Rock Candy Lesson

(set: $fs to false)(set: $rd to false)(set: $rr to false)(set: $aj to false)<q>Twilight, I’ve been meaning to ask you something,</q> Starlight Glimmer says as she and Twilight Sparkle share breakfast in the sprawling throne room of the Castle of Friendship. <q>What are those rocks over there?</q>Starlight points toward a cluster of small, vibrant stones sitting on a side table in the corner. Twilight brightens instantly. <q>Ah, those are leftovers! I used the rest of the batch to make a rock candy necklace for Maud Pie two years ago.</q><q>Wait, those are //candies//?</q> Starlight’s eyes widen as she leans in to inspect the jagged, colorful //stones//.<q>They’re a special variety discovered at the Pie family rock farm,</q> Twilight explains. <q>Go ahead and try one—they’re perfectly edible!</q>Starlight picks up a deep purple piece, turning it over in her magical aura. <q>You said you made that necklace two years ago. Are you sure these aren’t… expired? Do rocks even have a shelf life?</q><q>That’s the fascinating part! These minerals persist remarkably well,</q> Twilight says, her inner scholar emerging. <q>I’ve been keeping them to study their composition. If I can unlock their secrets, I might discover a way to preserve food indefinitely without the need for magic or packaging!</q>Should Starlight take a bite?<ul><li>[[Twilight says it’s edible, so it should be okay.->eat 1]]</li><li>[[There’s no way it’s safe to eat something that looks like gravel!->not eat 1]]</li></ul>

(set: $n to 0)Starlight tosses the rock into her mouth. After a loud, alarming //crunch//, her expression shifts from concern to delight. <q>Wow, it really is candy! It’s delicious! So, what exactly is a rock candy necklace? And who is this Maud?</q><q>Oh, did I never mention Maud Pie? She’s Pinkie’s older sister,</q> Twilight says. <q>The two of them always exchange rock candy necklaces whenever they visit; it’s a special tradition between them. The last time was particularly important because Maud was leaving for a long research trip, and Pinkie had all of us join in the exchange.</q><q>That’s actually really sweet,</q> Starlight admits, crunching on another piece. <q>Wait, you said these rocks come from the farm where Pinkie grew up? Why don’t we just ask her what they are?</q>Twilight lets out a chuckle and mimics Pinkie’s bouncy movements. <q>Oh, Pinkie would just say—</q> Twilight pitches her voice higher— <q><q>Can’t tell ya that, silly!—</q></q> Twilight switches to whispering voice— <q><q>It’s a //secret//!</q></q>Starlight rolls her eyes playfully. <q>Oh, come on. She wouldn’t really keep a secret about candy from us, would she?</q><q>She did two years ago! But if you're so sure, why not ask her yourself?</q> Twilight pauses, a familiar //lesson// spark appearing in her eyes. <q>Actually, I have [[a better idea->eat 2]]!</q>

(set: $n to 1)<q>Um, I think I’ll pass,</q> Starlight says, setting the rock back down. <q>I’m not quite ready to risk a tooth on a //persisting// mineral. But what exactly is a rock candy necklace? And who is Maud?</q><q>Oh, did I never mention Maud Pie? She’s Pinkie’s older sister,</q> Twilight explains. <q>The two of them always exchange rock candy necklaces whenever they visit; it’s a special tradition between them. The last time was particularly important because Maud was leaving for a long research trip, and Pinkie had all of us join in the exchange.</q><q>That’s actually really sweet,</q> Starlight says. <q>Wait, you said these rocks come from the farm where Pinkie grew up? Why don’t we just ask her what they are?</q>Twilight lets out a chuckle and mimics Pinkie’s bouncy movements. <q>Oh, Pinkie would just say—</q> Twilight pitches her voice higher— <q><q>Can’t tell ya that, silly!—</q></q> Twilight switches to whispering voice— <q><q>It’s a //secret//!</q></q>Starlight rolls her eyes playfully. <q>Oh, come on. She wouldn’t really keep a secret about candy from us, would she?</q><q>She did two years ago! But if you're so sure, why not ask her yourself?</q> Twilight pauses, a familiar //lesson// spark appearing in her eyes. <q>Actually, I have [[a better idea->not eat 2]]!</q>

<q>You are going to make Pinkie Pie a surprise rock candy necklace as a friendship lesson!</q> Twilight announces with a triumphant hoof-pump.Starlight recoils slightly, laughing nervously. <q>I really should have seen that coming… Princess, I—I don’t think that’s really necessary, is it?</q><q>The point is the gesture, Starlight! It’s a lesson in how simple, shared activities can strengthen a bond,</q> Twilight says, patting Starlight’s scapula. <q>Besides, it’ll be fun!</q><q>It’s not that I’m against a lesson while I certainly am,</q> Starlight says, looking at the table, <q>but I don’t think there are enough rocks left for a whole necklace.</q><q>Well, //somepony// did eat a significant portion of the supplies,</q> Twilight teases, pulling the small table away. <q>I need to keep the rest for my research anyway.</q><q>Then how am I supposed to finish it?</q><q>That’s part of the lesson! Go out and ask our friends. I’m sure some of them still have their leftovers from the last exchange.</q>Who should Starlight visit first? [[Fluttershy->fs 1]], [[Rainbow Dash->rd 1]], [[Applejack->aj 1]], or [[Rarity->rr 1]]?

<q>You are going to make Pinkie Pie a surprise rock candy necklace as a friendship lesson!</q> Twilight announces with a triumphant hoof-pump.Starlight recoils slightly, laughing nervously. <q>I really should have seen that coming… Princess, I—I don’t think that’s really necessary, is it?</q><q>The point is the gesture, Starlight! It’s a lesson in how simple, shared activities can strengthen a bond,</q> Twilight says, patting Starlight’s scapula. <q>Besides, it’ll be fun!</q><q>Alright, alright,</q> Starlight agrees reluctantly. <q>Do I just use the ones on the table?</q><q>You can have these,</q> Twilight says, floating a small handful of candies over to Starlight, <q>but I need to keep the rest for my preservation study.</q>Starlight looks at the meager pile. <q>This isn’t nearly enough for a necklace.</q><q>That’s part of the lesson! Go out and ask our friends. I’m sure some of them still have their leftovers from the last exchange.</q>Who should Starlight visit first? [[Fluttershy->fs 1]], [[Rainbow Dash->rd 1]], [[Applejack->aj 1]], or [[Rarity->rr 1]]?

(set: $fs to true)<q>Fluttershy is so kind,</q> Starlight thinks, <q>she’ll definitely share some candies if she has them.</q> With a flash of magic, she teleports to the front garden of the quiet cottage on the edge of the Everfree Forest.<q>Angel, I’ll get the door and then I’ll finish your breakfast, I promise!</q> Fluttershy’s voice drifts from inside. A moment later, the door creaks open.<q>Hi, Fluttershy!</q> Starlight greets her.<q>Oh, hello Starlight! What a lovely surprise,</q> Fluttershy says softly. Before she can continue, Angel the bunny begins a rapid-fire tapping of his foot, crossing his arms impatiently.<q>Is everything okay?</q> Starlight asks. <q>I didn’t realize it was a bad time.</q><q>I’m so sorry, but I’m afraid you’ll have to wait //just// a moment. I really need to finish Angel’s breakfast or he’ll be grumpy all morning.</q><q>That’s fine! I’m not in any rush,</q> Starlight says.Fluttershy leads Starlight to the living room and then scurries back to the kitchen. After a few minutes of listening to the frantic clattering of bowls, Starlight decides she can’t just sit idly by. She heads into [[the kitchen->fs 2]] to offer a hoof.

(set: $rd to true)Starlight decides to head up to the clouds. Rainbow Dash is nothing if not loyal to her friends; surely she wouldn’t mind helping out with a gift for Pinkie.With a focused burst of magic, Starlight teleports directly onto the soft, marshmallow-like floor of Rainbow’s cloud house. She uses her magic to keep floating in the air, making her body surrounded by lilac aura. Near a wall, she finds the pegasus looking uncharacteristically frustrated.<q>Hey, Rainbow! Busy?</q><q>Gah! Starlight! Don’t sneak up on a pony like that!</q> Rainbow Dash recovers, hovering back. <q>I’m trying to hang this new <cite>Daring Do and the Sapphire Statue</cite> poster, but I can’t tell if it’s straight, and every time I fly back to check, I lose my spot!</q><q>Why don’t you stay back there and I’ll hold it up for you?</q> Starlight suggests. Her horn glows, and the poster floats against the wall.<q>Awesome!</q> Rainbow backs off and looks at the poster in a distance. <q>Okay, move it a little to the left—no, my left! Up a bit… perfect!</q> Rainbow Dash zooms in to hammer the tacks into the cloud-wall. <q>Sweet! Thanks, Starlight. Would you like to come in?</q>Rainbow opens the door, and Starlight goes into [[the house->rd 2]].

(set: $aj to true)Applejack is usually the most practical pony in Ponyville, so Starlight figures she must have kept her leftovers in a very organized place. Starlight teleports over to Sweet Apple Acres, where she finds the farm mare near the barn.<q>Howdy, Starlight!</q> Applejack calls out, wiping sweat from her brow. <q>What can I do for ya?</q><q>Hey Applejack! I’m looking for some rock candies for making a surprise rock candy necklace for Pinkie. Got any leftovers?</q><q>I sure do, but they’re buried at the bottom of a heavy crate in the cellar. I was just about to go down and reorganize the cider barrels, but I could use a hoof if you’ve got the time.</q><q>Of course, I’m happy to help.</q>Starlight follows Applejack to the [[cellar->aj 2]].

(set: $rr to true)Rarity is the definition of generosity, so Starlight is fairly certain she will be happy to contribute. Starlight teleports over to the Carousel Boutique and gives the door a polite knock.<q>Darling, it’s you!</q> Rarity opens the door, looking as radiant as ever. <q>What brings you to my humble boutique? Looking for a new ensemble for the season, perhaps?</q><q>You certainly have enough new designs to choose from!</q> Starlight remarks, glancing at the rows of mannequins draped in exquisite silks. <q>But actually, I’m here for something else.</q><q>Oh? Do tell!</q><q>Do you have any rock candies left over? I’m putting together a surprise necklace for Pinkie.</q><q>A rock candy necklace? How absolutely charming! It’s such a fine Pie family tradition. I do believe I have some tucked away in my crafting supplies. The colors are just too divine to throw away! Follow me, dear.</q>Starlight follows Rarity as she goes upstairs to [[her bedroom->rr 2]].

(set: $n to $n+1)<q>Is everything okay in here?</q> Starlight asks cautiously.<q>I—I’m fine!</q> Fluttershy says though she looks anything but. She is juggling a dozen different bowls of greens, fruits, and nuts. Angel is perched on the counter, tapping a recipe book and pointing out that the current salad doesn't perfectly match the illustration.<q>Let me help with that.</q> Before Fluttershy can protest, Starlight’s horn glows with a lilac aura. The ingredients lift into the air, spinning into a perfectly composed salad that looks identical to the picture in the book.<q>Oh, thank you so much!</q> Fluttershy sighs in relief as Angel inspects the dish and nods with approval. <q>I always forget how hoofy your magic is.</q><q>It’s no trouble at all,</q> Starlight says. <q>Though, are you sure you’re not spoiling him just a little bit?</q>Fluttershy looks at Angel fondly. <q>Maybe, but it’s fine. Isn’t he the cutest little bunny?</q> She turns back to Starlight. <q>So, what can I do for you?</q><q>I was wondering if you had any leftover rock candies. I’m making a surprise necklace for Pinkie Pie.</q><q>Aw, how sweet! I think I have some in the pantry from Maud’s last visit.</q> Fluttershy rummages through a drawer and hands over a small pouch of treats.Starlight heads back outside. Who should she look for next? (if: not $rd)[[[Rainbow Dash->rd 1]], ](if: not $rr)[[[Rarity->rr 1]], ](if: not $aj)[[[Applejack->aj 1]], ](if: not $rd or not $rr or not $aj)[or ][[Pinkie Pie->final 1]]?

Looking at the rock candies collected from her friends, Starlight feels that they should be enough to make a nice rock candy necklace to give to Pinkie.She heads back to the Castle of Friendship and starts making the necklace. (if: $n is 1 or $n is 2)[With a gentle hum from her horn, she levitates a single strand of sturdy silk thread. One by one, she picks out the small, jagged candies she gathered, carefully threading the needle through the pre-drilled holes in the minerals. It is a modest but elegant choker. The light catches the deep purples and soft pinks of the rocks beautifully. It looks like a delicate constellation of sugar stars.](if: $n is 3 or $n is 4)[She uses her magic to sort the candies by hue, creating a gradient that shifts from Applejack’s sunny oranges to Rarity’s brilliant blues. She weaves two strands of thread together for extra strength, creating a lush necklace. The candies click-clack together musically as she lifts it up, shimmering like a rainbow of edible gemstones. It is a solid, vibrant piece of friendship craftsmanship.](if: $n is 5)[She spends the afternoon at her workbench, her horn glowing brightly as she orchestrates a complex magical weave. She is not just making a necklace; she creates a stunning, multi-tiered breastplate. The layers of rock candy are arranged in intricate patterns, interspersed with shimmering sugar-dust accents. It is heavy, grand, and sparkles so intensely it could be seen from the top of Canterlot Mountain. It is a masterpiece fit for a princess of friendship—or at least, the most festive pony in Ponyville.]<q>Pinkie’s definitely gonna love it!</q> Starlight finally finishes the necklace. She teleports to [[Sugarcube Corner->final 2]] with excitement.

(set: $n to $n+1)Rainbow welcomes Starlight into the house. <q>What’s up, Starlight?</q>Starlight explains the mission for Pinkie’s necklace. <q>You see, I am preparing a surprise rock candy necklace for Pinkie, but I don’t have enough rock candies for that. I’m just here to see if you have some of them that I can use.</q>Rainbow Dash rubs the back of her neck. <q>Rock candy? Oh, yeah! I think I have some in my emergency snack stash. I forgot I even had ’em since they’re kind of hard to eat on the fly.</q>After some rummaging under the cloud-bed, Rainbow finds a small box containing colorful stones. She tosses the box to Starlight.<q>Wow, they are even bolt-shaped?</q> Starlight looks at the stones and comments.<q>Yeah, those were my failed attempts at making a bolt-shaped necklace for Maud. I thought it’d be awesome to make something like that. I made it in the end!</q><q>That’s so cool!</q> Starlight’s eyes brightens. <q>Anyway, thanks! I’mma head out now.</q><q>See ya! Tell Pinkie I said hi!</q>Starlight leaves the cloud house. Who should she look for next? (if: not $fs)[[[Fluttershy->fs 1]], ](if: not $rr)[[[Rarity->rr 1]], ](if: not $aj)[[[Applejack->aj 1]], ](if: not $fs or not $rr or not $aj)[or ][[Pinkie Pie->final 1]]?

(set: $n to $n+1)<q>Here they are! Take as many as you need, darling.</q> Rarity opens a velvet-lined chest, revealing a shimmering pile of rock candies.<q>Thanks, Rarity! These are perfect.</q> Starlight gathers the candies into her bag.<q>If you’ll excuse me, I must get back to work. I’m trying to finalize the next season’s window display for Rarity For You, and I simply cannot decide which gown has the most //impact//.</q>Starlight watches Rarity fret over two different dresses. <q>They all look amazing, Rarity, but… would it help if you saw them on a pony instead of a mannequin?</q>Rarity’s eyes light up. <q>Starlight, would you? It would be a total lifesaver!</q><q>Of course! Who wouldn’t want to put on fabulous outfits like this?</q>A short while later, Starlight finds herself striking a series of poses while Rarity circles her, humming thoughtfully. <q>Marvelous! Yes, the teal silk definitely catches the light better. You're quite the natural model, Starlight!</q><q>Whew! Glad I could help,</q> Starlight says, finally stepping off the pedestal. <q>May I head back out?</q><q>Yes, thank you again, darling!</q>Starlight leaves the boutique, feeling a bit more stylish. Who should she look for next? (if: not $fs)[[[Fluttershy->fs 1]], ](if: not $rd)[[[Rainbow Dash->rd 1]], ](if: not $aj)[[[Applejack->aj 1]], ](if: not $fs or not $rd or not $aj)[or ][[Pinkie Pie->final 1]]?

(set: $n to $n+1)A minute later, Starlight finds herself in a cool, earthy cellar. In front of her is a stack of barrels. <q>Ya see those barrels? We’re gonna move ’em out there. Be careful not to spill the cider in ’em!</q> <q>Instead of moving these one by one, why don’t I just…?</q> Starlight’s horn glows, and the massive wooden barrels lift into the air, hovering in a neat line. They then fly out of the cellar one by one and land steadily on the surface ground. <q>Well, paint me red and call me an apple! That saves a whole lot of buckin’,</q> Applejack laughs. With the barrels out of the way, Applejack reaches into a storage bin and pulls out two large jars of rock candy. <q>Since you saved me hours of heavy lifting, why don’t you take both jars? Pinkie’s gonna love ’em!</q> <q>Ooh, thank you so much! I’m heading out then. See you around!</q> <q>Nah, I should thank //you//. See ya!</q> Starlight heads back toward town. Who should she look for next? (if: not $fs)[[[Fluttershy->fs 1]], ](if: not $rd)[[[Rainbow Dash->rd 1]], ](if: not $rr)[[[Rarity->rr 1]], ](if: not $fs or not $rd or not $rr)[or ][[Pinkie Pie->final 1]]?

Starlight enters Sugarcube Corner and speaks, <q>Pinkie! I have a surprise for you!</q><q>Ooh! A surprise? For me? I love surprises!</q> Pinkie starts bouncing on her hooves. <q>Is it a party? A cake? A //party cake//?</q><q>Better,</q> Starlight says, levitating the necklace toward Pinkie. <q>I made you a rock candy necklace!</q>Pinkie Pie gasps so loud it echoes down the street. She throws the necklace on and gives Starlight a hug so tight it nearly pops Starlight’s ribs. <q>A friendship necklace! From Starlight! And it’s made from rock candies! This is the bestest, crunchiest, sweetest surprise, //ever//!</q><q>I’m glad that you like it!</q> Starlight says, with difficulty due to Pinkie’s tight hug.(if: $n < 3)[After delivering the rock candy necklace, Starlight heads back to the [[Castle of Friendship->final 4]].](else:)[<q>But wait! An exchange isn’t an exchange without—the //exchange//!</q> As Pinkie speaks, she suddenly dives behind a nearby pile of flour bags and pull a hidden lever. A secret cellar opens its entrance on the floor, revealing a mountain of rock candies.<q>You have a storage unit for these?</q> Starlight is completely stunned.<q>A pony’s gotta stay prepared, silly! Ya never know when a friendship emergency may strike!</q> Pinkie grabs a bunch of rock candies and moves her hooves at incredible speed to make a vibrant, lime-green necklace in seconds. She loops it around Starlight’s neck and announces, <q>Now we’re official!</q><q>Wow! This is amazing, Pinkie!</q> Starlight is surprised.(if: $n < 5)[After exchanging the rock candy necklaces, Starlight heads back to the [[Castle of Friendship->final 4]].](else:)[<q>Wait! I just got the bestest idea!</q> Pinkie shouts, <q>A [[//rock candy necklaces exchange party//->final 3]]!</q>]]

Pinkie bounces to the door of Sugarcube Corner and shouts at the top of her lungs, <q>Rock candy necklaces exchange party! Everyone gets a necklace!</q>Within minutes, the bakery is packed. Every customer who walks in is greeted with a grin and a bunch of rock candies and is encouraged to make rock candy necklaces and exchange them with others. Soon, Mayor Mare, Bulk Biceps, and even Derpy Hooves are all wearing rock candy necklaces, laughing and crunching away together. The party is a hit, and sound of launghing comes out from Sugarcube Corner and spreads over Ponyville nonstop for the whole evening.At night, the party ends happily, and Starlight returns the [[Castle of Friendship->final 4]] with a radiant smile on her face.

<q>I see the lesson went well,</q> Twilight says, noticing Starlight’s (if: $n >= 3)[new green necklace](else:)[smile on her face].<q>It was intense but great,</q> Starlight laughs. <q>I realize that asking for help isn’t just a way to get what I needed for the gift, but it is a way to spend time with everypony. Helping is also mutual: I get to help my friends as I visit them, and I feel really happy about it.(if: $n >= 3)[ I also felt nice when Pinkie returned me with the necklace. I now understand why exchanging gifts can be a sign of fondness between friends. I think I learned more about friendship today than I have in weeks.]</q>Twilight beams. <q>Excellent, Starlight! You finished the lesson perfectly!</q>(if: $n >= 3)[Starlight looks at the one leftover rock candy in her hoof. <q>And you were right—they really don’t have an expiration date.</q> She pops it in her mouth with a satisfied grin.]