Chapter 3 Like Sands Through The Hourglass...
As Rarity and Spike stepped from the chariot, they gazed around. Although they were there many times before, Canterlot never failed to wow them each time they arrived. The messenger too, stepped off and proceeded to lead the way, "Now momentarily, I will be leaving you in the hooves of Her Majesty's Royal Guard who will have the pleasure in escorting the two of you to the palace where Princess Luna herself will give you the grand tour. But now that I'm looking at my watch, were quite ahead of schedule. So if you two would like, feel free to venture off for about an hour or so. But be sure to meet back with us here no later. We don't want to keep the Princess waiting."
Rarity nodded gracefully, "Oh Of course, good Sir. Come along Spike, let's go visit some of the shops."
"Right behind you!" he called as the joyful Unicorn galloped ahead.
With that, they ran off dreaming and pondering how their honeymoon would fair out. They visited every store they came across and each time, found something they wanted to have at the wedding whether it was a candle set, flowers, an add-on to their attire or just simple party favors. Eventually they found themselves in the heart of Canterlot City where businesses were booming with customers, even at 9:30 in the morning. They trotted through the business district and soon came across a new shop that was set to open later that afternoon. To Rarity's surprise, it was the rumored Majestic's Jewels the New Buck local had mentioned of. Rarity was stunned, "My goodness! We MUST come back here this afternoon. Spike this is the shop I was talking about."
"Really?" He asked with a look of slight interest, "Neat. I don't see why not."
They decided to look through the window and were shocked to see the abundance of elegant crystals and other bits of fine jewelry that filled the cases. Filling with envy, Rarity scrapped her hoof down the glass, "I...must...have!"
Spike looked at the time and tried to haul his Fianceé from the window, "Ok Rarity. It's time to go...Princess Luna is expecting us. Come...on...Rarity. We'll come back here this afternoon."
Finally, she gave in and forced herself away from the sight, "Oh If I must. But we ARE coming back here."
"Of course." The dragon laughed as they rode back to the golden chariot where they'd be waiting for their tour of the castle.
-----
Meanwhile back in Ponyville, Twilight walked around the Town Square with her checklist and directed her volunteers around, "Alright that needs to be more straight...This should be white, NOT silver...Why is this table wobbly?...Carrot Top, there should be more flowers than this...The banners to be just a little higher..."
"Twilight!" Applejack shouted with an annoyed tone, "Don'tcha think yer bein a little inconsiderate? We're tryin our darndest."
"Boy are you sensitive this morning." Sparkle muttered with surprise, "You've been in a bad mood all morning, AJ. What's wrong?"
The country pony looked up momentarily then back down at her work on the wedding arch, "It's not important..."
Out of concern, Twilight laid down her papers and approached her friend, "There's obviously something important if your acting like this. Your usually cheerful this time in the morning."
"Twi would ya jus leave me alone? I'm fine." She defended angrily.
"Not until you tell me what's going on." Twilight demanded.
AJ was getting fed up, "It's jus a little personal issue I want to figure out myself. It's none of yer business."
Knowing she was distraught, Twilight decided to back away and give Applejack her privacy, "Well alright...If you need somepony to talk to, you got me and the girls."
She got no response as she went back to her work and levitated the checklist once again. Shortly after, an unfamiliar stagecoach rolled into Town Square with a mailpony riding it. As soon as his coach came to a stop, the stallion riding, disembarked and opened the door to retrieve a package. The stallion levitated the package with his horn and then began to look around his unfamiliar surroundings. Twilight had been watching him and decided to lend him a hoof, "Good morning. Can I help you?"
"You might." The delivery pony said very gruffly, "I'm looking for a...Ms. Rarity? I have a package from a one, Sterling Silver at Majestic's Jewels."
Sparkle smiled warmly, "Oh It must be her dress. Is it alright if I hold on to it for her? She's away in Canterlot right now."
"Well since you seem to know her, I don't see why not. Just don't tell my boss." He requested humorously.
She reacted with a giggle, "Not a problem."
-----
In the meantime, Spike and Rarity had made it back to where they split with the royal messenger. But to their surprise, he and the gilded chariot were gone. Confused, they gazed around and eventually noticed a coach with guards on the reigns. They appeared to be waiting for somepony, "That must be us." Spike said eagerly.
The couple approached the carrier and was acknowledged by a guard, "Spike and Rarity I assume?"
Rarity bowed, "Yes, I do believe me and my darling are here to meet with the Princess."
"That's correct." Nodded the guard smiling, "Her Majesty is waiting, let us board."
-----
Following a brief, ten minute ride in the stagecoach, Spike and Rarity rode into the front courtyard of Luna's castle, the most regal and enchanting palace in all of Equestria. They halted and stepped from the coach to be greeted by the Princess herself who stood waiting for them outside the front door, "Good morning."
As Rarity bowed down once again, Spike kissed her hoof, "We can't thank you enough for such a generous offer, Princess."
Following a giggle, Luna pulled her hoof away, "No need to show humiliation my friends, you are my guests, and I want you two to feel at home here. Come along, I'll show you to your quarters."
They followed the Princess all through the palace until they came across a pair of decorated double doors. Approaching the room, they could see the high set of double doors were made of mahogany and gold designs painted in. The Princess pointed her hoof, "Well, here it is. Your honeymoon suite I have prepared as a personal gift. I hope you two will have a gallant time."
Spike smiled at her thankfully as he held his claws on the knobs of the door. Then with a deep breath he pushed the doors open and he and Rarity nearly dropped from the elegance of the room. A royal red room with a king-sized bed, two massive stain glass windows, indoor spa, crystal chandeliers and a buffet table. Then exiting from a walk-in closet was another pony wearing a suit, "Who's that?" Spike questioned.
"Ah." Luna replied, "Renard here will be your own personal bellhop and chauffeur to take you around where ever you need to go."
Rarity was astonished and jumped on to the bed, "Oh This room is simply devine! Thank you ever so much your highness."
"Your plenty welcome." Luna smiled happily.
The Princess called on one of her guards and got him to retrieve a small coin purse from his saddlebag and tossed it over to the dragon, "I almost forgot. Here is 1,000 bits. Spend them the way you want."
"Oh Your Majesty, this is just too much." Rarity declared.
Spike was as shocked as anypony to hear her say that but played along, "She's right, Princess Luna. You didn't have to go through all this trouble just for us."
Luna laughed as she held the door open, "I always believed that everypony should have it all on their wedding day. Even if it means going to as much trouble as this. Now come along, it's time for brunch and I have had my servants prepare a quite delectable meal.
-----
A couple hours, after they left the castle, Rarity and Spike trotted back downtown to venture into the new Majestic's Jewels shop that had opened that afternoon. As expected, there was an abundance of ponies inside admiring the low prices of such valuable jewelry. The two walked through each tiny isle, scanning over the rings, necklaces, studs, earrings, chains, etc. Then suddenly they walked by the counter and met with a familiar face, "Mr. Silver!" Rarity beamed gladly.
Sterling took a moment to remember her, "Excuse me?...Hey I know you. Your the mare from Ponyville that ordered a wedding dress. Rarity, right?"
The Unicorn nodded gleefully as she presented Spike, "Speaking of weddings, this is my husband-to-be. Spike, this is Mr. Sterling Silver. He's the one who helped me pick out my dress."
"So I've heard." The dragon replied as they shook, "Nice to meet you."
"It's a pleasure, Mr. Spike. So what do you two think of the new place? We certainly improved from New Buck City." He chuckled.
Rarity's face enlightened, "I absolutely adore the idea. It definitely makes it more convenient for a pony like me. Which reminds me. As I was going through the beautiful gems you have on display, I couldn't help notice the small costs on all of them. How can a store like this exist with such low prices?"
"Well." He laughed, "That's a company secret. But we manage, that's what matters."
Then suddenly, the shining-grey stallion's face went straight as he put his hoof to his ear then turned as he muttered something under his breath. Rarity was perplexed, "Mr. Silver? Are you alright?"
Sterling turned back with a smile, "It's nothing, just a little headache, comes and goes. I've been stressing out over all this hectic travelling...Uh If you two can excuse me, I need to go my office, I have to take my pills. I do hope to see you two again sometime."
He kissed Rarity's hoof and shook with Spike once more, "It's been great meeting you. Have a great wedding."
Rarity smiled kindly, "Thank you again for assisting me with my dress. I'd probably still be out in that forsaken city if it weren't for you. Come along darling, we have a train to catch."
"Sure thing." Said the dragon as they headed for the glass door, "Nice meeting you, Sterling Silver."
"Back at ya!" he shouted as he rubbed his temple in slight discomfort.
"Are you still there?"
Sterling made sure the two were away from the shop then pulled his hoof away and fiddled with a device that appeared to be placed in his ear, "Yes, yes, what?" He replied, annoyed.
"Who was that you were talking to?"
"Surprisingly it was Miss Rarity again. This time she brought her soon-to-be husband." The steed laughed.
The mysterious voice pondered, "How intreguing."
Silver was curious, "Tell me something, boss. Why are you so hooked on this customer?"
There was pause following the question, then a sigh from the anonymous being, "Let's just say it's personal."
"I see." Silver nodded, "One more thing, I won't be able to make the trip to Lochrest. I need to keep an eye on the new shop. I hope this won't interfere with the first phase of operation Shockwave."
Suddenly the pony cringed as there was a high-pitch noise on the other side. The voice then shouted, "Do not discuss the plans among the public! I'll contact you again later on tonight. If it weren't for that damn Cold Cache, we wouldn't have to go through all this...But we dealt with him good. Good-bye."
"Alright then." Sterling answered, "Good day."
-----
Later that evening, Twilight Sparkle and Applejack were finishing the last bits of the wedding decor just as the sun was going down. Twi never wanted so much sleep all her life until now, and after spending an entire day with a sour Apple, it didn't make it easy. But as the Unicorn double-checked her list, she noticed AJ didn't seem agitated and angry anymore, she looked depressed and it burned a hole in her friend's heart not being able to know what was going on. She tried not to be nosy but all day it picked at her bit by bit and it she couldn't stand it anymore. Twilight slammed down her clipboard and abruptly grabbed Applejack by the shoulders, "Now listen to me! You've been mad at something all day and as your friend, I'd like to know what's happening with you so I can help!"
Applejack said nothing, only stared at her. Then Twilight began to feel guilty as she noticed the tears collect in the rancher's eyes. Immediately she apologized, "Applejack...I'm sorry, I'm just worried and..."
The depressed pony pushed Sparkle away and ran off with the pitiful cries following. Twilight's ears buckled back as she dumbfoundly smacked her hoof on her forehead, "Why did I do that?"
Finally, she decided to leave well enough alone with the issue and never bring it up again, to prevent anymore heartaches like the one that had just occured. She retrieved her clipboard and proceeded to walk home.
When she arrived, however, she was relieved to find that Spike had made it home. Although was surprised when she noticed Rarity there cleaning the library, "Rarity, what are you doing?"
"Oh Twilight!" she laughed, panting, "You startled me. Spiky was so tired when we got back that I decided to let him nap while I took on his chores for him."
Twilight giggled warmly, "Well I'll take it from here Rarity, thanks. How was Canterlot? I heard the Princess is going to let you two stay at the palace during your guys' honeymoon."
"Oh It was marvelous!" she hopped brightly, "And you'll never guess what shop JUST opened up there."
"Really? What is it?" She asked.
Rarity paused for a moment then answered with excitement, "Majestic's Jewels! That wonderful shop where I ordered my dress. They just opened! I absolutely cannot wait until we go up there again. So many good deals on gems. I simply MUST go there on the honeymoon. But enough about my day, how was yours?"
With subtle groan, Twilight threw her checklist on to her desk and sat down angry with herself, "It was going pretty well until a few minutes ago."
"Oh?" The white mare reacted with concern in her voice, "What happened?"
"Well me and Applejack were finishing up some work down at the Town Sqaure. Then I became a little concerned because for the entire day, AJ had been depressed about something so I decided to confront out of the good of my heart. But I think I over did it when I asked her what was wrong when I already bothered her about it. So she ran off on me, crying. Now I feel like a total jerk." Twilight frowned with her head resting on her hoof.
"Oh My goodness." Rarity replied with worry, "I must go speak with her."
Sparkle shook her head, "Rarity, I think it's best if we let her figure this out on her own."
Ignoring her request, the elegant Unicorn grabbed her things and headed for the door, "I'm sorry, Twilight. But I must find out what's troubling her. I know a girl trouble when I hear of one."
-----
Later at the Macintosh Plains, Applejack was getting ready to rest up for the night when she heard a knock at her door. The energetic Applebloom rushed to the door, "I'll get it!"
The little filly opened the top part of the barn door to find out it was Rarity, "Hiya Rarity. What can I do ya for?"
She smiled kindly, "Hello Applebloom, is your sister around?"
"You bet! C'mon in." Applebloom insisted.
As Rarity trotted in through, AJ appeared from a corridor and was surprised to see her, "Oh Uh Howdy, Rarity. What're ya'll doin here this late at night?"
"Good evening Applejack." She acknowledged, "I'm not going to waste time with small talk so I'll cut straight to the chase. Twilight told me you were having some concerns this afternoon. Now I was suggesting we could sit down and..."
"There's nothin to talk about." AJ interupted, "Applebloom go up to bed."
"Uh Sure thing." She answered.
After the little one was out of sight, Applejack held the door open for Rarity, "I'm mighty sorry ya had trot all the way down here but I'm fine."
Rarity shook her head and tried to explain, "Oh Please, Applejack there has to be something wrong. I know your not exactly a dramatic type so I can understand why you don't want to talk but believe me, it's the best way to get something off of your chest."
"Rarity...I jus can't." AJ responded as she could feel her eyes begin to water once more.
"I insist darling. I know it's hard but you have to do it or else you'll feel miserable for as long as you have this problem."
Knowing she wasn't going to give up, Applejack sighed and shut the door. Then she lead Rarity into the family room, "If ya really want to know...Then sit down."
"Of course. Take your time." Rarity suggested with a caring grin.
Applejack removed her hat, then sat down beside her, "I don't know exactly how to say this but, when I see you and Spike or Fluttershy and Navy Blue, it makes me jealous. I guess you can already tell what my problem is, sayin that..."
"Your having stallion troubles, correct?" Rarity questioned still with a sentimental smile.
"Well look at me." Said Applejack as she flailed her front hooves apart, "I'm lil ol country girl who's never had much of a life outside the farm...To tell ya the truth...I've never dated a stallion."
The Unicorn's eyes went wide and she became curious, "Never?"
AJ shook her head frowning, "Nope...Not one. That's why I'm gettin so darn emotional lately."
Her voice was beginning to shake and Rarity tried to calm her friend's nerves, "Applejack, darling there's nothing to fret about. Your a very desirable young adult with a distinctive personality. I mean you got all the time in the world. Don't you worry about it. Someday I'm sure that the right pony will come along. Take me for example, I was about to give up on love for good when Spike came along and swept me off my hooves. Now, our wedding is on Sunday and I couldn't happier. Keep the faith, Applejack. In time, your special somepony will be there at your side. Ready to take on anything."
Applejack was touched by her friend's caring words and embraced her, "Yer a mighty good friend, Rarity. I sure hope your right."
Rarity hugged her back and laughed, "I know I'm right. Now go and get some rest, the wedding is only days away and there's still a lot to be done."
AJ laughed back and stood up, "Yer right. Tomorrow's Tuesday so that gives us five days to get everything done. Tomorrow I'll get to work on all the catoring that needs to be done."
"Perfect." She answered happily. Rarity skipped to the door to leave when she thought about something, then turned back around to tell her one more thing, "Oh Applejack. I've just made a decision."
"Hmm? What's that?" The country mare asked as she began to climb the stairs.
"I want you to be my best mare." Rarity told her, "What do you say?"
Applejack said nothing at first. But then she trotted back down the stairs and put her hoof on her friend's shoulder with a proud grin, "Rarity...I'd be honored. Thank you."
Rarity smiled back, "Your quite welcome my friend. Good night."
They separated and stood on opposing sides of the door, "Good night, Rarity." Applejack concluded as they went their separate ways that evening.
[...To be continued]