Entombed by Vanity: A Tale of Vampirism in Equestria

Rarity’s finely stitched velvet curtains were partially open and the early morning rays of the sun steadily made their way through her window. She was able to find time to make the curtains while sewing formal attire for her clients. The bell of Ponyville’s clock tower had ceased ringing, and Rarity was still asleep. The steady illumination of her room by the rising sun revealed not only a bedchamber, but also a design studio. Fabrics of varying qualities all neatly arranged by color on a wooden shelf, a sloping desk with paper patterns strewn about, writing instruments, and scribbled notes were to be found. The walls of the bedchamber were painted with warm pastel colors, bright but not overpowering. In the center where a large woven circular rug lay was a mannequin fitted with Rarity’s latest dress design. It was near completion and near perfection. It was a black and red patterned corset with a sequined trim, with a high collar and a long detailed train. All manner of antique and intricately designed furniture were kept. They were arranged in such a way they resembled museum pieces only to be admired and not used. The most exquisite piece of furniture was Rarity’s ornately hoof-carved canopy bed.
As the birds singing outside her window were reaching a crescendo, Rarity yawned deeply and stretched out her hooves overhead, as if she were a dolphin breaking the surface of an ocean of rich soft pillows and luxurious comforters. The night before, she attended an invitation-only fashion soirée at the Halter Heights Hotel in downtown Manehattan. She found it pleasurable showing off her new designs as well as seeing the styles of her contemporaries. Occasionally, Rarity felt it was a burden having to spend more time than needed networking, when all she desired at a certain point of the night is extricate herself. She hated the morning after an event and the exhaustion it brought. Rarity was a firm believer in beauty sleep and hated waking up tired. She felt the evening outings were becoming more frequent, and she couldn’t recover fast enough for the next one. Rarity would never dare to refuse to go to these fashion events. To decline such invitations would court career disaster. Well known in the fashion world, staying current through networking was the only way to get a hoof up on the latest styles and trends. It would have been nice for her to sleep in today but alas, it was not to be.
Rarity had made plans to shop at the Earth Pony Farmers Market today. Every weekend, the Farmers Market was held in Ponyville’s town square, where the Earth Ponies sold their fresh produce and wares. She particularly liked the specialty apples Applejack and Granny Smith sold in limited batches. Rarity had to get a jump on the day to beat the shopping stampede.

“Oh dear.” Rarity said under her breath.

She removed the covers off of herself and put on her slippers. She made her way towards the window and pulled back the heavy curtains completely.

What a great and grand morning, not a cloud in the sky!

Rarity admired how the bright and invincible the sun appeared in the deep azure skies that seemed to stretch into forever. Sunlight filled the room and bathed everything in a warming radiance.
She walked towards the washroom and gave Opal a scratch behind the ear. Opal turned to her and let out a low meow.

“Don’t start with me Opal, it’s much too early.”

As Rarity entered her washroom, out of the corner of her eye she saw her reflection in the mirror. Her mane was a neatly disheveled mess in what was originally high set waterfall curls. She brushed her bangs back away from her face and leaned into the mirror. She couldn't help but notice the puffiness and fine lines around her eyes from the lack of sleep. Rarity had all manner of creams and lotions that cost her a small fortune that did nothing but clutter her medicine cabinet. Every time a new product came out, Rarity would have to have it in the hopes it would rid her of fine lines. She would apply it daily and nightly. However not only were the fine lines on her face still present, but they also became more evident with the passing of time. One may say that she was in denial.

A waste of bits! Empty promises!

Rarity furrowed her brow while applying the latest skin preparation she bought from the beauty salon.

I feel certainly justified marching back there and getting a refund!

Fashion and beauty naturally go hand in hand. Rarity was fastidious not only with her fashion creations, but with her personal appearance. Even though she was quite a young pony, she knew that in time, her beauty would slowly but surely fade. She felt one must not let their appearance go. Rarity believed was proper to extend the appearance of youth for as long as possible before the inevitable. However, she knew full well she was fighting a losing battle. At times, she felt as if aging were a cruel joke.

Why must it be this way?

As quickly as she sunk into rumination, she pulled herself out of it. Rarity needed to hurry if she wanted the good finds. There was no time to philosophically muse, much less feel sorry for herself.

My goodness! Look at the time!

Rarity quickened her pace to finish her morning routine. However even through the urgency, she still was able to at least have a bit of something for breakfast. Rarity disliked the feeling of having an empty stomach. She also made sure above all that she left food and water for Opal.

Can’t forget Opal now!

With everything set in place, in one shift motion she put on her saddlebags, locked the door behind her and was off.