Author's Note: The song enclosed is an original written by me and may not be used without my consent.

For Ben, my real life Shining Armor.

Rarity woke up that morning sighing. She had had that dream again. She'd met the most perfect stallion, and he'd asked for her hoof in marriage. She woke up, saddened at the reality before her. Why had that particular dream been plaguing her mind lately? It wasn't as if she'd met any pony special lately. Life for her had taken on an unexciting sameness that bored her to death. She worked and hung out with her friends. There was nothing else in between. As much as she loved Ponyville, living in such a small village meant that exotic and exciting events were hard to come by. Not like big cities like Manehattan or Canterlot, where there was always something setting the town abuzz with news. She took off her sleeping mask and put on her robe and drug herself out of bed. She shuffled to the bathroom in her slippers to get ready for the day. She ran herself a warm bath and sighed in relief as the warm water enveloped her. Then, she began the tedious process of bathing. As she did, she began to sing quietly to herself.

"I dream of love, and that's hard to find

As anybody knows

But maybe there's still hope for me

If my dreams show how it goes

He will hold me tight

Long into the night

He will give me flowers just because he can

He will be the one that I dream of

The perfect kind of stallion

We'll share a love so tender

Under shining stars so bright

And I know that I'll find him

It might even be tonight!

He'll treat me like a mare should be

Sweet, chivalrous and kind

He'll be the center of my world

I'll finally call him mine

out of the shadows our love will come

That's how I'll know it best

We'll have our happy ending

And we'll outshine all the rest

Someday my dreams will come true

And love will come walking through my door

Nothing but the best will do

He'll be everything and more

But for now my dreams must wake up

As I put on all my make up

In hopes of catching someone's glance

I've never asked for much in love,

But there's someone I've been dreaming of

And all I need is just one chance..."

She headed downstairs to begin her work on her next line of clothing.

At noon, the bell to her shop rang. She looked up and was surprised. It was a stallion.

His coat was a brilliant white, set off by a coal black mane and bright and lively blue eyes. His cutie mark was the crest of the royal family, with a piece of rolled up parchment and quill below the coat of arms.

"Good afternoon, Ma'am." His voice was deep and smooth. "My name is Poet Laureate, and I've traveled here from Canterlot to see your fashions."

The breath left her lungs and her heart was beating wildly in her chest. She barely kept her composure.

"It's lovely to meet you, sir. How may I be of assistance to you today?"

Her voice was sweet like honey and her mane styled perfectly. She was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. He wasn't sure if he believed in love at first sight, but if he did, she would be the sight that made him believe. He knew he had to have her. He nearly stumbled over his words.

"I need a suit. I'm a large part of my good friend's wedding."

"Oh yes, of course." She led him to her design room. "What color suit are you looking for?"

"A black one if you please, miss...?"

"Rarity. My name is Rarity."

"Well, it's a pleasure meeting you, Miss Rarity. And, if I may be so bold to ask you, would you like to have dinner with me sometime?"

"I'd love to." She said a bit quickly. He was secretly thrilled.

"Excellent. Shall we meet at the Ponyville Café this Friday?"

"That sounds lovely, Laureate. As for your suit, how about this one?"

It was a black suit with gold cufflinks and white sleeves. It would match perfectly with his rose boutonniere. He smiled.

"It will do perfectly." She rung up his purchase and watched him walk out the door. She waited a good five minutes before squealing in delight. She closed up shop an hour early (Having made more than a day's worth of money in that one sale) and rushed to tell her friends, giddy and dazed with excitement. She felt as though she was walking on air.

She decided to tell Fluttershy first. Her supportive nature would only further boost her morale. Fluttershy was out feeding the birds when Rarity arrived, grinning broadly.

"Good afternoon, Fluttershy."

"Oh! Hello Rarity! You look happy today. What's the occasion?"

"A stallion from Canterlot asked me to dinner! It's everything I ever hoped for!"

"That's wonderful! I'm so happy for you!" They hugged, then Rarity went off to tell Pinkie Pie, who gave her two cupcakes to celebrate the occasion. Rainbow Dash was helping Applejack repair a leak in the barn roof when she arrived.

"Howdy there, Rarity."

"Good afternoon to you both." She greeted. Rainbow grumbled out a hello, holding nails in her teeth as she hammered a board into the roof.

"Just two more boards to go!" Called Applejack, encouragingly. She turned to her friend.

"What can I do you for today?" She asked, politely.

"Oh nothing. I just have marvelous news and I'm telling everypony!"

"Really? What is it?"

Rainbow cocked her head to one side to show that she was listening.

"I'm going on a date with the most handsome stallion this Friday!" She squealed.

"That's wonderful news, sugar cube. Isn't that right, Rainbow Dash?"

"Mm-hmm."

"I just wanted to stop by and let you know the good news, but now that I'm here, is there anything I can do to help with your repairs?"

Applejack smiled. "We got things under control here. Go on and get ready for your date." Rarity hugged her friend, waved goodbye to Rainbow, then went to see Twilight. Unfortunately for her, there was a note on the door explaining that she had gone to the castle of the two sisters for the day and wouldn't be back until later that evening. She decided that telling four out of five of her friends was good enough for one day. She could always tell Twilight tomorrow.

By nightfall, she returned to her shop, still flying high at the thought of her date. When she went to bed that evening, she was certain she would have the dream again. Only this time, she was excited for it.