Author's Note
Based on the Song, Tracks in the Snow by The Civil Wars.
Scarlet and Gold
Twilight had many friends, but none as close as Rarity. The friendship went beyond just platonic. It had gone to a place of romance. This made her special. Despite the odds, a seamstress who always seemed somewhere knew and a ruler who had to stay in one place, they made it work.
This night was just as special to Twilight. Not only was it a time to give, it was a day when Rarity was certain to be with her.
Twilight had recently lowered the sun, letting the stars have their time in the sky. Even so, Canterlot was busy with last minute shoppers, carolers, and an assortment of get-togethers.
Twilight had went to retrieve her winter garments. First was a pair of shoes. This wasn't her normal regalia, but such weather required fuzzy boots. Next was a scarf. Her father, being the calmer of her parents, had taken up a hobby of knitting. Rarity had helped him make it more pleasing to the eye, but it was still filled with her father's love. Then, it was her saddle bag. Finally, she put on her hat. In order to get closer to her family, Rarity joined her father in knitting and had created a matching hat. Having got her attire on, she notified her other close friend and advisor, Spike, she was leaving. The last thing to do was to grab the gift.
The gift had already been wrapped by hoof. It was adorned with bright scarlet wrapping paper and a golden ribbon. Rarity always said she enjoyed gold, not because of its price, but that it reminded her of Twilight. It had taken a good day of wondering to realize that she would have to ask why if she was to understand it. Once she did, Rarity pointed to her royal wear. This made it click for Twilight. She put the gift in her saddle bag to prevent any damage and began her way to the front doors.
When Twilight opened the castle doors, she was met with cold air and light flurries. The ground was blanketed with snow. The streets were lined with fairy light which twinkled in the soft winds. Ponies and creatures alike lined the streets, each on their own little adventures. Stepping out of the castle, Twilight was met with the crunch of fresh snow. The air was crisp and filled with the aroma of baked goods and pine.
Twilight continued to step out. While people looked at her, this was common place. Decades of being a princess left Twilight more comfortable with the looks of passerby, though a certain fashionista was always able to make her blush with her attention.
Twilight trotted down the lane. To her left, she spotted a giant candy cane and a bakery. To her right, she saw Doughnut Joe's old shop. Even after his passing, the rest of his family helped keep it open. Further down, Twilight smiled as the statue of her friends came into view. Some ponies were crowded around the landmark, telling their stories. Twilight had tried her best to make sure that their stories were told and seeing that work pay off made her heart grow.
Twilight scanned the group to see who all was there, but none were Rarity. So, she continued on the path. The upcoming area was more for retail than food.
In the bend of the road, an office ship was nestled in the corner. Twilight had gone there many times with Rarity. Something about getting basic things with those she loved made the mundane feel grand. The shop's icon, a paper airplane was decorated with different drawings from the community. Among them was a poorly drawn picture of Rarity. Twilight had never been good at drawing, but she still enjoyed the feeling of ink against the paper. Beside it was a masterpiece beyond description. Rarity was the artist, for good reason. Having realized Twilight was stood still, she continued.
Rarity's Canterlot shop was across from the office place. The building was covered in lights and ribbons. Despite the last minute potential for costumers, the store was closed. Twilight knew it would be, but she enjoyed the holiday decor too much to not look at it. The two had often walked down this shopping center looking at the decorations. Rather, Twilight looked at them. She'd mostly notice Rarity looking more at her than anything else.
Twilight went into a quieter section of Canterlot. The gardens had been one of her favorite places as a child. She remembered the first time she brought Rarity here. They had had a picnic for their third date in Canterlot. The first had been Rarity showing Twilight her favorite spots from the times she'd come before and the second had been to a traveling play. The third was when she'd got the chance to show Rarity the less touristy areas.
Among the flora was a stone. The stone had message etched into it. 'Here lies Rarity. Element of Generosity. Lover, Creator, Sister, Friend.' Twilight's eyes became teary seeing this stone. The stone had been something they talked about in her final days. It was only right she picked it out. She was the artist for a reason. It was simple, something Twilight was reluctant of doing, but if that was what she wanted, she'd do it.
The garden was a memorial of sorts. It honored those who helped change Equestria for the better. It was a place Twilight went to feel closer to her home long before going to Ponyville.
Twilight started poking at the snow, making a hole in the snow. She opened her saddle bag and grabbed the gift. She held the gift in her magic for a while.
"Hey," Twilight spoke. A tremble in her voice betrayed her attempts at keeping the emotion at bay. "I wanted to give you this." She placed the gift in the hole. "Spike helped me pick it out, so think of it as from both of us." She stared at the stone for longer than she like to admit. "I hope you're doing ok."
Twilight began to walk away before turning back. "Say hi to everyone for me." She felt the trickle of tears on her cheek. "I love you."
