Rarity was in the zone, magically lifting feathers and headbands, combing them to create fabulous designs. She had complained the whole way to Appleloosa but the second she was shown the buffalo´s collection of precious gems and beading, she was back in her happy place.

“Is she alright?” Little Strongheart asked, worried about the way the unicorn cackled when she finished a piece.

“Ah don´t worry, it´s better to have her like that than complaining about the weather every five seconds,” Applejack said. “Now cuz, what problem did you have with the trees again?”

Applejack and Braeburn left the room, leaving Little Strongheart with the other guest. She actually wanted to go with them to the orchard but she thought leaving Rarity alone was rude, despite how much she seemed to be having. She then realized her head was being filled with beans and feathers, magically forced into her hair.

“Oh darling, you look beautiful! You should wear more colorful accessories, they really bring the bright of your eyes! Here, let me help you…” Rarity said, forcing her magic on Strongheart.

“That...that isn´t necesarry.”

“Nonsense, you´ll look fabulous. Just let me do my magic.”

“NO! I mean, why don´t I show you the proper way to made them? I mean, the traditional way to made them?” Little Strongheart said, taking off the over the top headpiece Rarity had made.

“Oh of course, forgive my...enthusiasm.”

After that incident, Rarity and Strongheart actually had a good time together. The buffalo had to admit that the unicorn had talent, once she let go of her more extravagant ideas she was skillful and creative.

“How aobut this?” Rarity asked, showing a colorful headpiece.

“Wondeful. You certainly have learned the basics.”

“Oh that sounds like a challenge!”

“No, not at all,” Strongheart replied, blushing. “Mrs. Rarity, I don´t want to sound rude but why did you come here? Mrs. Applejack mentioned you dislike the weather.”

“It´s true, desert weather simply doesn´t combine with my delicate mane. But Applejack said she needed some help carrying the sick trees back to Ponyville.”

“That´s really generous of you.”

“Well, anything for a friend. I just hope those trees aren´t too heavy or too dirty.”

Strongheart giddled. “Don´t worry, I´ll carry them to the train. You just use your magic to secure them.”

“Well, thank you very much,” Rarity giggled too.

*****

A few hours later, Applejack and Strongheart carried the trees into the train. They were a little more dirty than Rarity would have liked but she faked a smile for her friends. Once everything was secured, Rarity had one final thing for Strongheart.

“I wanted to thank you for this lovely afternoon. When Applejack dragged into this dusty land, no offense Braeburn…”

“None taken, miss.”

“I was sure it was going to be unbearable but I actually had a good time. A really good time.”

Strongheart blushed, scratching her head.

“So I made you this piece as a thank you note,” Rarity said and pulled an elaborate headpiece. Even the Apples whistled at the sight of it.

“Oh! But this is...oh I…”

“What´s the problem, sugarcube?” Applejack asked the blushing buffalo.

“I´m sorry...I cannot accept this. I´m sorry!” Strongheart yelled and ran away.

“Well, the nerves! How dare she reject my present like that? I will not tolerate this!”

And Rarity ran off after Strongheart. The Apples whistled again, impressed by the mare´s fitness. Despite her reluctance for the desert ambient, Rarity was handling it pretty well, matching Strongheart´s speed. She tried to outrun her taking advantages of her natural agility but Rarity cheated, using her magic to teleport and catch up with her. Finally, Rarity was able to tackle down and demanded some answers.

“You...you don´t understand!” Strongheart replied.

“I understand that you rejected my present and I want to know why!”

“I...I can´t.”

Rarity didn´t took no for an answer and leaned forward over Strongheart, making her blush even harder.

“That headpiece you made is...is...an engagement piece!”

“...I beg your pardon?”

“The color of the band and the arrangement of the beans, tangled with the feathers, it´s the traditional way to propose to a calf. I´m sorry, I must have accidentally teach you that one. I didn´t mean anything by that…” Strongheart said, still blushing.

“Mmh. now why would you apologize?”

“Uh?”

“I see no point in apologizing for an honest mistake. If anything I´ll say it was a happy accident for my part,” Rarity said, looking down at strongheart.

“Oh,” Strongheart wasn't sure what to say but she smiled back at Rarity.

They both hear the whistle of the train but neither move. Instead, Rarity leaned a little forward, showing Strongheart one of her own traditions.