Appledashery Vol. Two

by Just Essay


Apple Concentrate

Fluttershy took a sip of tea and leaned back. "Did this stallion say what he wanted the apples for?" Fluttershy asked.

"Hmmmmm..." Applejack adjusted the brim of her hat, staring up at the ceiling of Sugarcube Corner the next day. "Somethin' to do with a brand spankin' new trade route with these buffalo who live up in some place called Granite Mountain. Beats the heck out of me what Fancy Pants is wantin' to get out of such an exchange, but—shucks!" She leaned forward, smiling ecstatically at her companions gathered at the table. "If this gives me an opportunity to sell our apples to new ponyfolk beyond Canterlot, then I'm happy to have been signed up!"

"Well, of course Fancy Pants knows what he's doing!" Rarity exclaimed with a dramatic smile. "He's only the wealthiest, smartest, and most benevolent philanthropist in all of the East Territories! Not to mention exceedingly debonair and handsome." An airy chuckle and she smiled at her countrified friend. "If he has an eye for your produce, Applejack, then what's to say that he won't take a liking to other things to come out of Ponyville? Such as art! Crafts!"

"Or fashion, perhapssss?" Twilight smirked at the mare with a waggling eyebrow.

Rarity blushed into her teacup. "A mare can dream."

"Well, I for one think that this is the most fantastic news I've heard all week!" Twilight said with an excited lilt in her voice. "Heck, make that the whole month! It just... I don't know! It brightens my day! Heeheehee!"

"You think yer happy?!" Applejack winked. "Granny Smith's almost had three heart attacks in the last forty-eight hours, all from tryin' to jump for joy!"

"Oh goodness!" Fluttershy clasped her hooves together before her muzzle. "Is she okay?"

"Nothin' a little Sweet Apples Calming salve won't fix."

"Calming... salve...?" Rarity repeated.

Applejack gestured. "Spread a little apple sauce right above the nose. It does wonders."

"Ohhhhhh..." Rarity smiled. "I do so need to try that the next time I'm at the spa."

"You've been awfully quiet, Rainbow!" Twilight looked across the table. "What do you think of Applejack's good news?"

Applejack blinked, ears twitching. She was so busy telling her story that she practically forgot the pegasus was even seated at the table with them. Looking over, she realized precisely why.

The mare had been completely silent. Presently, she was leaning lazily back in her chair, gazing off into empty space. She was evidently thinking of something funny, judging from the subtle curve to her muzzle.

"Uhhhh... Rainbow Dash?" Twilight's voice rasped, and still it didn't stir the mare.

"Hey!" Pinkie Pie gasped. "Dashiiiie!"

"Guh..." Rainbow blinked, looked at the rest of the mares. "Buh?"

"Oh, whew!" Pinkie Pie sat easy in her seat. "For a moment there, I thought your brain had turned to slugs or something!"

"You okay, Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asked. "You... look tired."

"Oh..." Rainbow Dash stretched, then leaned limply forward. "Don't mind me." A half-stifled yawn. "I was up all night... uhm... Doing loopty loops over my house."

Applejack rolled her eyes.

"All throughout the night?" Rarity remarked. "Why, whatever for, darling?"

"Oh... uhm..." Rainbow fumbled suddenly for an explanation. "Uhhh... I was just... erm..."

"Training... for the Wonderbolts?" Twilight suggested enthusiastically.

"Yes!" Rainbow awoke. "The Wonderbolts! That's exactly it! Heh! Gotta keep myself in top shape! Cuz... those Wonderbolts, heh, I'm telling you!" She smiled proudly. "Not a day goes by when I don't think of... of j-joining the Wonderbolts!"

Rainbow had a one-track mind. It was adorable, in a way.

"Heh... well keep at it, sugarcube!" Applejack encouraged her. "I for one am livin' testimony that you can accomplish yer dreams no matter what you run up against!"

"Yeah..." Rainbow exhaled. She had nothing else to add.

"Glad to see you're on board with this discussion." Rarity chuckled at Rainbow Dash. She then turned to grin at the group at large. "My goodness! My mouth feels positively parched from all of this felicitous gasping!"

"Uhm..." Applejack squinted. "Don't ya have yer tea to wet yer whistle with?"

"Oh, but now I feel like I desire something cool and refreshing." Rarity looked at their host. "Pinkie, dear, might I trouble you for some of Sugarcube Corner's finest lemonade?"

"I can do ya a better solid than that!" Pinkie got up and trotted briskly across the room. "Follow me! We can choose you a flavor!"

"More than one flavor of lemonade?!" Rarity scooted out of her chair and followed her. "I feel prepared to—how do you put it—'have my mind blown,' as t'were."

"I certainly can't pass this up!" Twilight got up and joined the pastel train. "Pinkie! Make that double!"

"Shucks, I can actually plan on havin' spendin' money now!" Applejack briskly chased the group. "Wait up! And triple it, y'all!" She glanced over her shoulder. "You two want in?"

"Uhm..." Fluttershy waved from where she remained sitting at the table with Rainbow Dash. "We're good. But we appreciate it."

"Suit yerselves!" Applejack sighed happily as she accompanied the other mares. "Whew! Golly, I feel like runnin' a mile after this! It's a gorgeous day outside, ain't it?"

"Heehee! You can say that again!" Pinkie Pie bounced behind the counter. "This morning had the most beautiful sunrise! I mean it! Somepony must have put magic explosion crystals in Celestia's coffee!"

"Oh Pinkie, don't be silly." Twilight Sparkle chuckled. "Magic Explosion Crystals have been outlaw'd since the Donkey Rebellion of 975."

"Well, something a bit more legal, then! The eastern horizon was extra glimmery!"

"She ain't lyin'!" Applejack found a hard time standing in place—almost as if she could cut a jig at any moment. "Whew-wee! Is it hot in here or is it just me?"

"I suspect you'll get used to it, darling," Rarity said in a soft tone.

"Get used to what-now?"

Rarity winked at her. "Being happy. If you ask me—you deserve the enthusiasm. You're already positively radiant."

"Pffft... I'm used to bein' happy!" Applejack said.

"If you say so, darling."

Applejack smirked suspiciously. "Are ya callin' me a liar, Rarity?"

"No. But I suspect you are mixing up happiness with contentment."

"Huh..." Applejack blinked. "I never thought of it that way."

"And let us hope you never have to again."

"Heh... darn tootin'."

"Eee-hee-hee!" Twilight spontaneously leaned in and hugged Applejack, nuzzling her close. "I'm so glad things are looking up for you! I love it when my friends are happy!"

"Heheh..." Applejack playfully ruffled the mare's mane and nuzzled her back. "Awwwww shucks, Twilight. That makes the two of us..."