Last weekend a new cart was pulled into the open-air market by an unfamiliar mare, laden with all manner of curios; small trinkets of unknown origin, bottles of all shapes and size, eye-catching baubles glittering in the morning light. More than enough to draw the attention of market regular, Little Morel. After browsing for several minutes under the careful gaze of the vendor, her eyes were drawn to something a bit out of place among the unusual wares; hair dye. The mare took notice, sidling up beside Morel and giving a her placid smile. Lowering her head to Morel’s level, and speaking in quiet, honeyed words, she promised the world. Natural beauty. Volume and growth. Stronger roots. A whole new look that could last for months.
 
Morel returned the gesture with a knowing smile of her own. The ponies here always went out of their way to embellish their wares and inject a little extra drama into her day. Some may have seen it as overenthusiastic, but it’s exactly why she was so fond of her weekend shopping trips. She’d never been one much for cosmetics, but even she would admit her usual style was a bit… Simple. Maybe it couldn’t hurt to try a new look for a while. Besides, the bottle of veridian dye was surprisingly inexpensive, and the mare had put on a good show.
 
A few hours later, Morel stood before her bathroom counter, mane and tail wet with her purchase. She took another look at the bottle. “Sun-Dry for Best Results…” She had just gotten back in, but it was an especially nice day, and the mare had made a parting comment about following the instructions very carefully. Another little walk in the sun couldn’t hurt, could it?
 

 
Update, now without forgotten bits!