//------------------------------// // Giggle at the...uh... // Story: Castle in the clouds // by ovineConventionalist //------------------------------// Dash woke from her nap with a yawn and a stretch. It was evening in Ponyville, her favourite time of day. She smiled, and looked toward the town-hall clock from the cloud upon which she was perched. Her stomach grumbled and she thought longingly of the cupcakes she could have bought from Sugarcube corner if she had only woke up an hour earlier. There was a sense of unease about her as she descended into Ponyville. She wasn’t sure why, but something felt very wrong. She had left Applejack three hours ago. It would surely seem weird, wanting to hang out again so soon, but something about that night made her not want to be alone. It had been a while since she had felt that way, she didn’t mind being alone so much anymore. Maybe it was the way Fluttershy hadn’t abandoned her after finding out she was a fillyfooler, with a crush on her no less. Maybe it was the connection she felt she had made with Applejack those past few days. Maybe it was the glitter that she couldn’t escape, that had somehow managed to get itself in her mane, reminding her that her friends were still thinking about her even though they were far away. She had known in her head that her fears were unfounded, but she had never allowed herself to think long enough to realise that. Rainbow was feeling quite pleased with herself as she touched down in Applejack’s orchard. AJ was wiping her brow as she pulled what looked like the last lot of apples indoors for the night. Relieved that she didn’t have to knock on the barn door, Rainbow trotted along beside her. “Can I help?” “No ahm fine.” AJ said breathlessly. They walked indoors side-by-side. “Ah got a letter from Fluttershy. Actually it seemed like it was fer you more than me.” With the exception of Pinkie Pie who was somehow able to write two letters a day, the ponies had been sending their notes to Applejack’s letter box. Whether they assumed Rainbow was staying at her house, or that AJ was just more reliable at checking the post on time, was unclear. “If yer want to stay fer dinner, we can read it at the table.” AJ said, anticipating that Rainbow wouldn’t have another opportunity to get her evening meal. Applejack went upstairs to retrieve the letter, Granny Smith came down a moment later. “I hope you like pickled onions and apple pie.” She said to Rainbow. “Thanks Granny Smith.” Dash politely replied. “Why was AJ working so late anyway? Usually she has dinner crazy early.” Granny laughed. “Early to bed, early to rise makes a mare healthy and wise.” She said. “Or at least I think that’s how that old rhyme goes.” She looked thoughtful for a moment. “No, young Applejack was so busy playin’ with you, or ‘hangin’ out’ as you young’uns say. She had to do all her chores this evenin'’. Such a hard worker, my Applejack.” She said proudly. Rainbows face caught fire. Or so it seemed to her anyway. She felt so very touched that Applejack had prized doing nothing with her over doing those stupid chores she loved so much, she didn’t think she could say another word. Her heart felt like it had had turned into melted butter, she wished more than anything she hadn’t confessed to being so bored earlier. She hit herself on the forehead: Idiot. Applejack chose that moment to come downstairs. “Whats up with yer face?” She asked bluntly as soon as she reached the table, the note falling from her mouth and onto the wooden surface. “Yeh look like ah caught you pickin’ yer nose or readin’ some erotic novel.” She laughed. “Shut up.” Said Rainbow Dash. Applejack continued to snigger as she unfolded the letter, she slotted herself in beside Rainbow and they read together: Dear Rainbow Dash and Applejack, Thank you for your letter earlier, Rainbow. I want you to know that I will always be your best friend, and I’m very happy, it’s so nice here. Rarity’s fitting went well in the end but you probably already know that. Twilight and Cadence are getting on really well, it’s so lovely that they and the other princesses get to be together. Princess Luna and Celestia are always very busy, it seems such hard work being a princess. We do see them occasionally though. We’ve met a stallion called Violin Heartstrings, he is a really nice pony. He seems quite fond of Pinkie actually. Oh no, is that gossip? We’re going to lunch with him later, and we’re going to tour Canterlot. I hope you are both well, I can’t wait to see you soon. All my love, Fluttershy. “I don’t like the sound of this guy.” Blurted Rainbow. A small smile played across Applejack’s lips. “Oh?" Her face was all innocence. "Why not?” “Pfft.” Dash blew her hair from her face. “Well, I mean… well… I just don’t.” “Well ahm glad t’hear theyre having a good time.” She said. “And heck, at least nopony has gotten herself into any trouble, not even Pinkie Pie!” Rainbow Dash burst out laughing. AJ was a little taken aback, her dry little joke wasn’t all that funny. “BAHAHAHA.” Rainbow wiped away a tear. “Do you remember the time when she wrapped the entire town hall in wrapping paper? And they had to open it like a present?” “Yes, ah remember.” AJ facehoofed. “She could’ve gotten in so much trouble… ‘course she’s friends with the mayor.” “And the time she invented that toaster that was supposed to toss the toast onto plates but…” She sniggered. “THERE WAS TOAST FLYING ALL OVER PONYVILLE FOR HOURS!” She fell to the ground clutching her sides. Applejack waited for her to compose herself. Rainbow sat up, and they were once again face to face. Her friend looked at her, eyebrow raised. “What?” Dash asked. Granny Smith appeared at the door carrying a plate laden with pickles, and an apple pie for afterward. “APPLEBLOOM! AH HOPE YER IN BED!” She called upstairs, placing the tray on the table. “Glad t’hear you two filles havin’ such a good time, now eat up.” She said with a smile. “Tahnk you.” Dash already had her mouth full. She chewed slowly, and something came home to her: ‘You look like ah caught you reading some erotic novel’ “Rarity told you about the other day in her boutique, didn’t she?” She asked, with a deep sigh. “Yep!” Said Applejack, a twinkle in her eye. **** Rarity blinked at the unimposing figure before them. If she had been expecting something huge and ferocious, she would have been disappointed. A unicorn of rather squat size stood before her. He was pure black with white irises. He had no visible cutie mark, his appearance wasn’t even that threatening. She heard Pinkie giggle aloud and had to admit, he did look a little funny, like a foal covered in black paint. She couldn't help but think that if she were to become a illegitimate, she would do so much more stylishly.