"Next!"
Twilight Sparkle uses her hat to wipe the sweat from her brow. It's hot today. Of course it would be hot today. It would be too much to ask for a little shade on try-out day, wouldn't it? She glances at the line of prospective fillies. Shorter now, thank Celestia. Maybe an hour left if the rest of this lot is as useless as the last dozen have been. She should be worried, shouldn't she? Worried that so few of those trying out today have showed that spark that marks a prospective Lawmare? But she's just too hot to be worried.
"Next!"
Since she's still celebrating the passing of her own final trial, she's strictly on observation duty today. Blazing sun aside, it has, by all accounts, been a lovely morning. Now that Sunset Shimmer is no longer her teacher, the two of them have found the sort of friendly camaraderie forbidden between Lawmares and their apprentices. They've spent the day watching Starlight Glimmer put today’s prospective 'slingers through their paces. Sunset's lucky. She's already found her new charge in a little lilac unicorn named Dinky Hooves. The filly passed all three trials with flying colors, and now she and her mother have been whisked away by Sunset to discuss what should come to pass should the filly elect to continue her journey.
Of course she'll choose to do so. Of course she’ll take the oath. You can see the excitement blazing in her eyes like fire. She's got the spark.
"Next!"
Twilight winces. That's three now in a row that couldn't even pass the first trial. That says a great deal, especially since passing the first trial takes no effort at all. The first test a prospective Lawmare has to pass is a scan of her magical core. Only if she has the potential to hold all the skill and knowledge of a Lawmare is she even permitted to take the next two trials.
"Next!"
Twilight tries to ignore the tears that flow as another filly is turned down and runs back to her parents. Disappointment is normal, but in time the rejected will learn that it's for the best. There's a reason only a select few are deemed worthy of wearing the badge. She watches as the next filly steps up to Starlight and stands stock still. The Lawmare says not a word as her horn lights and her magic begins probing and exploring the filly's magical core. The filly winces at the unfamiliar intrusion, but maintains her bearing. Good. Maybe this one has the salt to...
Her attention is grabbed by the next filly in line. She's a tiny little white thing, her mane a two toned pink and purple. She's fidgeting, looking around. She's nervous, but a different kind of nervous than the other prospects. Her hooves do a little tap dance as she looks around again. Twilight sees her gaze return to the filly getting probed and the determined look cross her face that says 'come on, hurry up.'
Starlight's magic fades... and she shakes her head.
The filly's face falls, but, to her credit, she doesn't cry. She just gives a little bow of thanks and slinks away to her waiting parents who hold her close and whisper how everything's okay. She did her best. There are other ways to be of service to the Princess.
The nervous little filly steps forward... and so does Twilight.
Starlight looks back. "Something the matter?"
Twilight gestures at the filly. "Mind if I take this one? For practice?"
Starlight sighs. "May as well. I don't think we're going to find many more prospects today." She steps to the side and gestures. "Go ahead."
Twilight stands before the filly and notes that she's fully shaking now, her pupils practically vibrating. "You seem nervous, cully."
"N-no, sai." The filly stammers. "J-just trying to move this along is all."
"Are we boring you, maggot?" Starlight snaps. "What? You think the Lawmares are going about their selection all wrong?"
"N-no, sai!" The filly protests, trying to stand straight. She's terrified she's messed this up already. "It's just..."
It clicks for Twilight. A small smile crosses her lips. "It’s just that you're not supposed to be here. Right?"
"SWEETIE BELLE!" The filly jumps (as do the Lawmares, though they'll never admit to it) and all eyes turn to see a blaze of white and purple come barreling through the palace gates. The mare skids to a halt inches from the filly and seizes her in her magic. "HOW DARE YOU, YOU LITTLE...?!"
"Oh, come on!" The filly squeals in exasperation, struggling to get out of the older unicorn's grip. "I've been standing in line for ages! I'm already here! Just let me...!"
"Not another word!" The mare turns to walk away. "When we get home, you're going straight to the..."
"Sai?" Twilight finally finds her voice. "Is there a problem?"
The unicorn rounds on her, fully intent on venting her fury to whomever has had the audacity to interrupt her. She freezes when she sees Twilight, however. At the time, she'll claim it's because she was a Lawmare.
Later, she'll admit the truth.
"N-no, sai." The mare stammers like the filly still floating in her magic. They're clearly related. Too close in age to be mother and daughter. Sisters, perhaps? "This one decided to take an unauthorized day trip to the palace. I'm terribly sorry if she interrupted your, erm..." She struggles to find the right word. "Your audition?"
"Is the filly yours?" Starlight asks.
The mare nods. "She's my sister. Yes, sai. Again, I'm very sor..."
"Put her down, if you please. She has been waiting patiently all morning."
Sweetie Belle's sister doesn't hesitate. It doesn't matter who you are. When a Lawmare tells you to do something, you do it. She drops Sweetie Belle at once, and the filly lands nimbly on all four hooves.
Starlight bends down until she's eye level with the filly. "Did you mean to come here today? Do you know what it is these fillies are trying out for?"
Sweetie Belle straightens up. "Yar."
Starlight grins at the reply. She can't help it. "Is your drive to be a Lawmare so great that you'd incur the wrath of your sister to be here?"
Sweetie Belle nods eagerly, earning a scowl from her sister.
"Then I see no harm in at least giving you the first trial." She holds up a hoof to block the filly's excited gasp. "But no more than the first. No filly takes the path of the Lawmare without the express approval of those they love. Do ya ken?"
Sweetie Belle's smile begins to fade, but she nods.
Twilight understands her trepidation. She doubts her sister will give her the approval she seeks. Starlight's horn lights, and Sweetie Belle gives the tell-tale wince as her core is probed. Twilight sees the sister lean forward, about to interject, and she speaks up to distract her. "I'm afraid we aren't well met, sai."
The mare turns her attention to the mare clad in practically new leathers. "We... well, perhaps we aren't. But that's entirely my fault." She dips her head in a slight bow. "Say sorry."
Twilight waves off the apology. "Mayhap we can start over? I'm Twilight Sparkle."
"Rarity." The unicorn smiles, and the effect nearly knocks Twilight off her hooves.
Starlight's magic fades... and she grins, impressed by what she’s found. "This one has potential. Return on the next testing day, young Sweetie Belle, and we'll see how you fare on the other trials."
Sweetie Belle's grin threatens to cut her head in half.
"Hear this very well, however." Starlight holds up a hoof. "You may return only if your sister gives you leave." She nods to Rarity, who returns the gesture with thanks.
"We'd better be heading home, then." Rarity reaches for the still star-struck Sweetie Belle to guide her away.
"Sai Rarity?" Twilight practically blurts out. When the mare turns those sapphire pools upon her again, she almost loses her nerve. "I'm still not certain how well met we are."
Rarity considers, then smiles again. "Then I suppose you'll need to drop by later. Just to make sure."
Twilight returns the smile, and that's how it starts. That night is dinner. The next week is the first time their lips meet. It's another month before Rarity takes her to bed for the first time. Not long after that before they say 'I love you' somewhere besides the dark.
As it turns out, they were well met indeed.