over a bottle of whiskey two lost friends rekindle a old friend ship and maybe something more
As the whiskey flows on a cold hearth warming eve, the reals of time begin to play. Applejack and Rainbow Dash remember back on their lost yesterdays and in the end become closer than they ever were in their youth. So come with me on a journey of joy, heartache, laughter and friendship. As always let the waters of life flow freely.
The pub was old, older than most, but little known. The Parting Glass was its name and, tonight, it would host two of Equestria's last remaining barers of Harmony. As the whiskey flowed, they would recall their past and rekindle a friendship once lost to the ravages of time, and maybe- just maybe- discover something more...
At the bar sat an orange mare, blonde locks shot through grey; a faded brown stetson rested beside her as she nursed a mug of cider. The only sounds in the pub was the steady murmur of the bar's few patrons and the quiet clinking of glasses as the ancient bartender tended to his wears.
"Will ya have another drink?" He asked quietly, his raspy voice nary above a whisper. The mare simply slid out her glass for him to refill.
The heavy oak doors of the pub slowly swung open as a cyan pegasus wearily ambled inside. In times past she would have blown in, wanting to make a grand entrance. But time and wear had mellowed her considerably. Her once rainbow mane was now various shades of silver; her rose colored eyes weary and tired, but she still walked with pride: her back straight and her hoof steps sure. She paused and gazed slowly around the candlelit pub, before spotting a familiar mare: one she hadn't seen nor spoken to for the better part of a half a century.
With a deep breath, she meandered up to the bar, taking a seat next to her before demanding in her trademark raspy voice: "I'll have a glass of your finest whiskey." The bartender nodded before rummaging through the shelves, pulling out a dusty bottle with Uisce beatha barely visible on the label. Placing a glass on the counter he pulled the cork, releasing a bittersweet aroma of fine hard liquor.
"Ah reckon ya better make it two, bar keep." came the southern alto from the orange mare. Nodding, the barkeep laid out a second glass before filling both and sliding them to their respective ponies.
The two mares sat, sipping their drinks in miserable silence. "So, Applejack, what brings you to a place like this, on tonight of all nights? Don't you have a family you could be spending it with?" The cyan mare's raspy voice breaking the silence between the two.
"Rainbow, you've been gone so long Ah've doubt you've heard . . . But, Ah don't have much of a family anymore." She heaved a weary sigh before continuing, "Big Mac passed 'bout twelve years back in an accident, an' Applebloom just doesn't come around anymore." Applejack looked down at her drink in silent mourning for a moment. "Ya left fer the Wonderbolts all those years ago. . . After ya went, Ah reckon things just kinda drifted apart."
Rainbow Dash stared at her in thought for a moment. "But what about the girls, Twilight and the others?"
"Well . . . " Applejack took a sip of her drink before stating, "Ah reckon Twilight's still living up in Canterlot. Last Ah saw of her was some ten years back. She hadn't aged a day; that was at Pinkie's funeral. Rarity passed last year. We found her in her shop slumped over her sewing machine and no one's seen Fluttershy since you left. Ah reckon you and me 're the only one's left, besides Twilight," she sighed and tossed down the rest of her drink. Noticing that both their glasses were empty, she motioned for the barkeep to fill them up again.
"What about a husband? Any foals of your own?" Rainbow inquired.
"Ah never married. Ah reckon ah was two busy on the farm. After Granny Smith and Big Mac passed, Ah had to do it on my own. Sure, my cousins would come by and help now and again but fer the most part Ah live on my own." A few moments passed in silence as the two old friends each took a sip from their mug before Applejack intoned, "What about you Dash? You ever marry and settle down?"
"No," replied Rainbow Dash "I had my career as a Wonderbolt, and after I retired I traveled the world. I was always searching for something. What I was looking for, I don't know. I came back to Ponyville a few days ago and've been just getting the lay of things. Nothing's changed much. I flew over the farm the other day but I didn't see you. I hadn't had the time to visit anyone else and now I suppose I won't be able to . . ." She paused before adding, "Well, I guess I could visit their graves." Rainbow Dash sighed a tear trailing down her worn cheek.
Applejack sat back and looked over her old friend. Time had not been kind to the normally brash pagasus: her fur had faded with decades of being out in the weather; her once colorful mane and tail now a rainbow of silvers and grays; her face was lined with many a scar as was the rest of her. She now noticed just how rough a life her old friend lived "Are you going to be staying for long?" Applejack quietly yet hopefully asked. It would be nice to have a friend after being alone for so long.
Rainbow Dash sat quietly for a while before replying, "I'm too old to go adventuring anymore, so yes I will be here for a time . . . . Barkeep, another round please?" she watched as the old pony filled her's and Applejack's glasses. Rainbow Dash leaned back and sighed. Her rose colored eyes closed as she thought back to her youth. "I sure am going to miss Pinkie's parties . . . Buck I'm even going to miss Rarity's constant attempts to doll me up!" at this point, a few small tears flowed from her eyes as she whispered "And I sure miss Fluttershy most of all. I'll never forgive myself for leaving her behind. I never thought about how my departure would affect all of you."
"Neither did Ah, Rainbow. Neither did Ah." Applejack sighed wistfully.
As the two old mares sat in silent contemplation, a young mare in the back of the pub began to sing at the urging of her intoxicated friends. Listening silently, Applejack's ears flicked as she recalled the name of the song, then smiled sadly and nudged her companion.
"Sweetie Belle sang this very song at Rarity's funeral." she intoned quietly as she closed her eyes and listened to the melody.
"Oh?" replied Rainbow Dash "And what's it called?" she ask curiously, as she polished off yet another glass of whiskey.
"The Parting Glass," Applejack sighed softly, "It's an old song written long ago. Ah can remember her singing it like it was yesterday. We tried to find you, you know, to let you know of her passing, but no one could. Scootaloo was heartbroken that you didn't show."
Rainbow looked down at her empty glass with regret. "I should have come back sooner, I know, but I can't change the past." She looked over at the young lass singing and smiled softly "Hey AJ," she asked, falling back on her old nickname for Applejack.
"Yeah Dashie?" Applejack asked curiously as she refilled both her and Rainbow dash's glasses.
"It's good to finally be home." Said Rainbow Dash softly, a smile on her face.
"Yeah, Ah'm glad your here," Applejack smiled before softly saying, "Come on Dashie, lets go see our friends." . . .
The two old friends paid their tab and-with a grace granted only by age- made their way out of the pub and into the cold night. "Where are we headed?" asked Rainbow Dash quietly as they trudged along the darkened path. A light flurry of snow drifted lazily down around them.
"To go see Pinkie and Rarity at the Ponyville cemetery," Applejack smiled sadly, "It's time you pay your respects." The two ponies traveled onward, passing through the market place. Rainbow Dash noted that not much had changed since she left. Twilight's castle still gleamed in the distance and all else seem untouched, as if Ponyville was frozen in time. Before too long, they once more passed through the outskirts of town and turned off down a well-kept trail overlooked by the hill housing the town's small cemetery.
At the foot of the hill stood a large set of wrought iron gates which swung easily open on well oiled hinges. "They're near the back, in a place set aside for us Elements of Harmony."
"There's a place for all of us?" asked Rainbow quietly.
"Aye, even Twilight if and when she eventually passes, but seeing as Princess Celestia and Luna are still around even after thousands of years Ah doubt it will be anytime soon." Applejack replied a bit morbidly, before falling silent as the two trudged up the hill.
"Well at least we'll be together eventually." Rainbow Dash said, speaking softly. As they walked along, a flash of buttercream yellow passed by the headstones up ahead of them. "Speaking of old friends, that looked a lot like Fluttershy."
"Can't be," gasped Applejack "No one's seen her since you left all those years ago. No one knows why she vanished, just that no one's seen her since,"
"Till now, it seems," Rainbow replied. Tensely, she called out, "Fluttershy? Fluttershy, is that you?" For a moment all was silent, before the clouds cleared and Luna's moon beamed through revealing Fluttershy: silver mane and tail waving in the cold breeze; bright blue eyes gleaming in the light. She had paused one hoof in the air, wings raised as if to take off.
"D-dashie?" she asked quietly, her voice naught but a whisper on the wind "Oh Dashie you came back!" she cried, before bolting down the hill with a speed that defied her age, and tackled Rainbow Dash to the ground in a joy filled hug. "Oh I hoped and dreamed you would return, but I never dared to think that I would see you again!" she nuzzled Rainbow's neck lovingly before a short rather amused sounding cough brought Fluttershy back to attention.
"Well Ah'll be, sugarcube, there's a sight Ah never thought Ah would see again. Why are you here, Fluttershy? Not that Ah'm not glad to see you again, but no one's seen you in ages." Applejack asked happiness laced in her voice "Ah never thought Ah would see you again- or Dash for that matter- and here, on tonight of all nights, Ah'm reunited with not one but two of my old friends."
Fluttershy slowly got to her feet and blushed before hiding behind her silver curtain of hair "I visit the cemetery every year on this night. I-I have for years. I visit all my friends who have passed, even Big Mac and Granny Smith . . . but especially Rarity . . . not many know this, but before she passed Rarity and I, well, we were lovers. She was the only one who knew where to find me, but told no one at my request." she sighed and shivered as an icy breeze ripped over the hill side.
"Well," Dash said quietly, "Let's go see our friends before the night gets much colder." with that, she motioned to her companions and started towards a large stone tree carved in the likeness of the tree of harmony. As the three drew close, the names of their friends and fellow Elements of harmony became visible. Rainbow Dash slowly lowered her self to the ground, tears building in her eyes as she softly intoned, "Hello old friends. It's been an age but I'm back and I'm here to stay." The silent weeping of her friends caused her own tears to fall as the three lost souls mourned their loss.
"They're really gone then," came a sorrow laden rasp from Rainbow Dash. She gazed into the fire burning in the small hearth, illuminating the interior of Fluttershy's old cottage. As she shifted her gaze to the rest of the cottage, she noted that it appeared Fluttershy had only recently moved back in. A fine layer of dust lay over everything and some of the furniture was covered in white sheets. Continuing to survey the room, she saw that the animal cubbies once beaming with life had long laid empty. Movement to her right brought her out of her musings as Fluttershy passed mugs of warm cider, spiked rather generously with whiskey from Fluttershy's private stash. Taking it with a weary smile and a nod, she took a sip, smiling as the warmth of the drink and the burn of the whiskey brought life back to her fatigued body. The smile faded as she sighed and said, "I should have come back sooner or at least written," she chuckled, looking at her friends before stretching out her wings and wrapping them around the two other mares. Even in her old age, she still retained her strength, "You know I saw Scootaloo a few years back. She was part of an expedition I led, as soon as she recognized me she walked up to me and gave me a good smack round the cheek before breaking down and hugging me. Would you believe her wings have grown out? She still uses her scooter though, you wouldn't believe how fast she can go on that thing."
The others chuckled happily at the memory before sitting quietly, sipping their drinks, the crackling of the fire the only sound for a time. The chime of the clock startled everyone, Fluttershy letting out a soft "eep." It chimed ten before falling silent; both Applejack and Rainbow Dash yawned in unison, the latter stretching with a groan. "Well, Ah reckon Ah better get back to ma farm, Ah got work to do in the morning." with a strained groan, Applejack stood and shook out her mane before nodding towards the door, "Ya comin' Dash?" Applejack asked, "Ah reckon Ah could find a place for you ta rest until ya at least ya get yer place set up an all,"
"Fluttershy, will you be alright here by yourself?" Rainbow asked as she watched her take the mugs to the kitchen, the sound of water running following shortly after. "I mean, I can stay for a while longer or at least come back tomorrow," The sound of clinking and running water stopped after a second before Futtershy appeared back into the room.
"Oh no Dashie, that's fine, I would love if you would come by tomorrow, or I could come meet you somewhere ... that is if you don't mind," she peered out from behind her curtain of silver hair one of her fore hooves nervously pawing the ground. "I'm so glad to see you again. I can't wait to spend more time with you and you too Applejack."
"Why don't you you come on down to Sweet Apple Acres tomorrow and we can all have some lunch. Ah'll make sure to bring up one of my barrels of good cider." Applejack suggested with a fond smile before saying, "Dash, you coming?" Rainbow Dash nodded, giving Fluttershy a hug before following Applejack out the door and into the moonlit night.
The two old friends meandered down the snow covered path leading to Sweet Apple Acres. "Gosh, it's cold out here." Applejack said, shivering. Silently Rainbow Dash moved closer and wrapped a wing around her friend's side, a light but happy blush adorning her weathered face. Applejack smiled and leaned into her friends side, nuzzling for a second and sighed "Ah reckon that's a mite better, thanks Dash," She smiled and glanced out of the corner of her eye, noting the blush on Rainbow's cheeks and smiled before looking around and noticing the were already at her farm she spoke, "It looks like we're here. Ah reckon you can sleep in Applebloom's old room." She nodded up to the house with a smile as they reached the front porch.
Pushing the door open, she led Rainbow Dash inside and bid her a goodnight before heading up to her room, a small smile on her face. It felt good to have someone else here with her, the big old house felt empty most days. But today she had found someone she had thought she had lost forever and suddenly the old house didn't seem so empty and lonely anymore.
Morning dawned bright and early on Applejack's farm, the crying of the rooster echoed through the house and across the many apple orchards. The smell of cooking oats and coffee roused Applejack from her sleep with a start as she tried to recall the events of last night with a groan . . . Rainbow Dash! her eyes snapped open with glee as she hurried from her bed and down the stairs of the old home place to see Rainbow Dash puttering around the kitchen cooking them both some breakfast. "Morning Sugar cube!" she chirped happily as the events of last night played in her mind "We all set for Fluttershy coming by later today? Ah figured Ah'd get started on ma chores, Ah recon Ah'll be done by noon or so and we can head out to that field where we all use to have our picnics.
Rainbow Dash nodded as she all but danced around the kitchen. Even in their advanced age both were quite fit do to the active lifestyles they both led and a byproduct of being bearers elements of harmony. Rainbow Dash smiled as she placed two steaming plates and bowls of wheat bacon and cream o' wheat. "Here ya go AJ." she smiled softly and took her place at the table "I know it isn't much but it should hold us until later. So need any help with the chores round here, I may be old but I'm not useless." Rainbow dash flashed one of her trademark grins before tucking into her food with gusto.
"Ah recon Ah could use some help round the farm." Applejack nodded sagely before smirking mischievously. "If yer up for it." A challenge in her voice as she polished off a second cup of coffee and started in on her bowl of cream o' wheat, "The Animal's need feeding and Ah got a couple o' trees that need to be felled. and Ah reckon after that we can fix a few things fer lunch an head out.
"Oh I'm up for it there's no doubt. now let's finish up here and git to it." Rainbow Dash said as she took her dishes to the sink and pour herself a third cup of joe. "Hey AJ? I wanna thank you for letting me stay the night. ... I know I haven't been the best friend but I appreciate it all the same." she leaned against the counter nursing her mug of coffee while Applejack cleared off the last of her food and put her own dishes in the sink.
"All right Sugar cube lets get too it, follow me" With that Applejack trotted out of kitchen and through the front door Rainbow Dash following close behind. As the two approached the stables the squealing of the pigs could be heard mix with the frantic clucking of chickens, Applejack said "Can ya fetch the bags off feed from the barn and I'll get the pigs their slop." As Rainbow nodded and bustled off to the barn Applejack gathered the bucket of slop and dumped it into the pig troth. "Rainbow Dash! When yer done feeding the chickens garb a couple of axes from the barn and met me by the gate and well finish up these chores." She called out, after receiving an affirmative reply she trotted off to the orchards to wait for her friend.
Later that after found Applejack and Rainbow Dash slowly walking down the snow lined road to town to meet Fluttershy for their picnic. They walked along chatting quietly to each other, barely taking notice of the ponies that would cross their path. As they entered into the town marketplace Rainbow dash paused as Rarity's boutique came into view, noting Rainbow's gaze Applejack said softly "Sweetie Belle runs it ,has for a while now. While music is her main talent she does have a knack for making clothes. She apprenticed under Rarity for two decades"
"And Sugarcube Corners?" asked Rainbow quietly while looking up the street to the bakery teaming with customers "Who helps the Cakes?" By then they had passed through the market and began keeping an eye out for their cream colored friend, the crowds cleared out as they reached the edge of town.
"Oh Pinkie's two children run it now." Applejack stated as mater of fact "Pinkie went off on a friendship quest decades ago with Cheese Sandwich and came back a month later alone and pregnant. It was quite the scandal and Cheese hasn't been seen since at least not here in Ponyville." Up a head at the edge of town was Fluttershy waving at them happily bulging saddlebags resting across her slim back. Like the others she had aged well only her silver mane and tail and the weariness of her blue eyes seemed to belay her true age.
"I - I seemed to have missed a lot in my absence." Rainbow Dash muttered two herself sadly. ""Oh hey it's Fluttershy!" she stated louder and happily "Fluttershy! Fluttershy over here!" the loud rasp of her voice echoing out across the field they had agreed to meet in. Flashing a grin to Applejack she said "Race ya there!" Suddenly feeling much younger than her years as she took off down the road.
"Yer on sugar cube!" Applejack cried taking off after her.
A light wind blew over the hill as three old friends cleared a spot in the snow and quickly laid out the blanket and food. "Hey AJ, why don't you start a fire, get some heat going?" Fluttershy asked softly as she pulled three thermostats filled with spiked hot cider and handed one each Applejack and Rainbow Dash, "From my private reserves." she said with a smile.
"Thanks Flutter, this is awesome!" Rainbow Dash rasped with a grin.
"Yeah sugarcube, yer the best. Ah'll get started on that fire, it's a mite cold out here," Applejack said with a smile.
Soon enough, a roaring fire was crackling merrily beside their picnic and the food was consumed with gusto. As the meal wore on, Futtershy withdrew more and more from her friends until she was quietly sipping her cider and hiding behind her mane. A sigh grabbed the others attention as she sank to the ground, resting her head on her forelegs she gazed out at the other two.
"What's wrong, sugarcube?" Applejack asked with concern.
"Yeah Flutters, you've gone all quiet-like." Rainbow inquired in a soft rasp, worry laced in her eyes.
"Oh girls I'm just tired, so very tired" Fluttershy said soft smile "My friends, I'm old. I know I don't look it but I am, and so very lonely. I miss my beloved Rarity so very much and I'm going to see her soon."
"F-fluttershy what are you saying ... Are you dying?" Rainbow asked as she choked back tears. Applejack looked on with tears in her eyes.
"Oh Dashie, I have a few more years, I'm just ready for the next great adventure. I'm Just feeling my age more than usual today. Come on, let's finish up here then head over to the Parting Glass. I could use something strong and I need to pick of a new shipment of Uisce Beatha." Fluttershy stated with a smile and began packing up the leftovers.
"Ah reckon Ah could use a drink as well, lemme just stamp out this here fire and we can be on our way." Stated Applejack in her southern drawl.
"Count me in, I need something for my nerves." Said Rainbow Dash. Finding out your friend was ready to die was nerve rattling.
. . . .
An hour later found the three friends trotting down the worn path to the pub. Gay chat between themselves had rendered the previous sadness all but forgotten. It wasn't a long walk, but it was a good ways outside of town. The food was decent and the beer and liquor selection was large, so it was frequented by most of the older ponies in town and those who just wanted a quite place to drink.
As the old friends approached the great oaken doors of the pub, they paused before pushing them open and passing through in unison. The sound of a quartet singing in one corner reached their ears as the head for an open boot and waved over the barkeep, the girls watching as Fluttershy spoke to the elder in quiet Gaelic before switching back to common equestrian and requesting a bottle of Usice Beatha and three glasses.
"Forgive me girls I was inquiring about my order and that is best done in quiet." came the soft voice of the cream colored friend a serious look in her sapphire eyes "Now then, let's sit back and enjoy ourselves, shall we?" she asked with a peaceful smile on her face.
Applejack smiled and nodded "Ah reckon that's a mighty fine idea."
"Yeah," came Rainbow's quiet rasp as she wrapped a wing around both her friends and watched as a younger mare came to their table, carrying a tray with their order on her back
"Here you go, madams," came the chipper voice of the young mare as she placed the tray on their table and with a short bow went about her work.
Fluttershy smiled as Rainbow's wing wrapped around her; Applejack blushed softly for reasons unknown to even herself. A knowing smile graced Rainbow Dash's face. She leaned forward and with some skill and poured them each a healthy portion of the hearty drink before sliding them to their respective owners.
Raising her glass Rainbow intoned "to Old Friends, May our bonds last beyond space and time!"
"Here here!" cried the old friends. At that moment the quartet in the corner began the ballad Loch Lomond. There voices rising over the soft dine of the pub, the three mares listened, each with a different reactions. Fluttershy sat in silent tears remembering upon her late lover as Rainbow Dash bowed her head ears twitching and wings quivering ever so slightly as all the things she missed rolled through her mind. Even Applejack was sitting quietly letting the melody flow over her.
In unison the three friends picked up their glasses and knocked them back as the song ended and Rainbow dash poured them all another round. The silence after the quartets masterful rendition was palpable, Rainbow's wings tightened around her friends as Fluttershy's tears dried.
"That was something, wasn't it?" Rainbow Dash croaked, breaking the silence that surrounded the pub, several patrons laughed and a few clapped for the quartet who bowed and began singing a happier ditty to lighten the mood. In that moment the bar maid came back carrying a tray of fruits and cheese and a loaf of bread with butter for the friends. taking the food with a graceful smile Fluttershy divided it up among them and said a silent blessing before motioning for them to dig in.
"Ah think after our meal it'll be time to head home. Rainbow, yer more than welcome to stay again." Applejack said softly with kindness in her voice.
"Yes, I must agree. This has been a wonderful day, I'm so glad I got to spend it with you two. Maybe in a few days we can meet up again . . . Maybe we could take the train to Canterlot and do some sightseeing." Stated Fluttershy happily.
"It's a deal then. Who knows, maybe we'll even see Twilight." Rainbow Dash said as she looked down at the now empty platter. Picking up her glass, she drained it and withdrew her wings from around her friends, noting the slight frown that danced ever so briefly upon Applejack's face before turning back into a smile.
Paying their bill, they waited as Fluttershy placed a heavy saddlebag on her back which clinked as she walked. Slowly with grace they exited the pub as they entered in unison and set off into the evening.
Applejack danced around the house cleaning and dusting as she hummed a upbeat tune. Outside Rainbow Dash cleaned up around the barn, excitement hung in the air as she recalled the conversation with Applejack two days ago. . . .
"Hey Dash?" Applejack asked Rainbow Dash as she looked at a letter in her hoof.
"Yeah AJ? What is it?" Rainbow Dash replied from the couch a glass of cider in her hoof. Applejack had told her that she was welcome to stay with her if she wished after the night at the pub with Fluttershy. Stating she just was tired of living alone and she needed some help around the farm.
"Ah just got a letter from my cousin over in Appleloosa. They want to have the Apple Family Reunion here this year." Applejack stated excitedly before frowning softly. "This will be the first time it's been held at Sweet Apple Acres since Granny Smith passed."
Rainbow walked over and swept Applejack up in a hug and held her as she cried, Applejack nuzzling into the hug as she gained control of her emotions and gave a watery smile. "Thanks Dashie Ah needed that." Pausing she leaned up and place a soft kiss to Rainbow Dash's cheek before trotting into the kitchen to fix them both a cup of tea, leaving Rainbow stunned and blushing in the living room.
Shaking her head as if to clear it. she got up to head into the kitchen, only to pause as the sound of Applejack's alto voice reached her ears. Slowly she approached the kitchen to find Applejack dancing and singing as she set the tea, the song's words sounding different but no less beautiful in her southern draw. Will ye go lassie, go was the name of the song if she remembered right. Though she remembered it sung by a male group some years back, It was no less haunting when song by her oldest friend. The cadence was slow and the melody wrapped around the house like a warm embrace. As Rainbow stood and watched in the doorway she felt a spark of light, a slow burning fire in her heart. A fire who's embers had grown cold long ago, was blooming with new life. A short amused cough brought her out of her musings with a start, as she realized that she had been caught staring at Applejack. A deep blush bloomed on her face as she rubbed the back of her head and stared at the floor, chuckling nervously. 'Ponyfeathers!' she thought 'I'm acting like a lil' filly. I'm a grown mare dammit , but of she sure looked pretty dancing around and singing.'
"So, Sugar you like what you see?" Applejack purred with a coy smile, mirth filling her eyes as she gazed upon her oldest friend 'she's so cute when she's flustered, always was Ah reckon.' she thought before sauntering past, flicking Rainbow with her tail as she moved to her seat.
"very much so." rasped Rainbow, her voice a bit deeper and her tail swaying slowly as she sashayed into the kitchen, a more confident smile on her face and mischief in her eyes. As she passed she allowed her tail to slide along Applejack's arm as it rested on the table before taking her seat.
. . .
Rainbow Dash smiled at the memory. they had flirted a few more times since that day. she was looking forward to the reunion, hoping to get a dance or two with Applejack. With a heave and a groan she finished stacking the animal feed and dusted herself off but it was no use she would need a shower. Sighing she slowly trudged inside and called out "I'm finished AJ, I'm gonna get cleaned up."
"Alright, but hurry we got to go into town soon." Hollered Applejack from somewhere in the house. As Rainbow Dash meandered up the stairs to the bathroom she stopped as she spied Applejack sitting in front of her vanity brushing her damp mane. A blush rushed across Rainbow's face as she hurried to the bathroom before she was caught staring again, but as she closed the bathroom door she heard Applejack chuckle.
. . .
That afternoon found the two wondering the market as the picked up things need for the reunion. Excitement hung in the air around the market, it seemed that princesses Twilight Sparkle and Celestria were arriving this afternoon.
Nervousness filled Rainbow Dash, she was sure Twilight would have some words for her. Even though many of the expeditions she went on in her later years were ordered or sanctioned by the purple alicorn, like the other's she nary found the time to rite or send any kind of word.
"Bit for yer thoughts Dashie?" Said Applejack as she walked up behind Rainbow Dash.
Dash jumped and spun around to see who had sneaked up on her. Seeing that it was just Applejack she calmed and replied "Oh AJ you can't go around scarring old mares like that could have given me a heart attack." AJ snickered and rolled her eyes "To answer your question i'm sure you've heard that Twilight and Princess Celestria will be arriving today. . . and well i'm nervous I haven't seen nor spoken to either in decades. . . well i'm scared of what they might say. I'm suppose to be the element of loyalty and I all but abandoned you girls for over a half a century."
Rainbow dash felt Applejack move closer and nuzzler her lovingly whispering "Oh Dashie, you came back and that's what counts." as she moved back she placed a lingering kiss on Dash's cheek before saying come on i think everyone moving to town square might as well follow.
As if on que, trumpet blast could be heard and over head a golden chariot pulled by four armored pegasus. Dash smiled at the kiss even if her nerves remained. She quickly trotted behind Applejack, enjoying the view from behind with a mischievous smirk as the followed the crowd to the see the Princesses.
Twilight had changed, was the thought running through Rainbow Dash's mind. No longer was she the small purple librarian princess she remembered. No she was much different. Her mane and tail flowed with the same ethereal grace that princesses Luna and Celestia did, and she had grown now more than twice her original height. She moved with the same patience grace her former mentor and co rule did, that same soft benevolent smile. Rainbow smiled non the less, happy to see her old friend even if it had been an age.
As Twilight scanned the crowd, she paused with a barely noticeable start as she locked eyes with a mare she hadn't seen in sixty long years. She wondered what she was doing her in ponyville now. Even more shock was, as she watched rainbow wrapped a wing around Applejack, Fluttershy who hadn't been seen in almost as long stepped up on Rainbow's other side. A most beautiful smile bloomed on Twilight's face mirrored by her co-ruler.
The two princesses stepped gracefully from their golden chariot and stood before their subjects the setting sun bathing the two in a divine golden light.
"My little ponies," began Twilight "My dear friends, I can't begin to tell you ho wonderful it is to see you all again." she looked out over the crowd with a soft slightly sad smile "It is good to be back in Ponyville, home to me in many ways." Twilight smiled "Winter wrap up is just around the corner and I know you will make me proud. You all have completed winter wrap up on time for over sixty long years.Well done all of you."
Applejack, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash stepped forward and bowed to the princesses. "Rise my friends, you need not bow to me." said Celestria softly.
"Nor me." Intoned Twilight. "We have been friends for far too long. Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash . . . My dear friends It has been an age. It is so good to see you again please let us find some where to talk and catch up as it were."
Celestria nodded and looked around before saying "This place never seems to change, I wonder If the Parting Glass is still around. It seems like for ever ago that Old Mister McFarland came to me to ask for the deeds to build inside the edge of the forest.
"Yes yer Majesty . "replied Applejack "Though Ah believe that his Grandson runs it now and he's quite old himself. He's been training his Granddaughter to take over when he passes."
"Ah he has passed then, I had wondered." Celestria seemed to drift off in her thoughts for a moment before saying "I think it would be a fine place to take lunch." Nodding to herself she turned to the guards and informed them of her change in plans.
. . .
A short time later the five ponies found themselves at a large secluded booth reserved especially for the princesses. A young teenage mare which Applejack confirmed as Mr McFarland's great great granddaughter.
"What will ye be having" Said Miss McFarland with a smile.
"A bottle of Uisce Beatha and five glasses, a platter of fruit, bread and cheese." stated Fluttershy firmly, a smile on her face.
"A tankard of the House Special as well." Celestria stated with a smile.
Writing the orders down Miss McFarland smiled and said happily "I'l be right back with yer orders" Nodding to her self she trotted off returning a few moments later, a tray on her back with their drinks on it. "here you are. One Tankard of the House Ale" she slide the large glass stein to Princess Celestria, filled to the brim with a amber liquid capped with a perfect foam head "A bottle of Uisce Beatha and glasses, the food platter will be out shortly. Oh and I almost forgot The High Landers will be playing today for yer pleasure." Nodding to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything else she smiled and trotted off.
The five Ponies engaged in small talk while they waited for their food arrive no one wanting to really get to the meat of the matter. Simply content to talk about anything but. After a few minutes Miss McFarland cam back with a large Platter on her back containing a wide assortment of fruit and cheese and three loaves of rye bread along with house butter and five small plates. All this she sat on the table before leaving with a short bow and nary a word. Fluttershy said a short blessing over the food before saying with her soft smile "Please, dig in."
The food was simple but not less delicious and was consumed with gusto until nary a crumb was left on the platter. Rainbow Dash once again skillfully poured for her group, sliding the tumblers to each pony with a smile. leaning back in the booth she smiled as she gazed around at her friends and slowly sipped her drink.
"I have to say Rainbow Dash, I didn't think I would see you again." Said Twilight with a rather straight face "May I inquire as to how you have been? No one not even I have been able to find you, I mean sure I've seen your name at time or two on expedition forms I have signed. But other than that." Twilight finished as she took another drink.
"Indeed." stated Princess Celestria softly "I was disheartened to know that the element bearers drifted apart, thought it would seem they have comeback together once more." she said as her gaze drifted over Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Futtershy.
Applejack put a hoof on Dash's shoulder and almost by instinct Dash put her wing around Applejack earning a blush and a small smile from the farming mare. "Yes, she came back and ta me that's all that matters." stated Applejack
"I don't regret the life I lived." Rasped Rainbow Dash. "I simply regret I didn't keep contact with you all. I'm sure the princesses have read the reports of the expeditions I have lead, but I know that's not the same." She looked down into her glass "I'll never get back the time I've lost but I can make the most out of the time I have left.
Two days had passed since the princesses came to visit and now it was the day of the Apple Family reunion. Applejack and Rainbow Dash scurried around making sure everything was perfect. The house was spotless and smelled of baking goods and apples, the fireplace roar with the last fire of the winter filling the home with its warmth.
"Ah reckon that ma kin folks will be arriving soon enough, an we got most of the work done just need to get the few things out of the oven." Said Applejack with a tired huff.
"Yeah." rasped Rainbow Dash "I think we earned a bit of a nap" she said as she flopped on the couch. Applejack nodded as she sat in the old rocking chair next to the fire.
"Ah reckon a few minutes wouldn't hurt" she said looking over at Rainbow Dash, but Dash was already snoring. chuckling to herself she drifted off.
. . .
A thudding knock on the door brought both the sleeping mares out of their brief but fitful power nap. a second knock was replied with. "AH'M COMING DAGNABIT!" Upon opening the door Applejack smiled to see her cousin Braeburn hoof lifted to knock a third time an a easy smile on his withered face.
"Ya know. . ." said Braeburn. "It's just not fair ya aging so well an me turning inta this bag o' bones." he laughed heartily and embraced Applejack
"Ah reckon it's real good ta see you again Braeburn. Anyone else come with ya?" Applejack asked with a smile.
"Babs Seed an Applebloom are unloading the with their kids right now an i saw a passed a few others on tha way. replied Braeburn.
Rainbow Dash came out unto the porch an said "I thought you said Applebloom didn't come by any more?"
"Ah did." came the stunned reply of her oldest friend "Ah did."
slowly Applejack came off the porch as two more wagon loads of kin folk and a small zeppelin landed in the yard. Rainbow Dash moved past to help Braeburn open the barn where several tables were set up.
She made her way into the barn where the younger ponies were setting up the buffet and tolling in the barrels of cider while in the hay loft the band was setting up and tuning their instruments.
"Applejack . . . It's been an age hasn't it" came Applebloom's southern draw. she moved forward and gave her older sister a hug "Ah haven't seen you since"
"Big Mac's funeral." cut in Applejack as she returned the hug "how have you been sugar cube?"
"Ah reckon Ah've been alright, my daughter is with child, her second and my son just got married." Applebloom smiled
"Good night a'livin!" exclaimed Applejack "Ah reckon it's mighty good to see ya again sis, come on Rainbow Dash is waiting on me and the dance is fixing to start."
"Oh?" said Applebloom. "Are y'all together?"
"Not yet, but hopefully soon." stated Applejack with a smile.
. . .
The dance was starting to get full swing when the lead singer called for a line dance. So far to both their frustrations Applejack and Rainbow Dash had been able to dance with everyone but each other, and now they were going to dance together or die trying.
A rowdy cheer went up and all the ponies squared off in two long lines a smiling Applejack and Rainbow Dash Across from each other. As the music started in a lively way, the two found themselves arm in arm for the first time that night.
"Here we go!" came the booming voice of the singer "Step to gaily, and we go. Heel to heel and toe to toe. Arm in Arm, row n' row . . ."
The two friends turned something more smiled as they stepped in time with the beat. Happy smiles on their face and a spark in their eyes. Time seemed to slow as the finial crescendo of the song arrived and the two aged mares leaned forward and in that moment kissed. Time seemed to stop, their eyes drifted closed and just like that it was over.
"That was . . ." Started Applejack.
"Awesome." Finished Rainbow Dash, broad smiles on their faces as time seemed to restart the band already playing the next song. It was a slow dance that both ponies turned lovers happily danced to swaying on the spot in the middle of the crowded dance floor.
Before too long the dance wound to a close, the drink and food all consumed and ponies began making their goodbyes and heading home. Applejack and Applebloom said their heart felt goodbyes with promises to come visit more often and Braeburn simply waved as he trotted off with his wagon into the night. At long last everypony went home and the two loveponies were all alone.
"Come on Dashie we can clean up tomorrow Ah'm to tired and Ah reckon you are too. Ma bed's big enough fer the both of us, an Ah don't want to sleep alone tonight." Stated Applejack tiredly.
"Sounds good to me AJ, you lead the way." Replied Rainbow Dash. Slowly the two mares meandered inside and up to the master bedroom, with a tired sigh they crawled into bed and were asleep within a few short ticks of the clock.
As morning rose the day after the family reunion, it found Rainbow Dash and Applejack sleeping peacefully in each others arms. The years had been long and hard but no less rich for their experiences. When the two old friends turned lovers at last rose from their fitful slumber, the sun was high over head.
"Goodmornin sugarcube. Thanks fer staying with me last night." Applejack leaned forward and lightly kissed Rainbow's cheek before saying " Ah had a lot of fun last night, the past couple of weeks Ah'd say. Ah'd love it if well . . . Ah guess Ah'm tryin ta ask, Rainbow Will ya be ma marefriend?" She looked at dash with a good deal of hope and fear.
Rainbow Dash looked at her and said in a soft rasp. "Yes, Applejack I will." leaning forward the world weary mares brushed their lips together for a second before kissing fully letting the years wash away. Neither knew what the future held, all they knew is that they would face it together at long last.
