Gold

“I don’t know, Applejack” said Twilight “But the new castle sure is nice. And also, each of you gets to have their throne.”

“Well, ahm just happy you finally got yourself your own palace” said Applejack “I mean, that’s what a princess needs, right? Wait, has anypony seen Pinkie Pie?”

"She went to visit Maud."

It was just a fine day with the so-called “mane 6” having a picnic near (but not too near) the Everfree forest. Twilight, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash were under the shade of the tree while Rarity and Fluttershy were under the sun having a chat.

“It’s getting late” said Rainbow Dash waking up from her sleep, “Shouldn’t we all be going home?”

“Well, ah do love evening picnics” replied Applejack.

“And besides, it’s still too early for Princess Luna to raise the moon” said Twilight.

Rainbow Dash really wanted to go home, but deep inside her, she doesn’t. She wants to spend more time with Applejack but she can’t because of her other friends present. She wanted to say her feelings towards her, but she can’t because Twilight may overhear it.

“Well, its sunset” exclaimed the impatient mare “And it’s about time we all go home.”

“She’s right, you know” said Fluttershy from behind “It’s getting dark lately and, well…uh…the dark…it’s um…”

“Fluttershy has a point” said Rarity “It’s way too dangerous for us to go home this night, especially if the Everfree forest is just…behind…us…”

The other ponies turned their head around to look at the forest behind them. Clearly, the forest looks a lot creepier in night than in day. Fluttershy just can’t help imaging what creatures may live in the Everfree forest during the night: elves, dwarves, fairies, and other magical creatures.

“I think we should go home now” squealed Fluttershy “Who knows what dangerous little dwarf might come out?”

“Relax, Flutters” said Rainbow Dash “And who told you that there’s dwarves in the Everfree forest?”

“My…conscience…”

“Well, we should pack up now” sighed Twilight “Seems like Princess Luna is about to lift the moon.”

Everyone head of to their own houses, except for Applejack who stayed behind.

“Are you sure you’ll be alright there, Applejack?” asked Rainbow.

“Nah, I’m fine” answered AJ. “I just wanna be alone here.”

Applejack lie down beside a tree, while others are walking home. She enjoyed this time for herself, under the blue moon, being swayed by the cool evening breeze; it’s one way to comfort her during hard times.

Applejack sighed as the events of the past flashed back to her: the fire, the foal, her parents, and the scream; the event somehow bruised her heart. Applejack is a strong mare but she has a dark life; having no parents and raising up Applebloom all by herself is no joke.

“Stop spying on me Rainbow” she said “I know you’re behind me."

"Well,” Rainbow chuckled “It’s just that I can’t help see you all alone with that look on your face.”

“What look? I’m perfectly fine, and shouldn’t you be in your home right now?”

“Every where’s my home, as long as there are clouds, remember?”

Rainbow Dash decided to lie down beside Applejack. Rainbow suddenly felt a spark somewhere in her chest, as if some sort of embers staring to trigger inside her. She can’t help but blush faintly and turn her head away from Applejack.

“Are you alright, Rainbow?” AJ asked.

“What?” she answered with a faint blush “I, uhh, umm…well it’s just that…uhh…mmm…”

“Seriously, what’s happenin’ to ya’?”

“Well, it’s that I have a…” Rainbow tried to think twice about the words that will come out of her mouth.

“You have a what?” AJ cocked an eyebrow.

“I have a, let’s just say, ‘strange feeling’ on somepony else.”

“And who’s that somepony?”

“Well, it’s…it’s…”

“Come on, sugarcube, just say it!”

“Alright, it’s you…!” Rainbow Dash quickly covered her mouth with her hooves and started to heat up.