Post by Applejack on Aug 24, 2014 3:04:06 GMT -5
The best way to describe an August morning in Ponyville would be 'bright'. Bright sunshine, bright ponies, even bright banners and bunting in the marketplace glimmer and shimmer for onlookers. But one thing that is definitely not bright is Applejack's mood - or her expression, for that matter. The occasional stallholder turns to look as AJ, pulling along the same market stand wagon she usually uses, stomps through the middle of the crowd, muttering to herself - mostly about the pony that has been "helping" at Sweet Apple Acres the last few weeks. Those who knew the farm mare mostly as the cheerful and outgoing salespony that she is might even be shocked if they heard some of the inventive invective she's using. When the cart is in place, she unhitches herself and kicks it in one smooth motion, making it flip itself open and ready for business... at which point she wheels around and very nearly SNARLS at the stallion following her: Prince Blueblood. "HERE. Stand HERE. When folks buy stuff, take their bits, COUNT 'em, an' give 'em th' right change. Can ya do THAT? PLEASE tell me yer at least able ta handle bits!" She looks around at the other market ponies and forces herself to calm down. "... yer Grace."
Blueblood recoils from Applejack as if she were a striking snake, trying to hide behind one of his hooves. "Yes, yes, I get it, don't fleece the peasants," he mutters in response, testy yet obedient. The mere fact that he isn't squalling on the ground and stamping his hooves at this unfair treatment frankly shocks him. He's not sure if he should be proud he has a nascent work ethic or horrified that he's actually *still* doing this grunt work. "I *can* count you know. At least to seventy-five, since that's how many kinds of mane conditioner I have memorized." He takes out the apron provided for him, with its giant cartoonish apples all smiling at would-be customers. "But do I really have to wear *this?*"
Ahhh, August! A lovely month to spy the latest trends in summer fashion- or make them, as is Rarity's goal today. She's crafted a bright and fantastic new hat for Sweetie Belle to wear, and is now, quite forcefully showing off her little sister in public. Of course she's going to buy Sweetie Belle some treats today, perhaps a new dress, one of those gamey...toy...things she likes, and.....and.......a..... And thats when Lady Rarity stops, and time itself wittles down to a crawl. Her mouth goes slack, and her eyes widen. Across the street. There. The horror of horrors...the nightmare of nightmares...a source of disturbance so great it nearly shakes the pony to the core. Has she seen plaid with paisley? No. Worse than that? Open toed sandles with socks?! Heven forbid, even worse!! A pony in white gloves eating a ketchup popsicle? Now you're just being silly. No. No. No. It's all far, far worse than that; It's Blueblood. Prince Blueblood. In her town. Breathing in the same air as she is. Here. Today. Something terrible is going to happen. She is sure of it. Perhaps she will even be the cause of it. But something terrible -=IS=- going to happen.
Sweetie pushes Rarity's hat up. She's usually down for showing off, but this hat is big. And more colors than she usually wears. And it keeps falling over her eyes. "Are you sure this is the proper fit, Rarity?" she asks, looking up to her sister even as the hat dips down over her eyes. "I don't know that being blind is next year's in fashion, is it?" She fails to notice, mostly because of the hat, her sister's seemingly random reaction.
Haunting Melody looks over towards the others curously as she looks around, and then soon spots Applejack and Blueblood as they setup the cart and is wondering just what they are selling. Spotting the other mare coming in with the young one she is curious about them too, but makes her way over towards the cart AJ is at curiously. Her mane and tail having a ornage look to them today.
Applejack rolls her eyes. "Welllll.... no, Ah s'pose not. We can bend that far, never mind th' apron." Actually.... the usual apron is blank. THAT one was Granny Smith's idea, something to make Blueblood feel like concessions were being made. One thing at least is the same as usual, the Sweet Apple Acres cart is laden with wares: pies, tarts, fritters, turnovers, sauce, and of course several kinds of ripe, juicy apple. AJ pulls out a price sheet and hoofs it over to Blueblood; it's a little dusty, since she and Mac know all the prices off by heart. "There. Keep that in mind." And then it's MARKET TIME! All smiles, AJ waves to and greets all the passing ponies, offering a smell and occasionally a taste of produce. When she spots Rarity and Sweetie Belle, she waves extra hard and yells across the crowd, "HOWDY RARES! SWEETIE! HOW YA DOIN?!" - and then she notices Rarity's expression and her own drains away. "... oh lordy, ah reckon she's fixin' ta happen ta somepony..."
Blueblood gladly, and condescendingly, tosses the apron over his shoulder. Of COURSE the batty old granny would try to force him to wear something like that. He suspected she'd have tried pinching his cheeks or something. He takes his place at the stall and puffs out his chest, nodding regally to all passers-by, quite certain that just his being there is helping to boost sales. At first, these were simple country apples. Now... they are rare, ROYAL apples! He even practices his royal wave, keeping an aloof, imperial expression on his face while he counts out bits from any purchases. He is not merely a stallkeep. He is the Lord of Apples. The Purveyor of the Pomaceous. The - wait a minute. "... Rares?" he wonders, following Applejack's gaze. His eyes fix upon the greatest, most terrifying beast he's ever seen. An alabaster harridan with a forked tongue and a devilish demeanor. A creature spawned from Tartarus. A monster in a mare's body. "It's... HER," he chokes out, looking back and forth for a hiding spot. He settles for 'underneath Applejack.' "HIDE ME! HIDE MEEEEE!" he squeals.
Murdermurdermurdermurdermurdermurder. For a brief, harrowing instant, Rarity just.....stares at Applejack and Blueblood before she flashes a briiiiiight grin and waves in turn towards Applejack. Oh, she's on automatic mode right now. Murdermurdermurdermurdermurdermurder...no. No. NO darling, no! A lady does NOT slip into a psychotic rampage in pubic! It just isn't done! Even if it is Ponyville, you still have standards! Standards, Rarity remember them? Remember how much you don't want to go to prison for regicide? This is fine. This is ok. This is an excellent chance to show Sweetie Belle how a lady reacts to the scum of the earth. Prim, Proper, Posh. The three P's of polite social interaction. Do not murder Blueblood. Murder does not start with a P. "LOOK. SWEETIE. BELL. IT IS. OUR FRIEND. APPLEJACK. LETS. SAY. HI." Rarity exclaims through grit teeth and stiffly starts to move towards the stall. Applejack did wave, after all. It's only polite to say hello.
With her current status of Blind Pony, Sweetie says "Applejack? Oh ok!" And proceeds to wave in entirely the wrong direction, "Hi Miss Applejack!!" Wavewave. Nailed it! She then pushes the hat up and realizes the mistake and turns around. "Oh, who's the pony with her? You think he's an Apple too?"
Haunting Melody blinks as she was about to open her mouth to inquire from the goofy looking male, as she can't help but wonder who he thinks he is, someone important or such, but the sudden feeling of something about to go horribly wrong and kill bthem all she backs up slightly, her tail starting to take on more of a light green look to it while she stares trying to figure out the situation, the butterflies that are with her both alight upon her head as she focuses more on the situation infront of her.
Applejack scrabbles her hooves and is lifted before she can react - there isn't enough room between her legs for Blueblood's EGO, let alone the REST of him! "O'COURSE it's *her*, Rarit- WHAT IN TARNATION ARE YA DOIN? GET OUTTA THERE YA DICKIE-SPORTIN' VARMINT!!" AJ manages to gain her footing - hoofing? - again and slaps Blueblood on the cutie mark. "Get up! We got work ta do, an' ya can't sell nothin' hidin' under th' cart!" It seems the prince has had a bit of a corrosive effect on her reverence for the nobility. She forces herself to smile at the butterfly-bearing customer - but she keeps a weather eye on brewing Hurricane Rarity, hoping she'll downgrade herself to a tropical storm at least. "Mornin'! What can Ah get ya? Ah recommend th' tarts, they're still hot from th' oven! Buy a dozen, we'll throw in two extra!"
Blueblood whimpers and tries to curl up, but it's true - being bigger than Applejack, the mare makes for a poor hiding spot. Almost ready to cry, he pokes his head (just his head) up above the lip of the stall, watching Rarity as one would an Ursa Minor while it's deciding whether or not to eat you. Oh goodness, the demoness even has a little servant. Some poor foal she undoubtedly enslaved at some point. His ears lie flat on his head, his hooves gripping the edge of the stall with all their might. He's ready to *throw* it at Rarity. "While supplies last," he adds to Applejack's in a horrified whisper. "And we- we have- caramels... for the little one... *sob*"
Hollyhock is headed home. She's tired and and a little rumpled from working. Red's kept her busy running errands across from Hither all the way to Yon, and now she's hoofsore, her gait flagging just a little, and probably not smelling all that good either. She's ready for a bath, a dime novel, and a good night's sleep - but then she hears something that stops her in her tracks and brings her head up. Potent conjurers words of ancient and profound magic 'hot apple tarts'. Yes. That will do nicely. She turns and moves to stand in line.
Rarity just...well she just stares quietly. Is...is she vibrating? Yes, yes, Lady Rarity is doing all she can to keep her anger from taking on a physical form and consuming Ponyville in a explosive display of carnage not known since Michael Bay's latest movie. She stiffly walks over towards the cart, letting her grin get wider and wider. "SWEETIE BELLE. BUY SOME APPLES." She explains, shoving a hoof ful of bits to her litter sister. "I do not care what you buy. Apples are delicious." She explains, before sliding up to Applejack. Smile Smile Smile. "APPLEJACK. AAAAHA-HA-HA-HA-HA-PULL-JACK. ........................DARLING. ........................................................DARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRLING.....DARLING!" Rarity explains, now discovering that in close proximity to Blueblood her cerebral functions have gotten trapped on a loop. Fashion. Darling. Murder Blue Blood. Fashion. Darling. Murder Blueblood. "Darling......D, Darling...." It's all she can seem to say with a sputtering hiss of contempt. Really, all she has to do is point at Blueblood to get her message across to Applejack- but she's still smiling! Smile smile smile!
Sweetie Belle blinks a few times. She watches her sister, starting to wonder if she was replaced by a robot that was sent from the future to help her get her cutiemark and maybe teach her a thing about friendship along the way, like that one movie she and the other CMC snuck their way into. In her defense, she didn't know there were so many explosions in the future. Still, she's loyal to the core, "Uh, apples," Sweetie says, holding up a hooffull of coins, waving them about a bit in front of the shopkeepers. "Um...delicious ones. I think." She scootscoots to AppleJack, "I don't think I've seen her do that before," she whispers. Stagewhispers. In her quietest, whispering voice. Maybe three ponies in Canterlot didn't hear her.
Haunting Melody blinks as she gets even more nervous, wondering if perhaps it would be safer to to into those narby woods she keeps hearing about not going near, probably safer right now, but she's a lady, and shouldn't let psychotic mares and stallions get her down, after all how is she going to be a singer if she can't handle a few crazies, she steels up her nerves a bit, as she moves over closer, and waits her turn as Sweetie goes to buy the apples while she checks the cart and what else is being sold. The number of butterflies near her has increased to four now as she gives a very quiet nervous humm.
Applejack nods and smiles to Haunting Melody and Hollyhock with teeth-cracking determination, and hisses through them at Rarity. "ah know, ah know, it was th' princesses, at least he ain't been workin' in th' *boutique* fer th' last month!" ... oho, Sweetie Belle. Perfect. "Bl- PRINCE Blueblood, would ya kindly handle th' purchase fer Sweetie here?" For her own part, she shrugs helplessly at Sweetie; AJ HAS seen Rarity do this before, it's basically like the high-pitched noise a boiler makes right before someone gets hit with flying rivets... which is probably exactly what's going to happen to somepony. But in her own way, Applejack is a consummate professional, and with Sweetie shunted to Blublood, she continues to do what we must call 'smile' at Haunting Melody. "What can Ah get ya, honey?"
"Stop drawing attention to me!" Blueblood squeaks at Applejack, magically grabbing snatching a random assortment of 'delicious apples' from behind him without taking his eyes off Rarity. He sets them down in front of Sweetie Belle, his eyes huge and watery, ready to burst into tears in a final plea for mercy from... HER. "Will these do?" he asks in that voice that means he's saying 'just buy them now and leave please.' "They are apples. And they are delicious. That will be five bits please. Don't let her get me and I'll throw in a turnover."
Hollyhock slowly lifts an eyebrow at what's going on in front of her in line, and behind the counter (so to speak), and just isn't sure what to make of it. She's not sure she's ever heard a pony ever make the sounds that Rarity's making, and Blueblood... Well Blueblood's actions make her press her lips together into a thin tight disapproving line. It's not her place to say anything, but, well, if she were to say something it would probably match the sour expression she's wearing. As it is she contents herself to bob her head towards Applejack, and murmur a civil 'Howdy' as she touches the brim of her hat before she turns back to stare at Blueblood with mixed curiousity and revulsion. Is he really going to cry?
Rarity draws in a long breath through her teeth- like she were trying to quell the fire burning inside of her with a liberal amount of air. "A. MONTH?! He's been sullying my town for a MONTH?! You could have TOLD me about this, Applejack. You could have WARNED me. I do -NOT- have a suitable alibi, I do NOT want Sweetie Belle exposed to...to.....to........"She frantically gestures with her hooves as if searching for the proper word to describe Blueblood...but the only way to describe Blueblood is Blueblood. "Blueblood." She hisses low, as if the mere mention of his name may somehow spawn a second version of him. "How is this possible, Applejack? Did the princess put you up to this? Did you lose a bet? Why is this happening to our town?! " She sputters in desperation. Surely something can be done! Perhaps Zecora can whip up some sort of....Anti....Blueblood...potion. Which Rarity is pretty sure is also cyanide.
Haunting Melody nods her head to Applejack as she takes a bit of a gulp and almost asks just how safe is it to speak, as she tries to get herself calm, after all wouldn't do any good if she couldn't control...her magick here, though it's hard to be calm with a raging bull two feet from you as her tail and mane colours flicer between light blue, and light green as she speaks up, "Hmmm, do...you have any pies?" she asks, completly forgetting that it was on the list of items for sale as her nervousness keeps her from focusing too well. The continued antics from Rarity do not at all help any, the number of butterflies around her continuing to grow as there is now eight and more appearing, though none of them have any substance if touched.
Nimble Hooves trots into the marketplace, completely unaware of the impending doom taking place around the Apple's cart. What does catch his attention is the unmistakable scent of Granny Smith's apple pie. His tummy grumbles, and makes his way towards the cart. It only as he approaches he notices the ponies there. Applejack, Lady Rarity, and... a stallion whose face seems rather familiar, but one he can quite place. His step falters, and his appreach slows. Lady Rarity seems the slightest bit flustered, which for a Lady of her calibre, means that something is dreadfully wrong.
Applejack barely has a chance to shoot a glare at Blueblood (who is apparently trying to barter for his life with Sweet Apple merchandise) and touch her hatbrim in return to Hollyhock before Rarity occupies her full attention. "Look, he's... Ah s'pose ya could say she did, uh, indirectly. He's... not so bad." She glances at the stallion, hoping she can buff his nervous teethmarks out of the cart later. "Relatively speakin'. He's dif'rent now." she says, then because she is the Element of Honesty adds, "...Slightly." At Haunting Melody's question, she brightens up. Aha! A real customer doing real customer things! Back on solid ground, Applejack grins to Haunting almost in relief! "We do, we do indeed! Coupla kinds here, mah pers'nal fav'rite is Spartan Surprise, but we also got Granny Smith's Special Blend here. Three bits each, four with our special cinnamon whippin' cream, what would ya like?"
Blueblood gulps extra loud when he feels Applejack's glare on him. He squeezes his eyes shut and listens for the sounds of impending DOOM. But then he hears words that normally aren't said in his presence, namely the combination of 'not' and 'bad.' His eyes squeak open a smidge and he peers up at Applejack. Does... does she *really* mean that? He glances back to Rarity and gulps, waiting for orders. Or permission to run. Or to just die now and save himself the pain of Rarity-inspired torture. All of those are fine. Hollyhock's stare is met with big old woobly eyes by the Prince. 'Help me!' he mouths at Hollyhock.
Hollyhock's expression clouds as confusion creeps into the mix. She's hearing the word 'prince' used in conversation. Prince of what? Prince of big, full maned blubber heads? Fellow with a body like that has to have come by it pulling ploughs, or hauling truck, or - or something ... right? So why's he blubbering behind a cart? And - oh dear, he's seen her, but - but somehow she just can't look away, not even as she notices Nimble Hooves coming up closer to the cart, or even when she asks the other pegasus, out of the corner of her mouth, "Hey, hombre, who's that big feller hawkin' apples?"
Rarity sighs. "Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees. I'm sure he's different." She explains. Even with hooves, it's impossible to miss Rarity's 'air quotes' and she turns towards Sweetie Belle. Come dear, we're going on. "She says, hefting the bag of apples Sweetie Purchased and tosses them into the nearest trashcan. Blue Blood touched them. To be entirely safe nothing from him enters her home, Rarity would have preferred fire, (like her beautiful gown for the Grand Galloping Gala.) For a long time she looks at Sweetie Belle.....hmmm "Come dear, we must wash. And we must find some bleach. Lots of it. Applejack. "She says, dipping her head towards the shop keep, followed by what could only be described as a 'super natural' hiss towards Blueblood.
Blueblood looks up at Applejack. "Can I be fired now?"
Haunting Melody looks towards Nimble as she spots him, and is glad to see another familuar face in the crowd, one that hopefully isn't psychoticly insane like the rest it seems today as she hmmm,s, "...Sounds...good." she says as her tail goes light green fully while both wanting something, and partly wanting to sneak out of the situation, as she spots Rarityb throw the apples into the garbage she frowns and suddenly gets more then a bit nervous wondering if something wrong with the food, or just the foodie.
Nimble Hooves steps closer to the cart, his eyes darting between Applejack and Lady Rarity. It would be impolite to interrupt, so he moves toward the stallion who seems to be serving. Why does he seem so familiar? It is the voice of another pegasus that finally pulls his attention. "I-I'm not sure... H-he seems f-familiar, b-but not from a-around here..." His brain ticks over trying to figure out who the stallion is, and he almost misses Lady Rarity's departure. A raised hoof and a quiet "G-goodbye" is all he can manage, but it is probably a little too late and she didn't seem very happy anyway. Another mare catches his attention, and a smile returns to his face, "H-Hello Miss Melody..."
Applejack sighs a bit. It's not that she expected Rarity to entirely believe her, but it would have been nice to get at least a little benefit of th- "HAY! THOSE WERE PERFECTLY GOOD APPLES! WHAT THE HAY DO YA THINK YER DOIN'!?" AJ immediately fishes out the trashed bag of apples and puts it away - she'll find some use for them later. "Dangit, ain't no call fer wastin' good foo-HAY THERE! Ri-hi-hight!" The apple waste had distracted her from Haunting Melody for a moment. "One Granny Smith Special with whipped cinnamon cream, an' here's a fritter on th' house fer yer inconvenience. Thank ya kindly!" Oh right. And take bits. Make change. Right. Okay. Done. Like all those other times. "No, ya can't! Git 'er done!" Are ALL the nobility this goldarned distracting or is it just THAT one?
Hollyhock gives Nimble a little grunt of thanks for his answer while her eyes follow Rarity's departure, and as she sees the apples tossed into the bin her ears lay back, and she gives a little hiss through her teeth. It's a good thing AJ goes to fish them out because otherwise Holly would have - and then her house mates would have found out, and then they'd probably try to tell her that's not something that's done, even if it's perfectly good food going to waste and then there'd have been sulking and things like that. She'll be sure to leave a tip.
Haunting Melody nods her head as she hands over the bits as she takes the cake in her magick and heads over in the direction of nimble as she frowns, "Hello.." she says showing her nervousness in the colour of her mane and tail and the fact that she's got a dozen butterflies around her while she looks in the direction of the crazy mare heading off.
Nimble Hooves looks between the figure of Lady Rarity departing in the distance and Applejack. Something just happened and he's not quite sure what. From both of their reactions it was nothing good... and why does the serving stallion seem so terrified of Lady Rarity? His ears fold back slightly and he takes a step closer to Haunting Melody. Perhaps coming over for apple pie, even if it is one of Granny Smith's, wasn't the best idea.
Applejack emits a sigh and rolls her eyes as Blueblood sinks slowly behind the cart, hiding from the departing furious (but impeccably-coiffed) tail of Rarity. She rubs her face with a hoof. "Ah am havin' a day an' it ain't even noon... Hay there, Hollyhock! What can Ah get y-WHOA NELLY!" This last because Blueblood's muzzle stuck out from under the cart, almost under her hooves! "Is the vengeful virago vanished?" it says. "Yes, consarnit, now get UP!" Applejack responds, and tries to focus her attention on Holly.
Hollyhock gives Applejack a big toothy grin as she steps up to place her order, "Howdy, AJ, how's - hijole!" She takes a half step back, alarmed by AJ's outburst, her wings popping open in surprise as she looks around for some sort of trouble - then realizing what's happened, she has the good grace to blush, looking abashed as she steps back up to the cart, "I - uh - pardon." She clears her throat, and tries again, "How's business? Takin' on help, I see?" She cocks an eye towards Blueblood before placing an order, "Couple'a them tarts'd be right agreeable t'night, I think."
Haunting Melody smiles as she looks over twoards Nimble trying to calm a bit as the butterflies spread out from her to fklit around randomly now that things SEEM to be calmer. She smiles over towards Nimble and hmmms, "Would you like to share this with me?" she asks thinking she could use company to clm down.
Nimble Hooves sighs to himself as he sees AJ taking control of the situation. Her serving stallion seems to be next to useless. His attention turns to the mare next to him, and his concerned expression softens. He smiles at the offer, a grumble from his tummy urging him to accept. He nods, "O-only if i-it is no trouble for you, a-and as long a-s you have plenty t-to share.... Th-the Apple family do make lovely treats."
Applejack chuckles a bit as she packs a pair of tarts in a bag for Hollyhock. "Business is dandy, thanks. Heh. 'Help' ain't exactly th' word Ah'd use. He's more of a.... uh... favor, Ah s'pose." Then she winces, as the cart shakes with the impact of Blueblood hitting his head on it as he stands back up.
"Owwww!" complains Blueblood. "This is dreadful. Simply dreadful. I had thought there was no worse punishment than the barn, or the pigsty, but out here? With all these..." He manages to choke back whatever word was coming next. "Applejack! I have suffered an injury to my noble person!" He places a hoof across his forehead theatrically. "And I require medical assistance at once."
Applejack just rolls her eyes at him while she passes Hollyhock her purchase "Walk it off, fer pony's sake..."
Hollyhock winces visibly as she hears the crack of Blueblood's head against the underside of the wagon, her eyes squinting, teeth gritting - who hasn't whacked their head now and again, but his reaction only serves to erase whatever sympathy he's won, "Rm." She nods, understandingly as she reaches for the bag, "City kin sent out t' keep out'a trouble." It's not even a question, it really is the only thing she can think of to explain this, "Like you ain't got nothin' else t' do but tend a greenhorn, yeah?" The tarts are carefully tucked away in her saddle bags before she comes back out with her coin purse, "Whadda I owe ya?"
Haunting Melody blinks at this as she wonders just what the stallion was about to say, and can't help but get a tiny bit of a dark look wondering just what was to be said, but doesn't voice her feelings, though her man and tail take a very tiny tinge of red through the center, as she looks back towards Nimble, "Oh it's quiet fine, I couldn't eat it all myself." she says.
Nimble Hooves was looking at the mare when he notices the slight change in her mane and tail. He looks a little confused, glancing back to the Apples' cart. "I-Is everything o-okay, Miss Melody?" He notices the stallion's dramatic reaction, and also that everyone else seems nonplussed by it. He knows that face from somewhere....
Applejack chuckles. "He ain't kin, but yeah, pretty much. As if. Four bits if'n ya don't mind, an' Ah threw in a free fritter 'cause things're bein' *interestin'* here this mornin'."
Blueblood, meanwhile, attempts top throw down his apron indignantly only to discover he can't because nopony made him wear one. "Fine! I will! Hmf!" - and with that he starts to trot off... not noticing that the buttons on his tuxedo dickie have snagged the cloth covering of the cart while he was hiding against it.
Applejack notices! "BLUEBLOOD! WATCH OU-" but it is too late. The prince's swift, aggrieved trot has dragged the cloth off the cart, and with it most of the wares! Apples tumble into the street and bounce around, accompanied by a tragic rain of delicious pastries now doomed never to be eaten! In the aftermath, AJ just stands there, stricken speechless.
Blueblood looks back to see what the kerfuffle was. He spies the mess, the expression on Applejack's face, and the cloth trailing from his decolletage... and he takes to his heels, galloping off!
Haunting Melody nods her head and sighs, "I just...know his type, and can guess what...he didn't say." she says and blinks at the rucous as she's torn between helping or not, but she doesn't think she could catch the pastries without dropping the ones she's carying as she watches helplessly at them all falling.
Hollyhock looks pleased at the boon. Free fritters are always welcome, "Well, that's right neighbor - uh..." he coins Holly's fished out of her purse fall from her mouth as her jaw drops open and she's left gaping at the carnage and the waste. There are no words, only horror, though her mouth opens and closes, fish like, in a vain attempt to say something. After a long, long silence Holly collects herself, leaves the bits on the edge of the cart, and speaks in a low voice, "Ain't a jury in Eqestria'd convict you..."
Nimble Hooves watches on in horror as all of those delicious morsels tumble to the ground. There is a grumble from his tummy, as if it were crying out in anguish. He hurries over, and tries in vain to salvage what he can for Applejack.
Applejack finds her voice. "'S... 'scuse me, looks like we're closed. Ah better.... better get this cleaned up... nope... no jury in Equestria..." What follows is a display of iron-bound willpower, as Applejack accepts the few pieces saved by Nimble Hooves, stows them, then carefully sweeps up the mess and collects the fallen apples instead of chasing down Prince Blueblood to rip his heart out with her teeth. "He's gotta go. He's gotta go. He's gotta cotton-pickin' dang well consarned GOTTA GO!!"
At this point, the mess is as gathered as it's going to get. Applejack, with an expression bordering on grief, harnesses herself to the cart and favors the onlookers with a wan smile. "Sorry, folks. Uh. With any luck a'tall, tomorrow'll be a bit less... EXCITIN'. Seeya." she says, then trudges off back towards Sweet Apple Acres.
Blueblood recoils from Applejack as if she were a striking snake, trying to hide behind one of his hooves. "Yes, yes, I get it, don't fleece the peasants," he mutters in response, testy yet obedient. The mere fact that he isn't squalling on the ground and stamping his hooves at this unfair treatment frankly shocks him. He's not sure if he should be proud he has a nascent work ethic or horrified that he's actually *still* doing this grunt work. "I *can* count you know. At least to seventy-five, since that's how many kinds of mane conditioner I have memorized." He takes out the apron provided for him, with its giant cartoonish apples all smiling at would-be customers. "But do I really have to wear *this?*"
Ahhh, August! A lovely month to spy the latest trends in summer fashion- or make them, as is Rarity's goal today. She's crafted a bright and fantastic new hat for Sweetie Belle to wear, and is now, quite forcefully showing off her little sister in public. Of course she's going to buy Sweetie Belle some treats today, perhaps a new dress, one of those gamey...toy...things she likes, and.....and.......a..... And thats when Lady Rarity stops, and time itself wittles down to a crawl. Her mouth goes slack, and her eyes widen. Across the street. There. The horror of horrors...the nightmare of nightmares...a source of disturbance so great it nearly shakes the pony to the core. Has she seen plaid with paisley? No. Worse than that? Open toed sandles with socks?! Heven forbid, even worse!! A pony in white gloves eating a ketchup popsicle? Now you're just being silly. No. No. No. It's all far, far worse than that; It's Blueblood. Prince Blueblood. In her town. Breathing in the same air as she is. Here. Today. Something terrible is going to happen. She is sure of it. Perhaps she will even be the cause of it. But something terrible -=IS=- going to happen.
Sweetie pushes Rarity's hat up. She's usually down for showing off, but this hat is big. And more colors than she usually wears. And it keeps falling over her eyes. "Are you sure this is the proper fit, Rarity?" she asks, looking up to her sister even as the hat dips down over her eyes. "I don't know that being blind is next year's in fashion, is it?" She fails to notice, mostly because of the hat, her sister's seemingly random reaction.
Haunting Melody looks over towards the others curously as she looks around, and then soon spots Applejack and Blueblood as they setup the cart and is wondering just what they are selling. Spotting the other mare coming in with the young one she is curious about them too, but makes her way over towards the cart AJ is at curiously. Her mane and tail having a ornage look to them today.
Applejack rolls her eyes. "Welllll.... no, Ah s'pose not. We can bend that far, never mind th' apron." Actually.... the usual apron is blank. THAT one was Granny Smith's idea, something to make Blueblood feel like concessions were being made. One thing at least is the same as usual, the Sweet Apple Acres cart is laden with wares: pies, tarts, fritters, turnovers, sauce, and of course several kinds of ripe, juicy apple. AJ pulls out a price sheet and hoofs it over to Blueblood; it's a little dusty, since she and Mac know all the prices off by heart. "There. Keep that in mind." And then it's MARKET TIME! All smiles, AJ waves to and greets all the passing ponies, offering a smell and occasionally a taste of produce. When she spots Rarity and Sweetie Belle, she waves extra hard and yells across the crowd, "HOWDY RARES! SWEETIE! HOW YA DOIN?!" - and then she notices Rarity's expression and her own drains away. "... oh lordy, ah reckon she's fixin' ta happen ta somepony..."
Blueblood gladly, and condescendingly, tosses the apron over his shoulder. Of COURSE the batty old granny would try to force him to wear something like that. He suspected she'd have tried pinching his cheeks or something. He takes his place at the stall and puffs out his chest, nodding regally to all passers-by, quite certain that just his being there is helping to boost sales. At first, these were simple country apples. Now... they are rare, ROYAL apples! He even practices his royal wave, keeping an aloof, imperial expression on his face while he counts out bits from any purchases. He is not merely a stallkeep. He is the Lord of Apples. The Purveyor of the Pomaceous. The - wait a minute. "... Rares?" he wonders, following Applejack's gaze. His eyes fix upon the greatest, most terrifying beast he's ever seen. An alabaster harridan with a forked tongue and a devilish demeanor. A creature spawned from Tartarus. A monster in a mare's body. "It's... HER," he chokes out, looking back and forth for a hiding spot. He settles for 'underneath Applejack.' "HIDE ME! HIDE MEEEEE!" he squeals.
Murdermurdermurdermurdermurdermurder. For a brief, harrowing instant, Rarity just.....stares at Applejack and Blueblood before she flashes a briiiiiight grin and waves in turn towards Applejack. Oh, she's on automatic mode right now. Murdermurdermurdermurdermurdermurder...no. No. NO darling, no! A lady does NOT slip into a psychotic rampage in pubic! It just isn't done! Even if it is Ponyville, you still have standards! Standards, Rarity remember them? Remember how much you don't want to go to prison for regicide? This is fine. This is ok. This is an excellent chance to show Sweetie Belle how a lady reacts to the scum of the earth. Prim, Proper, Posh. The three P's of polite social interaction. Do not murder Blueblood. Murder does not start with a P. "LOOK. SWEETIE. BELL. IT IS. OUR FRIEND. APPLEJACK. LETS. SAY. HI." Rarity exclaims through grit teeth and stiffly starts to move towards the stall. Applejack did wave, after all. It's only polite to say hello.
With her current status of Blind Pony, Sweetie says "Applejack? Oh ok!" And proceeds to wave in entirely the wrong direction, "Hi Miss Applejack!!" Wavewave. Nailed it! She then pushes the hat up and realizes the mistake and turns around. "Oh, who's the pony with her? You think he's an Apple too?"
Haunting Melody blinks as she was about to open her mouth to inquire from the goofy looking male, as she can't help but wonder who he thinks he is, someone important or such, but the sudden feeling of something about to go horribly wrong and kill bthem all she backs up slightly, her tail starting to take on more of a light green look to it while she stares trying to figure out the situation, the butterflies that are with her both alight upon her head as she focuses more on the situation infront of her.
Applejack scrabbles her hooves and is lifted before she can react - there isn't enough room between her legs for Blueblood's EGO, let alone the REST of him! "O'COURSE it's *her*, Rarit- WHAT IN TARNATION ARE YA DOIN? GET OUTTA THERE YA DICKIE-SPORTIN' VARMINT!!" AJ manages to gain her footing - hoofing? - again and slaps Blueblood on the cutie mark. "Get up! We got work ta do, an' ya can't sell nothin' hidin' under th' cart!" It seems the prince has had a bit of a corrosive effect on her reverence for the nobility. She forces herself to smile at the butterfly-bearing customer - but she keeps a weather eye on brewing Hurricane Rarity, hoping she'll downgrade herself to a tropical storm at least. "Mornin'! What can Ah get ya? Ah recommend th' tarts, they're still hot from th' oven! Buy a dozen, we'll throw in two extra!"
Blueblood whimpers and tries to curl up, but it's true - being bigger than Applejack, the mare makes for a poor hiding spot. Almost ready to cry, he pokes his head (just his head) up above the lip of the stall, watching Rarity as one would an Ursa Minor while it's deciding whether or not to eat you. Oh goodness, the demoness even has a little servant. Some poor foal she undoubtedly enslaved at some point. His ears lie flat on his head, his hooves gripping the edge of the stall with all their might. He's ready to *throw* it at Rarity. "While supplies last," he adds to Applejack's in a horrified whisper. "And we- we have- caramels... for the little one... *sob*"
Hollyhock is headed home. She's tired and and a little rumpled from working. Red's kept her busy running errands across from Hither all the way to Yon, and now she's hoofsore, her gait flagging just a little, and probably not smelling all that good either. She's ready for a bath, a dime novel, and a good night's sleep - but then she hears something that stops her in her tracks and brings her head up. Potent conjurers words of ancient and profound magic 'hot apple tarts'. Yes. That will do nicely. She turns and moves to stand in line.
Rarity just...well she just stares quietly. Is...is she vibrating? Yes, yes, Lady Rarity is doing all she can to keep her anger from taking on a physical form and consuming Ponyville in a explosive display of carnage not known since Michael Bay's latest movie. She stiffly walks over towards the cart, letting her grin get wider and wider. "SWEETIE BELLE. BUY SOME APPLES." She explains, shoving a hoof ful of bits to her litter sister. "I do not care what you buy. Apples are delicious." She explains, before sliding up to Applejack. Smile Smile Smile. "APPLEJACK. AAAAHA-HA-HA-HA-HA-PULL-JACK. ........................DARLING. ........................................................DARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRLING.....DARLING!" Rarity explains, now discovering that in close proximity to Blueblood her cerebral functions have gotten trapped on a loop. Fashion. Darling. Murder Blue Blood. Fashion. Darling. Murder Blueblood. "Darling......D, Darling...." It's all she can seem to say with a sputtering hiss of contempt. Really, all she has to do is point at Blueblood to get her message across to Applejack- but she's still smiling! Smile smile smile!
Sweetie Belle blinks a few times. She watches her sister, starting to wonder if she was replaced by a robot that was sent from the future to help her get her cutiemark and maybe teach her a thing about friendship along the way, like that one movie she and the other CMC snuck their way into. In her defense, she didn't know there were so many explosions in the future. Still, she's loyal to the core, "Uh, apples," Sweetie says, holding up a hooffull of coins, waving them about a bit in front of the shopkeepers. "Um...delicious ones. I think." She scootscoots to AppleJack, "I don't think I've seen her do that before," she whispers. Stagewhispers. In her quietest, whispering voice. Maybe three ponies in Canterlot didn't hear her.
Haunting Melody blinks as she gets even more nervous, wondering if perhaps it would be safer to to into those narby woods she keeps hearing about not going near, probably safer right now, but she's a lady, and shouldn't let psychotic mares and stallions get her down, after all how is she going to be a singer if she can't handle a few crazies, she steels up her nerves a bit, as she moves over closer, and waits her turn as Sweetie goes to buy the apples while she checks the cart and what else is being sold. The number of butterflies near her has increased to four now as she gives a very quiet nervous humm.
Applejack nods and smiles to Haunting Melody and Hollyhock with teeth-cracking determination, and hisses through them at Rarity. "ah know, ah know, it was th' princesses, at least he ain't been workin' in th' *boutique* fer th' last month!" ... oho, Sweetie Belle. Perfect. "Bl- PRINCE Blueblood, would ya kindly handle th' purchase fer Sweetie here?" For her own part, she shrugs helplessly at Sweetie; AJ HAS seen Rarity do this before, it's basically like the high-pitched noise a boiler makes right before someone gets hit with flying rivets... which is probably exactly what's going to happen to somepony. But in her own way, Applejack is a consummate professional, and with Sweetie shunted to Blublood, she continues to do what we must call 'smile' at Haunting Melody. "What can Ah get ya, honey?"
"Stop drawing attention to me!" Blueblood squeaks at Applejack, magically grabbing snatching a random assortment of 'delicious apples' from behind him without taking his eyes off Rarity. He sets them down in front of Sweetie Belle, his eyes huge and watery, ready to burst into tears in a final plea for mercy from... HER. "Will these do?" he asks in that voice that means he's saying 'just buy them now and leave please.' "They are apples. And they are delicious. That will be five bits please. Don't let her get me and I'll throw in a turnover."
Hollyhock slowly lifts an eyebrow at what's going on in front of her in line, and behind the counter (so to speak), and just isn't sure what to make of it. She's not sure she's ever heard a pony ever make the sounds that Rarity's making, and Blueblood... Well Blueblood's actions make her press her lips together into a thin tight disapproving line. It's not her place to say anything, but, well, if she were to say something it would probably match the sour expression she's wearing. As it is she contents herself to bob her head towards Applejack, and murmur a civil 'Howdy' as she touches the brim of her hat before she turns back to stare at Blueblood with mixed curiousity and revulsion. Is he really going to cry?
Rarity draws in a long breath through her teeth- like she were trying to quell the fire burning inside of her with a liberal amount of air. "A. MONTH?! He's been sullying my town for a MONTH?! You could have TOLD me about this, Applejack. You could have WARNED me. I do -NOT- have a suitable alibi, I do NOT want Sweetie Belle exposed to...to.....to........"She frantically gestures with her hooves as if searching for the proper word to describe Blueblood...but the only way to describe Blueblood is Blueblood. "Blueblood." She hisses low, as if the mere mention of his name may somehow spawn a second version of him. "How is this possible, Applejack? Did the princess put you up to this? Did you lose a bet? Why is this happening to our town?! " She sputters in desperation. Surely something can be done! Perhaps Zecora can whip up some sort of....Anti....Blueblood...potion. Which Rarity is pretty sure is also cyanide.
Haunting Melody nods her head to Applejack as she takes a bit of a gulp and almost asks just how safe is it to speak, as she tries to get herself calm, after all wouldn't do any good if she couldn't control...her magick here, though it's hard to be calm with a raging bull two feet from you as her tail and mane colours flicer between light blue, and light green as she speaks up, "Hmmm, do...you have any pies?" she asks, completly forgetting that it was on the list of items for sale as her nervousness keeps her from focusing too well. The continued antics from Rarity do not at all help any, the number of butterflies around her continuing to grow as there is now eight and more appearing, though none of them have any substance if touched.
Nimble Hooves trots into the marketplace, completely unaware of the impending doom taking place around the Apple's cart. What does catch his attention is the unmistakable scent of Granny Smith's apple pie. His tummy grumbles, and makes his way towards the cart. It only as he approaches he notices the ponies there. Applejack, Lady Rarity, and... a stallion whose face seems rather familiar, but one he can quite place. His step falters, and his appreach slows. Lady Rarity seems the slightest bit flustered, which for a Lady of her calibre, means that something is dreadfully wrong.
Applejack barely has a chance to shoot a glare at Blueblood (who is apparently trying to barter for his life with Sweet Apple merchandise) and touch her hatbrim in return to Hollyhock before Rarity occupies her full attention. "Look, he's... Ah s'pose ya could say she did, uh, indirectly. He's... not so bad." She glances at the stallion, hoping she can buff his nervous teethmarks out of the cart later. "Relatively speakin'. He's dif'rent now." she says, then because she is the Element of Honesty adds, "...Slightly." At Haunting Melody's question, she brightens up. Aha! A real customer doing real customer things! Back on solid ground, Applejack grins to Haunting almost in relief! "We do, we do indeed! Coupla kinds here, mah pers'nal fav'rite is Spartan Surprise, but we also got Granny Smith's Special Blend here. Three bits each, four with our special cinnamon whippin' cream, what would ya like?"
Blueblood gulps extra loud when he feels Applejack's glare on him. He squeezes his eyes shut and listens for the sounds of impending DOOM. But then he hears words that normally aren't said in his presence, namely the combination of 'not' and 'bad.' His eyes squeak open a smidge and he peers up at Applejack. Does... does she *really* mean that? He glances back to Rarity and gulps, waiting for orders. Or permission to run. Or to just die now and save himself the pain of Rarity-inspired torture. All of those are fine. Hollyhock's stare is met with big old woobly eyes by the Prince. 'Help me!' he mouths at Hollyhock.
Hollyhock's expression clouds as confusion creeps into the mix. She's hearing the word 'prince' used in conversation. Prince of what? Prince of big, full maned blubber heads? Fellow with a body like that has to have come by it pulling ploughs, or hauling truck, or - or something ... right? So why's he blubbering behind a cart? And - oh dear, he's seen her, but - but somehow she just can't look away, not even as she notices Nimble Hooves coming up closer to the cart, or even when she asks the other pegasus, out of the corner of her mouth, "Hey, hombre, who's that big feller hawkin' apples?"
Rarity sighs. "Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees. I'm sure he's different." She explains. Even with hooves, it's impossible to miss Rarity's 'air quotes' and she turns towards Sweetie Belle. Come dear, we're going on. "She says, hefting the bag of apples Sweetie Purchased and tosses them into the nearest trashcan. Blue Blood touched them. To be entirely safe nothing from him enters her home, Rarity would have preferred fire, (like her beautiful gown for the Grand Galloping Gala.) For a long time she looks at Sweetie Belle.....hmmm "Come dear, we must wash. And we must find some bleach. Lots of it. Applejack. "She says, dipping her head towards the shop keep, followed by what could only be described as a 'super natural' hiss towards Blueblood.
Blueblood looks up at Applejack. "Can I be fired now?"
Haunting Melody looks towards Nimble as she spots him, and is glad to see another familuar face in the crowd, one that hopefully isn't psychoticly insane like the rest it seems today as she hmmm,s, "...Sounds...good." she says as her tail goes light green fully while both wanting something, and partly wanting to sneak out of the situation, as she spots Rarityb throw the apples into the garbage she frowns and suddenly gets more then a bit nervous wondering if something wrong with the food, or just the foodie.
Nimble Hooves steps closer to the cart, his eyes darting between Applejack and Lady Rarity. It would be impolite to interrupt, so he moves toward the stallion who seems to be serving. Why does he seem so familiar? It is the voice of another pegasus that finally pulls his attention. "I-I'm not sure... H-he seems f-familiar, b-but not from a-around here..." His brain ticks over trying to figure out who the stallion is, and he almost misses Lady Rarity's departure. A raised hoof and a quiet "G-goodbye" is all he can manage, but it is probably a little too late and she didn't seem very happy anyway. Another mare catches his attention, and a smile returns to his face, "H-Hello Miss Melody..."
Applejack sighs a bit. It's not that she expected Rarity to entirely believe her, but it would have been nice to get at least a little benefit of th- "HAY! THOSE WERE PERFECTLY GOOD APPLES! WHAT THE HAY DO YA THINK YER DOIN'!?" AJ immediately fishes out the trashed bag of apples and puts it away - she'll find some use for them later. "Dangit, ain't no call fer wastin' good foo-HAY THERE! Ri-hi-hight!" The apple waste had distracted her from Haunting Melody for a moment. "One Granny Smith Special with whipped cinnamon cream, an' here's a fritter on th' house fer yer inconvenience. Thank ya kindly!" Oh right. And take bits. Make change. Right. Okay. Done. Like all those other times. "No, ya can't! Git 'er done!" Are ALL the nobility this goldarned distracting or is it just THAT one?
Hollyhock gives Nimble a little grunt of thanks for his answer while her eyes follow Rarity's departure, and as she sees the apples tossed into the bin her ears lay back, and she gives a little hiss through her teeth. It's a good thing AJ goes to fish them out because otherwise Holly would have - and then her house mates would have found out, and then they'd probably try to tell her that's not something that's done, even if it's perfectly good food going to waste and then there'd have been sulking and things like that. She'll be sure to leave a tip.
Haunting Melody nods her head as she hands over the bits as she takes the cake in her magick and heads over in the direction of nimble as she frowns, "Hello.." she says showing her nervousness in the colour of her mane and tail and the fact that she's got a dozen butterflies around her while she looks in the direction of the crazy mare heading off.
Nimble Hooves looks between the figure of Lady Rarity departing in the distance and Applejack. Something just happened and he's not quite sure what. From both of their reactions it was nothing good... and why does the serving stallion seem so terrified of Lady Rarity? His ears fold back slightly and he takes a step closer to Haunting Melody. Perhaps coming over for apple pie, even if it is one of Granny Smith's, wasn't the best idea.
Applejack emits a sigh and rolls her eyes as Blueblood sinks slowly behind the cart, hiding from the departing furious (but impeccably-coiffed) tail of Rarity. She rubs her face with a hoof. "Ah am havin' a day an' it ain't even noon... Hay there, Hollyhock! What can Ah get y-WHOA NELLY!" This last because Blueblood's muzzle stuck out from under the cart, almost under her hooves! "Is the vengeful virago vanished?" it says. "Yes, consarnit, now get UP!" Applejack responds, and tries to focus her attention on Holly.
Hollyhock gives Applejack a big toothy grin as she steps up to place her order, "Howdy, AJ, how's - hijole!" She takes a half step back, alarmed by AJ's outburst, her wings popping open in surprise as she looks around for some sort of trouble - then realizing what's happened, she has the good grace to blush, looking abashed as she steps back up to the cart, "I - uh - pardon." She clears her throat, and tries again, "How's business? Takin' on help, I see?" She cocks an eye towards Blueblood before placing an order, "Couple'a them tarts'd be right agreeable t'night, I think."
Haunting Melody smiles as she looks over twoards Nimble trying to calm a bit as the butterflies spread out from her to fklit around randomly now that things SEEM to be calmer. She smiles over towards Nimble and hmmms, "Would you like to share this with me?" she asks thinking she could use company to clm down.
Nimble Hooves sighs to himself as he sees AJ taking control of the situation. Her serving stallion seems to be next to useless. His attention turns to the mare next to him, and his concerned expression softens. He smiles at the offer, a grumble from his tummy urging him to accept. He nods, "O-only if i-it is no trouble for you, a-and as long a-s you have plenty t-to share.... Th-the Apple family do make lovely treats."
Applejack chuckles a bit as she packs a pair of tarts in a bag for Hollyhock. "Business is dandy, thanks. Heh. 'Help' ain't exactly th' word Ah'd use. He's more of a.... uh... favor, Ah s'pose." Then she winces, as the cart shakes with the impact of Blueblood hitting his head on it as he stands back up.
"Owwww!" complains Blueblood. "This is dreadful. Simply dreadful. I had thought there was no worse punishment than the barn, or the pigsty, but out here? With all these..." He manages to choke back whatever word was coming next. "Applejack! I have suffered an injury to my noble person!" He places a hoof across his forehead theatrically. "And I require medical assistance at once."
Applejack just rolls her eyes at him while she passes Hollyhock her purchase "Walk it off, fer pony's sake..."
Hollyhock winces visibly as she hears the crack of Blueblood's head against the underside of the wagon, her eyes squinting, teeth gritting - who hasn't whacked their head now and again, but his reaction only serves to erase whatever sympathy he's won, "Rm." She nods, understandingly as she reaches for the bag, "City kin sent out t' keep out'a trouble." It's not even a question, it really is the only thing she can think of to explain this, "Like you ain't got nothin' else t' do but tend a greenhorn, yeah?" The tarts are carefully tucked away in her saddle bags before she comes back out with her coin purse, "Whadda I owe ya?"
Haunting Melody blinks at this as she wonders just what the stallion was about to say, and can't help but get a tiny bit of a dark look wondering just what was to be said, but doesn't voice her feelings, though her man and tail take a very tiny tinge of red through the center, as she looks back towards Nimble, "Oh it's quiet fine, I couldn't eat it all myself." she says.
Nimble Hooves was looking at the mare when he notices the slight change in her mane and tail. He looks a little confused, glancing back to the Apples' cart. "I-Is everything o-okay, Miss Melody?" He notices the stallion's dramatic reaction, and also that everyone else seems nonplussed by it. He knows that face from somewhere....
Applejack chuckles. "He ain't kin, but yeah, pretty much. As if. Four bits if'n ya don't mind, an' Ah threw in a free fritter 'cause things're bein' *interestin'* here this mornin'."
Blueblood, meanwhile, attempts top throw down his apron indignantly only to discover he can't because nopony made him wear one. "Fine! I will! Hmf!" - and with that he starts to trot off... not noticing that the buttons on his tuxedo dickie have snagged the cloth covering of the cart while he was hiding against it.
Applejack notices! "BLUEBLOOD! WATCH OU-" but it is too late. The prince's swift, aggrieved trot has dragged the cloth off the cart, and with it most of the wares! Apples tumble into the street and bounce around, accompanied by a tragic rain of delicious pastries now doomed never to be eaten! In the aftermath, AJ just stands there, stricken speechless.
Blueblood looks back to see what the kerfuffle was. He spies the mess, the expression on Applejack's face, and the cloth trailing from his decolletage... and he takes to his heels, galloping off!
Haunting Melody nods her head and sighs, "I just...know his type, and can guess what...he didn't say." she says and blinks at the rucous as she's torn between helping or not, but she doesn't think she could catch the pastries without dropping the ones she's carying as she watches helplessly at them all falling.
Hollyhock looks pleased at the boon. Free fritters are always welcome, "Well, that's right neighbor - uh..." he coins Holly's fished out of her purse fall from her mouth as her jaw drops open and she's left gaping at the carnage and the waste. There are no words, only horror, though her mouth opens and closes, fish like, in a vain attempt to say something. After a long, long silence Holly collects herself, leaves the bits on the edge of the cart, and speaks in a low voice, "Ain't a jury in Eqestria'd convict you..."
Nimble Hooves watches on in horror as all of those delicious morsels tumble to the ground. There is a grumble from his tummy, as if it were crying out in anguish. He hurries over, and tries in vain to salvage what he can for Applejack.
Applejack finds her voice. "'S... 'scuse me, looks like we're closed. Ah better.... better get this cleaned up... nope... no jury in Equestria..." What follows is a display of iron-bound willpower, as Applejack accepts the few pieces saved by Nimble Hooves, stows them, then carefully sweeps up the mess and collects the fallen apples instead of chasing down Prince Blueblood to rip his heart out with her teeth. "He's gotta go. He's gotta go. He's gotta cotton-pickin' dang well consarned GOTTA GO!!"
At this point, the mess is as gathered as it's going to get. Applejack, with an expression bordering on grief, harnesses herself to the cart and favors the onlookers with a wan smile. "Sorry, folks. Uh. With any luck a'tall, tomorrow'll be a bit less... EXCITIN'. Seeya." she says, then trudges off back towards Sweet Apple Acres.