Part 22
“Wait! You can’t-”
“Stop! By order of-”
“You are not allowed to enter!”
The Perfect Date Part 3
Putting on dresses always a felt somewhat like a chore, it was always frustrating, always felt wrong. Snails was a colt after all. A big, strong colt. Not some dainty filly who liked frills and dolls and-
Turning slowly, Escargot blinked. There was something about this, though. It was simple, plain in comparison to Rarity’s other work- just a single piece of fabric, that danced in the light. It was a subtle shade of teal, with a faint silver sheen that wrapped around the neck and flowed down her back. There, at the croup, it split. It was split up the length of the hind leg to reveal the cutie mark, bracketed by an elegant lace.
Moving to face the mirror, Escargot looked at the front of the dress. In contrast to the light blue of the rest of the dress, a red heart flowed from the shoulders and down the chest, with the slender point of the heart accenting Escargot’s long front legs.
On any other pony, this dress would be boring, lackluster. On Escargot, however, the simplicity of the colors made the dress…
“Perfect.” Escargot breathed. It was strange- having one’s breath taken away by something as simple as a dress. Blushing, Escargot looked up at Rarity. “It’s perfect.”
“No darling, the dress itself is plain. Without you wearing it, it wouldn’t be of interest.” Rarity smiled, “As such, the dress won’t be the most beautiful dress there.” Winking at Escargot, she tossed her head. “It is not my fault if Diamond Tiara can not wear her dress as well as you do yours.”
Escargot walked in a circle in front of the mirror, holding his head high, letting the dress move with him to see how it would look. It was surprising- Rarity had created a work of art that flowed with his every motion.
Rarity smiled and sung softly as she watched Escargot, “My favorite moment's when a pony sees it, that special gown that she just adores.”
Escargot perked his ears, smiled, and sat down. “Thank you.”
“Now, let’s get you downstairs. Everypony is waiting.” Rarity said, and held the bathroom door open.
Turning, Escargot walked down the hall and stopped at the top of the stairs. A hush fell over the party as everypony, one by one, beheld 'her'. Soft ooh’s and awws could be heard from several of the adults.
Slowly, step by step, Escargot walked down the stairs, face red with a blush, the dress moving smoothly with each elegant stride. ‘This should be some filly’s lucky moment not mine. Not Escargot’s’.
Diamond Tiara stuck her nose up and snapped at nopony in particular, “Her dress definitely isn’t as nice as mine! What’s every pony looking at?”
Celestia smiled and walked forward, “Well now, this is a pleasant surprise. How you’ve grown in such a short time, from that embarrassed little filly that lacked confidence on stage, to the terrified little one that burst into my room, and now a proud young pony.”
Gulping, Escargot bowed deep to the princess. “Sorry ma’am.”
“Oh, nothing to be sorry about. I still would like to see you at the school.” Celestia started, then paused as Luna cleared her throat. “But I am aware that the school itself may not be the best place for all foals.”
Laughing, Luna put a wing over the little filly. “Do not worry. Today is a party, enjoy yourself.”
“Twilight.” Celestia called out, looking across the room.
Twilight blushed and ran to Celestia as fast as she could. “Yes Princess?”
“How have Escargot’s studies been going? I’m sure you have a wonderful lesson plan set out for her.” Celestia asked, giving Twilight a gentle nuzzle. “I’m sure you are giving her all the support I gave you.”
“Oh I will, I mean I am, I mean I won’t fail you princess!” Twilight stammered and stood proud. “I’ll do my royal duty!”
Escargot couldn’t help but giggle- it was rare to see that even a princess like Twilight could get flustered. Something about that helped. If Twilight could be unsure of herself, then why couldn’t he?
Looking up, Escargot smiled, “Twilight’s a wonderful teacher. I’m learning so much from her.”
“That’s right.” Twilight said, smiling, “And now that we know she’s got a magical cutie mark, we can double her training. Maybe even run full school days!”
‘Me and my big mouth.’ Escargot thought. ‘Now I have to go to school as Snails and Escargot at the same time….’
Drooping a little Escargot sighed.
“Remember Princess, there is such a thing as too much studying for young ones. If she is at school all the time, how will she make friends?” Luna said sagely.
“Wait! You can’t-”
“Stop! By order of-”
The voices of the royal guards started rising over the conversations and party, causing all heads to turn to look at the door.
“You are not allowed to enter!”
A moment later the doors flung open and Kunibert strode into the room, heedless of the guards, standing arrogantly in his royal military uniform. He spread his wings wide, medals gleaming in the light. “I, Kunibert Of the Golden Wing, Lord of the High Peaks, Keeper of the Memory of the Sacred Flame, Ambassador of Griffinstone.” Pausing for dramatic effect, Kunibert looked across the stunned guests. “Have arrived!”
“Oh, goody.” Escargot sighed, “And here I thought this would be a total disaster.”
“Oh, Escargot, my sweet, it has been too long since I have beheld your magnificent mane. And now that you have your cutie mark, you are eligible to be married. I wish to claim you!” Kunibert said, head high.
Gisa blinked, sitting up from the punch bowl and tilting her head. “Well, better you than me.”
“Oh, do not worry young Gisa- you may be young, but you will soon grow into a beautiful griffiness, then I shall take you to be my mistress- or second bride, if you so desire.” Kunibert spoke as if he were offering her gold and pearls.
“Argh!" Gisa said looking up at the ceiling, then looked at Kunibert sternly, “Wait, since when are griffins allowed to have more then one mate?”
“Laws can change, and be changed, especially with love involved. Is that not right, Cadence? You are the Princess of love afterall.” Kunibert said, offering Cadence a golden sceptre with a heart on the end.
“Yes, I mean no, I mean- Laws don’t-” Cadences started, before Kunibert cut her off. She narrowed her eyes at the griffin.
“See, even the princess of love supports it, so it must be true!” Kunibert said. “Our true love cannot be denied, it runs deeper than the deepest ocean, surges higher than the tallest peaks! It shall endure longer than Equestria itself!”
Gisa made a sound remarkably similar to coughing up a hairball as Kunibert went on.
“Oh! More guests!” Pinkie said exuberantly, and zipped up to the griffin, holding out a cupcake. “Here, we can turn the party into a Mark Engagement Saving Social Extravaganza Diplomatic Unprecedented Party!”
Taking the cupcake, the griffin took a large bite. Almost instantly, his pupils expanded to the size of saucers, his feathers wilting and his tail hitting the ground.
“It’s my Super Sweet Ghost Chili Surprise cupcakes, with peppermint and pimento frosting!” Pinkie said, then leaned in, whispering, “The surprise is the ghost chilis.”
Roaring out in agony, the griffin fanned his mouth from the extreme heat, desperately seeking respite from the pain.
Leaning backwards to avoid the sudden flames, Pinkie smiled and held up marshmallows on a stick. “S’mores, anypony?”
Charging past Gisa, he made a dive for the punch and started guzzling it as fast as he could.
Gisa blinked and looked at Escargot, “And that would be the unsweetened lemon and lime juice. I was wondering why Pinkie had that set out.”
Coughing and sputtering, eyes streaming, the griffin backed away from the super sour juice, only to be met by Pinkie Pie. “Oh, poor thing, you look partied out already! Let’s bring you outside so you can lie down and get some fresh air.”
Luna placed a wing over Escargot protectively and muttered to her. “Honestly, I wouldn’t want to be on her bad side.”
Looking up, Escargot blinked. “Me neither.”
“Come on, everypony! Let's party!” Pinkie said as she ushered the griffin out to the waiting guards.