A State of Mind
By Fissionprime
The Prompt: I resolve to preserve self-control.
A stern-faced brown mare shook her head at the white unicorn filly in front of her. “Miss Rarity, we have been over this before. It is both discourteous and very uncouth to not wipe your hooves upon entering a building. If you make a habit of it, those around you will certainly notice, and that is not the sort of impression that you want to make!”
“Oh, Miss Proper, I’m very sorry, but I just forgot to.”
“Well this is exactly the sort of thing that we’re aiming to eliminate, so it is very important that you pay attention so that you don’t do such things,” responded Prim Proper. “Even the occasional false step among the Canterlot elite will be noticed, and undoubtedly discussed. You are committed to fitting in with the most distinguished of ponies, aren’t you?”
“Yeah! Of course I do,” squeaked the young unicorn excitedly. “It’s just that sometimes, I… I mess up. It’s so hard to always act just how you want me to—like a lady would.”
“Of course it is difficult to fit in with the upper crust of society, Miss Rarity. You must constantly know how to respond the situation at hand. Being a part of high society is not something that you simply achieve, it is a state of mind—something that you must always maintain. I warned you that these lessons would require discipline when we first met, and you said that you were prepared to work hard. You do remember that, don’t you?”
Rarity ran towards the door as fast as her small legs could carry her. Etiquette lessons might not sound so fun, but this was her calling at stake—the three small gems on her flank attested to that. Canterlot was the place to be in the fashion industry, and if she wasn’t prepared to be a proper Canterlot citizen, she was going to have to work to make herself one.
Her father rapped on the door several times, and was answered by a brown earth pony mare with sharp creases throughout her face. She looked to Rarity like the type of pony who must never have smiled. “Ah, you must be Mr. Magnum. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir.”
“Hey there! I guess you must be Miss Proper, right? Our little Rarity has been going on and on about how she’s going to be a proper Canterlot pony.”
Miss Proper features cracked slightly, giving just the hint of a smile. “Well, I certainly hope that we can make a proper lady out of your daughter. Most anypony is capable of what I teach; it is simply a matter of discipline and hard work.” She directed her gaze to the wide-eyed filly in front of her. “This endeavor will only be a success if you try your very hardest to focus on what I teach you. Sometimes being a lady can be very difficult, so I hope that you are prepared to work.”
The filly gave her a determined stare. “I’m going to work harder than hard. I’m going to be the best student ever, Mrs. Proper!”
“Well now, there’s a point on which we can begin our first lesson. I am not Mrs. Proper, but Miss Proper. There is a small, but very important difference that you will have to remember if you wish to not appear like a cur…”
“Of course I remember our first lesson, Miss Proper! Mrs. is only used for ponies who are married, don’t play in the dirt because it can stain your coat, and do your best to compliment the hostess of every gathering,” Rarity squeaked.
Though she still made plenty of mistakes, Rarity knew that this is who she was going to be. Following your passion might not be easy, but Rarity was prepared for it. After all, nopony ever said that a lady isn’t allowed to challenge herself.