Creation’s Folly

The following day started off with me waking up on the floor. The smell of eggs and toast were accompanied by the birds chirping and Ponyville stirring to life. While sleeping on the floor can’t possibly be the most comfortable, Twilight saw to it that I be given a blanket and pillow. Before I turned in early for the night, noting that I was tired from the two hour long tour she gave yesterday, she thought to give me a heads up about meeting and going out to run errands with her assistant today.

Which I am excited for.

After folding the blanket and taking a long look out at the town I was soon to journey into, I made my way downstairs to the kitchen/dining area below me. My room didn’t have a dumbwaiter like Twilight’s, but I didn’t mind. It meant I would get some exercise each morning I stayed here.

But what beheld my eyes as I entered the kitchen was a small purple and green scaled land drake wearing a frilly pink apron flipping fried eggs over the green flames jetting from its mouth. The butter sizzled and popped as the fire licked at the bottom of the cast iron skillet, the eggs crisping nicely with a satisfying sizzle each time they landed back in its griddle. He turned his attention to a toaster just left of the stovetop which didn’t have any burners on, and right on queue with him grabbing a plate, three out of four perfect slices of toast jumped out of the little machine and landed on his plate. The final slice barely missed the plate and tumbled down to the floor behind him, forcing him to turn and finally meet me face to snout.

He stood absolutely still, puzzled at first at who or what I was, before he smiled and greeted himself. “Oh, hey dude. You’re up kinda early, breakfast isn’t fully ready yet. Made by yours truly!” He proceeded to reach a claw down and pop the fallen toast into his maw of tens of sharp teeth, munching it to completion.

Cool! Of course a magic world with talking anthropomorphic ponies would have dragons. Well, land drake. He Doesn’t have any wings. And those teeth! They’re as big as my thumbs!

He noticed my look of bewilderment and his cheeks started to take on a mild green tinge. “You uh, gonna take a seat at the table or just keep staring at me? ‘Cus it’s starting to weird me out.”

“Ope, sorry man, I’ve just never seen a dragon before.” This week is going to be a lot of firsts, huh?

That shocked this little two foot tall dragon, his eyes widening. “Woah, really? You’re in for a treat then, because you’re looking at the number one assistant this side of Equestria!” He remarked with pride. “Name’s Spike!”

I couldn’t help but grin, my inner nerd geeking out about meeting such a high fantasy creature straight out of Tolkien. To see something so fearsome and powerful up close, only for it to be so small and a decent cook no less. This world’s full of surprises.

“I can only imagine what the cooking of something as legendary as a dragon will be like. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help,” I said, making my way over to the table. “And nice to meet you, little man. My name’s Aurelius.”

Spike brought a claw up to scratch at his chin. “Hmmm… now that you mention it, I could use some extra claws in making the blueberry muffins. Twilight likes them warm before she wakes up, so I’d appreciate the help.” He pointed up to the cabinets to his right. “If you could help me grab the spare bag of flour up, it’d save me so much time tryna climb up on the counter.”

I chuckled to myself and obliged the dude. We spent the good portion of the next half hour bonding over our newfound and shared love of cooking, him keeping the heat just right on the pans and me making an absolute mess of the remaining counter space. Four dozen muffins later, and we were both wearing a new coat of paint.

Looks like I’ll need to find some new clothes today. These are ruined with delicious batter. I thought as I popped in the last tray.

Right as I replaced the trays in the oven, Twilight thought it would be a good idea to walk into the kitchen. Stark furry naked. I’d look away, but I was curious at how they looked under the clothes. I thought fur technically counted as clothing? Should I say something?

Fortunately, Spike beat me to the punch. From the size of his eye, I don’t think it’s normal for ponies to wear their birthday suit. “T-Twilight! Your clothes!”

In her half-asleep state, she tilted her head at Spike. “What do you mean my…” Then it dawned on her. “Sweet Celestia!” In a flash and pop of purple, she was gone, only to reappear moments later wearing a similar blouse as yesterday, along with some black pants.

“…let’s just eat breakfast,” Twilight squeaked out from behind her blush.

I couldn’t help but have a laugh at Twilight’s misfortune, which only seemed to make her sink further into her chair, her nose pointed down. “I-it’s perfectly normal for somepony to sleep naked, I suppose,” she tried justifying.

Could have sworn I heard Spike mumble something about how it happens every morning.

—-

With breakfast and the dishes over with, and Twilight’s embarrassment now just a fond memory, I was starting to feel icky in the sticky batter on my clothes. “Hey Twilight, do you know of any charities that might offer clothes at all?”

That piqued her interest enough from her plate. “Hm? Oh, I can help you with that, hold on.” And with a flash, my clothes were spotless, albeit they now felt crisp. “I do know of a seamstress here in Ponyville that wouldn’t mind you placing an order though.”

At the mention of said seamstress, Spike dropped the plates he was holding onto the floor, shattering them into pieces. The noise of porcelaine made us all cringe. “S-sorry, Twilight. I don’t suppose you could…” He gestured to the once clean unshattered plates and they flashed off the floor and reappeared on the counter space above, completely whole again. “Thanks.”

“Mhmm…,” Twilight hummed a knowing sound. “I don’t suppose you’re interested in visiting a certain white unicorn today, are you Spike.” He nodded furiously. “Then I’ll be happy to add it to the itinerary.”

Spike fist pumped his arm, beyond excited to visit whoever the seamstress was, which I deduced was likely a childhood crush. Whoever they were, I guessed I was in for a treat, though what made a pony attractive was beyond me.

Twilight ignited her horn and popped a paper and quill into existence before floating them over to Spike. “We’ll be stopping by Carousel Boutique shortly after we stock up on more groceries today. And we’re also looking to stock up on more quills, paper, and chalk, among other thing.”

I followed Twilight out the front door of the library, Spike scampering to keep up with the two taller people. While he has a more singular goal in mind, I watched out for any ponies that happened to cross paths with us. It was wonderful to be able to feel the fresh air in my lungs and hear the sound of city life, sans the cars.

The shopping trip went on relatively uninterrupted, I even got to meet and converse with more of the townsfolk that lived here in Ponyville proper. Like Twilight and Spike, they were a friendly bunch, even the weird pink one who gasped when she saw me and then bolted away to who knows where.

When we finally reached the central marketplace, which had been set up some time earlier that morning to surround the Ponyville fountain, Twilight brought us over to an orange farmer dressed pony’s stall, where she and her younger sister were dispensing apples and related products to market-goers. Our turn came up rather quickly and the farm ponies recognized my two comrades easily, but didn’t seem to acknowledge me.

“Well howdy there, Twi’,” said the stetson wearing girl. “What can I do y'all for?” She finally noticed me standing behind Twilight, but didn’t say anything about me yet but rather was content to watch me to make sure I didn’t cause any trouble.

My previous experience weighed on my mind, reminding me that I had seen her before back in the old castle. At least she isn’t staring at me too hard. Hope I can apologize for accidentally hurting her friends before.

“Morning Applejack. I was hoping you might have more apple bakes and preserves in stock today,” Twilight said as she pulled her satchel bag over onto the stall counter.

Applejack shook her head, much to Twilight’s disappointment. “Sorry Twilight, we’re fresh outta the fritters an’ pies.” She passed over her remaining two canning jars. “This is all we got left of the jars today. That’ll be fifteen bits.”

My host pulled out a coin purse from her satchel and pulled out six golden coins, one denoted with a ten and the rest with ones. “Say Applejack, do you know if Rarity is open today?”

She affirmed with a nod. “Sure is. Got her to fix up my jeans for me. Why doya ask, if’n ya don’t mind.”

Twilight gestured toward me. “Aurelius here needs some new clothes to wear.”

Applejack’s gaze lingered on me with intrigue. “Well I’ll be. Mighty kind of ya to offer bein’ a host to the feller.” She offered me a smile before pulling up her newly fixed blue jeans. “Pleasure to meet ya.” She reached out a hand for me to shake, which I regretfully accepted.

But the strength of this girl! It feels like my hand’s gonna split in two! I grimaced at her display of strength until she let go with a hearty chuckle. “Jeez girl, that farmwork must do wonders on keeping you strong!”

Applejack tittered while wiping a tear from her eye. “That’s an earth pony for ya’. Bein’ strong and rocksteady is in our nature. Sorry ‘bout your hand there, friend.”

Applejack’s younger sister climbed up onto the stall without a care in the world, her oversized overalls slipping off her shoulder. “Ya’ gonna buy somethin’ else? We got a special deal on apples, one for a bit and two for two bits!”

Her elder sister chided the young one. “Applebloom, you know that’s not how deals work. And ya ain’t gonna sell nothing to nopony if ya thrust it in their faces.” Applejack picked her pint sized sibling off the counter and set her down, rustling a hand through her scarlet hair. “Apologies about that. It’s her first day at the market stall.”

“Not at all. If anything, I should be the one apologizing to you about before.” I remarked.

“Pshaaw, it ain’t no water on the bridge. You were just scared,” Applejack dismissed. “Say, since y’all are goin’ to Rarity’s here in a bit, mind askin’ her if we’re still on for lunch tomorrow or if she still hasta go to Canterlot for that business trip? Slipped mah mind until now.”

Spike spoke up before anyone else had a chance to. “Can do, AJ.” He seemed impatient to go meet the one he was sweet on and was antsy just sitting here shooting the shot. We took that moment to hurriedly say our goodbyes and move away from the stall. The path to Carousel Boutique was lined with so many vibrant colors, I dare say it was equivalent to an antidepressant. Every so often, a random pony would pass by, offering a friendly ‘Good Morning!’ or a casual wave.

Seems not many people here find me out of place at all. There’s been a few odd stares and whispers, but nothing negative to note.

As we approached the boutique, I could finally take in the building in detail. It was a work of art, from the sound of the bells as we crossed the doorway, to the marble trim and pillars outside. Inside was another artwork: spoils of fabric neatly organized by the walls, different boxes of lace and ribbon over by waiting chairs, and every color imaginable lined the walls. The pony mannequins she had posted in the windows displayed some of the most recent works Rarity had completed.

“Rarity? Are you in here?” Twilight called out.

A very regal and smooth as silk voice called out from behind a folding screen. “Just a moment, darling! I’ll be right there.”

Spike was nothing if not enamored with the seamstress emerged, her white coat and deep purple mane absolutely glowing from the care taken of them. Her silvery-blue eyes just shone with creativity comparable to the works of art she surrounded herself with. Definitely the shop of talent, if I had to put it bluntly. I think I’ve seen an outfit like that before back on Earth. The pinstripe puffy blouse, black mini-skirt, and red hoof shoes look wonderfully paired together. I can definitely see why Spike might find her attractive with an outfit like that.

Her eyes landed on me for but a moment and it almost made my heart skip a beat with the nervousness I felt at being underdressed. I only had on the red t-shirt, simple white overshirt and blue shorts I arrived in. “Twilight, darling, who is this you’ve brought to me” Rarity asked in an almost sing-song melody. Her curiosity was obvious.

“This is Aurelius,” Twilight replied. “He’s in need of some more clothing.”

Rarity’s eyes sparkled as she made a circle around me, her horn glowing a faint baby blue similar to her eyes. Over floated a measuring tape and a few different spools of thread. “Hmm… while his outfit does scream casual, I can see what you mean. Absolutely nothing about it says higher class. We shall make you something fabulous!”

Being the center of attention was never really my favorite in social settings, but Rarity had a way of making it out to be the most special of occasions. Her continued to glow as she swiftly brought over a notepad to take my measurements in. “Now let’s see… you’ll need something durable, comfortable, and most importantly- form fitting but not too tight.” Her magic tugged at my shirts and pants a little. “Would you mind removing your clothes for me so I can take accurate measurements?”

That sparked a blush on my cheeks. “Um, I’m not sure I feel very comfortable stripping in front of everyone.” Rarity must have realized what she had implied and returned a blush of her own. She started stammering as if I insulted her.

‘P-preposterous to assume I meant something so base and naughty! I am a professional fashionista who would… would never stoop so low!” She responded with a humph. “I demand that you apologize for spiting my honor as a seamstress.”

“Oof, my mistake, Ms. Rarity. I didn’t mean to imply anything by my comment. I only meant to say I don’t feel comfortable with undressing in somewhere so open.” I gestured over to the folding screen. “Might we move behind there?”

Rarity huffed her sense of indignation, but her expression didn’t change in the slightest. “Very well.”

We moved on over away from the prying eyes of Spike and Twilight so I could feel more secure. I carefully stripped my shirts off and hesitated at my shorts. I’m not wearing any underwear.

Rarity was off put by my continued hesitation. “Well? Off with your shorts, please.”

I turned to look at her. “Ms. Rarity, I realize now that I am not wearing any undergarments. Can you take measurements over my shorts?” She sighed and gave me a knowing look, proceeding to do her best to press the tape flat against my thighs and groin. It didn’t take very long to finish the process and I returned to Twilight and Spike with embarrassment plastered on my face. The potential consequences of my actions weighed on my mind like rocks, but Spike saw to it to put a hand on my middle back in an attempt to comfort me.

“Don’t worry about it, Aurelius,” he whispered, his voice barely loud enough for me to hear. “Rarity can be a bit… let's say dramatic, but she has a heart of gold. She probably didn’t even mean to take it that way.”

The words did little to help, but I could understand where he was coming from. “Seems she’s passionate about her work, though I would hate to see what would happen if I really meant to insult her. Maybe if enough time went by, she’d learn to forgive me?”

His toothy grin however, did lift my spirits. “That’s the way, dude.”

Rarity still seemed absolutely peeved at me while she discussed fashion and the total cost of the outfits she was planning for me. She said they’d be ready in a few days for Spike or Twilight to pick up and specifically asked ‘nicely’ if I stay back at the library. First impressions are everything and I accidentally blew this one up out of the water. Going to need to make it up to her in the future. Maybe Spike doubles as her assistant since he’s so taken by her??

The sunlight back outside acted like a balm on my mood. All in all, the shopping trip was a success. Twilight managed to score a discount on her quills and a nice delivery mare offered us better quality muffins on the way home, since she had more than enough to share. We ended our trip with a visit to the local apothecary slash pharmacy over by the General Hospital before going back home to the library. Another completed day in Ponyville. Perhaps tomorrow would be the fresh start I needed to make plans for amends.

—

That night, I had another dream about the same starry void from before, but this time was different. I could see my hands and the stars flowed around me as if I were being moved in a random direction. They parted around me in a way that felt like being rubbed against foam insulation, minus the itchiness. I eventually reached a clearing, if you could call it that, and at the center was a six foot tall, midnight blue pony with wings and a horn. From her regalia and gorgeous galaxy-themed dress, I deduced that she must be royalty.

She noticed me shortly after I entered the bubble of stars, turning away from whatever she was doing to dedicate her attention to me. The way she’s staring at me, is she studying me or waiting for me to say something? What would I even say in a situation like this? I pondered for an unknown time.

It seems the dream queen wanted to break the silence more than I did. “Thou art the shining one I beheld few moons past. Why didst thou not deign to make thy presence known unto me? Not many of mine subjects possess lucidity.”

The way she spoke reminded me of the fancy Old English spoken at renaissance festivals. “Wait, is this a dream?”

“Verily. Dost thou surely jest?” She snickered.

“You said you saw me many nights ago. Are you talking about when I first entered Equestria?” I asked for clarification.

She nodded. “Indeed. Twas few hours past our newfound freedom from the nightmare.” So she’s referencing when I was in the hospital. “Once more, I inquire why sought you not to seek me?”

Her questions confused me. “I apologize, your majesty. For the first three days after I arrived, I was unconscious from magic exhaustion. Forgive my confusion, but what do you mean by ‘seek you out’?”

Her eyes lit up at realizing my ignorance. “Ah, so night walking be unknown to thee? That is telling. Mayhaps thou art a dreamer undiscovering in potential?” She reached a hand behind her and the stars swirled around her hand as she whispered to herself. After some time she relinquished her hold on them and gave me a soft smile. “Thine presence here draws memories of many a dreamer in history, prithee our assumption.”

The royal’s appearance seemed to flicker faintly before settling on translucent. “Ah, thou appearest to wander back into slumber. Night grant thee repose,” She said as she turned her attention back to the sea of stars behind her.

Before dreams found their way back in my mind, I barely managed to ask her her name. “We art Princess Luna Nocturn Shadowmere, ruler of the Night. We shalt engage discourse anon.”