"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.

Author's Note

I'm sorry this is so short but my muse had a brain fart. next chapter will cover the day at the farm and start bringing Applejack and Rainbow Dash closer not only as friends but eventually lovers. i will be adding Fluttershy to the tag and some time in the next few chapters Scootaloo and twilight will be making an appearance. As always let the waters of life flow freely.