“What a dreary afternoon it is.” I vocalize my inner thoughts on the over cast skies that hung over Ponyville this day. Most days in Ponyville are sunny or partly cloudy which accentuated my good looks, but with this weather all it did was dull down the colors and make everything appear drab. It was a good thing that I had left early for the monthly sleepover with the girls. This time it was held at Fluttershy’s cottage and while I’m grateful that Fluttershy keeps her cottage well maintained, it could do with some better décor. Her couch was an eye sore but I would never say that to her face as I can be quite critical with my opinions. I know the poor dear would say she loves the couch but it just looks so out of place in her home. The red doesn’t blend into the wall or other furniture and is far too small for the spacious room. Not to mention that I still feel like every time I sit on it I feel I'm being watched by her birds, mostly because Fluttershy has told me this is their favorite perch when not in their cages.
“Oh quit your whining Rarity, it’s just an overnight shower and it’ll be gone by morning.” And if I was to talk about caging a bird brain than Rainbow Dash would be the the first. Just because it’s an overnight shower doesn’t mean that the mud will be dry by morning. I know if I make a mention about mud to Rainbow Dash that she would retort with how ‘I always put mud on my face so what’s the difference?’ and I would try to explain how mud and a mud mask are different but she would interrupt before I even start. So for tonight I’ll let the argument pass, after all trying to reason with Rainbow Dash is like trying to convince a rock it’s something more. She is so wound up with becoming a Wonderbolt that she doesn’t take heed of any stallions that make a move on her. And even if she does take notice she challenges them to a race and says that if they beat her than she’ll date them. This always ends up with the stallion losing not just a race but a touch of pride as well.
“Oh I don’t mind the rain, just not the thunder or lightning.” Oh Fluttershy bless your timid heart. You are one of the few ponies in this town that I can truly relate to. You at least know some needle work and how to make a proper dress. You fuss over your mane even though you’re too shy to actually talk to a stallion without hiding in a shrub. If you allowed me to do your mane and take you out on the night, you would be so lovely darling. Oh what am I ever going to do with you?
“This night shower will do wonders for mah orchard.” Ah Applejack, the ever dependable pony. If it hadn’t been for the first sleepover we had with Twilight I don’t think we would ever be as close as we are today. I always viewed you as the rough and tumble type of pony that never gave an inch and to some degree that is still true. But deep down you focused on the big picture, seeing everything that is going on not just the one corner that was drenched with too much paint. I always wondered if you would ever pry yourself from your farm and find a nice stallion to settle down with. I know from some gossip that Caramel has his eye on you, and if the rumors are true than he would be a fine partner for you.
“Come on girls we can’t start this slumber party without a party to go with it, so let’s Party!” I don’t even want to even think about trying to find a stallion for Pinkie Pie. She is always so hyper that I doubt any stallion would last longer than an hour, and that’s being hopeful.
“Now Pinkie, you know Fluttershy’s animals are trying to sleep, and I don’t think they would be too happy to be awoken just as they settle down.” Ah Twilight Sparkle, the ever sensible and logical one. I fear you will have the hardest time finding a proper stallion. You lock yourself away in your library so often that even we hardly get to see you much less any stallion. You have a brilliant mind and anything short of another brilliant mind would cause strife between you and your partner. You’re obsessive about order and you make check lists for your check lists! You sometimes go so far as to even alphabetically organize your lists, some days I feel sorry for Spike having to deal with the work that you place on his tiny shoulders.
I let a sigh silently escape my lips as I turn from the window and join my friends. They are arranged in a circle in the center of the living room. Rainbow Dash and Applejack are next to each other with Pinkie sitting next to Rainbow Dash and Twilight next to her. Fluttershy is next to Applejack leaving the only open space between her and Twilight. I make my way over to them, passing by the red couch that has been pushed back to the far wall. I still think that couch is an eye sore. I smile as I lie down and listen to the pre-sleepover chatter that happens every time one of these comes around. Twilight talks about some new field of magic that the princess wants her to read about. Fluttershy talks about how a goose just laid her eggs. Pinkie was talking about the party she was putting together for Cheerilee’s birthday next week. Applejack informed us that cider season was just a few months away and Rainbow Dash shakes her hoof at Pinkie saying that she had better leave some her this time. As for me I stay quiet, I just hope none of them notice at the moment. I have a lot on my plate and even though I should talk about them I don’t want to burden my friends with my problems.
“Hay Rarity, are you not feeling well?” I turn to Pinkie. Leave it to her to pick up on my inner turmoil without even needing a prompt.
“Why I’m fine darling, it’s just that with me being so busy I haven’t had the chance to take time for myself.” I give a smile that I hope reassures them all, although I think Pinkie can read the minds of ponies around her.
“What’s got you so busy Rarity?” My dear Applejack, if you want to know what troubles me I shall tell you, just not everything.
“Oh I’ve had a few ponies from Appleloosa make special orders by telegram. I’ve also been requested to travel there to make the dresses.” I know Applejack will respond with that I should stay her family down there.
“Heck if you’re going ta Appleloosa then ya should stay with ma cousin Braeburn. He’d be happy to let you stay while you’re there.” Oh Applejack, you do try to help and I have no doubt that your cousin would let me stay, but if I’m to be working down there I need a place a tad quieter than a farm.
“I do appreciate the suggestion Applejack but I already have my temporary residence taken care of. If I run into him I’ll be sure to say hello to him for all of you girls.” This was met with cheers and well wishes. Fluttershy offered to take care of Opalescence while I’m gone and Twilight offered to take care of Sweetie Belle. I expressed my gratitude with an offer to make them a dress or a spa trip.
“So when are you leaving?” I had to do a double take; was that genuine sadness coming from Rainbow Dash? In all of the years I’ve known Rainbow and for all the time I’ve known her as a friend, I have never heard something close to sadness echo from her.
“I’ll be taking the night train that leaves tomorrow afternoon. I already have everything I need packed and ready to go.” She looked away! Rainbow Dash looked away from me. She may not be as the best at hiding her emotions but I can tell she’s trying to hide something.
“H-how long will you be gone?” She can’t look at me as she asks. Her polychromatic mane hides her eyes as she speaks. This is unlike Rainbow Dash; so much so that I’m beginning to feel bad about leaving.
“I’ll be gone for about three weeks if all goes well.” Even though I have a smile plastered on my face my mind is running on overdrive. Why would Rainbow Dash of all ponies be saddened by me leaving? It’s not like I’ll be gone permanently.
“Oh okay.” She raises her head but her mane still covers her eyes, preventing me from seeing them. “I’m feeling tired so I’m just gonna go to bed.” Rainbow almost slumps as she walks upstairs to where we all would sleep. To see Rainbow Dash of all pegasi walk instead of fly is a rare sight. Now I’m worried as I watch her ascend the stairs slowly, looking almost defeated.
“Um excuse me.” I quickly trot from the group and upstairs to the guest bedroom. The door is opened by just a crack. I peek into the room to see something I never expected to see in all of my life. Rainbow Dash with her back to the door, her wings hung limply at her sides and the sounds of barely audible sobs make their way to me. I don’t know how long I ended up staying there but I just couldn’t understand Rainbow’s reaction to me leaving. “Rainbow Dash.” I don’t know what calling her name would do but hopefully it’s a positive response.
A sniff betrays the fact that Rainbow was crying. “Go away Rarity.” Oh Dear Celestia what is it about me leaving that has her crying about it. Is it the fact that she’s unable to go on an adventure again? Or is it because of me?
“Rainbow Dash, please talk to me. Tell me what’s bothering you.” I nudge the door open a little further with my nose. The hinges creak softly, Fluttershy will have to oil them soon.
“Just leave me alone Rarity, I don’t want to talk.” Her voice is even more raspy than normal, a clear sign that she’s been crying.
“Please, darling, tell me what’s wrong, you’re clearly distressed and I just want to help.” I can’t help but fear more and more that I’m the reason for her sudden emotional change.
“I said I don’t want to talk. Please just go away!” Her voice rose sharply near the end. Now I have no doubt that it’s due to me that she is crying. But why would she cry over me? She and I have never been close and our personalities are so different that… Wait! No it couldn’t be. It couldn’t be because she secretly has feelings for me? I know I read some rather cheesy romance novels but all the signs are there. The sudden almost random mood swings the dark and secluded sobbing and the desire to weather the sorrow when confronted. It all adds up, there is nothing else that it could possibly be.
“Rainbow,” I change my tone to be more compassionate and understanding. “Are you upset because I’m leaving?” Oh please Princess Celestia don’t have one of my friends have feeling for me.
“Y-yes.” A loud sniff with what certainly sounded like mucus being pulled back in. Eww.
“Rainbow, may I come in?” I don’t hear an answer; I only see her shuffle from side to side. So I grow bold and push the door open with my magic and stroll in. Something hit my back! “EEEEEEEEEK!” What was that what! What landed on me? Oh dear Celestia what is going on?! And… and who is laughing? I stop running in circles and I see Rainbow Dash pointing her hoof at me laughing. I look at my back and find that I’ve been completely covered in soot! “RAINBOW DASH! I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!” To Rainbow’s credit she put on a really good act. I chase her from Fluttershy’s guest room back down to the living room. I quickly catch the look of shock from Twilight and Fluttershy, Applejack is just shaking her head and Pinkie is giggling up a storm. As for Rainbow Dash she hides behind Fluttershy knowing I would never push her away just to get to Rainbow. With a stomp of my hoof I turn and head to Fluttershy’s wash room. “I will not forget this Rainbow Dash!”
That was simply dreadful! It took me nearly twenty minutes to get all of that soot out of my coat. I know it was all done in good fun and no pony was hurt but it’s such a horrid inconvenience. Now every pony is once again sitting in Fluttershy’s living room we press on into the activities that truly make this a slumber party. The Makeover! Granted Rainbow Dash and Applejack both decline to participate but no matter I will have my revenge soon enough. The activities are simple, face masks, hoof and horn filings, preening for Fluttershy and an overall good brushing. While all of my friends enjoy being brushed, I enjoy it a tad more than they do. I relish in the feeling of my legs being brushed and if I ever find a special some-pony for myself I will have him brush my legs, to get me in the mood. It was during the brushing that Twilight spoke up. “Who here has had a special some-pony?” I hadn’t expected this topic to come up, and I have been curious about my friends’ love life for some time.
“Oh oh oh I have!” Now to hear something about Pinkie one would most likely say it’s Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie. But to hear about her love life which she has never told to me will be a treat. “I was dating Ace for a few months.”
“Wait,” Did I hear Pinkie correctly? “Did you say you dated Ace, the fourth best tennis champion of Equestria?”
“Yeperoonie! I even went to all of his competitions and cheered for him. When we broke up he said that my cheering was distracting; I mean I was only using a megaphone so he could hear me over all the other screaming ponies.” I could picture Pinkie pulling said megaphone from her mane and cheering so loud that all the tennis balls were sent flying off the court.
“Well I do hope you can find a stallion that suits you Pinkie.” Twilight said with a smile but it was clear that she wanted to move on. “What about you Fluttershy, have you had a special some-pony?”
Oh my stars Twilight! You should know that Fluttershy is far too- “Um yes, I have.” –have a… Fluttershy had a special some-pony and I didn’t know about it!
“Well who is it? is it some pony we know?” Applejack is it possible for you be any more calloused?
“Um… well it’s… (inaudible)” I do wish to know who has swooned the fair and timid Fluttershy.
“Ah come on Fluttershy. We’re friends you can tell us.” Now Pinkie is pestering the poor dear, yet I don’t stop it.
“I-it’s…” Oh dear she’s retreating into her mane agai- “IT’S BIG MACINTOSH!” … Well I wish I could say I saw that coming. Those two will make a great couple.
“So you’re the one that ma brother keeps sneaking out of the house ta see.” Applejack has this look of mischief in her eyes. I can guess she’s going home tomorrow and teasing her brother about this.
“Well what about you Applejack, do you have a special some-pony?” Ooh Twilight is not going to let her get out of this. And I’ll make sure of that.
“In fact I am seeing some pony.” Applejack sounds quite proud of herself over the fact she’s been dating a pony. “In fact me an Rainbow have been going out for about a month now.” She says this as she wraps her forelegs around Rainbow Dash.
“What! Applejack what in the hay are you talking about! We aren’t dating! I don’t even like mares that way what are you-” I bowl over laughing along with the rest of the girls and Rainbow finally catches onto the joke that Applejack just made her the but of. “Oh very funny AJ, now be serious.” Rainbow crosses her front forelegs and scowls.
“Ah’m sorry Rainbow but it was too good ta pass up.” Applejack says with a guilty smile on her face. I must admit that it wasn’t the first time Rainbow had been subject to jokes of that manner. “Honestly if any stallion was to try and date me he’d have to first help me with the farm. I can’t just be gallivant’n off an` leaving my chores undone.” Now if you, my dear Applejack, would realize that is exactly what Caramel is doing you would already have a special some-pony. Maybe I’ll help Caramel when I get back.
I hear Twilight giggle and she looks to Rainbow with a smile. “What about you Rainbow, have you ever dated any pony before?”
Rainbow sighs and rolls her eyes. I know from personal experience that Rainbow doesn’t like to talk about romance in any way. “Yea I dated a few pegasi back in Cloudsdale. None of them panned out to be anything great but most were good in bed at least.” I feel a blush flare across my face at how off-hoof she threw in a comment about sex. That was far too much information I wanted to know about Rainbow’s personal life. “What about you Twilight. Have you ever dated any pony?”
Twilight shifted and a blush came to her face. “Well there was this one colt back when I was younger. He was smart and knew a lot about chemistry. We were paired together for most of that year but before I could gather the nerves to ask him on a date, his family moved and I never saw him again.” Awe isn’t that so sweet. A fillyhood crush, but oh Twilight your own fears held you back. “Okay Rarity, I saved you for last because you must have had plenty of dates and relationships. So tell us one please.”
There in front of my best friends in all of Equestria I, Rarity, must tell them my most embarrassing secret. “Oh come now there isn’t much to tell really. Most of the stallions I’ve dated never could truly treat me like a lady and things never went far.” That is if it was true. I put a smile on my face and closed my eyes hoping that Applejack couldn’t tell that I was lying or that Pinkie was unable to read minds.
“Well that’s not surprising,” Call out our cyan feathered friend. “You always are uppity about how any pony treats you that I think most get scared away.”
I harrumph at rainbow for such a comment. “It is not unfair for a lady to expect to be treated like one. Unlike you Rainbow I have standards that must be met if I am to allow a stallion to court me.” I stick my nose in the air. This much is true; a lady should be treated like a lady. While most of the stallions around Ponyville are able to treat a mare like a lady, none of them are after me because of who I am, just my looks and to some of them, I’m a prize. I don’t want to admit it but none of the stallions ever made it too a second date because I heard them flaunting to their friends about how they were going to bed the “Beauty Queen”. I fake a yawn “Well it was such a lovely time but I must get to bed. I will see you girls in the morning.”
With a smile and another fake yawn I head to the guest room. Once I’m there I unfold my sleeping bag take my small travel bag to the wash room to freshen up before bed. As I perform my normal routine I can’t help but think about my past failures in romance. When I was younger I was always fascinated by the tales of noble knight fighting off an army of evil creatures to rescue the fair damsel then whisk her away to a castle where they would live happily ever after. Since I read those stories I always felt that was how a stallion was to treat a lady, kind, loving and I guess even passionate, although that one was added during my adolescent years. But I felt if I wanted to have a special some-pony that I needed to act like a lady should. My mother did encourage me in my efforts well up until Sweetie Belle was born but by then I was already a teen and taking care of myself. I did date a few colts at the time but they always wanted to ruffle the bed sheets and I just wouldn’t have that! I was a lady and a lady never has midnight romps with just any stallion. But is that what this is all about? Has the world truly changed so much since I was a foal, so much so that the act of midnight passion is now expected on the first date? Are my values just old fashioned, or am I just “stuck up” like Rainbow says? NO! I will not abandon my ideals of love just because I’ve never truly felt the warm comfort of a stallion in my bed. With my teeth brushed, my mane brushed and my face washed I carry my travel bag and its supplies back to my sleeping bag and I settle in. Tomorrow is a new day after all, and new opportunities to find the perfect stallion for me!
Another day and another bust; This day was a revelation in the fact that the stallions that are available are ones I know will never live up to my expectations. As I stand here on the platform of Ponyville’s train station, I contemplate where my life is headed. Not just in the romantic but also in my career. I’ve had requests pouring into my shop since Sapphire Shores wanted me to make her those ten gem-encrusted dresses. Even more since the successful fashion show with Hoity Toity. And I think the peak of my fame in fashion was when I made the brides maid and the wedding dress for Princess Cadence. But since then I haven’t had nearly enough work to keep me busy for long. In truth this order that is forcing me to Appleloosa Is the largest order in the past few months. I wonder if it will truly take me three weeks, if I work hard I could do it in two and maybe turn the last week into a vacation! Oh that would be lovely.
Ah there is the train now. I already said my goodbyes to the girls, Sweetie Belle is over at Twilight’s and maybe she will learn something during my absence. Opalescence is with Fluttershy, my shop is all locked up and I have everything I need for these new dresses packed with me. The train comes to a stop and lets its passengers off that are returning to Ponyville. Many of them I recall from such things as weddings held in town or requests for some formal wear like a vest or a cocktail dress. Ponyville has never been the center of attention; that is if you don’t count Nightmare Moon, Discord or any of the other disasters that happen around town. I remember when there was not much to do in Ponyville, I spent my days in my room making dresses and vests and once every year I made the costumes for Ponyville’s school play or Nightmare Night costumes. It was when Sweetie Belle was born that I had to find a new home as my sewing machine would wake her up even if it was on the opposite side of the house.
“ALL ABOARD!”
Oh dear I must have been caught up in my memories, the train attendants have loaded my bags and I’ve just been standing here! With a flash of my ticket I board the train and make my way to a seat. This car only has a few ponies in it and perfect for me to start some concept designs for this request. Since this is Appleloosa I need to think of something local and the only pony I know of to base anything remotely close to Appleloosan style would be Applejack. Also since I’m making this for a stallion and his friends a set of vests would be best I think. If I were to take the vest I made for Spike and adjust it like so then maybe…
“Those are some lovely drawings.” I’m roused from my inspiration by a unicorn stallion. He has a dark grey almost black coat, his light brown mane is slicked back making him look refined and his eyes are as blue as Ponyville’s lake. “Oh I’m sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt but I couldn’t help but notice a lady hard at work so late into the night.” His voice is deep and commanding. He is wearing a blue business vest with thin white pinstripes. “Oh where are my manners, my name is Bank. May I ask your name fair lady?”
“I am Rarity Mr. Bank; it’s a pleasure to meet you.” I hold my hoof out to shake his as I’ve come to expect stallions to do. I feel him take my hoof but it’s odd the way he’s holding it. Why is he raising my leg to his…
“I assure you lady Rarity, the pleasure is all mine.” He kissed my hoof! Like a true gentle-colt! I push my sketches to the side and I give him my full attention. “Tell me Rarity, what is a beautiful lady like you traveling to a dusty town like Appleloosa?” He says this as he takes the seat across from me.
“I- I,” I must be dreaming, yes that’s it, I must have fallen asleep. I’m dreaming that I’ve met the stallion of my dream in a dream, not on a train to Appleloosa. “I’m a seamstress by trade and I was requested by a client to come to Appleloosa so I may make a set of formal wear for him and his friends.” I feel the smile creeping onto my face. Oh how I wish this wasn’t a dream.
“Ah that must be very rewarding for you Ms. Rarity. As a business pony myself I have a need to look well, maybe once you are done with your current order I could request a commission while you are still in town.” He says with a smile, and what a lovely smile it is. I see a small amount of scruffy beard and mustache that is trimmed and neat, his coat looks brushed with equal care and he’s looks fit as well.
I reach out and touch the shoulder of his vest, critiquing the vestment with my eyes and feeling the firm and toned body beneath. “If I might be so bold but pinstripes on a vest are a tad dated. I would be more than happy to make a new business vest for you once I’m done with this commission.” I retract my hoof and smile. Strong and refined, kind and respectful, if this is a dream them I have nothing to hold me back. “So Mr. Bank, why are you traveling to Appleloosa?”
His smile is subdued but pleasant. “I’m going to Appleloosa for a business meeting, and with any luck Appleloosa will benefit with reduced cost of items shipped into the town as well as export local good to other cities.”
“Oh how wonderful. I’m sure the town will flourish because of your efforts.” I half close my eyes and adjust my body so I am stretched across the train seat so he can have a clear view of my cutie mark, and I flick my tail so that it covers my hind leg.
“I must say Mr. Bank that I would never have expected to find such a stallion like you, I’d say it’s almost like destiny has brought us together.” My tone is low and possibly a tad too seductive, but from his eyes I can tell he likes what he sees.
His smile grows wider showing off a perfect set of well-maintained teeth. “I was beginning to think the same thing Lady Rarity. I’m sure-”
“Next stop Appleloosa, any pony who’s bound for Appleloosa please have you bags checked now!” That was the conductor. That means I’m not dreaming, because no other pony is ever in my dreams; just me and my perfect stallion.
Mr. Bank waves at the conductor to come over and I feel reality come crashing down around me. “Mr. Conductor, would you be kind and check the bags for Ms. Rarity here, she has had a long day and could use some help with her luggage.” Wait, what? Mr. Bank floats a small bit bag over to the conductor. He’s tipping the conductor to help me with my luggage! While he’s distracted with the conductor I put away my sketch book and pencils, packing them away neatly in my saddlebags. The train will arrive in Appleloosa soon and that means that this whole night was just fate teasing me. I not only met a stallion that was everything I dreamed of, but the night had to end before… By Celestia’s fetlocks what am I thinking! I can not, Will Not let this stallion elude my grasp! I Rarity, seamstress of Ponyville and Element of Generosity, will not let my perfect stallion go!
“That is very kind of you Mr. Bank.” I say with a smile. I need to think of how I’m going to keep him with me long enough to convince him to chase me. With the screeching of the trains brakes is a signal that we have arrived in Appleloosa. “Would you be kind enough to escort me out Mr. Bank?” I flash him another smile, a playful one.
“I would be honored Ms. Rarity.” Yes! All I need to do now is find out where he is staying and how long he’ll be in town for. As we step off the train I note the time is just past midnight and from what I remember of Appleloosa the hotel I’m staying at is just a few block away. I wonder…
“Dear Mr. Bank, I’m thankful that you would keep a lady like myself company on such a long trip,” I pause and turn away to inspect the cart that is being packed with my bags and supplies “but the late hour has reminded me of how tiring such a trip can be.” I turn back around and I give him a curt bow and a smile. “I do hope we can meet again some time.”
“My lady Rarity, you make it sound as if we would never see each other again. I will be at Sunny Side Diner at nine o clock sharp; if you are up for it I would like you to join me for breakfast tomorrow.” He almost sounds insulted at first but I can tell even that he doesn’t want this to end so soon. It’s time for my next move.
“Why I would be delighted to join you for breakfast tomorrow,” I let my eyes widen with delight at his offer “but if I am to get a decent amount of sleep I simply must get to the hotel and get some rest.”
“Yes I understand fully lady Rarity. Then I shall see you in the morning and I do hope you have a good night sleep.” He bows as I hook myself up to the cart that has all of my stuff. I wonder if it would be too risky to try and play weak in trying to pull my bags back to the hotel?
“I wish you a good night as well Mr. Bank.” Well no time like the present. I take a few steps forward to test the cart and I can tell that it can be pulled with ease. Maybe a different tactic would work. I take a few more steps away from the station and stop. I put on a face of restrained fear and fake a shiver as I pear into the sleeping town.
“Ms. Rarity are you alright?” And I’ve got him. I must decide quickly what I want to do. Do I just want him to see me to the hotel and then simply meet him at Sunny’s diner tomorrow, or do I want to have him keep me company tonight?
“I-” I swallow hard; it’s the best way to show fear without actually being afraid. “It’s just that it’s so dark out and even though the hotel is just a short walk, I don’t feel safe at night.” This is a test of just how much of a gentle-colt he really is. A true gentle-colt would never let a lady travel by themselves in the dead of night. So Mr. Bank, your move.
“Would you feel safer if I accompanied you to your hotel Ms. Rarity?” Oh I would like it if you would do more than just that Mr. Bank.
“Yes I would but I don’t want to be a burden on you Mr. Bank.” I know your next move and it pleases me Mr. Bank.
“Do not worry about being a burden on me my lady Rarity. I would be more than happy to escort you to the safety of the hotel.”
I let my fake fear melt away and replace it with a smile of gratitude and relief. “Thank you Mr. Bank. I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am to have met such a noble stallion like you.” I bat my eyes at him, a trick I’ve used before to lure stallions to me.
“Would you like help with your luggage Ms. Rarity?” I had to contemplate his offer for a moment. If I let him haul the cart we would most likely get to the hotel in short order, but if I do it myself I could lengthen the trip just enough to gauge his interest in me.
“I thank you for the offer Mr. Bank but it won’t be necessary as I often travel with far more luggage than this.” And I mostly have some other pony haul my stuff around. But he doesn’t need to know that just yet.
I push my back legs and pull the cart from where it rests and the trek to the hotel is underway. For most of the short trip I ask questions about Mr. Bank and it comes as a shock to me that he was born in Trottingham but lived most of his life on the go. He talked about how his family was mostly impoverished until his parents died and he was sent to live with his uncle who taught him how to conduct business and become an entrepreneur. In return I told him about how I was a seamstress in Ponyville and that I was the one who made the dresses for Sapphire Shores a year back. I may have slightly exaggerated my fame in the fashion world and how I wanted to open my shop in Canterlot. And as all good things are even this little walk has come to an end.
“Well it looks as if we have arrived.” I can’t help but feel the moderate disappointment creep into my voice as I watched the bellhop come out of the hotel and load my luggage onto a dolly.
“So it seems. Ms. Rarity, I hope you have a wonderful night’s rest and I will see you at breakfast tomorrow?” Oh you can bet your tail I’ll be at breakfast tomorrow Mr. Bank. I may have to let you go tonight but rest assured that you will be mine!
“Yes of course you shall, Nine o`clock sharp at Sunny’s Diner.” I unlatch myself from the cart and a second bellhop takes it around the back. “I will see you tomorrow Mr. Bank and I do thank you for escorting me safely.” I give a courteous bow.
Mr. Bank comes close for a moment and I feel my heart quicken in anticipation but ultimately my hopes of him kissing me passionately are lost as he takes my hoof and gives it a quick peck. “It was my pleasure lady Rarity.” He is so close I could just tackle him and kiss him and, NO! Calm down Rarity, there will come a time when he will give you the pleasure you desire, but that time is not now nor is this the proper place. With a smile and a batting of my eyes I say goodnight to Mr. Bank and walk into the hotel. Once I’m at the front desk I glance back to the glass door hoping that he is still there but Mr. Bank has left. I will see him again tomorrow and as I walk into my room I don’t even bother to unpack anything but my alarm. I set it so I will be awoken at seven sharp, just enough time to freshen up and look my best for both my client and Mr. Bank.
“Planning on getting frisky with the locals Liumang?” I hadn’t taken more than a few steps away from the hotel when he came. Cut Purse, one of my oldest friends and associate. He is a pegasus with a coat that looks like a coffee that’s had too much creamer dumped into it his cutie mark was a dagger and a coin purse. His bright blue mane is spiked and slicked back like it normally is and the grin on his face reminds me why he has never been caught. This smaller than average adult pony has got the softest wing beat I’ve ever heard, which has allowed him to cut open the saddle bags of unsuspecting ponies and make off with all their bits. Chances are he was waiting for me at the station.
“First off CP, don’t use my real name,” I send a pulse of magic through my horn to dispel the enchantment around my eyes. They were the only thing I needed to cover as a pony of chineighs descent is really easy for witnesses to identify, “Secondly she’s not a local so she will have no connection to the heist.” I turn away from Cut Purse and head to my original destination. I more see than hear CP land next to me as we trot down the road.
“That still doesn’t hide the fact that you wanted her to invite you in.” CP says while wriggling an eyebrow at me. “I know you saw how hard it was for her to not jump your bone right then and there.” And this is the problem when you associate yourself with lower class ponies, the vulgar innuendos.
“That, CP, is only speculation on your part. Unlike you I had time on the train to learn a bit about her. Also unlike you she is a mare that holds herself to a higher standard despite the fact she’s not one of the rich snobs. Which brings us to the matter at hoof, is everything ready?” I look at him through the corner of my eye.
“Almost, Powder says he needs a few more days to get the charges ready, and he says they will be ready the day before the job.” CP’s not lying. His wings start to fan out when he’s lying and they are at rest by his sides. This is a good sign as he has learned what happens to those that lie to me.
“Good, I’ll talk to Gun Powder myself tomorrow after breakfast. What about everyone else?” CP was my go-to pony when I wasn’t around. He was the one that made sure all the leg work was done.
“Whip has been complaining about the less than acceptable accommodations. When it starts to grate on nerves I remind her that she’s the one who has trouble living within her means.” This was not uncommon. Hearing that Whip Lash was having her issues meant that she would play her part and get her cut with little quarrel. The only real issue with her was the fact that she was a fire cracker with a hot body. Ms. Rarity had refined her beauty in such a way that any male would drool at the sight of her, Whip Lash on the other hoof had a more natural rugged beauty that made you think she would be more at home on some ranch. And if only to admit it to myself, I would have stayed with Ms. Rarity tonight had she asked.
“Is that everything?” I always make sure nothing is left unknown about my team.
“For once Mr. Bank,” I can tell you’re being sarcastic CP, “that’s everything. No troubles or complaints.”
I give a nod of acceptance to Cut Purse as the two of us walk into a home on the far side of town. The living room has two ponies sitting playing cards. The first is Whip Lash, she had a yellow coat and thick fire red mane with a cutie mark of a whip; this bomb shell of an earth pony sits across from Tough Body our muscle and suppressor. He’s just like you would think; big, muscular, intimidating and an earth pony. For a pony as big as he is you’d wonder how he’s able to sit on a stool or chair without it collapsing. Tough Body has a twin brother except that his brother is a pegasus that works in Cloudsdale. They both shared white coats, blond manes and even the same dumb-bell cutie mark except for that one thing that they didn’t share naturally; Tough Body’s brother was a shrimp. I kid you not that pegasus was lanky and as un-muscular as could be. It was around their teenage years that the pegasus twin started consuming a cart load of protein supplements and beefed up to ridiculous proportions.
The only other pony not present was Gun Powder. He was a unicorn like myself and he was an expert at bombs and explosives. If you looked at him you would think he was some Canterlot magic researcher with his white lab coat, his glasses and the ever present far off look of being in deep thought. For a stallion who works with explosive material you would expect him to look a bit off in color and that’s not untrue, just not in the way you think. I met him a while back when he had fallen on hard times. His front half was a light purple and his mane was beige but from his lower ribs to the tip of his tail was permanently black. He said it was from an explosion in his early college years where a colleague of his placed some mane dye next to his first explosive. His colleague then lit the explosive and ran not knowing that the mane dye was banned because it couldn’t be washed out. We had a sixth member at one time and the thought of him still sitting in prison because he willingly took the fall for us all still makes me curse that horrible day.
When CP closed the door Whip and Tough looked up from their games and greeted us. Whip with a smile for CP and a wink for me. Tough just gave a nod to the both of us and returned to the game. CP headed straight for the couch and passed out. As for myself I passed by Whip Lash and took a peek at the cards she was holding and smirked. Three discreet off-steps conveyed my message and as soon as I close the door to my room I hear Whip cry out “How did you know I was bluffing!?” I chuckle to myself as Tough Body collected his bounty from Whip Lash. I set my alarm and I fall asleep, I wonder what I’ll dream about tonight?
