Esquestria: The House of the Sun - A pony cultist experience

You wake up… slowly.

Actually, no you don't. You can feel it, the hoof gently prodding you and trying to wake you up in a delicate way, but you actively resist the call of the waking world.

And you don't mean it because you are in the Mansus or anything. Quite on the contrary, you are as unconscious as unconscious can get, except for the one part of your head that is only awake enough to try to keep it that way.

Besides, judging by the size of those hoofs, and the fact that they are not jumping on top of you, you are sure that it's not Silky Stream trying to wake you up. So the part of your brain that bears the most authority over your head, the one that pertains anything related to your daughter, couldn't care less.

"Shouldn't we… let her stay like that?" you hear a familiar voice, its tone worried, ask in a hesitant way, "I mean, it has been such a long week. She must be exhausted."

"Don't worry Miss Rarity," the second voice, more familiar but in an annoying way, answers confidently, "you can trust me that she prefers being woken up."

And with that, the shaking becomes more vigorous. Two hoofs pushing you back and forth, causing several red flags to be raised inside your head as the lower parts of your brain insist that you are about to fall off from a cliff, or some other form of equally illogical prompt that such a vigorous shaking can cause. You swat them aside with a hoof-slap of logic, of course.

But the fact that you are thinking enough to strike out with said logic means that the higher functions of your brain have already been woken up. You have already lost.

You let out a groan. You are not yet conscious enough to realize how unladylike said groan was, but you are nearly there.

"Good morning ma'am" you hear Ponpon saying, and you turn towards her in time to see that she is confidently nodding towards Rarity.

You see it through your closed eyelids, but that is a detail you make sure to correct right after.

"I have brought your breakfast, ma'am, and some correspondence from the main house," she calmly says as she heads towards the door. A few moments later she pulls in a cart, filled to the brim with several good smelling things, plates of expertly made breakfast delicacies, trays arranged in a way that look like a small castle.

"Oh my," you hear Rarity let out a slight gasp of surprise.

You also raise an eyebrow at that, definitely agreeing with your friend that such a thing is unexpected.

The sheer quality of the breakfast being brought to the side of your bed impresses even you. This is definitely several levels above the usual that is sent to your room, some voice inside your recently conscious head whispering that this might even have come from the royal kitchen itself.

You slowly recall the events of the previous night, remembering the pleasant conversation you had with the… with the Princess of Love, and you eye the delicacy-filled food cart.

You let out a "huh…". Definitely a sign of favors from high up.

Well, there is nopony present that you feel you must impress, so you let your own curiosity and surprise show, simply shrugging at Rarity when she asks you what this is all about.

"No idea," you say. And this is also probably just a morning-after compliment from the Princess, so you don't see the need to mention that you met the Princess just yet, "have you eaten already?"

She shakes her head at that, so you simply point towards the cart and float one of the masterfully baked croissants towards you, while you absent-mindedly make your way out of your bed.

You see Rarity eyeing the magnificent food cart curiously, almost with a sign of trepidation, as if worrying that perhaps this had been sent to the wrong room, and that the two of you might get in trouble for eating from it.

Really, the mare has a lot to get used to… Granted, it's obvious that this sort of thing is way above your own station, but she has to learn about opportunity, or about simply going on with things as if they were perfectly normal. But at least, seeing that you already took a bite out of it, she finally starts helping herself with the contents of the cart.

You turn your attention back towards Ponpon, and her pleasant smile that you are never quite sure if it means she is just content, or if she is being smug, and she nods, already knowing what you mean by that.

"Here you go, ma'am," she takes a couple of letters from her saddle bag, and hand them over to you.

You give the exteriors of the letters a once-over, seeing that they are all from Canterlot. Two of them are regular missives from your family, the kind of thing that would have been sent to you back in Ponyville anyways, but the third one…

You open that one first, your mind slowly starting to warm up as the name of the pony who had sent the letter reminds you of several other things.

"I was also a bit surprised by how quickly an answer came," Ponpon says, her tone making it clear that she also knows what is going on in your head.

"Answer?" Rarity asks, as she floats a napkin towards her, "did anything happen?"

"I asked Ponpon to look for a relative of mine during this week…" you say, as you read through the content of the letter, "an uncle I hoped would be in town. Didn't really expect a letter to come back for a while though…"

You finish reading the letter, finally reaching the state where you are fully awake, and no longer annoyed by Ponpon's exemplary behavior. Your focus, however, is now concentrated on the contents of the letter floating before you.

You idly nibble at the freshly baked croissant feeling the gaze of the two other mares on you, although you are still busy rearranging your thoughts.

What you are reading, after all, is something that can be very good news indeed. There will be a lot of variables and a lot of unknowns, your uncle who wrote you the letter being chief among them, but there will also be opportunities.

But it simply won't do for you to keep mentally chiding Rarity for her behavior if you don't act upon your own lessons as well. Being a part of high society, after all, also involves the habit of taking risks.

"Say, Rarity…" you fold the letter once again, putting it back on its envelope and floating it towards the nightstand by your bed, "have you by any chance brought a dress suitable for a noble party?"

The mare, who us munching at salad that you're not sure if even your cook back at home can prepare, simply freezes, her mouth slowly gaping open in a most inelegant way.

You let out a small chuckle, and float a few more things from the food cart towards you.

Even now, while you are walking through the courtyard and towards the place where your carriage is waiting, you are still looking at Rarity. You are still looking at her dress, to be more specific.

"You really weren't joking about staying up the whole night…" you say in a low, and impressed, tone.

"Of course I was not, darling. I never joke when it comes to this sort of thing."

You are dressed for the occasion, of course, wearing a dress you had brought for the more formal necessities, embroidered with the motifs of white flowers, an elegant necklace around your neck.

But Rarity is… on another level entirely.

She is wearing a wavy light blue dress, long enough to give the impression that it has a tail to it, but without actually dragging on the floor. The hems of her skirt and sleeves have a silk-like shine to it, further enhanced by the various gems inlaid on those spots, a sequential combination of small diamonds, rubies and several others whose colors only highlight the ones that came next, instead of detracting from their charm.

She also did something to her mane that would have made you think that she had a whole team of manedressers helping her, if you didn't know any better. Whatever trick she used, you make a mental note, she definitely has to teach you later.

But simply put, Rarity looks stunning. And if it wasn't for the very minute details on her posture and mannerism you would have honestly thought that she could have passed for a member of the high nobility. In fact, you are almost sure that any regular passerby will think that you are accompanying her, and not the other way around.

Not that you mind it, of course, and not that you will do anything to break that notion. But still, like you said, the regular passerby would have thought that. You are not sure if a more experienced pony will miss the signs, or rather the lack of… all the negative things, in your opinion, that marks a pony as a member of the high nobility.

She is smiling, for starters, also her chin isn't nearly as high as it should be while she walks.

But still, although you want to introduce her into this lifestyle, you honestly hope she won't go too deep into it and end up losing herself.

You will make sure to be extra careful, especially this afternoon…

"But the fashion magazines I read always depict these parties during the night," she comments, looking up towards the sun, seeing that it is nearly approaching midday.

"Well yes, but those are usually the get-togethers hosted by the high nobility. The grand parties near the holidays where celebrities get invited and all that."

"I have to admit, darling, I still can't exactly wrap my head around this whole high and low idea you keep telling me about…"

"To be honest, it really is a vague notion even at the best of times," you say, not really being able to hide your own disapproval of the whole thing, "you see, as Equestria grew it became somewhat easier for other ponies to have as much power and influence as nobles… Well, not easier, but it became less impossible."

You keep talking, feeling Rarity's interested gaze on you as you speak, while you recall the lessons you had when you were younger.

The lessons you had from your father, of course… but knowledge is knowledge, regardless of its source.

"So, centuries ago, when wealthy merchants started to build their own mansions on Canterlot, and started competing for Celestia's attention, this whole idea of high and low nobility appeared. Low nobles being those who didn't have any true titles, but had power and influence, and high nobles being those who hailed from families with authority, granted by Princess Celestia herself centuries prior…"

You make sure to omit the more colorful, and intentional, wording your father had used. But it still somewhat strikes you that you can remember his lectures almost perfectly.

"Of course, the whole thing became even more confusing when the low nobles started being knighted into nobility by the Princess, due to their own relevant feats and doings. And that hurt the pride of a lot of ponies, to the point where a whole hierarchy of noble titles was invented, although to this day Princess Celestia has not made it official, of course…"

Which gives two sides to the coin, of course. When in the presence of a Princess, the nobles will treat each other equally, since they are all "equally noble" by her royal decree. When nobles gather among their own peers, however…

"That sounds… quite complicated," Rarity says with a hesitant expression. And although you hope you aren't marring her enamored view about nobility, this isn't exactly the sort of thing you can shield her from. She has to know this, and a lot more, if she is to thrive in this environment.

After all knowledge is never kind, but it still necessary.

"Well, it sounds complicated, and the background that led to the current status-quo is indeed convoluted," you partially agree, "but if you think about the whole situation as a matter of pride then it becomes a lot more simple."

She nods at that, slowly, with the telltale sign that she is thinking deeply about it. Well, she certainly lacks the practical examples to help her form an educated opinion, but you think you have set her on the right path.

"And this uncle of yours invited us to a party with other… lower," you see her struggle with the word for a few moments, "nobles, and… And is that a royal carriage?!"

Rarity's eyes go wide as she freezes on the spot, her words causing your thoughts to do the same thing. You look in front of you, and sure enough you see it.

Right there you see your own carriage, the symbol of the Velvet family carved on its side and present on the stained glasses above the doors. Its well treated hard wood exterior gleaming under the sun, all the way down to its wheels, and the metal saddles around the servantponies ready to pull it.

But of course, right next it is something that makes you family's possession pale in comparison.

The spherical shaped carriage almost seems to emit a light of its own, details laid out in gold are woven on its side, drawing the shapes of hearts around it, with motifs of laurels in green and pink crowning its top. It is not as much a carriage as it is a work of art, engraved with precious stones and topped by statues of rearing ponies, their pose noble and proud.

Correction, the statues are of rearing alicorns, wings open wide and horns pointing towards the sky.

And if you had any doubts left of whose carriage it is, the symbol of a great crystal in the shape of a heart dominates the door, making it clear for all to see of who exactly a thing of such beauty is meant to transport. A trio of Royal Guard ponies stand next to it, the same crystal heart symbol dominating the centerpiece of their armors, and they are curiously talking to Regal Effort, the armored mare who has been acting as your contact in the castle.

But much to your confusion, as soon as Regal sees you and Rarity she points a hoof in your direction, nodding to the trio of guards.

And the Royal Guards come towards the two of you.

"Lady Velvet," the lead of the trio says, taking off his helmet and giving the two of you a short bow, "due to services rendered on the current search for Princess Luna, Princess Cadance has tasked us with escorting you when outside of the castle. If you would please accept her request that you kindly use one of her carriages while on your tours around Canterlot?"

You are surprised by the suddenness of this.

But Rarity is even more so, her eyes shooting wide, after all the lead guard has just...

"I… would… we would love to? But pardon me, she is actually Velvet Covers," Rarity says, an awkward smile on her face as she points towards you. The eyes of the lead Royal Guard, who had specifically referred to her, go wide open at that.

"Beg your pardon Lady Velvet!" the guards fumble to reorient themselves, "truly I have no words to express my shame. But if you would please allow us to do our Princess' biding, even after this slight of mine?"

You do your best not to chuckle, and that is quite the impartial indicator of how much better dressed than you Rarity is.

Still, your mind goes into full gear at the guard's words.

Princess Cadance had this arranged? You can't believe that a little bit of gossiping and light hearted conversation, admittedly pleasant as it was, would have been enough to warrant this much. Maybe the breakfast as a small treat of favor, sure, but the use of the royal carriage?

Well.. the use of "a" royal carriage. You are sure that she has more of those, and this one might be the least impressive at her disposal… but still.

When a thought occurs you… the guard mentioned that they are supposed to escort you while out of the castle, and Princess Cadance is the standing regent on the throne during Princess Celestia's absence. So what sort of message would she send if a small noble like you is seen trotting around Canterlot surrounded by her guards?

By her very well-dressed guards, you must add. You have seen enough Royal Guards by now to know a thing or two about them, and you can see that the uniforms they are using is not the regular duty-armor. No, they are wearing ceremonial regalia, the sort of thing that is meant to stand out. So what would it mean to have these stallions accompanying you?

Well, you think… it would be a message to anypony with eyes (and if nobles have anything, it is many, many well paid and gossiping eyes) that good little nobles who aid the crown are showered in favor.

You nod internally, saluting Cadance's political wile. There are many ways this can backfire, and many ways that this can be a success, but it is still a move made on the board, it is a risk taken. And you surely can respect that.

"There is no slight in your actions, please rise," you say to the bowing guard, "Lady Rarity has always been the better looking of us, after all," you say, winking at the mare for her to follow your lead.

You nod at the guards as they get up, their leader putting his helmet back on.

"And I am most humbled by our Princess' kindness. I would be delighted to have you escort us during our stay here."

You see the Royal Guards let out a sigh of relief under their armors, at your unoffended answer, and they turn to lead you towards the magnificent carriage.

Rarity, however, is still clearly confused at the sudden turn of events, shooting you yet another confused glance as the carriage doors are opened for the two of you.

You just give her a confident smile and bid her to be patient.

You will explain her everything as soon as you are on your way.

[You have gained the trait "Favored in Canterlot: Mi Amore Cadenza". Applies a +20 bonus to certain, but not all, rolls in Canterlot. You will be immediately recognized as a supporter of the Crown, and as a member of the "Royalist" faction during a dispute.]

"You had a chat with a Princess? And you didn't think it was something important enough to tell me about?!" Rarity's voice is a mixture of surprise, and a tinge of hurt.

Not real hurt, of course, and the way she is whispering to you, even while you were inside a moving chariot, is slightly amusing.

"Like I said, it was just a chat," you repeat the same thing you have just said, "and she seemed as reasonable and pleasant, and perhaps even as normal, as you and me. She was just a tired mare who wanted company, that's all."

Rarity crosses her forelegs, sitting on the soft seat of the carriage. Her expression is grumpy at first, but it soon softened out to something else, an expression close to worry perhaps.

"Well, she has been taking care of Canterlot all on her own during Princess Celestia's absence…"

"My thoughts exactly," you reply.

"But still, whatever did you talked about to warrant…" she waves her hoofs around herself, pointing at the carriage with an incredulous expression, "all of this?!"

You nod at her and take a deep breath. This will take some doing, especially since the two of you are heading towards what can potentially be a nest of snakes dressed in posh garments and colorful suits.

But your destination is still a good distance away, and you can see that your carriage is being pulled at a speed that seems to be, intentionally, only slightly slower than normal. Almost as if you were on a parade of sorts.

Yeap, definitely a lot you have to put Rarity up to speed about.

"And I'm not supposed to ask about their family's achievements, or how they got to their current station?"

"Right. But gossiping about other families is fine."

"And it's not rude to ask about their cutie marks?"

"Correct, but it can become something of a contest, so I would advise against it."

"Right…"

You drill Rarity one last time about the utter basics of noble interaction, the most important things and traps that she could fall into if she didn't know anything. Heavens, telling her all of this made you realize just how many unreasonable and confusing things there are to this whole mess. You just hope you aren't too rusty at this, with all the time you spent in Ponyville and all.

Still, for good measure, you had the Royal Guards take the carriage for one last stroll around the "block"… or whatever you call a particular concentration of mansions, just to buy the two of you a little more time.

And also to flare Cadance's carriage a little more, of course. No reason not to help her in spreading the message she has in mind.

But finally, the carriage comes to a stop, and you hear the clear clipping of the Royal Guard's horseshoes as he heads towards the door to open it.

A large gate appears beyond the open doors of the carriage. Canterlot is a safe place, and nobles want their possessions to be seen, so the tall gates and fences are just there for another chance to show opulence instead of offering security. Consequently, you can clearly see the garden beyond the gates.

A great fountain stands at its center, and countless well dressed ponies can be seen gathered in groups, drinking from fine glasses and nibbling from several delicacies carried around by well dressed servants, while they talk and gossip among themselves. You spy a group of musicians on one of the sides of the garden, playing from an array of classical instruments and lending the whole place an aura grace.

In short, it is a perfectly normal noble party. A sight that you are used to, even if you haven't been in one for quite a few years now. But definitely not something that another certain pony will be accustomed to…

Make sure that Rarity is not gawking: Check.

"And remember Rarity," you whisper to your friend, "elegance and confidence." You know she has the first to spare, so you make sure to stress the second word.

And with that you walk down the red-carpeted stairs of the carriage.

It is important to keep subtlety and nuance in mind, no matter what you are doing. That is doubly more important when, you confirm with a discreet glance, you have everypony in a noble party looking at you.

You walk down the carriage first. Unfortunately, there is little you can do about this detail. The most important pony is usually the first to leave a carriage or transport, but that becomes clearer the larger your entourage is. But since there are only two of you, you know that half the ponies there will think that you came out first because you are Rarity's servant.

And of the other half, the ones who thought you were more important than Rarity, will have many of their numbers convinced of the contrary as soon as they see the mare herself.

So, instead of trying to angle things one way or the other, you commit fully to the most convincing of the two options.

As soon as Rarity steps a hoof on the stairs leading down the carriage you offer her a hoof, gently helping her down. You allow yourself a tiny bit of relief as she accepts your hoof without a smidge of doubt or surprise crossing her face. This is sure to convince everypony present that Rarity is to be the focus of all this, which will both allow her to gather much needed attention and interest, as well as it will allow you to work undetected.

Well, that, or everypony present will think that you are in a relationship with her.

Nothing you can do about that, though.

Especially not when Rarity is looking positively stunning. The eyes that were fixed on your carriage become fixed on her as soon as she makes her appearance, the gems on her dress glinting with the sun, whispers and hushed comments spreading like wildfire as the two of you make your way through the gates, towards a specific uniformed pony by the entrance.

"Who shall I announce, my ladies?" he asks with no small amount of flare and bowing.

"Velvet Covers and Rarity," you answer simply, looking at Rarity as if asking for confirmation, and being delighted that she answers with a simple nod.

"Present: Lady Velvet Covers and Lady Rarity!" he declares towards the garden.

The subtle glances of the other ponies present becomes quite unsubtle at that, and the whispers seem to grow in intensity as information is exchanged and confirmed.

Here we have a Velvet, arriving with somepony else that nopony knows, but that everypony will try their level best to look like they do know.

You let out a smile at that. Let them whisper and gossip and create their stories all they like.

You thank the announcer, and flutter into the party with the grace of a Moth, hidden in the shadows made by Rarity's light.

The thing is, it is all about appearances. In places like this, everything revolves around impressions.

Consequently, everything is about misdirection and manipulation, deep down.

The most important thing is deniability. In no moment will you say that Rarity is your superior, much like you will not let slip that she is a simple commoner. You even made sure not to address yourself, or her, as "Lady" when you answered the announcer by the gates of the garden, because you are sure somepony will quiz them about it later and even that much could be a hint of status.

As long as you don't confirm who the mysteriously well-dressed, and gorgeous you must add, mare is, she will be whatever the nobles around her thinks she is. Consequently, she will be whatever you want them to think that she is, having the full intention of stoking the fires started by arriving in a royal carriage as much as possible.

And the most important part about this is the pride that nobles have about knowing things. Even if for some reason they do realize what exactly Rarity is, they will not immediately decry her. Quite on the contrary, they will first check what everypony else around them thinks, and act accordingly, any shame that they can feel by being fooled thus far being overpowered by their desire not to be further shamed if they make their ignorance known.

Even if everypony eventually realizes it, it will be just like the tale of The Noble With The Invisible Hat. Everypony will still keep complimenting his hat, even if there is nothing there, because everypony else is doing so. Everypony will keep deferring to her, because they think everypony else is none the wiser.

"Covers!" you are not three steps into the impeccably kept garden before you hear a pony calling out for you, "how're you doing kiddo?"

You look at the approaching stallion, his brown coat inked with a few spots of black, dressed in a well cut suit and with a trimmed goatee on his face. The small brooch he has on his neck, with the symbol of the Velvet family, already makes you almost entirely sure of who he is.

"C'mere, gimme a hug. By Celestia, you've grown up!" the hug he gives you right after dissolves the few doubts you still had.

"Uncle Steppes, it's been years!" you hug him back. Normally you would be wary about such intimate interactions, especially here, but Velvet Steppes has such a charming warmth to him that you simply couldn't care for those few moments. "And what you mean I've grown up, the last time we saw each other was at my marriage."

"Right, that Stormchaser fellow. Which makes me realize I have not yet met my own grandniece!" he says, letting go of you and turning towards Rarity, "and where are my manners. I am Velvet Steppes, lucky uncle of this mare over here, and I am utterly honored to make your acquaintance Lady Rarity."

He says, taking Rarity's hoof with his own and kissing it.

"Absolutely charmed," she answers back, with a giggling smile.

Not the most controlled of answers, but it can pass off as quite charming. And you are not exactly worried about your uncle catching up to anything anyways.

Although you… well, it's not that you don't trust your uncle, but to this day you have not yet figured out exactly what it is that he does. Still, you know that he is quite the affable stallion, and most of all he is family. That might not matter to some ponies, your father among them… but you know that it matters to Steppes.

"I was quite surprised when I got that letter from your servant, but I sure am glad it went through the main house without Hill disappearing with it. Also, lovely that you could be here as well, I was afraid you would be busy for the day," he says, signaling one of the waiters that is carrying drinks.

"You think father knows about the letter I sent you?"

"Kiddo, you're smart enough to know he keeps a tab on everything inside that house," he says as the three of you float the expensive looking glasses towards you, "at least he didn't disapprove of it, since you're here and all."

You take a sip from the drink. It has alcohol, you realize, not that you can't handle it, but it is another variable to keep in mind for Rarity.

Speaking of which, the mare has been eyeing the two of you with a curious expression as you talk to your uncle.

Oh, right.

"Rarity here hasn't met my dear father yet," you say signaling your uncle in the subtlest of ways.

Causing Steppes to take another look at Rarity, a more appraising look this time, and you see a small glint on them not long after.

Of course he realized it, he is a Velvet after all.

"Really? I figured my older brother would have been delighted to meet such a respectable mare," he says with a smile, causing your friend to blush slightly.

If only she knew what he really meant by that…

"I agree, he might even have had the idea of asking her to marry Velvet Wings," you answer, "he is my older brother by the way."

To which Rarity blushes even more, while your uncle lets out an understanding "ohh…".

Yes, uncle, it's exactly what you are thinking. Your father thinking somepony is "good enough" to marry your brother doesn't exactly mean... what it immediately sounds like it means.

"My, Velvet, don't go saying those sorts of things," she answers back, waving a hoof towards you. "Although you never mentioned you have a brother, what's he like?"

"Velvet Wings?" your uncle interrupts you before a single word comes out of your mouth, an excited tinge to his voice, "why he's the most proper and well bred pegasus stallion you've ever seen in your life. Tall and strong, with wings that can blow a hurricane and a voice as deep as the sea," your uncle goes on and on, painting a rather over-heroic image of your dear older brother.

But he always had a way with words, and you can see Rarity's eyes slowly going wider, small sparks appearing in them, as your uncle continues his tall tales.

"… and you know what he does with his fortune and free time? He goes exploring the far reaches of Equestria, that's what he does. No wonder he is still a bachelor, although I tell him every time that he should settle down."

"By the Princesses… and why didn't you tell me about any of this before Velvet?!" the mare turns towards you, nearly advancing in your direction.

Maybe because most of those things were blown out of proportion by your uncle's big mouth?

"Because he is so very busy with his travels," you answer with a level smile, "unlike a certain uncle of mine who seems to have way too much free time to make up stories," you shoot a glare towards Steppes right after.

"Be that as it may, darling, that is not the kind of thing you should hide fr-" she continues with her slightly indignant speech... which you hope that is not an effect of the alcohol, seeing that she hasn't even finished her first glass.

"Excuse me, Lady Rarity?"

Only for her to be interrupted.

You look behind Rarity, and you see a pair of young mares, both also dressed as nobles.

Well, "young" in the sense they are younger than you. They seem to be around Rarity's age.

"Yes, can I help you with anything?" she asks, quickly regaining her poise and adjusting herself to conform to all the small hints you had given her beforehand.

"Well, it's just that we couldn't help but see how magnificent your dress is," one of them begins.

"So we just had to ask you where you had it made," the second one continues.

"Yes! I don't think we've ever seen something like this in all of Canterlot! Is it from Manehattan?"

"Or do you have your own dressmaker, perhaps?"

The two mares start raining down their compliments on Rarity, at first slowly, but then with more and more vigor as they feel more comfortable.

And Rarity, for her own part, is clearly doing her best not to let her awe show. You wonder if it has already hit her that she is being openly complimented by nobility, in the middle of a party. Literally the thing that she has always dreamed of.

She looks towards you, as if asking if it is okay for her to go with the two mares, and you take the opportunity to also check her eyes. Yes, you see, the realization has definitely hit her.

"Ill be right here if you need me, Rarity," you say, in an ambiguous way that could be either subservient or just friendly.

To which she nods elegantly, and not gleefully much to your satisfaction, as she calmly walks away with the two mares.

You follow her with your eyes, sipping from your drink, but there is not really much you can do for now.

"So… care to tell me what that's all about?" you hear your uncle asking you, a curious smirk on his face.

You float your glass to your eye level, seeing that it is empty, and signal another waiter towards you.

"She is a sweet, kind, and talented mare," you say, floating another glass towards you, "and more importantly she is a friend. A great friend."

You see your uncle nod at that, a slow and understanding nod. He understands loyalty, so you know he understands what you mean by that.

"And you have been keeping to yourself in Ponyville all these years," he says, in a roundabout way telling you that he understand where exactly you met her, although with words that the surrounding bystanders wouldn't understand. "Coloratura?" he asks, meaningfully.

You think about it for a few moments, before nodding once again.

"Perhaps even more talented, on her own trade that is..." you answer, to which he raises an eyebrow, "although I don't particularly like the direction Svengallop is taking from what I read on the news, now that you mentioned the mare."

"Well, it's working. He knows how to garner the younger audiences."

You give him a point, still eyeing Rarity as a circle of interested nobles slowly forms around her.

You can see the way things are going, you almost think you can hear the machine clicking. An audience of younger nobles is around her, hanging on to her words and engaging in interested conversation with her. Each of them is a representative of some family, you know. Each of them is a scout.

And around that circle, in the far corners of the gardens and in the groups where they are gathered, the older and more influential members of the noble families are looking with interest, sharp eyes like those of hawks analyzing the situation. Judging, whispering.

Trying to measure if this is an opportunity, trying to measure if other families are thinking this is an opportunity.

You will let Rarity have her fun, but you know your place in this. You are also one of the faraway onlookers, keeping an eye on your charge as she drinks and mingles, searching for the angle you think will be the most advantageous and-

"Hah, you're being such a Velvet right now," you uncle interrupts you with a chuckle, halting your thought process.

"Beg your pardon, a Velvet?" you ask, shaking your head slightly and looking towards him, "well technically yes, but I take it you mean something else by it…?"

"It's an expression that's used around these circles. I mean, look at you, you come here with a…" he waves his own glass towards Rarity, "a literal diamond in the rough, better dressed than anypony else and in a royal carriage, Celestia knows how you managed that, I might add, and then you…"

He shakes his hoof in your general direction.

"Well, and then you do this."

"Our family name is a slang?" you ask, honestly surprised.

"Dear me, you really haven't been around in a long time have you kiddo…? You do know that our ancestor was called Velvet Horseshoe, but that he was actually known as Velvet Dagger, right?"

You let a conflicted expression show for a few moments, your minds switching into a slightly faster speed at that. You may be slightly estranged with your family, but you didn't expect your family to have this sort of reputation.

It could throw all sorts of cobbles into the gears of your plan, you think, as you eye the surrounding groups of nobles, around the Rarity-circle, with new eyes.

More worried eyes.

But your uncle sees that, and lets out a chuckle.

"Don't worry kiddo, your old uncle is here for you," he says, putting a foreleg around you in a side hug, "but we had better strike while the iron is hot and the stage is not yet set. Shall we get to work then?"

He asks, with a confident smile on his face.

To which you take a deep breath, although you are slightly more worried than you wished you were.

"Let's."

And with that, the two of you start walking around the party, drinks in hand and eyes, hidden behind pleasant smiles and calm expressions, on the lookout for opportunities.

[To Patron the Diamond, breakpoints 20/60/100/140/180]

[Roll: 73 + 12 (Intrigue) + 5 (GRAIL bonus) + 15 (Rarity) + 10 (A Dress to Impress) + 20 (Royal Favor) – 10 (She is a Velvet, though…) + 20 (Steppes, the Facilitator) = 145]

[The Search for Influence, CD 75]

[Roll: 60 + 12 (Intrigue) + 5 (GRAIL bonus) + 20 (Royal Favor) – 10 (She is a Velvet, though…) + 20 (Steppes, the Facilitator) = 107]

The sun is near the horizon now, the mood of the party having slowly changed as the hours progressed. The music is slightly faster now, the areas around the fountain being populated by the younger nobles as they dance, and the surrounding groups of the older nobles having now pulverized into a single large ring-like circle.

Alcohol has inhibited their usual antics, and the sight of their youngers, their heirs and scions, getting along so well has softened them into a more friendly and approachable mood.

You are not that old to be feeling like that, thank you very much, but your uncle is, so you are standing next to him as he fondly looks at the younger generations, the two of you slowly sipping from your beverages.

And granted, the two of you are somewhat tired. You and your uncle have been through no small amount of work now. For the last few hours you have deftly maneuvered through the circles and groups of nobles, staying for a pleasant conversation of two before letting out a few meaningful hints about your stay there, slowly building up a mysterious image about Rarity. "Accidentally" telling the older and more powerful ponies the information that would only reach them much later, through their young ones, that Rarity is an obscure yet extremely talented couturier, a fashionista of talent who has recently been toying with the idea of going out of obscurity, her talent great enough for her to think about that as she might consider idly taking up a new hobby.

You think the two of you did a reasonably good job. But as these sorts of things usually go, you have no idea if your efforts bore any fruit.

That is, until you spot a particular mare purposefully walking towards the two of you.

There is no outward change, you know, but you can feel the two of you slightly changing posture, gently pushing the tipsy ponies inside your heads towards a corner so you can think more clearly.

You and your uncle are in full business mode when the mare reaches you. It is clear that she has the same thing in mind, after all.

"Velvet Covers, Velvet Steppes," she says with a slight curtsy.

"Needle Pin," your uncle answers as the two of you slightly bow your heads in return, the older stallion helpfully giving you the mare's name without her realizing it.

"That mare, where have you met her?" she asks, taking up a glass from the nearby table and asking nonchalantly.

Of course, you know who she is talking about, you have had that same question asked to you countless time during the day.

But you can see that she means something… different, by it, so you give her the slightly less redacted version of the answer.

"Ponyville. I met her in passing while she was there, looking for inspiration as she said. We've kept in touch ever since, and I have been commissioning a few pieces from her every now and then."

The secret to not being caught in a lie is not to lie at all, and the trick to telling a good story is not telling the truth.

A gust of wind blows in the garden, and you think you hear the shearing of scissors in the distance, the buzzing of wings inside your head.

"I see…" Needle Pin nods, thinking deeply, "she is not… exclusive, is she?" she asks slowly, with purpose.

You know what she means by that, she is asking if Rarity does not have a contract with you, or if perhaps she isn't a reclusive artist who only releases masterworks as she sees fit, working on her own mysterious pace.

Equestria is, after all, full of the latter kind of ponies, as cutie marks are wont to produce such ponies every now and then.

"She…" you bite your tongue at the last moment, you almost said that she wasn't, that she was free and available, but you change your mind on the last second. "… has been feeling more industrious, as of late. I promised her my full support, of course, since I love her work."

"Yes, Covers, but I've been telling you. You have been so very busy as of late…" you uncle adds, sighing with his old stallion voice as if the two of you have had this conversation countless times before.

You follow up immediately, of course.

"And I've told you back, uncle, I'm not that busy. I'm sure I will be able to work something out for her in the next few months."

"Provided Dame Rarity doesn't lose her spark of inspiration, of course. You know how these masterwork craftsponies are," he retorts, a slight tinge of disapproval in his voice.

The two of you continue your mock-argument, but both you and your uncle are very aware that Needle Pin is listening to it intently.

And more importantly, the two of you can see the slight glint in her eyes, as she sees a golden opportunity presented for her.

"Perhaps… I can offer a different solution?" she interrupts the two of you.

She doesn't notice how the two of you go completely silent as soon as she does, engrossed as she is on her own thoughts.

She doesn't notice the smile on your uncle's face, obscured by his goatee.

She doesn't need to, you think, willing her to go ahead with your impassive stare.

"I have several venues in Canterlot," she continues, "and I'd be delighted if we could showcase Dame Rarity's pieces in them. Not wanting to step on the Velvet's patronage over her, of course," she adds hastily.

You eye her suspiciously, faking a slight bit of disinterest, or perhaps even aggressivity, while your mind is honestly rushing its gears trying to think about all the implications and angles on this.

"Now now, Covers," your uncle chimes in, giving you much needed advice while pretending to be a simple voice of reason, "the Needle family is one of the big go-to families when it comes to fashion and design. Dame Rarity's work would surely reach a lot of ponies if they started displaying her work…"

You nod internally at that, at his general approval of this.

The decision is practically made in your mind, but you still want to do one final check…

"Still…" you say, signaling your uncle to keep up for just a little bit longer, "father has been talking about investing in the clothing business himself…" you say, mostly to yourself, but with your whole attention focused on Needle Pin.

And you see it, the slightest hint of hesitation, the small gulp of trepidation as she realizes she might lose her catch. She wants this, not just as a side venue or as a small project, she is invested on this idea.

You let your eyes wander around you for a moment, seeing that your conversation has attracted the attention of quite a few other nobles. You won't risk losing Needle Pin, of course, seeing that you can't guarantee another such encounter if you dismiss her. But you can see that the mare is hoping this will work out for her, that she has been maturing the idea for as long as the party has been happening.

Heavens, you even see her look towards your uncle, as if hoping he will save her chances.

Which he does, after you give him the slightest of nods.

"Don't be a fool, Covers," he mock-chides you, with the verbal equivalent of a nudge to the forehead, "Hill says he is interested in getting his hoofs on everything. Don't worry about my niece, Needle Pin, she still has much to learn. Why don't we go to a quieter place, where we can discuss Dame Rarity's patronage in peace?"

Needle Pin lets out a sigh of relief, imperceptible to the common eye but glaringly obvious to you and your uncle, and she quickly waves for the two of you to follow her.

She doesn't notice the slight pat on the back your uncle gives you, as soon as she turns her back to the two of you.

These are the sorts of places where power is exchanged, pacts are agreed on, and promises made. These noble parties, opulent in their apparent decadence, are the places where the gears of Equestria are oiled, spun, and sometimes downright substituted.

And as if to prove a point, something like that is happening right here, right now. A name is being created, a brand is being borne, a possible myth is being birthed. Fame is being agreed upon and given shape through the exchange of favors and promises, and very real bits.

[] What have you agreed upon with the Needle family?

-[] Nothing: The deal was unmade before it was concluded. You can do better, and Rarity deserves better. (No deal will be made, Rarity will remain without a patron in Canterlot)

-[] Rarity is feeling rather industrious, as you mentioned: Rarity will be commissioned to deliver lines of clothing, frequently. Her work will be spread far and wide for all to see, and will be donned by many ponies. (Rarity's work will be incredibly well known among commoners, being displayed in every last shop available to the Needle family. Her work, however, will be largely ignored by the nobility and more influential ponies, who very much prefer exclusivity.)

-[] Rarity's works are not about clothes, they are about ideas: Rarity will be asked to deliver anything and everything that she works on, and the Needle family will see what those latest pieces are best suited for. Her pieces will not have a specific theme or tone to them, at least not until everypony starts realizing their clothes all have the "Designs by Rarity" printed on their tags. (The slowest and steadiest option, and surely the one that will give Rarity the most freedom to work with, but it is much harder to make a name for yourself when you try to have that name written everywhere at the same time.)

-[] Lady Rarity is feeling inspired: Rarity will be commissioned to expose her latest ideas seasonally. Her latest models will be the new thing, at least for the next few months, although she will be expected to deliver a "hit" every time. (Rarity's work will be relatively inconstant, at least by the sense of fashion designers, they will, however, garner to all publics. But you know that a single mistake can see this strategy backfire in the cruel world of fame and fashion.)

-[] Dame Rarity's works are exclusive: Rarity will work only for the highest payers, and only on the most exclusive dresses. She will have her most prominent work displayed on the greatest Needle boutiques, and her services will be by commission only. (Rarity's work will become incredibly well known among nobles and well-to-do ponies, but not much among the public in general.)

-[] WRITE IN: In which direction you believe Rarity's work is best suited to go in? More importantly, in what circles do you want to hear her name being talked about?

[] And what of her image?

-[] Rarity would be delighted to work on-site: You will not pledge that Rarity will live in Canterlot, but you don't say that she isn't willing to come every now and then either. (Give Rarity the option, and the obligation in some cases, to go to Canterlot. There will be more chances for her "commoner" trait to become known, and you most likely won't be able to accompany her every time.)

-[] Dame Rarity works best from her secluded boutique. The Velvets will make sure to relay her works to the Needles, though: Cut the problem from the bud, and invest in the image of a mysterious couturier who lives on an undisclosed location. (Rarity's common origins will remain unknown, and her eventual appearances will be all the more impactful because of it. She won't be living the dream anytime soon, though.)

-[] WRITE IN: You would like to keep her commoner background a secret, for the time being, since you feel it will make things that much easier. What sort of myth will you weave around Rarity's background?

[] And finally, how much of it will involve you?

-[] Not much: This much is all we really wanted. (No cost, but the Needle family will expect them to have great influence over Rarity, and will make a move for it in very little time.)

-[] A token effort: The Velvets are watching, but the Needles can have their fun. (Costs 60 bits. The Needle family will try to make a move on Rarity, eventually, but you will make sure to be there when it happens.)

-[] A reasonable amount: This will be an enterprise among equals. You hold the board with your shops, we hold the queen. (Costs 150 bits. The Needle family will be on equal footing with you, on this deal.)

-[] All of it: We will make sure Dame Rarity has everything she needs. Your shops can just wait for the next line of clothes. (Costs 300 bits. The Needle family will have no influence, or claim of influence, over Rarity.)

(All options will see Rarity busy, as she will either be working on several new pieces, or she will be under the great scrutiny of demanding nobles.)

(You may not consult Rarity on her opinion. These sorts of deals happen in moments like this, both time and opportunity being of the essence.)

(All options will be merely the kickstarter of her debut. Problems will arise and success is not guaranteed, but here you will shape what it might turn into given time. Return of investment will only become predictable as things advance.)

And with that, the night is finally over. The moon is already slowly making its way towards the center of the sky when you drag Rarity, an extremely tipsy Rarity, from a circle of courting stallions.

You are extremely satisfied that she has kept her composure, though, and that you have not found her doing anything unsightly. Both because she has an image to maintain, a budding and fresh image mind you, and because she is your friend, and you would hate to see her involved in that sort of thing.

But as you had hoped she is still elegant and regal, even while obviously inebriated.

Not that you are inebriated yourself. Not at all. You most definitely didn't have to struggle to grab her hoof, and you most certainly did not think she had four forelegs for a few moments.

You say your goodbyes to your uncle with a hearty hug, followed by Rarity hugging him as he promises to introduce Velvet Wings to her the next time you meet.

And with slightly less balanced steps that you hoped to have, you make your way towards your carriage.

Princess Cadance's carriage, you remind yourself as you help Rarity up the red carpeted steps, ignoring the impressed looks of the nobles who are passing by.

"Velvet darling, you wouldn't believe how this night was… how utterly unforgettable all of this was!" Rarity says, laughing to herself, as soon as she lands on her seat.

You are not even done closing the door behind you before she continues to talk.

"Where were you during my whole life?!" she thinks out loud, a gleeful smile on her face as the movement of the chariot starts to rob her of what little balance she had left.

Maybe she did drink a bit too much. Not that you mind though.

"Like I said, this whole thing would have been boring without you," you answer honestly, only slightly intending to calm her down, "so really, I'm the thankful one."

"Thankful?" her eyes shoot wide at that, "darling that doesn't even begin to describe what I'm feeling right now. Really, I can't say anything else other than that I love you!"

You laugh at that, an honest and loud laughter. She clearly had way too much to drink.

"Wha-? I'm not joking Velvet," she sits back on her cushion in an almost dramatic way when she realizes you are laughing, although she is almost falling to her side with her pitiful attempt at staying upright, "I mean, my whole life… ever since I was a filly I dreamt about this… all of this!"

A warm feeling comes to your chest, mostly because you know that she is telling the truth. You know that she is an honest and hard working mare, but knowing that you were able to do this for her…

Heavens, she doesn't even yet know exactly what you have in store for her. You think you will only tell her when you are back in Ponyville, after this whole royal search mess is over, but still. Knowing that you are doing something for a friend is quite a pleasant feeling.

"Really Velvet you are…" she starts droning off, her eyes threatening to close as she tries to focus on her thoughts, the moving chariot rocking her to sleep with each passing moment, "love of my life and…"

And look at her right now, you think. So gorgeously defenseless, so innocent, almost unable to focus on her own words, so…

Delectable.

You get up from your seat, moving towards her with purpose, your hoofs suddenly straight and balanced even despite all the alcohol in your head.

Or perhaps it is because of the alcohol that you are being able to do this.

"What…? Velvet what are you… Velvet Covers?!"

Rarity's eyes regain their focus as you go towards her, then they shoot wide open as you put your hoofs on her shoulders.

Then she nearly freezes in shock as you pull her face towards yours.

You will never really remember if you whispered something in her ear, or if you kissed her, and neither will she.

But Rarity will never, ever forget… the taste that you gave her that night.

[You have initiated Rarity into the secrets of GRAIL.]

[Having spent enough time with her, you have also noticed that she has a minor affinity with the Lore of FORGE. She desires to create, and she detests that which will not change. Although she only knows that in the form of the love for her craft, and the fascination she has for the changes in fashion… for now.]