As the transport eased to a halt, the garage doors slid open with a soft hiss, revealing a sleek, futuristic space bathed in ambient light. The smooth, polished floor caught the glow from above, reflecting it in soft, muted tones that added to the sense of calm. Everything was arranged with meticulous care, from the vehicles parked in neat rows to the minimalist sculptures that stood like sentinels against the walls. The space was undeniably modern, but there was a warmth to it, a subtle touch of personality that hinted at the life lived within.
You stepped out, your footsteps nearly silent on the polished floor. The vehicles in the garage were marvels of streamlined design, each one more impressive than the last. They didn't feel like mere modes of transportation but rather pieces of a carefully curated collection.
Rarity turned to you, her smile warm but with that ever-present hint of pride. "Welcome to my humble abode," she said, her voice carrying that easy grace she always seemed to exude. The understatement in her words made you smile, as if she were inviting you in on a private joke.
As she led the way toward a set of tall, double doors at the far end of the garage, you couldn't help but notice a few subtle details that made the space feel more alive. A few framed sketches hung on the walls, each one a work of art in its own right. Some were delicate, flowing designs of dresses that seemed almost too beautiful to be worn, while others were rougher, more experimental, capturing the raw creativity of their creator. There were also family photographs, snapshots of moments frozen in time, showing Rarity with her sister, Sweetie Belle, and a few other familiar faces.
Fluttershy followed beside you, her hooves making soft clicks on the polished floor. She seemed at ease here, as though she'd been here more than a few times. The two of them seemed to be fairly close, if your intuition was correct. You glanced at her, and she met your gaze with a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting the soft light that filled the room.
The tall doors opened to a grand foyer, and as you stepped inside, you were struck by the sense of openness. A sweeping staircase spiraled upward, its delicate steps made of something that looked like glass but was clearly much sturdier. The walls were lined with more artwork—paintings of landscapes exotic landscapes of a distant world, and abstract pieces that played with light and color.
The windows stretched from floor to ceiling, offering a commanding view of the bustling city outside. The lights of the buildings flickered like stars in the twilight, and you could see air traffic zipping between the skyscrapers.
Your eyes were immediately drawn to the large holographic view screen on the wall. A fashion program played, showcasing models, both anthro and regular ponies, striding down digital runways in outfits that were both chic and daring, pushing the boundaries of design. The garments shimmered as they flowed, while an elegant narration described each ensemble’s intricacies, which reflected Rarity’s keen eye for detail. You idly wondered if any of them were of Rarity's design, or if she was merely looking to others for inspiration.
The room itself oozed sophistication. Two sleek, semicircular couches, upholstered in deep, velvety blue with golden stitching, formed an inviting arc around a low, modern glass table. Throw pillows in various textures were scattered across the seats, their slightly askew positions hinting at recent use, while A soft throw blanket was draped casually over one side.
As you made your way further into the room, a few finer details caught your eye. A stack of glossy fashion magazines sat on the glass table, some open to spreads of the latest trends. A sketchpad lay beside them, revealing unfinished designs, and a few scattered pencils indicated a creative session that had been left mid-progress. It was easy to imagine Rarity at work here, refining her ideas late into the night.
"Make yourself comfortable, darling," Rarity said, gesturing toward the seating area. As you settled onto one of the plush couches, you noticed something nearby that caught your eye: framed photographs rested on a side table. One image captured Rarity and, surprisingly, an anthro, adult version of Sweetie Belle, who was dressed in an eye-popping red sleeveless dress at a high-profile event.
Rarity had told you that Sweetie was past her formative years, but to see her like this was something else.
Much like some of the other anthros you've seen, she was equally gifted in the chest area, and was not afraid to show it. Her smile was confident, but still retained a hint of youthful charm. Another photo showed a more candid moment—Sweetie mid-laugh, leaning against Rarity’s shoulder.
Further signs of Sweetie’s presence filled the space. A stylish pair of boots had been kicked off near the door, and a bright, colorful scarf draped over a chair added an extra pop of color to the room.
Fluttershy, already seated on one of the couches, had made herself at home. She picked up a teacup from the glass table. "Looks like Sweetie Belle left you a little something," she commented with a soft smile, offering the cup to Rarity.
Rarity chuckled, her horn glowing gently as she levitated the cup toward her. "Ah, my dear Sweetie Belle. Always in a rush." Her warm tone was filled with affection. "She keeps things lively around here."
As you observed more of the room, you noticed dress sketches pinned to a board on the wall, as well as an open portfolio filled with modeling poses and promotional shots that lay on the table.
“Is that Sweetie Belle?” you asked, gesturing toward the photograph of the two sisters at the fashion event.
Rarity’s expression softened as she glanced at the image. “Indeed, that was her first major show. She looked absolutely radiant that night."
“It’s wonderful having her here with me, even if she does tend to leave her ‘creative process’ everywhere,” Rarity added with a lighthearted laugh, her gaze lingering fondly on the scattered boots and scarves.
She took a deep sip of her tea, before she set it on the table.
Then she scooted close to you, so that her plush fur rubbed against the skin of your bare arm and nuzzled into your elbow.
(What happens next?)