//------------------------------// // Part Four // Story: Canterlot's Guests // by JKinsley //------------------------------// If you'd like to view this the way I intended, have a Google Docs link The soft light of early dawn streamed through the windows. Rarity could feel a little smile on her face as the light slowly woke her up. She blinked several times before she was finally aware of her surroundings. Through half-lidded eyes, Rarity watched her friend still snoozing peacefully. Twilight looks adorable when she's sleeping, Rarity thought. The way her mane falls around her neck and onto the pillow... Twilight stirred slightly, wiggling herself into the pillow a bit more, and sleep-mumbled, “Five more minutes, Spike. Just five more minutes....” Rarity suppressed a giggle. You do everything cute, don't you, darling? Even the way you’re breathing, with my foreleg over your shoulder.... Over your shoulder?! Rarity, you fool! What if she wakes to this? What will Twilight think of this? You must get up! In her panic, Rarity lifted her foreleg off of Twilight and got herself twisted up in the sheets. As she gracelessly struggled out of them, she fell to the floor with a loud thud, and clumsily got to her hooves. Brushing herself off, Rarity noticed that Twilight was still sleeping soundly, with only the light sounds of her breathing to be heard. Oh, thank Celestia. Rarity let out the breath she was holding, and she steadied herself against the end-table to calm her nerves and her racing heart. Focus, dear. You're awake; you might as well just get ready for the day. It should be busy and rewarding, after all. Rarity let herself a smile as she shrugged off the sheets that clung to her rump. Eyeing her mane and tail in the window, she ran her hoof through the unkempt mess and cringed. She had forgotten her curlers.  Well, too late now. I'd better shower and just hope I can remember how that spell goes. She tossed one last glance at her snoozing friend. Such cute, straight hair. Alas, I doubt you know the spell I need. Rarity grabbed her shampoo and conditioner from her luggage and quietly trotted over to the bathroom, careful to make sure her hooffalls were near-silent, just in case they somehow woke up Twilight. How she could sleep through that ordeal with me falling and wake up to somepony walking to the bathroom is beyond me.  In the bathroom, Rarity pushed aside the shower curtains and turned the lever for hot water. Once she noticed a bit of steam coming off of the water, she turned it down a bit and reached her hoof in to test the temperature. Satisfied, she stepped in and let the hot water wash over her body. Feeling her mane fall down either side of her face, Rarity let out a deep sigh, relishing the warmth and wetness her shower offered. I do hope that my day only improves from here. I would hate for today's highlight to be such a silly, mundane thing as a shower!  She picked up her bottle of shampoo and squeezed out a little bit onto her mane, lathering it up and working it through her hair. She then leaned her head forward, letting gravity take hold of her hair as she rinsed the shampoo out. She did the same for her tail, but paused before she applied the conditioner, chuckling to herself. I'm sure some stallion might find this look attractive, with my wet mane hanging everywhere. Imagine, artist after artist, gallery after gallery, filled with me and my wet hair! Settling down, she started applying the conditioner, making sure to coat every strand. She waited for it to do its work, and she stood in peace, with only the soft patter of water to be heard. Satisfied that she got her mane and tail conditioned, she rinsed off and ran her hoof through her hair. Ah, smooth as silk. When she finally stepped out of the shower, Rarity grabbed one of the white towels from the rack and began drying herself, rubbing gently from hoof to shoulder and neck to rump. Certain that her coat was dry, she then took the towel and scrubbed her tail, careful not to pull too hard. She did the same to her mane, and looked in the mirror at her dangling hair. Memorizing the shape she wanted, Rarity tried to remember the spell that could style hair. She took a deep breath, and focused on the curls, the way each hair would bounce so easily, and the deep shine that made her mane and tail so distinctive. She cast the spell, and azure light filled the bathroom, bouncing off of the steam and mirror. Before the light had faded, Rarity could tell that the spell worked. Her hair bounced and curled as it should and she managed a sly smile. Oh, I bet Twilight would be proud, she thought. I wonder if she would ever let me style her mane like this? That might look gorgeous. She gave a wistful sigh. Not that she needs any help, though. After applying her eyeshadow, Rarity stepped out of the bathroom to find Twilight slowly working her way out of bed. After a moment of worry, Rarity took the lead to start the conversation. “Did you sleep well, Twilight?” Rarity asked. She did her best to hide any hint of panic. Twilight nodded groggily, and it took a few shakes of her head before she replied. “Yeah, I slept well. I had the weirdest dream before I woke up, though. I was snuggling with this really warm pillow, and then something crashed through a window and knocked the pillow away. And then there was something about a waterfall? It was really strange.” Rarity steadied herself, and tried to hide her panicked breathing. After she took a few stealthy breaths, she asked, “R-really now?” Get it together! You can still keep this from getting worse! Just think! “You know, I think I read somewhere that coffee can affect your dreams if you drink it too soon before bed. Maybe that’s what caused it?” she offered hopefully. Twilight just shrugged and blinked her bleary eyes. “You look all gussied up this morning. Hoping to meet someone at breakfast?” she teased. Rarity chuckled. Such a sense of humor. She waved her hoof, dismissing Twilight’s little joke. “No, no, nothing like that. I just don’t plan on returning to the room except to pick up the dresses and whatnot for the show. I’m just going down for a quick breakfast, and I’ll be back to grab them. I have much to do to get ready for the actual show, you know.” Twilight nodded and mumbled, “Good luck.” After Twilght’s response, Rarity just added, “So, I’ll see you when it’s ready, around, say, 1 o’clock?” Again, Twilight nodded and shuffled towards the bathroom. Rarity smiled and turned to the door, opening it and stepping out into the hallway. When she heard the door click shut behind her, she headed towards the elevators and down to breakfast.  Rarity was seated promptly by a charming young maître d' and she quickly glanced over the menu. While she was browsing, a waiter brought a glass of water with a few slices of orange and lemon mixed in with the ice. She flashed a brief smile and set down her menu. “Ah, mademoiselle, are you ready to order?” he asked, whipping out a notepad and charcoal with his horn. He looked much like the front desk staff, save for his cutie mark: instead of a bell, it was a covered silver tray. “Yes, I do believe I am. I would like the Eggs Florentine, please, with two slices of tomato added, and some grated carrot. And a glass of apple juice, Sweet Apple Acres if you have it.” She smiled again, and levitated the menu to the waiter. After he scribbled down her order, he took the notepad and menu and tucked it into his apron, before trotting off to the kitchens. It wasn’t long before the waiter returned from the kitchen with a tall glass of apple juice and a bottle unmistakeably marked with the Sweet Apple Acres logo. When the glass was finally set on her table, Rarity took a lady-like sip and savored the wonderful flavors of the juice. You know, Applejack and her family really know what they’re doing. For all of her... brash manners, she really does know her craft. She huffed, inaudible to to anyone but her. Well enough to make to the tip-top of the Canterlot elite, even. Something I’m still working hard to do. Perhaps we’re not so different, her and I. I might even be able to learn something from her. She paused that line of thought when she saw the steaming plate of Eggs Florentine making its way towards her table. When it passed by, however, her face became of a mix of a frown and a pout, and she turned to look where the food was headed. Her expression softened when she spotted a pale unicorn with a wavy blue mane and small moustache. Her eyes turned to his companion, another pale unicorn but with a light pink mane done in long curls. “Fancy Pants! Fleur de Lis! Imagine bumping into you here!” she simpered, careful to keep her voice low. “Ah, hello, Rarity,” Fancy Pants replied in his typical drawling fashion. “What brings you back to Canterlot?” Rarity’s eyes twinkled and she held herself back to keep from bouncing out of her seat in excitement. “Oh, I’m just up here to debut a new line. I was just planning on a small show for Hoity-Toity and a friend who’s visiting with me.” She paused for a moment, mindful to word the next sentence very carefully. “Although, if you would care to join us, I can see to it that Hoity-Toity will make arrangements?” she offered, her eyebrow just ever so slightly raised, with a subtle smile playing about her lips. Fancy Pants whispered to Fleur, and Rarity anxiously awaited their answer. After another minute of hushed whispers, Fancy Pants addressed Rarity. “Well, it seems that we have no other conflicting engagements today, so we would be happy to see the show. I do say, my dear, I am quite looking forward to what you have in store. I’m sure it will be smashing.” “I’ll be sure to let Hoity-Toity know. Now, I’ll let you two get back to your breakfast.” She smiled and turned around in time to watch the waiter set down a plate of Eggs Florentine with tomato and grated carrot. With her horn, she gently took the silverware and cut into her meal, taking small bites, savouring each morsel. Once she finished her breakfast, Rarity jotted down the room number on the bill and dashed off to retrieve the dresses for her show. As she left, she spotted Fancy Pants and Fleur-de-Lis just starting on their meal, and she tried her hardest to suppress a grin. Oh, I can’t wait! Hoity-Toity, Fancy Pants, Fleur, and Twilight? Pinch me, I must still be dreaming! She bounced all the way up the elevator and to her room, smiling and giggling like a little schoolfilly. Twilight finally showered and brushed her mane back to its normal straight edges. Facing the mirror, she blinked slowly, studying the violet-eyed pony staring back at her. You know, Rarity might be right. I am pretty. At least I look good enough to head out to breakfast with Mom. After she strolled out of the bathroom, Twilight grabbed one of her saddlebags and tossed her bit purse into one side, and stashed the Element of Magic tiara in the other, carefully wrapped. One last triple-check of her things, and Twilight was ready to go. Hearing the door click shut behind her, Twilight trotted towards the elevators. She glanced over to see an odd green pegasus and red unicorn together. They were whispering and giggling like schoolfoals, but Twilight thought nothing of it.  After an uneventful ride down to the lobby, Twilight waved to the front desk staff and walked out the front doors to the loud rumblings of the city of Canterlot. She carefully made her way through the crowds, paying close attention to her saddlebags to avoid them getting damaged. She cast the occasional glance to her sides, watching the city with the mixture of wonder and nostalgia that only her hometown could bring. Twilight trotted past stall vendors, street musicians, cafes, and shops of all sizes. The strumming of a harp, the loud shouts of sellers hocking their wares, the tickling of bells and the sounds of hundreds of hooves clopping across the cobblestones brought back memories of Twilight’s school years. It wasn’t until Cafe Flora came into view that she smiled, though. Her mother was sitting at a table near the edge of the patio, and Twilight quickened her pace. She made a beeline for the table, which already had a place set for her. “Mom! It’s been so long since I’ve seen you!” Twilight set down her saddlebags next to her seat. As she went over to hug her mother, she looked around for another place setting or moved chairs.  “Dad couldn’t make it, then?” Star Sparkle smiled wide and hugged her daughter back, nuzzling the side of her neck. “It’s wonderful to see you too, Twilight. I’ve missed you so much.” She pulled away and took her seat, before shaking her head. “But sadly, no. Your father is still working on that new telescope he’s been planning for ages. I’ll have to go back and help him along if he has any hope of finishing it this century!” Twilight sighed, disappointed that she would have to wait to see her father, but she put on a smile for her mother. “Still, it’s nice to see you again! So, shall we order?” Her mother nodded, and raised her hoof to summon the waiter. He was a white unicorn with a slicked back grey mane, and a crossed fork and knife cutie mark. “Ah, what shall I be getting you ladies this morning?” he asked, holding a notepad and pencil in front of him. Twilight spoke up first. “I’ll have waffles with cream and strawberries, please, and some apple juice to drink.” The waiter nodded and jotted down the order before turning to Star. “And for you, ma’am?” “I’ll have the flower platter, with a side of fruit, please. And orange juice.” She smiled and handed both menus to the waiter, who tucked everything into his apron and trotted off to the kitchens. Star then turned to face her daughter. “So, what great adventures have you been on lately, dear?” Twilight chuckled. “Mom! My adventures aren’t that grand or epic.” She paused for a moment, reflecting on the wonderful times with her friends. She smiled and chuckled again, with more warmth. “But my friends have made it pretty awe-inspiring. Maybe not enough to make a big novel or play out of it, but it’s something special. I really think you’d like them.” “Well, tell me about them. What are they like? What not-so-grand adventures do you go on with them? What have you done that would make your mother’s hair stand on end?” Star Sparkle chuckled and continued smiling as she tapped her hooves together, waiting patiently for an answer. “Well, there’s Pinkie Pie, and she’s the one who likes to party.” Twilight paused for a moment, and considered what to add. How hard did she work to take care of the Cake’s little foals? How welcoming is she to everypony? “She’s actually really talented and caring once you get to know her, and I’m glad I did. She helped all of us throw my birthday party up the castle, remember?” Twilight said, sighing wistfully as she looked off in the distance. When she saw her mother nod in reply, she continued. “Then there’s Applejack, and she’s strong and brave and honest and all of that. Her family makes the best apples ever. And she’s got a huge family; I don’t think you go anywhere in Equestria without meeting an Apple. “And there’s Rainbow Dash, the one who wants to join the Wonderbolts. I think she’ll do it, too. She’s an awesome flyer, and an even better friend. I even got her into reading, and she keeps visiting the library to pick up another Daring Do book.” “You were telling me how she broke into the hospital just get the book back! Was she really that frightened of being judged?” Star asked with her head tilted. Twilight laughed and nodded, before continuing. “And Fluttershy. She’s the shyest, yet kindest pony I know. Really brave and protective, too. She stared down a full-grown dragon, if you can believe that. Saved all of our lives more than once. She even saved me personally by staring down a cockatrice. I think you sent her a thank-you card, right, after that letter I sent?” Her mother just nodded and let Twilight keep going. “I don’t think there’s a creature or pony in Equestria Fluttershy couldn’t care for. “And finally, there’s Rarity. She’s the unicorn who designed all of our dresses. She’s generous and helpful and... I don’t know. She’s just a great friend. And you should see her, she’s gorgeous. You might actually get to meet her if she has time this weekend. She’s got a show with one of the fashion moguls today. She invited me along too.” Finally, her story finished, Twilight smiled brightly, looking at her mother. “They sound wonderful, sweetie. I think Dad and I would love to meet all of them, but Rarity sounds like a good start,” her mother replied. “And while you were off daydreaming, your waffles arrived, so dig in!” Twilight rolled her eyes as she chuckled, and picked up her cutlery to start eating. Her waffles were fluffy and delicious, the product of a well-mixed batter, she figured. The strawberries’ tartness complemented the whipped cream’s sweetness, something that she read about in a culinary book about providing a balance of textures and complimentary flavors. The apple juice tasted a little different than the juice she was used to from Sweet Apple Acres, but it still had the distinct Apple Family care and quality. Perhaps Braeburn is getting some of his apples up this way? she thought idly. She looked up at Star Sparkle, and after swallowing her latest bite, simply asked, “So, you and Dad would want to meet Rarity? We might have time tomorrow, but we only have the weekend. I left Spike in charge of the library.” “You,” her mom pointed at her, her tone deadpan, bordering on curious, “left our little Spike, a baby dragon who breathes fire, in charge of a library, with books, made of paper, in a library built in a tree?” The mixture of shock and disbelief was ringing through her words and written all over her face. “Mooom!” Twilight said, her expression exasperated. “Spike is responsible, and all of my friends and the rest of the town will be looking out for them! Not to mention his flames are magical, and he’s only damaged like one book in the entire time we’ve been in Ponyville, and that was a total accident.” Her expression softened, and she gave a half smile. “And Mom, Spike is growing up, just like me.” Star Sparkle gave a motherly chuckle and smiled at how she could still push her daughter’s buttons. “That’s good, sweetie. You’re still my little filly, and Spikey-Wikey will always be a part of the family. Now, tell me more about Rarity. She sounds like a wonderful marefriend if she’s managed to charm you into attending a fashion show.” The blood drained from Twilight’s face, before being replaced with a deep crimson blush. Could I be that obvious with my feelings that even my mother picks up on how I feel about Rarity? Oh, this is bad! “M-m-m-marefriend? Oh, no, no, no, no. Mom, it’s not like that at all. Rarity and I are just friends.” Who happen to be sharing a bed together, and went to the spa together, and are traveling together...  Her mother just chuckled again and interjected, “Oh, honey, I’m just teasing.” Twilight took a steadying breath, and said, “We’re close, that’s all. She’s one of the few unicorns in Ponyville, and she’s been able to do these amazing things with illusion magic.” She paused, and thought, I had to research this love stuff on my own. Mom and Dad never talked about it. I don’t even know how they’d feel about me dating another mare. I mean, they’d probably be alright with it, given Mom’s teasing, but... Gah! I just don’t know! “And you and Dad never talked about the whole romance and special somepony thing, at least as far as I remember.” Star placed a hoof on Twilight’s, and reassured her daughter, “Well, when you do find that special somepony, no matter who you pick to be your partner, your father and I will respect that decision. We love you.” Twilight’s eyes almost watered, and the corners of her eyes crinkled as she smiled, her heart soaring. So if, no, when Rarity and I are together, my parents will support us. That’s... A load off of my chest, surprisingly. She finished her waffles and juice and then gave her mother a big hug. “Thanks, Mom, that means a lot. And I’m glad I got to see you again. It’s been far too long. I’ll definitely be stopping by tomorrow to spend some time with you guys, and I’ll see if Rarity isn’t too busy to join us.” Her mother hugged back, and gave Twilight a reassuring nuzzle. “That sounds wonderful, Twilight. But for now, I have to dash. Or bolt.” Her mom giggled. “We’ll see you tomorrow. Your father will never get that telescope finished without my help.” She gave Twilight a quick kiss on her cheek and dropped several bits on the table before getting up and heading out of the cafe. “I love you darling!” she shouted back to Twilight. “I love you too Mom!” Twilight shouted back, blushing a little at the very public display of family love. And thank you so much for today. You have no idea how much this means.