Nothing.
The pristine white newly fallen snow decorated the bustling city beautifully, as if it was a scene fresh out of a film, and though many ponies were cheerful as they strolled the streets, or were seen happy together indoors, away from the cold, but nonetheless admiring it, one certain mare was not as joyful as the rest.
She blended in with the winter scenery well, what with her alabaster coat, and sapphire blue eyes that sparkled like the snowflakes.
...but unlike time and time again, her eyes were not sparkling with joy - instead, tears glossed them over.
The ancient iron fence that guarded the cemetery loudly squeaked as she used her magic to open it, and slowly, almost cautiously, she stepped into the seemingly endless field that felt so eerily haunting, which was fitting, for her location.
Frozen stones, each engraved with different words about different past souls, were placed in random areas, but none of them fazed Rarity as she continued to trudge through the snow, in an almost robotic-like manner. She knew this path all too well - she could have easily gone through it more than twenty times in the past six months... but now was a special occasion.
Before, it was only to cry and wallow in misery, muttering nonsense about her broken heart, and wishes of how it could all be the same as before.
But alas, not even the most powerful of medicine nor magic could heal this pain.
And finally.
She had found it.
What she had been looking for this whole time.
One of the newest spots in the graveyard, with a simple headstone, that was underneath a tree, which was very fitting for the mare who was buried here.
Jacqueline Apple
Beloved sister, grand-daughter, friend and wife
Thirty-nine years of age
She will be missed
"Hello, darling," Rarity said softly. "It's me." The wind lightly whistled and she let out a sigh. "Yes, I know, it's been too often, but this visit should be an exception." She couldn't bear to look at the solid stone anymore and turned her face to the freezing cold ground. "I... I understand you wouldn't want me to be like this, and I try not to dwell on it, although..."
She glanced to the golden chain hung around her neck, and the silver band that was dangling from it. Carefully, she placed her hoof on it and released a deep breath.
"Today would have been our tenth anniversary," Rarity murmured. "and as I told you back then, I still mean it when I say that being married to you was one of the greatest gifts life could have ever given me..." A single tear fell to the frozen ground, and she lightly shuddered, but not so much from the cold. "And before you passed, we both know I made a promise to you. A promise I told you I most likely couldn't keep."
"Rares," Applejack let out a light groan as she rubbed her forehead with a hoof. "We both know Ah don't have long t' go and-"
"Don't say that." Rarity muttered, as she choked back a sob, looking up at her sickly wife. "You'll make it. You have to."
The farmer let out a low chuckle and managed a wry smile, "Ah cain't decide that, sugarcube, an' neither can you." The hospital's scarily cold silence filled a moment between them, only before the earth pony continued, "So, if'n Ah don't get outta here, can ya do somethin' fer me?"
"Anything," the dressmaker whimpered. "Say the word, Applejack, and I would change Equestria for you if I could."
Managing to find the strength to roll her eyes playfully, Applejack took her wife's hoof into her own and their gazes locked. "Promise me that ya ain't gon' lock yerself up an' dwell ov'r me." she stated. "Jus' move on wit' yer life."
"I..." Rarity looked deep into her lover's tired, weary emerald eyes and let out a sigh. "There's no guarantees, but... anything for you."
"But, no matter," she sighed. "I intend to at least try and respect your final wish."
And with that, Rarity levitated the necklace off and gently placed it over the headstone, so the wedding ring hung right over the carving of her deceased lover's name.
...it felt so odd to have nothing holding her back now.
Somehow, just taking that simple accessory off lifted away a few burdens.
Even if her heart was still shattered in pieces, it was a start.
Next prompt: Holiday.