//------------------------------// // Rarity -- Receives From -- Granny Smith // Story: Collab Cage Mini-Monthly December -- Secret Santa Hooves // by The Collab Cage //------------------------------// Written by: TypewriterError “Sweetie Belle!” Rarity called upward, placing one of her forehooves on the plank leading up to the CMC clubhouse. “Darling, are you coming? Mummy and Daddy are going to arrive in an hour and you’ve yet to clean your room.” “Coming!” Sweetie Belle’s voice rang out melodically while Rarity stepped back to watch her sister leave the clubhouse. Her mind was on the package back home. She was itching to open it but had already been running late when it arrived. It wasn’t too soon to open gifts for Hearth's Warming Eve was it? She huffed little clouds and almost called for her sister again when Sweetie Belle  finally appeared, her thick scarf flailing helplessly as she bounded down the ramp and tackled her sister in a hug. “Ouf! Sweetie Belle!” Rarity said and gave her a stern look. She soon smiled and hugged her dear sister tightly. “Come, let’s get back before we freeze,” she said, standing up and shaking the ice and snow off her coat and scarf. Then, with her sister by her side, she trotted back home through swirling snowflakes. “Rarity, what’s this?” Sweetie Belle asked, hopping up and down to better see the package lying on the kitchen table. “It arrived for me today. I’ll set it by the hearth with the other presents for everypony. Now, off you go. Your room needs to be clean before Mummy and Daddy get here.” Sweetie Belle pouted but obediently slumped off to her room upstairs. Rarity turned back to look at the package. It had been left on her back porch just inside the storm door, wrapped in rubberized cloth to protect it from the damp. Under the cloth had been an old pink dress box tied with a deep red satin ribbon. Those colors didn’t really belong together. It wouldn’t hurt if she switched the ribbon... A blue aura pulled on the end of the ribbon and untied the bow knot. She could definitely still use this ribbon later. It was almost like another gift really. And if she had already started receiving gifts she could use... The top of the box flipped off and Rarity’s mouth dropped as she stared at what was inside. A cloud of midnight blue lace cushioned a sealed envelope. Rarity quickly opened the envelope and peeked at the large printed words of the note. Dear Rarity, When I was your age I wore this dress only once before packing it away.  I always meant to wear it again but never found an occasion. Now it just won’t suit me anymore. I always believed that the best gift to give to a mare is a dress she can feel pretty in. While it might take some altering, this dress is yours to do with as you please. I’d rather have it put to use than sit up in the attic with nopony wearing it. Enjoy your Hearth's Warming days! No signature of course. With some trepidation Rarity began to lift the dress from the box. “We’re heeeeere!” a voice trilled from the front door, and Rarity hastily closed the box as her mother trotted into the kitchen with her father booming behind. “Hey, my little filly!” he said before choking Rarity with a hug.  That was the last coherent memory Rarity had for the rest of the evening. She had no time to ask her parents how they had arrived 45 minutes early. She had no time to really say anything while her parents jabbered on with Sweetie Belle. For the entirety of the evening her mind was present with the folds of lace she had glimpsed in the box. How much would she have to alter it? Would it even fit her? Who had owned it? Mayor Mare? But wouldn’t her daughter receive it? Of course it was rather extravagant... Mrs. Cake? Wouldn’t she save it for Pumpkin? Nurse Redheart? No, she could still find a way to use it. Her mother? No, her mother would never be quite so subtle. Miss Cheerilee? No, she had worn it once and that dress definitely did not suit her. Princess Luna? Princess Celestia? One of Fancy Pants' friends? Screw Loose?....why would Screw Loose even own a dress? Rarity was driving herself crazy. “Well, Mother,” she said before an exaggerated yawn, “I am so very tired and I would love to stay up and talk more, but I simply must go to bed...” “Rarity, it’s 7:45...” “Well, lot of orders...” she said with a nervous laugh and ran upstairs after quickly making sure the box was transported. Rarity leaned against her doors and levitated the box onto her bed. The only light came from the full moon outside her fancy windows. She already knew what the color looked like. She just needed to see if it fit. She ceremoniously opened the lid of the box again and carefully lifted the dress out, sliding into it and fastening the buttons magically down her back. It was definitely a dated dress. It would need to be taken in a little around her barrel. The sleeves would have to go.The neck was high but that could be redeemable. It wasn’t high for modesty but for fashion. The length was a little long but that was easily fixed. This dress was practically an antique. Who could give it up? Even though it was dated...she could not deny it was beautiful. Of course it could just be the moonlight. But, it was definitely one of the most perfect dresses she had ever received even though it would need some alteration. The letter had said the previous owner had only worn it once. How could she possibly find out? The gift exchange was always a secret. She slid the dress off reluctantly and robed a equequin with it. She would make sure it was worn as often as was sensible. Her sharp nose picked something up. Was mother baking? No, the smell didn’t come from the door. Besides, when was the last time she had baked? She sniffed again, to find the distinct scent of cinnamon. She turned towards the box and sniffed inside. Yes, the smell came from here, probably so the dress wouldn’t stink after being in storage. Also, a hint of mint to keep mice away...and something else. Rarity moved her muzzle to a corner of the box and after taking a sniff she slowly smiled: Apples. The box smelled like apple pie baking. She would have to find a way to repay Granny Smith.