Salad and Vignette

“I want to learn magic.”

“What?” Twilight blinked, almost dropping the book she had just pulled from the shelves. “Your earth pony magic is already in the top percentile.”

Applejack took her hat off and rested it on the table. “I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about what unicorns do.”

Putting the book back where she found it, Twilight sat down. “But you’re not a unicorn.”

“Doesn't seem to stop Zecora.”

Twilight shrugged. “Fair enough. But still, why?”

“Really Twilight? You of all ponies are asking that?” Applejack paused, hoping to see some light of understanding in her friend, but only found more confusion. “Did you want to cast magic when you were a filly? Before your magic even really worked.”

“Of course I did!”

“Why? You had never cast a spell, so why would you want to?”

‘Because magic is... “ Twilight’s face lit up with wonder as she searched for a word that could communicate her feelings.

“That.” Applejack smiled at her friend and pointed a hoof at her. “That is why I want to learn.”

“Oh,” Twilight said, with a bit of a blush. “I never thought you would see it like that.”

“It’s not what makes me tick, like it does you. But still...” Applejack shrugged. “So what do ya say? Can you teach me?”

Scratching her head, Twilight turned to scan her library shelves. “I think I have some studying to do, but yes.” Floating a book down, she flipped through it. “Come back tonight, and I’ll give you some homework.”

Plopping her hat back on, Applejack gave her a toothy nod. “Sure thing.”