It's Truly a Sight, Rainbow
Rarity found herself unable to finish the dress. But, unlike whenever this happened before, the problem could not be solved by increasing the number of gems. She didn't need another cross-stitch above the hemline that would take her hours to retrace and restitch. Nor did she need some sort of inspiration to motivate her.
What she needed was a better curtain. How could she be expected to slave away with her charts and sewing machine when the pegasi had made it such a beautiful day outside. The clouds were just few enough that the sun's rays could fall over ponyville, but numerous enough that there were plenty of places for one to lie down in the shade and simply watch life pass by.
Ever since she'd taken over Rainbow Dash's job as weather manager, even if it was due to a magic spell that lasted for less than a day, she'd had a new appreciation for the work the pegasi did. Something, she noticed, not everyone else seemed to care much for. On the days like today, no one bothered to thank the numerous pegasi walking, or flying, around. Yet on days with rain, fog, or any other weather condition that was unfavorable, the pegasi were at the very center of the blame. They'd blamed her for everything that went wrong when she took over. Admittedly, it was her fault. She'd had absolutely no idea what she was doing. Though she apologized numerous times for the frostbite. And the sunburns. And the colds. And she found herself still getting the cold shoulder from a few of the mares whose manes she'd ruined.
Sure, the pegasi made mistakes. Sure, sometimes there had been thunder when there should have been sunshine. And yes, it hailed instead of snowed a bit. But the majority of the time, no, all the time, they worked hard to create beautiful days that any resident of Ponyville would be proud of. Lately, Rarity found herself making a point to thank as many of the members of the weather control team that she could. Today was no different.
"Well hello there, Thunderlane," she said as she stopped near the charcoal coated stallion and his lighter toned younger brother.
He turned and smiled at her. And her heart couldn't help but flutter for the briefest of moments. Yes, they had dated for a while. But they both decided that they simply weren't made for each other, and parted amicably. They'd remained friends, but she couldn't help the fact that he was quite dashing indeed.
"Hey there, Rarity," he replied.
"Absolutely splendid weather we're having," She said as she looked up.
His smile seemed to get brighter. "You're enjoying it then?" he asked hopefully.
"Yes, the weather team has been doing simply marvelous work."
He blushed. "Well thanks, Rarity. I'll make sure to tell them that you said that." He cleared his throat. "How have you been?"
"Oh, I've been working on my spring-rain line. It's going to be simply divine. It's finished but needs to be tested. Which I plan on doing as soon as it rains."
"Congrats, Rarity."
"And how's my favorite little darling today?" she asked, turning to Rumble.
"Thunderlane said that he's taking me out for ice cream," the young colt said excitedly.
"Did he? And what flavor are you going to get?"
"Cinnamon-Apple Twist!" He shouted, hovering as he pumped his small wings.
"He's been begging for it all morning," Thunderlane sighed as he ruffled the younger one's mane.
"I wanted a Double Scoop though," she heard Rumble mutter.
Rarity smiled, motioning for the little one to come closer. She whispered something in his ear. They shared a grin. Then looked to Thunderlane, both putting on the most dramatically anguished faces they could.
"Thunderlane," Rarity cried. "You simply must hurry and get this poor colt some ice cream. Look at his face." She held him up in front of Thunderlane. Squishing his cheeks together. "He's wasting away to nothing."
"Must... have... Double... Scoop..." Rumble added.
Thunderlane deadpanned. "No Double Scoop."
"Pleeease?" Rumble begged, giving his best puppy dog face
"No."
Rarity joined Rumble in begging. "Pleeeeeeeease?" They said together.
"No." He took a step back, glancing around for a way out, but knowing he couldn't just leave Rumble alone. It was obvious that he was close to cracking. Just one more would push him over the edge.
They moved in closer, Rumble on the right and Rarity on the left. "Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?"
He sighed, caving in to the demands of the puppy eyed duo. "Fine..."
"Yay!" Rumble shouted as he hopped around joyously.
Rarity laughed and Thunderlane, who tried to glare at her and failed, soon joined her.
"Well I'd best be off," she said when the merriment had died down. "Say, you wouldn't happen to know where I could find Rainbow Dash do you?"
"She should be somewhere over there," he said as he gestured towards the Everfree Forest. She's doing a bit of cloudshaping on the edge of the forest."
"Then I'll be on my way," Rarity said as she began walking in the direction he pointed out. "Thank you, Thunderlane, and have fun at Sugarcube Corner, Rumble," She called over her shoulder.
"Double Scoop," Rumble chanted as they walked. "Double Scoop. Double Scoop. Double Scoop."
Thunderlane sighed. He'd been looking forward to getting an Oats n' Berries Blitz. But Rumble had his heart set on a Double Scoop. Which costed about as much as two ice cream cones. Oh well. He didn't get to see his brother too often, so he'd treat him whenever he could. Even if he hadn't had anything to eat. Nothing. At all. He patted his grumbling belly and pushed the food fantasies from his mind.
"Can I help you?" Mrs. Cake asked.
"Yeah, I'll take a Double Cinnamon-Apple Twist," Thunderlane said as he dumped all the bits he brought on the counter.
She hesistated. "And...?"
"That's all."
"Well, you gave me enough money for a Double Scoop and another cone if you want it."
That couldn't be right. He'd definitely only brought enough money for two cones. He'd counted it out at home and just before he bumped into...
He gave a quiet chuckle. That mare was one of the sliest girl he'd ever met. That thing with Rumble had been a really good distraction.
"I'll take an Oats n' Berries Blitz, please."
She smiled, gathered up the bits and went into the back to make the cones.
I think I might be able to pull a few strings and get it to rain tomorrow.
Rarity laid on her back and stared up at the clouds as Rainbow Dash slowly, and arduously, molded the clouds into a variety of shapes. From simple ones that she felt nostalgic just looking at, to much more complex ones. She'd arrived right as Dash was finishing up her rendition of her own Element of Harmony. The lightning bolt seemed right at home in the sky.
"Hey, Rarity," Rainbow Dash called down. "Be with you in a second. One more cloud to finish up."
"Take you time, dear," She called back. I'll just enjoy the show."
And what a show it was. Rarity couldn't help but marvel at the acrobatic prowess of Dash. To some, her dives and flips may have seemed like pure theatrics, but to the dressmaker with an eye for design, she could see the effectiveness of Dash's technique. She used her wingtips to add detail to the cloud as she sped around the sides. Her spinning gave her enough momentum to break through and come out the other side.
Every move in her arsenal had a purpose. That didn't mean she didn't showboat a little. She had an audience and she was going to use it. Who was Rainbow Dash if not a bit egotistical. She tried to keep it to a minimum though. She didn't want to ruin all of her hard work after all.
After she finished, she gave a few flaps from her wings to push the cloud away. Letting it drift in the air. She made her way down to Rarity, who had been waiting patiently.
"Hello there, Rainbow Dash."
"Hey, Rares. What brings you out here?"
"Oh its much too nice a day for me to sit in a stuffy old shop. Besides, I could use a break."
"Same here," Rainbow said as she took a seat beside her. "Luckily that was the last batch for the next few days."
They were both silent for a moment. Simply taking in the sights of the sky. The sun started to set, and they could both take in the wonder as Celestia began to yield the world's safety to her sister's night. The sun hit the clouds just right, and the silhouettes were displayed along the land. Neither of them spoke. Each now partaking in the game ground gazing.
Rarity understood it now. Why Rainbow Dash took so much pride in herself and her work. Few ponies saw the beauty that she and the weather team worked so hard to create. They had to seek praise, and confimation that their work meant something elsewhere. For Thunderlane, he most likely found that in his little brother. Rainbow Dash, obviously, found it in herself. But even so, the friends had collectively noticed that Rainbow's bragging had decreased extremely. While that pride still existed, the need to share her opinion of herself for all to hear had nealy vanished. Rarity briefly wondered what brought this change, then decided that it didn't matter.
Rarity was the first to break the silence.
"It's truly a sight, Rainbow."
That's Some Mighty Fine Dedication, Rarity
"Applejack, your brother is an absolute lifesaver," said Rarity, gratefully. She packed the last dress into the suitcase and tied it tightly to the cart that her friend's family used for their product deliveries. "I have no idea what I would have done if I didn't get these prototypes in on time."
"Eh, he was heading out to Canterlot anyhow." Applejack dismissed the statement with a wave of her hoof. "Besides, one suitcase isn't gonna stop Macintosh. Right Brother?"
Big Mac grunted in agreement.
"Even so, It wouldn't feel right unless I did something in return." Rarity put a hoof to her chin. "I recall Pinkie Pie mentioning that it's your birthday next week?"
"Eeyup," he said, nodding.
"Than make sure you come by the boutique in a few days. I think I'll have the perfect gift for you."
"That's really kind of you," Big Mac began. "But, Ah can't—"
"Nuh, uh, uh," Rarity interrupted. She put her hoof over his mouth, shushing him. "I absolutely insist. After the way you mastered your solo on such short notice, you deserve something special."
"But—"
"What if I told you that if you stopped resisting the idea, I would put a rush on Smarty Pants' repairs."
Big Macintosh turned redder beneath his coat as his sister began snickering. "W-well..." he began hesitantly.
"And," Rarity cut in again. "I'll also include a bit of wardrobe for her. I have a few spare pieces from Sweetie Belle's toys."
Apparently that sealed the deal for Macintosh, because he immediately closed his jaw and nodded.
"Excellent, and make sure to come see me when you get back from the city, alright?"
"Yup," Mac promised. He hitched himself to the cart and began trotting in the direction of the train.
Rarity turned back towards her house, calling, over her shoulder, to Applejack, "Just let me finish locking up and we can be on our way alright, darling?"
Applejack sat down to wait, not bothering to answer as Rarity was already inside the boutique. She still didn't really know why she agreed to this. Spas were not her thing. If she needed to relax she took a nap. If she wanted a bath she took one at home. As for her hair, a quick brush and a rubber band were all she needed.
"And on my day off too," AJ sighed. Though, she couldn't complain too much. She never did anything more than sleep or walk around town on her days off. Besides, maybe the spa wouldn't be as bad as she thought. Rarity and Fluttershy always seemed more relaxed when they came back from their usual visit.
"All ready to go!" Rarity said happily as she walked past. Applejack gave a quiet grunt of acceptance and began to follow her, allowing the chatty mare to fill the time while they walked.
"I can't thank you enough for agreeing to come with me, Applejack," Rarity said. "The trip is simply much more pleasant with company. And I think that we all could use some relaxation after recent events."
AJ nodded in agreement. She knew Rarity was still trying to catch up on the orders that had fallen to her on their day of mix-ups. None of Applejacks' works were even slightly passable as clothing, meaning Rarity had to start from scratch with new materials, costing her a hefty sum of bits.
"Ah really am sorry about causing you so much trouble, Rares," Applejack apologized, feeling guilty. "Are you sure there's no way Ah can help?
Rarity waved her off. "Think nothing of it, it was no one's fault. I think of this as a new challenge, one that will help me spread my name to the farthest reaches of Equestria."
While Rarity was easily tied with the element of Generosity, she all but refused to accept charity. Preferring to work on her own merit and time, meaning she refused her friends' offers of help and money. She had begun to catch up, but it was costing her. Even Applejack noticed the concealed bags beneath her eyes, though she pretended she didn't.
When they finally arrived at Aloe and Lotus's Spa, AJ couldn't hide a small gulp of fear.
"Oh, come now Applejack. It won't be bad. It's going to be very relaxing and rejuvenating. Trust me."
"Well?" Rarity asked excitedly as they exited the spa. "How do you feel?"
Not even being proven wrong could dampen Applejack's mood. She was much too relaxed to let anything bother her.
"Kinda like Ah'm flying," she admitted. She rolled her shoulders, unused to them feeling this light and loose, and twisted her neck, amazed at how much she could move it with no strain. Even her fur felt new, much better than any regular bath could give her. She was almost afraid to get dirty again. Almost.
The next few minutes were spent in companionable silence as the two mares made their way back to Rarity's home. But the mood wouldn't last too long.
"Oh, dear," Rarity groaned as they came into view of a mare waiting outside. The light purple mare seemed to radiate rage as they approached. And she immediately leapt up upon seeing the duo.
"Rarity!" she exclaimed. "Where exactly have you been all day?"
Rarity strolled right past her and produced the key for her home.
"Hello, Suri," Rarity said. "How are you? Good. Me? Oh, I'm doing splendidly." During her conversation with herself she opened her door and gestured inside.
"What is this about taking another week on my order?" Suri yelled as she walked inside. "I demand an explanation!"
Applejack raised an eyebrow, silently asking if Rarity would need her help dealing with the aggravating mare.
Rarity glanced at Suri, who had launched into a tirade about the importance of punctuality and etiquette. She gave a quick nod.
"And another thing—" She stopped short, noticing Applejack enter the room. "Who is this?" she asked, contemptuously. "The 'help'?" She snorted.
"A good friend of mine," Rarity replied as she began sorting fabrics into neat piles. "Now what exactly is the problem, Suri?"
"This!" she yelled, pulling a piece of parchment from her bags. "What is this supposed to be?"
Applejack took a look at the crumpled paper. "Ah know I never went to any of the elite Canterlot schools. So forgive my uneducated guesses, but it looks like something called a letter."
Rarity hid her giggles behind her hoof while Suri snatched the letter away. "I know what it is! What I don't know is why my order needs to be pushed back. I require those gems for an important piece I am working on." She flicked her hoof at a clothed ponnequin dismissively. Applejack rolled her eyes.
"Due to circumstances beyond even royal control, my work has been pushed back. I'm down on materials and need time to restock before I can resume working. Your order is not the only thing to be postponed, but it will be finished in a short amount of time."
As Suri opened her mouth to retort Rarity politely cut in, "And that is all I can say on the subject. Is there anything else that you would like to discuss?" The fabrics seemed to fold themselves just a bit more aggressively.
Suri's eyes widened as she was interrupted, and she scowled. "I think you've been spending too much time with these ponies, Rarity. You're becoming less 'Canterlot Elite' and more Ponyville each day." She said the last part with absolute disdain, glaring at AJ as she spoke. "Too many commoners around these parts. Unrefined, uncultured, and—"
"I think you should leave now," Rarity, again, cut in. A cold edge to her voice.
"Excuse me?"
"I don't appreciate you coming into my place of business and making demands of me any more than I appreciate you insulting the ones I call my friends."
Suri gaped, her jaw working like a fish's. "Well if that's how you feel, I may just take my business elsewhere!"
"That would be fine with me." Rarity finally turned to face Suri. Her face a picture of calm anger. "I don't depend on your business, and it was only out of the goodness of my heart that I accepted your offer. Despite events that you seem to have forgotten, I decided to try to get you those gems you so desperately crave. It seems I made a mistake in that decision. If you feel like taking your business elsewhere, It wouldn't faze me in the slightest."
"Now I will ask you again," she continued. "Please leave."
Suri growled and made to approach Rarity. But Applejack intervened before she could start a fight that she would undoubtedly lose.
"Ah believe that my friend asked you to get out." She pointed a hoof behind the lavender mare. "Door's that way."
When Suri finally left, slamming the door behind her, Rarity sighed and rubbed at her head before turning and smiling at Applejack gratefully.
"Tea?"
Tea time didn't last long. Rarity left AJ to show herself out while she got a head start on some of her older orders. Applejack shook her head in disbelief at the mare's tenacity. Quietly, so as not to disturb the mare, she grabbed her stetson and made to leave.
As she closed the door, Applejack took one more peek inside. A tornado of fabrics, colors, and dazzling gems whipped around the room. Rarity, somehow making sense of it all, began slowly assembling something resembling a dress. "That's some mighty fine dedication, Rarity," Applejack whispered, closing the door behind her as she headed home.
