//------------------------------// // Not Even Celestia Can Boast... // Story: Lilies of the Field // by Cynewulf //------------------------------// II It was perhaps not very surprising that the House of Belle had included famous generals in the chaotic days of Equestria’s youth. Rarity Belle, that old house’s latest scion, waited with her ledger in amorous ambush. Rainbow was on her way. Rarity thought of love in terms of two different languages: music and struggle. She thought they were both relevant. Love was like dance because it involved harmony. You had to dance in time or things became disorienting. It involved unity of purpose and gaze, looking for and at the same things. It was a skill you worked at, and whatever your natural talents might be, no one rose above their partner too far. She guessed it was struggle because it was all but impossible to know another pony’s mind. She could only guess, here at the beginning, what was beyond those rose colored eyes. The knowledge of another pony’s intentions—now she loves me, now she doesn’t—was a city to be taken by force, or at least coaxed towards its inevitable surrender. It was the second and last fitting she would need Rainbow to help with, and it was a shame to lose her close companionship. She hoped, secretly and silently, that it would not be an end. If all went well, it would perhaps be a beginning. But she didn’t know for sure. Her evidence was fleeting and circumstantial. And perhaps invented. She scowled at the numbers, checking her math again with a sigh. For all of her dramatic inner posturing, her plan wasn’t really that complicated. If anything, she’d been pushed to a last resort by her friends. Twilight hadn’t been the only one with sealed lips. Pinkie, of course, would keep the secret until she died—and maybe afterwards. Fluttershy had all but fled. Applejack had refused to talk about it at all. Rainbow herself grew nervous, but that didn’t automatically mean what Rarity hoped it did. In the end, she had only her own wishes and hunches to go on. It wasn’t a lot, but a Lady had to make do with that she had. It did help that she had a trump card of sorts... but she doubted how effective it would be. Anyway, she’ll be here in a few minutes. But what if Rainbow was busy? What if Rarity couldn’t get it out of her? What if... She unclicked her pen, laid it down in the book, and closed it. Rarity had never been this way before about any of the other mares she’d fallen for or who had fallen for her. There’d hadn’t been that many of course, but enough to know that what she felt about Rainbow was unique. And what did she think about Rainbow? That she was strong. Rarity appreciated that, how strong she was. She was not unbreakable, no—nopony was—but she had the kind of backbone Rarity had always looked for in a potential mate. Or a friend, really. Anypony. She knew herself. She knew how demanding she could be, and how her nature proved wearisome sometimes. But she also knew that Rainbow was not one to crumble under pressure. Rainbow, if she could, tried to lift weight instead of shirking it. If it mattered, she was your mare. And then she smiled. Doesn’t hurt that she’s beautiful. With that mane, she’s a designer’s dream. Any color scheme can work. Well, no, not any. Most. Yes, most. The point was that she was an equal, she was beautiful, and she’d grown up a lot since they first met. Rarity was enthralled, and it was a remarkable experience to finally be the one chasing. Rainbow touched down outside, and Rarity caught a glance of her out the window. She smiled, and felt her heart flutter. It was time. She’d know the truth at last! But, more importantly, she’d be able to talk with Rainbow again. She fidgeted with unladylike excitement as Rainbow walked to the Boutique’s door and opened it. “Welcome! How have you been, Rainbow?” “Good, I guess.” Rainbow gave her a lopsided grin that Rarity loved. “I’ve been kinda busy. But, I think my head’s a lot clearer then the last time I saw ya.” “Good,” she replied, not sure whether it was good news for her or not. But if Rainbow felt better, it was good news in the end, she supposed. “Come this way, would you, dear? I’d like to show you what I’ve done before we get this on you. I think you’ll really like it.” Do I sound too excited? I can’t tell. Don’t worry, Rarity, she no doubt believes any abundant enthusiasm to be about the uniform. Not that she wasn’t excited about her work. This had been commissioned by an important pony, after all! A mildly unpleasant important pony, yes, but one of high standing nevertheless. It wasn’t her normal fare by any means, as she was used to flowing dresses, but it had been a delightful challenge. They came into her wide and messy studio. Grandly, she brought the ponniequin forward for Rainbow to see. “Not bad, Rares! I like it.” Rarity blushed. Praise from Rainbow, especially about this, was all high praise to her. “Thank you. Would you like to try it on now?” “Sure.” Rarity undid the buttons and floated the dress uniform over to Rainbow with her magic. It took only a moment for Dash to put it on. She strutted about, and Rarity’s blush refused to leave completely. She really was beautiful—in a way entirely different from her other loves and crushes. Rainbow was beautiful in the way that a fine statue or a thunderstorm was beautiful. It was a sort of fierce beauty. At the moment, she was showing off her fine legs, and Rarity found them exquisitely tight and sculpted. “Feels good! It doesn’t pull as much on the wings... but let me try with them stretched out.” “Well, come back here and do so, please. I still have to make sure it’s to my own specifications. I did do much of this work late at night.” Rainbow trotted over, and then flared her wings out. Rarity had to admit that she was lovelier still, her graceful wings ready for action. She could almost imagine Rainbow about to take off, her muscles toned and that look of fearless joy in her eyes. “How does that feel?” She murmured, deep in thought as she circled Rainbow. “Hm... Good, I think. I think I need to fly in it eventually.” “Of course,” she said absentmindedly, as she did her best to focus her attention on her work. Keeping it away from Rainbow herself was becoming difficult, to say the least. The real work was done quickly, with only light conversation between them. Rarity didn’t bring up Rainbow’s romantic life at all, asking her instead about her work with the weather team. Eventually, she led Rainbow back around the Boutique so that she could test the uniform’s comfort while flying. “Forgive my ignorance, dear, but what occasion is this for? I’m afraid I don’t know much about my client or her importance. All I know is that she is, indeed, important.” “The Hegemon? She’s like... kind of like the mayor,” Dash explained as she stretched her wings out. “The Hegemon used to be like the king or queen or something, back before the tribes got together. A long, long time ago Cloudsdale was kind of... not friends with Neighvarro and Las Pegasus. “See, when they did get together and put aside their differences, they still felt like they needed to one-up each other. So every year, at the festival to celebrate the Unification, they try to outdress and outfly each other on the parade grounds. It’s silly, but it was better than killin’ each other, you know?” “I quite agree. So, this will be... rather public then? I’m honored.” Rainbow grinned, and tensed. “She’s going to be in top form with this thing, Rarity.” And then she was off, up into the air. Rarity watched her with a wide grin as she orbited the Boutique in a lazy circle before speeding up and doing a flip right over Rarity’s head. What was it like for her, up there? Rarity had flown on her own wings once, but it had not been like that. She’d not really dared to do the kinds of things Rainbow did on an everyday basis. But watching her... it was breathtaking. Rarity fooled herself quite willingly into believing that this was her own private show, and that Rainbow was doing this for her, to impress her. And she was, indeed, impressed. Her wings beating the air in a strong cadence, her eyes flashing, her mane blown back by the wind she riled up by her flight. She landed with a prideful smirk. “Think we’re golden, Rares.” “That we are,” she breathed, and then straightened. “Yes. That’ll do, Rainbow. You’ve been a fine helper. Come back inside?” In the Boutique, Rarity put away the uniform with pride and a smile. Now that it was out of the way, she could turn her attention to more important matters. Rarity, in typical form, offered tea and company. Rainbow, also in typical form, took any opportunity for free food. So the dance began. It helped to think of it as a dance or game. It made the butterflies in Rarity’s stomach more manageable and took her mind off of the seriousness of it. She thought it was fitting; Rainbow led and she took cues, Rarity moved a pawn and Rainbow moved out a knight. As she sipped at her tea, she searched Rainbow for signs of... well, to be honest, she wasn’t sure. Something. Anything different about her. But Rainbow seemed rather normal. Happier than before, but that was the only thing different. Finally, Rarity realized she’d been left with no choice. Rainbow gave nothing away. The nervous shifting was gone, all the cues that had first sparked her wild hopes absent. She’d simply have to be direct. “So, Rainbow. Any progress on the romantic front?” A pause, and then: “Whatcha mean?” “Why, your lovely mare of choice, of course!” “Who said it was a mare?” “My memory may betray me, but I seem to remember that you may or may not have admitted to such. Perhaps indirectly, yes, but still.” Rainbow Dash sighed. “Yeah, I guess. You’re right. Honestly, I’ve decided she needs to know.” “And? Dear, you simply must tell me the identity of this mare of mystery! Perhaps I can help you.” But Rainbow shook her head. “No, not yet. If she says no... I don’t want it to be a big deal.” “That first impression is very important, Rainbow. Please, I simply must help you. It’s killing me not to know.” Rainbow smiled, and it was perhaps one of the most infuriatingly enigmatic smiles Rarity had ever seen. That would be like her, to enjoy any little advantage she got! So smug about her secret! Of course... it didn’t stop Rarity from wanting to know. “Well... if she spurns you, will you at least tell me?” Rainbow nodded. “I think you’ll know, yeah.” You’re just playing with me now. Of course, that wasn’t conclusive either. Rainbow would play with any interest she showed no matter what. Just another thing she could twist into evidence for Rainbow’s affections for her, but knew she shouldn’t. Not yet. “Well... hm. At least tell me a little about her. Come now. Is she cute? Long, pretty mane?” Rainbow shrugged. “I know you’re just trying to get the answer outta me, Rares. But... ah, I’ll play along. Yeah, she’s pretty. Long mane, pretty eyes... she’s nice, when she wants to be.” She chuckled. “Brave, too, when she needs to be, which you know I like. She’s a unicorn, but not an egghead type like Twilight.” “Ah. An athletic unicorn?” “I’m not that predictable, you know. I’m not, right?” “Well...” Rarity smiled, and pretended to think, looking up at the ceiling. Rainbow snorted and eyed the little pastry plate Rarity had baited her with. “Anyhow, Rares, she isn’t. She’s probably the girliest girl I coulda picked. Well, not the girliest girl. I don’t know, don’t wanna give you the wrong impression. I know you’re guessing.” She couldn’t help but laugh at the dismay on Rarity’s face. Though maybe she misunderstood it. Don’t wanna give you the wrong impression. What could that mean? “I know you want to know, Rares. I’d love to tell you... but you’d want to help, you know? You’d mean well, but I just wanna do this myself. I need some space to work, you know?” “I understand, Rainbow... as much as I’m not pleased about it. But it’s your right.” “Well... would you at least receive a gift?” “What kind?” Rainbow looked interested, but ready to say no. Rarity played her trump card, with somewhat restrained enthusiasm. “I have passes to the Unification Ball, actually. I was wondering if you might like two. You could use it as a perfect opportunity to confess your feelings!” Rainbow simply gaped at her. “How? Not that I’ve ever tried, you know, or thought about it... but those are hard to get. Really hard. Like, unless you’re a really important pony, you aren’t getting more than one, if any.” Rarity shrugged. It was her turn to be smug as she said, “They’re part of my payment. The Hegemon offered them somewhat offhoof and I accepted them on a whim. She gave me four, and I figured I could bring some of the girls with me. I think this might be a worthy cause.” Rainbow seemed lost in thought, and Rarity waited for her answer. Finally, she grinned and met Rarity’s eyes again. “You know... yeah. Yeah, I like that plan. I think I might just take those.” “Well, you’ll have to wait a bit. I haven’t got them yet. The Hegemon will be by later to pick up her uniform... Rainbow. I can make you a lovely—” “Was just about to ask you, actually. Would you make me a dress, Rarity? A nice one, good enough for a ball and all that kinda stuff.” Rarity forgot all about her suspicions and reached over the table to wrap Rainbow in an awkward and rather unladylike embrace. In response to Rainbow’s surprised sputtering, she had only one thing to say. “Do you have any idea, Rainbow Dash, how long I have been waiting for you to ask me for a dress for yourself without me having to make you? Like, one that you like?” “Er... Rarity? Could you... I mean, this is really nice and all, but...” “Rainbow Dash wants a dress! Oh, thank you Celestia! A real dress! All my dreams are coming true!” She could already see it now, Rainbow Dash’s exasperated groan aside. Yes, it would be wonderful. A beautiful dress for a beautiful mare... and perhaps she’d be seeing it again, up close, at the Unification Ball. While I breathe, I hope!