//------------------------------//
// 5 
// Story: Tales 
// by geopol 
//------------------------------//


Tales

by

George Pollock, Jr.

V. Entering the Back Stretch: Rarity


Yes, I am going to drop a name. I admit it.

Rarity.

Yes, that Rarity. The designer. The fashions, the accessories, the interior design, the grand events.

The one who designs outfits for Queen Celestia – and did even when Celestia was "only" princess. That Rarity. I recommended her. What are friends for, right?

I knew her when I lived in Ponyville. Interesting thing is that even after she became famous throughout Equestria – when you can say "a Rarity design" anywhere and everypony will know what you're talking about and be impressed – she stayed in Ponyville. Still at work. Designing for Celestia was a lifelong dream for her. Sometimes, you couldn't shut her up about it. So it always seemed strange that when that happened, she never moved to Canterlot to be close to her top client.

I asked her about it once, and she said, "Oh, darling, I've been to Canterlot to meet with Celestia. There's just too much going on. I'd never get any work done. And I need my beauty sleep, of course, and that would almost never happen. I need the quiet life around me for my art. Isn't that strange? Who'd have guessed?"

I think she was putting on a brave face. When she'd visit Canterlot to finish a project for Celestia, we'd sometimes go out together after her work was done for the day. She loved meeting Rex and the kids, and she enjoyed the nightlife, despite what she said. But I couldn't keep her company all day and night. I had my own work and a family to take care of. So sometimes, I'd just drop by the palace to check in on her before I went home.

I'd often see her all alone at a worktable in Celestia's dressing room, which was the size of a barn. And that was next to Celestia's wardrobe, which was also the size of a barn. And Rarity would be the only pony in all that vast space. She looked, well, small. And sometimes – before she'd realize I was there – I could see her staring off into space.

She'd look so lonely.

She once told me she was honored to work for the queen, of course. But sometimes, she missed the background noise of Ponyville coming through the windows of her shop. Even Pinkie Pie bursting in with a lame joke she just learned. Or any of her friends. She said, "Sometimes, my dear, it's too quiet here. I need to feel life around me for my art. Isn't that strange? Who'd have guessed?"

You know, I heard that – and remembered what she said before – and I never saw a contradiction between the Rarity in Ponyville and the pony in Canterlot. I think she knew what she really wanted. And it really wasn't Canterlot.

Even then, I never saw her prouder than on the day of Celestia's coronation as queen. Rarity had designed her dress, and when Celestia entered the Great Hall, it looked like Rarity had finally seen the moment she was born for.

Still the classiest pony I've ever met. Except for Celestia. Maybe. It's a tie. But I really know Rarity more, I guess. Ever hear that courage is "grace under pressure"? So is class. I saw Rarity stay a lady in some situations that would make you litter a pasture, if you know what I mean. And she wasn't a wilting flower when it happened. She always stood her ground. And was always classy doing it.

She's never married. She had dreamed about marrying Celestia's nephew, who's a prince, of course. Honestly, it was always kind of an unrealistic fantasy, but it was a strong one for Rarity when she was younger.

So I finally asked her why she's never married. And she said in that high-class way she has, "Oh, darling, I simply don't have the time! So much to do! It would just get in the way!"

I think she was putting on a brave face again. But she seems happy the way things are. I'm glad for her.