//------------------------------// // Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come // Story: Planted in the Clouds // by KathAud //------------------------------// That autumn Princess Luna was full of plans for Equestria’s next step. She wanted an unusually harsh winter in hopes of further decimating the creatures, to be followed in spring by attempting a farm on the ground. The former Rainbow Falls area had been identified as a likely - and defensible - spot. Though Shining Armor and Spitfire flat refused to consider the possibility of Luna leaving Cloudsdale anytime soon, still she decided to officially dictate her wishes in the event that something happen to her before Flurry Heart reached her majority. “She’d want me, Shining, and Spitfire to form a regency until Flurry’s ready,” Applejack informed the family as she readied that night’s dinner. “That makes sense,” Soarin replied from where he lay on the floor playing with Harmony. Scootaloo looked up from her homework with a frown of concern creasing her forehead. “Does Princess Luna think something’s going to happen to her?” “No, Sugarcube. She’s just being careful.” “If Spitfire’s doing that than who’d be running the ‘bolts?” Rainbow wondered. Soarin scoffed. “You, of course!” “ME!? What about you?” “Nah. Spitfire and I are the same age and we’ve been at it a while now. Nothing’s actually going to happen to Luna. More likely things will just get slowly better and we’ll move on. She already works with Luna a lot. I could see her moving into some sort of official role. Maybe still involving the guard or the ‘bolts but not flying anymore.” Harmony was now flying around the room at about shoulder height, looking for the cat. Soarin made a grab for her but she darted away, giggling. Everypony said she was already a very strong flyer for a baby, not that Applejack had much frame of reference. She’d fretted that it might make Scootaloo feel bad but she seemed as pleased as the rest of the pegasi, and in fact with Rainbow Dash and Soarin both coaching her she had even started showing signs of progress herself. “So what would you do?” Rainbow challenged. “I’d work on the farm, with AJ.” Scootaloo burst out laughing. “What’s so funny?” Soarin grinned and tossed a stuffed bear at her. “I can’t picture you as a farmer!” “That makes two of us,” Applejack remarked dryly. “Okay, it’s a little out of the norm for me, yeah. But I’m a hard worker, and Jackie’s a good teacher.” Applejack gave him her signature raised eyebrow but her expression softened at the sight of his earnest smile. It really seemed like he’d given it some thought. “So who would be my second in command?” Rainbow mused, taping her chin thoughtfully. Soarin, Scootaloo, and AJ all called out a different suggestion. “Misty!” “Pizzelle!” “Thunderlane!” “Pfft!” Rainbow rolled her eyes at Applejack. “He’s just your favorite ‘cause he brought you the apples!” “He’s done more than just find the apples! But yeah, I guess he is my favorite. After y’all, of course,” she amended in response to Soarin and Rainbow Dash’s matching pouts. That night after Soarin rocked Harmony to sleep, Applejack suggested they put her in her crib in her own room. Soarin knew what that usually meant, and he practically pounced on AJ as soon as they returned to their bedroom. “Did you mean what you said earlier?” she asked afterward. Sitting up, still astride him. “Do you really think you could be happy farming?” “Yeah, I actually do.” He rubbed his hooves around her cutie marks in slow, circular movements. “The Wonderbolts were my whole life for a long time. My friends, my family, my home, my everything. Now that’s you and Harmony. I finally have my own family and I want to enjoy it. I’ll stick with the ‘bolts for as long as they need me. Maybe always, in some capacity. But Luna’s plans for spring give me a lot hope. Maybe someday we can even resettle some of your family’s land.” Applejack traced a line down his chest. “That does sound real nice,” she mused. But then, ever the realist, she added. “That could still be a long ways away though, Sugarcube. If ever.” “Hey, c’mon - no ‘if ever.’ Someday. It’s fine for now. I like knowing you two are safe up here. But I want you to get your own home back. Your own orchard. I want to help you build something for our family. Dash and Scootaloo would probably come with us; Ponyville was their home, too. Maybe we could think about another foal or two...” the massaging motion on her flank and sides was almost hypnotic. AJ could see in his smile that he knew full well the effect he had on her. “Soarin, sometimes I think you could sweet talk me into believing anything.” He wound her tail slowly around his hoof. “Well, I believe it.” “Then I do, too.” She bent her head to nip at his ear. “Seems like she’s still out... got another round in you?” “You know it, babe!” When they finally settled down to sleep much later, AJ whispered “There’s something you need to know.” “Mmm...?” “You are my home. Even if we stay up here in the clouds forever.” She felt Soarin’s hooves tighten around her in response as he buried his face in her mane. As autumn ticked on Applejack was back to working at the hospital one night a week. It was usually quiet, the few patients sleeping. She and Lyra did odd jobs and chatted most of the evening. Luna’s intentions for the next couple seasons were a common topic but Lyra surprised her midway through one shift with what seemed to Applejack like big news. “So, last night Misty said we should get married.” Applejack looked up quickly but Lyra was still focused on the equipment she was sterilizing. “What do you think, AJ?” “Honestly?” Lyra tsked. “I’m asking you, aren’t I? Of course honestly!” “Fair enough. Okay, I honestly think it’s great. Don’t you?” Lyra was turning a single vial round and round with her magic, as though inspecting for the tiniest imperfection. “Well, honestly, I thought there’d be more to it than that? We were just finishing dinner and she says ‘you know, maybe we should get married.’ I mean, I could have gotten that from a stallion. No offense!” Applejack laughed heartily. “None taken! So what did you tell her?” “I said ‘yeah, maybe.’ I mean, who wants to hear the word ‘maybe’ in their proposal?” She tsked again. Applejack swung by Wonderbolts HQ on the way home and left a note for Misty Fly. I think Lyra expects a little more from a marriage proposal than ‘maybe we should.’ - AJ When Soarin returned home that evening he had a note for Applejack. It’s Lyra’s turn to serve at the breakfast on Friday. Can you make sure she’s on the viewing platform at 09:00? And maybe find some flowers for me? The growing season was almost over but Applejack assembled a nice bouquet of Gerbera daisies and chamomile from the greenhouse and sent it along with Soarin early Friday morning. When she arrived a little ahead of the appointed time Lyra was pleased to see her and waved her over right away, but was instantly suspicious of her suggestion that they step outside. “I’ve still got tables to serve,” she narrowed her eyes a bit. “We won’t be long... c’mon, Sugarcube - it’s such a nice fall day!” Applejack could feel her smile grow alarmingly wide. “You’re a terrible liar, AJ. What’s going on?” “Oh, for Celestia’s - would you just get out there already!?” She stepped outside just in time to see Spitfire, Soarin, and Fleetfoot zoom by in a crackle of lightning. What seemed to be the entire rest of the team soared overhead from behind the building. The ponies gathered for breakfast gasped and got up from their tables; as many as possible squeezed onto the viewing platform and the rest pressed up to the windows. The Wonderbolts had not performed for pleasure since before the war and they looked simply glorious. Harmony squealed with delight and strained against her carrier, tiny wings flapping. Applejack hoped Luna could see them. “Baby, look,” she cooed. “That’s Daddy and Auntie Dash up there!” The spectacle lasted about five minutes and culminated with the pop and hiss of colorful smoke canisters and a few of the uniformed flyers spelling out “Lyra will you marry me?” in the sky above. The onlookers “aww”d and craned their heads to look as Misty Fly landed and presented the now slightly bedraggled bouquet to Lyra. “Better?” She smiled almost shyly. “Better,” Lyra agreed softly. “So, then...?” “Yes!” Everypony cheered and Applejack whistled loudly as they kissed, with Rainbow Dash’s splendid sonic rainboom exploding overhead. When AJ finally made it to the head of the line of well wishers Lyra enfolded her in a long hug. “Remember Soarin’s birthday party?” She whispered. “Sure do!” “You said it would be good for both of us. And you were right. AJ, I’m so happy for all of us.” “Me too, Sugarcube.” Applejack gave her one more tight squeeze before stepping over to congratulate Misty, who lifted Harmony out of her carrier and made her laugh by blowing on her tummy. Rainbow Dash had been waiting just behind them. “Hey, congrats, Lyra,” she said with a lopsided grin. “I’m glad Misty finally found the balls to make it official.” Lyra was always searching for the right thing to say to Dash. It felt like every moment between them was loaded. “Thanks for saving me,” she said finally. “I’ve never actually told you that, have I? I hope you know, it’s not because I was mad about what happened. I’ve always understood, okay? And you know, you saving me that day brought me to this moment. You really are the best, Rainbow Dash. Don’t forget that. I never have.” “Thanks,” Rainbow croaked out after a moment’s pause. “That means a lot. And Lyra…. I really am happy for you.” Her metal wing was cool to the touch as they hugged. After delivering Misty Fly several hearty slaps on the back, Dash made her way through the crowd, eventually coming upon Shining Armor. Somepony had dug up a few bottles of champagne for the impromptu celebration and Shining had managed to snag a glass, which he levitated towards her. “Share?” “Hell yeah!” Rainbow quickly downed all but a swallow. Shining just laughed when she gave it back to him. “So, Soarin and Misty Fly have both settled down,” he teased. “Are you next?” Rainbow Dash wrinkled her nose and shook her head. “Nah. That won’t be me,” she declared with a touch of resignation but no regret. Shining smiled affirmingly and lifted the remains of the champagne. “I get it. Here’s to loyalty, Rainbow Dash.” “Cheers.” Applejack volunteered to cover Lyra’s shift at the hospital that night. She had just finished her final rounds and was tidying up the supply closet when Dr. Spring Flight found her. “Your gentlecolt friend is here to see you,” he announced with a smile. She was flushed with pleasure when she walked out and found Soarin waiting for her with Harmony asleep at his side. The night was crisp and cool, and he had dressed her in a little warm bunny ear hat that Mrs. Shy had knit for her. “That is honestly the cutest thing I’ve ever seen,” she chuckled, giving them each a kiss. “We couldn’t wait for you to see her in it,” Soarin grinned. They walked home with their foal nestled between them, Soarin’s wing across the top and curved around AJ’s other side. Home to Dash and Scootaloo, and Tank and Scratch, and the good little life they’d made together. It was about as different from their first walk home together as it was possible to be. Applejack thought that a long winter might be nice if it meant more time at home together. And when Luna’s spring arrived? Well, she was honestly excited to see what was to be.