//------------------------------// // Thanks for Coming // Story: In Autumn Leaves // by Cryogenii //------------------------------// The crackling fire in the range was normally a comforting sound, bringing memories of cosy suppers and winter chills kept at bay. On this autumnal morning though, it lent the spacious farmhouse kitchen at Sweet Apple Acres a stuffy and oppressive atmosphere. The constricted feeling was heightened by Princess Twilight Sparkle sitting awkwardly on the floor by the scarred table where generations of hearty meals had been served. The aroma of apples and cinnamon lingered in the air, but the weight of events drained them of any warmth and comfort. As the kettle on the stove begant to whistle, Twilight reached out telekinetically and poured the boiling water into a teapot on the table. A floral smell began to waft from the warming china. Whilst their tea brewed she gazed kindly at the petite cyan pegasus sitting across from her on one of the wooden chairs, and waited patiently for her to speak. The usually brash and daring pegasus's confident demeanour was absent, and she had an air of vulnerability that seemed out of place. “Thanks for coming, Twilight,” rasped Rainbow Dash with a hoarse voice eventually, “I know how busy you are these days.” “I wanted to support Applejack at this sad time,” replied Twilight, “and you. How are you both doing?” Rainbow shrugged, glancing at her old friend and looking away, “Applejack's trying to put a brave face on, but I know she's really hurting inside. They all are.” “It's only natural,” commented her alicorn friend, “Since Grand Pear passed, Granny Smith was their last direct relative. I know she became dear to you too, Rainbow, since you've married Applejack.” Silence swallowed the kitchen as Rainbow Dash thought of a reply. Twilight could just about make out her friend's shoulders shaking, perhaps a little hitch in her breathing. She decided to divert the conversation, as Rainbow would need to release her grief at some point but didn't seem ready to do so quite yet. “Has Spike been helping with the paperwork?” she enquired. “Yeah, he's been doing a great job,” murmured Rainbow. “He's really taken a lot of the pressure off us, and he's definitely got your attention to detail, like you two were actually related.” Twilight let out a small chuckle, “Ho, ho! Yes he's really grown into an able diplomat and functionary. I know he hatched when I was just a foal, but I do feel like a proud parent sometimes.” “Yeah, another couple of centuries and he'll nearly be as big as you!” joked Rainbow, looking up at the tall and beautiful alicorn through her multicoloured fringe. “Not that you've stopped yet. No fair, I just get slower and fatter every year now.” “You'll still be doing rainbooms for a long time yet,” smiled Twilight, her heart aching at the sight of the dark rings under her friend's magenta eyes, “So the memorial will be at the town hall tomorrow morning?” “Yeah, then we'll break to have the private, erm…” Rainbow stumbled with the words. “Interment,” said Twilight softly. “Yeah, that, at… Bright Mac and Pear Butter’s special place,” resumed Rainbow, “and the wake will be back in the barn tomorrow evening.” “That sounds like a lovely farewell,” commented Twilight, “between Solemn Serenity and Velvet Veil, I'm sure it will be sensitively handled.” Rainbow nodded fractionally, “I’d never had to deal with them before, but Ponyville’s undertakers have been-” Twilight reached across the table and lay a comforting hoof over her friend's, as she got her voice back under control. “They… they've been so kind,” Rainbow finished. She took a ragged breath and continued, “Dusty Deeds will be reading Granny's will the day after the.. the ceremonies, and Spike will act as our executor.” Twilight sat quietly, in solidarity with her friend. Her eyes followed the royal guard that she could see through the window, as they patrolled around the farmhouse. She sighed, nostalgic for the days she could travel unescorted, and busied herself with pouring two cups of tea. “Is there anything else I can do?” Asked Twilight, dipping her head down to be at Rainbow's eye level, “Anything at all?” Rainbow hesitated for a minute, fiddling with the sugar bowl on the table. “Erm, there is one thing I'm not so sure about.” “What is it?” Enquired Twilight, her face etched with concern. “Are you sure Pinkie will be ok,” whispered Rainbow, a pained frown darkening her features, “a wake isn't her typical kind of party.” Twilight sighed, “I'm sure she'll be fine. Pinkie may be excitable and chaotic, but I've never known her to host an event that's in any way inappropriate.” The pegasus nodded without raising her eyes from the floor. She was obviously placing her faith in Twilight's judgement, and would let events proceed as planned. Taking a deep breath she gave a sidelong glance towards her friend, her eyes glistening from the tears that threatened to come as sharply as a spring downpour. She cleared her throat, “Thanks for putting autumn back until next weekend. AJ and I really appreciate it… I mean, I don't think we're gonna want to do the running of the leaves this year but we really appreciate you making sure it doesn't clash with, you know.” Twilight cocked her head to one side, “You know it's really just a coincidence that autumn is a little later than usual this year. The formula for working out the calendar sometimes goes a little out of whack.” “Twilight, I was a weather pony and AJ’s a farmer,” sighed Rainbow Dash with a half smile, “we know how the calendar works. We’re both very grateful.” "Rainbow Dash," Twilight began, her voice gentle and understanding, "I know this is a difficult time for you. Losing Granny Smith is a profound loss for your family. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. We're all here for you." Rainbow Dash sighed, her gaze momentarily raising from the worn wooden floor. "I just... I can't believe she's gone, you know? Granny was always there, and now..." Her voice trailed off, emotions threatening to overwhelm her. Twilight placed a comforting hoof on Rainbow Dash's shoulder. "It's okay to feel this way. Grief is a natural part of life, and everyone copes in their own time and their own way. If you want to talk about Granny Smith or anything else, I'm here to listen." Rainbow Dash nodded, appreciating Twilight's support. "I just miss her. She was like a second family to me, and now I'm not sure how to deal with all of this." Twilight gave a comforting smile. "It's perfectly normal to feel adrift after losing someone important. Just take your time to grieve, and remember, you're not alone."