Last time on Rarity “Quest”:
 
        You headed to Sugarcube Corner to get some info from Pinkie about what was bothering Rarity, only to have Rarity herself show up and nearly ruin the meeting. In a stroke of luck Celestia arrived, distracting all in the building. She also invited you to Canterlot to speak with her, putting Rarity in a tizzy about making you a new outfit fit for a royal audience. After she left Pinkie gave you a vague idea of what was bothering Rarity. Namely, you and her parents.
        With this in mind you sought out the wrap stand sales mare, letting her down as gently as you could. Even though she understood, she couldn't help but tear up as you walked away.
        You arrived at Rarity's feeling less than pleased at that outcome. You knew you had to do it, but it still bothered you. Rarity gave you a pep talk after sensing something was wrong, and the two of you shared a quiet moment before she got back to work. You used this as the opportunity to spring an idea on her: That she accompany you to Canterlot. She was overjoyed at the chance to go with you, thanking you profusely. With a final hug she told you that your outfit should be ready in a couple days at most, and you set off for home for the night.
 
        Deciding that you should give her time to work, you abstained from visiting her until you were certain the outfit would be finished.
 
>After packing some basic clothes and toiletries you check your wallet.
>You're carrying 400 bits on your person for this trip. You only expect to be in Canterlot for a couple days at most, but you hope to be prepared for any sudden costs.
>After you're satisfied with your suitcase being packed up, you set it off to the side in your room. It'll be there when you're ready to depart, don't forget it.
 
>You head to Twilight's library residence, knocking on her door gently in the early morning. The door is answered by Spike, who stares up at you.
>You tell him you'd like to see Twilight, you have some questions about speaking with Celestia you'd like answered.
>"Oh, sure, come on in."
>He lets you in, shutting the door behind you before guiding you to where Twilight sits, her attention on the book in front of her until you draw near.
>She smiles at you, "So I hear the princess gave you an invitation to see her?"
 
>You ask her to send a letter to Celestia, saying that you'll accept the invitation and plan to travel there within the next day or two. Twilight confirms that she'll do this, having Spike put it on a checklist of things to do after your visit.
>You then ask if she has any tips for interacting with royalty.
>"Well, you should answer any questions honestly and directly, but without being rude."
>She sits in thought for a while, causing you to ask if that's all.
>"Celestia has never required me to be too formal around her, but I'm not sure if that's because I'm her student or if that's just how she treats everyone. So….yes? Just be yourself, but be respectful, and I'm sure it'll be fine."
 
>You ask about any hotspots Rarity might be interested in visiting, informing Twilight you're taking Rarity with you as an adviser of sorts.
>"Smart choice! Rarity is the most involved in Canterlot social clubs. I wish I could help, but I'm not very familiar with those kinds of things. I'm sure Rarity will tell you where she's been and what she'd like to do when you're done visiting the princess."
 
>You ask if she's certain there are no spots in Canterlot Rarity ever mentioned she really enjoyed, or had been unable to get into for some reason?
>"I guess there was this one time she was lamenting about not getting into some fancy restaurant. I don't remember the name, you'd have to ask her. She also said something about seeing a live show."
>Twilight's ears perk up as she seems to remember something, "Oh! Speaking of restaurants and such, here's a tourist pamphlet for Canterlot, I've got a bunch lying around from that time we took Miss Cheerilee's class on a field trip. It doesn't have everything, but it has basic attractions and eateries."
>You obtain a small pamphlet that shows the location of a few attractions, including a live theater, historical attractions, the location of the palace, and a smattering of restaurants.
 
>You ask about a book on etiquette, causing Twilight to shake her head sadly.
>"I'm sorry, that book has been missing for some time now. I don't remember lending it out, and Spike swears he hasn't seen it, but we don't have it in our possession right now."
 
>You briefly look at the pamphlet, but it's mostly a map, and without the proper landmarks around you it's less than optimal. Still, you get an idea for what roads you should take to get to the theater and some restaurants. No need to memorize a path to the palace however, the roads are pretty obvious in getting to that particular location.
>You thank Twilight for her time and the pamphlet.
>"No problem! Good luck with the Princess and have fun with Rarity!"
>Spike leads and holds the front door open for you, but instead of shutting the door behind you he follows you out before shutting it.
>"So you're going to Canterlot with Rarity?"
 
>"Yeah, why?"
>He twiddles his thumbs as he speaks, "N-nothin'! Just overheard Twilight say it, that's all." He goes silent for a bit, just twiddling his thumbs, before he gains the nerve to ask, "So, what do you plan to do? Just visit the princess and come back, right?"
>The anxiety in his tone is palpable.
 
>"Not exactly. Rarity has been very kind in making two outfits for me. I feel it only fair I pay her back. And if you overheard the conversation, then you know Twilight is right. Rarity is suited for such an endeavor."
>Spike sighs, though is thumbs continue to move rapidly, "I know, I know. She is pretty great, isn't she?"
>You ask him what's wrong, since he is clearly distressed.
>"N-nothing, nothing! Just a lot on my mind, that's all. Been busy helping Twilight, haven't had much chance to talk to any pony that hasn't stopped by the library."
 
>You ask Spike for directions to a local ice cream parlor, and he starts pointing you down streets as you approach them.
>You decide to have a little fun with it and start jogging, causing Spike to bounce a little, but he laughs and points directions until you find yourself at an ice cream shop.
>You're a little out of breath as you enter the shop, Spike still sitting on your shoulders as you ask him what flavor he wants.
>"Oh man, that's the toughest part! All the flavors are great!" He puts a hand to his chin and thinks, humming loudly as the stallion running the shop waits patiently. Eventually Spike decides on triple chocolate, and you get your own cone of french vanilla with caramel swirls.
>You hand Spike his cone before fetching out your wallet and paying the total of 10 bits, grabbing your own cone after putting your wallet back in your pocket. You tell Spike not to drip any on you and the two of you head back outside, heading for the park and a nice bench to sit on in the warm morning air.
 
>You find a nice park bench to sit on as the two of you eat your ice cream, Spike making a mess on his face as he slobbers over his decadent snack.
>It's a pleasant day, just as the days before it. Warm enough the ice cream is refreshing, but cool enough to prevent you from sweating too badly.
>Ponies mill about in the park, some reading, some playing, but all with smiles on their faces.
>Soon enough the ice cream is gone and Spike rubs his belly while smacking his lips, thanking you for the sweet treat.
>"So, if you weren't working with Twilight all the time, who would you hang out with?" you ask.
>"If you buy me ice cream like that, I'd say you," Spike retorts, the two of you laughing together. "Honestly though, they're all great ponies. AJ is hard working and honest, Pinkie throws the best parties, Rainbow Dash is awesome, Twilight is smart, Fluttershy is gentle and kind, and Rarity is generous and bea-, uh, talented. I don't know if I could pick."
>You ask if there's anything he wants to talk about, since he seemed pretty nervous when he asked about your plans before.
>He looks at the ground, continuously rubbing his stomach, "That obvious huh?" You nod. "Well, I've….sort of got this….crush. On Rarity." He sits, silently rubbing his stomach while lost in his thoughts before speaking again, "Look, I'm not dumb. You're taking Rarity to Canterlot while you meet the Princess. Just tell me up front, do you like her too?"
 
>"Yes," you reply. It's the truth and he deserves to hear it.
>"I had a hunch," he says, "just a gut feeling." He sighs once again, hopping up from his place on the bench, "She'll decide for herself. And if she's happy, then I'll be happy for her." He smiles at you, "Doesn't mean I'm gonna stop trying until that choice is made though! Even got that book about being fancy, and-" he stops. "Uh, don't tell Twilight about that, please?"
 
>"You're on little guy," you respond to his challenge, the two of you shaking hands briefly. "Won't tell Twilight about the book either, though I'd like to read it some time."
>"Yeah mayb-," with a grumble and a belch of green fire a message fires forth from Spike's maw, landing in his outstretched arms while he looks mildly surprised. He opens up the scroll, reading quickly, before rolling it back up, "Looks like Twilight got a message, I've gotta run! Thanks for the ice cream!" he calls before dashing back towards the library.
 
>You decide to head over to Rarity's to see if this new outfit is finished.
>The stroll is quiet, the bustling of the town receding as you find yourself lost in your own thoughts and plans.
>As a result it seems like you haven't been walking long at all when suddenly Rarity's boutique is right in front of you.
>You knock before opening the door, but no one is in sight upon entrance. Strange, you thought Rarity would be working right now.
>You look about the workspace, the human shaped mannequin is bare and a couple travel bags are propped against the wall near the door. Seems Rarity has been packing.
>You hear steps on the stairs and Rarity, wearing a towel on her head and one over her body, comes into view.
>"Oh! I didn't hear you come in! Please, have a seat while I go make myself presentable." You take a seat and she turns to leave when there's another knock on the door, causing you to get up and open it.
>It's Twilight.
>"Had a feeling I'd find you here," she says as she trots into the boutique wearing a saddlebag. "I got a response from Celestia almost immediately, she's ready for the two of you whenever you're ready. She even sent train tickets!" Twilight magically floats the tickets into your hand, "She's also booked the two of you into a nice hotel not far from the palace. She says she'd have you stay in a guest room in the palace, but she has another visitor currently residing in it."
>"How considerate of her!" Rarity exclaims, "You'll have to thank her for me when you see her."
>"You can thank her yourself Rarity, she's invited the two of you to dinner as soon as you arrive. It's even at that one fancy place you said you couldn't get a reservation for."
>"A dinner, with the princess? At The Canterlot Chateu?" Rarity stands dumbfounded as Twilight nods.
>"Yes, though her letter states that she's only available within the next couple of days before she has to leave Canterlot on official business. I suggest the two of you leave tonight, just to be sure."
 
>Fortunately, Rarity is mostly packed already. She just has a few odds and ends of clothing to finish packing, claiming your outfits are already packed in one of her travel cases.
>She instructs you to meet her back at the boutique with any luggage you're bringing along before she dashes upstairs to fix her hair and whatnot.
>Twilight giggles at Rarity's haste to prepare before turning to you.
>"It was nice of you to take Spike out for ice cream like that. He really hadn't been getting out much and I think it was finally getting to him. Thank you. I tried putting in a good word for you to the Princess, hopefully it'll give her a better idea of what kind of person you are. Once again, thank you."
 
>You tell Twilight it was nothing, Spike's a pretty cool dragon and he's welcome to hang out with you any time.
>"I'll keep that in mind. Now, shouldn't you go grab your luggage like Rarity asked?" she says with a wink. "I'll make sure Rarity doesn't do anything rash while you're gone. Oh, and consider hailing a cab on your way back. It's not that far, but carrying luggage all the way there probably wouldn't be fun. The fare should run you about…..80 bits if my math is correct."
>You thank Twilight for putting in the good word and her suggestion before heading back to your own home to grab your luggage.
>You put some hustle in your step and make good time, though your stomach is beginning to growl by the time you get to your place.
 
>You check around your place for extra bits while you make a light snack for yourself, and pad your wallet with an extra 20 bits. You grab your luggage on your way out.
>You decide to call a cab in front of Rarity's. This will ensure she's ready and the fare from her place to the station is most likely less than yours. Even if it might look odd for you to be carting around a travel case as you walk your way through town.
>You arrive back at Rarity's to find Twilight helping her pack a case more efficiently, catching the tail end of a conversation.
>"I'm just saying Rarity, I don't think it matters all that much."
>"I know, I know, but, you know me. Prone to worrying over every little detail, whether it's clothes or-Oh, welcome back! Didn't see you there!"
>"Go ahead and call a cab, we'll be ready by the time it arrives."
>You do as instructed and wait outside, waving down a checkered carriage and giving him instructions. Soon enough Rarity and Twilight come out, levitating the luggage into the carriage's storage compartment before Rarity takes a seat inside. Twilight makes sure you have your tickets and gives you a final reminder to be polite but be yourself before wishing you safe travels.
>You climb into the carriage alongside Rarity, and the two of you wave to Twilight as you leave for the station. Twilight waves back, shouting "Good luck and have fun!"
 
>The two of you arrive at the station and get your luggage loaded onto the train without problems, and you pay the cab man his fee of 65 bits. Calling it at Rarity's saved a little bit of money.
>By this time the light is quickly fading as you enter the train. An usher looks at your tickets and guides you towards the back of the train, informing you that you have a luxury room to yourselves on one of the sleeping carts.
>He shows you to your room and the two of you enter, finding a well furnished room with a bottle of wine and some glasses on a nightstand.
>There is only one bed, though it is fairly large and really comfortable looking. The whole room is a burgundy color, lit dimly with a chandelier, creating a soft, relaxed mood in the room.
>There's also room service, which Rarity puts to use ordering an appetizer platter of varying fruits, vegetables, and the occasional sweet.
>When the two of you are finished snacking you decide to ask about etiquette lessons from Rarity.
>"Well, what exactly would you like to know?"
 
>"Well, how do I act around the Princess?"
>"Oh, darling, do I really need to tell you how to be civil? You seem so good at it already."
>The compliment makes you blush, though you hope she can't tell in the dim light. You cough into your hand and regain your composure, "Well, I meant things like, do I have to bow to her? Let her sit before I sit? Stuff like that."
>"I see. Well, you should certainly bow to royalty when they first enter a room. And since Princess Celestia is the hostess, you should let her instruct you to sit before dinner."
>What about silverware?
>"Depends on the meal. It's mostly common sense, just make sure to differentiate which fork is the salad fork and which is the main course fork."
>At this point Rarity uncorks the wine in the room and levitates two glasses to position in front of each of you, filling your glass before hers.
>"Now, if you have to pour any drinks for whatever reason, pour it for the others before yourself. Use two hands, since you don't have magic, one on the body and one on the neck of the bottle."
>She takes a sip of her wine before continuing, "Do remember to sip your wine, not drain it like a milkshake."
>The two of you finish your first glass of wine each, and Rarity is in the process of standing when the train suddenly lurches forward, beginning it's journey, causing Rarity to stumble and fall onto you.
 
>It would seem the train lurched rather hard, or perhaps Rarity is just a lightweight on her alcohol.
>Regardless of the reason, she falls square into your lap, knocking a glass off the table in the process.
>Miraculously, you catch the glass in a hand as Rarity flops into your lap with a dainty "Oof!".
>You set the glass back on the table as Rarity raises herself to her feet, running a hoof over her curl of hair as she steadies herself on your legs, leaning one hoof on your leg with her back hooves square on the floor.
>"Oh my! What terrible timing on my part!"
>The train shudders again, causing her to throw her front hooves around your neck to brace herself.
 
>The train ride smooths out and Rarity lets go, apologizing profusely. You assure her it's not a problem, to which she responds, "Very good, behaving like a model gentleman. And thank you for catching me. That was very kind."
>Truth be told it was serendipitous, but you aren't going to tell her that.
>She gives a yawn even as there's a knock on the door to your room. You open it to find an usher who apologizes for the turbulence. You and Rarity tell him it was nothing, shutting the door gently when he leaves. Rarity slowly climbs into bed, "Well, better get some sleep. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. Though I'm certain it will be fun."
 
>You rise from your seat, making sure to secure the wine bottle and glasses should the train have any more rough patches, and head to the side of the bed opposite where Rarity lays.
>"Would it bother you if I slept in the bed as well?"
>"I-Well, o-of course not! There is only the one bed, and I couldn't dare ask you to sleep in one of those chairs, your back would be killing you before morning! Please, feel free."
>So you climb into bed alongside Rarity, though you face yourself away from her and try to stick to your side of the bed as best you can.
 
 
>Rarity uses her magic to turn out the light, whispering "Good night," as she does so.
>You whisper good night back to her, and the room falls silent as the two of you try to sleep.
>Just before you fall asleep you think you feel something against your back, a hesitant touch, something brushing against you fleetingly.
>It happens once, but does not return, and you fade into slumber.