Scene #1119: Wonder what Rarity wanted?

Owner	Pose
Twilight Sparkle	A day or two after Rarity asked for assistance with something (but wouldn't say what), Twilight finally makes it to Rarity's boutique. Spike is of course riding on her back, eager to see his secret crush. He's playing it cool, wearing a shirt that has only a chest pocket-sized picture of Rarity with a heart for a background on the front. Twilight giggles lightly after taking a look at it, then raises a hoof and knocks on Rarity's door. "Rarity. It's Twilight. I'm here to help with...uh...whatever it is you needed help with." she says cheerfully. "And I'm here too, m'lady!" Spike declares happily. "Whatever has you troubled, I'm sure Twilight and I...mostly I...can vanquish it!"
Rarity	It's not often that Rarity doesn't answer the door to the store herself, but that's precisely the case today when it's a younger unicorn that opens it. "~Welcome to Rarity's Carosoul Boutique, where ever fashion--" Sweetie Belle stops in middle of rehearsed greeting when she actually notices who it is. "--Oh, hello!" Then turns to shout over her shoulder. "RARITY! TWILIGHT'S HERE!" "Good gracious Sweetie, not so loudly, and let her in." Sweetie ahems softly, pushing the door open entirely. "Right this way then~" The Boutique is, well, it's not a mess but it's certainly not as neat and tidy as Rarity usually prefers to keep it. The fashionista is sitting at her work table, mulling over a wide number of drawings, while several more papers lie crumpled in a wastebasket. "Maybe if I... hmmm... or if I... oh no no no, that will never do!" The page she was working on is pulled off the panel, crumpled in a impulse of magic, and tossed over her shoulder to the trash. Which is so full of crumpled papers it bounces off and to the floor, where it is promptly pounced on by Opal.
Twilight Sparkle	Twilight smiles as Sweetie Belle goes through the greeting. She is just about to speak when Sweetie bellows for her sister, causing Twilight to wince and her ears to pin back a moment. "Thank you." she says to Sweetie when invited in. It is very obvious to any of Rarity's friends when her boutique is not at its usual standards, and Twilight looks around with concern as she walks toward Rarity. Spike hops off of Twilight back and rushes over. "What's wrong, Rarity? You never let the store get so not clean." He can't say dirty because it is still pretty clean, but...just not as clean. Twilight reaches Rarity's work desk. "Perhaps you should take a break and have some tea while we discuss the problem." Twilight suggests with a smile.
Rarity	Rarity slouchs in her chair for a moment, but then sits up again when Twilight comes in, and Spike too. "Hello dahlings," she replies with a small smile, though the way some of her mane curls have disheveled partially takes most of the perk out of the expression. "I know, I know. It's been somewhat harrowing of a season. I've tried to get most of my needs for the holidays done, but every time I try to take a break something new comes in." Doesn't stop her from reaching down to pat Spike's head with a hoof though when he hustles over to her. "Some tea would be nice." Sweetie Belle poings, but before she can cause another kitchen disaster Rarity quickly adds, "Spike, would you be a dear?" Though when her sister slumps crestfallen she amends again, "Sweetie, why don't you go -help-." That's at least enough to cheer her up again as Sweetie practically prances for the kitchen. "Just don't let her actually use the stove," Rarity whispers to Spike. Then turns her attention back to Twilight. "Problem?... Oh, right. A somewhat.. peculiar need for one of my, shall we say, projects..."
Twilight Sparkle	Spike happily scampers off toward the kitchen to get the tea ready. "Come on, Sweetie Belle. We'll make the best tea ever." he says as the disappear around the corner. Twilight moves around the desk to stand by Rarity, giving her friend a sympathetic look. "So, what is this peculiar need for your projects that is giving you problems? You usually make it through the season without any help." Twilight says, giving Rarity a gentle pat on the shoulder.
Rarity	Having one of her friends here to offer support certainly does help to pick Rarity's tired mood up a bit. "I know, Twilight dear. But this year one of the .. preculiarities of the multiverse has thrown me quite a screwball." Must be a saying phrase she's picked up from her father. That or she's just too wore out to bother putting extra thought into more cultured turn of phrases. The fashionista turns her stool towards the wallboard behind her, gesturing a hoof towards it. "The wide variety of body shapes and sizes is perplexing at times. But what's gotten me this year is dealing with the ones that can -change- shape and size." She turns back to Twilight with a sigh. "It's hard to design possible attire when there's too much potential for it being destroyed when one needs to utilize that ability. And you think -I'm- fussy about costume changes..."
Twilight Sparkle	Twilight blinks. That -is- quite a dilemna. Twilight thinks a moment, then her ears perk. "I have been practicing with transmogrification magic for quite a while. Perhaps we could work together to make some bolts of self-modifying cloth. It would take a lot of effort to make the effect permanent, but...if it works, you'll be able to easily handle such orders, both this season and in the future." Twilight says, smiling happily at the idea. About this time, there is a whistling from the kitchen. That is quickly silenced. "Sweetie! Don't!" Spike's voice exclaims. "But the steam was escap-" kaboom! "...yeah...it's supposed to do that..." "I'll get the back-up teapot!" "Wait, I'll get it!" crash "...i-it's okay! There's a back-up back-up!" tackling sound
Staren	Twilight wasn't at the library :( Fortunately, Staren can just radio her! So it is that he shows up at the door, peering in through the window for a couple of seconds and then letting himself in. "Hi Twilight, Rarity! How is it going?" He smiles and waves, and then... kitchen destruction occurs. He looks rather concerned until he hears Sweetie and Spike speak up again, then he sweatdrops. "I hope she's never allowed near pressure cookers or hot oil..." After trotting up to hug Twilight, he levitates a bag in front of him. "Are you girls hungry? I forgot to eat and got really hungry, so I picked up some hayburgers and fries. Was lucky to get there before they closed!"
Rarity	Rarity blinks once. Then again. "By Celestia, why didn't I think of something like that?" And then she hugs Twilight. "That's a brilliant notion, dahling! If you can pull it off, that i--" Cue interruption from the kitchen to partially spoil the moment. Rarity... just lowers her face to a hoof for a moment at the ruckus from the kitchen. "You can't blame her for trying... but cooking is clearly not a talent she is going to get her cutie mark for." While normally Rarity wouldn't be too interested in 'fast food', a low growl from her stomach belays the notion quickly. "... I've been so obsessed with this matter I haven't eaten since breakfast..." Which... was... well thankfully Sweetie Belle had to go to school before she could try to make breakfast for her.
Twilight Sparkle	Twilight blinks in surprise as Staren suddenly appears. She smiles, returning his hug, then gives him a nuzzle. "Aww. Aren't you considerate." Twilight says happily. Only to wince as the crashing and other commotion. "...ohmy...I hope they are alright." she says, then blinks again as Rarity's belly rumbles. Twilight giggles politely before smiling. "As I said, you should take a break. A short break for lunch and tea will not kill you." she says. Then, Sweetie Belle comes crawling out of the kitchen, carrying a teapot by the handle between her teeth, with Spike hanging onto her back legs, trying to stop her. "It...isn't...done...yet..." Spike is grunting. But, Sweetie Belle will not be stopped! "I...brought...the tea...Rarity...!" Sweetie says each time she inches closer.
Staren	Staren smiles and levitates food out of the bag to the others. "So, what were you talking about? Did Twilight order some clothes?" He sweatdrops a bit at the kids. This is cute, but... He mutters, "If the tea's not done yet, why is she so eager to bring it...?"
Rarity	"Now that we have a possible solution to the problem, yes, I can actually relax without that gnawing away at the back of my mind." She smiles at Staren. "More than kind of you to share, dear." Coming from the Element of Generosity, that's something to be said. Rarity just sighs again as Sweetie Belle, well, is being too eager to help like usual. Lightly she uses her magic to claim the teapot and levitate it over to the table. Spike can let go now, at least. "Thanks, Sweetie. Now why don't you go finish your homework, and I'll come tuck you in once we're done situating this matter." "Okay." At least thinking she helped seems to be enough. "Thanks for helping Spike." Sweetie gives the dragon a hug somewhat awkwardly considering they're the same size almost, then scampers off upstairs. "Unfamiliarity. My parents prefer coffee over tea," is the only somewhat flat answer Rarity has for Staren's question.
Twilight Sparkle	Twilight can't help but giggle as Sweetie comes crawling out of the kitchen. As Spike is hugged, he sighs softly and hugs back. "You're welcome." he says in that tone that says 'All the help in the world wouldn't help'. Then, Spike comes back over to the table. Twilight takes one of the burgers and fries, and Spike hops up onto the table and seats himself before taking a set of fast food as well. "Hey, if you hold that up, I might be able to make the tea still." Spike says between bites. "I am a dragon after all." Twilight looks like she is thinking again. "In order to cast the spell, I will probably need support from you, Rarity. Your fashion magic will help make it easier to infuse the material, I think." she says, then blinks. "Oh, we are trying to make fabric that will adjust automatically to its wearer's size and shape. Apparently Rarity had some shapeshifters order outfits this season."
Rarity	Rarity picks up a hayburger with her hooves, then pauses at Spike's suggestion. "Oh goodness me, how can I be so scatterbrained. Of course dahling." She levitates the pot over Spike's head so he can flame the bottom without accidentally hitting anything else potentially flammable. "Guess I really do need the break." So she takes a few quiet moments to actually eat some of the hayburger. Of course politely chewing completely and swallowing before speaking up again. Heavens forbid she talk with her mouth full, that's so uncouth. So... something Rainbow Dash would do. Just to annoy her, too. "Of course. If you cast a size adjusting spell and I cast infusion magic at the same time, it should work. We can try it on one bolt of fabric to make sure it works, first."
Staren	"I'm glad to help!" Staren's smile fades slightly. "Although, in truth, they had some kind of daily deal and my eyes were bigger than my stomach, as they say..." He nods a little to Rarity's reply. "My family drinks iced tea, mostly. Dad has coffee sometimes." He's been levitating individual fries out of the bag and eating them, now he pulls out the whole container and a burger, and once the bag is empty, crumples it up and stuffs it in the trash. Or on top where it might precariously roll off and get pounced by Opal, perhaps. After taking a bite, chewing, and swallowing, Staren observes, "Isn't clothes for shapeshifters Tomoyo's specialty? I... don't know if you're competing or what, but maybe she might have some ideas, too." He blinks. "Or, wait, no, it was clothes for people with powers in general, wasn't it? Hmm." He takes another bite and chews, thoughtfully. "Twilight, have you ever enchanted an item with transformation magic before, or only cast the spell directly?"
Twilight Sparkle	When Rarity levitates the teapot upward, Spike takes a deep breath, then unleashes a steady, controlled flame on the bottom of the pot. The pot heats up rapidly thanks to his dragonfire, and within a few moments the whistling that caused all the trouble earlier is heard. Spike stops his flames, then grins. "There we go. Just let it sit for a minute and steep." he says before continuing on his burger. Twilight nods in agreement with Rarity, then looks to Staren. "No, I have so far been unable to make a change permanent to any object or being. But, that is not really what the material needs. It just needs to be able to change shape. I'll try to make the spell so that it casts whenever the wearer changes shape or size."
Rarity	The wastebin is so full of crumpled papers that the bag topples off to the floor. Where it is promptly snatched by Opal and dragged under the table. Cats and small, noisy spaces, go figure. "You're always so useful Spikey-wikey~" Rarity sets the teapot aside for a minute while the tea steeps. "Correct, it just needs to change when the person wearing it changes, it doesn't need to change and stay, otherwise it wouldn't go back when they go back... And there's nothing wrong with a little professional compatition in the fashion industry, Staren dear. Otherwise we would have no reason as artists to continue trying to improve. It helps keep the industry fresh and inventive, and besides, I'm sure we have our own specialties in styles that are different as well." She finishes her hayburger, and now that it's had time to properly finish, helps herself to a cup of tea to wash it all down.
Staren	Staren nods and pours himself a cup of tea. "Cool. So... are you guys trying this tonight? I'd certainly be interested to see the creation of a new magic item!" He blows on the tea to cool it back down.
Twilight Sparkle	Spike giggles like the little kid he is when Rarity thanks him. Twilight considers Staren's question. "Well, I suppose that depends on if Rarity is feeling up to it. I'm sure she wants it done right away, but it may take a few attempts to find out if it works. So, we should make sure we are rested and well fed." she says, then smiles. "However, I would be happy to have you observe. It has been a while since we collaborated on a new experiment." Twilight finishes off her burger, then nibbles on hayfries. "And if you guys -do- make it, it'll be the hottest new fashion since Rarity made the last hottest new fashion!" Spike says excitedly.
Rarity	Rarity rubs her eyes with the back of her hoof. "Twilight is right. I should get some proper rest before we attempt such an endeavor. Though knowing we have a possible solution I will -be able to- actually rest tonight." At least more than she has the last couple of nights, at least. There's only so much rest to be had on any given night when Sweetie Belle is staying with her. The paper bag tumbles out from under the other side of the table, a muffled "mew" from the Opal that's managed to get stuck inside it like cats tend to do.
Staren	Staren smiles. "It /has/ been too long." He chuckles a little at the hottest new fashion comment. It seems like it would have a rather limited demographic, after all... Then nods as Rarity declines to attempt tonight. "I hear that. Problems to solve keep you thinking all night..." Opal-in-a-bag tumbling out from under the table gets a sort of half chuckle and a smile out of him. He stands over the bag to peer down at it. "Having fun?"
Twilight Sparkle	Twilight lifts a hoof as the cat in the bag rolls out, then giggles softly. "So, do whatever work you need to do tonight, then get some rest. I will head back to the library to brush up on the spell so that it is as perfect as possible when we try to infuse it into the fabric." Spike watches the bag rolling and ends up snickering. "What is it with cats and bags? I mean, can't they figure out they are going to get stuck?"
Rarity	Rarity shifts a bit in her seat to glance down and can't help but snicker a bit herself. "Bags, boxes and baskets of warm laundry. Three things a cat cannot resist." "mew" I would be giving you all SUCH a DEATH GLARE right now... if my face wasn't covered. Curse you paper bag, you win this round! "I shall do the same. Usually I use infusion spells for just visual effects, so it wouldn't hurt to refresh one's memory."
Staren	Staren looks back over at Rarity. "Infusion spells for visual effects? Like what?"
Rarity	Rarity smiles cloyly. "Like making sure one always gets that right sheen across reflective materials. You know how hard it is to get a proper lense flare la natural?"
Twilight Sparkle	Twilight smiles as Staren and Rarity keep talking. She gives Staren a little nuzzle. "I'll be at the library if you need me." she says to them, then she heads toward the door. She doesn't take Spike with her, figuring he is pretty safe here in Rarity's shop with Rarity and Staren. "See you tomorrow, Rarity! Goodnight Staren!" Twilight calls as she leaves.
Staren	Staren ahs and nods, "I see, you can apply environment maps to real-life objects!" Something about that sounds useful. He makes a mental note to mention it to the Sburb kids, they might like items with that look. He turns to nuzzle Twilight in return. "I'll see you around! But, now that I'm not feeling so hungry, I'm starting to feel tired." He leans against her lightly, then straightens up. "Good to see you too, girls. Why don't I walk you home?" He follows after Twilight, calling back, "Night Rarity! Night Sweetie Belle! Night Spike!"
Rarity	Rarity waves after the two of them. "Good night dahlings. And thanks for the help Twilight!" She picks up the teapot, and then notices Spike is still here. Oh, well, may as well make use of it, right? So she hads the teapot to him. "Can you put this away and clean up the kitchen please Spike dahling? I need to go tuck Sweetie Belle in, and prehaps take a quick bath to relax before I go to bed." "Sure thing Rarity!" Spike, turn down a chance to help Rarity? Not on your life. Not even with knowing how much of a mess the kitchen probably is. Silly little lovesick dragon. <3