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                    The Life of Trixie                     
                    -by Cerulean Swirl-                    
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                Meetings and Love Interests                
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Meetings and Love Interests
Silver Star’s eyes swept over the little town with disgust. She had brought everything she owned to move here and she was dissatisfied. That was the last time she listened to her agent. City life was so much better than this. Her carriage, the latest in new carriage models, was brimming with things. Mostly suitcases(which were full of expensive outfits and horseshoes), but some knick-knacks were there as well.
The city pony hoofed the dirt road angrily. She was angry at everything. First at her parents for insisting she find a way in the world. Second that she had to walk all the way up here with a full carriage, and Third, that she had to live in this dingy little town!
“UGH!” she shouted, and stuck both her forelegs out and brought them on the dirt with a hard smack.
“Need some help?” called a nearby mare.
“No thank you!” snapped Silver Star, trying to compose herself.
“Okay!” said the mare, who obviously didn’t recognize the anger or sadness in Silver Star’s voice.
As Silver Star trotted along and began to take in the homey feel to the little town, she began to feel just a tiny bit welcome. There were nice looking ponies everywhere. Homey? Ha! Like she needed that. Her CLOSET was more homey than this dump. How could she not be happy? No, she was furious. She wanted a more upscale place, instead of this filthy excuse for a town. Several stallions nearby spotted her and gave a friendly wave, though their eyebrows were up like they were confused to see her or something. She had chosen the least spiffy outfit in her closet. It was a floor length purple satin gown with a ribbon like pattern through it. There were several beads on it, but that was it. Several buildings lined the small town and the dirt road. Lots of ponies of every shape, size, color, and type were walking around going about their business. Business. This word sounded like coffee to Silver Star. Fine smelling but bitter tasting. Surprisingly, though, everywhere she looked there was a beautiful bright colored flower of some sort. There were flowering trees and exquisitely done flowerbeds. Silver Star was mildly impressed. Maybe the pony who did them could come do her garden.
She stopped momentarily to pull a piece of parchment from her bag. She was an earth pony, but was always told she’d be prettier as  a unicorn. Every one of her friends in Canterlot said so. Then again, they were all unicorns.
The parchment was embossed with pretty purple curlicue script. She wrote it herself(with great difficulty and cried multiple times) and she held it in front of her face.
Realtor:
-Sapling
Once enter town, go straight ahead about twenty hoof steps. Building is fifth building on the right.
Mane-tail-stylist:
-Lemon Drop
Shop has many signs along the way. Follow signs.
Blueberry and Strawberry Farm
-Blueberry Family
-Strawberry Family
Separate orchards= Blueberry is on the left, Strawberry on the right.
The list continued down with lots of names and businesses. Not one magical artifacts shop. Good, thought Silver Star to herself, and put the piece of parchment away. For a city pony, Silver Star had strange dreams. At least, that’s what her friends in Canterlot said. Their dreams included marrying rich stallions. Silver Star wanted to open a magical artifacts shop, simply because she was very interested in artifacts, strangely.
As a filly she learned all she could, but her mother mostly prevented her further studies and insisted she become a debutante. Secretly she studied artifacts as much as she could.
A voice nearby her brought her out of her thoughts.
“Howdy.”
Silver Star looked up to see a stallion, maybe a year or two older than herself. He had a cornflower blue coat and short mane hair colored dusty blond yellow. All that he had was stuffed inside a worn brown leather hat. Some mane stuck out, though. As for his tail, there was a short spurt of it. Stallion tails were never long. His eyes were a stirring sapphire blue. On his flank three large blueberries were adorned.  He eyed her with curiosity and amusement.
“Hello,” said Silver Star, and she turned up her nose and began to walk away. He only followed.
“What’s your name?” he asked, with no trace of an accent. “Nothing.” she said, coolly, and focused her sapphire eyes straight ahead on the dingy dirt road. Her silver mane was gracefully in front of her face, and it was sweaty under her bangs. Her steel gray coat sparkled in the mid-morning sun and her cutie mark(three glittering silver stars) was gleaming. The farm stallion continued to trot beside her for a bit, until finally Silver Star lost her patience.
“What do you want?” she snarled, forgetting to be ladylike.
The farm stallion looked taken aback.
“Come now, I only want to know your name.” he said, his sapphire eyes boring straight into hers.“Why do you care?” she snapped.
“And anyway, I’m busy,” she continued, arrogantly, “I have to find Sapling. He’s the realtor around this dump.”
“I’d be happy to show you the way, if you like.” said the stallion, giving her puppy-dog eyes.
She hesitated. On one hoof he was kinda cute. On the other he was a dumpy farmer. Her kind didn’t even look in the direction of his kind. But, she was lost. And this was a new town. And again, he was kinda cute….
“Fine,” she said, finally. The farm stallion’s spirits lifted.
“My name is Haystack Blueberry. Or, if you want, Haystack for short. I’ve lived here ever since I was born. It’s a great place to live.” said the farm stallion.
Silver Star could barely hide her disdain. She threw her silvery white mane and steel gray head in the air and gave a haughty laugh. It was so loud and arrogant, some ponies around the two were beginning to stare more intently than before.
“Haystack Blueberry? What do you think I am, STUPID?” she said, laughing. The farm stallion seemed unfazed by her arrogant laughing though, which surprised her. Most ponies she laughed at with her friends ran away crying in agony. She always felt bad for them…No she didn’t. They deserved it.
“Yep, that’s my name.” he said, a tiny grin on his lips. “And you are?”
“Like I said, no pony.” she replied coolly. They walked in silence until Haystack stopped abruptly. Silver Star stopped too.
“Well, here we are,” he said, and pointed a hoof toward a nice well painted little wooden business. “This is a business? This isn’t even big enough to house my clothes!” said Silver Star, wrinkling her nose.
“Do you want to leave your things outside? I can watch them for you,” he said, ignoring Silver Star’s snide remark.
“Fine, but everything better be there when I get back!” she snapped and marched inside.
Good thing she didn’t hear what Haystack said next.
“City ponies,” he mumbled to himself.
“Always the divas.”
Silver Star entered the brightly lit homey building with a flourish and sighed in happiness. It was so wonderfully cool in here! There were plush worn chairs and several houseplants that were crammed in the corners. There was a big mahogany desk towards the middle of the room, and a charcoal gray pony sat there, wearing glasses. She was busy on the phone with somepony else.
Cool! She’s working, thought Silver Star, who’d always wanted to do things for herself.
The pony didn’t seem to notice Silver Star, so Silver Star had to make herself comfortable on a worn red leather seat. It was dirty, and Silver Star cringed because her dress was getting all soiled. But it was better than standing there. She was already sweating as it was. She caught snippets of what the other pony was saying.
“Yes, I know. I heard that, too, Lemon!” there was a pause, and the pony looked over at Silver Star and smiled brightly.
“She’s here, Lemon! I’ll send her over to your place A.S.A.P!….Okay, then, bye.” The mare set the phone back on its cradle with her mouth. She was an earth pony, just like Silver Star. They sat awkwardly looking at each other for a moment.
“Well, come here!” said the charcoal gray mare, excitedly. Silver Star stood up awkwardly and made her way over to the desk, where the mare eyed her and gave her a great big smile.
“Well, isn’t that a pretty dress? On behalf of Great Forest Realtors, I would like to say: Welcome to Little Haystack!” said the mare, very loudly and very happily. Silver Star smiled, awkwardly.
“Thank you,” she said, as if she surprised herself. The mare stood and came around the desk so she was muzzle to muzzle with Silver Star. Weirded out, Silver Star took an awkward step back.
“My name’s Charcoal Dust! I just love, love, LOVE living here. The scenery, the peace and quiet, and most of all, the cute stallions!” said the mare, happily. Silver Star then realized that this mare was probably the same age she was. Maybe a little older.
Charcoal Dust stuck out a hoof. Her midnight black hair(which was braided down her side) swung and the light caught it and it glittered. Her sky blue eyes were smiling at Silver Star, and Silver Star secretly loved Charcoal Dust’s tail. It was long and elegant, and was braided prettily like her mane. Charcoal’s bangs fell into her face a bit, like Silver’s, but she seemed to have braided a bit of it back. On Charcoal’s flank, surprisingly, three gorgeous tulips were pictured: one sunshine yellow, one candy apple red, and another that was bright carrot orange.
“Nice cutie mark. Is that your talent? Tulips?” asked Silver Star, sarcastically. Like Haystack, though, Charcoal didn’t pick up on Silver Star’s sarcasm, and giggled as if Silver Star and her were the best of friends.
“Nope! My special talent is caring for all the flowers in Little Haystack. I’m a gardener one hundred percent.” replied replied Charcoal, happily, removing her glasses and setting them on her desk.
“But your name is Charcoal Dust,” Silver Star pointed out.
“I know, right? You’d think my talent has something to do with mining or charcoal, right? That’s what my parents always thought. They always tried to stick me in a mine someplace, but it turned out I was the complete opposite of what they expected! And since then, I’ve always strived to dare to be different.” said Charcoal Dust, smiling.
Silver Star thought about that for a minute. Here was a mare who was beautiful and talented, yet, she didn’t have to show it off or be like all the rest. She dared to be different, and she had proven it.
“I never did catch your name!” said Charcoal, still smiling cheerily.
“Silver Star,” replied Silver.
“Nice to meet you!” said Charcoal Dust. “What’s your cutie mark?”
“Three silver stars.” replied Silver Star.
“That’s interesting. Do you study stars? Or chart them? Or observe them? Or research them? Or do intensive background work on them? Are they interesting? Do you want to go to the moon? Are you an astronomer?” rattled Charcoal.
In a daze, Silver Star replied:
“No. I suppose I have a dud for a cutie mark,” she said flatly, though secretly she knew what her cutie mark meant.
When she was a filly before she got her cutie mark, her parents were away for the day and her foal sitter took her to an artifacts shop. As the foal sitter chatted with the owner, Silver Star went exploring through the shop. She was fascinated by all the history. Everywhere she looked a new artifact had a new story. She was looking at a mask to her right when she bumped into something. A huge marble pedestal. She looked up, and there, under a huge glass case, were three silver stars. They were beautiful and silvery and glassy and Silver Star’s eyes enlarged on contact. She knew then and there she wanted her very own artifacts shop, and in a flash of white light and sparkles, Silver Star’s flank tingled a bit. She looked down, and three silver stars, just like the ones in the case, flashed on her flank, and after that, the image was sealed.
“I’m here to see Sapling about a house?” said Silver Star, changing the subject and knocking herself out of her memories.
“Of course you do! A stylish pony like you needs a place to call home.” agreed Charcoal Dust.
“I already have one picked out, I just want to sign the papers. Then I desperately need to get a hooficure. My hooves can’t take all this dirt.” blurted Silver Star.
“Well, I would take you straight to Mr. Twig’s office, but he’s out at the moment.” said Charcoal Dust, a trace of sadness in her voice.
“But I do know a fabulous place to get a hooficure and get your mane done.”  she replied, happiness coming back in an instant.
“Yes, a Lemon Drop?” asked Silver, remembering the name on her list.
“Yes! She’s my best friend.” replied Charcoal Dust, examining a charcoal gray hoof.
“But of course I can tell right away we’re going to be the best of friends. You and I are so alike!” she said, happily.
“Yes, yes, of course,” said Silver Star, dismissively. Charcoal Dust peered out a nearby window, spotted Haystack, and giggled.
“I see you’ve met Haystack.”
“Yes. That stupid farmer won’t leave me alone.” said Silver Star, not hiding the fact she was miffed. Charcoal Dust giggled again, which annoyed Silver Star.
“He doesn’t usually take an interest in mares. In fact, he’s quite shy. He sticks to his work.” said Charcoal Dust, examining her hooves again. Silver Star lifted her eyebrow.
“All the mares down here have a crush on him, but he won’t turn his head. You must be pretty special to get his head finally turned.”
“He’s a blueberry farmer?” asked Silver Star.
“Oh yes. Blueberry farmers and strawberry farmers down here have been in a friendly competition ever since their ancestors settled here. Though I have a liking toward blueberries. The ones grown here are plump and juicy, and you can make excellent blueberry cobbler.” said Charcoal Dust, excitedly.
“Really? ALL the mares have a crush on Haystack? You do have other stallions here, don’t you?” asked Silver.
“Of course we do. But I’d be careful when you say ‘all’ the mares.” said Charcoal Dust, her sky blue eyes suddenly boring into Silver Star’s. What was with everypony and doing that today? Thought Silver.
“What do you mean?” asked Silver Star, always the nose for gossip.
“Well, Strawberry Blossom’s had her eye on Haystack FOREVER. She won’t let anypony go near him. Of course, Haystack doesn’t give Strawberry the time of day, which makes her mad. But she still believes they’re destined for each other or something.” said Charcoal Dust, brightening again, as if she was amused at the fact that this Strawberry Blossom character was upset.
Suddenly the door burst open and a cloud of dust from outside weaved its way in the air conditioned building, blowing dust on Silver’s dress. A medium-aged stallion with a coat of caramel and a mane of mud brown stood in the doorway. On his flank a sign with the big red words SOLD on it was pictured. He wore glasses and looked at everypony with chocolate eyes. He wore a hat that looked new, and he was a unicorn.
“Charcoal? Who is this mare?” he demanded in a husky voice.
“Mr. Twig, this is Silver Star. Your new client?” said Charcoal Dust, smiling awkwardly.
“Silver Star, eh? Hello. My name is Sapling Twig. Your realtor.”

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                   New Home, New Rivalry                   
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New Home, New Rivalry
“Nice to meet you, Miss Silver Star. My name is Sapling Twig, the only reliable realtor here in Little Haystack. I see you’ve met my secretary, Miss Charcoal Dust.” said the stallion, taking one of Silver Star’s fore-hooves and giving it a gentle kiss. Silver Star blushed, awkwardly.
“Thank you, Mr. Twig.” she said, softly. He smiled, arrogantly.
“So you’re from…Canterlot, is it?” he asked, taking out a pair of small square-lensed glasses and put them on.
“Yes I am. Can you tell?” asked Silver Star.
“That’s the fanciest dress I’ve ever seen in my days. I used to live in Canterlot, as well. Now, are you looking to sign some papers?” he asked, walking behind the two ponies and into a room to his right. Charcoal Dust gave Silver Star a thumbs up before sitting at the big mahogany desk again. She picked up the phone and immediately began chattering away. Silver Star shrugged and entered the room.
This room was just like the first one, except more houseplants and several gleaming certificates in glass frames on the wall behind the very large and very messy cedar desk. Several balled up pieces of paper were scattered around a full wire wastepaper basket on the desk’s left. A huge typewriter was stationed in a corner. Two leather seats faced the cedar desk.  Mr. Twig sat down on the big leather seat behind the desk, and using his magic, began to levitate several stacks of paper off his desk and into a desk drawer.
Mr. Twig booted up his old computer and began typing feverishly. He mumbled as he worked, but Silver Star didn’t catch any of it. Then the printer in the corner sputtered to life and it began printing. Mr. Twig left his seat to get the copies. He cleared off a small section on his desk and motioned for Silver Star to sit. He brought out a quill and ink and set the copies down in front of Silver.
“Sign everywhere there’s a dotted line.” he said, dismissively, and Silver took the quill in her mouth and began to sign, Mr. Twig levitating the sheets she’d already signed. Several pages of paperwork later, Mr. Twig levitated the papers away and opened a drawer of his filing cabinet. He slipped the papers in a file folder, then in the cabinet. The drawer was shut.
“Congratulations, my dear. You’ve just bought a house.”
Mr. Twig walked Silver Star over to her new cottage in a flourish and made a big deal about pulling the For Sale sign out of the front yard. It was a nice cottage, small but homey. Everything Silver Star needed. Of course, she was disgusted at the fact of having to unpack everything herself, but Charcoal Dust called her on her telephone and said she’d be over later to help out. As she unhitched herself from the reigns of her heavy carriage and bade Mr. Twig goodbye, she slipped the bronze key in the lock of the halved door of her new house.
When she walked in there was the strong aroma of cinnamon apples and pomegranates mixed together. Silver Star loved that scent. It smelled like home. There was  carpeting everywhere, and a few wood floors. It was definitely move in ready.
                                                                                    ...
Silver Star was just taking a large box of her kitchen things when the doorbell rang. Oh, good, Charcoal Dust is here, she thought, walking toward the door. And it’s about time, too. I hate this. Silver Star knew Charcoal wouldn’t mind that she looked a sight. She had taken off her dress and her mane was put up in a sweaty ponytail. Her tail, on the other hoof, looked pretty as usual. She wiped sweat off her forehead with her hoof and opened the door.
“Charcoal! I’m so glad you’re here and…” Silver Star paused because she wasn’t looking in the muzzle of Charcoal. She was looking into the sapphire eyes of Haystack Blueberry. Haystack looked as he had when Silver Star had met him morning. He was blushing profusely and carrying a basket with him, its handle in his mouth. He smiled, and set the basket down on Silver Star’s porch.
“Oh, its you,” said Silver Star, not hiding her disappointment.
“Howdy.” he said, shyly. Silver Star looked at him, confusedly.
“Why are you here, anyway?” Silver Star said, arrogantly.
“I uh…wanted to welcome you to Little Haystack and to the neighborhood.” he said, softly, tipping his hat to her, and Silver Star saw him blush.
“Uh-huh,” she said, skeptically.
“You know, you’re only a short walk away from Blueberry Brush, my family’s farm,” he said, giving a small smile.
“Blueberry Brush?” she asked, not remembering if she wanted to live near there or not.
“Anyway, my family and I baked a bunch of treats for you,” he said, motioning to the basket.
“Well, that’s very…um…nice of you,” she said, dismissively. I will never eat any of this slop as long as I live, she thought, bitterly. Though, actually, the truth was, she’d never tried any of it. Her parents only had expensive food like roast cabbage and those little mini BLT’s on toothpicks and gourmet meat like lobster and duck and those little mini sausages slathered in honey sauce. Those were good. They had a cook that made Silver’s favorite foods like canapés and other expensive gourmet meals. She realized she hadn’t eat since this morning when she met Haystack and Charcoal and the realtor.
“What’s in it, anyway?” she asked, motioning to the basket with a steel gray hoof.
“Oh, you’ll love it!” said Haystack, a trace of excitement in his voice.
“We put blueberry pie, blueberry cheesecake, blueberry bagels, blueberry cobbler, blueberry muffins, and of course, freshly picked and washed blueberries, in case you want to make something yourself inside here. Everything in there is hoof baked and you can buy it down at our farm. And every year during cider season, we have the BEST blueberry preserves.” rattled off Haystack. “Everything blueberries.” she scoffed. Haystack didn’t pick up on her sarcasm and just stood there, smiling.
“Thank you for everything. Now if you don’t mind, I am expecting somepony,” she said, hinting that he should hit the disgusting dirt road.
“Oh, of course. Well, um…I guess I’ll see you around, then?” he asked, hopefully.
“I don’t know,” she said, vaguely.
“I’m glad you’re living here. Little Haystack…it’s great here.” he said, giving another small smile.
“Goodbye, Haystack.” she said, annoyed. She grabbed the basket, and put it inside someplace. Then she gave a small forced smile and closed the door.
“Bye.” she heard him say, and she watched him leave through a window in her home.
“Back to unpacking. I hope Charcoal gets here soon,” she said, to nopony.
An hour later Charcoal had finally arrived and the two were breaking for some dinner. Their limbs were aching from carrying numerous boxes of things into Silver Star’s home.
“Well, Haystack brought by a huge basket of blueberry foods.” said Silver Star, fiddling with her hooves. They had gotten dirt in them and she was cleaning them. Charcoal zipped out of the room faster than you could say kazoo. Weirded out, Silver Star followed her into the main room, and saw Charcoal fiddling around in the basket Silver had dropped in the corner.
“I hope he brought you some…” mumbled Charcoal excitedly.
“What are you doing?” asked Silver Star, rather harshly. Charcoal ignored her for a minute.
“Seeing if he brought you some…” she said, digging through the basket more.
“AHA!” said Charcoal, loudly, and pulled out a plate filled with something.
“What is that?” asked Silver, scrunching up her nose.
“Silly, it’s the Blueberry family’s famous blueberry cheesecake! It’s won like, five dessert competitions! The Strawberry family won’t admit they’re jealous, but then again, they have their famous Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie.” said Charcoal, excitedly still.
“If you love it so much, why don’t you just buy it all the time? Haystack said they sell these dishes.” said Silver, not trying to hide her ‘duh’ voice.
“That’s the thing.” said Charcoal, disappointedly. “To get it tasting so good, the Blueberries only use ultra extremely ripe blueberries for their cheesecake. And this season is the perfect time for that! Otherwise, if they harvested and made it early, it would taste terrible.”
“How did you know that?” asked Silver Star.
“Oh, easy. I can taste it! And I figured the rest.” said Charcoal.
“Uh-huh.” said Silver Star, skeptically.
“Okay, okay. I asked Haystack.” said Charcoal, giggling.
They split open the basket of goodies and Silver Star found her glasses and they had water with the sweets. Charcoal had cream cheese(there was regular cream cheese in the basket) on a blueberry bagel and a slice of blueberry pie. Silver Star had a bagel with no cream cheese and a muffin. They split the cheesecake and the berries. And, to Silver Star’s great surprise, it was all scrumptious. They were in the middle of the blueberries(Charcoal Dust was catching them in her mouth and Silver Star was throwing them because she was on sugar rush) when the doorbell rang.
“Geez, everypony wants to visit me today.” said Silver Star, and went over to the door. She opened it with a flourish.
An earth pony mare stood in front of her, her coat a bright reddish fuchsia. Her mane was a bright bubblegum pink and put up in a sleek ponytail. She wore no hat, but a bright strawberry red bandana tied around her neck. Her tail was tied at the ends. On her flank, there was a strawberry half. But when Silver Star opened the door, she wore a sneer and her pinkish purple eyes bored into Silver Star’s sapphire ones.
“Who are you, anyway?” said the earth pony, arrogantly.
Silver Star knew her type of pony. The jealous snotty type. Ugh. Yet she knew just how to handle her.
“Nice to meet you, too. I never knew bubblegum pink could clash with red so much.” retorted Silver Star. The pony’s eyes narrowed.
“And that’s another thing,” said Silver Star, not wanting to stop. “Some welcome party, huh? What gave you the right to come up here and yell at me anyway?” she said, her muzzle inches away from the red pony’s. The red pony stared at Silver angrily for a moment, then snapped back and put the sneer back on her face. Silver knew then and there this pony would not retaliate her.
“The name’s Strawberry Blossom.” said the red pony. Then Silver Star heard Charcoal Dust behind her.
“Hey, Silver Star? Where’s your water-?” she was cut off when she saw Strawberry Blossom.
“Oh, hey….um…Strawberry Blossom! How are things at the farm?” In all the time that Silver Star had known Charcoal Dust(which was about maybe 5 hours) she had never seen Charcoal talk so shakily and quietly. Usually she was bouncy, loud and annoying.
“I see you’re busy.” said Strawberry, looking inside the cottage.
“Yes, unpacking.” said Silver Star coolly.
“I came here to tell you to stay away from my stallion.” said Strawberry Blossom, looking into Silver’s eyes.
“He isn’t dating you yet, Strawberry.” replied Silver, coolly still.
“We are meant to be! And no city diva is going to change that.” said Strawberry, narrowing her eyes again.
“See you around.”
When Strawberry started to leave, Silver Star rolled her eyes and went back inside, and she saw that Charcoal had relaxed a bit.
“What is your hay with her, anyway? Can’t you see she’s just a dumpy jealous little farm mare?” said Silver, hotly.
“Yes…b-but…when we were in first grade she made me eat dirt because she said I had an ugly dirty talent.” said Charcoal, who looked on the verge of tears.
“How dare she!” said Silver Star, hotly still.
“It’s fine, Silver Star. You don’t need to go defend me.” said Charcoal, turning pale.
“Whatever. Just forget it.” said Silver Star.
…
After Silver Star’s carriage was safely parked in the garage, the two lugged in Silver’s queen bed mattress, box spring, and her canopy and a couple of quilts(Silver’s bedcovers were still boxed up).
“I’d better be going.” said Charcoal, sleepily.
“Thanks for your help.” said Silver, collapsing.
“See you tomorrow.” said Charcoal, and started to leave.
After Charcoal left, Silver got some shampoo and soap and got in the tub. After washing her sore and dirty self, she dried off and turned off the lights.
She snuggled under the quilts and was asleep before the sheet settled.

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           Crimson Hoof and the Strawberry Farm            
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Crimson Hoof and the Strawberry Farm
Sun streamed in the window of Silver Star’s bedroom. She felt woozy and achy and sick. She felt like she had been run over by a stampede of buffalo.
“Morning, Mom! Morning, Dad!” she called, wistfully, knowing full well that nopony was there.
She got out of bed, to find that it was perfectly made already, like she hadn’t tossed and turned at all in her sleep. She got out of bed and walked to her vanity, which Charcoal Dust and she had just moved in last night.
Her mane was perfect. It was a little bedraggled, but that was nothing a brushing couldn’t fix. She grabbed her mane brush and gave her silvery mane a few brushes. It fell into place, perfectly. It usually gave her hassle every morning, but today was different. This life was different.
She opened her embossed Louis Hoofon suitcase and got out a simple peasant dress. Don’t worry, she told herself. It’s designer. I can wear it. Her coat was sensitive to regular clothing, and she had to wear designer dresses without getting a rash.
Silver Star had a blueberry muffin for breakfast and washed it all down with some cool spring bottled water. She stepped out of her home into bright, dewy sunshine. Her front yard looked amazing with its freshly mowed grass and several tulips in the flowerbeds. There were some ponies around, and they all waved to Silver Star, friendlily. She didn’t see Strawberry Blossom, Haystack, or even Charcoal Dust. Silver expected Charcoal to be out cold. Moving things wasn’t fun. She expected Haystack and Strawberry Blossom to be at their farms, doing their daily chores. Today Silver Star would relax and get to know her new home better. She didn’t like it, but it was where she would live now.
Maybe she would go by the strawberry farm, and get to know the Strawberry family. She did love strawberries, and she didn’t want to start unpacking just then, so she decided to go ahead and visit the strawberry farm. According to several signs, the strawberry farm was only a little ways away. So Silver Star shrugged, and began to walk.
She hated walking in the dust, but finally she got there. There was a sea of green bushes low to the ground and water barrels everywhere. Two red ponies were watering several bushes to her left. They didn’t notice her, though, so she didn’t have to wave, awkwardly. There were huge bright red strawberries that were being picked and put into baskets. Silver Star caught sight of Strawberry Blossom and trotted down where there was some foliage, where she would be hidden. Silver caught some of what the other ponies were saying to Strawberry Blossom.
“When are you going to open the stand?” one of them asked.
“When I finish picking and washing these berries. They have to be just so,” replied Strawberry Blossom.
“Okay, but be snappy,” the other said.
Silver Star began to rapidly canter away quietly, looking behind her to make sure nopony saw her when she bumped into somepony.
The impact sent her flying and she sailed out onto the ground with a painful thump. Her dress got dirty, but not to the point of having to replace it.
“What’s your problem?” she asked, and then she looked up.
The stallion before her had a bright crimson coat and a cherry red mane. Like Strawberry Blossom, he wore a bright, blue bandana patterned with streaks of fire tied around his neck. Of course, Strawberry Blossom’s bandana did not have fire on it and it wasn’t bright blue, but it was still a bandana. His eyes were an emerald green and he was, like Haystack, an earth pony. On his flank, there was three extra ripe strawberries. He was looking at Silver Star like he’d never seen anypony like her.
“Oh, sorry,” he said, and offered her a crimson hoof. After she grabbed it, he put his lips to it. A blush found Silver Star’s cheeks. She stood up with some difficulty and stifled a grunt.
“I must watch where I was going,” he said, after his lips left her hoof.
“Crimson Hoof, my lady.” he said, bowing.
Finally, thought Silver Star, A proper stallion.
“My pleasure to make your acquaintance.” said Silver Star, bowing in return. She brushed off her peasant dress, which hadn’t suffered any real damage.
“And who, may I ask, may I have the pleasure of meeting?” asked Crimson Hoof, his eyes gleaming.
“Silver Star.” she said, blushing again.
“You are lovely, my dear. Beautiful.” he said, smiling warmly at her.
“Thank you.” she said, smiling. The two began to walk further into the farm.
“Where did you come from?” he asked.
“Canterlot,” she said.
“Big city pony, eh?”
“Yes. Very. You’re from the city?”
“Oh no. Well, I was born there. I moved here with my family when I was just a foal. I’ve lived here ever since. Of course, I still strive to be proper, like my parents taught me until we became farmers. No one will take me seriously anymore.” he said, a trace of sadness on his face.
“It’s alright.” said Silver Star.
“But you are truly a classy pony. Just look at that designer Hoofel dress! Truly a thing of beauty.” said Crimson Hoof, motioning to Silver Star’s dress.
“You know designers!” she said, trying to hide her awe.
“Of course I do. Who doesn’t?” he replied, curtly.
“And you like mares?”
“Very much so. In fact, you’re not too bad of a mare yourself.” he said giving a sly smile. Silver Star blushed more profusely. Then before she knew it he was leaning in and her eyes were closing… her insides were curling and she was screaming at herself to stop…
“Hey Crimson, do you have the…” called a voice. The two ponies froze and Silver Star jumped back, relief flooding through her. Who should appear but Strawberry Blossom, carrying a basket of berries on her back. Seeing Silver, she scrunched up her nose.
“What are you doing here?” she said, not politely.
“Blossom, you know Silver Star? This is a small Equestria.” mused Crimson Hoof.
“We might have crossed paths…” said Strawberry Blossom, gritting her teeth and glaring. Silver Star responded with a cold aloof turning-up-nose.
“Silver Star was just here to check out the farm and try our delicious strawberries, of course. Why wouldn’t she want to visit this wonderful place?” said Crimson Hoof, nonchalantly. Strawberry Blossom’s expression softened a bit.
“Okay,” she said, begrudgingly. “But if I come back and you’re still here…” she said, and disappeared with the berries. As soon as they were alone, Crimson Hoof turned back to Silver Star.
“I apologize for my sister’s behavior.” he said, bowing politely, a look of regret on his face.
“It’s fine. Guess the welcome wagon doesn’t come around here anymore.” said Silver Star, coolly.
“I suppose she’s jealous.” he said, looking straight into Silver Star’s eyes. The two were startled again by a near voice. This time not high pitched. More low pitched and deep.
“Crimson? Are you here?” asked the voice, and there was rustling in the bushes.
Who should appear but Haystack Blueberry. Great, thought Silver Star, arrogantly. Another hick. Just what I need. When Haystack spotted Silver Star, one eyebrow raised in confusion.
“What are you doing here?” asked Silver Star, coldly. But as usual, Haystack didn’t detect any sort of coldness in Silver Star’s voice and smiled shyly.
“I always come out here and hang out with Crimson.” said Haystack, smiling shyly again.
“I see.” said Silver Star quietly. “And just WHAT do you come here to do?” inquired Silver Star.
The two farm stallions looked at each other.
“We play hoofball, of course,” said Crimson Hoof, examining his crimson hooves.
“We sometimes go over to each other’s farms and help out. Like pick berries and stuff.” continued Crimson.
“Without being seen, of course.” added Haystack.
“Nopony knows because we’re elusive. We avoid other ponies in each other’s farms, and since our families are relatively small, we can easily stay out of each other’s way.” added Crimson Hoof.
“Today Crimson asked me if I wanted to play a little hoofball at his farm in the west fields,” explained Haystack, evasively.
“Strawberry Blossom and Red Seed and Red Leaf won’t be harvesting in the west fields today anyway,” said Crimson Hoof.
“Is that enough explanation for you?”
Silver Star was appalled and flattered.
“Plenty, good sirs.” she said coolly but politely, and followed the two to the west fields.
The sun was fully up now, and was baring down on Silver Star’s back. She dreaded sweating, as any pony should, and sighed despite herself. If her Canterlot friends could see her now…they’d laugh their manes off. But then keel over at the fact that Silver Star had not bagged just one, she’d bagged two stallions.
Crimson Hoof and Haystack surprisingly, were quiet. They didn’t say a word to each other or Silver Star. That was before Haystack broke the ice.
“So. You, uh, are from Canterlot?” asked Haystack.
“Yes,” said Silver Star, vaguely.
“We’re here.” said Crimson Hoof and pulled back some brush.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
             The Field and the Sandwich Break              
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The Field and the Sandwich Break
Silver Star gasped. Before her was the most beautiful place she had ever been in, besides the magical artifacts shop that earned her cutie mark.
It was a wide open rolling green field dotted with white and yellow clover. There were no fences. There were no roads or buildings or anything. Just peaceful fields and few dense trees. Strangely, there were few strawberry plants. A few were in the corner of the large field, and a little ways by that was a massive yet peaceful waterfall and a river. Silver Star even saw small orange Koi fish swimming around by the fall.
The two stallions grinned at Silver Star’s reaction and galloped to the center of the field with a diamond shaped brown ball, shouting in joyful abandon. The sun sparkled on the dewy field as Silver Star’s glittery hooves stepped on the cool green grass. How she wanted to roll in it happily and watch the big blue sky and see Canterlot’s grand turrets far out in the distance.
But she couldn’t. She was a proper pony, and her loving parents had raised her as such. Never had they let her play with the other normal foals or go outside and enjoy the sunshine. No, she had to stay inside and practice something. Anything her mother could think of, she practiced. Drawing, singing, playing a harp. Trying on expensive clothing and horseshoes, and sometimes going on elaborate outings such as luncheons and walks in the park.
But, nopony was there. Who was to tell her to stop? Who was going to tell her that was dirty and unclean and just wrong? Nopony. NOPONY WAS. Silver Star, though being a classy pony, was now her own pony. She could do whatever she wanted. She could open a magical artifacts shop. She could be normal. She could roll in that grass. What was she waiting for? An invitation?
Silver Star threw off her designer peasant dress and jumped into the air, the sunlight catching her silvery white mane perfectly. The grass met her and stroked her with its soft fingers. The dew spread itself on her coat. With each roll,  more of the cool clover and grass caressed her. Silver Star felt more relaxed than she ever had at those expensive spa treatments in Saddle Arabia.
She laid on her back and looked at the clear blue sky and her mind wondered. All noise made by the stallions drifted away, and finally, she was at peace. Laying there in the cool dewy grass, all other things wisped away, and she lay, quietly. Peacefully.
“Hey! Hey, miss!” She woke to the noise and movement of somepony shaking her awake. Her eyes fluttered open like a butterfly opening its wings. She was looking into the deep sapphire blue eyes of Haystack Blueberry. She sat up, groggily. Crimson Hoof was on her right, looking confused. Haystack was above her, and the hot sun was directly above her too. She was still at the Strawberry Farm, in that gorgeous secret field. Realizing she had just fallen asleep in a field, Silver Star jumped up and almost hoofed Haystack in the muzzle.
“You fell asleep, so Crimson and I decided to let you. We played all morning, and you slept. You must have been tired,” explained Haystack.
“I…fell…asleep…IN A FIELD?” she said to herself, slowly, and anxiously. Then she remembered that she told herself she was her own pony. She had forgotten.
Haystack grinned.
“It’s about lunchtime. Crimson and I were going to head to the blueberry farm for some daffodil and daisy sandwiches. Won’t you join us?”
“I might go back home,” Silver Star replied, vaguely, as she trotted over to where her peasant dress lay. Haystack’s face fell.
“Oh. Well, uh, I guess we’ll see you around.” he replied, softly.
“Shame you couldn’t join us. Mrs. Blueberry makes the most wonderful daffodil and daisy sandwiches,” said Crimson Hoof, coming over to where the two stood.
“Really?” asked Silver Star, trying hard not to sound eager. Before Crimson Hoof said anything, a loud rumble sounded from Silver Star’s tummy.
“You sound hungry. If it’s not too much to ask, my lady, if you might join us for a bite to eat.” said Crimson Hoof, bowing properly.
“Trouble us with your presence for at least one more hour.”
Silver Star pretended to think it over. She didn’t really want to go…but she was hungry…and why not?
“It will be your pleasure,” she said, cordially, and curtsied to Crimson Hoof. Haystack stifled a laugh.
“You ponies are crazy,” he said, giving a shy smile.
“Ah, you forget. I can beat you to the sandwiches any day,” challenged Crimson Hoof, and the three began walking toward the thicket to leave.
“Challenge accepted.” said Haystack, all shyness disappearing and his voice became sly.
Silver Star stifled a giggle.
“Hey, I never did catch your name,” said Haystack, shyness returning.
“Silver Star,” she said, tossing her mane, arrogantly.
“Silver Star,” said Haystack, and a shiver went through Silver’s whole body. The way that farmer said her name…it was soft and sweet and melodic, like she wanted to go back to sleep again. She wanted Haystack to sing to her, strangely…What was she thinking? Here she was only knowing the hick for a few days and now she wanted him to sing to her? Absurd.
“Lovely name, if you ask me.” said Crimson Hoof, butting into the conversation.
“Definitely regal. You could be a princess, or a queen if you wanted. Strange you’d come here.”
“A princess?” asked Silver Star. The thought had never really crossed her mind before. She didn’t consider herself a princess, and she was faithful to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.
“Why did you come here, anyway?” asked Crimson Hoof, suddenly. “That’s none of your business.” said Silver Star, coolly.
“I suppose not, but out of curiosity?”
Silver Star sighed heavily.
“I came here because my parents wanted me to live my own life,” she said, looking down.
“Strangely though, they got in a fight. Mom wanted me to be a debutante. Maybe I would have been a princess someday. My dad wanted me to be normal.”
The three walked in silence for a while. Silver Star remembered the day when her parents argued. It was a warm day, and she was up in her bedroom with a glass of peach cider reading a book. In an accident, she had knocked over her crystal glass with her elbow when turning a page of her novel, and the glass’s bottom went flying and hit the door, sending it flying open. The glass emptied onto the marble hallway outside, and after cursing, Silver Star got off her window seat to retrieve the glass. When she briefly went out into the long hallway, she heard a strange noise. She forgot all about the peach cider and went in search for the strange noise.
It wasn’t often that she heard such a noise in her humongous house. But when she did, she went looking for it. She often got bored being so rich. Turns out the noise was coming from her parent’s bedroom, a master suite with an en suite bathroom. Holding her steel gray diamond studded ear to the door, she heard…bickering. A soft high pitched voice, which Silver figured was her mother,  and a deep rumble which must have been her father. Silver still remembered a bit of what they were saying.
“She needs to get out in Equestria…you can’t have her stay here her whole life, Lily!”
“All my work will be wasted, and you know it! What do you want her to do, throw away all my hard work?”
“She won’t want it. She has a free spirit!”
“Free spirit? FREE SPIRIT? Such a spirit should be contained if she has any hope of ever finding a reasonable suitor.”
“She won’t want that either. Can’t you look beyond the mirror? Can’t you see…that maybe… Silver Star wants to go somewhere?”
“You are a fool, Shale. Why I married you…”
“Think about it, Lily.  Debutantes never make any way in this world…and you know it. Now, we may not be here much longer. But we can let Silver go and live her life. That’s what I want. And somewhere, I’m sure that’s what you want for her too.”
Silver Star wanted to forget that day. Her mother hadn’t said anything to her father that night at dinner. She was wondering about the conversation. After she had heard the bickering, she had gone straight back to her room and hid. Of course, she had called a maid to come clean up the cider, but she thought long and hard about her future.
And here she was! Not much had changed.
The blueberry farm(or Blueberry Brush) was almost exactly like the strawberry farm, but instead of plants growing low to the ground, there were thick dense bushes that were squatting on the ground. Nicely painted chalk white fences stretched as far as Silver Star could see. On the hill, comically, was a barn. Two-story, painted blueberry blue. There were chalk white shutters and several flowerbeds that were in boxes and attached to the windows. From where she was standing, Silver Star could see beautiful cobalt pattered curtains hanging out of a window on the second floor. Though there were many, many blueberry plants around, Silver Star so no other workers out and about.
The three ponies went up to the barn and into the two piece door in the back, where Silver Star smelled a delicious smell. The kitchen was small but had multiple windows and every appliance was pushed up against the wall. There was a small table with about four chairs around it. Bright flowers were the centerpiece, and there was a window box of beautiful flowers attached by the window. A scrumptious smelling blueberry pie sat cooling on the windowsill, and Silver Star inhaled its scent hungrily.
“Haystack! Is that you?” called a female voice through the other room.
“Yes, it is, Bluebell!” he called, a smile shining on his face.
Out of the doorway came a blueberry blue unicorn with an indigo mane. She had beautiful violet eyes and freckles and her mane was long and some of it was put up into a single braid by her face. Her tail was long, just like her mane. It was not fully braided, but several small braids had been braided inside. On her flank, a gorgeous image of a delicate blue flower was shown. She was about Silver Star’s age.
When this mare caught sight of Silver Star, an excited smile spread on her face, much like the one she had received from Charcoal Dust. But Charcoal hadn’t mentioned this mare…and Silver was sure this mare was something kin to Charcoal. She was wearing a gorgeous silver necklace with a sapphire pendant around her neck. The mare cantered right over to Silver Star, grabbed Silver’s steel gray hoof and shook it violently.
“Well, Howdyyyyyy!” she said, loudly. Haystack grinned at the mare and Crimson Hoof gave an amused smirk.
“Bluebell, this is my friend Silver Star. Silver Star, this is my sister Bluebell.” said Haystack, making some introduction.
“She’s younger than I am, though.” said Haystack, and gave Bluebell a playful shove.
“By only three months!” she said, smiling. Turning back to Silver Star she put one fore hoof in front of her other fore hoof, making the two cross.
“Pleasure to meet you! I’m so glad you’re here! I never get many new friends around here. Unless you count Lemon Drop at the salon, and Charcoal Dust at the realtors, and who could forget Pink Lemonade over by Sweets and Treats? My, my, this is exciting,” said Bluebell, and she clapped her hooves.
It was then that Silver Star noticed the thin pink scar on Bluebell’s front. Of course, it couldn’t be noticed because she wore that gorgeous sapphire pendant, but when it swung Silver could see it. Instead of bringing up the scar, Silver changed the subject.
“Pink Lemonade?” she said, amused slightly.
“Oh yeah! She runs the candy shop! You know, by the salon? And the hooficure place?” replied Bluebell, cheerily.
“Candy shop?”
“Yeah! I go there every day to buy some of their delectable fudge,” said Bluebell, and Silver thought she saw traces of saliva form at the edges of Bluebell’s dainty mouth, as if she were thinking of grabbing the fudge out of midair and stuffing it in her mouth.
“Sure, fudge.” said Silver Star dismissively.
“I’ll bet you all are hungry, right? Just so happens I made us daffodil and daisy sandwiches!” said Bluebell, changing the subject.
“That sounds delicious, sis,” said Haystack, putting his hoof around Bluebell’s shoulder. She giggled appreciatively.
“Sounds good,” said Crimson Hoof. “I’m starved.” He looked at Silver Star, expectantly.
“I’m hungry too,” she said, flatly.
“Goody!” said Bluebell. “Sit down and let me serve you.”
The three ponies sat down and Bluebell got up, turned and went to the kitchen appliances pushed up against the wall. It was now that Silver Star could get a closer look at Haystack.
He was, as she noticed before, about her age, eighteen. Maybe a little older than that. Though he was young his hooves were old and weathered, like old leather gloves. They were callused and sunburned, but you couldn’t tell because the red was camouflaged by the cornflower blue of his coat. His eyes, as before, were a stirring sapphire blue. They were deep and rich like chocolate, if it was blue. He looked like the average farm pony. So did Crimson Hoof. But there was something about Haystack. Silver Star couldn’t put her hoof on it, but it was there. Special. Before she could think more, Bluebell set a blueberry pattered plate in front of her that held the most delicious looking sandwich Silver Star had ever seen. And that was saying something, seeing as she had seen many delicious looking sandwiches.
“There you are!” said Bluebell, with a flourish.
“Thanks, sis. This looks great.” said Haystack, licking his lips.
“Delicious as always, Bluebell.” echoed Crimson Hoof, looking equally hungry.
“Thanks,” said Silver Star, softly.
She took a knife and fork and began cutting at the sandwich. When she had a small bite, she delicately put it in her mouth. It was wonderful. It was blended perfectly, with equal amounts of daffodil and daisy. The basil leaves in addition made it a chewier feeling. Silver Star wanted so badly to grab the sandwich and stuff it in her mouth, enjoying every last bite.
Haystack and Crimson were doing just that, wolfing down their sandwiches as if they were starving. Silver Star noticed that Bluebell had brought over an entire plate of sandwiches, enough fit for a queen. Haystack and Crimson grabbed sandwich after sandwich and gobbling down each one. Silver Star resisted the urge to take one whole and began cutting more quickly. She wanted to feel the taste in her mouth. To be honest with herself, it was better than mini-BLTs or gourmet hay and oats. It was homey and delicious, and it wrapped itself around Silver Star and made her feel welcome.
Silver Star had just finished her sandwich and was about to get another when she looked on the plate and only saw a few stray crumbs and too very satisfied stallions. A belch sounded across the small kitchen.
“Excellent, another triumph, Bell.” said Crimson Hoof, pretending he was a fancy dinner critic. Bluebell giggled appreciatively.
“That was magnificent, as usual!” said Haystack, wiping his mouth.
“That was enjoyable, Miss Bluebell,” said Silver Star cordially, delicately dabbing the corners of her mouth with her napkin.
Oh how Silver Star wanted to ask for three more of those sandwiches. They were unlike anything she had ever tasted!
“Wait. I thought you said you evade each other’s families.” said Silver Star, skeptically to Haystack. Haystack, in turn, chuckled at this.
“I did. Bluebell keeps secrets, of course.” he said, quickly.
“It’s been a pleasure feeding you and meeting you, but Haystack, you know who is about to come in from the fields. I seriously suggest you scoot the coop.” said Bluebell, suddenly anxious.
“Thanks for everything, sis.” said Haystack, tossing a grin at his sister and grabbing Silver Star and Crimson Hoof by the hooves and pulling them out.
“Where are we going? Stop pulling!” Silver Star whined.
“We have to get going.” said Haystack, and didn’t stop pulling until they were safely in the forest thicket.
“That hurt!” said Silver Star, fiercely, and threw a glare at Haystack.
“Sorry. We had to get here before…” he said, his voice trailing off.
“We had to hide from his older brother, of course.” said Crimson Hoof, dismissively.
“Shameful, I know.”
“Who’s your older brother?” asked Silver Star, curiously.
“He SHOULD be at his own farm by now.” said Haystack, bitterly.
“But Thickbush is extremely sentimental and won’t leave. Of course, Grandpa doesn’t have the heart to tell him to leave.”
“Grandpa?” said Silver Star, knowing full well she sounded dim. For a moment, both stallions were silent. Haystack stared intently at the ground and Crimson Hoof stared blankly in the distance before answering for Haystack.
“Haystack’s parents died a long time ago.” said Crimson Hoof, more quietly than Silver had ever heard him.
“Died?” she said, quietly.
“Their grandponies have looked after Bluebell, Haystack, and Thickbush ever since their death when Bluebell was a foal.”
Silver Star couldn’t bring herself to speak.
“Truly sad, really.” said Crimson, quietly.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                      Meet Lemon Drop                      
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Meet Lemon Drop
After the time with Haystack and Crimson, Silver Star thought it best she go back home. She’d been out almost all day and hadn’t seen anypony she knew. She opened the door to her cottage and collapsed on the carpet. She had no idea that Bluebell, Haystack, and Thickbush were now semi-orphans. They never said anything of the sort that they were. They didn’t seem like it, either.
No sooner had Silver Star collapsed to the floor when there was a knocking at her door.
“I can’t believe this!” she said, irritated. She opened the door to find none other than Charcoal Dust, looking stylish in a pink and white dress.
“Oh, its you.” said Silver Star, almost rolling her eyes.
“Hey again! I just thought I’d drop by and see how everything’s going.” said Charcoal Dust, blowing a piece of black hair out of her face.
“Uh-huh.” said Silver Star, with no trace of emotion in her voice.
“I thought you needed your mane done, and I happen to know the best stylist in town. Her name’s Lemon Drop and I’d be pleased as punch to introduce you.” said Charcoal, brightly.
I do need my mane done, thought Silver Star. Do I look that bad today?
Yes, considering you fell asleep in a field, replied a tiny voice in Silver’s head.
Shush!, replied Silver Star.
“Lemon Drop, is it?” asked Silver, turning to Charcoal Dust.
“Absolutely! We can go right now!” said Charcoal, cheerily.
“Okay,” said Silver Star, dismissively. Silver got out of her house and closed and locked the door behind her. The two ponies started out down the road.
Charcoal Dust led her through town and to the main square of it, where there were more ponies than ever. It was actually quite busy for a small town. There was a large quaint building with an unusual roof nearing the two ponies. There was a hanging sign that from where they were standing even Silver Star could clearly read the message.
Lemonade Salon: Styles for everypony!
It was brightly colored yellow and green and swayed peacefully in the soft breeze.
“Here we are!” singsonged Charcoal Dust, and gave a bounce.
“Lemonade?” blurted Silver Star.
“Lemon Drop loves all things lemon, and her favorite drink is lemonade! In fact, she was drinking lemonade when she realized she wanted to be a mane stylist, and her cutie mark reflects that.” explained Charcoal, smiling.
“Okay.” said Silver Star, uncertainly.
Charcoal trotted to the door and opened it. A bell sounded.
Silver Star trotted into the building. High ceiling and spacious, there was a large bright green desk in the middle with a telephone and littered with papers and open notebooks and pens everywhere. Beyond that, there were four stations, all with mirrors and fancy swivel chairs. There were oodles of tools next to these stations like spray bottles and different tools like a mane straightener and curler. Beyond that, there were three chairs with large circular black things, almost like bowls, with shower heads by them, attached to the back of them.
Mane washing, said Silver Star’s head.
There was a room with a curtain patterned with lemons and limes covering the doorway, but not much else. And everything-EVERYTHING-was patterned with lemons or limes. Everything was painted bright yellow or bright green and something that could have a decal on it was patterned with lemons or limes.
There was a pretty entryway with seats shaped like lemons and limes and there was a huge bright green shelf which was piled high with different shampoos, conditioners, coat moisturizers, and lots of other things. There was a faint smell in the air of lemonade, and there was the sound of water running somewhere in the building.
“I’m coming!” called a voice. Moments later a unicorn appeared.
Standing before Silver Star was the most yellow pony she’d ever seen. With a coat the color of lemonade, the unicorn mare was actually their age, if not older. Her mane was perfectly styled and curled by her face delicately. It was colored lemon yellow and white marble. Her tail was long and wavy and was the same colors as her mane. On her flank, a cool looking glass of lemonade with a lime on the side of it was adorned. Her eyes were the brightest turquoise Silver Star had ever seen, even brighter than her designer dress. Aqua blue, they were beautiful, playful, and elegant all together. The mare wore a turquoise and deep blue smock that had tiny sleeves to it and a tiny blue hoop was in her ear.
“Hello! Welcome to the Lemonade Salon! How can I help-” she said, but she was cut off.
“Hey, Charcoal! And hello!” she said, cheerily, but not crazy cheerily like Charcoal.
“Lemon Drop, this is Silver Star. Silver Star, this is my friend Lemon Drop.” said Charcoal, introducing them both.
“It’s very nice to finally meet you.” said Lemon Drop, and extended a hoof.
“And to you.” said Silver Star, suddenly feeling shy. Finally, a pony with style.
“So! What can I help you with?” said Lemon Drop, sliding into the chair behind the green desk.
“Are you available?” asked Silver.
“I will be until five.” replied Lemon Drop with a smile.
“Let me pen you in.”
“I’ll wait, Silver!” said Charcoal, and plopped herself in the lime shaped chair and grabbed a magazine.
“Right this way.” said Lemon Drop, and the two ventured back where the mane washers were.
“If you’ll have a seat, I’ll get you a towel.” said Lemon Drop, and levitated a towel around Silver Star’s shoulders. The towel was green and Lemon’s magic was the color of lemons.
“This is to keep your dress dry.”
Lemon Drop turned on the water and grabbed the shower head. Silver didn’t feel the water yet because Lemon was testing its warmth on her hoof.
Then the stream of warm water hit Silver’s silvery mane and she felt completely relaxed. The aroma of lemons had become much more pleasurable and Silver had gotten used to the bright colors of the salon.
Lemon Drop turned off the warm water and the coolness chilled Silver Star.
Has it always been so cold in here? She wondered silently.
She heard a small sound, like something coming out of a large bottle. She guessed it must be shampoo of some sort. Lemon Drop then began to massage Silver Star’s scalp with the shampoo. It felt so good…even if she did have her mane done professionally.
Then Lemon Drop turned on the water again and rinsed out the shampoo. She turned it off again and went to get more shampoo. Only this time, when she returned, she didn’t wash it out right away. It was conditioner, and Silver Star smelled the sweet sour lemon scent. Silver Star figured she'd own some conditioner. This was a mane salon anyways.
Finally, the water turned off for the last time, and Lemon Drop levitated another green towel to Silver Star with her magic and magically wrapped the towel on Silver’s head.
“You can get up now,” said Lemon Drop, softly.
“Thank goodness.” said Silver Star, dismissively.
Lemon Drop led her over to a chair and motioned for Silver to sit. She did, and settled into the delightfully soft chair. Softer than the ones by the mane washing station. She relaxed her muscles as Lemon Drop used her magic to remove the towel. Silver’s wet and glossy mane fell in long silvery ringlets down her beautiful face. Though several parts of her mane were tangled, her mane was actually very beautiful in this style. She’d never known her mane was this long; as long as she’d had it, ponies had always tried to put it up.
“Now…I have an idea. And I think you’ll really like it.” said Lemon Drop, with a grin, and with that, she levitated over a pair of scissors.
An hour later Silver Star was done. Lemon Drop was now using her lemon tinted magic to sweep up locks of silver colored mane.
“Let me see!” said Charcoal Dust, excitedly. Silver Star walked slowly over to Charcoal Dust and posed.
“OOH!” squealed Charcoal, appreciatively.
Silver Star responded by tossing her now perfectly styled mane and posing again, as if she were on a runway.
Her mane was perfect. Lemon Drop had styled it so where most of it was on one side of her head, but not so much that you couldn’t see her other eye, and she looked stylish at every angle. Some of her hair curled around the rest of her head and her tail was perfectly touched up, trimmed, and in a fountain style, the steel gray ripples in it trimmed and touched up to perfection.
In all her years of professional stylists doing her mane to her mother’s eye, Silver Star had never enjoyed such a manecut. Though Lemon Drop didn’t ask what style Silver Star wanted, she saw that Lemon Drop had an excellent eye and made her mane unique. For the first time she’d been there in Little Haystack, a smile bloomed on her lips. She couldn’t believe it and yet…she loved it.
Seeing the smile, Charcoal Dust and Lemon Drop both shared a cheerful beam. They were shocked. This prissy city pony was actually becoming not so prissy. The three stood there smiling at each other for what seemed like ages. Finally, Silver Star once again, found her voice, cleared her throat, and gave her mane a sassy toss before speaking.
“This manecut is beautiful,” she said, at last. She dug out her purse and fished out her wallet for bits.
“How much do I owe you?”
The two ponies before her just watched her in pleased shock until Lemon Drop spoke.
“No charge. My pleasure to do such an upper-class pony’s mane.” she said, and pretended to bow. For the first time, Silver Star giggled. It had been a while since she had properly giggled.
“Thank you so much.” she said, sincerely.
“Your turn, Charcoal.” said Lemon Drop, motioning to the mane washers. Silver Star took a seat. After Charcoal Dust’s manecut, the two mares turned to leave. Before the door closed behind them, Silver Star put ten bits in Lemon Drop’s tip jar. Next time, she’d pay the yellow pony.
The sunset met Silver Star’s eyes, and the warmth of the setting sun was shining right on Silver’s coat. Shadows were already forming beside the buildings, and some business’s neon lights were coming on. More and more ponies were walking the sidewalks now, as if the sleepy town had transformed into a fancy city.
“Who are all these ponies?” asked Silver Star, questionably.
“Oh yeah! I forgot to tell you, but we love the nighttime! Remember how Princess Luna got upset because we weren’t appreciating her night? Well, we have a lot to do around here in the nighttime. We have live music, concerts, cake parties, and a lot more. We even have a couple of shows. We are loyal to both Princesses.” said Charcoal, with a smile.
“But, I’m starved! And I know a great place for some grub.”
Silver Star’s stomach growled in reply.
“I’ll take that as a yes!” chided Charcoal.
Moments later Silver Star was sitting in the most greasiest café she’d ever been in, and that was saying a lot, considering she hadn’t ever been in one.
“Welcome to Hayseed’s!” said Charcoal Dust, happily, grabbing a menu.
“Help yourself to anything! It’s on me.” said Charcoal Dust, cheerily.
The café was nice, with clean white shutters and retro red sparkly seats. There was old timey clocks and posters on the walls and ponies were drifting in to sit or get things to go. The lighting was bright and chrome-y.
Silver Star sighed, picked up the menu, and tried not to think of gourmet hay and grass. She opened it and her sapphire blue eyes skimmed the menu. They had a variety of options from hay fries to crisp roasted sandwiches. They even made soups, pastas, and a selection of fancy non-alcoholic beverages.
“You haven’t lived until you’ve tried their hay soup with basil leaves and parmesan cheese, Silver Star.” said Charcoal Dust, putting down her menu.
A pony wearing a long sleeve stained shirt with a nametag and a newsboy cap came over to their table.
“What can I get you ponies to drink?” she asked.
“I’ll have the Sparkler Punch.” said Charcoal Dust, smiling at the waitress.
“I’ll have the same.” said Silver Star, figuring whatever Charcoal got was going to be at least decent.
The pony scribbled down the orders then left their table.
“So, Silver Star. You’re from Canterlot?” asked Charcoal Dust, trying to make small talk.
“If you’d call it that. I was born and raised there. And I should be there now, as a matter of fact.” replied the silvery mare.
Be nice, Silver, a voice scolded. She cleared her throat.
“I was there, I mean.” she recovered.
Charcoal Dust sighed with relief.
“That’s neat.” said Charcoal Dust.
“So what about you? Charcoal pony with a love for planting?” asked Silver Star.
“Yes indeedy. I’ve lived here my whole life, as many ponies around here have, and I just recently got a job at the realtors. When I was a filly, I always knew I loved plants. Talked to them, even. When I was around nine years old, my dad took me to a flower festival. Seeing all the floats with flowers on them, my thoughts confirmed and I thought about nothing else. I read on flowers. I grew my very own garden. I talked to the flowers, and named almost every single one of them.
“Then when I turned sixteen, my dad said to cut the act with the plants. He told me that I needed a steady job to earn my living, and he said there was no way I would get a job as a gardener. You can imagine me being a rebellious teen pony,” Charcoal giggled at the thought.
“Anyway, I decided to prove my dad wrong. I went into the city and got an audience with our mayor. I asked him if he would let me take care of all the plants in Little Haystack. He smiled and said yes. I went back home and told my father. He still insisted on a regular job, so he got me a part time job at the realtors. And I’ve been gardening and being a receptionist ever since.” finished Charcoal Dust.
“Quite a story.” replied Silver Star.
Charcoal Dust giggled.
“Isn’t it?”
The waitress pony brought their drinks, which was an elaborate tall glass filled with opaque fluorescent pink liquid. It bubbled like a soft drink, and inside the middle was a sparkler that was sparkling happily. The more Silver Star examined it, the sparkler looked to be made of unicorn magic.
“That’s edible, by the way.” said the waitress, and pulled out her pad.
“What can I get you to eat?”
“I’ll have the daffodil and daisy sandwich,” said Silver Star, and smiled.
“I’ll have the steamed cabbage with basil leaves with a side of hay fries.” said Charcoal.
The pony scribbled the orders and was gone again.
“What about you? What’s your story? And I know you don’t have a dud for a cutie mark. Tell me the story.” said Charcoal, sipping the punch.
Silver Star sighed and relayed the entire story to Charcoal Dust. Charcoal would eventually find out.  There was no reason in Equestria why Silver Star would not tell her anyway. Charcoal had always been friendly to Silver Star, even when she first came. Silver Star hated to admit to herself, but they were friends. Nothing was going to change that.
Silver Star happily relished Charcoal Dust’s expressions. She smiled, she was sad, and she laughed. Silver Star laughed too.
Their food came quickly, and as Silver Star had more bites, discovered it absolutely delicious. Nothing like the food she had at Haystack’s, but still good.
“So, tell me about you and Haystack. Were you thinking of a spring or summer wedding?” teased Charcoal Dust.
Silver Star allowed herself to profusely blush.
“There is nothing between Haystack and I. We are merely friends.” said Silver Star, plainly. Charcoal smiled slyly.
“Better be careful. If Strawberry Blossom finds out…”
“Oh, I’m not worried, Charcoal. She can come get me.” said Silver Star, not realizing what she said.
“Oops, I mean…um…” she said, trying to recover. Charcoal Dust smiled at her.
“It’s okay, Silver. I know you were joking.”
Silver Star sighed with relief.
“So you really are just friends?” asked Charcoal.
“Yes…but I might have the tiniest crush on him…he is handsome…” blurted Silver Star wistfully.
Charcoal grinned, this time sweetly.
“I’m rooting for you.” she said, smiling.
The two finished eating and left the café. They walked awhile, and talked at the same time. Before long, they had reached the square where there was less ponies around. It was quieter and the ponies were few. Silver Star was telling Charcoal about her favorite things when she bumped into somepony.
She steadied herself and didn’t fall down. She turned to the pony she had bumped into and her heart melted. She was looking into the eyes of none other than Haystack Blueberry.
“We have to stop meeting like this.” he said, brushing himself off.
“Yes.” she said, and pushed past him.
Charcoal Dust grinned at Haystack.
“Hey, Haystack!” said Charcoal, cheerily.
“Hey, Charcoal!”
“Silver Star, can I talk to you for a minute? Alone?” asked Haystack, giving a serious smile.
“Fine.” said Silver Star, and followed him out of the square, leaving her friend behind, giving a her a nice smile.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     Back at the Cafe                      
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Back at the Cafe
“So how do you know all of this?” asked the orange mare. They were still sitting in the dimly lit café/inn, and they had gone through several cups of tea and orange juice(Non-alcoholic).
“My parents used to tell me this story over and over again when I was little. It was my favorite bed time story, actually. I’d beg and beg for them to tell it again and again. My father’s face would light up and my mother would be smiling, a real true pure smile.” said Trixie, wistfully.
“They’re everything to me.” she said, quietly.
“Where are they now?” asked the orange mare.
“Where they always, always are. Little Haystack. Haven’t left since they were married.” said Trixie.
“What about their honeymoon?” asked the orange mare“They were going to go to Saddle Arabia and Canterlot so my mom could show my dad around, but my father got sick with Hay Fever and they delayed the trip. Of course, they’ve always said they’d go back, but the little town…it works wonders on you.” replied Trixie.
“What about Charcoal Dust?”
“What about her?”
“She…she’s still alive, isn’t she?”
“Of course! Still works for Mr. Sapling Twig. Of course, he’s very old now, but he’s still like a grandpony to me.”
Trixie sipped her tea before continuing.
“She and my mother go over to Lemon Drop’s spa every Wednesday and catch up.”
“Tell me more. I want to hear the story.”
“Of course.”

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                    The Dimly Lit Cafe                     
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The Dimly Lit Cafe
Rain splattered on the windows as The Great and Powerful Trixie(so she called herself) sat in a dimly lit café sipping a cup of tea. A draft blew in and she pulled her blue cape around her chilled body. Her cornflower blue coat was soaked with the ongoing downpour and she was exhausted, dirty, and was having a bad mane day. What she wanted now, more than anything else in Equestria was a hot bubbly bath and a clean soft bed. And sleep. Lots and lots of sleep.
“More tea, madam?” asked a nearby waiter. She had already gone through one cup of the stuff, just because it warmed her right up.
“Yes please. May I have a lemon?” asked Trixie.
“Yes, you may.” said the waiter, and excused himself.
The cafe was not exactly first class, but it wasn't too shabby. There was a bar with several bottles of non-alcoholic punch and a television that was turned off. Nopony was behind the counter. There were several other tables much like the one she was sitting at, but most of them were empty. A few ponies came and went, but none stayed long. There were not many lights in the establishment, though. Only a few, and most flickered with the vibrations of the thunder getting to them.
Trixie took another sip of tea(what she had left, anyway) and let her mind wander. Her thoughts lapsed her to Ponyville, where she had just recently come from. Ponyville. Now there was a city she'd like to live in. It was bright, happy, and so clean. The ponies were nice there and it was just...well...heaven. Much better than what Trixie was used to. What she was used to....maybe she should go home...Or maybe she'd move to Ponyville.
Twilight wouldn’t let me stay, thought Trixie, bitterly. I shouldn’t think bad of her, though. Forgiving me, and all. But after all I've done...she was very forgiving. I know she wouldn't want me there, though. I'll bet she's afraid I'll try and make Ponyville Trixieland again.
The waiter set Trixie’s tea with a lemon wedge in front of her, and Trixie mumbled a thank you. He disappeared into the kitchen. He's probably on his break or something, thought Trixie. Nopony wants to work this late.
Where would a mare like me get a nice place to sleep?, thought Trixie. It’s raining so hard…I might bunk here.
Ponyville was too far away at this hour. And even if she went there, she was sure she’d collapse. Her hooves were aching and she could barely sit without wanting to lay her muzzle on the table. And, it was on the table. She was about to fall asleep. She didn't dare think of home. That was even farther away.
“Rough day?” asked a voice behind her. Trixie lifted her head off the table for a millisecond, and seeing as the mare scared her, her eyes opened wider than they had all evening. The mare’s mane was a deep royal blue mixed with sky blue. Her cutie mark was a bunch of rainbow windmills. She wore a navy cloak and her deep blue eyes were filled with pity.
“Not really,” replied Trixie, and laid her muzzle back on the table. The orange earth pony took the seat across from Trixie.
“One orange juice, please.” she said to the waiter, who had appeared to wipe the bar. He didn't hide rolling his eyes as he reluctantly returned back to the kitchen. The two ponies sat alone for a bit in silence, listening to the raging storm before the orange mare said something.
“Do you wanna talk about it?” asked the orange mare.
“There’s a lot to say." said Trixie, quietly. The orange mare looked pitying more, and Trixie mustered enough strength to put on her arrogant mask.
"That doesn't matter," she said, a little more forcefully. "Who are you, anyway?"  Trixie even raised one of her eyebrows for dramatic effect.
“A humble traveler. I would think the same of you, but the starry cape and magician’s hat told that fact to take a hike.” said the orange mare, and she chuckled.
“Are you sure you wanna listen? I barely know you.” said Trixie.
“Yes, I do want to listen. And I barely know you.” the orange mare pointed out. "What difference does it make?"
“Where to start?” asked Trixie loudly, throwing up her cornflower hooves. The orange mare was unfazed by Trixie’s outburst.
“How about…when you were born.” suggested the orange mare, taking a slurp of her orange juice, that had arrived a few moments ago.
“Okay…”