When Princess Twilight Sparkle rose the sun, its fiery disc was hidden behind an overcast sky of grey clouds. She had arranged for the weather bureau to discreetly start clearing them so that the memorial service would be illuminated by golden sunlight towards the end, but these dull conditions seemed appropriate to start the day.
Colourful ponies, both familiar faces and those from distant Appaloosa, gathered in the square outside the town hall, the air carrying a mix of autumn leaves and the subtle fragrance of late blooming flowers. The usually bustling civic space was hushed, as if nature itself had joined the town in mourning. Those gathered there stood in quiet clusters, their expressions reflected a shared sadness. The town hall, adorned with black banners and wreaths, stood as a symbol of remembrance for Granny Smith.
Tables were set up along the edges of the square, each adorned with bouquets of flowers and memorial cards bearing words of condolence. Ponies, young and old, wore small black ribbons on their forelegs as a gesture of solidarity.
Twilight Sparkle, flanked by the Apple family, Rainbow Dash and Sugar Belle stood near the entrance of the town hall. She had shed her ceremonial attire for the day, favouring a wreath of dark blooms around her head in place of her crown and a black sash. Although a near impossible task for an alicorn that towered over the other ponies, she was hoping to avoid drawing too much attention to herself.
Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Big MacIntosh wore expressions that reflected both grief and gratitude for the support of their friends and neighbours. They greeted and embraced one another, offering quiet words of comfort. The sound of gentle hoofsteps and soft murmurings created an atmosphere of reverence, as if the entire town was holding its breath in respect for the departed matriarch.
Amongst the assembled ponies, the tall and crooked figure of Discord stood out as he swaggered towards the hall. Twilight was surprised to see the lord of chaos attending, particularly as he was wearing a carefully tailored suit in rich, deep black velvet accompanied by a crisp white shirt and precisely tied black silk tie. Fluttershy trotted beside him, her simple black toga complimented by dark eyeshadow.
“It's good of you to come,” the alicorn smiled as she moved forward to subtlety intercept the draconequus, “I didn't realise you were close to Granny Smith.”
“Hmm, ho ho, I wasn't really,” mugged Discord, a slightly uncomfortable look on his face, “I don't imagine Big Mac will feel much like playing Ogres and Oubliettes anytime soon, but he is my friend so it seemed right that I should be here to support him. Yes?”
“Well, that's a lovely gesture,” answered Twilight, a slightly shocked expression on her face. She quietly watched as Discord spoke with Big Mac and Sugar Belle. Whatever was being said, the laconic red stallion gave this odd friend a melancholic smile and shook his paw. It looked like such an incongruous pair, with Discord looking utterly at ease in his attire, compared to the obvious discomfort that Big Mac was feeling in his formal jacket.
Twilight raised a surprised eyebrow and looked towards Fluttershy. “I know what you're thinking,” said the yellow pegasus, answering the unspoken question, “but he decided to do this all by himself. I'm so proud.”
Twilight gave an incredulous shake of her head, as her friend trotted off to take Discord's foreleg. Moments later, Discord and Fluttershy passed into the town hall to take their seats.
When the last of the assembled mourners had passed the entrance to the townhouse, the Apples and Twilight Sparkle followed them inside. Twilight sat off to the side, to avoid anypony sitting behind her having their view blocked.
Applejack, the usually stalwart pony of Sweet Apple Acres, approached the seat next to her wife. As Rainbow Dash looked up to greet her, she found the absence of the earth pony's iconic hat jarring; Applejack had left it at the farm, a small but poignant gesture of respect for the solemn occasion.
Rainbow Dash's eyes were drawn to the other subtle changes in Applejack's appearance. In contrast to the usual red ribbons there were black ribbons meticulously woven into Applejack's soft, blond mane and tail that captured her attention. There was no doubt that she would not be wearing any formal attire to signify her grief, but these tokens showed how she felt.
As Applejack took her seat, Rainbow Dash noticed the weight of grief etched in the lines of her wife's face. The absence of the hat, the sombre black ribbons, and the solemn expression all painted a clear picture of the pain Applejack was experiencing, for anypony attuned to her stoic nature. It was a stark departure from the strong, resilient pony Rainbow Dash was accustomed to seeing.
Rainbow Dash reached over, her hoof gently brushing against Applejack's, a silent reassurance that she was there to offer support. The brown mare lent over and pressed her muzzle into the cyan pony's neck. The connection between them spoke volumes, a shared understanding of the sorrow that had befallen the Apple family.
Once those gathered to pay their respects were seated, Mayor Tiara cleared her throat and effortlessly focused their attention on her. “Welcome one and all, to this commemoration for one of Ponyville's elder founders. I've rarely seen such a slice of life, as those gathered here today to remember this amazing pony. In a moment I'll pass the reins onto Alderpony Mare to conduct the service, but before that I want to express my heartfelt sympathy for the Apple and Pie families, I'm deeply sorry for your loss and hope that the strength of support from our community gives you comfort in this saddest of times. And thank you, Alderpony Mare, for leading the eulogies.”
Mayor Tiara's words echoed through the town hall, and a respectful hush fell over the gathered ponies. The atmosphere was heavy with grief, in the moments of silence after her welcoming speech. Into this vacuum Alderpony Mare, a pony with a dignified and empathetic air, stepped forward to the podium. The rustle of leaves outside and the soft, mournful music within set the backdrop for the solemn occasion.
"Ponies of Ponyville," Alderpony Mare began, her voice steady and comforting, "today we gather not just to mourn the passing of Granny Smith but to celebrate a life well-lived. Granny was a cornerstone of our community, a wise mare who weathered the changing seasons and shared the fruits of her knowledge with us all."
She paused, allowing the weight of Granny Smith's legacy to settle among the ponies. The flickering candlelight danced on the faces of those seated, casting shadows that seemed to reflect the mixture of sorrow and fondness.
"Granny Smith's spirit will forever be intertwined with the orchards she tended and the memories she gifted us. Let us remember her not with tears alone but with gratitude for the lessons she imparted, the joy she brought, and the love she shared. Now young AppleBloom would like to speak on behalf of her family."
Apple Bloom approached the podium, a combination of nerves and determination visible in her eyes. Her red mane was adorned with an oversized heavy black velvet bow, reminiscent of the days when she was just a young foal learning the ropes of apple farming.
"Hi, everypony," Apple Bloom began, her rural voice wavering slightly before she steadied herself. "Today, we're here to remember Granny Smith, and, well, there's so much to say about her. Granny weren't just the oldest Apple; she was the heart and soul of Sweet Apple Acres."
She looked towards her elder brother and sister, thinking over how Applejack hadn't been much older than she was now when their parents had been taken.
“When I lost Ma and Pa, I was just a scared little filly. Big Mac, Applejack and I didn't know how to cope, and we sure didn't know how to keep Sweet Apple Acres going. But Granny, she didn't let us fall apart no matter how much she musta been hurtin’. She held us together like the stickiest tree sap in Equestria."
Apple Bloom's eyes glistened with unshed tears, and she took a deep breath before continuing.
"Granny became our anchor. She was the glue that kept the Apple family from breaking. Through the tears, through the laughter, she showed us that family is about stayin' together, no matter what. Sweet Apple Acres isn't just an orchard; it's a monument to Granny Smith's love, resilience, and unwavering commitment."
A collective somberness settled over the audience, punctuating Apple Bloom's heartfelt words.
"Ya know, Granny was the one who taught me how to make zap apple jam. It isn't easy – there are all sorts of things involved. But Granny, she made it fun. She said, 'Sometimes, Apple Bloom, no matter how bad you're feeling, getting busy with something you love will make you feel better.' And, well, that's true. We're surely in some pain now, but a farm doesn't wait for you to have a good day. It's a labour of love, that'll keep the pain at bay."
A soft murmur of agreement rippled through the audience, acknowledging Granny Smith's unique blend of wisdom and humour.
"So, today, as we say goodbye to Granny, let's not just mourn her passing but celebrate the incredible pony she was. Let's honour her legacy by keepin' Sweet Apple Acres thriving and by being there for each other, just like Granny taught us. She may be gone, but her spirit will live on in every apple tree, every jar of zap apple jam, and every memory we share as a family."
Apple Bloom stepped away from the podium, and retook her seat. The young filly seemed to have passed a coming of age ritual, having spoken when neither of her elder siblings had the strength to.
Next Rainbow Dash, adorned in her official Wonderbolt uniform, approached the podium. The traditional black band on her foreleg symbolised not just her grief but also the solemnity of the occasion. Despite her usual bold demeanour, the atmosphere in the room hushed as every pony turned their attention to the vibrant pegasus.
Clearing her throat, Rainbow Dash began to speak in her distinctive rasping voice. "The first time I really got to spend time with Granny Smith was in Las Pegasus, with the Golden Horseshoe Gals."
The memories of that time brought a playful smirk to Rainbow Dash's face as she recalled the unexpected adventures shared with Granny Smith and her friends.
"I gotta be honest, I thought chaperoning a group of old ponies would be a breeze. I was there for the legendary rollercoaster, you know? Now, I gotta admit, I thought Granny and the others would be out of place in the bustling city. But, oh boy, was I wrong. Granny Smith was like a force of nature, unstoppable and full of surprises.”
The audience chuckled at the unexpected twist in Rainbow Dash's story.
"She didn't just watch from the sidelines. No way, she wanted to experience everything Las Pegasus had to offer. We ended up trying everything from wild thrill rides to daring magic shows. Granny, with her adventurous spirit, proved that age was just a number."
Rainbow Dash's eyes glinted with affection as she recounted those unforgettable moments.
"And then there was the night we spent at the legendary Cherry Pit. I thought I knew how to have a good time, but Granny and her pals could out-dance and out-party anypony in Las Pegasus. I was just trying to keep up!"
The ponies in the audience laughed, imagining the lively scene with the Golden Horseshoe Gals.
"In those moments, Granny taught me that age doesn't define how much fun you can have. She showed me that life is for living, for embracing every thrill, no matter how unexpected. Granny wasn't just an old pony; she was the life of the party, the adventurer I never knew I needed."
“And the way the Golden Horseshoe Gals invited me in and treated me as one of them was reflected in the way Granny Smith accepted me into her family. Both Sugar Belle and I were made to feel so welcome, so loved… just like how Pear Butter was all those years ago.”
Rainbow Dash took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting the fond memories. "We can miss her, but let's celebrate both the wild, adventurous spirit of Granny Smith and her endless love and kindness. She may be gone, but the comfort we shared will keep her alive in our hearts forever."
With those words, Rainbow Dash stepped away from the podium, leaving behind a room filled with not just sorrow but also appreciation for the vibrant, party-loving side of Granny Smith. She sat down and once again held Applejack, both ponies weeping together.
Princess Twilight Sparkle gracefully approached the podium, her regal presence commanding the attention of the assembled ponies in the hall. A warm smile graced her face as she surveyed the sombre yet united crowd.
"I stand before you today not just as a princess but as a friend who had the privilege of knowing Granny Smith," Twilight began, her voice carrying a gentle sincerity. "However, rather than give my recollections, I've been asked by Princess Celestia to deliver a message on this sad occasion. When Granny Smith's parents were sent by Princess Celestia to found an orchard beside the Everfree Forest, there was no way of knowing that a thriving town would be founded nearby."
The audience listened with rapt attention, the significance of Granny Smith's family's role in Ponyville's history becoming more apparent.
"Without that pioneering family, none of what we know as Ponyville would be here. Granny Smith's family dedicated themselves to cultivating the land, facing the challenges of the Everfree Forest with resilience and determination. In Granny Smith's long lifetime, so much has changed, and we owe a debt to her family's dedication and sacrifice."
Twilight Sparkle's eyes conveyed a deep appreciation for the history Granny Smith had been a part of and the impact her family had on shaping the community they now called home.
"Granny Smith, with her wisdom and unwavering spirit, witnessed Ponyville transform from a small settlement to a bustling town filled with ponies from all walks of life. Her contributions, whether through the orchards, the traditions, or the simple wisdom she shared, have left an indelible mark on this town and the hearts of everypony who knew her."
A gentle breeze rustled through the town hall, as if carrying the echoes of the past and the gratitude of a town that had flourished under Granny Smith's watchful eyes.
"As we say our goodbyes, let us not only mourn the loss of a beloved pony but also celebrate the enduring legacy of Granny Smith's family. In their dedication and sacrifice, we find the roots of Ponyville, a town that thrives because of the bonds forged and the lessons learned from generations past."
With a final nod, Princess Twilight Sparkle stepped away from the podium and returned to her seat on the sidelines, leaving behind a room filled with ponies reflecting on the deep roots and rich history that had laid the foundation for the vibrant community of Ponyville. The hall maintained a respectful silence, anticipating the final speaker.
Alderpony Mare took to the stage once more, her presence commanding the attention of the gathered ponies. "Now, for our final speaker, we have Filthy Rich."
Filthy Rich, a well-dressed earth pony with a distinguished air, approached the podium. His gaze swept across the room, acknowledging the sea of ponies who had gathered to pay their respects. He cleared his throat before beginning his tribute to Granny Smith.
"Ladies and gentlecolts, I stand before you today to share my gratitude and appreciation for the remarkable pony we've all lost. When I think about my own journey and the success of the Rich family, I can't help but trace it back to the very roots of Sweet Apple Acres."
Filthy Rich's words carried a sincerity that surprised those assembled in the hall, many of whom had dealings with the proud business owner.
"The first products I ever sold were the produce from Sweet Apple Acres. Granny Smith and her family provided me with the foundation on which I built my business. In a way, we owe everything we have to the fruit of Granny's labour. The apples she cultivated weren't just a crop; they were the seeds of prosperity for many families in Ponyville."
As Filthy Rich continued, he shared a glimpse into the business dealings he had with Granny Smith.
"Now, Granny was a force to be reckoned with in the marketplace. No matter what else was happening, she always knew how to drive a hard, but fair, bargain. Granny held me to my word but I can tell you, crossing the matriarch of the Apple family was something I'd never dare attempt."
The audience chuckled, a collective acknowledgment of Granny Smith's legendary negotiation skills.
"In all seriousness, though, Granny Smith was more than just a supplier. She was a friend, a mentor, and a pillar of strength. Her dedication to Sweet Apple Acres not only enriched our lives but also shaped the very fabric of Ponyville."
Filthy Rich concluded by stopping and whispering some private condolences to the Apple siblings on his way back to his seat. Mayor Tiara smiled as she made her way back to the front of the assembly, letting him know she was proud of the speech he'd just delivered, the sincere respect and appreciation for Granny Smith evident in every word he spoke.
Mayor Tiara retook her spot at the front of the hall, her gaze sombre as she prepared to conclude the emotional ceremony. She expressed her gratitude to all the ponies who had shared their memories and thoughts, knowing that in the face of such a deep loss, articulating one's feelings could be a challenging task.
"I want to extend my sincere thanks to each and every pony who spoke today," Mayor Tiara began, her voice carrying a sense of both sorrow and appreciation. "I know there's so much more that could have been said about Granny Smith, but in the depths of loss it can be hard to articulate our feelings in such a public forum. Granny Smith was equally loved by those that didn't speak today, who may well be able to share their feelings as the pain of grief starts to subside. As it is her legacy is vast, and the impact she had on Ponyville so immeasurable that recounting it is near impossible to do."
The mayor's words comforted the assembled ponies, who nodded in understanding.
"As we conclude this ceremony, I want to remind everypony that Granny's funeral today will be a private affair. I kindly ask that you respect the Apple family's need for privacy as they bid their final farewell to their beloved grandmother."
Mayor Tiara's gaze swept across the hall, urging the ponies to honour the family's wishes.
"However, the wake this evening is an open invitation for all. It's an opportunity to share in the memories of Granny Smith, joyfully, and partake in the last of her hoof-made cider. The taste of which is a fitting tribute to the matriarch of Sweet Apple Acres."
With those words, Mayor Tiara thanked the gathered ponies once more and signalled the conclusion of the ceremony. As the Apples, Rainbow Dash, and Princess Twilight Sparkle made their way from the town hall, the remaining ponies stayed seated, a collective display of respect for the departed.
Once the family and their close friends had left, the remaining ponies filed out in respectful silence, leaving behind the floral tributes and empty chairs. The town hall stood quiet, awaiting the carepony to tidy away the remnants of the ceremony and prepare the space to serve the community as needed.