//------------------------------// // Pretentious // Story: Of Apples and Marshmallows // by Twilight-the-Pony //------------------------------// “Hrmph!” Rarity snorted, her head now held high. “But miss Rarity—,” one of the servants bowed and took two steps back from the mare. “That’s lady Rarity to you,” she snorted looking down at the embarrassed stallion. “I- I’m sorry, lady Rarity, but this is the best room in Canterlot,” the servant stuttered. “This quality matches the one of the rooms in Canterlot castle.” Rarity blinked. “Canterlot castle?” She took a step towards the stallion. “Canterlot castle?!? Have you ever been there?” Another step. “The drapes aren’t symmetrical, the lamp is crooked, the candles aren’t new, and the wine you’re serving is nothing more than old juice.” “But I—” “I am expecting some important company soon. I hope that you’re going to be nicer to them than you are to me.” “Y-yes, ma’am,” the stallion stuttered as he retreated through the door. “Canterlot castle my flank,” she muttered as she looked around. “This looks like it hasn’t been dusted in days...” ~*~*~ “Excuse me, ma’am. Are you lost?” the receptionist asked with obviously fake kindness in his voice, looking at the orange mare with three apples painted on her flank. “Hay, no. This is Canterlot Hotel, no?” “Ah, yes. You must be the new hire for the boiler room. The servant access is in the back, miss.” Applejack blinked and tilted her head a little. “Servant...? I came to see Rarity.” The stallion laughed. “Lady Rarity? She’s expecting important guests, and not—” he looked closely at Applejack. Her hooves were dirty and her mane looked like it wasn’t washed in few days. Her hat looked like something from a bad cowcolt movie. “walking dirt.” “Now wait just a darn minute—” “Run along now, before I call the security.” “Security?” Applejack furrowed her brow. “Hey, Rares!” she shouted. ~*~*~ Rarity turned to the called servant. “What was that?” “Ah, it was just some madpony. She claimed that she came to visit you.” “She?” “Yes, ma’am. A very dirty orange pony saying that she knows you...” Rarity looked quizzically at the stallion. “With three apples on her flank?” “Yes, ma’am. Our security took care of it. We are sorry that she bothered you.” Rarity blinked. “Security...” “Yes, ma’am. One of the things this hotel prides of. We take care of everything swiftly and discre—” “WHERE IS APPLEJACK?!?” The stallion jumped back, his back now firm against the wall. “B- but...” he squeaked. “I swear by Celestia! If something happens to her, you’ll be cleaning trash for the rest of your life!” “B-but y-you’ve said—” the stallion stuttered meekly. “She is one of the most important mares in Equestria!” Rarity fumed onwards. “Why are you still here?” The stallion fumbled through the door and quickly disappeared behind the wall. ~*~*~ “Howdy, Rarity!” Applejack chirped upon entering her room. “That’s lady—” the stallion abruptly stopped as the two mares shot a dark stare towards him. “I—” he bowed hastily and ran out the door. Rarity gave Applejack a tight hug. “I missed you so much,” she breathed. “I thought—” Applejack smiled. “Don’t ya worry none ‘bout me... Lady...” Rarity hung her head. “I don’t like this place. It makes you act like somepony else. We want the old Rarity back.” Lowering her head, Applejack muttered: “I want her back.” “B— but why?” Applejack leaned forward with her eyes closed, stealing a short kiss from the mare in front of her. Rarity blinked and stared at Applejack. “Ponyville is empty without you,” Applejack muttered, searching for any kind of reaction from the still-shocked Rarity. Upon seeing none, she sluggishly stood up, turning her back, slowly walking towards the door. “I’m not going anywhere, Applejack,” Rarity said in determined voice. “Not until you take a shower...”