A cool breeze drifted on by, the wind ruffling the many trees throughout Ponyville. It was amazing how fast things were changing; The last day of summer had passed in a breath of fresh of air and warm sun, leaving behind a wide palette for autumn to take hold.





Their scarves wrapped comfortably, Twilight and Spike walked by on the long trail, admiring the blessings autumn has already delivered on its first day. Much of the summer green had faded around the hills and foliage, leaving behind a faded tone and much for the eye to take in. Warm sunny yellow, deep rosy red, and of course, the most iconic color of autumn: orange. Bright, bold, gentle, beautiful orange.





And with orange came what many considered to be the symbol of autumn: the pumpkin.





"Wow," Spike said breathlessly. "Look at 'em all."





The two best friends had reached the hilltop, arriving at a special part of Ponyville, a part not often seen since most of the time it was just smooth fields. After a full season, however, the grass was now populated with hundreds of pumpkins. Just the sight of them brought a sense of autumn in a way that few other things could. As such, this place was a sight famous among tourists and the townsfolk who often passed by into town or out in the wide country.





But for Spike and Twilight, there was a different sort of pumpkin they were looking for.





The air was crisp from the morning frost, the crackling leaves and their dry scent was everywhere. But there was another scent that proved even more enticing, an aroma that drew the two friends toward the source: a mare with faded gold fur and a cool blue mane and tail.





"Twilight! Spike!" greeted Pumpkin Patch, rolling her wooden cart from behind. It was topped with an orange and yellow roof and its wooden frame had a pumpkin painted on the back, matching her cutie mark. She stopped two feet from her traditional regulars. "Happy First Day of Autumn, you two!"





"Same to you, Pumpkin," Twilight greeted. "The weather's beautiful, isn't it?"





"Oh, it is," she agreed, beaming. "Always my favorite time of year, when the leaves turn to orange and the air gets so comfortably crisp. It's when all my pumpkins turn their ripest and biggest."





Turning to the right, she smiled warmly. "My pride and joy, these pumpkins, as is what I can make from them."





"Speaking of which," Spike said, pulling out four bits. "Two pumpkin lattés, please."





Pumpkin giggled. "Never fails. You two always get to me first."





"Hard not to," Twilight smirked. "You make the best pumpkin lattés."





"That, and you and Spike are such coffee junkies," Pumpkin teased.





"Hey, we're just trying to ring in the season," Spike retorted with a smirk. "Besides, the way you make them, how can we not be first in line?"





"Oh, Spike, you flirt," Pumpkin giggled. "All right, so two pumpkin lattes is it?"





"Yes, please."





A couple minutes went by, and Twilight and Spike appreciated the autumn air. Their noses soon detected the sweet scent of pumpkin, cinnamon, and cream. Throwing down their bits, they both picked up two pumpkin-branded cups of the sweet goodness.





"Thanks for the business, guys," Pumpkin said.





"Thank you for your knowledge of making these lattés," Twilight praised. "Anyway, Pumpkin, are you going to be at the Farmer's Market this weekend?"





"You bet. Me and the other farming ponies get a lot more business when the week's out and everypony's out buying. I think my stall will be set up right near Applejack's this time. Should be good business selling my pumpkins while she's selling her cider and apple-turnovers."





"Awesome! We'll both see you there," Twilight said in excitement. "While we're at it, we can plan the Running of the Leaves feast."





"Wonderful," Pumpkin nodded. "Well, I better go. See you two later!"





"Bye, Pumpkin! Thanks for the lattes!" Spike waved her off and began walking forward with Twilight back down the trail, the wheels of Pumpkin's cart being heard as she trotted away while humming to her favorite season.





With their latte's in claw and magical aura, Twilight and Spike tapped their cups.





"Happy First Day of Autumn, Spike," Twilight said.





Spike raised his cup. "Here's to a good one!"





And together, the two took their first taste, the foam tickling their lips as the warm coffee was savored in the autumn breeze.



~~~~



dSana, thank you so much for creating all these commissions for me. It means a lot to see such love and creativity put into each piece.



I love the color in this one. Autumn is such a beautiful time of year, yet it lasts for only so long. You got to get out and appreciate it while the colors are here. The yellow birch trees, the rich red maples, the bright orange pumpkins being sold. . . . That tree you drew is perfect, especially in how the leaves drift on the wind and along the trail.



I'm not sure if "Pumpkin Patch" is the name of that pony, but in my mind it's a fitting one. She's very pretty, too. That shade of blue is perfect for her mane.



As for Spike and Twilight, they look like they're really enjoying their day. Their red and yellow scarves are cute and very fitting with the season. And seeing them with their pumpkin flavored coffee makes me excited to try some myself. Funny thing about it: it's so smooth and sweet that you don't have to add sweetener. It's perfect just as it is. No wonder it's so popular!



Also, I hope your travels are good and you find lots of beauty to inspire your creativity. I hope your autumn is a delightful one.



Again, thank you so much, dSana. See you next time and enjoy the coffee.

