//------------------------------// // Part Six // Story: Canterlot's Guests // by JKinsley //------------------------------// Canterlot’s Guests - Part Six By Jordan Kinsley The sun set on the splendid mountain city of Canterlot, painting deep oranges and pinks along the white walls of Canterlot Castle. The flowing river, too, put on a show, reflecting the light so it danced around its stone banks. Rarity didn’t know how long she had spent at the edge of the river, but she hadn’t seen another soul for hours; nopony ventured this close to the falls in the evening. Her tears had long since dried, but her mascara left telltale streaks down her pale cheeks. Oh, accursed fate! Why, why have you let Twilight Sparkle reject me? I could have lived with a let down, but no! I am made to suffer in romance, it seems. First that horrid Prince Blueblood, and now my dear Twilight has cast me aside. Once again, Rarity’s eyes brimmed with tears. She huffed and let them flow, hoping that she would remain alone for the rest of the night. She dangled her hoof into the cool running water and let her tears fall from her face. The air stood still in solemn silence around her, except for the crashing of the water going over the falls, and the serenity of the scene calmed Rarity down. She lay on the bank, trying to think of nothing while looking off into the distance, watching the forests and mountains and plains below in the waning light of day.  As the sun set, Rarity slowly sat up. Her shoulders hung low and her head hung lower still. She steeled herself and peered down at her reflection in the rippling water. Though the surface was uneven, she could still see the black streaks on her face and how puffy and red her eyes were. Despite her already miserable state, seeing herself so distraught only sent her into further tears. More time passed, and the oranges and pinks painting the castle walls gave way to glittering stars and silvery moonlight. With hardly a cloud in the sky, the stars and moon above shone all the brighter, in stark contrast to Rarity’s anguish. It was lovely, as if Twilight had persuaded the princess of the night to put on a special display. Alas, such coercion was unlikely; Twilight would be in their hotel room or visiting her parents. Rarity figured she would be alone for the night; her coat blended with the stone around her and the silver of the moonlight. But overhead, a long, slow-moving shadow blocked the light above.  The soft beating of wings could be heard over the bubbling river, and drew Rarity’s attention. She looked up and the shadow banked around to come back towards her. She was wary, and in no mood to be chatting with anypony. Rarity shifted her hooves about, her eyes narrowed slightly in a futile effort to spot the dark presence. Anypony could be up there flying, and judging by her difficulty in making out a proper pony in the night, whoever was flying was clearly a dark-colored pegasus. The figure slowed its descent, and the light from the stone below illuminated a navy mare, tall and proud with an ethereal mane and her black regalia. Her horn, though, was the biggest clue. “P-Princess Luna!” Rarity choked out. She dabbed her eyes quickly, hoping to appear somewhat presentable in the darkness. She began to bow, remembering that Luna, however friendly towards Twilight and the other Elements, was still a princess. However close they may have been, Luna deserved her respect. “Please, Miss Rarity, you needn’t bow on my account. You are the Element of Generosity, and to you I owe a great deal for saving me,” Luna said, her voice still carrying the weight of a wise ruler, tempered with the soothing tones of a pony accustomed to lulling the troubled to sleep. “May I ask why you are so... forgive me, miserable?” Rarity made a noise somewhere between a chuckle and a sob, heartened by Luna’s presence and saddened by her own appearance. “I’m sorry, Princess, I am... out of sorts this evening.” “Oh? Do tell. For your part in returning me to Equestria, I would be more than willing to help you in any way I can.” The smaller unicorn flashed a half-hearted smile before her frown returned. She recounted the events of the afternoon. She told Luna of her fashion show and the disastrous end; how she had spent the rest of the day lamenting her fate at the banks of the waterfall, somewhat soothed by the steady sound of water flowing past. Her sobs renewed as she added, “But surely Twilight is off somewhere, not concerned about my utter failure at explaining my feelings for her. I’ve lost my best friend because of my selfishness, and I deserve it!” Luna dutifully nodded, listening intently and mulling over Rarity’s words. It seemed like several long minutes before Luna spoke. In a soft voice, barely above a whisper, she said, “You’re wrong. About Twilight Sparkle.” Rarity, in spite of herself, huffs. “Wrong?” “Half the guard is out looking for you. They have been for hours. Twilight burst into the throne room, interrupting court just to speak with Celestia. She... requested the help of the Royal Guard to find you. She didn’t know where else to turn. She evidently cares a great deal more than your story would suggest.” Once again, Rarity choked up, happily this time, a genuine smile spreading across her face and tears forming in the corners of her eyes. “Really? She sent the city guards looking for me? And they’re all out there?” She paused and then frowned. “But... then that means... that means the guards have been out looking for me for hours. I’ve been wasting everypony’s time,” she said, hanging her head low once more. Luna put a hoof under Rarity’s chin and lifted it, giving the distraught unicorn a reassuring smile. “Celestia gave the order, so you haven’t wasted anypony’s time. And I was happy to have my Night Guard join the effort.” Rarity forced a brief smile, but her face returned to a flat, dejected look just as quickly. Seeing this, Luna continued. “Twilight has been coordinating the search effort, but she recently returned to her room to unwind. I daresay she’ll return before long. I can’t imagine her resting for long while you’re still missing.” Rarity let her hopes and her love well up in her chest. Her smile returned, and she looked Luna in the eyes. She had but one question to ask. “Did... did she say anything... about how she feels?” Luna chuckled, her eyes and voice full of mirth. “Oh, a great deal. It’s been a source of some amusement between Celly and I.” She softened her expression upon seeing Rarity’s raised brow, both quizzical and expectant. “She does care about you, Rarity, possibly romantically. That was the source of her... overreaction. She felt slighted. But I assure you, she shares your feelings.” With a glance to the sky from both ponies, Luna added, “Perhaps we can return you to your...” She paused for a moment, searching for the right word. “Friend before sunrise, yes?” Rarity nodded but remained silent for a while, collecting herself and her thoughts. On the one hoof, Twilight at least is interested in me. On the other hoof, I’ve caused a lot of problems today, and I look like an absolute mess. I can’t possibly return to the hotel or wander through Canterlot looking like I am. She huffed once more, exasperated. She exhaled deeply and looked up at Luna, glancing between her teal eyes, which only held warmth and kindness. There was a soft smile that told her she could ask for anything. “P-Princess, if it’s not too much trouble, could you teleport us to the hotel? I’m in no state to be walking back. I’m simply a mess.” With a nod and a flash Luna and Rarity disappeared. The river was left to its own devices, splashing and babbling in the night with no more disturbances. A metal-on-wood tapping came from the door, and Twilight roused herself from her forlorn staring out of the window, searching for good news from the few guards visible below. She sighed and approached the door, wishing for the good news but resigning herself to spending the night alone in a cold bed, full of worry rather than warmth and friendship and perhaps, just maybe, something special. With one last sigh, she opened the door, her bleary eyes blinking several times as she looked at Princess Luna and her understated smile.  Twilight cleared her throat and asked in a hoarse whisper, “Any news?” Luna merely nodded and stepped aside, revealing Rarity and her soft smile, cheeks still stained with tears and mascara. She could only offer a simple “Hi, Twilight” and a nervous chuckle. Twilight paused for a moment, looking first at Rarity, then at Luna, and finally staring back at Rarity. Her jaw hung open until she shook herself out of her stupor and grabbed Rarity into a tight hug in the hallway, not saying a word. Rarity returned the hug, pressing her cheek to Twilight’s neck as her hooves wrapped tightly around Twilight’s shoulders. Their coat hairs mingled while Twilight nuzzled Rarity’s neck. Her hooves rubbed along Rarity’s back, feeling the muscles relax as Rarity let go and leaned into her. Twilight’s heart swelled, and she blinked away a few small tears. The two shared the embrace in silence for a long while, enough time for the princess to slip away. The hug was all at once apology and forgiveness, friendly and courting, comfort and release. Rarity pulled away first to wipe her eyes and offer Twilight a weak half-smile. “Do you mind if I come in?” she asked, knowing the answer but wanting to hear Twilight say it anyway. Twilight smiled back, glad to have her friend back safely and elated that Rarity was not, in fact, furious with her for her callousness. She nodded, looking over Rarity as her heart pounded loudly in her ears. She stepped aside, mumbling, “Come on in.”  Rarity stepped inside, and Twilight nudged the door closed behind her. They both looked sheepish, sporting light blushes. They shared a gaze for a few moments, all smiles and awkward silences. So many words, all of the I missed you’s, the I’m glad you’re safe’s, the you don’t know how happy I am to see you’s, went unsaid. The hug, the smiles, the tears all spoke volumes. Rarity reached out and gave Twilight a proper hug, hanging her hooves loosely off of Twilight’s neck and she pressed her cheek against Twilight’s. The warmth of Rarity’s blush sent shivers down Twilight’s neck, and she draped a foreleg around Rarity’s shoulders, drawing her in. Twilight bit her lip, and her heart raced as she thought, I should kiss her. Before she had the opportunity, Rarity let go and backed up a few paces, still blushing. She brushed one hoof along her foreleg and said, “Do you mind if I clean up a bit before we talk? I’m a mess.” Twilight shook her head gently. “Of course not, take your time.” With a nod, Rarity turned around and entered the bathroom, grabbing a facecloth and her cleanser and getting to work on washing up. Over her scrubbing, she could hear Twilight’s hoofsteps pacing the room and the telltale tinkling of magic being cast, followed by a burst of light and sound. After she rinsed her face, Rarity looked up in the mirror and spotted Twilight leaning against the door frame. She matched Twilight's smile and her gaze in the mirror. As if Twilight could read her mind, she said, “I just sent word to Princess Celestia. I don't know if Luna told her that you've been found, so I just said you're back, safe and sound. And I thanked her for her help, of course.” Rarity nodded, brushing out her mane, still maintaining her soft expression until she noticed Twilight’s lips curl down and her eyes drop. “Twilight, dear, what's wrong?” she asked, turning to face her properly and slowly walking towards her, ready to offer whatever comfort she could. Twilight just kept her gaze on the ground and motioned as if she was going to start talking, but stopped each time. Rarity gave her a few moments to collect herself before touching her hoof to Twilight’s shoulder, rubbing gently as she leaned her head close to Twilight's. “What's wrong, darling? You can talk to me about it, I promise.” A nod was the initial response, but Twilight started to speak up. “You... you always talked about a Prince Charming, not a Princess. And certainly not the student of a princess. I don't know,” she sighed, her brow furrowing and eyes narrowing while her lips curled further downwards. “I'm not royalty and I'm not a prince and I'm definitely not a stallion. Hay, I didn't even know you would fall for a mare.” She flattened her expression and her ears as she looked back up, and Rarity's heart melted. “You’re not a Prince, Twilight. You aren’t the stallion I’ve dreamed of since I was a filly.” Twilight’s wide eyes and slack jaw said it all. Rarity’s words were not the ones she hoped to hear. You poor dear, I’m not finished yet, Rarity thought. Seeing Twilight’s trembling lip drove her to action. All she could do was lift Twilight's chin with her hoof and kiss her cheek tenderly in a smooth, practiced motion as if she'd done it all her life. As she pulled back, she couldn't help but share Twilight's new smile and heavy blush. “But that’s why I love you. It doesn’t matter that you aren’t Blueblood, because I don’t want you to be. You’re one of my best friends, and I care so much about you. You make me better, and I feel like I can—" she paused and took a breath  “—truly live when I’m with you. You’re just how I want you, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I want you, Twilight, because you make me who I want to be.” When Rarity finished, Twilight pulled her into a soft hug, and she could feel Twilight’s grin and warm cheek against her neck. She returned the hug with her own smile and held it briefly before patting Twilight on the back and nudging towards the bed. “I think it’s time we both got some rest. It’s been a long day,” she murmured. Twilight nodded and trotted around to her side, hopping in and leaving the covers at the foot of the bed for Rarity to arrange how she liked. For the moment, Rarity ignored the covers. Instead, she pulled Twilight close and gently stroked her shoulder, deliberately eyeing her friend’s lovely coat and how the little hairs depressed and bounced back as her hoof glided over them. “Lavender truly is a lovely color, dear. Both becoming and befitting, no?” Rarity got a quizzical look for her trouble and just shot Twilight back a small smile. “Violet has long been the color of royalty. Dyes in that color were once rare and exotic; so much so that the only ponies who could possibly afford them were, well, royalty. I guess what I’m getting at is that you’re royalty to me, darling.” That earned a giggle from Twilight, and she snuggled up close, with Twilight’s head resting on Rarity’s shoulder, nuzzling it softly as Twilight settled in. “Speaking of royalty,” Twilight started in a whisper, “we have a royal blessing. Princess Celestia said that I am to ‘study a new kind of magic, the magic of love and romance’.” Rarity giggled softly and pulled the covers up over the pair, giving Twilight’s mane a little tussle. Rarity hugged Twilight loosely as Twilight turned over and pressed her back against Rarity’s chest, sighing contentedly in the warm embrace and soft coat. Both ponies’ eyelids got heavier and heavier, and their breathing descended into a deep, steady rhythm. Before they could properly fall asleep, however, Twilight had one last question. “Rarity, how long have you had... these feelings for me?” It took a few moments for the question to register with Rarity’s half-sleeping mind, and another few moments for her to recall exactly when and why the feelings started. “Before the Gala, I would say,” she whispered, “around the time you girls made my dress for me. I don’t know why, but you really stood out as a leader then. Fluttershy may have done the sewing and hard work, but it was your drive, your... passion that brought it to life, as it were. But I was still seeking a prince back then, so I tried to shrug it off as gratitude. “But it only really came to the forefront when Blueblood was... well, forgive my language, a pompous, self-centered jackass. Maybe I realized that my gratitude was more than that, or just that my affections deserved to be with someone who would treat me with respect and compassion.” She nuzzled the back of Twilight’s neck, eliciting a giggle and a shiver. “But... I’m glad I have you. You really are wonderful, Twilight Sparkle. Not just to me, but to lots of ponies.” As Rarity spoke, Twilight nodded along, each nod getting slower and slower until she stopped, her head resting on the pillow. She was still wrapped in Rarity’s embrace, the warmth and softness easing her troubled mind after a long day and a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Twilight stirred softly as the morning sun came streaming through the open windows. She was still pleasantly warm under the covers, so she had no designs on waking up. The clinkling of glass on glass pushed her further towards the land of the awake, and a final nuzzle against her cheek and whisper of “Good morning, Twilight, darling.” Twilight giggled and blinked her eyes several times, getting used to the relatively bright light of the room. “Good morning to you too, Rarity,” she mumbled in reply. “And what do you have there?” She pointed her hoof at the table in the room, now stacked with a tray, plates, bowls, and cups of tea. “Ah, breakfast! I thought, after last night, I might do something nice for us this morning. What do you think?” Rarity asked, smiling nervously. Twilight suspected it was as much nervous by way of apology as nervous by way of wanting her to like the offer. “It looks great, thanks. Do you mind letting me up?” Twilight asked, pushing the covers off. “Oh, of course,” she replied. After Rarity backed up and walked over to the table, Twilight slid out of bed and landed on her hooves. She covered her mouth with one hoof as she yawned. She stretched out and then turned to the table. Seeing Rarity start dividing up the plates and bowls, she asked, “So, what’s for breakfast this morning?” “Oh, the usual. Fruits, cereals, some milk and tea and apple juice. Some hay fries and flowers for good measure,” she replied, following up with, “and dear, we must do something with your mane. It’s a disaster!” Both mares giggled, and Twilight simply said, “I know. But breakfast first, then we can talk about fixing up my bedmane.” As they tucked in to the spread of delightful food brought up from the restaurant below, Twilight couldn’t help but notice that Rarity was fussing with her mane, despite it being brushed near perfectly. She took a few bites of strawberry and a sip of apple juice before asking about it. “OK, so we both know my mane is a disaster. But you’re fussing with yours like it’s also completely out of place. Is there something on your mind?” A sigh was the first response. Then Rarity started saying, “Well, yes. Last night, you asked me how long I’ve had feelings for you. But I never asked you, and you never told how long you’ve had feelings for me.” “I... well... Um,” Twilight stammered. “It’s... they’re recent, honestly. I mean, the friendship part isn’t. Obviously.” She chuckled with an anxious half-smile. “But the romantic part. I really only started noticing on this trip. Like at the spa. Something, I don’t know, just clicked.” Rarity giggled and nodded her head quickly, and Twilight continued. “It’s all new to me. I don’t know what else to say.” “Well, perhaps thankfully for both of us, now that this is all in the open, as it were, I do. So we’ll take things slowly. Ease into it. Given what happened yesterday, rushing into these romantic things isn’t the best way to go about this with us, no?” Twilight just nodded and trotted around to Rarity to give her a tight hug, wrapping her forelegs tightly around her shoulders and craning her neck around the back of Rarity’s. When she pulled away from the hug, Rarity beamed, batting her eyelashes a few times. Sensing it was a hint, Twilight brushed a hoof along her cheek, to which Rarity tilted her head. Am I ready for this? Twilight thought, steeling herself for what she was about to do. One deep breath later, she leaned closer and puckered her lips slightly, as Rarity did the same. Both mares closed their eyes moments before their lips pressed together. Oh, goodness! was all Twilight could think as the butterflies in her tummy flared up, though they were quickly replaced with the buzzing sensation from Rarity’s soft, full lips gently pushing against hers. She gave Rarity one last little peck and pulled back, opening her eyes with a breathless smile, all while watching Rarity do the same. “My, my, Twilight, you are a natural!” she gasped, starting to sport a light blush, which, in turn, caused Twilight to sport a blush of her own. “Wow,” she said after a few moments. “We’ll have to try that again. Soon.” “Indeed we shall,” said Rarity, “but breakfast first, then more kissing. And all of the other plans for here in Canterlot. The reason we’re even here, remember?” she asked, nodding first and finishing with a raised eyebrow. Twilight reluctantly nodded and returned to finish her breakfast, still floating with that very first kiss. A wide, bright smile formed as she thought of the hopefully many more to come.