Chapter Fifteen

Today was only the set up for the Golden Harvest. Just before noon the Apple family could see teams of ponies moving their caravans in, piles high with decorations and merchandise. The family took the time to direct them to individual sections, and accommodated them the best they could. As Granny Smith predicted, roughly over fifty vendors had arrived with not one selling apples or other produce of a similar variety. Applejack mentions that the best part about the event is that the vendors are always unique in their ways of selling.

"The produce during this time is considered a bargain," she says. "Some vendors may stick with their regular prices, but if you're lucky you could do trade ins or haggle them down to fit your budget."

"Oh I see," Starburst said. "And even the vendors could buy too, right?"

"Yep. Everypony's a customer! I may be lookin to pick up a few apples here and there if the price is right." She pulls out a list kept under her hat. "Granny believes a vendor called 'Apples to Apples' will be here. They have some amazin apples that could go great in some pastries I have in mind."

"I'm surprised you've prepared in advance!" the ashen pony chuckled. Applejack chuckled as well.

"An Apple must always be prepared, but when time is short, sometimes you have to let your heart be your guide."

"My heart?"

"It's how honesty works. I consider it a gut feeling, but after you shared your story to us last night, you seem to put a lot of trust in your heart. Honesty is about being true to yourself and others, and relying on your heart to provide the best judgement. Whatever the next trial may be, I only ask that you never stop listening to what your heart tells you. If you managed to pass the trial of kindness that way, I'm sure you'll pass this trial in no time!"

Applejack does have a point. It's apparent that her heart has been guiding her since the first trial, but it could also be a coincidence or simple common sense. The times where she was able to hear Glucy's and Shugo's hearts...felt just. Perhaps she might understand more about this power as she learns about the elements in detail.

"Applejack!" Granny hollered from the barn. "One of the vendors' carts has a broken axle. Are you able to bring them a replacement?"

"No worries, Granny!" The orange pony turns to Starburst. "This shouldn't take long. Mind waiting by the entrance in case any more vendors arrive? Feel free to escort them to an open spot if you can."
"No problem!"

"We've finally made it!" The ashen pony picked up on a voice coming towards the entrance of Sweet Apple Acres.

"Oh goody! I was worried we almost got lost."

Starburst was prepared to greet two ponies: one is a vermillion, adult colt with a short brown mane and tail, a green bolo tie and two apple halves as a cutie mark. The other was a young mandarin mare with golden poofy mane and tail, twin hairbows and the mark of a sparkling apple on her flank. Remembering what she learned from her first trial, she trotted over to the ponies as they steadily pulled their caravan along.

"Hello, vendors!" she greeted. "Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres! I bet you're here for the Golden Apple Harvest?"

"Oh, of course!" the mare answered. "Zestar and I were worried we'd get lost finding the place. This is actually our first time selling outside of Whinnesota. The name's SweeTango, and this is my business partner, Zestar Apple."

"A pleasure!" he replied, extending a hoof to shake Starburst's. "Feel Free to call me Zestar or Zesty if you like. I appreciate the greeting! It felt like a bother to others when we've been asking them for directions..."

"It's all right! My name is Starburst, and I'll be escorting you to your station and help you set up."

When the ponies arrived at their assigned station, the white pony assisted in handling their supplies while the vendors asked her to carefully pass them along.

"I apologize for being curious," the colt began. "But I don't think I've ever seen a pony in all white before...or not having a cutie mark at your age."

"Zesty!" SweeTango nudged. "That's not something you should comment about!"

"No, it's all right," the mare answered, unphased by the remark. "You're not the only ones who had something to say about it, so you're not hurting my feelings."

"Though I am sorry for it. I'm sure you've had a lot of trouble growing up."

"Sadly, I can't remember my past...I have amnesia."

"Oh my...Now I feel even more awful.."

"Like I said, it's okay! I'll get my memories back eventually. So, you said that this is your first time out here?"

"Oh, yes! We're an organic candy shop! All of our confections are freshly made from the finest apples Whinnesota has to offer!"

"Just thought it'd be a great opportunity for us to spread our little shop during the Golden Apple Harvest in hopes of snagging some customers!" Zestar said."We're not very known yet, since we've only been around for a few months."

"Oh wow, that's amazing!" The ashen pony smiled. "Making candies must be hard work."

"It is, but it's fun!" SweeTango pulls what looks like an apple slice out from one of the display jars. "I insist. Try it!"

It definitely sent Starburst through a loop as she admired its impeccable resemblance and popped it into her mouth. It turned out to be a gummy! She could also pick up hints of citrus and brown sugar dancing on her tongue as she chewed, and wrapped up with a clean honeycrisp finish.

"Wow...That was delicious!"

"I know right? It's actually one of our newest creations that provides a short boost of energy."

"I gave one to her when she was asleep and she woke right up!" Zestar laughed. "It was silly of me to give her one at night."

"Yeah well, I really hope it'll be our best seller!"

"I'll be sure to visit your booth tomorrow to show some support. What's the store called?"

"Zesty Confits!" The colt answered. "I'd be willing to provide some more samples when you return!"

"Will do! If you need anything else, let me know!"

The pony happily trots off after assisting with their set up.

"Such a kind pony, isn't she?" SweeTango asked.

"You said it," Zestar replied. "So you think you'll be ready tomorrow?"

"Of course, Zesty! This is our big moment outside of our home, so we have to make our community proud!" She pulls out her notebook from the caravan. "I have a few ideas I feel we should follow since we are catering to more diverse ponies. I didn't have a lot of time, but I threw them together on our way here. Mind looking it over?"

"Certainly," He takes the notebook and smiles. "I'll look through it."

"Thanks! You're the best!"

As the mare went off to take a few more things from the caravan, the colt took a moment to skim it...but his reaction wasn't a happy one.