//------------------------------// // XIX. Be Comfortable, Creature // Story: The Night is Passing // by Cynewulf //------------------------------// XIX. Be Comfortable, Creature Rarity Rarity lay in bed alone. The covers were tucked in as they had been since the room had been prepared for her upon her arrival. Everything was immaculate—mostly because nothing had been touched. There was even a bottle of brandy on the counter with some glasses. Even in her odd state of mind, Rarity had at least taken the time to examine it. A good year, a good source. There was no guarantee she wouldn’t be trying it later. In fact, she thought she might as well try some now. If nothing else, it would give her an excuse to do something other than… wallow. She needn’t even move, really. After all, she was a unicorn, and unicorns had been blessed with magic. One of the many advantages of this arcane heritage was the ability to laze and drink without ever having to move one’s body from its resting place. All in all, Rarity was glad to be a unicorn. It was easier to be unhappy, and required far less energy to stay that way. They’d finally met with Cadance two days ago. Even in her darkest dreams she had anticipated what it would be like to gaze upon the face she had known as young and vibrant become so frail and hollow. But the Empress was still alive and even in this state her magic was great. Rarity had been allowed to glimpse behind the illusion of her magic for a moment. The air seemed clear, up on the walls, until Shining reached out. His hoof touched something almost alive, something made of wild magic which had given her a headache just witnessing. The air had danced and hummed in a way she could not describe as anything but upsetting, and when he pulled his hoof away all had ceased. It was this, then, and not the hastily erected walls that kept the Mitou out. Even the walls had proven to be a lie. Shining Armor and a few of his most trusted lieutenants walked the base of the wall, careful to keep out of sight of the local populace. They’d been removed from the area closest to the walls for their protection in case of assault, but also to hide a terrible secret. The walls were not complete. The shield masqueraded where there were in fact holes. Shining had been reluctant to say how much of the wall was truly there, and after witnessing sheer rock face quiver like a disturbed pond, Rarity had not wanted to ask. And so she had retreated to her room. To sulk. Perhaps to think, and if she were honest with herself, she had no plan. The empire grew food, yes, and even had some to spare. Quite a bit, by the standards of the near-starving Canterlot. But it was far, far away. The roads were dangerous with bandits in the south, and now she had found that even more horrors had awoken. Rarity was having to conclude that perhaps things were not happening by chance. Perhaps none of this was natural. In fact, she sat up and drank a shot. No, none of this was rational or natural or made any sort of sense. One did not simply pull a string and unravel the whole world! Not like this. Never like this. Sure, Celestia disappearing would cause panic and dismay and perhaps even some trouble with the sun… She thought about the refugee family on the road to the Empire. Rarity had not thought of them in some time. Partially because she had no explanation, and partially because the memory of it made her almost ill. But now… perhaps it meant something. She sighed. This was all idle speculation, wasn’t it? Who could it be? What could it be? Discord? No, nopony had seen him in a year. Luna was of the opinion he had accompanied Celestia. Besides, this simply wasn’t his style. Rarity smiled. Discord. She had almost forgotten him. What else had she almost forgotten? Surely he should have figured more prominently in her recollections, but time and danger tend to monopolize one’s mind, she decided, and drank to that. It was then that the knocking came on her chamber door. Startled, Rarity sprank from the comfortable bed and stood. “Hello?” Another knock, this one softer. She sighed. “Come in, please.” Rarity’s suspicions were confirmed when the door creaked open and Fluttershy timidly peeked inside. When all else changes, you at least do not. “Come on in, Fluttershy. Please.” “It’s late… I’m not disturbing you, right?” Fluttershy asked from behind the door. “Not at all,” Rarity answered. “Come, come. I insist.” And so the shy pegasus made her relatively silent way to Rarity’s bedside, closing the door behind her without even the slightest creek. Rarity’s mind never stopped, and so she was impressed by this. It was easy to miss Fluttershy, like a spy in the shadows. Were it not for her poor friend’s temperament, the image would be more apt… But before she could wonder anymore, Fluttershy had crawled up on the bed in mildly uncharacteristic show of forwardness and laid her head down solemnly. “Something on your mind, darling?” Rarity asked, perplexed. Fluttershy sighed. “A lot of things. But mostly I really, really just miss all the girls. Even you and Rainbow. I got used to being able to see where you two were, at least…” “We’re right here, Fluttershy. Safe, sound, and in Rainbow’s case, probably snoring so loud they’ll wake the dead.” They shared a quiet laugh, and then she continued. “But I suppose it’s only natural. We’ve been away for home some time, and one does get used to the accoutrements of the road, for good or ill… though I do not miss my saddlepack, personally.” “Neither do I. It’s so nice to be in a city again where it’s safe…” “But it would be better if it were Canterlot. Or if Twilight and the others were around.” “I miss how Applejack always kept us calm. Even when she didn’t do anything, her just being there made it easier to feel confident.” Rarity smiled. “She did have a way about her, I’ll grant you that happily. A certain protective air. I certainly miss Pinkie’s antics, myself. True, sometimes Pinkie can be a bit irritating, but whether I would admit it or not at the time, I usually laugh. Even when I don’t, I appreciate the effort. That somepony has remembered little old me.” “And I miss Twilight,” Fluttershy said, in a different voice than before. “Rarity, I’m afraid for all of our friends, but when I think about Twilight it’s…” she gestured, her mouth opening and closing as if her teeth might snag some last word out of the air. “Complicated.” Fluttershy nodded. “Well, I certainly say that our relationship with our intrepid leader has grown somewhat complicated. This ‘Apostate’ business in particular… who started that? Did Twilight herself come up with that ridiculous word? And who, if not her, would dredge such a… a ghost out of the dusty pages of some old book?” “She…” Fluttershy shrugged. “I love her all the same,” Rarity said, after a pause. “And I always will, as I love you all.” Rarity laid out flat beside Fluttershy and then turned on her back to look at the ceiling. She gestured. “I have given all five of you girls my heart and received another one in its place. We’ll never stop being friends, Fluttershy. Our companionship is stronger than any lead bullet or iron shield—” At that moment, there was another knock at Rarity’s door. She stopped, blinked, and turned to her companion. “Fluttershy, did you come with somepony else?” Fluttershy shook her head, and so Rarity sat up again and cleared her throat. “Well, who is it?” “Rares, can I come in?” Rainbow Dash asked outside the door. Rarity’s face brightened with a fierce smile. “Well, of course! Always.” Rainbow pushed the door open, holding a pillow in one curled leg. She raised an eyebrow at the scene before her. “Don’t stand there,” Rarity said lightly. “You’ll let all the dark in, you know. Fluttershy and I were just discussing something of great importance to you, Rainbow of Cloudsdale.” Rainbow rolled her eyes, but smiled all the same. When she opened and closed the door, it did indeed creak, and Rainbow herself seemed to be noise given shape. She shuffled so awkwardly along the stone floors, the report of her hard hooves like little hammerblows. She stretched her wings, and Rarity found herself admiring them. “You know that’s not my name.” “Forgive me, Rainbow of Ponyville,” Rarity said with a laugh. “I meant no offense.” “And I didn’t take any. Mind if I join the party?” “I would be delighted, in fact,” Rarity replied, and patted the part of the bed beside her, opposite from Fluttershy. Rainbow climbed aboard and then, in an instant, the air changed. It was in an odd way like traveling backwards in time. Rarity felt as if they had swum upstream and come at last to some quiet place, where the rapids gave way to creeks and ponds that melted from ice on the serene mountains. Unsought, her mind wandered and returned with pictures and feelings of the cave in the snow that her friends had dug for her, saving her life when the cold had proved too much. In some strange way, though her bed was now crowded, she felt more free than she had before. Life was meant to be this way, or at least it was easy to think that in the moment, with two pegasi pressed snugly to her. And they were quite close. She was surprised to find that Rainbow did not keep her distance, or that Fluttershy did not mind being so intimate. What her weary mind was trying to feel was perhaps something like happiness. The reverie was not disturbed when Rainbow asked a muffled question. “So, what’s this little get together for? Or do you two just snuggle randomly? I mean, I’m not gonna stop ya, whatever floats the Flutterboat.” Rarity laughed and rolled over to face her. Dash had her face flat against the bedding, staring ahead. Usually, Rarity would have simply offered some witty retort, but somehow none came to mind. Perhaps her wit was failing. Or perhaps the mood was simply too serene for such foolishness. Whatever her reason was, Rarity didn’t care. She simply nuzzled Rainbow and answered. “No, but she wanted some company. I take it you felt a little lonely too.” It wasn’t as if she had never done this before. Nuzzling was a common greeting among close friends in Equestria, and yet Rainbow stiffened. “I… well, yeah. It’s not weird,” she added. “It’s not weird at all. We’re used to company,” Rarity said gently. Rainbow’s reaction stirred something in her. Something warm. She grinned. “But as I was saying, dear, we were just discussing your element.” “What, flying?” “No, Rainbow, your element,” Fluttershy said with a little laugh. “Ooooooh. Loyalty. Stuff. Yeah, got it.” “Loyalty stuff, yes, Rainbow. Eloquently put,” Rarity said and relaxed with her back to Fluttershy and her right cheek on the bedding facing Rainbow Dash. “We were just thinking of the girls. What they’re doing, where they are. How they are.” Rainbow sighed. “Yeah.” “I miss them,” Fluttershy said softly. “But they’ll be fine,” Rainbow continued on. “They’ll be fine. I mean, I guess if you’re really asking me, I have no way to say that for sure. It’s a dangerous world out there. I mean, it always was though, you know?” “Hm?” Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Rarity, you lived in Ponyville, the place with the most weird happenings per capita,” Rainbow responded flatly. Rarity tittered a bit in response, and Dash continued. “But, yeah, it wasn’t dangerous in the same way. I mean, especially when we have Fluttershy to just like, kindness the big dumb manticore away.” “He was not dumb! He was such a sweet kitty,” Fluttershy mumbled. “He was a friggin’ manticore,” Rainbow said. “But yeah, I know they aren’t as aggressive towards ponies as some things. I mean, hell, as long as you stay out of the forest they’ll just about never bother you.” “Territorial, though,” Fluttershy offered. “Yes, we get the point,” Rarity snuck in. “But you were saying earlier, Rainbow?” “Oh. Uh, yeah, right. Danger. But like I was saying: the world’s always been a little scary. When things aren’t so… you know, end of the world, fire and brimstone, ponies still worry about getting sick. Paying debts. Their kids growing up right. All kinds of stuff can happen, you know? Just walking out the door.” “It’s a dangerous business. Suppose you trip?” Rarity asked, but then continued. “But I think I understand.” “It is a dangerous business, or whatever. You’re right. Even a walk down the street is dangerous, in a way. Flying is risky. Even when it’s no-stress, slow flying, you’re still in the air. We have light bones. Remember when you broke your leg, Fluttershy? When you were little?” Fluttershy stirred against Rarity’s back. “Yes.” “How far did you fall?” Rainbow asked. “Um… I don’t know… Maybe two ponylengths? I have no idea, Rainbow…” “But not far, right?” Rainbow insisted, pressing on. “See? And yeah, she fell on cobblestone so it’s kinda different, but you know what I mean. Every normal day you’re out their walking can turn into a disaster. Eventually, I guess I just realized that I couldn’t be afraid all the time anymore, about myself or my friends. I can be worried about them… I mean, I am worried about them. Pinkie’s not the best fighter, you know? Twilight’s not as fast as the others. But I could sit here and list off all the little dangers for like, ever.” She pursed her lips, as if lost in some thought. Rarity simply gazed at her, enthralled, before she finished. “I could be afraid all the time, or I could choose to feel afraid. That’s what I decided after Fluttershy hurt her leg. I got pretty freaked out, like, I was working with a trainer then. It was after I quit flight school. I kept wondering if that was gonna happen to me, only worse, cause I go fast, y’know? But I worried so much that I flew worse. I hesitated. I kept screwing up and flying worse and worse and I was so frustrated, and it was because I was just… afraid all the time.” “You quit? I’m fuzzy on that particular story,” Rarity admitted. Rainbow shrugged and shifted to lay on her side. “Yeah, long story. Or well, kind of. I’ll fill you in some day. But you can feel afraid and not be afraid. You can’t control everything, Rares. I sure can’t. You gotta do what you can do, and do what you can for your friends, and you hope for the best. I know that the others might be in danger right now, and that’s not even counting Canterlot or the Princess or Spike… but I can’t do anything about it. I have to focus on what I can do and do it as good as I can. Which means getting whatever help or giving whatever help we can, however I can. Fortune favors the bold. At least, that’s what I’ve heard.” “I’ve heard that myself,” Rarity said quietly. “I think that’s wise, Rainbow.” “Thanks,” Dash replied, very quietly, and looked away. Part of Rarity wanted to discuss their next step. She wanted to plan. The food was there, and they might be able to get the Empress to part with it, but there would be no way to defend it with the Legions tied up… Not to mention the fact that Mitou’s awakening would probably pose a threat to Equestria as the country grew colder and the frost spread south. But it was late, and her friends were here, and Rarity found that mostly she just wanted to sleep. Or talk. Or drink, though in a different manner than before. “I don’t suppose you girls mind staying?” she asked. “You serious? These rooms are so big and friggin’ empty,” Rainbow griped and rolled on her back. “Oh, I would be delighted. It is a bit lonely. I wouldn’t mind staying,” Fluttershy said. “Then it’s settled.” Rarity sat up quickly, upsetting the bed a bit, and hopped down. “And I do hope you girls don’t begrudge me this, but I think we could all use a bit of time to unwind. A symposium, perhaps? I’m sure you’re familiar with the term. The two of you are pegasi, after all.” She glanced back at them with a smile. “Oh dear… Now?” Fluttershy asked, sitting up as well. Rarity turned away, continuing to grin all the way to the dresser and the complimentary scotch. The servants who had prepared the room had included three glasses, oddly enough. She would have to thank them later. If I see them. Nothing like the ones in Canterlot. They’re so flighty here, it’s impossible to say a simple thank you. She once again inspected the bottle as her friends moved on the bed behind her, making it shake. “Yo, Rares, you serious?” “Why, of course. To be honest…” she shrugged, took the bottle and the glasses with her magic, and turned back to Rainbow with a sheepish smile. “I was maybe planning to do so regardless. Alone.” “Aw, you know that’s no good,” Rainbow said with a little whine, but she smiled. “See, you gotta have ponies with you, girl.” “And behold, here you are. As if the stars themselves sent you,” Rarity said, and trotted over. “Oh dear…” Fluttershy frowned. Rarity came to her first and nudged her with a shoulder. “Oh, come Fluttershy. I’m only wanting to let loose for a night. It’s been a tense visit. It’s quite alright.” “Yeah, I know this ain’t your thing, but—” Rainbow began, but Fluttershy shook her head. “No, no I’ll try. It’s traditional,” she said, very seriously. Rarity arched an eyebrow and looked at Dash questioningly. Rainbow snorted. “Hey, you’re the one who called symposia, not us.” She blinked. “Oh Celestia, you don’t know what that means, do you?” “I wasn’t aware it was anything more than a friendly get together,” Rarity replied, frowning. Rainbow laughed a bit too hard. “Ah, geeze, Rares. Yeah, that’s the gist of it, but its a bit more grandiose than that. Like, in a drunken way. Big pallet on the floor, pillows to lean on, some food. You know, grapes and olives and stuff you can nab from some slow earth ponies.” Her grin was practically predatory, and for some reason Rarity loved it. “Or, in this case…” “Are you trying to imply something?” Rarity asked. Fluttershy sighed weakly. “Oh Dash, are you sure?” “Of course!” Rainbow leaned in. “No pegasi party is complete without some sort of raid. It’s very traditional. Trust me. Consider this a lesson in high manners,” she added when Rarity’s skepticism showed through. “Get it? High… manners? Geeze. Pinkie woulda laughed.” Rarity rolled her eyes. “Pinkie laughs at everything.” “That she does! And consider the first toast to her. Now come on, wouldya?” Rainbow hopped down and spread her wings. “Rarity, you and I can go… requisition some stuff. Fluttershy can set things up here.” Rarity was grinning, despite herself. It was foolish, but she hadn’t seen Rainbow excited in awhile. A long while, really. “If you insist, but this is a bit much, don’t you think?” she asked. Rainbow shrugged. “I dunno. I guess I’m a bit too excited. But… I mean, back at home, before all of this, we did silly things all the time. Pinkie threw some ridiculous party like every couple of weeks for the lamest things. We haven’t had fun in forever, and as long as we dwell on being sad we’ll be useless. Let’s have fun. Just this once, and then we can go back to work and get this done.” And with that, and with a little fire in her eyes, she strode off. Rarity hesitated a moment, noticing for not the first time that she cut a fine form—wings extended, proud athletic legs and all the rest—and then shook her head. Morale was important, she supposed. Rainbow It had just been one of those ideas. The kind that just pop into your head because of some random connection, the ones that are so dumb that their dismissed in a heart beat. But she hadn’t let go of it. She’d held on. And that was how Rainbow found herself sneaking through the halls of the Crystal Palace at night, sticking to the shadows. “Rainbow,” Rarity hissed, “you do know we don’t have to really hide, right?” “Then why are you keeping your voice down?” Rainbow asked, using her wings to speed up. Rarity struggled to keep up. “It just… seemed… appropriate!” she answered. “Yeah, well, I mean…” Rainbow stopped as the hallway opened into an intersection. “You can’t just lollygag around! It’s a raaaid.” “It’s not a raid.” “I’m the pegasus marauder here,” Rainbow replied with a snort. Rarity raised an eyebrow. Rainbow could see her do it even in the dark, or at least she imagined she could. “Whatever,” she said, laughing. Rainbow strode out into the hallway. Pursing her lips, she looked down each way and tried to remember what she knew of the layout. Truth be told, she actually knew very little. It’s not like Rainbow paid attention to things like tours. Or explanations. Or… well. Whatever. She could find it. “You’re quite gung ho about this,” Rarity said, and laughed. Rainbow liked the sound. She guessed that she kind of always had, really, but she liked it a lot more these days. Maybe because it was, well, rare. Oh kill me before I lay eggs. I’ll become Pinkie. “Yeah, well,” she shrugged. “When I was a kid, my dad and his buddies would do this. Everybody does sometimes in Cloudsdale. It’s not a huge thing, but it’s still like a thing. A kind of tradition. The old pegasi warriors would do this after coming home from a campaign, or sometimes when things were slow and they had a few days of peace. They would unwind and talk and get smashed, but not too smashed. Just enough to get everypony a little silly and a little talkative. All the best pegasi philosophy came out of symposoi,” she said. “I wasn’t aware you read philosophy, Dash,” Rarity remarked. Rainbow looked down one hallway again, shrugged, and wandered down it. Rarity followed on her heels. “Well, I don’t. My dad used to say that all the time.” They walked on a bit, passing hallways and tapestries, sculptures and arrayed suits of armor before at last Rainbow turned around and looked at Rarity. “Yeah, I got no idea. Which way’s the pantry, or the kitchen, or whatever?” Rarity hummed. “Oh, well, if you’re feeling like getting some extra help… and if it won’t interfere with the campaign of the finest of pegasi raiders, I’d be glad to help.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Lead the way, then, Rares.” Rarity led them down another hallway, and Rainbow caught up to her. “I was more seeing where you would lead. I didn’t mean to withhold information,” Rarity explained. Dash shrugged it off. “It’s alright. Kinda just glad you came along.” “Well, drinking was my idea, originally,” Rarity said, and resumed her humming. Rainbow was led through a seeming maze of hallways and wide open spaces, past balconies and meeting rooms and reception areas and great dining rooms, until at last Rarity paused before a double door emblazoned with strange letters that Dash couldn’t hope to read. “Here we are!” her friend announced cheerfully. “You can read this stuff?” Rainbow asked. She pushed the door open and stepped inside the dark kitchen. At least, she guessed it was indeed a kitchen. It was hard to tell when the inside was pitch black. The darkness was chased away as a little ball of magical illumination wandered by Rainbow’s cheek. It was warm, but not hot. Her coat and mane stood on end, and a shiver passed down her spine, as it always did when a unicorn used magic too close. But she did not feel the odd sensation she did when Twilight used her battle magic, the weighty presence of something else. Instead, it was much like Rarity herself passing by just a bit too close, just enough to press against her side. “I can’t,” Rarity replied. “I just paid attention. A lady must always know where to find the things that are important, Rainbow Dash. Food. Friends. Clothing. Implements of Violence. You know. Essentials.” Rarity trotted along, saying this in an almost singsong. Dash had to admit there was something attractive about it. Rarity continued, “It’ll be somewhere around here. The pantry, I mean. You’ll know it when you see it, I suppose.” “Yeah,” Rainbow affirmed, focusing on the task at hand. Whatever her intentions, that focus did not last for long. After a moment, she turned to ask Rarity some inane question which was quickly forgotten. Rarity stood with a curious, thoughtful look on her face by a small wine rack. The light from her spell poured over her face perfectly, highlighting the sharp lines and aristocratic features, the shining eyes and full lips. Rainbow gulped. “A pity,” Rarity said quietly. “Though I do know that they have a cellar here… somewhere.” “Ah, I could totally find that,” Rainbow offered quickly. “If you want.” Rarity turned to her and smiled. “Why, that would be wonderful. The stairs down there are somewhere around here...” Rainbow listened, but most of her brainpower went to gazing. It was a strange feeling, knowing you were ogling someone even as you ogled them, and not knowing why. Rarity Rarity felt amazing. She could conjure up a dozen other words to describe the feeling, and perhaps would in a moment, but “amazing” worked just fine. Wine did things to Rarity. One of these things was increase her vocabulary. She leaned back against her pillow, gesturing at the ceiling as her magic held the cup in a firm and sober grip. Some unicorns could work magic just fine when intoxicated, and some were hopeless. Rarity tried not to be hopeless in any situation. “But I’m just saying that there has to be more to this business of you and flight school, darling,” she drawled. Another aspect of an intoxicated Rarity: a noticeable change of tone. “Won’t you tell? It’s not nice to keep secrets, you know,” she added in a singsong before giggling. Fluttershy giggled as well, on the other side of the pallet. They all lay around several dishes. Olives, bread, three bottles of wine (Rarity had made sure to find something sweet, mild, and drinkable for Fluttershy) and a few glasses were cluttered together in the middle of their symposium. Most of the food had been eaten, and quite a bit of progress was being made on the wine. Rainbow rolled her eyes dramatically and ate an olive. “Daaaarling,” she said, mimicking Rarity’s gestures. “But what if there isn’t?” “Welllll, make something up! Come on, for me? You would at least try to reward my boundless curiosities and whims, hmm? Please?” Rainbow balanced another glass between two hooves and drank. “Well…” “Oh, dear, are you sure you want to know, Rarity?” Fluttershy said, a bit louder than usual. She smiled even so, and her cheeks were rosy. Rarity giggled at this, covering her mouth with a hoof. “Well, I suppose if it’s just to private too share with your bosom companions, too heart wrenching to be laid bare before you fellow maidens in arms—” Rainbow laughed. “I think the only maiden here is Fluttershy!” “And too strange to elaborate upon even with I, your beautiful, gracious, humble, and… and curious host…” “Oh, alright,” Rainbow said, waving her off. Rarity grinned and lay flat, inching closer. “See? It’s just little old me.” “Yeah, little gossipy you,” Rainbow said with a lopsided grin. “Why, I never! I simply enjoy the… the news. Yes.” “Like the news about… um… who are the spa ponies? They're so nice…” Fluttershy hummed and scrunched her face up in concentration. “Aloe, dear. And Lotus. I think? Yes,” she repeated with gusto. “Yes, absolutely.” “You used to talk with them about so many things, like—” Rarity coughed. “Fluttershy! Honestly, revealing a lady’s secrets!” “So I’m not a lady?” Rainbow asked, and then laughed. Rarity sputtered, but Rainbow went on. “Nah, I kinda wanna tell it now, y’know?” “Oh, of course!” Rarity was many things. Magnanimous. Gracious. Ambitious. Occasionally devious. She was also incredibly nosy. She knew this about herself. The knowledge cut through even the alcoholic haze which quite pleasantly turned the candles on the stone mantle on the opposite side of the room into waving little stars. She inched even closer, eager. This was perfectly normal. After all, didn’t everypony love a good story? Rainbow drained the glass, set it down carefully and with no little bit of wobbling. Rarity carefully steadied the glass, using just enough magic to be helpful but not enough to be noticed. Small favors made the world go ‘round. “So, I was kinda just a kid, you know? Like, not a kid kid. Whatever. But I was really dumb back then, and I was really cocky.” “Only back then?” Rarity asked, and laughed. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Fluttershy smiling the smile of the warmly drunk. She would be sound asleep soon. Rarity reminded herself to get the mare some water from the pitcher on the table by the wall. She would be happy for it tomorrow. “Hey, I try!” “Oh, I’m just teasing,” Rarity said. “You do. You have matured quite a bit in the time I’ve known you. You’ve become a courageous, supernally beautiful picture of pegasus femin… femininity.” She delivered the line perfectly, with all of the pomp she could muster, and all three mares went into a fit of laughter. “You…” Fluttershy yawned and stretched her wings. “You have grown up a lot, Rainbow.” She sighed, and Rarity poured a drink of water from the pitcher, cooling it down with her magic before she offered it to Fluttershy, who drank it quietly. “But do go on, dear,” Rarity prompted. “So here comes adoles... adult-” “Adolescent,”Rarity said. “Yeah, that. I was that. And I was on fire and excited, and I was pretty terrible at following directions. But like, pegasi kids are like that sometimes, you know? We’re rambunctious. Is that a word? Okay, yeah, that’s a word. And I wasn’t a jerk, so they didn’t get toooooo mad at me. “And I made friends. That’s when I met Fluttershy. I had loads of fun. Picked fights with bullies, flew circles around the teachers…” Rarity’s smile this time was gentle. She loved the way Rainbow’s eyes lit up as she recalled her past. The excitement that dripped from her lips was like honey. She imagined her wings going up in excitement, and giggled aloud. It’s so cute the way they do that. Her wings really are splendid. “What?” Rainbow asked, as she contemplated a bottle. “Um…” Rarity poured some with her magic. “You’re sure you haven’t had too much?” “Heh, I’m good. Pegasi are lightweights, that’s what you’re thinkin’ right? Well… okay, yeah, that’s true.” She shrugged and drank some of the nice pinot noir Rarity had picked only an hour or two before just for her. Strong, but still with a sweet edge… medium bodied, hints of the field and fruit. Packs quite a punch. Perfect for a pegasus like Rainbow. I think. “Well, I had this one friend. Her name was Cheerful Skies. She was so great, Rares, a really fun filly to hang with. We used to race and I always won.” Fluttershy yawned again. “You beat everypony though, Rainbow…” “Yeah, but they weren’t as fun as her. She laughed all the time, and she was always up for fun when we had time off. Even though I won every race. We were fast friends, though, that’s the point. The teachers started pairing us up because when I was with her, I behaved. Didn’t want to get her in trouble. Same with Fluttershy… sometimes.” “She sounds charming,” Rarity purred lightly. She tried some of the pinot noir herself. Yes, it had been an excellent match to Rainbow. “But… I can’t help but notice you haven’t spoken of her before.” Rainbow sighed. “Yeah, well. There’s a reason for that.” Rarity frowned, concerned. She sat up and carefully walked over to Rainbow’s side of the pallet. Fluttershy had already begun to move, and settled on the other side. Lightly, Rarity nuzzled Rainbow. “Oh dear… Rainbow, if this is painful—” “You don’t have to tell her all of it,” Fluttershy said softly. She was fading fast, now. “Nah, nah I should tell all of it,” Rainbow said. “This stuff is really good… whatcha call it again?” “Pinot noir,” Rarity said, showing her the bottle. “It’s… it occurs to me that ex… explaining wine varieties in this peculiar, ah,” Rarity yawned, and then mumbled the rest. “Hm?” “Go on,” Rarity said. “Alright. Well… well, you know I’m… like, you know I like mares.” Fluttershy, her face down on a pillow, gave a rather muffled response. “Rainbow, you told everyponyforever ago, nopony cares anymore.” “Er, yeah,” Rainbow said, scratching her mane. “Uh, anyway. So I liked her.” “Yes, we gathered that some time ago,” Rarity said softly. “That is how these stories tend to go.” “Celestia, you make me sound like I’m some… um… I don’t know. Stereotype.” “Not at all. It’s quite natural for mares—” Rarity took a long draught of wine. “Ahem, for mares of our caliber—which is great. I mean, like our caliber. It’s stupendously wonderful. Supernal—to discuss our love lives. When drunk. Very acceptable.” “So, I put my little moves on her, y’know? Went in for the kill. Dropped hints, brushed by her a few times, teased her. And I thought she really, really was re… re… um. That she was cool with it. But I guess I was just a dumbass, because she was always huggy and happy and wanted to be with me. I screwed everything up bad.” “Oh… what happened?” Rarity asked, pulling back to watch Rainbow’s face. “Well… I kissed her. I thought she was just too shy, because I was dumb, and she flipped out.” “Ah…” “Yeah. Super protective parents were furious. It was against the school rules, and I was already a troublemaker…” “Did they expell you? You poor dear…” Rarity began, but Rainbow cut her off. “No. I left! I ran off, right off that stupid cloud, took to the skies. Went all the way back home.” Rainbow worked her mouth, as if trying to remember words, but then a light snoring interrupted her. She and Rarity both looked down together at Fluttershy, who was unconscious against the fluffiest pillow she could find. They looked back at each other and stifled laughter with much effort. “Can you handle her with magic?” Rainbow whispered. “I can certainly try, dear…” Rarity responded, and did so. Gently, she concentrated and lifted Fluttershy up off the assorted blankets and pillows. Rainbow got to her hooves, a bit off balance, and together they walked Fluttershy back towards the bed. “Rainbow… do be a dear and help me with the weight,” Rarity asked. The effort was more than she’d anticipated, and it had sobered her somewhat. “‘kay,” Rainbow responded eloquently, and together they placed Fluttershy on the bed. Rarity looked back at the remains of their evening’s festivities and smiled. Wordlessly, the two awake mares cleared away the clutter and then sat on the bed. Rarity gently brushed Fluttershy’s hair back with a hoof. “She was carrying a lot of stress. I was glad she could let go of a little of it.” “Me too.” “So,” Rarity continued, turning her gaze towards Rainbow. “What happened?” “Hm?” “With you and your doomed love,” Rarity clarified with a smile, and laid down. Rainbow grinned back and laid down on the comfortable bed as well, close to Rarity. Though her mind was not quite as clouded, her body still felt warm and she allowed herself to feel comfortable this close to her friend. She felt the urge to rest her head on Rainbow’s back, right next to her folded wings, but restrained herself. Honestly, Rarity. What has come over you tonight? “Ah, nothin’,” Rainbow said. “I tried to go see her, but I couldn’t find out where she lived. Dad was kinda pissed, but not really. Mostly I think he was mad that her parents had overreacted. And that I flew all the way home by myself, I guess. But he didn’t punish me.” “I begin to see why you’ve been so… hm. So… uncomfortable discussing your interests.” “Wha?” “Your preference. You know.” “Ooooh.” Rainbow laughed and then yawned. “You know… and I mean, maybe this is that fancy-shmancy wine talking, but you really are pretty. Cheerful Skies had a nice mane but yours is a lot—” she yawned again. “Better. Yeah.” Rarity blinked. “Why, thank you.” “Mhm…” Rainbow’s eyes were not on Rarity. Or, more specifically, not on her face. They had drifted downwards, and Rarity followed their gaze towards her legs and blushed furiously. A strange, bizarre thought came over her. Could she… I thought, at times, but dismissed it as wishful thinking. But… “You know, now that Fluttershy’s asleep, we could talk about anything,” Rainbow said, grinning a bit salaciously. Her voice was a lot more slurred now, sleep creeping in. “Yes… we could,” Rarity agreed, a bit breathlessly. “Mhm… did you…” Rainbow shook her head, as if trying to drive away sleep, but almost as soon as she stopped her eyelids sank, too heavy. “You have really nice legs, has anypony told you that before? I always… uh, I always kinda wondered why you didn’t have stallions all over you.” “I turned a few away,” Rarity allowed. Her heart beat a bit faster. Calm down, she ordered herself. It was just the drink talking. Nothing more. As much as how close their faces were and how warm Rainbow’s body felt even in this way—the only way, she corrected furiously. Her thoughts became jumbled. “Yeah… why? I mean, you could have like anypony you wanted… not a good enough stallion around?” “Perhaps. That’s not my only, er, preference, of course…” “Mm…” Rainbow grinned at her and leaned in, eyes soft. “Really? Tell me about that…” And Rarity sat dumbfounded. Was Rainbow going to…? Rainbow Dash slumped against her shoulder, and Rarity knew almost immediately that she was asleep. Snores after a moment confirmed this. She laughed at herself, her foolishness. I am as desperate as an old spinster, it seems. Getting all worked up as if Rainbow Dash would want to kiss me, the prissiest, most un-Rainbow mare she could find. But she hesitated to move Rainbow, who was stretched comfortably on the bed, and so at last she simply put her head against the bedspread and soon she too surrendered. Foolishness aside, she found herself enjoying the company and the warmth, and the feeling of excitement that lingered as she imagined that perhaps Rainbow would have wanted to lean a bit more, and what she may or may not have wanted. It was just some foolish wishing, but it was nice. And that was enough, she supposed.