From Rags to Fancy

Twilight’s eyes slowly started to open as she woke from the sound of somepony knocking on her door. “May I come in?”

Twilight sat up and swung her hind legs over the side of the bed. She stretched after just having the best night’s sleep of her life and heard some pops. “You may.”

The door opened and Dusty walked in. “Well somepony looks well rested. Breakfast will be ready soon so head on down to the dining room. You remember how to get there right?”

“For the most part. I think I’ll be fine.”

“Well if you get turned around just ask one of the staff for directions.”

Dusty started making the bed as Twilight left. It took a little longer than it should have but she managed to find her way to the dining room. She entered and saw Fancypants sitting at the same spot as before and she took hers. “Good morning Twilight, you’re looking more vibrant today. I take it you slept well.”

“I’ve never slept that good in my life. I love having a bed.”

He gave a soft chuckle. “It’s amazing how things most ponies take for granted like a bed to sleep in can be the greatest thing ever to one who’s never know it. Most ponies like to forget that there are those less fortunate that don’t have what they consider essential to live. It’s a shame really.”

Fancypants rang his bell and breakfast was brought out. They were each given a plate of hay eggs, hay bacon, and toast along with a glass of OJ. Again Twilight thoroughly enjoyed her meal. After they finished a servant went up to Fancypants. “Sir a guest has arrived.”

“Good. Twilight come with me.” They got up and he led her to the front door were a unicorn mare in a white lab coat with a bag was waiting. “Doctor so good of you to come on such short notice. Now Twilight I doubt you’ve ever had any kind of checkup or physical so I sent for a physician to give you a quick examination. Take her back to your room and I shall meet up with you shortly.”

Fancypants started walking away. “Hello Twilight, my name is Vaccine. Please, lead the way.”

Twilight and Vaccine made it back to her room, closed the door, and the doctor got to work. Fancypants arrived a short time later and waited outside until they were finished. Finally the doctor come out and shut the door behind her. Twilight heard them start talking and curiosity got the best of her. She went by the door to eavesdrop. “So how is she?”

“Aside from some malnourishment she’s seems perfectly healthy. Just make sure she eats well for the next couple of weeks and she’ll be fine, but nothing too rich at first. You’ll have to bring her down to the hospital for some blood work and a booster shot just to be safe but it’s nothing urgent.”

“Were your colleagues able to find out anything?”

“We ran her name and were able to find a record of her birth certificate. She turned twenty last May on the eleventh.”

“Any family?”

“Her parents are declared dead and we couldn’t find any living relatives.”

“Well thank you for what you could find you’ve been most helpful. Just send me the bill when you can, good day.” Twilight found herself deep in thought and didn’t notice the door open at first. “Oh, how much of that did you hear?”

“Uhh all of it.”

“Well it was nothing that needed to be kept secret, but try not to make a habit out of eavesdropping. You may end up hearing something you’ll wish you hadn’t.”

“Sorry. So my birthday is May eleventh and I’m twenty?”

“Yes it would appear so. Come with me I want to show you something I think you’ll like.” He led her through his home until they came upon a door and he opened it. “This is my study.” It was a long room with a window on the far wall and bookshelves that took up the entire left and right wall, and there was also a desk. “So what do you think?”

Twilight was awestruck by the sight. “It’s beautiful.”

She went over and started perusing the selections. “Tell me do have any interest in furthering your education beyond what you already know?”

“Yes, that would be wonderful,” she said enthusiastically.

“Then I’ll have to enquire about getting some private instructors to teach you.” Twilight looked giddy and let out a squeal, then she paused and her mood took a downswing. “Something the matter?”

“I guess I’m just confused. Letting me spent the night was one thing but why are you doing all this?”

“Because if I can help put you in a better place so you don’t have to go back to begging on the streets then I’m happy to do so.”

Twilight smiled and went over to hug him. “Thank you so much,” she said getting teary eyed.

He hugged her back. “You’re quite welcome.”

“How can I ever repay you?”

“My dear you don’t owe me a thing, it’s my pleaser.” They pulled apart after a few seconds and Fancypants took out a handkerchief. “Here, dry your eyes.” Twilight took it and did so. “Feel free to look over my collection and you can come back here to read anytime you wish. Now I have some other matters that require my attention but I’ll have somepony come by to check on you every so often and inform you when dinner is prepared.”

He left and after looking over the shelves she finally settled on one to start reading. Never in Twilight’s life did she think she would get an opportunity like this. Oh Celestia if this is still a dream please let me sleep a little longer.

A few days passed by and winter had set in with the first snowfall. Fancypants lined up a few instructors to teach Twilight different topics such as math, history, magic, and so forth. She was given a preliminary test to determine her knowledge base before starting in order to formulate a lesson plan for her. Today’s lesson was math. Fancypants was in his office when Silver Platter walked in.

“Silver, what can I do for you?”

“Sir how much longer will Twilight be staying here?”

“It’s uncertain at the moment. Besides I’m rather enjoying her company. She’s a breath of fresh air compared to all those stuffy ponies I normally socialize with. Why do you ask?”

“Well it’s just…you do recall what’s coming up in about a month’s time right?”

“What are…oh my, how could I have forgotten.”

“Will she be attending?”

“It would rude not to include her. Come with me.” The pair went up to the study where Twilight’s lessons took place and waited outside not wanting to interrupt. The earth pony stallion instructor exited when the lesson was complete for the day. “So how is she performing?”

“Despite not having any kind of formal education she’s quite bright and is eager to learn. I wish I had more students like her. Now if you’ll excuse me I must be on my way, good day.”

They went inside where Twilight was still sitting at the room’s desk looking over today’s lesson. “Twilight we need to speak.”

She looked up and at them. “About what?”

“You see in about a month I will be hosting a social gathering that will have many of Canterlot’s most prestigious ponies attending. You know dinner, dancing, and conversation. And I would like it if you would attend as well.”

“Sure, that sounds fun.”

“Then we’ll have to teach you the ins and outs of high society. You see the ponies that attend these types of soirees can be…well they can get…”

“They can get pretty anal about proper etiquette and procedure.”

“A little crude but an accurate statement none the less.”

“Okay, how hard can it be.”

“Silver send for a seamstress, we’ll need to get her measurements right away.”

“Measurements?”

“Well you’ll have to wear proper attire so I’ll have a dress made up for you. We’ll begin teaching you tomorrow.”