“And that was how I met my first aliens, almost died for the first time and killed for the first time,” Rarity concluded, pausing to take a sip from her cup of tea. “And before you ask, no I did not editorialize anything. I merely avoided describing just how much I cried and how long I spent curled up in a ball too depressed to move.”

The unicorn took another long sip from her cup, savoring the sweet taste of apple and cinnamon that danced on her tongue. As she did so, she glanced out the window, inspecting Everfree City now that night had begun to fall. Ponies moved about the treetops, and guards continued patrols, the settlement remaining alive but much more withdrawn.

Rarity quickly realized that it had been several minutes and no one had said anything. So she glanced over at her stunned friends and took in the full range of emotions on their faces.

Applejack was angry but withdrawn as if she was thinking deeply on some topic. Rainbow Dash seemed to be struck between shock, and awe, the mare looking at Rarity with newfound respect. Pinkie Pie wore a forlorn expression on her face, hooves tucked tight against her body, and hair perfectly flat. Fluttershy appeared predictably distraught but also conflicted, no doubt attempting to rationalize what she had just heard. Twilight was perhaps the most predictable of all, as the pony was taking notes, writing questions, and formulating theories. From where Rarity sat, she could see that the majority of the purple alicorn’s thoughts were observations on the Immaterium.

Celestia was concerned but almost looked like she was expecting worse and was relieved somewhat. Luna was in a similar boat, though she was the least bit shocked, merely remaining silent out of politeness. Out of the lot of them, only Luna seemed ready to offer Rarity a shoulder if she needed it, though the dark alicorn knew Rarity didn't require it.

At least not yet.

“What the hay Rarity, that's freaking crazy!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, leaping up and standing on her seat. “Did all that stuff really happen?”

“I swear that everything you heard is true. I would submit myself to a truth circle if you think it necessary,” Rarity replied.

“That ain't necessary. Y'all didn't lie. At least not about anything that mattered,” Applejack remarked, the pony waving a dismissive hoof in the air.

“Thank you Applejack… I think,” Rarity murmured.

“Were they really that bad?” Fluttershy whispered. “The crotalids?”

“I’m afraid so Fluttershy,” Rarity sat a little straighter, towering over nearly everyone in the room. “They eat and reproduce until they consume all available food before migrating elsewhere and repeating this process.”

Rarity smiled softly, and leaned over to Fluttershy, patting her on the leg. “If it makes you feel any better, the tau seem to believe that they are in fact a type of daemon, and aren't actually animals at all.”

Luna shrunk back into her seat at the mere mention of a daemon, while Celestia’s jaw tightened.

“Could these crotalid things be coming to Equestria?” Celestia inquired.

“It's not impossible,” Rarity answered, raising a hoof. “Though I’d say its incredibly unlikely, as the range on their teleportation ability is not far and our local area of space has mostly barren worlds as far as I’m aware.”

“That is true,” Luna added. “Mother’s barrier covers a significant distance of space.”

“Well that's… good,” Fluttershy murmured. “I’m still not sure how to feel about it though. Did you meet any nice animals?”

“Everything native to Ankila Three was quite nice,” Rarity replied.

“You gotta tell us more about those bad flanks that fought with you. They sound so cool,” Rainbow Dash gushed.

“Well, the kroot that lost his arms survived. And though he did eventually manage to regrow them he was relegated to a non-combat role. As for the scientist… well, as you expected he did not make it,” Rarity answered.

“A damn shame. He seemed like an honorable sort,” Applejack remarked.

“Indeed. These tau seem to be less xenophobic than the aliens that mother warned us about,” Luna added.

“Oh they have their own issues and I’ll get to them but when compared to the other factions out there, the tau are rather tame,” Rarity exclaimed.

“Right,” Twilight suddenly interrupted, picking up a long scroll. “Wait, where’s Spike?”

“I’m here,” Spike offered as he entered the room, a clawed hand wiping his mouth. “Just, lost my lunch is all.”

“Perhaps we should break for dinner, or at least some fresh air,” Celestia declared.

“I just want to ask a few questions first,” Twilight interrupted.

“Make them short please,” Rarity half asked, half ordered.

“Right. This other world. What else did you learn about it?” Twilight began.

Rarity slowly exhaled, picking up her teacup and swirling around its contents. “Oh, plenty. It's largely ignored by the wider galaxy and is really only useful to study the unique wildlife. The planet it orbits is a bit more valuable but not by much, with little in the way of useful ores being found there.”

“What about the chemical makeup of the atmosphere? And what kind of creatures lived there? What was that lake made up of? What-” Twilight's stream of questions was cut off by Rarity’s magic forcibly closing the alicorn’s mouth.

“At a later date, we can discuss the finer details of Ankila Three. Until then keep your questions to yourself,” Rarity stated.

Twilight nodded quickly, prompting Rarity to drop the magical hold she had on the other mare’s face.

“You referred to the hooved bipeds as tau and the organization that included the kroot as the tau. Why is this?” Twilight asked.

“It refers to both their species, and their organization, the tau empire. Of which they are the founding member,” Rarity replied.

“What were those tube things?” Twilight pressed.

“The fire warrior used the rifle you saw earlier,” Rarity declared. “As I saved his life in battle he was honor-bound to give me his weapon. Though he still locked it as I wasn't allowed to actually fire the thing.”

“What do you mean? What happened after that?” Twilight insisted.

“I will get to that in due time. Now, are there any other questions?” Rarity asked.

Twilight's hoof immediately shot into the air.

“Perhaps we should have something to eat first,” Celestia offered.

“Maybe tomorrow would be a better idea as it would give everyone a chance to adjust their schedules, and relax,” Rarity countered, glancing pointedly at Luna and Celestia.

“An excellent idea, lady Rarity,” Luna stated.

Twilights shrunk and began gathering up her notes while the others slowly left the room. Barely a sound was uttered by anyone, and a few were rather quick to leave. Rarity couldn't blame them, for despite just how much they fought no one had ever died, not even an animal.

“Hold, a moment,” Rarity interrupted, stepping forward just as Luna was about to leave. “I was hoping to have a word with you.”

“Yes, what is it?” Luna asked, her voice slightly more standoffish than she seemed to have intended.

“At a later date do you think we could share a bottle of wine and talk? I feel like you’re the only one who really understands what I’m going through,” Rarity asked, smiling somewhat sheepishly.

“Yes, I suppose Celestia and I are the only ponies who have seen such violence first hoof as it were. Very well, a drink it is. Just let me know you would like to chat as it were,” Luna replied.

Rarity bowed slightly. “Thank you, your majesty. That means a lot to me.”

“Please, Luna is fine. We’ve long since gotten past the point of titles,” Luna dismissed.

“Very well, Luna,” Rarity replied, rising from her bow.

Following at the back of the group, Rarity observed as the majority of her friends split off. A few made their way towards the royal apartments, others the kitchen and two were headed in the direction of the library. Rarity observed as Spike waddled away, a stack of papers clutched tight against his chest. Quiet, and subdued, the dragon looked particularly unnerved and Rarity wondered not for the first time if it had been a mistake to include him.

Pushing those thoughts from her mind, Rarity began to consider her next move. She would need more food, that much she realized almost immediately, but how she acquired substance was up in the air. That was until they neared the castle entrance, and Rarity noticed that a trio of ponies was standing there waiting for her.

They had been speaking to the rather rough-looking griffon Rarity had seen earlier. That was until they heard the loud clacking of Rarity’s hooves and turned to the mare as she approached. Her father, Hondo Flanks, mother, Cookie Crumbles, and sister, Sweetie Belle all gawked openly at Rarity.

Hondo and Cookie were both put-off and didn't move initially. Sweetie Belle, however, all but leaped into Rarity’s waiting hooves, burying her sobbing face in her elder sister’s shoulder. That seemed to break the ice, and Rarity’s parents joined a moment later, hugging their daughter tightly. Even Rarity felt her own internal barriers fall, and for tears to begin flowing, though she was quick to wipe away the pungent purple liquid that dripped from her eyes.

“It is so good to see that you all are okay,” Rarity exclaimed, gently pushing her family away. “I was so certain that I’d never see you again.”

“And we’re glad that you are okay… you are okay, right?” Hondo remarked, leaning in close.

Rarity chuckled. “Oh yes. Other than a bit of a make over I’m quite alright.”

“I thought you were gone forever!” Sweetie Belle howled, tears still trickling down her face. “We almost held a funeral for you but then your friends refused to give up and-”

“Shh darling,” Rarity interrupted, retrieving a handkerchief and patting the young mare’s eyes. “I’m back, I’m in one piece, and I am ready to begin catching up.”

“Maybe we should go somewhere a little more private,” Cookie offered.

Rarity glanced at the small crowd of gawkers observing them or trying to get past them to the throne room. “An excellent idea. Perhaps a late dinner would be appropriate,” Rarity offered.

“Right, I know a great place on third. Follow me,” Hondo declared.

With the lone taking up the lead, the three females fell in behind without a word, content to simply enjoy each other’s company for the moment. Sweetie Belle all but plastered herself to Rarity’s side, silently gawking at her sister’s armor and overall changes. Cookie was a bit more reserved, carefully inspecting each of Rarity’s visible alterations with a critical eye. Rarity saw all this and merely smiled, taking it in stride, having seen such an outcome a mile away.

Outside the castle, the streets had cleared somewhat, and what little traffic there was dwindling until it was nearly non-existent. Some shops and stalls stayed open, but the majority shuttered their doors and closed down for the night. Rarity thought it was a bit early for that, but nightlife wasn't exactly the first industry to come back after a conflict.

Without many ponies or other creatures to get in their way, they made it to a small, out-of-the-way noodle place in little time. Operated by an aging griffon who didn't bat an eye at Rarity, the establishment was small but very cozy. Composed of a kitchen on one side, a row of barstools, and a single row of booths it didn't look like much but smelled amazing.

“There we are, I told old Iron Guts to get us the usual. Hope your in the mood for something spicy,” Hondo offered, the male plunking down in his seat and flashing Rarity a slightly weary grin.

“Always,” Rarity replied.

“So… tell us about your… adventures,” Cookie diplomatically remarked, having carefully chosen her words.

“Oh don't rush the poor girl. She just got back,” Hondo retorted.

“It's quite alright, but I don't think it is an appropriate story for someone,” Rarity replied, glancing at Sweetie Belle.

Who frowned, and crossed her forehooves over her chest. “Hey, I don't know if you noticed but I’m an adult now.”

“I’ve noticed, but I still don't believe it,” Rarity shot back.

“I basically run carousel boutique for crying out loud! I’ve drank cider, I voted, I’ve… done all the things adults have,” Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Oh, is that so?”

“Y-yeah,” Sweetie Belle murmured.

“That's true. She’s done a great job holding the fort while you were gone,” Hondo declared, patting Sweetie Belle on the back. “Heck I’m surprised she didn't get a second cutie mark for sewing.”

“I’m not that good,” Sweetie Belle muttered.

“Oh pish posh dear,” Cookie interrupted. “You’ve become a seamstress to rival even your sister.”

“I’d say she probably has the title, considering I’m a bit rusty,” Rarity added.

Sweetie Belle shrunk into her seat, blushing profusely.

“Ha, so,” Hondo cleared his throat. “Are ya gonna tell us what happened to get ya so tall? Kinda feelin' a bit emasculated here, to be honest.”

“All in due time,” Rarity cautioned. “I’ll tell you about my first few months on another world but after that, you can just join in on the little story time I’ll be holding with my friends and the princesses.”

“Which I will be joining,” Sweetie Belle declared.

“No, you will not,” Rarity retorted, narrowing her gaze at the younger pony.

“I will,” Sweetie Belle pressed on, unbothered by the pink miasma spilling from her sister’s eyes. “Or I will just wait until after and hear the entire thing from Rainbow Dash.”

Rarity blinked, sitting back in her chair as if struck. “Rainbow Dash?”

“Uh huh,” Sweetie Belle stated. “She and I meet to talk about what romance novel we’ve been reading once a week and she can't keep a secret to save her life.”

“How did that come about? I know Rainbow Dash read but romance?” Rarity muttered in shock.

“Oh it was just adorable,” Cookie interrupted. “Rainbow Dash felt so bad about you being gone that she wanted to help out and do some of the things you did. She was quite reluctant at first but she totally fell in love.”

“I think we’ve read through your entire stash by now,” Sweetie Belle piped up.

“I… well,” Rarity muttered, the wind billowing from her sails. “I suppose I don't really have a choice in the matter now do I?”

“No, you don't,” Sweetie Belle declared.

Rarity smiled. “Then I suppose I should begin my tale.”

The clatter of bowls stopped Rarity before she could continue speaking. The mare barely had a chance to notice the enormous gallon of noodles in front of her before the server walked away. He left a box of chopsticks, some napkins, and a couple of flavor packets that had writing on it in a language Rarity didn't understand.

“Talk later, food now,” Hondo declared, cracking his chopsticks.

“I bet you're looking forward to some Equestrian food,” Cookie offered.

“Come on Rarity. Your story can wait. Let's see who can finish theirs first!” Sweetie Belle challenged.

“A lady must have proper table manners… but,” Rarity smiled. “A lady never backs down from a challenge.”

Author's Note

This is part of the 12 days of christmas, head over here to keep track of all the cool stuff coming down the pipes. If you want to ensure I can afford to keep doing stuff like this, consider backing me over on Subscribestar or Patreon.