[ORP] Grand Opening! Apulosi! Come eat!

[houllow]

"I don't think this is going to go well." A soft voice echoed about the room as two figures silently moved about, placing things onto shelves and wiping down the last of the glass display cases. "I...don't even think any of the ponies here have ever even heard of us, let alone seen anypony like us." The smaller of the two paused in their movements and turned towards the other, more energetically moving pony. "Wha...what if they try to run us out of here?" Fear, very real fear, colored the soft voice as they gestured toward the crowds they could see forming beyond the drawn down shades. It had been smart of the pair to cover the windows in an effort to keep everything a surprise, but now Zinnia couldn't help but think she and her cousin had made a huge mistake.

Her cousin snorted, or rather it sounded like he snorted, as he finished loading the last of the pies behind the counter. The entire bakery smelled absolutely divine and he'd been putting in that extra bit of effort to keep his head above water. Figuratively of course, since the vault was unlikely to ever flood and apples could float. "I dunno about you but I've been seen plenty. At least by the ponies I had to talk to about buying this place and all." Pomme moved from behind the counter to his smaller cousin's side, where he knocked his flank against hers in an effort to distract and calm. "Plus if you really felt that way you'd never have popped in here to help me out, so." He had a point, as always, and the teapot resting against one of the back counters made a distinctly living noise of a sigh. "Also how cool would it be if this succeeds! We're some of the first of our kind to branch out and even start a business among the others! It's bragging rights!"

Zinnia did not think it was 'cool' at all but she shrugged before motioning to the clock. "It's time to open, Pomme. Are you ready?" The red stallion stamped a bit, clearly excited, and the smaller mare just sort of....hoped they'd meet some nice ponies and she wouldn't spend one of her first days out running for her life. Carefully she moved over and started to roll up some of the shades as Pomme went and unlocked the door, throwing it open to anypony who might have been waiting outside.

"Hello and welcome to Apulosi! Free samples galore!"

 

[PeterPan_da144]

Tipsy Berry Scoop had arrived at the little bakery incredibly early in the morning. Far earlier than intended, as some of the shops that served breakfast weren't even open yet. But she was too excited. She had met one of the ponies who owned this shop just the day before, and was eager to see what their bakery would be like. As a fellow baker and dessert maker, she was always intrigued by other baker ponies and the delicacies they made. Tipsy wanted to expand her own horizons on dessert making, so seeing what other cultures and other ponies in general made would always be a great way to do that.

Plus, these ponies were special. No pony had really seen Dullahan before, aside from thinking of them as an urban legend. Heck, Tipsy's father nearly shoved her aside to get to the restaurant to do some huge story on it, but Tipsy managed to curb his enthusiasm. These ponies were just coming out of hiding. His over eagerness might drive them off! It would be better if she, or even her sister, went instead. They would be able to speak a bit more level headedly with the new ponies.

However, Tipsy had wandered off at some point to actually find herself some breakfast, only to return to see a huge crowd of ponies outside of the bakery. Anxiety began to settle into the small pegasus, but she wanted to meet them. So, she stood on the sidelines, out of the way of most of the crowd, until the doors opened. After watching the masses rush in, she gingerly tiptoed inside to look around.

 

[Reoakee]

It would be a lie to say Luin wasn’t interested in the headless ponies who had shown up but the truth was this was a bakery and she did enjoy sweets. So the fact it was run by the Dullahan was really striking two birds with one stone. Not that she really had any room to stare at others given how many ponies stared at her for being a vampire. She was standing among those gathered outside when the rush to get into the new store happened. A large number of ponies seemed to be eagerly staring at the Dullahan pony and there was another in the shop as well. Luin would get to them. For now she was browsing the apple fritter selection with a very critical eye. Not to much glaze which was good and she noticed some cinnamon in the folds as well. She was going to have to get a few of those to take home with her. The soft baking smells were so pleasing to her nose. She wondered if the shop did customs orders.

Picking up a free sample of the fritter she daintily took a nibble. A smile crossed her face as she collected a few in a bag to head to the front counter to get. A pony behind her stepped on her tail which made her wince and look around worried for smaller ponies. She was 7ft tall and not a small pony she wondered if some of the smaller ponies might get crushed in the mayhem. Steering toward the counter she stopped at several sample spots on the way. She liked the apple pie with a crumble topping as well. She might have to get one of those as well. As she reached the front counter to pay she wasn't sure if she was to look at the body or 'head' of the one taking her change. "Pardon do you have a card and do you take custom orders?"

 

[PZMJNP]

(Double posted on accident, so sorry!)

 

[PZMJNP]

Socializing and checking out new spots is what Magma Burst lived for. Today was no exception. She held her ground against the crowd hoping to be the first pony to step in. There wasn't a line but she picked what would be the ideal spot for when that door opened. Waiting was torturous with those heavenly scents teasing her nose.

At last the entrance opened and the owner, also recent acquaintance, invited everyone in. Appley aromas blasted her in the face as she confidently trotted in with a friendly, "Hi Pomme!" along the way. The inside was so breathtaking it was hard to decide where to explore first.

Free samples would be the obvious but she was just as interested in the decorations and layout of the place. There was also another Dullahan working here she hadn't had the pleasure of meeting yet. This was a really brave thing they were doing and she wanted to make sure they felt welcomed and accepted. Better to start there before the other pony got too busy. "Hi! I'm Maggie. What's your name?"

 

[belloblossom]

Neo Scoop had heard about the new bakery opening and had spent countless hours arguing with her father about who would go write up the first review of it, only to have her sister, Tipsy Berry Scoop butt in and decide to go before either of them.

However, Neo was determined to get an article written up about the bakery owned by the Dullahan siblings. Between the intrigue with the new species and that of a new bakery, she found herself following shortly after Tipsy had left. She stood in line with the others, trying to keep out of sight of her sister, until she would reveal herself. Dancing in place to keep the anticipation at bay, when the doors opened, she leaped into the air, beating her wings hard in order to take a good look at the pony inside the door frame.

Their head is an apple! Neo thought, properly appalled. Pulling a notepad from her saddlebags, she procured a pencil in her mouth and started to crudely sketch the apple-headed pony, only to spot her sister entering the premises. Shoving her drawing and pencil back into her bag, she swooped in overhead.

"Tipsy!" She called to her sister, ducking into the bakery and ducking her head. "Come on, I wasn't about to let you have all the fun." Neo said with a grin and nudged her sister's shoulder. "Let's go grab some free samples! Maybe they'll let us take some home to Mom and Dad! And to Milk, if he's even interested." She added, playfully rolling her eyes. As if Milk Tea was ever interested in anything besides his own drinks. @PeterPan_da144

 

[houllow]

This was the sort of reception that Pomme had been looking forward to, and the stallion seemed to puff up with pride and enjoyment as ponies streamed in. Thankfully he had Zinnia to hide behind the register should any of them want to purchase something today, but that was doubtful - the free samples were plentiful and most were here to really just satisfy their curiosity. It was super sad to think that way (if he was honest) but Pomme didn't begrudge a single thing to any and all ponies. He was just that type of stallion after all.

He recognized a few faces - was that Tipsy and Neo? The Dullahan had encountered them at a fun game just recently and so it warmed his heart that they'd shown up to support his business! Had he even told them about it? He couldn't recall if he did so, well, whatever! He made his way over to the pair of siblings (he assumed they were related, given their names and...well, their commentary) and offered a huge smile. Or.....rather the apple that was on the counter smiled in as much as a carved apple could smile. Instead, the sisters would see a headless body moving towards them with delight. "Hello again! So good to see you both here!" The voice seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at the same time, but it certainly was directed at the twins. "Did you get a chance to try any of the samples?"

Magma, who had greeted him as well, got a bob of the smoke coming from his neck. It wasn't like he could actually nod his head, right?

@belloblossom @PeterPan_da144

And for her part, Zinnia wanted to shrink back behind the counter and hide when two ponies suddenly came over and started to talk to her. It took all of her strength to remember that she came to help because she wanted to and this was important, but it was obvious she was wilting despite her best efforts. So she smiled (inwardly) and greeted Luin by stepping forward and starting to check out her orders. "We do have a card, yes, it is here on the counter." A hoof was moved and the card was slide forward - anyone who looked might have noticed the teapot nearby turning in time as a head would. Zinnia's own voice, again from everywhere but not, was much softer and a bit colder than her cousin; it still was pleasant to the ears, or at least she hoped. "As for custom orders, you would need to speak to the owner, Pomme. He is currently moving about on the floor, the large red stallion." Pomme towered over almost all the others who were inside so it should have been effortless to find him. "I am very certain he would happily take them. He loves ponies after all." She didn't want to put words in her cousin's head by saying yes or no.

Still, her interactions seemed nice so far. She had noticed that this other pony was large and...had fangs, but that wasn't enough to really turn Zinnia away. Business was business and no pony had tried to touch her at least, or reach for her neck or ask about her head or - a long list of other things she had been expecting. What she hadn't been expecting was another mare to come up and ask her name.

"....Z...Zinnia." It was easier to talk in business mode, but personal? Now the stammering and stuttering was coming out. Would she upset somepony and they would leave because of her?? The teapot on the counter seemed to blast out quite a bit more smoke.

@PZMJNP @Reoakee

 

[PZMJNP]

It was obvious how nervous the other mare was-you could especially hear it in her voice. Maggie's introduction had probably come off too strong due to her energetic personality. She tried to take it down a notch and in a slightly less excited, calmer tone continued on, "Happy to meet you Zinnia. I hope you'll like it here." after a short pause "I'll letcha get back to it." She smiled sincerely at both body and teapot before leaving, not sure which was the preferred. Zinnia seemed shy and the place was packed so it would probably be kinder not to bombard her with questions. That would be something she could ask on a less busy day or if they ever ran into each other outside Apulosi.

The samples ended up being next target, they smelled too incredible to ignore any longer. It all looked amazing so picking was difficult but she settled on a slice of apple pie. You really could just never go wrong with apple pie. She sat at a little table in order to take the time to savor it and wasn't at all disappointed. This dessert was definitely top notch and different from the others she had had. After cleaning up she walked around to take a good look at the decor before heading in Pomme's direction. Congratulations were in order.

@houllow

 

[PeterPan_da144]

Tipsy had meandered around the outside of the crowd, attempting to get closer to the sweet treats, to no avail. Apparently every pony was incredibly excited about the free samples, or were crowding the counter to attempt to see the beautiful purple Dullahan standing at the counter. Tipsy kept averting her eyes, uncertain as to if it was rude to stare, or if they welcomed the looks towards their bodies. She had no idea what their heads were, otherwise she would be looking at those. So it was nerve wracking.

So nerve wracking that she nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard her name called. Thankfully it was just her sister, so she was able to calm down a bit. Having a familiar face with her in such a crowded place would be great. A slight inclination of her head was offered to her sister, though she did gently speak. "Don't take a ton of samples. It is rather rude to just hoard things and run out with them. I'm sure if we try a few things, we could find something everyone else might enjoy," she said, before moving along beside her sister.

A little bit of a shadow overtook them, making Tipsy look up to see the huge red stallion that was Pomme. "H-hello again!" she said rather shyly, tilting her head back to see him yet also partially cover her face with her bangs. A safety measure for herself. "I haven't tried anything yet, I wanted to see the collection you had before I started just trying things," she replied, her wings ruffling a bit nervously. As a dessert maker herself, she would often give out samples, but never of more than three treats at a time. She didn't want any pony to just come in and take a handful of samples and just walk out without actually purchasing anything. Not again. So she tried to avoid seeming like she might try the same thing.

@houllow @belloblossom @PZMJNP (cause Magma Burst is coming over too)

 

[Reoakee]

Flipping up the card she was grateful for it after all it was much easier to call ahead and have things ready by dusk or before dawn as being in the sunlight was more then a little painful to her eyes at times. Luin blinked and nodded to the head kettle starting to figure out the situation a bit better decided not to press on and actually ask if that was the other pony’s head or not. This headless pony was rather pleasant. Glancing she quickly noticed the other headless pony who had been at that game before. The thought made her smile gently as she slid the bits to pay on the counter. She hadn’t kissed them but knew a few others here had. “Thank you for letting me know.” She took a quick glance at the body before her who was checking her out and making change for her. “The food here all smells so good and looks wonderful. You should be very proud of your shop.” She unclipped one of her silken hibiscus clips from her hair choosing a smaller one that would not get in the way and slid it on the counter near the teapot but not touching it. “If you feel you need a change from your roses. Welcome to the area. I'm Luin and I'll be in and out often given how good the samples are” She winked having picked up the name from the excited exchange from before. Luin moved over to let the next customer could come forward. “Have a nice day Zinnia.” With that she had intended to head to the red stallion and congratulate him on the shop as well.

The custom order taker was surrounded by a number of other ponies and the bunny pegesus from before was headed there as well. Deciding not to bombard the poor pony with a huge mess at once Luin amused herself by looking back over the free samples. She had missed the apple crumble? Groaning slightly she moved closer to look it over. She was going to end up loosing all her bits here. She could just feel it. “Why does this have to look so good?” She asked aloud to no one in particular. A smaller pony wanted a sample so she helped pull one of the sample plate aside and handed it to them.

 

[belloblossom]

Neo rolled her eyes at her sister's comment in regards to the samples.
"Fiiine. Suppose we find something we think everyone will like and bring it home. I did bring some bits with me. Maybe a pie or something?" She was suggesting when the owner, or one of them, anyway, approached. She recognized him as Pomme and grinned widely, before whipping out a notepad and pencil again. "Pomme! Hi! Awesome opening! I'd love to schedule an interview with you about this place for an upcoming article in the paper! We always love seeing new and creative bakeries popping up and by the Four, yours is certainly the newest and more creative than we've seen in a while. How're you feeling on the big day, eh?" She sped through her comments and prepped her pencil in one hoof, her notepad cradled near her with the help of one of her wings. "Anything you'd like to say to us hungry readers prior to our interview? Unless I can grab a moment of your time now, of course." She said with a smile, raising her eyebrows enticingly. "I understand you're busy, but come now, free publicity for a few minutes of your time? Doesn't get much better than that!"

Ooh, she was gonna make her dad so proud if she nabbed an interview on the day it opened. Why, if she got everything written up by the end of the day, she could even push to get it published the following day! She wondered if this would surpass her usual column and go into one of the headliners. If only there was a photographer here, then it would be really spectacular!

Settle down, Neo. She reminded herself as she looked imploringly at Pomme. You haven't got the interview yet. @houllow @PeterPan_da144