Fung watched Loose Leaf stuff her drawings away and stalk off, a bemused look on his face.  Her sarcasm wasn't hard to pick up on, so he wasn't concerned about having actually offended her.  In fact, if he wasn't mistaken, that hint of red in her cheeks when she hurried off was something of a clue.
"As you say.  Let us away with haste then, my dear!"

A tone of light teasing still in his voice, Fung followed after Loose Leaf towards his home, floating lazily along in the air now rather than walking.

--> Exit to Fung Shui's Studio -->

<From The Equestrian Express Train Station>

Star Dust wandered the streets of the business district.  The little colt didn't exactly know where he was going and seemed to be heading in the direction of the residential district, rather than the place he was trying to go.  There weren't a lot of ponies on the street either at the moment.  As he wandered the streets the pony was starting to become more and more worried.  All kinds of thoughts began to surface in his head.  What if his uncle was no longer a resident of Ponyville?  What if he had gotten off the train at the wrong station?  What if he got lost and never saw his parents again?  Worried and frustrated, the little colt began to speed up his pace, starting to move at a trot... and then a gallop.  He would run all over town if he had to.

The little colt seemed to slow down until he came to a halt.  He had to get a grip and calm himself down.  At this rate he was going to stay lost.  Turning around, Star Dust looked back in the direction he'd come from.  There was the train station... besides that, the colt didn't really know where anything was.  His best bet seemed to be looking for an adult for help.  Star Dust began trotting back in the direction he'd come from.  There weren't very many ponies out yet, so the colt decided to try finding someone inside one of the buildings.  The colt paused at what appeared to be a cafe.  With a quick sigh, the colt entered.

<To the Summer Song Cafe>
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:43, Sat 01 Sept 2012.

--> Boutique

"Well, I'm very partial to sweets, but I tend to keep them out of the house to avoid temptation, you see," Rarity explained as she led the Princess to the Business District which was extraordinarily close, "Fruits, however, are my favorite. Strawberries especially. Mmm! And you cannot beat the apples from Sweet Apple Acres. You simply cannot. Though, I doubt Applejack will have her stand out in the market today, what with her hoof injury and all. Poor, poor, dear. Though, with her new relationship brewing, I doubt she will be feeling -too- sour."

The fashionista did have a tendency to ramble on about things everyone knew, not that she was exactly entitled to it. Some found it annoying, but Rarity had enough social consciousness to tell when she was talking too much and pull back a bit. At the same time, she was looking at the various food stalls, considering prices. She had more than enough bits to spare, after all.

"Mm, where to begin," Rarity mused, pausing in the middle of the square.

--> Boutique

Luna gave an eager little nod as Rarity spoke of sweets. Good, good, then asking for some for herself wouldn't be so tasteless. And good fruits too! Strawberries, Apples... Deciding that Rarity's tastes would suit her, she gave the other pony a grin. "Those all sound  wonderful, we'll just need to get enough for us both. Perhaps I should have worn a saddlebag to help...?"

Unlike most, Luna had been far too occupied with other events to have learned of the events of Rainbow's contest or Applejack's injury.  So when Rarity mentioned Applejack's injuries, and to a lesser extent her new relationship, the Princess looked concerned. "What happened to Applejack?" Luna asked with a touch of urgency.

"I could never ask you to put on a saddlebag, darling!" Rarity protested, looking over to Luna with reverence, "You are royalty, after-all. Besides, I am sure just one will suffice."

The fashionista cantered up to a strawberry stand and made a little polite talk with the vendor as she used her magic to lift the bits from one side of her saddlebag to pay for a few baskets of fresh strawberries which she deposited in the other side. Leaving the stall with a polite nod, she continued walking down the middle of the square, seeing if she should pick up a few vegetables and some hay, giving them both more options.

"It was simply awful! During Rainbow Dash's 'Special Somepony' contest, she split her hoof right at the end! She did not win, of course, but she seems to have won the grand prize, as I knew she would," she explained, looking over to her friend as they walked, "Though, I did not expect them to get together so quickly. Why, they haven't even had their date, and already they seem to be doe-eyed and gushy. It is a wonderful change for Rainbow Dash, seeing her break out of that tom-boy shell a bit, and the whole situation is beautifully romantic."

She let out a wispy sigh that held in twine both her admiration for the romantic scenario that unfolded and a tingle of jealousy. First Twilight, now Rainbow Dash and Applejack... Love was in the air, and it seemed to be snatching up all of her friends, but not her, not the romantic! She had every right to be just a little bit jealous.

Luna smiled gently at Rarity's sudden protest. "And I am also eating your food. I should at least help you carry more home." She said with an appreciative smile. As Rarity went on to detail what had befallen Applejack, Luna listened with concern. She had seen such injuries - never felt it, of course, but she couldn't imagine it felt altogether pleasant. It brought a shudder to her wings just thinking of it.

The princess waved a gentle wing to the shopkeeper as Rarity paid for her strawberries. She smiled a little at the fashionista's observations about her friends and romance. It seemed she'd brought love to Ponyville. Luna smiled gently, and nudged Rarity with a wing. "I believe somepony is jealous~" she teased in her clear, bright, regal tone.

"I insist," Rarity said, waving her hoof, showing that she would hear nothing to the contrary, "Just enjoy yourself!"

She was making a purchase at a broccoli stand when Luna made her latest remark in that beautifully regal, yet sing-songy tone. Was it really that obvious, or was the Princess just playing with her? It was hard to tell with Luna, most times, especially since she was still getting used to modern Equestria. Her cheeks burned lightly as she paid for the green veggie and put it away in her saddlebag.

"Can you blame me?" she asked, turning away from the stand to look at Luna, nuzzling against the wing rub, "Watching all of your friends pair off?"

Luna's smile became gentle as Rarity reacted to the slight tease. Gracefully, the Lunar Princess drew her wing back after Rarity's little nuzzle. "I suppose  I can't blame you, but I am surprised you've no Special Somepony of your own." Luna led them along to the next stand, though she paused, casting a hungry eye toward Sugar Cube Corner...

"I just... Well, I've been so busy. I just haven't the time to go out, meet somepony, sweep them off their hooves, and live happily ever-after," Rarity sighed, leading Luna over to the next stand, "I'm a mare with my own business; I'm lucky if I get out of the Boutique everyday, or get to see the girls. A Special Somepony just... Isn't in the cards, I'm afraid."

This stand sold hay and flowers, and Rarity purchased what she wanted from the stand and slid it into her saddlebag. She was nearly done now, and would have enough groceries for the two of them to last a week or two. Going out again wouldn't be a problem, if they ran out. The fasionista couldn't help but notice Luna looking towards Sugar Cube Corner.

"Speaking of the girls, would you like to see Pinkie Pie? Maybe get something sweet?"

Luna glanced back to Rarity with a light smile.  She wasn't sure what to think about the regret in her voice - she seemed both sad but resigned, and it seemed a little bit dreary. Luna nudged her with her wing, again, and nodded to her question. "Sweets are the best part of a meal~" She said warmly.  Honestly, she could be a bit of a silly filly when it came to her sweet tooth.

The opening was enough for her to take a bit of a lead this time, her own magic pulling the door open for the pair of them as she let Rarity in first.

---> Sugar Cube Corner

As Luna rushed forward to open the door, Rarity stood there, looking a tad bewildered. Suppose a love of sweets was something inherit in the family? Princess Celestia's love of cake was well known to their little group, and all of Ponyville once Gabby Gums had gotten their hooves on some of the footage from their trip to Canterlot for the dessert competition. She was even considering learning to make a cake herself to give to the Princess the next time she came to visit Ponyville, but her first attempt at practice had taken her all day. It just wasn't... Perfect.

"Perhaps I said the magic word?" Rarity mused to herself and followed Luna to the door of Sugarcube Corner, nodding politely as she held it open and let her go first.

---> Sugarcube Corner

<<from Moonsong's Home<<

As she over-flew the market in a slow spiral, Moonsong recalled the ponies she'd met during her original foray here.  Friends some of them would later become, and friends she hopes they still are, but one of them had been so...  Odd.  But he'd told her that her voice was the loveliest in the entire Universe, and Fung Shui had told her her singing was divine...

Sighing happily, Moonsong gracefully sweeps her bat-like wings to cup the chill air and bank her speed; her rear hooves touch the ground almost delicately.  It's spoilt somewhat by her right fore-hoof catching on a raised patch of ground, but the mare recovers from the stumble without further issue.  Looking around in the hopes that no one saw her foible, Moonsong takes a deep breath and tries to re-gather her confidence.  She'd missed out on so much before, she's sure of it.  Now, though, she means to make a better go of things.

Head high, the mare joins the morning crowd in her pantry-stocking quest.

<Beginning Fall Day 1>

Moonsong could not have missed the regal mare as she passed over the market. Princess Luna's dark coat and exquisite mane stood out in the morning light like a graceful void, absorbing the light that cast over her. She was presently at Early Birds' Breakfast Booth, levitating a delicious-looking bagel to her mouth for a delicate bite. Yet, the dark shade of black that glided across her peripherial vision drew the Princess's eye. It took her a moment to process - Bat wings, and such a lovely coat - and the n Luna eagerly trotted through the bustling morning street. "Moonsong? We haven't seen you for quite some time!" She called out the other mare quite openly - yet, even so, the 'We' in her voice lacked the edge of a 'Royal' one.

Of all the faces she had expected or even hoped to see, the regal visage of Princess Luna hurrying toward her through the press of ponies came as a total shock.  Suffused with shocked pleasure that the Princess remembered her name, Moonsong almost tripped herself in the process of lowering to a fore-knee.  "P-princess...!"  Moonsong giggles nervously as she bows, and her wings shift and flutter against her the wide straps of her saddlebags.  "It's a pleasure, Princess Luna; I'm so glad to see you again...!"  She wonders if that's too forward--but she can't take the cheerfully spoken words back, nor does she really regret them.  She is glad to see the Princess again, especially now that she's not so moon-struck that she can't think or properly speak.

The imposing alicorn let her features settle into a warm smil "I was surprised I hadn't seen you around the town, given how small it is."e. She delicately gave a shake of her head at that, and turned to peer across the market. "Here for breakfast? The bagels are delicious~" She punctuated that point by levitating her half-eaten meal along to her mouth for another light bite.

Unsure how long she should remain kneeling, Moonsong hazards that the Princess is unlikely to grow cross if she stands while breakfast is being discussed.  And eaten, she notices with a near-giggle upon straightening once more.  "I was away with my family, Princess.  They came along only a few days after your beautiful Moon Raising ceremony and wanted me to go with them on one of our usual vacations.  I was gone a little longer than I expected to be, but I'm quite glad to be back.  I'm glad to see that you're still enjoying Ponyville, too."

She turns her head to tug her saddlebags back into place across her back, then goes on with a smile and barely a stammer.  "I hadn't even thought about breakfast, actually.  My kitchen is empty so I wanted to do some shopping.  Is that one of Early Bird's bagels?  I think I remember hearing about how good they are, but if they meet with royal approval they must be outstanding...!"

Luna grinned gently. "Mhm~ You should have one. My treat~" The princess put forth a wing to draw Moonsong along with her back toward the booth. "I have actually had a personal retreat built for me in the forest nearby, since I have decided to visit much more frequently~"

"Th-thank you...!"  Moonsong answers, her eyes widening in surprise as she finds herself gently ushered along at the Princess' side.  She can't help but sneak a glance at the wing that draws her with: what would it be like to have feathered wings, like normal pegasus ponies?  She shakes away the thought and returns her attention to Luna's words, but Moonsong can't quite help thinking to herself that just a few months ago she'd likely be rendered speechless by surprise and timidity.  "That's wonderful!  But..."  Moonsong's words falter as she glances in the direction of the thick wood that edges against one of Ponyville's borders.  "...Do you mean the Everfree Forest?"

Awe touches her voice as she speaks, and is clear in her golden eyes.  She's never set so much as a hoof in the Forest thanks to all the rumours about its danger, but it hasn't stopped her from being curious.   "What is the Forest like?  Is it so dangerous as everypony says?"

Luna cheerfully purchased a bagel, levitating it over to Moonsong. "Hmm? Oh, yes. The Everfree. It's... not as dangerous as everypony seems to think - Not that it isn't more dangerous than the village, but not to the extent everypony seems to think. Zecora has lived there for some time, too."

She paused for a moment, and pointed her hoof off toward the forest. "I could show you later, perhaps. I made sure there would be room for guests."

Lifting a hoof to accept the magically delivered bagel, Moonsong nods her head in thanks to the vendor and then smiles up at Luna.  "Thank you," she offers before taking a little bite--her ears briefly lay to the side as the wonderful flavour fills her mouth.  She makes a soft 'mmm'ing sound, but still strives to pay attention as the Princess speaks.  "Zecora?"  Moonsong asks, her ears perked as she repeats the name.  In her short stay in Ponyville before her vacation, the bag-winged pegasus can't recall having met anyone by that name.

"Oh, no, I wouldn't want to impose.  But thank you for the offer, Princess."  She's quick to refuse, afraid that her previous comments have come across as though she were fishing for just such an invitation.  "I could come and sing for you some time though, if you'd like?"  She's not sure she should be making such an offer, but hopefully the suggestion of her showing up for a reason and not just being a gawking tourist is a more appealing one.  Taking another small bite, the mare again sighs as she chews and swallows.  "These really are amazing."

"'tis a lovely idea. I do enjoy your voice, so I'd welcome a performance." She nodded gently, at that. Laughing at he robservation, the princess nodded in agreement. "And they really are quite tasty, but no need to fill up. You were going food shopping, right?"

"Whenever you'd like, Princess!  I'd be happy to come and sing for you."  Even despite her cheerful excitement over the prospect, Moonsong can't help but wonder if the Princess is simply distracted with her own thoughts or if Moonsong herself is still being too timid in some things.  Distracted from her pondering, Moonsong has another nibble before nodding and quietly laughing at herself behind a hoof.  "Yes; my poor kitchen, until I cleaned it up, was only well-stocked on dust."

Even taking dainty, mare-like nibbles as she is, Moonsong's bagel is almost completely finished even now.  She hadn't realized quite how hungry she'd become, but this unexpectedly delightful breakfast will certainly keep her from shopping on an empty stomach.  "Thank you, Princess Luna, for breakfast and for the conversation.  I don't think I would have had the nerve to approach you on my own--I would have been worried about being a bother.  I'm so glad to have had the chance to see you again, and to know that you'll be in the area is really wonderful."

After their conversation drew to a close and the regal mare returned to her own morning tasks, Moonsong continued along the market.  Her belly full and her spirits high, the mare was almost floating even though her bat-like wings were tucked comfortably against her sides.  She stopped here and there to buy the things she needed, and once her bags are full she decides that a cup of tea might be the best way to finish out this little trip.  The Summer Song Cafe comes under her notice, and as though her groceries weighed nothing at all the leggy mare nearly pranced in that direction.

>>to the Summer Song Cafe>>