A symphony of the loudest pots and pans that bits could buy merrily clanged away within Applejack’s head as she awoke, and she immediately grabbed for the glass of water on the nightstand beside her, groaning as she finished and lay back down. This was reason enough to detest the allure of alcohol, though she couldn’t deny the momentary relief it had brought, even if it was being repaid tenfold with vision jarring pain. A sudden churning in her stomach prompted a swift, uncoordinated scrambling towards the bathroom where her stomach decided to remind her of the headache’s best friend, nausea.

After rinsing out the lingering, acidic taste from her mouth, she turned the shower water to cold and gave a sharp gasp as she stepped into the stream. She allowed herself to shiver a bit as the cold seeped into her limbs, waking her senses and easing the lingering feeling in the pit of her stomach. After a few minutes of adjusting, the cool flow was as refreshing as any hot shower, and she indulged an extra five minutes, determining to make up for it with extra effort out in the fields. She found Big Macintosh waiting outside her room with an apple and a cup of tea, which she took to mean he had heard the rather abrupt overturning of her gut.

“Any particular reason you saw fit t’ let me drink so much last night?” she asked, giving him a half hearted scowl.

“Eeeyup. Do ah even need t’ explain?”

“No,” she replied with a sigh. Applejack knew he meant well, and was only trying to allow her an escape. She hated viewing alcohol like that, but it had worked as intended. After a cry and some booze, she felt a little lighter, and she sat down at the table to finish the apple as she let her mind roam to nothing in particular. The tea worked wonders for her stomach, and as her earth pony body quickly worked to cleanse itself of the previous evening's foray into dissipation, she felt nearly normal as she stepped out the door to begin the day’s chores.

The same cacophonous symphony that had been hired to play for Applejack moved on to its next client after being drenched by a none too pleased crowd of one, finding its way into Silver Moonshine’s cranium after a rather impromptu invitation by his magical exhaustion. Personally, he found these headaches worse than any so called hangovers, due mostly to the fact that there wasn’t much that could be done to convince them to leave. If it weren’t for the fact that there were more deliveries being made and more drinks to brew, he’d have gone straight back to bed and slept until noon. The thought was as enticing as the finest whisky, but unfortunately, his work ethic pumped an annoying amount of determination through his limbs, dragging him to the shower to wash away the sweat that had drenched his coat in the night.

“Oh, that’s nice,” he whispered as the heated stream caressed his weary body, joining his ethics in a mutual cheerleading effort that was aggravatingly effective at screaming louder than the pan band that was soon drowned out. By the time he stepped out, approximately half the band had thrown down their makeshift instruments in frustration and stormed off stage, and he smiled as he selected a new suit, shoving the dirty one into a corner due to a lack of anywhere better to put it. Having suited up with his best blue attire made to match his mane, he stepped outside feeling confident in a good day before Carrot Top’s voice called to him through the ward, pumping some life into the thoroughly disgruntled band still feebly trying to cling to their dignity. It was going to be a long day.

It was two hours past noon when Silver hung up the sign, levitating it into place and covering it with a sheet that read, “Grand Opening: 6:00 pm. Everypony welcome!” He had just finished when a voice called out to him. It was the white unicorn that was with Twilight the day he arrived, and he gave her a polite nod as he approached.

“Good day, Miss. I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced, I’m Silver Moonshine.”

“How do you do, I am Rarity,” she said with a smile, though it quickly reverted to a pained expression as she turned back to the banner he had just finished erecting. “I’m glad to see your manners are a good deal better than your sign. I do not mean to be rude, but you won’t attract any attention with that... thing.” Silver took a second or two to formulate a response when it became painfully clear that the simple, perhaps even tacky, appearance was anything but appealing to the eye.

“You’re likely right, it’s just something I threw together last night. I spent most every last bit just to get this place made, so it wouldn’t be prudent to spend anything I don’t have to. The sign is likely lacking any semblance of fashion as well,” he replied, lifting the curtain so she could see.

“Sir, I daresay I would rather pay you to let me make a sign, rather than let the drab thing continue to be seen. I shall make you a banner and sign fitting of your establishment, and return within the hour.”

“I haven’t the bits to pay you at the moment, but I,” he started before she gave him a dazzling smile.

“Never fear, payment will be unnecessary. Consider a welcoming gift come early. See you soon~!” she sang out as she trotted off towards Carousel Boutique. Nothing like this had ever happened in Manehatten. The kindness, generosity and support of the whole town seemed to be driving him towards success, and it filled him with vigor as he watched the last load arrive. After unloading he entered into the kitchen where Freefall and Snowdrift were carelessly playing with the many sizes of knives. Silver cleared his throat only to have them drop the articles in their surprise at his unexpected appearance. Not everything was going perfectly which, while it let him know he hadn’t escaped into some kind of perfect dream world, wasn’t exactly a pleasure to behold either.

“All right, you two. How much cooking experience do you have?”

“I made scrambled eggs once.”

“That’s nothing, I made a batch of pancakes one morning!”

“From a box.”

“So what? They were still pancakes!”

“I was there, and you also burnt half of them.”

“Hey, cut me some slack! It was my first time!”

“Enough!” Silver shouted, and the pair immediately fell silent. They really needed this job, if for no other reason than to escape having to work on the farm, and the cruel taskmaster that was Applejack the Awful that seemed to appear anytime they tried to have a spot of fun. “When I had Berry ask if you two had any cooking experience, I meant in a kitchen setting. Professional cooking.”

“Oooh, nope.” They both cringed a little as their boss allowed a heartfelt facehoof, just hard enough to make a sound without leaving any kind of lasting mark. This was a disaster. Though his passion lay with his beloved drinks, the restaurant would be the main source of income most likely, and now he was without a competent cook on the day of the opening. He couldn’t even trust them to prep anything, most likely. As Cerulean’s voice called out, Silver bid the two to stay put while he left to attend to the ward. He stopped in his tracks as he beheld a tall, lanky unicorn with an electric yellow coat and a deep blue mane, much like his own.

“Cerulean, please tell me that’s your friend you spoke of,” he begged, his worries quickly overriding his shock at seeing such a tall unicorn.

“It is indeed. Silver Moonshine, Lemon Chiffon.”

“You have no idea how grateful I am to have you here, Lemon. I was operating under the false impression that the two stallions in the kitchens at the moment knew how to cook, but their stories didn’t quite hold water, if you catch my drift.”

“The pleasure is all mine, sir. Honestly, a chance to see Cerulean and get away from the capital of arrogance? Sign me up.”

“I’d love to let you get settled, as it looks like you’ve just arrived,” Silver said with an apologetic glance towards Lemon’s bags, “but I want my food to be quality, and that means making everything from scratch.”

“Very brave, I like it. Show me to the kitchen and let’s get to cooking.”

“See you later tonight, Dazzle. Whip me up something tasty!”

“The knives are sharp, right?” Lemon asked, casting a deadly glare towards the blue stallion who was cantering back towards the library. Silver bid him follow with a chuckle, where they found the two stallions juggling onions upon entering the kitchens. “This is what you give me to work with?”

“Now you see why I was desperate?”

“Were I you, it would be well beyond desperation,” he said with a sigh. The two pegasi stopped and quickly set the onions down, staring sheepishly at the unicorn who stood a good head taller than them both. They gave cry of surprise as he grabbed around twenty knives, swirling them around him before sending them flying into a cutting board that was hanging up behind the two thoroughly frightened stallions, forming a chef hat. “Listen up, you two. As of right now, this is my kitchen. I won’t settle for second best, so you two are gonna learn, you’re gonna learn fast, or somepony is going to lose a limb. Are we clear?”

“Yes sir!” they both shouted in unison, gulping as the two squirmed under his gaze before breaking the spell with a smile.

“All right then, chaps. Let’s get to it. Names?”

Silver returned outside just in time to see Rarity approaching, his new sign and banner floating alongside her as she strode confidently to the front, tearing down the old sign in disgust and affixing the new one with all haste, immediately covering it with a lavish banner of violet and gold. Not quite the colors he was hoping for, but he couldn’t deny that hit was incomparably better than the last. Rarity let out a dainty laugh as she approached, alerting him that he must have let his jaw hang open a little.

“Well, isn’t my work simply fabulous?” Regaining his composure, he gave her a winning smile and nodded.

“It is indeed, Rarity. Thank you for your gift. Let me at least repay you with a free dinner tonight.”

“And deprive you what you’ll have rightfully earned? I’ve not problem with generosity, but prudence must be observed as well. I have business to attend to, but I shall make a point of being here for the opening. See you then, Silver.” He took a few moments to admire the craftsmanship of the sign before heading to the cellar to make sure everything had progressed as planned. Using magic to forcibly ferment juice into hard cider was draining, and he would rather let the process occur naturally. Unfortunately, time also had a say in the matter, and as such he had allowed for a small change in quality so as to be able to have something to serve that evening. To most ponies, they likely wouldn’t notice the difference, but to somepony like Berry who knew her alcohol, it would be painfully obvious. He was still quite tired from the fermentation process, so lifting the barrels out of the cellar and into the tavern took quite a bit out of him, leaving him nearly breathless after moving the first. He hated to admit it, but he’d be in no condition to present the tavern if he continued, and with great reluctance he returned outside to seek assistance.

“So, seeing as how every stallion to come to this town is cursed with inherently bad luck, how long do you think it will be before Silver does something stupid?” Storm asked with a chuckle, glancing across at Cerulean.

“Every stallion? I’m pretty sure I’ve absorbed most of the bad luck by now, including your portion. Everypony loves you. Me? Not so much.”

“Ah, but you seem to forget that Scootaloo despised me when I first came here, and most everypony’s first impression was of her shouting at me during the welcome party.”

“I’d say that’s still not near the same league as pole dancing in public, or being magically forced to make out with nearly half the town, or...”

“Ok, ok, sheesh! You win the “pony least liked in Ponyville” contest. Still though, what say you to a little bet?”

“I’m listening.”

“The bet is whether or not something will happen tonight that taints his name. You can pick which side you want to be on.”

“What are the stakes?”

“Winner gets to take the first crazy drink invented and give it to the other couple, regardless of what it’s supposed to do.”

“You’re on! I’ll take that bet, he’s gonna do something tonight. Not his fault, of course, but it just seems to happen naturally around here.”

“I dunno, he seems like he’s doing pretty well for himself so far. We’ll just have to wait and see. Speaking of...” he paused, noticing Silver flagging them over.

“Am I glad to see you two,” Silver sighed as they cantered over. “I could use some help, if you’ve got some spare time.”

“Sure, what needs doing?” Moonshine had them follow him into the cellar and pointed to the casks, and Cerulean and Storm got right to work. Cerulean lifted the first onto Storm’s back and grabbed another with his magic, and within half an hour all the necessary casks had been stacked behind the counters, ready to be tapped. As a reward, Silver selected the red delicious cider, pouring them each a small cup and eagerly awaiting their reactions.

“Silver, this is really good. Best I’ve tasted since the Apple family brew, though theirs is better. No offense.” Storm quickly drained the cup and set it down with a gratified sigh.

“Applejack’s family? They brew alcohol?” Cerulean couldn’t help but smile at the excitement in Silver’s voice.

“Well, just a small amount. Most of the cider they sell isn’t fermented, but they make small batches to be enjoyed at home. They... hey, are you listening?” He had been, but until the end of Cerulean’s first sentence. Applejack’s family brewed too, so at least they have that in common. Maybe he could use that as a conversation starter?

“Thanks for the cider, Silver. We’ll be back tonight, but I have somewhere I need to be.”

“No problem at all, I look forward to it. Say hi to Lemon before you go.”

“No thanks, I know how he is in the kitchen, and I’d rather keep myself presentable for my mare.” Lemon’s rather forceful instructions could be quite clearly heard from the kitchen across the way, and the three shared a good laugh before Cerulean and Storm departed for his house. Flying Grace greeted them cheerfully as they entered.

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite coup... oh, not quite the pairing I expected. Hello, Cerulean.”

“Where is it?” Storm asked excitedly, ignoring the statement and looking around the room.

“It’s on the bed across from your sister’s room. It sure took you long enough.” Bidding Cerulean to follow, they made their way down the hall and into the spare bedroom that he and Rainbow Dash used on occasion. Sitting on the bed was a small brown package, and Cerulean watched with curiosity as he read the attached note and gently tore off the wrapping, revealing a jewelry box.

“So, when are you going to ask her, Storm?” Suddenly nervous at the idea, the stallion swallowed hard and tried to remain calm.

“I don’t know, when the time is right, I guess.”

“Remove the “I guess” and you have a perfect answer. Don’t worry about it too much, you’ll know.”

“Thanks. You wouldn’t believe the trouble I had finding a ring for her; had to have this one made special. Cost me a fortune, but she’s more than worth it,” he smiled as he opened the box and showed it to Cerulean. It was beautiful, to be sure, the gem shining with every color of the rainbow. It was set in a braided band of gold and silver, and he couldn’t imagine how it possibly could look so natural, seeing as how there was no gem like it naturally occuring in the world.

“What kind of gem is that?”

“It’s a combination of gems, actually. A product of some kind of alchemy, or something like that.”

“I bet Silver could confirm that.” Storm was about to agree when Scootaloo walked in, saw the ring being held towards Cerulean, and promptly blew a fuse.

“What? No, that’s not right! I wanted a sister, not another brother! Mom, help, Storm’s proposing to Cerulean!” Storm could only sigh as his sister’s wailing was countered only by Cerulean’s unrestrained laughter.

The sun was just beginning to set as the clock indicated it was ten minutes until six. Applejack watched Big Macintosh and Applebloom approach, and together they began to make their way towards the new place.

“Ah hope Sweetie Belle an’ Scootaloo are there, that’d be a lot of fun. A new place in Ponyville, isn’t it excitin’ sis?”

“Ah suppose so,” she replied, giving a half hearted smile. It didn’t dampen the filly’s enthusiasm, which was fortunate. Applejack knew it was going to be a joyous celebration, and she did her best to steel her mind so she could try to enjoy it.

“Big Mac, what do ya make of this Silver character?” It was a sudden question, though not unexpected.

“Ah don’t know him well enough t’ say. Why don’t you just try talkin’ to ‘im?”

“Well, ‘cause he’s a stallion, he’s got a silver tongue, an’ ah don’t trust him. Too many secrets.”

“Come on, Applejack, you should at least give ‘im a chance,” Applebloom insisted. It was the truth, but Applejack didn’t want to accept it. What had changed in her so much, anyhow? She used to be overjoyed at making new friends, and now she was doubting somepony she barely knew.

“You’re right, Applebloom. Ah’ll try mah best, ok?” There was already a sizable crowd gathered by the time they arrived, and the excited chatter died down as Silver Moonshine made his entrance. Applejack immediately made towards where her friends were gathered, standing beside Fluttershy who was feeling quite nervous amidst the throng.

“Fillies and Gentlecolts, ponies of all ages, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Starfall Tavern!” A brief glow from his horn removed the covering from the sign amidst the stomping of hooves.

“A tavern? All this build up over someplace fer everypony t’ get drunk?” Applejack muttered under her breath, her distrust of Silver turning to dislike at the revelation.

“Now, I realize that someponies may find alcohol less than reputable, but I assure you that a variety of quality foods and drinks for anypony to enjoy will be found inside. This is to be a family friendly establishment, and as such, Quakehoof,” he said with a pause as the massive earth pony approached, “will be in charge of taking care of any rabble rousers. I sincerely look forward to meeting you all, and hope you enjoy.” He was about to conclude his speech when a sudden explosion showered the crowd with confetti and streamers, and Silver found himself forced from the spotlight as Pinkie stepped in.

“Come on, everypony, let’s hear it for Berry Punch’s coltfriend!” Silver was unable to correct the error before the polite stomping set in.

“I’m sorry for the confusion, Berry Punch is my cousin.” Silence. Not the good kind of silence, but the “please excuse me whilst I extract my hoof from my mouth” kind. “Berry and I aren’t involved in any way, save that we are family.” There was a low murmur as the statement was met with mixed results, but everypony save one entered the building after him.

“Applejack, are you coming?” Twilight asked as they moved towards the entrance, but to their dismay Applejack turned and walked away.

“Ah knew it. Ah just knew he was a liar.”