How the year has passed, Rarity found herself thinking alone in her room in Canterlot. It seemed like only yesterday that she found herself with more than she could ask for: friendship. Before that time, Opalescence was her only companion that could be called that. However that was a while ago – two years in fact. Today, she had many friends and a much stronger bond in her relationships due to that encounter with Twilight Sparkle. A fateful encounter indeed.
Shuffling across the floor, she found herself looking out across the streets. It was snowing. A bounty of the lush, white clumps covered the entirety of the ground and rooftops. Canterlot was gorgeous this time of year – when nothing but a white embrace coated it. “I should take a stroll,” she thought aloud. Her voice echoed in the main room, as a lone call for attention. She was going to be alone this Hearts Warming Day. Opal was with Sweetie Bell and her folks, leaving her to tend to her own time. It isn’t like she wasn’t asked to join in the family festivities; but for some reason she came up with an excuse, of which she had no intent to follow through with.
Rarity gathered the necessary clothing – thick scarf, long socks, and a sweater – and made her way out the door. Before she exited her temporary home, she noticed a parcel on a table. It was a letter from Spike. He did say he would write to her at least once, while she was up in Canterlot. I'll read it later she decided. The frigid environment beyond her fireplace-protected home penetrated her bones. She gave a violent shiver, but decided on moving ahead. It took a few steps, but she gathered the strength to overcome the cold. Soon it was but a light chill in her underside.
Canterlot looked absolutely wondrous in this dome of frost. The thick clouds above gave it a snow globe feel. She was just an ornament in the grand scheme of this majestic piece. As she made her way deeper into the town, it occurred to her that she never checked the time. Nopony was out, so it must have been late. I guess it doesn’t matter she thought. In all honesty, it was better this way. If only to spend a little time alone in a winter wonderland, was a dream come true. Other ponies would only ruin the moment. They would cry or loudly express distain for the weather. They wouldn’t benefit from what she saw. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; and Rarity truly saw the beauty of the moment.
Passing a few more buildings, she came upon a confectionery – much like the one Pinkie Pie stayed in. The lights were on, and a strong scent of the Cake’s famous Sugarcube Delight wafted beyond their doors. They often sent out batches to neighboring towns and cities. She took deep breaths of the heavenly treats. A thought occurred that she would ask Pinkie for a batch as soon as possible. They only have so many, and she wanted a few to take home to Opal when she got back. Yes...when.
Shaking her head, Rarity made a break from the sugary paradise, and continued on. There was supposed to be a storm tonight, but it seems that was misconstrued. The snow fell daintily upon the area. Snowflakes – all of them unique – landed complacently around her. Taking in the sight, she noticed one stray floating above her. It floated back and forth in the air, making elegant swirls. If there was to be any snowflake more unique than the others, this would be it. A diamond pattern persisted across the entirety of it; making it truly special. Maybe it was her own snowflake that winter decided for her. Maybe it could be her companion this night.
The gentle treasure landed softly on the tip of her noise. The snowy-jewel was light; lighter than she would have expected. Didn't Applejack say good things are better when they are a rarity? If so she was right about that: this snowflake was a beautiful rarity.
“Admiring the snow I see?”
Rarity turned swiftly to see an unfamiliar stallion standing beside her. He was wearing a mitten cap, to stave of the freezing air too. “Why yes, yes I am. And you would be...?”
“Names Swish. I’m guessing a pretty mare such as yourself has a name?”
She blushed, allowing a few seconds to collect her thoughts. “I’m Rarity, and you would be right on that ‘pretty’ part”.
“I would hope so. It wouldn't be nice of me to say otherwise,” the stallion jokingly commented. He was charming for a stallion; not a lot of those. “Might I ask what you are doing out in this terrible weather?”
“Not at all. I guess I needed a walk, to clear my head. To be honest, I find this weather wonderful. It’s a shame you find it not as such”. She closed her eyes, and let the cold surround her; so as to come closer to enjoying it.
“Yes well I’m more of a summer stallion myself”. He laughed at that, seemingly a joke. “However...” He continued. “Would it be too much if I joined you on your stroll? It doesn't seem right for a lovely thing like you to be alone out here”. His sly smile crept upon her like a snake. He seems alright enough.
With Swish trailing next to her, Rarity trekked on. He was quite a talker, often having a lot to talk of. She enjoyed the casual conversation. They moved through the streets in slow-fashion; so as to take in as much time as possible. Swish was a really good stallion to walk with. Perhaps he can be a friend, if only for a short time. Letting the thought slide into the nether of her mind, Rarity came back to the present.
They had been together – by her count – for an hour. For an hour they walked, talked, and laughed. Like old friends enjoying a good time. Yet, it really was a good time. They may not be old friends, but that isn’t to say they couldn’t be. She at least hoped he enjoyed it as much as her. Then again, he had been enjoying something this entire time: her. He would carefully place ‘beautiful’ and ‘gorgeous’ into her appearance and thoughts. He wouldn’t be the first to try to attain her attention. Many found her as he had put it, “the loveliest mare I ever had the opportunity to meet”. To which she would reply something simple like “I’m sure all the lovely mares feel the same”.
Was she as unique as them? Did he find her unique?
This inquiry lingered even until they were to part ways. Swish had mentioned earlier on that he worked early morning shifts, hauling lumber. Even on a day of celebration, he had to work his tail off. “It was a real pleasure meeting you Rarity,” he said as a lasting goodbye. Then to seal their departure, he held out his neck to plant a kiss on her cheek. Surprised and blushing harder than before, she reacted accordingly with a swift smack pushing him away. Swish blinked hard, lowering his soft gaze. “Sorry ‘bout that. I really didn't mean to come on too strong. However, it really was a good time meeting you”. With that, he stalked off into the night; she would not see him again.
Heading off into a direction that looked familiar, Rarity found herself in front of the grand spectacle of Canterlot this time of year: the massive Hearts Warming tree. It towered above most buildings, reaching into the cloudy sky above. Snow had given the great tree a new skin, layered in layers of the frosty formation.
This tree was unique. Unique as her, unique as Swish, unique as that snowflake. Perhaps more so than all of them combined. Festive lights danced around the edges of the behemoth, showering the surrounding villa in a florescent glow. A glow that contained a beauty beyond the others. Green, red, yellow, and purple shone brighter than anything. It was as if Celestia herself became the lights, just to bathe her city in her light. I wonder what Celestia does during this time. Now that Luna is back, she must be so very happy. Now that she’s back...she must feel less alone. As alone as Rarity was feeling that very moment.
If only she took that offer up to join her family. If only she was less selfish in wanting to keep herself busy. Her work was her life’s passion; something she would never give up. Yet I have done just that for a moments rest.
A tear cascaded down her cheek, leaving a piercing sting. Wiping away the tear, Rarity began to smile. Even when she regretted a decision, there was always something to bring her back to a happy existence. High above the tree, the buildings, and even the princesses’ castle was something that brought her here. In the cloudy sky – beyond the grey dome – was a shining star. A star that emitted a powerful glow of true wonder. Truly unique she thought. For that star shone above Ponyville as well. Above where her friends were currently living it up with family and enjoying the Eve. “I think I've had a delightful stroll”. With that, Rarity went back to her humble abode.
Hurrying inside, Rarity shoveled off the coat of snow on her, leaving a wet pile of water. Not minding the slight drip, she went over to the lit fireplace, placing more kindling inside to heat it up. A large roar from the flames leaping inside acknowledged that. Settling down, she let out a long sigh. A walk was really what she needed. She was glad to have had a good time in such a short spurt. Slowly she gazed across the empty room, to the note that lay on the table. Spike. “I did promise myself I would read it,” she said, picking herself up and trotting to the note. Using her magic, she slit open the parcel, and lay the crumpled piece of paper into the dim light. The words leapt off the note as she read them:
Hey Rarity! I told you I would send you at least one letter before you came back to us here in Ponyville. Just wanted to say how much we missed you. Twilight managed to catch our tree on fire, and Rainbow Dash didn’t help all that much by causing a minor tornado to put it out. We’re still looking for Fluttershy currently. We think she may have locked herself in a cabinet or behind a dozen books.
Anyways, just thought you should be kept updated on the happenings here. We were really sad you couldn’t stay. Would have been nice to have you here. Hope you can make it back soon, and enjoy yourself. You’re always saying you don’t get out enough, so maybe you should take a walk in the city. It gets really awesome light shows in a villa somewhere, where a large tree resides.
This is getting really wordy, and I don’t have much to say; so at least have fun and come back soon. I know I’ve been missing you a lot, and there’s no one with you so you must be a little lonely. We’ll be sure to host a big ‘welcome back’ party when you get here.
-Love Spike
Rarity remained silent for a long time. This letter was all she could have hoped for. Friendship. Even when she was gone, her friends were worried and would gladly throw a part just for her to come back. Another tear left her, along with many more during the reading. Her entire face had become a mess of wet tears and moist fur. Closing her eyes, she thought hard on what to do. She wasn't to return for another few days at most; so arriving now would be pointless. No. Rarity thought less this time, and stood up. Wiping off remaining trace amounts of tears, she packed her things and sauntered out of the building. It was better late than never to go back home.
Spike was shoveling snow in the chilly night, when a white mare passed by him. Twilight insisted he get the job done now, because he probably wouldn't get it done later. She was right. He did get lazy with some of his duties, but if they were to have a good Hearts Warming he might as well get it done now.
The mare rhythmically trotted by him, and stopped. She looked too familiar; but in this night, he couldn't tell one pony from another. She was beaming white, and very beautiful. There was an air of grace to her that superseded most other ponies he’s met. A lamppost in the distance offered minimal light that allowed Spike to take a guesstimate at the mare in his vision. Rarity.
“Woah Rarity! What are you doing back early?”
She didn't speak at first, but merely stared at him. He felt kind of awkward that she was doing this. “Well anyways it’s good to see you. I’m sure the others’ll be stoked that you’re...”
He didn't finish his train of thought, as Rarity ducked low and softly pecked his forehead with her lips. She then brought her eyes away, and looked as if in thought. “It really is nice to be back, Spike”. She then trotted off. “Have a lovely Hearts Warming darling,” she said as she went into the cloak of the night.
“Uh...ya. See ya,” was all he got out. After a minute of standing in complete silence, he went right back to shoveling the troubling piles of snow.
Rarity made it back to her place in no time flat, and decided to make a cup of coffee, light the fireplace, and think up a present to give Sweetie Bell. Tonight truly was a good night to go for a stroll.