Letters of Luxury

"Alright, Darling. You've been in there for entirely too long. Aren't you done yet?" Rarity questioned from beyond the bathroom door.

"I... I'm done." I said, trying to sound confident as I looked myself over once more. I just finished changing into the dress Rarity had made me.

The skirt swept across the floor, barely an inch above my hooves, as I spun taking a good look at myself. The dress was a snug fit, a sleeveless white gown. Pleasant ice blue lace was woven into the dresses edges and along its sides, swirling and spreading like vines along my ribs. The skirt was just as elegantly designed, with frozen flowers blooming along its frigid edge.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I turned and opened the door. Almost immediately Rarity gasped. "Coco! You look absolutely gorgeous!"

I blushed and looked at the floor, "Thank you, Rarity."

Rarity wove her hoof, beckoning me towards her. "It's time we joined the party. I can hear the music starting!"

"Okay, Rarity." I took a few shaky steps towards her, trying to keep myself calm.

Rarity just smiled at me, "There's no need to be worried, my dear. Take a deep breath and find your confidence."

I nodded, closed my eyes, and slowly took a breath. When I exhaled, I could feel a calmness spread through my tense muscles. "Okay," I said with a smile.

Rarity shared my smile and opened the door. I followed her out into one if the hallways of Princess Twilight Sparkles castle. We followed the music through the castles glistening crystal halls until finally coming to the music's source.

The room that opened below us was enormous! We followed the balcony around the edge of the room and continued down the stairs. Princess Sparkle approached us as we came to the bottom of the stairs. "Good afternoon, Coco Pommel, it's great to see you again!"

"I'm grateful to be here, Princess." I said, bowing to her.

"No need to bow." said Rarity, touching a hoof to my shoulder.

I stood straight and nodded, seeing the awkward princess shy away at the gesture before glancing around the room. I followed her gaze. There were so many ponies here! Finally my eyes caught the mare I had been seeking.

In a corner of the room, near a window stood two mares, one was a white earth pony with a pink mane. The other was a mint green with a blue and white mane.

"Darling? You with us?" Rarity asked, breaking into my thoughts.

I looked back at her and the princess. "Oh, yes. Uh... What was it?"

Twilight smiled, "I was asking if you were enjoying your stay so far. Are you?"

"Ooh! Yes, I've been a bit nervous, but it's nothing important." I nodded, reassuring myself before I continued. "If you could excuse me, I've someone to speak with." I said but waited for Princess Sparkle to nod and allow it.

When she did, I quickly gave her my forgiveness before making my way across the room. Joy was wearing a black dress that was trimmed with a bright, rosy red. It suited her, but it didn't suit the party happening around her. Most ponies wore bright colors mostly whites and pinks. She stuck out like a sore hoof.

As I approached, Joy turned her head but didn't say anything. Finally I got close enough to speak but no one said anything, until finally the mare she had been speaking with poked her with a hoof, "Huh, Redheart, you still here?" Redheart just continued to stare at me.

Feeling nervous I looked at the mare she had been talking to, she wore a white dress that had a very light baby bluish tint to it. She sighed and waved a hoof in front of Redheart, who finally snapped out of her trance.

"Whaaat!?" She asked turning to look at her friend.

Her friend laughed, "You left Equestria there for a minute."

"I did?" She looked back at me and then back to her friend, "oh..."

"Is this the one you were telling me about?" Asked Redheart's friend. She giggled as Redheart hesitated.

She stood there for a moment staring at me before she turned to Lyra and gave a curt nod.

Lyra smiled in return and stepped forward, "I'm Lyra Heartstrings, pleasure to meet you."

I hesitated as I remembered the letter regarding this mare. "I... Coco Pommel, it's nice to meet you too."

Finally Redheart turned to me and smiled. "And now, is one of those times when I feel like I could use a drink. Join me?"

"I second that notion!" Lyra cheer happily starting towards the bar. "Drinks are free tonight." She said passing me by.

I shrugged and followed them to the bar. A drink would probably make this situation a bit more manageable.

Redheart was the first to take a seat and Lyra sat to her left and I sat to her right. "Some Apple's Ale please." Lyra told the bartender as he stepped in front of us.

The bartender nodded, and began making the drinks. Redheart looked at me, "I'm so glad you made it."

I smiled, "I'm happy to be here."

"Okay, you two are obviously at a loss for words." Lyra paused and took a drink as soon as they landed in front of us. "The two of you need to loosen up a bit, be friends!"

I blushed but Redheart smiled then laughed, "I guess you're right Lyra." She turned to her drink, "it's just that I haven't dated anyone in a very long time. Not since I was really young."

I smiled as she took her first drink. "Don't let it bother you, we're in the same cart. I haven't dated anyone..."

Both of them looked at me. Lyra looked as if she were ready to laugh, "wait, so does that mean you're still a... Never mind, anyways, it just means you two are even better for each other!"

"Keep it down, Lyra, we don't want everyone here knowing..." Said Redheart, as her cheeks turned a little red.

"Well, it's true. Neither of you have dated anyone in a pretty long time. I kind of envy you two right now." Lyra said.

"Then again you'd sleep with anyone who has more than two shots in them." Redheart retorted, looking sidelong at her friend.

My expectations were dashed when Lyra started laughing again. "Hey! You know I wouldn't do... Okay maybe... But still! You two are lucky! It's a rarity for sure."

I chuckled, the image of Rarity just popping up next to them having some witty comment to add... I took a drink and washed the thought away. "I think we're lucky, but let's not spoil it with its recognition. Redheart... you said you've dated someone once before, what happened?"

She turned to me and her smile faltered a little. "Well, while in Med School, there was a stallion I studied with, but I don't remember his name now, but we hit it off shortly after we started school. There was no fire in the relationship. The occasional date and the ever so rare nights we spent together. I left him after about five months." She took a drink, as if to punctuate her story.

I just nodded and took a drink. "Well, I'm glad you're here now," I said with a smile.

Lyra slapped her hoof off the top of the counter. "You two are so boring! You know that right? All orderly and situated in your ways. Well, I spy with my little eye, a pair of purple ponies."

Redheart and I both followed her line of sight, she was staring two light purple pegasi who were walking towards the bar. I watched as Lyra leave us and take a seat next to the two mares.

"Who are they?" I asked leaning towards Redheart.

She took a drink. "They're locals, part of the Ponyville weather team. See the one with the short mane? That's Flitter, the other is Cloudchaser." She smiled as she watched them. "Everyone thinks they're twins, but they aren't. Flitter is almost two years younger and has a different father. So, they're half sisters. Either way, they have quite the reputation."

“How so?” I asked feeling a little curious.

Redheart smiled, “Well, they have a reputation as being major party ponies. Though the parties they throw are a bit more… creative.” She laughed. “In other words, they have sex. Lots of it at that.”

I blushed and nodded. “Oh… So is Lyra…”

“Yep.” She tilted her head and looked at me. “I really am glad you came tonight, I was hoping after the ceremony and such finishes off and everyone starts to leave, perhaps we could go for a walk.”

I smiled and took a drink of my cider. “I’d like that.” Taking another small sip, “How long have you and Lyra known each other?”

She hesitated, pondering the question. “I suppose I’ve known her for roughly fifteen years now… I’m not sure, could be less. I know I first met her while I was still in school.” Redheart took a drink, “Did you attend any university after your primary studies were over?”

I sighed and looked to my drink for an answer, “No, actually I was already tailoring before I finished Primary. So I already had a job at a small cleaning and ironing shop in south Manehatten. Eventually Siri came along and offered me a job as her secretary. Nothing too exciting. I’m still surprised I managed to graduate the first time, I don’t think I could manage going to any University.”

“Well, you’re doing what you love, right? So why should it matter if you’ve gone to a big school or not.” Redheart said as she placed a hoof on my back and gently ran it through my fur and mane.

I looked up to her and smiled. “Thanks, I do love my job and working for Rarity does pay well. Though I don’t really want to remain stuck in Manehatten for the rest of my life. I enjoy traveling too… And Manehatten holds some fairly dark memories I wish to forget.”

“Well, I’d start by talking to Rarity. She’s bound to know of some way to help you.”

I sighed and took a drink, “There’s a problem though. I’d like to just move to Ponyville or even Canterlot, but I still have obligations to take care of back in Manehatten before anything can be changed…”

“Life is an adventure, right? So why not have an adventure. To tartarus with the consequences. Rarity’ll be there to help and so will I.” Redheart said with a smile as she continued to rub my back gently.

I smiled and closed my eyes, enjoying the soothing feeling of her hoof. Something as simple as her touch was enough to smooth out the anxious edge I’d developed throughout the night. (The alcohol was probably helping too.)

To Tartarus with the consequences.

I opened my eyes and took a small drink. As I sat the glass back down, I turned towards her and wrapped one hoof around her neck, pulling her closer to me and pressing my lips against hers. They were soft, a lot softer than I had expected. After a second that seemed to last an eternity, I could feel a small smile pressing against my lips before she returned my kiss.

I felt her hoof gently touch my cheek before sliding down to rest on my shoulder. Redheart pulled away and smiled again. “Well, that was unexpected.”

I blushed and looked into my drink, Crap! How many ponies saw that! How many of them will know Redheart? What will that do or say to her later? What will they say about us amongst themselves... what if this gets back to Manehatten.

"You okay?" Redheart asked me quietly.

I turned up at her searching her eyes for a clue of how to feel. I saw nothing but happiness with a glint of fear. "I'll be fine." I glanced up at Princess Twilight Sparkle and smiled. "We should join the next dance." I said after a pause.

Redheart passively nodded as she turns her attention to the couples already on the dance floor. "Okay."

Looking at them all, I could easily spot a few recognizable faces, including Rarity and her date alongside Cheerilee and Big Mac. I smiled as their happy faces came into view.

As the song came to an end the couples separated and dispersed but no song began. Instead, Princess Twilight Sparkle took a spot in the center of the dance floor. "Attention everyone. May I have everyone's attention." The room went deathly quiet as everyone's attention focused on the princess. "Now, as many of you know. This party is for my parent’s twenty-fifth anniversary! Twilight Velvet, Night Light! Please come here."

Two ponies - one of which wore a beautiful white dress, and the other wearing a black tuxedo - walked over and stood near the princess. Twilight looked as if she were ready to cry as she hugged them. They stood and talked for a moment before Twilight cleared her throat and her parents moved to stand in front of her while Cadance and Shining Armor spoke to the two of them, afters whispers and hugs were exchanged, the two of them took their positions just behind Twilight.

"Night Light," Twilight started, looking at her father. "Twilight Velvet," She continued as turned her head to her mother. "You two have been married for twenty-five years now. You both have lived and cared for one another without breaking yours vows and without forgetting the love you both solemnly swore all those years ago under Celestia's sun." Twilight smiled as whispers rose from the crowd and Twilight Velvet began to cry. From where we stood, her smile was evident.

After Velvet regained her composer, Twilight continued. "Here in my Castle under the Luna's moonlight, I stand before you to witness and record the reinstatement of your vows. Night Light. Do you wish to continue your pledge to care for and love this mare for the remainder of yours days? Are you willing to protect and love her with everything you are?"

"I have and always will. Yes, I do." Night Light answered. A strong emotional depth echoing in his tone.

Twilight turned to her mother. "Twilight Velvet. Do you wish to continue living by the pledge to care for and love this stallion who stands before you? Are you willing to stand by his side and care for him in sickness and in health, to love and to hold in the storms to come?"

"Forever and always." Twilight Velvet choked out trying hard to keep her composure.

"May the magic you share grow stronger with every day to come." Twilight said with a grin. Her horn began to glow before a bolt flew into the air, exploding into the shape of a heart overhead.

Night Light and Twilight Velvet stepped closer together, their horns touching for a moment, letting their magic dance together before taking to the air and exploding into light purple and dark blue stars with the princess's heart. After a moment the two shared their kiss for a moment before they embraced each other for a long moment as the crowd cheered for them.

We could see Princess Twilight talk to her brother and sister-in-law for a moment before the two made their way out of the room through a set of double doors. After a moment or two passed they reentered the room followed an enormous seven-layered white and pink frosted cake which was being pushed by Pinkie Pie.

They led the cake to the center of the room, where everyone could see it. The room fell quiet once more - forgive a few whispers. Pinkie held out a cake cutter for Night Light. Him and Twilight Velvet used their magic to to cut each other a slice of cake.

Pinkie Pie began to move the cake off towards an empty area near the concessions table. Cadance and Shining Armor helped pass cake out to ponies who were lining up for some of it.

I looked over just in time to see a grinning Redheart wrapping a hoof around my foreleg and dragging her off the stool towards the cake line. "Let's go!"

“Okay, okay! No need to drag me.” I said pulling my leg free so I could walk properly. Redheart and I dipped and slipped around other ponies until we got to the end of the line.

My Celestia! I hope we get some of it.

"She didn't have to be so mean about it." The voice breaking me from my thoughts. It was one of the fillies in front of Redheart and me.

The purple mane pegasus was next to speak, she seemed aggravated, "I can't believe them. This is a new low for her and Silver Spoon."

Looking at the three of them, I recognized Rarity's sister, Sweetie Belle. She had her hoof around her friends shoulder. "Don't let them get to you Applebloom. My sister can fix the dress for you later."

I looked at Redheart, who just shook her head. I decided not to speak. Applebloom spoke instead, "That doesn't help me now! Diamond Tiara ruined it. She ruins everything!"

The pegasus ' wings buzzed against her dress as she jumped towards Applebloom, landing with a hoof across her shoulders. "Look on the bright side. We're almost to the front of the line. We can ask Pinkie for some extra cake for you. Sound good?"

Applebloom just smiled and nodded, sniffling a little bit. "Thanks, Scoots."

When the three little ones reached the cake, they asked Cadance something but she shook her head and apologized. The three young ponies were about to walk away when Redheart stepped over and stopped them. "Excuse me, girls. Can you wait one moment?"

When they nodded and Redheart asked for two pieces, one for her and one for me. I could see Sweetie Belle looking at me, and whisper to Scootaloo.

Cadance passed a plate with a slice of cake to Redheart while Shining Armor passed me a slice. I looked back at the children, and they looked at us, anticipation twinkling in their eyes.

Redheart turned to them and bent down as she spoke. "Applebloom, this is for you. Don't let a bully ruin your night. Okay?" She spoke so softly that I could barely hear her whispers.

Applebloom accepted the cake while Sweetie Belle took it in her magic. "Thank ya, Ms. Redheart. I'll try ta not let it bother me or ruin my night."

"Good. Tell your sister about them it. Maybe she'll talk to Filthy Rich about his daughter's behavior." Redheart smiled at them pausing for a moment, "Have a wonderful evening girls, and remember. Best behaviors." With that, Redheart stood straight and nodded to me with a wink.

I blushed a little and heard a snicker come from the fillies. I glanced at them and only darkened fifty shades more. I quickly looked away and directed self towards an empty table. Redheart wasn't far behind me.

She sat down next to me, our backs were against the wall, and we were facing the party. I stuck my fork into the piece of cake I had gotten. It was white cake with pink icing on one side and the top. A fluffy cloud of icing along the edge between the iced sides. (Being a fan of sweets, I started at the side with all the icing.)

Taking another bite of the cake, I couldn’t help but enjoy every savory second I could. “Is that cake that good?”

I looked up to see Redheart snickering at me. “What?” I asked, “It’s good.”

She continued snickering, “Well, I hope you enjoy it.” She looked around, “Looks like Rarity spotted us because here she comes.”

I followed her gaze to spot the beautiful unicorn strutting straight towards us. I took another bite of my cake and it felt like an orgasmic explosion of sweetness. I could feel a moan wishing to rumble in my throat but I stifled it. As Rarity took a seat across from us, she looked at me and looked as though she could burst into laughter. “Hello Coco, Redheart. How is the night going for the two of you?”

I looked at my cake, then up to Rarity. I swallowed my bite and slid the cake over to Redheart. “You can have some.” Turning my attention to Rarity, “And yes. The night is going great.” I smiled glancing at Redheart as she took a bite of the cake. I couldn’t help but giggle a little as she visibly reacted to it’s flavors, knowing exactly how she felt right now.

Rarity saw it too and laughed a little, “Good cake I presume?” her smirk and my giggle making Redheart blush a little. “Pinkie Pie is possibly the best baker in all of Equestria! But this cake is easily amongst her best desserts ever served.”

Redheart just nodded, enjoying her bite.

“Hey, Rarity. We saw your sister and her friends while we were in line.” I said quietly, trying to string together a sentence. “Her friend’s dress was a little torn up.”

Rarity’s face changed to stone. “Don’t tell me it was Diamond Tiara.”

I didn’t answer but instead nodded. Redheart slid the slice back to me and I took another orgasmic bite. It was like chewing on a cloud! Redheart chirped in, “They seemed pretty upset but I shared my cake with little Applebloom. Hopefully, their night will improve.”

Rarity nodded, “I’ll take care of it tomorrow. How bad was her dress torn?” Rarity asked curiosity twinkling in her eyes.

Taking another bite of the cake, I frowned at the realization that we were almost gone. “Nothing terrible, a torn seam in the shoulder, and a few rips along the sleeves and back. It can be repaired tomorrow before I leave for home.”

Redheart reached over and pulled the remaining cake away from me. “Mine.” She winked and ate the last piece of cake before looking at Rarity. “So what happened to your date, Rarity?”

“My wh- Oh… OH! He had to leave early. Unfortunate business called him just after the cake came out.” She shook her head before smiling again. “I’ll probably be leaving before too long, but you two need to be a little more careful. I saw that kiss earlier.”

We both turned red at that. Rarity just laughed before waving. “Have a good night you two.”

As she left Twilight’s voice rang out. “I assume many of you are still eating the cake and other o’dourves. Well, I hope you can turn your attentions to the dancefloor.” A small cheer rose as Twilight Velvet and Night Light took a position in the center of the floor. “For their second, first dance, couples may join if they wish.” Twilight said before queueing the music.

A slow song began to play and Twilight’s parents began to dance. The lighting shifted and dimmed, as purple, white and blue lights reflected off crystals from above. Redheart scooted closer to me before wrapping her hoof around my shoulders. “Should we join them?” She whispered in my ear.

“In a moment,” I answered, leaning my head against her shoulder. “I don’t want to attract any more attention.”

“Alright,” she said as we watched and waited. Her head against the top of mine.

As other couples ventured out into the dance floor, Redheart nudged my shoulder before standing up and taking my hoof to lead me away from our table. Without saying a word, she wrapped her hooves around around my waist. I had no choice but to put my hooves around her neck to keep my balance. Blushing a little, I smiled and pulled her closer to me.

“I’m glad tonight finally happened,” Redheart whispered.

“I am too,” I answered before kissing her forehead.