Rarity leaves on a trip for Baltimare to visit her family for the holiday season of Gift Giving Day. Problems with too many ponies needing her services and a disappointed sister are the least of her concerns. She stumbles on a world of lonely orphans and reconnects with an old friend from her middle school days, who seems to be in some trouble of his own. Although her heart of generosity urges her to try and help where she can, Rarity could find that being all things to all ponies might come with a cost to her well-being and happiness. Meanwhile, Rarity is troubled over her friend's suppressed anger towards her, and her own inability to sort out her feelings for two ponies and one dragon. And just who or what is the strange new pony that has entered Rarity's life? Twilight is fascinated, but Spike isn't so sure.
Edit: 07/06/12 Reboot 2.0 underway. It has a new plot, new location, and a few new characters. A brand new spin also needs a brand new cover art, so I chose one I felt better represented the story's overall sadness.