The train was pleasantly quiet, save for a series of thunderous snores. Wind flew through tiny lungs, giving fuel to energetic muscles and random dreams. Occasionally a leg would fling forward, apathetic to anything in it’s path. The grand finale consisted of a recipe of varying intensities of snores. Everypony in the train was tortured with the sounds, however, none would have guessed the identity of the cuprit. All logic contradicted the dilemma; a tiny bunny should not be able to produce such loud snores.
"We should be in the Foaluth train station in five minutes. Be ready to depart. Thanks for traveling with us and enjoy your stay!" The intercom managed to wake Fluttershy.
"Hey ‘Shy, how was your nap?" Rainbow asked.
"Oh, it was nice! I haven't taken one in such a while." Fluttershy said, wiping her eyes.
"That makes two of us!"
Angel tried his best to call attention to himself as he struggled to get up. He threw his arms in the air until his elbows clicked and took an unnecessarily large yawn. He then perched on Fluttershy's head and threw his head into her hair, demanding that nothing would stop his sleep.
"Hey Tank, we're there!" Dash knocked her hoof against his shell. His foot met hers in a brohoof. "That's my boy!" the daredevil laughed.
"So Dash, what's the plan?"
"Got your saddlebags and everything? We can catch a carriage to his house. There should be a couple carriages watching outside the train station."
"Sounds great. I can't wait!"
The train finally let go of it's motion as they docked with the station. Fluttershy and Rainbow sat contently in their seats as anxious passengers scurried outward. As the last pony cleared out of the door, the pair reached for their saddlebags and departed outward. Tank stood next to Dash while Angel was visiting the dreams he had before.
"Hey bro, we need a ride!" Dash flagged a carriage down.
"Climb aboard mares. Where to?" The carriage stallion was somewhat elderly, and carried a look that suggested he had "seen-it-all".
Rainbow showed him the address.
"Cool. That's a really nice place of town. How about I take the scenic route?"
"Hay yeah!" Rainbow cheered.
"It's been awhile since somepony has been this excited about a ride! Sit back and enjoy. Where you gals from?"
"Well, we're both from Cloudsdale, but now we live in Ponyville. We're up here for a little vacation," Rainbow replied.
"How long have you been together?"
Fluttershy blushed heavily while Rainbow rose in defense. "No, we're not together. We are just friends. We need a break from our lives," Rainbow said, trying to minimize her insecurity.
"Oh no, I'm sorry. When you said you were both from Cloudsdale and moved to Ponyville, I assumed you moved together."
"Nah it's cool man...”
Angel would love this. In fact, I could probably record it and sell it to him.
"You're bunny really snores, miss," the stallion smiled.
"Yes, he's a heavy sleeper," Fluttershy politely stated.
"And I don't think I've ever seen a pony with a pet tortoise."
"He's a good pet. Loyal and awesome!" Dash proudly cheered.
"You'll want to see this ladies. We're coming up on the river."
Fluttershy was truly in awe at nature's beauty. The clear waters of the river were at mercy of the current. The massive propulsion of water created a few ripples at the surface which the light impacted and reflected. Above all, Fluttershy loved the sounds. The soft breeze fluttered the leaves and the current created a soft surge. Peace. She slowly inhaled and exhaled, harmonizing her breaths with nature's voice.
"Okay Fluttershy, I can get why you like nature so much. In all of years... This is incredible!" Rainbow nudged Fluttershy's shoulder.
"Yeah, it really is something." Fluttershy said, still gazing upon the various sights.
"Yeah, sometimes even I forget the beauty of this place. It's something. We're almost there gals. Shouldn't be much longer. How's Wind Pierce doing? He was up here 3 months ago," the stallion asked.
"You know Wind Pierce? He's doing good. He's getting old, but still has it in him. I head over there sometimes for dinner. He doesn't use this very often anymore, does he?"
"No, he only comes up once or twice a year. And he doesn't stay long. So it's a great thing you gals are using it."
"So, what's your story? You seem like a pretty nice guy," Fluttershy pleasantly investigated.
"Oh, I'm not real important. Just like to hear people's stories is all. You get a lot of nice and bad ponies coming through the trains. I'm delighted to say that you two are some of the nicest I have met. Makes the job worthwhile."
"Sometimes we all need to be shown a little kindness." Rainbow Dash smiled.
Fluttershy felt an intense feeling of both joy and anxiety upon her. Her best friend repeated her words in her honor.
"Angel, man, you need to hear this!" The tortoise croaked.
The bunny snorted a final snore before throwing himself up. Normally Fluttershy would tend to him, however, her focus on Rainbow and the scenery had blocked the bunny out of her focus. He turned his head towards Tank and let out a massive yawn. "Look lonely George, sleep is serious business! Don't make me remind you again!"
"Man, calm down. Take it easy, okay?"
"I was dreaming about you making me a salad. With a cherry on top and a fresh glass of juice by my side!"
"Listen! Okay, can you ever just like, agree to something, you know? Like ever actually be content?"
"Alright, what is going on? I'm assuming you want me to give you my order so you can order a salad for me?"
The tortoise rolled his eyes. "You might be right about your mom. She blushes all the time. But Dash is not at all romantic. I haven't seen a single sign."
"Of course you haven't seen it ‘cause you aren't looking! Just look at Dash through a different angle, and I'm sure you figure it out! This is how stuff like this works! I mean, they wouldn't go through all this trouble if they weren't going to get together! They're perfect for eachother! The only problem with them being marefriends is that I will have to put up with you!"
"Hey Angel, I'll let you have that one. We'll see what happens. Just, calm down, okay?"
"Here we are gals. Wind Pierce's home. Have a good stay. When you need a ride to the train station, call the company and ask for me. I'll come pick you guys up."
"Hey, now there's a great idea," Dash said as she unloaded her saddlebags. "We didn't catch your name though."
"Ask for Rough Rider."
"Thanks Rough Rider! We'll see you in a couple of days," Fluttershy replied
"You gals have a great time." The stallion made his way back to the road.
"Angel Bunny, we are here! Are you going to stay up there?" Fluttershy mothered.
The bunny dove from her head onto the ground and began to follow her trots. Rainbow waved the stallion goodbye and flew towards the cabin.
"What a nice little place!" Fluttershy wasn't lying. It was a beautiful cabin located in a perfect location. Everything was hoofmade, and it seemed just the right size for the two ponies. Wild-flowers grew alongside the cabin, while a short path lead to the lake.
"Let's go check out the lake!" Dash threw her saddlebags on the ground. Fluttershy, trying to live in the moment, did the same. Her excitement lifted her off the ground as she chased her best friend.
"Oh my, it's beautiful!" Fluttershy cheered as she flew towards the dock. She landed next to Rainbow and collapsed her wings. It was nearing night, and the sun silently fell. The lake was perfectly calm as opposed to the river; Rainbow's breaths were her only company. A few waterbugs swam by the dock, creating tiny ripples. Shoals of fish investigated the surface and a hawk flew overhead.
"So tomorrow we can go swimming, go for a hike, have a bonfire, go kayaking in the river... I don't know where to start! This is going to be so awesome!" The daredevil pressed her hoofs against her cheeks.
"Yay!”
"So Tank and I will take the room upstairs. You can have downstairs. There's plenty of food in the fridge, and we can always walk into town and grab some more. We should be all settled. But I don't wanna unpack right now. Let's enjoy the view and maybe light a bonfire?"
"Sure Dash. I'm game."
"Now THAT is romantic, am I right? I mean, come on, even I'm feeling the love tonight!" Angel laughed.
"I don't see any hugging or kissing, all I see is two good friends just having a good time." Tank slowly crept towards the lake.
"Oh whatever. I call top bunk!"
"Angel, I don't think he has bunk beds."
The bunny planted his palm against his forehead. "What are we going to do with you, Mr. Buzzkill?"