Sitting above the rest of Ponyville on a scenic northern hilltop is Maison Le Rich; the home of Filthy Rich and his family, the wealthiest ponies in Ponyville.  From its perch it has the perfect view of the entire town to the south and Canterlot to the north.  This manor household shows off the wealth of its owners, but Filthy Rich's careful business sense and appreciation of value means it's not needlessly opulent.  It is staffed by a modest cadre of loyal Maids and a single Butler who oversee the needs of the property and family.
This message was last updated by the GM at 19:18, Thu 19 Apr 2012.

Enter From: The Schoolhouse

Coming home put more than a little bit of spring in Diamond Tiara's step.  The young filly easily made her way through the elaborate wooden front door of her home.  She was in no mood for her butler or her maids, so she made no effort to drag her feet or slow down this process.  She might say hi to Daddy if he shows up, but she's not thinking about him right now.  Besides, if he's still mad from earlier, it'll be a pretty short or tense conversation.

She's more concerned about relaxing and getting ready for the night...and maybe a little gossip with Silver Spoon while they rest and prepare...

--> Enter from Schoolhouse with Diamond Tiara

Silver Spoon was glad to be out of the general crowd as well -- she felt like she'd lost a shine off her coat just from consorting with the rabble on a regular basis.  She wasn't quite as wealthy as Diamond Tiara though; it brought a sense of wonder at her expansive home as well as the tiniest little twinge of jealousy, though she never let it color her thoughts too much.  The Silver Family's manner house was perfectly sized and just lavish enough, thank you very much.

"Ugh, what a day... those Blank Flanks are really getting out of hoof lately.  No respect for their betters." the gray filly complained as she trotted down the long halls of the mansion with her friend, blithely ignoring greetings and politely bowed heads from the various staff of maids opening doors for them.

Diamond Tiara returned some of the greetings.  They weren't the politest of responses, but she wasn't the politest of fillies.  Anything less than a browbeating or a temper tantrum was probably a welcome relief for some of the veteran staffers.  She felt secure and safer here; there was no reason to be mad...at least until Silver Spoon started talking.

"And the least respect they show to us, the best of their betters!  I could forget Scootaloo hitting one of us once, but twice?  And my tiara being taken like it was a petty trinket?  We're going to have to do something about all of this..." Diamond Tiara paused, smiling with a certain viciousness, "After tonight, we're going to do something so those Blank Flanks never see fit to do something like this again."

"Well, let's worry about that later.  Right now all I want to focus on is some well-deserved pampering." Silver Spoon sighed.  All around the two fillies the maids were already quick at work -- they'd set places for the two to rest, bring them tea and snacks, and the like.  They were even on task to perform the aforementioned pampering with hooficure and mane styling sets, though they also knew to allow the girls space to do the work themselves if they wanted to.  When one of them tried to tend to Diamond Tiara's headpiece though, Silver Spoon clucked her tongue sharply.

"Go send a messenger to the Silver Manner and have them bring my kit here.  The head maid will know what I mean." the filly ordered and gave a dismissive wave of her hoof, sending one of the maids off in a hurry.

Diamond Tiara was glad to let revenge go, for now.  After all, she needed to focus on the real important things in life.  Looking good and being a proper filly were far more important than putting those ponies who had messed with her in their place.  They would, however, get theirs.  She couldn't just let such insolence go by without payback!  Meadow Lark would get his, but he would get just a little less than the filly who had dared to hit her in the face.

"What do you think?  Should I wear the purple this time, or maybe the red?" She queried as she thought over her ensemble for tonight.

"Purple.  Meadow Lark is an orangey-yellow, so it'll compliment well, plus red clashes too much against Princess Luna's dark color scheme." Silver Spoon advised as she turned her attention to the wardrobes.  An important part of looking good was making sure you looked good with others as well, after all.  She was lucky though -- monochromatic as she was, it let the gray filly wear whatever she liked in terms of colors.  "Ooh~!  Let me borrow your blue skirt~!"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:25, Mon 07 May 2012.

"I forgot about him." Diamond Tiara glared at the purple outfit, as if it had betrayed her somehow, "At least it's a little easier to keep clean...."

She waved toward the blue garment as if saying 'here, have it.'  It didn't really suit her, as far as she was concerned.

"I might even look a little less like I'm trying to upstage him, too.   Not much I can do for looking better than him, though.  Even in the most pithy rags, I'd look like Canterlot Royalty beside him." She giggled, "The red look makes my tiara look so much better, but the purple will have to do.  What about mane styling?  I think you'd look best with yours down, as always, but I just can't decide.  Up and extravagant or down and simple?"

Though she fussed so much, there was an excitement about her that could not be denied.  This was her realm of expertise (though she'd claim it was one of many), and she was getting fired up.  The fact that the Princess was involved was just another reason to throw herself into this fully.  She'd have to compensate for Meadow Lark, as well.  This was no normal party.  If she played her cards right, this could be the best night ever!

Silver Spoon gave an adorable 'squeaky toy' sound as she was allowed to borrow her desired dress, quickly moving to toss it across her back for a quick glimpse at how she'd look in it in the mirror.

"Hmm... maybe a French braid?" she suggested on the topic of styling.  "I really wish we knew how the Princess was going to look for this... I feel like we're going in half-blind."

"So we just have to be confident.  A french braid will do just fine...the Princess came wearing her hair normally last time, right?  A french braid would be just the right balance of proper and simplicity..." Diamond Tiara was just making things up, now, but she sounded so confident that she might have sounded like she knew what she was talking about to a normal pony, "Hopefully, her dress won't clash with ours..."

As the fated hour approached, the two fillies came to look far more like what their own self-images were; beautiful, powerful, and graceful.  Well, at least in their own heads.  Still, they were pretty great looking, though.  They were young stunners and show stoppers, and they knew it!  Even with Meadow Lark following her around and only eighty bits to spend, this could still be a great night.  She had hurried through her preparations, hastily pulling on her purple dress.  Frilly, but just frilly enough!  It'd be fine for walking around outside in.

"Silver Spoon!" Diamond Tiara cried in irritation, fussing with her own dress, "Are you ready yet?  It's almost time to go!"

"Almost done~!"  Silver Spoon called back.  One of the unicorn maids was handling her hair for her, though her attention was more dedicated to the task at hoof.  Since her smithing kit had arrived she'd been busy buffing, polishing, and shining up Diamond Tiara's namesake accessory to a lustrous sheen, undoing any harm that had befallen it that day.  She knew how important it was to her friend... though not precisely why... and wanted to make sure it gleamed as brightly as the Moon would that night.  Besides, a little general maintenance helped focus her mind for the evening to come.

"Girls, are you decent?" came a familiar voice from outside followed by a knock.  Once given confirmation that it was safe to intrude on the sacred ground that was fashion-prep, Filthy Rich poked his head into the room and smiled fondly at the sight of his daughter all done up.  He was still miffed at her for her antics that afternoon, but it was hard to stay too mad as the day rolled along and when she looked so darling.  He paused at Silver Spoon's side and curiously regarded the work she'd just completed.

"Well, you really did a great job there, Silver.  Looks better than new." the stallion observed.  Silver Spoon beamed proudly at the compliment.  Filthy gently lifted the tiara from its conditioning mat and held it up to the light on his hoof, smiling absently as he watched the gemstones glimmer brightly.  He looked over to his daughter and beckoned her over with a smile.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:54, Wed 09 May 2012.

Diamond Tiara smiled at her father when he first entered, though she was anxious enough about what Silver Spoon was doing.  Yes, Silver Spoon's talents were not to be denied, but that didn't make it any easier to just hoof the head piece over and not look anxious as it was worked with.  She nodded worriedly as he inspected the work, but eased up a little as he gave it his stamp of approval and beckoned her over.  For all of her trust, she scrutinized the work carefully even more as she got closer.  The tiara was the last piece of her kit that needed to be sorted before she could call her outfit complete...and then she'd be completely all right.

She stepped over, smiling at him.  Though she could remember the punishment and dreaded it still, she could not scowl at Filthy Rich the way she could just dress down just about any pony else, "It really does, Daddy?"

"Of course it does.  I know my stuff."  Silver Spoon crooned as she packed up her kit and hopped away from her mat, quickly setting about straightening up her dress.  She'd had to put on an apron and hoof gloves while she worked with chemicals, but thankfully hadn't mussed her borrowed outfit at all.

Filthy just chuckled and gently set the tiara down atop his daughter's head, making sure not to mess up her mane as he adjusted it in place like one would crown royalty.  There, much better, he mused internally -- not at the addition of the accessory, but at the smile from his filly that was sure to follow.  The stallion leaned in and placed a fond kiss on her forehead to boot.  "There you go, my little diamond.  Prettier than Celestia herself." he smiled and reached into his lapel to withdraw a tidy purse of Bits to hoof over as well.  Her budget for the evening.  "Meadow Lark is already here and waiting in the foyer.  Now you girls behave yourselves tonight, okay?  I know this is a festival, but I don't want to hear about any trouble."

The aforementioned Pegasus colt was indeed waiting in the large foyer of the mansion.  He'd been quite wide-eyed at the sight of the place... just the front hall was bigger than his entire home!  However, he was left shifting uncomfortably under the scrutinizing gaze of the head butler -- a tall, pearly white Unicorn in a dapper black suit.  Unlike the girls, Meadow Lark hadn't bothered dressing up at all for the event.  He chanced an awkward smile the Butler's way, but it was returned with a frown as the caretaker's horn lit up.

"Gah!  Hey, leggo!  Bad touch!" the Pegasus squeaked as he was caught up in a magical aura.  A conjured brush and rag appeared around him, making quick work of scrubbing the boy down of road dust and putting his hair and coat into some semblance of order.  He was set back down on his hooves looking much more presentable than before, but rather shell-shocked all the same.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:49, Wed 09 May 2012.

Diamond Tiara smiled brilliantly, first at the resetting of her tiara and second at her father's compliment.  She took the bits without any complaint, "We wouldn't think of doing anything troublesome!"

It would have been a beautiful lie, most of the time, but she knew she was in hot water if she thought of doing anything untoward, "Love you Daddy, bye!"

The pink filly found herself watching the butler buff Meadow Lark up.  She had been long since clean and thought even his (rapidly vanishing) dirt was disgusting.  The butler was usually only there to make last minute fixes, like the mares who helped them to get ready.  For Meadow Lark, however, he would barely look presentable with all of the fixes.  It'd take the finest suit and preparations to make him look even half ready.

Still, she had their eighty bits, and she knew she had to go with him.

For better or for worse, she had to make the best of it.  Huffing quietly as the colt was set down, she strolled into the room and looked him up and down.  He'd never look good enough to stand beside her, but he'd have to do.

The use of his name was a token show of politeness, "Are you ready to go, Meadow Lark?"

Silver Spoon was fast at her friend's side as they scampered along for the entrance and shared a good snickering as they found Meadow Lark getting fussed with by the Butler.  Maybe next time he'd know better than to show up looking like a common plow pony.

"Yes, let's." she sidled along the other side of their companion, leaving the boy boxed in between them looking rather uncomfortable in his position.

"Y-yeah, sure..." was the Pegasus' reply.  He wasn't looking at the girls -- his attention was on Filthy Rich, who lagged behind and caught the boy with a glare.  He made a quick gesture to his eyes with a hoof, then pointed to Meadow Lark, then back at his own eyes again.  The boy gulped softly and kept his head down as he hurried out of the foyer as quickly as he could to get away from the glaring adults.

Once the kids were gone, the Butler closed the main door behind them and cast a look to his employer.  Some of the maids had eased in to watch the girls go and were giggling at the sight of them all cantering off.  "Aren't they just darling?" one cooed, getting a nod from her fellow maid.

"Alright everypony, tidy things up and take the night off.  You all earned the break.  Go enjoy your evening." Filthy Rich called.  That got a sound of approval from all except the Butler, who merely accepted the information with a curt nod.

--> Meadow Lark and Silver Spoon exit, with Diamond Tiara, to Event - Moon Raising
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:49, Wed 09 May 2012.

<-- Enter from Summer Song Cafe

On the way back from town, the trio had stopped by Silver Spoon's home to drop her off safely.  The filly had said her goodbyes and left Diamond Tiara with a hug, but she was obviously distracted by her own thoughts.  Soon Filthy Rich and his daughter were back on the road again heading toward home, traveling the quiet side streets where the sounds of the party were faint and distant.  Luna really had done a great job -- it was a beautiful night and the pair were free to appreciate the stars to their varied degrees.

"Penny for your thoughts, princess?" Filthy eventually asked his daughter as they ambled along together.

Diamond Tiara was quiet, even as she hugged her friend and let her go home.  She was even really quiet as they headed towards their own home.  Really, the most she did was say 'mm-hmm' or shake her head if spoken to.  The world had pretty much flipped itself on its head, even if today had been really, really exciting.  It had been a really good night, even if it ended up in a crash.  She spent a great deal of time pondering just what to say to her father.

She bit her lip after her thought was over, staring up at the stars instead of down at the ground like she had been most of the time, "Daddy...what do you do with your money after you're done getting it?  And...giving me my allowance, too, I mean."

Filthy raised a curious brow over that sort of question.  He'd explained his business to Diamond before, but then realized he'd never really addressed the profit margins and distribution of Bits in anything more than a broad generalization.  He thought it odd she'd ask such a specific sort of question but indulged her all the same.

"All sorts of things, actually.  Naturally there are overhead costs to pay so that business can continue on and we keep making money.  Wages for the employees as well, of course.  Additional spending as need be to acquire assets and investments.  Taxes... but that's all part of the assumed gain and loss." Filthy Rich mulled on the different facets of business.  "After subtracting all those costs, we're left with the profit; money gained that doesn't automatically go toward sustaining the continued flow of business.  It's the money I use to supply our lifestyle, give you your allowance, and otherwise make sure we're comfortable.  Also from that comes the altruistic distribution.  Donations to Town Hall, your school, the hospital, charity funds outside of Ponyville, and the like.  And, though it should go without saying, tucking a safe amount of Bits away for a rainy day."

He let all that sink in for a moment or two before looking down to his daughter.  "Why do you ask?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:24, Thu 17 May 2012.

Diamond Tiara listened intently, but seemed to be most intently paying attention after the words 'altruistic distribution'.  Her eyes widened for just a moment, before narrowing.  She knew business was an up and down thing, but he never had actually mentioned that some of the down was giving to charities and other ponies.  Maybe he had mentioned it once before or maybe he had even showed her, but it never really seemed all that significant until now.  Until now, she never really worried about those things.  His question fell by the wayside as she descended into her thoughts.  Why did anypony with good things have to give them up for other ponies?  Why was that a good thing instead of just suffering for others?

That left her with a burning question.

"So...why donate money to other ponies?" It seemed like she was asking him about something far more grave and a little more foul than charity.  Her blue eyes bore nothing more than confusion.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:34, Thu 17 May 2012.

The obvious consternation on his daughter's face brought a fair amount of deserved concern from Filthy.  He didn't like the idea of his little girl struggling on her own and wanted to offer her any aid he could to ease her mind, but he still wasn't sure what exactly was bothering her.  He wished he'd known what sort of 'chatter' Merriweather had been referring to.  Had she and Princess Luna been talking politics in front of the kids?  Princess Celestia had recently raised taxes on Canterlot importing fees and diverted the money toward a public reform effort in Stalliongrad... perhaps that had been a topic of discourse?  Such a thing would be far over the head of a mere filly.

"Hm... well, I suppose it boils down to a long and short answer.  The long answer is that it's important for ponies to support each other for our own continued stability.  Helping one another strengthens our friendships and allows our communities to grow, becoming bigger, stronger, and more stable.  The Apples, for instance, supply the town with food.  True that they make a profit off their crops, but they don't farm solely for the sake of money -- they do it to ensure the town's well-being.  Wealthy ponies like us can do the same, but by using our wits and finances to contribute." he explained at length.  "Because I give money to your school, Miss Cheerilee can buy new books and keep the building maintained, which lets all you kids get a good, solid education for the future.  Because I, and other ponies like me, donate to the hospitals and research centers, sick ponies are able to get the care they need but may not be able to afford on their own, and doctors can find new ways to help everyone live better lives."

Filthy paused in his stride and turned to properly face his daughter, catching her eyes with his own.  He smiled fondly and reached down to brush her bangs away from her face a little.  "The short answer is: because it's the right thing to do."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:17, Thu 17 May 2012.

Diamond Tiara wanted to smile back at her father. In truth, though, this just confused her.  Her father was saying the same thing.  However, he said it differently.  The workings of economies and motions of money, of course, were a bit beyond her.  She couldn't imagine another pony having not enough money to afford food or nice things as being a problem that she should care about.  It was their way of being different.  It was something inferior about them.

It was clearly a lot for her to process, even if she wanted to believe it from him.  To be fair, at the start of the day (and many days before it), she would have been more focused on Blank Flanks or the latest fashion accessories than any issues like this.

Right and wrong usually weren't thoughts she had, as childishly as she had behaved up until now.  After all, until now, it had been 'right' for her to bully other ponies.  Now, she wasn't so sure about that.  Her whole world view was based on a bunch of things that she wasn't so sure about.  The dread of the thought of having to face having no friends came back in a more insidious form.  What if they ever ran out of money to give to other ponies?  Would they be wrong, then?

She tried to smile for him, "O-okay."

There were few ponies around more amiable than Filthy Rich.  Despite his wealth and success he remained humble, standing in a rather harsh contrast to his daughter.  But her brashness was because of youth.  She didn't have the same experiences or any time to have learned them in the first place, and while he tried to impress certain values on her growing mind, such concepts were often too much to encompass for a child.  Her peers saw her as an antagonist, but the adults just saw her for what she really was -- a girl who was in the midst of figuring out the world she lived in and her place in it.  Filthy had always been there for his daughter and he wasn't about to let her stumble about blindly if he could help it.

"Now that said, how about you tell your old man what brought all this on?  You normally don't show much interest in these sort of things." he prompted as he turned to begin down the road again, intent on walking and talking since it was getting colder out.  He didn't want Diamond Tiara to catch anything in the chill.

Diamond Tiara sighed sadly before running over the whole night (and parts of the day, too).  It was probably more favorably referencing Meadow Lark than he would have expected (especially when she spoke of how bad it felt to have her tiara taken from her), but she still mentioned the fight, all the points he made, and how she felt some of them were right.  The revelations of the night and this day were heavy on the young filly.  They hadn't had time or the whim to come one at a time.  Tears began to run down her face as she began to speak of the next point more worriedly than the last.  It was a lot to have to think about all at once, especially so introspectively.  Fillies her age probably didn't have to really worry about who they were and who they were becoming, but now everything was thrown before her.

The good news was that the filly wasn't lost.

The bad news was that she felt lost...
This message was last edited by the player at 05:15, Thu 17 May 2012.

The lengthy, if emotional, explanation that Diamond Tiara rattled off with cleared up a lot of her father's questions.  He'd hoped that the kids would learn something from each other by spending time together and it seemed the plan had worked, though he hadn't expected the new concepts forced into Diamond Tiara's world view to be quite so hard on her.  By the time they'd reached the broad steps of their manor home the poor filly was in tears -- rather than head inside, Filthy Rich just sat himself down on the steps.  Without a word he gathered his little girl into a warm embrace, letting her stain his lapels with tears until she'd managed to calm herself down.

"My little diamond... it's really been quite the night for you, hasn't it?" the stallion murmured comfortingly.  He withdrew a silk kerchief from his pocket and held it up for his weepy daughter to use.  "I understand that these sort of things can be confusing.  But you're a smart girl.  I know you'll make sense of all this in time.  You shouldn't let it weigh on you all at once though.  Take it piece by piece."

He mused for a moment on what she'd explained and continued.  "I don't think you need to worry about what Meadow Lark said before about not having any friends.  You've always got me, of course.  And Silver Spoon: she got her Cutie Mark before you did, but she didn't turn her back on you." he stroked her neck and back soothingly as he worked to reassure her.  "And from the sounds of it, you may have even found a new friend in Meadow Lark himself.  I'm proud that you were big enough to do something nice for him.  Think about that though.  Earlier today you two were at each others' throats.  But things sure changed in just a few hours, didn't they?  And all it took was a little kindness and generosity."

Diamond Tiara was glad to wipe herself clean of tears once her sobs began to slow.  It was still a lot to fall on her all at once, but it felt all the lighter with the way her father spoke.  She felt like she might be able to deal with this kind of stuff...though not tonight.  To be truthful, she wasn't sure she'd be able to be nice, kind, or generous to just any pony.  It had really only worked for a scheme against an unsuspecting pegasus colt, but all those other ponies out there wouldn't be so kind.  They wouldn't be forced to listen to her.

"They really did change, but...it was only because we had to be nice to each other..." The filly gasped softly, "That won't really work with anypony else, right?"

Filthy Rich canted his head aside and shrugged.  "Well... there will be times in life when you have to smile and be nice to somepony you may not like.  It's part of being an adult, I'm afraid.  But that's not the case here." the stallion gave his daughter a warm nuzzle to try and calm her further.  The poor thing had really gotten herself worked up.  "Merriweather and I asked that you two spend time together to get to know one another, not that you had to be friends.  But you talked with one another, got each other gifts, of your own volition.  When Meadow Lark said he'd see you tomorrow, that didn't sound forced to me.  If anything, I think the boy is a bit too simple to be dishonest.  I think you made a good impression on him."

He didn't mean to be rude over a foal, but his tone was just playful enough to try and get a smile out of his saddened filly.  "Think of Merriweather too.  She didn't have to let you kids join the Princess tonight on stage, or serve you dinner for free.  But she did and without batting an eye, didn't she?" Filthy continued.  "She's the sort of mare that knows the value of kindness.  Even if you two got off to a rough start, she was looking out for you all evening anyway."

"Okay." Diamond Tiara nodded at long last, trying to be at ease, "I think I need to think..."

She wanted to be happy and enjoy her life.  Even with all of this stuff about to fall on her, things still seemed like they could be dealt with.  It'd just take a while to put everything together.  However, she did understand everything.

Nuzzling him lightly, she pulled away and smiled happily, "If you didn't make me go to the Festival with Meadow Lark, I never would have gotten to see the Princess and have all that good food.  So, thanks...for everything, daddy."

A soft and dainty yawn escaped her lips.

It wasn't the best night ever, but it would do...

"Well, I can't exactly take credit or anything.  It's not like you getting to hang out with the Princess was planned.  But I'm glad you had a good time.  And just always remember that I only want what's best for you."  Filthy Rich said as he kissed Diamond Tiara softly on the forehead.  With a soft grunt he raised up off the stairs and fished his key out from his saddle bag.  "Come on then, all princesses who aren't in charge of the Moon should have been in bed by now.  Let's get you settled in."

Diamond Tiara nodded and giggled softly.  With all of the butterflies in her stomach from what she had experienced, she was sure that she would not be sleeping in any time soon.

However, fatigue could claim any foal in the Princess's beautiful night...

Filthy Rich opened the sturdy lock on the grand, tall door of their home and ambled inside.  Once Diamond Tiara followed he locked up in her wake and continued along upstairs.  Normally by this point they'd have maids bustling about them taking their bags, opening doors for them, preparing their evening needs before bed time, and such.  But all the staff had been dismissed -- the mansion was completely silent save for the dull, distant click of various time pieces around the place or the trickle of running water from the private waterfall pool out in the rear courtyard.  His heavy hoof falls and her small, sharp ones echoed off the halls rather pointedly as they went.

Instead, Filthy accompanied his daughter along and helped her get ready for bed, though to nowhere near the same degree as the servants would have.  In most cases she could have simply sat down and all the maids would have prepared her for bed, brushing her mane (and even teeth were she feeling particularly lazy), dressing her in a night gown, pre-warming her bed sheets, and so forth.  But he trusted his daughter to be able to handle such things herself for the most part.  He wanted to provide her with a comfortable lifestyle that he'd lacked at her age, not to spoil her into uselessness.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:48, Thu 17 May 2012.

Diamond Tiara was good enough to handle such things on her own (though she might have wished for the time to think of things rather than having to prepare herself for bed personally).  Still, she slipped out of her dress (and hung it up, because it was one of her better ones) and let her mane down.  Not bothering to brush it, she went on to brushing her teeth.  She'd have harder brushing to do in the morning, but she was feeling lazy as could be right now.  There were more important things to do than worry about her perfectly clean mane.

It would be perfectly fair to let the servants worry about her mane in the morning, anyway...

When she finally was able to lay down for the night, her only regret was that daddy had given the bed warming servant the night off.  Pre-warmed sheets were the absolute best...

Filthy put his daughter to bed and tucked her in, making sure she was comfy before he turned down the lights.  "Goodnight princess.  Sweet dreams." he said as he gave her another loving nuzzle.  Once she was settled in he turned and left the room, quietly pulling the door shut in his wake.

Once outside in the hall, Filthy Rich drew a long sigh and listened to it echo off the walls of the corridor.  He was glad he could be of help to his daughter but internally wondered if he hadn't been the cause of some of her strife.  Was he doing a good job as a father and making sure she got all the life-lessons she needed to grow?  What if he wasn't giving her the guidance she really needed?  It was difficult doing it all alone.  The maids were one thing, but sometimes he wondered if Diamond Tiara needed a mare in her life.

As the stallion slowly headed down the hallway, only his own hoof beats accompanied him.  A single-sized bed awaited in his room as he turned up a lamp, though he had no desire to settle under the sheets alone.  He had his daughter and his business -- both all-consuming in his life.  But for all the good fortune Filthy Rich had, he felt terribly lonesome as he sat at his desk and stared out at Luna's moon through the window.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:55, Thu 17 May 2012.

Diamond Tiara's sleep didn't come quite as quickly as she had hoped, and her thoughts were still a bit chaotic...

However, sleep came, at long last, and swept her off to a realm where there was nopony who could mess with her place in the world and no need to give up what she wanted for other ponies.

Her sleep, however, became somewhat fitful as the night went on...

Just making a post to cap it off.

Dawn of Day 2: 48 Hours Remain

It was a normal day for Diamond Tiara.  Really, it was a grand old day for Diamond Tiara.  Silver Spoon was by her side, and Ponyville was bending over backwards for her.  She had already gotten some of her favorite tomatoes for 'being the prettiest and kindest filly in Ponyville' and Silver Spoon had revealed some brand new jewelry for them to wear.  They came by the schoolyard and everypony loved them.  Applebloom and Sweetie Belle even held the door for them.

The world was perfect.

Then, she took such a hit to the face from hard red ball that it sent her tumbling out of the schoolhouse and onto the yard outside.  Her dress ripped as she landed hard on her rump, but at least her tiara stayed on her-

Boom!

A ball knocked it clear off of her head.  She scrambled to retrieve it, but tripped over an outstretched leg and landed hard.  She could feel it break as it lightly cut her skin.  A frantic cry rose in her throat as she pushed herself up and saw it was broken cleanly in half...

She turned to Silver Spoon, trying to gather her wits, but she couldn't find her friend, "S-Silver Spoon?"

All she found was Meadow Lark, who rolled the pieces of her tiara around with his wings and kicked them up onto the roof, which seemed miles and miles away.

The little filly looked up in desperation, before turning towards that horrible colt.  He laughed and laughed, and she tried to buck him but he was gone.

"Nopony would want to be friends with a greedy filly like you!" He spoke from behind, and she turned to glare at him but he was gone.

"Especially if they knew the truth!" Silver Spoon hissed in her ear from behind, bringing hot tears to her eyes.  She couldn't bear to swing on her friend, but she wanted to know why her best friend would say something like that.

Before she could turn around, Scootaloo shoved her down, "Nopony likes you now, anyway!  Who cares if they know what you really are?!?"

As she tried to go after this assailant, but the crowd started to close in...that faceless, hateful crowd of other ponies.

As much as she tried to push out, the ponies only shoved her back in and didn't let her move.  The world started to smother her, and it was all she could do to scream.

Diamond Tiara screamed loud enough to wake the dead.  She clutched the sheets and looked around, panting heavily.  If that was a dream, it seemed all too real...

Quite often adults would joke with each other about how, when growing up, their parents always seemed to have superpowers they were hiding from everyone else.  A sort of omniscience that always seemed to let them know what going on in the house, super speed to always be there to catch you when you were up to no good, and the like.  But perhaps there was some merit to such jokes.  Despite being an Earth Pony, Filthy Rich sure did manage a good impression of teleportation sure to make Twilight Sparkle green with envy.

The stallion had been in his bedroom down the hall only a moment prior, fixing his tie with the assistance of a maid while he was readying himself for an early work day.  But when Diamond Tiara's high-pitched scream rang out, the maid was left blinking in the wake of a wind tunnel formed by how fast he'd evacuated the point in space he'd been occupying a second before.  In an instant he burst open the door to her room, looking about wide-eyed for any source of danger that would dare upset his sweet little girl.

"Diamond Tiara!  What is it?  What's wrong?!" he was quickly by her bedside, still on alert.  The doorway to the filly's room was promptly occupied by the face of the Butler and several maid ponies all peering in, wondering what the ruckus was about.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:51, Thu 24 May 2012.

Diamond Tiara looked up at her father, fighting for her breath.  She looked in his eyes, first.  Something about those eyes calmed her, even as terror was still trying to grip her very being.  What she had seen was only slightly less vivid than those concerned eyes staring down at her, speaking volumes about how her father would do anything to keep her from being harmed.  Taking one last long and heavy sigh, she shook her head, "I-I'm all right.  I'm all right, Daddy."

Her blue eyes worriedly glanced out at the others.  Usually, she'd be mad that such a moment was being intruded upon.  For once, though, she didn't have the heart to be harsh with a servant.  She barely had the heart to lie to her father and say it was all all right, especially since her racing heart was just getting the memo about the sprint being over.  The filly had never had to deal with something so horrifying...not since she was very small...

Filthy Rich let his own heart slowly climb down from where it had leaped into his throat.  Diamond's scream, finding her in a fit all tangled up in her sheets... it was obvious then what had happened.  Still, he would never feel foolish for rushing to his daughter's side to fight away nightmares just like he'd done countless times before.  The stallion looked back to the servants and nodded gently, wordlessly sending them away -- they took the hint and backed off, closing the door behind them to give the two some privacy.

"Instead of a penny for your thoughts, how about two Bits this time?" Filthy asked as he settled himself down beside his daughter's bed, bringing his eye level equal with hers.  He offered a limb outstretched to her for a hug he was sure she needed, but unsure of if she wanted just then.

At least last night, her mind hadn't had the time to run rampant and betray her all over the place.  Now, it took all of her restraint to hold it together until she was sure that the only pony listening was Filthy Rich.

"It was another dream, daddy." Diamond Tiara sobbed, trying to be strong by staying apart from the hug.

To her credit, she managed only grew slightly more frantic as she continued recalling the dream, "It was so nice, but then everything went wrong...everypony treated me badly and everypony knew!  They all knew and they all hated me for it, da-!"

A sob choked that word into oblivion, and she rubbed her face to keep those tears away.  She didn't want to look like this.

Filthy Rich drew his daughter against his chest once more, offering himself as a stable presence until she got it out of her system.  Last night must have really stuck with her... for her sake, he hoped she didn't linger too long on such troublesome thoughts.

"Shh, shh... it's okay sweetie." he rumbled softly against her mane.  "I know you don't want anypony to know, but we've talked about this before.  There's nothing to be ashamed of.  Nopony would think any less of you.  And there's no way anyone could ever hate you."

Diamond Tiara did calm down over time, though that thought always remained dreadfully at the back of her mind.  It was the one thing that threatened the whole pillar that held her world up.  Her father could say those things all day, and they would be true all day and everyday, but it never made her mind any less worrisome when her thoughts got on this.

A filly could never stop being worried, "Right, you said that before, Daddy...but, I'm not telling anypony.  I...don't want to take the chance, okay?"

It was times like this that made Filthy Rich wonder if he was doing the right thing.  He made a lot of exceptions for his daughter and never wanted to put her in a position of weakness, especially when it would hurt her so much.  The nature of what she was worried about held no shame for him as an adult, but for her sake...

"It's alright.  I haven't told anypony either... nopony knows who didn't already.  I trust you to let the world know when you're ready for it." he assured the poor filly with a sigh.  He didn't think it was something that had to be kept a secret, but until she was prepared to face it herself, he didn't feel right trying to force the issue.

The stallion gave Diamond a soft kiss on the top of her head and eased back, rising to his hooves once more.  He worried that she wasn't going to be able to focus or perhaps even cope with the school day as normal... if she was having nightmares because of her fears, then how could he expect her to face her schoolmates?  He mulled for a moment and rubbed at his chin in thought.  "Diamond; I'm going to be in Manehatten today for work.  I need to visit some distributors there and make sure everything is going as scheduled for a new supply route.  How would you like to join me in the big city?  I have to catch an early train leaving soon, but you could take a train later today and meet me once I'm all finished with work."

Diamond Tiara really just listened attentively throughout the talk, her own worries lording over her.  She put on a brave face, though, and it didn't really break until he offered to let her go to the city with him, "Ooh!  Manehatten's great this time of year!  Can I really go?  Can we stop by the shops like we did the last time we were there?"

The plan in place here was above her, but she could certainly enjoy it without understanding his real reasons.  As far as she was concerned, Daddy was just doing something nice for her.  He'd probably want her to work on that stupid paper Cheerilee wanted her to write, too, but she could deal with that then.  A great day spent in Manehatten away from all of this trouble?  It was enough to take her mind right off of her dark and wrorying thoughts.

And he'd be done with work, so she wouldn't have to wait to really enjoy things.  Plus, there'd be no eighty bit limit!  They'd be able to stop by the shops and pick up some nice things for Silver Spoon and her.

The relief and excitement from Diamond Tiara was palpable and it soothed Filthy Rich's own worries.  Running away from a problem wasn't the way to go about doing things, but there was nothing wrong with taking time to regroup and breathe a little.  Who could fault him for wanting to make sure his beloved little filly was happy?

"Yes, yes, we can.  Once I finish with work, we'll make a day of it.  I'll take you wherever you want to go, okay princess?" he assured her with a smile.  "I need to get going now, but I'll send word to Miss Cheerilee that you won't be in today.  Take your time this morning and relax, then go to the train station with Peppermint around... oh, mid-morning should do it.  The travel time should put you at Manehatten right around when I finish my meetings."

Peppermint, of course, was one of the more reliable maids on staff often charged with foalsitting Diamond Tiara when he had to work late.  All of the servants had their fair share of raising the girl at some point or another, but that pink-and-white maned Pegasus had more experience than the rest and would be the best pony to accompany Diamond Tiara later that day.  Once Filthy Rich was sure his daughter would be alright and had no more concerns to voice, he gave her another kiss and trotted out to tend to the rest of his morning.

Diamond Tiara nodded, "See you later, daddy.  I love you."

She didn't particularly dislike any of the servants, but Peppermint was one of her favorites.  After all, Peppermint had been there the longest time...

She shook her head to try to get away from those thoughts, getting up to get ready.  Sure, she'd be sitting around for a while before getting the train, but she wanted to be clean, have her mane brushed, and be perfect.  The servants normally got to handle everything, but she was practically a little whirlwind today!  Her mane hadn't been brushed well the night before, so that'd be a little extra work, but that'd keep her occupied a while longer so there'd be less time to wait before the scheduled departure time!

"As I love you, princess." the stallion smiled back at his daughter as he left the room, quickly being replaced by a pair of maids who were on task to help Diamond Tiara with her morning routine.

In the meantime, Filthy Rich took care of affairs as he had become quite skilled at doing over the years.  Business was his nature and being able to manage, micro-manage, and multitask came as easily to him as breathing.  Before he'd left the house he had everything set in motion to make sure things would go smoothly for his daughter while he was away.  Now he could only hope that things at work didn't hit any major snags that would delay him unexpectedly.

As the morning progressed onward, Diamond Tiara would have all the time to herself that she liked.  Naturally the servants were all there for her though.  They kept to the background, assisting her where she would allow -- they drew her bath, prepared various outfits to be taken or refused at her whims, and the kitchen was busy with making a healthy, flavorful breakfast for her whenever she deemed to come downstairs and indulge.  The lifestyle of the idle wealthy was certainly a pleasant one and just being able to take her own pace amid such leisure was sure to improve the filly's mood, particularly since she had a long train ride and day of fun in the city ahead of her.

--> Filthy Rich exits
This message was last edited by the player at 19:25, Thu 24 May 2012.

Diamond Tiara, thankfully, was absolutely at comfort in the routine.  She was eager, though.  Unlike a usual school day, she had something really wonderful to look forward to.  She would have to get Silver Spoon a gift to make up for going to Manehatten without her, though.  Something like that brooch she wanted might be good enough to smooth over vanishing for a day without any explanation or warning.

Properly dressed and prepared, Diamond Tiara practically skipped all the way to the train station with Peppermint happily (if a little hurriedly) in tow.  It'd be a long ride to Manehatten (compared to the short walk to the train station), but her spirits couldn't have been higher!

Exit to the Train Station

Day 8

Diamond Tiara woke up extraordinarily well rested on this fine day.  She didn't look forward to going to school, but at least that report she had to write after the Meadow Lark incident was done.  She sighed as she headed into the other room, starting to get herself ready.  It was a little odd to see the daughter of Filthy Rich preparing herself in the morning, especially for the maids.  It gave her less time to think, and she wanted to get off to school in a hurry.  That didn't mean her 'process' of getting ready in the morning wasn't really extensive, though.  And she'd still say goodbye to her Daddy on the way out...

Begin Day 8

As always, Filthy Rich woke up early.  He was one of the first to rise in the household, often even waking earlier than most of the serving staff.  Except the Butler... he never could manage to wake up before that Pony despite several efforts in the past.  He was too good at his job, it seemed.  But Filthy enjoyed the gradually diminishing quiet of his mansion waking up and slowly coming to life around him in the morning hours.  He was gradually attended to by the maids helping him prepare for his busy day, though he perked to hear some of the idle chatter going amid the mares over how Diamond Tiara was tending to her own needs more frequently.

To that, Filthy Rich couldn't help but smile.  Things had been a little different around home ever since she got back from that accidental trip to Appleloosa.  Filthy Rich was an understanding Pony and hadn't gone too ballistic at the fretting Miss Peppermint... admittedly he had flared his temper just a bit at the thought of his little girl being in such a situation, but the remarkable tale of everything she'd been up to in that border town assuaged his feelings.  In all honesty he couldn't have been more proud of his princess.  He could already see her starting to grow up before his eyes and, while the thought did fill him with a sort of sadness, it had just as much joy to it.

In time the snappily dressed Earth Pony was at the head of the dining table with a simple breakfast laid out before him -- toast and jam, a boiled egg, a salad, and water.  He'd refused having any coffee and the maids just giggled knowingly to each other until he cast them a side-long glance that got them to quiet down.  He read the morning paper as he ate, catching up on local news and enjoying a brief amount of quiet before his day would really begin.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:07, Thu 30 Aug 2012.

Diamond Tiara snuck up to the table and nuzzled her father quickly, saddlebags already sorted for school but not on her just yet.  She could look for a few excuses to delay (and on Mondays she often did), but she decided to settle for getting her morning hug and a quick breakfast before her departure.  It wasn't like she'd be all that early anyway.

"Good morning, daddy, she said as she stepped up to the table.

Filthy had been preoccupied with an article about extending the local railway with a second line, so he was taken by surprise when his daughter moved in to stealth-snuggle him.  It earned the filly a chuckle, a fond hug, and a kiss on her tiara-wearing brow.

"Good morning, Diamond.  Looking forward to your classes today?" he asked at seeing her bags already packed and ready to go.  While she got seated the maids were quick to buzz around her, swiftly setting the place around her and serving up a fresh breakfast for her, though it notably had more fruit and a glass of milk as well.  She was a growing filly, after all.

Diamond Tiara considered the lie that rested on the tip of her tongue.  To be truthful, she was usually bored in class.  She decided to be as honest as could be.  Family Appreciation Day was probably one of the few times when she sat up straight and listened.

"I'm looking forward to seeing my friend-" She stopped a moment, looking off to the side in thought before resuming. "Friends again.  And Miss Cheerilee."

It was truly odd to be able to say that and mean it, really.  Usually, it was just Silver Spoon and her.  Now, well, she could really count more, even if they were just tenuous bonds.  Meadow Lark, after all, would give her the time of day, even if she wasn't sure where exactly they stood.  She could mark him down as a definite maybe friend, for now.  Maybe today she could gather a few more, she thought as she took a sip from her glass of milk.  Breakfast was a good time to gather her thoughts before the day.  If she was going to start making things right, she'd have to have a good plan...

With a knowing smile of his own that all parents seemed to be able to pull of infuriatingly well, Filthy Rich just nodded in reply and made no comment over his daughter's slip of the tongue.  Much like Diamond Tiara he took breakfast as a time to gather himself for the day, though after some time of silence and eating he spoke up again.

"Oh, before I forget; my trip to Canterlot today has been canceled.  Apparently there was a cave-in at one of the mountain tunnels, so there's no hoof or train travel there right now.  I should be home this evening." he mentioned with some degree of satisfaction at the notion.  He loved Canterlot, but the long train ride up and down the mountain was always such a bore.  "I still have another trip to Manehatten soon though."

Diamond Tiara laughed softly, remembering how a trip to Manehatten had gotten her sent to a place that was almost as good, if for different reasons.  She was glad that she might be able to get up to Manehatten, though.  Going to the shops was definitely worthwhile.  This time, though, she'd make sure to read the train schedule and to check that the train was facing the right way!

As she finished her breakfast, she caught sight of the clock. "Whoops, it's almost time for school!"

The little pink earth pony gathered her saddlebags, gave her daddy one last hug, and hurried off toward school.  Hopefully, her idea would hold water once she got to school...unlike the plan she had at the festival to 'get revenge' on Meadow Lark.  A couple more plans like that and she'd be a friendless laughingstock!

[Exit to Ponyville Schoolhouse]

Filthy gave his daughter another hug and sent her off on her way, watching her scamper along in such haste to get to school.  He couldn't help but sigh happily and rest back in his seat with a satisfied air about him.  It was little moments like that which made him especially happy to be a father.

"Alright... well, I think I'll head into town for my morning coffee." he spoke up after a moment to nopony in particular.  Two of the maids barely managed to hide a giggle behind their hooves but still caught their employer's attention.  Filthy perked a brow up at their antics.  "Something the matter?"

"No sir." one mare shook her head, though she couldn't hide her smile.  "Just be sure to say hello to Miss Merriweather for us."

Despite his scolding look, that made Filthy Rich falter.  He coughed sharply to clear his throat and hurried on out of the dining room while the maids resumed their good-natured giggling.

--> Filthy Rich exits to the Summer Song Cafe

Enter from the Games' Store

Diamond Tiara took a moment outside of her home to pause and compose herself, before carefully and slowly opening her door like she didn't want to run inside and badger her Daddy until he told her the surprise.  Her barely contained smile and twinkling blue eyes betrayed her inner cheer, however, especially to the servants that knew her oh so well!

There was no other maid in the household that knew Diamond Tiara like her ready companion, Miss Peppermint.  The Pegasus herself just happened to be fluttering along getting things ready for the return of the masters of the house when one came on in herself.

"Oh, welcome back, Lady Diamond." she greeted the filly with a warm smile as she landed down on the well-polished floor beside her.  "You look rather pleased... did you have a good day at school?"

Diamond Tiara gave Miss Peppermint a small nuzzle rather than say anything at first.  Among maids, there were many she could count on but only one who seemed so close to her heart.  After all, Miss Peppermint had been her faithful sidekick in Appleoosa.  Why did they call faithful companions sidekicks anyway?  It seemed like some sort of silly word that adults made up to seem sophisticated.  She supposed, in that brief and eternal thought, that that made Miss Peppermint her loyal ally rather than a sidekick.

"Daddy said he had a surprise for me!" she announced to her most beloved maid with a smile that she might have contained for all the others.

---> Enter from The Carousel Boutique

It had taken Loose Leaf a bit of time to make it to the front door of Filthy Rich's home. She had never been there before and it too a little but of navigation to spot it. But once she did, well, it was rather hard to miss. After all, it was pretty much the largest building in Ponyville. Now, Loose Leaf was standing on his front step, hoof to the bronze knocker, standing on the threashold of her big break. This was it. If Mr. Filthy Rich was pleased (and Loose Leaf was going to make sure he was), then it could be the door she needed to be opened into real gigs. No doubt once the lovely portrit was gracing his fire place all his rich and high society friends would recieve news of the fabulous work the artist Loose Leaf created. It was only a matter of time now.

Doing her best to hold back a girlish squee, Loose Leaf sucked in her nerves an tapped the knocker to the door, making a crisp noise on the other end. Loose Leaf pulled away and took the moments of solitude to let out that girlish glee of excitment, stamping her hooves on the portch and letting out that bent up squee. As soon as anypony opened up the door, she would return to her profesonal deminor.

Diamond Tiara turned her eyes toward the door, suddenly eager.  Miss Peppermint or one of the other maids might have gotten a chance to open the door if she hadn't emulated lightning so properly.  The door was pulled open quickly and Loose Leaf would find herself staring at an eager child, not her rich patron or a servant of him.  Her smile quickly shrank, but didn't vanish.  Taking one step back, she sighed and decided to put her best hoof forward.  Someone who wanted to apply for a job as a maid or whatever this mare wanted to do deserved a good welcome, even if Daddy wasn't here to give it.

"Welcome to..." She paused, a quick look of deep concentration forming on her face. 'How does that Fancy phrase Daddy said he calls the house to his rich friends go...'

Quickly, she grew bored of trying to think of the saying while staring at Loose Leaf, "To the Rich House.  May I ask what you came here for?"

Loose Leaf patter her sachel proudly. "My name is Loose Leaf young lady, and I've been hired to paint a portrit. You must be Dimond Tiara. Your father's told me a little bit about you," she said with a kind smile. Her eyes darted to the exterior of the home that she could see and grinned even brighter. The inside wasn't extravegant, but tasteful and DEFINATLY classy. Probably exprensive too.

Loose Leaf hoped that the little filly would let her in soon so she could take a cloer look around. "Is your father home? Or will you be the hostess for this evening Miss Rich?" she asked with a playful smile.

Diamond Tiara looked at Loose Leaf for a moment, hearing her explanation evenly before smiling just a little bit wider at the 'Miss Rich' comment.  The little  pink earth pony filly is more than happy to step aside and let her in. "I'm sure Da-"

She looked away for a moment. "Mister Rich will be home soon or is already here.  I just got here a minute or two ago...perhaps Miss Peppermint and I could show you around while somepony sees if he's here, Miss Loose Leaf?"

Loose Leaf smiled and bowed her head a little bit. It was like playing she was playing make-believe with her soster again, and she couldn't help but wonder if there was going to be a tea set involved. Of course Loose Leaf had been the filly's age when Pencilla and her had done that. "That sounds wonderful. Lead the way," and Loose Leaf followed after Dimond Tiara as soon as she was escorted in.

Diamond Tiara wasn't the best tour guide.  She was a bit excited and focused more on the idea of seeing how nice her Father's portrait would look than anything else.  There was probably something else there fueling the excitement, but she didn't stop to dwell on such thoughts and the guest probably didn't have time either.

"So, have you painted a lot of portraits before?  Or are you the only one in town who does that?" A pointed question, to be sure, but little ones were so prone to asking them.

Loose Leaf peeled herself away from her sight seeing. She always loved interiro design and although Mr. Rich's taste in decoration was not exactly in her price range, Loose Leaf still admired the skill of the design. Very classy, not too flashy. A lot of deep and handcrafted woods with some oil paintigs and other nice landscapes linning the walls. Here and there were some shinny trinkits about that showed off the family's wealth, and also a couple of simpler, charming trinkets. She was sure she saw some clay peices no doubt made by Dimond Tiara during her earlier years. Loose Leaf couldn't help but smile. The home she had grown up in wasn't anywere thisspacious nor classy, and for 5 ponies, was cramped most of the time. But like Mr. Rich's home, photographs and millicilanious displays from her sister and brother were common. Loose Leaf, not so much in terms of awards or anything, but there was a nice chronological progression of her drawings about. No doubt lil' Cal had filled up the refridgerator by now though.

"Oh yes, I've done them before but nothing so official. I'm going to pull oit all the stops though, ran back home and grabbed my oil paints and portfolio before I ran here. You know, in case your father wants to see some of my other stuff. It's really amazing of him to give me this commisioln. He just saw me drawing in the cafe' and asked my to do a portrit of you and him," she said, stopping to admire a vacation photo of the Riches. She noticed a picture of a lovely mare in an elegant frame on te desk next to it who somwhat resembled Dimond Tiara. Loose Leaf didn't say anything. "As for if I'm tr only painter in Ponyville, I can't say I'm sure."

Diamond Tiara nodded as Loose Leaf's eyes went over the photos.  There were a lot of them, and the faces blended together, even for one who could look over them everyday.  Associates, friends, family, and even maids were in some of the photos put on various desks on tables.  Daddy had had a lot of friends and, really, still did.  She had to wonder about something, though, far away in that particular photo.  Her smile slipped away for a few moments...

She broke the silent stare with a nod and a slightly forced smile. "Well.  Good.  You seem like you're going to do a good job.  Mister Rich deserves to have his portrait done by one of the best."

Loose Leaf found it sort of odd that Dimond Tiara was refering to her father in suh a professional way. Found it sort of funny to be honest, but she didn't say anything. "So, I'll probably start with the base sketch today. Make sure I get the poses and everything just right. This might take two days depending on just how big Mr. Rich wants it. So, I guess I won't be starting for a little while since your dad doesn't seem to be home. Might want to make sure you look just the way you want to inthe portrit." Loose Leaf laughed. "So if you want to freshen up or do your hair in a certain way now would be a good time," Loose Leaf winked.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:29, Wed 02 Jan 2013.

Diamond Tiara could have been hit by a train and had a quicker reaction time.  Truth be told, she'd be reacting in the afterlife, but she'd still be faster.  Loose Leaf said that once before, she remembered now.  That picture must have had her distracted.  Why was it the only picture of its kind there?

"R-right it's a family portrait." She nodded weakly, starting to turn away. "I...I should go fix my mane and wash up so I...excuse me..."

She headed past Miss Peppermint in a hurry and into another room.  She'd just have to get one of the maids to run her a bath quickly, and then she'd need two or three to help her style her mane just right.  What style should she even have it done in?  Should she wear it down?  Up?  Braided on the left or right?  Hopefully, the bath would give her enough time to think.  Everything would have to be absolutely perfect if she was going to have a real portrait done with her daddy!

When Diamond Tiara ran off to get ready, Loose Leaf couldn't help but giggle. Kids and their abundance of adorableness always brightened her day. Now she was alone... well maybe not entirely. One of the maids was keeping a good eye on her and the two shared a nod and a smile. Idly, Loose Leaf ventured into the den and plopped down on one of the chairs that looked the most comfortable.

"Ooooooh baby... I need one of you..." she cooed, rubbing the arm rest fondly as her body sank into it. She hoped that Filthy Rich wasn't going to RUSH over. After all, the young lady was still getting ready and she was more than enjoying basking in the home's warmth in the peace and quiet. Soon, with the money that Filthy Rich had paid her in advance, Loose Leaf would be able to furnish her little shack a bit more. Granted, she only had a room to furnish, but still. She had a couple of design plans in the making that would help utilize the small space. Shouldn't be too expensive, she figured. After all, designing her little home had become her guilty pleasure. There was nothing like having a place of one's own, even if it was small.

Loose Leaf pulled the check out of her bag and gave it another fond look. Hmmmmm... how was she going to split this? Rent, food, furnishing, art supplies, THE FUND? Now that she thought about it... she was going to have to work on calculating just the right amount when she got home.

<-- Filthy Rich enters from the Summer Song Cafe

Miss Peppermint had been ready to go get the door herself when it was knocked upon, so she was left as rather surprised when Diamond Tiara scampered off to get it.  She never answered the door for anypony!  Not even when she was expecting Silver Spoon!  Whatever the surprise her father had apparently cooked up for her must have really gotten her excited for the possibility.  Peppermint and a few other maids listened in as Diamond Tiara gave Loose Leaf a very brief walk around, eavesdropping and figuring out what was going on from it.  By the time the filly parted ways to go get herself prepared, the maids were already in full swing.  Several were in her bedroom already laying out different outfits for her to select from while she scampered off to one of the grand bathrooms the mansion held.

When she arrived, she'd find Miss Peppermint already there working on drawing a scented bath for her.  The maid smiled warmly and gestured for the filly to come on over to be helped on into the tall, sculpted tub basin.  "A commissioned portrait?  That is quite the surprise... are you excited, Lady Diamond?" she asked sweetly as she went about selecting various fine mane and coat brushes to use on her charge.

--

Meanwhile, back in the luxury of the den that Loose Leaf was busy relaxing in, she was able to appreciate the warmth of the grand home.  Despite its size and high class, it had a different feel than other ritzy places she may have seen in the past.  A lot of upper-crust homes tended to feel empty and cold... but this one?  No, it felt full.  There was warmth and life there.  The pictures on the walls showed a loving father and his happy daughter.  She could hear the bustle of servant Ponies going about their business in the halls and it didn't sound rushed or worried; just busy.  They chattered and laughed freely, and a few hummed while they worked.  The smell of some delectable meal being prepared for dinner wafted along through the air as well.  Some sort of yummy smelling roasting vegetables... garlic...

...black tea?

An attractively aromatic scent would catch Loose Leaf's nose as it was much stronger and nearer than the distant smells from the kitchen.  It would no doubt be a surprise that she'd find herself in the company of a tall, immaculately groomed white Unicorn in a sharp butler's uniform at her side.  When had he gotten there?!  The elegant Butler simply lingered at the side of her chair with a tray balanced neatly on his upturned hoof, offering her a fine china cup of steaming tea along with a little dish of cookies, some sugar cubes, and a bowl of milk to season her drink with as she liked.

Meanwhile, Filthy Rich soon returned home as well and had the door opened for him on his approach.  A maid had been watching from the window and hurried to welcome him in with a polite nod of her head.  "Thanks, Peach Blossom.  Has Diamond Tiara gotten home yet?"  he asked in a hushed tone in case she was around.

"Yes sir, and so has the artist you hired.  Lady Diamond is already getting herself prepared for the portrait.  Miss Loose Leaf is waiting in the den."  the maid said with a grin, though it faltered when her employer frowned.

"Horseapples... I wanted to be the one to spring it on her.  Ah well." he was a little put off that he didn't get to do any build up to the surprise or see the look on his daughter's face when he revealed it, but that was life.  He still had the actual evening itself to look forward to.  He knew how much his little girl favored the finer things in life and hoped she'd enjoy a well-done painting over the mantle.  Goodness knew Filthy Rich wasn't going to refuse having as many reminders of his daughter's younger days around as she was growing up so fast before his eyes...

The stallion trotted down the hall to the den where Loose Leaf was being served refreshments and poked his head on inside with a smile.  "Ah, here you are.  I didn't think you'd make it here before I did.  I hope you haven't been waiting too long."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:58, Thu 03 Jan 2013.

Loose Leaf turned to Filthy Rich with a cookie already filling one of her cheeks and another one in tote in a hoof. "Murfer Furrfy Witch!"

Oh right, good impressions.

Loose Leaf quickly gulped down the lump in her mouth and washed it down with an elegant sip of her tea. Good, good, excellent, prefect. "Heh, uh, pardon me. Really... good cookies," Loose Leaf laughed a bit awkwardly. She passed a glance at the butler and begged for him with a look not to diverge into any hits of how many she had already eaten. She placed the only one she hadn't back onto the tray he had set down for her on the end table. "And don't worry, I've only been here long enough to enjoy the company of your cookies, I mean your daughter, and... and eat the cookies."

Wow that could have come out badly.

"So how was your day? You just come from Summersong? Sorry I'm not up and at-uhm setting up yet, but I wasn't sure how long Diamond Tiara would take to get ready. Do you need some time too?"

"It's not what I expected at all!" Diamond Tiara cried with a mixture of excitement and dread.  It was clear, even before she explained that she was more than a little excited (and quite surprised, again).  She flew through the motions, far more interested in getting clean than enjoying the bath.  She had to think.  The purple outfit would go best with her general style, but the red one was far more bold and would probably mesh better with her father's outfit.  Then again, the green one said 'I don't care what I look like, I'm happy to be next to my daddy!'

She had to get her hair done first, and that was the hard part.  She decided for a relatively 'simple' look involving ringlets.  The style was just extravagant enough, and her maids would be able to work that out fairly quickly after drying her hair.  It'd take a little longer than just wearing her hair down, but she'd be far more worthy of appearing next to her father.  Then, she got dressed in that fancy green dress.

Once it was all done, she would descend the stairs and see if her father was home to take part in the portrait...perhaps unprepared for what she would find...

Filthy Rich raised a brow over the state Loose Leaf had herself in with the cookies, but made no comment other than an idle smile.  He was far more easy going than other Ponies in his wage bracket and certainly had no reason to turn his nose up.  He knew just how good the kitchen staff was with cookies, after all.  "Yes, I'm just coming back in.  One of the perks of my job is that I can do it just about anywhere.  Go ahead and relax a while longer.  I need to tidy up a bit myself before we can start." he said with a smile.  The stallion looked to his butler briefly.  "I assume you'll be joining us for dinner?  Pennyworth, see that she has a place set at the table, please."

The butler didn't respond at all beyond giving a simple nod.  With that, Filthy Rich excused himself to the company of his maids as he headed along to get ready for the evening as well.  He could hear the sounds of his daughter washing up down the hall and chuckled a bit.  In due time, he would return with his mane freshly slicked and in a proper dress coat rather than his usual business lapels, though his trademarked tie was still firmly in place.  His arrival coincided along with that of his daughter's and he smiled broadly to see her hustling down the stairs in that darling green dress of hers.

"Well, you look just lovely, princess!" he greeted her fondly.  As always, Miss Peppermint followed close behind to be of assistance where she could.

"Thank you, daddy." Diamond Tiara fought to use the most formal and dignified tone she had, rather than just shouting it out like she was as proud and excited as she really was, deep down inside.  It was a losing battle, but at least the smile on her face didn't split it clean in half.  Her cute-ceañera couldn't have had her half this excited, and that was probably the second or third best day of her life...until recently.  "That coat looks very nice on you."

She gave a light curtsey to the guest, as if she hadn't greeted her once before. "Thank you for coming, Miss Loose Leaf."

By the tome the Riches made it back down stairs, now fresh and in their best, Loose Leaf had finished setting up. She sipped at a fresh cup of tea, a dish with a hot kettle and the cup's saucer on the table next to the easel.  Her set up was facing the most lovely of the couches, so that the two of them could be as comfortable as possible. Apparently, Filthy Rich had already sent word for the size of the painting he wanted, and a canvus had been seet out for her. It was rather large, but Loose Leaf was sure she had brought enough paints. In fact, they looked rather fresh. Un used even.

The artist set down her tea cup and smiled at the two of them. "Well don't you two look nice. Go ahead and have a seat. I figured it would be much more comfortable than any old chair. That and you two can be nice and close," Loose Leaf said, motioning towards the sofa. "So how much do you want me to get? Face? Shoulders? Mid height? Full? It really just depends on how much emphasis you want on the face. I'd suggest shoulders or mid height personally, but it's your call."

Loose Leaf took another sip of her tea and waited for the two to get situated in the positions they wanted, coaching them to move a foreleg here or there, move a bit closer, angle a but differently, to make the piece a bit more dynamic. She set her drink aside again and started to pull tubes out of the pack.

Loose Leaf gave the lighting and the two's coloration a look over before starting to squeeze out pea-sized globs of color onto her palette. Surprisingly, the pallet was just a bug slab of paint stained wood, shaped to accommodate holding it with her hoof.  Some ponies prefered to hold the brush in their mouths, and Loose Leaf even did so some time. However, she rarely did, preferring to have the freedom of using either her whole body or just her hood for stroke movements. Of course, first she used a light pencil before the paint even got involved.

Once the two were settled, Loose Leaf started to slightly sweep her pencil across the canvas; strokes do light that the outline could hardly be seen. She was trained to, however, used to her light marks, and soon she had a rough outline of the two on the canvas.

"Now, oil painting takes a very long time, so just let me know if you two want to take a break. Trust me, I had to model for several hours out of the week back during my studies and I know how tiring it can be to just sit or stand there." Loose Leaf slid her mixing brush into the paints and started to separate some of the color peas to mix into other colored smushed peas. "Once I get far enough, I can always come back tomorrow and finish it. Some of the famous oil paintings the master did of the royal families took several days to complete. This is a much smaller scale though, so I wouldn't worry too much."

With that, Loose Leaf started to paint.

Diamond Tiara did her best to take an appropriate position and to look regal as Loose Leaf got time to start up.  Filthy Rich would know the details of how tall, how high, and whatever else should be done, since he was paying for this.  Before all of these experiences, though, she might have been willing to demand a certain configuration...but she was just happy enough to be involved, now...

"That coat looks very nice on you." Diamond Tiara had said, to which Filthy Rich chuckled and straightened his tie.  "Doesn't it though?"

While he and his daughter got settled in and everything was organized for the evening, Pennyworth remained nearby to assist in any way he could.  Part of it was keeping an attentive hoof at the Victrola and switching out records every now and then; having some music helped to stave off any unnecessary boredom that might have otherwise come up from sitting in place for a long while.  "There's no need to worry about me.  When you attend as many business meetings as I do, you learn how to hold still patiently for long periods of time.  That, and sleep with your eyes open."

For the painting, he asked for a mid-length portrait; more for the sake of making sure as much of Diamond Tiara and her pretty dress got into the image as possible.  He smiled fondly down on the filly as she held herself with such a prim bearing befitting a Pony of their standing.  Loose Leaf could easily see the fatherly pride in Filthy Rich's expression as she drafted it to the canvas.  "We'll take a break whenever you need to, okay princess?"  he gave the control of that particular decision to Diamond Tiara since he was sure she'd grow restless before he would.

Diamond Tiara nodded, but she didn't want to be the one to flinch.  This was, as far as she concerned, a gift to her father as much as it had been a pleasant surprise for her.  She would be glad to keep her smile on and herself as still as possible for as long as possible.  Sure, she'd have to give into boredom eventually and ask for a pause, but she'd be cursed to never see the sun again before she'd surrender to that urge to call for a break so quickly...

A couple of hours past smoothly in the Manor. Loose Leaf made sure to let the two take a break whenever they wanted, enjoying the refreshments of tea and cookies. She asked the butler to put on some relaxing music by choice of Filthy Rich and Diamond Tiara. She usually flip-flopped between what sort of music to listen to when she was working, as it usually affected WHAT she was working on. However, the soft easy listening made the more classical painting of the two ponies pleasant and relaxed. She wanted to capture the two's bond as father and daughter, their facial expressions naturally beaming with pride at each other's presence. It showed in the paint.

Now that the day's work was done, Loose Leaf was scrapping the access paint into an air tight bag as to not waist it, and started to clean her brushes. Through the hours she had painted, cleaned a brush with the cloth hanging over her shoulder, dipped it in a new color, than repeated the process. She was very fond of how the work was going so far, the rosy color of the room and light adding a warm atmosphere to the painting. It also helped brighten up each's faces. Still, she needed to let the first layer dry for at least a day before she got back on it, making the colors a bit more vibrant, else everything would become a big wet mess of brown.

And that was the very last thing she wanted.

"Sorry that took so long, but it could be worse. The masters sometimes took up to two years to finish a single piece!" Loose Leaf said, setting her brushes out to air dry. She started to pack everything else up and finally stood up to stretch, flexing her wings as she did. She could smell the food in the kitchen and wondered if Filthy's offer for dinner was still on the table, even if she had been in taking a steady flow of cookies.

Diamond Tiara just let out a breath she didn't know she was holding in as she stepped down.  Being in a portrait was exhausting!  She hoped that Miss Loose Leaf would be able to finish some day soon, not in years like one of the fabled 'masters'.  Still, she was able to relax as she got herself down, and that left her willing to not question the artist's methods for now.  Daddy was still paying her, and she seemed nice enough, so there was no reason to jump to conclusions just yet...

"You want to take a look Diamond Tiara?" Loose Leaf asked as the filly stepped down from her seat. "I should be able to finish it in a day or two at the most, but the first layer is done. Just have to let it dry now."

If and when Diamond Tiara did come over to the painting, she would find that the painting almost looked done on some level. Seemed odd to be adding more after the way it already looked, both her and her father's faces beaming in each other's presence on the canvas, their outfits surprisingly coordinated, perhaps a slight tint to add to the effect. Loose Leaf had stayed as realistic as possible, forgoing her usual technique of lengthening the bodies and abstracting the faces as she did in many of her more personal pieces. It was really like looking into a picture, but much more richer in color and atmosphere. If she looked closely enough, Diamond Tiara could see the small brushes of her paint over the canvas, small dabs of colors working into the larger picture to create more.

"Thank you." Diamond Tiara was quick to have a look.  When she did, her eyes widened and she quickly took a step back, before leaning in closer to get a better look. "That's...amazing.  How did you do all this so fast, and it's not even done?!?"

At least the artist wouldn't have to worry about dashing the filly's hopes!  That smile couldn't be ruined by all but the worst knowledge.

Loose Leaf blushed a bit. "Well, years of training. Draw every day, took every art class I could, still practice all the time," she said, tucking away tubes of her paint. She had been saving them for a special occasion after her father bought them for her, but she had figured painting Filthy Rich and his daughter had been more than a worth wile breaking in of the new oil paints. "Art is my special talent, I'd like to think I'm rather good at it," she laughed.

"But I'm really, really glad you like it. It means a lot to me." Loose Leaf smiled genuinely down at Diamond Tiara, almost as excited about it as the filly was. After all, this was what it was all about, and Loose Leaf had to admit that now and then she forgot that, sipping veggi noodles in a cramped shack with no money or recognition to her name. Even today her and Rarity had discussed the joys of fame and fortune. But now, even as Loose Leaf had a check in her bag that would keep her comfortable for at least a little while, the look on Diamond Tiara's face when she saw her painting... now THAT was what made it worth it. That was why she picked up art in the first place. She silently thanked Diamond Tiara for helping her remember that.

Diamond Tiara nodded and repeated her thank you.  She said nothing else, at least for the moment, clearly humbled by the artist's dedication and skill.

When the time came to finally move again, Filthy Rich took a few moments to stretch out his limbs and work some feeling back into his rump.  He was rather pleased to see how keenly interested in the painting Diamond Tiara was... he hadn't always pegged her for having an eye for the arts, but was happy to indulge her wherever he could in such a worthy field.  He himself was a great patron to artistic Ponies in and around the area.  The thought of his daughter following in his hoof steps warmed him.

"I think it's a fine start, Miss Loose Leaf.  Now I'm more eager than ever to see the finished piece." the stallion chuckled as he spied the base of the painting himself.  Was his chin really that squared?

It was just then that Miss Peppermint stepped demurely into the den and cleared her throat to gather attention her way.  "Dinner is served.  The first course is Soupe d'Hiver, followed by a Saláta Pastináki.  Our main course is a baked Rigatoni Pomodoro with assorted heirloom tomatoes.  The dessert course is a light strawberry Castella cake, prepared in a Neighponese style."

"I see Toque Blanche has been globe trotting with his cookbooks again." Filthy Rich said with a laugh over the variety of dishes.  Of course, he trusted their live-in chef implicitly when it came to making sure all the dishes blended well with one another.  He looked to Loose Leaf again.  "Will you be joining us for dinner?"

"I love the way he does tomatoes," Diamond Tiara muttered, looking at Loose Leaf and wondering if she'd stay...or go.  She seemed like a nice enough pony, even when she wasn't being an artist.

"Please stay.  You deserve a good meal for such good work."

"Are you kidding? I'm starving! I wouldn't want to pass up a good meal like this one for any..."

There was a moment where Loose Leaf stood in Filthy Rich's living room, stone. Dead. Frozen. Her eyes bulged into saucers, making her look reminiscent of a sad puppy dog but dazed and very confused. She just stood there a couple of minutes, staring at nothing utterly specific in the room as her mind sloshed around in its thought juices for a moment.

Neighpon made desert? Neighpon? Kirin? Fung Shiiiiiii...

"Oh no..." the blank husk that had once been the great artist Loose Leaf said. Fung Shui. She was supposed to go to his dance studio for a free lesson today when she got off work. The clock in front of her dinged to the evening and her blood drained from her face. Summersong had closed forever ago! He was probably waiting for her.

No, wait, this is Fung Shui we're talking about here Loose Leaf. He probably forgot also, considering how busy he gets. And even so, he was her friend and an accomplished guy. He knew how important her work was to her, and he certainty knew the limited number of bits she had. She needed this job. How important it was to her. She would explain and no doubt he would understand. And here THE Filthy Rich was offering her dinner! A dinner where she could not only dine on luxurious food, but also talk about art, and maybe even become friends! She could show him her portfolio. Show him some of her work that wasn't portraits. Her personal work. The work that nopony seemed to care about. If she stayed with him, there could be a whole world opened up to her. A new friendship. Fung Shui would understand that. He barely tolerated her anyways. The whole thing at the dance studio was just the result of banter. It wasn't as important as this opportunity. It just wasn't.

"I'm sorry mister Rich," Loose Leaf said evenly. "But I promised a friend that I would see him tonight, and I was so busy with my work that it completely slipped my mind. I'll have to take a rain check on this dinner if you allow me."

Loose Leaf passed a sad glance over to Diamond Tiara. "Sorry, but I can't stay, but I'll come back tomorrow and finish up the painting. It needs to dry overnight and I can't move it until it does. I really, really am sorry. I was really looking forward to eating with you two."

She took a deep breath and finished putting all of her stuff in her satchel as she spoke to them, waited for their answers, and helped herself to the front door as civil as possible.

It wasn't until she was outside the door of the Manor, that Loose Leaf kicked it into a panicked high gear, frustrated at her own stupidity and the opportunity she might have passed up on.

<---Exit to Fung Shui's Studio

Diamond Tiara nodded as Loose Leaf accepted, but looked sad as she ran off (though she did speak a polite good bye).  She understood why Loose Leaf had to leave, of course.  If Meadow Lark or Silver Spoon needed her help, she'd jump to help them...

One did need her help!  And like brave Miss Loose Leaf, she could do that, too!

"Daddy, if he wanted to, could Meadow Lark come over sometime?" Though she surely knew that just about anypony among her friends could come over, she looked from left to right quickly as she made the request.

While Filthy Rich was a bit disappointed that Loose Leaf had to run off in such a hurry, he understood priorities better than most and wished her a good evening.  The painting would remain where it stood until they were all ready to continue it the following evening.

"My, but she was in a rush..." the stallion chuckled softly as he turned to head down the hall with his daughter and servants in tow, eager for dinner himself.  When Diamond Tiara asked about her friend, he smiled and nodded.  "Of course, princess.  So long as it's alright with Merriweather, he can come over whenever he likes.  You know your friends are always welcome to visit."

Frankly, Filthy Rich was just happy that the two even were friends at all.  Having the two spend time together at the Moon Raising was a bit of a gamble, but it all seemed to pay off in the end.  His daughter was really showing a lot of emotional maturity as of late and he felt that having more friends would only be a boon for her.  "I'm glad you two are getting along so well.  I... I was actually thinking; perhaps we should have a little get together one of these evenings?  We could invite Meadow Lark and Merriweather over for dinner."  He noticed Miss Peppermint subtly hide a wry grin behind her hoof and coughed, adding:  "Silver Spoon and her family as well -- goodness knows I haven't had a chance to catch up with the Silvers in ages."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:30, Thu 10 Jan 2013.

"That would be very nice, daddy.  Meadow Lark wanted to play some music, and Merriweather doesn't like him doing it in the cafe..." Diamond Tiara nodded his way, smiling softly. "And get togethers are always fun."

That was a relief to hear.  Filthy Rich knew that Diamond Tiara liked the soirees that were sometimes held in their home, though normally they were for the sake of business and there weren't many opportunities to just enjoy the company of friends.  The notion left him with a smile as he took his seat at the table and flared out his napkin while the first course of dinner was served up.

"Good, good." he nodded and couldn't help but hesitate a moment before he spoke again.  "Princess... what do you think of Miss Merriweather?  I know the two of you haven't exactly gotten a lot of time to get to know each other or anything, but what are your first impressions?" he chanced asking and hoped that she wouldn't hold the disciplinarian meeting they'd first met in against her.

Diamond Tiara stopped suddenly as her father asked her such a deep and sideways question.  Usually, though he asked her opinions on quite a few things, he never really needed her opinion on other ponies.  He was usually a good judge of character after all.  Then again, it was sometimes hard to tell her father's angle with things...after all, he was a businesspony and being forthright wasn't always the way to solve problems.

She took a moment to prepare herself for dinner, thinking over the question posed to her. "She's...scary, really.  Even when she's smiling, I can only really think of how...strong she is...but...it's not like she's mean about it..."

After all, most of her interactions with Merriweather were through other ponies...or staring into eyes that could make Princess Celestia whimper...

Ah... he'd been afraid of that.  It was true that Merriweather could be frightening due to her size, scars, and severe attitude.  Filthy Rich took a moment to sip at his bowl of delicious soup and dwell on the matter before he spoke up again.  "I know she can seem fairly intimidating, but you don't think badly of her, do you?  She used to be a royal guard, remember?  That means the reason she's strong is because she was protecting Ponies, or the Princesses."

 Diamond Tiara shrank away from the question, at first.  However, as she sipped at her soup, she realized that the question seemed so out of place.  Why did it matter if she liked one adult or another?  As long as she behaved herself and Miss Merriweather didn't hurt her, it didn't matter.  Armed with her own question, she found new confidnece  "Why does it matter, anyway?  I'm not mean to her, she's not mean to me...you said we all have to be nice to ponies we might not like that much, right?"

"Well... don't you agree that it would be better if we could all get along?  Friendship is better than mere tolerance, isn't it?" Filthy Rich advised, though he otherwise left the matter alone.  It wasn't like he needed to press his daughter on that line of questioning... particularly since he wasn't quite sure how far he intended to go on it himself.  Some things just needed a bit more time to develop.

"Maybe...but it's not like I need to be Miss Merriweather's friend.  That's something you're already doing, right?" Diamond Tiara slipped just enough accusation in there to make her uncertainty on that matter plain too.  After all, if a matter was unsafe for her, it was also unsafe for her father...and Merriweather stepped around a line that had dangerous written all over it.  She just didn't cross it enough to show her true self...

Filthy Rich coughed softly to clear his throat and silently took a moment to compile his thoughts.  Well... he was always urging his daughter to be a critical thinker.  Nice to see she took the lessons to heart, even if she was using it on him at the moment.

"I just want to make sure there's no bad blood between the two of you.  She seems to think you're quite a nice filly, after all." he explained simply between sips at his appetizer.

"She does?" Diamond Tiara nibbled at the appetizer, her interest piqued.  It didn't at all seem like Merriweather to be nice and think nice ponies were nice, but it also didn't seem like Meadow Lark to be deeper than stealing and wanting his Cutie Mark.  "Well, I don't not like her, like I said, Daddy...but..."

Stopping mid-sentence, she looked at the stallion, stopping her partaking of the meal. "I didn't know you talked to Merriweather, Daddy."

She couldn't see her father's true intent, of course, but the little girl could pick up some of the lessons he didn't teach her directly, like poking through the subtleties of conversation and seeing what others want.  Appleoosa had taught her a bit about that...

"A bit, yes.  She makes excellent coffee and I've been dropping by the cafe for a cup when I head out to work.  That's how I met Miss Loose Leaf and organized the portrait.  She's a waitress at the cafe."  the stallion explained.  It wasn't the entire truth and he shot the maids a look when two of them couldn't help but giggle softly in the corner.  Naturally Filthy Rich had nothing at all to hide, especially not from his own daughter, but he just wasn't quite ready to delve into that particular topic just yet.

"Naturally we get to chatting, and seeing as how our children are by far the most important things in our lives, it's no surprise you and Meadow Lark are often the topic of conversation." he said with a flattering smile.  Quite true, that.  He never missed a chance to brag about his darling daughter and she knew it.  So did all their friends.  And his co-workers.  And his employees.  And the foreign partners...
This message was last edited by the player at 03:01, Sat 19 Jan 2013.

"Hm." Diamond Tiara could help but smile and get back to her meal for a little while.  The maid's reactions were a little curious, too, but she could always grill them later.  She knew, of course, that they'd probably not give all of the story.  They might give some of the story or even none of it.  There were quite a few things that some of them talked about that were 'I'll tell you when you're older' kind of subjects...

Her mind started to wander back to Meadow Lark as the meal went on, and she started to think about Meadow Lark and what he said at the schoolhouse.  As she went back to her meal at last, she whispered, "he's not the most important thing in her life..."

[Day 9]

Diamond Tiara woke up peacefully that morning, feeling warm and comfortable in her sheets.  As she rose up, she quickly headed to get ready.  It wasn't school and she wouldn't have done all of her homework anyway, seeing as a lot of it isn't fun and her book report is already mostly done anyway...

Naturally Diamond Tiara was assisted in her morning routine, like always.  As per Filthy Rich's instructions the servants didn't do everything for the filly, but they certainly made life a lot easier for her.  They prepared her bath, got all her accessories set out for her, tidied up her room and bed while she was out, had meals ready and waiting... really, most of what she did were things she chose to do for herself.

As the filly went through the paces of getting ready, Miss Peppermint was at her side the whole time along with a clip board tucked in her wing.  "Your itinerary is rather lax today, Lady Diamond.  Your father will be off in Manehatten on business later today and will be returning tomorrow morning.  You still have a meeting with Miss Loose Leaf for another painting session this evening before dinner, which your father has trusted you to handle accordingly in his absence.  There is also the matter of your diction and enunciation lessons after lunch.  Also --"

The Pegasus was cut off by the sound of voices echoing up from down in the foyer.  Familiar voices at that... bickering too.  Peppermint giggled softly at the noise and shook her head.  "-- Pennyworth wanted me to tell you that your friends have injected themselves into your schedule as well.  Silver Spoon and Meadow Lark showed up a little earlier.  I trust we can pencil in a playdate today?"

Diamond Tiara nodded to Peppermint as she went through the other things.  They were standard and normal things.  Besides, it cultivated an all too adult persona if she took the issues of the day in stride with minimum comment and complaint (and it made it easier to concentrating on doing what she could to speed up the getting ready process).

"Yes, Ms. Peppermint, I suppose I can find just a little time for my friends today.  Thank Pennyworth for bringing this cruc-cal matter to my attention." Nodding one last time, she gave Ms. Peppermint an affectionate nuzzle before heading off to see her friends.  Her mane had been left hanging loosely and her tiara had been left behind, but she seemed to forget that in her attempts to be grown up.  Standing tall and trying to look regal, she walked out to greet Silver Spoon and Meadow Lark.  Whether they knew it or not, they were about to be in the presence of somepony whose majesty was undeniable!
This message was last edited by the player at 01:33, Wed 13 Feb 2013.

Miss Peppermint held up a professional air and expression as long as she could manage, but Diamond Tiara's quick nuzzle broke her stoicness with a sweet smile.  She hugged the girl with a curl of her wing and sent her off to play while she tidied up in her wake.  It was times like those that made her wish for children of her own... but watching after Diamond Tiara was a good enough alternative for now.

Downstairs, Diamond Tiara would come upon her friends standing in the foyer having an 'energetic discussion' with each other.  Amazingly, Meadow Lark's unruly mane had been brushed back into a tidy slick not unlike the one Filthy Rich usually wore.

"I'm just saying, it wouldn't kill you to use a little mane gel every now and then." Silver Spoon rolled her eyes at the grimace the boy made in return.

"Your braid's so tight it must be cutting off bloodflow to your brain." the Pegasus grumbled.  Given that Pennyworth was nearby, it seemed as though the Butler had something to do with Meadow Lark actually looking presentable for once.

Diamond Tiara had to hold back a giggle. "Trying to be as cool as Mister Rich, Meadowlark?"

Her loose mane and un-tiara'd head stood in stark contrast to the slightly well done colt's hairstyle, but she still smiled and giggled.  It was early enough in the morning that it didn't matter if she wasn't completely ready to face the day.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:34, Wed 13 Feb 2013.

"You call your dad Mister Rich?" Meadow Lark blinked as his friend arrived on the scene.  Silver Spoon just rolled her eyes once more, fearing she was going to get dizzy at this rate, and trotted over to greet Diamond Tiara with a friendly nuzzle.

"Love the wet mane look!  And you should ignore the plebeian."  she scoffed.

"I'm not an actor..."

"That's a thespian... and we are not getting into this again." Silver Spoon cut the boy off as he started to go into another round of 'play on words'.  Meadow Lark looked genuinely disappointed at that and scuffled his hoof on the well-polished floor.

"You're no fun." he pouted as he ambled up to join the girls.  The Pegasus couldn't help but give Diamond Tiara a sideways look though.  "Where's your headgear?"

Diamond Tiara might have frowned if Silver Spoon hadn't nuzzled her and then complimented her in such short order.  "I didn't know you two would be here right now, or maybe I would have dried off faster and put it on.  I'm glad you think this 'look' is so marvelous, though."

"I don't keep it on when I'm taking a bath..." The reminder, however, set her hooves a quivering.  She glanced back and forth quickly. "So, maybe we could go up to my room for a minute or two?  I need to take care of a couple of things before we head out..."

She turned and left, knowing Silver Spoon would know how to follow her if it was necessary...

"Yeah, alright.  It's not like we're on a schedule or anything."  Meadow Lark shrugged, not knowing Diamond Tiara was on a schedule herself.  As the three of them started for the stairs, the Pegasus was stopped in place as Pennyworth blocked his path with an extended hoof.  "Hey!"

"What, did you really think he was going to let a boy into Diamond Tiara's room?" Silver Spoon rolled her eyes as she continued alongside her companion.

"Oh come on!"

"Relax, we'll be back in a minute.  Just cool your hooves."

Diamond Tiara stopped a moment, looking between Pennyworth and Meadow Lark quickly.  She finally nodded to Silver Spoon. "Yes, I just need to get a couple of things."

She did, however, shoot one glance at both the colt and stallion, feeling oddly justified when she spoke, "be nice to each other.  We'll be right back."

Though she giggled as she headed upstairs, she had sounded entirely serious when she gave that order.  Not bothering to fix her mane, Diamond Tiara just grabbed her tiara and decided to return quickly.  After all, there wasn't much she really needed today, and the schedule needed to be hurried along anyway.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:44, Tue 26 Feb 2013.

Silver Spoon stuck close to her friend's side as they left Meadow Lark to glower at the Butler, surely watching carefully to make sure he didn't end up on the business end of a comb again.  Brushing his mane once a day was enough for him!

Once Diamond Tiara had her namesake back on, Silver Spoon took a second to appraise her look and carefully fluffed her mane for her, giving it just that right level of bounce since it was already plenty thick enough to keep her crown in place. "You would not believe the week I've been having.  I started hanging out a bit with the Cutie Mark Crusaders earlier... it's exhausting!  Not to mention horrible on my hooficure."

"You were stuck with the bl-" Diamond Tiara stopped herself there, and looked at her friend before she could go any further. "The Sn-Cutie Mark Crusaders didn't give you a hard time, did they?"

It was still odd to think of them that way.  It wasn't too long ago that they weren't worthy of that kind of thought, that they were ponies who deserved not even a little respect and, instead, were worthy of all of the scorn under Celestia's sun.  The idea of treating them better would surely take a while to settle in, at least for her: they'd always be ponies who reveled in seeing her fail and she'd always enjoy getting one over on them.  And that meant she'd have to protect Silver Spoon from them.

"Not really, no.  To be honest, it wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be... Nowhere near as good as it could have been, but not as bad either." Silver Spoon had to admit as she rubbed her cheek in idle thought.  Meadow Lark's accusations to the two at the Moon Raising had hit the two fillies in different ways... and, given how much Silver Spoon thrived on being with others, the idea of burning bridges didn't settle well with her.

"I was thinking... maybe it's time we campaign a little bit?  Maybe try and rekindle our popularity?"  she suggested.  It wasn't that the two were unpopular by any means, but even she had to admit that some of their antics didn't settle well with others.  Social graces required constant upkeep anyway.  "Maybe we could throw a party?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:54, Wed 06 Mar 2013.

"A party, how bold, Ms. Spoon." Diamond Tiara gave it some thought with an amused expression, looking at her hooficure for a moment.  It'd need a bit of redoing shortly enough, but she'd not complain about that now.  The idea of something to take her mind off of more serious things made her smile far more genuinely.  Her Cuteceañera had left a bit of a bad taste in her mouth, and a better party would surely only get more ponies to come and enjoy themselves.

After all, Daddy worked pretty hard to make sure everything stayed sorted out, so she'd have to do the same thing for her own business...even if her 'work' wasn't as hard as his...

"When and where?  And whatever do we use for the occasion?" She tried out a more sophisticated voice...and ditched it when she realized she sounded pretty stupid. "I mean, we can certainly party whenever we want, but..."

"As much as I'd like to say we don't need a reason for a party... you've got a point."  Silver Spoon conceded.  Pinkie Pie threw huge get-togethers on the flimsiest of reasons, but partying was what she did.  Besides, they couldn't just toss up some peasant's romp around a punch bowl.  They had standards to keep.

"Our parents probably wouldn't want us having a party at our houses.  I'd say we could make Meadow Lark host it, but his mom would skin us..." she grimaced.  "Too bad too... he mentioned his mom's gonna be out of town on some Manehatten trip."

"But she's going to be out of town, right?  There has to be some way we can make that work.  If she's just going to leave, we might be able to ask her or somepony who runs the place.  The worst she can do is say no if we ask, right?" Diamond Tiara looked down, a little worried at the idea of having to ask Merriweather for anything.  The idea crossed her mind of not asking, but she saw a lot of unpleasant things happening to her if the fierce old unicorn ever found out that a party happened without her express permission....

"Or...we could have it without her knowing, and just clean up afterward..." Diamond Tiara said all too quietly.  She blinked a few times, looking off to the side for a moment..then two or three.  Five whole seconds passed before her gaze turned back toward her friend. "...I'm sorry.  I...got distracted.  were we talking about something?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:07, Wed 27 Mar 2013.

"I dunno.  What're we talking about?"

Meadow Lark suddenly piped in as he popped up in between the two girls seemingly out of nowhere, which made Silver Spoon yelp in surprise and jerk back.  Before he could get a solid answer, however, he flinched when he heard hoofs hurrying down the nearby hall.  "Heh... y'know, your butler is really hard to lose!  I think he can see through walls."

Apparently leaving Meadow Lark alone for too long wasn't a good idea... he found a way to occupy himself that involved leading Pennyworth on a bit of a chase.

"Nevermind that you're louder than a hurricane when you aren't trying to knock unsuspecting tiaras off of innocent manes," Diamond Tiara replied with a grin.  "We were talking about having a party, Meadow Lark.  Having a little bit of fun because there isn't anything better to do aside from homework, and ponies can't go too long without good parties."

--->From Summersong Cafe'

After about an hour of chores and packing a small little bag (as the bank was closer to the town and her home than the manor) she made her way to the home before she was scheduled to depart. She was planing on buying her ticket at the station and hopped that she would be able to catch the next one out of Ponyville and to Canterlot without a big fuss.

After knocking the door with the knocker, Loose Leaf waited for someone to answer so she could explain the situation. Maybe she would take off some of the price for the piece... oh the thought tormented her but... well, the money wasn't worth being a jerk about it at all. Yes, she would defiantly lower the price. It was only fair.

It was not common for Diamond Tiara to answer her own door, but her thoughts were interrupted by the latest guest.  She was quick to open the door and smile at the portrait artist.  After all, even if it wasn't time for the portrait, she still looked pretty snazzy.  With this tiara on her mane, how could she not be one of the best looking fillies in Ponyville?

"Hello, Miss Loose Leaf.  How are you?" It wasn't about time for the portrait, so she knew there was plenty of time for pleasantries.

Loose Leaf's smile instantly filled her face when she was answered by Diamond Tiara. If there was one thing from back home she missed the most, it was her younger brother, who was an infinite source of adorableness. Be it fillies and colts who melted her heart. Not that she liked to admit it to some.

"Hey there Miss Tiara. How polite of you to open the door for me. Is your father home? I have to talk to him about the portrait. I really apologies, but there is some family business I have to take care of for the next couple of days and I won't be able to finish the painting till I get back." Even as Loose Leaf explained, her expression became sorrowful, genuinely hurt that she was going to have to disappoint.

Diamond Tiara took a few moments to contemplate her answer, frowning just a little bit.  After all, she had been looking forward to the portrait, especially with her father by her side so everypony could see them at their best.  That said, she hadn't exactly been sure as to how it would be drawn without her father there.  He was the focal point of the entire thing, in a way, just like her dress. "Well...he's not going to be back until tomorrow.  I could tell him when he gets back from Manehatten, if you like."

"Really? So he won't even be in then? Huh," Loose Leaf scratched behind her ears a bit. "Well, I guess this works out then. I promise I'll get right to it when I come home alright? So you have a few days to get all prettied up."

At that, Loose Leaf winked at the little filly.

"He gets busy with a lot of stuff in Manehatten.  Thank you for letting me know.  I'll be sure to tell him." Diamond Tiara nodded, feeling her smile shrink just a little bit. "I'll be sure to look extra pretty, but you better have a good trip."

"I will, though no doubt it'll be chaotic," Loose Leaf said with a sigh. "Anyways, I've got to get going, thanks for being understanding. I promise to make it up to you two when I get back. Try to be a good girl while your dad's away. I'm sure he'll also make it up to you when he gets back."

Loose Leaf understood Diamond Tiara's plight to some degree, her parents had always been busy too. It didn't matter how full of love they were, spending so much time away working was still hard on a kid. Loose Leaf was lucky to have her older sister when she was the filly's age, and then her brother when Pencilla had become busy as well. Tiara looked like she didn't have anyone other than the maids and her relationship with them was beyond Loose Leaf's knowledge.

"Say hi to your dad for me, and be good," she said, giving Diamond Tiara a little wave before flying off towards the train station at a bit more leasurly pace than before.

Family issues were putting her in a sentimental mood...

<---Exit to Train Station?

Diamond Tiara nodded, bidding Loose Leaf a fond farewell as she headed away.  Shutting the door, she did her best to smile a little wider as she headed back to her friends.  They had plans to make, after all.

Diamond Tiara didn't have to go far to find her friends -- they'd followed her to some degree and had their heads poked out from around the corner, openly eavesdropping on her chat with Loose Leaf.  The fact that she'd run off to answer the door herself rather than leave it to the maids meant it was too interesting a situation to pass up on.

"Loose Leaf can paint?" Meadow Lark asked in surprise.  He'd not exactly had a lot of chances to get to know the waitress very well, after all.

"How's it going along anyway?  Is it any good?  What are her rates?" Silver Spoon was quick to ask as well.  If Diamond Tiara was having a portrait done, then she'd have to get one done too!

"It's going very well, but Daddy is paying her very, very well, so of course she would do her best." Diamond Tiara smiled, glad that she'd be one of the few to have a portrait done by such an artist, and she'd probably be the only one to be in a portrait with her father.  It wasn't done so she couldn't comment on the finished package or have it shown to them, but she could definitely brag about how well it was going so far!

Diamond Tiara was well into planning on how she could succeed in Operation: Capture the Summer Song Cafe and Use it for the Best Party Ever.  Her loyal ally Silver Spoon and unwitting accomplice Meadow Lark were standing at the ready, but she had to think of some way she could get control of the Cafe.  After all, though her plans were ambitious and her comrades capable when they weren't acting like foals, she was only a filly and her word wasn't law yet.  Never mind that she would probably be in trouble for at least a weekend for this, but she wasn't about to give in just because the odds were bleak!

Still, she knew Meadow Lark would be of some use here.  She just had to use the right words and put them in the right places.  As they strolled out of the mansion, she stepped over to him and smiled. "Hey, Meadow Lark.  How would you like to have a big party?  With music and cake?"

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:03, Tue 23 June 2015.