"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 noting that it appeared Fluttershy only recently moved back in, A fine layer of dust lay over everything and some of the furniture was cover 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 written." she chuckled looking at her friends, stretching out her wings she wrapped them around her friends. 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 slapped me before breaking down and hugging me. Would you believe it her wings have grown out? She still uses her scooter though you wouldn't believe how fast she can go on that thing."
The other's chuckled happily at the memory before sitting quietly sipping their drinks, the crackling of the fire the only sound for a time. the sound of the clock chiming out startled everyone, Fluttershy letting out a soft "eep." As the clocked chimed it's tenth chime before falling silent both Applejack and Rainbow Dash yawned in unison the later 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 commin Dash?" Applejack asked "Ah reckon Ah could find a place for you ta rest at least ya get yer place set up an all"
"Fluttershy will you be alright here by your self?" 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 thats 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 Moon lit 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 friends 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 might 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 hose 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 in the house with it, the big old house felt empty most days. But today she had found someone she had thought she had lost forever, suddenly the old house didn't seem so empty and lonely anymore.