As the light of the sun began to pour in through her windows, Rarity couldn't help but breathe a sigh of contentment. At this present moment, she was busy, working on her dresses as usual. Within the confines of her main room in the Carousel Boutique, she felt comfortable here, surrounded by all the trappings of one to whom fashion was a way of life. And before her, there was a great number of mannequins, already decked out in several of the outfits she's prepared. There were all manner of colours, shapes and sizes on display there, and each one of them looked good in their own way. And yet, ever the artist, Rarity simply kept on working on them, always trying out some new potential design or colour combination, never once taking them out into the main public area of her shop until she was absolutely satisfied with what she'd made. One mannequin in particular seemed to be the centre of most of her attention at this present moment however, as she kept looking from it to an open book on a nearby desk. Poking her chin slightly, she kept on humming to herself while thinking over a pile of materials she had on the floor. Oh my! This simply won't do! Twilight's birthday is coming up and I must prepare something extra special for her! I mean, I know she technically won’t be here on her birthday, with her being out of town and all, but sill, that's no excuse to not give her something marvellous when she returns!

She let out a sigh, walking over to her desk and looking over a few colour palettes she had on the side. As she looked them over, she was suddenly distracted by the sound of loud laughter coming from outside. Turning, she walked over to a nearby window, looking out into the streets of Ponyville. After scouring the area for a moment, she caught sight of the source of the laughter. A smile crept onto her face as she discovered that it was none other than her sister, Sweetie Belle, who was in the middle of speaking with Spike. An affectionate smile crossed the fashionista's face as she looked upon them. I say, those two are simply adorable together! I mean...Spike's little crush on me was cute and all, but with my being so ol...I mean...with my being so advan...no...with my being an inappropriate age for him...yes, that'll do...it simply wouldn't be suitable. Now, Sweetie Belle on the other hoof, that's a suitable match! However, her smile faded somewhat as she turned around, seeing a great number of materials and other items strewn about her room. Then again...it was nice having him around to help out as much as he did. Still, he does come over every once in a while to offer his assistance, so I suppose I can't complain.

Walking back over to her desk, she began to think over Twilight’s dress once more. However, this was short-lived as yet another thought began to make itself known in her mind. Wait...wasn't there supposed to be another birthday happening soon? Looking around, she began to walk over to a nearby chest of drawers, which she opened with the use of her magic. A smile crept onto her face as she caught sight of a small note inside. Levitating it out, she began to read it. Dear Rarity, in case I'm not back in time for it, here's the date for Spike's birthday. I hope it's not too much to ask, but I was hoping you and the girls might do something special for him. I hope to see you again soon. Yours sincerely, Twilight. Rarity nodded at that, but stopped when she noted that there was an extra line written at the bottom of the parchment. P.S. Don't give Spike too many presents. I don't want to spoil him. After reading that line a few times, Rarity let out a brief giggle before rolling her eyes. Really, darling? I know it's your job as a mother to raise him responsibly, but I think you can cut loose a little on his birthday of all days. Though, I will need to think of what to get young Spike when it comes along. Soon afterwards, she was halted from that train of thought by a sudden knocking on her door. Turning to it, she raised an eyebrow.

"Goodness. Who could that be?"

Her question was soon answered as the door began to open. When Rarity saw who it was on the other side, she broke out into a smile. For there, standing in the door, was the former show-mare, Trixie. Seeing Rarity, she gave a smile before walking forward, after which, Rarity called out in greeting.

"Trixie, darling! What can I do for you?"

The blue mare then gained a look of slight nervousness as she pointed to the door she'd just entered through.

"Well...it's kind of weird, but this stallion and mare arrived at the Golden Oak today, said Twilight invited them here to meet...well...you."

As expected, Rarity raised an eyebrow at that.

Me? Pray tell, Trixie, who is it?"

Trixie looked from Rarity to the door and then back again before speaking up.

"Well...I get the feeling that you'd know more than I would."

Looking somewhat confused at that, Rarity looked on as Trixie turned around and began to walk out of the door. After a brief pause, the alabaster unicorn started to follow her. It took some time, but the two of them eventually reached the main shop floor of the Carousel Boutique. Rarity looked around for a brief moment before finally catching sight of two ponies, standing just inside the front door. But, when she finally realised who they were, her jaw practically dropped to the ground. It was a white unicorn stallion with a bright blue mane and moustache, dressed in very formal attire, complete with a monocle over one eye. As for his companion, it was a unicorn mare, taller than most, with a flowing pink mane and a sweet smile upon her face. As Rarity gawked at the two of them, Trixie stifled a giggle as she looked at her in this state. Eventually, Rarity shook herself out of this trance and pulled Trixie over to the side before the two visitors could see her. Once out of sight, she whispered to her in an excited manner.

"I...I...I...I...I...I can't believe it! It's...it's...Fancy Pants!"

Trixie stared at her with a completely deadpan expression.

"Okay...for the sake of argument, let's just assume I don't know who that is...which I don't."

After gaining a look of slight embarrassment, Rarity cleared her throat briefly before explaining herself.

"Fancy Pants is one of the most prestigious nobles of all of Canterlot! I mean it when I say that his words carries serious weight over there. You want to know how highly ponies regard him? Princess Celestia hosts a number of functions and parties over the course of the year, and while many nobles get to go to at least one of them, Fancy is the only one she consistently invites to all of them. He is the face of Canterlot nobility!"

Trixie nodded, at last understanding Rarity's eagerness at the guy being here. The latter craned her neck, looking on at the mare standing beside Fancy.

"And that must be his wife, Fleur De Lis. But...what are they doing here?"

Trixie shrugged her shoulders.

"Dunno. They just showed up at the library saying Twilight invited them over."

Rarity nodded.

"Yes...but...why?"

Trixie then raised an eyebrow.

"You know...you could always talk to them."

Rarity looked to her, and then to the noble couple in her shop, before clearing her throat again. She took a moment to look in a nearby mirror, making sure she looked presentable, before trotting out in as regal a manner as she could. It took only a moment for the two ponies to finally notice her, at which point Fancy gave a smile and a nod.

"Ah! You must be miss Rarity, yes?"

Rarity, upon hearing one of Canterlot's foremost noble stallions speak to her, had the expected reaction to it. Namely, she started fumbling her words almost immediately. As for Fancy, he merely stood there patiently, waiting for his host to compose herself. After finally doing so, Rarity chuckled nervously before starting to speak properly.

"Um...yes! Welcome to Carousel Boutique! I must confess...I had not expected to see a mare and stallion of your calibre here in my humble abode."

Fancy gave a slight bow of his head after hearing that.

"Well...I usually don't go so far out of Canterlot...until we received word from one Twilight Sparkle."

Rarity stood there, looking confused, at which point Miss Fleur finally spoke up.

"Indeed. It seems Miss Sparkle heard word that I was looking for some formal attire for an upcoming function. The dear actually made it a point to write to us and suggested we visit you, since that is your area of expertise and all."

As one might expect, Rarity's jaw was on the verge of colliding with the ground once again, but thankfully, she stopped herself from doing so, finally managing to get some more words out.

"I...I find myself surprised to hear that. Twilight really did that? For me?"

Fleur nodded before turning to one of the dresses on display, after which she put on a genuine smile.

"She did. And, well, when the student of our princess speaks to you, it behoves one to pay attention. She spoke quite highly of your skill, and it seems she was not overstating your talent. This is fine work, Miss Rarity."

A massive blush emerged on Rarity's cheeks, prompting her to look away slightly.

"Oh...you give me too much credit, Miss Fleur. I'm sure you and your Lord husband must feel rather uncomfortable coming to such a rural locale as this simply for a dress."

To her surprise, Fancy let out a hearty laugh at that.

"Nonsense! Why, I actually find myself rather liking this place. It's so...charmingly rustic."

I took a while, but Rarity soon started to bear an affectionate smile, as she then turned to the window at the front of her store, looking out at the streets of Ponyville beyond.

"Yes...I've always been fond of it myself."

She turned again as Fancy began to approach her.

"Well, since my darling wife appears to like what you've made here, I think it's safe to say that we have an arrangement. Here's my card. We'll be in touch, I'm sure."

As he said, the stallion soon reached into his suit pocket and brought out a small card, after which he offered it to her. Rarity was, admittedly, quite nervous about doing so, but she soon accepted the token, at which point Fancy gave her a smile and a nod before starting to head off, with his wife not far behind him. Rarity watched as the two noble ponies walked out of her store, leaving her alone with Trixie in that main room. Looking down, she observed the card in her hooves carefully, seeing that it was indeed Fancy Pants' true address there. There was silence in the Boutique for a time, but eventually, Rarity could hold it in no longer. She let out the most ear-piercing squeal of her life, prompting Trixie to cover her hears with her hooves for fear of going deaf. The former show-mare watched as Rarity practically bounced off the walls in a manner reminiscent of Pinkie Pie, squealing all the way. When she eventually stopped doing so, she looked down at the card once more, bringing it up to her lips and kissing it many times over, which was something Trixie couldn't help but giggle at. However, it was here that Rarity finally turned to look at her, smiling widely. The blue unicorn backed away slightly as Rarity approached, but before long, the latter stopped and spoke up with pure excitement in her voice.

"Okay! That settles it! Just for this, I'm going to make the absolute best dress of my career for Twilight when she gets back! In fact...no...that's not good enough! Let's get the girls together and plan the best and biggest birthday party for her son, Spike! I know she said not to spoil him, but, come on! It's the least I can do to say "thank you" for her doing this! Besides...where's the harm in indulging a child like Spike every once in a while?"