They had not planned it, but they were having a rather unconventional afternoon together and enjoying it thoroughly. When Twilight had arrived at Ponyville park she was surprised to see Pinkie already under the groups usual tree. Even more surprising, Pinkie did not jump up to greet her. Pinkie has smiled quietly but honestly at Twilight and patted the ground next to her. Twilight Returned the smile and gave a small nod. Twilight folded her wings and took a seat by her friend.
It was an absolutely beautiful day, bright blue sky, a smattering of fluffy clouds for decoration and two good friends enjoying each other’s quiet company. Twilight and Pinkie were relaxing under a large tree, the contents of two small one pony picnics laid out and shared between them.
That sunny afternoon there were no major threats on the horizon, no unusual revelations about one of their friends, no unexpected visits from a coy Princess. As the birds flew by and several foals played off in the distance both ponies were content to observe the scenes of the day pass by with the silent company of the other. It was the type of day that would have made all those other days worth it, no matter how trying they might have been.
The two friends felt no need to speak or study or throw a party that day. It felt like they had all the time in the world. Both were curious about the other’s odd behaviour, of course but there was no rush.
As afternoon turned into late afternoon and both had soaked in the tranquility of the day, Pinkie spoke up.
Smiling softly she waved a hoof at Twilight. “You first”
“Well, I guess it just feels like we’ve been through so much. And I've never been good at unwinding.” She said absently, not quite ready to give up the quiet.
A minute later Twilight continued. “Of course I've read all about the benefits of letting go for a while, but I thought it mostly meant relaxing. I’ve always just read to relax. But theres more to it than that, I have to let my mind wander where it wants, see what it comes up with.”
“I didn't get that opportunity very often before. I’ve always had something to focus on.” Twilight grinned broadly. “And you know how I can be when I get focused.” Pinkie giggled at this.
Twilight smiled and waved her hoof at Pinkie. “Your turn.”
“Oh, I’ve always taken a day here of there just to relax and recharge.” Pinkie scrunched up her face slightly. “But it has been a while.”
Neither of them spoke for a long time. There was no need to hurry.
When Pinkie spoke again it was with more of her usual energy. “Sometimes, when it isn't anypony’s birthday or I haven't met a new friend or all the other great reasons for a party I just like to take a day. It not really even a day for me, its more a day for the whole world!” Pinkie reached out as if to hug the whole world, her smile was from ear to ear. “I like to remind myself just how amazing the world is! I try and imagine the whole thing, each part of it a party in its own way! And if I imagine hard enough -” Pinkie closed her eyes tightly “- I can see myself there, celebrating with everything!”
Twilight hugged her friend. She had to keep reminder herself not to underestimate Pinkie. Besides her obvious qualities of being funny and friendly she could be oblivious and crazy and party obsessed, there was no denying this. But she was at times surprisingly deep and strong and sensitive. And Twilight would not change her for anything.
Eventually late afternoon gave way to evening. Twilight got up and started packing the picnic supplies, letting Pinkie continue to enjoy to last lights of the day. She enjoyed this rarely seen contemplative side of Pinkie too much to disturb her.
Before she turned to leave Twilight “I’d say we should do this more often, but this isn't really the type of day you can plan.”
“I’ll say. Hey Twilight, you’ll be able to make it to my next party right?”
“Anytime.”
With that Twilight took to the sky and was soon out of sight.
As Pinkie got up to leave she stretched her wings and unconsciously scratched her horn. Yes, there was time now.