//------------------------------//
// 12 Train Travel 
// Story: Alternate Beginnings: Year Three 
// by Doug Graves 
//------------------------------//

August 7th, 995

Rarity gives an exasperated sigh; how does this dog have so much energy? She already took her for a walk, and while Winona is eager to help out around the Boutique, she is far too enthusiastic about it. Rarity has tried to instill some manner of restraint in the collie, but the bundle of energy can only watch her work for so long before she starts pawing at the door again. Rarity walks up to Sweet Apple Acres, opening the gate while Winona follows happily behind.

Unable to spot Applejack outside, Rarity makes her way to the farmhouse, opening the door. Judging by the smell, Applejack is in the kitchen; Rarity drops the bag of dog food and Winona's bed inside the dining room. She walks to the kitchen, inhaling the delicious smell of apple pies baking, and says, "Evening, Applejack. Oh, and Apple Bloom, good to see you as well."

Applejack and Apple Bloom look over from the pie crusts they are rolling, saying together, "Evening, Rarity."

Rarity walks over to the oven, a glass of roasted toppings on top while two pies are cooking inside, and smiles, "These do smell delicious; do you have any to sample? Perhaps?"

Applejack rolls her eyes, "Sorry, but they won't be ready for an hour, after your train has left. You bring Winona and her stuff?"

Rarity nods, "Yes, she's waiting in the dining room. Is Sweetie Belle not here? I thought she would be helping you cook."

Applejack and Apple Bloom look at each other before Apple Bloom says, "Um, she had a bit of... difficulty with some of the juice. Ah'll go see if she's doing better, and wants to play with Winona." The foal scampers off into the house, greeted by Winona's happy bark.

Rarity levitates out one of the toppings, taking a bite and grimacing a little at the texture. "This is certainly an... interesting piece. Is it one of Doug's creations?"

Applejack suppresses her smirk, "Um, no, it's, ah, Sweetie Belle's attempt at juice."

Rarity gives the half eaten piece in her hoof another look, slowly chewing before closing her eyes and swallowing. She gags a little as Applejack rolls her eyes, "Come now, it ain't that bad. Just give her some time. Speaking of time, how's Winona been treating ya?"

Rarity says, "Hmm, well, that dog certainly makes up for her size with an abundance of energy. It doesn't matter the time of day or how busy I am, she always wants me to take her outside for walks, and while she is happy to fetch materials for me she tends to... leave a little slobber when she does. Sometimes I feel like I'm at my wits end! I know she means well, but I don't know if she's the best fit for me. And Fluttershy was so happy when Winona and I met; I just hate knowing how she'll feel if I have to give her back. And it's looking less like an 'if' and more like a 'when' each day."

Applejack nods, "Ah know what you mean. Ah thought it would be great, having Opal here to relax with after a hard day of work, or to keep me company when Doug is off with you or working on the weather. But, that cat don't follow any instruction! There's independent, and there's just plain ignoring everything Ah say." Applejack sighs, "Ah confess that Ah was also thinking about giving her back to Fluttershy. Ah just can't bear the thought of making her upset."

Rarity rubs a hoof along Applejack's back, "Well, we'll think of something, I'm sure. Thank you again for looking after Winona for the week."

Applejack nods, "Oh, not a problem, same with watching Sweetie Belle. Ah just might need to watch her a little closer when we're in the kitchen." 

The foals can be heard in the dining room, playing with Winona, as Rarity smiles at Applejack. "Well, I must be going. Have a good night!"

Applejack waves as Rarity exits the house, brushing her mane out of her face as she makes her way to the Ponyville train station. The last few rays of sunlight will soon be fading behind them as they take the night train to Dodge City. Rarity grimaces at the necessity to visit that particular rough and tumble place; from what she has heard from Applejack and others the town can be quite nasty. Especially to those with a delicate complexion such as herself.

Rarity levitates a mirror out of the saddlebag she is wearing, checking to make sure everything is still in place. It won't do to not make a trip like this in style, even if they are going the opposite direction than the one she wants. Rarity takes a long look at Canterlot, the city shining off the side of the mountain as it always does. She turns, looking in the other direction. The Everfree Forest, the Ghastly Gorge, Froggy Bottom Bogg. Well, at least the train will make short work of that. She enjoys the expeditions that take herself and Doug through, or at least next to, those areas. However, this will be their first expedition that lasts more than one night. At least her packing list ensures that she will have everything she needs to make the short time in Dodge City and then their venture afterwards palatable.

Rarity pulls out her ticket, flashing it at Steamer as she makes her way towards the train. A few workponies are detaching the remaining cargo cars that won't be needed and Rarity makes her way to the car that will be the second to last. She frowns; she would have preferred to be in one of the more comfortable sleeper cars but they didn't have room for Doug. At least, that's what he told her when he purchased the tickets. He has taken the reins to make this trip happen while Rarity keeps the Boutique running, and Rarity is glad for the relief. She smiles to herself; not every mare has a stallion who can runs things.

He had requested, and Rarity came through with flying colors if she said so herself, quite a number of garments and accessories for the trip. As she makes her way into the cargo car she spots the first of the items. When the farrier had balked at making Doug the pair of steel toed, hobnailed boots Rarity had nearly thrown a fit. Instead, being the refined mare that she is, she merely thanked the ironpony for her time and special ordered the materials herself. Doug had praised her craftmareship and declared the boots a success. They were unnecessary for his work around the farm, but he wore the boots to one of their Gorge outings and she noticed he was a lot more comfortable with walking along the steep inclines than with his everyday work boots. Not to mention how much they will help when he has to start digging.

Next to the boots is a tunic and pants combination made of some of her lighter, more breathable fabric. She smiles as she remembers his claim that these garments are the most important, that somehow wearing more would keep him cooler. Or keep him from sweating as much. Something like that. However it worked, she made him a full set of lightweight, loose clothing - jacket to go over the tunic, underwear, socks, and a funny looking hat that reminded her of Applejack's, but hanging down over his neck. He even got a pair of sunglasses like the ones Rainbow Dash sometimes wears, though he had to get them custom made.

She frowns; he has to have a lot of things custom made, either for this trip or in general. At least the herd is doing well enough to afford it, and if this venture pays off it the expenses will certainly be worth it. She looks over, seeing Doug watching her as she inspects his things. He is patting the thin mat he is laying on and smiling at her. She gives the mat a disdainful look, "I understand, you didn't want to unpack the mattress, but is that all you brought out?"

Doug shrugs, "Well, if you want to get a spot in the sleeper car I don't think it's too late. I won't mind." Rarity looks outside; it has turned to night, and soon the train would depart and the lights of Ponyville would disappear, leaving it pitch black in the room. She glances back at Doug as he lays back down on the mat, pulling out a thin blanket.

Rarity huffs before moving next to him, settling in on the mat. Doug pulls the thin blanket over the two of them, pushing the fluffier of the two pillows under her head and tucks his arm around her. Rarity shifts, trying to get comfortable and already missing the three pillows on the soft, luxurious mattress she normally uses. She feels Doug get up from behind her, grabbing the pants off the wall. He rolls them up, tucking them under his head and places the second pillow underneath hers. She sighs contentedly, shifting herself a little before settling next to him.

"Thank you, dear," she says, as she looks over the bags arrayed around them. She smiles, "It was nice of them to let you store the rest of the bags in another compartment, gives us more space in here."

She feels Doug shift behind her as the train begins moving. He sleepily says, "What other bags?"

Rarity closes her eyes, resting her head as he idly moves his hand up and down her back. She breaths out as he moves around to her side before saying, "The bags with my necessities." At the silence afterwards she opens one eye, turning her head to look at him. "You did pack those bags, correct? I gave you a list?"

He says, sounding less sleepy, "You mean the list I balled up and threw back at you?"

Rarity huffs, "And I'm certain I took that list and made it clear that I needed each and every one of those items."

Doug retorts, "You mean like the winter coat? And the second winter coat and hat and scarf in case the first one clashes with the sand?"

"Well, excuse me, but the desert is supposed to get very cold at night. What else am I supposed to do to keep warm?"

Rarity can feel the smile forming on Doug's face behind her as he says, "Do you know how we keep warm in Russia?"

Rarity puts a hoof to her head, trying to distract herself from the lack of proper accouterments she will suffer on the upcoming trip. "Is Russia somewhere north, like Trottingham?"

"Um, I think that sounds more like Britain, so further north, like a frozen wasteland."

"Ah, so the Crystal Mountains. Um, no, I don't know how one keeps warm in Russia." She gives a sultry smile as she turns her head, "But I can guess."

A large grin comes over Doug's face as he responds, "We play chess."

Rarity frowns, "I guessed wrong." Doug bursts out laughing as Rarity looks at him oddly, "What?"

Doug shakes his head, "Reference from back home. Movie quote."

Rarity pouts, "Oh. Well, I don't think what I was thinking of would have worked anyway," she smirks at Doug before rolling back over, "Seeing as you are shut off until you find a way to properly apologize for what you've done."

She smiles to herself as she lays onto the pillow. He can be a little obstinate, but Doug always does what he can to make her happy. She frowns as she reconsiders; well, unless it involves something where he thinks he is in the right. He is quite stubborn when that happens, much like Applejack in that regard. The two really do go well together. 

She coos softly as he rubs her stomach, saying, "Rarity, I'm sorry I didn't give your feelings and desires enough consideration when I was packing for the trip. I know how important those items are for you." He scratches her belly as his hand finds a comfortable resting spot, "I did pack some of the items on your list, the ones that I know you like and might use, but I understand if you don't want to do anything."

Rarity frowns; she definitely doesn't want him calling her bluff, she doesn't actually want to go all week without him. She rolls over, giving him a kiss and whispering, "Apology accepted," as the train continues rolling along the tracks, rocking them back and forth.