From Rags to Fancy

After preparing for the last month in addition to her regular academics the day of the party finally arrived. Twilight was a nervous wreck pacing around her room trying to calm herself. It’ll be okay. You have nothing to worry about, nothing at all.

A knock snapped her out of her thoughts. “May I come in?”

“Yes.”

The door opened and Dusty walked in. “Well it’s time to start getting you ready for the evening. You nervous?”

“Nervous, why should I be nervous? I’m just going to be in a room full of upper class ponies that may nitpick over every detail and then Princess Celestia will be here and…”

Twilight started to feel sick and ran into the bathroom while Dusty was left in the other room to hear her puke, cringing a little. “Goodness. BE SURE TO SHOWER BEFORE YOU COME OUT.”

After she finished and showered Twilight was feeling much better. Dusty helped her into her dress and styled her mane a little. Then she brought out a makeup kit. “Umm how much of that are you going to put on?”

“Oh don’t worry I’ve seen some mares go overboard with makeup trying to look good. But a little rouge and mascara never hurt. Now hold still.” A few minutes later and they were done. “There we go, and with a few minutes to spare. Let’s head down, I’m sure Fancypants will have some last minute words of advice for you.”

They made it down the stairs where Fancypants was waiting and Twilight went up to him. “My dear you look stunning.” She blushed a little. “How do you feel?”

“Nervous.”

“Well don’t be, you’ll do fine. Now it’s almost six and the guests will be arriving soon. If you forget something or are unsure of what to do look at me or the others around you for hints. Also when dinner starts the host which is me is the first to enter and sit. Then the most senior or prestigious member of the guest list which will be the princess picks their seat which is usually the one closest to the host. Then the others may enter and pick theirs. I suggest getting the one next closest to me opposite the princess if you can. But don’t run, a brisk trot will be fine.”

Twilight took a deep breath. “Alright.”

“Just try and stay close to me for most of the night and everything will be fine.” The clock finally struck six and minutes later guests started to arrive. Fancypants was there waiting to greet them as they came in with Twilight close by. “Jet Set, Upper Crust, so good to see you again.”

“It’s good to see you as well Fancypants. Thank you for having us,” said Jet Set.

“We’ve heard rumors about you hosting some mystery mare. Is this her?”

“Yes this is Twilight.”

“Hello, nice to meet you,” said Twilight.

“So Fancypants what’s her story?” said Jet Set.

“Oh no need to bore up with the details at the moment. Besides other guests are arriving that need my attention.”

“Very well.” The pair walked away after that.

Guests continued to arrive and then Princess Celestia’s pegasus drawn chariot landed and she made her way inside. She went up to Fancypants and he offered up his hoof, she took it and he kissed the top of hers. “Princess it’s always a pleasure to have you grace my home.”

“And thank you for having me. Unfortunately I can only say for dinner.”

“It’s quite alright your highness. I know you can have a lot going on.”

“Now who is this?”

“Ah yes, this is Twilight. She’s the debutante of the evening.”

“A pleasure to meet you Twilight.”

“Hi, I-I mean hello, princess I, umm, sorry,” she said looking nervous.

Celestia giggled. “It’s quite alright. I get this reaction a lot when meeting new ponies. Perhaps we’ll talk later.”

The princess walked away and Twilight took some deep breaths after having her first encounter with royalty. After everypony arrived Fancypants announced dinner would be served and they all made their way to the dining room. Fancypants of course was the first to enter and sit followed by Princess Celestia, then the others were allowed to pick. Twilight was lucky enough to get the other seat closest to Fancypants opposite the princess. Tonight’s dinner consisted of a three course meal and there was a couple ponies playing stringed instruments for ambiance. Once everypony was seated the appetizers were served. The guests then began conversing amongst themselves. Twilight wasn’t sure if she should say anything or what to even say so she focused on her food. After the main course was served Princess Celestia and Fancypants were engaged in conversation on the topic of foreign relations.

“As I understand it talks with the griffins are dragging out longer than they should.”

“You heard right. They are being unreasonable about the terms of the new trade agreement we’re negotiating. They feel their goods are of a higher quality and want higher tariffs as a result.”

“Please I’ve bought some of their wares. It seemed rather shoddy to me.”

Princess Celestia then turned her attention to Twilight for a moment. “So Twilight where are you from?”

She perked up. “Oh, umm Canterlot.”

“She’s my guest princess.”

“I see, and what of her family?”

“Oh no need to bore you with such trivial details at the moment, another time perhaps.”

“Very well, another time then.”

After dessert was severed and dinner ended the others continued to converse letting their food digest. Finally it was time to get up from the table and the princess said her farewell as she had to leave. The party moved to the hall where a band with a conductor was ready to play. “Care to dance Twilight?”

“Sure.”

Twilight and Fancypants along with others took to the dance floor and the band started playing. Twilight found the Waltz enjoyable but whether it was due to the dance or her partner she wasn’t sure. The non-dancers lined the edge of the room. After dancing for a bit the two took a break and Twilight excused herself to make a quick trip to the bathroom. As she returned the door to the hall was slightly open and before she was about to go in she hear three ponies on the other side talking about her.

“So do you know anything about this mare Fancypants is hosting?” said a mare.

“I did a little digging and apparently she was living on the streets before he took her in. Also it appears she doesn’t even have her cutie mark yet,” said stallion one.

“Good heavens, why is Fancypants wasting his time with some street urchin blank flank like her?” said the mare.

“She’s probably just some gold digging harlot that caught his eye and was gussied up,” said stallion two.

“I wouldn’t doubt it. I’m sure a pony of her background has had to turn a few tricks to get by,” said stallion one.

The three shared a laugh and Twilight started to cry then ran back the way she came. A little while later Fancypants was beginning to wonder where Twilight had gone. “Silver you haven’t seen Twilight lately have you?”

“Can’t say I have. She probably just stepped out for some air or something.”

“Well I’m going to go have a look around.” After a few minutes of looking he decided to check her room and saw the door partly open. He poked his head in and saw her laying on the bed crying into her pillow. “Twilight, are you alright?” She looked up at him but didn’t say anything and he went in taking a seat on the edge of the bed. He padded the spot next to him and she moved to sit by him. He gave her a handkerchief and put his foreleg around her. She wiped her eyes and leaned into him. “Now what has you so upset?”

“I-I overheard some ponies talking about me. They called a street urchin blank flank and a gold digging harlot.”

“Who said that?”

“I don’t know, I didn’t see them.”

He held her close. “There, there now. Word about where you’re from was bound to get out and have false assumptions made about it. But who cares what they think. Ponies like that think anypony that doesn’t meet their standards are beneath them. Although the worst you’ll have to deal with out of them is Prince Blueblood. He’s the strongest purist out of them and won’t give a commoner so much as the time of day.” She started to calm down and relax. “Feeling any better?”

“Yeah.”

“Good. Overall I would say you did very well this evening and I’m proud of you.”

She smiled and lifted her head to look up at. She gazed into his blue eyes and on a whim kissed him. He was a little caught off guard at first but melted into it. She pulled back and looked away blushing profusely. “I-I’m sorry, I don’t know-”

“Shh it’s okay Twilight, no need to apologize. I rather liked it.” This time he was the one with a little blush and smiled.

“Really?”

“Really. Tell you what why don’t I go back down and see if I can’t try to hasten the others departure and comeback after.”

“Okay.”

He got up to leave. “Should I send Dusty up to keep you company and help you out of your dress?”

“No I can manage.”

“Alright then.” A while had passed and Twilight had put away her dress and washed her face. Then Fancypants finally returned. “How are you feeling?”

“Much better.”

“Good.” He went over and took a seat next to her on the bed. “Aside from that last bit did you enjoy the evening?”

“It was fun, especially the dancing.” She paused for a moment looking nervous. “Fancypants do…do you like me in more than just a friendly way?”

“My dear you’re a beautiful young mare that’s bright and has a personality that any stallion would want to be with, myself included.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Does that answer your question?”

“Yeah. Could you stay the night?”

“Alright.” He got up and undressed himself while she laid down on the right side of the bed. He took the left and pulled the covers over them. Twilight got on her side and scooched back until she was up against him. Fancypants took the hint and rolled onto his side holding her in a spooning position then kissed her on the neck. “Goodnight Twilight.”

She smiled. “Goodnight.”