//------------------------------// // Romanticized Resolve's Restoration // Story: Peeled Apart and Affairs of the Heart // by sweeT2010Tooth //------------------------------// "How ya holding up, Spike?" Applejack asked the young dragon lying down in the bed. She could clearly see the distress in his eyes while he continued to stare down at the red ruby in his right claw. He'd make a noise every now and then like a soft hissing noise while wincing in pain. Applejack didn't know what to do hoping the others would be back soon. If something were to happen under her watch, the guilt set upon the mare's shoulders would strain and weigh her down with more bushels of apples than she'd be able to carry. Normally, she was the calm one in tense situations. However, observing Spike in this condition was really getting to her. "I-It hurts," Spike said continuing to eye the red ruby in his right claw. "I sure wish the pain would stop. I don't think I can even move my left arm or leg anymore." Applejack's eyes nervously peered down at the young dragon's limbs but didn't see anything unusual that stood out among them aside from the lack of color. That is until she noticed that particles of dust were more frequently and lightly blowing away off the scales on his left side. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the bed covers underneath those limbs covered in dust. "Oh my..." "What is it, Applejack?" Spike asked slightly struggling to speak. "N-nothing, pardner. J-just thinking 'bout something else," Applejack quickly said returning her eyes to the dragon's. "Ay'm sure the others will back any moment now. We just need ta keep wai-" Before Applejack could finish speaking, she heard a loud noise spinning her head around to the hut's front door witnessing Rarity burst into the room. Rarity quickly scanned the room looking for something. The unicorn mare soon found the pony she'd been seeking rushing to Zecora's side whom had additionally witnessed the abrupt entrance. "What the hay!? Rarity what's going on here?" Applejack asked not receiving an answer from the white-coated unicorn. "Rarity, where are the others? Rarity-" "-Applejack, darling, there's not a moment to lose. Please remain calm until these matters are done," Rarity responded without looking at Applejack giving Zecora something in her hoof. "The others are at the Golden Oaks Library right now looking for an answer to the forbidden spell. They won't find it. There is no real solution other than the one which has been momentarily out of our grasp. In fact, Twilight can't know what I'm about to do right now." "Rarity, ay don't understand what yer saying..." Applejack said a little confused. "What I'm saying, Applejack, is that I'm the only one that can save Spike," Rarity said finally turning to face Applejack. "The implications of our situation are such that of three things: Firstly, the one who casts the forbidden spell has to offer something that adequately replaces what was taken. I'm...the only one who can give him that 'something' much like my need of it. Secondly, Princess Celestia never intended to give us the forbidden spell as she doesn't want the spell recast even making Twilight promise not to do it. Lastly, and this is very important, I love Spike. I'm not going to sit on the sidelines while he suffers right in front of me. Seeing as it is in my ability to help him, I will do so without hesitation." Rarity looked away from Applejack before continuing to speak what she knew to be true in her heart. "There will come a day, Applejack, when you will need to find that super special somepony that makes your life worthwhile. There will be a moment when, sleeping alone by yourself, that the desired accompaniment of another will reach an unbearable point. You'll ask yourself, 'Who is the right one for me?' and perhaps the answer will be right in front of your eyes the entire time. For, if you do not pursue that wild fancy, then when will you? When will be the right moment? The answer—right now—before it is too late, before you're too old, before you have nothing left to give to others. I spent almost every night at that sewing machine on those silent nights asking myself these questions. Aside from the soft purring of Opalescence, there is no one in my room at night. After a while, that sort of thing gets to you. So, I took a chance. I made a move. Discovering that it was correct, magical, and a dream come true on a beautiful starry night. Now," Rarity took a moment to pause with a tear coming to her eye, "my chance at real love is going to be taken away. Right now, my better half is withering away before my eyes and the circumstances of the situation are preventing things from getting better. He's in pain. I need to do something for...both of us. These are the affairs of my heart, Applejack, open and true for all to see. I'm simply a rough diamond finding her shine in the love of my better half. Spike's suffering ends today as does mine. It doesn't matter whether he is a dragon or a pony. In the end, he is still Spike. He is my Spike. He is my Love. And I am his Love. I am his and he is mine; two parts of a whole for better or worse." At the end of Rarity's speech, Applejack didn't say anything for a while. The orange-coated mare didn't understand love on this level but now she did. "...All right," Applejack said approaching Rarity and giving her a light hug. "What do we need ta do fer, Spike?" Rarity smiled at Applejack with a simple reply, "Thank you, Applejack. You're a dear friend." "Don't mention it, pardner. Ay jus' need ta know what mah part is in this," Applejack said to which Rarity lightly chuckled. "Somethin' funny, Rarity?" "Well, there is one thing you could do," Rarity said looking over at Zecora whom was holding something familiar to Applejack. Realizing what was held in the zebra's hoof greatly shocked the orange-coated mare. "Zecora is going to need some time to figure out the spell's steps on how to recast it. Likewise, I'm going to need some time to cast the spell. If Princess Celestia or Luna come barreling through the door, I need you to impede their advancement until this is over." Applejack couldn't take her eyes off of the familiar piece of parchment in Zecora's hoof. "R-Rarity, t-tell me ya didn't..." Applejack said stunned. "I did," Rarity said with a solemn expression on her face. "We only have one chance." [/hr] Twilight scoured the bookshelves looking for an answer. Rainbow Dash had long resigned from the activity lying down on the ground with a bored expression. Pinkie Pie looked at each book with her quickly moving eyes almost touching the pages. Fluttershy couldn't make a decision on what book to grab next, first pointing at a book, reaching for it, then reconsidering the decision. "Twilight, we've been at it for hours," Rainbow Dash said almost yawning. "If the answer was in one of these books, don't ya think we'd find it by now?" "I know the answer is here somewhere, Rainbow Dash. Reading the spell's description again gave me some new ideas to help with Spike's affliction," Twilight replied continuing to search book after book without looking at her friend. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "I sure hope it doesn't involve freezing Spike in a magical block of ice like last time." "No. Nothing like that. Though that was an excellent idea, and I'm not sure why you all thought otherwise." "It's just, ya know, a bit crazy." Twilight turned around feeling herself get angry. "My idea was not crazy! It's a proven scientific fact that cryogenics is a worthwhile research due to its beneficial applications of preserving life!" "But how's Spike going to party in a block of ice?" Pinkie Pie asked looking up from her book. "He's not, Pinkie. His conscience will be suspended so-to-speak." "That doesn't sound like fun." "It's not about fun. It's about saving Spike's life," Twilight said to which Pinkie looked back at her with confusion. "Um, it sounds dangerous," Fluttershy said voicing her own opinion on the matter. "I wouldn't want somepony to freeze me in a block of ice." "I didn't say it was safe Fluttershy, but neither is the forbidden spell cast on Spike," Twilight responded. "That says 'crazy idea' to me," Rainbow Dash said still a little bored. "It's not crazy!" Twilight shouted feeling her anger rise. "It's a proven scientific fact that cryogenics is a wort-" Before Twilight could finish speaking, the library's door was forcefully flung open almost tearing it off its hinges. Twilight and the others looked on at the event with wide eyes as Princess Celestia, followed by Princess Luna, entered the room with apparent anger in her eyes but a calm voice. Levitating next to the Princess was the pure white diamond they had seen earlier that day. "Where is it, Twilight?" Celestia asked approaching her student with a stern expression that scared the lavender unicorn. "P-princess, what brings you-" "-Twilight, I asked you a question. You will respond accordingly or do I need to seek it out myself? I requested that you make a promise not to recast that spell only to have my trust betrayed. Not for one second do I find that amusing. I told you no for a reason. You will understand in due time but, as of right now, you will return the page to me." "Page? What page?" Twilight asked confused and afraid while Celestia stood towering over her as though she were a small filly. "The page, Twilight. The page you or one your friends ripped out of my book." "I-I didn't. I placed the book on top of the dresser as you said." Celestia continued to stare daggers into Twilight before shifting her eyes to the others in the same room. "Which one of you took my page? I'm only going to ask once." Celestia looked from one to another finding none able to speak. "I'm waiting." "It sure as heck wasn't me," Rainbow Dash said waving both hooves out in front her drawing Celestia's stare making her stop the motion feeling panicked. "Then, who was it?" Celestia noticed Fluttershy cowering against the bookshelf then shifted her gaze to the pink pony who, for once in her life, remained motionless and speechless. "I'm going to make this very clear. If somepony betrays my trust and has the audacity to steal from me, they will find the sun not only brightens a day but can burn another rather badly. My patience is already at its limit for today. I do not find this amusing. I do not find this theft funny." "...N-nono-no, Princess, I didn't steal no page of yours from that book. My hooves are clean," Pinkie said finally gaining the ability to speak holding out both hooves to Celestia but quickly looked down at them. "Well, they were clean..." "Then, who was it? Twilight," Celestia said returning her eyes back to her fearful student, "You were the only ones that went in and out of my room. One of you has the page, and I'm not leaving until I get it back." "Sister?" Celestia turned her head giving Luna her attention. "We believe they're one short from those attending this morning. Right now, we only count four. But there were five this morning." "I see," Princess Celestia said acknowledging the find returning both eyes to her student. "Twilight, where is your friend?" "W-who? Rarity?" Twilight asked. "The very same one that, if I recall correctly, asked to have my past memory retold. Then again wanted to view my book a second time. I did these two things out of the kindness of my heart witnessing the earnest look in her eyes. Only now does it make sense who took my book's page. My patience is already at its limit for today. Where is she, Twilight?" "I-I don't understand. Rarity, wouldn't do-" "-I ASKED WHERE SHE IS!!" Celestia yelled in a royal canterlot voice never heard before by Twilight making the lavender unicorn's heart almost stop beating. "S-she...she...she said she needed to go to the boutique...a-and pick up a few things," Twilight tried to speak, now visibly shaken. "Luna," Celestia said turning to face her sister once again. "Find her. I'm going to stay here in case she comes back." Princess Luna acknowledged the request with a simple nod and exited the library's door. Celestia remained behind with the four ponies with nothing but a heavy silence hanging in the air. This was the exact reason why Celestia never yelled at her subjects now feeling a slight twinge of guilt at the sudden outburst. However, she said nothing and walked to the library door peering outside of it to the small town. The sun was already at the horizon's edge so Celestia decided to lower it all the way. She knew that a light—any light—in a night's darkness would be clearly visible. If her thoughts were correct, she'd wait for that light and put an end to it before something truly terrible could happen. [/hr] Rarity walked back and forth between Zecora and Spike. Once or twice, she comforted the young dragon to at least slow down the degradation in his scales and ease the pain. Zecora had put Applejack up to the task of mixing a brew that would make this spell casting more feasible. The concoction wasn't a part of the steps, but it would help Rarity by temporarily boosting her magical prowess. The zebra was fascinated with the spell but, as well as the others, couldn't decipher the riddle in the spell description. That riddle, To not err in a face, a dole, and slice is provable of imbuement, perplexed her. However, Rarity knew what it meant. The spa twins, her two friends, had clearly told her those words' meaning when she mentioned that the forbidden spell took something from the dragon in times long past and needed something as a replacement. Rarity recalled the twins' words in her mind while she continued to focus on the task ahead: "Yes, the spell apparently reveals one's true inner self. In doing so, it takes away one's outer appearance setting in motion a turn of events leading to death. The problem is that the spell is easily misused as the caster needs to offer a worthwhile replacement to what was taken. The 'certain something' the dragon told me about could help my super special somepony." "Lyubof?" both twins asked understanding what Rarity was speaking about. "Precisely," Rarity affirmed their assumption. "Needless to say I'm not sure how to go about it, but I know it is the answer." "Perhaps," the twins looked at each other with an idea coming to their minds, "the application likens to cleansing and restoration." "How so?" Rarity asked them with curiosity and a peaked interest. "Well," the twins pointed to the bath with Spike sitting in it. "The body first needs to be cleansed of impurities. Then, lotions and ointments are applied to replenish the nutrients a healthy body needs. The application process is simple. What matters most is what nutrients are involved. Or, in your case, who is involved." Rarity continued to think on those riddled words. The last piece of the riddle, is provable of imbuement, was not only about what to give but who should offer the replacement. Simply put, Spike needed Rarity's love. Spike needed Rarity. This made Twilight's involvement only necessary to understand how to recast the spell. Unfortunately, Celestia threw a wrench into that plan requiring that Rarity take unexpected drastic measures. Twilight would have needed to be reassured and convinced that Rarity, herself, recasting the spell would not break the promise demanded by Celestia. However, there was not enough time for that as Spike's life depended on this resolve. "Miss Rarity, I now understand the spell's casting you seek. Come over here so we can speak," Zecora said calling Rarity over to her. Rarity rushed to Zecora's side and the zebra pointed out the motions of the spell's casting to the unicorn. It was very powerful magic requiring a lot of focus. Zecora had been right to brew a particular potion for the task. The zebra went over each step making sure Rarity understood precisely what to do at each given moment. Of course, all these activities would not be physical but mental magical manipulation. Undoubtedly, there would be the added stress burdening the unicorn to get this recasting done right the first time. There would not be a second chance. For, if Rarity fails in recasting the spell, the potion will wear off and Celestia might not allow another try if she found out. Zecora asked Rarity if she was ready to begin to which a nervous nod answered the zebra. "Trust your heart, and you'll know what to do. Remain focused on the one who loves you," Zecora said as last words of encouragement. She then took a cup and poured some of the brew into it wanting Rarity to drink the liquid. "Heightened senses result from this hocus pocus. This particular potion substantially increases one's focus." Rarity took a few breaths readying herself for the coming feat. She closed her eyes and saw Spike smiling back at her the many times he'd wandered into her boutique. He was always there for her. There was always a smile upon his face when he looked at her with twinkling green eyes. The words that left his lips gave her happiness. They made her feel welcome in his life. She knew that, in his company, she would never again fear to be alone or forgotten. With his healthy face in her mind, Rarity downed the liquid feeling its effects kick in right away. Her senses heightened to a degree indicating a stronger feeling of everything that needed to be done. Applejack and Zecora looked on in wonder as Rarity rushed to Spike's side. The young dragon weakly looked at her knowing this was the right moment. "Spike? Are you ready?" she asked with a simple smile. "Yes, Rarity," Spike responded with Rarity placing her hoof in his right claw. Their eyes met each other's lovingly and they felt their surroundings wash away. This moment belonged to them. Rarity smiled and Spike returned it. Their hearts began to beat faster while Rarity held onto his claw for comfort. In understanding the next steps, Rarity closed her eyes to focus on the recasting. The tip of her horn began to glow a bright white and Spike knew what was coming. "Rarity," Spike said. "Yes, Spike?" Rarity responded retaining her focus. "I love you." "I love you, too." [/hr] Celestia remained at the library's door looking out to the small town. The silence of the night seemed rather peculiar for this night remained more tranquil than most others. There were not many lights on in the town so she had a clear view of the surroundings. Celestia even noticed Princess Luna flying above searching fruitlessly. The oncoming darkness had a calm feel to it interrupted by some window lights and the diamond carried by Celestia. She kept the diamond behind her so as to keep a clear view. It's shine almost seemed to be increasing with each passing moment. "Sister! There!" Luna called out to Celestia pointing a hoof at the neighboring forest from which a bright white light was increasing in its radiance. "Let us make haste, dear sister, before all is lost!" Celestia called out to Luna before flying off in the light's direction. A visibly shaken Twilight approached the doorway upon Celestia's departure noticing the bright white light. "R-Rarity...?" Twilight asked confused. A figure flew in front of Twilight coming from inside of the library. "Twilight, c'mon! We've got to go to Zecora's right now!" Rainbow Dash said pulling at the unicorn. "B-but... Celestia..." Twilight stammered. "Rarity is our friend! She needs us!" Rainbow Dash yelled trying to drive sense into Twilight. Twilight shook it off noticing that Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy had the same idea. "Right! To Zecora's!" Twilight said galloping at full speed then taking off into the air with Rainbow Dash easily flying ahead while Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy followed close behind. Celestia and Luna quickly closed the distance between them and the hut. They stopped outside of it witnessing the origin of the white light coming from within. Celestia wasn't going to let this slide. Using her horn, she forcefully opened the door almost tearing it off its hinges. The white light that came from within made it slightly difficult to see but, nonetheless, she moved forward trying to step into the hut. Rainbow Dash caught up to the princess's and saw Celestia almost enter the building deciding to block her path. "Princess, whatever Rarity is doing just let it be done. She's our friend," Rainbow Dash pleaded. "Get out of my way," Celestia calmly said to the cyan-colored pegasus. "I know Rarity. She's a good friend. I'm sure she means well." "I'm going to give you three seconds to get out of the way." "I'd never let a friend down. She's always been there for me." "One." "Sure, I don't like her at times but she's my friend." "Two." "Friends should be trusted and I trust Rarity com-" "-Three." Celestia used her horn to throw Rainbow Dash aside like a rag doll only to be confronted by an orange-coated mare in the hut's doorway. "Move aside," Celestia said with a stern expression that scared Applejack. "N-no can do, Princess. Rarity is in the middle of somethin'." "Luna, move her aside," Celestia said to which Luna came forward and pushed the orange-coated mare to the side making room for Celestia to enter the hut. Upon entering the room, Celestia could barely see anything. The bright white light permeated the entire building making it difficult to find the source. Its brilliance was only matched by the diamond carried at Celestia's side. Squinting into the light, Celestia could barely make out two figures in the distance where one knelt next to another. She moved a few steps forward only to see a third figure approaching her. Pony goddess, why is it some of us can't find love? a voice whispered to the Princess as the figure approached making Celestia's heart almost stop beating. Why must it peel us apart? Why must we endure its given heartaches? "T-this cannot be," Celestia said to which the figure stopped moving closer to her. Luna, too, could see the figure which made her eyes open wide. I desired one thing. You desired one thing. Is it too much to ask for love in another? "I did everything I could!" Celestia yelled out at the figure with tears in her eyes. "I tried everything! Not a day went by that I didn't regret the failure!" Your failure is twofold, the figure said pointing to Luna then repeating its question. Is it too much to ask for love in another? How many times, pony goddess, must you make these mistakes? "..." Celestia didn't know what to say with many tears forming in her eyes. "I did everything! I love my sister! I tried to reconcile our differences! I tried to save you! Only to watch EVERYTHING fall apart!!" Celestia looked on in horror as the diamond at her side floated forward of its own accord. The figure reached out for the diamond as it came near. Upon touching the diamond, its shine lit up the figure's face showing the dragon from long ago in a healthy condition with perfect clarity. Do not make another mistake here tonight. Let another succeed where we failed, the dragon said this with a kind smile before fading away. I forgive you. Please forgive me. The diamond remained suspended in midair and Celestia could see the other two figures in the distance. She wanted to move forward but didn't. Princess Celestia and Luna remained where they stood next to Appelejack looking on as the two continued with the spell's recasting. Rarity held her eyes shut feeling the magic flow to the tip of her horn. In her struggle, she gave off a smile. This was it. She could feel the magic course through her body accumulating to the horn. Spike looked up at her noticing the way her mane was swaying in an unseen wind. She was beautiful to him and everything he could ever dream. He could feel his heart beat faster watching her cast this magic for it showed how much she cared for him. She opened her eyes looking into his letting him know this was the moment. He gave a nod and she smiled touching her horn to his body. He could feel the magic course through him providing a tingling sensation that rippled through his scales. It provided a soothing sensation unlike the previous casting. There was something added to it that warmed him on the inside. He felt her love. He also felt the choice offered to him. His mind raced back and forth. He could feel the familiar tugs and pulls on his body. Looking down at his right arm, he saw the hoof touching hers. Rarity noticed this and the look of confusion in his eyes. She moved in closer to him with sincerity and kindness displayed on her face. "When you're ready, Spike, I'll let you make the choice again after some time has passed," Rarity said lightly pressing her lips to Spike's. Her soft lips were felt against his providing a warm touch. He could smell her bodily fragrance and taste her lips. He closed his eyes to feel the moment transpire in his mind. Rarity's touch reassured him that an inner decision now could be changed later on. The only thing that mattered was her at this moment in time. So, when he is truly ready, he'll let her know. Until then, he'll still stay by her side forever remaining to be the love of her life. There would be no loss. Celestia and Luna continued to watch as the bright white light died down to reveal the two figures in the distance embraced in a loving kiss—a pony and a dragon. The princesses approached the two as did Applejack, Zecora, and Rainbow Dash. Even Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy entered the hut to witness the scene between the two. There before them all, laid a fully restored Spike with Rarity joined in true love's lock. When Rarity separated her lips from Spike's, both of them stared at each other understanding success was about more than discoloration, degradation, or some forbidden spell. Their success meant a fully reciprocated love that not many find or retain. Rarity had found the shine of her diamond in Spike's love. Likewise, Spike found a rare special jewel unlike any other in Rarity's generous love. Her fears of being alone and forgotten would never be realized. His fears of being mismatched with her would never be realized. Rarity loved Spike and Spike loved Rarity. Celestia moved towards the two not in anger but in regret of her previous actions. If not for the dragon from long ago, she would have stopped the forbidden spell's recasting. It would have been another grievous regret set upon her shoulders. So, in moving closer to the two, she displayed an apologetic smile. Likewise, the princess spoke with sincerity in her heart hoping she'd be forgiven. "My Little Ponies," Celestia said peering back at the others near the entrance then back toward the two in front of her, "Rarity and Spike. First and foremost, please accept my apologies for doubting your capabilities. My past failures blinded me and so I didn't recognize this as a feasible outcome. Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Applejack, you all stood by your friends in their time of great need. Luna, I'm sorry for again not recognizing your attempts to express familial love towards me. Additionally, I should have believed your decision was rightfully made on that star-filled night even if the outcome was unknown to you. Worse yet, Twilight, I didn't trust my most faithful student when she needed me most. And I can see you had additional help, too, from a kind heart." Celestia looked over to the zebra who had watched the whole event play out before her. Zecora bowed her head grateful for the acknowledgement. "Sister?" Luna asked wanting to reveal something to Celestia that had been on her mind for far too long. "Yes, Luna?" Celestia responded giving her sister attention. "We love our older sister. 'Twould be a lie to say otherwise. A thousand years ago, we wronged thee in many ways that should had never occured between family members. Nonetheless, we did. Our sister made a wish and we intend to grant it here and now. We will wear the hoofy pajamas if you still desire that but, in addition, our sister will know our love. Dear sister, we love you now and forever much like mother and father wanted long ago." "Thank you, Luna." Celestia smiled with happiness and a few tears coming to her eyes. She raised a hoof to wipe them away. Her sister loved her and that was all she ever desired. "Twilight?" Celestia asked turning to view her most faithful student standing in the doorway. "Can you forgive my wrongful presumptions when all you desired was to save a friend's life?" "Y-yes, princess," Twilight said bowing her head. "Consequently, as I have wronged each and every one of you, can you all forgive me?" Celestia asked looking around to those attending finding unanimous nods of approval. "Truly, I am sorry. There's only one thing left to do." Celestia looked at the diamond levitating nearby in midair grasping it in her hoof. Its shine had only continued to increase perhaps almost rivaling that of the sun continually lowered and raised by her. Celestia looked to Rarity and Spike witnessing love she'd never seen before. Happiness filled the princess up to see these two smiling back at her. "Here," she said levitating the pure white diamond towards the two, "this gift shall serve as both an official apology and recognition of performing an extraordinary feat to save a friend." "Not a friend, darling," Rarity corrected the princess taking the diamond in her hoof and looking back at Spike, "but my one true love." Celestia genuinely smiled with happiness as Luna and the others approached her sides to witness the affections between Rarity and Spike. Luna rested her head on Celestia's shoulder to which the older sister returned the gesture. Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Twilight were sniffling while Applejack tried to comfort them. Likewise Rainbow Dash tried not to cry but slowly felt her pride give way to resisted emotions. "I love you, Rarity," Spike said looking into Rarity's rich blue eyes. "I love you, too, Spike," Rarity responded observing Spike's twinkling green eyes. "When you're ready, I'll let you make the choice again after some time has passed. But remember that all I want is you." With those words said, Rarity went to gently press her lips to Spike's but found he earnestly met her halfway. The two closed their eyes and allowed the moment to envelop them entirely, enjoying each other's soft touch. Rarity and Spike remained like this finding the love they needed most in their significant other. If ever there was a moment where true love shined brightest it was this one exemplified by the pure white diamond's shine in Rarity's right hoof. Truly, the happiest moments between those in love are when they know they're loved. Rarity knew it. Spike knew it, too. [/hr] If one were to visit Ponyville, it is said there is one location they should visit. The garments offered at the storefront far exceed most others in all of Equestria. Not only that but customers say they consistently witness an extraordinary change between the two owners. It turns out that the building could be inhabited by a pony and a dragon. Others say it is two ponies but no dragon. There is a lot of magical secrets held in the lands of Equestria, but one truth stands above them all. Love doesn't have a single identity when the heart beats with a thousand songs. [/hr] A soft ring from the doorbell announced a new customer. The curious stallion had come looking for some quality clothing. He looked around the store's interior marveling at the well done designs. The extravagance of some garments far exceeded his expectations. Some sparkled with rare jewels and others were simple crafts. He could plainly see that the owners were skilled in the art of designing and making fashionable apparel. What impressed him the most was the love expressed in the stitching. Many years had he spent in this profession, and he could clearly see it was done with much care. The threading was handled very well. The material, itself, primmed and pressed but not stressed. Cordial voices called his attention making him look towards the source to see two individuals. Both had friendly smiles and looked very happy. The two looked at each other then back at the stallion before announcing the common greeting. Welcome to Carousel Boutique where every garment is chic, unique, and magnifique!