19th Dress

[prissy_hooves]

[Action; 7135 Brooks; outside]

[There's a bit of a belated package arriving today for Rarity.  Of course, never having gotten back anything terribly debilitating or depressing yet, she gently unwraps it right away to see what's inside.  A small photograph of her live-in dress shop in Ponyville, Carousel Boutique, floats up out of the package propelled by her magic before disappearing in a flash.  At the same time, behind Rarity, there is now a large circus tent top situated on top of the Kadoya household, forming a new top floor to the structure.  Surprised, she whirls around and silently regards the new addition to the house for a moment before breaking into a smile.]

My goodness, what a generous offering!  I wonder what I did to deserve something like this!

[Action; 7135 Brooks; inside]

[Housemates will notice Rarity busybodying around the house all day long, moving things from the small spare bedroom she's been afforded to sleep and work in up until now and floating them upstairs to the house's new third story.  There's much more space up there, after all, and it's much closer to the sort of lodgings she's used to.  She'll be in and out and back and forth all day, periodically leaving the house to come back with curtains and small pieces of furniture and all sorts of things.]

Oh, so much to do!  Busy busy busy!

Comments

[downtoearthpony]

You've got a point there...

[There's a pause as Applejack seems to think something over. Finally she speaks up.]

...So, um, how are things going with Sweetie Belle here?

[prissy_hooves]

Well enough, I suppose. I do worry about the poor thing. I really do not look forward to watching this town do to her what it eventually does to everypony, though.

[downtoearthpony]

Yeah... Me neither. Did she mention, or did you happen to see Apple Bloom's here now too?

Ah really wish there was something we could do to get them home...

[prissy_hooves]

Ah, yes, I did run into Apple Bloom. It's really a shame that those girls are being forced to endure this town's antics as well.

[downtoearthpony]

Ah feel pretty much the same. Ah'm hoping we can protect them from the worst of it as long as possible, but some of the things this town does seem hard to shield them from...

Also a little worried they might get homesick...

[prissy_hooves]

Everypony has to learn the ways of this town eventually. Unfortunately, we won't be able to protect them from everything, and certainly not forever.

[downtoearthpony]

Ah know, kinda like growing up and all... Still doesn't make me want to try and protect them less...

[Another pause here. Applejack doesn't have much of a poker face, you could say...]

...Um Rarity, if something happens to me, you'll keep an eye on Apple Bloom for me, right?

[prissy_hooves]

Well, of course not. It's our duty as older sisters.

[Rarity can be a little more candid about how she feels about Sweetie Belle when she's not standing in front of her.]

...and while I'd certainly prefer you didn't bring up such thoughts, Applejack, yes, you can count on me.

[downtoearthpony]

Ah'm sorry, it's not something Ah like to think of either, but Ah just feel a lot better knowing you'd do that for me, thank you...

[prissy_hooves]

Don't mention it.

[downtoearthpony]

At the least, Ah hope we can keep those girl's spirits up...

Maybe we could do something for them. You know, something that will make this place feel normal for at least a little bit.

[prissy_hooves]

A party, perhaps?

[downtoearthpony]

Maybe, Ah'd bet Pinkie would enjoy an excuse to throw one at the drop of a hat...

You know, around this time, is when we start planning for the Sisterhooves Social. What do you think?

[prissy_hooves]

The Sisterhooves Social? That competition at Sweet Apple Acres where everypony goes diving about in mud pits?

[downtoearthpony]

...Well usually you want to avoid or jump over the mud pit since it slows you down in the race. But why are you getting so uppity about mud when you spent so much time at the spa lounging in it?

[prissy_hooves]

That's completely different!

[downtoearthpony]

Right, because they use special imported fancy dirt and bottled water to make their mud?

Look, the obstacle course is just the big event with prizes. We've had tons of other side-events at the Social before. Pie-eating contests, livestock shows, arts and crafts, and such. Ah was thinking of getting the others to help put something together, so why not help out and we can think of something for you and Sweetie Belle to do.

[prissy_hooves]

Well, for one, the mud at the spa doesn't have worms crawling around in it.

But if there are to be other events, then I suppose I wouldn't mind competing in a few of those. Sweetie Belle has been rather restless lately, so this might be good for her.

[downtoearthpony]

Well, the mud pit in the obstacle course doesn't either since we dig out the pit first to make it. Well, initially anyways, they crawl back in after awhile.

But that's the spirit! Ah bet she'd love to help you plan an event for it!

[prissy_hooves]

Yes, but, hmm... an event that even Sweetie Belle could do well in...

[downtoearthpony]

Well, if you're worried about doing something, what about judging something? Sometimes we have food contests for things like jams and pies, and it's always good to have more than one judge for those. Or even some kinda show?

[prissy_hooves]

Hmmmm... a fashion show, perhaps? It might add a touch of class to the whole event.

[downtoearthpony]

Well sure, Ah bet those friends of yours who enjoy making clothes as well would love to participate in something like that!

Shouldn't be too hard to make a small stage for it either, if Ah can get some help...