Alice woke up and stretched her whole body including her wings. She was happy to have actually spent the night in Rainbow’s house, even if nothing happened. Alice felt happy because she now knew Rainbow knew she was hiding some of her past, but the cyan flyer didn’t care. This fact alone meant more to Alice than almost anything else could.

Rainbow Dash was pleased Alice spent the night in her house. It didn’t matter if they did anything or not. The fact they had stayed together was more than enough for her. She was enjoying just knowing she had time off to spend with Alice.

The cyan pegasus was surprised when she heard a knocking on her door. She hadn’t expected anypony today. She went and answered the door. “Derpy?! What are you doing here?” Rainbow asked.

“I have a message for you,” Derpy said to Rainbow. The mail mare searched through her bag before retrieving a letter. She then smiled as she handed the letter to Rainbow Dash.

Dear Rainbow Dash,

I, Filthy Rich, hereby cordially invite you and a guest to my Sweet Apple Cider Seasonal Party. As you know, I hold this party every Cider season and you usually decline my invitation for whatever your reasons may be.

This year I hope things will be different. I also hope you will attend with that new friend of yours everypony has been talking about. No doubt you realize this party represents an opportunity for you and her to make new friends with ponies who are part of the high society, and can help you wonderful ladies reach for your dreams.

I am not sure what your friend wants, but I will say I happen to know a pony with close ties to the Wonderbolts will be there this year. I do hope you will choose to attend this year. The dress code is the same as always. You have received enough invitations you should know it by now.

Yours Truly,
Filthy Rich

After reading the letter, Rainbow Dash was very tempted to rip up the invitation as always. This time she paused before doing just that though. The letter was right about the party being a good chance for Alice to make new friends, and maybe practice skills that could come in handy for higher profile targets on her missions.

Truthfully, Rainbow liked the idea of bringing Alice to such a party for a few reasons. The first reason was it allowed her to spend some time with Alice off duty in a situation the light tanned Pegasus excelled at in Canterlot, even if only as a friend.

The second reason was to allow Alice some field practice that may help with her job as a seeker. She did well socially in Canterlot, but outside of the capitol might be different.

The final reason depended very much on Alice’s cooperation. Rainbow had an idea in her head, but further thought on the subject could be held off. It was now time for breakfast.

{-} {-} {-}

After an enjoyable breakfast, the two pegasi made their way to their first destination for the day. Half way there Rainbow spoke up. “Hey, Alice? Can I ask you something?”

Alice turned to her and gave Rainbow a quizzical look. “I would say something along the lines of ‘I don’t know. Can you ask me something?’ but that seems like something he would do… So instead I will simply say that will depend on what you ask of me, Rainbow.”

Rainbow gave a nervous chuckle as she scratched the back of her mane. “As you know, we are on our way to meet Rarity.”

“Yes, your ‘socially refined’ friend, or as you sometimes call her ‘stuck up Canterlot snob wannabe’. But what of this?” Alice asked.

“Well… she is a good friend of mine, despite what I may call her, but she is uptight and obsessed with the elite culture of Canterlot,” Rainbow said as Alice rolled her beautiful green eyes.

During her time in Canterlot, Alice came to know many of the so-called ‘Elite of Canterlot’. Some were actually good company, but most reminded her a lot of Bumby, except without the child prostitution. There was some of that going on, but it was just to the scale of any upper crust society. This meant using their children to form alliances with other powerful families through marriage of their children in the future.

“Anyways. The thing is Rarity is one of the best ponies you could be a friend with, and she does live up to her element with little trouble.” Rainbow would have continued, but Alice interrupted her.

“How exactly does she live up to being the Element of Generosity?” Alice said in a voice that might have come off rude to some ponies. “I don’t doubt she does. I just lack understanding in such a matter. From what you have told me she seems to value her appearance more than anything else.”

Rainbow sighed. “Well she does some interesting things to help others. One example is how she made super awesome and amazing dresses for all of us when we went to the Grand Galloping Gala a while back. Another is how she did things she hated for the sake of making her little sister happy. Also she has made more dresses for us and others simply because she got an idea.”

Alice wasn’t sure what to make of this information. If she didn’t know better, she would say Rarity was buying her friendships with the others. The green eyed Pegasus knew this wasn’t the case though. She also thought it rather counterproductive for a business savvy pony. She had heard a little bit about the white unicorn’s business from others a time or two.

“So what is it you were planning to ask of me, Rainbow? I don’t see much reason to turn down whatever it was you wanted to ask me, but I do need to know details,” Alice said with a warm smile. Truthfully there was very little she wouldn’t do for Rainbow, but she wasn’t going to let anyone know that, if she could help it.

“Well you see, Rarity always goes on about how ‘uncouth’ I and some of the others are. She doesn’t usually wish to sound mean about it. She usually wants to help us learn ‘proper manners’ as she puts it,” Rainbow said.

The two ponies were away from other ears, so Alice listened as her friend continued. “Usually I don’t let it show her words are getting to me, but they do. I mean it does kind of insult me a little on the professional level, since I have had to infiltrate high class parties before for a mission. I want your help to end this, Alice, if you don’t mind.”

Alice stepped closer and the two were almost muzzle to muzzle. “What do you want me to do? Why do you need my help with this, Dash?”

“Well, I know there is some truth to her words because I was usually overlooked for such missions, since I am not the most well trained in ‘proper etiquette’. Also I think it would make for a wonderful small prank if you were to ‘teach’ me etiquette as a small wager between me and her,” Rainbow said with a conspiratorial smile.

Alice’s green eyes glowed with a little mischievousness. “And how will this… grand scheme of yours go exactly?” There had to be more to it. After all, once Rarity met Alice in her usual Equestrian public behavior, the white unicorn wouldn’t take the bet.

Rainbow gave a toothy smile as she answered. “You see, there is this party being held by a pony named Filthy Rich. He throws it every year towards the end of Cider Season and always invites ponies to it. Being an element I get an invite every year, but I have never gone to the party because it was too ‘high class’ for me. This year he sent an invite again and asked I bring you along. It is a very classy event, and I would be too ‘uncouth’ for it unless Rarity taught me how to behave.”

Alice looked at Rainbow with slight interest. Rainbow’s grin grew. “I want us to go to her place and for you to… downplay your beautiful and sophisticated elegance around her. I will then get her to challenge me to see if I can learn proper etiquette before the party from you.”

Alice was interested, but she was a little concerned. “Why do you want to do this? I mean, it doesn’t seem right to fool a good, kind and generous friend of yours like that, Rainbow.”

Rainbow gave a small frown to the question. “It may not be, but Rarity has unfortunately alienated herself from other ponies besides us due to her behavior. It is only a small part of her, but most ponies outside of our friends think she is way too stuck up, and don’t wish to approach her because of it. As a result, she is lonely. Rarity is one of the few ponies I know that deserves her dreams. Rarity’s dreams more or less boil down to mean find a ‘Prince Charming’ and marry him.”

Alice’s eyes softened hearing this as Rainbow gave a sigh. “You know what I have done in my life, Alice. I want to do well by my friends. Helping them reach their dreams matters to me, but there is only so much ‘Equestria’s best flyer’ can do for her friends. If this works and we can get Rarity to come down a peg or two, without her losing who she is, she would easily find the romance she craves so much.”

Rainbow gave another sigh, “You are probably wondering why she just doesn’t move to Canterlot if she loves it so much. She won’t move to Canterlot, and leave her family and friends behind her.”

“She may not always get along with her parents and little sister Sweetie Belle, but she will never move too far away from them either. If she was willing to get covered in mud, sweat and momentarily forget her manners, just to make Sweetie Belle happy at a local farm event, despite her hatred for such things, it is obvious she will never leave her family alone just to be a part of the society she dreams about in Canterlot.”

The cyan pegasus gave a thoughtful smile. “That is how she usually ends up living up to her element. She may be extremely vain and care about her reputation more than almost anything in Equestria, but when it comes down to it she will throw aside those things for her friends and family.”

Alice felt a little nostalgic hearing Rainbow’s words like this. It was a stretch, but parts of what RD said made the light tan Pegasus think of her own sister Lizzie. Lizzie cared deeply about her little sister and the rest of their family, but didn’t care so much about her social standing. This actually ended up making Lizzie one of the most desirable women to those who knew of her.

Alice knew Lizzie could have easily joined the rest of the upper crust society and found a very rich and maybe even noble family to wed into if she wanted. However, Lizzie was a free spirit and cared too much about her precocious and ‘odd’ younger sister to do such a thing.

Rarity seemed to be similar in the little sister department. Alice would observe, but she had a feeling there might be some parallels with Sweetie Belle and Rarity, as there were with Alice and Lizzie.

Alice also liked the idea of this little prank Rainbow Dash came up with. The fact there was a chance it would be beneficial for Rarity as well made it all the more appealing. However, there was one thing Alice wanted to add to it, for her own reasons of course.

“Alright, Rainbow. I will go along with your fun…” Alice said as the cyan pegasus gave a beautiful smile. “But…” Rainbow’s smile faltered a little bit here. “There is one condition.” Alice gave a grin in the same vain as Cheshire’s for emphasis.

“What is it?” Rainbow asked a little uneasily.

“We actually have etiquette lessons,” Alice said with her unusually wide grin.

Rainbow narrowed her eyes, but deep down she liked the idea because it meant she would get more personal time with Alice. “Why?” She still wanted to know more, even if she did like the idea of ‘Teacher Alice’.

Alice’s grin didn’t falter as she answered the question. “Well, you said it was a problem for you in the past that kept you from some missions. I know you are high up now, and don’t usually take such missions anymore.”

Rainbow nodded absently to this. “But it couldn’t hurt to learn anyways. Plus when I am done, you would be able to fit in with royalty here if needed from what I have seen. Also, what better way to fool her than to seem natural in environments similar to this party?”

Rainbow thought about this deal for a little while before answering. “Alright! Sounds good! Do you think you can pull off your act though, Alice?” Alice simply gave a smile in response as Rainbow shook her head.

{-} {-} {-}

The two rainbow factory workers arrived at a curious shop in Ponyville. It was a white, two story building that resembled a carousel, it was just missing the actual seats. Alice was immediately fascinated by it.

Thoughts of going to a faire with her family when she was younger flooded Alice’s mind as she looked over the exterior. She gave a pained smile as she looked over the building. She sorely wished it had fancy seats on poles that circled the building.

Alice shook her head of those thoughts as she tried her best to get in the character of a less refined pony. She found it with little effort and thought it wouldn’t be any problem to don the mask for Rarity. She only hoped her speech patterns wouldn’t get in the way.

“Think in simple words… Not to the level of a dock worker, but not to the level of someone as well educated as Lizzie and myself,” Alice thought as they stepped closer. Rainbow gave her a reassuring smile before opening the doors.

As they entered the shop, a bell chimed and a voice similar to a high society American said, “Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic, unique and magnifique.” Shortly after that a unicorn with a beautiful white coat, immaculately groomed and slightly curled indigo mane and tail, with a three diamond cutie mark stood before them. The pony had medium blue eyes and perfectly done makeup as well.

“Oh, Rainbow Dash! Darling! It is so wonderful to see you again. How are you doing? Have you put anymore thought to letting me give you a ‘Rarity makeover’ yet?” Rarity said with a beautiful smile that no doubt caused many a stallion hearts to beat faster. It might have even caused a few mare’s hearts to flutter as well.

“Oh! Is this a new friend of yours, Rainbow?” Rarity said before Dash could even speak. The white unicorn was now looking Alice over with the eyes of a designer searching for a new model.

“Hmmmm… she has a slim, but still healthy build,” Rarity said as she then looked into Alice’s eyes. “OH MY!!! These green eyes! They have so much more depth than any other pony’s I have seen.”

Alice blushed, she had never come across anyone like this before. She was both flattered and at the same time a little scared. She was even ready to draw her knife if the pony got a little too touchy feely with her. It reminded her a little bit of a certain ‘Good Doctor’s’ plans for her. She was feeling as if she was on display.

Alice hadn’t minded Pinkie Pie’s closeness because she was warned about it in advance. Also the pink pony reminded her of the good things in Wonderland for some reason. However Rarity looking over her so closely, did bother her some but she wouldn’t let it get to her.

Rarity then withdrew a little bit and said, “I like your tail and mane. It isn’t easy to pull off straight hair, but you, darling do so wonderfully Miss…”

“Ummm… Alice Briddell.” Alice answered in her accented voice. Rarity’s eyes seemed to sparkle to it, and Alice mentally cringed. She was hoping she hadn’t blown Rainbow’s plan already somehow. Alice shifted a little bit so her posture wasn’t as graceful, just to be safe.

Rarity did take notice, but didn’t seem to be bothered by it. Alice panicked as she tried to think of how to be ‘uncouth’ for Rainbow’s prank. It was harder than she thought. Rarity was intense and flowing with beauty and elegance. It made Alice feel like she was in one of her many etiquette classes again.

Before Alice gave herself away, Rainbow answered her questions from earlier. “It is good to see you as well, Rarity. Sorry I didn’t meet you yesterday, but I heard you were busy with business. It’s good to hear things are going so well for your shop.”

Rarity gave a wonderful and perfect, small and relaxed smile. “Thank you, Rainbow. I love working, so it has been simply grand with all of the business! I never knew so many ponies were interested in bringing a little fashion to Cider Season.”

Alice gave a smile as Rainbow did the same and spoke again. “Anyways Rarity, this is Alice Briddell. She’s a friend from the weather factory. She’s originally from just outside of Lonpony.”

Rarity’s smile faltered a little bit hearing this. “Oh… Is that so?” No doubt she was thinking Alice would be similar to Applejack. Alice was secretly offended by this, but didn’t let it show. Though really, Applejack wasn’t near the worst sort manners wise she had met before.

Regardless, Alice took this opportunity to try and come off as ‘uncouth’. “Yeah that sure is the truth. I am from just outside Lonpony in the country.”

Alice blinked a few times as she tried to make it seem more authentic by adding, “I sure am new here and all…. And I heard you have a certain sophistication and eye for elegance in the area, Miss Rarity. Rainbow here has said some… mighty wonderful things about ya.”

Alice cringed mentally, thinking she might have blown it and added a, “Ya’ll are mighty beautiful I simply must say.”

Rainbow gave a nervous chuckle to Alice’s poor attempt at being unsophisticated. Rarity blinked a few times and smiled as she said, “Well thank you kindly for such a wonderful compliment, Miss Briddell.” She wasn’t sure about this Alice pony, but she withheld her judgment for the moment.

No matter her final decision, Rarity would try to reach out to Alice nevertheless. Internally though, she did feel a little disappointed Alice wasn’t from Lonpony proper. Rarity loved her friends, but she felt a little out of place being the only one of their group that knew how to act around high society ponies correctly.

“Also, I hate to break it to ya Rarity, but I ain’t going to get a makeover anytime soon most likely. I still don’t get why you bother with all that high class hoity toity stuff. It seems rather lame and boring to me,” Rainbow said in a casual voice.

Rarity bristled at her friend’s words a little, but she tried to calm down and not get overly excited about it all. Instead she gave a loud “humph!” and turned her head upward as she said, “You just simply don’t understand, Rainbow. Not that I expect you would. I swear, you and Applejack don’t have the slightest appreciation for such matters. Not that it matters. You couldn’t cut it in such a setting at all period.”

Rarity gave a little laugh as she said, “I doubt you could fit in at one of Filthy Rich’s parties even.”

Rainbow appeared to bristle a little at these words. Rarity cleared her throat and quickly said, “It doesn’t really matter too much though, Rainbow dear. I still love you as a friend, and doubt anypony else would be able to do the amazing flying you can.” Rarity tried not to show it too much, but she really felt bad thinking she might have hurt her friend’s feelings.

Alice felt a little uncomfortable in this situation. She didn’t want this little prank or bet to get out of hand, so she added her own two bits which seemed to actually make a bigger difference than she thought it would.

“Well my… MA… and PA…” Alice had trouble using such terms for her parents, but continued anyways. “Always said many different types of ponies were needed for the world to work, and most usually excelled at something unique, and this all made for a…. pretty picture….” She just knew she had to be blowing the whole thing and sighed to herself.

Rarity and Rainbow both gave her looks for a second before Rainbow said. “I don’t know how hard it could be to fit in with such ponies really, or why you would want to do so. But I bet you I can, because I am just that awesome!”

Rarity recovered from the odd insight Alice had, which seemed to be far too deep for a simple rural pony in her opinion. “Ohhh? How quickly do you think you could do that, Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow gave a smirk and cockily answered, “One day, maybe two.” Rainbow had a smile full of confidence as she spoke.

Rarity gave an elegant and beautiful chuckle, which Alice adored. Alice decided if she wasn’t into Rainbow, and Rarity was into mares, the green-eyed Pegasus would have given up the act and done what she could to impress the white unicorn.

Rarity gave a beautiful smile as she said, “Ohh. Rainbow. I will take you up on that bet, but since you are my friend I give you until Filthy’s party, and I’ll let you even find a tutor to prove me wrong.”

Rainbow smiled as she said, “Alright! I will take you up on that bet. If you win I will let you teach me proper etiquette, and I will let you give me a ‘Rarity Makeover’. I will even keep it going for two weeks!”

Rarity smiled at the thought and asked, “What if you win Rainbow, Darling? Though I am not sure where your confidence comes from. However when a wager is on the line both parties must offer up concessions.”

Rainbow smirked at her and answered, “When I win, you have to give up your hoity toity high horse mentality for two weeks!”

Rarity looked aghast as she said, “I will not drop to your level, and act barbaric because of a simple bet, Rainbow!” Normally Rainbow might have said something about being described as barbaric, but she decided to let it slide this time. Setting up the bet was more important anyways.

“I don’t mean that. I just mean you have to stop acting like you are better and more sophisticated than most ponies in Ponyville. You can still be all proper and stuff, but you have to loosen up and stop acting like you are better than everypony else,” Rainbow said.

“I do not act that way!” Rarity said in defense.

Rainbow sighed before saying, “What I mean is that you stop going on about how so many of us are ‘uncouth’ and such, Rarity, and give other ponies a chance despite how goofy they act in some place like Canterlot. It will only be for two weeks.”

Rarity sighed and weakly said, “Alright… I accept. It isn’t that I mean to be that way or anything…”

Rainbow placed a hoof on Rarity’s mouth and said, “I know. You’re still my friend, but you just got to stop going on about Canterlot elite and sophistication, and that stuff and give ponies like Big Mac a chance is all.”

This caused Rarity to blush a little more, but she soon recovered and said, “So who will this teacher or yours be, Rainbow Dash? If you don’t mind my asking.”

Rainbow smiled and answered. “You will see when the party comes. To be fair though, is there anypony you want off limits as my etiquette teacher?” Rainbow already had Alice as her teacher, but figured she might as well give Rarity the satisfaction of limiting her choices in possible teachers.

The white unicorn gave a smile as she said, “Well other than Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, and the Richs and…” Rarity continued and listed a few more. Alice was surprised and impressed how much thought Rarity had put into this bet already.

Alice really hoped things would work out in the end even though she was sure they would. She also wanted to get to know Rarity better as well as the rest of Rainbow’s friends. If things went sour with this bet that would make reaching this goal difficult.

{-} {-} {-}

After the bet was made, Rarity went to make some tea and insisted they stay for a little while to chat. Alice smiled as she sipped on some tea. “I much prefer this kind of tea party to the ones Hatter throws, even if they are interesting.” Alice sighed as she once again remembered Wonderland. “Despite everything there the place will always be special to me.”

Her green eyes watched as Rainbow Dash and Rarity talked. Rarity would scold Rainbow about her manners every so often. The Cyan pegasus was not pleased with this, but she let it slide.

Alice took another sip and thought to herself once more. “I do hope once this bet is over, Rarity won’t hate me too much. I would so love it if we became good friends.”

Alice really liked the idea of making friends with the white unicorn. She thought they could become great friends if allowed. They were both well-mannered and sophisticated even if Alice wasn’t currently showing it. She liked the idea of having a friend like Rarity to enjoy a wonderful afternoon tea with or something else.

Alice gave a warm and beautiful smile as she watched Rarity and Rainbow talk to each other while joining in the conversation as well. She decided she could get along with all of the Elements of Harmony in some manner. Except for maybe one of them… Fluttershy.

Twilight was really into books just like how Alice was when she was younger. Pinkie Pie reminded the dark haired Pegasus of her Wonderland friends with the crazy antics. Applejack was hard working and cared for her family, just like how Alice was hard working and cared for the other orphans despite their behavior towards her in London.

Rainbow Dash was an amazing flyer she could kind of keep up with, and an all-around wonderful pony even taking into account her horrifying job. Rarity was elegant and sophisticated and knew how to have a proper tea time, even if she could still learn a few things.

Fluttershy was the only Element bearer that would be tough to get along with for Alice. She simply didn’t get how the pony could be that weak. She would try to get along with her for Rainbow’s sake. Even if she only saw the yellow Pegasus as a weak and too shy for even her shadow’s own good pony.

Once their tea was mostly finished, Rainbow and Rarity spoke for a good bit while Alice looked around the shop. She was honestly impressed with Rarity’s shop. The unicorn had an eye for fashion and owned her own business already. Alice knew the white unicorn was older than her, but still for her age it was impressive to have your own business and make a living from it.

Alice noticed one dress in particular that caught her eye. It was very much like her “Executioner Dress” except without the blood stained white apron. Alice looked at it closer and wanted to buy it, but felt she was unworthy of such a clean version of her favorite dress.

“See something you like, dearie?” Rarity asked from behind Alice.

“I was just looking. I couldn’t help but wonder how you get so much business. Most pony folk just go around naked,” Alice said. She was still trying to sound ‘uncouth country’, but felt she was failing at it.

Rarity gave a deep and dramatic sigh. “You are right about that. It is mostly because of orders from out of town, and fancy events I can sustain my business. I do receive a steady stream of orders for things such as cute-ceañeras and balls like the Grand Galloping Gala, but I have to be careful with my expenses to make it through the year without much problem.”

Alice nodded and said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if you received several orders from ponies in Canterlot. Your dresses are beautifully crafted and more importantly, affordable. I do imagine you would be quite successful in Canterlot if you had a shop there.” Alice thought of a few ponies she could even speak to about such an investment, if Rarity wanted her to do so.

Rarity looked at Alice with a strange expression for a minute before answering. “I would love to do something like that. However I could never leave my friends and Sweetie Belle. I almost lost her a few times, and I would never allow myself to do so again in the future.”

Alice gave Rarity a sincere smile as she said softly, “Family is really important, and the bond between sisters is something sacred…” She then cleared her throat and added, “Or well at least that is what… ma and pal… always say.” Alice frowned internally and hated being this way with Rarity. She decided to try and keep a safe distance without being too distant until the party.

Rarity gave her a pleasant smile as she said, “Those are wise words, Alice. I only wish I had heard them sooner and taken them to heart. I almost lost my sister Sweetie Belle when I was blinded by my job. I fought hard to get her back and I won’t let it happen again.”

Alice just gave her a smile before going back to looking at the many dresses. Rarity really did have an eye for fashion and detail. The dark haired Pegasus really wanted to place an order for a dress, but she knew it would have to wait. She also knew she would do what she could to get on the white unicorn’s good side once Rainbow’s bet was over.

Rarity seemed to be very strong and independent to Alice, despite her ‘dramatic’ moments she had heard about and seen earlier in the day. To Alice, the concept of a female owning her own shop and it being in such a wonderful state was still rather impressive.

She knew this world was dominated by mares, but still she liked the idea of females owning their own shops in such wonderful ways. There were some in London she knew that ran the shop, but usually it was a man that owned it. Here things were different and better she felt.

{-} {-} {-}

Rainbow Dash and Alice had just left the Carousel Boutique, when Alice turned to Rainbow and said. “I am only pulling this prank with you on Rarity because you showed me how it could help her if she lost, and I picked up on what you were talking about while meeting her. I already kind of like her and hope she won’t be too upset.”

Rainbow gave a sorrowful smile, “If she gets really angry about it, I will tell her I put you up to it, Alice. But I don’t think it will get that bad. At worst, she will keep to herself for a couple of days.”

Alice felt just a slight bit better hearing this. “Either way I really appreciate you doing this with me Alice,” Rainbow said with a smile. Alice turned to the cyan Pegasus and she couldn’t help but get lost in the smile.

Rainbow then stretched her light blue wings and gave her mane a shake. “So do you want to do anything in particular, or do you want to look around the town on your own for a little bit, Alice?”

Alice thought for a moment and then gave a nod to herself and said, “I would like to look around a little on my own. I am sure the queen of awesomeness and head of weather in Ponyville has to do some work today.” Alice then gave a chuckle and teasing smile as she concluded, “Even if she would rather find a nice cloud to nap on instead.”

Rainbow blushed and gave a halfhearted frown as she replied, “Tch… Yeah yeah… I know…. Anyways I will see you later, Alice.” Rainbow then took to the sky as Alice laughed.

{-} {-} {-}

Alice had herself a pleasant lunch with some unlikely company. First of all Pinkie Pie popped up behind her asking if she was eating lunch before then sitting at the table next to Alice and smiling. Shortly after that a gray Pegasus with gold yellow eyes that looked in two different directions crash landed next to them.

Alice wasn’t sure what to make of this “Derpy Hooves”, but the mare was nice enough and decided to just order her own meal and eat with her and Pinkie. Derpy said it was lunch anyways and she was there, so if they didn’t mind her company she might as well eat.

Alice might have been a little reluctant, but Pinkie cheerfully stated, “The more the merrier!” After that the three ponies talked and Alice learned Derpy had two daughters. One was her’s by birth, and the other was adopted after losing her family to a horrible storm.

Alice couldn’t help, but have respect for the gray Pegasus, and was glad she had either passed the flight test or not taken it. She would have hated to see this mare as a sacrifice. Alice grimaced to that thought, and told herself to not think about that.

The green eyed Pegasus came close to dwelling on if she had somehow squashed a pony that would have done such great things in the future. There was so much promise for some of them, but still a lot of them were failures of the pegasus race.

The lunch was enjoyable enough until Derpy finally invited Alice to have tea with her and her family sometime after Pinkie had left them. Alice was happy about this until she heard Derpy talk about her Hubby.

“My Hubby would be happy to have you over for tea, Alice. Lots of ponies call him ‘The Doctor’ or ‘Dr. Hooves’, but to me he is just hubby! And to our girls he is daddy!” Derpy said with a wide grin on her face.

“He is known as the Doctor?” Alice asked, trying to hide the small flag this sent up to her.

Derpy smiled and happily answered, “Yes, he is called the Doctor by many or Dr. Hooves. He is very smart and seems to know a lot about what is happening around him. He has a brown coat and dark brown mane. Also he has an hourglass cutie mark. He says it is his understanding of all things timey wimey or something like that.”

Once Derpy described her husband, Alice knew things might get to be really complicated at this tea party. However, she had already agreed to attend it, and knew it was bad form to back out now. Alice just hoped ‘The Doctor’ didn’t remember her from Canterlot.

Once Alice finished lunch, she decided to head over to the public library and maybe look up a book for teaching etiquette. She also liked the idea of maybe getting to talk to Twilight again. She liked the Purple unicorn, even if she was prone to giving lectures to ponies without warnings.

{-} {-} {-}

Alice calmly entered the Golden Oaks Library, and was a bit surprised to see books, quills and scrolls floating through the air in a magenta aura. She then heard a slightly panicked voice shout. “I must study, Spike! I have to get this report finished by Thursday next week!”

Alice noticed the baby purple dragon give a sigh as he grumbled, and he went back to his business of placing books back on their shelves. It was a couple of moments later the dragon’s eyes glowed as he said, “Heya, Alice! What brings you here? Are you here to see Twilight or look for a book?”

Twilight muttered to herself as she busily scribbled something on parchment. Spike then gave a little chuckle as he said, “I think Twilight is a little too absorbed in her studies again for visitors.”

Alice gave a musical giggle as she said, “Don’t worry, Spike. I won’t bother her if she is really busy. I was just wondering if you had any books on teaching a pony etiquette.” Alice glided into the center of the room easily and gracefully.

Spike couldn’t help, but stare in awe for just a couple of seconds before saying, “Ahh! Yeah, I think we have some I can get them if you want.”

Alice gave him a warm smile. “That would be lovely, Spike, and you would have my gratitude as well.” Spike gave a large grin and went to work.

“Wait right here, Alice,” Spike said.

Twilight muttered a few words about the power boost a unicorn can achieve from properly aligned stars. Alice couldn’t help but listen in on Twilight’s mutterings. She also found a mix of amusement and insult in how Twilight seemed unaware of her surroundings and company while studying for something not due until next week.

Alice gave a little giggle and crept closer to Twilight. She couldn’t help but say aloud, “You know I have been told if you study too hard you won’t really learn anything, Twilight.”

Twilight gave an “AHHH!” once she heard her name from a pony nearby. Twilight looked around breathing fast and saw a laughing pony next to her.

“Alice?! Don’t do that to me,” Twilight said to the friend she made yesterday. “You almost gave me a heart attack.” Twilight took a deep breath and let it out as she calmed down. “Are you here for a book? You haven’t been waiting for too long, have you?”

“I am here for a book or more than one, but Spike is helping me. I’m sorry if I interrupted you, Twilight.” Alice gave an innocent looking smile as she apologized. Her innocent smile didn’t fool Twilight though.

“Oh please… Don’t try to act innocent like that, Alice. If you weren’t Rainbow’s friend I might have believed it,” Twilight said as she playfully rolled her eyes.

Alice just gave a small laugh before saying, “Alright, I won’t.” Her smile then turned a little mischievous, which caused Twilight to blush. “I was serious though, Twilight. You shouldn’t study too much like that. Especially for something due next week.”

Twilight gave a sigh. “So I have been told many times before… But when I get an assignment from Princess Celestia directly, I get ‘nervecited’ as Pinkie calls it. Or something like that at least.”

Alice’s green eyes widened a little to that. “I’m sorry, Twilight Sparkle. I didn’t know you got assignments from royalty. I won’t bother you again.” Alice then took a few steps away as she waited for Spike to get more books.

Twilight frowned to Alice’s words. She didn’t like their tone. “Don’t be like that, Alice. It is alright. I get assignments from her a lot, because she taught me magic personally.”

Alice wasn’t sure what to make of this. She didn’t see how getting assignments from royalty could be something so casual for a librarian in a town like Ponyville. She also was impressed to hear Twilight was trained directly by the Sun princess in person. Rainbow told Alice Twilight studied at Celestia’s school and under the princess. However Alice thought she just meant in a large classroom.

“Wow! That really is amazing you were trained by Princess Celestia, Twilight!” Alice said in disbelief. “Are you royalty yourself or maybe nobility?”

Twilight gave a small blush as she quietly said, “Ummm… Nobility…”

Alice’s eyes widened a little more. She was about to curtsy and apologize, but Twilight quickly said, “It doesn’t mean that much to me! I mean my family doesn’t like to be treated any differently from normal ponies! Please don’t behave all formally and act distant, Alice!” The lavender unicorn seemed to be almost panicking as she spoke.

Alice gave an uneasy smile as she said, “If you say so….” Twilight seemed to relax to these words.

The dark haired pegasus gave Twilight a look and said, “I find it hard to believe you aren’t spoilt and some egotistical pony, Twilight. Don’t get me wrong! Its good you aren’t, but how are you not…. I mean how many ponies can say they are nobility. Let alone personally taught by royalty.”

Twilight gave a frown. “My family follows Celestia’s example! She wants to be in touch with her ponies and she is really fond of the younger ones. We of the Sparkle family try to be the same way. We aren’t like those ‘elitist’ ponies.”

Alice found this description of the princess’ behavior curious. She couldn’t help but wonder if it was some way Celestia tried to make up for allowing the Rainbow Factory to exist. More importantly she found Twilight even more curious. At the same time, her respect for Twilight and her family grew a lot. Nobles that treated others as equals were rare in Canterlot or anywhere.

“That is very admirable of you and your family, Twilight. If only more nobles acted the same way. But really… You were trained by Celestia in magic personally?” Twilight nodded to Alice. “You must really know a lot about magic then.”

Twilight gave a huge smile and neither pony noticed Spike place several books on a table near Alice. The baby dragon however said nothing and just listened to the two ponies talk.

“I do know a lot about magic. I love learning about it as well. Plus, my special talent is magic! I’m natural at it! Princess Celestia taught me a lot about controlling my power too. She said she hadn’t seen any other pony with as much rare power as me,” Twilight said with bright purple eyes, but suddenly they looked a little saddened.

Alice gave her a sympathetic look as she said calmly. “That must have been lonely. It must have alienated you from other ponies. I guess that is what they mean when they say a great gift can also be a curse.”

Twilight nodded. “I was lonely… still am a little bit at times. When I was studying in the castle it didn’t really bother me much, because I focused on my studies.”

Twilight’s purple eyes grew a little darker as she said, “Even now it still alienates me sometimes. Apart from the other Elements of Harmony, most ponies just treat me with polite indifference. I have tried to make other friends, but most ponies are intimidated by my status.”

Twilight gave a frown as she kept speaking. “I tell them it doesn’t matter to me. They still try to stay away from me, but not too far away. I am thankful for that, but I can’t talk about magic with other unicorns that would know a lot about magic, because of my status.

Alice was about to say something, but Twilight answered her unasked question. “Don’t get me wrong, I can talk to Rarity a little bit about it, but not much. She is amazing at control and precision for her job, but she doesn’t know much beyond that. I know I may not find another pony at my exact level in magic proficiency, but I wish I could at least make friends with a unicorn that knew something more about magic.”

Twilight gave a sigh, “Do you know what I mean by that?”

Alice gave a slow nod to her. “I understand in a sense, Twilight.” Twilight looked up to her with a questioning glance. “I don’t know much about magic, but I do know what it is like to want to be around ponies at least close to your level in something.”

Alice gave a smile. “As far as I know, there is only one pony that can keep up with me when it comes to flying. Even then they have to limit their speed some to do so.”

Twilight’s mouth opened a little bit to this. Alice nodded, and said, “Rainbow Dash is the only Pegasus I know that I can fly with at my level. There might be others, but I have yet to meet them.”

Alice gave a warm giggle as she said, “In fact, I first met Rainbow when she challenged me to a race. It was actually close until the final straight away and she used a sonic Rainboom to beat me.”

Twilight’s mouth was still hanging open before she finally spoke, “That sounds a little extreme for a friendly race… even for Rainbow Dash. I wonder why she did that.”

Alice shrugged her shoulders. “She simply told me it was because she couldn’t lose to me. Needless to say once she used the Sonic Rainboom, the race was over. She was better at the straight a ways than me, but I had her on the corners. So I have a small hint about what you mean, Twilight.”

Twilight shook her head and gave a little laugh. “It sounds to me like you know exactly what I mean, Alice. Still I can’t believe you are able to actually fly with Rainbow Dash like that. I have to see you two race before you head back to Cloudsdale.”

Alice gave a laugh, “Knowing Rainbow Dash there is a very good chance you will, Twilight.”

Twilight joined Alice in the laugh. The two ponies continued before a baby dragon cleared his throat and said, “Hey, Alice. I found those books you wanted. They are on the table here.” He pointed to a sizable stack next to him.

“That is more than I thought there would be. Thanks, Spike.” Alice gave him a smile, and the baby dragon swelled with pride.

“Well, he is my number one assistant,” Twilight said with undisguised pride. This caused Spike to blush. Twilight then gave a giggle and asked Alice, “What were you looking for anyways, Alice?”

Alice debated what to tell Twilight. She decided part of the truth would work. “I am going to teach Rainbow etiquette for Mr. Rich’s party. She made a bet with Rarity. Please don’t tell Rarity I am teaching Rainbow though, and don’t tell Rarity I am actually fairly well-mannered either. It is kind of a secret.”

Twilight gave a laugh to those words. “Ohh trust me, I won’t tell anyone that. I will tell the others not to tell Rarity as well. I wish you the best of luck though. Rainbow isn’t exactly known for her manners. If you pull this off, then I will lighten up on my studying for two weeks.”

Alice gave Twilight a knowing grin Cheshire would be proud of, and caused Twilight to have some second thoughts on her promise for a split second. “Well then we have ourselves a deal. If I fail this task, then I will do as you say for two weeks within reason.”

Twilight gave a nervous laugh, but agreed to the terms anyways. Spike was just shaking his head at Twilight. He wasn’t sure why, but he had a feeling Twilight would lose this bet. At the same time though, he was rooting for Alice and Rainbow. If Twilight let up on her studies then that meant he would have a bit of break for those weeks.

Alice then went through the pile of books and picked out three she thought would be the most helpful. “Anyways. Thanks for the books, I will return them before the party. Also it was nice getting to talk to you, Twilight.” Alice smiled and Twilight returned it.

It wasn’t long until Alice was back at Rainbow’s house and started to look through the books. That night Alice would find out just what she needed for Rainbow’s lessons. From there, Alice would do her best to get her rainbow maned friend to the point she could even fit in with pony royalty at an extravagant feast.

She spent some time skimming through the books, but soon she was bored. She decided to do a little homework for her mission. She could start looking into where Info Seek may end up staying or see if he might actually be in town already. It felt nice as she stretched her wings and took off for Ponyville once more.

Author's Notes:

Chapter made more readable thanks to Braininthejar. I only had him read through it once. So if there are still problems, it is most likely my fault alone.