1st Dress

[prissy_hooves]

[It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, and the Liebert residence on Hastings Boulevard has just gotten itself a new pet.  There is suddenly a doghouse in the back yard where there wasn't one before, its new occupant just waking up from her beauty sleep as a cute squeaky yawning sound emanates from the structure.  Of course, the voice isn't cute for very long, because once its owner realizes she's not in her bed anymore, the next sound out of that doghouse is a shrill, piercing scream.]

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

[Waking up in a new place is always a rather disorienting experience, especially when you're used to pampered comforts.  And then there's the dirt to consider.  Rarity comes tearing out of the doghouse like she's just seen a ghost, but doesn't make it very far before the rope anchoring her pulls her back.  Frowning at her surroundings and at the dirt and dust on her beautiful coat, Rarity decides that the best course of action is to complain loudly until someone notices her.]

What is the meaning of this?  Where am I?  This is certainly no way to treat a lady!  Tied up to whatever this miniature house is supposed to be with a piece of rope, like a common pack mule!  And no floor inside whatsoever!  It will take hours to get all of this dirt out of my hooves, to say nothing of the mess it's made of my mane!

[She huffs a little, shaking her head in dismay before appearing to calm down some.]

Well.  First things first, then.  Let's take care of this rope.

[Rarity closes her eyes for a moment in concentration, but they soon shoot wide open in shock.]

My magic!  What's happened to my magic?  Is my horn all right?

[Lifting a hoof, she feels around on her forehead for a moment or two.  Unfortunately, the horn which typically adorns it is conspicuously missing.]

My horn!  They've taken my horn!  What manner of savages are responsible for this?

[And she's just going to continue struggling against her restraint while shouting indignantly at whoever's unlucky enough to be passing by.  Knotwork isn't a skill that's typically practiced by proper high-class ladies such as herself, so Rarity's a bit stuck for the moment.]

Comments

[brotherseyes.livejournal.com]

You're in a town called Mayfield. At least, it likes to present itself as a town. It's really something more sinister than that. A few theories have been tossed around. That it's an alternate dimension, that it's a virtual simulation. We don't know for sure. But we're working hard to find out.

Unfortunately, this isn't a good place. I'm sorry to have to tell you that. But it's best if you know. Mayfield is dangerous. Sometimes, the town itself might try to hurt you. There are different kinds of people in it--prisoners like you and me, drones like the children living here you'll probably meet soon, and...some of the town officials and other people here don't seem to be like us, but they don't seem to be real drones either.

[Nina has been solemn as she explains this, but soon she smiles again.]

Don't worry, though! I promise, as long as you're living with me, I won't let anyone hurt you. My name is Nina, by the way. Or Anna. The drones call me "Anna Liebert" most of the time. But if someone says anything about "Nina Fortner" you should know that's me, too.

The other person living here is my brother, Johan.

[frilly-filly.livejournal.com]

Ah... that does sound rather sinister. This sort of thing is really more in Twilight Sparkle's realm of expertise, unfortunately, but I thank you for the warning.

[Rarity smiles a little, bowing her head slightly.]

A pleasure to meet you, Nina. I am Rarity.

[brotherseyes.livejournal.com]

Hi, Rarity! That's a pretty name!

[She is pretty, too! Part of Nina has always wanted a pony...]

Listen, about Johan. If you're going to live with us, there's probably a few things you should know. I don't blame you if you decide to spend most of your time with seombody else, if you find someone you trust--but you'll still have to spend the night here every third night if you don't want to be turned into a drone.

[frilly-filly.livejournal.com]

What about Johan? Is there something I should know?

[brotherseyes.livejournal.com]

He can be very dangerous. He's trying to do better. He is. But for now, don't take anything he gives you, and if he says something that seems hurtful or frightening, try not to give it too much thought. If you ever feel threatened by him, for any reason, get me and I'll do whatever I can to protect you.

[frilly-filly.livejournal.com]

I'll... certainly keep that in mind.

[Yeah, Rarity doesn't know what to think over here.]

[brotherseyes.livejournal.com]

[Poor Rarity. Nina actually feels bad for her. She didn't exactly win the fake family sweepstakes.]

I know it's a lot to take in. I'm sorry. But I want to help you if I can.

[frilly-filly.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Nina. It's definitely good to have friends. And perhaps I can help you out too, as long as we'll both be living together anyway.

[brotherseyes.livejournal.com]

If you want to! What kind of help did you have in mind?

[frilly-filly.livejournal.com]

I happen to be an accomplished fashion designer. I was thinking I could help you update your look a bit!

[brotherseyes.livejournal.com]

You are? That's--wait. What about my 'look' needs to be updated?

[frilly-filly.livejournal.com]

Oh, just a few things here and there! You're very pretty, you just need to show it off a bit more! For example, earth tones are all well and good, but they really don't match your eyes very well. And you have such a lovely face - you should really frame it better! I think you'd look nice with some curls. Nothing too severe, mind you, just a bit will do. You'd be surprised what a difference things like that can make.

[brotherseyes.livejournal.com]

[Nina fingers her hair just a little awkwardly.]

I guess...if you really think that would help...

[frilly-filly.livejournal.com]

Helping others to look and feel their best is what I do! Don't worry, you're in good hooves.

[brotherseyes.livejournal.com]

If you say so, then I trust you! But wait. How does someone with hooves even hold scissors?

[frilly-filly.livejournal.com]

Very carefully, of course.