A Night to Remember
By Crystal Secret
The cool summery air drifted over Rarity like a blanket, wrapping around her coat giving her a sense of protection. Luna’s sky was a great big sea of lights that twinkled brightly above her. Almost as though they were all fighting for a spot on the glorious stage that was the night sky. The moon shone gloriously down upon her creating a spotlight around her, showing to the entire world that she truly was a very important pony.
As she walked up the marble steps towards Fancypants’s front door a nervous feeling churned in her stomach and she became a little underwater with the procedure of the night’s events. It had not been at all stated who else besides her was attending the dinner party but she had a sudden unsure feeling at the presence of a particular pony.
Her dress trailed behind her, sapphire blue in colour with gold trimmings and several layers of train. Her hair had been done up into an up-do elegant bun which gracefully adorned her head. She looked fabulous and she wore a sophisticated smile that match the intrigued glint in her eyes. Nothing could ruin this night for her; it was going to be perfect because she looked just the same.
She reached the front door and rang the bell once, waiting patiently for a reply. She was met at the door by a bored looking stallion dressed in a black suit and bow tie. His mane that was thinning was slicked back and when he spoke, he sounded as though he had just attended a four hour lecture on the history of doorknobs.
“You must be Miss Rarity. I`m the butler, Silver Dish. Please allow me to escort you to the dining hall. Master Fancypants is already waiting there for you with the other guests.” He said in a monotone voice.
Silver Dish silently escorted her to the dining hall and Rarity took this opportunity to get a good look at the interior of the esteemed stallion’s home. It was a fancy on the inside as it was out. Marble flooring, high ceilings and ornate decor, yes he certainly did have good taste.
When she entered the dining hall, she gasped at the sight. It had the highest ceiling she had ever seen, there was a large portrait of Fancypants on one wall and large French windows that lined the walls, letting the night sky take the stage. There was a long, glass table that was set for six and a crystal chandelier hanging above it.
But what were even classier and established were the guests. As her sapphire eyes scanned the room, they fell upon an interesting array of ponies.
Already seated at the table was Fleur Dis Lee along with Jet Set and Upper Crust. The white unicorn was a popular client of hers and frequently visited her boutique, asking for one special request after another. Knowing that she was a famous supermodel and quite possibly Fancypants’s girlfriend she did her best to meet the fabulous pony’s requirements. Dressed in a beautiful little dress that was a slightly stronger pink than her coat, she sat at the table silently with a glass of wine before her.
Jet Set and Upper Crust were only acquaintances of her's but they weren’t anything to worry about. Both seemed bored sitting at the table of a very important pony. They didn’t seem to appreciate Fancypants’s hospitality. She only hoped that the he would realise this too.
Her eyes soon fell upon the one stallion she never dared to speak of again and never wanted to be in the presence of again but as luck would have it, she was and she would somehow work around the problem like any lady would. Standing idly next to one of the tall, French glass windows was none other than the most unchivalrous prince she had ever met. The infamous, Prince Blueblood, the colour quickly rushed from her face as she stared at him with a more than absent minded smile. Making the meeting a whole lot more awkward than it had to be.
As she waltzed across the room, carrying every bit of grace and first class ladylike manners as she could, every head turned to look upon the beautiful face of their newly arrived guest. Fancypants came to warmly greet her into his more than glamorous home that reflected his wealth, she couldn’t help but smile, after all she had the attention of the most important pony in Canterlot and who wouldn't want that?
“Ah, Rarity, so good to see you.” He said shaking her hoof lightly. “I`m so glad you could make it. We’ve all been awaiting your arrival so we could serve dinner.” he continued guiding her over to the table.
“I`m not late am I?” she asked, slightly concerned.
“Not at all my dear, you’re actually just on time. I assume you know everypony here tonight?” he asked.
“Why of course, these are some of the most established ponies in Canterlot after all.” She politely complimented the other ponies in the room.
“Excellent, at least that means I don’t have to introduce you all to one another.” He said, relieved. “Now, why don’t you all have a seat? Dinner will be served shortly.” He said, offering a seat.
Rarity accepted his offer and gracefully took a seat at his long, glass table that was soon to be adorned with delicious food prepared by some of Canterlot’s finest chefs. This was Fancypants after all and one would expect nothing less than the highest quality of well...everything. Next to her was Fleur Dis Lee who was still just as quiet as an ornament sitting on a mantelpiece; been seen and not heard was all the pony seemed to do. Not that anypony seemed to have a problem with it.
The night took an unexpected and unfortunate turn as Prince Blueblood took the seat the next to her. The royal pain had decided he would ruin her evening by sitting next to her and being a general annoyance. Things weren’t going to be perfect after all. Or so she thought.
Soon, a butler came out with a tray of wine glasses and a bottle of wine. At that moment, a clever, shrewd plan formed in her inquisitive mind. She knew exactly how to fix the problem and alcohol would be her accomplice in her devious scheme.
The butler carefully and quietly poured six glasses of the maroon coloured beverage. He set them down in front of each pony seated at the table before exiting the room without a word. In an instant, Fancypants had stood and raised his glass before him obviously about to toast.
“To all the wonderful and delightful company seated at my table tonight, I bid you a warm welcome and hope that you enjoy the meal.” He toasted and simultaneously the entire table took a sip of the sweet, blissful wine.
“I sincerely hope that you don’t mind me sitting next to you.” Apologised a deep, husky and all familiar voice.
She turned to the voice that was seated on her right only to be presented with the undeniably handsome and very eligible stallion that was her horrible date for the entirety of the gala. He was dressed to the nines in a princely navy blue tux and tails. A smirk glowed on his face but Rarity could see right through him like a balloon and like a balloon his ego was so big, not a single sharp pointed object could pop nor deflate it. He was just too full of himself and he was most certainly not the kind of stallion she wanted to have any association with.
“Not at all and how are you Blueblood? I do suppose that it has been quite awhile since our last encounter and what a dreadful night that was.” She finished bluntly.
“Yes, it was indeed. However, I am as good as always, you seem to be doing well now that you’ve expanded your fashion business to Canterlot.” He replied, trying to make polite conversation. After all, this was the very same mare that had him covered in cake at the gala.
“Yes, my success has brought me to the glittering jewel that is the capital. I didn’t honestly think that it would all happen so quickly. Business just got so, so good that I had more than enough money to expand.”
“I suppose you’re wondering who supported the long term invested along the way?” he asked grinning wider than ever.
‘What in Equestria is this pony talking about?’ she quickly thought to herself.
“Master Fancypants, esteemed guests, I happily announce that dinner, is served.” Said Silver Dish and a whole round of waiters came in holding covered silver plates of delicious smelling food.
A waiter set before Rarity a covered plate of food, before revealing to her the delicious meal of carrot, elegantly topped with some sort of dressing, presented to her in a restaurant quality fashion.
“This is just the entree; the main meal will be arriving shortly. Please, enjoy.” Said Silver Dish before leaving the room once again, it would seem that the butler knew his place which is why Fancypants held a high spot for him in his mansion.
If this was just the entree, then who knew how delicious the main meal will be? Rarity looked forward to the meal to follow as she elegantly ate the food before her. Taking a sip of wine, she glanced over to their host who was staring at her with intrigue.
“Rarity my dear, I heard from Fleur Dis Lee that you had expanded your business to Canterlot. Am I correct?” asked Fancypants suddenly, it would seem that he took a keen interest in her work due to his supposed relationship with the supermodel.
“Why yes. You are most certainly correct. Business was so successful all of a sudden and before I knew it I was already opening up my first shop in Canterlot.”
“That is good to hear. I was going to give you a business offer that I don’t think you will be able to resist. For you see, I am very well acquainted with a very high status client. I assume you've heard of the wonderbolts?
“Why of course. Please, do go on, I am most intrigued to hear your offer.” She replied encouragingly.
“They are the greatest fliers in all of Equestria after all and I am actually well acquainted with their captain, Spitfire who asked me to find somepony very artistic and talented to design their flight uniforms. Since you were the freshest designer on the block I thought I might ask you. You are one of the most talented, young designers I have ever had the pleasure of doing business with after all.” He said, complimenting her generously.
Designing outfits for the Wonderbolts? An opportunity like that only came once in a lifetime! Who knows where this would take her career? This would mean big things for her here in Canterlot and quite possibly all of Equestria! Should she take the offer? Of course she should, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity after all.
“I happily accept your offer Fancypants. Thank you. I’m very excited to be working with the Wonderbolts.” She said politely.
“Excellent. I will give them my answer and send them directly to you so you can get started as soon as feasible." He said, smiling happily.
“Why congratulations Rarity, it seems that your business in Canterlot will be quite successful.” said Uppercrust encouragingly.
“Yes, a fine mare like you is bound to find a suitable counterpart.” Complimented Fleur Dis Lee, speaking for what had to be the third time that evening.
“I`m flattered Fleur, but what do you mean; counterpart?” she asked, slightly confused by the mare’s extensive use of words.
“What I mean is, it won’t be hard to find a very eligible stallion to put a ring on that perfectly shined hoof of yours.” She said jokingly.
“Oh. Well, I suppose you are right. I guess it won’t be too difficult.” She said, her cheeks turning a shade of crimson with the thought of Fancypants and Prince Blueblood, who were both very eligible stallions.
“Yes, how about a toast?” suggested Fancypants, attempting to lighten the mood. “To Rarity!” he toasted before taking a sip of wine as everypony else repeated.
Shortly after the toast, another round of waiters brought yet another round of food. It would seem that the main meal was just about to be served. The waiters placed one plate in front of each pony and even refilled their wine glasses before exiting the room as quickly as they entered.
With every bite, she reflected upon the significant words that had been exchanged between the ponies, she never thought that she would be sitting at this table tonight but here she was. But why would Blueblood ask such a bizarre question like that? Could it have something to do with her successful business as of late? Or was she just been paranoid? With the each question her food became less and less appetising. All these worrying thoughts were ruining her meal.
“Is something the matter?” asked Blueblood suddenly. “Or is the look on your face just an illusion?
She snapped out of her thoughts and looked to the ponies around her who had just stopped eating and were now all staring at her confused. An embarrassed smile took over her face and she wasn’t sure what she should say.
“Oh, why of course not, I was just um...I was just giving Fancypants’s offer a second thought that’s all.” She said blowing over the disaster that was just about to occur. It was a lie, but it was the closest thing to the truth that she could provide.
“Is my offer, not generous enough for you my dear?” asked Fancypants, who sounded a little insulted and unsure of himself.
“Your offer is more than generous. I am still happy to do it.” She said drinking her entire glass of wine in one sitting. Not realising the severity of her mistake, she made a comment that would lead her down a path she really didn’t want to travel. “Now, doesn’t Blueblood look like a rose? He looks like an absolute rose doesn’t he Fleur?” she asked as the alcohol started rushing through her like the wind in the trees of a beautiful autumn day. “That reminds of the beautiful rose that he selfishly put in his waistcoat when he was supposed to give to me.” She said, her intoxication already taking effect.
"Why, I suppose he does." Fleur said both confused and unsure of why Rarity had just made such an outrageous comment.
"He reminds me of the worst night of my life. The night of which I spent the entire evening being treated like some rodent by a handsome prince. He didn't even open the door for me! Or provide me with comfortable seating. He insulted by best friend right in front of me and he got cake all over me!." Rarity slurred over her drunken words and with every insult Blueblood's level of composure decreased. "Turns out, he's nothing but a unchivalrous, stuck up son of a -" but before she could finish her sentence, a wet, cold sensation ran through her hair and down her face. She immediately snapped out of her intoxicated rant and quickly realised that the very pony she was insulting had just tipped his glass of wine onto her head. It would seem that her plan to exact revenge on Prince Blueblood had just failed.
The other ponies seated at the table stared in absolute shock. The night had taken an unexpected turn from the moment she emptied her glass. Suddenly, she realised the severe mistake that she had just made and a wave of guilt washed over her, leaving an empty feeling in her stomach even though she had just eaten a delicious meal.
Feeling overwhelmingly ashamed of her unladylike actions and disgusting comments she quietly excused herself from the table and went to the bathroom. It was the best thing she could to do after making a fool of herself in front of some very important ponies.
Had it all being a mistake? Was attending this dinner party a mistake? No, it couldn't be. After all, she had learnt something hadn't she?
She looked at her reflection in the big, oval mirror and found herself disgusted and upset by the pony she saw. Her mane was a dripping wet mess, her dress was stained and her make up was ruined. She looked...awful. Luckily, there was some towels she could dry off with and she wondered if Fancypants would mind her using them. Regardless, she did so anyway. Drying herself off and attempting to fix her hair, she started to feel a bit better. After a about ten minutes of attempting to fix up her appearance, she rejoined the party. Hoping they would allow her to formally apologise for her rude behaviour.
As she walked through the door, the table of ponies turned to her expectantly and she knew exactly what she had to do.
"I'm sorry every pony. I really am. I shouldn't have said such horrible things about Prince Blueblood." Still feeling a bit intoxicated, a surge of pain rushed to her head and she found a hoof reaching for her forehead. "It's just that I thought that if I drank some alcohol, I would feel better about his presence. So I formally apologise to you all but most of all Fancypants, for ruining your delightful dinner party." She concluded before rejoining the table.
"Actually, you did no such thing." Assured Fancypants. "To be perfectly honest, I think you made the night all the more memorable in the sense that you added a bit of drama and a bit of excitement. Without you, I don't think my dinner party would have been such an overwhelming success."
"Really? You think so? But I was so rude and impolite."
"Yes but we are like that sometimes, besides my dear it is almost time for the last course; dessert."
The waiters once again brought out plates of food for each member of the table. Revealing the delicious delight that was their last course. To everypony's surprise, including Fancypants, the dessert consisted of something as simple and delicious as chocolate mud cake. Yes, what a rather ordinary thing to have at a fancy dinner party.
As dessert was packed away the end of the evening was dwelling upon them. The time for the guests to leave was nearing and there was still some unanswered and unasked questions.
The first to leave was of course Jet Set and Uppercrust who probably only came for bragging rights. They said their farewell before making their exit. Next was Blueblood, of whom seemed rather pleased with the way things turned out surprisingly enough. Fleur Dis Lee left shortly afterwards and of course the last guest to leave was Rarity.
"Thank you very much for your hospitality Fancypants, I do however still feel bad about what I did. I hope you'll forgive me someday." She said politely.
"Ah, there is no need to worry about that my dear. You've already apologised and I have already accepted your apology. So there is no need to apologise further. Besides, there is something I should probably tell you before you leave tonight." He said reassuringly.
"Yes?"
"You see, Prince Blueblood was the one who helped with the sheer volume of customers and he was the one who made sure that there was an empty store for lease here in Canterlot. He's actually a fine gentleman when you get to know him. He also has a crush on you." With those words, Rarity's cheeks went crimson red. "It's true. He told me himself. Now you better head home." He suggested.
"You're right, I should. Thanks once again Fancypants. I never would have thought that Blueblood would do something so generous. Good night."
"Good night Rarity, I look forward to seeing you again."
With those words she turned and stepped into the carriage that was going to take her home. And as she drove away, she silently reflected on the night's events. What a night it had been. It may have not have gone as planned but it was still undeniably...
perfect.
The End