//------------------------------// // Dinner // Story: Rainbow Dash Around the World // by MagicS //------------------------------// Rainbow Dash chowed down on a corncob like a chipmunk. Going side to side and rotating it over in her hooves to make sure she got every last row of kernels. Once she had completely devoured every last edible little piece she dropped it to her plate and sat back, sighing contentedly. Lunch was now over. And she was very, very, full. “Hope you saved room for dinner!” Rosalie smiled and patted her on the back. “Uh… we’ll see...” Rainbow Dash rubbed her stomach. Maybe she still had some room in there? “I could eat more,” Wish said as she put down her spoon, a now empty bowl of pumpkin soup in front of her. Rainbow Dash snorted. “Little glutton.” “Lightweight,” Wish snorted right back. “Yeah whatever… so what do we do now between lunch and dinner?” Rainbow Dash asked the group. “There’s more dancing, it gets a little slower and more, erm, romantic though as the day carries on. So I’m not sure you’d be interested in that,” Rosalie said. Rainbow Dash shook her head with a flat expression on her face. “Mostly done with couples or ponies seeking to become couples,” Angie said. “Which is why I will still be dancing later.” “And tonight you’ll be doing a lot more than just dancing-” Jolene said before Angie smacked her upside the head. “Shh!” The pegasus shushed her and nodded her head towards Wish. “Yeah, like I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Wish rolled her eyes. “Gross romance stuff...” “Ehehe...” Both Angie and Jolene blushed in embarrassment while Rosalie and Rainbow Dash frowned at them. “Anyways I think we can find some games to play before dinner. We have plenty of board and card games that we like to play in Arondel. I think it would be the perfect way to relax and let our stomachs settle before the food comes out,” Rosalie said. Rainbow Dash let out a deep sigh. “I think I’m okay with that.” “You didn’t want to hang out or play any games with the local kids?” Angie asked Wish. Wish fervently shook her head. “N-No, I’m fine just staying with the four of you and eating...” “You didn’t meet any kids when you were getting your flower crown or around with Rosalie?” Rainbow asked. “Some wanted to talk but I was busy,” Wish said and looked away. “Uh huh, well whatever you say,” Rainbow Dash shrugged. “It’s fine, Rainbow Dash. You know after talking with her and getting to know her some more, I think Wish is a very sweet little filly,” Rosalie said, smiling at the both of them. “Mmm...” Wish blushed and looked at her hooves in embarrassment. “Speaking of that, how did the two of you start traveling together anyways?” Jolene asked. “We only know a little about you coming from Equestria and Wish coming from Hoofica. You said what happened in Hoofica but not why you’re together. What’s the story?” “Er, Jolene...” Rosalie warned. “We’re just traveling together. I’m looking out for her, and… the rest is personal. Sorry,” Rainbow Dash cut in to explain. Jolene seemed to get the hint and she nodded. “Right, I’m sorry if I was poking my nose into a sensitive topic.” “That’s fine too,” Wish shrugged, glancing up for a second at Jolene. “I just don’t want to talk about it though.” “W-Well let me go get us a board game!” Angie enthusiastically shouted in an attempt to change the subject and bring about something more fun. “It should be fun since it’ll be your first time playing. After that maybe we can play horseshoes, just the five of us? That should get us ready for dinner.” “Go get whatever you think will be the most fun,” Rainbow smiled to her. “The three of you have already done a good job making the festival inviting for the two of us. I almost feel right at home.” “I’ll be right back!” Angie said and ran off, with Jolene in tow, going through the crowds and tables of the Harvest Festival. “Those mares...” Rosalie shook her head in amusement, a small smile on her face. The rest of the day went on swimmingly while the sun slowly traveled across the sky and the shadows in the town of Arondel grew longer. At first, their happy group of five played a board game at their end of the table together, after moving a lot of stuff out of the way. That went on for a decent while until the group came to realize Rainbow Dash’s obscene luck at every kind of game of chance she played. Not to say there wasn’t a little bit of strategy to the board game, but it still relied on rolling dice and drawing cards. The other mares didn’t stand a chance. After that they went over to a small horseshoe court that had been set up for the festival. Rainbow did a good job of not embarrassing them too badly this time. Meanwhile the music had indeed slowed down and they were able to watch as several couples took to dancing around the flowery ground of the square. More ponies clapped and watched as well with this proceeding until it eventually grew dark in Arondel, the sun disappearing beyond the horizon. That was the cue for numerous ponies to go from table to table and light candles and lanterns that had been discreetly brought out in the previous hours. In the warmth of the town square, things looked even prettier now than they had during the day. A last horseshoe rang around the pole after being expertly thrown by Rainbow Dash and the five mares decided to end the game there. Feelings weren’t hurt that much. By the time they had returned to their table, the food was starting to come out. A lot of it was similar to what they had at lunch, but there was more cooked food along with it. And desserts. Lots and lots of desserts. Apple pie, cherry pie, pumpkin pie, apple turnovers, puff pastries, cookies, scones and the thing that drew Wish’s attention most of all—a large chocolate cake. “Is that what I think it is?” Wish said as two stallions foisted the giant cake onto the middle of their table. “Do you like chocolate cake?” Angie asked her. “Y-Yes,” Wish nodded as she stared at the cake. “It’s my favorite food… it just… brings back memories too.” “Good memories?” Rosalie hopefully asked. Wish was silent for a moment as Rainbow Dash and the other mares watched her. She blinked a few times before responding. “Some.” Rainbow Dash reached over to rub her back. “You feeling alright?” “Yes, I’m not going to start crying or anything if that’s what you’re worried about,” Wish said. Rainbow wryly grinned. “I wasn’t. You’re a strong kid." Wish snorted and mockingly pouted up at Rainbow Dash. “Kid. Kid, kid, kid.” “Enjoy being one while it lasts,” Rainbow laughed and grabbed an oatmeal and raisin cookie. She ate the whole thing in practically one bit. “As my friend Pinkie Pie would say: there’s a second, third, and fourth stomach for desserts.” “Wise words,” Rosalie said and stood up so she could walk over to the chocolate cake. She had a big slice cut for her and placed on a plate before walking back and placing it right down in front of Wish. “For you.” The decadent chocolate cake was moist and shiny with frosting on the outside. It looked absolutely delectable. “Thank you,” Wish said and smiled at Rosalie. Grabbing her fork she prepared to dig in.