The sound of birds chirping filled the air and the space between trees. Nature in harmony. Harmony in nature. Animals doing what they did, unabated by pony civilization. They didn't pay much heed to the four ponies trotting down the road. Well, two ponies trotting - two riding in a cart.
"Ah'm really glad we decided to come back here..." said Applejack, staring forward into the wood, her mind racing.
"Eeyup" said Big Mac. His injuries had almost completely healed by this point - he still had a slight limp, and was still kind of sore, but he figured with a little more time that would be gone as well.
"Ah still don't see why Ah couldn't bring mah friends!" shouted Applebloom as she peaked over the cart at her older siblings. "The Cutie Mark Crusaders love explorin'!"
Big Mac smirked. "We had enough trouble with seven of us last time. Besides, this is a family trip."
Applejack smirked and looked back at her younger sister. "Besides, we promised you we'd let y'all have a slumber party in yer tree house when we get back."
The youngest apple crossed her forlegs and pouted. "Yeah... on th' farm..."
"Come now, 'Bloom..." said Big Mac, smiling. "Y'all know it's a mite dangerous out here. You don't wanna wander off an' get bit by Blue Sage, do ya?"
"No..."
"That's what Ah thought."
Eventually, the group reached their destination, and they took it in for a few minutes. Rarity's tent was still here, although it was a filthy mess and was crawling with bugs. Big Mac's little tent lay in tatters nearby, and several bags lay across the earth, long since picked of their remaining cargo and the snacks they once carried. "Well..." said Big Mac, "We're here." Big Mac helped Granny get out of the cart as Apple Bloom hopped down. The four ponies trotted away from the transport and made their way to their destination before stopping and staring down.
Applejack reached a hoof into her saddlebag and pulled out a rock, and smiled.
"... Ah reckon this was a long time in the makin', don't you?"
"Eeyup..."
Applejack gently sat the stone into the dirt.
The four ponies sat in silence for a bit.
"You two belong together... ah'm just ashamed we didn't do this sooner... " Applejack sniffled at her own words, letting only one tear escape her.
Big Mac patted her shoulder. "We never had the time. Not yer fault, AJ."
"Nope" said Granny. "Y'all had to pick up the slack. Ain't yer fault. Jus' the way the world works sometimes."
Apple Bloom sighed. "Ah wish Ah coulda known 'em..."
Her sister pulled her into a hug and sighed. "Me too, Apple Bloom... me too..." She smiled to her sister lovingly. "But know this... when ma was carryin' you... Ah swear, she glowed with a happiness Ah had never seen in her before... an' Pa... he loved an' cherished you more 'n life itself... he considered you the last great gift from the pony he loved..."
The four ponies turned to appreciate the scene before them.
Two rocks, side by side. One bigger than the other. The smaller rock held the name of 'Clementine Apple', and the larger one had inscribed in it 'Alexander Apple.'
"Who knows..." said Granny. "Maybe some day y'all will bring yer foals to this very same spot."
"Eeyup..." said Big Mac.
"Mmhm..." said Applejack.
The four ponies simply stood over the two rocks, bowed their heads, and returned to their wagon, leaving the stones marking the names of their loved ones to bask in nature.
After all.
It was such a beautiful day.
END