Norrath, Earth, Equestria. A Construct's Journey

by Nimnul


Preparing for Formal Occasions

Several days after taking damage during a bar fight, Landshark was so close to opening up her smithy for business, she really didn't care for social calls with anyone but her friends. Nevertheless, when Twilight had visited her suggesting a meeting involving her brother and his wife, the last alicorn she hadn't met, it had not seemed politic to refuse. Supposedly those two were visiting Ponyville briefly for unrelated reasons. The comings and goings of royalty were of limited interest to the construct. She supposed her own novelty hadn't quite worn off yet, she couldn't think of a pressing reason to meet another Princess beyond that.

It was for this reason that she was now visiting the Carousel Boutique. Landshark was a fair hand at mending her own clothing, but Rarity had grown increasingly less subtle about her opinion that the construct's unfashionable clothing needed to be replaced, and soon. If the unicorn found out that Landshark had met another Princess without getting some fitting attire first, she'd probably bear a grudge forever.

"Look, Miss Rarity," Landshark started after running a hand through her hair, then squaring her shoulders.

"Just Rarity will suffice, now that you've finally agreed to avail yourself of my services, my dear."

Landshark didn't bother to show displeasure at the interruption, but she used her droning soulless construct voice as she continued. "Rarity, as I was going to say. I trust you completely when it comes to color, cut, or embellishments. Wigs or hats are also options. You are the expert. But there are two points that are not negotiable."

Rarity was at least briefly taken aback by Landshark's sudden lack of warmth. The construct placed the black polymer sheath of her combat knife on the little coffee table she currently shared with Rarity.

"I have in the past worn this strapped to my thigh under dresses. As long as it is not obvious, you may propose other locations." The sheath was joined by an unloaded derringer pocket pistol. "I prefer to carry this in a pocket, or in any case somewhere I can reach it by hand at any time. It's a chunk of steel, so consider the weight."

Rarity scrunched up her face. "I hardly think it would be appropriate to bring weapons into the presence of Princess Cadance and her husband, Miss Landshark. Especially her husband. He has been known to be quite protective. Only natural, of course, given the events surrounding their wedding."

Landshark maintained her bland tone. "Let's say I would agree for this one occasion, I would still want you to tailor with these items in mind, or the dress would then subsequently be of diminished use to me. I have learned better than to go unarmed, as you well know." She gathered up her things. "If this can't be done, that is understandable. Good day, Rarity." It was just a step short of saying 'if you can't do it'.

Rarity frowned up at the construct. "Now wait one minute, Miss Landshark. Your requests will only provide the quaintest of challenges. I was simply attempting to offer advice." The unicorn huffed. "Very well. If you must be armed, I shall make a dress to accommodate you."

Maybe Applejack was on to something, Landshark thought. She might possibly be a little manipulative. Rarity was perhaps more vulnerable to that particular approach than most, so she wasn't going to pat herself on the back for her cunning. It had been a hamfisted means to get her own way.

The construct's mannerisms suddenly came alive again. She slightly bowed her head and responded with warmth in her voice. "Much appreciated, Rarity. And my apologies. These sudden additional impositions on my schedule have me a little on edge, to tell the truth. Not to mention meeting yet another alicorn. The mind knows they've all been very reasonable, but the heart still fears the mighty." She fell easily into a manner of speaking that she thought would be appreciated by Rarity.

"All the more reason to look your best, my dear. Now, follow me, get rid of those old rags you're wearing and let me get to work." Rarity gathered up measuring tapes and her other tools of the trade with her magic. "And what could possibly be more important than meeting some of the Princesses?"

Landshark stood up and started undressing, discarding her wig also. She was as featureless as a mannequin, more so, since her torso was smoother than any female mannequin she had ever seen. In any case, she experienced no embarrassment. "Given the choice of two gatherings without immediately tangible benefit, I'd normally pick my friends over the nobility every single time. I am considered indebted to Twilight, however. It would not have been politic to decline. I also could hardly afford ponies talking about how I snubbed two alicorns at once."

Rarity started taking measurements and inspecting Landshark's major joints. "Although I don't share your priorities, I can't fault your analysis, I suppose. Now, it seems I will have to use some heavier fabrics to drape over your moving parts with less risk of snagging."

She inspected Landshark critically, running a hoof over some designs on the construct's back upper back. "What is the meaning of these markings, if you don't mind me asking?" The marks were easy to miss. They seemed to be engraved into the construct's shell with a light touch and she saw no artistic merit in the design. It appeared to be a horseshoe with the ends pointing down and a straight line just barely touching the upper curve.

Landshark shook her head. "A permanent reminder of my first human friends, Rarity. Horseshoes are good luck in human superstition, but it can also be a letter in one of the human alphabets. Although the nation that uses it is not populous by global standards, their alphabet is a source of technical symbols and labels in many fields the world over." She sighed. "I apologize. Princess Twilight prefers answers in detail, I prefer to keep things vague. The line that just touches the curve is the tangent line. Geometry, I'm told. I'm sure someone else could explain what it is in detail. The combination of symbols is utterly meaningless to all but a few people. It meant enough to us to permanently mark ourselves."

Rarity half-listened while she worked. She had a peculiar skill, practiced over years, to filter out the really important parts of a conversation while she focused on her own tasks. "It must mean quite a lot to who you are, otherwise your magic would have mended away the superficial marking of your shell, if I remember Twilight's explanation correctly. She does tend to go on." She wasn't so rude as to point out that telling her that the marks were a personally meaningful reminder of old friends would have been sufficient.

"That period of my life shaped my Self in many ways. That design is part of my physical form now, as much as my arms and legs," Landshark explained with certain pride. "You can't engrave humans of course. Most of my friend got tattoos. Do they have those in your world? Ink is inserted under the skin with needles to permanently change the color. Kind of pointless with fur or scales."

Rarity raised a brow. "I'm afraid you would have to ask Twilight, she would know if some society somewhere practiced that sort of thing. As for me, the idea of permanent body modification simply does not appeal. Fashions change, after all." She frowned. "I am sure there are uncouth youths out there who might consider branding, but why do something so permanent? Even those without magic can use dyes."

Landshark nodded. "Fair enough. I think a lot of humans would recommend that sort of thing be done in a way that can be covered up easily, they wear clothes, after all. There are prejudices attached to marking the face, for example, or so much of your body that it cannot easily be covered up." She shrugged, sounding amused as she went on. "I am far from an expert on human societies, of course."

"Well then, do you wish to cover the design, or do you prefer it exposed? I'm sure I can accommodate you either way. Please hold still now."

Landshark had no problems remaining perfectly still for Rarity's benefit. "I prefer to cover up. I don't anticipate meeting a lot of people I'd care to explain the meaning to while wearing this dress." She paused and tilted her head. "Other than preferring as much freedom of movement for my legs as possible, I will not experience any discomfort an organic being might regarding tightness, temperature or other factors. As long as you don't start cracking my skin, I am your canvas, you might say."

"Oh my," Rarity smiled, "one rarely gets customers so cooperative and trusting, my dear. It shall be a delight! However, I feel like 'understated elegance' might be the most fitting for you. Nothing too brash." The construct was more slight in build than ponies were, it seemed ill advised to overload her form with ostentation.

Rarity worked in silence for a while before Landshark spoke up again. "This is the first time in a great many years that I'm getting a dress specifically tailored for me, and not simply one adjusted to fit. And the first time it is being done with real enthusiasm and feeling." She hesitated. "Thank you, Rarity."

Rarity just smiled. "Think nothing of it. Although, why haven't you come by earlier?" Rarity continued whirling about her workspace as Landshark considered her answer.

"Before now this would have seemed like a bit of a selfish indulgence when there was work to do, limited funds available, and time to spend with good friends who needed me. I simply kept assigning it relatively low priority. Now, though, this may yet be the most positive experience resulting from the invitation to Twilight's castle."

Rarity took her time answering, and Landshark did not wish to break her concentration to speed up the pace of the conversation. "My dear, everyone needs some selfish indulgence now and then, if only in moderation. And think nothing of the funds. If you had held out another week I would have had to pay you to get you out of your rags! Everyone deserves some beauty in their life."

"They're perfectly suited to my needs," Landshark protested lamely.

"How much is that really saying for someone with no physical needs?" Rarity allowed herself a snicker. "That they have pockets?"

Silence settled in again as Rarity worked and the dress slowly took shape. "You know," the unicorn eventually mused. "I very much appreciate that you enjoy the process of me tailoring this dress onto you, and this should in no way be taken as a slight to your confidence, but my favorite type of beauty is beauty that seems a little surprised. There's no greater pleasure than introducing joy and color into a life which might not think it is capable or deserving of either." There was another pause, filled only with the sounds of Rarity's work. "People who accept beauty as their due are always at risk of seeming like prima donnas. I'm not in the habit of doing less than my best, but there are simply customers that are not particularly pleasant or inspiring."

Landshark nodded. She didn't dare move in other ways for the time being. "I can see why you might be the Element of Generosity. Another of your skill would perhaps feel that only a certain class of pony, and certainly almost none in this town, would be deserving of your art in the first place. And I have read once that things might be graceful, or elegant, or handsome, but they're not truly beautiful until they speak to the imagination." Landshark considered for a while. "I'm not sure I entirely understand, but I guess ... if someone looks at themselves and can't imagine themselves looking good, and you show them that it's possible, that's a great gift."

Rarity nodded with enthusiasm. "I think you do understand! It's a delight to open someone's eyes to their own beauty, or the potential for it. But you are also right that there are some terrible snobs in the fashion world. I'm thankful every day that my designs have been worn by so many, even on Prince Cadance's wedding, but I would never presume to declare someone unfit to wear something of my creation." Rarity huffed in frustration. "And of course then there are those on the other hoof who dismiss beauty as mere frivolity."

"I disagree strongly," Landshark reasoned. "I suppose at the most basic level, art has no survival value, but much like friendship, adds value to survival. And everyone deserves a little more than just drab subsistence. Perhaps that is easy to say without physical needs, but we're not machines. I've observed that even the most desperate face their plight a little better if there is some joy in their life, because the Self has needs too."

Rarity smiled proudly. "You know just the things to say, don't you?" She carefully levitated Landshark's pocket pistol over. "Now let's see if I've done this right ... excellent. It won't be completely invisible there, but it would take a careful observer indeed to notice something here."

It seemed to Landshark that Rarity was right. While her knife wouldn't be as readily accessible as she preferred without damaging the dress, the gun would be in easy reach without being obvious. "Well, it looks good to me. The extra weight does not visibly affect the dress. Good job."

Time passed quickly as the two of them made small talk. I might have been an indulgence to stay around for the entire time Rarity was working, but, Landshark supposed, being her own boss had to have some perks.

Rarity hovered over a full length mirror after applying some small finishing touches. "I'm glad you approve of the utilitarian aspects, but now it's time to judge my creation as a whole."

Rarity was always the most anxious at this stage. Landshark spun in front of the mirror, turning her head further than she usually did. 180 degree neck rotation unsettled most organic beings she'd talked to. Rarity bit her lips and silently cursed that blank construct face.

Understated elegance seemed appropriate. The dress was of modest cut, wide enough around the legs to allow some degree of fast movement, almost entirely lacking in embellishments or decorations and colored a deep blue. Landshark appreciated the contrast to her pale skin. The fabric seemed sturdy and washable, which she considered another bonus.

Rarity suddenly gasped and gently placed something very much like a black military beret on Landshark's head. "You mentioned wearing black on the job, last time we spoke. I hope that adding a beret and foregoing a wig isn't too daring."

Landshark briefly considered this. She rarely went without a wig when not suited up for duty, but she thought Rarity was on to something here. She'd rarely worn a beret in the past, but as a reminder of her near-decade spent as a paramilitary monster hunter, it seemed somehow fitting.

Landshark was touched. She couldn't put any words to it, but everything about the dress seemed extraordinarily thoughtful. It reminded her of her distant past, but did away with any useless ostentation of other dresses Landshark had worn then. It included a nod to her time with the humans, which had shaped her personality a great deal. It represented an incredible gift from a new friend. Maybe it wasn't as fancy as other dresses, and maybe it wouldn't look overly impressive on a hanger, but as she was wearing it, she could not imagine a better fit.

She nodded. "This is my dress." The words fell with great finality. "Thank you."

Rarity was startled out of her current anxious train of thought. When Landshark did not continue, Rarity carefully probed, "err, yes it is?" Eventually, realization clicked into place. "I mean, yes, it is!" It was difficult at first to recognize praise in this form, but this wasn't simply a dress, or a beautiful dress, it was Landshark's, unique and entirely her own. The construct had praised the work and thought Rarity had put into its creation just as much as the dress itself by its acceptance.

Landshark turned to Rarity with a bow of her head. "I haven't had any context for what you do. I do now." She paused. "I wouldn't insult you by offering money you already declined, but if there is any way I can return the favor for this gift somehow, please let me know."

Rarity hadn't had a lot of experience handling praise in this form, but she couldn't help but appreciate that Landshark seemed to have a greater understanding of her particular skill than most of her customers. She smiled. "What is it you keep insisting? Put Landshark where you will, there she stands? That dress will look fitting no matter where you stand, or with whom. I'm glad you approve. I couldn't possibly accept any payment for this, you were a joy to work with. Not to mention, I always welcome the opportunity to work with an unconventional shape."

"I will not forget this, Rarity." Landshark turned to leave, with the same artless uniformity of motion she always did. She'd accepted the dress as part of herself and had found no need to change herself to be worthy of it.

Rarity escorted Landshark to the exit. "Do make sure to tell me what other ponies think. Your approval is of course the only thing that truly matters, but as always, I am ever so curious about the impact of my designs."

Landshark paused, chuckled and performed a curtsy. "It'll be a fine test, Rarity. I was told that fools admire, but men of sense approve. Ponies of sense, I guess. You have a good day."

"And you as well, Landshark. Remember to return whenever you need that dress mended or cleaned. " Rarity would never think of rejecting regular old admiration, but the statement did seem to fit the construct's reaction well. She'd clearly understood the gift she'd been given. "And please allow me to expand your wardrobe in the future. You need something for every occasion!"

Landshark called back as she walked away. "I'll think about it!"