The Princess in the Mirrorby Crystal WishesChaptersBeginningsShieldsFriendsBeginningsArrival "All aboard, last call! We're 'bout ready to leave for Ponyville!" The conductor ducked back out of sight to resume preparations for departure. The train whistled to punctuate the sentence with an audible, drawn-out exclamation mark. Horsey's heart jumped up into her throat at the sound, alerting her to the reality of the situation she was in. Her whole life had been spent living in self-loathing, cowering under the spiteful words of others. It wasn't her fault her parents had chosen the odd name of High Horse, and it wasn't her fault she just couldn't lose the extra pounds she'd had since fillyhood. Her body was content to stay at its current weight, no matter how desperately she tried each and every diet, exercise, and medicinal craze that swept through Canterlot. However, she enjoyed being on stage. When ponies weren't mocking her, the attention was exhilarating and made her feel truly alive and whole. So, with all the courage she could muster, she approached her father about working as a model for his company. At hearing the request, her mother cut in with the last straw: "Sweetie, don't you think you should lose some weight first?" That was it. When she realized she could never get support from her own parents, she finally made up her mind to pack her bags and leave Canterlot behind for a new life in Ponyville. The fact that the train was there, right in front of her, ready to take her away was more frightening than she had realized, though. She turned to look at the two mares standing behind her: Velvet Step and Crystal Wishes, the only true friends she'd ever had. They had accepted her for who she was and had done their very best to help her overcome the lack of self-esteem that drove her to misery. And now, she was leaving them behind. Doubt crawled under her skin and tears pricked at her eyes. Was she making a mistake? Was the ridicule about her name and her weight really that bad? Crystal had parents just as careless and selfish as her own but wasn't running away like a coward. Horsey swallowed. No, her mind was made up, and she wasn't going to let ponies add 'cowardly' to the list of ugly adjectives associated with her. This was a step forward, not fleeing the scene, and she would face it with courage. "Well, girls," she managed to say around the lump in her throat. She did her best to smile to cover up her fear. "Come visit me soon, okay?" They nodded and exclaimed, "We promise!" She prayed they meant it. Losing them was the hardest part about this decision. After one final, almost desperate group hug, Horsey levitated her suitcase and turned back to the train. She held her head high and strangely found real confidence in the false bravado. The first step forward was the hardest, but once it was made, her other hooves moved of their own accord to find her seat on the train. "Bye, girls," she whispered, waving to them through the window. Crystal waved back while Velvet put her whole body into it, both of her forelegs swinging wildly from side to side. Crystal glanced at her, then laughed. Horsey had to laugh, too, which felt both nice and painful at the same time. "I'll miss you," she mouthed as best she could. They nodded enthusiastically to show their understanding. The train lurched forward and Canterlot started to slide away. As she watched them continue to wave, even as they grew further apart, her heart sank. And when she lost sight of them, she cried. "Non, non, mademoiselle, do not cry," a heavily accented voice said as hoofsteps approached her. "A pretty face should never cry." A kerchief was offered to her and she quickly took it to hide her face. She peeked up at him after drying the tears on her cheeks. "Mr. Savoir?" Savoir Fare smiled and sat on the seat across from her. "C'est moi." Savoir was an older stallion, though deeming him such was rude, and she quickly scolded herself mentally for using an adjective that might offend him. He was a stallion who was older than her but not old. He was also the owner of Haut-Savoir, nicknamed the Clover Cafe by the residents that struggled with the Prench name, and he was not only helping her out with a job there, but also a temporary place to stay. They had hardly met for longer than a couple hours over the past few weeks and she was already indebted to him more than she could ever repay. Now he was watching her cry. She wanted to climb out the window and jump off the train so that she could literally die of embarrassment. Reluctantly, she decided against the melodramatic exit. "Why... why are you here? Shouldn't you be in Ponyville?" "I am here for you, of course," he replied simply. Horsey felt her face heat up and she ducked behind the kerchief. "What? Why?" Savoir shrugged. "It is scary to move to a new place, non? I did not want for you to be alone." "Oh... Thank you, Mr. Savoir," she mumbled, trying to bury her face so far in her hooves that she might never be seen again. "Please, Mademoiselle. Savoir is fine." Horsey lifted her head to peer at him through her eyelashes. "Okay. Thank you, Savoir." He smiled and steepled his hooves. "Now, we have an hour to go. How long will it take to bring a smile to your face once again?" Embarrassment struck hard and fast. She hid her face, quickly shaking her head. "I-I-I'm fine, honest." "Hmm..." He tapped his hooves together. "Then I shall tell you of the ponies you will meet. First, of course, is the mayor, Mayor Mare..." Slowly, the more he talked, the more she relaxed. The foreign accent coupled with his smooth voice calmed her nerves until the kerchief had been lowered to her lap. When he told her about the little festivals that the town held, she smiled. Ponyville sounded like a wonderful place. She couldn't wait to get there. Ponyville was deserted. All it was missing was a rolling tumbleweed and it would be perfect. Horsey glanced around as they walked to the restaurant, confusion plastered on her face. "Where is everypony?" she finally asked. Savoir chuckled. "Ah, who can say? Perhaps there is an event somewhere they are attending. Perhaps at the Sweet Apple Acres. Or, perhaps not." Horsey smiled at the name. "I can't wait to go to the farm. I've never actually been to one before!" "Then tomorrow after work, I'll take you." "Oh, no," she said, quickly asking her head. "I can go by myself, it's all right." "I do not mind." He shrugged. "But, if you truly wish to go alone, then I will not impose myself." Horsey bit her lower lip. She didn't want to offend him by pushing him away, but she didn't want him to feel like he had to watch over her like a foal. Before she could think of a response, he cleared his throat. "Here we are! Let me get the door." He walked ahead of her and held open one of the two double doors. "Thank you," Horsey said with a smile, though she squinted at the darkness of the restaurant. "Um..." "Ah, yes. The lights, si'l vous plaît!" he called with an odd excitement in his voice. The lights came on and Horsey found herself staring down a large crowd of ponies who all exclaimed together, "Surprise!" She froze in the doorway with wide eyes. "Wh-what?" If it were possible, her eyes grew even wider. "Oh my gosh! Is this—" "A super-duper surprise party for you! For you!" a hot pink mare singsonged and sprung forward, hooked one foreleg around Horsey's neck, and swung round her to propel herself back into the crowd. "We're all so very happy that you're here! It's true!" She threw confetti into the air. "So play some games and have some cake, there's so much stuff to dooo..." Every pony joined in at the very end to exclaim together, "And most of all enjoy this party just for you!" The voices became less songful but no less joyful as they cheered, "Welcome to Ponyville, High Horse!" Horsey had no response at first. They all waited expectantly, a few giggling or snickering. Finally, as tears welled up in her eyes, she said in a trembling voice, "Thank you all... so, so very much!" The party quickly got into full swing, but it wasn't the kind of party she was used to. This one had balloons, streamers, confetti, and, most importantly of all, truly happy, smiling faces. She had never been happier or felt more welcomed in all her life. No pony teased her about her name. No pony asked why she wasn't wearing any makeup to cover her freckles. No pony asked her if she should stop after two slices. No pony really asked her much, until... "So Savoir Fare says you moved here from Canterlot!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Is that true? Are your parents rich? Are you rich?! Oh my gosh, are you here to buy Haut-Savoir?!" Horsey fumbled through an explanation. "I, um, yes, I'm from Canterlot. I'm not, I mean, my parents are rich, sort of? But—" A loud gasp came from behind her. "Excusez-moi! Did I just hear what I think I heard?" She turned and was stunned silent by what she saw. A unicorn stood out from the crowd, possibly because of her gigantic hat, or possibly due to her being the single most beautiful mare Horsey had ever seen. The models plastered all over the pages of fashion magazines had nothing on this mare. "Darling, why ever would you leave the glamour and splendor of Canterlot for Ponyville?" She batted her long eyelashes and smiled at the ponies nearby that frowned at her. "No offense, of course. You're all wonderful ponies, too." Her attention returned to Horsey. "Oh, my, how rude of me." She offered a hoof. "My name is Rarity." The initial shock of being starstruck faded almost instantly at the reminder of what she had left behind. Horsey didn't look the mare in the eyes, but she did accept the hoof. "Nice to meet you." Rarity smiled sweetly. "You simply must tell me everything! I long for the life of luxury that Canterlot ponies enjoy. Did you have parties with famous ponies? Did you live near the palace? Or did you live in one of those modern little condominiums? Did you—" "I'm sorry," Horsey interrupted, "but I really don't want to talk about it, actually." She tried to smile. "Excuse me." She took a step backward, then did her best to look busy mingling with the first pony she saw. Well, not even Ponyville could be perfect, but every other pony seemed perfectly nice and pleasant, especially Savoir, so it was still infinitely better than Canterlot. Finally, her life was looking up. ShieldsGenerosity Horsey gasped when she woke up in an unfamiliar room and panic washed over her until it was replaced by a wave of realization. Once she recognized it as her new room, the strange surroundings became familiar. She hadn't been foalnapped in the night or anything scary like that. She remained perfectly still for a while as she sorted through the details of her new life. Her vision grew blurry until hot tears slid down her temples and pattered against the pillow beneath her. It hadn't all been a dream. She really had left Canterlot. She was really in Ponyville. After finally rousing from the bed and washing her face, she tentatively wandered out of her room. Savoir Fare sat at the small table in the breakfast nook, reading the newspaper. His ears twitched and he looked up at the sound of her approach. "Ah, good morning, mon petit poney," Savoir said with a gentle smile as he folded the newspaper and set it aside. "How did you sleep?" Horsey sat across from him and twiddled her hooves. "Well, thank you. That party went on a little late, though." She giggled. "Welcome to Ponyville. The parties always go on late in this town, it seems. But I suppose there are worse problems to have, non?" He chuckled, standing up and walking into the kitchen. "What would you like for breakfast?" What would she like, indeed? It was a fair question, and the possibilities paralyzed her for a moment until one in particular stood out. She chewed on her lower lip. Would it be wrong to ask him for—"Prench toast!" she blurted out, then slapped a hoof over her mouth and flushed. He nodded and turned on the stove, then rummaged around in the pantry for ingredients. "Prench toast it is. What do you like on it?" "Oh, well, I don't really know." Her ears flopped to the sides. She kept her ashamed gaze focused firmly on the table in front of her. "I've never had it before. My parents kept me on the COB diet." His ear flicked. "COB diet? I am unfamiliar with this." "Sorry. Um, corn, oats, barley. The basics, they say." She absent-mindedly started to draw a small circle on the tabletop. "Sometimes, when I was out with Crystal and Velvet, I'd have a milkshake or a cupcake." A smile teased at her lips. "Or both." Savoir stared at her a moment, an unreadable look on his face as he took in her words before he turned back to the stove. "In Prance, we call it pain perdu. It means 'lost bread,' because we take a stale piece of bread that would ordinarily be discarded and bring it back to life." Horsey's curiosity got the better of her and she walked over to watch him as he dipped the bread into a bowl of liquid. "What is that?" "Milk, eggs, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla," he explained, watching her out of the corner of his eye as she gasped. "That sounds so... so..." She giggled. "Sweet!" "Well, it is a sweet treat, after all. Then, we fry it in butter." He dropped the slices carefully into the pan and they replied with a loud, happy sizzle. "And after that we will dust them with powdered sugar. You are also free to add jam or syrup, if you like." She returned to her seat at the table and folded her hooves in her lap, shaking her head. "Oh, no, you can leave off the powdered sugar, too. I think cinnamon and sugar is enough for me." He kept his back to her, but she heard a light, derisive snort. "You cannot ask me to make you prench toast and then have me leave out key ingredients, mademoiselle." He transferred the fried bread to a plate, dusted them with powdered sugar, and topped them off with some fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. "Voici. Prench toast." When the plate was set in front of her, she stared at it with wide eyes. "B-but this one meal alone will set me back a week!" "Perhaps if you still lived in Canterlot, mademoiselle. But you live in Ponyville now." Though his voice was stern, there was a smile on his lips, and he winked. "The rules are different here, you see, in that there are none. Eat what you like. You have that freedom." As he walked away to clean up, she merely stared at her plate. It looked so delicious and smelled so wonderful, but at first she could do nothing except cry while his back was turned. "Thank you," she said in a quiet whisper, then finally lifted her fork to take a bite. She had freedom, and it was sweeter than prench toast. "I'm so sorry!" Horsey's knees trembled as she tried to keep it together. She was only an hour into her first shift working as a waitress at Haut-Savoir and she had already mixed up three orders. "I-I'll get you the pancakes right away, ma'am!" The mare giggled and waved a hoof. "Aw, no, that's fine! Waffles are close enough!" She winked. "Some butter would be nice, though." Horsey's ears stood straight up. "Yes! I'm sorry! Right away!" When she hurried inside and through the door that led to the kitchen, Savoir was in the middle of stacking plates onto a serving tray. He paused to offer her a small smile and asked, "How is your first day so far?" "A-awful," she said between panicked gasps for air, anxiety nearly suffocating her like a thick cloud. If she kept this up, he was going to fire her. She'd lose her job and her new home all in one fell swoop. "I can't get any order right!" Savoir chuckled and walked past her, balancing the tray on one hoof. "It sounds like a normal first day. You will get it. Just do not give up." Horsey slumped against the wall. "Butter," she called to the chef. "I-I need butter, please." The head chef, Beignet, responded with a snort and pointed off to the side. Several baskets were sitting on the counter nearest to the door, one of which was filled with little pre-wrapped packages of butter. "Oh, right." She made an honest attempt at a smile while her magic grabbed a few packages and she trotted out of the kitchen. "Sorry, thank you!" After she dropped off the butter at the appropriate table, she paused to scan the rest of the tables. No empty plates or glasses. She did see one new customer wearing an almost ridiculously giant hat and her stomach knotted up with even more nerves than before. A perfectly curled purple mane cascaded over a white shoulder. Horsey shook her head to chase away the feeling of sudden dread, took a breath, and walked over. "Good morning! What can I start you off with to drink, ma'am?" She offered a cordial smile. Rarity looked up and grabbed one of Horsey's hooves with both of her own. "Oh, High Horse, I'm so very glad you came over!" Horsey's smile remained in place, though she did flinch at the sudden physical contact. "I-I work here, so..." She raised her notepad. "What would you like to drink?" Rarity dismissed the question with a wave of her hoof. "I absolutely must apologize, High Horse. I had no idea that my words the other day at your welcome party would cause you pain. I've been informed that you endured some awful bullying and I feel dreadful for reminding you of that." Great. Just what she wanted: to be known as the poor little mare who everypony had to treat with delicate hooves. She supposed she only had herself to blame with the way she acted. Determined to make a better impression, she smiled wider. "It's all right, Miss Rarity. Now—" "Oh, please, Rarity is more than fine." Rarity laughed softly. "Miss Rarity makes it sound as though we're not friends at all!" Horsey hesitated, then said with a slow nod of her head, "Okay, I'll call you Rarity, but only if you call me Horsey." "Horsey?" Rarity blinked. "Is that your nickname?" She gave a soft laugh behind one hoof. "How cute! Well, then, Horsey, I would love a cucumber water, and perchance some of your time when you're off shift. You must let me make up for my grievous error." "That's not necessary." Horsey took a step back. "It really is okay, okay? I'll go get your water." She walked into the restaurant before the mare could stop her, but of course she started talking again the moment Horsey came back with the glass. "You mustn't make a lady beg, Horsey." Rarity accepted the glass but otherwise ignored it. "Darling, I simply want to see if any of my latest designs fit you and offer one as a sign of my apology. I will feel absolutely dreadful if you don't allow me to patch things up." Horsey sighed. As if anything such a skinny pony designed for other skinny ponies would fit... her. "Will it really make you feel better?" Rarity sat up straight and looked at her with glittering eyes, as though the stars themselves had fallen and taken residence in their blue depths. "Absolutely!" "Then..." She hedged a moment longer. "All right. Where should I meet you?" Rarity pointed down a road. "At my shop, Carousel Couture. It's just across the river. You can't miss it!" She took a sip of the water, dropped several bits on the table, and trotted away. "I'll see you later, darling!" "Wait!" Horsey blinked, glancing between the water, the bits, and the retreating mare that ignored her cry. "But... cucumber water is free..." She furrowed her brow in confusion, then just sighed and set about clearing the table. FriendsSojourn A bell rang above Horsey's head when she walked into Carousel Couture. "H-hello? Rarity?" She glanced around. Several mannequins were lined up against the walls, each showcasing different outfits. Rarity poked her head out from around a corner and squealed with ladylike delight. "Horsey! You're just in time!" Her magic carried a dress behind her as she walked into the room. "I was oh-so-inspired and put together this little number for you. Please, try it on!" Though the mare used the word 'please,' it didn't seem that there was any room for Horsey to disagree. A folding screen moved over to hide them from any pony that walked in through the doors. Magic tugged her in various directions as she was forcibly put into the dress, her mane pulled back and tied up, and a few accessories dropped onto her. Before she knew it, she started laughing. Rarity took a startled step away from her. "H-Horsey? Why ever are you laughing, darling?" "I'm sorry," Horsey managed between fits of giggles. "It just, this reminds me of a time with..." She trailed off and shook her head. "Nevermind." Her gaze wandered to the nearest mirror. "You made this since I last saw you?" The gown itself was extravagant, if not Grand Galloping Gala worthy. A golden chain loosely rested across the base of her neck to attach to a shimmering gold fabric that covered her form in cascading ripples. Sheer, light yellow tulle draped over her tail and matching strands of tulle were wrapped around her forelegs. "Well, when inspiration strikes, I find it hard to ignore." Rarity bit her lower lip. "Is it all right? Do you like it?" Horsey nodded. "I do, but—" "But?" Rarity's ears fell. "I can't just take it, if that's what you intend to offer." Horsey's magic started to raise the necklace over her head. "Besides, I'd have nowhere to wear it." Rarity shifted from one hoof to the other. "Oh, but darling, I must insist. It is quite literally made for you!" Horsey stopped and looked at her reflection once again. Her tail flicked, her ears pinned back, and, finally, she sighed. "If you insist..." Rarity's eyes practically glittered at the words. "I do, oh, I most certainly do!" "But," Horsey continued, returning her gaze to Rarity, "it seems like a waste, since I don't have anywhere to wear a pretty dress like this..." "Au contraire, darling! A lady never needs a reason to dress herself up." Rarity stuck her nose in the air and lifted one leg to strike a pose. "My fashion is appropriate for any occasion, formal or otherwise. In fact!" She gasped and bounced in the air with sudden exuberance. "Don't you think Haut-Savoir could use a little feminine je ne sais quoi? Yes! Yes, indeed, I think I have the very place for you to wear your dress!" With a giggle, she answered for herself, "At work! Just think, Horsey! Customers will flock to gaze at your frock!" Horsey swallowed and quickly shook her head. "Oh, no, I don't—" Rarity looped a foreleg around Horsey's neck and guided her to the door. "But you must! You want to make a good impression on your customers, don't you? Then this is simply the way!" Her magic opened the door and she waved Horsey out. "Good luck, darling!" Horsey opened her mouth to argue, but the door was abruptly shut, and she was left standing out in the open wearing an extravagant dress. Heat started to crawl up the back of her neck until it reached her ears and she gasped. "How embarrassing," she muttered as she glanced around. Would it be more embarrassing to take it off with strangers potentially watching or to walk all the way across town with... strangers potentially watching? Her heart began pounding in her chest. What kind of an image was she projecting? New mare from Canterlot traipsing about in a fine gown like she owned the place! Ponies would think she was just another Canterlot snob. She ducked around the side of Carousel Couture and quickly disrobed. There was something about the act of undressing that felt indecent, even though walking around with nothing at all was perfectly natural and normal. She'd never understand why that was. Carefully, she folded the dress up in her magic and carried it beside her as she started her way back to Haut-Savoir. A smile tugged at her lips as she thought instead that she was going back home. Home. It was such a lovely word. "Hello there! Yoohoo, Miss High Horse!" Horsey turned her head to see a grey-maned mare approaching her and smiled. "Oh, hello, Mayor Mare!" The smile fell under a wave of nerves. "Is everything all right?" Mayor Mare chortled and waved a hoof. "Yes! Well, no, but yes." Horsey swallowed. "What do you mean?" "I'm afraid I'm still working on the whole issue of residency," the mayor said with a sigh. "But I will find you a place to stay, don't you worry about that!" "Oh." Horsey rubbed the back of her neck. She had almost forgotten that staying at the restaurant was supposed to be temporary. "That's okay. I kind of like staying at Haut-Savoir." Mayor Mare blinked a few times. "But that's hardly proper lodging for a young mare! Living above a restaurant?" She chortled again. "The smells alone would drive a normal pony mad!" Great. So now she wasn't a normal pony, because she rather liked the smells. "I-it's not so bad. I don't mind it," Horsey replied in a voice that grew more and more tentative. "And Savoir's really nice." The mayor stared at her over the rim of her glasses, one brow raising. Finally, she just shrugged and smiled. "Well, if you're happy, then I suppose that saves me the time tracking down a place for you to stay." "I am, but I appreciate the effort," Horsey offered. "Think nothing of it! If you ever need anything, you just give me a holler!" Mayor Mare winked and started trotting on her own way. Horsey stood there in perfect stillness as in the back of her mind, a gear started to spin. When it clicked against another gear and set them all into motion, striking her with realization, she gasped. She hadn't even asked Savoir if it were all right if she stayed! Panic shot from the tips of her ears down to her hooves and all the way to her tail like electric fire. Her heart started to race. The big, open space of the countryside felt stagnant and almost suffocating, but she forced herself to walk forward. It would be all right. Worst case, she would turn right around and ask the mayor to get back to looking. It would be awkward with Savoir until she found a place, but she could handle that as long as that was as far as it went. As long as he didn't hate her or think her irresponsible, thoughtless, and totally stupid she'd be all right. "S-S-Savoir?" she called into the restaurant after walking inside. "Upstairs, mon amie," his voice replied. Horsey swallowed, though her mouth was so dry it almost hurt. Each hoof that fell against a stair felt heavier and heavier. When she reached the top of the stairs and spied him looking over a cookbook, she took a deep breath. "Um, I was thinking..." Savoir lifted his gaze and stared at the dress floating beside her. "What is that?" "Huh?" She turned her head to look as well. "Oh, um, that's, it's—it's not important." She set it down on the nearest table and stepped toward him. "Could I—would you—" Savoir closed the book, his brow furrowing. "What is the matter, mademoiselle?" Tears pricked at her eyes from the kind concern in his voice. She clenched her eyes shut and quickly asked, "Is it okay if I stay here instead of moving out?" For a moment, silence held them. At the sound of his soft chuckling, she peeked one eye open to see him smiling at her. "Of course it is okay. I thought it was you that wished to move into, ah, more... proper lodging for a young lady." He settled back down and opened the book to where he had left off. "I do not mind the company if you do not mind the smells." "I like the way the restaurant smells," she muttered to herself while she gathered up the dress and carried it to her room. Savoir's ear flicked. "What did you say?" Horsey flushed and jerked her head quickly from side to side. "N-nothing! Anyway, what's for dinner?" "Mm, what would you like?" Horsey paused in the doorway, then walked over to sit at the little breakfast table. "Surprise me." Savoir finished reading the recipe he was on before he stood, stretched out his joints, and moved toward the kitchenette. "How does a mushroom risotto sound, then?" Horsey giggled behind her hooves. "I'm pretty sure anything you make is going to be delicious, so... it sounds delicious!" While he cooked, she eagerly watched. It was always fascinating to watch earth ponies work with their hooves. He could handle a frying pan better in one hoof than she could with two and the aid of her magic. There was also the quiet but eager voice in her head that was excited to try new foods, and by living there she had her own personal chef. A flush heated up her cheeks. Of course, she didn't want to live with him because of that—his understanding and his kindness and the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled and that rolling, smooth accent of his were all much better reasons, she thought—but she'd be lying if she said it wasn't a bonus.
BeginningsArrival "All aboard, last call! We're 'bout ready to leave for Ponyville!" The conductor ducked back out of sight to resume preparations for departure. The train whistled to punctuate the sentence with an audible, drawn-out exclamation mark. Horsey's heart jumped up into her throat at the sound, alerting her to the reality of the situation she was in. Her whole life had been spent living in self-loathing, cowering under the spiteful words of others. It wasn't her fault her parents had chosen the odd name of High Horse, and it wasn't her fault she just couldn't lose the extra pounds she'd had since fillyhood. Her body was content to stay at its current weight, no matter how desperately she tried each and every diet, exercise, and medicinal craze that swept through Canterlot. However, she enjoyed being on stage. When ponies weren't mocking her, the attention was exhilarating and made her feel truly alive and whole. So, with all the courage she could muster, she approached her father about working as a model for his company. At hearing the request, her mother cut in with the last straw: "Sweetie, don't you think you should lose some weight first?" That was it. When she realized she could never get support from her own parents, she finally made up her mind to pack her bags and leave Canterlot behind for a new life in Ponyville. The fact that the train was there, right in front of her, ready to take her away was more frightening than she had realized, though. She turned to look at the two mares standing behind her: Velvet Step and Crystal Wishes, the only true friends she'd ever had. They had accepted her for who she was and had done their very best to help her overcome the lack of self-esteem that drove her to misery. And now, she was leaving them behind. Doubt crawled under her skin and tears pricked at her eyes. Was she making a mistake? Was the ridicule about her name and her weight really that bad? Crystal had parents just as careless and selfish as her own but wasn't running away like a coward. Horsey swallowed. No, her mind was made up, and she wasn't going to let ponies add 'cowardly' to the list of ugly adjectives associated with her. This was a step forward, not fleeing the scene, and she would face it with courage. "Well, girls," she managed to say around the lump in her throat. She did her best to smile to cover up her fear. "Come visit me soon, okay?" They nodded and exclaimed, "We promise!" She prayed they meant it. Losing them was the hardest part about this decision. After one final, almost desperate group hug, Horsey levitated her suitcase and turned back to the train. She held her head high and strangely found real confidence in the false bravado. The first step forward was the hardest, but once it was made, her other hooves moved of their own accord to find her seat on the train. "Bye, girls," she whispered, waving to them through the window. Crystal waved back while Velvet put her whole body into it, both of her forelegs swinging wildly from side to side. Crystal glanced at her, then laughed. Horsey had to laugh, too, which felt both nice and painful at the same time. "I'll miss you," she mouthed as best she could. They nodded enthusiastically to show their understanding. The train lurched forward and Canterlot started to slide away. As she watched them continue to wave, even as they grew further apart, her heart sank. And when she lost sight of them, she cried. "Non, non, mademoiselle, do not cry," a heavily accented voice said as hoofsteps approached her. "A pretty face should never cry." A kerchief was offered to her and she quickly took it to hide her face. She peeked up at him after drying the tears on her cheeks. "Mr. Savoir?" Savoir Fare smiled and sat on the seat across from her. "C'est moi." Savoir was an older stallion, though deeming him such was rude, and she quickly scolded herself mentally for using an adjective that might offend him. He was a stallion who was older than her but not old. He was also the owner of Haut-Savoir, nicknamed the Clover Cafe by the residents that struggled with the Prench name, and he was not only helping her out with a job there, but also a temporary place to stay. They had hardly met for longer than a couple hours over the past few weeks and she was already indebted to him more than she could ever repay. Now he was watching her cry. She wanted to climb out the window and jump off the train so that she could literally die of embarrassment. Reluctantly, she decided against the melodramatic exit. "Why... why are you here? Shouldn't you be in Ponyville?" "I am here for you, of course," he replied simply. Horsey felt her face heat up and she ducked behind the kerchief. "What? Why?" Savoir shrugged. "It is scary to move to a new place, non? I did not want for you to be alone." "Oh... Thank you, Mr. Savoir," she mumbled, trying to bury her face so far in her hooves that she might never be seen again. "Please, Mademoiselle. Savoir is fine." Horsey lifted her head to peer at him through her eyelashes. "Okay. Thank you, Savoir." He smiled and steepled his hooves. "Now, we have an hour to go. How long will it take to bring a smile to your face once again?" Embarrassment struck hard and fast. She hid her face, quickly shaking her head. "I-I-I'm fine, honest." "Hmm..." He tapped his hooves together. "Then I shall tell you of the ponies you will meet. First, of course, is the mayor, Mayor Mare..." Slowly, the more he talked, the more she relaxed. The foreign accent coupled with his smooth voice calmed her nerves until the kerchief had been lowered to her lap. When he told her about the little festivals that the town held, she smiled. Ponyville sounded like a wonderful place. She couldn't wait to get there. Ponyville was deserted. All it was missing was a rolling tumbleweed and it would be perfect. Horsey glanced around as they walked to the restaurant, confusion plastered on her face. "Where is everypony?" she finally asked. Savoir chuckled. "Ah, who can say? Perhaps there is an event somewhere they are attending. Perhaps at the Sweet Apple Acres. Or, perhaps not." Horsey smiled at the name. "I can't wait to go to the farm. I've never actually been to one before!" "Then tomorrow after work, I'll take you." "Oh, no," she said, quickly asking her head. "I can go by myself, it's all right." "I do not mind." He shrugged. "But, if you truly wish to go alone, then I will not impose myself." Horsey bit her lower lip. She didn't want to offend him by pushing him away, but she didn't want him to feel like he had to watch over her like a foal. Before she could think of a response, he cleared his throat. "Here we are! Let me get the door." He walked ahead of her and held open one of the two double doors. "Thank you," Horsey said with a smile, though she squinted at the darkness of the restaurant. "Um..." "Ah, yes. The lights, si'l vous plaît!" he called with an odd excitement in his voice. The lights came on and Horsey found herself staring down a large crowd of ponies who all exclaimed together, "Surprise!" She froze in the doorway with wide eyes. "Wh-what?" If it were possible, her eyes grew even wider. "Oh my gosh! Is this—" "A super-duper surprise party for you! For you!" a hot pink mare singsonged and sprung forward, hooked one foreleg around Horsey's neck, and swung round her to propel herself back into the crowd. "We're all so very happy that you're here! It's true!" She threw confetti into the air. "So play some games and have some cake, there's so much stuff to dooo..." Every pony joined in at the very end to exclaim together, "And most of all enjoy this party just for you!" The voices became less songful but no less joyful as they cheered, "Welcome to Ponyville, High Horse!" Horsey had no response at first. They all waited expectantly, a few giggling or snickering. Finally, as tears welled up in her eyes, she said in a trembling voice, "Thank you all... so, so very much!" The party quickly got into full swing, but it wasn't the kind of party she was used to. This one had balloons, streamers, confetti, and, most importantly of all, truly happy, smiling faces. She had never been happier or felt more welcomed in all her life. No pony teased her about her name. No pony asked why she wasn't wearing any makeup to cover her freckles. No pony asked her if she should stop after two slices. No pony really asked her much, until... "So Savoir Fare says you moved here from Canterlot!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Is that true? Are your parents rich? Are you rich?! Oh my gosh, are you here to buy Haut-Savoir?!" Horsey fumbled through an explanation. "I, um, yes, I'm from Canterlot. I'm not, I mean, my parents are rich, sort of? But—" A loud gasp came from behind her. "Excusez-moi! Did I just hear what I think I heard?" She turned and was stunned silent by what she saw. A unicorn stood out from the crowd, possibly because of her gigantic hat, or possibly due to her being the single most beautiful mare Horsey had ever seen. The models plastered all over the pages of fashion magazines had nothing on this mare. "Darling, why ever would you leave the glamour and splendor of Canterlot for Ponyville?" She batted her long eyelashes and smiled at the ponies nearby that frowned at her. "No offense, of course. You're all wonderful ponies, too." Her attention returned to Horsey. "Oh, my, how rude of me." She offered a hoof. "My name is Rarity." The initial shock of being starstruck faded almost instantly at the reminder of what she had left behind. Horsey didn't look the mare in the eyes, but she did accept the hoof. "Nice to meet you." Rarity smiled sweetly. "You simply must tell me everything! I long for the life of luxury that Canterlot ponies enjoy. Did you have parties with famous ponies? Did you live near the palace? Or did you live in one of those modern little condominiums? Did you—" "I'm sorry," Horsey interrupted, "but I really don't want to talk about it, actually." She tried to smile. "Excuse me." She took a step backward, then did her best to look busy mingling with the first pony she saw. Well, not even Ponyville could be perfect, but every other pony seemed perfectly nice and pleasant, especially Savoir, so it was still infinitely better than Canterlot. Finally, her life was looking up.
ShieldsGenerosity Horsey gasped when she woke up in an unfamiliar room and panic washed over her until it was replaced by a wave of realization. Once she recognized it as her new room, the strange surroundings became familiar. She hadn't been foalnapped in the night or anything scary like that. She remained perfectly still for a while as she sorted through the details of her new life. Her vision grew blurry until hot tears slid down her temples and pattered against the pillow beneath her. It hadn't all been a dream. She really had left Canterlot. She was really in Ponyville. After finally rousing from the bed and washing her face, she tentatively wandered out of her room. Savoir Fare sat at the small table in the breakfast nook, reading the newspaper. His ears twitched and he looked up at the sound of her approach. "Ah, good morning, mon petit poney," Savoir said with a gentle smile as he folded the newspaper and set it aside. "How did you sleep?" Horsey sat across from him and twiddled her hooves. "Well, thank you. That party went on a little late, though." She giggled. "Welcome to Ponyville. The parties always go on late in this town, it seems. But I suppose there are worse problems to have, non?" He chuckled, standing up and walking into the kitchen. "What would you like for breakfast?" What would she like, indeed? It was a fair question, and the possibilities paralyzed her for a moment until one in particular stood out. She chewed on her lower lip. Would it be wrong to ask him for—"Prench toast!" she blurted out, then slapped a hoof over her mouth and flushed. He nodded and turned on the stove, then rummaged around in the pantry for ingredients. "Prench toast it is. What do you like on it?" "Oh, well, I don't really know." Her ears flopped to the sides. She kept her ashamed gaze focused firmly on the table in front of her. "I've never had it before. My parents kept me on the COB diet." His ear flicked. "COB diet? I am unfamiliar with this." "Sorry. Um, corn, oats, barley. The basics, they say." She absent-mindedly started to draw a small circle on the tabletop. "Sometimes, when I was out with Crystal and Velvet, I'd have a milkshake or a cupcake." A smile teased at her lips. "Or both." Savoir stared at her a moment, an unreadable look on his face as he took in her words before he turned back to the stove. "In Prance, we call it pain perdu. It means 'lost bread,' because we take a stale piece of bread that would ordinarily be discarded and bring it back to life." Horsey's curiosity got the better of her and she walked over to watch him as he dipped the bread into a bowl of liquid. "What is that?" "Milk, eggs, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla," he explained, watching her out of the corner of his eye as she gasped. "That sounds so... so..." She giggled. "Sweet!" "Well, it is a sweet treat, after all. Then, we fry it in butter." He dropped the slices carefully into the pan and they replied with a loud, happy sizzle. "And after that we will dust them with powdered sugar. You are also free to add jam or syrup, if you like." She returned to her seat at the table and folded her hooves in her lap, shaking her head. "Oh, no, you can leave off the powdered sugar, too. I think cinnamon and sugar is enough for me." He kept his back to her, but she heard a light, derisive snort. "You cannot ask me to make you prench toast and then have me leave out key ingredients, mademoiselle." He transferred the fried bread to a plate, dusted them with powdered sugar, and topped them off with some fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. "Voici. Prench toast." When the plate was set in front of her, she stared at it with wide eyes. "B-but this one meal alone will set me back a week!" "Perhaps if you still lived in Canterlot, mademoiselle. But you live in Ponyville now." Though his voice was stern, there was a smile on his lips, and he winked. "The rules are different here, you see, in that there are none. Eat what you like. You have that freedom." As he walked away to clean up, she merely stared at her plate. It looked so delicious and smelled so wonderful, but at first she could do nothing except cry while his back was turned. "Thank you," she said in a quiet whisper, then finally lifted her fork to take a bite. She had freedom, and it was sweeter than prench toast. "I'm so sorry!" Horsey's knees trembled as she tried to keep it together. She was only an hour into her first shift working as a waitress at Haut-Savoir and she had already mixed up three orders. "I-I'll get you the pancakes right away, ma'am!" The mare giggled and waved a hoof. "Aw, no, that's fine! Waffles are close enough!" She winked. "Some butter would be nice, though." Horsey's ears stood straight up. "Yes! I'm sorry! Right away!" When she hurried inside and through the door that led to the kitchen, Savoir was in the middle of stacking plates onto a serving tray. He paused to offer her a small smile and asked, "How is your first day so far?" "A-awful," she said between panicked gasps for air, anxiety nearly suffocating her like a thick cloud. If she kept this up, he was going to fire her. She'd lose her job and her new home all in one fell swoop. "I can't get any order right!" Savoir chuckled and walked past her, balancing the tray on one hoof. "It sounds like a normal first day. You will get it. Just do not give up." Horsey slumped against the wall. "Butter," she called to the chef. "I-I need butter, please." The head chef, Beignet, responded with a snort and pointed off to the side. Several baskets were sitting on the counter nearest to the door, one of which was filled with little pre-wrapped packages of butter. "Oh, right." She made an honest attempt at a smile while her magic grabbed a few packages and she trotted out of the kitchen. "Sorry, thank you!" After she dropped off the butter at the appropriate table, she paused to scan the rest of the tables. No empty plates or glasses. She did see one new customer wearing an almost ridiculously giant hat and her stomach knotted up with even more nerves than before. A perfectly curled purple mane cascaded over a white shoulder. Horsey shook her head to chase away the feeling of sudden dread, took a breath, and walked over. "Good morning! What can I start you off with to drink, ma'am?" She offered a cordial smile. Rarity looked up and grabbed one of Horsey's hooves with both of her own. "Oh, High Horse, I'm so very glad you came over!" Horsey's smile remained in place, though she did flinch at the sudden physical contact. "I-I work here, so..." She raised her notepad. "What would you like to drink?" Rarity dismissed the question with a wave of her hoof. "I absolutely must apologize, High Horse. I had no idea that my words the other day at your welcome party would cause you pain. I've been informed that you endured some awful bullying and I feel dreadful for reminding you of that." Great. Just what she wanted: to be known as the poor little mare who everypony had to treat with delicate hooves. She supposed she only had herself to blame with the way she acted. Determined to make a better impression, she smiled wider. "It's all right, Miss Rarity. Now—" "Oh, please, Rarity is more than fine." Rarity laughed softly. "Miss Rarity makes it sound as though we're not friends at all!" Horsey hesitated, then said with a slow nod of her head, "Okay, I'll call you Rarity, but only if you call me Horsey." "Horsey?" Rarity blinked. "Is that your nickname?" She gave a soft laugh behind one hoof. "How cute! Well, then, Horsey, I would love a cucumber water, and perchance some of your time when you're off shift. You must let me make up for my grievous error." "That's not necessary." Horsey took a step back. "It really is okay, okay? I'll go get your water." She walked into the restaurant before the mare could stop her, but of course she started talking again the moment Horsey came back with the glass. "You mustn't make a lady beg, Horsey." Rarity accepted the glass but otherwise ignored it. "Darling, I simply want to see if any of my latest designs fit you and offer one as a sign of my apology. I will feel absolutely dreadful if you don't allow me to patch things up." Horsey sighed. As if anything such a skinny pony designed for other skinny ponies would fit... her. "Will it really make you feel better?" Rarity sat up straight and looked at her with glittering eyes, as though the stars themselves had fallen and taken residence in their blue depths. "Absolutely!" "Then..." She hedged a moment longer. "All right. Where should I meet you?" Rarity pointed down a road. "At my shop, Carousel Couture. It's just across the river. You can't miss it!" She took a sip of the water, dropped several bits on the table, and trotted away. "I'll see you later, darling!" "Wait!" Horsey blinked, glancing between the water, the bits, and the retreating mare that ignored her cry. "But... cucumber water is free..." She furrowed her brow in confusion, then just sighed and set about clearing the table.
FriendsSojourn A bell rang above Horsey's head when she walked into Carousel Couture. "H-hello? Rarity?" She glanced around. Several mannequins were lined up against the walls, each showcasing different outfits. Rarity poked her head out from around a corner and squealed with ladylike delight. "Horsey! You're just in time!" Her magic carried a dress behind her as she walked into the room. "I was oh-so-inspired and put together this little number for you. Please, try it on!" Though the mare used the word 'please,' it didn't seem that there was any room for Horsey to disagree. A folding screen moved over to hide them from any pony that walked in through the doors. Magic tugged her in various directions as she was forcibly put into the dress, her mane pulled back and tied up, and a few accessories dropped onto her. Before she knew it, she started laughing. Rarity took a startled step away from her. "H-Horsey? Why ever are you laughing, darling?" "I'm sorry," Horsey managed between fits of giggles. "It just, this reminds me of a time with..." She trailed off and shook her head. "Nevermind." Her gaze wandered to the nearest mirror. "You made this since I last saw you?" The gown itself was extravagant, if not Grand Galloping Gala worthy. A golden chain loosely rested across the base of her neck to attach to a shimmering gold fabric that covered her form in cascading ripples. Sheer, light yellow tulle draped over her tail and matching strands of tulle were wrapped around her forelegs. "Well, when inspiration strikes, I find it hard to ignore." Rarity bit her lower lip. "Is it all right? Do you like it?" Horsey nodded. "I do, but—" "But?" Rarity's ears fell. "I can't just take it, if that's what you intend to offer." Horsey's magic started to raise the necklace over her head. "Besides, I'd have nowhere to wear it." Rarity shifted from one hoof to the other. "Oh, but darling, I must insist. It is quite literally made for you!" Horsey stopped and looked at her reflection once again. Her tail flicked, her ears pinned back, and, finally, she sighed. "If you insist..." Rarity's eyes practically glittered at the words. "I do, oh, I most certainly do!" "But," Horsey continued, returning her gaze to Rarity, "it seems like a waste, since I don't have anywhere to wear a pretty dress like this..." "Au contraire, darling! A lady never needs a reason to dress herself up." Rarity stuck her nose in the air and lifted one leg to strike a pose. "My fashion is appropriate for any occasion, formal or otherwise. In fact!" She gasped and bounced in the air with sudden exuberance. "Don't you think Haut-Savoir could use a little feminine je ne sais quoi? Yes! Yes, indeed, I think I have the very place for you to wear your dress!" With a giggle, she answered for herself, "At work! Just think, Horsey! Customers will flock to gaze at your frock!" Horsey swallowed and quickly shook her head. "Oh, no, I don't—" Rarity looped a foreleg around Horsey's neck and guided her to the door. "But you must! You want to make a good impression on your customers, don't you? Then this is simply the way!" Her magic opened the door and she waved Horsey out. "Good luck, darling!" Horsey opened her mouth to argue, but the door was abruptly shut, and she was left standing out in the open wearing an extravagant dress. Heat started to crawl up the back of her neck until it reached her ears and she gasped. "How embarrassing," she muttered as she glanced around. Would it be more embarrassing to take it off with strangers potentially watching or to walk all the way across town with... strangers potentially watching? Her heart began pounding in her chest. What kind of an image was she projecting? New mare from Canterlot traipsing about in a fine gown like she owned the place! Ponies would think she was just another Canterlot snob. She ducked around the side of Carousel Couture and quickly disrobed. There was something about the act of undressing that felt indecent, even though walking around with nothing at all was perfectly natural and normal. She'd never understand why that was. Carefully, she folded the dress up in her magic and carried it beside her as she started her way back to Haut-Savoir. A smile tugged at her lips as she thought instead that she was going back home. Home. It was such a lovely word. "Hello there! Yoohoo, Miss High Horse!" Horsey turned her head to see a grey-maned mare approaching her and smiled. "Oh, hello, Mayor Mare!" The smile fell under a wave of nerves. "Is everything all right?" Mayor Mare chortled and waved a hoof. "Yes! Well, no, but yes." Horsey swallowed. "What do you mean?" "I'm afraid I'm still working on the whole issue of residency," the mayor said with a sigh. "But I will find you a place to stay, don't you worry about that!" "Oh." Horsey rubbed the back of her neck. She had almost forgotten that staying at the restaurant was supposed to be temporary. "That's okay. I kind of like staying at Haut-Savoir." Mayor Mare blinked a few times. "But that's hardly proper lodging for a young mare! Living above a restaurant?" She chortled again. "The smells alone would drive a normal pony mad!" Great. So now she wasn't a normal pony, because she rather liked the smells. "I-it's not so bad. I don't mind it," Horsey replied in a voice that grew more and more tentative. "And Savoir's really nice." The mayor stared at her over the rim of her glasses, one brow raising. Finally, she just shrugged and smiled. "Well, if you're happy, then I suppose that saves me the time tracking down a place for you to stay." "I am, but I appreciate the effort," Horsey offered. "Think nothing of it! If you ever need anything, you just give me a holler!" Mayor Mare winked and started trotting on her own way. Horsey stood there in perfect stillness as in the back of her mind, a gear started to spin. When it clicked against another gear and set them all into motion, striking her with realization, she gasped. She hadn't even asked Savoir if it were all right if she stayed! Panic shot from the tips of her ears down to her hooves and all the way to her tail like electric fire. Her heart started to race. The big, open space of the countryside felt stagnant and almost suffocating, but she forced herself to walk forward. It would be all right. Worst case, she would turn right around and ask the mayor to get back to looking. It would be awkward with Savoir until she found a place, but she could handle that as long as that was as far as it went. As long as he didn't hate her or think her irresponsible, thoughtless, and totally stupid she'd be all right. "S-S-Savoir?" she called into the restaurant after walking inside. "Upstairs, mon amie," his voice replied. Horsey swallowed, though her mouth was so dry it almost hurt. Each hoof that fell against a stair felt heavier and heavier. When she reached the top of the stairs and spied him looking over a cookbook, she took a deep breath. "Um, I was thinking..." Savoir lifted his gaze and stared at the dress floating beside her. "What is that?" "Huh?" She turned her head to look as well. "Oh, um, that's, it's—it's not important." She set it down on the nearest table and stepped toward him. "Could I—would you—" Savoir closed the book, his brow furrowing. "What is the matter, mademoiselle?" Tears pricked at her eyes from the kind concern in his voice. She clenched her eyes shut and quickly asked, "Is it okay if I stay here instead of moving out?" For a moment, silence held them. At the sound of his soft chuckling, she peeked one eye open to see him smiling at her. "Of course it is okay. I thought it was you that wished to move into, ah, more... proper lodging for a young lady." He settled back down and opened the book to where he had left off. "I do not mind the company if you do not mind the smells." "I like the way the restaurant smells," she muttered to herself while she gathered up the dress and carried it to her room. Savoir's ear flicked. "What did you say?" Horsey flushed and jerked her head quickly from side to side. "N-nothing! Anyway, what's for dinner?" "Mm, what would you like?" Horsey paused in the doorway, then walked over to sit at the little breakfast table. "Surprise me." Savoir finished reading the recipe he was on before he stood, stretched out his joints, and moved toward the kitchenette. "How does a mushroom risotto sound, then?" Horsey giggled behind her hooves. "I'm pretty sure anything you make is going to be delicious, so... it sounds delicious!" While he cooked, she eagerly watched. It was always fascinating to watch earth ponies work with their hooves. He could handle a frying pan better in one hoof than she could with two and the aid of her magic. There was also the quiet but eager voice in her head that was excited to try new foods, and by living there she had her own personal chef. A flush heated up her cheeks. Of course, she didn't want to live with him because of that—his understanding and his kindness and the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled and that rolling, smooth accent of his were all much better reasons, she thought—but she'd be lying if she said it wasn't a bonus.
