Ponywatching

by ThunderTempest

Prompt #224: Well-Intentioned Meddler

“She is a wonder, isn’t she?” asked Cadance, as Rarity worked through the steps to prepare Princess Cadance’s mane in the old style.

“What was that, Princess?” asked Rarity, her magic not even pausing as she talked.

“The pony you’re in love with is an absolute wonder, isn’t she?” For a moment, even Rarity’s normal wit deserted her.

“I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about, Princess,” was all Rarity was able to muster, but it sounded half-hearted, even to her.

“Please, you can just call me Cadance. You’re basically family, given how highly Twilight regards you,” said Cadance with a smile, as Rarity’s hooves worked through her mane, “and you’re trying to lie to the Princess of Love about your feelings. You’re in love.”

“I’m sure you’re just imagining things,” said Rarity, as she levitated another sapphire into the careful weave.

“I’m not,” said Cadance, “I have a natural sense for these things. It normally comes off as a little tingle at the back of my head. You’re practically making my head vibrate.”

“There may,” began Rarity, “be a mare I have my eyes on. I’m not certain it is love, but certainly a fondness for.”

“Oh, it’s love. Unrequited, and perhaps unknown at the moment, but love,” said Cadance, “but tell me about this mare. You’re only on step thirteen?” at Rarity’s assertion, Cadance continued, “we have time. You can talk to me, Rarity.”

“Well, she’s, how do I put this,” mused Rarity, “difficult at times. Absolutely impossible at others, but she’s so...so beautiful. Not always on the outside, perhaps, but inside, she is an absolutely beautiful pony.”

“Ah,” said Cadance, “you’ve fallen for her personality.”

“Well, yes, I suppose I have,” said Rarity, “But really, spend five minutes around her and it’s impossible to ignore it. It’s projected outwards constantly. And I wonder if she could ever like me like I like her.”

“Such is the bittersweet song of love,” sighed Cadance. For a moment, there was silence, the only sound being Rarity’s hooves and magic at work on Cadance’s mane.

“Rarity? Why haven’t you confessed to this pony? If you don’t mind me asking, of course.”

“Well,” said Rarity, “part of it is, of course, the fear of rejection.” Cadance nodded in understanding as Rarity continued on. “The other parts, well. One is that I’m not even sure that she likes mares, and the other part, oh, you’ll think I’m ridiculous.”

“I promise I won’t,” said Cadance, “on my word as a Princess.”

“Well, I’m afraid of heights. I got that fear of heights from an incident involving her.”

“You and...?”

“Yes, Princess,” said Rarity, a blush beginning to creep across her face.

“Well, that certainly is interesting, to say the least, but by far not the strangest pair I have ever heard of.”

****Time****

“Oh, you must think that I’m silly, Princess Cadance,” said Rarity.

“Not really,” said Cadance, “I felt much the same before I confessed to Shining Armor. I cannot say for sure if the object of your affections returns your feelings, but I do have a bit of advice, if you would care for it?”

“Yes, of course, Princess!”

“Love is a powerful thing; it lifts us up, carries us on its wings. Let your love carry you for a while, Rarity. Stop thinking about the consequences, and be foolish. Be indulgent, and silly, for what good is love otherwise?”

Rarity was silent for a while, though her hooves remained working on Princess Cadance’s mane.

“I think,” she said, at length, “that when we get back to Ponyville, I shall have to have a special lunch with her. And a talk.”

Cadance smiled. Sometimes, love just needed a little push to get going.

Author's Note:

Written for Prompt #224: “Don’t Need No Credit Card To Ride This Train!”
The Prompt: That’s the power of love!