The final bell of the school day had rung, and everyone knew what that meant. It meant classroom doors bursting open, students pouring into the hallways, excited chatter buzzing in every place where the youths could be found and, above all, it meant a slew of teachers finally leaning back into their chairs and getting just a tiny moment of relaxation. Many students, despite generally enjoying being at Canterlot High, nevertheless felt a great deal of comfort at the prospect of the day ending for them, and so many left the school with happy smiles on their faces, confident that they were going to have some fun or other relaxation after vacating the school grounds. One person, however, was smiling while heading towards the school; Sonata Dusk. The youngest Siren sister walked happily along the corridors of the place, looking from door to door until, finally, she spotted one in particular, and her smile grew. Opening it, she poked her head inside, calling out to the one within.
"Rarity?"
Sure enough, Canterlot High's resident fashionista was indeed within that room, making ready a number of mannequins with a great variety of dresses she'd made. Some were simple and practical, while others were wild and flamboyant, and some simply looked nice in that way only Rarity could make. However, it appeared as though Rarity herself had not heard Sonata as her name had been called out, and so the Siren entered, closing the door behind her as she did so. The loud "click" of said door finally alerted Rarity to her visitor, and she turned with a smile.
"Oh! Sonata! Forgive me, but I didn't hear you."
But Sonata simply giggled to that.
"It's fine, Rares. So..."
She walked up beside her friend, looking to the latter's creations.
"...what have we got?"
With a look of pride, Rarity placed one hand upon her hip, turning to one of her dresses in particular before starting to explain matters.
"Well, after my employer, Miss Hemline, asked me to work on that window display, I was asked to come up with a number of new outfits to try and bring in more enquiring eyes to the store."
She gestured to the dress before her.
"This one here was one I'd been working on for some time before that, but now I've really started to step up my game with it."
Sonata stared at the outfit, nodding.
"Yeah...it's really pretty."
Rarity swept aside some of her hair before replying to that.
"Oh, you are a dear for saying so. But..."
She turned to her, a knowing smile creeping onto her lips.
"...you didn't come here to admire my work after all."
Sonata's smile widened.
"Yeah, um...if you're sure it's okay?"
But Rarity waved her off.
"Nonsense, darling! Let it never be said that I can't help a fellow seamstress. You have an ability in this field, Sonata, and it's high past time I helped you to nurture it!"
Placing a hand upon Sonata's shoulder, she began to lead the young Siren over to a nearby cabinet.
"Now then, one of the first things you must consider about whatever outfit you're making is the fabric."
With her usual Rarity-esque flair, she opened the cabinet, revealing a great many varieties of fabrics within. Sonata, for her part, was wide-eyed at the display before her, looking from one to the other, all while Rarity looked on with satisfaction.
"There are, of course, a great many to choose from. Would you like it to be flashy, or more restrained? Bright or dark? Smooth or just a teensy bit rough around the edges?"
Sonata's eyes kept darting from one fabric style to the next, and it was clear from looking that she was spoilt for choice here.
"I...I don't know!"
Rarity chuckled a little.
"Fear not. I was much the same way when I started down this particular career myself. For you, I think..."
Raising a hand, she trailed along the available selection, her eyes narrowing with that same analytical sense she was known for when it came to fashion. Then, after stopping at one in particular, she smiled, pulling it out.
"...yes...I do believe this one suits you perfectly!"
She had picked out a length of pale blue cloth, which was gently offered to Sonata's open and waiting hands. The Siren held onto it carefully, feeling the smoothness of the fabric between her fingers. It had a slight sheen to it, which was reflected in her eyes. She looked to that fabric as though she were in love with it, and Rarity, seeing that look on her colleague's face, smiled in a victorious manner.
"I do believe we have a winner."
Looking up, Sonata smiled to her teacher.
"So...what do we make from it?"
But Rarity raised a finger.
"Ah, ah, ah! We do not simply jump to the finish line, Nata. You've chosen the building blocks of your creation, but now..."
She turned, looking out to nowhere in particular and baling her hand into a fist in a display of confidence.
"...you must find inspiration!"
Sonata tilted her head.
"Inspiration?"
"Inspiration!" Rarity repeated.
Sonata blinked a few times, looking to the dresses that Rarity had displayed earlier.
"So...how do you gain inspiration?"
Rarity looked to her with an expression that made it obvious that she had been waiting for just such a question. So, taking her free hand, Rarity led Sonata back over to the dresses.
"Well, inspiration can be found anywhere, my dear. It can come when you least expect it. You could be walking out in the streets one day and bang, it comes to you!"
With one hand, she pointed to the dress at the end of the line.
"I was originally inspired to make this outfit when I first saw one of Twilight's little robotic creations. Notice the silvery sheen and the gemstones to resemble the blinking lights of the machine?"
Sonata nodded, watching as Rarity pointed to another.
"And this one came to me after our little debacle at Camp Everfree. You'll probably recognise the various vine and leaf patterns were very much in-keeping with our experiences there."
Again, Sonata nodded, and again, she looked to her mentor for the afternoon, curiosity returning to her.
"So...where should I get inspiration?"
To that, Rarity tapped her chin.
"Well, think about what excites you. What interests you. What do you have a passion for?"
Rarity faced her fully, looking to her with utter seriousness.
"Close your eyes. Think hard on what you love. What you enjoy most in life. Look deep down to the very core of who and what you are...and see what you find."
Naturally, Sonata was a little uncertain of such advice, and yet, she followed it regardless. Sighing, she closed her eyes, and in the darkness that followed for her, she kept utterly silent, looking through thoughts and memories as they came to her. Rarity too remained quiet, letting her impromptu apprentice have the space she needed to do this. And Sonata soon began to furrow her brow through her efforts. For one thought in particular started to make itself known to her. One memory, one image, one great love that began to feature more prominently than anything else she could think of. Slowly, her eyes opened, and her expression was one of utter realisation. Slowly, she turned to Rarity, and without hesitation, spoke.
"...The sea. I'm inspired...by the sea."
Clasping her hands together, Rarity squealed for joy.
"The sea, of course! The mystery, the wonder, the beauty..."
Sonata, looking to the fabric in her hand, nodded solemnly.
"...And the home."
This time, it was Rarity's turn to be taken aback, and she silently watched her friend. Slowly but surely, Sonata formed a small smile, looking back up to Rarity and giving a confident nod.
"Rarity...I know what I'm making...and I'm ready to make it."
Getting back to her own prior smile, Rarity stepped forward, placing her hand on Sonata's shoulder yet again and sharing her look of confidence.
"In that case, Nata...let's get to work!"
