Chapter 5 - Friendly Conversation

Hours seemed like minutes as the conversation between Applejack and Twilight went on. What started as a professional discussion turned into a friendly discussion between the two, and Twilight's nerves had improved considerably well. Laughter and conversation filled the room as time passed by and as memories were shared between the two.

"And that's why the farm's sign is still cracked!" Applejack said, wiping away tears of laughter from her eyes. Twilight had to wipe at her own eyes, having laughed so hard at Applejack's stories.

"I knew you could kick hard," Twilight said between bouts of laughter, "but wow. The whole sign?"

Applejack nodded with slide pride in her posture. "Yup. The whole sign!" she boasted, her laughter finally subsiding to leave only a happy smile on her face.

Twilight, too, had calmed down and was smiling now. She took a sip of the tea she'd made for both of them when she though they'd be talking for an extensive period of time, an assumption which came true. She took to the kitchen in order to refill the pitcher of tea, and looked towards the clock hanging on the wall. Her expression went from happiness to that of slight surprise as she turned to her friend and said apologetically, "Oh my goodness, Applejack."

"What's the matter, Sugarcube?" Applejack said in her commonly casual manner, the smile on her face hardly dissipating. She took a swig of her own tea that Twilight had set out for her. While she preferred a cold mug of cider, she was quite grateful for Twilight's generosity.

"It's nearly two in the afternoon," Twilight said, slightly frowning. "Shouldn't you be getting back to the farm?" At this she felt a slight pang in her chest, though she did not know why. She pushed the feeling away for the time being, and wondered why Applejack didn't seem to be too concern with such a fact.

Applejack's smile still didn't disappear as she waved a hoof gently at Twilight. "No worries, Twi'. I got permission from Granny Smith to take some time off to help you. Harvest is slow 'round this time of year; it's why we have a festival at this time. They won't be needin' my help 'round the farm, I reckon."

Twilight smiled, glad to hear that her friend was in no hurry. She also relished the fact that they'd have more time to talk. Twilight seldom left her library unless there was a specific event happening. She hardly spent any casual time with her friends if it was not completely scheduled. She ignored the thought that Applejack was supposed to be there on business, rather than to visit. She enjoyed their time together too much as to ruin it now with analytical thoughts. Instead, she chose to think of it for what it was - two friends casually spending time together.

"So about this new job of yours," Applejack said, a curious look in her bright green eyes. Twilight moved over to sit next to her friend once again. "What about it?" Twilight asked, refilling both of their cups with warm tea.

"Thanks," Applejack said, sipping her tea. Putting the cup down, she looked back to Twilight and raised her eyebrow. "You still nervous now that we talked about it?"

Twilight shook her head confidently. "Not anymore," she said with a smile. "Now that I know what to expect, I think I have a grasp on the whole situation." She giggled softly and said with a roll of her eyes, "I think if you hadn't showed up I was gonna go crazy over the whole thing!" She paused for a moment, then grinned at the orange mare sitting across from her. "Thanks, Applejack," she said sincerely.

Applejack tipped her hat and nodded. "That's what friends're for, Twilight," Applejack replied. With an honest expression, she added, "Besides! It'll be nice to relax for a little while. Farm work can get pretty stressful during the last harvest." She stretched, making an audible popping noise as she did.

For some reason that Twilight could not comprehend, she paid attention to how flexible Applejack was. She rationalized it was due to her athleticism, but was still slightly surprised. Unconsciously, she began to notice the subtle curves Applejack had  Finding herself staring at the orange mare, she quickly diverted her attention sheepishly, in hopes that Applejack had not noticed.

To her delight, Applejack didn't seem to notice her gaze being locked on her, and she sighed in relief. Twilight could feel her face had gotten slightly warm, and she levitated the cup of tea to her lips, pretending to take a long drink in order to hide her slight blush.

"Thirsty, Twi'?" Applejack said with a smirk, oblivious to the unicorn's blushing. Her face thankfully cooled down, she put down the cup after taking a quick gulp of tea. "Yeah," Twilight said, stifling a cough. "Guess the air is a bit dry in here," she added, lying to the best of her ability.

Applejack raised an eyebrow and said, "But it feels fine over here. I don't feel thirsty at all." Twilight tried to think of something to cover her tracks, and opened her mouth to speak just as there was a knock on the door. Thankful for the distraction, Twilight hopped to her feet before Applejack could speak. "I'll get it!" she said, trotting towards the door.

Opening the door, she wasn't all that surprised to find the Mayor standing before her. "Hello, Twilight Sparkle!" she said in her usual, professional manner. "Hello, Mayor Mare," Twilight greeted her in a friendly manner. "May I come in?" Mayor Mare asked graciously. "Oh, of course," Twilight said, moving aside to let her in. Nodding thankfully to Twilight, Mayor Mare moved in as she spoke. "I trust you are prepared for your new job?" she asked kindly, but with a tinge of hope.

"She sure is," Applejack said, moving over to Twilight. "Why she'll be almost as good a mayor as you, come Festival time!" she boasted, smiling at Twilight, who returned the expression.

"Delightful!" the Mayor exclaimed, a bright smile on her face. "I'm sure you've got everything under control. I just wanted to come and check up on you in case you needed anything before you begin."

Twilight frowned slightly but felt a nudge from Applejack, who gave her a wink that instilled new-found confidence within her. Turning back to Mayor Mare, Twilight shook her head. "I've got all I need," Twilight said confidently, to which the Mayor nodded. "Very well, then. You will the morning after tomorrow," she said as she moved hurriedly out of the library.

"I thought I was supposed to start today?" Twilight asked, confused. The Mayor turned around after exiting the library and replied simply, "Change of plans. You've got one more day to prepare. Gather what you need and meet me at the Town Hall if you'd like to begin early, though."

"Understood. Thank you, Mayor Mare! See you soon," Twilight said as she shut the door to the library. "An extra day to prepare, huh?" Applejack said, looking to Twilight with a small smile. "Well I guess that means we have some free time, Sugarcube. What say you and I head over and grab a bite to eat? I'm starvin'," she suggested.

Twilight's heart leapt for joy at this - metaphorically of course. "Sure," she said, trying to keep her unexplained excitement in check. She opened the door once again, and the two set off to lunch.