of winning this year was going to be a little more slim than she initially thought. Rainbow Dash waved her friend good-bye as the silence brought an uneasy awkwardness over the pair. "I'll see you later, AJ. Good luck!"
The farm pony sighed and looked down into the small batch of Zap-Apple filling, "Better get to work, I guess..."
"Okay, which one looks better? This one, or ... this one?" Rarity switched between two dresses which almost looked identical. There were only slight differences with the patterns, but the colors were ultimately the same. The two dresses were both rather simplistic, though elegant in their own way.
Fluttershy eyed the dresses, then her friend, "R-Rarity, how about you just wear the scarf? It looks well enough, and the weather isn't that cold outside. As a matter of fact, most of the birds are staying a little longer until they fly south."
"The scarf?" Rarity picked up the knitted fabric, it was quite nice and the designs were definitely into the season, though she didn't want to arrive and there be somepony dressed up far better than she was! It was best that she went all out and took things away, rather than run home and dress up after being found under dressed. "Fluttershy, darling, I have to make a good impression on all of the townsfolk tonight. This is the Autumn Festival we're talking about here, not just some walk through the park."
Fluttershy smiled a little, eyeing her steaming cup of hot cider that Rarity had prepared for her friend's visit, "W-Well, a walk through the park actually sounds really nice. Could we go on our way?"
Rarity looked over at her friend with a raised brow, "Oh, but Fluttershy, the park is out of the way compared to the festival grounds. You know that, dear." Rarity went back to balancing her options, switching out certain accessories for others.
Fluttershy laid her head down slightly onto the small table where her cider sat, feeling as if she was just scolded by her mother. Rarity noticed and sighed softly. She went to her friend and put her hooves onto her shoulders, "Now, now, Fluttershy... If you really want to, how could I say no?"
Fluttershy smiled a little, looking at her glass, "Are you sure, Rarity? I don't want to be a bother."
"Oh, no bother at all, darling. I'd be glad to take a little stroll with you. We'll truly be able to admire the nature and spirit of Autumn." Rarity hugged her friend and went back over to a chest where she kept her 'Fall' season items. "Ooh, it'll also give me a moment to see how my ensemble works in a practical sense."
Fluttershy snickered at her friend's devotion to fashion and she decided to pipe up. "Um, Rarity? If you really want to be simplistic, yet dressed, maybe you could use this beautiful sweater along with this scarf." Fluttershy had gotten up and picked through the random assorted garments until she found a gentle brown sweater with a dark orange, red, and yellow scarf.
Rarity's eyes lit up and she smiled brightly, "Now, that's why I love having you over, Fluttershy. You're a wonderful listener and have a gifted sense of fashion. Just like me!" Rarity smiled at her friend, though noticed the clock just over Fluttershy's left ear on the wall. "Oh, look at the time! We've got to get going if we want to go on that walk!" Rarity grasped her sweater and the scarf, then placed it on with her magic.
Fluttershy reached over and grabbed a woolen hat, pulling it down over her ears, and grabbing another scarf that was slightly more orange. She draped the scarf over her neck and shoulders. The two made it out the door with time to spare for their little stroll.
Finally, the beginning of the festival was under way. The sun had set just slightly above the horizon, casting beautiful colors of gold and fiery orange across the sky. The wind, while chilly, was slightly blowing, allowing the smells of the festival to be cast around the town.
The rides were started up for the foals, along with a fully functional arts and crafts department, and even a petting zoo that even pulled in some of the adult ponies. Namely, Fluttershy, who helped the foals understand and take care of the little critters. The zoo was comprised mostly of smaller animals, like rabbits, squirrels, a few exotic looking birds, and even a chipmunk or two.
There was food being made at almost every corner for almost every palette. There were lines for funnel cakes, corn-dogs, pretzels, and just about any other food one could think would be at a fair like this. Though the dominant smells came from the line of tents and stalls selling their sweets while their chefs are hard at work creating the final product that will rock the judge off of their hooves.
Sweet smells were coming from every single stall except for one with a sign that red "Sweet Apple Acres" across the top. A few regulars to the Apple Family treats were in line to receive a delicious treat, though the stall seemed to be closed as there was no one manning the station. They shrugged and moved on. Applejack was hard at work preparing her prize-winning fritters underneath the stall.
While the foals were at play, some of the parents decided to go along their own adventures. For the adults, there were eating contests, a few concerts at one of the stages, and even a chance to meet a Princess!
Yes, our very own Twilight Sparkle was sitting in a large chair with a small rug leading up to her. There was a full line of foals and adult ponies alike, all wanting to meet their new Princess in person.
Twilight rejected this spot, at first. She claimed that she didn't want to be treated as a celebrity. She only wanted to be with all of her friends and citizens of Ponyville while they celebrate. This was only met with devoted applause and with much nodding.
Twilight was having a lot less fun than she thought she would, but to leave the position she was thrust into now would leave a line of nearly fifty ponies disappointed. She wasn't about to let that happen, so she willingly signed sheet after sheet of paper for her devout 'fans'. Spike was being punished for reeling her into this mess. He wanted to go to the Autumn Festival, and now he is. But he isn't going to leave Twilight's side, not even for a moment. So all the baby dragon got to do was wait and watch the many carnival rides and smell the delicious food desperately.
"Well, Spike, this is what you wanted, right? To be at the festival, to enjoy the celebration? Just. Like. Me?" Twilight smiled at one of the ponies she had just signed an autograph for, then glared over at the baby dragon held against her with a semi-translucent magic string that circled the dragon's stomach.
"No, Twilight. You know this isn't what I wanted." Spike spoke angrily, his arms crossed over his chest in annoyance.
"Yeah, well, this isn't how I thought I'd be spending my afternoon either." Twilight felt a little guilty for being so harsh with Spike, but she didn't feel that now would be a good time to apologize, not while she's effectively punishing him. However, she did let something slip out. "If you're good, I'll let you really enjoy the festival during my judging duties. Alright?" Twilight smiled a little down at the dragon, knowing that he only wanted to be here to have fun. He's been working just as hard as Twilight has.
Spike's eyes lit up and he jumped to his feet. "Really? You mean it?! Thanks, Twilight! Here, want me to help you with that?" Spike reached over at a stallion who had arrived with a large packet of papers for Twilight to sign, though he fumbled with the package and caused the papers to fall into the dirt and be swept away by the wind.
Twilight was rather thankful, as the desperate looking stallion ran out of the line to gather up all of his papers.
The line eventually became shorter, as a lot of ponies thought they could have fun at the festival before it was over.
Twilight was signing a rather large, badly made replica of herself made with cloth and cotton, as she heard a voice that would cause her heart to leap with joy.
Over the loud speakers on the stage, a pony called, "Calling all judges to the center stage for the Golden-Crust Competition! Calling all judges..."
Twilight immediately apologized to the stallion holding the creepy life-size doll and quickly ran towards the stage. She was forced to slow down at the sheer size of the crowds that were moving towards the stage. It seems that they were coming to see the competition.
Twilight was immediately recognized in the crowd, and the ponies moved aside to let her up on the stage. Without the music playing and the laughter of hundreds of ponies, the fair seemed to get rather quiet. Almost eerily so.
Twilight sat down in the left-over chair in the center of the stage. She felt as if the spotlight above her was placed squarely over her head, and the board of judges looked over at her with a smile. Twilight seemed a little out of place, feeling nervous and awkward. Eventually, the talking began again, and the fair started to sound as if it was back to normal.
Twilight sighed deeply as she looked out to the crowd to find someone she recognized. She found her friends gathered in the far right, once they caught her eye, they all waved at her. Even Spike, who was carrying large quantities of funnel cake and cotton candy.
"That dragon... Doesn't he know that's going to make him sick?" Twilight thought to herself as she stared with a distasteful expression.
Finally, it seems that the stage-pony for the Competition had arrived. She was a cream colored pony with a short brown mane, wearing an apron that says, "Kiss me, I'm a cook."
The filly tapped the microphone, which echoed through the crowd. "Alright, everypony! Welcome to the Autumn Festival Golden-Crust Competition! I'm sure you're all very familiar with how this all works, but there's an extra addition to this year's competition!" She moved aside to show Twilight to the crowd, "We've got our very own Princess Twilight Sparkle here with us tonight to judge the treats that you fine folks prepared for us tonight. As you all know, the competition is based on three things! Taste, artistic style, and how well it sells! Can I get a little applause for our judges tonight?"
On queue, the crowd begins clapping their hooves together for the judges. There were three on the panel, including Twilight. The one to Twilight's right stood from her chair and waved politely. She's the town's treasurer, just underneath Mayor Mare. The one to the left was an elderly looking stallion who seemed as if he's a long time veteran of this competition. He had a thick mustache that covered his perpetual frown and a disgruntled expression. He nodded his head towards the audience.
Then all attention was on Twilight Sparkle. She didn't really know what to do, so she just waved at the crowd, and everypony erupted into applause once more. "Alright! Let's get this under way!"
"So, our first dish comes from ..."
Twilight had tasted quite a few tasty treats, including a rather out of place chocolate mousse in the shape of a moose. Each one was more delicious than the last, though the judging was going to be held after the tasting was over. Twilight had been given a sheet of paper to write down what she thought about each treat. She enjoyed this, a moment to do a little number crunching. She went down to the decimal, ensuring her like or dislike for the dish.
Half an hour into the competition, Twilight was getting rather filled with delectable treats.
At this rate, I'm going to have the stomach problems.
Finally, there was the final entry. "And now, from last years' champions, the Cake family!"
From the left came a rather large cart pulling something that Twilight thought had to be a giant pumpkin!
True enough, the Cakes wheeled up a very large pumpkin onto the stage, everypony looked around in confusion, including Twilight.
Mrs. Cake came onto the stage and spoke into the microphone, "Hello, everypony! I'm so glad to be here, and I hope you're all having a wonderful time like I am." She spoke in a cheerful voice, as always, "My family had decided to pull together to make a real doozy this year. Inspired by my newly born daughter, I give you a life size, full to scale, pumpkin cake!
Mr. Cake had cut into the realistic looking pumpkin, it was large enough to feed the whole town if they took a slice a piece! He gave the judges three large slices of cake, all of it smelling delicious. "Now, we were selling this to our customers all night at our stand, I really hope that everypony enjoyed them like we did serving them to you."
The crowd erupted in applause, nodding and cheering loudly to the Cakes.
The judges to Twilight's left and right began eating on the cake and both of their faces lit up. She leaned down and took a few bites, then, she understood why the Cakes have been winning each Golden-Crust Ribbon every year running. It was an explosion of flavor, spices were balanced just so perfectly and the cake was deliciously moist. The icing was satisfying, though not thick enough to take away from the taste of the cake itself. It was, to her, the perfect holiday treat.
Twilight was speechless. The cake was being cut and passed around to everypony who wanted a slice, and in no time, the cake was down to nothing but a wagon.
"Well, that looks like that's everypony! The judges will now go and collaborate their --" The announcer pony was cut off short as a voice rang above the loud speakers.
"Wait! I got a last minute entry!" Applejack made her way through the crowd, carrying a container on her back.
Twilight hadn't seen Applejack in her small group of friends towards the right, so she grew a little worried. She's glad that Applejack made it in time, and the smile on her lips affirmed that.
"Last minute, hm? Well, go on! Bring it up here, Applejack! Good luck!" The announcer pony moved so that Applejack could take the stage. She looked ragged, as if she were working herself to death over the passed couple of hours. She wiped her brow and set the container down onto the table.
Applejack then opened up the container, taking out several plates and setting them down. She took the Zap-Apple fritters from the bottom, they were each individually wrapped to preserve freshness. Applejack hadn't been around to see what she was up against, so she was flying blind.
The judges stared at Applejack with a slight distaste, "Being an Element of Harmony doesn't constitute being late, Miss Applejack." The elder mare to Twilight's right said. The gruff, older stallion to her right huffed in agreement.
Twilight sighed and smiled at her friend, "It's okay, Applejack. I'm just glad you caught us on time."
"Alright, uh... Thanks, Twi'. Appreciate it." Applejack nodded her hat towards Twilight, then took the microphone. "I uh... Made somethin' real special for the judges tonight. Made with extra-rare, special ingredients." She paused. "Very special." Applejack was trying her hardest not to tattle on herself right then and there. She backed away from the microphone and smiled at Twilight. "Go ahead."
Twilight was the first to take a bite out of the fried pastry. Again, another explosion of flavor. She couldn't hold it back this time. "Wow, Applejack, this tastes delicious!"
The other judges looked over at Twilight, and without even tasting the fritter, they both placed down perfect scores. Twilight didn't seem to notice as she was still chewing on the Zap-Apple deliciousness.
Applejack moved off of the stage as the Announcer Pony came back, "Alright, then, fillies and colts! If there are no more late entries, then I'm going to go ahead and call the competition! No more entries!"
Applejack went back to sit with her friends, each of them giving her a small pat on the back and a word of good luck.
Twilight had written down a modest, accurate score for the deliciously made fritters and passed off the sheet of paper with her ballot to the announcer pony. She took up all of the judges' results and went over them shortly.
"Alright! Looks like we have a winner!" The announcer pony declared, stepping forward to the mic.
Everypony held their breath, as the seconds turned to minutes, and all those invested in the competition leaned off of the front of their seats, the announcer finally spoke. "The winner is ..."
The Cakes took a step forward, as they have rehearsed many times before.
"Applejack!"
The crowd didn't fight the ruling. They all cheered as a bewildered Applejack approached the stage and accepted a large Golden ribbon. "Well, I... I worked real hard for this, lemme' tell you that! I've been tryin' to get one of these for years now." Applejack let out a nervous laugh. "Thank you, Ponyville!"
After the competition, ponies had gone back to enjoy the rides or eat the treats they hadn't gotten to before. The festivities were back in full swing, though the sun was well below the horizon at this point, and a modest night replaced the colorful evening.
Yellow, red, and orange lights were turned on to let the rejoicing continue. The music had returned and the laughter of hundreds of ponies enjoying jokes or rides had filled the night air.
Five friends gathered around Applejack's stall, each talking about what they had done for the festivals and what they should do next. Though the topic seemed to stop on Applejack's victory over the Cake family.
Just as if on queue, a wagon being pulled by Pinkie Pie slowly moved passed her friends. In the back of the wagon, she pulled the Cake's foals, Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake. She spoke quickly, in her usual Pinkie attitude, bright and bubbly. "Hey, AJ! I'm glad you won! I hope you really enjoy the ribbon! I bet those fritters were super yummy! I can't wait to talk to you about it later, I'm taking Pound and Pumpkin to the petting zoo, bye!"
"So, uh... AJ. You got any more of those fritters left? I didn't get to try one." Rainbow Dash smirked, nudging her friend in the side.
"Oh, uh..." Applejack began before her other friends pitched in.
"Oh, yes, darling. Twilight said that your fritters were simply divine."
Her friends nodded in agreement.
"So, Applejack." Twilight smiled, "How about it? Care to share the rest of your fritters?"
Applejack smiled, "Well, truth be told, I only made tha' three."
While four of the ponies seemed disappointed, Twilight narrowed her eyes, "Wait a second. You mean you didn't make any more than those three?"
Applejack shook her head with a smile, "I thought that the judges were the only ones that really mattered in this competition, so I did my best for them." She adjusted her hat in a nervous, prideful way. Though, the look on Twilight's face caused her to pause. "Somethin' the matter, Twi'?"
Twilight was in an uncomfortable spot and it was visibly noticed. Her friends eyed her curiously before she spoke, "Applejack... I don't think you were supposed to win that competition."
Applejack seemed to take personal offense to the claim and she stomped her hoof on the ground. "And why the hay not? I worked hard on those fritters!"
Twilight noticed that she was making Applejack angry, so she tried to put it as delicately as she could. "AJ, the competition was judged by three categories... Taste, artistic style, and how well you sold your product." She seemed a little uncertain if she should continue, though she did. "And my I thought the taste was fantastic... But the artistic value wasn't much. I had assumed you sold plenty, but I didn't know how much, so I put a five, instead."
Applejack felt cold chills running through her body. "Y-You mean... I didn't win the prize fair and square?"
Twilight grimaced, seeing her friend like this was a little disheartening. "I ... don't think you did, AJ. I was really impressed with the flavor... and I didn't even see the other judges taking a bite. Maybe they could have manipulated their votes so that you would win because I thought that your fritters were delicious."
"Ooh, look at that! Looks like Princess Egghead can get us some special favors with her royalty status." Rainbow chimed. Twilight immediately shot a glare at her boisterous friend.
"No, that's not how it's supposed to work, Rainbow Dash." Twilight stated with an expression of seriousness. She turned her attention to the farmer pony who's head was down and her hat was pulled over her face. "Applejack, I think you know what you have to do."
Applejack nodded silently and took the ribbon off of her stall and walked off into the festival.
Fluttershy stared, hoof over her mouth and Rarity was the same. Twilight sighed and looked up at Rainbow Dash who seemed a little bummed that her friend was feeling disdain.
A calm, familiar voice broke the silence. "Well, that was fairly handled."
Everypony turned in astonishment to see Princess Luna behind them all. How long had she been there? Twilight immediately took the chance to greet her fellow Princess. "Hello, Princess Luna! It's great to see that you've decided to see the festivities. I got a letter saying that you might come by."
Princess Luna smiled at Twilight and shook her head, "Oh, no. Please, call us ... I mean, call me... Luna. Luna will suffice. And yes, I have decided to make the journey from the Castle to take part in the celebration, though I fear I may have missed most of it." Luna seemed to be a little distant, as if there was something on her mind. She eyed Twilight, then her friends. "Um... Twilight, wouldest thou-- ... Would ... you... like to talk--"
Luna was cut off by Twilight, who's mind was returned to the political delegations that Celestia had forbade her from joining. "Oh, yes! I'd love to talk to you about something, very important." She looked over at her friends, "I hope you guys don't mind if we go somewhere private to discuss it?"
Fluttershy, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash all shook their heads, "Go on egghead. We'll catch up later."
Fluttershy and Rarity smiled and went their own way, Rainbow going down to try and find Applejack hoping to help her to come clean.
"Egg... Head?" Luna eyed Twilight, "Your head shows no resemblance to an egg."
Twilight smiled and rolled her eyes. "Oh, it's just a nickname that she's given me... I should talk to her about it."
The two walk off away from the festival, following a small lit path that leads further into town.
