Apple Harvest

A pointed pink snout gently rolled an apple across the ground. Though it veered off course more than once, the cute and fluffly stroodle was determined to safely navigate it to its destination. After making sure to wrangle it back on track, give it a few nudges here and there, the apple was once again rolling around at a steady pace. Finally, one last push had it softly bump into the shoe of a certain cheerful, fruit themed woman. "Oh, nice job Mademoiselle! What a lovely apple you found." Quince reached down to collect the small fruit and gently tucked it into the basket hanging on her arm. This day, the woman had decided to pay visit to the apple orchards to pick some fresh fruit for a few dishes. At the moment, she was still undecided on just what to make and how much. Tarts, pies, strudels, cakes, sauce, cider— the options were near endless! It was such a versatile little thing that Quince just couldn't make up her mind. Chances were that she'd just end up making a little bit of everything and giving it away by the slice.

With a soft hum, she reached down to pick another apple off the ground and gave it a gentle dust with one hand. It was firm that was for sure and a lovely shade, but turning it over revealed a few small holes near the top. Drat. Worms had gotten the better of this one.

Slightly disappointed but far from sad, she gave a little sigh and set it back down, moving onto the next. Good apples really weren't that hard to pick out, but you could lose a lot of perfectly fine ones when they fell from the branches. Even more so when others had already come through and done all the picking beforehand. Well, that's what she got for waiting too long. Couldn't complain much about that one. At least she had some help in the form of her precious Peach and Mademoiselle tagging along! Speaking of...

"Peach? Where did you run off to now, sweetie?"

It had been a moment before she'd seen the orange phloof. She was certain they might have stuck by Mademoiselle, but the stroodle had returned alone. Oh dear, it wasn't lost, was it? Concern had worked its way into her steps, hurrying around the orchard and checking under every leaf for any sign of her beloved. She was just about to call for Peach again when an excited bark grabbed her attention. Quince whipped around at once only to sigh with great relief. There, below the branches of a tree and atop a pile of what appeared to be absolutely perfect apples, was her dear little Peach. They were sound asleep without a care in the world.

"Oh, you little troublemaker. You had me worried."

With a laugh, she knelt down and began picking up a few of the fruits, careful not to disturb the phloof. She would let them rest for a little while longer.