//------------------------------// // More Tender Than Words Could Be // Story: And How Would It Be With Our Souls? // by QS //------------------------------// “Howdy, y’all.” I am sure it is Applejack just by the way her steps sound. A warm, pleasant smell follows her in through the door. “Mmm… huh? Oh, hey Applejack.” Rainbow Dash stirs from her nap, rising to greet her. “You just missed Twilight. She was here the whole night, but she had to leave earlier this morning to meet some ambassadors.” “Here’s to hoping they ain’t like them yaks.” Applejack gives a wry grin, to which Rainbow sticks her tongue out in mock disgust. “How’re ya feelin’, Fluttershy?” “Oh, much better than last time. Sorry if I, um…” “Ain’t nothing to apologize for, sugarcube.” She stops me. “We all have our bad days.” I’m thankful Applejack can be very forgiving, because sometimes, when her pride’s been wounded, forgiveness can get rather difficult for her. She’s been trying her hardest to improve in that regard though, especially since… well, since she and Rarity had their falling out. “Here, y’all.” Applejack removes the carrying lines of the bag wrapped around her shoulder. “Some fritters to tide ya over.” “Sweet! Thanks Applejack.” Rainbow tossed one into her mouth, then passed another to me. “Oh, thank you Applejack.” I take a few nibbles. Her work is as delicious as always. “Man, this takes me back.” Rainbow Dash smiles. “Remember when we went on that camping trip near Vanhoover?” “Heh. How could I forget?” Applejack chuckles. “Thank goodness we brought those hammocks.” The weather in the Vanhoover region has a reputation for turning suddenly without warning, because prevailing weather patterns from the ocean tend to throw scheduled weather events into disarray. That particular time, though, I suppose it was also because we didn’t quite plan ahead as well as we should have. Applejack wanted to go with a heavier kit, but Rainbow Dash convinced us to travel light because the trail was rough. A monsoon poured down on us ahead of schedule after about two hours, and we were all soaked by the time we got to our campsite. The only thing that didn’t feel so soggy was the tin of fritters Applejack had stowed away in her pack. With some effort and after two false starts, Rainbow had a fire going. Applejack left her tin near it to warm the contents a little, then headed off to find some forage. I helped Rainbow string up our tents into an overarching roof around the fire, then hung our hammocks underneath them. That helped keep us out of the damp. It was a rainy day, too, when Applejack had her argument with Rarity. The modeling work I did for Rarity and Golden Fleece had turned out to be more successful than we could have imagined. Rarity said I still had a lot of fans in the business and they probably spread the word for us. Their line sold very well, and both Rarity and Golden Fleece used this opportunity to expand business. Because of this, though, Rarity had to make a lot of trips to Canterlot for her work, and her stays in the city became longer and longer. At the end of summer, when she had seemed to have returned to stay for the time being, Rarity invited me for our usual spa date. I was elated to see her again; her being gone for so long had imprinted the idea of telling her everything I never told her about how I felt about her into my head, and it was all I could do to keep my thoughts from turning into a full-on obsession. The calmer part of me told the rest of myself to wait and see, that being so sudden would not be to anyone’s advantage. The thought of being able to take even small steps towards telling her, though, made it very difficult to not tense up with anticipation. At the same time, I was also scared of what I would find out the further I walked down that road. “There is something I must tell you, Fluttershy dear.” Rarity smiled at me conspiratorially as we soaked in the tub. “Yes?” I turned towards her, my ears keened. I was one part hopeful, one part skeptical, and two parts certain this was nothing out of the ordinary. Most likely, Rarity had found some exquisite cloth perfect for her next project, or a bottle of perfume perfect for an upcoming holiday or formal event. Looking back, maybe the skeptical part of me had subconsciously feared her answer, but I don’t think anything would have prepared me for it. “I’m dating Golden Fleece.” I don’t think I know the exact word for how I felt just then. I do know I was disappointed, but that wasn’t quite the feeling I had. It felt like I was a disembodied spirit looking through a stranger’s eyes. I suppose I recovered quickly enough. “Oh. That’s wonderful.” Rarity was probably distracted, too; if I let any of those emotions show, she didn’t notice. “I’ve never met anypony quite like him! It may be my streak of romanticism talking, but he charmed me right off of my feet! Every time we speak, I feel as if we’re engaging on a deep and profoundly intimate level, where we feel and understand each other perfectly. And the two of us being in the same business means we already have an understanding of how our work can interfere with our relationship. Oh! It’s just… I don’t know what will happen, but I feel like there’s a lot ahead for both of us and I would love to find out what the future holds with him. It would be quite the experience, don’t you think?” Rarity had brought her muzzle closer and closer to mine as she talked, her eyes locking with mine more than once. At certain moments, I think I fantasized she was talking about me instead, but that detached feeling still predominated. I wonder what would have happened if I had told Rarity how I felt just then. It probably would not have done much, but maybe, just maybe, it could have made what came years later much easier for all of us. As it was, I contented myself with the thought that Rarity was happy. “Oh, I’m sure the two of you will have a wonderful time. I’m very happy for you, Rarity.” Two days later, Golden Fleece arrived in town. He and Rarity were inseparable, and just as Rarity had told me, there was a strong chemistry between the two of them that was clear to see when they talked to each other. It was the first time Golden Fleece visited Ponyville that wasn’t entirely for the sake of business, but since Twilight had gone to Canterlot and Pinkie was visiting her family, Applejack took it upon herself to host a party for him. Rainbow Dash, who was on her downtime from the Wonderbolts, helped Rarity show him around town for the first few days. On the fifth day, when I had a lull in my schedule of classes at the veterinary school, Applejack held the party at Sweet Apple Acres. The first of several scheduled rains for the season had begun early in the morning, so by the time we all arrived at the farm in the afternoon, the day had already become a very wet one. Applejack had rolled out a cask of cider from the cellars, accompanied by large platters of assorted fruits and cheeses. Several bottles of wine were placed on a side table, and Golden Fleece himself contributed to the spread with a very expensive-looking bottle of whiskey. Big Macintosh brought mugs from the kitchen. Pouring everyone a full mug of cider, Applejack cleared her throat to get our attention. “Well, y’all, this ain’t exactly the most timely welcoming celebration, but ain’t no time like the present, as they say. So let’s raise a toast for Golden Fleece, hopefully the first of many more to come!” “Cheers!” I took a small sip, not wanting to get drunk too quickly. Beside me, Rainbow Dash chugged hers down in a single gulp. She gave a satisfied sigh, followed quickly by a burp. “Rainbow Dash!” Rarity gave her her second-best glare. “Heheh, sorry, Rarity, couldn’t resist.” Golden Fleece chuckled. “Well, I suppose being a Wonderbolt makes one naturally a little rough around the edges.” “Please, dear. I almost suspect she is doing this deliberately to embarrass.” Rarity narrowed her eyes. “Hey, I never give you guff for being fussy! Gimme a break!” Rainbow shot back. “Well, I personally don’t find it offensive. It’s merely a part of her charm.” Golden Fleece offered a conciliatory gesture between the two. “Hmph. I suppose that’s fair enough.” Rarity conceded, turning away towards the wine table. Rainbow Dash stuck her tongue out at her behind her back, which made Golden Fleece grin. “So, I’ve been wonderin’.” Applejack sidled up to us. “Ever since I heard you talk the first time, I’ve been pickin’ up this lilt in how you talk that I can’t quite place. So whereabouts are ya from?” “My family’s from the area around Neighagara Falls.” Golden Fleece answered. “Granted, I’ve not been back there for quite some time now. City life has a way of growing on you.” Applejack scrunched her face up a little. “Uh… hm. Well, if that’s how you see it, partner.” “Believe you me, it was an awfully dull place. I mean, full of nice ponies, of course, but it’s like I always wanted something more. I like the feeling of being in a place where you can conceivably disappear into a crowd, where not everyone would recognize you. Of course, that’s gotten a little more difficult recently…” “Hmm.” Applejack nodded in half-agreement. “Can’t rightly say I’ve felt like that before. Well, hope you enjoy yourself, anyhow.” We did enjoy ourselves, very much. At Rarity’s advice, we opened two bottles of wine to accompany the fruit and cheese. Rainbow Dash opened another one of her own volition; after a glass, she decided she liked how it tasted and had three more, one quickly after the other. Meanwhile, after we’d sampled the fruits, Golden Fleece offered to open the whiskey. Big Mac brought us tumblers, and Golden Fleece poured each of us a glass. Rainbow Dash quickly gave it her approval, and from what I could tell, Applejack and Big Mac seemed to like it as well. Rarity nursed her glass a while, and declined her refill. I demurred after a single glass, too; it was a bit too spicy for my tastes. Soon after, Rainbow Dash somehow challenged Applejack into a drinking contest, and between the two of them, Big Mac, and Golden Fleece himself, they soon drank more than two-thirds of the bottle. “Listen, sis, I think I’m gonna turn in for the night.” Big Mac leaned his head in Applejack’s direction. “All right, Mac. Take it easy, now.” Applejack was beginning to slur. “Oh! Fleece dear, before we forget?” Rarity nudged Golden Fleece. “Yes! Miss Applejack, I’d like to discuss something with you, if you don’t mind?” Golden Fleece spoke, looking just a little unbalanced. “Uh… I reckon this needs a little privacy? Why don’t we talk in the dining room?” Applejack offered. “Certainly. We’ll be right back, Fluttershy.” Rarity nodded towards me. Applejack led the two of them down the short hallway into the dining room, nudging the door closed behind her. I sat down on the couch and closed my eyes, feeling a little tired. After a minute, Rainbow Dash, who’d gone out to the porch to catch some air, came back inside to go to the bathroom. When she came back out, she seemed to hesitate at the doorway. I opened my eyes. “Rainbow, um… what’s the matter?” “It doesn’t sound so good in there.” Rainbow whispered. “Um, what do you mean?” I got up, walking towards her. “They might be arguing in there.” The two of us moved closer to the door. I could hear muffled voices. “... Will you not see reason, Applejack?” This was Rarity. “This is a business opportunity. That patch of orchard has gone uncultivated for as long as both of us have known each other!” I heard a low, dry chuckle. It was Applejack. It didn’t sound like she was laughing. She stood up. “This land ain’t something you just shift ‘round with money, Rares. I thought you’d understand that by now, but obviously you don’t.” “Applejack!...” Applejack cut her off. “Granny done wanted to get started on another patch of Ashmead apples on that field! I’m not gonna let some two-bit city slicker defile her memory like that, let alone one that can’t even value his roots!” I’ve never heard Applejack being so angry before. Or, for that matter, any time after that. Rarity gasped. “Well, I’ve never! I’m appalled! Golden Fleece’s heritage isn’t for you to judge, never mind insult!...” Rainbow Dash had been leaning into the door to get a closer listen. Just then, Applejack opened the door, leaving her to stumble into the room. For a few seconds, all I could hear was the rain pouring down onto the farmhouse. Rarity was the first to speak. “Rainbow Dash! I’d have thought you’d have better manners than to eavesdrop!” “Hey, you leave Rainbow out of this, you hear?” Applejack bit back. “Oh, and now you’re being so chivalrous!” Rarity mocked. “Where was that chivalry for dearest Golden Fleece?” “Can’t I be concerned that my friends are arguing?” Rainbow cut in. “We wouldn’t be arguing if Rarity and her carpet-baggin’ partner hadn’t talked a two-storey heap of hooey about some wool factory!” “We wouldn’t be arguing if Applejack wasn’t so idiotically sentimental!” “STOP YELLING!” Rainbow had screamed at the top of her voice. For a few heartbeats after, I could hear the downpour again, dotted by everyone’s heavy breathing. A grim expression settled on Applejack’s face. “Forget it. We’re done here.” She waved a hoof. “Rarity, I’m gonna ask you and Mr. Golden Fleece here to leave.” Rarity’s face was red. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but then just pushed past us and out of the door without saying anything. Golden Fleece followed her, an apologetic expression on his face. “I… what…” Rainbow was at a loss of words. “Come on, y’all.” Applejack ushered us back to the lounge. “Guessing this party’s over. Stay until morning if you don’t feel like braving the rain right now, but I’ll need some time alone.” Applejack turned away. Rainbow sputtered and fumed for a few more incoherent seconds, before picking up the whiskey bottle and smashing it against the wall. The glass flew out in all directions, clattering onto the tables and trays. Rainbow Dash herself rushed out of the door. I almost thought she’d flown off, but soon I heard her rocking back and forth angrily on the chair on the porch. Big Mac appeared at the stairway. “AJ, what’s going on here?” Applejack sighed as she climbed upwards. “Nothing you need to worry yourself about right now, Big Mac. I’ll tell ya what’s what in the morning.” As Applejack disappeared at the upstairs landing, Big Mac surveyed the lounge. The whiskey was still dripping down the wall from where Rainbow had smashed the bottle. “Are you alright?” He asked me. I nodded. Big Mac stepped in front of me, one forehoof reaching out towards me. “Uh… may I?” It took me a moment to realize he was offering a hug. I nodded, and he squeezed me close. I didn’t realize why until I noticed myself trembling uncontrollably. “Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash is waving a hoof in front of my eyes. Applejack walks closer. “Welcome back to Equestria.” Rainbow smiles. “She’s been daydreaming like this a lot in the last couple of days. She hasn’t said much about what she’s thinking about, though.” I look away, not wanting to spoil the mood. “Oh, it’s… nothing, really.” Rainbow turns back to Applejack, retrieving the rolled-up poster Twilight had brought and showing it to her. “Pretty sure she was thinking about her modeling work, though. Here, check this out.” Seeing the picture laid in front of her, Applejack knits her brows together, accentuating the deep lines between them. “Hmm… I think I--oh.” “What’s the matter?” Rainbow asked. “Sugarcube.” Applejack placed a forehoof on my lap. “You’ve been thinking about Rarity, ain’t ya?” I almost want to not answer her. But I’ve never been a good liar. “... Yes.” Applejack sighs and closes her eyes. “We shouldn’t have fought. If I’d have thunk what would happen afterwards, I wouldn’t have done what I did.” “Oh man, you’re bringing that up?” Rainbow spoke, more towards Applejack than towards me. “I know you think it’s all your fault, and from some skewed perspectives, maybe that’s true. But we all did wrong by each other--you, me, Rarity, all three of us. I thought we’d agreed on that.” “We did, Rainbow.” Applejack answers. “But I can’t stop thinking about how things could have been if we hadn’t done what we did. If things happened differently.” “You can’t keep living in the past, AJ. Besides, none of us could have expected what came afterwards. I mean, it’s not like we’ve never had fights--heck, some of them were pretty darned big as fights go. But usually, after we’d had time to cool down, we’d learn our lesson and apologize, patch things up, you know? Who’d have thought Rarity would drop out of contact for years? I certainly didn’t think it would snowball like that.” Applejack sighed again. “I know, Rainbow. But keeping myself busy can only help so much with trying to keep it out of my mind sometimes, especially at our age.” She tipped her hat back, resting her chin on the bed. “Heh. Funny how those trees never quite took root, ain’t it?” It’s not my clearest memory, but I do remember. Applejack took on extra hooves to help her plant the Ashmead apples Granny Smith had wanted, but a surprise frost killed most of the new grafts. The whole-tree transplants were hit by a fire blight epidemic later in the season, and Applejack had to quarantine the field to keep it from spreading to the rest of the orchard. We never quite were able to get back in touch with Rarity, either. I can’t remember the exact order of how everything happened, but one thing after another got in our way. There was some sort of diplomatic crisis in Zebrica, and Twilight had to help sort it out; the stress gave her a mental breakdown, and she had to convalesce in Canterlot. Applejack was called out to help some distant relatives and their griffon neighbors in the southern continent get their farms in order, and went missing for almost six months when a local war erupted. Her experiences in a griffon refugee camp changed her; after she came back, she joined Ponies Without Borders and spent a lot of time away from the farm, which also meant some extended family members came to stay there permanently to keep things running. Pinkie Pie had started a party supply/joke items shop with Cheese Sandwich and Trixie, and split her time between Ponyville and Baltimare. Rarity married Golden Fleece, and went on tour as part of Sapphire Shores’s support staff after their honeymoon. Rainbow Dash was still in active service with the Wonderbolts, so she went back to that. As for myself, I had to finish veterinary school, and go to Fillydelphia for a few years for my residency. We didn’t want to admit it, but we were growing apart. Once my residency was done, I came back to Ponyville, and moved back into my cottage, which I had been leasing out while I was away. The town was just as lively as always, but things were so different. Twilight had given parts of her castle’s space to the Royal Archives to use as an annex, so the insides of the castle felt like a library, almost like a bigger version of the old Golden Oaks Library. Because of this conversion, though, there were a lot of staff ponies working there as well, and that made it seem a bit less homely. The weather team duties were taken up by Blossomforth and Rumble. The team had grown in size along with the town, and one pony couldn’t manage all the weather anymore without getting overworked. Thankfully the area near my cottage was still relatively clear, because the Everfree Forest was so close. In fact, the treeline had grown closer to the cottage while I was gone. None of the more dangerous critters ever made trouble, though, so I didn’t think it was a bad thing. Soon after I moved back, Pinkie and Cheese Sandwich got married. The pair of them made a very happy couple, and they enjoyed a close friendship with Trixie. I soon learned that the three of them were in an unconventional romantic relationship, which made me wonder a little about how it worked out between them. I never had any reason to worry for them, though, because all three of them seemed very happy. Pinkie had also taken a stake in the management of Sugarcube Corner, and between the bakery and the joke shops, they made a comfortable living. Rarity had sold Carousel Boutique to Coco Pommel, who used the chance to open a branch store for herself in Ponyville. She’d moved her primary residence to Ponyville after a few years because it was getting more expensive to live in Manehattan. I asked her how Rarity was doing, but she said she didn’t know. Even when Rarity had made the deal with her, she never saw her, only her letters. From what she could tell, though, Rarity was doing well for herself, and that was reassuring. It was many years before any of us saw Rarity face-to-face again. She would appear in the magazines every once in a while, but those became rarer as the years passed. Golden Fleece was outright reclusive; he essentially disappeared from the public eye, and Rarity seemed to follow in his footsteps. And then, she was there, standing at my cottage door.