The Seamstress

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.