The Seamstress

Chapters

The lone Child
The little shop of sweets
The dolls
The book

The lone Child

The day was warm but with a humid breeze blowing in from the Ever Free forest, easily convincing the ponies who lived so near it to believe it was actually hotter than it was. All in all it was still a good day for many. Ponyville had been well established several years previous, everything was well set. At least, most everything. The roads and paths were the only thing that were not fully set, and with heavy loads during some of the wetter seasons, gave many of the roads and pathways through Ponyville ruts and water run off. Something of a hassle, especially for today of all days, ponies moved with tradable goods.

　　　　Very few carts moved along towards the market just on the other side of town next to the governors building. One of the largest carts and stands, were that of the Apple family, seemed to already be set up. Today, it seemed, they had Lil Smith, the green earth pony fillie with curls, and a small apple pie for a cutie mark.

　　　　She was learning how to help her family with selling the apples. The plan was for Daddy Mac to start making trips to Canterlot to try and boost their funds; thereby, her father believed, to then be able to help the rest of the town.

Only a couple of other stalls were opened, but it was still early; as today was the day that ponies from out of town would be stopping in to sell a few wares and make some trades of their own.

“Come along now, Sweetie Belle, dear.” Said a sweet voice, a new cart was rolling to a stop, with a white mare who sported a naturally curled purple mane, her cutie mark that of a large cut diamond with a thread and needle loosely wrapped around it. The apple family turned to see Rarity, the local seamstress settling down in a clear spot, followed by a small filly, also sporting a similar white coat, but with a blue and pink stripped mane. Both were unicorns, and even though being privileged with unique magick, the apple family knew Rarity worked just as hard as any pony else. She was the only one in Ponyville who could really make clothes, when the ponies needed it, especially in winter.

　　　　This, though, was not what got the family to notice something different. It was the small filly unicorn, she was new, and seemed rather old for Rarity to suddenly have a foal of her own. So the apple family did the only thing they knew to do when there were new ponies in town.

　　　　“Morning Miss Rarity, looks like we have a new arrival.” Said Daddy Mac with a deep drawl, a strong red stallion, with an orange mane, and a cutie mark of a tree over an apple; He usually did much of the hard work around the farm since he did not have any sons as of yet to help him, nor any bits to hire another stallion for help.

　　　　“Oh, good morning Mr. Mac, how are you and the apple family doing?” Rarity turned with a smile to all the ponies that had approached her.

　　　　“Well, shucks, Miss Rarity, we’re doin’ jus’ fine.”

　　　　“Oh, do forgive me. Sweetie Belle, come here dear if you please, these ponies are my friends. They are the apple family.” Rarity had looked over to the cart filled with various clothes, and fabrics. A small head peeked out, shyly, eyes glancing to the ground.

　　　　“N-nice to meet you,” She spoke timidly before hiding back behind the wagon again.

　　　　“Oh, please do forgive her,” She sighed before leaning over to whisper to the two parents, “Our mother and father passed recently, I am afraid. This is Sweetie Belle my dear little sister. I am the only family she has left, and of course I can’t just turn her away. I care dearly for her.” Rarity explained.

　　　　“Oh, no, Miss Rarity, you have our deepest apologies.” Daddy Mac said as he removed his hat and stuck it over his chest, a sorrowful look in his eyes. Turning he began to speak to his wife.

　　　　“Ma, how bout we let lil’ Smith, spend some time with Sweetie Belle and see if they can become friends?”

　　　　“Why, Daddy Mac, I do believe you have a bright idea there.” Said Mamma Washington, “Dear,” she said turning to their daughter, “How bout ya go over and talk to lil Sweetie Belle. She ain’t from ‘round here, she needs a friend.”

　　　　“Yeth, mamma,” The little green filly said, the lisp of a recently missing tooth still present. She trotted over to the cart and peeked a head around with a big warm smile. She saw the little white unicorn sitting there looking at the ground twirling a hoof in the dirt. She seemed so down, and sad.

　　　　“Hi.” She said, eagerly, waving one small hoof to Sweetie Belle.

　　　　Sweetie turned her head with a small squeak at being startled. “H-hello.”

　　　　“My name is Lil Smith.” She said, the lisp almost turning the last two syllables into an f sound.

　　　　“I’m… Sweetie Belle.”

　　　　“Would ya like ta be friends?”

　　　　Sweetie Belle sniffed, “I’ve never had a friend when I was traveling with mom and dad.” she admitted.

　　　　“Travelin’? Wow, where ya been?” Lil Smith asked curious.

　　　　“Well, we went to a few different places; the most recent was Canterlot city where they are building the new Castle for Princess Celestia.”

　　　　“Wow, really? What wath it like?” She asked moving closer.

　　　　“It was really big, and easy to get lost. You sound a little funny, did you lose a tooth?”

　　　　“Yeth ma’am, see?” Lil Smith said opening her mouth a little showing the missing tooth. This got Sweetie Belle to laugh a little.

　　　　“Did it hurt?”

　　　　“Nope, mamma helped ease the pain and gave me an apple. When I bit into it, my toof came out in it, it wath funny.” The two girls laughed. Sweetie Belle stood, seeming a little more cheered up. They spoke a little more and decided to go for a walk to talk more, and possibly play some stick loop, if they could find a loop.

　　　　“Oh, Mr. Mac, thank you so very much. She only just arrived two nights ago. And was such a mess, I had to wait until she had cried herself to sleep before I read a letter she had given to me about what had happened. I am afraid, Sweetie Belle, was not the only one who cried herself to sleep that night. But, for her, I have to be strong, unfortunately this means I cannot trade as much as I usually do, I will have to start charging for bits now to help keep things up for her. If you don’t mind though, I would still like to trade for your apples if you don’t mind. I couldn’t possibly appear greedy by trying to charge you bits for your apples. You have always been there for me, and helped me as well as so many others.”

　　　　“T’ain’t nuthin’ Miss Rarity. Ya’lls clothes are the finest every year at our family hoedowns and dances. We understand ya’lls situation, and well, we have always thought of you as a part of our family since you first moved her a couple of years ago.” Daddy Mac said. The three embraced for a hug, before the apple parents left Rarity to her work setting up her clothing stall.

　　　　-----------

　　　　The day had been long and hard. There were plenty of ponies that had come to the market this year, more than the last several years, for the legendary apples, of the apple family orchard. But for Rarity, it seemed especially hard because many tried to swindle her out of her offered deals, most claiming her work was shoddy and less than ideal. Others just thought it was plain foolish to try and sell clothing when none of the ponies really wore clothing except in special occasions, and none who arrived were really planning on attending anything, even when they went to Canterlot.

　　　　By the setting of the sun, the market began to close up, as the last of the out of town ponies began to make their way back home.

　　　　Rarity was putting the last of her dresses and materials into her cart. In the end she only made a couple of bits, mostly on one spool of material. It was not’t even enough to buy enough supplies for both her materials and food. Especially since she now had to take care of her little sister. She was thinking about how best to split up the money, of course, food for her sister came as top priority, her materials a close second, absolutely nothing else. The next big market was the following month, if she really worked to be a bit pincher she might just make it stretch. Perhaps, perhaps not, she may have to do something else.

　　　　So deep in thought, Rarity did not hear the approach of heavy hooves behind her.

　　　　“Miss Rarity.” Daddy Mac said softly.

　　　　“Oh, Mr. Mac, sorry, I was considering some new ideas to try and make the next market even better.” She offered a smile, though it was forced. He raised an eyebrow, his eyes half lidded, knowing she was lying to keep him from worrying. After a few moments, he offered a nod, giving in and a smile as well.

　　　　“If ya don’t mind, I’d like to give ya this. I want to say thank ya, our Lil Smith and Sweetie Belle have gotten along very well. Made fast friends, they have.”

　　　　“Oh, wonderful, I am so glad to hear it…” She tapered off as Daddy Mac settled down a rather large basket of fresh delicious red, and green apples in front of her.

　　　　“What? No, I can’t… I can’t accept that, even as a thank you.” Rarity said, biting her bottom lip.

　　　　“Nope, I won’t let you say no, and that’s final.” Daddy Mac said, putting an end to the argument.

　　　　“Now, I know how ya can be at times, and seein’ as how we will be havin’ another Hoedown soon, the last before winter, as ya’ll know, so I will be making a trade. Ma was saying something about how bigger our Lil Smith has gotten and she was afraid she might not be able ta fit last years dress. Not only is this a thank you, but think of it, as part of the trade ya’ll be willin ta keep with us. Lil Smith will be over with Ma in a few days to have her dress resized.”

　　　　Daddy Mac smiled down at Rarity. As a way to hide her tears she hugged Daddy Mac, just like a daughter would.

　　　　“You Apples truly are the core of this town. No pun intended.” The two laughed and bid each other good night. Sweetie Belle and Lil Smith also waved goodbye and promised to see each other again soon.

　　　　The next morning, Rarity had awoken with the dawn, a fresh idea in her mind. She made breakfast for her and Sweetie Belle, they ate and Rarity explained she wanted to go over to the orchard to speak with the apples. She told Sweetie it was a long walk as the apple orchard started at the edge of town and went for a long while before they would reach the farm.

　　　　It took them the whole morning after breakfast to walk all the way over to the farm. As they approached, Sweetie Belle was complaining her legs were hurting. Rarity understood as her legs were also hurting, and she was sure she was getting a callous on one of her back hooves, but she did not make a complaint to Sweetie, instead, she pointed out the farm just as the sounds of a loud ringing could be heard. This was to indicate to Daddy Mac, who was in the trees, that lunch was ready. Trotting to the farmhouse, he noticed Rarity and her sister.

　　　　“Well, land sakes, missed us already?” Daddy Mac joked.

　　　　“Well, to be honest, I was thinking about the trade last night, and…”

　　　　“Now, listen her missy, I said it was a gift and payment.”

　　　　“Oh, I know, I’m not coming to return the apples you gave me. In fact, they were very juicy and delicious. Thank you, again for that. But I wanted to come and talk to you about something else I was thinking of as I fell asleep last night.”

　　　　“Well, come on in and take a load off. Join us for lunch and we’ll talk after. Ma! Set up two extra, we got some welcomed guests.” Daddy Mac called out.

　　　　Lil Smith was at the door, bouncing and waving to Sweetie Belle. Sweetie, despite her complaints about being tired from the long walk, seemed to have forgotten her exhaustion and set off at a quick run to meet up with her new friend.

　　　　------------

　　　　As it often is on a farm of hard workers, who start at the rise of the sun, and stop at dusk, sometimes later, the lunch was plenty big with plenty of hay, oat and apple dishes. Later, they all gathered in the family room to talk with Rarity while Sweetie Belle and Lil Smith went out to look at the chicken coop.

　　　　“Well, that is a mighty fine idea ya got there, Rarity. But I’m sorry. We have a lot ta do here on the farm, but I can’t let ya work much. I was plannin on getting a few more apples over here for a bit of help. We been talkin’ bout it for the last couple of years and found some family willin to stick round an help. But that really is with the plowin, and bucking of the fields and trees. I mean no offense, but my cousins are pretty big an strong and need a place to work for a while.

　　　　“And of course, Ma, and Lil Smith do the work I can’t get to, and even cook. They have that well enough in hand.”

　　　　“Oh, I’m sorry. Maybe I could help with the chores or cooking?” Rarity asked, still hoping.

　　　　“Well, I would always love some help, but Lil Smith has been able to do that for the last year or so. It don’t take as long as it used ta. I’m sorry darlin’ we ain’t got nuthin for ya to really do.” Both Apples looked sorrowful to Rarity. She nodded and sat in silence for a moment.

　　　　“Well, I suppose as ideas go, it had to have some flaws.” Rarity offered a weak laugh.

　　　　“Rarity, are ya really hurtin that much?” Daddy Mac asked.

　　　　“No, no, I’m fine. I just want to make sure that I have enough for the long road ahead for both Sweetie and I. I was able to do well enough on my own to save up quite a few bits. Over time from the monthly market. I know I can well again, if I could just convince those ponies from Canterlot that my materials are not as inferior as they believe.”

　　　　“Infer what now?”

　　　　“Oh, sorry, of less importance I mean.”

　　　　“No, I have a fair idea what it means but who did ya hear that from? Ya make some of the durn best dresses and clothing. From what I heard of mah family, better than any seamstress they have in their towns.”

　　　　Rarity blushed lightly, “I thank you for your kind words, and sharing your home and food with Sweetie Belle and I, but I have been considering that perhaps it is time I try something different with some of my clothes. Perhaps, things may take a turn for the better. I cannot give up.”

　　　　“Well, ya seem to be thinking in the right place, but it seems ta me, your heart if starting ta fail ya. Please Rarity, don’ let this get ya down.” Daddy Mac stood and walked over to Rarity as he spoke and gave her a hug.

　　　　“Thank you, thank you both.” She said as she returned the hug.

　　　　----------------

　　　　Rarity and Sweetie Belle made their way home after that. Sweetie was in good spirits, talking about everything around the farm that Lil Smith showed her. Rarity kept half an ear to the stories, with a gentle smile for her sister. She was glad that the Apples, especially Lil Smith, had warmed up to her so well. The night before, Sweetie had not even woken up from any nightmares.

　　　　Perhaps she will sleep well again tonight, or better even. A thought made Rarity chuckle.

　　　　As they reached home, they found a pony waiting for them.

　　　　“Yes, may I help you?” Rarity asked as they approached. She knew it was a pony, because of the shape, but the pony was covered mane to hoof in a dark blanket, or at least, it looked like a blanket to Rarity.

　　　　All she received in response was a small note, slid forward by a hoof. She watched and tried to tell if any fur could be seen. She thought she caught a glimpse of pink, before the hoof was quickly withdrawn back in under the blanket. Rarity lifted up the note from the ground and read it. It was a list, what seemed to be a want of purchase of fabric, dark fabric. She rarely kept any fabric this dark except for when she believed it was necessary for trim, or anything else.

　　　　“Um... Was there something in particular you wanted made with this material, or did you just want some scraps of this kind of cloth?” Rarity asked, wanting to ensure she was given a specific enough answer to get what was needed.

　　　　A hoof from under the blanket was raised, but the folds fell further, almost touching the ground, the hoof covered completely, it wriggled around, almost frantically a bit.

　　　　“Rarity turned the note over, thinking there may have been more information or instructions on the back, but it was blank. A bit of stamping caught her attention. She looked back up and the pony repeated its efforts of waving a covered hoof slightly frantically in the air in front of her.

　　　　“I’m sorry, I just don’t understand what your trying to tell me.” The hooded head lowered and the sound of something smacking could be heard.

　　　　“Listen, I want a cloak made of dark materials, black, brown and green. I do not like wearing a blanket when I go out.” Came the voice of a female pony from under the blanket.

　　　　“Would you like me to make this for you?” Rarity asked.

　　　　“Originally I was thinking of just getting the material from you and making it myself, but your clothing shows a skill greater than an adept.”

　　　　“May I ask your name?”

　　　　A sigh, “Pinkamena.”

　　　　“Pinkamena? The bakery girl?” Rarity asked, trying to fit it all together. She had never gone to the bakery, but had heard people talk about her. They used to tell strange stories, but she had always thought them just that. Honestly, why else would ponies continue to go and buy her sweets and baked goods?

　　　　“Yes. I would like to have this done soon, please.” Pinkamena said as she ruffled around under the blanket. Shortly a small satchel was dropped down, it had a few bits in it, along with two small frosted cakes the size of a cup.

　　　　“Will this be payment enough?”

　　　　“Well, Honestly, it is too much. I could either take the bits as payment, or I could consider the cakes as a trade payment for the work.” Rarity said honestly, though a small part of her mind wished she would have just accepted both. This part of her mind was quickly squelched as it left her with an inward cringe. It just did not seem or feel right.

　　　　“Then consider the bits as payment, and the cupcakes as bonus to have the item done sooner, if you please.”

　　　　“Well, I have nothing else ordered, so yes I can definitely focus on that for you completely and have it done, perhaps in a day. Two at the latest if there are any issues, or shortages of material.”

　　　　“You have enough, I am sure.” The last part of the sentence seemed to have been added as a quick after thought to seem less affirmative.

　　　　“Very well, I thank you Pinkamena, I will have it done and if you would like, I will also deliver it for you.”

　　　　“That would be best.” Pinkamina wasted no time turning away and walking off through the town.

　　　　“She seemed very weird.” Sweetie Belle whispered from behind Rarity.

　　　　“That is considered being rude Sweetie, especially since she is not only a customer, but one trusting enough to pay me up front. I know things with Mom and dad were not the same way, but please try not to speak ill of any pony.”

　　　　“I’m sorry sis. I’ll keep that in mind. You’re not mad at me are you?”

　　　　“Well, no, not really, I just wanted to make sure you understood what you said was not only wrong, but also impolite. However, if you do, do it again, yes I will be mad.” Sweetie nodded and said nothing as they entered their home and Rarity put Sweetie to bed. When she was sure Sweetie was asleep, she went into her craft room and immediately began her work, finding she did seem to have enough fabric. In fact, from what she had in mind, she may have had a little more than enough.

　　　　----------------

　　　　“Sis? Are you awake?” Came a distant voice. It sounded so far away through the fog, Rarity was not sure if she understood what it said.

　　　　‘Sis? What sis?’

　　　　A low groan showed life in the white unicorn, though slow to respond.

　　　　“Sis, are you okay?”

　　　　“What...?” Rarity looked over her shoulder. This seemed to be where the voice was coming from, so at least it was not a figment of her imagination from some strange dream.

　　　　There she saw a small unicorn, with a coat similar to her own, but her mane and tail were purple with a pink strip going through each. Slowly the fog cleared away as the last few days came rolling back into the front of her mind.

　　　　“Oh, Sweetie Belle...?” She asked tentatively, uncertain at first until she was able to make sense of things finally.

　　　　“Oh, dear, what time is it?” Rarity asked, finally starting to raise her head. Sweetie looked at her, concern in her eyes for her big sister.

　　　　“Princess Celestias sun is almost directly overhead.”

　　　　Rarity placed a hoof over her head, her eyes closed tight as she tried to get her thoughts together. A sense of panick started to well up inside of her, but she did her best to keep it down since her sister was still watching her.

　　　　“Oh, the cloak.” She said as she looked up at the table and the dark cloth she had been using as a pillow. She lifted it and inspected it as carefully as she could, it seemed in the night she had finished.

　　　　No, there at the end, she ran out of thread, no more than another inch to go. It would be only moments to fix that, she used her magick to tie down the thread that had been sticking out so it would not loosen itself and remove the work she had put into it. But the finishing touches had to wait she had to make sure sweetie was taken care of.

　　　　“Sweetie, dear, have you eaten yet?”

　　　　“Yes, I was hungry but I couldn’t wake you this morning so I had a couple of apples.”

　　　　“Well, that is at least something to keep you from being hungry, but apples alone are not enough for a good balanced meal for a growing pony such as yourself. Come along now, I will get you something more, and we can have lunch together. I am so sorry for falling asleep and not having anything for you this morning Sweetie Belle.”

　　　　“Aw, it’s okay, sis. I knew you were working late.”

　　　　A momentary sad look came over Rarity’s face as her thoughts turned inward.

　　　　‘But that is no excuse to ignore my duties to my sister. She needs to come first, even if being a seamstress is my occupation, our only way to survive. She still needs to come first.’

　　　　She made a mental note to try and keep her priorities straight, yet the thoughts going through her mind were putting her down slightly, as it seemed she was faced with an endlessly circle.

　　　　“Sis?”

　　　　Rarity shook her head, allowing herself to come back to reality.

　　　　“I’m sorry dear, I seem to still be tired. Here, let me get you some oats, and a few apple slices.” Rarity busied herself with getting food for herself and her sister. They both settled down to oats and apple slices. They talked for a bit, and eventually the two agreed upon how to go about their day.

　　　　In the back of Rarity’s mind, she had to make her delivery to Pinkamena her next priority once Sweetie was taken care of. Their agreement was to stop by the farm and see if Lil Smith and Sweetie could play together. Rarity had said she had a few other projects she had to complete. Meal and conversation finished they set off.

The little shop of sweets

Chapter 2

The little shop of sweets

　　　　The building was set strangely, and yet appealing, it resembled a gingerbread house, completed with what seemed to be a soft white walkway, making Rarity think of marshmallows.

　　　　‘Strange, but perhaps, that is the idea. To place into your mind of the idea of sweets.’

　　　　The chime of a small bell sounded out in the currently empty sweets parlor, the dark brown door closing softly behind her.

　　　　“H-hello, Miss Pinkamena?” Rarity called out, but no answer came. She looked to the counter, and to the right where a few chairs and tables were set for patrons who would undoubtedly be showing up soon. Despite the sweet decor, the room felt cold and uninviting, the curtains closed allowing a strange greyish color darkening the variously colored walls.

　　　　“Miss Pinkamena-”

　　　　“I’m here.” Came a low, voice to Rarity’s left.

　　　　“Oh!” She nearly screamed, now seeing the pink pony, fully unveiled before her. She was definitely an earth pony, completely pink, mane to hoof. Her eyes half lidded, dark circles making a darker, and frightening, almost crazed look to her. The pink mane lank and hanging loose on the right side of her face, down to her legs.

　　　　Rarity took note that Pinkamena was standing in a stairwell, and realized she was blocking her way. Carefully, Rarity stepped backwards.

　　　　“It is finished, yes?” Pinkamena asked in the drowning silence, seeming to speak, with barely a dictation of the question. It started to seem as if when Pinkamena spoke, she already knew the answer, but after the briefest of hesitations will end the comment in a sense that would leave a pony wondering if she did or did not already know the answer.

　　　　“Um, yes, I have it right here for you.” Rarity began to light up her horn to remove the cloak from her satchel.

　　　　“Leave it on the counter.” Was Pinkamena’s instruction as she stepped from the stairwell and moved behind the counter.

　　　　Rarity did as she was told, placing the cloak on the counter top, before she could even begin to speak about her work, it was whisked away behind the counter.

　　　　“Um, Miss Pinkamena, would you at least like to look over my work?”

　　　　“It’s fine.” Came the response, no hesitation, firm and direct.

　　　　“Oh, I see. Very well, you are the customer. I thank you for trusting me...” Rarity was lamely stammering over her looking down at the floor, but as she looked up to thank Pinkamena, her blank, unwavering, stare, unnerved her. Rarity barely suppressed a shudder.

　　　　‘The way she acts, its like she almost has no life beyond that of what is needed. I wonder if some of hose rumors and stories are true, about how she uses strange magick unknown to many, even unicorns.’ Rarity shook off the thought inwardly.

　　　　“I have nothing else for you. Sweets are not ready yet.” Pinkamena said, the same expression on her face, never wavering. “Or did you need something from me? A question perhaps? Many seek answers, but none leave happy when they have them.”

　　　　“Wha?” Rarity was trying to get her mind to think, “Well, no I don’t have any questions. I mean, I know who I am and what I am meant to do. Though sometimes I do find things hard. Now especially since I now have my little sister to look after.” Rarity lowered her head, a sad look in her eyes as she looked down to the floor.

　　　　She missed the movement, as Pinkamena titled her head slightly, her face showing an expression of expectancy.

　　　　“I am very good as the seamstress, but I have another to look after, I have a greater responsibility other than just myself now. I have to find a way to sell my trade better than I have been when it was just me. If only I knew where, or maybe who I could sell my types to. I need some newer ideas, ideas that will catch the attention of ponies anywhere.”

　　　　A glint came alive in Pinkamena’s eyes, her face seeming to fall slightly, her focus now somewhere off in the distance.

　　　　“There will be a pony to come to you, her expectations high, your skills unequal. She is of sapphires, by name and by love. Her love of them as deep as the ocean, where within she dances with those creatures that dwell there. She will be the one you will want to appeal to, with your trade.”

　　　　“How...?” Rarity began.

　　　　Pinkamena seemed to shake off something, her expression returning, her focus once again back to Rarity.

　　　　“I am sorry, you must go now. You have an answer, whether it is what you seek or not, that is not what I can say. I must prepare the sweets for ponies.”

　　　　Rarity found herself deep in thought as she was hastily whisked from the parlor and out into the open outside. She definitely was thinking about what she was told. Perhaps it was some strange riddle Pinkamena gave her, with an answer hidden in it. Yes, surely that was what it sounded like, a riddle, but not really an answer.

　　　　Rarity decided to go home and do what she always did when she needed time to think, and that was to work on a project. The day was still very early, and Sweetie Belle and Lil Smith would still be out and about playing together for a while longer yet.

　　　　As Rarity left, something caught Pinkamena’s eye, it was Rarity’s cutie mark. It was not the same as the one she had seen. The one she had seen was three diamonds on the mares flanks, but she had already spoken and removed the pony. It was not her place to make corrections.

　　　　She held no illusion of control over these things, and she did not want control. She did, however, know that the spirit was the same, just a little, younger, if that were something possible.

　　　　Pinkamena closed her door and went into the back where the smells of sour things, mixed with the aromas of sweets and baked goods. Her cauldron sat in its usual corner, slowly bubbling, a strange green mist barely escaping over the lip of it, the source of the sour smell. She knew there were rumors from other ponies who said she was into strange magicks, and that was one rumor that was true, however, it was the only one that was true.

　　　　She was not a spirit who gobbled up bad children, that was for Nightmare Moon, or at least, her own legends and stories that were beginning to unfold.

　　　　Nor did she curse other ponies. There was no need, ponies took care of their selves, and if they could not then it was their own fault, and not hers. Her magick was something she only kept up with by her family traditions, and as her own interest.

　　　　She had no wings of her own, nor did she have a horn. She needed neither, she did not even want something she felt for herself to be a distraction. If she had wings, or a horn, it would take away from who she was now, and who she was meant to be. Let another life have what Celestia wanted, nor her not now.

　　　　Pinkamena worked on the sweets and baking goods, seeming to be all over the kitchen almost at once; stirring a bit her, placing cookies on a tray for one brick oven, folding over dough for bread, going back to mixing, adding ingredients in a different bowl, and more.

　　　　As she began to slow, the last batches of what she needed for the day in one of her three ovens, the bell chimed again. The customers were once again coming back, the lull of the day had gone, and these would be fresh for the evening, and the next batches would be started in several hours, after she got some rest.

　　　　Rarity had spent the last several days working harder than she had ever worked. Somehow, she had taken the last of her hidden gems and began to re-work some of her dresses and designs, instead of placing them on afterwards as a forethought to making it more appealing.

　　　　Her selections on the fabrics, were what went with their colors, using lighter fabrics around the darker gems, to make them more alluring and appealing, darker fabrics around the lighter ones. She kept herself focused when she needed to, allowing herself the breaks to take care of her sister, ensuring food at appropriate times, and sleep without being up too late. Things seemed to be working, as the deadline of the next monthly market approached quickly.

　　　　The hard work paid off better than she could have thought, she set up all of the dresses in front of her, her light blue unicorn magick holding each one in front of her, her eye inspecting them for any possible flaw.

　　　　They passed her examination, a small smile spreading across her muzzle, lighting her features as she breathed a sigh of relief. She had set up a deal with the apples, requesting their help early on to set up a new make shift stall for her on market day. Of all of them, the one surrounding the three sapphires had been the heart of her creations. Carefully she hung it up, completely separate of the others on her wall.

　　　　The day had finally arrived, and Rarity met up with the Apples and they all set about their work, even Lil Smith and Sweetie Belle working to help where they could. The new stall for Rarity was set up almost like a small closet for the outside, with a couple of racks for her clothes to hang from. She had plenty of dresses to hang up, and more in her cart for backup, though these did not have any of her gems.

　　　　One was separated from the others, the one she had kept separate the whole time, the one she made first, and most elegantly, the one which started all of her other designs, sat on a pony shaped mannequin, the light of the sun shining off in such an elegant way it seemed to draw everyone’s attention.

　　　　The breathing of the ponies settled as they all stood back and admired the set up. For once, it seemed that Rarity stuck to her name, as the set up was the most beautiful thing any of the ponies had ever seen, especially considering none of them had the chance of seeing Celestia raise the sun at the sun festival. So to them, this collection of colors, and myriad of glints of the gems as the sun shone down over the clearing for thew market simply awed them, and took quite a few breathes.

　　　　“Rarity, I think ya’ll are going to really break through and make a name for yaself. I have a feelin you will be a complete success.” She may have had her hopes that Daddy Mac was right, but she had no idea how so.

　　　　The day went, and the majority of the ponies from outside of Ponyville had remained gathered around Rarity’s stall, a few even trying to argue over the price of what to pay for the dresses.

　　　　As Rarity tried to settle the ponies, they suddenly grew silent and seemed to back away from one pony in particular. HE was a large white Unicorn stallion who held a golden blonde mane and tail. His air of superiority could more than be felt, as he approached.

　　　　“I am Prince Blueblood.” He introduced himself, in a way that seemed to belie the thought that everypony knew him. Of course, this was true enough, as he had been well talked about as the heir of royalty, a distant descendant of Celestia herself, it was said.

　　　　“Oh, welcome, my lord.” Rarity said in turn, a heavy blush on her cheeks, unable to hide her awe.

　　　　“I was sent by Celestia herself to govern over the markets as the merchants traveled through the land. I am quite interested in these dresses here. I must ask, whom was the creator?” He asked, his eyebrows raise in expectancy of his answer.

　　　　“I-I am, m’lord.” Rarity stammered.

　　　　“Truly?” The response was not what Blueblood had expected. “A peasant, such as yourself, with this kind of talent? My, I must say I am truly surprised.”

　　　　“Oh... You flatter me m’lord.” His look silenced her, as if he thought she interrupted him.

　　　　“I will take these ones, and especially that one there. The one with the sapphires. I must say, the way the dress is made like three rare blue flowers from the side, is stunning.” The dress was indeed designed like three blue jasmine flowers on the left side, the lighter and darker blue, fabrics billowing out slightly, and pulled tight, made one think that indeed it was a blue flower, the petals pulled to wrap around the body of any who wore it.

　　　　Without hesitation, a dark blue aura appeared around Bluebloods horn, and a small bag appeared from behind him. It held his own cutie mark of an old compass map style symbol, a blue star in the middle surround by four golden points extending out in one would think to be the directions. He set it down in front of her, before looking to her.

　　　　“Oh my, thank you m’lord, but I was thinking the cost for bits of these dresses would be a bit more than those few.”

　　　　Blueblood stared at Rarity as if he was appalled by her impertinence.

　　　　“Dear woman, these are thirteen of the finest bits of Canterlot, from my family. One bit for each of these droll garments, and two for this one. Of all these dresses, they are fine, but they fail to truly catch the imagination, it is nice to only be worn once. And that, madam,” he said with derision, as if he did not truly believe he was using the words to describe Rarity, “Is if my dear wife would even care enough to touch these things from a commoner. You should consider yourself lucky that I am even bothering to boost your business with this much. If I truly wanted, I don’t even have to pay for any of these garments. I do have the power to take what I want, and if you, or anypony here tried to stop me, I could easily have any of you thrown into the dungeons. Now, Are you going to stop wasting my time, and accept my offer, or will there be a problem?”

　　　　At this, two Canterlot guards actually appeared from where the wagons had been, they had been watching the scene unfold, and at the slightest change in Bluebloods voice had caught their attention and were ready to act if need be.

　　　　“Oh, no, m’lord, I will accept this generous offer for my dresses. I thank you for considering my line of clothing. Perhaps, if you would like, I could make more dresses for your wife? I do not mean to try and intercede your authority, but perhaps you would be so kind as to allow me to make more, even better ones, I can assure you, on a more regular basis.”

　　　　His eyelids lowered, seeming unamused by the request, a snort from him halted her breath.

　　　　“I think not. I only need these twelve dresses, my family has seamstresses already, several in fact. They have been lax recently, these will do fine to show them what they can do to improve on their own talent and creations. These are ponies of better stead than you, and I pay them far less in one month, than I am sure a greedy hussy such as yourself would want.”

　　　　Rarity’s hoof came to her muzzle, covering her mouth at the treatment she was being given by the Prince. She breathed, trying to keep the tears in her eyes from falling.

　　　　She glanced at all of the other ponies, the merchants had already backed away, and she could now hear their low voices laughing, and commenting to one another, on how wrong they were at how well they thought of her now, ‘shoddy’ dresses really were.

　　　　Daddy Mac, was enraged, having heard what the prince was saying, but Mamma Washington kept him in check. He gritted his teeth, and lowered his head to the ground unable to help his friend. Others would not even meet her gaze, all pretending to do something such as looking the other way, or moving things listlessly.

　　　　“Very well, m’lord. I will not argue, nor try to bother you. I am very happy you have shown such interest in these dresses, and am sure others of better talent than I can improve the dresses.” She wanted to fall right there and sob, but held herself up, She was not even sure how she was able to, with how much her legs were shaking. Her mind was just, blank. She could barely think of anything more.

　　　　Blueblood smiled and ordered the two guards to begin to take the dresses and place them in a chest, also with his mark. They did as he bade and he left the others. After that, no other ponies came to trade or make purchases from Rarity.

　　　　The sun setting, the merchants took what they had and left without a glance back. The others from Ponyville quickly taking down their own stalls and what they had left and made their way home.

　　　　“Oh, Rarity.” Daddy Mac said, sorrowful for her, a mare he considered very much like a daughter to him. He felt ashamed he could not stand up for her, but as Ma had pointed out, trying to argue the royalty would do more harm than good.

　　　　“Its okay. This is more than I made last month, and actually it shows that I was able to do something right.” She became quiet. Daddy Mac tried to place an arm around her to soothe her, as he saw her body begin to wrack with sobs she was trying to hold in. Rarity would have none of it, right now, she felt low, and terrible after what Blueblood said to her. It was wrong, she knew it, but she also knew, it was pointless.

　　　　She did not want anypony to bother her, she just wanted to be left alone for now. She evaded Daddy Macs touch, and denied the comfort he tried to offer her.

　　　　The bell chimed as a pony entered the bakery.

　　　　‘Strange.’ Pinkamena thought to herself, ‘The baking has stopped, none should be coming for anything else.’

　　　　So, as she stepped out from the kitchen, she was indeed surprised to see Rarity there, a long low look to her.

　　　　“You did not get what you wanted, yes?” Pinkamena asked, not even trying to think about the look Rarity suddenly cast her way. It was the look so many others had given her after they had spoken to her, and she had given them answers.

　　　　“Oh, I got what I wanted, alright. But not in the way I thought. You, were wrong as well. There was no pony who held the name of such as that of the sapphire gems and dreamed of creatures that swam with her in the ocean as blue as the gems. Or whatever nonsense you had told me. A prince, a PRINCE, is who came to buy my dresses. And cheated me of fine material, and paid far less than necessary. All of that effort, thirteen bits is barely enough to cover the material I used on the sapphire dress, its not even enough to replace my now bare cupboards of what I need not only for my work, but also for food.”

　　　　Pinkamena raised an eyebrow, she certainly was not ready for this kind of reaction. Sure, she had been called a liar in the past, and even worse. But none had ever seemed to understand the message as Rarity did, though she was still upset and turned her fury on Pinkamena.

　　　　“Am I Celestia?” Pinkamena countered.

　　　　So unforeseen was this remark, that Rarity opened her mouth to speak, yell and scream, actually when she stopped and closed her mouth.

　　　　“What!?” She asked incredulously.

　　　　“I am not Celestia, I am merely an earth pony who bakes for others. I am able to be wrong at times. However, you did get something at least.” She said, as she recalled the words about thirteen bits as payment.

　　　　If looks could kill, and yet Pinkamena stood unfazed against Rarity.

　　　　“My shop is closed, I must rest before I return to baking again. I think it would be best you go home and rest as well.” Pinkamena said as she turned to vanish behind the counter and into the kitchen.

　　　　Rarity was so angry, she was practically fuming, words of aggression escaping through her clenched teeth. She followed Pinkamena into the back.

　　　　“Do you know the humiliation I went through in front of the whole town?” She demanded as she entered. She halted, despite her anger, she still had to take a double check of the strange things that came into view. The cauldron, the strange things in jars, and more. But what caught her attention the most was in the back corner, almost hidden by dark shadows. A stand with a strange thick tomb, and something pink on top of it. It look like some strange miniature stuffed version of Pinkamena, but instead of straight lank hair, it had what seemed to be puffy hair.

　　　　Pinkamena whirled on her, their snouts touching, with what seemed like a very aggressive, and insane look in Pinkamenas eyes.

　　　　“You are not allowed here, leave now, or I will make you leave, child.”

　　　　“You...”

　　　　“LEAVE!” The pink mare screamed into her face, her eardrums hurting, and her head throbbing is response. Pinkamena did not wait as she forced Rarity back. The strength of her body belied her appearance.

　　　　“Now hold on here.” Rarity said as she tried to stop herself, then she used her last resort. Her horn lit up, an aura surrounding Pinkamena, slowly beginning to lift the pink mare into the air.

　　　　A snarl could be heard from Pinkamena, and suddenly Rarity felt something in the back of her head. She fell to the floor, unable to move, or feel anything. The glowing of her horn failing and dispersing immediately.

　　　　“Wha-” She could barely choke out.

　　　　“I may not have a horn for magick, but that does not mean I do not know how to counter it. There is a very sensitive spot in the back of a unicorns head, just as it connects to the neck. This blocks the flow of magick between a unicorn, and the magick of the land around her. Right next to a pressure point that can easily render a pony immobile. I know there are internal, and external magicks all unicorns use as well.”

　　　　Pinkamena explained as she could be seen moving around in front of Rarity. She turned and removed a small jar from behind the counter, it was filled with some strange waxy looking substance.

　　　　“As well, I know what can stop a unicorn altogether, albeit temporarily, from using their magick as well.” She said as she dipped a hoof into the substance. When her hoof came out, there was a thick jelly like substance on her hoof, that shined in the light. Kneeling down, Pinkamena began to slowly apply it to Rarity’s horn.

　　　　Instantly, Rarity could feel the effects. The stuff was cold, but quickly her horn seemed to begin to heat up, and a strange sensation came over her, somehow, her horn, something very sensitive, like a tooth with a nerve inside of it, began to numb up, and the feeling spread through from tip to base, and even went a little further.

　　　　“Worry not, this effect is only temporary, both the pressure, and the substance I have placed onto your horn. OR, at least, I need to release the pressure point here shortly to keep you from becoming permanently immobile. She said as she moved behind Rarity, seeming to disappear for a bit before returning, something in her hoof. She held it there in front of Rarity, despite her efforts, she could not fight the strange stench that began to quickly make her drowsy as she breathed in.

　　　　In the world above her as she started to slip away, Pinkamena glared at her, as if she were a goddess who had been crossed and now Rarity had lost her life.

　　　　“Sis?” Came a worried voice.

　　　　“Wha?” Came a groaned response. Rarity struggled to bring her mind into focus. In the back of her mind, she had the faintest impression of Deja Vu.

　　　　“Sis, are you okay?” Came the voice of a little fillie, her coat was white, with curly poofy hair of light purple, with a thick amount of light pink color running through it.

　　　　Rarity struggled as she got up. As the world came into focus, she quickly looked around in shock.

　　　　“I-I’m not dead?” She asked in shock.

　　　　“What? No, please don’t talk like that Rarity, I don’t want you to leave me like mom and dad.” She said throwing herself into Rarity’s chest sobbing.

　　　　“I’m so sorry, I know I’ve been a burden on you, and I am so, so sorry.” Sweetie Belle cried, her voice cracking, and occasionally stopped by a hiccup, or a cough as she cried in her sisters arms.

　　　　“Oh, no Sweetie, its not... No, I...” With a sigh, Rarity thought on what to say.

　　　　“I’m sorry Sweetie, it was just a nightmare. I think it was something about losing you. I would never try to leave you, like that. I will be here for you, and I will always love you.” She held Sweetie Belle close, stroking her mane and back carefully, tenderly, as a mother would. She could think of nothing else to do, except to sit there trying to comfort her little sister, and began to rock back and forth, letting out soothing tones and small encouragements.

　　　　Rarity took a moment to look around at her surroundings, for the first time. She saw she was home, and in her living room.

　　　　‘Perhaps it was a nightmare.’ She thought to herself for a moment, ‘No, that was too real, her anger at me going into her kitchen, and certainly seeing everything that I did... That was no dream, I could feel Pinkamena’s rage and anger towards me.’

　　　　As she stroked Sweeties mane, she glanced down and saw the light pink, and thought back, trying to remember everything that had happened the night before.

　　　　Her mind stopped as she recalled one thing very clearly, it somehow was very strange and was not something she had expected to be able to remember clearer than anything else. The strange stuffed form sitting in a dark corner of the kitchen on top of a thick book. She realized there had also been writing on that book, something strange she was not familiar with. Her mind seemed intent on focusing on thew words that had been just slightly above the image of Pinkamena: ‘Vodou’

　　　　‘Voodoo...?’ But there was more as well, she thought back to that little stuffed form of Pinkamena, how similar, and yet also so different it was. The form was small, easily slightly larger than a grown ponies hoof, but it in itself held the unmistakeable shape of a pony, the body, four dangly limbs, a tail, and even a mane. The stitching was very obvious with such a dark thread along edges, all forming lines, holding some sort of fluffy white material in it.

　　　　It still cam as a large surprise how much detail her mind was able to take in and recall in that instant that she had seen what she could hold in her minds eyes right then, that is, before Pinkamena had overpowered Rarity, even her magick, so easily.

　　　　That was indeed a strange pony. Yes, the strange cauldron with a slight green glow and the strange things on shelves above it. Perhaps there was more to the rumors she had heard about Pinkamena than she originally thought.

　　　　At this time, though she suddenly found herself not caring, instead her mind began to churn out thoughts and ideas all surrounding the image of that little stuffed pink pony. She looked down at Sweetie Belle again, he sobs coming in less and less, her tears finally drying up, her body shuddering slightly.

　　　　“Everything... Will be just fine Sweetie Belle. You know how well I did at the market, I am not out of ideas yet, I have more I can do. But I will be very busy for some time until the next market.” Rarity found, that indeed she was right, her mind was working out many different thoughts and ideas.

　　　　Sweetie sniffled and looked up at her sister, her eyes puffy and sorrowful, red veins were present in the whites of her eyes, making Rarity’s heart ache. The two took their time from there getting up, Rarity ensuring her sister had gotten everything she needed off of her chest.

　　　　They spent the day together talking, and laughing. It had taken time to ease Sweeties mind and to get her to smile again. They made plans for the coming month before the next market, and even made plans for Lil Smith to visit, and the other way around.

　　　　Time was what she needed, and she had to get what materials she could. Granted she did have more than what she did last month, but now she did not have any gems at all for a safe fall back in case of emergencies. She had found them over time and collected them, using one here or there when she absolutely needed bits to continue living if she was low. Mostly she found they had improved some of her richest materials and would occasionally make a dress with a few gemstones.

　　　　Rarity wasted no more time after that day of rest, she began shopping for more materials when and where she could, while keeping an eye on her left over bits for food.

　　　　Winter slowly descended over the land, as it always did, laying down like a thick white blanket of cold. The time came and passed for the Apples to have their ‘hoedown’ Rarity had already fixed up Lil Smith’s dress long before and had no worries on that. Rarely this month was she able to get any actual jobs beyond that of a few stitches for repairs here and there, barely worth the effort of charging a bit. Things were slow, but that gave her more than enough time to work on her major project.

　　　　As she worked diligently, she was uncertain of things, she tried to do a full remake of the stuffed pony she had seen at first and failed miserably, several times. Then she just began to work on setting up pieces of it, slowly, drawing out the designs and such for them. She would start with the body, since it was the main part of the stuffed ponies she was trying to make, as she found, since the legs would hang from it there, and the mane and tail were more for decoration.

　　　　There was no telling who had originally made the stuffed pony, nor did Rarity try to find out. Her last encounter with Pinkamena had left her understandably shaken, and hesitant from then on.

　　　　Keeping herself busy she worked, at times finding too late that she had worked so late into the night, and occasionally when she did get to bed early, she was up long before Celestias sun had even begun to glimmer its light at the edge of their world.

　　　　It took much effort and time, but Rarity began to make a small pile of stuffed ponies, she at first had thought to make them all the same, but her sense of fashion did not allow her to do this. Each had to be as different and unique as she could make them. Each, she felt, would find its own home. Particularly, she felt, without understanding how, that many fillies and colts would come to like her newest creations.

　　　　The stuffed ponies themselves, were made at first of hard material. Rarity did not want to waste any material at first until she was sure she could make them without many mistakes. Their bodies were mostly slightly over filled with scraps, that over time of handling would flatten out, and dimple in their making. But little effort by Rarity got them fitted right again in no time. She would set up the bodies sewing them inside out first, leaving plenty of space for her to easily turn it out, check her stitches, then begin to work from there. The legs and heads were the hardest for her to do. Her mind worked hard with the patterns in her mind to work out as many tricks as possible to make things easier on herself as she went about her work.

　　　　“Wow Rarity, those look really great.” Sweetie Belle said one day, a week or so before market.

　　　　“Thank you Sweetie, dear.” Rarity said in response as she laid back from her recent completed stuffed pony.

　　　　“What are they? I mean, I know they are ponies, they look like ponies at least, but are they supposed to be anypony in particular?” Sweetie Belle asked.

　　　　“Um...” Rarity looked over the pile of a couple dozen. She had not put any thought at all, except to keep them looking like a pony period, with their strangely stuffed body, limbs, and head. She did not know how beast to set up the mane and tails like she had seen, but in an inspired moment she had used yarn instead to make the mane and tails. Some had dark threads, some had light, some had different colored ones. Their eyes often sewn in with colored buttons afterwards to pull the colors together. Some of the stuffed ponies were also of different colors as well.

　　　　“I think there is something missing though. These are all earth ponies. Did you make any that were unicorn, or pegasus?” Sweetie asked after a thoughtful silence.

　　　　“Oh, my, no. I had not even thought of that. It was hard enough to make these as they are.”

　　　　“What are you gonna call them? They looked like stuffed ponies, of course, but jus’ callin em stuffed ponies... I don’t know, it kind of puts off from them. I think that would be a bad idea, they are cute and adorable.” Sweetie said, surprising Rarity with her insight on her craftmanship.

　　　　“Um...” Rarity was caught uncertain again. Then a word floated from her mind, seeming out of nowhere.

　　　　“Dolls?”

　　　　“Dolls...? I like that, somehow that seems to fit. Um, by the way sis, I don’t meant o bother you... But, could I... Maybe have one please?”

　　　　“Hmmm? Oh, you like them that much?” Rarity asked in a bot of surprise.

　　　　“Well.... Actually, I like this one.” Sweetie pulled one from the pile. It was a light grey ‘doll’ with black button eyes and dark purple thread for hair.

　　　　“Why that one in particular, Sweetie?” Rarity asked curiously.

　　　　“Well...” Sweetie Belle looked a little embarrassed, “You know that famous mare that sings?”

　　　　“Which one dear? You will have to be more specific than that.” Rarity encouraged with a smile.

　　　　“Velvet Stride. This one reminds me of Velvet Stride.” Rarity’s mouth made a momentary ‘o’ then her eyes popped open.

　　　　“Oh, you’re right, Sweetie, it does look a lot like her somehow. Well, since you like it that much, yes, you can keep that one. I will make another one or two to finish this up. I am in need of a long break after this.” Rarity said.

　　　　Sweetie Belle squeeled loudly, thanking her sister.”

　　　　“Come on Velvet.” Sweetie said as she took off to her room, the doll grasped in a bit of pale magick belonging to Sweetie.

　　　　Rarity couldn’t help but to smile and shake her head. She sighed and laid back, allowing her mind, and body to relax. It had been a long time since she had worked this hard. Perhaps this will pay off for her. It always did when she got into a mood of inspiration and worked almost non stop.

Another idea slowly came to her mind, she had indeed thought of it before, but did not take the time to think it out carefully. If Sweetie Belle had that kind of reaction to what, perhaps... Yes, just perhaps she could change her way of sales from just adult ponies, to children. If the children saw her creations and were excited enough, perhaps they will get their parents to buy them, as toys. Rarity smiled at the thought, yes, this was turning out very well, she had a good feeling about her newest creations.

The dolls

　　　　Market day was a very cold day, the wind howled and blew the top layer of snow that had not had time to stick across the lands against houses, stalls, and ponies. They had to take time to squint their eyes against the assault of snow and wind, they sat and waited for the ponies from out of town to arrive, but as Celestias sun moved across the sky, in patches of clouds that were clear, it started to seem as though nopony was coming.

　　　　Many of the ponies were a little put down as they sat in their warm clothes and shivered. A few could not hold against the cold and closed their stalls early and left for home where the warmth of their families waited for them.

　　　　Rarity could not help but to despair slightly as she sat. Under the stall of where she usually held her clothes sat the piles of dolls. She knew the wind would ruin her dresses, whipping them around and blowing them across the grounds, so they stayed inside of the cart with a tarp pulled tight over them.

　　　　“Here, Miss Rarity.” Came a gruff voice. She turned to see Daddy Mac there, a mug of hot apple cider in his hooves as he set it down at the corner of her stall. He began to turn, and Rarity caught him.

　　　　“Daddy Mac, thank you. I am sorry for how I acted last month.”

　　　　“No, it’s fine. You were very upset, understandably so. I was so angry with maself fer not bein able ta help ya.”

　　　　“Daddy Mac, please, I hope you’re not acting this way because you are upset with yourself, or me.” The large red pony only shrugged, over at his stall were two other stallions. The cousins that they had talked about a few months previous. They were hardy and kind, just like the Apples she already knew.

　　　　“Please Daddy Mac.” Rarity pleaded. Slowly the red stallion turned, a small smile on his muzzle, gracing his face. The lines she saw there, showed him to be much older than she ever thought of him.

　　　　“Ya know, its nice hearin ya call me ‘Daddy Mac’. It sounds jus like it belongs, thank you, Rarity.” He said. She approached him cautiously.

　　　　“Daddy Mac, again, I am sorry for the way I acted before...”

　　　　“Now don ya’ll start with that again-”

　　　　“Please, just...” Rarity bit her bottom lip. “Please, can you hug me just once again. I really needed it that day, and my actions were truly horrid. I kind of felt like a child all over again.”

　　　　“Aw, Sweetie. It’s okay. Come here.” Daddy Mac said letting Rarity embrace him. After a few moments he let out a bit of a cough.

　　　　“Sorry bout that. Here why don’t we call it a day and all go back ta the farm and sit around a nice hot meal.”

　　　　“Oh, Thank you Daddy Mac.” Rarity said, his smile broadening. He turned and called his cousins over and explained the plan. They were to go ahead and help taking down both stalls and everypony would head on home to the farm and eat together.

　　　　It did not take long since the apples had brought a sled instead of a cart that day due to the weather. Something as heavy as so many apples, the last to be bucked and sold for the season, were far too heavy for a simple cart.

　　　　The cousins hauled the cart, Daddy Mac, Rarity, and Sweetie Belle in the front seat of the sled all covered in a couple of blankets. Through the ride home, Rarity noticed Daddy Mac coughing a few more times. She was starting to worry that he was getting sick. When she voiced her concern he waved her off, saying it was only the dry cold, never good for the lungs.

　　　　She did not feel the answer she got was the right one, but said nothing. Shortly there after they arrived at the farm of Sweet Apple acres. Rarity and Sweetie Belle were taken in by Daddy Mac while the cousins put the sled and remaining apples away in the barn. They joined them minutes after that, and everyone sat down and enjoyed a hot meal, prepared by Ma, and Lil Smith. Several apple pies, that were supposed to go for market were kept with them knowingly the cold would ruin the hot pies.

　　　　The family sat together, talking and laughing, generally enjoying their time together. Only occasionally interrupted by Daddy Macs loud coughing. Rarity knew, in the ache in her heart that something was wrong.

　　　　As Celestias sun lowered, followed by the raising of the moon, the weather seemed to pick up, becoming worse. So bad in fact, that when the cousins looked outside, they could not see anything past the porch. Rarity and Sweetie Belle were invited to stay as long as the storm held up.

　　　　Rarity accepted the kind offer graciously, as she did not want to risk Sweetie Belle being exposed to such weather. She knew what was wrong with Daddy Mac as his cough occasionally seemed to worsen. Over dinner she had taken a few close looks at him when she thought nopony was looking and saw his haggard coat, and his strong features were softening. It was the cold, after so many years of hard work in all types of weather was bringing him down.

　　　　She said nothing, merely accepted it, but after that she began to feel more affectionate for him. Just before bed, she had glanced at Ma, who had seemed to read her eyes very well, and nodded slowly both in answer, and in understanding.

　　　　The next morning everypony was awoken to a loud pounding on the door. All the ponies got up, as Ma went to answer it. There was a pony from town who explained the merchants had finally made it in. They had some trouble with one of the wagons and the caravan had to wait out the storm the night before. Everypony scrambled to get their things together.

　　　　On the way into town, Daddy Mac had the cousins drop Rarity and her sister off so she could make sure Sweetie Belle was indoors and not having to deal with the cold through the day. She grabbed the extra winter clothes and brought them with her to the market.

　　　　Ponies quickly picked up the winter clothing to keep warm. Rarity brought out her dolls and at first did not seem to get anyponies attention until one came over and asked her about it. She explained she was inspired to make something new and different than just clothing. These dolls, she explained, were the result, and it had crossed her mind something so small and soft could possibly be traded or bought for little fillies and colts.

　　　　The merchant liked the idea, and so, bought one for his little fillie. One or two others liked the idea and followed suit. Rarity liked the thought of her dolls making a small headway. But still many were skeptical and told her of the flaws, especially pointing out, not only the poor craftmanship, but also the lack of horns and wings to add additional variety.

　　　　Rarity did what she could to explain it was difficult to make the dolls, and she did not have the materials yet to make the pegasus and unicorn dolls. Others voiced their own thoughts of wanting to be able to choose from unicorn and pegasus dolls. Rarity’s response was only if she sold enough dolls to get the proper materials. She could try with what she had, but expressed her concerns of the dolls not looking quite right.

　　　　A few of the merchants talked things over and were able to make some deals with Rarity to take the dolls off her hands. IF she made enough by the next market, and they were able to sell them in Canterlot, and a few other cities, then they would certainly be more than happy to return to continue doing business.

　　　　Rarity was no ponies fool, she refused their offers and explained she would only be willing to work with somepony if they were willing to be partners, but they would have to have a strong business sense and be willing to make an offer right then and there as a good faith move.

　　　　This caught their attention for sure. All but one pony left. He had been standing behind the others watching and listening to everything. HE stood alone before Rarity, what of his fur could be seen under the thick coat and scarf was a deep brown, with deep blue, almost black mane and tail, his cutie mark a cloud and a cup of tea floating with it.

　　　　“Oh, Hello.” Rarity greeted.

　　　　“Miss Rarity, if I heard correctly, I like these ‘dolls’, and I would like to make you an offer for all of them.”

　　　　“Well, thank you sir, but I have already made my feelings clear with the others, partnership, and something on good faith. Also, you have failed to introduce yourself.”

　　　　“Night, Night Tea. A Pleasure, Miss Rarity.” He said with a small chuckle. There was something about his voice and eyes that made Rarity feel more than a little warm in her winter garments.

　　　　“Here, I would like to speak to you about your business proposal, and my acceptance-”

　　　　“Acceptance...?”

　　　　“Yes, perhaps a warm meal?”

　　　　Rarity blushed deeply, and smiled before nodding.

　　　　“How about we meet at the ‘Sweet Shop’?” He offered. Rarity accepted graciously.

　　　　The two talked at length over things and ideas for Rarities dolls. Rarity expressed her want to make the dolls better with better material, she was just needing the right funding to do so, which was why she had been so adamant about her proposal. She admitted she knew there was a chance of failure, but she just had a feeling things could go well for her.

　　　　Night agreed with her, and worked out a small plan with Rarity, he would return each month for market with what he made for the two of them to divide up for her to get everything she needed, including living expenses, and he would take the rest to place into a shop for her in Canterlot where he lived and set up a partnership business there.

　　　　Night was very attentive to Rarity and charming. He had her blushing often with just the right amount of compliments, but not too many. He had many great ideas, the whole scene was unfolding very nice to Rarities mind. IT was not long before the two separated, after ending their conversation. Night had given Rarity a decent amount of bits, for each one. He had them loaded onto his sled afterwards and bid Rarity goodbye.

　　　　Rarity wasted no time the next day going about gathering what material she could, even going a little overboard with buying food for her and Sweetie Belle. She even had talked her sister into going out with her around the town, and the Apple farm to look for additional material, such as sticks, and feathers to try and work out how she can start making unicorn, and pegasus dolls.

　　　　The chime sounded through the sweets shop, making Pinkamena look up from the counter where she had been re-shelving a few things below. She saw Rarity there, standing just in the doorway, a smile on her muzzle.

　　　　“Yes?” Pinkamena asked. It was getting late, and she was about to close the shop for the night so she could rest. She was already aware of Rarities new ‘dolls’, and suspected where the idea came from. She wanted nothing more than for the white unicorn to leave her shop, and her alone altogether.

　　　　“Sorry to bother you dear, but I was hoping I could speak to you, and perhaps ask a favor?” Rarity asked tentatively.

　　　　Pinkamena arched an eyebrow. Something told her she was not going to like where this was going and set her mind to immediately say no, but still she wanted to know why this pony would come to her for a ‘favor’.

　　　　“What is it?” She asked shortly.

　　　　“Well, you see, I know it was very rude of me to act the way I had, especially invading your privacy. For that I apologize, however, I was hoping that perhaps I could speak to you about the doll you have, and the book upon which it sits.”

　　　　“No.” Pinkamena wanted to grind her teeth in annoyance. She settled for clenching her jaws shut, as her eyes narrowed at the pony in front of her.

　　　　“Yes, well, the thing is, is that seeing as how many ponies already have many rumors about you, and knowing what I know, since I seem to be the only one, I was hoping you would reconsider. Why else would ponies speak so ill of you, and yet, still do business with you.”

　　　　Pinkamena let out a low growl from deep within her throat. She pressed her jaw so tight it hurt.

　　　　‘The nerve, to try and blackmail me.’

　　　　“I say no, not because I want to keep things about myself private, but for your own good. For your safety, and your very life. You do not know what powers you trifle with.”

　　　　“Oh, yes, I am sure you can paralyze me and keep me from using my magick, and blah, blah, blah-”

　　　　Rarity grew quiet, as she noticed the loathful look Pinkamena was giving her, and yet it still seemed to express her own foolishness, making her feel so small. But what happened next truly took Rarity by surprise, though later she came to realize that her attempts to trick Pinkamena into doing what she wanted had failed.

　　　　“Sit.”

　　　　“I beg your pardon?”

　　　　“I said sit, there is no need for begging me for anything. Just sit, and listen.”

　　　　Rarity was stunned, yet her mind did not take well to the comment Pinkamena made. Still, though, she took a seat at an empty table nearby.

　　　　Pinkamena walked around the counter and flipped the open sign to close and locked the door.

　　　　“I do not want interruptions.” She explained before turning to look at Rarity.

　　　　“It is true I am different than any other pony here, different than most in this Equestrian land. My family comes from a line of a younger Princess of the moon. We knew an older form of Magick when Unicorns were still learning, passed down from her highness directly. It is not a magick that is dangerous, or something to use on others. It does not work this way. It was only to help keep a slight balance from the older times until it all changed. Unicorns were Were to be solely responsible for magick in the land, the pegusi responsible for the the skies, and Earth ponies, regular ponies, with seemingly no other talents except to tend the land, settled theirselves into the ground.

　　　　“Many of my ancestors began to either lose their way or they turned from the old ways as time wore on. We know The princess of the moon is gone now, but she is still there, her presence can still be felt, but now only at night, and no better time than when the moon is full is her presence at its peak. What I do is what my family taught me, what my mother taught me, as her mother taught her, and so on. I am the last of my family to tend to this kind of magick, and we, the females of the Pie legacy have begun to find that the magick is slowly fading from this land. But it is not entirely vanishing. It is starting to seep into us.”

　　　　Rarity looked a bit surprised to hear this, now wondering how magick could be a part of a earth pony if they were not unicorns.

　　　　“No, it is not what you may be thinking, it indeed is not the same kind of magick at all that unicorns use, and it does not affect us in this way either. We are...” Pinkamena halted in her speaking to think of the best way to explain this. “Able to do things, or see things a little bit differently than others.”

　　　　“Like when you once said that others come to you for answers, whether they are the ones they seek or not?” Rarity asked. Pinkamena nodded, somewhat glad this unicorn was keeping up with her thus far.

　　　　“Yes, this is true. The old ways will be gone soon enough, only passed specifically from mother to daughter. So, I want you to understand, I may be strange and different, but I do nothing beyond merely practice, which in turn does nothing to any other pony. No matter what any others say. I let them say it because it helps me keep my privacy.”

　　　　“Now, for the doll, and book you have spoken of. I do not joke when I say no, for your own safety. There is a power in that, rivaling that of my own families, it can be dangerous if used in that way, but it can also bring positive as well as negative. It is a power that can be used on other ponies, on the land, the animals, even, on inanimate things.

　　　　“I was much younger than this and was traveling with others like myself, my parents having passed on. They were a band of mares, and a few stallions who traveled around the land entertaining others. I will admit that, yes there were times where things did not go well with them, and many would blame them for anything. I will not dwell on whether any pony was in the right or wrong. I one day found myself in great trouble though, i was forced into doing something I did not want to do. The band of mares had found a new tribe of ponies, but these were not ponies like you and I. They were natives of a bordering land, their manes and bodies like our own, but their coats were black and white stripes.”

　　　　“The fabled Zebra tribes?”

　　　　“Yes, yes, that is them. Well, the stallion who took me in and exclaimed to many others that he had been wronged by the tribe. He was promised something he expected, but what he received was not. Anyways, I was sent as the only one still young and quiet enough, or in truth, expendable, to get the master what he wanted.

　　　　“I went into their tribe while all the zebras were asleep and quickly found what the master had wanted. Unfortunately as I tried to make my escape I was caught. I was able to get away, but the master trophy did not make it back with me. They were furious with me when I returned empty hoofed, and the zebras right behind armed and furious at my attempted theft. There was a fight, and in the commotion I ran away into the night.

　　　　“Later that night, and for many nights following I had many strange dreams, haunting me. The faces of both the tribes, and the ponies from the band all screaming at me that their deaths were my fault. I tried to run and hide, always somehow I found myself back in the same area.”

　　　　“One morning I awoke to find myself in a familiar area, the grass burned, the ground smelling of pony blood. I was then forced by something to walk and walk back to the tribe. They settled me down, showing me the doll of myself. I watched as their practiced healer read from a strange book, inciting something, then to show me what was going on, the used the doll to force me to stand and walk, to dance, to do whatever they wanted before setting me back down.

　　　　“I tried to apologize, and explain it was not my intent, I was forced into doing something I did not want to. The healer looked at me and said, ‘No pony is ever forced, except by magick such as this. This Voodoo is your punishment for angering our people, causing death. You had a choice, you could have spoken to us and told of the treachery, we would have taken you in and spared you misfortune. But you did not think, you are but still a child, and now you will forever be the, ‘Lone Child’ known by all, by not being known. You shall be lost to others, until your redemption is at hand.’”

　　　　“It infuriated me for so long how they manipulated me so easily just because of that. They had let me go, saying the spirits would always be around me until I repented enough to ease them to their rightful rest. I was allowed to go, never to feel the power of that kind of magick ever again. But I never forgot.

　　　　“I will end this by saying I made sure neither they, nor any other pony would ever be able to use their magick on me again. Now I will tell you, what is in that book is dangerous to those who do not understand it. I have been fighting its curse with my own families magick just to keep things from getting out of hand. Once taken by another from the rightful owner, a curse is placed upon that pony until either returned, or their life is lost.”

　　　　The silence that followed was unnerving. Rarity shivered, but still looked at Pinkamena.

　　　　“I do not want the book.” Pinkamena began to smile.

　　　　“But,” Pinkamena frowned, “I only need to at least look over how to make a doll, I do not need to know the magick in it. I only want to be able to make the dolls better. I finally have a way of taking care of my little sister, and possibly to do more, but not without a better idea as to how to do this.”

　　　　“Still you ask for it, even after my warning. You are not as smart as I thought. Leave, Rarity, and do not return to my home or shop.” Pinkamena ended the conversation by standing and moving to the door unlocking it and opening it, waiting for Rarity to leave.

“With a heavy sigh, Rarity stood and left without another look at Pinkamena.

The book

　　　　Silence, the purest and simplest of the evening in the dead of winter. The only thing to break this was the screams of the winds between the buildings of Ponyville. The moon and stars could not be seen this evening through the thick set of clouds. Lights were turned out everywhere, the ponies of the little town having long since turned in, trading their busy days for restful sleep and dreams.

　　　　One who looked upon this town would have believed all was peaceful, each pony in their own little beds staying warm. So deep was the darkness of night and the shadows that none would have known a single pony, wrapped in a thick coat, boots and scarf was out in this weather. Foregoing their safety to venture out would suggest madness unless considered an emergency. But this was not a true emergency, and so, the pony wondered to theirself if they truly were mad. They moved slow through the snow, as it came to their fetlocks, the breath puffing out in dense clouds, unseen, but felt as the moisture of the mouth clung through the scarf wrapped around their neck and mouth, leaving only their eyes and mane free.

　　　　Once in a while, a small glow would appear, lighting the pony for the briefest of moments before being extinguished again. A mane of purple could just barely be made out in that briefest of light around a small white horn. The mane and tail were being slowly over taken by the white snow, as the temperature was so cold, that the little amount of heat being put out by the pony was only just enough to keep her warm.

　　　　Slowly over the span of an hour or so, Rarity made her way to a large dark building. She noticed that the side of the shop was nearly covered to the roof in snow drifts, due to the strange formations of the building than the amount of actual snow. But at a time like this, to Rarity, it seemed as if it were because of the snow itself. Shivering slightly as some snow melted around her collar and made its way inside. Carefully she checked the door and was surprised to find it unlocked.

　　　　Slowly the door opened a small crack, before another small glow came from her horn holding the bell to keep it from sounding. Next, Rarity worked a small shield around herself to block as much of the snow from coming in as possible. Once inside she closed the door, once again using her magick to keep the sounds of the door and bell from sounding.

　　　　Her horn lit still, in the darkness of the building, Rarity quickly looked around to ensure the occupant of the shop and home were not hiding somewhere waiting for her. The way Pinkamena acted, it would not have surprised her. So far, she could find no sign of the pink pony, and quietly made her way around the counter and into the kitchen, where once again Rarity stopped to ensure no pony was there waiting for her. The smells had dissipated some, but she could still smell the strange bitterness from the now cold cauldron, yet now mixed with the heavy perfume of cinnamon.

　　　　Rarity made her way to the dark corner, the light of her horn crawling up the base of the podium upon which a thick brown heavy bound tomb resided. Rarity looked over the title and the pink doll, it seemed to now be in a sitting position, as if standing guard on top of the book. Rarity used what little detection magick she knew to see if the book and doll were enchanted to set of something in case of being touched or moved.

　　　　Though inexperienced, Rarity was surprised, and yet relieved, to find there were no such enchantments placed upon neither the book, nor the doll. Using her magick Rarity lifted both the book and the doll. With only a second to spare she gently placed the doll back down in its original way while she kept hold of the book. She turned, stuffing the book under her coat, to find it was most uncomfortable and almost did not fit.

　　　　She heaved a quiet sigh as she thought of what to do. Without the proper rest and using her magick this much on something other than her craft, it was becoming tiring, especially when she was multitasking. She did not know of anything that would help her lighten the load, as that was a part of more rigorous and higher level of performance that she lacked. She had not been fortunate to go to any form of magick school to learn to properly hone her magick uses, or even to expand her knowledge. Rarity had only done what she could with what little bit her parents had taught her when she was younger.

　　　　Rarity decided to go ahead and work with her back up plan in case she had originally misjudged the size of the book as she thought. The removed a small bit of cloth and rope. She wrapped the book carefully and completely with the cloth before then tying the book to her back and she made her way back.

　　　　The time and magick to leave was even more exhausting with the heavy weight of the book on her back. Sometime past halfway through the night, just as the snow began to settle, the winds blowing less now, Rarity entered her home with a huff.

　　　　‘Of course, it waits until now when I get home to settle down. Just my luck. Another notion that proves what I am doing is wrong. No, Rarity, this may be wrong, but you did try to speak with Pinkamena. It is not a book that is cursed. It was merely something Pinkamena said to keep it out of your hooves. She knew you needed help, and she was selfish to ignore your request of help. Oh... Where is this coming from?’ She pondered in her mind.

　　　　Shaking off her thoughts, Rarity worked to settle herself at her desk and begin looking through the book. It did not take long to find the chapter on the dolls. She looked over, barely able to read some of the words, but the illustrations were impressively detailed, and this was what Rarity had hoped for the most.

　　　　She gathered a few pieces of material she had set aside for just this chance. She worked slowly on the first one, carefully looking over and comparing every piece of detail of what she was doing to the illustrations on the pages before her.

　　　　As she continued, it seemed that some of the illustrations changed the further into the book she went. IT began to break down how to make dolls that looked so much like ponies by using real materials. This at first slightly disturbed and disgusted Rarity, then looking down at the pieces of yarn she was planning on using for the mane and tail, as she did with her first couple of dozen dolls, she came to realize that this in fact made it more realistic.

　　　　Rarity touched at her mane a bit, before touching the yarn, her mind making the comparisons. She noticed how smaller, thinner, but silkier and smoother her mane was. The yarn in comparison was thicker and soft, it felt rough in texture, and compared to real hair, it just felt, too rough and failed to catch the mind. The doll was mostly done already, so Rarity set it down and to the side, waiting before setting in its stuffing and turned more pages to find if there was anything in there for unicorn and pegusi pony dolls.

　　　　She did find more pages that went into slightly more detail, albeit more gruesome detail, making Rarity’s stomach lurch slightly. The illustrations showed the possibility of using real bones, but not of pegusi, thankfully, but of small birds as the bones held similarities.

　　　　There most certainly be no way that Rarity would take to harming a small bird just to make her dolls more realistic and likeable. She shuddered to think of other ponies reactions if they found that she used real materials from birds to make her dolls, pieces of scrap materials and thread seem more authentic.

　　　　Instead, Rarity looked over the large collection of sticks and twigs she and Sweetie Belle had collected near the edge of the Ever Free Forest. It had been a bit unsettling, but they did not have to venture to far into the tree line to find what they were looking for. Though it left them both with a strange impression that the snow also did not seem to go into the forest itself either, seeming to settle like the thickest blanket over the tree tops. IT turned the already dark and heavily shadowed forest even darker, if it were possible. Then again, Rarity recalled thinking at the time, she would not have believed it if she had not witnessed it herself. The real amount of snow that was present seemed only the snow that had been blown in by the heavy winds.

　　　　There were many times either Rarity or her sister had noticed strange sounds coming from further in the forest. Unsettled, Rarity shortened the trip into the forest, having already kept the edge of the trees and the distant town in sight. Afterwards, Sweetie had told Rarity when they were coming to the edge of town that when they had left the forest, she had glanced back hearing something and saw glowing yellow eyes. Rarity had not seen anything of that, but then she had been trying to hurry her and her sister back to the safety of town as quickly as possible.

　　　　It was at this point, thinking back that Rarity truly thought about the foolishness of her decision. She had convinced herself it was merely an outing for her and her sister, but now she realized, in hindsight, the foolishness of her decision. Especially with Sweetie Belle being there with her, anything could have happened. They were lucky that either nothing happened, or they had just made it out of the forest before anything could have happened.

　　　　A few of the twigs and sticks seemed to fit in a way that she could definitely work them into a shape like that of a small wing. Though these dolls she made would be a little bit bigger than the original ones. She reworked the material she had, laying out the designs for both the dolls shape and the wings. Rarity had chosen the softest material, almost like silk, it was a thin breathable velvet material. Granted it was thin and felt wonderful, it was still thicker than actual silk, less costly, and would hold together better than actual silk for the sticks and such.

　　　　Working carefully, Rarity moved the sticks onto the wing cutouts she had made. She then laid down a little bit of cotton she was finally able to afford, just enough to stretch over the twigs and sticks to soften their ends and edges before laying the second layer of fabric over it and carefully stitching it down.

　　　　Once done, Rarity lifted the one finished wing and inspected it with a critical eye. The thread blended very well into the fabric, but the bulkiness of the cotton and sticks stretched the fabric just where it looked very much like an actual wing. With this, Rarity thought, she most likely would not need to find stray feather to make the wings look better, if she made a few modifications along the center of the wing it would look like actual feathers on a wing. Large ones, but feathers nonetheless. She marked a few notes on a scroll, before using a white pencil to mark where on the wing she should make the modifications.

　　　　She then turned the pages and found the way to make real unicorn dolls were to use broken horns of dead or injured unicorns. This indeed seemed darker than the previous two pages, there was no way Rarity would ever do such a thing. She shivered before looking over he materials, she still was not sure what she could use to make the horn for the unicorns.

　　　　That is, until her eyes came across a small oblong shaped river stone she had. She remembered that weeks before, just before winter started, on the last warm day, she and Sweetie Belle. She lifted it with her magick and looked over it carefully as it slowly revolved around in her magical grasp, a small smile played at her lips, it would do, but it was still not quite the shape. She needed something to help file it down, and give it the shape that would work.

　　　　With a yawn, Rarity set the stone down, she looked over everything and nodded to herself, she knew she still had a few bits left over, so perhaps it would work out to get something to help her design the horn from the stone. The only problem is, she did not have enough stones, but there were plenty outside along the bottoms of rivers. The only problem being, of course, the weather was so cold, the water that was present in said rivers would be frozen over.

　　　　Rarity lifted the book and brought it with her up the stairs to hide it in her room before settling in for some well earned rest. It was still a couple of hours before the sun rose, so she could get some sleep at least and finish working everything out in the morning.

　　　　Once upstairs, Rarity placed the book in her closet wardrobe in a back corner and set a few pieces of old clothing she had not thrown away yet, preferring to instead possibly reuse them as scraps if she needed. Closing the door Rarity turned and climbed into her bed, closing her eyes and quickly drifting off to sleep.

　　　　As she fell asleep, she failed to notice the strange green glow coming from the closet, as well failed to notice the closet door handle jiggling slightly, opening just a crack before the glow faltered and diminished.

　　　　The following weeks were some of Rarities hardest working days, and yet, some her best days. Things for her and Sweetie Belle were going quite well, she was even finding herself slowing pulling ahead of her deadline, coming close to finishing before it was time. She took an opportunity to spend some of this time with her little sister, the two cooking, talking, laughing, playing games, and more. Drawing closer as sisters should.

　　　　“Hello, Miss Rarity?” Came the voice of a stallion from in the front room. Rarity turned, having just finished the last of her dolls. IT was more than what she had made last month, however, quantity of each set she made, was only one dozen for each. One dozen Earth ponies, one dozen Pegusus, and one dozen Unicorns. The unicorn dolls proved somewhat more challenging, as when Rarity got the material she needed to file and smooth down the stones she was able to find, she found when they got to a certain point,t he stones lost their center integrity becoming fragile. Some would break, others would seem fine, but upon final examination they would have minute cracks.

　　　　Eventually Rarity did find a decent stone quartz, but only the specific that had formed thicker, shown by the cloudy form deep within it. More common than its cousin clear quartz due to its milky white color, Snow Quartz proved sturdier, and at the same time cheap to use. The fact that there were no areas around ponyville she could find them, she was able to trade and barter for them.

　　　　This worked as a double edged sword. For simply buying and trading for the stones she needed would help allow the dolls to be sold for a higher price altogether, and yet, this would be unfair for others to pay more for one doll over the others. This certainly was a small bump, but her craftmanship was improving with each one made, she could certainly raise the price just a small bit for all three, while allowing the true cost of the unicorn dolls to lower to stabilize everything.

　　　　Standing, Rarity set the last doll down and went to turn to greet the customer who entered her front room. She let out a small shriek of fright as the stallion was right behind her.

　　　　“Oh, my apologies Miss Rarity. I did not mean to startle you, it’s just that I was left waiting in the foyer for a few minutes.”

　　　　“Oh no, I am so terribly sorry, I was inspecting the last of the dolls, and was completely focused on my work.”

　　　　“And, such fine work I must say.” Night Tea said as he slowly looked over the dolls.

　　　　“Yes, I have three dozen, one dozen of each type of pony there is.”

　　　　“So it would seem.” Night said as he let out a small short whistle.

　　　　“It was difficult, but I was able to design the wings, it was meticulous work, but very fine, and the horns for the unicorns, I thought of stone, but they were too fragile once filled and smoothed down for such intricate work. I did find a quartz stone that was able to hold up to the wearing. This will of course allow the unicorn dolls to cost more, but I was considering something about that.”

　　　　“Allow a specific and equal price for all three so that way one does not fall short of sales?” Night asked.

　　　　“Uhm... I think so, it sounds about right.”

　　　　Nodding, Night turned to Rarity and smiled pleasantly.

　　　　“I would say it sounds like a splendid idea, and will help boost sales all around, and from what I can see I believe these will sell quite well. Oh, which reminds me, I have everything set up in Canterlot for the store. As long as things go well, I will be needing more for next month.”

　　　　“Well, that should not be a problem, however, I am only one pony, I will end up burning a lot of late oil, as the saying goes.”

　　　　“Oh, please, I don’t want you to do anything that would put you in a bad situation.” Night pleaded, making Rarities heart beat a little harder.

　　　　“Oh, it’s, uh, nothing really. I tend to do that anyways when making dresses.” Rarity felt her cheeks blushing, the warmth of her blood flooding her face. It seem like a chain reaction, her heart began to beat even faster, making her feel slightly light headed.

　　　　‘Strange considering how much is in my cheeks. Wait, why am I acting like this? Well, he is handsome, and the way he speaks to me, he cares.’

　　　　“Miss Rarity, is there something the matter?” Nights voice broke her from her reverie, and brought her back.

　　　　“Oh, no, no nothing is the matter, Night. Um, is there anything else you need?”

　　　　“No, I will just go ahead and start collecting the dolls and be on my way.” Night began to turn back to the table, and away from Rarity. She breathed easier now that she felt like she wasn’t under his gaze, and yet she still felt all the heat in her cheeks. So focused was she that she did not see the smile on Nights face, light and casual and he began to collect the dolls.

　　　　“Actually, I was considering, would like to have a meal with me?”

　　　　The question caught Rarity off guard, and she turned to look at Night.

　　　　“I’m sorry, I am afraid that I misheard you. Did you ask me to share a meal with you?”

　　　　“No, it sounds as if you heard me correctly.” Night turned, a smile on his face, his eyes lighting up just the slightest bit.

　　　　Rarity looked into his eyes, there was a voice that was saying something in the back of her mind, but it seemed to become distant as she stared at him, her heart going back to beating quite a bit.

　　　　“Would you like to?” Night asked, trying to venture a question from Rarity.

　　　　“Y-y-yes.” She stammered. He smiled that wonderful enchanting smile once again and finished collecting the rest of the dolls.

　　　　“Would you care to meet at The Sweet shop?”

　　　　“Oh, no, I am sorry but, Miss Pinkamena and I had a disagreement. At this time, it would be unwise.”

　　　　“Oh, dear me, I am so sorry. Then perhaps I shall find something and stop by tonight then?”

　　　　Rarity could do nothing more than nod at him. Her mind seemed now completely blank, she could not think, she could barely breathe.