A blanket of warmth washes over as Princess Celestia’s sun shines in through the library’s window, and I start to stir in my sleep. I let out a delicate yawn, blinking my eyes open, and stretching out my forelegs. I turn to see that Sweetie Belle is gone, and I look around to see that the other two fillies are gone too.
Hmm… they must have already gone to school. I let out another light yawn, and I watch as the girls start to wake up. I turn my head to look at Connor, who is sleeping peacefully, curled up close to my side, and I can’t help but to melt on the inside, with a warm smile etched upon my face.
“Good morning Rarity, did Connor sleep good last night?” Twilight asks me in a whisper, so not to wake the sleeping child.
I turn to her, letting out a heavy sigh, and reply in a whisper of my own. “Well… yes and no.” I look to see each of the girls give me a look of confusion. “Last night, while I was sleeping, I heard the sound of some pony weeping. After I listened to it for a little bit longer, I could tell that it was Connor’s.” I turn to him, giving a frown, and I carefully lift a hoof to stroke gently at his side.
“Oh…oh my, what was wrong with him Rarity…um… if it’s okay for me to ask?” Fluttershy asked with her eyes filling up with tears.
I continue to stroke along Connor’s small form as he lay sleeping. “I followed the sound of his crying, and it came from outside. So I carefully opened the door, and I watched him as he looked up at Princess Luna’s moon.” I let out a heavy sigh “My heart broke at the sight of him, because he was hugging his legs up to his chest, and shaking with sobs.”
I look to see the others with concerned looks on their face as they watch him sleeping.
“Sugarcube, did the little feller tell ya what was bothering him?” Applejack gave me a serious look, mixed with worry.
I nod sadly at her “Yes Applejack darling.” I feel tears threaten to escape as I recall that dreadful question he asked of me. “Girls, he asked me if I thought he was ugly.”
“WHAT?!” They gasp, but thankfully Connor remains sleeping.
“Why would the cute little cupcake think he is ugly for?” Pinkie asks as her usually puffy mane and tail slowly deflates.
I look over at her with a sad smile. “He told me that this ‘Sir’ called him ugly. He also told Connor that is why his mother and father gave him away.” I allow a tear to roll down my cheek, striking the wooden floor, and I turn to look at the small child.
“What kind of jerk would say that to a little colt?” Rainbow Dash hovers in the air, pounding her fore hooves together.
I look up at her “I don’t know Rainbow darling, but I comforted him by pulling him to me, and giving him a long, warm, and comforting hug.” I turn to look at Connor, and smile warmly as I give him a light kiss on the top of his head.
“Twilight,” we hear Spike say as he comes waddling down the steps. He pants heavily as he walks over to her, carrying a scroll.
“Oh, thank you Spike. Let’s see if Princess Celestia can tell us what to do about Connor.” Twilight uses her magic to levitate the scroll from Spike’s claw, removes the seal, and unrolls it.
We look at her and carefully listen as she begins to read the letter.
Dear Twilight Sparkle,
After reading about the discovery of a young human child by your friend and fellow element, the Element of Generosity, Rarity, Luna and myself would be more than delighted to meet the little one. In case you have forgotten my faithful student, tonight is the Annual Grand Galloping Gala, and I believe it will be a good occasion to meet this child. We are truly sorry for the little one for being an orphan, and we hope we can make him feel welcomed here in Equestria.
I am sending you eight tickets. We will be waiting for your arrival tonight.
Your mentor and friend,
Princess Celestia
“Oh, the Grand Galloping Gala is tonight?! I got to get home so I can start making the little darling a nice suit to wear.” I look over to see Connor still sleeping, and not having the heart to wake him up, I carefully levitate him onto my back as I slowly stand up.
“Do you want to have breakfast with us Rarity before you leave?” Twilight asks with a soft smile.
I look at her and the others “Thank you Twilight, but I will fix us something for breakfast when we get back home.” I give them a warm smile. “I will meet you girls here tonight, and we shall leave for Canterlot Castle.” I wave a hoof at them, as they wave in turn, and I turn to trot out of the library on the way home.
How could I have forgotten such a marvelous occasion such as the Grand Galloping Gala? Well, that is simple, you allowed yourself to be drawn in by the small child, and totally forgot about the biggest night of your life. The night where you can meet the richest of ponies who will be willing to buy your designs.
Well, yea that is true, but how can you say such a thing about Connor like that?! I was not drawn into caring for him, he needs some pony to take care of him, even if it has to be me, then so be it!
That is a good attitude to have for watching after the child Rarity, but think about all the stares, whispers, and gossip you will hear tonight. Those high in society are going to think of you as nothing but a charity case, allowing the simplest of creatures into your home.
Oh be quiet! I will handle all of that when or if it ever happens. For now though, I got a suit to make for the sweet little darling, and you are not going to prevent me from doing so. So just leave me alone!
As I approach the boutique, I turn around to look at Connor curled up on my back, hidden under my mane, and I smile warmly.
Oh dear, what am I going to do?
Rarity should just Pile drive the voice in her head, and get it over with
rarity needs to punch that other voice in the face
i love it
3082582 Oh, that voice isn't through yet, I promise.
3082586 Yes she does.
3082589 Thank you always.
3082603>>3082586 PILE DRIVE
I hope things will go well at the Gala.
3082655 We will see.
Ah Rarity the only reason you ought to care about what high society says is if they say something of plans to do something foul to correct any "deviance" they see on your part, and then make your own plans in turn. You may have to worry for your business but one should know there are more customers among the 99% rather than the 1% if you lose business among that 1% simply evolve and adapt.
A wise fictional man once said, "power resides where people thinks it resides" the nobility and high society of Canterlot think they have power and act accordingly trying to in their minds enhance that power. But that power is a cruel illusion that I suspect Celestia set up on purpose for them. Have we seen any of the Canterlot upper class actually administer anything outside of Canterlot? No, in fact we have what is most likely an elected official running Ponyville and Appleoosa didn't call in to Canterlot for support during the Buffalo crisis. They may sit in Celestia's court but they hold no real power over the land. The princesses undoubtedly could rule as they pleased with their control over the celestial bodies but they don't exercise it beyond having their little ponies loyalty. Her court and advisors hold no real sway for rarely do they make nay actual rulings on the land. Yet the illusion that they do keeps them satisfied.
So Rarity care not about the opinions of these snobs (excluding actual threats that you ought to prepare for) for their might is a mere illusion.
Why do I get the feeling that at the Gala Connor's gonna run into a certain royal pain?
3082881 And who might that be?
3082867 Indeed. She shouldn't think about what the high regal ponies will think of Connor.
3083034 Oh, you haven't heard the worst part of "Sir"
3082498 I. Fucking. Hate. HIGH SCHOOL!
*surrounded by wolves* my friends we must find this ''sir'' if you find him rip off his knee caps and report back i wanna kill this jerk for doing such a thing to connor
3082881 WAIT you don't mean blueballs?
Well it seems Celestia and Luna are fine with Connor but I have to wonder, the Grand Galloping Gala is a BIG public affair. The moment the letter said she wanted him to attend, all the little red lights and blaring claxtons (sorry I'm a big Star Trek fan) went off.
From the way she wrote it, she sounds genuine but paranoia has served me well in the past. Paranoid ramblings aside, a young traumatized child and a large gathering don't exactly mix. They generally tend to avoid gatherings and while he did well with Rarity's friends in close setting, this might be a bit too much. Not to mention Canterlot ponies tend to be more the snobbish types.
By the gods of Dew! Could "Sir" be in attendance of the Gala? Or is "Sir" another human instead of a pony? Oh so many questions but ultimately I want a face for the hatred I have for this "Sir."
Well done, you're keeping me hooked.
3084635 Do you know any other spoiled, selfish, self centered, arrogant, snobbish, rude unicorn that poor Celestia has to put with
3084162 oh, lol... I must have published this chapter while you were in school, didn't I?
3084624 Now that is a gathering for a battle.
3084666 Oh, the GGG is going to be interesting, I promise. However, Rarity and the others will be there for Connor.
3084702 yeah i do and i wanna throw him to my friends where they would feast on his bones
wow jesus can't the voice in her head see that the boy needs love and it's telling her basically to get rid of him. man i hope rarity slaps the heck out of the voice for this
Is it just me, or is Rarity starting to loose it?
3085193 Oh, I promise, Rarity is too strong to be overwhelmed by that inner voice.
3085578 Indeed, losing control of her feelings of either to take Connor in, or find another alternative for him to be loved and cared for.
Rarity well have to take Connor I mean the poor lad need love n' care.
3086968 Yes he does, and Rarity cares for him already, but the real question, will she take him in for good?
why do i think that inner voice is something evil or trollish?
3089363 Hehe.. let's say it is a trollish type of inner voice.
Huh, their second trip to the gala is quite a bit of short notice.
What about the girls' dresses? Don't tell me they're gonna go there without any SPAAARRRKLLIIINGGG outfits....
Raritys' Consensus, really? Stop being an asshole, okay?
Oh sweet merry mother of Joseph...
F u sir and*sniffs*they, they like my moon*breaks down*(I'm princess Luna)
Best. Pony. Ever.