//------------------------------// // Chapter 20: All Part(s) of the Show: Twilight and Rarity // Story: A Time to Think // by The Sonic Mage //------------------------------// Twilight could barely contain her excitement, though she was doing a pretty good job of it. She always had maintained a fascination with studying new things. Whether it be civilizations, spells, or artifacts, she always enjoyed discovering things that nopony ever has(Usually from the comfort of her library, of course). This was no different. Changelings had always fascinated her. Their ability to perfectly imitate the physical appearance, voice, and magic of anypony, or any creature really, was astounding. It also amazed her how they could even create their own completely original disguises. She had wanted to fill at least three notebooks with information about them for the longest time. So this visit was perfect. She would have liked to get information about their social/ economic/ political dynamic, but this would be equally, if not more interesting. ‘Politicians are hard to talk to any way. That and the subject matter gets very messy very fast,’ She mentally concluded. Soon, her escort had brought her to the medical wing of the Hive. The entry point was very distinct and directions to get there were very clear cut. Most likely so that anyone could easily find it in an emergency. ‘I’m going to have to ask this Dr. Cloverfield about that, to see if I’m correct.’ She bookmarked the question in her head. “Dr. Cloverfield,” Twilight’s escort called, “Your special guest is here.” The good doctor walked towards them with a clipboard at his side. “Ah, good, I was worried that I blocked out time for nothing.” Dr. Cloverfield outstretched a hoof, offering a shake. “Dr. Cloverfield, head doctor of this wing.” Twilight happily returned the hoof shake, “Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship. “It’s good to make your acquaintance, Princess Sparkle.” “It’s nice to meet you to,” Twilight said, “And please, just call me Twilight.” Dr. C. nodded. “So, I hear you’re interested in how our society functions?” “Yes, I am,” Twilight confirmed, nodding her head as emphasis. “Well, I’m not too up-to-date on political policies, but I can inform you about some of the ‘smaller’ details that get glanced over.” “That would be perfect!” Twilight seemed like a child in a candy store. It made Dr. Cloverfield smile. “Well then, I-” “Um, just one question Doctor.” “Yes, Ms. Twilight?” “When we’re discussing any topic,” Twilight lifted up 6 notebooks in her magic, opening each one to the first blank page, pencil at the ready, “Could you tell me everything?” The doctor marveled at her eagerness to learn. He smiled, lifting up a notebook as thick as a textbook. “Only if you’ll do the same with any questions I have,” He said, ready to write.” “Well doctor, what’s a good place to start?” “Let’s see…Well, the requirements to work in medicine are similar to pony ones, but there are some additional factors…” >~~~~~~~~~~~~~~< “My word, darling!” Rarity looked about the visually pleasing mess of a space that was Thimble’s workshop. The Changeling has already made an interesting impression. She was a brilliant shade of pink. She had several measuring tapes wrapped around her hooves and hanging from her neck to be used at moment’s notice. A utility vest kept all her scissors, pins, and thread in some order. The most interesting thing on her were the glasses on the tip of her nose. They had several adjustable magnifying lenses on them. It was rather eye catching. “Here it is,” Thimble proclaimed, “The Wonder Room!” She presented the room with nervous pride. “I’m still working on the name…” “Oh, it’s absolutely astounding, dear,” Rarity said. Thimble looked confused for a moment, “The name, or the room?” “Both!” “Oh, t-thank you!” Thimble began showing the pony fashionista all her drawn plans, unfinished projects, and more. Rarity hadn’t been lying or exaggerating about the room being amazing. It was a creative mess, with piles of fabric scattered around. Some were even hanging from clotheslines. Crumpled pieces of paper, scribbled out designs, they all littered the floor and walls. “I must say, dear,” Rarity said, “I’ve always been somewhat curious nowadays about what Changelings look for this in fashion.” “So have I!” Thimble exclaimed, bringing Rarity some confusion. “You don’t know what your own kind look for in fashion?” “Not exactly,” Thimble’s ears drooped a bit. They quickly went right back up, however, “I’ve been experimenting with a few ideas with some success, however. So I’m taking those elements into account for future projects.” Rarity’s eye was then caught by a manikin. It wasn’t different from any other manikin, but it stood out because it was oddly blank. The only thing on it was a beautiful and intricate dress design sketch pinned onto it. The design had swirling lines across the body, wondrous patterns and was a sight to behold despite it only being on paper. “Darling,” Rarity called over Thimble, “What’s this?” “Oh that,” Thimble’s ears drooped again, “That design. It’s supposed to be my magnum opus! But I don’t have the skill or resources to make it.” “My dear,” Rarity turned to the Changeling designer, scoffing at the statement, “The only true limits in an industry such as fashion, is your imagination.” Rarity then brought the manikin over to her and Thimble. “Wait,” Thimble hurried over, slightly worried that her design would be damaged, “What are you doing?” “I would like offer my assistance in making your dream dress come to life.” Thimble froze and went silent, looking at Rarity with a mix of shock and awe. “R-Really,” Thimble stuttered, “Y-You’d like to help me with this?” “Of course, darling,” Rarity assured, “So how about it?” Thimble, still frozen still from surprise, silently thought it over. She then immediately started  squealing in indescribable joy. “Oh, yes! Thank-you-thank-you-thank-you!!!!” She gave the Element of Generosity a big hug. She eventually let go, cheeks burning with excitement. “You’re very welcome, dear,” Rarity kindly smiled, “So, where do we start?” Thimble stood straight, pushed her glasses up, and put on her imaginary thinking hat. The two then switched into “work mode”. “Well, we need to start with the fabric frame…”