Apples and Cinnamon

Before long a week had passed and Applejack was dumbfounded at just how much they have collected. It was amazing just how many different and rare plants grew on the island; if it wasn't for Cinno's knowledge of herbology she would have eaten lethal plants several times over. They had collected three boats worth of crates by the end Cinno finally decided that they had gathered enough seeds. This relieved Applejack though she was happy to help him she really missed her farm. Thankfully the trip back to the mainland was nothing but smooth sailing. A pair of hooves greeted Aj when she stepped off of the ship and onto the docks making her smile. It seems Pinkie's sixth sense was able to determine their arrival, and she was able to make up a welcome back to the mainland party on the docks; much to the dismay of the disgruntled harbormaster and his workers.

"Did ya get what ya went for uncle?" asks Sugarcane once she finally lets go of him

"Look for your self." Cinno answers as he points over his shoulder to several crates being carried off the ship and into a wagon.

"Huh? whats all that?" Sugarcane asks

" They're a surprise for your mother." Cinno smiles.

" A surprise?! Ooo I love surprises! What kind of surprise?" shrills Pinkie Pie.

"A secret surprise Pinkie that what kind."

"Awe that's no fun" Pinkie Pie's mane deflates a little but quickly reflates when Cinno gives her a wink and a silent shhh. "Oh!(giggles)"

"Corporal Cinnamon Snap!" a voice commands makes Cinno stand at immediate attention. It was princess Luna calling him from the air as she lands on the dock with her accompanying guards. " My sister tells me that you were in need of some help and has told us of your dilemma. Since she has offered you the service of our finest flagship; I shall offer you the best of my royal guards to protect the valuable spices." Luna smiles as her guards salute at their mention.

"Thank you your majesty." Cinno replies in a Canterlot accent. The guards take positions around the wagon and it's carriers once they were in position they begin the long journey. Luna says her farewells and leaves to attend her other duties.

"Wait? Why are they leaving without us uncle Cinno? And what did she mean by spices?" asks Sugarcane once she unfreezes from shock.

" I didn't want to worry you but your mother has had some bad luck recently, and was in need of some help. As for why they are leaving without us is because I have some loose ends to take care of in Ponyville, and it will take a few extra days. So you can relax you will be able to say goodbye to your new friends " Cinno smiles as he sees a smile cross her face at that remark.

The group heads back to Ponyville laughing all the while as they tell eachother of events while they were gone. A flaming sunset was dancing in the sky by the time they had reached the town's border. The group breaks up and head to their respective homes. Sugarcane was now sleeping on Cinno's back as they walked back to the farmhouse, and Applebloom was just walking quietly along side her big sister. Soon enough they reached their destination the fillies were put to bed. However Applejack and Cinno decide to head outside into the night air for a bit.

The sound of crickets chirping is all that could be heard within the awkward silence as the two ponies sit next to each other just inches apart. The cool air feels great on their sweat covered skin Cinno gives a slight shiver when a passing breeze hits them. Before long Applejack breaks the silence with a long drawn out sigh.

"Hey listen Cinno I's got te tell ya something that I've been meaning to fur a while now."

"Me too Aj."

"You first then just in case it is the same thing."

"It could be. Listen when I first wrote you that letter saying that I was coming to Ponyville. I was terrified that when I met you for the first time that you would treat me like so many others and only see my scar. However you didn't well not as much as others anyway (hehe) you treated me like a stallion and not a victim of circumstance. You treated me with love and respect as if I were family. Before anything else happens I just want to say thank you for being my friend all these years it means a lot to me. Thank you."

Applejack was speechless her heart ached at those words this was not how she was expecting to spend her evening. She wanted to tell him how she felt about him; how he made her feel like she could do anything. All she could do was stare into his brilliant amber eyes as they shine with gratitude. After what seemed like hours she is finally able to speak.

"Awe shucks your welcome there big fella." Applejack pulls her hat over her crimson face.

After a few seconds pass Cinno asks "So what is it that you wanted to tell me?"

"Oh a nothing it's not important."

"Ok? Well then if it's all right with you I'm gonna head to bed goodnight Aj."

"You too." Applejack just sits there for several more minutes a wrinkled hoof rests on her shoulder. She turns to she Granny Smith with an understanding look on her face they both go back inside and go to sleep.

It is now the following day; Cinno left early in the morning to take care of loose ends while Sugarcane spends the day with the cutie mark crusaders making every second count. Pinkie Pie put herself in charge of the farewell party while Fluttershy orchestrates a song bird orchestra to perform. Rarity insisted on making a spectacular dress for Sugarcane and a galiant suit for Cinno as a gift. Rainbow Dash prepares to do an amazing aerial acrobatic display with the rest of the Ponyville Pegisi as the main source of entertainment. While Twilight writes a way too long speech and oversees everypony. Cinno walks out of townhall when he runs into of course nurse Red Heart.

"Oh hey you! How is my favorite patient been?"

"Ah miss Red Heart I have been just fine thank you for asking."

"I hear you've been on a secluded island. How did your leg hold up?"

"Just fine as long as I stayed off of loose soil like sand."

" Really that sounds so rough." she licks her lips as she smiles. "Do you want me to...take a look at it?"

"That's kind of you to offer but I'm fine."

"No? well alright. Hey did Sugarcane tell you of my offer?" she says as she moves just a bit closer to him.

"What offer would that be?"

" I asked if the two of you would like to come over to my house for dinner, but she said you were gone. My offer still stands of course."

" Well that is mighty fine of you we would be delighted to accept your offer."

"Great! I will see you tonight! Bye" Red Heart gives a wink as she struts away.

With the day coming close to an end Cinno goes to find Sugarcane at the farmhouse to inquire about nurse Red Heart's invitation. She tells Cinno about the incident and how nurse Red Heart offered dinner for them. However with tomorrow being her last day in Ponyville she would rather spend it with Applebloom then Red Heart. After an hour of arguing Cinno gives up and decides to go by himself.