//------------------------------// // Starts at Home // Story: Broken: Charity // by Knackerman //------------------------------// Eyes swirling with madness opened wide in the dark. Soft laughter gushes from lips that jibber words only the truly insane could comprehend. A leather bound book opened, bathing the figure in light as a new order unfolded to consume the world. A smile crinkles the soft flesh around those maddened eyes as the pages begin to turn of their own accord. Is this where it truly begins? Or is this the end of the downward spiral? -------------------------- Beauty seemed strewn all about her. The sun glinting off the soaring architecture, the sounds of distant music, and the ponies going about their business in attire both fresh and marvelously tailored. So much culture, so much class, Canterlot truly was the most magnificent city in all of Equestria. The last time she had visited the capital city, she had actually come on business, looking to buy the kind of fabrics you simply could not get back in Ponyville. The tastes back home were fine, if a bit rustic, but Canterlot was on the very cutting edge of fashion. That was why when Rarity received an invitation from Mr. Fancy Pants she almost stumbled over herself to find pen and parchment so she could send her accepting reply. It was truly a magnificent day. Rarity wandered the streets of Equestria’s capital city, taking in sights both new and familiar. Not a lot had changed since her last visit, but at the same time there were new and dazzling sights just around every corner. It seemed that, unlike Ponyville, the fashions changed here almost constantly, each pony endeavoring to epitomize the feel of the very moment. It was much different from the seasonal changes in attire she was used to back home. The effect was somewhat dizzying on Rarity’s sensibilities. Though it would be rude, she might have even stopped a pony or two to ask who had designed their outfits, but she was already running late to meet Fleur, her patron Mr. Fancy Pants friend and confidant. Some thought of her as his mistress but, so far, such scandal had only been spoken of in whispers. After all, he was ever the gentleman, and the most eligible bachelor in Canterlot. Many a mare hoped to marry into wealth by catching his eye, why even try if they truly entertained the idea he was already taken? With a tiny skip in her heart, Rarity found Fleur leaving the cafe where they were supposed to meet. Had she given up on her appearing? Putting on a burst of speed, Rarity arrived breathing rather more heavily than suited a lady, but still she managed to catch the super model pony before she had gotten too far away. “Oh Fleur! Fleur de Lis? I’m ever so sorry to have kept you waiting!” Pausing to catch her breath, the flustered unicorn noticed a look of blank incomprehension on the other unicorns face that made her heart sink. “Oh, where are my manners? I’m Rarity, I believe we met once before, but only briefly. I was told in a letter from Mr. Fancy Pants I was to meet you here, but I’m afraid I became...rather distracted.” The tall unicorn giggled attractively as realization dawned. “Oh yes, I remember you now. I didn’t recognize you without your shopping bags!” Fleur smiled. “I confess, I had all but given up hope.” Rarity fell in beside Fleur as the gracefully long-limbed unicorn crossed the street heading towards an older, but no less elegant, part of town. “As you know, Monsieur De Luxe un Pantalon is a very important pony. As such, he often finds himself too busy to entertain his many friends. However, I do not mind doing him a favor in greeting his friends when he is too busy to do so himself.” Rarity was finding herself a little out of breath again, trying to keep up with the sleek Fleur de Lis. The taller unicorn noticed this, however, and slowed her elegant pace. “I must apologize again for being so tardy. It is so very nice of you to meet me, but where, pray tell, is it that we are going now?” The buildings they were passing now were clearly private homes, but on an enormous scale that could rival the palace of the Princess’s. Each mansion seemed to command almost as much land as the sweeping Sweet Apple Acres, though far more regal and well manicured in appearance. “Oh my, were you not informed? I believe the last time you spent time in Canterlot you were a guest of the Princess and thus had rooms in her palace. This time you are still a guest, only to Monsieur! Ergo, you shall have rooms at his private home for the duration of your visit. I’ll have somepony sent to the train station to pick up your luggage once we’ve gotten you settled in. Ah! Here we are!” The mansion that towered before Rarity was perhaps even larger than Celestia's palace, if not quiet as tall. The front was lined with gleaming white columns and the lawn was so well maintained it was as if nature itself was loath to do anything but emphasis the beauty of the magnificent plantation style abode. Gates of iron and gold opened ponderously at the gentle touch of Fleur’s magic. “My goodness! I’m to stay here!? I had thought I’d merely have a reservation at some nearby hotel.” Rarity was dazzled, but then again it was one more fantastic spectacle on top of many. Still, Mr. Fancy Pants generosity in accepting her into his home left Rarity very nearly speechless. It was not at all what she had expected. “Did you say I was to have private rooms? As in more than one?” “Oh dear, non non. I misspoke, clearly.” They walked up the drive together, a somewhat daunting challenge, though the tree lined drive was pleasant enough. “What I meant was you shall have your own private Wing. Château De Luxe can be somewhat drafty in the winter, so many of the rooms are shut. They could do with a good airing. Will this be alright?” Rarity could not, try as she might, suppress a small squeal of joy. ------------------------------- The days passed like the most beauteous of dreams. Mr. Fancy Pants' servants treated her as though she were noble born herself, his chefs prepared the most exquisite meals she had ever eaten, and the manor itself and its adjourning gardens offered endless diversions and sights that could have occupied Rarity for months. As it was, if she did tire of being cooped up, Fleur would often drop by to take her shopping, or out to a gallery or a concert in Canterlot. It didn’t take long for it to get about that Rarity had returned to Canterlot. Many of her former acquaintances and friends from her last time in the big city were anxious to meet her again. A few had even become costumers of hers and they were eager to discuss this new fashion or that particular dress they had been thinking of ordering. So it was nearly a week before she realized that she had not actually seen her host. She knew he was a very busy pony, but even though she had been kept well distracted and very well entertained, it was still rude for him to be absent this long. It was even ruder for Rarity to have been unable to express her gratitude! When she brought up the subject to Fleur, while they were sipping iced beverages on the patio, the beautiful unicorn answered demurely, “You must forgive him. You see it is the charity season here in Canterlot and he is a renowned philanthropist. You cannot imagine the responsibility he feels he has to share his wealth with the less fortunate. It is a very busy time for him, but if you would like, I could arrange for you to meet with him at one of the charity auctions?” “Oh I don’t want to be a bother. I’d just like to thank him in person for all the kindness he’s shown me and for letting me stay in this marvelous home while I’m here in Canterlot. It would mean a lot to me if I could do so.” Rarity wore a fetching hat to keep the sun off her fine, alabaster fur, and somewhat over sized sunglasses to protect her eyes. She looked a bit like a movie starlet, which may explain why Fleur was giggling when she said, “Consider the matter settled! I will see to the arrangements right away!” ------------------------------------ Light blazed across the evening sky, illuminating the clouds above as if they were bathed in the golden glow of sunrise. Sweeping back and forth, spotlights played a merry chase with pegasi as a troop of stunt fliers traced intricate loops and spirals of smoke. This was mere artifice, a means to advertise the real show that was taking place in one of the many performance halls that spread through Canterlot’s lavish entertainment district. The streets were thronged with the pony’s who had come from as far away as Trottingham to catch a glimpse of Canterlot’s rich and famous. It was a gala night, and though there was no official holiday or other event to commemorate, there was an air of festival about the proceedings. Everypony who was anypony in Equestria’s high society was there. The evenings agenda included first a silent auction, followed by a performance of a bold new Zeitoper written by Frau Pferde, and the evening would conclude with a grand banquet and dancing in the main hall. Frankly it was all Rarity could do to keep from jumping for joy. This was the very first time she had attended one of these events and been on this side of the velvet rope. She cantered proudly beside Fleur, head held high, both dressed in gowns of Rarity’s design as the flash bulbs of several camera’s popped in their direction. It was as though she were living her dreams. Truly, she had been shocked when Fleur had insisted she wear one of Rarity’s dresses. It was only fortunate that the manor had a well stocked sewing room or she never would have been able to make the proper adjustments for Fleur’s goddess like frame. As it was, the pair of unicorn’s seemed to command the bulk of the onlookers attention and turned more than one head as they entered the magnificently decorated hall. The inside was somewhat more stately and quieter than the ruckus outside, though a dull hum of quiet conversation filled the vast room. Chandeliers lit with thousands of magical candles had the hall as bright as day. It seemed the silent auction had already begun as ponies of note moved from display to display, jotting down bids on specially prepared parchment. The bulk of the items on display tonight were works of art, sculptures and paintings, but there were one or two more practical, if no less extravagant items. Standing before a grand piano, eyeing it over with no small amount of interest, was the pony who commanded the respect of all around him. Among a sea of admirers and shameless toadies stood Mr. Fancy Pants. He looked up and smiled graciously as Fleur and Rarity worked their way across the crowded floor towards him. “Ah, Fleur, so good to see you.” He turned and took Rarity’s front hoof with his own, raising it daintily to his lips for a light kiss, “And Ms. Rarity, why it has been far too long! I do hope that you have been enjoying your stay at my manor home. I’m sorry I have not had a chance to drop by and entertain you myself as of yet." He looked genuinely regretful as he said this. "I do hope that Fleur has managed to keep you busy in my absence?” The calm assurance of his smile took Rarity’s breath away. So flustered was she, in fact, she almost forgot she had been asked a question. “Oh, why yes, of course! Fleur and I have become the very best of friends. I wanted to thank you and her both for showing me such a marvelous time. It’s been like a dream come true!” At just that moment, it seemed that the auction ended. A rush of ponies surged through several large double doors spread across the far wall of the hallway. It appeared that the evenings entertainment was about to begin. “Oh, tish tosh. There will be plenty of time for all that later my dear. The show is about to begin. We must take our seats soon, or I fear we may risk losing them!” He laughed jovially. Rarity wondered if he were fully aware that anypony who tried to take his seats would likely be unceremoniously chucked out onto the curb, but she wouldn’t dare give voice to such a crass question. Instead she merely moved with the crowd, allowing herself to be swept along in the wake of Mr. Fancy Pant’s entourage. Somewhere along the way she found herself separated from Fleur and the others, and seated in a private viewing box with her host. The shift from being surrounded to being alone with one of the most important ponies in Canterlot happened so fast it literally left her head spinning. In short order, the curtain rose and the opera began. It was an...intriguing show, to put it politely. Full of modern music and references to recent inventions such as the new Cloud Skimmer Zeppelin’s that had been commissioned by Prince Blueblood and much comedy and farce involving humorous misunderstandings between naturally flying Pegasi and ‘upwardly mobile’ Unicorns. This was by way of being a joke in and of itself as many of the airships were crewed by an all pegasus staff in case of emergencies. Not entirely to her surprise, Rarity found her attention wandering. Her eyes swept over the crowd. It was hard to tell who anypony seated below them were by staring at the backs of their heads, but with an effort she could make out a few ponies she recognized seated around them. Though many of the viewing boxes were darkened so as to preserve privacy, she could pick out one or two high class ponies merely by their silhouettes. The balcony next to theirs held Photo Finish and her entourage, whom seemed thoroughly engrossed by the opera. Beyond them she was sure she could make out the curls of Hoity Toity lounging rather as disinterestedly as Rarity herself felt. Beyond that, all was lost in darkness and shadow. Her eyes crept around in the opposite direction...and met with Mr. Fancy Pants. It seemed he found her far more interesting than the opera. Rarity blushed and smiled nervously. He spoke in not quite a whisper when he said, “I really must apologize Ms. Rarity. Not just for my absence, but for our meeting under such circumstances as these.” Rarity waved a hoof dismissively, “Oh, don’t give it another thought! I assure you I’m having a wonderful time. Frau Pfrede’s opera is just so...ahead of it’s time. I’m quite sure it will be remembered well in a year or two.” She smiled politely as the performers began a jazz number about, as far as Rarity could tell, the superiority of flight by dirigible compared to wings. “Oh my yes. I’m afraid this is rather awful. It’s a shame really, the auction was a complete waste of time and now the performance seems to have left most of the audience rather cold. I do hope the food is at least worth it’s expense or I’m afraid the entire night will be something of a debacle. But I think you misunderstand me dear lady, I was referring to the circumstances of our meeting as opposed to our surroundings.” Rarity was taken aback by her hosts frankness. Mr. Fancy Pant’s had never been one to mince words, but he had never displayed such candidness as this before. “Why whatever do you mean?” He looked somewhat ashamed as he said, “I confess, my dear, that I have not been entirely forthcoming with you about my intent in inviting you to Canterlot. You see, I find myself in rather dire need of your services.” “...Go on.” said Rarity in a hushed tone. “As I mentioned, tonight's charity auction was little more than a waste of time. Most of the major purchases will have been made by myself or agents in my employ.” Mr. Fancy Pants stroked his blue mustache with one hoof. “No one is interested in these new works of art or the tired heirlooms that the family’s of Canterlot trade off between themselves once a year. There is no fire, no verve to the charity season any longer. I donate as much as I am able, but there seems to be nothing that can kindle the spark of pony kindness and generosity in the hearts of my fellow gentry! I weep, truly, for the unfortunates who would benefit from the charity of Equestria’s elite, for I have done everything in my power to nudge their hearts and purse strings, to no avail.” Rarity could see how passionate her host was about the plight of the poor and her eyes shimmered slightly with barely concealed tears of an emotion she could not quite define as she asked, “But, what does this have to do with me? With you inviting me to Canterlot?” He turned, all joviality and merriment had left his face, yet his eyes blazed with passion and something else...was it hope? “You my lady, are imperative. You are the very element of Generosity. I knew, from the first time that we met, that you were a very important pony, as were your friends. While the rest of these...these false nobles turned their noses up at you, I could sense your inner greatness!” He took both her hooves in his own. “While you were here, moving in our circles their was a sudden outpouring of charity and good feeling. It seemed there was not a single pony who was not touched by your elegance and poise. Rarity, I am afraid you are the only hope for millions of unfortunates in Equestria! At this very moment, millions of bits sit unused and uncared for in the wallets and banks of ponies who have never known hunger or loss, who will never know the hardship of homelessness! Only with your aid do I believe we could finally put their wealth to better use!” Trembling slightly, Rarity looked back into Mr. Fancy Pant’s eyes, “I’m not as special as you make me out to be sir, I assure you. What could I possibly do to influence the rich and famous of Canterlot?” “What can you do, my dear?” Spoke the noble unicorn with knowing grin, “Why what you do best, of course! As I’m sure you know, my family’s wealth is built on the cotton industry. Fancy Pants Textiles Unlimited manufactures some of the finest fabrics in Equestria, if I do say so myself, and I can make it so that a limitless supply of our material could be made available to you at a moments notice. If, of course, you can find it in your heart to donate your time and considerable talent to fashioning clothing that I might put up for auction." He must have taken the look on her face for reluctance, for he continued, "You are one of the finest dress makers I have ever seen! I know if you put your considerable talents behind my endeavors, this charity season will raise the most money for the needy in years! Forgive my subterfuge, sweet Rarity! Will you agree to help this poor charlatan?" Her mind whirling from all that had been shared with her in confidence, Rarity could barely believe what had just been said. There was, however, but one answer she could possibly think to give. “Yes! Of course!” The final curtain fell and the audience arose, stomping in thunderous applause. It hadn’t been such a bad opera after all. ---------------------- The rest of that night was a blur. There were so many ponies to be introduced to, so many ponies to meet, and so many names and words exchanged, if Fleur hadn’t reappeared Rarity was quite sure she would’ve made a complete foal of herself. Thankfully, the night had ended shortly after the banquet and the pair had returned to Château De Luxe. In the morning, it seemed the sleepy manor had come to life. Servants bustled to and fro, and it seemed that a new wing had been opened in the stately manor home, this one filled with a variety of fabrics more numerous than Rarity had ever seen in her entire life. Seamstresses and tailors rushed about, faces glowing with pride. “Good morning Mademoiselle Rareté!” Spoke Fleur with great verve and a sparkling smile. “I do hope you have had a chance to sleep off all that champagne! I am afraid we have much work to do, and it is best we begin now!” Fleur wore a tiny pair of spectacles on the end of a fine silver chain, a clipboard held before her nose by her magic. “Very well!” Said Rarity with more confidence, perhaps, than she felt. “Where do we begin!?” They worked hard all that morning and long into the afternoon. They designed suits and dresses for all occasions, but paid close attention to evening wear, dinner wear, and ball gowns. There was so much to do that Rarity found herself very nearly overwhelmed, but whenever a job seemed to weigh heavy upon her, Fleur would delegate the task to one of the many pony’s that seemed now to be in their employ specifically for such an eventuality. Work moved smoothly into the evening, so that Rarity was shocked when Fleur announced that it was time for their evening meal. That first night they dined with Mr. Fancy Pants in a charming bistro not far from the manor. The two detailed the days activities to the gentlepony and he seemed most pleased with Rarity’s start. So it continued for several days more. Without her noticing, the days turned into weeks. Rarity’s work bore fruit, and while her days were spent designing and perfecting wonderful cloths, her evenings were spent at many balls and charity events throughout Canterlot. Every day a new batch of invitations and entreaties would arrive by mail. Every night Rarity would plummet into a feather down mattress with her mind teeming with all the important ponies she had met and the many dresses that they had purchased for charity. She slept the sleep of one who was living her lifes dream. But, alas, we must wake from all dreams at some point. It happened on a Friday. --------------------- Rarity was rushing, but in the fashion of any true lady, she took extra time and effort in selecting her gown for the evenings activities. A pile of invitations sat upon her bedside table, most of them opened, a few discarded out of hand if they clashed with an earlier appointment, and still others ignored at the advice of Fleur de Lis. She would have to take time before she slept tonight to write out several apologies and a few thank you cards, but now was not the time for that. She had just about settled on a simple purple shift, an over the shoulder affair made from shimmering satin, when yet another letter arrived, slipped under her door. “More invitations?” she said to herself aloud, “I’m only one filly. When will they learn I can’t possibly be everywhere at once!” She had half a mind to toss it into the stack without reading it, but considered it would be rude to dismiss an invitation without even glancing at it. Sighing somewhat heavily at the burden of fame, she used her magic to unseal the the parchment and bring it before her eyes. Those deep, baby blue eyes widened in shock. This was no invitation, but a notice of foreclosure on Carousel Boutique.