Shades of Grey

by Metaphor

Chapter 1

The days just kept getting better and better; Rarity still couldn’t believe the cards that Lady Luck had dealt her. What had started as a chance encounter with Fancy Pants in the streets of Canterlot had grown into a second life for her. Despite the shocking revelation she had divulged at the Canterlot Garden Party the year before her life of high society had continued without issue. Of course she put this down to Fancy Pants acceptance, had he not interjected when he had the history of the last year would have been much different.

The other members of the Canterlot elite had taken a little longer to come around to the idea that she was a common pony by birth but Rarity had been able to win them over once again without too much work. Her style, elegance and charms had certainly done much to convince them that she was indeed a pony to be respected but she couldn’t help but wonder if Fancy Pants was still pulling some strings behind the scenes.

She could remember spending time with him during the Canterlot wedding following the defeat of Chrysalis and she looked back at that time with fond memories. She often found herself musing on the fact that he was already taken. Rarity did feel a little jealous of Fleur but she knew her own white knight would find her soon although she was beginning to think that so long as it wasn’t Blueblood she would settle for anything. She shook her head, that wasn’t how she should be thinking. She was a high society mare and deserved the best she could get.

“Have faith Rarity, your prince will come one day,” she said to herself with a tone full of confidence, “Besides, good things come to those who wait.”

She looked briefly at the clock, nearly seven o clock. She had been invited to the Royal Canterlot Hall that evening by one of Fancy Pants’ many companions. Despite visiting as often as she could she still had a little trouble remembering all the new names, what was it now? Corsage? Yes that was it!

“Isn’t it just marvelous Opal?” she mused to herself as she pranced back and forth across her room in Canterlot Castle, “It’s so much like a dream come true that…oh it’s just splendid!”

Opal didn’t appear to be interested, the feline companion happily asleep on the large four poster bed that dominated the centre of the room. Rarity smiled to herself as she continued with her preparations. Once again she had been able to secure her usual suite at the castle. With all the frequent visits she was making to Canterlot Princess Celestia had decided to have a key made for her so she could access the room whenever she needed. It had been quite an honour; to be able to put down a permanent address at the castle when she delivered new shipments of dresses always got an awestruck response.

She looked at the clock once again, the hands just arriving at seven o clock. The show started at eight but she did have a short journey from the castle to the hall to take into account so she would have to leave shortly. She paused for a moment, admiring herself in the full length mirror that stood against one of the walls. She couldn’t help but giggle slightly at her reflection. She looked stunning! She was adorned in a long flowing purple dress that matched in with her mane colour perfectly. Every seam and hem had been studded with miniscule gems that twinkled in the light as she moved. On her head sat a small golden tiara that aided to hold her neatly styled mane in place. It was a new style she was trying out in preparation for that year’s Grand Galloping Gala and so far she was pleased with the results. Despite her unfortunate encounter with Blueblood Rarity still wished to attend the Gala again. Only this time she hoped it would be with her white knight rather than in an attempt to find him.

She smiled and cast a final look at herself in the mirror. She was ready! With a nod to herself she elegantly swung from the room and began her descent towards the ground below. On her way several of the Canterlot Castle guards nodded in her direction. They were quite accustom to her comings and goings by now and she always returned their nod with a beaming smile and a small wave. Tonight was no exception and she greeted them as she passed by. Before long though she was making her way down the gradually darkening streets of the capital.

Canterlot was always quiet at night, the hustle and bustle of the day giving way to quiet nightly performances and romantic strolls. A few ponies made their way here and there, most of them not even noticing the dressed up unicorn as she quietly trotted along. Above her the gradually darkening sky was starting to fill with all manner of stars. For a moment Rarity stopped to admire it, she had to admit that ever since Princess Luna had returned the night skies had always been that much more elegant and dazzling.

“Miss Rarity,” came a noticeable yet well maintained call.

Rarity looked back at the street to find a lilac coloured earth pony trotting towards her. Her iris coloured mane was neatly pinned up behind her head which was adorned with the most amazing purple hat Rarity had seen in a while. Perhaps it was the pink feather that stuck out from it that set it apart from other hats; but all this said Rarity still believed her own designs were better.

“So glad to see you,” continued the pony as she elegantly straightened a crease in the white blouse that she was wearing, “Tonight performance is going to be simply brilliant.”

“Why yes of course it is my dear Corsage,” replied Rarity with a small wave of her front hoof, “I have heard many good things about this performance although I’ve never had the chance to attend before.”

“Oh you are in for a treat, now do come along or we’ll miss the opening.”

Rarity fell into step alongside Corsage as the two ponies made their way down the street to the concert hall. She had to admit a few of the ponies she had met did seem to be a little full of themselves but Corsage appeared a little more tempered; well for a Canterlot pony that was. It seemed she was well known at the hall though, various staff ponies giving Corsage a short bow as she passed by. She led Rarity towards the back of the reception area and up several flights of stairs, climbing high into the structure of the concert hall.

As the pair emerged into the light Rarity found herself standing in one of the boxes that encircled the main concert stage. Rarity should have expected this, no pony with connections like Corsage would have been seen mixing with other ponies. Rarity couldn’t help but feel a little superior for a moment, the high flying lifestyle starting to affect every ounce of her being.

“Isn’t it just a marvelous view?” asked Corsage, “This box only ever gets used when I visit.”

“Quite impressive,” replied Rarity as she stared down at the stage below.

Corsage seemed to smile a little, obviously happy with the comment. After a moment of intrigue in which Rarity cast her vision across the assembling crowd below she turned to her side and levitated a program into view. It had been given to her just before she had ascended the stairs to the box and, although she had checked out the line-up for tonight’s performance, she felt duty bound to give it a cursory glance over.

For the most part everything looked in order. The main event of the night was a performance by Lyrica Lilac, Canterlot’s finest opera singer, and the program made a point of advertising this at every possible opportunity. Of course there were a few supporting acts scheduled for the evening but one in particular caught her attention.

“A Melody of Octaves?” she questioned aloud as she scanned the program, “I don’t recall that on the previous versions.”

“What was that?” asked Corsage as she glanced over at Rarity.

The unicorn moved the programme so Corsage could see it and almost immediately the earth pony scrunched her nose.

“Oh no! Not her!” she announced with a hint of disgust, “Honestly! They are still trying to prop up that disgrace of a pony?”

Rarity was a little confused and gave a small frown. She was about to question Corsage’s reaction but the lights in the hall suddenly dropped indicating that the show was about to start. She slowly lowered the program and let her magic fade as she turned her attention to the show. For a time the show progressed but Rarity only half noticed what was going on. She clapped with the crowd and listened to the ever changing flow of music drifting up from the stage but her mind still lingered on the addition to the programme.

As one of the performances finished she heard Corsage sigh, “Well she’s next…I simply can’t understand why the theatre still puts up with her. It’s just a bad reminder for us who would rather forget all about it.”

Rarity was still puzzled but now she was also intrigued, what could possibly be so bad? She looked back at the stage and waited. As the curtain rose once more a single pony stood on the stage. She was an earth pony, her grey coat expertly combed and shining in the lights of the stage. Her well-kept mane and tail had the opposite effect, the deeper shade of grey drawing in light that caused her highlights to stand out. Around her neck was a small white collar, a well-shaped pink bowtie set neatly in the middle. She stood on her hind legs, her weight supported on her front hoofs by holding the neck of the large instrument she was about to play, a cello.

She still hadn’t opened her eyes and as she raised her bow to play they remained that way. One of her hooves moved to the neck of the instrument whilst her other slowly swung her bow round to meet the strings. There was a pause, a moment of silence, and then the notes began to fill the theatre.

Rarity was momentarily taken aback, the sound was unlike anything she had ever heard. It was soft and gentle yet held emotions she couldn’t place and a strength that made her shiver to her core. What’s more she recognised the pony, it was the same one who had been playing at the Grand Galloping Gala over a year ago. She had never got the chance to meet her but it was hard to mistake her due to the instrument she played.

Rarity could have listened to the music all night but it was over far too quickly. As the music finally came to a close there was another silence, an almost pregnant pause. Until now all the performers had received their applause immediately but now the audience seemed hesitant to react. Finally a series of clops began to wash their way across the crowd. They were unenthusiastic and quiet, nothing like what had come before. Rarity felt a little shocked, what was going on?

Without a second thought she leaned up against the edge of the box and began to clap herself, as loudly and enthusiastically as she had done for all the acts previously. Her actions appeared to spur on a few others in the crowd and the noise of clapping increased slightly. As it did the earth pony finally opened her eyes, her purple iris’ skimming the shadowy form of the crowd before her. In that instant Rarity was hit by a surge of sadness. Despite the neutral expression on the earth pony’s face Rarity could see the waves of despair that were washing over her.

And then, as quickly as she had appeared, she was gone as the curtain dropped once more. Rarity leaned back as she let her clapping peter out. She could hear Corsage express her distaste as a loud groan of annoyance.

“Oh thank goodness that’s over with,” she commented, “Waste of time if you ask me. But enough of that, it’s time for the main event! Did I mention I know Lyrica personally? Perhaps I did, I should introduce her to you after the show.”

“Uh yes, perhaps,” replied Rarity as she cast her eyes back to the stage, her mind still lingering on the earth pony who had come before.

The evening continued without any further issues. Lyrica sang well, Rarity having to admit that she was indeed highly talented. Several encores were sung but the grey earth pony was not seen again. As the pair finally left the private box the night was well established. The moon was high in the sky and the time was well after midnight. Corsage couldn’t stop talking.

“…And well you know how it can be sometimes,” she finished giving a short giggle of amusement at her own story, “But oh I almost forgot, I was going to introduce you to Lyrica wasn’t I. Come this way.”

Corsage quickly set off towards one side of the theatre without waiting for Rarity to respond. Part of Rarity’s mind was still thinking about the earth pony but the rest was now totally focused on high society once again. It was, after all, why she was here and she had to make the best impression she could at all times.

“Sounds marvelous,” she replied as she fell into step beside Corsage, “I must say her performance was certainly spectacular.”

“She will be ever so pleased to hear that,” replied Corsage as she shot a beaming smile at Rarity.

Together the pair approached a door. On it a sigh read ‘Private – Staff Only’ and a bullish looking security pony stood next to it. As the pair arrived Corsage gave him a small smile and flashed a small ID badge at him. He nodded and stepped aside, using one hoof to push the door open for them. Together they entered the next hallway. It wasn’t any different to any other corridor you might find but the number of doors that led off from it on either side was higher than usual. Rarity found herself glancing one way and another as they passed the doors, each one holding a name of a particular pony.

She was so engrossed in her viewing that she almost walked straight into Corsage as she stopped in the middle of the corridor. Looking round at the door they had stopped at the name ‘Lyrica Lilac’ was plain to see embossed in gold. Corsage rose a hoof and gave a firm but polite knock.

“Who is it?” came a voice.

“Corsage,” replied the Canterlot pony.

There was a brief pause and the door was flung open. Lyrica stood there, her usually styled mane hanging loose behind her and a towel draped across her back.

“Corsage! Sweetie, how have you been?” chimed the purple pony as she greeted Corsage with a hug, “Do forgive my appearance, I had just finished taking a shower, performances can be oh so tiring.”

“Fear not Lyrica, I know we didn’t exactly make an appointment, your appearance matters not.”

Lyrica now turned to look at Rarity, curiosity filling her face, “And who might this be?”

“This is my friend Rarity,” announced Corsage quickly before Rarity herself could speak, “She has been in town on business and I decided to treat her to the performance tonight.”

“It was certainly spectacular,” added Rarity quickly, eager to get at least a few words in between Corsage’s barrage.

Lyrica paused for a moment, examining Rarity closely, “Rarity you say, you do look familiar from somewh…oh my! Where you that pony who was at Fluttershy’s final performance.”

“Oh…ah, yes that was I,” replied Rarity, the unicorn feeling a small blush spread across her face at the mention of that event.

“Well imagine that,” smiled Lyrica, “Imagine meeting such a famous fashion designer, your ensembles are quite magnificent. I just recently placed an order for one of the crystal rose lines, oh how you work such wonders is simply amazing.”

Rarity could feel her ego swelling with every word. It was true that since Hoity Toity had decided to stock her dresses in his shop that her trade had been greatly magnified, at least in Canterlot. Whilst there were still only a few ponies who knew her by sight her name was well known across the fashion world of Canterlot and surrounding areas.

“Why thank you darling,” replied Rarity, trying to keep herself from looking too smug, “I’m sure you’ll be absolutely thrilled with your purchase…but if you do have concerns I’m sure our friend Corsage here will be able to get word to me. Can’t have my clients being disappointed now.”

“Well said, now do come in both of you. It will be so lovely to talk a while, I’ll have some tea brought in too.”

As Rarity and Corsage moved forwards into the room Lyrica shut the door behind them and quickly set about picking up a few loose items that were lying about the room. It was a small but lavish set up, space obviously being a premium in the old theatre. A large mirror and dressing table dominated one wall covered in a host of neatly arranged make ups, perfumes and creams. Rarity eyed some of them enviously as she recognised the top brand names amongst the cosmetics. A couch sat on another wall, big enough to relax on, next to which stood a small table and a couple of comfy looking chairs. A neat pile of suitcases were stacked against the third wall next to a modestly sized wardrobe complete with yet another set of mirrors. Away to the side a second door led into another room, Rarity assuming that it led to the bathroom. Even the décor itself has received special treatment, the exposed wood rails and beams in the room being varnished to a glimmering shine and the paint holding a slight twinkle to it.

“It’s not quite as grand as my own dressing room at home but it certainly covers my needs,” spoke up Lyrica as she noticed Rarity scrutinising the room, “They even go as far as to make sure I have clean towels after every performance, I must say they certainly provide for your ever need.”

“And rightly so Lyrica, you are famous after all,” cut in Corsage, her snooty attitude raising its head again, “I can’t imagine them giving you anything less than perfection.”

As the conversation continued between the two friends Rarity found her mind wandering. Yet again it was the same type of conversation she had heard a million times before. Occasionally a part of her became tired of the constant showboating and stuck up attitude but she was unaware of just how tired she had become of it until a few moments later.

A thundering crash sounded from outside the door, both Lyrica and Corsage stopping mid conversation to look at the door. Lyrica looked a little irritated.

“If that’s the porter again I’m going to have him fired!” she complained as she approached the door and swung it open, “Well speak of the devil, we were just talking about you. I don’t know how you managed to get back on stage but you can be assured that you won’t any longer. Why don’t you just go back to that hometown of yours and stay there, you’re not welcome in Canterlot anymore, no pony has even the slightest interest in you.”

During Lyrica’s rant Corsage had arrived at her side and was nodding in agreement with every word. Rarity had been trying to see just what was going on but the two earth ponies were effectively blocking her view. As Corsage moved slightly though Rarity saw her chance, pushing in between the two ponies.

On the other side of the door lay a rather stunned looking grey earth pony, the same one that had been on stage just before Lyrica. She was surrounded by numerous heavy looking cases including what looked to be a large instrument. It would appear that she had been trying to haul the stack of cases down the corridor all by herself but this would have been a tall order for even a stallion to manage on his own. Her eyes were beginning to water, Rarity easily seeing the fear and sadness spreading through the pony’s body.

As Lyrica and Corsage continued to bombard her with insults and cruel words though Rarity felt something inside her snap. This pony had performed amazingly that evening. It had without a doubt been the most moving act of the whole evening. Not to take away from Lyrica but the grey earth pony had done more in five minutes playing than Lyrica had done in an hour of singing.

She couldn’t allow this to continue, she wouldn’t allow it to continue.

“Goodness darling are you alright?” she asked loudly, cutting Lyrica off mid-sentence.

The grey earth pony blinked hard, an action mimicked by Lyrica and Corsage who proceeded to look at the unicorn with amazement.

“What?” asked Lyrica slowly, trying to work out if she’d just heard Rarity correctly.

“I was just asking if she was alright, a tumble like that can really damage a lady’s back if one isn’t careful. Here let me help you with those cases,” continued Rarity.

Effortlessly her horn gave a glow and the scattered cases lifted into the air and began stacking themselves back up in a neat pile beside her. Rarity admired the stack for a moment and then nodded to herself.

“Much better, now then my dear do get up, the floor is such an uncouth place for a lady to be,” she said quickly as she stepped forward to help pull the pony to her feet.

“I…um…” the earth pony tried to speak but she was seemingly as stunned as Rarity’s companions.

“Oh don’t worry about thanking me darling, any pony with a proper set of manners would do the same. Speaking of manners, allow me to help you with those cases, they will be such a struggle on your own.”

Without pausing she quickly turned to her companions, both of them still stuck in stunned silence.

“Well my dears it would seem I’ll have to cut this little get together short. Can’t have this poor mare here injuring herself trying to move these bags. Most pleasant to meet you Lyrica, your performance was lovely. And thank you Corsage for the invitation. I’m sure I’ll see you later, I heard Fancy Pants is planning a tea party and I do so wish to attend before I have to leave for home. Good night darlings.”

With that Rarity quickly lofted the earth pony’s bags into the air with her magic and set off down the corridor. The three earth ponies just stared after her in shock but eventually the grey pony, half motivated by fear of the other two and half by the fact that her belongings were currently sailing off down the corridor, shook herself off and trotted after Rarity. Lyrica and Corsage still didn’t say anything, both of them seeming too shocked to even blink.

Rarity made straight for the front doors of the concert hall, ignoring any pony who happened to cross her path on the way. As she went she continued to talk, commenting on various aspects of the mare’s luggage from the size and shape to the intricate detail of the stitching on one of the cases. The grey mare followed on, a mixed look of confusion and apprehension on her face. As Rarity finally pushed the front doors of the concert hall open she stopped, setting the bags down to one side.

“I must apologise for my companions,” she said quickly, turning to face the earth pony, “They are a nice enough group…but they can be a little cruel at times.”

“It’s…alright,” replied the earth pony, looking back at the concert hall with an odd look of longing in her eyes.

“Goodness with all the fuss I’ve yet to introduce myself, I am Rarity and it’s a pleasure to meet such a talented pony. I must say that your rendition tonight was simply stunning although far too brief for my liking, you really should have had centre stage with that.”

“…Thank you,” replied the mare after a moment, forcing a weak smile onto her face as she looked back at Rarity, “My name is Octavia, Octavia Melody.”

“A Melody of Octaves,” smiled Rarity, “I do like a clever little play on words like that. Do tell me though darling, why weren’t the porters helping you with your bags?”

Octavia didn’t reply for a moment, letting out a short sigh as she seemed to be debating with herself about something.

“They…aren’t allowed,” she said finally.

“Aren’t allowed? Well that seems rather unfair. I know that earth ponies tend to have a little more strength than others but to make you carry your own bags, simply disgraceful! I have half a mind to walk back in there and find out what is going on!”

“No! Please don’t!”

Octavia suddenly looked afraid, her lower lip trembling slightly as she looked at Rarity with pleading eyes.

“Darling…?” enquired Rarity slowly, “Whatever is the matter?”

Octavia didn’t reply, instead she just gave a small sniff and looked away as she tried to hide the fact that tears were starting to form in her eyes. Rarity could tell something was very wrong here. She slowly walked up to Octavia’s side and gently placed a hoof around her shoulders. Octavia didn’t move away, instead only giving another sniff as she quickly wiped away a tear. Rarity was about to speak when a rumbling gurgle filled the air, Octavia letting out a soft whimper of embarrassment as her face turned red.

“Come with me darling, we need to get you something to eat and somewhere to sit down for a while, I know just the place,” Rarity spoke softly as she gently hugged Octavia.

Octavia herself didn’t seem to care, nodding slowly as Rarity released her embrace and slowly levitated her bags back into the air. For the most part Octavia didn’t recall the journey at all. Canterlot was almost silent, the drag ends of various party goers returning home and the silent streets of shops waiting for the morning rush. High above the moon shone brightly, piercing the light clouds that drifted across the sky and obscured the stars. Octavia continued to sniffle, her head hanging low and her gaze fixed on the cobbled streets upon which she walked.

“We’re here darling,” announced Rarity at last causing her to look up.

Octavia was met with a brightly shining beacon of light. She recoiled from it for a moment as her eyes adjusted to the intensity but as she looked back it came into focus. A large diner sat ahead of her, well perhaps diner wasn’t the right word for it. Above the establishment a large donut stuck up towards the sky with the words ‘Donut Joe’s Emporium’ stencilled onto it. The light was shining out through large windows but the lightly frosted glass meant it wasn’t possible to see inside.

Rarity stepped forwards, “Come along my dear, it might not be the finest eating establishment in all of Canterlot but it’s never closed, has some surprisingly good baked goods and is, at this time of night, very quiet.”

With that Rarity pushed the door open and stepped inside, floating Octavia’s bags in along with her. Octavia didn’t seem to have a choice, slowly following the unicorn inside. The establishment was very much like a diner, tables set out in neat rows with those along the walls having large padded sofas seats. At the far end of the room stood the counter, behind which a tall light tan coloured unicorn was stood glancing back over his shoulder.

“Well I’ll be, Rarity! I’ve not seen you in quite some time,” he announced quickly, “To what do I have the honour of your visit?”

“Always the charmer Joe,” replied Rarity with a small smile, “Two of the usual please, we’ll be sat around the corner.”

Donut Joe gave a small nod as he began to busy himself behind the counter as Rarity ushered Octavia into a seat. The earth pony looked a little uncomfortable as if she was worried about being there. Rarity smiled as she slid herself into a seat.

“Don’t worry darling, if any pony saw us in here they’d have just as much to worry about as us and I’m sure we could sort out a little deal. Besides, I’m not going to let such things come between me and one of my favourite snacks,” she said quickly noticing the expression on Octavia’s face.

For a moment they both looked at each other, Octavia still looking a little uneasy as she slid into a seat of her own.

“Relax darling, you’ll strain a muscle if you tense up so much,” commented Rarity before her eyes brightened, “Oh that gives me an idea, you should come to the spa with me, it is such an amazing feeling.”

“Why are you being so nice to me…?”

The question made Rarity pause for a moment, “Beg pardon?”

“Why are you being so nice to me, what are you planning? Unless you’re completely clueless then you wouldn’t be seen socialising with me this side of the next solar eclipse.”

Octavia was looking at Rarity with an almost expectant expression as if she knew exactly what Rarity was going to do next. Rarity however paused and thought for a moment, studying the earth pony.

“I’m being nice to you darling because if I hadn’t those two ruffians, all be it well connected ruffians, would have taunted you into a ball of shivering fur. Now whilst I wouldn’t normally say a thing I cannot stand idly by and watch such a talented pony demeaned and insulted in such a way.”

Octavia’s expression softened slightly but she still looked slightly unconvinced.

“Look darling, I really don’t know what going on. I’ve only just got back to Canterlot after an extended absence and between organising my next fashion show and trying to maintain appearances I’ve not had time to, well, indulge in the latest gossip.”

“So you haven’t heard about the utterly disgraceful and scandalous musician who disrespects the art scene of Canterlot with her very presence? You haven’t heard about how a group of friends who have been together for years and thought that nothing would come between them be ripped apart by truths that should have remained hidden? You haven’t heard about the constant torment and ridicule she has to endure daily? You haven’t…”

Octavia’s words descended into a mix of sniffs and gentle sobs as she let her head fall to her hoofs on the table top. Rarity was a little taken aback, not only had she had no clue at all but she hadn’t even expected it. Octavia’s performance that evening had been faultless and moving, could what she was saying be true. Just then the smiling face of Joe rounded the corner of the counter levitating two plates of food with his magic. He stopped dead as he saw the scene before him, Rarity looking up and giving him a knowing look. Joe just smiled and gave a nod, levitating the plates and cups onto the table and then retreating from view.

Rarity glanced at the food, two plates of mini chocolate filled donuts and a large hot chocolate drink with cream. Rarity liked to dine elegantly of course but her time in Ponyville had given her a much broader insight into cuisine and ever since Twilight had introduced her to Joe’s establishment following their trip to the Grand Galloping Gala she had always found time to stop by whenever she visited.

“Why don’t you eat something first, you’re obviously hungry,” encouraged Rarity, “I can imagine a performance like that takes it out of you, I know I certainly feel drained after a show. And don’t worry, it’s on me.”

Octavia looked up, the earth pony’s eyes already red with tears. At the sight of the food though she swallowed hard, looking up at Rarity with a questioning expression. Rarity didn’t notice though, she was already using her magic to spoon a little of the cream from her hot chocolate onto her first mini donut before taking a small elegant bite from the side. Octavia looked back at her own plate, licking her lips for a moment before picking up two of the donuts and cramming them into her mouth.

She chewed hard and swallowed before another two of the donuts disappeared from view. As she finished swallowing again she grabbed her drink, downing half of it in one go before pausing. Rarity was looking at her with an astonished expression on her face as the earth pony devoured the last two of her donuts. Cream from her drink covered her upper muzzle and her lips were plastered with chocolate. As Octavia realised what she had just done she blushed hard, looking around as if she was trying to work out if anypony else had seen her.

“I…apologies…” she murmured quietly as she reached for a nearby napkin.

“Goodness darling, I knew you were hungry but you’re acting like you haven’t eaten all day!”

“…two days actually…” replied Octavia with a hint of embarrassment.

“Two days?!” exclaimed Rarity, “You put on a show like you did tonight and you haven’t eaten in two days?! Goodness darling! Here, I think it’s best if you have the rest of my portion…and I won’t accept no as an answer!”

She finished her sentence firmly as she slid her plate over to the earth pony. Octavia looked a little sheepish but slowly started to eat her way through the remaining donuts on Rarity’s plate, all be it one at a time now. Rarity gave a small sigh.

“Darling please, there is obviously something happening under the surface here and I honestly have no idea what it is. I thought it was simply a case of jealousy but I can see this just isn’t the case. I would like to help if I can,” stated Rarity.

Octavia gave a sigh of her own as she sat back in her chair. Despite the look of sadness that seemed to fill her she still managed to maintain a sense of poise but Rarity could see it was simply an act.

“I’m sorry,” replied Octavia after a moment, “I’ve just become so suspicious of every pony recently. I’m sure you can understand…Canterlot isn’t known for its generous population. I really don’t know where to begin, so much has happened in the last year that I…I try to block most of it out, just thinking about it tends to make me cry. I pride myself on being a strong pony, not just physically but emotionally and mentally too. It’s hard to imagine that I’ve cried myself to sleep more times than I can remember in recent months. I just want to make music, it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do…”

Rarity leaned forwards and gently placed a hoof on Octavia’s, “Don’t push yourself darling, just start simple…perhaps you could tell me why you haven’t eaten in two days?”

“…I simply haven’t had the bits for it,” replied Octavia flatly as if it was too obvious to even need explaining.

“No money? But darling, don’t your shows bring in something? I appreciate you aren’t the main act but they must still pay you.”

“They did…for a while at least. Then they started arguing and reducing my rate. Then they simply began refusing to pay me at all. Part of me was concerned of course but I carried on, performing one show after another hoping they would finally decide to offer up some bits. My finances started to get low and…well I fell behind on my rent payments. I knew I couldn’t live on the streets and still continue to perform so…I opted to go without food. It was ok at first, I managed to sneak a few morsels from the theatre after every show, left-overs mostly. Even so my savings were getting low and even without paying for food I was going to run out very quickly, you know how expensive the rent is here in Canterlot.”

Rarity nodded slowly, not wanting to interrupt the earth pony as she spoke.

“Well that brings us to last week. The theatre decided that I wasn’t worth employing any more, even if they weren’t paying me. They decided to cut my show from the listings and…I guess I panicked. I begged them to let me keep performing, I said I’d do anything. Looking back that was so foolish of me. They agreed to relist my show and in my haste I signed everything they put in front of me. It wasn’t until later that I realised my mistake. They had inserted a clause in my contract that simply said that after my performance tonight I would not be allowed back into the concert hall…ever.”

“What?!” cried Rarity quickly, slamming her hooves on the table top, “How can they do that?! That’s simply outrageous! Oh wait until I get my hooves on the manager, he’ll regret doing…”

“No,” interrupted Octavia with a gentle sigh, “no it’s my fault. I should have seen something like this coming a long time ago. They have been looking for a way to be rid of me for some time now. Part of the reason I decided to carry on performing despite not being paid was to prove to them that I wasn’t going to give in. But it would seem that doesn’t matter any more now. My rent ran out on my apartment yesterday and earlier today I found all my belongings packed away in boxes outside the building. That’s why I’ve got all those cases…it’s all I have left.”

Rarity was speechless. To think all of this had been going on in Octavia’s mind as she had performed that evening. To think that no pony else knew of her plight…or even cared. No! She wasn’t going to allow this to happen, she couldn’t!

“I know you asked if you could help but…I don’t think that any pony could help me now. I’ve lost everything. My father always said that I would fail, look at me…a plain simple earth pony trying to make it big in the high society of Canterlot. A simple farm pony trying to conquer the world…laughable really…”

Octavia sniffed, choking back a sob as she tried to maintain her composure. Rarity meanwhile could feel the rage building inside her. She had always known that Canterlot was full of snobbery and bigoted idiots who would trample over anything that got in her way…but this was so much more. This wasn’t just sarcasm or mud smearing. This wasn’t just putting a pony down or trying to look important. This was cruel malicious destruction of a pony’s life, a life that had been worked on day in and day out for years on end.

“No!” she said firmly, “Now you listen here my dear! You’re not going to let this beat you! Furthermore I’m going to make sure it doesn’t! Your show was spectacular and I’m not going to rest until every pony in this city knows it! I have enough good connections in Canterlot that they will have to do some pretty terrible things to bring me down…and believe me darling that even if they do they will have to get more than just their hooves dirty to do it.”

She quickly reached across the table, grabbing Octavia’s face in her hooves.

“Dry those tears my dear because tonight is the night of your rebirth!”

Octavia could feel new fountains of tears building inside her. After month of being taunted and ridiculed by every pony she met was it really true that there was a pony willing to help her?

“I…I…thank you…” she murmured quietly.

“There will be time for that later my dear Octavia, now then how about we find you a place to stay?”

“I…I couldn’t ask you to pay for somewhere for me!”

“Who ever said anything of the sort my dear. I happen to have the use of a sizeable room and there is easily enough space for both of us. Now then finish your drink my dear and I’ll order another round of donuts for you.”

Comments

[Jlargent]

Haven't seen a good Octavia/Rarity fic in awhile and this is a fresh change of pace.

[Loyal]

I... As a staunch Raritavia shipper, it kind of pains me to see a work like this - with as much promise as this - done so poorly. If I may, a few suggestions:

Remember to indent at the beginning of each paragraph. I know fimfic's coding is a touch picky, and if you're importing from gdocs or word, it gets worse. I've had issues with this myself in the past.

"Marvelous" is spelled with one L, not two. Additionally, I'd be careful adding those extra 'E's to the ends of words, such as 'Programme.' They fit in here and there, but overuse might turn readers off.

Remember your we're/were, two/to/too rules. You started one sentence off "Where here, darling" or something of the sort - when I'm sure you meant to say 'We're.'

In short, your story has a lot of promise, but the lack of indentations and continued errors made it difficult to read. I'd encourage you to give it another read-through to pick out the smaller continuity and spelling/attribution errors. Adding indents would help immensely. I've written my own Rarity/Octavia story, titled 'Intimate Details,' and it's been relatively well-received. I really enjoy this pairing, and it has a special place in my heart. Please, consider implementing these changes. I'd hate to see a story with such a good premise not get its time in the limelight.

Sincerely,
-Loyal

[Metaphor]

3638016
Thanks for the tips mate. I've been having to self spell check my work as I lack anyone who can do it for me so thanks for pointing out those errors, I'll make sure to correct them before I post the next chapter. Also I'm English so we do tend to spell a few things differently, like for example marvellous is spelt with two l's over here so apologies for the confusion. Hopefully my next chapter will much more refined.

[Loyal]

3642362
Aah, that makes a little more sense. You know, there's a rather healthy pre-reader and editor community. If you reached out, I'm sure someone would gladly look over your work.

[Heart of Blades]

Oh I really love this! It's a very different pairing that I haven't seen before. The writing is great and I feel you really get Rarity's character, which most authors seem to not. Octavia is a bit different than I picture her, but that's fine and considering her current situation it makes since. being broken can really effect a pony(person). I'd liked to have seen a bit more back story on why Octavia is being shunned, I can only assume it involves the Gala and hope to see it explored in later chapters.

I'm gonna break one of my rules and go ahead and fav this, even though it's the first chapter. I can't wait to see more!

[Metaphor]

3649612
Many thanks. ^^ I currently have the second chapter written but I'm currently checking it for errors so it may be a few days before I get around to posting it. And yes you'll get plenty of details on just what is going on very soon.

[John Tannius]

Why do I have the feeling Octavia is being shunned over the whole Gala fiasco?