Red Tape wondered if she hadn't accidentally opened up a can of worms as Quick went over his thoughts of his family.  They were obviously important to him and their health seemed to weigh on his mind, so she wanted to draw him off such a topic quickly.  The last thing she wanted was to get him in a funk due to putting a bunch of heavy thoughts into play.

"Well, incidentally, it's red.  Lucky for the both of us, hmm?" the mare said with a soft smile.  Before she could continue with a new line of conversation, music started up and Princess Luna's voice carried out over the neighboring Town Square.  For a few moments all eyes were directed toward the center of town and then skyward as the Moon was sent up into the night with such a wondrous display.  Red Tape didn't even realize that she'd stood at some point, wide-eyed and smiling at the sight like a filly... a little genuine happiness did her good too, making it look as though a few years had shed off her tired face that makeup couldn't quite cover on its own.

"Oh, I don't envy the town janitorial crew..." she finally sighed once the party started going and confetti rained down from overhead.

<<from Ponyville Residential District: Moonsong's Home; early evening<<

The precipitation may be light, but Moonsong is still water-slicked by the time she crosses a few rooftops to land in the market's ring.  The slivers and dust of gems sparkle in her wet mane, and her coat is at least two shades closer to black as she hurriedly tucks her rain-shined wings to her back and begins to rush about the market.  The rain doesn't bother her--Moonsong isn't sure that such mild weather has ever bothered any pegasus--but she isn't so sure that the vendors will be interested in keeping their shops open if the clouds and weather-working pegasi have a storm in mind.

She's picking out a half-bushel of vegetables when it occurs to Moonsong that eventually she'll have to not only see about getting a weather schedule, but find out what, if any, volunteer shifts she'll be working in helping with the weather.  The mare pays her bits and moves on, thinking that her best bet might be Town Hall tomorrow--just like she'll probably need to visit the library tomorrow as well, instead of showing up dripping and expecting to be allowed to hoof-through the books.

---> From Ponyville Square (Which is Really Circular)

The Doctor wandered about, frolicking a bit in the light rain. Catching sight of Moonsong, he wanders over to her, gradually soaking. "Hello, there. How about this lovely drizzle, eh? I've always liked drizzle. Reminds me of Trottingham."

--> Enter from Ponyville Town Square -->

Unsurprisingly, the market is mostly deserted of customers, considering most of Ponyville is populated by sensible ponies that stayed out of the rain.  Fung, on the other hoof, loved the rain.  It was cool against his hot muscles, and filled his nose with the fresh scent he loved.  On the downside, the short trot combined with the weight of the rain in his mane had knocked his top knot free, leaving his mane hanging free.  It was irritating, but he was in a rush, so no helping it.  He'd just have to take extra care tying it tonight.

He was practically sprinting from stall to stall, trying to purchase the things he needed before they closed up.  However, before he can even stop at his first stall he spies a pony he believes he recognizes.  It isn't the mare's black coat or mane, though those were certainly striking enough.  He recognized her wings quite well, though he couldn't place where, exactly.  Though she seems engaged in conversation, Fung feels compelled to approach.  It isn't often one spies a Pony so unique, and Fung has been feeling more bold lately.  Trotting up alongside her, he gave her his most polite smile.  Then he realized his wet hair had fallen into his face, so he shook the mane out of his face and tried again.
"Good evening Sir, Miss.  Pardon me for interrupting, but I feel as if you are familiar.  Have we met previously, perhaps in passing?  I ask only because you have a striking appearance, and though I can't place it, I know I have seen you somewhere."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:49, Thu 02 Aug 2012.

Not quite as bothered by the wet as she'd expected herself to be, Moonsong is between booths when she looks up from her tally of groceries at the sound of an unfamiliar stallion addressing her.  She glances around her just to be sure she is the one being spoken to, then offers a timid but friendly smile.  "Hello."  A pause, and then: "I don't remember much of Trottingham, but it was a long time ago.  I'm Moonsong."  She segues awkwardly into the introduction and extends a hoof in greeting.

When the kirin that she'd seen earlier in the sky over the Square arrives at her side she shifts and resettles her wings in surprise, then offers another shy smile as she listens to his words while a blush heats her cheeks beneath her dark coat.  "I-I don't think we have, no...?  I've only been in Ponyville for a few days.  I sang at the Moon-raising; is that what you're thinking of?"  The bat-pegasus looks from one stallion to the other, not sure what to do with the attention but trying her best to smile politely and not look uncertain.

"The Doctor," the Doctor introduced himself, nearly taking and shaking Moonsong's offered hoof. He was prevented from doing so by the one and only Fung Shui. Still, with weather this nostalgic, the Doctor could not even be bothered to be annoyed by the interruption, and he instead watched the young pony-folk interact. An easy smile spread across his face.

Fung's eyes brightened with realization when Moonsong mentioned the Moon-Raising festival.
"Ah, of course!  It is no wonder I remember you without a formal introduction, your singing left quite an impression.  My name is Fung Shui, formerly of Neighpon.  It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Though his introduction is stiff and a little uptight, it is clearly a bit more than just an introduction.  A ritual, perhaps?  Regardless, he accentuates the self-introduction with a polite bowing of his head.

Still riding the high from his competition, Fung flashes Moonsong a wide, slightly fangy grin.
"It's always a pleasure to meet another pony with a talent for the Finer Arts.  Your singing was quite divine at the Festival.  I think everypony would agree."
Fung hadn't forgotten that there was another pony present, and looked over at him passively as if to invite him to comment.

"Oh, indeed," the Doctor agreed, offering Fung his own, deeper, head-bow. "It was so lovely it very nearly distracted me from noticing that that big blue one--what's her name... Princess, or something--didn't actually raise anything of note. And I've heard the Sirens of the Uprunning Falls at the Spring Equinox."

Something about what he'd said didn't sound right, even to the Time Lord. He tried again, this time directly addressing Moonsong. "Your singing voice is the loveliest in the entire Universe," he said with certainty.

She seems almost stuck in place with one hoof still slightly raised in the expectation of the typical Equestrian greeting.  Even though the mare mentally wonders what the Doctor is a doctor of, Fung's self-introduction and praise for her singing--that lead to the bizarre but no less great compliment from the Doctor--left Moonsong a little mentally stuck.  Her raised hoof lowers and she almost prances in a nervous shuffle as her wings flex and settle against her back.

"_{D-divine...?  Entire... universe...?}"  She manages to breathe the words around an awe-tightened throat only to catch herself at stammering and shying a few seconds later.  Moonsong delicately clears her throat and offers a little bob of her head to both stallions.  The gesture isn't quite a mimicry of Fung but something similar that seems too relaxed to be atypical.  "It's... It's a pleasure to meet you both, Doctor, Fung Shui.  Thank you both so much for your kind words."

Maybe it was Moonsong's timid reply that tipped him off, but Fung realized that he was letting his elation from the competition get the better of him.  No wonder the poor Mare was so overcome, he was acting like some star-struck colt.  Taking a subtle breath to chastise himself and remember his manners, he wondered how he might salvage the situation.  She was grateful now, but her gratitude for the compliment may not last.  Then he noticed what the other Pony had said.  He shot him an incredulous look.

"Not that I disagree, Sir, but how exactly does one become that best at anything in the Universe?  Or discern as such?"
Normally Fung would discount that kind of comment as simple exaggeration, considering the predisposition most ponies around here had for that sort of thing, but The Doctor had said it with such conviction that Fung couldn't discount it.

"Oh, pish-posh. No need to thank the truth," the Doctor off-hoofedly dismissed Moonsong's gratitude.

At Fung's question, the damp brown stallion stopped. "Well," he said, gazing up and off into the sky in a nonchalant-sort-of-way, "Apart from travelling across most of time and space, all of the nobbiest of hobs tend to agree that the Sirens of the Uprunning Falls are the best singers ever. And yes, they are quite brilliant, but they lack that certain... humility, I think." he explained himself.

Moonsong listens as Fung Shui questions the Doctor, and though she's not entirely sure she should believe the brown stallion's answer...  She finds that she does.  Perhaps it's the way he sounds so very sure, or maybe it's just that Moonsong is a gullible mare, but the bat-winged pegasus realises she's more curious about what the Sirens of the Uprunning Falls are than she is interested in sorting out whether they're real or not.

She also finds herself looking skyward, just in case the Doctor is seeing something she isn't, but a light patter of rain on her face has her abandoning that glance rather promptly.  Blinking the rain from her blue-ish eyes, Moonsong looks to the kirin to see what he makes of the Doctor's answer, and her soft smile is suggestive of how dazzled she still is by the praise.

If the expression on his face was any indication, Fung was obviously still unconvinced by the Doctor.  Not surprising, considering the fantastical nature of his claims, and Fung's stoic down-to-earthedness.  Still, Fung remembered his manners and nodded amicably, smiling awkwardly.  What the heck was a 'Hob' anyway, and how are they 'Nobby'?
"Well, I can see what you mean."
No he didn't.  Not even a little.
"Er, perhaps we had better move along.  I believe the rain may be picking up soon."

Fung's rush was mostly on account of the Doctor's oddness, which he was actually willing to skip his shopping to avoid.  He still remembered his encounter with Pinkie Pie in his nightmares.  However, he stopped himself short when he realized Moonsong had a load to carry.
"Oh!  Curse my negligence, I didn't realize you were laden, Moonsong.  Please, allow me assist you.  I insist.  It wouldn't be right for me to leave a mare out in the rain with full hooves."

"Unless she likes it that way," the Doctor added, nodding in agreement. He didn't move forward to assist Moonsong as well, though; causing Fung any more obvious unease would only worsen everypony's day.

---> Enter from Loose Leaf's Home

Loose Leaf wondered about the business district, looking into windows, mentally jotting down any place that house interesting knick-knacks or home decor. Not that she was going to actually BUY things, more to find things she could probably make herself for half the bits. Still, her sense of direction in the unfamiliar town was sub-par and she wasn't really keen on where she was supposed to go. The stores were mostly closing and the rain meant most ponies were absent. Well, all but for a cluster of ponies down the way. She neared and recognized two faces.

"Moonsong! The Doctor! I mean, Doctor!" She stopped a bit short and inspected the other pony... or, actually, she didn't know WHAT he was. "Uh, sorry. Am I interrupting anything...?"

"Not at all, Loose Leaf! Have you met mister Fung Shui? He's come all the way from Neighpon," the Doctor introduced them, beckoning the artist forth. "Lovely country," he added.

When both Fung Shui and the Doctor offer to help her with her saddle bags, Moonsong lifts a hoof in a polite attempt to wave them off--only to turn with a little start at the sound of Loose Leaf's greeting.  It isn't so bad as last night at the moon-raising, with all those ponies packed into the Square, Moonsong tries to tell herself--but that fresh wave of anxiety makes her shuffle nervously in place all the same.  "It's f-fine, thank you."

Moonsong smiles a greeting to Loose Leaf and tries to still her fidgeting hooves before she splashes those around her.

Moonsong's polite refusal to his aid brought a small frown to Fung's face, but he respected her decision.  He hadn't noticed it right away, but she was obviously not used to being subjected to praise.  Fung understood that.  Though it was much more reserved in Neighpon, being the center of attention was hard to get used to.  Before he could try to lighten the load, however, he heard another pony approaching who seemed to know both Moonsong and The Doctor.  He had to smile.  It seemed he was meeting many new ponies today.  When he heard The Doctor introducing him, he took a moment to adjust his sopping mane before greeting the newcomer.
"Greetings, it's a pleasure to...meet..."

Fung's speech slowed to crawl when he laid eyes on Loose Leaf, before petering out in mid greeting.  His expression was entirely blank, broken by one or two twitches of his lower right eyelid.  For almost a full half a minute, Fung just stared.  When he moved, it was to point at one of the small metal studs in Leaf's ears.  And eyebrow.
"You...you have something...in...your face."

"Of course I've heard of it," Loose Leaf said, extending her hoof to the... not pony. She tried to shoot for a not completely over-exaggerated grin. Smaller, smaller, there we go. Not freaky. "Geography was never one of my best subjects, but they do make fabulous art supplies. It's nice to meet you. As the Doctor said, I'm Loose Leaf."

She nodded at both the Doctor and Moonshine in greeting, her smile cracking a bit at how adorably Moonsong was fidgeting. She was called back to attention as Fung Shui started his side of the greeting.

"My wha? Oh! That's a piercing. It's a funny story that is not really that funny now that I think about it." She laughed a bit thinking back at the whole ordeal. Her school years were a... special time for Loose Leaf. "I assure you they were on the absolute RAGE for disgruntled youths. Less relevant now, but still a part of me... literally."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:45, Sat 04 Aug 2012.

Those were a...a school tradition!?  And here Fung had thought he'd finally gotten over his culture shock.  Piercings and such weren't terribly uncommon in Neighpon, but they were always decorative, and mostly reserved for rich Noblemares.  This pony was definitely not nobility.
"I...see.  I cannot say I remember any such customs in my homeland.  Adolescent rebellion was fiercely frowned upon.  I don't recall ever doing anything I wasn't expected to do."
He couldn't help but flounder a bit.  This mare seemed quite personable, but in a different way from the other ponies he'd met.  She seemed eccentric, but not Pinkie or The Doctor's extent.  It made accepting her oddities a little easier.

"You mentioned Art Supplies...I take it you are an artist?  Or an art dealer of some sort?  I must admit, I have not encountered a great deal of artistic influence since coming to Ponyville.  No shortage of passion or interest though."
He reminisced fondly over his dance students for a moment, firmly believing he was enriching the town by giving it a hard injection of culture.  Even if his students didn't quite know that.

"Well, heheh. It's not that it was a... tradition. Or even really rebellion. I sort of hoped it would be, but there really wasn't much reception. You know, middle child life. Hot Wings thought it would be a statement..." Loose Leaf started to mumble. She stopped herself before she went off on the whole story. "But they help amplify who I am now I guess. Oh, but yes, I am an artist. If you're interested..."

Loose Leaf reached around herself. Her bright smile drained into slight disgust as her hoof pulled out something wet and spongy. Her business cards had not fared well in the rain. "Uhm, nevermind. But yes, I am an artist. I'm actually doing a mural for the Doctor soon, and have sketched Moonsong. That does remind me though Doctor, I will need to take a look around your home is it? Cause I sort of need to do measurements and design stuff and yeah..."

"Hm? Oh, yes, right," the Doctor said. "It seems I have places to be. Have a marvelous day, Fung Shui. Moonsong. Enjoy the rain while it lasts!" With that, he led Loose Leaf away from the other two ponies, and into a nearby alley.

---> To the TARDIS!

"Oh wait but we were, uhh, ok bye then?" Loose Leaf was barely able to finish her goodbyes before she was lead away into an ally by the Doctor. Something her parents had told her a long ago about strangers and dark allies and ally that itched the back of her mind. She mostly ignored it.

---> Exit to The TARDIS
This message was last edited by the player at 06:25, Sat 04 Aug 2012.

Despite himself, Fung was intrigued.  He hadn't known many painters or illustrators, even back in Neighpon.  It was almost enough to get him over her odd appearance.  Almost.
"Well, I can't say that I am in need of an artist, but I shall be sure to keep you in mind."
Before the conversation could continue, however, The Doctor quite suddenly lead Loose Leaf off down an alleyway away from Fung and Moonsong.  It was quite abrupt, and left Fung at a loss.
"Good...bye?"

With the other two gone, Fung turned back to Moonsong, looking a little confused, but not altogether unwell.  Considering his track record with wierdness thus far.
"...I find myself unable to remember why I came here.  This is becoming far too common for my peace of mind."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:56, Sat 04 Aug 2012.

Silent for the energetic dialogue of those around her, Moonsong was just as baffled by the rapid departure as she was by the initial appearance of the little gathering.  She lifts a hoof to wave at the Doctor and Loose Leaf as they go, and it's hard not to breathe a sigh of relief at the renewed quiet.

Giggling softly and shrugging her shoulders after placing her hoof on the ground again, Moonsong nods towards the vendors that haven't yet packed up for the day.  "Did you need to get groceries?  I was finishing that up, myself."