River saw them in every magazine, every advertisement, and every runway her mother had taken her to. The picture-perfect pony models were everywhere she looked, not a single dragon, hippogriff, or even hybrid pony in sight. It hurt her, feeling like she wasn’t welcome in the fashion world she so wished to join.

But it also filled her with questions. She wanted to know why this was so, and what could be done about it. And Mother Rarity would surely have answers.

In her typical upfront fashion, River approached her mother and spoke over the magazine she was reading.

“Mother? Can I ask you something?”

Rarity was usually quite busy so when she had these moments to herself to just relax and read, it was rare.

However, being the element of generosity that she was and loving her daughter so dearly, she didn’t hesitate for a second.

Lowering her edition of Vanity Mare to keep good eye contact with her daughter she spoke with her usual perky tone.

“Of course my brilliant Morganite, what’s troubling you little one?”

She could tell in her expression and voice that River wasn’t just coming to her with any old question.

Putting down the magazine wasn’t exactly convenient since this edition featured a line of Raritys own dresses and it was imperative that she make sure everything was correct, but to show she was still listening she wrapped her tail around her daughter lovingly.

“The problem is, I’ve been watching all the fashion tapes you have, but I haven’t seen a single creature on the runway who isn’t a pony! I‘m half dragon, would they even let me in?”

She pointed at Rarity’s magazine.

“Has Vanity Mare ever featured a dragon, zebra, or any creature?”

Rarity was waiting for this day to come, it wasn’t the first time that River had seemed discontented with the state of things.

Not to mention, it was only natural for children to notice when they were different from everyone else.

Wanting to answer as genuinely as possible, she racked her brain for an answer.

“Well…no dear, I don’t believe they have.”

She avoided the question of whether or not her daughter would be let in, considering that while she wasn’t sure she was educated enough to know, the answer was probably no.

“There’s nothing stopping you from making dresses like you like though. Not a lot of ponies like your Aunt Pinkie’s pear and blue cheese cupcakes but she still makes them. Right?”

“That is right.”

River pondered.

“But I think more creatures would like dresses than they like Aunt Pinkie’s cupcakes. Why, Sugar and Stockholm have always wanted dresses that fit them. Surely there are more creatures who do too!”

Rarity put down her magazine and sighed, not one of disappointment but a happy one.

Her daughter was so observant and intelligent, she couldn’t have been prouder if she tried. Even if she attempted to play devil’s advocate it would not stop curiosity.

So instead, Rarity planted a seed.

“Very well then, you know what must be done, don’t you? You’re going to need a lot of extra fabric and measuring tape.”

She used her tail to sort of shoo her daughter away.

“Chop chop! You have a lot of work to do and you mustn’t waste time. Your customers are waiting.”

River’s eyes lit up with determination.

“They won’t be waiting for long!”