“Crystal, I’ve just been told about a novel this gentlestallion is working on!” Sunset’s grin verged on mischievous. “You have to hear this for yourself. It’s titled Beanis Universe, and—”

“Beans?” Crystal asked, tentatively.

Sunset’s grin widened and he gestured to the orange-and-yellow stallion at his side. “Oh, I’ll just let the author himself explain. This is Margin Seeker.”

“Hey.” Margin gazed up at her through half-lidded eyes. “So, that’s a common misconception when I talk to ponies about my story. It’s beanis, not beans. Though beans are involved.”

Crystal glanced between him and Sunset. “I’m afraid I don’t understand.”

“Yeah, it’s okay. Let me start from the beginning. A scientist is tasked with crafting the beanis for her friend.”

Though she was certain she didn’t want to know, she had to ask. “But what is a beanis?”

Margin released a put-upon sigh. “That’s the question, isn’t it? What is it? Is it a revolution? A new way of thinking and feeling?” He clicked his tongue against his teeth, drawing a hoof in a lazy circle. “Me, I just think it’s a bunch of beans in the shape of a pe—”

“Why?” Crystal squeaked, eyes going wide and heat burning her cheeks.

Sunset snorted and choked on a laugh.

“Oh, you’re one of those ponies who like backstory and all that. Okay.” Margin turned his head to one side. “Hey, Deep Lore.”

A stallion with his back to them replied without turning around, “No.”

Margin frowned. “Come on. You love backstory. Help me out here.”

“No.” Deep Lore took a step away. “You’re on your own with this. We’re not even that close.”

“Wow, okay.” Margin’s frown deepened and he waved a hoof as if to dismiss the already-leaving stallion. “See if I ever give you some of my special brownies again.”

There was a pause before Deep turned his head to stare at Margin, expression blank and tone deadpan. “Deep Lore relishes your animosity.”

Margin snorted, stuck his nose in the air, and returned his attention to Crystal. “Anyway, so, uh, the beanis. The idea came to me when—”

“I’m sorry.” Crystal flashed a brief attempt at a smile. “I think I just heard somepony call my name, over there.” She hurriedly trotted past him and into the crowd, glaring at Sunset as he followed her. “Seriously?”

Sunset tossed his head back to bark out a laugh. “It was worth it for the look on your face!”

“I just. I don’t think I can take much more of this.” Crystal stopped to sit down and rub at her temples with both forehooves. “Have ponies always been this crazy?”