//------------------------------// // Foundations // Story: The Last Letter // by ManestreamStudios //------------------------------// The Last Letter: Chapter 6 - Foundations As Celestia’s morning sun rose to awaken the crystal-clear skies, so too did Twilight slowly sit up on her bed and give a mighty yawn with a good stretch. Tired eyes fell upon her vanity desk for a little bit in thought, wondering if she shouldn’t just take an extra hour to sleep in this morn. Eventually, habit got the better of her, forcing four purple hooves out of the bed. Twilight plopped down before the mirror, purple aura lifting her brush from the desk and combing the bristles through her mane. Crafting frizzy hair into a straight, fixed frame of defined lines. Once that was done, the brush was placed precisely into its original spot. Allowing the mare to unfurl her wings with an invigorating stretch and a couple of test flaps. Then the left wing curled out before her, subjecting itself to the careful scrutiny of her preening. Hoof-tips buried in the wing, Twilight carefully stroked and aligned each feather. Being extra careful to ensure a perfectly uniform look today. Only stopping to remove stray flecks of dust or lint left from her linens. She needed to look her best today. Every bit as regal as her title insinuated. Not just for her friends or for the town, no. What made this day special was the task still laid before her - the gathering of settlers. A job not without its own gravitas. It would be hard to establish the beginnings of a kingdom without a healthy number of able-bodied ponies. Aside from that, even Celestia would just be another regular pony without her subjects. Exceptionally tall, but still just one pony. Not that such teachings changed Twilight’s opinions on a less rational level. Thoughts of the other royals quickly gave way to the guardsponies, however. More particularly, Black Solleret and his progress with nullification magic. An astounding discovery of magical capabilities. Yet, seemingly, with the simplest of properties. So simple, in fact, that it seemed perplexing. He was persistent in his comparison of magic to that of waves and frequencies. But if all magic were something akin to wavelengths, why does it take a special technique for magic to interfere with magic? Another perplexing question; why didn’t it always work? Was there an extent to its effectiveness? Better still, could it really have uses beyond that of cancellation? What groves of treasured knowledge could this development bring to light? What is that smell? Truly a great mystery… ’Wait.’ Twilight was ripped from her deep thoughts by the smell of delicious food, stopping halfway through preening to point her nose towards the door. Taking a few more audible sniffs at the air, Twilight was able to identify the smell. “Grass pancakes?” Though she could easily figure out who must be cooking at this hour, Twilight’s curiosity and sudden hunger compelled her to leave the room. Nimbly traversing the stairs, the purple alicorn rounded the corner into the kitchen to find Pennyworth before the stove, with Flash Sentry and the other Day Guards sitting patiently around the dining table. “Good morning, Princess,” the three guards chimed the moment they saw her. “Good morning,” Twilight replied with a smile. Pleasantly surprised by both the sight and smell. “Ah, Lady Sparkle. So good of you to join us. Breakfast is almost served.” Pennyworth then inspected the edges of the pancakes before flipping them over to finish cooking. “Thank you, Pennyworth.” Twilight joined the group at the table, taking up a free spot across from Flash Sentry. “Hope you all are ready for today. After a quick check on Rainbow Dash, I plan on visiting some ponies to inquire for their aid in settling the new kingdom. That means we all need to look our best for our potential subjects.” “Of course, Princess,” the guards agreed in unison. “Will you be joining us, Pennyworth?” Twilight asked while unfurling her wing to finish straightening her feathers before breakfast could be plated. “If you require me to, Lady Sparkle.” After another quick flip, Pennyworth was satisfied with the pancakes and transferred them to the rest of the stack. He then proceeded to nimbly move each dish to the center of the table. Ten steaming pancakes sat high, ready for distribution. Along with: a bowl of sliced apples, a pitcher of orange juice, a container of maple syrup, and a plate of peppered hay bacon. Twilight looked up from her wing for a moment to take in the feast laid out before her, hiding a small smirk when she saw her guards practically watering at the mouth. “Wow, Pennyworth, this looks great!” “Ah-hem…” Pennyworth looked on to his princess in mild disapproval. The alicorn gave him a curious glance before looking back down to her hooves, which were still in her wing. Whereupon she looked back to Pennyworth with a slight blush. “We do not preen our wings at the breakfast table, Lady Sparkle.” Twilight gave a nervous chuckle while tucking her wing back against her side. Once Pennyworth nodded, she turned back to the food to quickly change the subject. “Right, let’s get this plated then!” Magenta magic charged forth from her horn, lifting all the food into the air. Dividing everything into neat portions, breakfast came to lay on each plate in perfect uniformity while juice poured itself into each cup in fixed measurements. Syrup adorned each pancake in a single, thick dollop, before what was left replaced themselves back at their appropriate places in the middle of the table. “Thank you for this wonderful meal, Pennyworth,” Twilight chimed, a hinting undertone gently directed to her guards. “Thank you!” each guard quickly tossed out. “You’re quite welcome,” Pennyworth commented with a nod, prompting everypony to dig in. Flash Sentry and the other guards held no reservations when it came to eating. Ever since basic training, the stallions were taught to eat fast or not at all. After all these years, it was simply second nature to them. It wasn’t until after Flash had consumed his bacon and nearly swallowed a pancake whole that he noticed the casual pace in which Twilight and Pennyworth were eating. Neither ate quite so daintily as the other princess’ did, but they certainly weren’t eating like it was a competition. Unlike himself and the other two. Subtly, Flash shouldered Lance and Cirrus to grab their attention, before giving the slightest of nods to the Princess and her valet. When they noticed too, blush peppered their muzzles for a moment while they scratched the back of their heads. “Is something wrong?” Twilight asked, having heard her guards all but stop eating suddenly. “Please excuse us, your Highness,” Cirrus began. “We’re not used to eating in the presence of royalty,” Lance elaborated. Twilight offered a curious stare for a moment, before she chuckled in realization. “Oh, please. Being royal doesn’t mean that we all eat with grace and formality. At least, not all the time anyway.” Her guards seemed a little bit confused now. She could just see them thinking back to all the times that the other princesses would eat, and finding that her words didn’t match. “For instance, my favorite place to go in Ponyville is the Hay Burger. I go there twice a month.” The guards remained speechless in utter shock. An expression which they wore like a fashionable accessory. Twilight merely snickered. “We’re not finicky eaters either. Just ask Pennyworth; he knows.” Pennyworth took a moment to wipe his mouth with a napkin before speaking. “Your eating habits are simply atrocious, Lady Sparkle.” “Uh… thank you, Pennyworth?” Somehow, Twilight expected a better response from him. After clearing her throat, Twilight gave her attention back to the guards. “The point however, is that being a princess does not magically make me so much more different from any other pony. I still eat regular food. I still love reading and learning. And, believe it or not, I still have dreams and aspirations.” Each guard spent a moment to absorb this information. Each a little perplexed as to what a princess could dream of, or aspire for. Lance and Cirrus Stream seemed to be content enough to leave it at that, but Flash’s curiosity was an inkling too strong to ignore. “Please excuse my asking, Princess Twilight,” Flash began, “but you’re a princess. What else is there?” Twilight smiled slightly, looking up in thought. “Well… to be honest, I never really wanted to be a princess. That just… kind of happened.” Unbeknownst to the purple alicorn, each guard’s eyes became the size of saucers. “No, what I really wanted to do was become a pioneer in all things magic, like Starswirl the Bearded. My life-long dream was that I would someday be as great as him, and maybe be Celestia’s right-hoof mare.” Twilight smiled at the thoughts of what could’ve been, nearly losing herself in her fantasies. Bliss plastering her face. But the smile slowly faded and she gave a small sigh. “It’s kind of funny. When I completed Starswirl’s unfinished spell… I really thought that I had realized my dream. But… I guess it just wasn’t my destiny after all.” Flash Sentry, like the other two, looked down and fumbled in awkward silence. They all knew well what it was like to be let down. “I’m sorry, Princess. I shouldn’t have asked…” Twilight quickly regained her composure and shook her head. “Oh, no, please, it’s not your fault!” She then scratched the back of her head with a nervous chuckle. “Really, don’t worry about it. I mean, sure, becoming an alicorn wasn’t exactly the top of my list for accomplishments, but it’s still pretty nice. It’s not like I won’t be able to develop new magic. I still have the opportunity to work with Black Solleret on this null field spell. “And, who knows, I might have the chance to mentor another pony with potential. Like Celestia did for me. I think it would be just as great to potentially be the one who taught the next great magical conjurer.” A bright and hopeful smile hung from her muzzle, which seemed to ease the guards a little. That’s when she decided to subtly alter the course of the conversation. “Besides, I have other things I dream about. You know. More, uhm… mundane desires. Like finding love, and having a family.” The moment it left her lips, Twilight immediately wished she could’ve taken it back. Knowing the situation her entourage was in, and the note of Flash’s prior experience, caused her to place a hoof to her mouth. “Uh, heheh… sorry…” Each guard looked to each other and shrugged slightly. “It’s okay, Your Highness,” Cirrus commented. “Having a wife and kids someday gets tossed around the Mess Hall more often than you’d think.” Cirrus and Flash gave a slight nod in agreement with Lance. Cirrus made a split-second decision and nudged Flash into Lance. “Well, hey! Tell us about your dream mare, then! I want to hear it again!” Cirrus chuckled slightly. “Oh no…” Flash proceeded to place a hoof firmly against his forehead. Mentally, Twilight was clapping her hooves together in excitement. A bonding moment like this would surely lighten the mood, and perhaps help her to get to know her guards better. Lance blushed slightly. But judging by the look of Twilight’s subtle enthusiasm, he figured it couldn’t hurt. With a small shake of his head, Lance began to recall the way he best described her. “Well… you’ll probably think it’s silly, but I saw her in my dreams once, and I could never get her out of my head… “She’s a white mare. Not like white-white, but like a creamy, cool-colored white, ya know? With a robust frame. Curvey, but in the right places. A bit older, but more refined. A little bit of white perfectly mixed in with her purple mane, ya know? Easily passing for a business mare. Vibrant blue eyes like the morning sky, and a coat as soft as the moon’s glow. “Sultry stare, silky voice. Oh man, and her tail was like velvet!” Lance shuddered slightly at the mere thought of her. “Oh, the things I would give to meet a mare like that.” Twilight’s smile softened as she began to piece together the image of Lance with this mare he was describing in her head. Yet, as he went on into detail, her eyes slowly widened at the thought. Until her mouth hung slightly agape with the final portrait. Flash was nearly in tears, trying to hold back his laughter. He wasn’t sure what was worse, the image that Lance just painted for all to share, or the fact that he was oblivious to the mixed reactions of his depiction. Pennyworth, himself, had a slight rosy-ness to his cheeks. Which, for the sake of composure, he attempted to ignore. Twilight fought with every fiber of her being to contain her outward expression. She knew that he meant well by it, but she couldn’t entertain the idea in the slightest. Quickly, Twilight’s eyes darted over to Cirrus, who seemed pretty enthusiastic about the description made. Purple eyes then fell upon Flash, still trying to contain his laughter. Twilight hardly thought this was laughable as she gave him the slightest of a disapproving glare. “What about you, Flash?” Flash scrunched his muzzle, no longer finding trouble in containing himself now that he was called on. He then gave a nervous chuckle and fumbled with his hooves a bit. “I… certainly don’t have one so detailed as Lance. I’m a pretty open stallion, so I don’t have much of a preference. Just… you know, a mare.” “Oh, c’mon Flash!” Lance began in subtle disappointment. “If you’re going to play the game, you have to do it right! These are just dream-mares, not a speed date. It’s suppose to be fun.” Twilight gave a soft chuckle in response to Flash Sentry heaving a sigh. “You don’t have to share if you don’t want to, Flash.” Flash took a moment to think about it, his eyes shifting between thoughts. Debating if he should or not. The pegasus then just shrugged. “Sorry guys, my desires are a little more simple. Just a mare. Smart… funny… understanding. Simple stuff.” “Meh…” Lance rolled his eyes slightly, completely disinterested. “What about you, Princess? Got any dream stallions?” “Uhhh…” Twilight put a hoof to her chin pensively. Soon enough, those familiar thoughts of Big Macintosh drifted into her head. The alicorn shook them off and offered a bashful smile. “Sorry boys, guess I’ve never considered the prospect before. Besides, I would have to take a similar stance to Flash Sentry. I don’t care so much about looks as I do qualities.” “As much as I enjoy idle gossip, Lady Sparkle, you do still have preparations to finish, and a job to carry out. Unless you plan to address the public with a half-preened wing?” “Oh!” Twilight looked over to the clock quickly, before turning back to her guards. “Let’s hurry up and finish. We all need to be at our best.” “Lady Sparkle?” Pennyworth waited for a moment to gain Twilight’s full attention. “Do you really think it’s wise to go around the town with three guards?” Twilight gave her valet an odd look. “Uhh… well, sure; why not?” “Don’t you think that going around talking to other ponies with three guards is a little odd? I might find the sight to be very unnerving; a princess and a hoof-full of royal guards on my doorstep.” Pennyworth then continued to eat some more. Twilight thought on the notion for a moment. “I guess I didn’t think about it like that. Maybe I should just go by myself then. I’m sure you guys could use a day off?” she offered with a smile. The guards gave one another a look of uncertainty before Lance spoke up. “That… goes against our better judgement. I’m sure Ponyville is nothing short of safe, but we were told to stick with you no matter what. At the very least, one of us has to go with.” At least one? Twilight didn’t have to think long at all. There was practically no contest. “Okay. Well, would you like to join me, Flash? It would be a great opportunity to see Ponyville. I did promise to show you around, afterall.” Flash nodded slightly. “Sure, I’ll go with.” Twilight smiled her delight, turning her attention to the other two. “Lance, Cirrus, feel free to take the day off if you wish. You’re welcome to stay here as long as you want, but I think it’ll get boring pretty fast. Unless you like reading a lot.” She gave a small chuckle at the thought. The guards still seemed unsure, but Twilight busied herself with finishing her meal. She had a lot to do today, and not enough daylight to do it in. Applejack shifted slightly, before giving a horrid groan. Light from Celestia’s golden sun jabbed at her eyes for a few moments as she tried opening them. Daylight not being something she was terribly used to anymore, nor could she remember the ground ever being this hard. More and more of her consciousness rapidly drifted back to the orange mares’ mind. And it didn’t take too many questions to remember where she was, and why she was there. Applejack lazily looked down upon the end of her muzzle, the feeling of tear-stained fur instilling a level of disgust. Accompanied by the urge to shower. Looking up, she found Oliver’s chin resting upon her head. Orange ears perking to the sound of slow, deep breaths. Followed by a deep, rumbling snore shortly afterwards. Beyond all this, Applejack became aware of the source of her discomfort. Half of his body weight was supported by her back, and something small and hard was being squished between them. Making a sharp soreness known to the mare, along with a nearly crippling stiffness in her spine. Not to mention the mind-numbing emptiness in her core. In short, she was beyond compelled to get up and go home. “Oliver… Oliver?” The stallion in question gave a rough snort before smacking his dry lips. Eyes remaining closed for fear of the piercing light. “Hm?” “Get up, Sugarcube. You’re crushin’ me…” Oliver gave off a lazy chuckle. “Sugarcube? You have no idea how much I’ve missed you callingk me zhat.” The stalling raised his head to give a mighty yawn, before the thought processed in his mind. “Does... zhis mean vwe’re... togezher again?” “How about we start with you gettin’ offa me, an’ we’ll see where it goes from there?” Applejack replied blandly. Though, a small smile curved the ends of her lips. If only just. Once Oliver got up, the farmer shakily rose to her hooves. Stretching long and hard to wake every corner of her body. A vain effort, though. AJ still found her muscles resisting her demands; a feeling of weakness she didn’t care for at all. Oliver only needed a moment to wet his mouth in order to wake up completely. Thoughts of southern comfort in the form of a steaming hot breakfast filling his hopes. That was pushed aside when he noticed Applejack taking a while to warm up though. It kind of felt odd now. Being with her used to feel so… natural. Now it was different. Almost like it was their first date again. Both struggling to find their common ground. Outside of farming, anyway. “... How do you feel?” he asked, breaking the silence between them. Applejack sighed heavily. “About as low as a toad in a dry well. Just as hungry, to boot.” Right on cue, the mare’s stomach let out a soft rumble. She then remembered the sore feeling on her shoulder and began to rub it roughly. Attempting to work out the pain. Looking over to him, AJ quickly became aware of what caused the ache. The country mare stared at his necklaces dumbly for a moment, before averting her gaze back to him. “You… you still have those?” “Uh?” Oliver looked down to the rings for a moment. Blushing slightly before he continued. “Oh… vwell, da. Vwhy vwouldn’t I?” “Ah… Ah guess Ah thought you wouldn’t have kept ‘em after… everythin’ that happened.” Oliver’s eyes wandered away for a moment. He was almost ashamed to admit that he was ready to throw them away the day before last. But Applejack didn’t need to know that. “I told you… I never stopped lovingk you.” That sentiment and a warm smile put a tear in Applejack’s eye. One that Oliver moved in to slowly wipe off, before nodding back towards the farm house. “Come on. Vwe should head back and vwash up. Everypony else is probably puttingk breakfast on zhe table right now…” “Yeah… if they haven’t turned the house upside-down lookin’ for me yet…” A thought suddenly occurred to the mare right then, causing her to look back to the grave markers. Where a lonely hat sat snugly on one of the carved stones. As much as she convinced herself that she didn’t deserve it, AJ never felt whole without it. The farmer padded over to her father’s grave, where she sat for a moment. “... If ya don’t mind, Pa…” She waited a few moments after speaking to thin air. Looking up into the big apple tree, as if expecting some form of reply. Without resistance, Applejack carefully donned her coveted accessory with a fond smile. “Thank you.” Once all was said and done, the pair began the long walk back home. White. For a while, that’s all that could be seen. White, with a little bit of texturing. It was a color that weighed heavy on Rainbow’s eyes as she laid there staring at the ceiling. Restless, yet fatigued at the same time. She wanted to get up and go do something. Even if it was just to stretch. But her body refused, like she’d done a week’s worth of Wonderbolt training in an hour. Dash’s mind was still groggy. Her eyes bloodshot and sore. But sleep was something she couldn’t find. Though, to an extent, she didn’t want to sleep anyway. She’d had the same dream yesterday when she managed to catch a short nap. Being left behind by her friends, and scolded by her best pal. Taunted. Humiliated. Rainbow Dash shut her eyes tightly for a moment. Giving off a low groan as she tried to dismiss the bad dream. That’s all it was, afterall. A dream. Her friends would never abandon her like that. …Right? “Dashie?” “Huh?” Rainbow inquired with a moan. Slowly, she moved her head to the source of the quiet voice. Trying to keep her eyes trained on the yellow mare resting on a small love seat in the room. She’d slept by her side most of the night. Though, Rainbow could tell that sleep was a fleeting thing for her friend as well. She wore her pain and worry a little more openly than the cyan mare would. Even as deeply troubled as Rainbow Dash felt, the Captain seemed more bored than anything in her bedridden state. The rainbow pegasus stared at Fluttershy for a few moments, processing the information she could hold on to through the fog in her mind. It felt harder to think than ever before. The one thing she knew, though, was that Fluttershy was incredibly sensitive to how the daredevil flyer felt. To an extent that could be described as empathic. So she needed to put on a strong exterior to keep her calm. Thus, Dash finally hung a small smile from her face. “Morning, Butterfly.” The yellow pegasus in question just woke up herself, stirred by the pained groan of her marefriend. In the long pause that existed between their acknowledgements, Fluttershy keenly observed the condition of the Wonderbolt. She was still much akin to a wreck. The sores on her eyes deepened in color, and spread a little bit too since she last got a good look at her. It made Rainbow look like death itself. Which invoked no shortage of fears for her condition. The patient’s mane was a mess as well. Not that Fluttershy’s hair fared any better. The part that stood out the most though was the redness of Rainbow’s eyes. Though they still oscillated from her vertigo - if only more slowly now - she could still see their every detail. Restlessness and anxiety the most prominent features of their rosy color. It was enough to make a lesser mare cry… Fluttershy forced herself to remain strong, though. Just like Rainbow Dash would. The doctor himself said that Rainbow couldn’t be under any stress. So the shy, sensitive mare dammed up her feelings for a later time, when her love would be in a better state to endure them. Flutters smiled back, though meekly. “H-How do you feel, Dash?” Rainbow Dash took a moment to process the question, before making a brushing motion as best as she could manage. “I’ve had hangovers worse than this.” Fluttershy gave a small, but hopeful smile. “Did… you sleep well?” Rainbow blinked a couple of times. Which, with how much her eyes hurt, was beginning to feel like a foreign part of her body. Releasing a sigh, the mare fidgeted to get more comfortable on the bed. “Well enough.” Even though her silver-tongued response was smooth, something told the Wonderbolt that Fluttershy was unconvinced. It was a bold-faced lie, and Fluttershy knew it. But she left it alone for now. “O-okay. Do you want me to… get you anything to eat… or… to drink?” Rainbow Dash mulled over the question for a moment before shaking her head. “Nah, I think I’m good for now.” “Okay. I’m right here… if you need anything.” Dash gave the yellow mare a half-hearted smile, which drifted away with her thoughts. Here Fluttershy was, being a good friend. Like she has been since the day they met. Never asking for anything in return but kindness and respect. And all Rainbow could think about was how she had treated her last night. “… Hey…” The Wonderbolt watched Fluttershy’s ears perk slightly in the hopes to be of use. “About… last night.” The moment she mentioned it, the quiet Pegasus drooped her ears and looked away slightly. Opting to tease the end of her mane a little in shame. “I… need to apologize about last night. I was being selfish, and stupid. I just felt so angry, and—“ Fluttershy put up a hoof to silence her friend, shaking her head in response. “I’m the one who should be sorry, Dashie. I was being selfish by not telling you. Even though I knew you were close friends with Applejack.” Rainbow Dash brushed it off with a gesture. “I know you were just trying to protect me. I would’ve done the same…” The cyan mare gave her mate a warm smile. However, this diminished when she noticed that Fluttershy was still reserving something. Shown by the lack of eye contact. “What’s wrong?” Fluttershy heaved a quiet sigh. “I… have to admit something. And, I wouldn’t blame you if you hate me for it…” “Hey, hey, hey…” Rainbow gave a hard grunt as she pushed herself to sit up on the bed, nearly losing her balance in the process. Not to mention the cookies she hadn’t eaten yet. Thankfully, the mellow mare was quick about rushing to her side, trying to keep Rainbow from straining herself. It was at this point that the captain took and carefully pressed her forehead to Fluttershys’. It was there that the sky-blue pegasus exercised all her focus to lock gazes with those vibrant, gentle blue eyes. "I know I'm not the best at saying it... or showing it. But I love you, Shutterfly. I may get anxious, annoyed, and maybe even a little short with you. But I could never hate you. Ever. You got that?" Slowly, with the same love returning through her softened eyes, Fluttershy gave a small nod in response. She felt Rainbow nuzzle their noses for a moment, and then let go. Patiently awaiting for Fluttershy to speak again. It was still hard to recall the event, but significantly less so now that she was reminded of her mate's fiery passion. "I did want to protect you from her," Fluttershy began, pushing aside her fears. "but there's much more to the reason why I didn't tell you. "I know Applejack was going through something tough. That much wasn't difficult to tell. But... she said things to me, Dash. Hurtful things. Words that can never be taken back. I didn't tell you... because I don't want to be Applejack’s friend anymore." Fluttershy watched the surprise slowly plaster itself over Rainbow's face. That's when she chose to look down and away again. Ashamed by the fact that her boundless kind and forgiving nature... had limits. "I'm not sure if I can forgive her, Rainbow. Maybe one day... but... I do know that I will never forget. Everything that reminds me of AJ brings up those awful words. It's like I've seen an entirely different pony, Dashie... and I don't like it.” Listening to her, Rainbow Dash remembered what Applejack said during their argument. If she was willing enough to say all that to the prismatic mare’s face… what would she have been willing to tell Fluttershy? Rainbow gave a frustrated sigh. She had a lot to think about now. “... If you don’t mind, I could go for a cup of water right now…” “Of course.” Fluttershy smiled weakly at her lover, before taking a moment to fix her covers. Just as she was about to go get some drink, the yellow pegasus stopped for a moment in thought. “Rainbow… I don’t want what I’ve told you to color your mind. After today, if you still want to be friends with Applejack, that’s fine with me. I won’t do anything to come between you. But, please… if you can help it… don’t bring her around me. I… still need time to think. C-can you do that for me?” Rainbow Dash took a moment to mull over everything. She wasn’t entirely sure how to not let this all affect her judgement of Applejack. But, at the very least, the Wonderbolt could agree with Fluttershy’s wishes. With that, she gave a slow nod. “Yeah… yeah, of course. No problem.” The yellow mare offered her partner a warm smile now. “Thank you, Dashie. I’ll get you some water now.” Once the hospital doors gave way for the princess and her guard, Twilight stole a moment to sit down and heave a small sigh. As much as she enjoyed her visit with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, it was painful to see them both so bad off. The alicorn knew Fluttershy was taking the event pretty hard. But to find out she’d spent the whole night with the Wonderbolt? “Are you okay, Princess Twilight?” Twilight looked back to the concerned Flash Sentry, nodding slightly in response. “Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just really hard to see my friends like this…” Flash looked to the side in thought. Observing a tree as its leaves gently swayed in the breeze. It was a tough site for him as well, but not so much as it was to see Twilight being affected by it. That’s when he decided to pitch an idea. “If I may, your Highness… maybe you should take a break today. You and the doctor said it yourselves. Rainbow Dash isn’t going anywhere for two whole weeks. I think you can afford a day to yourself.” Twilight simply shook her head. “I can’t do that. I need to make sure everything is going according to plan, and the schedule is met. There’s still a lot to do. Building up my settlement team, hunting down supplies, acquiring wagons, reserving adequate train cars. Not to mention checking in on Rainbow Dash whenever I can, and making sure Applejack is doing fine as well. Getting my friends all back together…” The list went on and on, Flash assumed. But he knew she needed this, and he couldn’t stand by this time. “Pri-... erm, Twilight.” Dropping the formality seemed to garner the alicorn’s immediate attention. So Flash took the opportunity to go stand by her side. “I know that, as your guard, I am to follow your orders. But I’m saying this as your family friend. Take the day off. Enjoy what you can while you can do it. We, your followers, are not the only ones subject to the burdens of a foreign land.” Wide purple eyes scanned over the guard’s face while Twilight gave it some hard thought. After a minute, though, the mare gave in with a sigh. Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to take a day for relaxation. “Alright, Flash. You win,” she commented with a small smile. Flash Sentry gave a soft chuckle. “Well, I wouldn’t be much of a guard if I didn’t win some of my battles,” he quipped. Twilight warmed the air between them with a laugh of faux indignation. “Don’t let this victory go to your head. I could just as easily have you court martialed for insubordination.” “Hmhm, I’ll be sure to tell Ruby Facet that the position opened up in that case,” the stallion mused. With the mood officially lightened, Flash took the opportunity to change focus. “So, Princess Twilight, what do you like to do to unwind?” Twilight looked up in thought while starting off towards town square, choosing to walk beside her guard instead of leading him this time. “Well, normally when I find myself with the spare time, I enjoy taking a refresher course on my Fundamentals of Understanding and Mastering Advanced Arcane Magic for the Astute: Volumes One through Forty-Two. Or one of the many other condensed versions of advanced magic books in my private library, which I keep for personal enjoyment…” Wisps of smoke could be seen visibly fuming from the guard’s fried brain by the mere mention of this. ’“Condensed”? By Celestia, how many volumes does the original lesson plan have?!‘ “But, considering recent events,” the mare continued, “I think some time at the spa would do just as well. Er, unless spas aren’t your thing?” ’Given the alternative…‘ Flash gave the alicorn the broadest grin he could muster. “Are you kidding? I love the spa!” “Sounds like a plan, then.” Twilight chuckled. Another thought then occurred to her, which seemed to sullen her demeanor, if only a little. “I think I should invite Applejack as well. It… it would be good for her.” Flash wasn’t an expert on reading between lines, but he was certain that the sentiment was more for Twilight than it was for Applejack. He could tell by the way she said it. It was the tone of a pony that just needed reassurance. The guard nodded his agreement. “I think she’d enjoy the opportunity…” As the conversation drifted into silence from there, Flash Sentry contemplated saying it himself, just to help brighten her day. He couldn’t deny that he was investing a part of himself into the alicorn mare. Especially with all that was seen and done in the past few days. But he still had his apprehensions. Little fears that have existed in the back of his mind, which reached out and inhibited his confidence like rusty iron shackles. It was stupid to have such vapid anxiety. Moronic, even. And he knew this. But it seemed that knowing it wasn’t enough to get past it. Flash looked back to Twilight, who stared off distantly in thought. Unaware of her despondent exterior, as it would seem. That’s when he gained the resolve to shake his thoughts out for a moment. Reservations would not get the best of him right now. “Hey, Twilight?” The purple mare in question stopped abruptly to give her guard an inquisitive expression. “Yes, Flash Sentry?” Flash carefully placed a hoof between her withers, noting the slight tension he could sense underneath his gilded shoe. “Everything’s going to be okay…” Twilight continued to give her guard a dumbfounded stare for a moment, having not expected to hear it. Nor the level of sincerity in his voice. He’d said it to her before… but not like that. It caused her to blush a little bit, before offering a small smile in return. “Y-yeah… of course.” Finally, her thought-process had caught up with what she’d just said, deeming it as an inconsiderate response. He’d just said something she’d needed to hear. At least some thanks was in order. But the princess was too embarrassed by her meager reply to find the words with which to correct herself. Instead, Twilight continued her now sheepish smile while once again starting off towards their next destination. While trying to figure out in her mind what exactly caused her to slip up like that. Flash Sentry shared his own light blush in light of what just transpired. His conscious screaming at him all the while. ’Was that too bold? Dear Celestia, I’ve gone and made her uncomfortable! Stupid! Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid…!‘ “Ah just don’t understand it!” “There ain’t much ta understand ‘bout your older sister anymore, Apple Bloom,” Granny Smith sagely commented to her granddaughter, while she finished setting breakfast down on the table for the family. Big Mac and Cheerilee in attendance as well, and both seeming a bit perplexed. But mostly unconcerned. “Applejack is going through a hard transition right now, Apple Bloom. She’s suffered such inner turmoil for three years, and held it back for far longer than that,“ Cheerilee began to reason with the frustrated filly. “Last night was a much needed step in the right direction… but these kinds of things take a little time. The best thing we can do for her right now is give her space to think when she needs it.” “Eyup.” “Ah can understand needin’ some space. But a little bit of warnin’ would be nice! Disappearin’ without a word just doesn’t feel right. It didn’t even look like she slept in her bed! I checked the barn, the fields, the orchard... nothin’! It just ain’t natural, even for my big sis.” With that said, Apple Bloom gave a rough sigh as she looked down to her plate. A heap of hay and apple wedges staring back at her. Though, at the moment, the farmer couldn’t find the stomach to be hungry. “Maybe Ah should go n’ check the barn again.” “Now, don’t you go frettin’ over AJ just yet. She’ll be back soon enough. Fer all you know, she just went into town and got some supplies. Considerin’ the unexpected feast we served up last night…” Apple Bloom mulled over the thought while propping up an apple slice onto its side and spinning it a little bit. “Maybe you’re right…” “Darn tootin’ Ah’m right! Now eat up, Young’n; Ah didn’t cut those apples so you could make ‘em dance.” Suddenly, the front door could be heard being swung open, followed by an announcement from a familiar voice. “Ah’m home!” “Applejack!” Apple Bloom shouted, nearly jumping right out of her seat to run and greet her. “Where’ve you been? Ah’ve been lookin’ all over, and—” The young mare’s mind stopped at the sight she now beheld in the hallway, her mouth agape to the point where her jaw could be mistaken for a pendulum. Applejack gave an uneasy smile. “Uh, heheh. Hopin’ y’all don’t mind. Ah’ve brought company.” “Oliver?” came the dumbstruck Apple Bloom’s response. The stallion in question offered his own sheepish grin. “Hi zhere.” Granny and the others casted wide-eyed stares across the table, before rushing off to stand behind the excited yellow mare. The air around them filling with a level of awe and disbelief. Sure enough, there Oliver was beside Applejack. Granny Smith was the first to break the silence, drifting on over to greet the icy-blue stallion properly. “Oh, Oliver, it’s been far too long! Ah almost forgot what you looked like.” Oliver welcomed the neighborly hug from the olden mare, before another caught his attention. “Does this mean you two are back together again?” Apple Bloom asked enthusiastically, bouncing in place before them much like a young filly would. “Uhhh….” was the chef’s only response before looking over to Applejack. She still hadn’t been very clear on that one. Honestly, he wasn’t sure himself. Applejack was still undecided. A small part of herself felt undeserving of such dedication. And she wasn’t likely to get over that anytime soon. It was still much too uncomfortable to think about. The orange mare placed a hoof on her sister to subtly curb her enthusiasm. “That’s a question best saved for later, Sugarcube. Right now, Ah’m hungry as a timberwolf.” “Well, it’s ‘bout time!” Granny exclaimed sternly while taking a jab at Applejack’s ribs. “Yer already show’n enough bone to put most of them Tackers to shame. You know how yer granny hates the sight of them girls. All sick-lookin’ an’ starved. Though, what boggles my noggin is the fact that stallions like the look!” Granny Smith carried on while she creaked on back into the kitchen, leading the family with her. Unaware of the many eyes that rolled in knowing she was going to start up another tale of her youth. “Why, when I was a filly, thin and scrawny wasn’t some hot little trend; it was cold hard reality! Course, food was a little more scarce back then. An’ it was the fat ones you were really after! Hoo-wee, did your Uncle Strudel look like quite the fetch back then. Too bad he wasn’t as content with Ponyville as your grandfather was, bless his heart. Too adventurous for this simple, old soul.” “Vwhat’s zhat?” Oliver asked almost indignantly once they were all in sight of the breakfast table. Granny Smith chuckled. “An old soul? Well, me of course!” “No no no, zhat!” All followed the hoof he cast at the table, still filled with plates of hay and apples. “Oh. Well, that’s breakfast, Sonny,” Granny corrected herself. Applejack looked back at Oliver, who seemed a bit perplexed by the sight. “We, uh… had a lot of ponies over last night. Haven’t had the chance to restock the shelves yet, Ah imagine.” Oliver’s eyes widened slightly. “Zhis is not breakfast! Breakfast is a meal; zhat is snack food.” Oliver quickly got a look in his eyes. One of fierce pride to accent a confident smile. “Nyet, zhis vwould never do. I vwill have to make you all a breakfast.” “Oliver, Ah really don’t think—” Applejack had moved to try and stop him before he could get started. But Granny Smith took her own initiative, pulling the rest of the family towards the table. “Why don’t you take up a seat with us, AJ? Let Oliver do what he does. Ya can’t tell me you’d rather have hay an’ apples…” Applejack looked back to see that Oliver was already gone, off to Celestia-knows-where in his adventure for breakfast. She didn’t want him to have to do anything like this, but she was too tired and sore to go stop him now. She heaved a sigh and went over to join the others at the table. “Not without lyin’, Ah suppose.” “So, when did Oliver get here?” Cheerilee inquired. “An where have ya been? We’ve been lookin’ for you all morning!” Apple Bloom proclaimed. Applejack stole a moment to look down at the plates there on the table. While deep inside she highly anticipated what little nothings Oliver could turn into something delicious, she was too drop-dead hungry to wait. So she snatched-up a couple of apple slices, taking a sizable bite out of one before explaining. “Ah couldn’t sleep very well last night, so Ah took some time to clean up my room and such…” Flash Sentry indulged himself in the scenery of his surroundings as Twilight continued to lead them both up Applejack’s property. The orchard which lay at the edge of town was nice and quiet, with a calming tone from the sounds of small birds and other wildlife in the area. Peaceful was a good word for it all. Even the guard had to admit that the Crystal Empire wasn’t always this nice. Sometimes… but not often enough. “Is Ponyville always like this, Princess Twilight?” he asked out of simple curiosity to break the silence between them. “Most of the time, yes,” Twilight commented as they neared the farm house. Enjoying the simple bliss of the quiet herself. “There’s been a small hoof-full of times where the town had been… hectic. But normally, it’s a rather quiet and serene place.” “It’s nice…” Flash trailed off in thought for a moment before another question surfaced. “Do you think the new kingdom will be like this?” Twilight stopped on the porch of the building now, taking a moment to think on that one. “I’m sure it will be in the beginning. At least, I hope so. I’ve grown quite used to it being like this.” A slight chuckle escaped the alicorn before finally raising a hoof to knock on the door. The indecipherable chatter from beyond the entry died down slightly, before hoofsteps could be heard reaching the door. “Hey, Twilight!” Apple Bloom said cheerfully after opening the door. The alicorn returned the optimistic smile. “Hello, Apple Bloom. Is Applejack home?” “Eyup! Come on in!” Apple Bloom stepped aside to let the purple mare and her guard through the entrance, before directing them with a hoof. “She’s in the kitchen helpin’ Oliver with the dishes.” “Who?” Twilight instantly responded with both shock and surprise, catching AB and Flash off guard. “Uhh… Oliver?” the young mare offered again hesitantly. “Do ya know him?” “Kind of…” was the royal’s response. Twilight looked back towards the kitchen for a moment, before moving closer to the young farmer and continuing in a lower tone. “How are they doing?” “Not too bad, if ya ask me. Sometimes there’ll be an odd silence between them, but you can tell they’re tryin’.” Twilight grew a small and hopeful smile. More and more it seemed that the worst of it all was behind them now. Things were starting to fall back into place. Turning back, Twilight was the first to head over towards the kitchen, stepping through the entryway to find Applejack and Oliver rinsing off some plates. The rest of the Apples conversing at the table, save for Apple Bloom, of course. “Hello, AJ, Oliver. Hope this isn’t a bad time.” “Princess?” Oliver spoke first, taking note that she didn’t at all seem surprised by his presence. The stallion set down a plate and took a moment to give a short, respectful bow of his head. “Sorry… I vwasn’t expecting you.” Twilight perked a small smile. “There’s no need to bow, Oliver. I prefer that my friends don’t, anyway.” “Uh…” Oliver gave the princess an odd look of uncertainty. “We’re friends?” “We can be, if you would like,” was the purple mare’s hopeful answer. The chef only responded with a small and nervous smile, allowing Applejack to speak up now. “Is there… something Ah can help you with, Twilight?” Twilight noticed that the farmer’s voice was still full of uncertainty, and a hint of depression. “Well… I was wondering if you and Oliver would like to join me at the spa today. It’s been a long week for the both of us, and I thought you might like it.” Applejack seemed to take a few moments to crunch on the idea. “Ah… Ah don’t know, Sugarcube…” “Hey, vwhy not?” Oliver implored. “I zhink it vwould be nice.” Applejack gave a reluctant sigh. “Yeah… it would be good. Alright, Ah’ll go.” That’s when she looked over to Apple Bloom and continued. “But only if y’all don’t need me to help with chores for a while.” Apple Bloom thought on it for a moment, but just shook her head. “Nah, we should be good for today.” “Well… alright, then.” Applejack looked back to Twilight now. “If’n y’all are ready?” Rainbow Dash laid in wait on her hospital bed, sleep deprived eyes giving a weighted stare at the ceiling again. Nothing to break the silence or give distraction. It had only been a day, and already the tired yet restless mare grew bored of finding hidden images in the walls around her. Fluttershy had taken the time to go back to the cottage and make sure her animals were properly cared for, and the nurse had already came by with a meal and a check-up. So there was no hope for idle conversation currently either. The Wonderbolt had already lost track of all the times she’d counted the number of blotches in the texturing of the ceiling. None of this was what really weighed the most on her mind, however. The pegasus couldn’t contain her thoughts about Applejack. Fear, concern, worry, anger, resentment. All these feelings were mixed together in a festering brew, and then some. It was like trying to solve a puzzle full of blank pieces. There was so much she didn’t fully understand yet, and it hurt too much to think about it all. Rainbow needed a distraction. A quick couple of knocks on the door pulled the flyer out of her thoughts, her sight wandering over towards the source of the disturbance. The portal quickly gave way to an orange filly, accompanied by two white ponies and a dragon. “Rainbow Dash!” the familiar orange mare called as she rushed up to the bedside. Looking both glad and horrified to see her. “Hey… Squirt!” was the only name the prismatic pegasus could draw on. When the orange pegasus got close enough, Rainbow exercised her hoof by ruffling the young mare’s mane a little. Scootaloo welcomed the sisterly gesture with a small smile. But this was lost when her eyes fell back upon the Wonderbolt’s face. “Sweetie Belle and Rarity told me everything. Are you alright?” “I’m Fine. Might need a little wing polish for my pride, though,” Rainbow admitted. Scootaloo hesitated slightly, but gave a small smirk. “Well… I hear Wonderbolts get that stuff for free.” “That’s the spirit,” Rainbow chuckled. “Glad to see you’re feeling better today, Darling,” Rarity chimed as she and the other two joined Scootaloo by the bed. Rainbow’s eyes scanned Rarity for a second, before giving a fool-hearty laugh. “Radiance, I don’t ever stop feeling awesome,” she boasted her smooth lie. “it’s all just different levels of awesome.” The fashionista shot the patient a glare of faux offense. But, really, she couldn’t have expected the cyan pegasus to retort with anything else. She could also see that it was just a front. “Radiance?” Sweetie asked, looking over to her sister and Spike in the hopes of an explanation. Spike shrugged. “Doc said she’d have difficulty with actual names and places for a while. Some of the names are actually pretty cool though.” “Huh. Wonder why that happens…” The young singer raised a hoof to her chin in thought. Spike wracked his brain to try and remember. “Something about… drawing on memories she associates closest with the names? I can’t remember for sure.” “Makes enough sense, I guess,” Sweetie agreed. She then got a small bit of excitement at the prospect, quickly turning back to Rainbow Dash. “Oh! What’s my name?” the young mare asked enthusiastically. “Uhhhh…” Rainbow Dash had to think on that one for a few moments, obviously struggling a little. The flyer had no idea thinking could be so hard. “Oh yeah, Sing Song.” Having been declared, Rainbow gave a confident smile of achievement. “That’s not half bad,” Scootaloo commented. “Considering I’m still Squirt.” At that, the weather pony visibly dropped to a lack-luster demeanor. Sweetie Belle giggled slightly. “I think Squirt is a cute name for you.” “Could be worse, she just calls me Lizard,” Spike deadpanned. Having admitted that, the dragon slumped heavily while everypony else laughed. Once Rarity calmed down, she placed a hoof on Spike’s arm. “Don’t feel bad, Spiky-poo. You’ll always by my love-lizard.” The dragon blushed a little from the lovey-dovey sentiment. “Maybe it’s not that bad of a name…” Sweetie Belle chuckled some more. Unbeknownst to the others though, Scootaloo just rolled her eyes while Rainbow Dash used her typical gagging expression. As comical as the sight was, Scoots’ smile flattened at the site of her idol’s current state. Beaten and run ragged. It boiled her blood. Which was made apparent as she let out a frustrated sigh. “I just can’t believe Applejack. She’s gone too far this time.” “This time?” Rarity asked hesitantly. Sweetie Belle shared a glance with Scoots, before rubbing her hooves together in thought. A hint of shame and regret hidden behind her emerald eyes. “This isn’t the first time AJ fought with somepony. There were a couple of times I caught Abby with a bruise. She’d just cover it up with dirt and insist she’d been working extra hard. But we knew she was lying.” “That’s only half of it,” Scootaloo continued indignantly. “A few months back, when Applejack started drinking again, Apple Bloom showed up at my house late one night. All I could get was that her sister yells in her sleep sometimes when she gets drunk.” After a moment of odd silence filling the air, Scootaloo was able to calm down to a sullen sympathy. Almost as if realization had hit her. “But… I always suspected that there was more to it.” Sweetie Belle’s ears folded back at the revelation. “Abby never told me that…” The orange pegasus timidly brushed her hoof against the floor. “She... kinda asked me not to tell anypony. Apple Bloom said it wasn’t a big deal; just that she really needed a good night’s sleep. I could tell, though… AB was almost ready to give up that night.” “Oh my… the poor dear,” Rarity said quietly with a hoof raised to her mouth. Spike appeared to contemplate the new information for a while. These thoughts were pushed aside, however, when he remembered one crucial thing. “That’s all in the past now, so it doesn’t matter.” Suddenly, all eyes fell upon the dragon in a rainbow of mixed emotions. Some confused, some disbelief, and even a trace of anger. He continued to stand firmly behind what he said regardless. “You want to run that by me again?” Scootaloo asked aloud, as if requesting a reason to chew him out. Sweetie Belle seemed to be among the confused portion of the group. “What is that suppose to mean?” Spike now thought a little bit more carefully about what he said next. Knowing how well Scoots took after Rainbow Dash, his reason would have to outweigh her fiery passion. “Well, yesterday, Twilight managed to break through to AJ, and made her realize just how much damage she was doing to herself and everypony around her. In that moment… I witnessed true remorse. Remorse for all the wrong that she ever did.” Spike allowed for a moment of silence to let that sink in. Sweetie Belle had joined Rainbow Dash in pensive contemplation, while Scootaloo could be more closely described as frustrated. Seemingly not knowing what to do with herself now. “We all got together late last night, and Applejack made amends with everypony there. And we all gave her our support in turn. So, I guess what I’m trying to say is; if somepony is sorry, truly and honestly… isn’t forgiveness enough?” Scootaloo didn’t have to work hard on that thought for long. “No. I don’t believe it is enough. There’s a difference between yelling at somepony, and physically attacking them. She abused Apple Bloom, and hospitalized Rainbow Dash. Things that normally merit time in a dungeon. Applejack can be sorry all she wants behind bars.” Spike shook his head. “What good would imprisoning Applejack serve, Scootaloo? Would it take back the pain and suffering?” The orange flyer seemed to be taken off guard by such a question. “W-well… no.” “Would it undo what had been done?” Spike continued. “... No,” Scootaloo answered hesitantly. Spike nodded. “Is she meant to contemplate what she did wrong? Or be aware that what she’s done was wrong? Because I’m pretty sure she realizes that now.” Scootaloo shrank down slightly. “Well… I guess not.” “So, what? Is it just to make you feel better?” the dragon implored. “Maybe a little…” the young pegasus admitted with a hint of doubt. “Alright. So we put AJ in prison, and it makes you feel better,” he reiterated plainly. “Well… yeah,” the orange mare agreed again, with equal hesitation. Uncertain as to where Spike was going with all this. “Isn’t that just a little bit unjust?” This time, Spike didn’t receive an answer. Though, the pause seemed to suggest that he expected one. In the absence of Scootaloo’s voice, Sweetie Belle decided to try and follow the thread further. “I understand the idea that it serves no real purpose… but how is it unjust?” “There’s a fine line between justice and vengeance,” Spike finally began to elaborate. “Justice, as defined, is just behavior or treatment; the quality of being fair and reasonable. But the problem here lies in the fact that what we consider to be fair and reasonable is based on our own opinions and moral beliefs. Only to be guided by laws based upon the beliefs of our ancestors. Who were influenced by what they were taught and learned. Further blurring the concepts of fairness and reason. “Despite all this, I’ve found that you need only one question to truly and absolutely retrace the defining line between justice and vengeance. Does it foster improvement? Not just for one, but for all. Is it allowing for a positive change in all involved? That is what really matters.” Sweetie Belle meditated on the sagely wisdom of a young dragon for a while. Much the same as every other pony in the room did. Finally, the alabaster mare gave a small nod. “Well… if Abby can forgive her sister... I think I can too.” Scootaloo felt that it was now her turn to voice her verdict as well. Though, she could not find the words as easily as Sweetie seemed to. Largely uncertain, the young flyer turned towards the only pony who could truly sway the mare’s opinion. “Do you forgive her, Rainbow Dash?” All eyes fell upon the Wonderbolt in anticipation of her response. Truth be told, the cyan pegasus had never really given the notion any real thought. She certainly didn’t resent Applejack for anything she did. But Rainbow wasn’t happy with any of it either. It was too hard to say right now, and even more so to even think on it. “I… don’t know,” was all she could provide as an answer. Scootaloo resumed her pensive demeanor, her eyes shifting between thoughts. Eventually, the orange pegasus looked over to the clock before giving a sigh. “I, uhm… need to get back to work for a bit. I’ll be back later, though.” Before she could leave, Scoots got up to the bedside and gave Rainbow Dash a small hug paired with a warm nuzzle of their cheeks. “Get better soon, alright Dash?” The Wonderbolt offered a comforting smile as she returned the gestures. “Only if you promise to keep being awesome, Squirt.” “My brand of awesome doesn’t have an off switch anyway,” the young flyer quipped, earning a good chuckle from the patient. Once parted, Scootaloo trotted off to take care of business. As well as think about recent events. After Scootaloo left, Sweetie Belle turned to the others. “I think I’m going to see if Abby wants to hang out a little bit today. Hope you feel better soon, Rainbow Dash.” “Thanks.” Rainbow watched as Sweetie left the room as well. When her eyes fell upon Rarity and Spike, the pegasus gave them the smallest of smiles. “You guys don’t have to hang around if you don’t want. I can’t really do anything anyway…” Rarity merely shook her head. “Nonsense, Darling! You don’t have to do anything but let us keep you company. Besides, this room is so dreadful. Not an ounce of color or taste for miles.” Cantering over to the window, Rarity began to fuss with the curtains. Fixing them so that they could hold the appearance of an accent. While Rarity worked, Spike shared a small chuckle with Rainbow Dash after each had rolled their eyes. He then began to make himself comfortable next to the flyer’s bed before continuing to watch Rarity do her work.