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A Wardrobe for an... old friend (Private, Zealot)


Blueblood

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If there was one house of fashion in Equestria that could pride itself on the extent of its clientele, it was without a doubt Carousel Boutique.  The owner's keen eye and work ethic ensured that the quality of her wares was beyond reproach, and sure to enhance the looks of whatever sort of pony, or perhaps even non-pony, who cared to wear her handiwork.  When combined with a refreshing approachability and lack of snobbishness on Rarity's part, the unicorn's customer base reached into all classes!

 

Of course, given that an interest in high fashion tended to disproportionately cluster in the upper classes of Equestria, quite a lot of her time was spent in the company of those potential customers.  And that come with the potential of finding herself in the midst of rather unpleasant characters, a lesson that she had learned upon meeting a certain unicorn Prince at her first Grand Galloping Gala...

 

That memorable scene had been several years ago.  Something in the line of a formal apology was eventually forthcoming, and on the rare occasion where their circles crossed in Society, both had refrained from making any kind of fuss.  Still, it was pretty clear that Rarity wished to have as little to do with Prince Blueblood as possible, and for his own part he had been at least enough of a gentlecolt to grant that wish.

 

But now, circumstances had changed.  In a sense truer than any previous usage of the phrase, Blueblood was no longer the same stallion who had behaved so abominably...

 

~~~

 

*Glinga-ding-ding!*

 

The cheery sound of a bell signaled the opening of Carousel Boutique's door, and with it the entrance of a customer.  Unusually for such a bright and sunny day, the pony had elected to wear a hooded cloak, of the sort that concealed everything except the wearer's desire to be concealed.  Needless to say, by the time said pony had arrived at Rarity's shop, half of Ponyville were peeking at and whispering about this mysterious stranger.

 

Up close, few details could be seen of the potential customer, other than the delicate tip of a white muzzle, and shining strands of a golden mane.  The hooves, also, were trimmed and pedicured to an exquisite perfection.  And finally, the overall poise and manner of the figure betrayed that they were rather apprehensive of what the immediate future was likely to hold...

 

*Here goes nothing.  Hopefully, she's not one to hold a grudge...*  Memories of cake and screaming refused to be banished as the customer waited with baited breath for the proprietress...

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Rarity was, as normal, upstairs in Carousel Boutique. Her spa appointment for the day done, she had decided to do a little work patching up a suit for a client. No original work, simply fixing and repairing what had already been done. It was no doubt going to be fairly simple, but it wasn't going to be easy. Near irreparable harm had been done to the waistcoat and it was up to Rarity's expertise to fix. The seamstress had her head into stitches and fastenings at the moment. After all, the occasional high society party needed some manner of funds to maintain. The white mare had learned that, while enjoyable, they weren't nearly as enjoyable as spending time with her friends. So thus, she had stayed in Ponyville for the most part, only occasionally slipping away to Canterlot to socialise with the elite. Even then she tried to keep good and pleasant company, shunning those that thought themselves needlessly important and ignoring those who might simply want to be close to her to get close to the Princesses. After all, being friends with Twilight was great. Some ponies though saw her position, and by extension Rarity's position as her friend, as one they could use to their own ends. As far as she was concerned, the stallion known as Prince Blueblood was in the category of the former.

 

Indeed, her experience at her first Grand Galloping Gala had taught her well. He may look handsome, but the prince was a brat as far as she was concerned. On the rare occasion when their paths would cross at an event, she would do her best to ignore him. After all, there was little point in making another scene with him. Did she hold a grudge? Certainly. After all, Tartarus may have it's fair share of punishments but it had no fury quite like that of a scorned lady. It had been a few years since that fateful day, and she hadn't received any kind of apology. He would know where to find her if he wanted to apologize, if he could even figure out what he had done wrong of course. In her mind, there was little chance of that. So thus, she inflicted upon him the greatest insult she could. To ignore him, and to continue to do so for the rest of her days. 

 

Was it bad to hold that kind of grudge? Maybe. After all, ponies did change. Rarity knew that, but she still couldn't quite shake her dislike of the prince. First impressions count and all that. She'd certainly feel a lot better about him if he apologised and her grudge wouldn't stop her from giving him a second chance, generous as she was. It wouldn't wipe away the wrong he had done her, but it would go a ways towards mending her damaged pride. After all, he was only part of the problem. She'd hated herself for a while to be willing to trust him so easily, only to have that trust betrayed. The unicorn would certainly keep up her disapproval and dislike for the prince for now. In the meantime though, her thoughts were far away from the prince.

 

Still, as the bell for the Boutique rang, Rarity turned away from her work and headed downstairs to confront the curiously cloaked figure. Who it was, she had no idea. A white nose was all she could see, and a little bit of a yellow mane maybe. That could be anypony. "Good Afternoon," she called as she trotted down the steps of her boutique to the shop floor, smiling kindly at the stranger. "Welcome to Carousel Boutique, I am Rarity. Proprietor and designer for this humble establishment. Tell me dear, were you here to buy or just to browse?" she asked with a happy grin, quite interested in who this stranger was in her Boutique. Perhaps a new high brow client, or someone ordering a present for a loved one. She didn't know, and her inner gossip was raring to know just who was under that hood.

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A rhythmic clippety-clop of hooves on the stairwell, the sweet melodic ring of a voice, and there she was, Rarity, the mare from the gala!  Same pristine coat, same effortless elegance and grace, same stylized mane.  The only two differences were that she wasn't wearing that (admittedly quite amazing) dress, and her expression was much sweeter.

 

*But who knows how long that is going to last.*  The hooded stranger thought, and sighed.  "I... have come here to buy."  A rich alto voice hesitantly emerged from the hood, like a hibernating bunny not quite sure whether spring or winter was on the other side of the burrow.  "However... there are some things that should probably be gotten out of the way first."

 

An aura of pale gold magic glowed around the clasp of the cloak and undid it, allowing the heavy cloth to fall like a theatre curtain revealing what was, not to put too fine a point on it, a vision of beauty.  The hooded stranger was a mare, a unicorn like Rarity; in several ways very much like her.  She was one who took care of, and a certain degree of justified pride in, her appearance; from the tip of her polished horn to her clear sea-blue eyes, her mane flowed like a wave of liquid sunlight to crest over shoulder.  From there, the eye naturally followed the shapely curve of her spine, noting the shining coat and elegant limbs in passing before resting on her flanks, where could be seen her emblazoned mark, a Compass Rose-

 

Wait.  Unicorn, golden mane, white coat, Compass Rose cutie mark!?  That only described one pony Rarity knew about, although he was a stallion.  Admittedly, if one followed the gossip surrounding him, not a very stallion-y stallion, but unmistakably male, at least the last time she had met him.  And yet... who else could it be, if not Blueblood?

 

The strange mare caught the fashionista's expression, and braced herself for a torrent, whether of questions, remonstrances, or peals of simple laughter.  "Oh, go on."  She said resignedly, like a Princess preparing to listen to the complaints of the peasantry.  "It won't take you long to figure out, I'm sure..."

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So it seemed that Rarity was about to gain another client, for the moment. If they were here to buy then she would be delighted to help them look as good as they could. She smiled brightly at that and slowly approached, though she frowned at that last part. What needed to be gotten out of the way? As far as she knew she'd never met this mare, or at least, she couldn't tell because of that hood. The white unicorn had done her best not to make any enemies in her life, always preferring to help ponies and or coming to a reasoned truce. She had her rivals in the fashion industry, but none of them would be here to buy her products. She then, of course, had no idea what the stranger was talking about. 

 

Still, things would be revealed as the stranger unveiled themselves. Indeed, they were a very pretty mare and part of Rarity felt gleeful at being able to make them shine to their fullest. As soon as her form was revealed, ideas surged through her head about dresses and designs and fashions. Indeed, this would be a good project for a design. Something was off about her though. That white coat, that yellow mane and that cutie mark. Didn't she know a pony with that same cutie mark? Her mind poked gently at her, telling her that something was off, but she didn't quite know what. Who was this strange mare. No, she'd never met them. Perhaps at a party, or around Ponyville? Was that it?

 

Her frown turned to an expression of bemusement when the mare told her it wouldn't take her long to figure out. Okay, perhaps they had met then. What was it though, something about her was familiar? "What in the heavens do you mean darling?" she asked, stopping just in front of her and eyeing her curiously. "Have I made your acquaintance before? I believe I recognise you from somewhere, however where and when seems to elude me for the moment." What was it about her? Something good? Something bad? There was certainly something about her, though none of recent encounters had been with this mare. Of that she was certain. Perhaps something older? She didn't know for now, and not knowing was driving her crazy. There was definitely something about this mare, and she should be getting it. For now though, Rarity was clueless. It wouldn't take her long to figure out if she tried and the figure of Prince Blueblood did cross her mind. He was a stallion though, so she discounted it immediately and didn't pay that thought much attention. "Forgive me. If I am supposed to remember you from somewhere, I appear to have forgotten the encounter momentarily. Perhaps if I knew your name I might, figure it out, as you say." She trailed off, still quite puzzled by the stranger in front of her. At least she sounded apologetic, Rarity wouldn't want to be rude to her guest after all. 

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OK, so... no.  Apparently Rarity wasn't going to draw the dots together, and spare the mysterious mare the trouble and awkwardness of explaining the situation.  Of course, when one actually thought about it, there was no reason for the fashionista to draw the correct conclusion on the face of it.  After all, when a mare you have never seen before shows up on your doorstep, you definitely don't suppose on first blush that she used to be a stallion that you know.  Even in Ponyville, life isn't that weird.

 

With the ball now firmly in the golden-maned mare's court, she sighed, brushing her golden locks back and steeling herself to meet the other unicorn's eyes.  "Well... just at the moment I'm going by the name of Bluebelle.  Princess Bluebelle."  She clarified, a bit of her old pride and vanity returning to her voice and expression, before the memory of what happened last time she aired such airs around Rarity quailed her.  "As you've probably begun to guess by now, I was a Prince the last time we met.  Needless to say... quite a lot has happened to me since we last met."

 

There.  At least that was out of the way, and with the lessening of her burden, Bluebelle actually managed a smile.  There was a touch of sheepishness about it, though.  The whole business still couldn't be anything other than awkward, and even if the Princess was smiling now, she was pretty sure that the Fashionista shortly wouldn't be....

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Well, there was certainly a bit of brash arrogance in the mare's tone. That didn't appeal to Rarity one bit. Perhaps they were just a self important buffoon who assumed that Rarity knew who they were. Perhaps not. Still, the name Bluebelle wasn't ringing any bells, and the poor unicorn was starting to wonder if they'd even met before when the stranger said she was a princess. A princess? What? Rarity's mind quickly reeled through her mental list of members of the royal family, a Princess Bluebelle wasn't on them. She looked even more confused now, her eye's raised in puzzlement and her lip distorted in an expression of bemusement and her muzzle wrinkled. Not an attractive sight. No, she had no idea who this mare was and she was starting to get on Rarity's nerves a little. Then it hit her like an anvil from the sky. Last time they'd met, she'd been a prince?

 

The dominoes started to tumble as Rarity once again compared the similarities. The perfect blonde hair, the perfect white coat, the cutie mark. All similar, yet with one crucial difference. But, if she was saying what Rarity thought she was saying. Then... Well there was only one possibility. When you remove the impossible whatever is left, however improbable, must be the truth. Her face distorted a little more, making it look like she might explode at any given time, as she tried to process this. It was Blueblood, it had to be. There was no other explanation. What had happened to him. Why was he now a mare? Well, this was certainly rich. Poor Rarity seemed to stall for a moment as her conflicting emotions fought for control. She was angry, angry that he dare show himself here, angry about their previous encounter and just downright angry. She was confused, and curious about the situation but at the same time she didn't seem to care. Why should she, after all? Should she just kick her out? No, she couldn't do that, not even on her worst day. Still, one conflicting thing won out. Her face returned to it's normal calm composure and she sighed, seeming to collect herself... Then burst out laughing. Why? This was hilarious. Prince Blueblood was now a mare. Who wouldn't laugh at that.

 

Indeed, Rarity laughed quite a lot. It was unkind, she knew that, but hey. The fashionista laughed quite happily at his situation, or rather her situation. In fact, she didn't stop laughing for a good minute, all attempts made by the princess to get her to stop simply making it worse. Finally, after another fit of giggles, she calmed down. A tear of laughter forming in the corner of her eye. "Ahh... okay. I apologise. I believe I have relieved myself now..." she said with another giggle. "Mostly. Still... Princess Blueblood, oh I mean, Bluebelle," she corrected herself. Now it was anger that seemed to be forming in her eyes, her dislike of the princess overruling her usual polite and happy demeanour. Now that she had a problem she dare show her face in Rarity's own Boutique. No doubt she wanted a dress and didn't even think that she ought to make peace first. "Why, might I ask, have you come? Here, to me? I am sure there are other designers you could use, why then reveal this... this... to me. Have I not made my position clear? I seem to remember doing so last time we crossed paths." Indeed, it was all coming back to her now. The Gala, his treatment of her affections. All of it. Of course, she couldn't turn down a customer even if Rarity loathed her. Did she want to help her? Not really. There was a certain give and take involved with her generosity. Rarity helped her friends and she helped strangers equally, and while she never expected anything from them a little kindness went a long way. Still, she would wait for her response before deciding. Wait, was that even the right pronoun?

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Having dropped the bombshell revelation, or at least scattered sufficient pieces for Rarity to assemble and detonate the revelation, the newly-minted Princess braced herself for the reaction.  Ego shields were powered up and ready, aristocratic pride made straight the spine, and her all-too-exercised tolerance for pain was prepped for impact.  After watching many expressions vie for dominance in the fashionista's features, Bluebelle was met with an assault of....

 

Laughter.  At the first blow, her defenses crumbled and her posture crouched into a giant wince.  Not that such a reaction was unexpected, it was just that most ponies tended to refrain from laughter at Blueblood/Belle's person until their back was turned.  Of course, Rarity would hardly care for the niceties now, having last departed his company after covering him in cake.  Now that he was a she, the purple-maned mare had no reason to restrain her amusement in the presence of the golden-maned one, and it was given forth with gusto.

 

After a solid minute of torturous buffeting, the flood subsided, and Rarity was once again fit to speak.  To speak in anger, as it turned out.  Also not unexpected, but with her defenses completely down, Bluebelle could only stammer out.  "I-I-I... well, had to do it sometime, you know.  Thought that, with a reason, don't you see, could nerve myself to it.  You, um, kind of scare me... I'm sorry."  The apology came out as a squeak, but a sincere squeak.  This was clearly a mare with all the inflating vanities having whooshed out of her.  Rarity had probably gotten rather good at that since the gala, and even her debut there had been no shabby performance...

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Well that was certainly a surprise. Did Rarity even hear that right or had so much laughter done something to her head? No, she'd heard that right. The princess was stammering and actually seemed to be nervous. That was certainly different, the Prince Blueblood she knew would never stammer or even dare to come down from being such a high horse. Still, there she was. Bluebelle even claimed that she was afraid of her? Was this some manoeuvre she was conducting to get on Rarity's good side. On any other day that's likely what Rarity might have thought, there was a sincerity in the mare's eyes though which seemed born of fear. Genuine fear. "I, scare, you?" She asked that with venom in her voice, taking a step towards the princess.

 

Part of her quite liked the idea of intimidating the princess, though that wasn't quite in her. Rarity saw the mare was quite genuinely afraid of her, though she shouldn't press that too hard. Indeed, Rarity didn't have much of an ego. She might come off as a mare who might have one, though the white unicorn was certainly one of the most selfless ponies one would ever meet. She of course could play it up if she wanted to, but that was all part of being a lady. For now, her expression softened a little as she weighed up her options. This was certainly very different to what Rarity had had in mind when Bluebelle had first walked in here.

 

In a way, Bluebelle had apologised for her behaviour. It was no doubt forced, or born out of fear. It was an apology though, and it sounded honest even if it was a squeak. "What did you say?" she asked again. While her expression was much softer, her tone was still as hard as iron. There was a lot of anger in her voice, barely constrained by her reason. No doubt the princess could tell that it was just bubbling under the surface, waiting for an excuse to explode. Still, Rarity was wondering just what she should do with her. She seemed sincere, which was a genuine shock to the system. It could easily be a ruse of course, she needed to tread carefully. "I'm sorry," she began with an irritated snort. "I don't believe I heard that right. I scare you, and you are... what?" she asked, prompting the princess to apologise properly instead of simply squirming before her. Such a reaction was yet another surprise to Rarity. Perhaps, she didn't know Bluebelle as well as she had thought she did. It would hurt her pride of course, but Rarity felt she needed to hear it properly instead of having it be forced out like that. Patiently and with a controlled glower in her eyes, Rarity waited for her response.

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Second by second, the mare before Bluebelle's eyes more and more matched the one etched by fire and cake into her long-term memory.  The slowly-approaching step, the barely contained anger, the steel coming out from behind its sheathe of silk... Rarity had still all the emotional effectiveness granted to her on that Gala night years ago.  Which, considering that it was years ago, seemed a little excessive and unfair.  Surely, time and recollection was supposed to soothe troubles like this?  Wasn't that how it worked, 'time heals all wounds' and that sort of rot?

 

Well, to judge from the purple-maned unicorn's expression, that sort was rot, and should probably not be mentioned.  Her advance was forcing Bluebelle's retreat, and she had just felt her flank back up against the wall.  There was only one avenue open for the increasingly uncomfortable Princess, and she took it.  "I'm Sorry!"  She blurted it out in full volume, the first breach of the verbal dam which poured out it's undignified flood in front of the fashionista.

 

"Look, I mean, really I am!  I thought you were a much worse mare than you turned out be, and so made a deliberate attempt to make your evening awful.  It was bad form, and poor judgment.  I realized that from the first time you lost your temper at me; if you had lower designs, you would have put up with mine."  It all came out in a rush, and she had to admit, it felt good to get it all out onto the table.  The mare was still cornered, however, and could not help retain some nervousness when looking back at Rarity, to try and judge her reaction...

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There was a crack in Rarity's otherwise perfect visage of anger at the princess' outburst. Her eyes widened in shock and the seamstress leaned away slightly at the out-pour of emotion. She'd expected many things when she'd asked for an apology, though an outright admission of guilt was not one of them. In fact, Rarity was sure she was going to have to fight for it. Still, it was refreshing to hear that the princess was sorry for her otherwise brutish behaviour at the Gala. It had caught the seamstress off guard though, she backed away a step and thought it over. She seemed sincere and Rarity wondered that perhaps she'd been a little pushy in her demands, she'd been angry though and hadn't quite been thinking straight. In fact, she'd practically pinned the princess against the wall. She took another step back, her expression of anger nullifying for the moment to a cool neutrality. She was still irritated of course, the flames of anger now burning cool and kept at bay for the moment. 

 

Now that she'd had her apology, Rarity was a little at a loss of what to do. Could it be true, what the princess had said? She'd thought the designer was one of those hapless mares who chased after the first whiff of a good prospect in some vain attempt to secure themselves a future. No. While Rarity had been naive in thinking that they would both fall in love at their first meeting and that he would return her affections with equal measure, did that make her one of those mares? No, she shook that thought out of her head completely. As the princess had said, Rarity hadn't put up with princess' attempts to get rid of her and... what was it she'd done? Well there had certainly been an outcry from the purple unicorn and cake had been involved somehow. No, Rarity wasn't one of those mares. She'd become attracted by his then stallionesque good looks and wanted to see if he would be a good stallion for her. A fact he had then disproved.

 

"I see," she confessed with a matter of fact tone. "I suppose I too should apologize for my outburst. While I still think it justified, I am sure I could have handled the matter with a little more tact." She paused there to gather herself and look the princess up and down, wondering just what to make of this revelation. "If you are sincere dear, which I feel you are, then..." she gathered herself again with an audible sigh. "I accept your apology." After all, if she was genuine then it wasn't it Rarity's nature to hold it over her like that. "For the moment at least," she added with a slight glare. 

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It was possible, likely even, that Rarity would not have heard of the recent attempts of Prince Blueblood to play the role of diplomat.  The... incident at the Gala had probably put her off any search after his doings and welfare, and even if she had come across a mention of it, it would be hard for her to take it seriously.  Indeed, the Prince had yet to meet with any conspicuous success with IMAGINE, though it was early yet.  It would remain to be seen whether the paucity of results was due to lack of talent, or merely to a lack of experience.

 

If it was the latter, than the unicorn royal was getting a good lesson today.  Soothing the feelings of an insulted and angry mare was a delicate task, but a full admission seemed to make a good opening move.  At least she'd cooled down from incandescent rage at Bluebelle, and even offer something in reciprocation.  "A 'lack of tact is a nice way of putting it.  It was a vulgar scene; I'm not saying it wasn't justified!"  She added hastily, wary of missteps now that she had seen the Fashionista mad.  That was not a sight she wanted to see three times in her life, not on top of everything else that had been happening lately.  "But that's what it was; I've become something of a collector of them, lately."  She waved a hoof at her transformed appearance.  "The results of one you see before you."

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Rarity glowered slightly in irritation as the princess seemed to agree with her that it was a vulgar scene. Well, it was, but she shouldn't be pointing that out to her. Rarity knew it was, why laud that over her. After all, she'd just apologised. Still, the princess was quick to correct that mistake. The fashionista once again slid into quiet neutrality, mulling over the situation again. Indeed, the princess seemed to have quite the situation. She was a mare, well, that had been what Rarity was laughing about just a moment ago. Now it was curiosity that took hold of her, looking the princess up and down with a look of mild interest. Of course, she hadn't exactly kept up with what the princess was doing, hearing something that the princess was trying to do something... What it was escaped her completely of course. She'd heard of it in passing, though when she heard the princess was involved she'd quickly disregarded it.

 

With that the mare calmed down a bit, going through a few designs in her head. Bluebelle certainly seemed apologetic about her treatment of Rarity, though the seamstress was keeping her on a short leash for now. Didn't mean she could stop being civil though, mostly. "Yes, well... The irony is not lost on me," she commented, thinking back to her earlier laughing fit. Rarity wondered just what the princess had gotten into to have been... well... turned into a princess. Was she even a princess, she wasn't an alicorn? Hmm...

 

"Still, while there's a lesson to be learnt here I will admit that such... aha..." She trailed off as she tried to picture Bluebelle's face as she realised she was no longer a stallion. Priceless. Nonetheless, she didn't quite agree with turning Blueblood into Bluebelle. It was a tad overdone. She didn't know the pony who did such a thing, though she thought it rather cruel even to one such as Blueblood. No doubt Bluebelle had crossed somepony who was a tad... unstable. That was of course if it had been done with malicious intent. Otherwise, Rarity didn't know what to think. "I will admit that I think such a vulgar act, while fitting, is a little overzealous. To say the least, of course." Rarity gestured to Bluebelle then with a slight chuckle, "Though perhaps I speak out of turn. Might I know what exactly conspired to this... result?" she queried, wondering just how Bluebelle would look in a dark purple. Would certainly be a contrast to her coat, perhaps a little tacky... hmm.

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Well, after a rather... tempestuous beginning, it looked like this morning's appointment was actually beginning to approach it's object.  At least Rarity was looking at her fabric with abstraction rather than at her customer with anger.  Perhaps Bluebelle might get out of this with a dress, and without any further... scenes.

 

Of course, the fashionista had to go and ask what made for this sudden change of gender.  Well, fair enough; it was a spectacle to provoke curiosity in anypony, let alone a connoisseur of of gossip.  Trouble was, there was no way of putting the story in anything like a flattering light.  "Well, you see... the whole thing's a lot of magical fiddle-faddle, there could have been a lot of things that came together that I don't know about.  Twilight's actually, ah, extracted part of my, oh how did she put it, etheric field to study it.  See what's what, and the like."  She put forward an uneasy grin to Rarity, hoping against hope that the mention of her friend would divert her curiosity...

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Magical fiddle faddle, eh? That was her explanation. Well, the princess wasn't exactly a magical adept and neither was Rarity. Perhaps the details were beyond her, though Rarity still thought there was some element of foul play at work that the princess wasn't letting on to. Still, the fashionista supposed that she could contend with not knowing. For now. In fact what took her attention more was that Twilight was helping Bluebelle. Of course, her friend hadn't mentioned it to her. At least, Rarity thought she hadn't mentioned it... no. Either way, if Twilight was willing to help... Well, perhaps Bluebelle had turned over a new leaf. It was doubtful that her friend would go to any effort to help if she hadn't. After all, Twilight knew all to well Rarity's own feelings about the princess. Indeed, her attention had been diverted from the subject for now.

 

"Well. Twilight does love a puzzle, magical or otherwise. I have every confidence in her," she said, perhaps a little idly as she walked over to the counter. The fashionista mused for a few more moments, thinking things over. Quite a lot had happened in the last few minutes after all. First Princess Bluebelle had walked into her store. Rarity had shouted at her and Bluebelle had apologised for everything she'd done. She'd been sincere and Rarity had accepted her apology. Now she had found out that Twilight has been helping Bluebelle with her... problem? She didn't mind of course, it was just a little strange. Perhaps it has slipped Twilight's mind. 

 

Still, Rarity resolved that she should at least make the effort to help. Giving the princess a second chance to prove herself felt like the right move, so that's the one she was going to take. The seamstress pulled out her measuring tape as well as a notepad and pen from the desk and sighed. "I am afraid I cannot help in quite the same regard as Twilight. I can however, make you a dress. If of course you were here to buy rather than simply apologise. You were here to apologise, right?" she asked. Rarity sounded calm and collected. There was still a slight danger to her tone, but for now her anger had seemed to have subsided. Naturally though, her choice of words put the princess on thin ice. 

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Phew!  Potentially embarrassing revelations postponed, perhaps indefinitely.  The whole story was a complicated one, but given that it began with an epic bender in Los Pegasus with Auntie Luna... no, that would not have improved Blueblood's standing with Rarity in the slightest.  

 

Still, even with that open hole successfully circumnavigated, Bluebelle had not yet come to shore off the ice-covered pond of conversational danger.  Thankfully, the thin patches were obvious enough even for her to see.  "Well... I had been putting it off for too long already, and you can hardly say that I was ever likely to get a better opportunity.  I don't know if your forgiveness comes easier with a purchase, but it could hardly hurt at this point.  Plus, I do need a new dress.  Several new dresses."  She lifted the brown hooded robe with mild distaste.  "This is the only thing I own that fits my, ah, current figure."

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  • 2 weeks later...

That seemed to satisfy Rarity for now, smiling at her customer with her usual cheerful grin. Of course, she'd been looking to see if he was here for a dress or to apologise. It seemed he was here for a bit of both, though the fact that she was here to apologise at all spoke wonders to the fashionista. She sighed nodding happily that she was coming to terms with accepting the princess. For the moment at least. She was on a short leash, but Rarity certainly wasn't going to throw Bluebelle a curve-ball. Generosity demanded that she try to forgive, so try she will. That was the very least she could do for the princess' apology.

 

For now the designer pushed aside her worries about her acquaintance and set her mind to the task at hand. "Perhaps it will. I will admit that this could have happened sooner... I did wonder if you were ever going to," she responded, observing as Bluebelle shed the tatty cloak. "No matter however. What is done is done, and it is in the past. Let us, get back to business." Her eyes wandered over the princess' form for a few moments, looking thoughtful as possibilities raced through her mind. Perhaps long and flowing to emphasise grace over curves. Something dignified would probably do her good, but then again she could certainly pull off showy. Then again, she was a princess. While perhaps she was not quite as well thought of as Twilight, she was still royalty. Someone like Bluebelle didn't follow fashion, they made it. That gave Rarity quite a lot to work with. "Yes, well. That... thing," she said with a slight shudder. "Is certainly not fit for a princess. A dress it shall be," she intoned.

 

With that Rarity turned around and picked up her measuring tape in her magic as well as a notebook and quill. She walked over to a small stage slightly away from the main area of the boutique, jotting down the princess' name on the book as she walked. "Alright, now if you'd like a dress follow me, and stand on the platform. I need to take my measurements before anything else," she began, gesturing to the small stage. "Did you have anything in mind perhaps? Will this be a dress for court, a dress for a ball. I know you said several, but let's start with the one for now." The whole thing was said a little awkwardly, Rarity still feeling a little uncomfortable with the situation. Still, she was willing to do this if the princess was willing to put the effort in as well.

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Defensive social instincts, honed by an entire lifetime spent in the atmosphere of Canterlot one-upponyship, open Bluebelle's mouth to pour out a list of perfectly legitimate reasons why she was so late in her apology.  Upon her brain not actually finding anything to fill that list, her mouth hastily shut again and she coughed awkwardly.  "Ah, yes, quite."  She said colorlessly, shaking her head as she kicked aside the unsightly cloak.

 

As eager as she was to get to business, it could be said that some of Rarity's uncomfortableness was rubbing off on the Princess.  It was certainly true that Blueblood never before showed any hesitation in matters that had to do with his personal appearance.  But then again, this was the first time he, or rather she, had ever gone dress shopping, and the multiplicity of choice surrounding her was, frankly, a little intimidating.  The scope of fashion for stallions was much more narrow.  For example, one wore a good suit to both balls and court, but now entirely different styles were set before Bluebelle.

 

"Hrm..."  She mused, stepping up onto the platform.  "Honestly, my most pressing social engagement is a wedding I was invited to, so let's begin with that, shall we?"  She had to admit to some curiosity as to what her measurements actually were; old habits of comparison and vanity die hard...

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  • 2 weeks later...

Indeed, this was rather awkward. Heck, just a minute ago she'd been prepared to tear the princess a new one. Now that she was actually dressing the princess, well... the situation would need getting used to. Rarity chuckled uncomfortably as she dismissed the suggestion. Well, perhaps it could have happened sooner, what mattered was that it had happened, she was grateful for that much. It didn't mean this wasn't awkward though, the purple haired mare slightly unsure of quite what to say. After all, this was unknown territory for her as well, all her social skills seeming to go out the window for a moment. Well, perhaps she should just try to be professional and hope it would all work out. Yeah.

 

So, Princess Bluebelle needed a wedding dress. Well, rather a dress for a wedding. That wasn't going to be easy, certainly not. Still, it could be done. The fashionista had a few ideas, though a dress fit for a wedding? Indeed, it would have to be classy, but one couldn't be too classy, it was a wedding after all. The point of it was that it was the bride's special day, not anypony else's. It most certainly couldn't outshine the bride, but it would have to be good nonetheless. "Hmm," she mused at that, thinking everything over.

 

"Well," she began. "A dress for a wedding can be done. Are you a bridesmaid?" she asked with a slight frown, guessing that Bluebelle was simply a guest. "Or do you have some ceremonial role? If not then, yes, this should be fairly easy but if you do then we may need the bride's input. After all, nopony should outshine the bride on her special day," she cautioned the princess. "Still, that can't stop you from looking good too. Perhaps a nice muted blue, that way you look stylish but also modest. A dark violet, maybe an orange? Hmm," she mused aloud as she untangled her measuring tape. "No matter, would you be a dear and stand there so I can take my notes?"

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Slowly, but surely, the tension and awkwardness were draining away from the conversation.  Now that, at last, the regrettable past had been consigned to the past, a new vista of social possibility opened up.  After all, as Rarity and Bluebelle had managed to move from antagonistic to neutral, might not another effort on the part of the royal unicorn move them from neutral, to actually friends?

 

After all, Lady Rarity was part of Twilight's inner circle of friends, and to be so close to royalty was to be de facto nobility, lack of hereditary title notwithstanding.  They were part of the same circle, or at least their names would be circulated often amongst their respective circles.  Anyhow, this was unlikely to be the last time they met, so why not make the future meetings a pleasant prospect?

 

*Let's see... Twilight said the first step to making friends was to establish something in common...*  Society gossip, perhaps?  Bluebelle couldn't be said to enjoy it, per se, but she was quite good at it, and it could be introduced naturally enough.  "Oh, no, I'm not playing any special role.  I was simply invited as a friend of the bride.  One of the brides.  A certain miss Snowfall, CEO of Northern Storm Industries in Stalliongrad.  Did you hear of her?  She's one of the co-founders of IMAGINE."  Indeed, she had been at the same event, the Invasion at the Crystal Faire, that had spurred Prince Blueblood to actually get off his flank and do something about the way the world was going.  Her funding, and engineering connections, would be key with their infrastructure-building projects, particularly in Whitescar.

 

But that wasn't what the Society papers were talking about, oh no.  They were talking about the pegasus that this eminent mare had chosen to wed!  "Or perhaps you might have heard of the other bride, Pathfinder.  She's made her name in certain circles as an... adventurer.  In others, she's regarded as a madmare.  I can't say either way; what I would have called insane five years ago is becoming... well, everyday life."  She gestured a hoof over her new body to emphasize the point.

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  • 2 weeks later...

As Bluebelle started talking Rarity began her work, holding up her measuring tape to the mare's legs and jotting down the measurements one by one, circling the princess quietly and quickly. There was little she could really say about the notes she was taking, simply measurements and numbers that would help her to fit the dress better. Bluebelle might notice the uncomfortable sensation of the measuring tape wrapping around her hooves rather tightly as the fashionista manipulated the tape with her magic, trying to see what the best fit would be. 

 

Still, while she did so the unicorn listened intently to her words, ears perking at each of the names. Yes, she was sure she had heard those names before. Not quite in the context of marriage perhaps, though she had certainly heard the names. Singular or together, it didn't matter, she was a little surprised that ponies from such different walks of life would choose to cohabit-ate. From what she understood they were like fire and ice, but of course she could easily be wrong. That was how gossip usually went. Either way, she seemed interested by the princess' tidbit, nodding slightly. "Hmm, fascinating," she remarked. "I have heard of the pair, though I didn't really know quite who they were before. Certainly an unlikely partnership, if I do say myself."

 

Rarity resurfaced facing the princess, still a little awkward but she was feeling a little better now. The work and the gossip distracting her from just who she was designing this dress for. "Two brides though... Not that I disapprove of such a thing of course, but I imagine it would be hard to design for," she admits with a slightly more relaxed smile. "I fact, did you know who was making the dresses? I suspect the CEO of Northern Storm Industries would have their own designer, if not a whole staff. No doubt I will be seeing that particular article in one of my magazines," she suggested with a slight chuckle. "Right... neck seam, right..." she muttered, wrapping the measuring tape around Bluebelle's neck, perhaps a little tighter than she intended and jotting down the measurements.

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Bluebelle was no stranger to being subjected to the tailor's measurements.  Well, technically, she'd never been measured for a dress before, but Prince Blueblood had many suits tailored for him in his day.  Thus, at first the sensations of measuring tape were mere background sensations to the conversation, which seemed to be going along well.  Rarity mentioned hearing of the unlikely partnership, likely enough given that pretty much every tabloid had been clamoring for an interview of Snowfall on her chosen mare, and she had obliged one or two of them.

 

"Indeed, although, not so very unlikely when you think about it."  Bluebelle remarked as the tape wrapped around her hoof.  Hm, that seemed a little tight.  "After all, there are many in my class who are, simply put, bored with their lives, and secretly crave adventure.  You know the type, always looking for the dashing rogue to sweep them off their hooves?  Well, as far as I can tell, that's happened.  It's more common than some suppose.  As for her desinger - glurk!"

 

Her hoof flew up to her neck instinctively, the Princess quite flustered by the sudden tightness.  A little frightened, in fact; the past few years for her had had more danger than the rest of her life put together, so her nerves were a little shot.  "Ah, not so tight!  You'll leave a mark."  She remonstrated, and there was indeed a slight red mark along her neckline.  "Do you do that sort of thing for all your customers?"  She asked with some reproach, incautious of what consequences that might provoke.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Rarity continued her measurements, listening to Bluebelle as she gossiped about the pair. Indeed, Rarity knew the kind. A little bored of their profession, wanting a more exciting life. Well, who could blame them. If Rarity was the CEO of a company, she'd be bored out of her wits. Mind you, it would be for totally different reasons, mainly not being able to design. She must remember that if her own stores ever got to that level, that she would leave the business side to someone she could trust while she got to design new lines. After all, that was what she did this for, not for money or for the thrill of business. Whatever that was. 

 

Still, she looked up as she seemed to be measuring Bluebelle's neckline a little too roughly, leaving a mark. Perhaps she was being a little too tight. Hmm. The seamstress looked a little taken aback at the princess' sudden reproach. "Oh?" she asked, with a bit of a frown. Indeed, she had been a bit too rough with her. "My apologies, I need to be more careful. You're very delicate," she remarked. "Still, don't worry. That will mean a well fitting neck line," she remarked with a slight shrug. She'd messed up a little there, but it felt strange to all of a sudden be apologising to a pony she'd been yelling at. Indeed, she still didn't like Bluebelle, why was she being so kind to her? One could make allowances, but Rarity was determined not to make that go too far.

 

She bit back a retort, though her minor annoyance must have shown on her face. It was a reminder of just how thin the ice was for the pair at the moment, and that was definitely a crack. With that, Rarity went about taking her measurements again, measuring Bluebelle's barrel then her upper legs, jotting down her notes in her notebook. "So... her designer?" she prompted, trying to get the conversation back on to some more productive grounds. 

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*I never should have let her know who I really was...*   Long years of training in High Society had, along with many faults, at least given the Royal Scion at least a few actual social skills.  She could read Rarity's mood, and it mirrored the cool politeness of a noblemare restrained from venting her spleen only by social convention.  

 

 *It's not fair!  I apologized, I'm making a big purchase, I'm trying to engage in social pleasantries, what more does this mare want!?*  However much she fumed inwardly, however, Princess Bluebelle was careful to keep just as calm an exterior as the designer taking her measurements.  Maybe this would be over soon.  After the measurements were taken, the cloth could be cut to fit and delivered.  It would not, perhaps, be putting the best possible work from Rarity on display; but if the designer insisted upon being passive-aggressive, well!  Bluebelle certainly wasn't going to use her own gorgeous body to advertise for Carousel Boutique.

 

Filled with these, admittedly, unkind thoughts, she managed a polite smile nevertheless and continued.  "I had been about to say that I didn't know the designer.  I imagine Snowfall would buy local, however.  In Stalliongrad, I mean; her home city.  Do you know many ponies from there?"

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  • 3 weeks later...

Indeed, the ice was certainly thin as Rarity continued her measurements, with an added air of caution. Occasionally she would scribble a note down on her pad or adjust the tape around Bluebelle's frame. The use of her magic made it quick work and pretty soon she had completed her measurements. She gave off a slight sigh of relief as Rarity managed to negotiate around any other possible misunderstandings. Well, perhaps not misunderstandings. Still, she'd completed the task without irritating the mare once more. She hoped. 

 

The white mare glanced at her notes and nodded. It would certainly be a nice dress, the princess had the figure for it after all. Now all she needed was a little inspiration. Granted she wasn't going to go all out on a dress which was only meant to look modest. She couldn't outshine the bride, no way. Still, she would certainly try to make Bluebelle's dress a little special if she could. Not extra special, but Rarity would certainly make her usual effort to make sure that it was a dress that Bluebelle would love. That was the least she could do after all. The mare had come all this way to apologise and to make a big order. She could be a little nicer about it though, they were starting afresh were they not?

 

With that in mind Rarity smiled once more, wondering at that. "Stalliongrad?" she asked. "What a curious name for a city. Still, I am afraid I do not know any ponies from there," she replied with a slight shrug. "However, I know it is a harsh environment in the cold north. That, and I know it is certainly a city of industry. I seem to remember there are designers from there featured semi regularly. If the wedding is to take place there, I would certainly pack warm. Perhaps I should make you a coat as well?" she asked absently as she walked away with her notes. There was a slight tinge of humour to her voice however, attempting to lighten the mood. Still, a coat would not be a terrible idea.

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"Oh yes, a coat would be a wonderful idea!"  Bluebelle hadn't even thought of that; which was why Rarity was the professional fashionista, and she was not.  Left to her own devices, the Princess probably would have picked out a pretty dress, only to have to spend the whole time wrapped in a coat designed for Prince Blueblood, which would ruin the whole effect.  Much better to have one that hugged her figure, oh yes...

 

"What material do you think?  I should like something elegant, but... robust.  There's no telling what the weather will be like."  And so did the social pleasantries continue, delicately skating the ice-encrusted surface of the Lake of Social Discord.  They were both old hooves to this dance.  What else could a pony do, really, to sail over or out of a situation like this without losing face?

 

Speaking of face, Bluebelle caught a glimpse of hers in the mirror as she spoke with Rarity.  An absolutely impassive expression stared back at her, a smile lightly dusted on top.  Just one of many in a long line she knew, sailing through the whole social life of the upper class, and never coming to port with anypony as a friend...

 

Her expression cracked, along with the ice.  Taking a deep breath, the Princess plunged in.  "Lady Rarity, if I may ask... did I waste our time by coming here, or is there a possibility that we might, some day, actually be friends?  Or at least genuinely friendly to each other?"  There.  That had done it.  The icebreaker had come through, and now all was rough sailing from here.  But as any sailor will tell you, better a rough wind than a becalmed day.  Only one gets you anywhere.

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