From Equestria and Beyond

"Hey AJ!" Dash called from above as the farmpony finished ploughing a field of carrots. It was the end of the day, and the Sun was slowly sinking beneath the horizon, hues of red and orange painting the sky.

AJ grunted in mild annoyance. "What brings you here, partner? Ain't you got clouds to manage or birds to catch?"

"Nah," said Dash, landing gently beside AJ. "I'm here to say that I'm off weather duty for a month, starting next Thursday. So if something goes wrong, don't bother lassoing me out of bed. Bother Thunderlane instead."

"Thanks, pard," drawled Applejack.

"So..." said Rainbow. "What're you doing now?" A pause. "I've always wondered what you farmers do come Winter," she quickly amended.

"Well, I'm just wrapping up the season, canning an' preserving, and all that, but after that, not much, really," admitted Applejack. "I mainly just crunch numbers and whatnot. Some winter crops, but not many, and those just take care of themselves, mostly."

"Oh. Then what do you do to pass the time, then? Card games?"

"Naw. We just spend time with our friends and family."

Rainbow perked up. "Well, hey, AJ. I was meaning to ask ya. I'm going on a vacation in the Pegasus Southlands and could really use a friend to spend it with. I'm staying in a resort; you could stay in my room. Wanna come? I mean, if you don't have anything else to do, or something..."

"Whoa, there, pard. That's a lot to take in at once. How 'bout ya come back here in the morning, after I've had some time to sleep on it?"

"Cool." Rainbow flared her wings and gave a couple of test flaps. "See ya later, AJ!"

"You too, partner."Applejack tipped her hat, then, after a brief momet of consideration, went back to work.

It was early in the morning when Rainbow Dash knocked on Sweet Apple Acres' door. She fidgeted to the left and right at length until she was greeted by a stocky red stallion. "Mornin', Dash. We're just havin' breakfast 'round here. Care to join us?"

"Sure," she said. She flew in, and Big Mac closed the door behind her.

A warm scene greeted her. A convival atmosphere filled the room, with Granny Smith in the kitchen preparing the last of the breakfast. Applejack and Apple Bloom were having a conversation, but upon noticing Dash's arrival, AJ beckoned.

"Heya, Dash. You're up early today. Here, take a seat and let me go fetch you something to drink." She got up before Dash could protest.

"Thanks," said Dash, as she settled in her seat, shifting around a bit. She turned and grinned to the rest of the family, then coughed into her hoof.

Luckily, AJ soon came back with a mug of hot mulled apple juice. "Here ya go, pardner. Drink up."

As Dash did so, she looked around the room. The walls were adorned with family memorabilia, little trophies, class pictures, and portraits, seemingly from time immemorial. The worn, cozy chairs and tables looked like they belonged to a different era. Indeed, the whole place looked like an anachronism, except it was very much functional, very much comfortable, and very much alive. The low background noise from the kitchen filled out the cozy ambiance comfortably.

When Dash finished her mug, AJ said, "So, what brings ya here so bright and early?"

"Well, er... have you made your decision yet?"

AJ blinked. "Come again?"

"Do you wanna come with me?"

"Oh! Well shoot, Dash, you sure are excited for the trip. I'd love to go with ya, just lemme know when. Here, have some fruit." Applejack tossed Dash an apple which she eagerly bit into.

When Dash was done, she got up and said, "I'd love to stay longer, but the sky's calling me. I'll let you know the details, alright?"

Applejack chuckled. "Sure, pard. See ya 'round."

She saw Rainbow Dash out the door and into the sky.