As Hearth's Warming nears, Applejack celebrates in her own private way.

Cover art by PyrisiaMiracles

Reading by Scribbler • Spanish translation by Spaniard Kiwi

While coming home from the Canterlot rodeo with Applejack, Rainbow Dash spots a strangely familiar pony. The weird coincidence seems to mean something more to Applejack, leading to a conversation about family that may bring two friends even closer.

"Oh come on, Applejack! Just one trip around the clouds! One!"

It's an invitation that Applejack has heard countless times. However, no matter how often Rainbow Dash bugs her to experience an air ride, the farm filly flat out refuses.

Then one afternoon, on a day when Applejack is strangely quiet and distant, she suddenly agrees to Rainbow Dash's persistent request. The pegasus happily oblidges, not knowing what has truly motivated Applejack to give in, nor the fact that--more than anything--Applejack could really use a good friend right about now.

Following the most recent Apple Family Reunion, Applejack finds herself alone in her room with much on her mind. With the star-filled sky as her only witness, she finally has a chance to open up to the two most important ponies in her life: her parents.

Story in Russian: Here!

Special thanks to:
Brony Assasin
Mr. Carnage
Silbern
professorriversong
And this song: Re: Stacks - Bon Iver.

Everypony has secrets, and Applejack is no different. Apple Bloom's looking for answers only her older sister can give, but Applejack doesn't want to talk. If her secrets came to light, she fears they could crush the filly who looks up to her with nothing short of admiration.

Cover image by latecustomer. Story inspired by image.

Featured on Equestria Daily on Nov. 11, 2012.

See also this song, which was featured on Equestria Daily on June 27 and inspired by this story.

Ponyville is enjoying its biggest cute-ceanera in years; a triple celebration for the Cutie Mark Crusaders. But while the party continues in town, back at Sweet Apple Acres two other members of the Apple clan find themselves turning their thoughts to the past. To ponies who aren't here to share in the joy of this incredible day.

Cover art and inspiration for this story drawn by Storm Blaze! http://stormblaze-pegasus.deviantart.com/ Art used with kind permission. :)

Family. To the ponies of Sweet Apple Acres, to Applejack, there's nothing more important. But what does it mean to be family? Applejack's parents are finally returning home, but will it be the reunion she's always dreamed, will she finally receive answers to questions that have plagued her since youth? Or will her dream become a nightmare, fueled by fear of what those answers might be?

They say you can’t miss what you’ve never had. And Scootaloo would be inclined to agree with them. Except, she did have all a little filly would want from a home, and she does miss what she lost. Not that anypony would help her get it back.

Would they?

Edited by the incomperable Inky Jay - Go give him some love.
Cover art by Dat Ensayne

Applejack takes a train ride to see her parents.

Being a Wonderbolt had been Rainbow Dash's dream.

She had never bargained for what it would cost her though.