From Rags to Fancy

Twilight sat at the dining table staring at the layout in front of her. “Umm why do I need multiples of the same utensils?”

Fancypants sat at the table as well with the same layout. “I’ve asked myself that question many times as well. It’s just how things are done. These types of customs have been round for forever. Now look at the placements. From left to right you have your dinner fork, salad fork, knife, teaspoon, and soup spoon. Above your plate you have your cake fork and dessert spoon, and to the left of that is your bread plate and butter knife.”

“Okay.” She looked over the placements to recall which was which.

Silver whispered into his ear. “Sir are you sure she’ll be ready in time?”

Fancypants whispered back. “Oh calm yourself we still have plenty of time. Besides I rather like the idea of being able to introduce a debutante.”

“I don’t suppose you could push the date back any?”

“No unfortunately. These types of events require months of advance notice and to simply cancel so close to the date without a good reason reflects badly on the host.”

“Okay. So why are there two glasses?”

“One is for white wine and the other for red.”

“Am I old enough to drink?”

“Of course, the legal age is eighteen. We’ll give some samples to taste so you’ll know what you want ahead of time. Now then this is important, once you use a utensil never place it back on the table only your plate. As for your napkin you’ll want to drape it on your lap, never tuck it in, and only dap your mouth with it. Also if you need to excuse yourself for a moment lay your napkin on your seat until you return.” Twilight leaned on the table holding her head trying to process all this. “No elbows on the table.”

Twilight quickly removed them, and then a servant entered. “Sir Miss Rarity has arrived.”

“Ah perfect. Twilight we’ll comeback to this another time and go over some of the more finer details. Now come along.” They made their way towards the front door where a mare was waiting and Fancypants went up to her. “Rarity! How’s the best seamstress in Canterlot doing?”

“Busy like always.”

“Well thank you so much for coming on such short notice.”

“Oh please darling it was no trouble at all. Now then is she the one in need of my work?”

“Ah yes, this is Twilight. I do hope you come up with something smashing for our deb here.”

“Deb?” said Twilight.

“It’s short for debutante which is when a young mare like yourself makes their first debut at a high society get together. Now said get together is in a month, think you can have it ready by then?”

“Please for you I’ll have it done in half that.”

“You’re the best Rarity.”

“Oh tell me something I don’t know.” They both shared a laugh. “Well let’s get started.” She opened her bag and pulled out a quill, pad of paper, and measuring tape. After a minute or two she had all the measurements written down. “Twilight if you don’t mind I’d like a word with Fancypants in private.”

“Sure, that’s fine.”

“Twilight why don’t you go back to your room and unwind for a bit and I’ll meet up with you later.”

Twilight left soon after and Rarity went up to him. “I didn’t want to say anything in front of her but how can somepony her age still not have a mark?”

“It’s a bit of a story that can wait for the moment.”

“Very well, I’ll head back to the boutique and start on this right away.”

The next day they moved on to dance practice in the hall. “Today you’ll be learning the Waltz. It’s been around for centuries and still dominates the dance floor. It’s simple, elegant, and fluid. Dusty, care to help me demonstrate?”

“Of course.”

The two got into position. “Make sure to pay close attention to our movements. Silver start the music.” He wound up the phonograph and placed the needle on the record. They began the dance. “Now it is crucial to stay in sync with your partner, but the best thing about the Waltz is its simplicity. It’s a two three-count step so the best way to keep pace is to count to yourself. One, two, three. One, two, three. Alright let’s have you try now.”

Twilight went over and they assumed the starting position. He nodded at Silver to start the music and they began. Okay, one, two, three. One, two, three.

“There you go. You’re getting the hang of it already.” The thing about the Waltz is it keeps the dancers in such a close proximity. Twilight kept finding herself gazing into his eyes. “Excellent Twilight, you’re doing very well for your first time.”

Twilight couldn’t help but smile and blush a little, then there was a knock at the double doors. They stopped and one of the servants poked his head in. “Sir I’m sorry to interrupt but a royal messenger has arrived asking for you.”

“Really now! I’ll be right there. I hopefully shouldn’t be too long so take a break until I come back.” Fancypants made it to the front door and saw the messenger waiting. “Greetings, how can I help you?”

“There’s been a change in Princess Celestia’s schedule and she will be able to attend your party for at least part of the evening. She hopes her RSVP hasn’t come too late.”

“Nonsense her highness is always welcome in my home and I’d be happy to have her.”

“You have the princess’s gratitude, farewell.”

After the messenger left Fancypants returned to the hall. “Exciting news, it turns out the princess will be attending after all.”

Twilight was shocked. “P-Princess Celestia, here, me, meet!”

“Calm yourself Twilight.”

“But what if I say or do the wrong thing? What if I end up making a fool out of myself? No, no, no.”

She was starting to panic and pace around. He went over and placed a hoof on her shoulder to get her attention. “Twilight breathe, it will be fine. We still have plenty of time to get you ready.”

Twilight took some deep breaths. “Okay.”

“Alright let’s take it from the top.”

After two weeks of being shown the ropes Twilight was starting to get the hang of things. Rarity had returned with her dress and they went to Twilight’s room to do a fitting. The dress had varying shades of blue and just the right amount of frills. “Well everything seems to fit just the way it should.”

“Beautiful work my dear. Your talent is only matched by your looks.”

She giggled. “Oh darling must you always be so charming.”

“It’s a curse I’m afraid. Come with me to my office and I’ll write you a check. Dusty help Twilight out of her dress while I’m gone.”

They left and Dusty started undoing the laces. “You know it’s probably not my place to say but I think Fancypant really likes you.”

“Really?”

“Oh yes I’ve never seen him enjoy spending so much time with another pony, and I think you like him too.”

She blushed. “Oh, well I-”

She giggled. “It’s alright you don’t have to say anything. Many mares have shown interest in him over the years but as far as I know he’s never truly returned it.”

“You really think I have a chance?”

“Like I said it’s not my place to say but you won’t know for sure until you try.”