//------------------------------// // Rhyming Rarity // Story: Rhyming Rarity // by Tranquil Serenity //------------------------------// Sunlight peeked through my window, its bright rays filling the room with light. I opened an eye, then rolled over, unaccustomed to it being so bright. The softness of my bed whispered of slumber, and I was tempted to accept that sweet fate. But I knew that I had to fill orders, and had the vision well-formed to create. I slid the warm comforter off me, and I stepped off the mattress, reluctant. It was a feat that I managed to so, though doing it I did not feel triumphant. I grasped a brush in my sparkling blue aura, and combed its bristles through my tail and mane. At times it hurt when I would try to tame them, but alas they do say beauty's pain... With a toss of my mane I was finished, and I returned the small brush to its place. Next I trotted my way to the mirror, and turned my head to inspect my bare face. Unsatisfied, I took up the mascara, and I applied it as gently as could be. I fluttered my eyelashes and projected, my chin to the side, dramatically. Content that my gaze was properly mesmerizing, I smiled with ease and put the item away. A designer's appearance must be tantalizing, or else what would the fashion critics say? ---*--- I run a hoof along the hem of my latest creation, and can't help but sigh a bit tiredly. After only half my work hours I feel worn out, frustrated the gowns aren't all that I'd hoped they'd be. I take a step back and survey the piece critically, but the mental exertion only makes my head ache. "Oh, come on now! Get it together, Rarity!" I tell myself, willing inspiration awake. The act is futile but at least I'm trying, or at least I am 'til the silence fast breaks. I hear the shop bell at the door cheerfully jingle, and turn to see that's it's my alicorn friend. Her largely indigo mane is in frazzles, and her nerves seem quite frayed end to end. With her appearance all else is forgotten, and I trot closer to meet her gaze. "Oh, darling! Whatever has happened?" I ask her concernedly, wondering what on her weighs. Twilight responds in a frenzy, with words like 'checklist', 'perfect', and 'deadline'. Her state reminds me of my own workload, brought about by an order from Prim Hemline. I smile warmly and levitate her some water, which she gulps down in a matter of seconds. Then I gently guide her to the chaise lounge, we both sit down, and I pat her hoof with affection. It seems she's already calmed a great deal, and she smiles at me, feeling thankful. In a flash of brilliance I rise to my hooves, I know just how to make things more tranquil. "Twilight," I say with finality, "I think it's time you and I had a day off." She opens her mouth to reject my suggestion, but I can tell her resolve has turned soft. She sighs in defeat and admits she would like that, and I already know just the place we should go. "Darling, the spa is perfect for relaxation. And it's good for a mare's health, you know!" Twilight agrees with a grin to come with me, and before we head out I flip the sign. Every once in a while it's nice to be lazy, and just leave all your workload behind. ---*--- Twilight sighs with ease stretched out on her back, and she wears a mask with cucumbers for eyes. I chuckle happily upon hearing her reaction, my own vision obscured as hers, likewise. "This was a wonderful idea, Rarity," she tells me freely and without reserve. "Well, my dear Twilight," I tell her quite cheerily, "with all that you do, I'd say it's deserved." She sighs again, but this time more tiredly. "I don't know, Rarity. It's like it's never enough." "I know that feeling, but trust me, darling. You can't help anypony if you make life too tough." I hear her laugh in response to my declaration. "Rarity, I'm so glad I have a friend like you." I mimic Rainbow Dash's voice when I answer, "Yeah, I am pretty awesome, it's true." At this we both break out into giggles, and I take another sip of my drink. We started our outing in the afternoon, so we should be finished by evening, I think. ---*--- "Thank you so much for keeping me company today, Rarity. Things have been rough lately with Spike's visit to the dragon lands." "Believe me, darling, I understand perfectly. One could always use some extra hooves—er, clawed hands!" My misspeak elicits more chuckles, to which I smile, happy to see she's de-stressed. We stop in the street which this late is quite vacant, and say our farewells before going home to rest. With one last wave and smile we part amiably, she heads to the castle, and I to my boutique. I know that tomorrow I'll have to get back to sewing, but today was a break in what's been a tough week. As I stroll I think about Spike's absence, and it reminds me that Sweetie Belle's away. I hope she'll have fun in Haywaii, and that she and our parents' flight's not delayed. I reach my front door and produce the key smoothly, and with a twist I hear the tumblers unlock. I swing the door forward, opening it inwards, and in through the archway I walk. ---*--- After a warm shower, a drying, and a teeth brushing... it's finally time to retire. On the back of the door in my bedroom, I hang my robe on a hook of steel wire. I yawn in an elegant manner, and trudge my way to my bed and its canopy. With a bluish hue I take hold of the covers, and cast them aside, easing into place happily. I drape the blanket over myself and glance to my side-table, upon which there sits my sketchpad and pen. All of a sudden I have an idea, and if I don't write it down I shan't know it again. I take the pad and pen up and start sketching, making notes in the corner as I've need. As I draw my smile grows wider, the forming lines do my expectations exceed. With a nod of satisfaction I restore the items, and I snuggle into my pillow and sigh. Sometimes all you need is a respite, to restore a well of inspiration gone dry.