With apologies made and accepted on both sides of the accident, Shai stops her apologizing and tries to nod before wincing and sitting down, putting her hooves on the side of her head due to the stinging pain of her horn getting stuck like it was.  "I will be... fine.  I just need to focus.  Internal chi control is... easier if I meditate."

Indeed, she places her forehooves on the knees of her hindlegs as she closes her eyes, takes a deep breath... and begins to glow over her entire body instead of just her horn, like most ponies would.  The glow eventually moves to her upper body alone, then concentrates more on just her head, then her forehead, and finally just her horn, until the glowing stops and Shai Ni opens her eyes again looking much healthier and without any pain at all.

"There," she says before standing back up as if using 'magic' without the horn as the focus was a normal, everyday thing.

Luna could feel the tension pouring off of Widget and toward Rarity, and Rarity could clearly feel it as well...  She stepped forward - taking her between the two of them, quite subtly - as she watched Shai's meditative display - though she flinched in the face of the brilliant glow.

As Shai's glow died down, the Princessgave her a slight nod. "Perhaps you should let Rarity look the dress over to be sure it's in good shape?" She suggested to Shai, then turned to Twilight and Widget. "I'm sure it won't take long... although..." She  glanced outside, seeing the first hints of sunset in the sky. "I will need to bring the moon up fairly soon."

Twilight had noticed Widget's reaction as well and winced a little.  She knew Rarity well enough to be accustomed to the fashionista's overreactions and dramatics, which were not truly indicative of her character.  But for other Ponies who weren't so familiar with such attitudes with folk like Rarity, or Rainbow, or Pinkie... they could sort of give off the wrong vibe at first.  But the Unicorn displayed some of her true humility and Twilight hoped it would be enough to make Widget rethink his knee-jerk reaction.  The last thing she wanted was there to be any sort of bad blood amidst her friends...

Oh, sweet Celestia... what if he didn't get along with her friends?!

That sudden jarring thought put a panic deep in Twilight's heart and she turned introspective, focusing her eyes sharply on nothing at all while she thought.  She totally missed Shai Ni's display as well, which was something she'd normally be very curious about.  Internally she was busy going through a mental checklist.  Applejack and Rainbow Dash were supportive of her and Widget; check.  He got along well with Pinkie Pie too; check check.  Spike was fine; triple check.  A rough start with Rarity... that could be fixed, she hoped.  Fluttershy?  No idea, but she didn't think the Pegasus would have any qualms with Widget.  Did they even know each other at all?  Note to self - investigate interpersonal relationships immediately.  Luna seemed to approve, which was great.  But what about Celestia?  Or her parents?  Or her big brother?  Shining Armor had always played her stalwart guardian growing up, so no doubt he'd pull that whole 'protective big brother' act on Widget when they were introduced and would that give Widget the wrong idea and would they both react badly and how was she going to fix this when it hadn't even happened yet and what if things went completely out of control and they ended up hating each other and she'd have to pick between romance and family and friends and what impact would that have with her studies and her career and her relationship with Celestia and the Element of Magic and would that be putting the rest of her friends in danger and the world and --

Meanwhile, outside of Twilight's head, those who knew her well enough could spot the gears running fast enough to have smoke leaking out her ears as she worked herself into a mental tizzy.

Rarity's look did not go unnoticed, nor did how Princess Luna stepped between them. At first, Widget didn't really care. Shai was what was important, and he knew as well as any unicorn how much it hurt to get your horn stuck somewhere.

It seemed that Rarity could surprise Widget once more, which was rather impressive. Being a logical thinker and creative mind all rolled into one, devoting his life to researching possibilities of mechanical experiment, the inventor wasn't used to being surprised by much. When Rarity not only apologized, but apologized for the right thing, precisely what he was angry about, he felt his temper and tension drain quickly away. He didn't feel bad about how he had reacted, per say, but in hindsight, perhaps it was not the right time to make his feelings about Rarity's behavior so obvious. He may yet get his suit here after all.

When Shai went into her apparent trance to fix her chi, she had said, Widget, stepped back around Princess Luna and moved around to between Rarity and Twilight. "I'm sorry too," he said softly to Rarity, looking to her. It was a private apology, after all. "I was just concerned for Shai, that's all. I didn't mean to come off like that. I suppose we both overreacted a little." And like that, it was done, for Widget, anyway.

He gave the fashionista a smile, and turned back to Twilight, who was almost ominously quiet through this whole thing, and cocked a brow at the look she had on her face - that all too familiar downward spiral into panic. "Twilight? Are you okay?" he asked as he went up to her and gently pushed his hoof against her shoulder to snap her out of whatever gear-winding thought process she had become lost in.

-- no, I can't do mind control, because that would be evil.  Post-hypnotic suggestion?  That's a lesser form, right?  No, still not the right thing to do... maybe she could just convince the two of them to spend time together?  Go get a drink and... gah, no, that could be bad too.  Plus if they did hit it off, Shining Armor would no doubt tell all sorts of embarrassing stories from her childhood and then she'd --

"Twilight? Are you okay?" Widget asked.  Twilight nearly jumped out of her coat at the touch of his shoulder, then flustered up bashfully when she realized she'd lapsed into obvious thought.  Again.

"Ah... sorry.  I'm fine.  Just trying to figure out a logistics problem and I got distracted." she explained with a half-truth.  Quick!  Change the subject!  "So... Rarity!  Widget and I wanted to talk to you -- it turns out there's a charity concert at Canterlot coming up that we're going to try and attend..."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:17, Wed 15 Aug 2012.

Having somepony else start to panic in some fashion is a great way to get the attention away from one's self.  Twilight ever so kindly took it upon herself to help Shai fully recover from the previous embarrassment by slowly descending into a worried panic, thus giving Shai the remainder of the time she needs to return to her usual self.  With a smile, she nods to Luna and replies, "I think that is a wise decision, Your Majesty.  If... it is not too much trouble, I would also like to watch you raise the moon.  I... I missed the festivities last night."  She hooves at the floor nervously before giving Twilight a worried expression.  "I can give you some lotus incense if you like, Miss Twilight Sparkle.  It helps with... relaxation."

"I suppose we did," Rarity whispered back to Widget as Shai charged up her unique healing magic to alleviate her pain, "I forgive you, though I do hope we can get a chance to get off on a better hoof."

She was relieved that the situation was resolved so quickly. Between the stress of the past week, the day, and the days to come, a broken stage and an injured friend would have nearly put her over the edge. Usually, the fashionista was rather good at managing her stress, between frequent visits to the spa and keeping an organized work schedule as to not overload herself. Lately, however, orders had been coming in at much more ramped up pace, and the royal order in particular had blown her entire schedule to bits.

As soon as Shai was finished, Rarity took a deep breath in and let it out slowly, regaining her lady-like composure.

"A charity concert in Canterlot?" Rarity gasped, happy with the change of topic, "Oh, how divine! I'm sure you both will have a simply marvelous time. Now, let me guess, you want... no! Need a fabulous new ensemble!"

"Wait, do you mean incense from the lotus flower, or given to you by the Pony named Lotus?  Both?" Twilight puzzled for a moment before she shook her head.  "Ah... well, honestly, it might be good either way.  Thanks Shai Ni, I'd appreciate it."

When both Widget and Shai Ni picked up on her worrying, Twilight knew she needed to take a moment to step back and calm down.  She'd been much better about such things as time went by but getting riled up with stress was sort of a trademark of hers.  Her imagination always ran away with her when she started overthinking things.  What was the phrase again?  'Too smart by half?'

When Rarity gave such a happy return over the idea of a concert, Twilight nodded.  "Right.  Both of us, actually... you've seen my evening wear before." she replied.  Twilight's idea of an evening gown was something outdated and actually a bit frumpy, especially on a slender mare like herself.  But it had been her mother's and was quite trendy during its time.  "The concert isn't until later in the month, so it's not like you need to rush or anything.  But knowing how popular your work is, it's best we get a reservation in early before you get swamped.  I imagine Canterlot nobles will be bucking down your door when word gets out that you made a gown for Luna."

Shai simply smiles contentedly at the replies and conversation direction, glad that everything has been sorted out and everypony will be friends.  "It is the flower of which I speak.  Did I get the grammar wrong?  I thought it would be "Lotus' incense" if it came from Miss Lotus," she replies, the latter half of her statement simply being her musing aloud as she looks down her nose in thought.  As Twilight mentions the concert, Shai looks up with curious interest, listening as the event is glossed over in favor of signing up for a pair of outfits.  One phrase in particular causes her worry, however.

"The nobility bucks down doors to get clothes?  I thought they were supposed to have impeccable manners like Miss Rarity and Princess Luna!"

She appears genuinely shocked.

The royal mare gave a gentle nod to Shai Ni. "Yes, you're welcome to accompany me, of course. Rarity, do let my guards know that I'm off to the Spa afterward - Lotus set aside some time after sundown for me. Tell them to relax and enjoy the evening." Luna smiled broadly - clearly, the thought of her visit was a pleasing one.

"Unless anypony needs me for anything, I'll be off?" she chimed eagerly. Luna really was looking forward to it... She gave a glance to Shai, then smiled. "Well.. when you're ready, Miss Shai, that is."

"I don't even own a good suit," Widget admitted to Rarity with a laugh, which extended at Shai's look of utter horror at the idea of nobles bucking down doors.

"It's just an expression, Shai, a figure of speech," he assured her through his snickers. "It just means they'll be eager to get them, that's all. They aren't actually going to be kicking down any doors." Widget had actually never been to the spa -- he had always thought it was too much of a girly place for a colt to go, especially alone. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if Twilight wanted to go one day with him... Ah well, that was a thought for another time.

"Princess Luna, it was an honor to meet you. I hope I have a chance to get to know you better before you leave Ponyville."

"Ah!  I see!  A figure of speech!  Oh, thank goodness," Shai replies with a very noticeable sigh of relief - almost as dramatic as one of Rarity's - and gives a thankful smile at the news.  "Ah, Mister Widgit Whatsis, I have more questions I would like to ask you, specifically, but I shall not trouble you anymore tonight.  Please, continue to enjoy your date with Miss Twilight Sparkle."  Turning to face Rarity and Twilight as if she has said nothing potentially embarrassing at all, she adds, "Miss Rarity, thank you once again for the dress.  I shall write home immediately.  Miss Twilight Sparkle, I shall bring the incense to the library first thing tomorrow morning.  Thank you all so much for everything today."

With a smile, she keeps going, clearly not understanding when to stop talking to prevent awkwardness.

"Miss Rarity, thank you so very much for the dress and the mane styling.  Miss Twilight Sparkle, thank you for telling me about what a 'date' is and for lending me the reference material.  Ah, I need to pick that up after the rain has let up!  I do hope the book pile is not in the way," she continues, then turns towards the door with a serene expression as if she has not been rambling the entire time, heading to follow the Princess of the Night.  "Princess Luna, I am ready.  I should return to the spa and let Miss Lotus and Miss Aloe know I am alright."

((After Twilight and Luna's posts, Shai Ni goes to follow Luna to witness the Moon Raising, then eventually makes her way back to the spa))
This message was last edited by the player at 20:42, Sun 19 Aug 2012.

Twilight had never been to Chineigh before and had to idly wonder if everypony there chattered and bowed as much as Shai Ni did.  Xing Ming, the sweet girl she was, had a bit of a chatterbox habit herself after all.  She made no comment and merely smiled, replying with nods and little else until everything was settled.

"I don't know when the game shop closes for the night, so we should probably get going too... unless you had any questions for us, Rarity?" Twilight generally assumed it was a safe bet to just let the fashionista's own imagination lead her through the design stage of clothes making.  Especially after that first time... she had more than learned her lesson on allowing Rarity's better judgment to lead the way in design.  "Have a good time Luna, Shai Ni.  Oh, and I'll deliver those books to the Spa first thing tomorrow."

Luna lent an ear to everything quietly, and once Shai Ni was ready, she motioned her along toward the door. "Have a good evening, everypony. Rarity, I'm unsure how much Lotus has planned, so I'm unsure of when I will be returning this evening. My guards can let me in when I arrive, so do n ot trouble yourself to stay up if you need rest." She smiled kindly, then ducked out the door, projecting her rain-block bubble.

(Exit to Ponyville Spa, after Raising the Moon; Shai and I agreed to off-screen tha tmoonraising, so after that, on tot he Spa and End of Luna's Day 2)

"Well, I'll add designing both of your outfits to my 'To-Do' list!" Rarity smiled, "I don't have as much experience with suits that I do with dresses, but it shouldn't be a problem at all. You two need to be looking your best for Canterlot!"

She nodded to Luna as she announced her trip to the spa. Funny, they had never kept the spa open late for an appointment for her... Then again, she hadn't asked! Being their best, regular costumer, such things wouldn't be too hard to arrange, if she need them. Besides, royalty was able to get whatever they wanted, a fact Rarity had often envied.

"Have a wonderful time, Luna! I'm sure Lotus will do you wonders," Rarity said before turning to Shai, "And, you are very welcome! Don't forget about lunch after your date. I can't wait to hear how everything goes."

Waving her hoof with a smile, she saw the two of them to the door, mentioning a few warnings of staying out of the rain, especially to the acupuncturist with her fabulous new dress. With Luna out of the house for the evening, the fashionista would have plenty of time to work on her royal orders alone. At least until Sweetie Belle returned. Where was that little filly this late, anyhow?

"Questions? No, I think I'll be fine," Rarity nodded, "Unless there was something you wanted to specifically suggest? Either of you?"   

"Nothing here," said Widget with a smile. "I know where my strengths lie and where they lack, and they definitely do not lie with fashion or ascetic design. I'll leave all of that to you, Rarity. If you want, we can come down during their creation process." He knew well enough to know that he didn't know the first thing about fashion, and he bet that Rarity would welcome his halfhearted attempts at suggestions as much as he would welcome hers on project design. Besides, fashion design was an art, and as a practical artist himself, he knew ponies performed better under their own pressure rather than direction from outsiders.

He waved goodbye to Luna and Shai as they departed, before turning his attention to Twilight again. "I think that's a good idea. Rook White's a bit of a night owl, most gamers are, but I wouldn't want to push it. It's getting awful dark out there... The day's just flown right by." He gave a wide grin at the word 'flown' and snickered a bit. "Thank you for your time, Rarity. Shall we go then, Twilight?"

Twilight shook her head at the mention of suggestions.  No, it would be best if she just kept her trap shut when it came to design.  Besides, she knew she could trust Rarity to come up with something amazing. "We'll leave it in your capable hooves, Rarity~.  Thanks again so much!" she stepped in to give her friend a fond hug both out of gratitude and as a goodbye for the evening.  With her and Widget all set to go, she returned to his side and magicked the door open so they could be on their way out.  She also tossed up a magic umbrella as well to shield them from the rain as Luna had.

"I hope the game shop is still open this late.  But... if it's not, it'd make a pretty good third date, right?" she asked with a hopeful bat of her eyelashes.  She seemed to second guess herself in that same moment though.  "I mean, if you want to have a third date.  I don't want to eat up all of your time... I know you're busy a lot with your work and projects, plus I have my studies too..."

--> Twilight exits to Games and Tables Game Store

"See you later, Rarity." The inventor turned and followed Twilight to the door, watching as she conjured up an umbrella to protect them from the pattering of rain that was still falling from the sky. Thankfully it wasn't a major downpour and didn't look like it held much weight behind it; just enough to get things wet. He was glad he hadn't put out his displays in front of the shop this morning, he hadn't told Quill to bring them in if it rained and doubted the dragon would think to do so.

Widget couldn't help but to laugh as he and Twilight exited the store together, reaching back to gently shut the door behind them. "There isn't a doubt in my mind that a third date is in our future, be it tomorrow or some day to follow. And there's not much else I can think of to do with my time that would be nearly as enjoyable as spending it with you." The darkness was shrouding them, and the streets were free of other ponies who had fled the rain. Leaning in, he kissed her abruptly to seal his words. "I know what you mean, though. We both have our work to do. As pleased as I am with this relationship, the last thing I want is for it to overshadow and consume everything else; your studies and my inventing and both of our other friendships."

He considered as they made their way to the game shop. "Why don't we have breakfast tomorrow morning? Then we can both get to work in the day. And tomorrow night, if you like, you can come to our Ponies and Perils game. Not as exciting as tromping through the Everfree Forest as I've heard you've done, but a lot safer, too."

>>> TO: Games and Tables Game Store

"Have a good evening, you two! Be careful of the rain!" Rarity called out to them as they left, waving her hoof before closing the door with a glow of magic from her horn. With a satisfied sigh, she turned the "Open" sign next to the door over to the other side and slowly trotted back into her showroom. Before she got to work on the Princess' order, she did want to tidy up shop for the next morning. Part of her knew the energy for it wouldn't be there when the sun rose.

Lifting a broom from a nearby closet with her magic, she began to sweep up what little dust may have accrued over the course of the day. Following that was the putting back of the mannequins, clearing out the blank ones and placing them into her storage area for the time being. It was always a wonderful feeling to see her inventory moving, even if she had let her generosity run rather wild today. The payment from the Princess was more than enough to cover them all, anyway. With a quick sweep over her shop to make sure all of her other outfits and ensembles were in pristine condition, Rarity smiled to herself with a job well done.

"Where is that Sweetie Belle?" she asked nopony in particular, walking over towards the window to watch the rain beat against the glass, "That little filly is going to catch a cold, or worse! Ruin her mane!.. Ohh, should I go out and find her? Is it too late for that? Should I just wait?"

<-- Entering from Town Square

Rarity had only a few minutes to mull over what course of action to take before the door to the boutique opened up, admitting one little filly who carefully took the time to stomp her hooves clean on the doormat before daring to enter.  Rarity would blow a gasket if she tracked mud all over the place.

"Rarity~!  I'm home~!"  Sweetie Belle warbled as she pranced into the show room excitedly.  Thankfully she'd gotten a hold of a cute yellow rain slicker to keep herself from getting soaked, though her mane was rather disheveled from her long day of work and the rain.  She looked about for a moment as her enthusiasm tapered off into mild confusion.  "Where's Luna and the scarey guards?  They didn't already go back to Canterlot, did they?!"

"Oh, Sweetie Belle!" Rarity chimed, rushing over to her side in a quick gallop and pulling her into an embrace, "I was afraid you had gotten lost in that cold, dark rain! Please promise me that you won't be out so late next time? I don't know what I'd do if something had happened to you! Not to mention what Mother and Father would think... What an adorable little rain slicker! So... Classic chic."

As soon as she felt the rain that had covered her sister's slicker, she immediately drew back to not get herself more wet. Thankfully, it wasn't tracking too much rain water into the house as to ruin the carpet. With a smile, Rarity used a bit of her magic to remove the outfit and put it on a nearby coat-rack to dry.

"Have you eaten? How was school? Did Miss Cheerilee give you any homework?" she asked, beginning her line of questions while bringing over a brush to fix Sweetie's mane, "Oh! Luna is currently at a late spa appointment with Miss Lotus. As for the guards, they have been going to and fro from the spa all day... Where they are now is a mystery, mm."

Sweetie Belle quietly waited through her big sister's doting ways and rolled her eyes when she got going.  She loved Rarity dearly but everyone who knew the mare had to have a certain tolerance for dramatics.  As expected, Rarity recoiled at the prospect of getting her fine coat damp and Sweetie Belle just rolled her eyes again while she sat down in place and let her curled mane be brushed.  Now that was fine by her... she liked having her mane done and Rarity liked doing manes, so it ended up being one of the few immediately common grounds the two shared.

"Sorry for being out so late.  I was over at the farm with the rest of the girls." she explained as she canted her head about to make the brushing easier on her sister.  "We made a new friend, too~!  At least, I think we did... a bunch of new fillies just started at school this week.  Her name's Rosebud~!  She's kinda weird, but in the good way."

Thus Sweetie Belle went along explaining her day and answering questions since she knew Rarity loved the idle chatter, though she did make certain to selectively omit any mention of the Founder's Mill.  Frankly she wanted to forget about it herself.  The filly still smelled of sweat and smoke from all the work she and Applebloom had put into running the forge all afternoon -- the rain hadn't been able to totally wash the scents away.  Of course, given the usual antics she and the other two got into, having her come home smelling oddly, covered in tree sap, or a little banged up wasn't all that out of the ordinary.  But oh, did she want a bath...

"Did you have dinner yet?  'Cause I'm starved!  I could eat a whole hay bale!"

Rarity nodded as she listened to Sweetie's story of her day, continuing to brush her mane, making slight adjustments as her head tilted this way and that. As she worked, she could catch the faint scent of... smoke? Were they trying to be firefighters today, at Sweet Apple Acres of all places? Those little fillies were rather crazy with their never-ending quest for cutie marks. It was a miracle that none of them had gotten seriously hurt! Despite her curiosity, she didn't press the issue.

"A new friend? Well, that's wonderful!" Rarity nodded, finishing up her mane adjustments and putting her brush away, "I haven't had dinner yet. Almost slipped my mind! Heh. You know how busy I can be... You wouldn't believe the amount of costumers today, Sweetie Belle! Why don't you get yourself washed up while I see about preparing something, mm?"

Leave it to Rarity to be able to put a mane back into perfect order despite the rough conditions it had been under all day.  Sweetie Belle's coif looked as good as new with a bit of careful brushing and a little styling to get her curls to show up better.  "Okay~!" she chirped and immediately scampered off to tidy up in the bathroom.  However, once she was in there washing her hooves and scrubbing at her face, she let her thoughts wander a little to something that had been pecking at her since that afternoon.

"Hey Rarity?  When you were little, did you ever have to deal with any bullies at school?" she called out from the open door.

As Sweetie Belle left to go wash up in the bathroom, Rarity walked over to the kitchen to get something going. On busy days like this one, she didn't tend to eat very much, if at all. However, having her little sister around had forced her to pay a little more attention to her nutrition. While she knew her lifestyle could be unhealthy if gone too long unchecked, there were some sacrifices she had to make for maximum productivity and beauty.

Rarity had begun to make a rather large and detailed salad which should tide the two of them over until she had thought of something more to make. Truth be told, the fashionista sometimes had a bit of trouble bringing her creative prowess into her cooking. Sure, she would have bursts of inspiration, and her plating was professional and immaculate, but cooking had never really been strong in her family. Shrugging slightly, she began to gather some vegetables and dice them deftly with a knife before tossing them all into a very large, and rather decorative, mixing bowl to toss around with dressing.

"Bullies?" Rarity asked, thinking back to her own childhood as she prepared dinner, "Well, everyone has to put up with bullies eventually, Sweetie Belle, dear. Even at my age! I had to deal with my fair share as a filly too, don't you worry. Why do you ask?"

Of course, what the unicorn had failed to mention was that she was a bit of a bully herself as a filly. With her lack of prominent eyelashes and the rather short way she had worn her mane when she was very young, many teased her about looking like a tomcolt, despite her evident hatred of rough play or dirt. As a response, she grew out her mane and started to wear false eyelashes, picking on other ponies who seemed to lack in grace or beauty. Her parents turned her around eventually, but it was a dark part of her history that she'd rather keep under wraps.