Hearts & Hooves - A day in Canterlot

The former bearers of the Elements of Harmony, best pony friends forever, and their dragon associate were all sat in Golden Oaks Library the day before Hearts and Hooves. Of course being young mares and whelp, they didn't care too much about finding their own special someponies yet. But such an important day in the calendar still impacted on their lives…especially for the only unicorn in the group.

“So, tomorrow morning I’ll be going up to Canterlot to hoof deliver, alter and fit dresses for some of my most important clients in time for their Hearts & Hooves dates in the evening,” Rarity concluded her story.

“Hearts and Hooves in Canterlot…sounds like you're going to be in your element!” Fluttershy replied in her soft dulcet tones “How wonderful for you!”

“Well, it’s hardly a pleasure visit as I’ll be getting an early train and be fitting dresses all day. I won’t be finished to quite late but at least I can stay over and not worry about rushing home.” Rarity turned to her alicorn friend “Thank you Twilight for arranging my stay at the Castle…hotels are very expansive tomorrow!”

“It’s no problem Rarity; just don’t be getting too caught up in everything to do with Canterlot like last time you stayed...”

Rarity blushed a little at the reminder of when she became the pony everypony wanted to know, and what she learnt about friendship “There’s no chance of that this time. Outside work I’ll just be spending time in the castle suite, I can’t even go out for dinner!”

Rarity cast a look at Twilight who nodded that she was ready, and the rest of the ponies picked up on the pre-arranged signal.

“What do you mean?” Twilight replied acting confused.

“Well, I can’t be seen out on Hearts and Hooves day evening alone, it wouldn't do my social and business profile much good if an up and coming fashion designer trying to sell beautiful dresses can’t rustle up a date...or even a friend!”

“Sorry sugarcube, I would come and keep ya company but Big Mac’s got some plans so I need to foalsit Applebloom and look after the farm.”

“Shoot, I would totally offer as well except I’m looking after the twins for the Cakes so they can have a romantic night together. It’s like a party, except I’m not invited for some reason, but that’s utterly okay as I’ll have fun with the foals!”

“I can’t stand to be back around all those high-society ponies after my modelling days,” Fluttershy added weekly “I’m sorry Rarity, please don’t be mad?”

“Even thought I’m not into that frou-frou stuff, I wouldn’t leave you hanging…but I’ve arranged to look after Scootaloo and her sister whilst their parents go on a date to Cloudsdale."

“And I’m stuck preceding over marriages and blessings all day. It’s my first one as Princess and there’s a lot of ponies wanting me to marry them.” Twilight blushed a bit as she hated the attention her new status awarded her.

“Thank you all for your offers, but I know you are all busy.” Rarity turned a little and placed a hoof over her forehead dramatically “No, I shall have to go to Canterlot, alone, and spend all day trying to navigate my way around, alone! And then, after a hard days work, stay in the castle and eat in my room, alone, lest the shame of it all reverberates around the whole kingdom!”

Rarity really would make a good actress Twilight thought to herself as the pony wallowed in fake despair.

“Wait a minute. Don’t we know like a totally awesome guide to canterot already?” Rainbow Dash hovered in the air and pointed a hoof.

“Who me?” the dragon replied dumbfounded as he noticed the mare was pointing at him “I’m sure one of the Royal Guard would be willing to help…”

Applejack interrupted the dragon before he got too far “That right. Spike, you know Canterlot like the back of you hoof…”

“Claw”

“…back of your claw, you could help Rarity travel and make sure she doesn't get lost!“

Rarity flashed her eyes as she always did “Would you Spikey Wikey? We work so well together that it’ll make everything so much easier if I had your reliable helping hooves...”

“Again, claws” Spike replied. Now that he was maturing a little he had found himself becoming a little more sarcastic, usually resulting in him losing his ice-cream privileges.

“Oh whatever, would you come to Canterlot to be my guide? I can’t afford to get lost and delayed” the fashionista batted her eyelids again at the poor defenseless dragon.

Unfortunately, whilst his heart was screaming for him to say yes, the loyalty to his guardian came first “But Twilight needs me, I can’t just go off and leave her to run the Library when she’s so busy!”

“Actually Spike, I’ve already arrange for the Library’s to be closed all day as I’ll be doing the weddings with the Mayor.”

“Who would help you get ready?”

“I’m pretty sure Twilight can look after herself Spike” Applejack replied.

Twilight giggled and rubbed her charges spines a little “I think Rarity could use your help a lot more then I need it, but thank you for being so concerned number one assistant.”

Having placated his undying loyalty to his…whatever Twilight was to him…he was more than happy to say the next few words “Sure Rarity, what time should I come and help you with your luggage?”