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The end is near.
Previously, on Cute Quest:
A secret santa gift exchange at your school is fast approaching!
After briefly talking with your friends over a friendly board game, you went out to town window shop.
You struck a deal with the owner of a trinket shop; You'd work for him for a few days, he'd give you the rather fancy looking brush you had your eye on.
The next few days were a dull tedium of sorting boxes and setting up displays. But surprisingly, you were done working for him a whole day earlier than anticipated. He gave you the brush, and you promised you'd help him out any time he needed it.
You also spoke with Apple Bloom, who says she'd really like you to head to the farm with her after the party on Friday. She wants you to be there when she gets her latest design working so she can give you the credit you deserve.
You also had Brynn check out the hardware store for stuff to help Scootaloo fix her scooter with.
After heading home for the day you coerced your parents into letting you spend 100 bits on gifts for everyone.
A photo of Woodrow and a mare named Rosie was also discovered in the brush box, showing just how much sentimental weight the brush carried for the old colt.
You want to make everyone happy, but you can only have one special somepony.
The big question remains: Who will you choose when the parties are thrown and the gifts are exchanged?
Previously, on Cute Quest:
A secret santa gift exchange at your school is fast approaching!
After briefly talking with your friends over a friendly board game, you went out to town window shop.
You struck a deal with the owner of a trinket shop; You'd work for him for a few days, he'd give you the rather fancy looking brush you had your eye on.
The next few days were a dull tedium of sorting boxes and setting up displays. But surprisingly, you were done working for him a whole day earlier than anticipated. He gave you the brush, and you promised you'd help him out any time he needed it.
You also spoke with Apple Bloom, who says she'd really like you to head to the farm with her after the party on Friday. She wants you to be there when she gets her latest design working so she can give you the credit you deserve.
You also had Brynn check out the hardware store for stuff to help Scootaloo fix her scooter with.
After heading home for the day you coerced your parents into letting you spend 100 bits on gifts for everyone.
A photo of Woodrow and a mare named Rosie was also discovered in the brush box, showing just how much sentimental weight the brush carried for the old colt.
You want to make everyone happy, but you can only have one special somepony.
The big question remains: Who will you choose when the parties are thrown and the gifts are exchanged?
>>249886
<Thursday, final day before the party>
The class is busily chatting as you walk in the classroom door, depositing your bag in the back after unloading your school supplies at your desk.
You pull out the photo of Woodrow and Rosie, setting it in with your school supplies so nobody finds it in your bag if they decide to snoop around. You need to get that back to him. It looks like something he wouldn't want to lose.
There's a bit of time before class starts yet, and you look around the room to see who all is available for talking to.
Brynn has his nose in a book, but is otherwise unoccupied.
Sweetie and Apple Bloom seem to be talking about something. They're all smiles and prodding each others arms once in a while before giggling. Silly.
Scootaloo sits a couple rows behind you, looking bored as she balances a pencil horizontally on her nose. She's wearing the hat Brynn made today. You watch as she completes balancing the pencil on her nose, only for the hat to slide over her eyes again. The pencil retains its balance as she hardly moves, only letting out a bored sigh as she sits and waits for class to start.
<Thursday, final day before the party>
The class is busily chatting as you walk in the classroom door, depositing your bag in the back after unloading your school supplies at your desk.
You pull out the photo of Woodrow and Rosie, setting it in with your school supplies so nobody finds it in your bag if they decide to snoop around. You need to get that back to him. It looks like something he wouldn't want to lose.
There's a bit of time before class starts yet, and you look around the room to see who all is available for talking to.
Brynn has his nose in a book, but is otherwise unoccupied.
Sweetie and Apple Bloom seem to be talking about something. They're all smiles and prodding each others arms once in a while before giggling. Silly.
Scootaloo sits a couple rows behind you, looking bored as she balances a pencil horizontally on her nose. She's wearing the hat Brynn made today. You watch as she completes balancing the pencil on her nose, only for the hat to slide over her eyes again. The pencil retains its balance as she hardly moves, only letting out a bored sigh as she sits and waits for class to start.
>>249902
"Oh, hey Puff," Scootaloo says when you approach, knocking the pencil off her nose as she raises the front of the hat from her eyes.
"What's up?" you ask as she retrieves the writing tool.
She sighs again, "Just….bummed about my scooter. I can't fix it right now, walking to school is boring, couldn't really fly here or anything either, and……" she looks around for a moment before waving you closer so she can whisper, "I know Apple Bloom and Sweetie have plans for after the party. Their own thing for that night. But I don't have anything to do, no pony to spend time with."
She blushes a bit at the implication, coughing before she continues, "I-I mean, I just want some company. Those big parties for Hearths Warming Eve don't really count; Everyone gets invited to those. I just hate feeling like I'm tagging along, only to have nobody to spend time with afterward. The others have a big sister to spend some one on one time with before the family things, but I….I really don't. Rainbow Dash is busy more often than not."
She sighs a third time, then looks at you apologetically.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to whine so much at you. It's just this time of year, being alone hits the hardest."
"Oh, hey Puff," Scootaloo says when you approach, knocking the pencil off her nose as she raises the front of the hat from her eyes.
"What's up?" you ask as she retrieves the writing tool.
She sighs again, "Just….bummed about my scooter. I can't fix it right now, walking to school is boring, couldn't really fly here or anything either, and……" she looks around for a moment before waving you closer so she can whisper, "I know Apple Bloom and Sweetie have plans for after the party. Their own thing for that night. But I don't have anything to do, no pony to spend time with."
She blushes a bit at the implication, coughing before she continues, "I-I mean, I just want some company. Those big parties for Hearths Warming Eve don't really count; Everyone gets invited to those. I just hate feeling like I'm tagging along, only to have nobody to spend time with afterward. The others have a big sister to spend some one on one time with before the family things, but I….I really don't. Rainbow Dash is busy more often than not."
She sighs a third time, then looks at you apologetically.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to whine so much at you. It's just this time of year, being alone hits the hardest."
>>249907
You put a hoof on her shoulder, and she smiles weakly at you.
Both of you start to say something, but Miss Cheerilee interrupts by calling the class to order for the day.
"Thanks," Scootaloo manages to say before you head back to your seat.
<Recess>
Another day of snow, another recess indoors. What a drag. That snow looks fun to play in.
Scootaloo is asleep in her chair. Maybe she had a rough night. Or maybe the class was just that dull today. You hardly noticed one way or the other, really.
Apple Bloom is busy drawing or writing something.
Sweetie Belle waves in your direction when you look at her, and you wave back.
Brynn has likewise put down his book and smiles at you when your eyes meet.
You put a hoof on her shoulder, and she smiles weakly at you.
Both of you start to say something, but Miss Cheerilee interrupts by calling the class to order for the day.
"Thanks," Scootaloo manages to say before you head back to your seat.
<Recess>
Another day of snow, another recess indoors. What a drag. That snow looks fun to play in.
Scootaloo is asleep in her chair. Maybe she had a rough night. Or maybe the class was just that dull today. You hardly noticed one way or the other, really.
Apple Bloom is busy drawing or writing something.
Sweetie Belle waves in your direction when you look at her, and you wave back.
Brynn has likewise put down his book and smiles at you when your eyes meet.
>>249924
We gotta talk to Brynn. I'm sure he's tired of hearing our girl troubles, but he's smart. Maybe he can give us an idea of how to share the night with all three of the CMC. Get them in the same place… like an afterparty party and gift exchange! We can use that idea if we don't get the others in the drawing. And we need to ask him to join us for afterschool shopping to pick up the gifts.
We gotta talk to Brynn. I'm sure he's tired of hearing our girl troubles, but he's smart. Maybe he can give us an idea of how to share the night with all three of the CMC. Get them in the same place… like an afterparty party and gift exchange! We can use that idea if we don't get the others in the drawing. And we need to ask him to join us for afterschool shopping to pick up the gifts.
>>249933
Brynn rubs his chin with a hoof, eyes narrowing as he thinks.
"That's a problem alright. And to me it sounds like Scootaloo wants some one on one time, so I bet if you asked the other two to join in it just wouldn't be the same."
It's his turn to sigh, "I guess just hope Sweetie doesn't ask you to do something with just her afterward. I don't know what you can do about it other than pick one and hope for the best. I mean, you COULD take everyone to Apple Blooms when she does her thing like you say, but I feel that'd hurt both Scootaloo and Apple Bloom's feelings about both matters."
He shakes his head sadly, "I don't think there's anything I can do for you on this one, Puff."
But he can help you pick up gifts after class. That much he can do.
"As far as having them do a gift exchange after the class gift exchange though, that shouldn't be a problem. Just talk to them at the party and have them meet you somewhere afterward and present your gifts to each other I guess. Only problem is, after you do that, they might expect you to accompany one of them to the thing they've asked you to. Might hurt some feelings, but at this point I don't know if you can get away with not hurting someone's feelings."
"I do not envy your position. Not this time. But if something does come up I can help with that isn't just lugging around gifts for you, let me know. I'll do what I can."
Brynn rubs his chin with a hoof, eyes narrowing as he thinks.
"That's a problem alright. And to me it sounds like Scootaloo wants some one on one time, so I bet if you asked the other two to join in it just wouldn't be the same."
It's his turn to sigh, "I guess just hope Sweetie doesn't ask you to do something with just her afterward. I don't know what you can do about it other than pick one and hope for the best. I mean, you COULD take everyone to Apple Blooms when she does her thing like you say, but I feel that'd hurt both Scootaloo and Apple Bloom's feelings about both matters."
He shakes his head sadly, "I don't think there's anything I can do for you on this one, Puff."
But he can help you pick up gifts after class. That much he can do.
"As far as having them do a gift exchange after the class gift exchange though, that shouldn't be a problem. Just talk to them at the party and have them meet you somewhere afterward and present your gifts to each other I guess. Only problem is, after you do that, they might expect you to accompany one of them to the thing they've asked you to. Might hurt some feelings, but at this point I don't know if you can get away with not hurting someone's feelings."
"I do not envy your position. Not this time. But if something does come up I can help with that isn't just lugging around gifts for you, let me know. I'll do what I can."
Open question: Should we postpone until tomorrow night, since it seems a fair amount of questers are missing?
I understand wanting to wrap this up, but I feel bad having only a couple determine the final outcome when so many have participated for so long.
I respect your opinions, so that's why I'm asking.
I understand wanting to wrap this up, but I feel bad having only a couple determine the final outcome when so many have participated for so long.
I respect your opinions, so that's why I'm asking.
>>249945
Of course, I'm not about to delete it and retype all that's already been typed.
>>249946
My thoughts exactly.
We'll postpone until tomorrow, when hopefully we'll have more participants and a bigger pool of suggestions for the final decisions.
Even if we don't, tomorrow will be the last day for the quest. So if it's just a handful of us tomorrow, so be it.
Thanks for showing up tonight guys. Sorry we're postponing.
Of course, I'm not about to delete it and retype all that's already been typed.
>>249946
My thoughts exactly.
We'll postpone until tomorrow, when hopefully we'll have more participants and a bigger pool of suggestions for the final decisions.
Even if we don't, tomorrow will be the last day for the quest. So if it's just a handful of us tomorrow, so be it.
Thanks for showing up tonight guys. Sorry we're postponing.
>>249937
Alright, here's where we left off, in case you missed that.
Recess is still going on, so you can talk to ponies individually if you'd like, or gather them up in a group again to do something during this time.
Otherwise, we can just skip to after school so you can panic about your situation some more while buying gifts.
Alright, here's where we left off, in case you missed that.
Recess is still going on, so you can talk to ponies individually if you'd like, or gather them up in a group again to do something during this time.
Otherwise, we can just skip to after school so you can panic about your situation some more while buying gifts.
>>250022
Brynn laughs, a small bead of sweat trickling down the side of his face as he waves a hoof at you.
"Ha ha! Yeah….right. They're nice and all, but I think they dig you more."
>>250024
Brynn regains his composure, wiping his brow with a hoof as he feels he's taken off the hotseat.
"Well….yeah we could do something like that. Maybe meet up at Sugarcube Corner after the party on Friday? Just exchange gifts while we're there before you make a decision?"
"I still think there'll be some tension about who you go hang out with, but I guess you know them better than I do at this point."
Brynn laughs, a small bead of sweat trickling down the side of his face as he waves a hoof at you.
"Ha ha! Yeah….right. They're nice and all, but I think they dig you more."
>>250024
Brynn regains his composure, wiping his brow with a hoof as he feels he's taken off the hotseat.
"Well….yeah we could do something like that. Maybe meet up at Sugarcube Corner after the party on Friday? Just exchange gifts while we're there before you make a decision?"
"I still think there'll be some tension about who you go hang out with, but I guess you know them better than I do at this point."
>>250030
Highly suspicious.
If only he had caved, then we'd know who would go to him on the rebound.
unless it was Puff himself who Brynn liked.
We'll need to keep talking things over while we're out on the town today.
We can pick up a chintzy scarf in case we don't draw the CMC or Brynn from the Secret Santa hat.
Highly suspicious.
If only he had caved, then we'd know who would go to him on the rebound.
unless it was Puff himself who Brynn liked.
We'll need to keep talking things over while we're out on the town today.
We can pick up a chintzy scarf in case we don't draw the CMC or Brynn from the Secret Santa hat.
>>250035
"Hey! Focus!" Brynn says in a firm tone, surprising even himself as he grabs your shoulders.
"You're gonna make everyone happy, like you have done and will keep doing, and one of them is going to feel extra special at the end of Friday," he says as he shakes you by your shoulders, "Now snap out of it!"
Woah. Where did that come from?
"Hey! Focus!" Brynn says in a firm tone, surprising even himself as he grabs your shoulders.
"You're gonna make everyone happy, like you have done and will keep doing, and one of them is going to feel extra special at the end of Friday," he says as he shakes you by your shoulders, "Now snap out of it!"
Woah. Where did that come from?
>>250045
>>250046
You apologize, thanking him for the pep talk.
"If I didn't have you keeping me grounded, I'd have messed everything up by now. Thanks, Brynn."
Brynn lets you go with a sheepish smile, suddenly resuming his more reserved demeanor.
"Hmph, yeah right. You ask me for advice, I give it. That's about all I do. You're the one coming up with all the cool ideas, making all kinds of friends, generally being a cool colt…"
His cheeks tint red as he realizes he's going on a bit of tangent, and he waves you off, "S-sorry. Didn't mean to sound negative. You should go talk to Sweetie, I think she's gonna dislocate a shoulder if she waves at you any harder."
You turn around to see that Sweetie waving her arm frantically in your direction. Did she not realize you were turned around?
She's still smiling broadly as she waves for you to go to her. Whatever she wants it's nothing bad. Probably.
>>250046
You apologize, thanking him for the pep talk.
"If I didn't have you keeping me grounded, I'd have messed everything up by now. Thanks, Brynn."
Brynn lets you go with a sheepish smile, suddenly resuming his more reserved demeanor.
"Hmph, yeah right. You ask me for advice, I give it. That's about all I do. You're the one coming up with all the cool ideas, making all kinds of friends, generally being a cool colt…"
His cheeks tint red as he realizes he's going on a bit of tangent, and he waves you off, "S-sorry. Didn't mean to sound negative. You should go talk to Sweetie, I think she's gonna dislocate a shoulder if she waves at you any harder."
You turn around to see that Sweetie waving her arm frantically in your direction. Did she not realize you were turned around?
She's still smiling broadly as she waves for you to go to her. Whatever she wants it's nothing bad. Probably.
>>250054
>>250057
"You're my friend too, Brynn."
"Get outta here before my whole coat turns red you darn….," Brynn trails off, pulling out a book and glaring at you before he puts his face in it to start reading.
Even so, he can't keep the smile off his face as you turn to go see what it is Sweetie Belle wants.
<cont'd.>
>>250057
"You're my friend too, Brynn."
"Get outta here before my whole coat turns red you darn….," Brynn trails off, pulling out a book and glaring at you before he puts his face in it to start reading.
Even so, he can't keep the smile off his face as you turn to go see what it is Sweetie Belle wants.
<cont'd.>
>>250060
Sweetie Belle is virtually bouncing in her seat as you trot over to see what she wants, and as soon as you get within reasonable distance the words start flowing from her in a stream of excited near-babble.
"Puff! HeyyouknowaboutthatpartyonFriday,right? Rarity'sgoingtotakemeouttoaniceplacetoeatforHearthsWarmingEveand….and I wondered if maybe," she says, slowing down as she begins to blush, "Maybe you'd like to come with? I know Rarity wouldn't mind. She likes you."
Sweetie Belle is virtually bouncing in her seat as you trot over to see what she wants, and as soon as you get within reasonable distance the words start flowing from her in a stream of excited near-babble.
"Puff! HeyyouknowaboutthatpartyonFriday,right? Rarity'sgoingtotakemeouttoaniceplacetoeatforHearthsWarmingEveand….and I wondered if maybe," she says, slowing down as she begins to blush, "Maybe you'd like to come with? I know Rarity wouldn't mind. She likes you."
>>250079
>>250083
>>250082
>>250081
>>250080
"I'll have to check with my parents first, Sweetie. I'll talk to them then get back to you, okay?"
Sweetie nods energetically, "Alright! I hope you can make it, it'd be nice to share a festive meal with my sister and spe-, boy-, er," she says, her face slowly turning scarlet, "Good….friend….who is a colt…"
Oh dear.
Before any spaghetti can be spilled the recess bell rings. Jeeze, where did the time go?
You head back to your seat as Sweetie lets out a sigh of relief. Saved by the bell indeed.
The rest of class passes uneventfully.
You wave goodbye to Miss Cheerilee as you head out the door and meet up with Brynn at the flagpole out front.
"Alright, I've got….100 bits," you tell Brynn, who gives a small whistle before you continue, "You said the small repair kit for scooters was 20 bits, right?"
Brynn nods, "Yep. Large one that'll have spares for future repairs is 60 though, if I remember right."
And there's still the matter of small, disposable, gifts for the class exchange. And getting Brynn a present when he's not looking. And one for Miss Cheerilee.
At least Sweetie's good gift is settled. And Scoots sounds like she needs a special somepony more than anything material. And Apple Bloom just wants you to head to the farm at the same time that the other two want you to do things…..
You shake your head, trying to focus on the task at hand before you fall into another panic.
One thing at a time.
>>250083
>>250082
>>250081
>>250080
"I'll have to check with my parents first, Sweetie. I'll talk to them then get back to you, okay?"
Sweetie nods energetically, "Alright! I hope you can make it, it'd be nice to share a festive meal with my sister and spe-, boy-, er," she says, her face slowly turning scarlet, "Good….friend….who is a colt…"
Oh dear.
Before any spaghetti can be spilled the recess bell rings. Jeeze, where did the time go?
You head back to your seat as Sweetie lets out a sigh of relief. Saved by the bell indeed.
The rest of class passes uneventfully.
You wave goodbye to Miss Cheerilee as you head out the door and meet up with Brynn at the flagpole out front.
"Alright, I've got….100 bits," you tell Brynn, who gives a small whistle before you continue, "You said the small repair kit for scooters was 20 bits, right?"
Brynn nods, "Yep. Large one that'll have spares for future repairs is 60 though, if I remember right."
And there's still the matter of small, disposable, gifts for the class exchange. And getting Brynn a present when he's not looking. And one for Miss Cheerilee.
At least Sweetie's good gift is settled. And Scoots sounds like she needs a special somepony more than anything material. And Apple Bloom just wants you to head to the farm at the same time that the other two want you to do things…..
You shake your head, trying to focus on the task at hand before you fall into another panic.
One thing at a time.
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>>250094
> "Alright! I hope you can make it, it'd be nice to share a festive meal with my sister and spe-, boy-, er,"
huehuehue
Sweetie losing her spaghetti.
> "Alright! I hope you can make it, it'd be nice to share a festive meal with my sister and spe-, boy-, er,"
huehuehue
Sweetie losing her spaghetti.
>>250086
As the CMC themselves head out the door, passing you and Brynn, you call them over and tell them you'd like to meet up at Sugarcube Corner after Friday's party for a more meaningful gift exchange.
They all smile and nod, saying it's a good idea.
After that's settled, they head off their separate ways, leaving you and Brynn to go check out the stores.
As the CMC themselves head out the door, passing you and Brynn, you call them over and tell them you'd like to meet up at Sugarcube Corner after Friday's party for a more meaningful gift exchange.
They all smile and nod, saying it's a good idea.
After that's settled, they head off their separate ways, leaving you and Brynn to go check out the stores.
>>250097
You decide to head to the hardware store with Brynn in tow, the two of you not saying much of anything until you get to the store.
As you stare at the selection of things, you ask Brynn for his opinion.
"Personal preference. If Scootaloo needs to fix her scooter, you could simply help her fix it this one time. But if you really want to show you care, like, next level care, I'd get her the one for future accidents. It's symbolic, you know?"
You decide to head to the hardware store with Brynn in tow, the two of you not saying much of anything until you get to the store.
As you stare at the selection of things, you ask Brynn for his opinion.
"Personal preference. If Scootaloo needs to fix her scooter, you could simply help her fix it this one time. But if you really want to show you care, like, next level care, I'd get her the one for future accidents. It's symbolic, you know?"
>>250120
"I like Scootaloo, and I'd help her fix her scooter I guess," Brynn says, "And she seems nice enough…..But I don't know about all that."
He thinks for a moment, "Tell you what though; I'll split the cost with you on the big one if you're on the fence. We'll just say it's from both of us. That work for you?"
"I like Scootaloo, and I'd help her fix her scooter I guess," Brynn says, "And she seems nice enough…..But I don't know about all that."
He thinks for a moment, "Tell you what though; I'll split the cost with you on the big one if you're on the fence. We'll just say it's from both of us. That work for you?"
>>250134
>>250136
"Oh come on. I know you're going to buy a gift for all of them, if you haven't bought gifts for the other two already. Consider it my gift to you if you must, I just want to help."
"Seriously, if you don't let me do this I'll just bu you something else. And it might be an ugly scarf for all you know."
Deal (Brynn pays half the large scooter kit cost)
or
No Deal? (Get smaller one or pay for big one with your own money. You'll get a gift from Brynn at the exchange instead. [Although he might be lying about not getting you something if he helps pay for this] )
>>250136
"Oh come on. I know you're going to buy a gift for all of them, if you haven't bought gifts for the other two already. Consider it my gift to you if you must, I just want to help."
"Seriously, if you don't let me do this I'll just bu you something else. And it might be an ugly scarf for all you know."
Deal (Brynn pays half the large scooter kit cost)
or
No Deal? (Get smaller one or pay for big one with your own money. You'll get a gift from Brynn at the exchange instead. [Although he might be lying about not getting you something if he helps pay for this] )
>>250142
>>250148
>>250149
>>250152
>>250156
You sigh in resignation as you grab the large scooter kit, "Fine, Brynn. Fine. You can pay for half."
Brynn smiles as you wander to the counter and the two of you fork out 30 bits each for the scooter kit, Brynn deciding to toss an extra 5 to have the clerk pony gift wrap the box for you.
"There! That wasn't so hard now, was it?" he says as he grabs the box and sticks it in his light brown saddle bag. The box is kinda big and sticks out the top, but can be carried safely this way.
"Alright, that's one gift down. Ideas for the others?" Brynn asks.
<Where do you want to go?>
>>250158
Unknown. It's not really something you go up and ask, and you aren't sure how much they've been talking to each other the past week since they've all seemingly been busy with their own things. Well, except for Scootaloo, who seems bored half to death.
>>250148
>>250149
>>250152
>>250156
You sigh in resignation as you grab the large scooter kit, "Fine, Brynn. Fine. You can pay for half."
Brynn smiles as you wander to the counter and the two of you fork out 30 bits each for the scooter kit, Brynn deciding to toss an extra 5 to have the clerk pony gift wrap the box for you.
"There! That wasn't so hard now, was it?" he says as he grabs the box and sticks it in his light brown saddle bag. The box is kinda big and sticks out the top, but can be carried safely this way.
"Alright, that's one gift down. Ideas for the others?" Brynn asks.
<Where do you want to go?>
>>250158
Unknown. It's not really something you go up and ask, and you aren't sure how much they've been talking to each other the past week since they've all seemingly been busy with their own things. Well, except for Scootaloo, who seems bored half to death.
>>250164
>>250165
You lead Brynn to the trinket shop, opening the door and showing him in.
"So this is where you said you were working this week, huh?" he says as he browses over trinkets and some musty looking books, "Seems alright to me. Good job arranging stuff, if that was you."
"Thanks," you reply as you head for the counter.
Woodrow appears slowly from the back room wobbling forward and smiling at you as you fumble in your saddlebag for the photo from the brush's box.
"Well, if it isn't Puff. Back already eh? Perhaps you….enjoy sorting knick knacks?" He says with a dry laugh.
You find the photo and produce it from your saddlebag, handing it to Woodrow.
"I think you left this in the brush's box by mistake. It looked important, so…."
He takes it from you with a shaking hoof, his small smile receding a bit to a more thoughtful happiness that creases the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes.
"Ah…..," he whispers as he stares at the picture, "So I did. So I…..did." He turns and sets it next to a row of framed photos to the left of the counter. "Thank you, young man. I felt I'd forgotten something. But…when you're my age, that's bound to happen."
He coughs, "Now then, unless you want to hear me talk about the past some more; Was there anything I could do for you? I feel I owe you for bringing me back a…fond memory."
>>250165
You lead Brynn to the trinket shop, opening the door and showing him in.
"So this is where you said you were working this week, huh?" he says as he browses over trinkets and some musty looking books, "Seems alright to me. Good job arranging stuff, if that was you."
"Thanks," you reply as you head for the counter.
Woodrow appears slowly from the back room wobbling forward and smiling at you as you fumble in your saddlebag for the photo from the brush's box.
"Well, if it isn't Puff. Back already eh? Perhaps you….enjoy sorting knick knacks?" He says with a dry laugh.
You find the photo and produce it from your saddlebag, handing it to Woodrow.
"I think you left this in the brush's box by mistake. It looked important, so…."
He takes it from you with a shaking hoof, his small smile receding a bit to a more thoughtful happiness that creases the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes.
"Ah…..," he whispers as he stares at the picture, "So I did. So I…..did." He turns and sets it next to a row of framed photos to the left of the counter. "Thank you, young man. I felt I'd forgotten something. But…when you're my age, that's bound to happen."
He coughs, "Now then, unless you want to hear me talk about the past some more; Was there anything I could do for you? I feel I owe you for bringing me back a…fond memory."
>>250175
"It's a shop, isn't it?" he says with a wide grin, "Of course you can look around. Your friend is already ahead of you there."
You turn around to see Brynn looking at some trinkets, before turning his attention to a bookshelf and looking at the titles.
>>250177
>>250174
'1d10'
>>250178
You don't recall finding anything that eye catching, although it's completely possible you missed it in the tedium that is sorting things for retail.
Roll #1 7 = 7
"It's a shop, isn't it?" he says with a wide grin, "Of course you can look around. Your friend is already ahead of you there."
You turn around to see Brynn looking at some trinkets, before turning his attention to a bookshelf and looking at the titles.
>>250177
>>250174
'1d10'
>>250178
You don't recall finding anything that eye catching, although it's completely possible you missed it in the tedium that is sorting things for retail.
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>250179
Brynn pulls a book from the shelf, eying the cover more closely before cracking it open. He coughs and waves a hoof to scatter the dust from the pages while levitating it, then sets about reading the first few pages.
"Hmm….Theoretical designs for non pegasi, based on the concept of unnatural flight without the use of magic…..Interesting."
He looks up, "Shouldn't this be in a museum, or being looked at by scholars or something? This seems pretty detailed."
Woodrow waves a hoof, "Bah! I find and get sent books from wherever of whatever kind. If I got it, either it passed through the hooves of scholars and they didn't care, or it's gone unnoticed for whatever reason."
You walk over to Brynn and ask if it's interesting.
He nods, turning another page. "It's pretty interesting alright. If these haven't been tested, I'd like to try them out. Some are a bit….silly," he says, pointing to a design of some kind of…flying bicycle with balloons strapped to it, "But most are plausible at worst."
Brynn pulls a book from the shelf, eying the cover more closely before cracking it open. He coughs and waves a hoof to scatter the dust from the pages while levitating it, then sets about reading the first few pages.
"Hmm….Theoretical designs for non pegasi, based on the concept of unnatural flight without the use of magic…..Interesting."
He looks up, "Shouldn't this be in a museum, or being looked at by scholars or something? This seems pretty detailed."
Woodrow waves a hoof, "Bah! I find and get sent books from wherever of whatever kind. If I got it, either it passed through the hooves of scholars and they didn't care, or it's gone unnoticed for whatever reason."
You walk over to Brynn and ask if it's interesting.
He nods, turning another page. "It's pretty interesting alright. If these haven't been tested, I'd like to try them out. Some are a bit….silly," he says, pointing to a design of some kind of…flying bicycle with balloons strapped to it, "But most are plausible at worst."
File: 1355456578063.jpg (184.87 KB, 683x1036, 1354913651615.jpg)
>>250190
I like the way this guy thinks.
I like the way this guy thinks.
>>250190
"So…..do you want it?"
Brynn seems taken aback at the suggestion, "Well, I won't say no….but you don't need to get it for me if that's what you're getting at."
He puts the book back and continues looking, pulling one off the shelf and looking at it's interior as well.
>>250193
You take note of the title: "How to fly without wings or magic"
You turn to ask what Brynn's reading now, and find his whole face has turned near scarlet. He seems zoned out staring at the book.
>Try to see what he's reading
>Get his attention
>Cough loudly
>Resume speaking with Woodrow about…something.
"So…..do you want it?"
Brynn seems taken aback at the suggestion, "Well, I won't say no….but you don't need to get it for me if that's what you're getting at."
He puts the book back and continues looking, pulling one off the shelf and looking at it's interior as well.
>>250193
You take note of the title: "How to fly without wings or magic"
You turn to ask what Brynn's reading now, and find his whole face has turned near scarlet. He seems zoned out staring at the book.
>Try to see what he's reading
>Get his attention
>Cough loudly
>Resume speaking with Woodrow about…something.
>>250203
>>250204
>>250205
>>250207
>>250206
Very carefully you pretend to go towards the other side of the store, only to wander back and cautiously peer over his shoulder at the book.
It's tough to make out whole sentences from just outside of proper reading distance.
You look at the top of the page to the bigger letters that tell the book title instead.
"Peep Show - Mulehilde Madden"
>What do?
>>250204
>>250205
>>250207
>>250206
Very carefully you pretend to go towards the other side of the store, only to wander back and cautiously peer over his shoulder at the book.
It's tough to make out whole sentences from just outside of proper reading distance.
You look at the top of the page to the bigger letters that tell the book title instead.
"Peep Show - Mulehilde Madden"
>What do?
>>250212
You whisper over his shoulder, "Whatcha readin', Brynn?"
Brynn physically jumps into the air with a small yelp, dropping the book and putting a hoof to his chest while you laugh.
He's speechless, until you try to pick up the book. Before you can grab it to check it out it's whisked out from under your hoof by magic.
"I swear to…..darnit Puff, you nearly scared my cutie mark right off me."
He shakily puts the scarlet novel back on the shelf, not willing to answer any questions about it.
"You boys doing alright over there?" Woodrow asks obliviously.
"Y-yessir!" Brynn replies, making a cutting motion with his hoof on his throat, trying to signal to you to be quiet about this.
>>250220
You want to check the price on the book.
"Hey, Mr. Woodrow," you holler, causing Brynn to freak out and prance in place, "How much is the-"
You're shoved out of the way as Brynn flees from the store, apparently thinking you were going to ask about the OTHER book.
Good, now he's outside.
"How much is the book on flying, Mr. Woodrow?"
Woodrow looks at the door that Brynn just darted through, a puzzled look creasing his features as he replies, "Eh….well….10 bits, about. I'll give it to you for 5 though since you brought back my photo. Sound good?"
You whisper over his shoulder, "Whatcha readin', Brynn?"
Brynn physically jumps into the air with a small yelp, dropping the book and putting a hoof to his chest while you laugh.
He's speechless, until you try to pick up the book. Before you can grab it to check it out it's whisked out from under your hoof by magic.
"I swear to…..darnit Puff, you nearly scared my cutie mark right off me."
He shakily puts the scarlet novel back on the shelf, not willing to answer any questions about it.
"You boys doing alright over there?" Woodrow asks obliviously.
"Y-yessir!" Brynn replies, making a cutting motion with his hoof on his throat, trying to signal to you to be quiet about this.
>>250220
You want to check the price on the book.
"Hey, Mr. Woodrow," you holler, causing Brynn to freak out and prance in place, "How much is the-"
You're shoved out of the way as Brynn flees from the store, apparently thinking you were going to ask about the OTHER book.
Good, now he's outside.
"How much is the book on flying, Mr. Woodrow?"
Woodrow looks at the door that Brynn just darted through, a puzzled look creasing his features as he replies, "Eh….well….10 bits, about. I'll give it to you for 5 though since you brought back my photo. Sound good?"
>>250227
>>250229
>>250231
"Neat," you reply, pulling it back off the shelf.
You quickly look about the room for anything Miss Cheerilee might like. Then again, you aren't really sure what she likes. And Woodrow said not to do jewelry, might send the wrong message. Plus you've only got 65 bits left, 60 if you count the book you're holding and only want to give Woodrow 5.
There's a sort of cute pen and pencil holder you didn't notice before. It looks like a miniature white vase and has three ceramic daisies hanging over the rim. It's cute.
"How much is that?" You ask Woodrow, pointing to the ceramic pen and pencil holder.
"10 bits."
>>250229
>>250231
"Neat," you reply, pulling it back off the shelf.
You quickly look about the room for anything Miss Cheerilee might like. Then again, you aren't really sure what she likes. And Woodrow said not to do jewelry, might send the wrong message. Plus you've only got 65 bits left, 60 if you count the book you're holding and only want to give Woodrow 5.
There's a sort of cute pen and pencil holder you didn't notice before. It looks like a miniature white vase and has three ceramic daisies hanging over the rim. It's cute.
"How much is that?" You ask Woodrow, pointing to the ceramic pen and pencil holder.
"10 bits."
>>250244
>>250249
>>250248
"That's exactly like my teachers cutie mark," you tell Woodrow as he rings you up.
"Ah, well, the fourth one broke off years ago," he replies as he stuffs tissue paper inside the pen and pencil holder, then puts it in a small box that he tapes up.
"I don't have any wrapping paper here for ya. Gonna have to do that yourself I'm afraid. Now then….15 bits is your total."
Oh, right, you almost forgot some cheapo gift for the class exchange.
You look around once more while Woodrow patiently waits, and you grab….a joke book from the bookshelf. People like jokes, right?
"That ones five bits since it ain't much of a read. So…20 bits is your total."
You give him 20, then place a 5 bit piece on a shelf behind you before leaving the store. Whether he saw it or not doesn't really matter. He'll find it eventually. This way he can't refuse the money you think he deserves.
Your saddlebags are fairly loaded up now, a small box, a design book, and a joke book taking up a fair bit of space.
Brynn is waiting outside for you, having calmed down in the chilly winter air.
<Checklist>
Gift for Sweetie - Check
Gift for Scootaloo - Check
Gift for Apple Bloom -
Gift for Cheerilee - Check
Gift for Brynn - Check
Gift for class exchange - Check
Only a physical gift for Apple Bloom remains, if you want to get her something like that. You've spent 55 bits, and have 45 remaining.
Time is running short on the day.
>>250249
>>250248
"That's exactly like my teachers cutie mark," you tell Woodrow as he rings you up.
"Ah, well, the fourth one broke off years ago," he replies as he stuffs tissue paper inside the pen and pencil holder, then puts it in a small box that he tapes up.
"I don't have any wrapping paper here for ya. Gonna have to do that yourself I'm afraid. Now then….15 bits is your total."
Oh, right, you almost forgot some cheapo gift for the class exchange.
You look around once more while Woodrow patiently waits, and you grab….a joke book from the bookshelf. People like jokes, right?
"That ones five bits since it ain't much of a read. So…20 bits is your total."
You give him 20, then place a 5 bit piece on a shelf behind you before leaving the store. Whether he saw it or not doesn't really matter. He'll find it eventually. This way he can't refuse the money you think he deserves.
Your saddlebags are fairly loaded up now, a small box, a design book, and a joke book taking up a fair bit of space.
Brynn is waiting outside for you, having calmed down in the chilly winter air.
<Checklist>
Gift for Sweetie - Check
Gift for Scootaloo - Check
Gift for Apple Bloom -
Gift for Cheerilee - Check
Gift for Brynn - Check
Gift for class exchange - Check
Only a physical gift for Apple Bloom remains, if you want to get her something like that. You've spent 55 bits, and have 45 remaining.
Time is running short on the day.
>>250307
Eh, can't hurt to at least look.
You and Brynn head back to the hardware store while you debate giving Apple Bloom a book of "Use Puff as a workhorse," type coupons.
Not in that way, you gits.
Brynn's a little confused until you tell him you're thinking of Apple Bloom.
"Ah. Right. Well, she likes to make things, right? Could get her some tools or something."
>Tool kit: 50 bits
>Erector set: Weights and pullies that build into a tiny weight lifting device….thing. 45 bits since it's kinda small.
>General tools: 20 bits each
>Maybe the coupon thing is a better idea
Eh, can't hurt to at least look.
You and Brynn head back to the hardware store while you debate giving Apple Bloom a book of "Use Puff as a workhorse," type coupons.
Not in that way, you gits.
Brynn's a little confused until you tell him you're thinking of Apple Bloom.
"Ah. Right. Well, she likes to make things, right? Could get her some tools or something."
>Tool kit: 50 bits
>Erector set: Weights and pullies that build into a tiny weight lifting device….thing. 45 bits since it's kinda small.
>General tools: 20 bits each
>Maybe the coupon thing is a better idea
>>250325
You check the box to see how much weight the weights and pulley system can move.
"Pulleys can easily move up to 20 pounds of weight each. Set comes with 4. Use with adult supervision. Use only as instructed in the manual unless you consult a carpenter or engineer who can help you make a system out of the kit."
Oddly specific, but alright.
You check the box to see how much weight the weights and pulley system can move.
"Pulleys can easily move up to 20 pounds of weight each. Set comes with 4. Use with adult supervision. Use only as instructed in the manual unless you consult a carpenter or engineer who can help you make a system out of the kit."
Oddly specific, but alright.
>>250345
>>250356
>>250355
>>250353
>>250350
>>250348
You decide to get the erector set, and cough up the last of your bits to purchase it.
Brynn scrounges in his wallet to find another 5 bits to get it wrapped for you.
"Least I can do for my good friend," he says when you thank him again.
You'll make a coupon thing for AB when you get home too. Hopefully she'll like that.
You're out of money and out of time. Brynn hands off the scooter repair kit to you when your parents show up at Sugarcube Corner to pick you up.
It's getting late so they let Brynn off with minimal spaghetti dropping as you head home.
You get the remaining gifts properly wrapped, making sure to mark each of them so you don't put the wrong gift in the class exchange tomorrow.
Then you get to the repair kit.
>Only put down Brynn's name on the "From" section
>Put both your names, like he asked
>Just put yours
>>250356
>>250355
>>250353
>>250350
>>250348
You decide to get the erector set, and cough up the last of your bits to purchase it.
Brynn scrounges in his wallet to find another 5 bits to get it wrapped for you.
"Least I can do for my good friend," he says when you thank him again.
You'll make a coupon thing for AB when you get home too. Hopefully she'll like that.
You're out of money and out of time. Brynn hands off the scooter repair kit to you when your parents show up at Sugarcube Corner to pick you up.
It's getting late so they let Brynn off with minimal spaghetti dropping as you head home.
You get the remaining gifts properly wrapped, making sure to mark each of them so you don't put the wrong gift in the class exchange tomorrow.
Then you get to the repair kit.
>Only put down Brynn's name on the "From" section
>Put both your names, like he asked
>Just put yours
>>250371
>>250375
>>250377
>>250380
>>250383
You put Brynn's name first, and make sure to write yours a little smaller.
If Scootaloo asks, it's from both of you. But you'll make her think it was Brynn's idea.
And with that, this day is done
Tomorrow looks to be a lot of fun
Until the end, when you must decide
If it's with Scootaloo you will ride
Or with Apple Bloom you'll build and make
Or be with Sweetie, and eat lots of cake
Sorry, I couldn't help myself.
<Short breather, I need to grab a bite and some coffee. 20 minutes and we'll be back and ready to finish this one way or the other.
>>250375
>>250377
>>250380
>>250383
You put Brynn's name first, and make sure to write yours a little smaller.
If Scootaloo asks, it's from both of you. But you'll make her think it was Brynn's idea.
And with that, this day is done
Tomorrow looks to be a lot of fun
Until the end, when you must decide
If it's with Scootaloo you will ride
Or with Apple Bloom you'll build and make
Or be with Sweetie, and eat lots of cake
Sorry, I couldn't help myself.
<Short breather, I need to grab a bite and some coffee. 20 minutes and we'll be back and ready to finish this one way or the other.
>>250419
>>250420
>>250421
>>250422
>>250425
>>250426
Alright, I will plan for tomorrow night at 7pm EST. Roughly. Maybe later since a bunch of you guys showed up about an hour later.
Think over what you plan to do and who to go for, because once that decision is made there's no going back.
I will do my best to be on the ball for writing more in depth feels tomorrow. I apologize if that's been lacking lately.
I digress, thank you everyone and I'll see you tomorrow night!
>>250420
>>250421
>>250422
>>250425
>>250426
Alright, I will plan for tomorrow night at 7pm EST. Roughly. Maybe later since a bunch of you guys showed up about an hour later.
Think over what you plan to do and who to go for, because once that decision is made there's no going back.
I will do my best to be on the ball for writing more in depth feels tomorrow. I apologize if that's been lacking lately.
I digress, thank you everyone and I'll see you tomorrow night!
Oh, and thanks to Sentenal and MSOB for both alerting me as to the late arrivals and keeping me from terrorizing Stillwater instead.
Additional thanks to Sentenal for archiving my quests for all this time. I appreciate the time and energy he puts into keeping this organized for anyone unable to participate.
Additional thanks to Sentenal for archiving my quests for all this time. I appreciate the time and energy he puts into keeping this organized for anyone unable to participate.
>>250449
They kind of have been.
Mostly because I've been trying to keep an eye on the time instead of just writing till I drop again. Partially because of late starts like today.
That and we're winding down in general, in terms of the quest.
But tomorrow will be good. Fairly lengthy I hope, and full of feels.
They kind of have been.
Mostly because I've been trying to keep an eye on the time instead of just writing till I drop again. Partially because of late starts like today.
That and we're winding down in general, in terms of the quest.
But tomorrow will be good. Fairly lengthy I hope, and full of feels.
File: 1355462397867.jpg (188.73 KB, 573x583, D'ya think ah'm pretty.jpg)
Alright, so if I've counted properly, that's two votes Sweetie, and three votes Applebloom.
Looks like we're picking AB for our Special Somepony.
Looks like we're picking AB for our Special Somepony.