//------------------------------//
// The Wake 
// Story: In Autumn Leaves 
// by Cryogenii 
//------------------------------//

As the shadows lengthened, the townsponies made their way to the barn at Sweet Apple Acres for the wake. They carried sorrow and anticipation as they approached the gathering. The barn had been prepared, its doors open wide to welcome those who would share in the memories of Granny Smith. Tables and seating were arranged, creating a space for both reflection and camaraderie.

Inside, the atmosphere was subdued, the soft rustling of hay and the scent of apples lingering in the air. The Cakes, known for their elaborate sweet treets, had meticulously prepared simpler dishes for the occasion. The barn, adorned with a few tasteful decorations, set the stage for the ponies to come together in remembrance.

To avoid the potential awkwardness of being the first to arrive, Fluttershy and Rarity had quietly organised the townsponies into two groups. The groups approached Sweet Apple Acres in a quietly respectful manner, acknowledging the gravity of the moment and the need for collective support.

Spike and Rainbow Dash, standing at the entrance, greeted the ponies as they arrived. Their presence provided a comforting welcome to those about to share in the celebration of Granny Smith's life. The duo acknowledged each pony with a nod or a gentle word, understanding the solemnity of the occasion.

As the ponies gathered inside the barn, the hushed conversations and shared glances conveyed a sense of unity. Each one carried their own memories of Granny Smith, and as they took their seats, the barn became a tapestry of stories and experiences that celebrated the life of the matriarch of Sweet Apple Acres.

Pinkie Pie, typically known for her vibrant and lively presence, took on a different role for this sombre occasion. Dressed in a sharply tailored black suit and a pillbox hat, she moved quietly through the gathering at the barn. Although the atmosphere was not that of a typical Pinkie Pie party, she was determined to ensure that everypony's needs were attended to with the same care and attention.

In her role, Pinkie mingled seamlessly among the mourners, her usually bouncy demeanour tempered by a quiet solemnity. She made it a point to offer comfort and support, checking in on each pony with a gentle word or a reassuring touch. Pinkie understood that this gathering was about sharing memories and finding solace in each other's company.

While this was not a celebration in the traditional sense, Pinkie Pie managed to create an environment where conversation flowed naturally. She made sure that those present always had a group to be part of, gently guiding ponies together towards shared reminiscences or thoughtful reflections. It was a subtle way of fostering connections and allowing the healing power of community to unfold.

Amidst the subdued atmosphere, there was still a sense of warmth and togetherness. The barn, adorned with memories and surrounded by ponies sharing stories, became a place of support and shared understanding. Pinkie Pie, her tailored attire giving her gravitas, embodying a different kind of party – one of remembrance, unity, and the enduring bonds that Granny Smith had cultivated over the years.





In the quiet corners of the barn, Twilight Sparkle and Discord found themselves naturally gravitating towards each other, their heights making them stand out in the gathering. Twilight, perceptive as always, noticed a shift in Discord's usually mischievous expression. Discord, despite his chaotic nature, seemed unusually solemn.

Twilight, concerned for her friend, gently approached the draconequus. "Discord, is everything okay?" she inquired, her voice filled with genuine care.

Discord sighed, his gaze momentarily distant. "Well, you see, Twilight, watching the grief that Big Mac is going through with Granny Smith's passing has made me confront something I'd rather not think about."

Twilight furrowed her brow, curious yet empathetic. "What is it, Discord? You can talk to me."

Discord's eyes met Twilight's, and for a moment, vulnerability replaced his usual confidence. "Fluttershy... her mortality. I've never had to truly consider it before. I can't escape the thought that one day, she'll be gone, and I'll have an eternity to miss her."

Twilight's expression softened, understanding the weight of Discord's revelation. It was a side of him she rarely saw – the fear of losing someone he cared about.

As Discord's eyes widened, he turned to Twilight. "And you! You're going to have that feeling with all of your friends. One by one, they'll leave you, and you'll be left with memories and an eternity of loneliness."

Twilight's gaze turned sad for a moment, acknowledging the inevitability of loss. "Discord, I won't deny that losing my friends will be painful, but friendship is not a finite resource. While our departed friends can't be replaced, we can still make new connections, share new memories, and find joy in the many friendships we create. It doesn't erase the pain, but it can ease the loneliness."

She placed a comforting hoof on Discord's shoulder. "And besides, the memories we have with our friends, even after they're gone, make our lives richer. It's a part of the beautiful tapestry of life, Discord. Loss is hard, but the love and friendship we experience along the way are worth it."

Discord, contemplating Twilight's words, nodded slowly. Then a thought seemed to occur to him, “Oh, I suppose that would explain Angel.”

“Angel?” Twilight looked at him with confusion, “whatever do you mean?”

“Well surely you've contemplated how long rabbits live?” answered Discord.

Twilight looked a little taken aback. “Can't really say that I have.”

“But her current one is just the latest in a whole line of Angel Bunnies,” exclaimed Discord with a mischievous smile, “or would that be Angels Bunny?  I suppose that explains how Fluttershy just moves on to the next one when, you know…”

Twilight Sparkle was lost for words, as Discord smiled coolly at her.  The barn around them buzzed with conversations, stories, and shared memories testifying to the enduring nature of connections forged in the midst of life's joys and sorrows but suddenly all the princess could imagine was a near infinite line of tiny tombstones.





Igneous Rock Pie, his usual severe expression firmly in place, looked entirely suited for the day's sombre atmosphere at Sweet Apple Acres.  He gazed solemnly at the colourful ponies of Ponyville who had gathered to pay their respects to Granny Smith, the multitude of hues making his mind spin a little. He liked the monochromatic hues of his own farm and the quiet remoteness of it.  Although many ponies would consider Ponyville to be a very quiet town, he found Sweet Apple Acres to be a little too near to its hustle and bustle.  

He had travelled from his rock farm with Cloudy Quartz and the two of their daughters who still lived at home, Marble and Limestone. The journey from their rock farm to Sweet Apple Acres had felt uncomfortably loud and jarring. The constant buzz of conversation from the other passengers intruded on Igneous's thoughts, making it impossible for him to concentrate.

How his other two daughters had come to live there, or adjacent as Maud put it, he could not fathom.  Not that he wasn't proud of them, both known to be experts in their chosen careers.  Whilst he felt that party organising was entirely too frivolous compared to being a geologist, and being a baker was not much more respectable, seeing his daughter hosting such a serious occasion with so much dignity did fill his chest with pride.

As the wake swirled around him, Igneous found himself reflecting on his reasons for coming. Despite his discomfort from the noise and bustle of the train, he knew he had needed to make this journey. The Pies and the Apples, though only tenuously related, had celebrated many Hearth's Warming Eves together over the years. Despite their initial differences, the two families had grown close, forming bonds that went beyond mere friendship.

Sensing her husband's unease, Cloudy Quartz reached out and gently squeezed his hoof, offering silent support. Igneous smiled at her, to reassure that he would be able to tolerate the surrounding hubbub as long as he needed to.  Indeed a few of the more gregarious ponies had engaged him in conversation, giving him the chance to explain exactly what a rock farmer did.

As the evening wore on, Igneous couldn't help but feel the sense of duty weighing more and more heavily on his shoulders. Granny Smith had been a dear friend to their family, and her passing had left a void that could not be ignored. Despite his stoic exterior, Igneous felt a pang of sadness at the thought of saying goodbye to someone who had been a cherished part of their lives for so many years.  He felt deeply uncomfortable at the prospect of such an emotional scene, but knew he should make the effort to offer the Apples his condolences.

His eyes scanning the crowd, Igneous hovered awkwardly at the edge of the gathering.  His gaze eventually landed on his son, Octavio, who also stood apart from the rest, another solitary figure amidst the throng.

With a heavy sigh, Igneous made his way toward Octavio, his progress laborious. As he approached, he couldn't help but feel a surge of disappointment toward his son, whose choice of career had also been a source of tension between them. Igneous had never approved of Octavio's decision, viewing it as exceedingly unnecessary; having two bakers in the family.  How this child had also become a resident of Ponyville he could not fathom.  The town seems like such a magnet for Pies, yet its attraction was beyond his comprehension.

As Igneous drew closer to his son, he couldn't deny the pain that gnawed at him. Octavio had caused so much bad blood with Pinkie because of his competitiveness, and, although healed, the rift this caused felt almost unforgivable. Despite their differences though, Igneous knew that family should come first, especially in times of grief.

Clearing his throat awkwardly, Igneous announced his presence to Octavio, his stern facade faltering for a moment. "Octavio," he greeted the younger pony, his voice gruff with emotion. "It's... good to see you here, paying your respects to Granny Smith." The words felt stiff and forced, but Igneous knew they needed to be said. After all, despite their differences, they were still family.

“Sure Pops,” replied the grey coated earth pony, “I didn't know Granny as much as the rest of you, but I know you wanted us all here.”

“Thank you son,” mumbled the elder pony, “mayhap we might talk before I return to the farm.”

“Have you spoken to Applejack yet,” asked Octavio, “we can catch up after you've seen her.”

“Aye, son,” nodded Igneous, “I doth have a sad duty to attend to.”

Turning away, Igneous trotted back to his wife. Cloudy Quartz smiled warmly at him, showing her pleasure that he'd acknowledged his son and made an effort to connect with him. Sensing that her husband needed to get through this evening before decompressing away from the pressure and noise of the crowd, she gestured to where Applejack was seated.  Igneous nodded his agreement and hoof in hoof they navigated through the mourners.

Applejack looked up as Igneous and Cloudy Quartz approached to offer their condolences.  In his typically reserved way, Igneous stiffly greeted the brown earth pony. His wife, on the other hoof, enveloped Applejack in a warm hug, expressing her sympathy for the loss.

Igneous Rock Pie, maintaining his stern demeanour, spoke, "Our sincere condolences for your loss, Applejack. Granny Smith was a stalwart presence, and her absence will be felt deeply whenever our families doth gather."

Cloudy Quartz added, "She was always a joy to us during our Hearth's Warming Eve celebrations. We'll miss her dearly."

Applejack smiled warmly, although her bloodshot eyes showed how much pain she was in, “Ah know that Granny did always love visiting you for the holidays.”  

Igneous, in his straightforward manner, inquired, "Is there anything we can do to assist at Sweet Apple Acres during this time? We're here to offer our support and labour."

Applejack, appreciating the genuine offer, replied, "Thank you, Igneous. I'm grateful for your kindness but I think we can cope. Things are quieter in autumn once the harvest is done, but your offer means a lot to me."

Igneous nodded. "Glad to hear that. The seasons make little difference to the working of a rock farm, so if there's ever a need, don't hesitate to let us know."

The exchange, though reserved, carried their shared grief and solidarity. In the midst of loss, the Ponyville community rallied together, and the offer of support from the Pie family to the Apples was a welcome reminder of the strength of their connections.