Sleek, chic, and oh so unique~!  The Carousel Boutique is both home and business to Rarity, Ponyville's premiere fashionista.  Her shop supplies a variety of beautiful clothes for everypony to look their best in and the specialty is custom-tailored outfits made to order.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:35, Sat 14 Apr 2012.

Rarity hummed gently to herself as she looked over her most recent project. Though it had taken her several long nights of slaving over the sewing machine along with a few gem-hunting trips with Spike and a minor setback courtesy of her younger sister, she had finally completed three stellar ensembles for one of her most important costumers, Princess Luna herself! Though her ultimate dream was to have Celestia herself commission something, Luna was the next best thing, and one of the highest honors she could have been given. Therefore, everything had to be completely perfect!

Even though she had finished the dresses the evening before, Rarity had woken up a bit earlier than usual to make sure everything was absolutely flawless and to make minor changes, if need be. With her work glasses resting securely on her nose, she scrutinized every little detail. The first dress, a light blue one with a star theme, a sash around the midsection, and airy sleeves for the arms, seemed to be a little too tight around the middle at first, but a little adjustment with Rarity's magic loosened it a bit. The second, a white one that was sparkled with an ample amount of blue and red jewels, was Rarity's favorite of the three, but she was deathly afraid that the Princess of the Night would find it too bright or glittery. The third was also white, but used lighter colored jewels, and not much of a dress, but a beautiful outfit none the less. Rarity was a bit unsure if the necklace was necessary, but that was an easy detail to fix if she changed her mind.

Opalescence, who was sitting contently on a table nearby, looked over to her owner and offered a slightly bothered mew, confused that her owner was up so early in the day.

"Oh, Opal! Aren't they just lovely? My finest work to date, if I must say so myself," she told her pet, trotting over next to her, "And they simply -have- to be. They -have- to be! This isn't just anypony, it's the Princess herself! Oh, she has to adore them! And how could one not, hm?"

Using her magic, she lifted Opal slightly and brought her into a hug, which positively bothered the white feline, shown by her irritated mrowl. Not wanting to get clawed, Rarity quickly put her kitty down onto the floor.

"And, if this goes well, maybe the Princess will tell her sister!" she squealed excitedly, "And, soon, I'll be providing the entire royal family with their wardrobes! All of Canterlot will be admiring my work! Chic, unique, and magnifique! Eee!... Opal?"

Not wanting to put up with anymore of her owner's nonsense, Opal quietly made her way to the kitchen to check if Rarity had put out her food this morning.

"Oh, no matter! I wonder when she'll arrive," Rarity told herself, laughing happily in excitement.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:35, Tue 17 Apr 2012.

The sound of rhythmic, choreographed hoofbeats outside signaled that Princess Luna's Black Stallion guardsmen were stopping, and taking up position on either side of the door.  The carriage had landed just a short walk from the boutique's entryway, and Luna emerged,  posed and regal in bearing, from within. She looked about, and noted that at least a few ponies were gawking. Nobody had expected a royal visit, it seemed,. But  Luna reminded herself, their people did more than keep track of events far from their home...  Though... Rarity should have at least rolled out a carpet or something...

 Her raised hoof hesitated, then settled for the walkway - it wasn't as if it'd hurt her, she just... well, at least Canterlot was more traditional in greeting, even if it wasn't always heartfelt or clear in that confusing, political place.

She finally reached the door, and raised a hoof... Recalling how she'd once seen Twilight requesting entry at Fluttershy's home, she then rapped the delicate hoof upon the door, thrice.  How should this greeting go? She had her lips open but couldn't decide what to say exactly.   One the one hand, Rarity was a friend, though one she'd spent little time with. On the other, she was being hired for a high-profile job by one of the most influential ponies in Equestria...

The clash of the two resulted in a a clearly voiced effort to begin something... "Your Princess Has Arrived!" A slightly raised hoof, her chin lifting, horn straight up...  voice just bordering on the echoing glory of the Royal Canterlot Voice... - Luna did try to ensure that Rarity heard her, the result being that a good portion of the district did.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 09:50, Tue 17 Apr 2012.

"She's here!" Rarity exclaimed as she heard the three knocks on the door. She was  about to dash over to the door to answer it, but a mirror caught her immediate attention, "How's my mane? Oh, it looks alright, but maybe just a little... No time! Glasses, or no glasses? Should I appear professional? Friendly? Need to make the perfect impression!"

The bellowing of Luna's commanding voice made the decision for her, making her jump in the air in surprise which sent her cute little red glasses clattering towards the floor. In an instant, Rarity's horn began to glow, holding the glasses aloft before they shattered on the ground. Knowing that time was wasting, she set them aside next to her sewing machine and made her way to the door, opening it with a bow.

"Your highness! Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, where everything's chic, unique, and magnifique!" she began, head lowered to the floor in a bow of respect, though she could barely keep from jittering from the excitement, "I promise that you won't be disappointed, Princess, once you see the absolutely fabulous ensembles that I've designed just for you." 

Luna lowered her head slightly, as her cry rang out over the district.  When the door open, she glanced up sheepishly at Rarity, bowing to her.  Alright, that was a cue on how to play this.  She strode inside smoothly, standing up straight. "We thank you for your talents, Rarity."  Luna said, and cast an eye about he shop. It was the mot elegant place in this village she'd ever been to, and it did feel something approaching refined, even though she could almost sense that the clutter of an artisan at work had been tidied.

"We are eager to see you what yhave made for us!" she said, brightly. She allowed Rarity to lead the way, falling into step, relaxing her wings a bit from her sides, then settling them back. "Your shop is quite lovely. Certainly the most refined place I've seen in Ponyville."

"You are so very welcome. Anytime, and I mean -anytime-, you need my services, they are yours!" Rarity responded, trying her utmost to stay modest, or at least keep from dramatically freaking out in front of royalty... again, "If you will just follow me, we can get started."

Getting up from her bow, Rarity led the Princess at a slow and even pace through her store to her private workspace. She had spent almost all of the previous day tidying up, and she had done quite a good job, even if the neatness in her work area did throw off her artistic groove for just a little while. Well worth it, though!

"Oh, do go on," Rarity replied to the Princess, inclining her head, trying her best to keep the compliments from going to her already puffy ego. Of course, that was becoming more and more difficult by the moment, considering she was entertaining and doing work for a Princess!

"Voila!" she smiled as they entered her workspace. On display in the center were three dress forms, each with their own unique outfit. The first was the light blue dress with stars, the second was the white dress with red and blue jewels, and the third was the white outfit with the light pink and green jewels and matching necklace.

"Now, tell me what you think, Princess," Rarity said, standing next to her three creations, "I want your completely honest opinion."

Luna followed the posh and sophisticated artist, and emerged into her workroom, her eyes widened a bit by the display. Her first reaction was how bright the dresses were, and perhaps that the gemstones were gaudy. Still, modern sensibilities  were in play, and she reminded herself that fashion would change in a few hundred years, let alone thousand.  She strode toward the stands slightly, and examined the third, on the right, first.  she walked between each of them, her expression a poised mask, until finally looking to Rarity,her hopeful, expectant face.

She had to remind herself. Tact. And again - Rarity was  a hands-down expert. She should give her creations a bit more than a once over before jumping to conclusions. The starry dress did  have its charms, the others..felt too bright...  She  raised a hoof, lips opening. "I... We... " she uttered. Only now did she realize she'd slipped from her royal tone earlier, but now, it seemed more glaring.

She met Rarity's eyes, and her smile went from poised to sheepish. Rarity was a friend... and feeling uneducated on fashion was upsetting. "I mean... Rarity. I know... little of present fashion. I am relying upon your expertise here. I do like the work you've done, though the gemstones and white fabric feel..." she paused, and put a hoof to her lip. "Perhaps more suited to somepony like my sister? Forgive me, I don't quite have a grasp of this art."

Admitting her flaw, as shameful as she felt, doing it, was somewhat relieving, rather than painful. She half expected a harsh response to her naivete, for the artist to defend her work and insist she was wrong, and Luna had no idea how she could respond to that.  To cover herself, she uttered. "Perhaps I need to try them on to see?" she uttered, her voice showing a little of her urgency to get it out before Rarity could take offense.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:01, Tue 17 Apr 2012.

Rarity's eyes followed Luna as she looked over her creations, looking for any sign of what the Alicorn thought. Did she love them? Hate them? Her face was so stoic and poised that it was difficult for the fashionista to tell either way. Patience, she reminded herself. Any great work of art needed to be looked over thoroughly before a solid opinion was made, at least in high society. And you didn't get any higher than royalty!

"Yes, yes?" she asked, voice brimming with eagerness as her Princess stuttered slightly with her words. The unicorn was practically leaning on her front hooves, looking slightly childish before she corrected herself with a flash of embarrassment, trying to regain that professional, refined pose that she was well noted for.

As the criticisms hit, Rarity couldn't help but frown slightly as she looked back over the three ensembles she had created. It was true, the two outfits that were white and adorned with gems were based on designs Rarity had done with Celestia in mind during several creative surges, but they were hardly suited for a Princess of the Night, even if they were rather stylish and form-fitting. Still, it was hard not to knock herself for not catching this fact earlier.

"Well, I-" Rarity stumbled, trying to find the correct words, "I had assumed that you and your sister would have similar tastes, but, well, that was silly of me. White is very "in" this season, and, well, the gemstones were my own personal touch, but... The customer is always right, of course! You have no need to be sorry, Princess. -I'm- the one who should be sorry, thinking that you would appreciate something so bright. Whatever was I thinking...?"

Though she was a bit hurt, mostly by her own perceived stupidity, she moved the two white dresses to the side with her magic and brought the blue star-themed one forward.

"Oh, please, do try on whatever you'd like!" Rarity encouraged, trying to hide her speck of pain and loss of confidence with enthusiasm, "And, if you don't like these, well, I have a whole new line of pegasus fashions that you may also look through. With a little adjusting, I'm absolutely sure they'll be perfect for you, if you find one that stands out."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:46, Tue 17 Apr 2012.

Luna watched he friend's reaction, and unburdened now by the feeling of maintaining a poised air - it was simply the two of them, after all... She lowered her horn a bit. "No, no, I'm sorry. I do not mean to offend you, kind Rarity, and I do find the work wonderful. I just am not sure they are suited to me." she paused. "That is why I suggested that I try them on. Perhaps you could help me with that, and then we can see for certain?" she said. "I have no reason to doubt your experience, and I ..." Luna felt her stomach twist.  She didn't mean to hurt her feelings! Why couldn't she just... be clear about things!?  It was so frustrating, like Nightmare Night all over again. At least she didn't have crowds running and screaming this time...

Luna's horn glowed, gently, and even before Rarity was done shuffling them aside, she was pulling all the dresses back over. Her expression said enough - that she could tell she'd done something to upset Rarity, and that she hadn't meant a thing by it, from the forlorn-looking shine to her eyes.  "I insist. I want to try them on. You shall aid me?"

Luna stretched her wings and legs, and moved along to a mirror, and spotted a brush by it, drawing it up to teas through her mane. Perhaps she didn't notice, but that was Opal's brush, with bits of loose white fur in the bristles...  Luna resolved to subject herself to whatever fashion experiments Rarity though up - she wanted to leave looking the best she could, and she trusted Rarity's friendship, even if she had doubts about the dress designs. It had made sense that they were designed with Celestia in mind... perhaps her sister would like them. If she decided not to get them for herself. She needed to judge it by the results, she decided.

"I am not offended; it's alright," Rarity assured her, playing it off as best she could, "Every truly great artist must go through some criticism, yes? And, besides, these dresses are for -you- to look good, not me. If you insist on trying them on, then-"

The fashionista paused as her Princess moved towards the mirror, lifting up Opal's brush to tease her mane. Nervously, Rarity rushed over and gently pushing her feline's favorite brush aside and replacing it with her own. If Opal ever got wind that someone else was using her brush, the unicorn would have to have Fluttershy to come over to stop her from destroying her home. That feline was very particular...

"Luna, darling, wrong brush, heh," she said meekly, "That was Opal's, and she's very, very particular."

Inclining her head for a moment of pause, thinking, Rarity then began the trying-on process. She first used her magic to lightly remove the moon-adorned neck-piece and let it hang in the air. Next, she took the blue dress and all of its accessories and gently lifted them off of the model and started to dress Luna, being careful to do it with the utmost respect and gentleness. She started with the body of the dress, making sure that it wasn't too tight around the waist like she feared. She let the skirt of the dress fall, primping it slightly and making calculated adjustments while she prepared the accessories. As soon as the body of the dress was perfect, she gently tied the sash around her waist and slid the sleeves up her arms, making slight murmuring instructions to lift a leg or move slightly at different intervals. Once Rarity finished dressing Luna, she looked her over, and added a final touch: a deep purple jewel on the chest for an added flare.

"There now, aren't you radiant!" Rarity exclaimed, "Take a look, tell me what you think. I personally think you look rather stunning."

As the dusk-blue fabrics settled into place, adorned in simple but elegant styles, Luna watched herself as Rarity transformed her. She seemed quite fine with being changed by someone else, almost as if she were used to it. Perhaps that's how it was done when she was still around.

As Rarity finished with her, though, Luna  turned and took in her reflection, before smiling. It was simple... understated, almost, like she was...  it was truly... "Yes, I think this suits me quite wonderfully..." she agreed, and glanced to Rarity. "You designed this one with me in mind, didn't you? I can tell."

The Princess smiled broadly. "I shall take it,and another just like it. Also, perhaps... would it be difficult to rework one of the white dresses for my sister? I'd like to bring it to her as a surprise. I think, when you set yourself to something for someone particular, your work is much more defining for that individual." the princess observed, and looked to Opalescence, curled up and glaring her way... Luna left the mirror, and walked smoothly to Rarity's side. She lowered her horn a little. "If I gave any offense, I mean... You are my... friend. And that is important to me."

"YES!" Rarity exclaimed, jumping up at once when Luna mentioned taking the dress and having her rework one of the others for her sister. Her dream was finally coming true, and, more importantly, Luna liked her dress!

"I mean, I would love to fix up a little surprise for your sister," she grinned, trotting over closer to the mirror to give Luna another look over appreciatively, "And, it will be on the house, of course, both of your orders."

When Luna called Rarity her friend, she tilted her head slightly, almost confused. They had very limited interactions in the past, mostly just centered around when the six of them released her from her reign as Nightmare Moon. During Nightmare Night, she was minding her shop, which was relatively busy around that holiday when some ponies wanted to look a bit more fancy. However, Rarity was very pleased to call Luna her friend.

"It is important to me as well, darling," she said quietly, "And your apology is accepted. I'm just happy that you're happy."   

Luna reared herself up slightly, clapping her hooves together with a grin. "Yes! I adore this dress!" she announced. "Though, I could hardly be expected not to reward a skilled artisan such as yourself. I brought what I hope will suffice for the finest craftmareship in Equestria."

What she brought was a small chest laden with bits, out in the carriage. Luna really had no idea about fashion, and that included its cost. Finery in her era was extravagant and pricy. Perhaps she was expecting the same of Rarity's work. That would be fore Rarity to discover later, when Luna went to fetch the thing.

"I am glad, then. My visit here is rather unofficial, Rarity. I would like to do something while I am here, though, I am not sure what. My last visit was on a special occasion. I do not suppose ponies play the spider-throwing game any other time of year?" she ventured.  "Perhaps... would you know of something we might do? As friends? I am not due back in Canterlot for another day or so, if you would have time to adjust the dress for my sister.. or something I might do while I wait?"

Luna paced about in the dress... as she moved, the material shimmered softly,  the light caught in the fabric like occasional twinkling of starts in a dusky blue sky.  Her wings had plenty of room and accented the shifts of the fabric,  and her main trailed with it smoothly, almost seamless cascades of pale evening sky... It was radiant, to the extent that the night sky was radiant... Perhaps that wasn't the right term at all for Luna. She was lovely to the eyes, but not in the same brilliant way that Celestia was. Compared to the one brilliant splash of radiance, Luna had a myriad of charms, miniscule but woven together into something wondrous.

Yes, Rarity had done well with the outfit. Simple enough to be demure, but... truly elegant, when worn by the poised-and-regal Alicorn.

"Oh, Luna, you don't have to, really," Rarity asserted with an air of bounce in her voice, "But, if you really do insist, I won't say no."

She moved the other two mannequins with the unused dresses back into place while Luna moved around in her new dress. It really did look very lovely on her, and it almost seemed to suit her, glittering in the warm lighting of her boutique. When Rarity was truly honest with herself, she held quite a bit of envy when it came to the alicorns. While she herself was very beautiful, they seemed to possess a sort of supernatural loveliness and grace that she couldn't hope to match. However, she -could- dress it, and rather well, by the looks of things!

"Let me see... Something we may do as friends," Rarity thought out-loud, tidying up a few things she missed while she paced gently, "Well, I think it's marvelous that you'll be staying in Ponyville for a few days. If you don't have a place to stay, you are always welcome here. I do have a room set up for guests, though I'd have to prim it up to meet Canterlot standards."

Going over her schedule for the rest of the day, Rarity suddenly remembered! She and Fluttershy were going to go on their weekly spa trip. She was almost completely sure that Aloe and Lotus would be able to make space for a Princess!

"Princess, have you ever been to the spa?" Rarity asked, smiling to her friend.

Luna nodded. "Very well. I shall dismiss my carriage for the time being, and remain here as your guest." she paused, and raised a hoof. "And... well, I am staying with a friend. There is no need to...  go so far out of your way for me." she said.

She paused, headed for the door, and glanced back over her shoulder. "Oh? No, I'm afraid I haven't, Rarity. What exactly do you do at the spa?" she asked, hoof raised. Her horn opened the door while she awaited the reply, and she quietly indicated that her  carriage was dismissed for the time being, though her dark-armored guards remained by the boutique's doors. She levitated in the small chest full of bits into the room and closed the door, placing it upon the table. "As for the dresses, I hope this will suffice?"

"Wonderful!" Rarity smiled, rearing back and clapping her hooves together once, "We will have so much fun, you and I! And I'm positively sure Twilight would love to see you."

She walked over to the door, watching as Luna sent her carriage away and brought a small chest inside of her home. Her eyes widened a bit, having never seen such a payment for just a few dresses. She trotted next to it, lifting the lid with her horn and looking at the amount of bits inside with a shocked expression.

"Are you sure about all this, Princess?" she asks, "It seems to be a little... Well, more than I'm usually paid for my services. But! The spa is a place of rejuvenation, of beauty, and of complete relaxation. They make you feel, like, well, royalty, but... You would know that feeling, heh. You can take baths, a steam, get a facial or a hooficure, oh, it's only the most perfect place in all of Ponyville. I usually go with Fluttershy, but I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you joined us."

"She of the soft voice, yes, I know her." she exclaimed. "Yes, I shall accompany you to this 'spa'!"  Luna tipped her head at Rarity's concern over the payment. "Is this more than is normal for costuming worthy of royalty?" she asked. "If you are uncomfortable with it, at least accept what you feel is fitting. I can return home to Canterlot with the rest when I depart."


The Princess then looked to her hostess. "Might you show me to my room? I should settle in before we depart for this, 'Spa'"

Rarity pursed her lips slightly as she looked over the payment. Truth be told, she hadn't filled a royal order before, so she didn't really have a point of reference as to what sort of payment would be appropriate. However, she never did charge her friends for a new outfit or a dress, so why should things with Luna be any different? Then again, she didn't have to use all of these bits on herself! In fact, there was possibly enough here to do something for all of her closest friends!

"I'll accept it, but I'll promise not to spend a bit of it on myself," Rarity nodded, closing the chest with her magic, "Such a bounty should be shared. Ooh! Your room, of course. Follow me."

Smiling over at her friend and moving her head to indicate the direction, Rarity began to navigate through her lovely home up a little flight of stairs. After their little trek upwards, she led her guest down a little hall to a door. She opens it with a nudge of her muzzle and smiles. Inside is a rather comfy room, with a large bed, a bedstand, and a window with a frilly curtain.

"Here we are!" she smiles, "If you need anything at all, please let me know."

Stepping inside, the regal Princess of Night looked about the quaint but refined room. She was pleased with it, apparently, and made her way over to the curtains, parting them with consideration. "Yes, a wonderful view of the sky for the evening." she paused. "I suppose since I am staying here, I shall conduct the Moon-Raising here in Ponyville tonight."

She looked to Rarity. "I... believe this room will do wonderfully for me." she moved to lie on the bed, careful with her dress.  She found it comfortable, a bit softer than her own bed back at the castle. And she did enjoy it. Propping herself up on one hoof, she nodded with approval. "Wonderful. When you are ready, we m,ay depart for this 'Spa'"

Rarity twittered with happiness as the Princess approved of her little room. After Sweetie Belle's week-long stay, she had used it as a storage room for a few of her extra supplies. It was a good thing she was so thorough, going so far as to even clean out this room. "I'm so glad you like it, Luna. Sweetie Belle never complained, and the curtain is so chic, don't you think?"

She watched Luna test the bed, laughing lightly to herself. It was still such a novel concept, royalty in her own home! There may even be crowds of onlookers, trying to get a view, and not only will they see the Princess, but all of Rarity's lovely creations!

"Well, if you wouldn't mind a pleasant little stroll around Ponyville, we will need to pick up Fluttershy," she added, pondering whether or not to wear a little something on their walk, "But, yes, let's go! You are going to love it, Luna."

"Of course, Rarity!" She chimed. "Should I go in this, or shall I save it for the Moon-raising tonight?" she asked. "I suppose it will be a bit impromptu, but I find that many ponies like to witness the event."

Luna decided she'd follow her friend's advice on the matter, though, so if Rarity suggested she go without her dress, Luna would remove it while Rarity prepared herself. Once the artist was ready to go, Luna was as well. While she waited for Rarity, Luna approached Opalescence, and observed  the white feline with a curious expression. There were many animals on the palace grounds, but even she had never seen such a haughty animal.

"Good day, and what a fine coat~!" she complimented, tentatively. The cat could probably sense her unsteady approach.

"I would save it for the special occasion, if I were you," Rarity suggested, "We will want to dazzle them! Just think how lovely you will look against the night sky. Fabulous! Now, I'm just going to spruce myself up a tad, and we'll be on our way!"

Leaving her guest alone to change, Rarity went a little further down the hall to her own room to find a little something to accessorize herself with. Humming to herself, she levitated a few options from her private collection. A necklace? Not today. It would be a bit too glaring in the sun. Mmm... speaking of sunlight.. a hat would be splendid! She selected a floral one tied with a ribbon with a wide brim and put it securely on her head. She tested her look in the mirror, smiling with approval.

"A perfect touch!" she giggled to herself before leaving to see the Princess.

Opal, on the other hand, had been watching the Princess approach with a very annoyed expression. Rarity hadn't put her food out, and her favorite brush was out of place. As the Princess greeted her, she growled lowly, obviously rather annoyed.

"Opal! Don't be rude," Rarity scolded as she entered the room, "Don't mind Opal. She isn't very kind of strangers. Well, shall we?"

Luna seemed about to pick her, up, but stepped back at her words. "Oh, Yes, Of course Miss Rarity. You lead the way, and I shall follow~ I hope you do not mind, but my Guardsponies will insist upon following us to the establishment."

Exit after Rarity!

Rarity grinned at the thought while she trotted over to the front door, opening it with her magic, "Ooooh! An entourage! Onwards!"

Exit to Ponyville Square!

In from the Ponyville Spa

As the sun continued to set, Luna followed Meriweather, and led her Guardsman and Fluttershy back to Rarity's Boutique. She got the door herself, with her horn, and stepped inside. "Meriweather, Fluttershy." she invited them inside. "I'll be getting dressed." she poked her head back out the door to the Night Guard. "Watch the door, would you?  That bat-wing girl and Lyra, Rarity... let them in when they arrive if you would. And Silver Crescent will have news for me when he returns. Knock first." she chimed, then vanished inside, and closed the door once the ladies were inside.

Luna couldn't contain another excited flutter of wings and stomp of her hooves as she hurried to fetch the Dress Rarity had made for her. "Fluttershy, Meriweather, isn't is just radiant?"

The outfit a softer blue than her coat, and graced with pale star designs in the fabric.  It left room for her wings, and the skirt, while a bit short, was sparkled with stars as well.   It complimented her natural coloration and mane, and her wings, and  looked quite fit for her. Horn lighting, Luna quickly set about dressing herself, using one of Rarity's mirrors for a good look. Any offer by the others to help was not turned down, however.


"It seems that the entire town is going to turn out for this." she chimed excitedly. "I must admit it has ballooned to be more significant than I intended, but everypony is so excited!"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:32, Thu 10 May 2012.

<-- Entering from Ponyville Spa

Side routes had been the way to go with the trip to the Boutique.  There hadn't been any ponies out on those paths, so the royal entourage traveled without incident all the way to Rarity's home.  Merriweather kept a busy eye scanning about for threats even though she knew there were none to be had -- part of her was just inwardly happy to be back in uniform again and really got into the mood.

She hadn't expected to be called inside though.  Merriweather had fully thought she would be standing on point with the Night Guard while Luna and Fluttershy handled the fashion part of the trip, so she was put a little off-balance as a result.  She wasn't sure how to react at first... but as Luna seemed absolutely smitten over the outfit that had been prepared for her, Merriweather let a little of her stern attitude drop in lieu of that matronly tone she'd developing shining through instead.

"It looks wonderful on you, your Highness." she complimented in a softer manner than she'd spoken in before.  Fluttershy nodded in agreement, feeling a little more at ease since Merriweather had unclenched a bit.  The Pegasus moved to help Luna get dressed, carefully adjusting the fabric around Luna's wings where it naturally tended to bunch until settled properly.

"It's not that surprising, Luna.  I mean, you made quite the impression on the town on Nightmare Night.  Ponies were talking about it for weeks afterward." Fluttershy said quietly.  "Everypony has realized how nice you are... it's only natural they'd all want to come out and support you."

The Princess turned a little to Fluttershy's aid rather than her own horn power.  As she let the timid mare tend to her, she looked to Meriweather. "How long have you been out of service?" she asked thoughtfully. "That armor still suits you nicely."

Luna darkened a shade at Fluttershy's words. "Well... I would suppose that follows reasonably. Truthfully, I was unsure what sort of response I would have. I never intended to make a huge show of it at first... It's merely something I must do." She closed her eyes a little and pranced her front hooves eagerly.  "But I'm overjoyed now! Nopony's ever made such a big fuss over what I do..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:24, Thu 10 May 2012.

The comment from Princess Luna made Merriweather's eyes automatically flicker back to glance at her own haunches, then suppress a sigh.  Way to rub salt in a fresh wound...

"A few years now, your Highness.  I retired from service shortly before my son was born so that I could afford him a more stable life." Merriweather explained.  She'd dropped a fair deal of her 'at attention' tone, but still would never dream of speaking glibly with royalty.

Fluttershy, meanwhile, fell quiet at Luna's happiness.  Nopony's ever made such a big fuss over what I do..., she'd said.  After the whole mess with Nightmare Moon, Fluttershy had come to learn what supposedly caused everything to begin spiraling so chaotically in the first place.  It was because the Night Princess... Luna, as it were... felt wronged that nopony appreciated her beautiful night.  So much had changed since then...

"I can't speak for anypony else, but I've always loved the night time, Luna." she said in a small way.  "Out in my cottage, it gets so very quiet and dark that I used to be scared sometimes.  But there are so many nocturnal animals out and about.  Owls, little rodents... ooh, and beautiful swarms of glowing fireflies~!  It's like the whole world changes under the moonlight."

"Oooh? You have a colt? How wonderful!" she chimed sweetly. She didn't think Meriweather looked it at all, and didn't seem to notice the slight distress her compliment had produced. "Perhaps I could meet him? The young ponies are energetic and excitable. I do wish to spend time mingling with Our subjects this evening. Though, I suppose the little ponies might tire after a few hours." she put a hoof to her lips thoughtfully.

"Dear Fluttershy, might I ask a favor for this evening?" she began. "Once I set the stars in the sky, I would adore you if you could bring your firefly friends to light the festival. The floating lights, it would be wonderous, don't you think? Like stars here among everypony."

She gave Fluttershy a sweet look at her compliments about night. Her heart was a bit aflutter. She knew that night had become more active in the years since her banishment, but not that so many ponies truly did enjoy it so much.

Perhaps it was merely the dark times long ago that had built up ponies fear of the dark.

"Meadow Lark." Merriweather supplied her son's name with a fond smile, her demeanor softening further.  Part of her was relieved too... her retirement from the Royal Guard was amidst a minor scandal given the circumstances.  She was afraid everypony knew of her reputation, so it set her soul at ease to know that it wasn't so spread.  "He's with a... friend... at the celebration in town right now, actually.  I know he would be thrilled to get the chance to meet you, your Highness.  I'm honored that you would be so gracious to offer.  Also, if you ever need a quiet venue, I own a cafe here in town and would be more than happy to supply whatever I can for you."

The unicorn gave another humble bow of her head.  Fluttershy, meanwhile, seemed surprised at the request of her skills but brightened considerably with excitement.  "Oh!  Of course~!  I can go gather them right after Rarity gets here, then meet you all in Town.  I'm sure they'd all be so happy to participate." she squeaked happily, then lowered her voice as if telling a dark secret.  "Fireflies are actually very self-conscious, you know.  This would do a lot to reinforce their egos."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:54, Thu 10 May 2012.

Luna grinned at Meriweather, then turned to Fluttershy. "Then I am most pleased my visit could give them a chance to, well..." she put a hoof to her lips over a light laugh. "... shine."

Luna faced the mirror, and gave her ead a gentle shake, snding her wavy mane cascading a moment, the natural shimmer like the night sky it  bore  shimmering a little before their eyes. "Those mares at the spa really can bring out the best in a pony." she admired, then glanced to Meriweather.

"If you would like, my guards are all getting appointments tomorrow. You should go as well, if you have time, with my thanks.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:58, Thu 10 May 2012.

The unicorn guard actually seemed genuinely startled at such a suggestion, her brows lifting high beneath her helmet.  "The Spa?  I couldn't... I have my shop, after all, and I've given my assistant the day off.  I could never impose..." she stammered a bit.  Admittedly it a grievously tempting offer.  She'd never had the chance to go to the Spa at all, but had heard recommendations from many of her customers.

"Then when I go back next, I shall arrange for you to have a visit whenever is convenient for you. A matter of timing shouldn't disqualify you from a fair reward." she chimed sweetly. "I must apologize for implying that you must, of course. Today was my first visit, and I have never felt more wonderful than I do now."

Once she was satisfied with her mane, she turned back to the room, and took a breath, the grin on her face hard to contain. "Oh..." she raised a hoof to her lips. "Oh my. I forgot. If everypony is here to see me, surely they're expecting me to make some speech of sorts. What should I say?"

For a moment Merriweather didn't know what to say and simply settled for curtly bowing her head and remaining silent.  She really hadn't been expecting anything like that... she'd ceased her service in the Royal Guard before Luna had returned to Canterlot, so she'd never actually interacted with the Princess at all.  She hadn't expected her to be so... well... normal.

Fluttershy, who had tittered over Luna's pun, spoke up once more.  "I'm sure everypony would be happy with anything you did, even if it was just saying 'thanks for coming'.  Though if the Mayor gets at the microphone, we're going to be there all night..." she felt a little bad about speaking even remotely poorly about their dedicated Mayor, but that politician did love to make speeches...  "Maybe something short and sweet?"

"Ah. The clown from my last visit?" she asked delicately. "You are quite right, Fluttershy. Everypony is glad to see me, I need not fret over this." She said. She took a slight breath, and cracked a smile at them. "My sister always was the better talker. I need but be honest at how glad I am. Surely everypony will be glad to hear that!"

Luna trotted over to peer out the window. The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, ever so slightly. "There is still a little time. I don't want to arrive too early. A brief gloaming this evening, I think. Enough for everypony to arrive and get settled. And I am told, a fashionably late entrance is particularly clever to draw attention." she said.

"Thankfully we're behind Town Hall at the moment, so we can approach unnoticed if you would like.  Otherwise we could come around from the south, which would cut directly through Town Square if you wish to pass among the crowd, your Majesty." Merriweather silently questioned the wisdom of being 'fashionably late' when it came to handling the progression of the Moon, but chose to wisely keep her mouth shut.  A few moments later though, there was a knock at the entrance and Silver Crescent entered, once more with his wing covering his eyes just in case.

"Preliminary report, your Highness!  I've completed a brief fly over of the town.  The citizens of Ponyville have almost unanimously gathered in Town Square, which has been prepared for your arrival.  Some are apparently viewing the Moon Raising from other locations such as the bridges, parks, and rooftops of their homes." the young guard stated dutifully.  "Would you care to know the specifics of the current events in Town Square?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:20, Thu 10 May 2012.

"I'm unsure how I should approach. Lyra and Moonsong were going to accompany my entrance with music for me. But they're not yet here."

Luna turned to the door, and was about to authorize entry before he let himself in. Ah, but his wing was up. Ever proper, though she was starting to feel like she might need to spell things out specifically for this one. Still, she didn't feel offended.

Luna spoke. "You may lower your wing, everypony is decent." she said gently. "Ah, how wonderful!" She exclaimed. "Yes, I suppose this has become a genuine event!" she said eagerly. Then, to Silver Crescent, she chimed. "Yes, give me  the full report.  If you need another fly-by, do it now, though. And find Lyra and Moonsong. I am concerned they've not yet arrived."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:33, Thu 10 May 2012.

The guard sharply lowered his wing to his side and took the chance to look around the room briefly.  His gaze lingered on both the other two mares for different reasons -- a fond look at Fluttershy, who shrunk shyly at the glance, and an appraising one at Merriweather as if sizing her up.  The unicorn, to her merit, remained passive.

"Yes, your Highness.  I met Moonsong and Lyra on the road and delivered your request to them.  They should arrive shortly, assuming nothing has waylaid them." the guard confirmed.  "Town Square has been occupied by the majority of Ponyville's standing population.  Vendors have made a perimeter of stands and shops in a semi-circle around the western end of the plaza, affording refreshments, games, and items for sale.  Town Hall itself has been decorated, equipped with a stage and band, and a high platform on the western face of the building presumably for your Highness to use during her performance.  There are several musicians present at the Town Hall stage being organized by one DJ P0N-3; Vinyl Scratch."

...was that a slightly excited tone in the guard's voice?  It was subtle, but slipped through anyway at the specific mention of the DJ herself.

"Oooh! It sounds wonderful. And I've gotten an idea for the approach. Perhaps we allow them to slip in and get to the stage, where they can perform as we enter from the east. Meriweather, you could lead, the golden armor and all, like the setting sun. And then I will follow with my guards flanking me on either side."

She looked at her guards, and then Fluttershy for approval, sensing that she was more apt for an honest appraisal than the others. "What do you think? Once I raise the moon and spread the stars, Fluttershy, you can bring the fireflies in from... well, which direction would fit?"

Luna seemed giddy with the ideas dancing through her head. This would be truly incredible!

Merriweather and Silver Crescent both shared a brief look to each other and nodded.  The unicorn lit her magic up as a few items on a nearby work table glowed and began to move about, positioning themselves in a general shape of Ponyville's geography.

"The Carousel Boutique is located to the slight south-east of Town Hall.  We can approach directly from the east, which will minimize interaction with the crowds since everypony is mostly gathered on the western end of the plaza." Silver Crescent gestured with a graceful wing tip to trace a line of movement across the little display.

"Alternatively, we can travel along the river a short ways -- to here -- and enter Town Square from the south across this bridge.  This is the main road into town; it will be the most crowded and lead us straight through the bulk of ponies present." Merriweather added as she hovered a few rolls of thread to represent the other possible route.  "Either way works -- it is simply a matter of your Majesty's flare for the dramatic.  Entering from the south-east will be more subtle while entering from the south will be more grandiose."

"Regardless, Moonsong and Lyra should enter ahead of us from the east so as to best ready themselves for your arrival, your Highness.  Their performance will make a suitable signal for us to begin approaching." the guard agreed.  He looked to Fluttershy, who shrank back again.  "Miss Fluttershy; your fireflies are airborne, so they can be released from any point around the plaza.  Whatever works best for your needs."

<-- Entering from Ponyville Spa

It had been a hard run all the way from the spa and by the time that Lyra and Moonsong had made it to the Boutique, the unicorn was a bit winded.  They'd had to go the long way around Town Square given the crowds... well, Lyra had to, at least.  Moonsong could naturally just fly straight over.  That grumpy guard was standing out at the door and the lights to the place were on, so at least they hadn't completely missed the Princess.

"Hoo... okay... ow... stitch in the side..." the musician groaned as she stretched and tried to catch her breath.  "Nnn... gotta lay off the sweets... tell Bon Bon to look into some low-fat alternatives..."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:21, Thu 10 May 2012.

Luna leaned over the display, then stamped her hooves excitedly. "Ooh, this takes me back!" She said excitedly. It wasn't clear just what it was taking her back to, but it seemed to set her aflutter. Ah, here it came. "Except, you know, instead of the whole campaign against Discord, this is actually going to be fun!"

That time Merriweather, Fluttershy, and Silver Crescent all spared each other a mildly confused glance.  When the Princess specified what she meant, they all simultaneously reflected the same 'ah' sort of nod of understanding.  Before their time, it seemed.

"Which way would your Majesty like to approach Town Hall?" Merriweather prompted.

"Well, coming from the east is more poignant, I think.  More symbolic, but the south would be more..." she gestured with a hoof. "Well, Everypony is here for a show, are they not?" she asked, and grinned broadly. "And I would hate to underwhelm everypony's expectations! We'll approach from the south!"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:27, Thu 10 May 2012.

<<from Ponyville Spa<<

As they had hurried to the boutique, Moonsong had found herself worrying with every passing moment that they'd be too late to actually help in any way.  She was also starting to worry about Lyra's puffing, and though she was considering trying to carry the unicorn along in a short-cut straight as the crow flies, Moonsong wasn't sure that would actually help.  They might both arrive completely winded and out of sorts, and what sort of entrance would that be.  She continues to fly along-side her new friend, and even though she'll land near Lyra when they arrive, the bag-winged pegasus fans the other pony with her wings.

Moonsong tries to stifle a giggle at Lyra's mutterings, then gives a shy glance at the stoic elder guard.  "The... The Princess requested our presence, sir."  She manages to sound only a little timid, and her expression is still apologetic from her earlier verbal slip.

The guard standing outside gave the two yet-again-returned mares a solid stare, but didn't object to their presence.  He silently reached out with a broad wing and pushed open the Boutique door for them to enter.

"Your Highness!  The musicians have arrived!" he announced aloud as he lifted his wing to let the two mares enter.  Lyra was quick at Moonsong's side, fixing her mane in a hurry and trying not to wheeze too much as she got her wind back.

"Ah, a relief!" She stood and trotted over to greet them both with a raised hoof. "I'm glad you made it. Time is a bit short, but we've a plan in place I think. Tell me what you think." Luna walked back over to the display to relate the plan - their entering to the stage to perform, while Luna and her entourage entered from the south, down the center of the crowd. Luna sat down on the floor next to the display, careful not to muss up her dress, though cleanliness was the furthest possible concern in Rarity's home.

"This is so exciting. Can we hear what you were planning to perform?" Luna asked eagerly, her smile practically lighting the room up on its own.

Lyra looked over to Moonsong and, knowing the mare was likely far too busy biting her tongue in shyness, took the lead.  After all, she'd proven earlier that day she had absolutely no problem gabbing with anypony be they royalty or not.

"Well, Princess, you are in luck~!  I can't think of any better accompaniment to a graceful rise of the Moon than the thrum of golden strings and a silvery voice~!" the unicorn puffed up as she floated her lyre out of her saddle bag and gave it a few gentle strokes, strumming out the airy melody she'd been playing with Moonsong earlier.  "Isn't that nice?  Classic.  A little improv is always good, but I'm sure we can take requests if you've got something in mind?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:13, Thu 10 May 2012.

Luna began to speak, than seemed to consider. Her hoof raised delicately. "I am afraid most of what I might request might not be common knowledge anymore. I trust your judgement, however.  As to the actual raising..."



Luna went into detail with those present about what she had in mind for the evening, to better inform Lyra's decision about what she and Moonsong might do.

Sheepish, Moonsong will enter when the guard lets them.  She offers a quick smile to Lyra, then almost stops short as Princess Luna greets them.  Moonsong bows deeply, even angling her wings down just a bit.  Afterwards she draws near to the impromptu map, and thanks to Lyra's earlier help, Moonsong is able to recognise enough to be confident in her understanding of the plan.  "It looks as though your entrance will be an elegant one, Princess."

When asked what they mean to perform, Moonsong glances to Lyra with a brief hesitation.  She's relieved when Lyra takes the lead, and she listens with interest and recognition as the unicorn plays.  But when Lyra pauses to speak, Moonsong opens her mouth to agree...  And then, startling herself in doing so, Moonsong sings.  Four sweet notes gently ascend, only to hang briefly in the air around them.  Before the initial trills can fade, the bat-winged pegasus follows them with a gentle melody that incorporates the rising cadences until the whole of the short song ends on one pure, silvery tone.

Moonsong blinks afterwards, looking around with an expression of growing embarrassment at her musical outburst.  She had been filled to the seams with a song all day; apparently the music had seen its chance to be heard and had taken it.  "I..  I'm sorry."

Luna cut her words off a bit as Moonsong began to sing like the music had just  forced its way from her. She smiled a little, and closed her eyes, deciding to  merely listen rather than object.  She was nodding, and then once Moonsong stopped and apologized, Luna opened her eyes. "No, Moonsong. That needs no apology! That is what you will sing for me tonight?" she asked the pair.

"Maybe something a little fancier than just that, but you get the idea.  Hm... how about the Canterlot Royal March for when you first make your entrance, then shift into a little improv once the show really gets going?  Sound good?" Lyra suggested as she set a limb over Moonsong's shoulders, giving her a fond shake and squeeze to show that there was no reason for bashfulness.

Embarrassed to silence, Moonsong shrinks down a bit as she realises she'd even interrupted Princess Luna.  Again relieved that Lyra has covered for her, Moonsong nods in ready agreement to her friend's suggestions.  She leans against Lyra just a bit and offers a little smile of thanks, and waits to see what Princess Luna will have to say.

Princess Luna listened to their responses, and all in all, seemed very pleased. "Alright then, everypony! We shall begin upon Rarity's arrival. Fair Fluttershy, should you need more time to prepare the fireflies, you may leave when you see fit. I look forward to seeing them!" she said warmly to the timid mare.

Fluttershy actually took that as her cue to make an exit.  While she was curious about the upcoming performance, she had to make sure her part in it didn't get spoiled by not having enough fireflies to assist.  She made a mental note to follow up on Moonsong later though... for a batpony, she wasn't scary at all...

"I should go now then.  I want to make sure I don't run out of time." the quiet Pegasus nodded meekly behind her wall of pink mane.  She looked to each of the ponies present and hunched into her own shoulders a bit.  "Um... good luck, everypony.  Break a leg.  I mean, not actually... it'd be terrible if one of you broke a leg.  It's a figure of speech, but I don't know why they'd use such a cruel_{... ah... um...}"

The poor girl realized she was rambling out of nervousness, shut her jaws with a soft snap, and immediately traipsed out of the Boutique and into the sky headed for Froggy Bottom Bog.

--> Fluttershy exits
This message was last edited by the player at 03:20, Fri 11 May 2012.

-Enter from Ponyville Spa-

It didn't take very long for Rarity to return to her home. Her mind was all a-flutter with the energy of the day, the beautiful night ahead, and all of the things that were promised in the future. Her dream was coming true, after-all! She'd be designing a dress for Princess Celestia herself! It caused her so much joy that she practically hopped her way back to the Boutique, much like Pinkie Pie would, squealing with joy and mumbling happy things to herself in that ecstatic, hyper way she was used to when she was extremely happy.

Upon arriving, she noticed the guard stationed out front. It was silly, seeing someone guard her beloved home and store. Would he be out there as long as Luna stayed in Ponyville? It may draw in costumers, or frighten them off. Regardless, Rarity was absolutely sure that the display of Luna's new dress would increase her business by a large margin, which would be fabulous for her new line!

"Hello again, sir!" she said cheerily to the guard, "I'll just be going inside, thank you."

Without waiting for the guard's approval, Rarity swung the door open with her magic and trotted in with a spring in her step. Once inside, she smiled to the others before looking over Luna all dressed up. She truly did look radiant, and the dress was a perfect match.

"Luna, dear, you look perfect!" Rarity squealed, rushing over to her, "Everypony will be in awe, completely blown away! Are we ready then, hm?"

The Princess turned happily to see Luna, and trotted over to put a hoof about her.  "Oh, yes, we've planned everything out. Fluttershy is off to collect the fireflies." She said brightly, as if their purpose would be obvious to the dressmaker. Luna held the light hug for just a moment, then turned, glancing at her reflection. "Can you think of anything I need to do before I go, Miss Rarity?" she asked, hoof raised to her lip.

As she looked herself in the mirror, Luna weighed if she needed to adjust her hair style, but finally seemed..  utterly satisfied with the work Lotus and Aloe had done. She was nervous, that was all... Royal appearances were so different now...

She smiled at the fabulous pony, and nodded. "Lyra, Moonsong, we'll be there soon. Go ahead and get ready. Silver Crescent, Make sure you two are prepared to go. Rarity, I'd be honored if you would join the procession too. You should follow behind my guards and I, I think." she said brightly.

Moonsong, who had been looking around the boutique itself with curious interest, looks to the door as it opens.  She offers a light smile and a little bow of her head in greeting, but remains quiet as Rarity and Luna speak.  When herself and Lyra are addressed, however, she looks to the Princess with a nod... and then to Lyra for the necessary prodding to actually move her legs and get going.

Already she was terribly nervous about this whole event, and wondering just what it was she'd agreed to do.  Moonsong was terrified that she was not only going to make a fool of herself in front of all of her new neighbours, but that she'd somehow manage to ruin Princess Luna's night as well.  Trying to swallow her misgivings and look a little less trembly, the bat-winged pegasus prepares to follow Lyra to the square.

>>to Event - Moon Raising>>
This message was last edited by the player at 21:45, Sun 13 May 2012.

"You got it, Princess~!" Lyra piped eagerly.  This was going to be so awesome!  She could already see the surprised faces of other ponies around town when she popped up on stage for a performance like this~!  The unicorn didn't need any prompting to get Moonsong on the go -- she gave her friend a hearty bump to edge her for the door and led the rest of the way as quick as she could.

--> Lyra exits to Event - Moon Raising

"We are ready to depart whenever you wish, your Majesty." Merriweather stated.  Silver Crescent nodded in agreement.

--> Merriweather and Guard Ponies exit when ready
This message was last edited by the player at 22:56, Sun 13 May 2012.

"The fireflies, of course," Rarity mused, wondering to herself what she intended for the bright little creatures before giving her Princess a once-over, "Let's see..."

The first thing the fabulous unicorn did was to adjust the dress a little bit, make sure it was showing off all of its glorious features while still remaining as comfortable as possible. Giving the gem in the middle a quick look over, she used her magic to levitate a dainty little cloth and ran it over the surface of the gem, making sure it still sparkled and was absolutely spotless. After those two things were done, she looked the Princess over again and beamed.

"Between my flawless fashion advice and those skillful ponies at the spa, I can say with one hundred percent validity that you are looking the most fabulous you have ever looked in your life, Princess!" Rarity beamed before waving off the other ponies who were leaving, "I will see you soon, ladies!"

As Luna asked Rarity to join the royal procession, her jaw nearly dropped to the floor! What an absolute honor!

"I-I-Well, I-" she muttered out before loudly exclaiming, "I WILL!"

"I mean..." the unicorn blushed, recovering, "I'd be delighted!... I'll just... get ready myself. A little accessory never hurt anypony. And I need to put this hat away..."

Rarity quickly took to the stairs to go up to her room, barely containing her excitement. Once inside her room, she closed the door tightly and let out a loud exclamation of excitement that would likely be heard downstairs.

"I'mgoingtobepartofaroyalprocession!" Rarity continued to gush as she put her hat away, "Whatever should I wear?! A dress? No, too formal? Or, is it? This is an event!... But an event that was not planned before today! Besides, Luna should be the only one in a dress. She -is- the star of the show, after-all. Not me!... But I should be radiant as well, shouldn't I? It -is- a royal procession!"

The excitable unicorn began to open all of her various dressers and drawers with her magic, pulling out some various accessory options and looking them over. Suddenly, she gasped as she found her golden necklace with the brilliant ruby in the center.

"Of course! I can't forget about my little Spikey-Wikey!" she nodded, clasping the glorious necklace around her neck, "He'll be so happy that I remembered, and it's the perfect look for this evening!"

Content with her choice, and calmed down a bit from the bout of excitement, she trotted back down the stairs, made her way in front of Luna, and struck a pose.

"I believe that should do it!"

Lunfa felt even more assured once Rarity stamped off on her appearance. Nopony in her experience knew quite so well how to bring out the best in someone's looks. As Rarity squealed her excitement, then vanished to prepare herself, Luna stamped her hooves happily. It felt great to be able to make her friends so happy, and everypony was having such fun already, and she was about to appear before them again!

Luna paced a little, taking a few pauses to peer out at the rapidly setting sun. Her heart was racing, and when Rarity emerged, she trotted to meet her. She took in her stylish  pose, and clapped her hooves together.  "It looks wondrous! What a huge ruby..." she admired, and leaned in a bit closer. "I've never seen one so big! You look wonderful, Miss Rarity." She turned to Merriweather and Silver Crescent, and took in an anxious little breath. "A.. Alright everypony! Let's form up and get going! Moonsong and Lyra should be prepared shortly, so we don't want to wait too long."

Luna hesitated, as the armored ponies started for the door, and raise a hoof to her lips. What was she going to say? Fluttershy had said something short and sweet. Be herself... Everypony in ponyville did support her now, loved her even...  And they loved her night... She paused with a glance to Rarity, looking just a hint uncertain. "Shall we go?"

"Why, thank you!" Rarity beamed, looking down at her necklace once more, "You'll have to tell my friend Spike how much you like it! It was a very generous gift from him. Can you believe he grew it all on his own?"

As the guards made their way to the door to get ready for their entrance, Rarity followed happily, keeping her excitement to a reasonably calm level. She noticed Luna's slight hesitation and tilted her head slightly. It certainly couldn't be a problem with her appearance that was slowing her down. It had to be something beneath the surface, but what exactly?

"Yes, right after you, Princess!" Rarity nodded, ready to follow her Princess into town.

"Spike? You mean, Twilight's familiar?" she asked gently, and gave a slight nod. "I shall tell him so if I see him this evening. It's impressive to find a dragon this skilled at cultivating such a gem, and patient enough to fully develop it." She added.

Rarity's concerned glance  was something of a reassurance. As she spoke to encourage her, though, Luna started ahead, stomach aflutter. Simple and short.  Just.. be herself.  She took a slow, deeper breath, and let it out as they reached the door of the boutique. She felt like it was sort of daunting over her now, but thankfully Rarity was there to open it.  Luna trotted through, and smiled at Rarity. "T.. Thank you, Rarity." She nodded to both her guards, then to Merriweather. "Lead the way..." She said, softly.

Luna forced herself into poised decorum, each step with a raised and dignified posture, hoof raised and lowered elegantly.  It seemed fairly natural that her three guards fell easily into the same cadence as she did as she began, moving quite slowly as she tried to mince together what she would say.

Exit ->

DAY 2 - BEGINNING

As the sun rose higher into the morning sky, it fell through the window of the Carousel Boutique's guest room, and upon the midnight, dappled mare sprawled atop the sheets of the bed. The door to the room was left open, and Luna's new dress had been hung back on the form Rarity had built it on.

The Princess was sleeping peacefully, though the light playing across her flank and up her wing as minutes ticked by was warming her a bit, and she stirred in her sleep.

Her guards had taken up residence inside this time, in the ground floor common room. Silver Crescent was up, having traded off sleeping with his superior some hour or two before. It was getting about time for Sweetie Belle to be up and off to school though.

Rarity - Day 2

As the sun gently peaked through her window, the slumbering Unicorn barely stirred. This was the best sleep she had gotten in the past few nights, and it would take quite a bit to drag her away from it! Besides restful sleep, her mind was entertaining a dream that commonly danced around Rarity's subconscious. She was there at Canterlot Castle with all of her finest dresses on display for Princess Celestia. The Princess was so pleased!...

Princess!

Rarity suddenly woke up, lifting her blindfold from her eyes with her hoof, gasping. She had a guest to attend to! Breakfast had to be started, her dress making needed to begin, and she had to get ready to give Moonsong a makeover! There was still far too much to do to just be slumbering the morning away.

Emerging from her bed, Rarity trotted over to the mirror to check her mane before going through her morning routine of maintenance. Despite all of the care and primping it had received the day before, it was still a bit messy by Rarity's standards after her long night. Oh well!

Rarity went through her routine of washing, shampoo, conditioner, rinse, repeat, followed by a thorough brushing of her teeth, her coat, her mane, practically everything she could possibly brush. Next was applying her false eyelashes and all of her other little touch-ups to make sure she was looking her best. When she emerged, a good amount of time later, she was radiant and ready to face the day.

She went down the stairs gently and entered the kitchen, getting breakfast started for all of those who were currently in her household. It was sure to be another busy, eventful day.

---------------> From Fluttershy's Cottage

Fluttershy trotted up to the Carousel Boutique, spry and fresh as the morning air she walked through. Many ponies hadn't yet gotten up, or had already gone back to sleep for a little extra rest after the night before. Fluttershy was glad she went to bed early. She reached up with a hoof and knocked on Rarity's door, straightening her mane out momentarilly, taking a step back so as not to loom ruddely at the door.

-Day 2 Start!-

Princess~!

Princess~! Princess~! Princess~! Princess~! Princess~!!

Sweetie Belle had been absolutely thrilled the night before when she discovered that Princess Luna and her Guards were staying at the Boutique during their time in town.  Royal guests~!  Well, okay, so they were Rarity's guests technically, but that was beside the point!  This was going to be amazing!  They could have Royal Slumber Parties every night!  Plus, maybe she'd get really lucky and hanging around those three might help her find her Cutie Mark!  Maybe she was destined to be a royal attendant?  Or a Princess makeover specialist?  Ooh!  Or a daring warrior guard pony?!

The little filly was busy getting herself ready for school but simply couldn't leave without saying goodbye to Princess Luna first.  That would just be rude!  Thus (even though Rarity had told her not to bother the Princess) Sweetie Belle made her way to Luna's room and curiously peeked her head in, peering inside to spot the Alicorn snoozing away the morning.  She knocked sharply on the door with a little hoof.  "Princess Luna?  Good morning~!  It's time to wake up~!"


Meanwhile, downstairs, the front door would open shortly after Fluttershy's knock.  It wasn't Rarity on the other side though.  Instead she was met with the dour expression of a tall, lightly glaring Batpony guard.  Though to merit he did brighten up subtly at the sight of Fluttershy and visibly tried to soften his image a bit lest he... well, flat-out terrify the poor Pegasus.

"Miss Fluttershy!  Good morning." Silver Crescent greeted at first, but then softly cleared his throat as he remembered his station.  He saluted her curtly with a wing tip and stepped aside to allow her in.

The eager rapping on the opened door and Sweetie Belle's lovely voice brought a stirring from the princess. But it was the smells wafting in from Rarity's kitchen that really helped to wake her. Luna gave a tired little groan, and rubbed a hoof over her face, wing tucking a she rolled over, to face the door. Oh.. It was...

She got up slowly. "Mhm...  Sweetie Belle? What time is it?" She asked. Once she was back on her feet, Luna stretched her wings high and wide, then leaned forward to stretch out her forelegs - took a few steps forward, and stretched out her back legs.

Luna couldn't have had more than about six hours of sleep, so the grogginess of waking up was heavy on her. She smiled a bit at the girl, then turned aside to duck into a washroom to splash her face with cold water.

"It's just a little before eight, Princess." Sweetie Belle mentioned.  As Luna went to splash her face and try to rouse herself, she'd find she wasn't alone.  No sooner had she left herself dripping with refreshing water than she'd find the little filly at her side, holding a folded towel up in her hooves.  Very helpful of her, really.  Of course, once that was taken she'd pop up on the other side of her with a mane brush as well.  Then again with some styling gel, then again with a tooth brush and paste, then again with some floss...

Perhaps a little too helpful...

Rarity was busy frying eggs when she heard the knock on the door. She was in the process of making a delicate little dish with two fried eggs with a cute little orange wedge at the bottom to make a sort-of smiling face. Who says a fashion designer couldn't add a little flare to her cooking?

"Coming! One moment," Rarity called back from the kitchen. Not wanting to burn the eggs while she answered the door, she delayed a bit until the eggs that were currently frying were just right. Once perfect, she slid them gently onto an empty plate that sat amongst quite a few plates. She did have an awful lot of guests, and a lot of cooking do. Regardless, the door beckons!

As the unicorn went out into her show-room, she was surprised to see that the guard had let her guest in, and that her guest was none-other than Fluttershy!

"Fluttershy! What a surprise," Rarity smiled, "Please, do come in!"

Luna laughed a little as he filly helped her, but as she continued, rather efficiently and ceaselessly helping, Luna blushed a bit, and blurred through brushing her mane (a tough job, as long and flowing as it was, and as haphazardly she'd thrown herself into bed, the tangles were intense.), then her teeth, and finally she put a hoof out as the filly started to run her a bath.  "Sweetie Belle, dear. You need not trip over your hooves to look after me. I'm a big mare." she said gently, and lifted her up via her horn, placing the filly on her back. "Now come, let's have breakfast. It smells wonderful, don't you think? You have school soon." she said, trotting out of her room and following her nose to Rarity's kitchen.

Sweetie Belle giggled as she was lifted up and set atop Luna's back, setting her hooves carefully so that she didn't accidentally step on her wing or anything.  She quickly peeked back at her flank to see if she'd gotten any new designs on her coat but was left to pout at finding it still blank.  Okay, so maybe she wasn't destined to be a personal assistant to the Princess.  Too bad... it sort of sounded like fun.

"Do I have to go to school?  Can't you cancel it for today so we can hang out?  You can do that, right Princess?" she asked hopefully for an abuse of royal power for personal gain.  Hopefully a 'politician' Cutie Mark wasn't in her future either if she was going to ask for something like that...

As Sweetie Belle implored her to spare her the school day, the Princess laughed gently, more awake as she carried Sweetie Belle on into the kitchen on her back, then to the entryway when she found nopony in the kitchen. "Now, Sweetie Belle, while I am certain I could get you out of school, It would hardly be right for me to. I shall be here for a few days yet, so there is time enough~" She said brightly.

To Rarity and Fluttershy, Luna waved a hoof. "Good morning, Girls~!"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:26, Sat 26 May 2012.

Fluttershy spaced when the guard opened the door, expecting Rarity to answer. She stepped in bashfully, head down. "Th-Thank you..." She said quietly as she steppped by.

In less than a second later she raised her head to Rarity's voice, "Good morning, Rarity. I hope I haven't come too early." She said with a shy smile. "Did you sleep well?"

As the princess stepped forward and greeted them Fluttershy courtiously bowed to her as she always did when she met up with royalty. "Good morning, Princess Luna. I trust you slept well?" She smiled nervously at the princess, head still down close to the ground.

"Too early... Of course not!" Rarity smiled, "As long as the sun is up, you're always welcome! Always. And yes, I did sleep rather well, thank you for asking."

The unicorn wasn't expecting Fluttershy that morning by any means, but she was always a welcome sight in her shop. The demure pegasus was always so easy to talk to, a wonderful listener, and even had an intricate knowledge of sewing that could rival Rarity's own!

As the Princess walked in with Sweetie Belle riding on her back, Rarity turned to them with the same pleasant little smile. They seemed to be getting along just fine, which was always a plus.

"Good morning! Breakfast will be along shortly. Just a few more plates to fill, mm," she said before turning to Fluttershy, "You're welcome to join us for breakfast, Fluttershy. In fact, I do insist."

"Ah, yes. You simply must join us." Luna insisted,  then gently waved her hood again as Fluttershy bowed. "And, fair Fluttershy, you need not cower before me so." She said warmly. She turned her attention to Silver Crescent, and recognized his eager look. "If you would wake your commander for me? I've an assignment for him - He's to pay a visit to the Ponyville Spa - I have an appointment set for him this morning, after breakfast." The princess grinned, with just a hint of mischief in her eyes. She knew he'd probably prefer not, but he couldn't refuse her order... He did deserve it, though.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:55, Sat 26 May 2012.

"Ooh!  Ooh!  Rarity, let me help with breakfast, okay?!" Sweetie Belle was all sorts of eager.  A while ago she'd thrust herself into assistance with a meal and it hadn't turned out well at all thanks to Rarity's particular mannerisms, but since that whole fiasco with the Sisterhooves Social, the two had gotten along much better.  Plus Sweetie Belle actually could help out with making a meal without turning the whole kitchen into a disaster... just a small part of it, really.

Silver Crescent, meanwhile, stood up straight and saluted Princess Luna's command.  Of course, she'd notice that even his stoic facade couldn't hide a faint smirk at the thought of his commanding officer getting all primped up like the girls had been the other evening.  Oh, he'd give his left wing for a camera.  The guard turned and trotted off to go fulfill the order.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:30, Wed 08 Aug 2012.

Fluttershy straightened as Princess Luna excused her. Rarity and her insisted Fluttershy join. She felt a little pressure of all the expectation. She gave a shyt nod and steppped up to Luna. "I-If you insist." She said quietly, giving a nod. Rarity probably had more food to make or a table to set. Fluttershy knew how much Rarity got into the zone when she decided to do something.

"H-How did you sleep, Princess Luna?" She asked the Alicorn beside her

Luna trotted along to sit with Fluttershy while Rarity continued her kitchen work. She did let Sweetie Belle down, if her sister welcomed her along to the kitchen, however. As Fluttershy asked about her night, Luna managed a smile as she answered. "Briefly, but deeply. It was a good rest. Rarity really does keep an excellent guest room by any standard." she chimed.

The pegasus Pony nodded. "Oh Yes, Rarity is very keen on keeping her home clean and comfortable, if I do say so myself. She put a hoof to her chest. "I only wish I had the talent of keeping my own home so well off." Only some animals had the natural tendency to stay immaculately clean, like Angel but most of the animals that came into her home were some combination of dirty, ill mannered and tactless, making cleaning the place a more difficult chore than would be guessed.

She smiled at Sweetie Bell to make sure the filly knew that her presence was being acknowledged.

"Help? Well, I-" Rarity dawdled, thinking back to that one morning where Sweetie Belle had 'helped' with breakfast, "Ah! I know exactly what you can do. Follow me."

Leaving the other older mares to talk, the unicorn led her little sister into the kitchen which was fragrant with the scent of freshly cooked eggs and the delightful aroma of oranges. On the kitchen counter there were quite a few plates already positioned with two sunny-side up eggs. As Rarity began to, very carefully, explain to her sister what she could do to help, she began to crack another batch of eggs onto her frying pan.

"Now, Sweetie Belle," she began, "Over on the counter there, I've already cut up a few oranges into delightful little wedges. Now, what I'd like you to do is to, very carefully, gently, gracefully, and with the utmost care, place an orange wedge on each of these plates, like a little smile to make a face, you see? After you've done that, you may start to set the table while I finish up a few more servings of eggs."

"Sure thing Rarity~!  You can count on me!" Sweetie Belle saluted once she was given a task.  While certainly leaving her older sister in trepidation, she got to work and actually did an okay job at it for the most part.  Some of her 'smiles' were a bit crooked but otherwise they went on just fine.  It was when she got to the 'setting the table' part that a problem arose.

The little filly had been practicing her magic lately in hopes that perhaps she had a mystic-related Cutie Mark and this seemed like the best chance to give it a go!  She recalled Merriweather ferrying around dishes like it was nothing back at the cafe the other evening.  Now if she could just figure out how to make that work.  Sweetie Belle focused intensely on one of the plates in front of her and glared it down like it had insulted her, grimacing and grunting with effort in a most unladylike manner -- her tiny horn began to flicker and sputter, briefly encasing the plate in an aura that kept fizzling out.  Maybe just a bit more...

Smiling to the softspoken mare, Luna tipped her horn. "I'm sure it's lovely, Fluttershy. Ponies can place far too much concern over perfect tidiness, anyway." She said softly. "You care for animals, so it's natural that it would be less tidy - but that' hardly something to be ashamed of, I would think." She said, and put a hoof t her own chest. "I for one have never gotten along well with most animals. It seems something about me unsettles them."

She stared at the ground bashfully. "Oh, it's not much." She told the princess. "They bring so much joy into my life how could I not care for animals?"

She looked up at Luna. "Y-You must have fancy maid ponies to clean y-your home. It must be nice." She smiled nervously, unsure of what to talk about. She knew that Luna and her were to spend time today but she hadn't put much thought into what she would say whilst associating with... the princess of the night... The controller of the moon. Royalty! She shook visibly, though tried to keep her smile up, a pitiful facade.

"Now, Sweetie Belle," Rarity said as she continued to work, "Princess Luna has paid me quite a large bounty of bits for my work, and I was just curious... Well, if you could go anywhere or do anything with me, what would it be?"

Having finished frying her current set of eggs, she carefully slid it onto an empty plate while surveying her sister's work. Most of the orange wedges were alright, though some were a bit crooked. As her sister tried to raise the dish with her magic, Rarity gasped gently.

"Careful!"

"I got it!" Sweetie Belle objected as she struggled with the task at hoof.  Her cheeks flushed as she tried to muster up all the force she could and get the plate airborne... and, with a gradual drift, it did indeed float upward off the counter!  Moving it was a whole other problem though.  Sweetie Belle hadn't figured out how to navigate her magic just yet and thus could do nothing but hover the dish until she fatigued herself and let it drop back down with a clatter, scattering its contents about the counter.

"Dangit... I thought I had it..." the filly pouted as she rubbed her head sorely.  That took a lot out of her.

In reply to Fluttershy (msg #85):

Luna smiled at Fluttershy. "Oh.. The castle does have a few." she said. "Though, I ---" She flinched at the clatter of a dish from the kitchen. Luna rose to trot over to the door and peek inside. "Is everypony alright?"

Fluttershy squealed in fright at the clatter from the kitchen, crumbling into a pile on the floor with her hooves covering her head, not noticing Luna walk off to check on the happenings of the kitchen.

"Sweetie Belle...!" Rarity sighed, watching her sister scatter the fruits of her labor across the counter. It wasn't a huge mess, of course, and it wasn't a big deal in the scheme of things. The unicorn just couldn't understand why her sister couldn't do things... well, right!... most of the time.

"Yes, we're quite alright, Princess," she assured her friend, "Just a little spill. Nothing to get upset over."

Using her magic, she gently lifted the plate into the sink while bringing over a dish-towel to clean up the little mess that was left behind. Before, Rarity would have scolded her sister or gave her a mean look, but things were different now. They were closer. Instead, she gave her sister a comforting nod.

"We'll just have to practice your magic a bit, won't we?" she told her sister, looking a bit concerned for the stress of her little magical bout, "Why don't you finish up setting the table. We don't want you late for school, and I believe I have enough prepared for our guests and yourself."

Luna smiled a little, and made a point of noting Sweetie Belle's struggle. Perhaps a little practice with her would help the little Unicorn get her magic flowing easier. As she thought about it, she turned back to the sitting room, and for a moment couldn't spot Fluttershy...

"It is fine, fair Fluttershy. Merely a dropped plate. Come, relax, breakfast should soon be ready,"

Fluttershy popped heer head out from under her hooves. "Oh, r-really?" She asked nervously. "O-Oh my. My apologies."

She bowed her head shyly and spoke up just once more. "Y-You were talking about your m-maids?"

Sweetie Belle had hunkered down a bit in place when Rarity huffed out a frustrated sigh, expecting admonishment.  It was quite a relief to her when her big sister took the matter in stride though.  Even better that it wasn't one of those moments where she'd had to choke down obvious rage to put on a sweet demeanor instead for the sake of remaining ladylike.

"Really?  You'd help me practice?  Thanks Rarity~!" the filly squeaked excitedly over the prospect.  She'd been so focused on her efforts to float the plate that she'd entirely missed Rarity's question about somewhere she'd like to go, but frankly the girl was just happy to be able to spend any quality time alongside her sister as it was.  However, the mention of being late for school, she blanched and quickly shot a look at the clock.

"Gah!  We took too long!" she squeaked as she cantered in place.  She wasn't late yet, but she was going to be if she took the time to sit down for a proper meal.  But... but... royal breakfast!  How could she cut and run when they had Princess Luna joining them for a meal?!  Maybe she could try asking her to cancel the school day again...

"Of course I'll help you practice," Rarity smiled, "What are sisters for?"

As Sweetie Belle began to panic about the length of time it took to get breakfast on the table, the unicorn decided to speed up the process a bit by lifting the various plates with her magic and placing them neatly on the table. Her parents would be rather cross if they knew that Rarity had let her sister stay home from school without a good reason or got there late.

"Well, you should start eating a bit," she advised, "I'll call the others in. The important thing is that you get there on time! Ooh! Your lunch! Let me prepare a quick one for you, Sweetie Belle, just eat what you can, dear."

Rarity trotted out into the hall with as much lady-like grace that her quickened pace could offer her. My, was it hectic to prepare a meal for so many guests!

"Breakfast is served!" she called, happily.

The Princess smiled to Fluttershy. "Mhm. Though, it seems breakfast is ready." she chimed brightly, and led the way along toward the Kitchen, nodding her horn to Rarity, and taking a seat at the table.

"It smells wonderful, Rarity~"

Fluttershy followed Luna with a nod of her head, shyly stepping to the table. "I agree." She sdaid, "It smells quite delectable." She would have time to speak with the princess soon enough. And breakfast did seem so appealing.

"Thank you! It does look rather splendid, doesn't it?" she mentioned in passing as she hurried back over to the kitchen counter. Sweetie Belle did need a lunch, after-all, and if she didn't prepare something quickly, the young filly was going to be late for school.

As a self-proclaimed mistress of multi-tasking, Rarity began to handle several things at once including: gathering a pair of apples, decorating a rather plain paper-bag with her sister's name, and gathering an appropriately sized juice-box. With a bit of magical flare, she pulled them all together and presented the beautifully decorated paper bag on the table within her sister's reach.

"There's your lunch. All packed!" Rarity chimed, trying to keep uplifted while still being quick.

Sweetie Belle had refrained from eating until everypony else had come to the table.  The only exception were the guards -- they could all hear those two talking in hushed voices still in the other room.  Apparently one of them wasn't pleased at all and the other sounded terribly amused by something.  Once the other mares had all settled down Sweetie Belle dug into her food in as dainty and lady-like a manner a pony possibly could while shoveling chow down.  She really wanted to be able to take her time but couldn't risk being late for school even if they did have such a prestigious guest.

"Thng oo, Raribee~!"  the filly managed to mumble out her gratitude for such a well-designed lunch bag around a mouthful of egg.  She gulped loudly and nearly choked herself in her haste -- no sooner had the others been dished up than she was left to hop down from her seat with a hurriedly empty plate left in her wake.

"Sorry I've got to eat and run!  Bye Rarity~!  Bye Princess~!  Bye Fluttershy~!  Bye scarey guards~!"  she cried, waving to each in turn before she galloped out as quickly as her little legs could carry her.

--> Sweetie Belle exits to Ponyville Schoolhouse

The yellow pegasus waved goodbye to the filly and proceeded to daintilly work at her own serving. "Thank you Rarity." She said smiling in between bites, "It's delicious."

The pegasus pony didn't want to talk too much, though. She didn't want to fill the airspace for other ponies talking.

As Sweetie Bell snarfed her food and ran, the Princess couldn't help but give a grin. That girl was so eager and energetic. She also laughed, softly, and the sound of commotion from her two guards in the other room. Seemingly, she had played a bit of a trick on them, and now she'd only need to duck one guard throughout the day instead of two, should she want to avoid them.

As things began to settle, the Princess levitated her fork with her horn and took a delicately small taste bite of the eggs, eyes closed. She nodded in approval.  It had been long time since she'd had eggs, and Rarity's were exceptional. She smiled warmly. "Rarity, thank you. This breakfast is wonderful." she said, earnestly. Luna continued to eat, though between bites, she spoke up. "So, I didn't realize Fung Shui spent so much time here. He's apparently a Neighponese ambassador. I met him last night.. though it seems that he an Rainbow Dash are going to be racing one another today..." she said, filling the two in. "What are you two planning for the day?" she asked gently, pausing in her egg-eating to levitate up her juice, and take a sip.

"It is a delightful little meal, is it not?" Rarity smiled before waving her hoof to Sweetie Belle as she sped off to school, "I'm elated that you're enjoying it!"

With a gentle sigh, Rarity lifted her sister's plate and moved it over to the sink. Even though the little filly was rushing in order to get to school on time, that was little excuse for wolfing down her food in such a manner. Oh well. She will learn her lesson in time when the discomfort in her little stomach would catch up to her. With the table set for all of her guests, including the guards should they want any, Rarity began to make her own plate, frying up one last set of eggs. She would have to add "Buy Eggs" to her to-do list.

"A race?" Rarity asked gently as she cooked, "How exciting. As for myself, I have quite the busy day ahead. Moonsong will be arriving for a fabulous make-over, and of course I have to fill your order, Princess! Fluttershy? What do you have planned, dear?"

For the most part, the yellow pony forked mouthfuls with her wings but when attention was turned to her she froze. Slowly she continued chewing, kind of deer-in-headlights look in her eyes. She swallowed, eyes still wide, "Oh... I don't know..." She let out nervously.

She shrank a bit. "I-I was thinking I woud j-just go along and see what the day has in store." That nervous smile remained across her face but it was clear she was shrinking from the conversation. The Princess, she reminded herself for the first time in a day, was actually a Princess!
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 06:06, Thu 07 June 2012.

Rarity listened to her friend as her own set of eggs finished frying up. She gently lifted them onto her plate with the magic, and, just as gracefully, added the last little orange wedge to the bottom, creating the cutest little breakfast smile. With a blissful little shy, she moved the plate over to the table, getting herself a napkin and a few utensils, being sure to use all of her manners as she begins to eat, take lady-like, little bites.

"Well, you are always welcome to stay around the shop if nothing more interesting comes along, Fluttershy," Rarity mentioned, giving her a little smile, "I have so many new, beautiful creations for my pegasus line, you simply -have- to see them. I'll be trying quite a few on Moonsong when she arrives. I know just the one that will go so perfectly with her unique wing-span, oooh!"

Rarity couldn't help but let out an excited little squeak. Business should be booming after that lovely display last night, but she needed enough time to fill Luna's order. Her hooves will be quite busy for the next few days, but she did need to get out a little. Other than the excitement of the day before, she had been cooped up in her boutique, working.

"And what about you, Princess? What were your plans?" she asked before lifting the little orange wedge with her magic and gently slipping it into her mouth.

The Princess ate in a poised manner but not a stiff one, as the two spoke of plans. "I believe I will get out of the Boutique and tour Ponyville. I've agreed to oversee a contest between Fung Shui and Rainbow Dash today, and Lotus is opening the spa late tonight for me, after the Moon Raising. That withstanding, I have no true commitments presently." She chimed, and lowered her emptied cup, dabbed at her lips with a napkin.

When suddenly she brought a hoof to her lips, the princess unleashed a soft burp behind it, then rubbed her hoof on her stomach. "That was... Wonderful, Miss Rarity. Oh, Perhaps I shall visit with Twilight Sparkle. It has been long since I have seen her, as well." She remained seated, waiting on the other girls to finish breakfast with a poised and subtle grace, waiting without appearing to be detained.

Fluttershy was interested in the contest between Rainbow and Fung. She would, of course, cheer for her foalhood friend, though to be honest she hadn't yet heard of it. "Um.. I w-wouldn't want to intrude on your shop, Rarity. If Princess Luna is watching Rainbow's race, however... um... I would like to watch if her majesty doesn't mind."

She could feel her forelegs gradually buckling under her, putting herself into a steep bow as she spoke.

"Ooh, wonderful!" Rarity beamed after swallowing her last bit of breakfast and dabbing her face delicately with an appropriately folded napkin, "You ladies could spend the day together! I -would- attend the race, but I'm just so busy... And whatever would I wear?"

Noticing that she and the Princess were finished, she carefully lifted both plates and appropriate utensils and trotted carefully over to the sink, starting to wash them so that they wouldn't be in the way while Fluttershy finished her meal. There was nothing worse than having to stare at the grimy, often messy plates of those who have finished while finishing your own. It could kill one's appetite!

"Though, I will need to head to the town at some point today," she mused quietly, mostly to herself, "Pick up more eggs and oranges, a few other things.. More yarn, of course. And I'll need to find a few more of those violet gems as well, mm..."

The princess smiled. "Rarity, do prepare the gown for me, but don't have an unpleasant day. I'm fine waiting a bit longer if you need me to, it just means I'll be in town longer, and that most certainly isn't a bad thing." she said brightly, then glanced to Fluttershy. "Perhaps Fluttershy and I could pick up what you need if you like?"

In truth the yellow pegasus didn't want to go on any gathering missions for Rarity but... well to argue with Ponyville's most astounding fashionista, not to mention one of Fluttershy's best friends? Well it wouldn't happen often if at all. After all, she had once talked diamond dogs into submission. It was hardly worth the effort not simply to help her. All that aside Rarity embodied generosity. Always was there a treat to those who offered to help her.

And who would Fluttershy be if she didn't offer to help first? "Y-Yes, of course." She piped up with Luna, "um... We wouldn't want you to be without your needs."

She looked up at Princess Luna and smiled shyly. "W-Whenever you're ready, Princess Luna... Um... that is if you like." Her shyness was clearly getting the best of her. Her face was practically plastered to the floor in Luna's direction, her hindquarters rigid and upright as her forelegs crumpled underneath her. There were times when even Fluttershy couldn't remind herself that she needed to be more assertive as wel as that Luna was now and always woould be, the good pony.

<<from Moonsong's Home<<

Her flight across town had shown her a few things: where to drop her mail instead of going directly to the post and the strange sign Rainbow Dash had erected.  Moonsong wasn't sure what to make sure of the sign that she'd only glanced--did it really read as she thought it had?

A little distracted and worried that her late start was going to mean that Rarity would be upset with her, Moonsong lands not far from the entry.  She approaches with a quiet uncertainty, and rather than immediately knocking the bat-winged mare instead gives a glance to the left and then the right, as though someone might be upset by her presence.  Hoping she isn't too late, or too early, or that she hadn't managed to misunderstand the elegant Rarity entirely, Moonsong lifts a hoof and almost gently taps the door with it.

The Princess smiled gently to Fluttershy, and he rhorn glowed, gently raising her head up off the floor. Luna out a wing lightly around her. "Fluttershy, dear, you need not scrape at my hooves. You are a friend, after all." The princess turned her attention to Rarity. "If you might toss together a quick written list, along with where we might come across some of those gems for you..." she lead softly. "I would love to go and collect them for you, either before or after Rainbow's race."

At the knock at the door, she turned her attention to the other room. "Ah... You've a guest, too. Perhaps it's Moonsong here for that makeover?" she prompted Rarity.

"For the last time, I am not going to take a spa day!  This is unbecoming of my station!  To even think of it is... is...!"

"But sir, it's a royal command from Luna herself... you wouldn't want to refuse the Princess, right?"

"Silver, you smarmy son of a--"

"Oops!  Someone's at the door!  Lemme get it, sir.  You've got a big day ahead of you~!"

The other ponies in the Boutique could only just hear the hushed bickering going on between the guards in the other room.  It was cut short when a knock sounded out and, just like with Fluttershy before, it became the guards' responsibility to play doorman to anyone who would enter where the Princess resided.  Silver Crescent opened the door and found Moonsong on the other side -- the sight of her made an immediate crack in his 'on the job face' and he afforded her a smile.

"Good morning, miss Moonsong." he greeted her with a proper bow of his head as he stepped aside to allow her in.  "Are you expected, or shall I announce you?"

"Oh, that would be just wonderful! I really do appreciate it," Rarity beamed as Luna mentioned that she and Fluttershy would be willing to do the shopping for her, "And I'll repay you, most definitely! Now, let me see, a list, a list..."

Rarity trotted over to the other side of the kitchen and magically opened a drawer, pulling out a well-sharpened pencil with a delicate point and a well-designed notepad. She began to scribble down what she needed, making a neat little list that included the following items:

Two dozen eggs.
Oranges.
A collection of various yarns and fabrics of different colors and designs.
Milk.
Violet Gemstones. (Typically found underground on the outskirts of Ponyville)

Tearing the note-page out delicately, making sure that it was ripped evenly across in a straight line, Rarity was satisfied with her list and floated it over to Fluttershy, beaming. With those little chores out of the way, she would have all day to work on her dress order, not to mention Moonsong's make-over...

"Ah, that must be her!" Rarity giggled to herself rushing to the door, "Oh, Moonsong, you came! Oh, I'm so glad to see you, do come in! Come in! We're going to have you out of here looking fabulous!"

The Princess took the list, and developed a mischievous smile once Rarity had gone about her other business. She looked to Fluttershy. "Friend Fluttershy. Shall we go and attend the shopping? I have plans for obtaining the Gemstones we require, about midday. " she chimed warmly.

She trotted along into the sitting room, and paused as she took in Moonsong, and her guards. She smiled, and trotted over. "Moonsong! Wonderful to see you. " she turned then to her Guard Ponies, looking to the elder. " You've not left yet?" she asked softly. "Go on now. The sooner you're done, the sooner Silver Crescent will get his treatment." she chimed. "You'll likely find us in the square when you're done. I did promise those fine mares your business."

Moonsong is nervously looking around again when the door opens, and as she sees the Guard the mare is instantly reminded of Princess Luna.  She offers an anxious smile and quickly bows her head in a polite bob of a greeting.  "Good morning!  I'm expected--I think I'm expected--I might have misheard?"  The confused sentences seem to run into one-another until Moonsong shuts her mouth with a soft click of teeth.

Hearing Rarity's apparent pleasure at her arrival makes the bat-winged pegasus almost sigh with relief, but instead she offers a shy wave of a hoof after crossing the threshold into the shop.  She smiles a nervous little smile and steps nearer at the welcome, but then stops short again to bow to Princess Luna.  "Good morning, Princess."  Moonsong is a little proud of herself: her voice only quavers a little bit, and she manages the words at an audible volume!  And yet, just briefly thinking back to having sung for the Princess' event last night almost has her swaying.  'Did that really happen?'  After the thought runs through her mind the mare steadies herself again, though now she finds herself wondering just what is in store for her with this makeover.

The elder of the two guards was able to keep a stern, fearless visage in the face of overwhelming danger.  He'd glared down vicious beasts and enemies without batting an eye... yet even he ended up tried in keeping a professional expression as he was doomed to a day of spa pampering.  Silver Crescent was barely able to bite back a snicker as his partner stifled a sigh and bowed his head.

"At once, your Majesty." he stated.  As he strode from the room he took the time to shoot Silver Crescent a very dirty look, then took to wing outside the shop.  The younger guard may not have minded getting attention at the hooves of pretty mares, but the prospect of all that fluff and powder sure to come along with a spa treatment just made the elder soldier itch.

With his companion off and resigned to a leisurely fate, Silver Crescent chuckled under his breath and returned his attention back to the room.  "I am ready to accompany her Majesty and friends." he announced.

She was sure she'd blacked out somewhere in there but Fluttershy was now upright. Moonsong was present and Luna's wing was around her in a friendly manner. She blushed, embarassed, "Um... H-Hello Moonsong. N-Nice seeing you here." She spoke nervously.

"Y-Yes," she remembered to reply to The Princess of the Night, "Of c-course I would like to go shopping. Um... If you want to, that is."

Luna smiled a bit, and draped her wing about Fluttershy in friendly embrace. "Very Well. Miss  Rarity, we shall have the groceries back soon. The gemstones may take a bit longer, but they shouldn't be a problem. Do you have one I might use as an example of what to seek?" she asked.

Once Rarity had showed her just what she was looking for, Luna motioned Silver Crescent to join them, and led the way out of the boutique, off to do their Shopping...

Silver Crescent would be sent back soon with the perishables, as the day stretched from morning to afternoon.

Luna, Fluttershy and Silver Crescent... go Shopping! Then Luna and Fluttershy to Afternoon: Town Square

"Of course, Princess!" Rarity beamed as she quickly galloped into her showroom. She used her magic to open a few chests that she had in a special storeroom, filled with gems of various colors and rarities. She opened one that was nearly empty, save for one glorious, large and beaming violet gem. She giggled to herself as she lifted it out and brought it back to the foyer, presenting it with a bit of a flourishing bow to the Princess.

"There you are, just like that!" she nodded, "If you need any help in finding them, you can come back to me or ask Spike, if you see him. He's been out with me gem collecting quite often, so he'll know just where to look. Go have fun now!"

With a wave of her hoof, she bid the group farewell before turning to Moonsong with a smile and an appraising eye. Moonsong really was gorgeous, with her exotic bat-wings that would go perfectly with a few of Rarity's selections, along with that cutely shy quality that made Fluttershy so adorable.

"Come along, Moonsong, darling," Rarity chimed with an eager face as she led the unique pegasus into her showroom, "Now, if you'll just stand on that pedestal there, I will give you a make-over to die for!"

She stands passively by and watches the back-and-forth, and while Moonsong doesn't say anything she looks to the gem presented to the Princess with no small awe at its shiny beauty.  As Princess Luna, Fluttershy and the young Guard leave she lowers her head in a bow while they depart.

Moonsong doesn't immediately notice Rarity studying her for that very reason, and with a blink of surprise as she does the mare blushes crimson beneath her dark coat.  Following promptly if still nervously, she steps up onto the pedestal as told before looking all around the showroom at the designs on display.  "Your work is beautiful, Miss Rarity."

Rarity was caught looking over her Pegasus Line which was newly on display while Moonsong offered her the compliment. Considering that the unique pegasus' coat was so dark, the outfit needed to be something bright and vibrant, with a few signature gems in various places, of course. Looking over her line, she nodded to herself and selected three outfits that she would try out on her make-over participant. She brought them over, unicorn horn glowing with her signature blue-colored magic.

"Why, thank you, dear!" she smiled, "Only the best fashions this side of Canterlot! All made with my unique, personal flare. Now, dear, since your coat is so dark, we're going to need something lively, bright, sparkling! Perhaps a few gems to add some color to your lovely mane, mm? Stand up a little straighter for me, darling?"

Going around the display pedestal that Moonsong was perched on a few times, Rarity continued to inspect and look-over her 'fashion victim.' The mare's build was very slender, with long legs that made her look a bit spindly, but almost royal-like. Her mane, likewise, was long, with an enchanting, silvery ashen quality. This fashionista was going to have her hoofs full, but she loved it.

"Oh, you're gorgeous!" Rarity gushed, rounding back to where her three-chosen mannequins were standing, "I almost envy your figure, so regal. Now, of these three, which would you like to try first?"

The three outfits Rarity displayed were the following: the first was a red dress, made of a velvety fabric, designed in such a way that almost made it look like the bodice was a series of thick strands all wrapped together, showing a fair amount of her body while billowing out in the back into a gorgeous, flowing train that was adorned with rose pedals and fell over the flank delicately.

The second was more simple, but profound, done in a bright blue with a slight v-neck, it was a gorgeous, yet comfortable blouse that ended just before the back, with sleeves down the two front feet. Small gems dotted the sides while one prominent one, a yellow color, was displayed right under the v-neck.

Finally, the last outfit was a bright yellow sundress that was rather inspired by Fluttershy. The bodice was closely wrapped tight with puffy, lovely sleeves that went down the front legs. The midsection is held together with a white belt, adorned with a few sliver baubles, fluffing out into a frilly, froo-froo, but gorgeous skirt that delicately fell over the flank.

"I... think you might be too modest, Miss Rarity.  If Princess Luna has come to you, then you must be one of the very best in all of Equestria."  Moonsong comments, then quiets again to listen and watch.  She straightens when she's told to, though the mare has to make herself relax her wings instead of tucking them tightly against her back as she does when she's nervous or on unfamiliar ground.

She very nearly tries to hide her face behind a hoof but gets only so far as shyly ducking her head and slightly raising a foreleg before stopping herself; the complements have her blushing brightly beneath her charcoal fur.  "Everyone says I take after my mother."  Is her reply, as though somehow Rarity would know the lanky and slender Starshine, a pegasus of regular wings and a pearly-grey coat.  Moonsong resembles her mother only in that they share silver in their manes and in their build.

When the dresses are displayed Moonsong looks at them all with a quiet awe; each of them had at least one element that Moonsong though absolutely stunning.  The construction of the red dress was amazingly eye-catching, and the yellow dress had such a pretty sun-like colour.  The blue kept drawing the mare's eyes, though, from its lines to its lovely embellishments, and the colour itself.  "They're all so very beautiful...  Which one do you think?  I don't think I've ever worn anything so lovely before."

"Your mother must be a beautiful mare, indeed!" Rarity smiled, continuing on the string of compliments. She found that her costumers felt much more pleased with their order, and more beautiful, when they were told so, especially by an experienced fashionista. She was being completely genuine, of course. It wasn't too often that she was able to do make-overs for a mare that could easily be a model, should she choose to be.

"Hmmm, let's start with the blue!" she beamed, pulling the mannequin displaying the blue blouse a little more forward, "Simplicity speaks volumes! And it's bright and vibrant without being too showy. Oh, you'll look fabulous in it! Now, don't lift a hoof, darling."

With a nod, Rarity began to go to work dressing the pegasus. The dress shown in even more blue as Rarity lifted it delicately off of the mannequin, whispering gentle instructions to Moonsong as she carefully slipped the blouse onto her slender body. Once the blouse was on, Rarity went to making slight adjustments, bringing over her pin-cushion and working glasses to make sure the outfit was perfectly suited for the mare. She would occasionally tell Moonsong to turn, or go around the pedestal herself, checking every single detail, from the way the fabric went against the coat to the shine of the gems. When she was pleased, she brought over a few blue gems, a hoof-file, and a brush. Once her materials were gathered, she began to adorn Moonsong's silvery mane with speckles of shaved blue gem to give her an alluring shine.

"Now, Moonsong, where were you from originally?" Rarity asked as she worked, "Cloudsdale, or someplace else? I'm afraid I don't know many other pegasus cities..."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 15:29, Tue 19 June 2012.

Smiling at the complement paid to her mother and herself, Moonsong is already thinking she'll have to include in her next letter home that the premiere, and royal, designer Rarity remarked on Starshine's beauty.  Holding still as she's told to and moving likewise, Moonsong still tries to watch as much of the dressing as she can: it's fascinating, especially when she's only ever worn the occasional bit of garb for special occasions.

When it comes time to place the gems in her mane, Moonsong's eyes become slightly heavy-lidded--she hasn't had someone else brushing out the lengths of hair since she was a filly.  "Mm...?  Oh, Cloudsdale, yes.  I was born and raised there, though from time to time we would visit a few other places to see family or just to travel.  My father loves to see new places.  Are you from Ponyville?  You must've come here from Canterlot?"

Rarity took extra-careful care with Moonsong's mane as she brushed it, careful to make sure that the glittery little sparkles from the shaved gem were presented just right between the ashen strands. The pegasus' reaction was cute, she noticed as she brushed, the way her eyes closed to the feeling of bristles easily going down the length and returning to the top. Is this how Aloe and Lotus felt when they pampered her? Regardless, it was a lovely feeling, and soon her work with the mare's mane was completed.

"Ooh, you must tell me about -all- the places you've visited, dear," she noted, taking a step back and admiring her work for a moment, "Now, look yourself over! Simply flawless! I think that's a perfect look for you, Moonsong, darling."

Moonsong's comment about Ponyville had made the unicorn blush momentarily, which she tried to hide as the pegasus was directed to look herself over in the three mirrors surrounding the platform she stood on. Oh, how she wished she had been from Canterlot! Born a proper pony of class rather than pouring her entire life into becoming one. However, despite her desires, Ponyville was where her friends were, and they were much more important than fashion and high society.

"And, yes, I am from Ponyville," she nodded, turning back to her make-over victim, "Born and raised. A diamond in the rough, it would seem, mm." Rarity looked back to her cutie mark after that comment, amused by her pun.

Letting go a happy little sigh when the brushing is finished, Moonsong blinks rapidly a few times to clear her slightly hazed vision as she strives to straighten her stance.  She manages not to let a happy shiver trail down her spine, as she's far too worried that it might somehow upset the placement of the fine clothing that Rarity has dressed her in.  She gives a shy bob of her head in agreement; Moonsong isn't sure how interesting her stories will be but she doesn't see the harm in agreeing.

As she turns toward the mirrors to see herself, the bat-winged mare softly gasps.  At first she doesn't really recognise herself and thinks that the mirrors must be enhanced somehow by unicorn magic and that she's really just looking at someone else.  Some elegant and refined pony who, strangely, is gawping at the glass just like Moonsong.  When it hits her that she's seeing herself, and that the blue of the dress and the shine of the gems and gemdust are all gleaming on her form--her form that she's always thought ungainly and awkward--Moonsong isn't sure what to do or say.

Rarity's reaction is easily lost on the shocked pony, and after a moment she even moves this way and that to better see the fit of the dress.  She lifts her wings and turns her head, trying to see every angle of how it fits and moves and awed by all of it.  Rarity's words slowly filter into her mind, and Moonsong turns to look at the lovely unicorn with another few rapid blinks to clear her thoughts.  "Oh, Miss Rarity.  I've never seen anything so beautiful as this dress.  You're more than just a diamond.  You're...  you're like one of the stars themselves."  Moonsong blushes not just as she searches for the right way to express herself, but as the words themselves come out.  'Like a star?  Oh, silly filly.  She's going to think you're such a bumpkin or...  or just plain silly.'  Moonsong inwardly chides herself, but she's still too caught up in her awe to be too  hard on herself.

Rarity flushed, widening her eyes a bit at the compliment both her work and herself was given. Like a star! The outfit was spectacular, yes, but was it truly worthy of such high praise? She tried her best not to let it go to her ego, especially considering it was already quite inflated by the positive response from her royal costumer. But, a star! She bowed her head politely, giving Moonsong a gentle laugh.

"Oh, do go on!" she said, waving a hoof lightly in the air, using the typical, modest, sophisticated way of accepting and dismissing a compliment, but she was almost genuine in her request. Walking over to Moonsong for one final look-over, she beamed. The pegasus really was stunning, in more ways than one. She was certainly going to become a close friend, especially if she kept up with the praise!

"I do mean it, Miss Rarity!"  Moonsong replies, seeming eager to prove that her compliment is genuine.  "When we travelled, my mother would collect only the best clothes or jewellery of what each area had to offer.  She's really very pretty, my mother?  She's a proper Pegasus, and everyone has always said that she's beautiful.  I don't think she's ever found anything that would compare to your art, though."  The mare lifts a hoof and puts it to her mouth as if to cork her gushing praise, and again finds herself blushing beneath her dark coat.

"If...  if you wouldn't mind, I'd really like to write to her and tell her all about you.  I think, whenever my parents come to visit, that she'd very much like to make an appointment to commission something from you."  She manages to speak slower this time, at a more reasonable pace and less like an excited filly.

"Oh, Moonsong, you are an absolute delight!" Rarity beamed, soaking in the compliments which, despite her efforts, went straight to her ego, "I don't mind the in the least! I would love to make your mother something just as stunning. It seems that she does have a good head about fashion, from what you tell me, and if she is as beautiful a model as you, why, it would be a pleasure!"

Removing her glasses, she gave out a satisfied sigh. It was such a wonderful feeling, being told that your art was superior coupled with the rush of potential getting a new client. Her fashion business really was booming! Who knows what could be next? Official royal designer? Her designs being featured in every fashion show across Equestria? Well, for the moment, she had to let her dreams remain where they are and focus on her budding new friendship.

"The dress is complimentary, of course," Rarity reminded her, "You just look -so- dazzling in it that a price would be insulting! I can tell already, dear, that we are going to be -marvelous- friends, you and I."

Enter From Books and Branches

The trip across town from the Library had been enough to help her cool down. Even a nap hadn't helped - and asking Pinkie had only made matters worse. If nopony else could help her right now, there was one who wouldn't drive her off by getting all head over hooves for somepony and drooling about it everywhere.

She stopped outside the home of her oldest marefriend, and looked up at the place. She normally didn't go for Rarity's froo fro-y, fancy dress up, but she knew she could count on her. They'd never seen totally eye to eye in interests, but they went way back to school together in Ponyville. It felt funny to Applejack that she'd be seeking solace inside the boutique, but... stranger things had happened. Lightly, she rapped a hoof upon the door.

Seeming about to reply, Moonsong is caught off-guard by the suggestion that her mother could be as beautiful--and not the other way around.  Having spent so long in thinking of her mother as the pony she'd love to be in terms of appearance, to have it sink in even just a little bit that someone like Rarity doesn't think she's abnormal in a negative sense is almost more overwhelming than the makeover itself.  "I-I'll let her know."

"Complimentary?"  Moonsong nearly squeaks the word in her surprise, and though she's not the sort of pony to normally swoon for a moment the mare feels decidedly lightheaded.  Such a gorgeous, wonderful dress and it's free?  And Miss Rarity wants to be her friend?  "Thank you so much, Miss Rarity."  She doesn't feel like the thanks is enough even though her voice very nearly gushes gratitude, but as she's trying to figure out what more to say to really express herself the knock at the door distracts her.  "I think you have more company,"  Moonsong looks toward the way she'd come in as she speaks, and for a moment she wonders if she should hide or try to shimmy out of the dress before anyone else can see her.  She's not sure what to think about somepony else seeing her so primped and polished, beyond the spreading heat of worried embarrassment.  What if whoever it is thinks she's silly for it?

"Oh! I'll go let them in," Rarity nodded, suddenly alerted to the knocking at the door, "Do make yourself at home, dear. Though, I would avoid Opal, if you see her. She... doesn't much like strangers."

'Or much of anyone else for that matter,' Rarity mused in her mind as she trotted over to the front door. Hopefully, it was a costumer, or one of her friends coming to visit. Could the Princess and Fluttershy be back so soon? Perhaps they forgot something?

Using her magic, Rarity swung the door open with a wide welcoming smile, which quickly changed to a look of surprise when she saw Applejack of all ponies standing at the door of her Boutique. Usually, the farm pony was arriving with someone else, not one for the froo-froo nature of her abode, so the fact that she appeared all alone was quite unusual.

"Applejack! What a surprise," Rarity said, "Won't you come in? I just finished giving Moonsong, you remember the bat-pegasus that sang last night, a wonderful makeover, and-" She took a closer look at Applejack, who didn't look very well at all. Slightly ruffled, huffy, mane in a little bit of a tizzy, but then again it always is.

"-And, is everything alright, darling? You look... ruffly."

Tipping her hat slightly, Applejack instinctively glanced down at her hooves. She'd learned long ago you didn't track anything into Rarity's boutique... Satisfied that her hooves at least were dust free enough, the mare took her up on the invitation. "G'morning... uhh.. Afternoon, Rarity. Ah'm just fine~" she said. "It's everypony else in this crazy town that's losin' it t'day." she  strode in lightly. and perked an ear. "That bat pegasus from last night? Uhh... ah don't wanna get in yer' way, Rarity... If yer busy, ah can come back later."

Applejack - ever more concerned about her friends than about herself. Even if she did seem rather frazzled now, she was still the Applejack Rarity had known since she was little. When she thought about it, she'd heard the word 'date' more in the last two days than she'd heard it in the last two seasons.

"Thank you, Miss Rarity."  Still caught up in fretting over who might see her so uncharacteristically done-up, the warning about Opal manages to get through all the same.  Looking around the room with a bit of worry, Moonsong can't help but wonder what Opal is, and what she might do if she finds a stranger.  "...Opal?"  She hesitantly whispers, lifting a fore- and rearhoof off the floor as if to put herself just that much closer to flight.

"Nonsense! Never too busy for you, Applejack," Rarity smiled as she led one of her oldest inside, closing the door behind them both with her magic, "I just finished anyway."

Letting Applejack go ahead slightly to go wherever in her Boutique she wished, Rarity did a quick visual inspection to make sure Applejack wouldn't track dirt, mud, dust, or any other offending particle into her abode. The unicorn tried her very hardest to keep the shop clean as a whistle, and the farm pony learned long ago not to track dirt onto her floor. Pleased with what she saw, at least mildly, Rarity took the lead again and led them both into the showroom where Moonsong was fidgeting.

"Now, Applejack, you have to tell me what has you so down," Rarity told her, "It's unbecoming! I sincerely doubt that everypony has gone crazy..."

As she paused just before the door into the showroom, Applejack glanced back to Rarity, and raised a hoof slightly. "Uhh... it's... maybe ah shouldn't jus' dump it all on yer hooves. That ain't gone well so far." she said, and then stepped on into the room.

Spotting the fidgeting, awkward bat-pegasus, Applejack took in her attire, and smiled a bit. "Well now. Mighty fine duds, as always, Rarity." she complimented, and stepped into the room, adjusting her hat - it was cleaner than normal Rarity noted, and Applejack didn't smell quite so much of apples and sweat and farm labor. There was a hint of hay, though.  "And ya look lovely in it, Miss Moonsong. Ah enjoyed yer performance with the Princess last night, too." She nodded her head to the mare, and trotted along to take a seat somewhere where she wouldn't bump into anything.

Moonsong is so busy trying to figure out where and what Opal is that she doesn't have time to decide where she could hide before Rarity has returned with a pony she calls Applejack.  Moonsong immediately recognises the name--Applejack was the one who lost her applecart yesterday; she'd learned about it when she and Lyra were sharing breakfast and Rainbow Dash had come through looking for the cart.

Quiet so as not to interrupt the conversation as the two mares enter, she nonetheless reacts to Applejack's direct complement with a blush that darkens her coal-grey coat over her cheeks as she demurely bows her head.  "Th-thank you."

Using her magic, Rarity pulled over her couch that always seemed to be just a telekinetic arm away. Once the couch was pulled over, she climbed onto it and made herself comfortable, fluffing the cushions slightly with her hooves before fully relaxing. She looked over to Moonsong with a bit of a confused look, noting her bit of distress as they both walked in.

As if on cue, Opalescence daintily strolled into the showroom, hoping to find a nice, sunny place to nap near all of the windows. As soon as the unicorn noticed her, she lifted her with her magic and pulled her over to the couch, despite the feline's adamant protests. Once secured on the couch, against her will, Rarity began to pet Opal gently, whispering sweet nothings to her cat, answered by distinctive growls of discontent.

"Well, I'm all ears regardless, Applejack," Rarity assured her, "You simply can't keep me out of the loop for too much longer!" 

Applejack almost flinched upon seeing the cat, but managed not to. It wasn't over near her, right now, after all. That feline could be a nightmare. As Rarity laid plain her intent to get Applejack to talk, the stubborn farm pony would've been expected to set her hooves in for a struggle. Applejack didn't like to lean on other ponies when she didn't need to, after all.

Even so, she seemed to cave easily this time - was that a good or a bad thing? That would be for Rarity to figure out on her own. "Well, it's mighty hard to settle on what to bring up first."  Applejack drawled lightly, and took a glance about the room, taking in the froofy and elegant clothes on display. "Ah dunno if ah should start with Rogue, or Twilight, or Rainbow, or what." she shrugged, a little overwhelmed, and folded her legs, sitting there on the floor comfortably enough. "Ah am glad for ya, though, Rarity. Gettin' ta walk with the Princess's entourage last night."

"Well, just go slowly and easily through each one, Applejack," Rarity nodded, continuing to pet Opal as she listened to her friend, "We're in no hurry. You're welcome to join us, Moonsong!"

Rarity continued to study Applejack quietly, tilting her head to the side. She seemed to be so overwhelmed, bearing the weight of the world on her shoulders. Well, she could support that weight, of course, what with her incredible strength and endurance, but no pony should be lugging that sort of thing around with them. Maybe a trip to the spa would ease her mind? Not Applejack. Hard work seemed to be her answer for everything. Getting all sweaty and dirty seemed to ease her cares away in the same manner that getting cleaned and pampered did for Rarity.

"Oh, yes, the entourage," Rarity gushed, "Oh, it was a dream! Walking next to the Princess herself, while she wore one of my designs! Did you know I'll be designing an ensemble for Celestia herself, as a surprise gift! Oh! Oh... Yes, I'm sorry, too much about myself. Heh. Hmm. Do go on, dear."

Applejack let out a heavy sigh. She wasn't going to get out of this. It felt uncomfortable having Moonsong here, though. She didn't know the bat-pegasus, and didn't want to unload personal baggage with an audience.  So she latched onto the least complicated matter to discuss.

"Uhh.. well..  there's Twilight. Didya know she had a date last night, ta' the Moon Raisin'? She was up on 'er balcony with Widgit. It seems like it went alright, since she went on ta' meet'em at the Cafe this afternoon."

Rarity opened her eyes a little wider at the mention of Twilight's date. Though it was a terrible habit, and it caused quite a mess in Ponyville when her sister and her friends did it too much, this fashionista was always one for gossip. And getting the scoop about Celestia's premiere magical student was having a date, well, there were hardly any better gossip she could imagine!

"Well, good for her!" Rarity smiled, "It was about time that mare found somepony to take a liking to. Widgit would go well with her, I'd imagine! They can talk about... book... things."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:59, Mon 25 June 2012.

As the conversation steers promptly towards what, to Moonsong, looks like might be matters rather personal if Applejack's discomfort is any indication, the bat-winged pegasus tries to discreetly excuse herself to another room.  That she doesn't know where she's going doesn't immediately matter--Moonsong would rather let the private conversation remain private while she takes herself somewhere else, even if that somewhere else is a hallway.

It's impossible not to overhear as she's trying to make an unobtrusive temporary departure, and the notion that someone had a successful date last night makes Moonsong wonder if her luck in all things might change here in Ponyville.  So far she's made friends very quickly, met the Princess Luna, and got to sing for all of her new neighbours.  Who's to say that her special somepony might not also be here?  It's a happy and distracting thought that bolsters the mare as she steps quietly away.

Applejack watched as Moonsong shuffled for a brief exit, and frowned a bit. She didn't want to come in and disrupt, and there went another good excuse not to launch into spilling this mess all over the place. Still, as she left, Applejack sighe dand stepped over toward Rarity's couch, and sat next to it lightly.

"Well, ah guess last night the love bug bit the whole town. Rogue stopped by tha' farm this morning, said he was leavin' ponyville. Ah was the only pony he bothered to tell. Ah already had ta calm Pinkie down over the news this morning." She let out a sigh, and rubbed a hoof up along her face. She still felt a bit annoyed, but she seemed to calm a little as she repeated the issue again, to a new set of ears.  Maybe she was finally dealing with that craziness?

-Entering Day 2 Afternoon-

Moonsong's exit from the boutique's main floor led her to the only other portion of the building that wasn't upstairs -- namely, the home portion where the kitchen and wash room rested.  As she milled in hopes of avoiding any awkwardness from overhearing Applejack's woes she would soon notice a shadow cast over the window as something flew past out of sight.  The familiar flap of broad wings sounded out and, a moment later, the back door opened to allow a particular pony to trot on inside.

"Oh!  Well, hello again, cousin.  You're looking ravishing this afternoon." Silver Crescent offered a literally sharp smile to Moonsong as he closed the door in his wake.  He had saddlebags full of the requested groceries on his flanks.

Moonsong didn't want to poke her nose into anything personal, so finding herself in Rarity's home-proper is a little daunting.  She doesn't think that a kitchen is too dangerous of a prospect, though, at least not until she spots the shadowy motion outside.  Briefly startled, it is the familiar flapping she recognises from her own flight that calms her--Moonsong doesn't have time to dwell on just why that should be so before the guard is inside and speaking.

She's managed to forget just how dudded up she is until Silver reminds her, and with another blush and a rather daintily embarrassed stop of one forehoof the mare bows her head in greeting.  "Hello, Silver Crescent.  And t-thank you."  She pauses to take in his burden, then points with the previously stamped hoof.  "Would you like a hoof with any of that?"

"Thanks, but I've got it." the stallion shook his head as he trotted over to Rarity's icebox and popped it open with a reach of his wing.  Truth be told the Princess had him purchase a few groceries too many... but Luna was generous, if nothing else.  It took a bit of sorting for him to manage to pack away the perishables in a manner that would make sure they all fit and didn't cause an avalanche of goods the next time Rarity opened her fridge up.

"Why are you back here though?  I thought you were supposed to be with Miss Rarity?" he asked curiously as he glanced over his shoulder at Moonsong.  He had a great deal more levity in his tone than when his commanding officer was around, that was for sure.

"What a burden to put on you! Expecting you to trot around Ponyville, spreading the news. Rogue always was uncouth, and a ruffian, and.." Rarity sighed, letting Opal down to explore where she would, "Well, I hope he finds whatever it is he's looking for at least. Personally, I hope it's class."

Rarity didn't mean to sound bitter, but she and Rogue had quite the rivalry over the years. He got all the attention she tried to get without trying. All he had to do was dunk his head in a water basin in all of the mares would woo and all of the stallions would be jealous, and to add insult to injury, he was a lout, laying around, not working. She didn't hate him, nor did she hate anyone. She was just secretly glad that he was gone.

"Now, what do you mean about the love bug hitting the whole town, dear?" Rarity asked.

In reply to Silver Crescent (msg # 146):

Nodding and stepping aside to make sure the stallion has room, Moonsong tries not to fidget as she looks around the kitchen.  The lingering aroma of Rarity's breakfast combined with the abundance of groceries and her own lack of breakfast remind Moonsong that she'll want to have a good and filling lunch when she's done here.  'Wait, lunch...  It's already lunch time...!'  Moonsong realises with a little sigh, but she doesn't consider just walking out.  Besides, there will be plenty of time tomorrow to find work besides weather-shaping, something to supplement her income just a bit better.

"Mm?  Oh, Miss Rarity has a guest, Applejack?  And it sounded like she was upset about something, so I wanted to give them space."  Silver's words bring her out of her own thoughts and she speaks with a little shrug of her shoulders, seeming unbothered by the displacement.  "Where is the other fellow?"  Moonsong looks discreetly about as she asks, as though expecting the captain to pop up out of the shadows of the kitchen table, or to be hanging from the ceiling.

Applejack flushed a bit. "Yeah, ah was pretty upset over it too. But... hmm.. Ah told Twilight, an' had ta' calm Pinkie down over it. Ah dunno where he's goin', but ah hope he's gonna do alright, at least." She glanced up at Rarity awkwardly as she vented her disapproval of him. Then again, Applejack was well aware of it. Even so, she felt that Rarity could be a little too hostile sometimes - just because he was a pain didn't excuse...

She stopped herself, and rubbed her face with a hoof. Why was she sitting here, defending him in her head? She shook her head slightly and looked up to Rarity.

"Ah... well. ah guess ah'm a bit on edge. It's not really everypony." She gave a sheepish smile. "But it is Twilight, and Rainbow's gone a bit crazy too." she said. "She's slapped up a sign in the square advertisin' some kinda contest to compete to be her Special Somepony!" she said, tersely. "It's like she didn't learn a thing from the pet contest, and ah don't wanna see'er get hurt, and she's bein' stupid but she won't listen to Twi or me... An' Pinkie said she was gonna compete, when ah told 'er!" She heaved a sigh, and slumped  down , her back against Rarity's couch. That was perhaps as dramatic as she was going to get.

Silver Crescent couldn't help but snicker as his partner was brought up.  "Last I heard, the Captain was off getting prettied up at the Ponyville Spa by order of the Princess.  He's probably having a hooficure as we speak." the soldier chuckled heartily over the thought of that grim-faced pony being pampered like a filly getting ready for her first date.

"Prettied up...?"  Moonsong replies, then stifles a soft laugh behind a raised hoof.  "That's certainly a...  Well, it's a thought."  She doesn't want to risk being insulting, but the very notion is hilarious.  "Why is he at the spa?  He doesn't really... well...  seem the sort to enjoy that kind of primping?"

The two bat-ponies could enjoy a laugh at their elder's expense since he wasn't around at the moment.  Though, in all honesty, Silver Crescent wasn't so sure he would be able to contain his mirth even if the captain was present.  "Oh no, he's most certainly not!  But Princess Luna asked that we both attend for appointments today.  I think it's a favor to the ladies who run the spa or something, or maybe she thinks we need a break?"

The soldier was still chuckling as he pulled off his helmet and shook his short-cropped mane about, though there was little need to do so in the first place.  He set his helmet onto a latch on the side of his armor to hang out of the way for the time being.  "He'll be tending to the Princess once he's finished -- she's overseeing a race in town right now.  I know this whole visit was pretty much on-the-fly for her, but I'm glad she's having such a good time.  She always works so hard at the castle..." he seemed to mostly be thinking aloud before he looked back up to Moonsong.  "Actually, this is rather opportune.  I'm not expected anywhere at this precise moment.  Didn't you want to speak with me?"

Rarity listened to Applejack carefully, blinking a little bit at the mention of the contest. While the farm pony was absolutely right that Rainbow should have learned her lesson from the pet contest that she held quite a while back, it didn't make sense to see why Applejack was so upset. For one thing, almost everypony in town was at least decent. Rainbow wouldn't choose somepony that would be a bad fit, after-all. And besides, if it didn't work out, she could easily dump the one she picked. That pony wasn't shy about that sort of thing in the least.

Was Applejack taking this personally? It was obvious that she didn't want Rainbow to be hurt, which Rarity could easily understand, but this was something else. As she mulled this over, the unicorn patted the spot next to her on the couch, inviting her friend to join her up on the soft cushions.

"Now, Applejack, you should trust Rainbow," Rarity told her, "While the idea of holding a contest to find a special somepony is rather... silly, I'm sure she'll pick the right one. Were you thinking of entering?"

Applejack accepted the invitation with a moment's hesitation. She didn't want to get any dust all over Rarity's stuff.. but then again, she hadn't been working the farm today, really. She climbed up to sit with Rarity, and folded her front legs. "Well, ah don't think it's a good idea, and neither does Twi." She answered, glancing at her. "An' she's bein' unreasonable when we asked her ta' call it off." she let out a heavy sigh, and lightly bit her lip, glaring out the window at the sound of commotion.

A flash of rainbow light cascading out above the town filled the window as, outside, Rainbow Dash took out all the stops in a dramatic effort in her race. The windows rattled a little with the force, but it wasn't as bad as it usually was... for some value of usual. The sight just seemed to kindle an annoyed look on her face, and she huffed another tense sigh, before glancing at Rarity.

At her question about her potential entry, Applejack's cheeks flushed just a hint as she turned her head away with a shrug of her shoulders. "Twi said there wasn't nothin' stoppin' me. But ponies might get the wrong idea." She sighed and turned back to Rarity. "Ah want to, even if they do. Ah don't want RD ta' get herself hurt."

"Oh, I see.  You've already been, then?"  Moonsong asks, then after a little pause for though she smiles and shrugs her shoulders.  "Maybe she thought the two of you would enjoy it."  She listens as Silver goes on, and as a race is mentioned Moonsong thinks briefly of Rainbow Dash's she'd spotted on her quick fly-over on the way here.  Coming back to the present, Moonsong wears a smile as she nods her head in agreement.  "Last night she seemed so worried about how everyone would receive her, and about wanting everyone to enjoy the moon-raising; I can't imagine she'd be the sort to shirk or slack off after seeing that."

She blinks at the last, then makes a soft 'oh' sound as she gathers her thoughts.  "Well, really, I'd hoped that you'd let me ask you a bunch of probably very silly questions and answer whichever of them that you were comfortable with."  She wears an embarrassed but hopeful smile.  "My parents and grandparents don't remember anyone like me in the family, but our family tree isn't very well kept on my father's side so we can't really be sure there.  What are we?  Are we an offshoot of normal pegasi?  Are we related?  Distantly, I mean.  Are your parents like us?"  Catching herself before she can go on, Moonsong instead takes a breath and waits to see what Silver Crescent will say.

Rarity continued to study Applejack closely when that whoosh rattled her windows. She blinked, her mane getting slightly out of place as her house gently shook followed by the brilliant glow of rainbow colors from the boom. Her friend was clearly bothered by the blatant show of force, a feeling which Rarity shared, but perhaps for a different reason. Sighing, she levitated over the brush she had used on Moonsong, fixing her own mane quickly.

'Ponies might get the wrong idea.' Rarity mulled that phrase over a few times in her head. Was it really the wrong idea? Why would Applejack be so worried about what other ponies thought? I mean, Rarity was that type, but... not this stubborn farm pony.

"But there's something else, isn't there?" Rarity asked, putting a hoof to her chin, "What aren't you telling me, Applejack?"

Applejack looked at her, an ear flopping. "Ah don't know what ya mean, Rarity. Ah've told ya' everythin' ah kin' think of." she said. "So... uhh.. what should ah do?" she asked, folding her hooves and laying her head on the folded cross, closing her eyes to rest a moment. Stress was more exhausting than a day's labor on the farm.

Suddenly, it all seemed to click for the unicorn, exemplified by a huge gasp. It all made sense! The blushing, the way the contest irritated her, her reaction to Pinkie joining the competition, her willingness to protect her. Why had she not seen it before? Rarity must have just been so distracted, or centered on her self to pay much attention! It was as plain as her hooves in front of her face.

"Why, Applejack," she exclaimed, eyes wide with realization, "You have feelings for Rainbow Dash!"

Rarity drew herself an annpyed and disbelieving glance rather than the sensational, awestruck reply she might have anticipated. "Ah course ah care about RD, she's one ah' our best friends." She said, and gestured a hoof lightly in front of her. "See, Rarity, this is exactly what Twi was fussin' about, ponies tryin' ta make this out ta be..." she trailed a little, "Ah ain't all goo-gooey over Rainbow Dash, Rarity~" she insisted.

Just who was she trying to convince, anyway?

"No, I haven't been to the spa yet.  I imagine the Captain is going to send me off there with a kick to the flank later today." the stallion chuckled.  When Moonsong hit him with a barrage of questions regarding their kin, he just waited passively until she'd finished... or at least paused long enough to breathe for a bit.  He was surprised at how little she knew though.  Had she really gone so long without ever meeting one of her own kind?

"Don't worry, Miss Moonsong.  I'm a soldier; patience is sort of a thing for us.  Feel free to ask me whatever you like, okay?" he reassured her before tending the curiosities she'd leveled his way.  "As for genetics?  Well, it wouldn't be accurate to say we're an off-shoot of Pegasi any more than it would be to say that Pegasi are an off-shoot of Earth Pony.  We're just another breed like any other.  It's not like being a Bat Pony is a mutation or anything."

Silver Crescent took a seat at the kitchen table as he continued to explain things.  He didn't seem to have taken insult over anything Moonsong had said and merely clarified because he feared she may have thought herself an anomaly because of what she was.  That was no way to live, especially for someone as gentle as her.  "The genetic traits that produce Bat Ponies are carried on the father's side of the bloodline, and it's unfortunately a highly recessive one.  My old man is a Bat Pony as well while my mother is a Pegasus.  One of my great, great Grandfathers is one, but none of the family until my dad and I are.  Frankly, the fact that there were two of us in a row is pretty weird these days.  Female Bat Ponies like yourself are actually pretty uncommon as well.  The majority of Bat Ponies are male." he explained at length.  "I sincerely doubt there's any direct blood relation between you and I.  Sorry if I confused you by calling you 'cousin' earlier... I was just being friendly, and it's rare to see other Bat Ponies outside of Canterlot."

"I see!  I hope you have a good time, then."  She offers with a laugh and a genuine smile without a trace of teasing or mockery.

As the stallion takes a seat Moonsong figures she can probably assume that liberty too, even if it is someone else's home, and delicately settles herself with much very careful and very quiet fuss to make sure she doesn't wrinkle the dress.  She pays her full attention to Silver Crescent's answers to her questions, and as such the rattling of the house and the flare of rainbow light that filters in through the windows goes entirely unnoticed by the mare.

"No, no, it's alright.  It was actually nice to think about having some extended family.  Do you mind if I continue to think of you as a cousin?  How common are we in Canterlot?  Are they all members of Princess Luna's guard as well?"  She almost asks, 'Is that what I should do, too?' and then stops herself: Moonsong wouldn't make a very good guard and she knows it, not as timid as she tends to be.  Then again, maybe a little soldiering would toughen her up and make her more outgoing.

"Sure, I don't mind.  Just make sure you don't fall in love with me, 'cause then it'd be a bit awkward." Silver Crescent chuckled in a roguish manner.  Normally he didn't get a chance to relax at all while on duty, so he made the most of it to jest a bit.  "Bat Ponies aren't really common anywhere, to be honest.  A lot of us have immigrated to Canterlot though, especially since Princess Luna's return.  I think there's about thirty or so living in Canterlot right now, myself included, though only a very small number of us are soldiers.  It's not that we're nomads or anything, but just that we're so uncommon that there aren't any Bat Pony communities.  Not like, for instance, Cloudsdale and its Pegasi community.  I'm sure there's plenty more Bat Ponies out there as well who just never came to Canterlot, or maybe don't live in Equestria."

Rarity gave her friend a distinct look of disbelief, followed by an excited little giggle. Denial was usually the first stage, after-all! What an exciting discovery! If only she could get her friend to admit it! Moving her face in towards Applejack a little bit, she narrowed her eyes, almost looking comically suspicious.

"Maybe not goo-gooey," she grinned, "But there is -something-. An attraction! You both have just so much in common, and, while rough around the edges, Rainbow Dash is quite beautiful. What with her brilliant rainbow mane and athletic figure. You've obviously noticed, dear."

Moonsong laughs and gives a shake of her head, but she catches herself in time to keep it a delicate gesture--she wouldn't want to shake loose the gem dust Rarity had so painstakingly brushed in to her grey mane.  "I promise to do my very best," she assures with another soft giggle.

Subsiding to listen as Silver Crescent continues, Moonsong gives a thoughtful nod of her head.  "We used to travel quite a bit when I was a filly, but I don't remember ever seeing any others like us.  I suppose I just never was at the right place at the right time."  Moonsong shrugs her shoulders and smiles.

"Well, like I said, we're not exactly commonplace.  You can see a herd of a thousand ponies and not spot a single Bat Pony anywhere in the bunch." Silver Crescent shrugged.  There had never really been any major effort to develop a census, after all, so there was no way to know how many of their kind was in Equestria.  "Still, if you ever get the chance to come to Canterlot, you should take it.  You'll be able to meet others there and maybe find some more information.  Though speaking of which, did you have any other questions?"

Rising to her hooves, Applejack gestured across the room, then trotted along to  pick up and right her stetson back on top of her head. "Now, look here, Rarity. ah came here ta' get away from all that crazy talk, not walk right inta' somethin' like that." she said, and gave her friend an earnest glance.

She?  Feelings for Rainbow Dash? This was ridiculous, silly, stupid...

---

She was going to leave? She couldn't leave yet! Rarity just had to know the truth, and she was sure she could get it out. It was the only thing that would make Applejack feel better, to get it out into the open! Getting to her hooves, she quickly trotted over her friend.

"But it isn't crazy talk!" Rarity exclaimed, "Believe me, Applejack, you'll feel so much better once its in the open air! You won't be all grumpy like you've been all morning. Come along, what about honesty? You can trust me completely, darling! Please? Please?!"

---

She could trust Rarity, Applejack knew. Rarity was her oldest friend, even if they never really became close until they'd grown up a bit.  And...  Rarity did  look out for her, and had been there for her in the past. Applejack looked at her, again, and frowned.

"Ah do trust ya', but yer' kinda goin' pretty far with this, ah think. I dunno where yer' gettin' this idea, Rarity..." she put a hoof out onto her shoulder, then stepped away again, back across the room toward the couch and window. She pushed her hat up slightly on her head, her voice singsongy, but soft.

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
No need ta rush into conclusions
No need ta make it 'bout romance
Gal, don't go makin' yer presumptions
Cause me an' her? Ain't no way, no chance~!
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

As soon as Applejack began to softly sing in her distinct southern drawl, Rarity was quick to jump on the bandwagon, as it were. This was her chance, after-all! Quickly trotting to her side, she took in a calm breath and began to sing in her lovely voice.

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
Who, dear, are you kidding?
She's the Earth and heaven to you!
Try to keep it hidden.
Darling, I can see right through you.
Friend, you can't conceal it;
I know how you feel and
Who you're thinking of!
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

While singing, she began to work her magic, pulling in a rainbow of fabrics to swirl around the two of them to create an enchanting, Rainbow Dash inspired, atmosphere.

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
No chance, no way
I won't say it, no, no
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

As she retorted musically, Applejack stubbornly batted a ream of sky blue from her path, and stubbornly slumped by the window, folding her legs and leaning against it with a stubborn shake of her head.

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
You swoon, you sigh,
Why deny it? Uh-oh.
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

As the sky blue fabric was batted away, Rarity flexed her magic a bit, horn sparkling brilliantly as it shaped into a distinct Pegasus shape. It circled around Applejack a few times before attempting to leave a little kiss on her cheek.

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
It's too cliche
I won't say I'm in love
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

Applejack rolled her eyes,  and without turning, raised a hoof and shoved it through the fabric pony's face, as if she were shoving a cupcake through it's eye.  She turned her back on it and stepped away from the window, over the scattered reams of color, past Rarity, and shook her head as she continued.

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
Ah thought mah heart was so much wiser
But now it's like it wants to shout
Mah head is screamin' get a grip, gal
Unless ye're dyin' ta cry your heart out

O-ohhhhhhhh~hhhhhhhhh~
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

As she sang, she made it to Rarity's couch, and sat upon it. She pulled her hat from her head, and as she warbled in her pretty southern drawl, she laid back across the couch, resting her hat over her heart, feeling how it was racing... Her cheeks tinted red, and she turned her back away to Rarity and her singing.

Rarity frowned a little as her little pony creation was poked in the "eye." Her little visual presentation wasn't doing much for her friend, so she decided to put the beautiful display away for the moment, the reams of color going over the couch that Applejack had laid herself on. Following the reams, Rarity popped up from behind her wonderful fainting couch and inclined her head, bobbing it slightly as she musically retorted.

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
You keep on denying
Who you are and how you're feeling.
Darling, I'm not buying.
Dear, I saw you hit the ceiling!
Face it like a grown-up.
It is time to own up
That you've got, got, got it bad!
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

Opening an eye to look up at Rarity's crooning face, Applejack's cheeks burned redder as Rarity serenaded her with this imagined romance between her and Rainbow Dash. They were friends, they were close allies, they were...

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
Whoa, now; No chance, now way
Ah won't say it, no, no
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
Give up, give in
Check the grin, you're in love
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

Applejack’s blush was very apparent to the unicorn, a sort of confirmation that she was on the right track. Of course, it could have been a sign of embarrassment, but look at the face she was making! She was thinking of something, something close and personal! Was it really her business? Not terribly, but her first  and more sincere goal was to make her friend feel better by admitting her feelings. To help show Applejack her tell-tale expression, Rarity brought over a mirror and set it right in front of the stubborn Earth pony.

Last night, they'd been together when everyone else was on their own dates. Applejack blushed a shade darker as she realized how wonderful letting Rainbow carry her had been, flying, and she rolled slightly aside, off the couch and to her hooves, trying to escape Rarity's gaze.

Though Applejack tried to escape both her and the truth, Rarity was adamant and on top of her, bringing over the other two mirrors from her display. Trotting over next to Applejack, she tried her best to box her in using three of the mirrors, showing off her blush, as she herself climbed over one of the mirrors, continuing to sing.

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
This scene won't play,
Ah won't say I'm in love
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
You're doing flips, read my lips
You're in love
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

Applejack stumbled to a halt as the mirrors floated in on all sides. She was faced with her own reflection, all about her now, as Rarity surrounded her and accused her of being in love. Could Rarity really be right? Could she really not notice it herself?

No, no. This wasn’t the case. She cared about her, loved her, but she wasn’t in love with her. Right. Right! As Rarity joined her in the middle of the mirrors, Applejack stepped up toward her, pointing a hoof at her as she answered.

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
Yer way off base
Ah won't say it
Get off mah case
Ah won't say it
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
Dear, don't be proud.
It's O.K. You're in love.
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

It seemed that Applejack’s stubbornness was going to win out in this little bout, but she had at least made good progress which satisfied the unicorn quite a bit. She lifted the mirrors again and moved them back to the display area, content to leave the earth pony alone with her own musings. She sang her final retort as she started to trot her way back to her fainting couch, resting on it, still facing her friend as she felt the song slowly coming to a close.

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
O-ohhhhhhhh~hhhhhhhhh~
At least out loud,
Ah won't say Ah'm in love
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

As the mirrors, and Rarity both relented, Applejack walked away from them both, resting a hoof over her chest as she sang, her voice softening as she reached the window, and folded her forelegs against the sill, looking out at the race taking place over the square. Rarity could hear her trailing the song off to a close, with a faint touch of longing to her voice.

The moment lingered as Applejack trued to sort it all out. Rarity was right... but... what of it? What could she do now?

"That is rare,"  Moonsong replies in awed agreement.  She nods eagerly at the suggestion, though when asked if she has further questions the mare laughs and shakes her head.  "I know I did.  A million more of them.  But I'm sure I'll remember them all later on, so I'll just have to pester you... later... on...?"

Moonsong's words trail off to questioning silence as her head turns toward the doorway.  Is that singing she hears?  Muffled, to be sure, but even if she can't make out the words the melody is there.  "Do you suppose they're practising for something?  It sounds so lovely."

Rarity's pointed ear perked a little to catch those last few notes, bringing her a satisfied smile. So, it was true! Even if she had to wrestle it out from her, but... it was all for her friend, after-all! She sighed in victory as she relaxed on her couch, eye on Applejack as her head bopped to the little tune they had both improvisationally created. It was pretty catchy!

"Now was that so hard, darling?" she asked, rather casually in contrast to how desperate she sounded during the song, "And to think, all it took was a song and dance bit. Is that why Pinkie has made a habit of it, do you think? I mean, we all get into our moods, but that mare... She must have, what, a whole collection of things to sing?"

Applejack poked the window frame with a hoof, nudging it open to let in some fresh air, a light breeze lifting her ponytail. With a sigh, she shrugged both shoulders. "Ah dunno. Seems like she's got a tune fer' everythin'." She commented quietly. Leaving the window, she cantered slowly back over to Rarity, and let out a heavy sigh, sitting next to her.

"So... what kin' ah do from here? Ah'm definitely competin' in Rainbow's contest. Ah don't guess ah kin avoid that at this point."

Getting up from her leisurely lying down position to sit next to Applejack, she considered the situation for a moment. Competing in the contest was obvious, but she had to do much more than compete, she had to win! It wouldn't be much of an issue for the athletic earth pony, of course, but she needed that determination.

"Well, of course you'll be competing!" Rarity agreed, putting her hoof on Applejack's shoulder, "And you will do the best you have ever done in your life, Applejack! If you have feelings for her, then you simply must win. Don't let anypony else swoop in and take her from you!"

Applejack's cheeks were still warm and red,but the comfort from he roldest friend's reassurance did help. She brightened as Rarity encouraged her. "Yer right, Rarity. Ah can't lose now, when it counts most!" Applejack put a hoof down, smiling. She seemed to be over this stumbling block, or at least in the process of dealing with it. "Ah ain't pullin mah apple bucks at a time like this!"

She grinned at the fashionista. "Ah hope you an' the other girls will come out an' support me. Ah don't know what Rainbow will think a' me competin'..."

"She will be absolutely beside herself with excitement, I'll bet you that much," Rarity beamed, happy that her encouraging words seemed to work on her friend, "In fact, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if she called off the whole contest upon your arrival and asked you on a date right there!"

Maybe she was laying it on a bit thick with that last quip, but it might as well be true. Rarity had already seen the attraction between the two ponies, at least on Rainbow Dash's side. She always seemed to favor mares when it came to this sort of thing, but Rarity didn't comment on it too often.

"Of course we'll be there to support you, darling," Rarity nodded, "Besides, we'll need to make sure this whole thing doesn't spiral out of control."

The farmpony had nearly gotten her glowing cheeks to quit before Rarity chimed that Rainbow might call the whole thing off for her if she said she was competing. Now, she had no chance of stopping her beaming anytime soon as Rarity sent it the other way.
"Ehhh... yer probably right about that, Rarity... Ah mean... everypony likes Rainbow..." she said, softly, her cheeks flush. Even she did? how could she have been this blind for so long...? "So.. uhhh..  it might get a little crazy if she don't cancel the contest for me. Ah mean... Pinkie's competing too..."

"Yes, everypony does seem to love that mare," Rarity muttered quietly to herself. When she was honest with herself, the unicorn was rather jealous of all the attention Rainbow Dash got for her amazing feats of speed. Much like Rogue Heart, Dash didn't need to put much effort to be adored, stunning, beautiful. Well, besides her constant training, but her frequent naps up in the clouds could make a certain fashionista forget how hard she worked. Even deeper down, Rarity probably couldn't help but adore the pegasus, despite all that roughness around the edges.

"If it gets crazy, darling, then you have to get crazy!" Rarity encouraged adamantly, before pulling her hoof from off of Applejack's shoulder in disbelief, "What am I saying? Oh, horsefeathers with it, there are some occasions where you need to get rough and dirty and crazy. Fighting for love counts as one of them! I think. Yes! Now, you promise me, Applejack, Pinkie Promise if you must, that you will get rough, and dirty, and crazy, and win this contest! Promise me!"

"Hey, you can pester me whenever you like.  You're still welcome to come get my attention when I'm fully off-duty too." the stallion chuckled.  The mention of music did indeed catch his attention as he turned a ruffled ear to the song coming in from the other room.  He'd heard that Ponyville was a musical town, but he hadn't quite realized it was such a literally case.  Musical breaks were a bit rarer in Canterlot... crowd control, after all.

"Huh... catchy though.  Reminds me a bit of the Sea Ponies' greeting." Silver Crescent observed.  What had all that been about?

"Thanks so much, Silver Crescent."  Moonsong replies.  She hasn't heard a Sea Pony greeting to know if it's similar or not, though that does trip the mare onto another train of thought:  'Maybe I should go travelling again, like I did with my parents, but instead of just going one place for a week I should take...  Six months?  Maybe eight?  And go everywhere I can!  Only once I'm really settled here, though.  I don't want to up and leave my new friends so soon.'  The thought is exciting, and immediately derails her from wondering what Rarity and her guest Applejack might have been serenading one-another about.

Her mind doesn't stay gone for too long, however, and in just a few seconds she's back to wondering about Sea Ponies.  "Have you had much experience with Sea Ponies?"

Silver Crescent seemed momentarily bemused by the question and his gaze grew distant as if he were recalling some far-flung memory.  A good one, too.  He chuckled and gave a shrug before he spoke up.  "You can say that, sure.  There's not a lot of naval excursions out of Equestria because... well, yeah..." he demonstratively flexed his wings.  When air travel was so easy and abundant, why face the treacherous ocean waves?  "...But there have been some efforts.  I was stationed out in a sleepy little bay town in the south a few years ago called Los Maredo since they were having trouble with one of those rogue bands of Diamond Dogs that pop up every now and then.  Wasn't much trouble to handle it and we had a lot of down-time afterward, so we got to have a little vacation before we had to head back up north again.

"As it turns out, the bay had a large coral reef that was home to a whole colony of Sea Ponies.  They're really friendly, actually.  Helpful too.  Half the time it seems like they don't want to do anything but lend a hoof to us surface ponies and make sure we can travel the seas safely.  There wasn't a single pony in the entire community ever in danger of drowning.  The locals would have parties on the shores and piers, and the Sea Ponies would come right out of the water to join them." he explained with a laugh.  "And oh, their singing... Sea Ponies have the most beautiful voices.  If you dunk your head underwater and listen, the ocean carries the sound like nothing you've ever heard before.  Though, it turns out, you really need to learn the difference between a Sea Pony and a Siren.  That gets messy really fast."
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:05, Mon 09 July 2012.

Her bright, pastel-orange hooves wrapped about the unicorn at her encouragement. "haha.. Yer right! Ah ain't goin' ta lose this. Thanks, Rarity. Ah'll do whatever I gotta do."

She laughed a little, and nudged Rarity lightly. "Who'd ever thought you'd be the one tellin' me ta' get dirty fer once?"

In reply to Silver Crescent (msg # 177):

Moonsong listens with interest as the stallion speaks, nodding her understanding at the gesture of his wings.  She smiles as she tries to imagine the parties and the Sea Ponies coming up to participate in the revelry, and the idea of listening to a Sea Pony's song under the water solidifies Moonsong's idea of travel at a later date.  The mention of Sirens, however, makes her giggle before speaking with a hopeful tone.  "I hope it wasn't too harsh a lesson."

Another thought occurs to the bat-winged mare as the conversation continues--that she should visit the library and see what she can read on the other uncommon kinds of pony.  'Maybe I might even find more information about my kind of pony--I could share what I find with Silver!'

"Yes, well... Desperate times call for desperate measures," Rarity blushed, nodding slowly and returning her friends hug, rather warmly, "I would prefer if you didn't mention that little... moment, to anypony."

"Nah... nothing a couple dozen stitches and an ice pack couldn't fix, anyway." the soldier laughed.  Despite himself he glanced up at the clock on the wall and grimaced a bit at the sight of it.  "Hmm.  It's starting to get along -- I should probably get to the Spa soon before I end up being behind schedule.  Where are you going to be around town later on, cousin?"

"A couple dozen!"  Moonsong replies, then laughs along with the stallion.  If he's not fussed, then clearly she shouldn't be either.  She nods her understanding, though at Silver Crescent's question she initially just shrugs.  "I'm not really sure.  I was thinking of going by the library, and then I was going to do some grocery shopping.  I don't have a job other than helping with the weather just yet, so if I'm not in the library, the market or the park I'll probably be at home."

Applejack grinned, and gave her friend a warm nuzzle, cheek to cheek. "Ah promise. As long as you promise not ta' tell anypony how messed up ah was over all this." she said, then raised a hoof,  glancing out the window to the nearby square. "Looks like she an' that Neighponese ... Krin or what not are out there racin'... Look at that crowd..."

Applejack turned her gaze along to Rainbow, as they got ready for the second event out there...  She lightly tugged the front of he rhat down a little, shading her face from direct view.

"Nothing I can't handle.  It's all part of being a soldier.  Plus, mares dig scars." the Bat Pony chuckled as he buffed his hoof on his chest for a moment, but then paused and gave Moonsong a questioning look.  "Mares do like scars, right?"

Moonsong makes a soft 'ah' sound and tries to suppress a giggle, but it all comes undone by Silver Crescent's question.  "I have known plenty who do like scars, yes."  She assures, or at least tries to, what with the friendly laughter that her words form amidst.  "I'm sure the mares at the spa can tell you better than I can, though."

Rarity returns the cute little cheek nuzzle, eyes closed with a warm smile. Though they didn't get along very often, the unicorn cherished those moments when they got along swimmingly. She really was an amazing friend, when you got down to the bottom of it, and they knew each other for quite a long time.

As Applejack looked out the window, hat tilted down to shade her face, Rarity tilted her head a bit. Was she trying not to be noticed? No excuse for wearing ones hat in a strange way, but she was willing to let it go for the moment.

"Well, you should go watch, my dear," Rarity told her softly, "I'm sure Rainbow would be delighted to see you in the audience."

With a smile to Rarity,  Applejack pushed her hat back up atop her head, and pushed off the window. "Awright, Rarity. Ah'll let ya' get back ta' work.  Ah'll seeya' later?" she prompted warmly, then cantered toward the door out of the room, then back down to the lower level, where the two bat ponies waited. She offered them a friendly nod. "Sorry ta' interrupt, Moonsong."

"Yes, you will!" Rarity smiled, "Enjoy the rest of your day, and remember, rough, dirty, and crazy!"

As Applejack walked out, Rarity went straight to cleaning up the space from their little ditty. She moved her couch back to where she stored it, made sure all of those reams of fabric were neatly arranged and aligned, and she adjusted her mirrors so that they would correctly face the center of the pedestal. As she worked, a thought struck her that lingered in her head for a little while. Why didn't she have a special somepony?

Trotting over to the window to watch a bit of the race, the question kept ringing in her head. If she wanted one, she could get one easily, she figured. Rarity had often wrapped various colts around her hoof with her special brand of pony charm. But... that wasn't the same. It was a "special" somepony for a reason... It had to mean something more significant than getting somepony to do some favors for you or tending to you. Love was involved. Did she love anypony that way? Did she -ever- love anypony that way? Work had always been the priority. And the one colt she did care for at one point, if for all the wrong reasons, was a complete disappointment.

With a sigh, she folded her hooves on the window sill and continued to watch town square.

The soldier seemed bolstered by Moonsong's reassurances and perked up again with that charmingly fanged smile of his.  Right about then, Applejack came along down through the room from her own business with Rarity.

"No bother at all, Miss Applejack.  I was actually just leaving." Silver Crescent said as he rose from the table and put his helmet back on, adjusting it about to fit his long ears carefully through the holes up top.  He looked back to Moonsong.  "If you like, try and get a hold of me again after the Spa trip.  It'd be nice to be able to chat some more.  For now, I'll let you get back to Miss Rarity."

With that, the soldier politely saluted the two mares and trotted out the back door from whence he'd came.

--> Silver Crescent exits to the Ponyville Spa

Moonsong giggles in response to Silver Crescent's smile, her own somewhat more petite fangs briefly flashing before she lifted a hoof to politely stifle the sound.  "You'll have to come and find me when you're all polished--if you can keep from being mobbed by the town's mares, that is."  Moonsong teases, feeling rather companionably comfortable with her "cousin".  Though he may not be direct family, it feels quite nice to have a sort of relative in the area.

When Applejack arrives Moonsong bows her head in a friendly greeting, wearing a smile for her.  "Not at all, Applejack!  And I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but the song you and Miss Rarity were rehearsing sounded absolutely lovely."  Moonsong moves to her hooves as well, figuring that even though she's just a guest in Rarity's boutique she can be polite and see the two of them out.  "Of course!  Have a good time at the spa!"

Upon finding herself alone in the household area of the boutique again, Moonsong doesn't delay in taking herself back to the showroom.  She isn't sure where she'll find Rarity, but the bat-mare doesn't want to linger in private areas.

Applejack's  cheeks warmed a bit at Moonsong's complimenting the song they'd improvised.  "Uhhh.. Thank ya', Moonosong... Ya'll have a good afternoon." She said sheepishly. She hurried out, in quick, overtly discreet manner - trying too hard to sneak out while everyone was watching was pretty telling after all.

Exit to -> Town Square
This message was last edited by the player at 14:00, Sun 15 July 2012.

Moonsong's short walk back to the shop area was a quick one, though the mare was careful in the placement of her hooves to be sure that she didn't step on the dress or muss any of Rarity's hard work.  She peeked into open doors that she passed, and so when she spotted Rarity peering somewhat pensively out the window Moonsong didn't speak up in greeting as she'd planned on.  'Maybe whatever Miss Rarity and Applejack spoke of has put her off a bit--or maybe the rehearsal didn't go as well as she would've liked?  I should come back later.'

Moonsong started to move quietly towards the door, thinking that perhaps she'd fly home and change, then do a bit of reading at the library.

Amid her quiet watching, she did hear Moonsong enter, though she didn't turn around right away. With all the excitement with Applejack and Rainbow Dash, the singing, the mess about special someponies, she had almost forgotten she had a very special costumer! As Moonsong went to leave, Rarity quickly trotted over to her side.

"Oh, forgive me, Moonsong!" Rarity quickly apologized, "Don't leave! Not without me making sure that you are completely satisfied, and seeing you out, of course. I hope you do understand about our interruption."

She pauses as Rarity trots alongside her and offers a sheepish smile in response to the apology.  "No, no, it's okay!  I didn't want to overstay, and after a rehearsal like that--which, by the way, your singing voice is lovely!--I didn't know if you'd feel up to me bothering you."  Moonsong replies, effusive in her praise and seeming to be rather apologetic herself.

"Bothering? Oh, no, no, never!" Rarity exclaimed, stopping in front of her with a warm smile, "I... Rehearsal?"

Did Moonsong overhear the song she and Applejack improvisationally threw together? She must have, if she was talking about some kind of rehearsal. Must have excellent hearing, in that case! Or were they both being obnoxiously loud? One of the two, definitely. A gentle blush crept onto Rarity's cheeks.

"Why, of course! Our rehearsal!... For the upcoming... Thing. Yes. Well..." she said, smiling weakly before gulping a bit, "Thank you for the compliment, Moonsong, but I'm sure it pales in comparison to your lovely voice, darling. Regardless, I do hope you are completely satisfied with your exclusive, one-of-a-kind, Rarity makeover!"

Moonsong nods encouragingly at the question, smiling brightly.  The mare seems to mistake Rarity's way of response for a lack of confidence, and she lifts a hoof and gently touches the fashionista's shoulder.  "Silver Crescent and I couldn't really hear anything but the melody and that you and Applejack both have lovely voices, and I promise I won't tell a soul if it's something you'd rather kept secret.  What we could hear was quite beautiful."  She attempts to reassure Rarity, though the compliment in return brings a blush to her cheeks beneath her coal-coloured fur.

She nods eagerly at the last and can't help but happily trot her forelegs in place as she flutters her wings.  "I feel more beautiful than I ever have, Miss Rarity.  Thank you so much.  I never thought anything like this would happen to me when I came here."

Rarity watches Moonsong flitter in place with joy at her makeover, which brought a big smile to the unicorn's face. It was a clear reminder of why she was in this business in the first place! Of course, a large part of it was the glamor, the artistic callings of design, style, and color!... But a large part of it was making others happy. In fact, this was one of the most positive reactions to an exclusive Rarity makeover. Twilight, as she recalled, was rather unimpressed.

"You are very, -very- welcome, darling!" Rarity smiled, coming forward to give the Bat-Pegasus a gentle hug, "Please come back to visit any time you'd like! It would be wonderful to have you, especially if you wanted to model a few more things for me? My new pegasus line is very new, and it would be wonderful to see them on something more.. mm, alive!.. than a mannequin."

Moonsong happily returns the hug, and Rarity's words make her even more giddy than she already is.  "I would love to model for you!  I could try to come by once every week or so?"  She asks, tentative in the suggestion but clearly eager to help and to get the chance to try on more of rarity's dresses.

"Sounds wonderful! I have plenty for you to try on!" Rarity beams, stamping her hooves in excitement, "Sometimes Fluttershy comes around and does some modelling, but she has her own very delicate schedule, what with taking care of the woodland creatures and all. I can even throw a few bits your way, if you'd like, darling. Oh, this is going to be a fabulous friendship!"

She began to walk Moonsong to the door, not wanting to take up anymore of her day.

Moonsong nods her understanding, but she stammers a surprised reply at the mention of bits.  "Oh, no, no, that's alright.  I couldn't take your bits for this--it's too fun, and I'm happy just to help out!"  She tries to assure as she walks with Rarity, her steps light and her voice cheery.  She looks absolutely giddy to hear Rarity's words about friendship, and she can't help herself from giving the elegant mare another hug once they reach the door.  "Thank you, Miss Rarity."

Rarity returned the hug with a bright smile. Moonsong did seem very excited, and did seem to enjoy the hugs quite a bit. It brought a giggle to the unicorn's lips as she saw her new friend to the door.

"You are incredibly welcome, yet again, darling!" Rarity assured her, beaming, "Have a good day! Hope to see you again very soon!"

"Take care, Miss Rarity!"  Moonsong replies and lifts a hoof in a wave.  She makes her way towards the Town Square as she leaves the boutique, thinking that she'll perhaps get some lunch before she sets off to the library.  Still vibrantly cheerful from her makeover, the bat-pegasus mare trots gracefully along with her head high.


>>To Town Square>>
This message was last edited by the player at 02:36, Fri 20 July 2012.

Entering from Town Square

   Outside of the store stood a rather poorly made-over Loose Leaf holding a large black tray from a strap around her neck, with more packs thrown over her back. An array of hideously bright make up pallets nestled untouched under the clear film of the tray cover awaiting the moment to be smeared over some unlucky pony's face then proceed to run down it. Such was the current activity of the fuchsia globs on this mare's face. She knocked on the front door, and then reached up to smear the smears away.

   She dared to wonder if placing such a large appendage near her eye was a good idea. There was no choice in the matter now, the residences of the... erm, store were bound to open the door soon. Runny eye make-up and lop-sided eyelashes were not in good taste.

   Then again, the whole ensemble in her opinion wasn't in good taste. Still, there was no reason for tacky to evolve into trashy. Not crossing that line was pretty much all that was left for the mare to aspire too, considering her current state of affairs. Not a single neon blob of make-up had been bought so far, the previous homeowners claiming that they did not ware make up.

   Hilarious, considering she could clearly see the painted faces of these residents. Too bad the customer was always right. She could only hope she would have better luck with whoever opened the door.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:16, Fri 20 July 2012.

As Moonsong left, Rarity turned back and entered her workshop, sighing a bit. It had been a busy morning and afternoon, actually, a busy week! She was working tirelessly on the dresses for Luna to try, never stopping, hardly sleeping. The only rest and relaxation she had was at the Spa and her evening with Spike.  She was exhausted, and still had so much work to do.

"Opal? Are you around, darling?" she called out, hoping to pet her cat for a little while as a stress reliever. True to her form, Opal was lounging all over Rarity's designs for Luna's various dresses, curled up and sleeping calmly. The unicorn smiled a little bit as she found her, poking her lightly with her hoof. The feline didn't respond much, opening one eye and voicing her opinion that she wished to sleep.

"Come on, Opal... Don't you want to spend a little time Momma Rarity?" she asked the feline softly. The only response was another bothered mrrowl. Despite the objections, the fashionista pulled the feline into a tight hug. Opal, not at all pleased, gave Rarity a rather wicked slash with her claws before wandering off to find another warm place to nap.

"Opal..." Rarity sniffled, holding up her hoof which was now bearing a rather ugly gash. It had happened before, of course, and was no reason for tears, but the fashionista couldn't help it. Her own pet didn't want to cuddle with her!... She did have a First Aid kit handy for incidents while sewing, and with her magic, fixing herself with a bandage wasn't difficult. It wasn't stylish, but... Some things had to suffer for fashion.

As she dabbed her eyes carefully with a cloth, trying her best not to run her makeup, the doorbell rang. A costumer? It was possible, especially after Luna's impressive appearance last evening. Rarity frowned, looking into the mirror, making sure she was presentable.

"Come along, Rarity, pull yourself together!" she told herself, not even understanding why she was emotionally tender in the first place! Once satisfied with her look, she trotted downstairs and opened the door.

"...Can I... help you?" Rarity asked, raising her eyebrow slightly.

"Hello my fellow fashion-pony. I am Loose Leaf, a representative for Cover Pony make up. Today I have come to your lovely establishment in order to give you a chance to indulge yourself in the company's luscious," Loose Leaf took a moment to re-apply the false eyelashes as she spoke. "lovely products. I assure you that these products are the highest quality uhm, stuff, you can decorate your coat with. I have many fine products for sale. As you can see, I am currently wearing Cover Pony products, and I swear by each product's vibrence and lasting effects. Ow, my eye."
Loose Leaf awaited the glamorous pony's response as she rubbed the tears of irritation away.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:06, Fri 20 July 2012.

Rarity looked the mare up and down, her eyebrow still raised significantly. The poor thing was in terrible need of some sort of makeover, especially with that seemingly irritating make-up that she had put on and was now trying to sell. She could completely sympathize, of course. It had taken her quite a long time to find the perfect brand of false eyelashes. Not that she would tell anypony...

"Darling," Rarity said softly, "That looks like it stings... Ooh, are you quite alright?" 

"Oh yeah, I'm fine," Loose Leaf said, rolling for bluff. She rolled very low and squinted up at the concerned customer, fuchsia tears of irritation dribbling down her cheeks.  She now resembled a mare of very unfortunate employment, not that re-selling make-up was currently less shameful or bringing in more money.

It was at this time that Loose Leaf got a good, watery look at the lovely unicorn and realised that maybe this hadn't been a very good plan. Buy a product kit, then sell it door-to-door at the suggested, elevated price.

Seemed legit.

But now Loose Leaf was trotting around, hauling and wearing terrible make-up, and trying to sell said terrible make-up. Why couldn't anything ever just go as planed?

"Now, if you are interested, I can inform you about the different products. I have quite a lovely collection of neon eyeshadows in a variety of colors. I see you are a fan of eyeshadow, so I can offer packs in sets of twelve all the way up to sixty vibrent shades," she continued, trying her  best to smile and look professional. It really just made her look like a creepy clown.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:45, Sat 21 July 2012.

"You don't look fine, dear..." Rarity muttered, mostly to herself to stay polite. Her pity for the young mare just kept growing and growing. With the make-up running down her face and into her poor eyes, she knew that her product was no good, and yet she was selling it anyway! Could she really be so desperate?

Now came the dilemma of what to do with this make-up salespony. She could buy some of her products, though she would -never- wear them. In fact, she wouldn't even gift them to one of her friends, seeing how easily it ran and how irritating it was to the face and eyes. However, she couldn't just turn the pegasus away! Not looking like a circus clown.

"Why don't you come on inside and wash that make-up off of your face," Rarity nodded, "No offense intended, but I simply -cannot- have you looking like... like this! In public!"

"Well it's not really crowded enough to be considered publi-- ok, then I guess that would be nice if you insist miss," Loose Leaf mumbled as she was ever-so forcefully escorted into the building.

The Boutique's tasteful design and elegant spread of fashionable pony garb casual and glamorous alike went mostly unnoticed by the recently blinded pegasus. The floors however, felt polished and sleek, and the whole zone smelled of a pleasant perfume; a fetching scent that she had notice wafting towards her as the unicorn opened the door.

"Wow, it smells really good in here." Loose Leaf hadn't actually intended to make her thought public, but the scent had been good enough to force a complement out of the mare. "Is this a perfume shop of some sort? Oh geez, did I intrude while you were busy? I saw the residential portion above the shop and figured someone lived here. It's just no on in the residential district was buying..."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:50, Sat 21 July 2012.

"Well, you are outside of your home, are you not?" Rarity asked the mare as she led her inside, one hoof on her shoulder as she led her over to the powder room, "Out where other ponies can see you? You must be presentable, stunning, gorgeous! Especially if you are trying to sell beauty products, darling."

She led the blinded pegasus through her showroom to a little powder room she had tucked away, almost solely used for clearing up make-up during a make-over or something like that. Using her magic, she swung the door open, revealing the immaculate little place.

"Why, thank you!" Rarity beamed, "And, no, I do not sell perfume, though I've always dreamed of having my own scent made. Allure Aroma de Rarity, or something! This is my very own Carousel Boutique. Supplying all of Ponyville with dresses that are chic, unique, and magnifique! Here is the powder room, dear."

Loose Leaf's studded ears perked up. "Wait, you're Rarity? Moonsong told me about you. You know, the pegasus with the bat wings?" She fluttered her own stubby, feathered wings as a gesture. "You must be the mare who made the sentient blue--I mean that beautiful dress she was wearing. She was actually going to introduce me to you, but I guess I accidentally took care of that..."

With an embarrassed laugh, she plopped down into the first chair she could feel. The mare let out a little sigh, a luxurious cushion cradling her tired tush. It had been some time since she had the pleasure of enjoying such comfortable accommodations. She had left most of her own back at her family's home in Cloudsdalle. For a split moment, she missed it.

Loose Leaf wiped some of the make-up out of her eyes, relieving some of her discomfort.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:09, Sun 22 July 2012.

"Why, of course I'm-" Rarity started, until she realized that she had been terribly rude, "Oh my gosh! Do excuse me for not properly introducing myself! Yes, I am Rarity. Yourself?"

As Loose Leaf got to work clearing away the irritating make-up and returning her site, the unicorn began to look over her wares with a discriminating eye, on the look-out for any that would meet her standards. None turned up, unfortunately, and Rarity sighed gently before immediately lighting up at the veiled compliment on the dress she had given Moonsong.

"She's lovely, isn't she?" Rarity asked, bringing over a brush to lightly tend to Leaf's mane, "And that dress almost seems to be made for a pony of her elegance. The perfect shade, wouldn't you agree?"

Loose Leaf nodded in agreement, smiling contently as Rarity gently untied her pony tail and started to brush her hair. The bristles felt so nice, scratching her scalp ever so pleasantly. Goodness, did it feel good. Loose Leaf wasn't used to such pampering and closed her eyes to fully indulge in the brushing.

"It really was. A vibrant color always stands out beautifully on a neutral shade, such as grey. It's a really  nice technique, black and white wash with a splash of color. She's a lucky one. She can pull off almost any bright color without worrying about clashing," Loose Leaf said with the slightest hint of envy. She was able to find the make-up remover on the vanity now that the eye-shadow and mascara wasn't blinding her. She carefully peeled off the false eyelashes, then proceeded to wash her face completely with the oily solution and a cloth.

"And it's Loose Leaf. Not as eligant a name as yours, but suits me," she said with a smile.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:40, Sun 22 July 2012.

Rarity continued brushing, humming to herself softly as worked out the tangles in the pegasus' mane, going carefully along the scalp. Moonsong had a similar reaction to the brushing, if the unicorn had remembered right. Were the ponies in this town not used to pleasant feeling of bristles on their mane? It would explain a lot of the less-than-stellar hairstyles she had noticed.

"While she is rather lucky to have such a coat, I've found that almost every color coat can be simply gorgeous when paired with just the right combination," Rarity hummed, impressed by the mare's knowledge of color coordination, "And, Loose Leaf seems to fit you just perfectly! Do you... Make... Paper? Or something?"

At this, Loose Leaf laughed heartily, ending with an unattractive snort.

"No, nothing like that," she started. She blinked rapidly, trying to get the rest of the gunk out of her vision. The cloth in her hand was now died pink, black streaks lining it in smudges. "My parents are academics, and sort of named us all after... academic stuff I guess? That was the intention I suppose, or something. Fit my siblings alright, but I was sort of more interested in drawing all over the loose leaf than crafting essays and math equations on it. Though I guess that makes the name fit in its own unintentional way."

Loose Leaf raised an eyebrow and made a little smirk, her reflection eying her back with a sarcastic expression. "Why? Are you rare?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:31, Sun 22 July 2012.

As Loose Leaf gave her that little snort after her laugh, Rarity tried to hide her momentary displeasure at the gesture. How very uncouth! Regardless, she continued to listen to the mare's story as she brushed her mane, using her magic to her advantage. Hearing that she was into art, Rarity had to smile appreciatively. A fellow artist! She had to do quite a bit of drawing herself when designing.

"Well, I -am- the only fashionista in Ponyville," Rarity said, "A diamond in the rough, I like to say. I believe my name does seem to suit one with such talents as myself."

Looking into the mirror, eyes narrowed slightly at the sarcastic comment, she brightened as she saw that the pegasus was now clear from her smudgy make-up.

"Much better, darling!" she exclaimed, clapping her hooves together once.

Loose Leaf mimicked the same pleasure on her now clean face. Her eyes were drawn to the now smooth and neat waves of her freshly groomed mane. Although Loose Leaf couldn't say she had the nicest mane, it's status now was more then satisfactory.

"Wow, thank you so much," she beamed, smoothing it over with a hoof. It felt uncommonly soft and tangle free. "It's oddly nice of you to have let me come into your home, and then clean me up. I wish all of the ponies that opened their doors treated me so nicely. Usually they just want me to go away as soon as possible, or shut the door while I'm talking. Which is sort of understandable cause I don't think many residents like being bothered by sales-ponies. I guess now would be a bad time to ask if you were going to buy anything. I understand if you don't. This make-up is kind of... gross."

Pressing her lips together, Loose Leaf was fairly certain that her decision to make this marketing endeavor was in poor taste. The whole concept seemed like a good deal at the time, but now that she was actually trying to turn a profit, it seemed pretty worthless. She wondered now what she was going to do with all the supplies she had purchased, and sighed. It didn't seem like she was going to make any money off products of such poor quality, and her artwork wasn't bringing in anymore bits. Even the sizable commission by The Doctor - as wonderful an opportunity as it was - wasn't going to pay. All she had to her artistic name at the moment was five bits. Still, it was better than nothing.

A sudden thought then crossed her mind. Moonsong had mentioned something about trying to get her a job with Miss Rarity. Even though the notion of a steady job excited her, Loose Leaf felt a bit guilty about taking up more of Rarity's time. After all, the unicorn had taken her in as a complete stranger and cleaned her up.

"I know this may be a bit rude, considering all you've done for me already, but I don't actually sell make-up as my steady job. Actually, I don't really have a steady job at all." Loose Leaf paused again, trying to find the least intrusive way to phrase her new sales pitch. This time, she was selling herself. "I'm actually an artist and I'm not certain if you need anyone on staff here, but I would like you to have my card and know that I'm willing to do any artwork, or advertisement, or heck, clean your windows if you need somepony to. Moonsong said that you were giving her a modeling position and was willing to introduce me in hopes of helping me with a job position, but I figured it would be best to do it on my own since I've gotten the opportunity. So don't, you know, blame her if this is intruding at all."

With that, she slipped one of the little cards she carried around with her onto the vanity.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:21, Tue 24 July 2012.

Rarity beamed as the pegasus admired her now much improved mane. The work of a fashionista in a farm town like Ponyville was never done, but it felt good to do her part in supporting the goodwill of fabulosity! Respecting her style from earlier, she used her magic to tie her now tangle-free mane back into a ponytail.

"Oh, it is no trouble," Rarity smiled, "When I see a fashion emergency like yours, I just can't sit idly by! Especially when they are right at my doorstep. And, that's very true. Door-to-door salesponies can be a bit of a bother, but I do try to at least take a look at what they are selling, and I'm sorry to say, darling, that your selection is... well, yes, gross, if you want to be blunt about it."

Making another face of gentle disgust, she brought the make-up tray over for one last inspection before putting it back on the vanity with her nose turned in the air. The only pony who would probably buy make-up of this quality was Twilight due to her gentle ignorance about things of that nature, but Rarity would never wish that on her friend. Whatever was Loose Leaf going to do with this horrid product? She'd have to find a creative way to use it, or sell it.

However, as the pegasus mentioned that she was, in-fact, an artist and was available for work, Rarity hmmm'ed quietly, putting a hoof to her chin. As far as dress-making, shop-keeping, and general store design was concerned, she was in good hooves on her own. Though it did get to be a little much, she didn't want another highly creative mind to impede on her own style and inspiration. Though, having a pony that she could call for advertisements or such things might be nice, and she did always dread cleaning the windows.

"You know what? I'll keep that in mind!" Rarity nodded, bringing the card over with her magic to look at it, "I never really did need much extra help around here, but it would be wonderful to have a pony on-call for various things. Especially such a creative one! We artists have to work together, yes? Even if we are in different fields. Now... What to do about your horrid make-up?"

Loose Leaf pondered this conundrum. "Hmmmmm... Well, the oil content is pretty high. I know this sounds kind of odd, but maybe I can use them as some sort of pigment for paints. Home-make something," she said, checking the new ponytail. It was flawless. "I might as well. Not going to be of any other use."

Loose leaf scooted out of the chair and started to pack up her supplies. She was careful not to disturb any of the bottles or other products on the vanity. With a sweep of her tail, she dusted Rarity's cushion. She gave the unicorn a big smile.

"Heh... I hope that leaves everything almost the way it was before I... uh... intruded. I guess," she muttered under her breath. "I really do appreciate the fashion part. I have a good enough eye, for artwork and such, but I can admit I don't really use myself to set an example... mostly 'cause I'm just lazy. Ehem, though I'm sure that's no excuse for a pony such as yourself."

Although she didn't say anything about it, Loose Leaf was eying Rarity. Not a single strand of purple hair or stroke of make-up was out of place.  Her perfectly styled mane and spotless coat made Loose Leaf feel frumpy and well... not at all like a fashionista. She didn't even feel well groomed, other then the recent brushing of course. Then again, the whole "looking presentable" thing was more her sister's style. It was pretty mandatory in her line of work. Not so much for an artist. Admittedly, the demographic could get away with grungier looks.

"I probably should get out of your mane soon since I don't have the money to buy anything here. I would feel a bit bad about taking up more of your time," Loose Leaf admitted, throwing her packs over her back. "Hopefully I can buy something once I get a couple of bits under me. Trying not to take out any of my savings right now, so things are tight. But if you need an advertisement, or your windows clean, or even want to hang out, just let me know. I'm pretty free considering I'm new and don't have much to do."

"Now, there you go! A wonderfully creative idea," Rarity said, moving back from the seat a little to give the pegasus enough room to pack up her things, "And, if they work out well enough, you won't need to buy art supplies for a bit. Though, I do have to wonder what you will use the false eyelashes for."

She watched Loose Leaf as she was very carefully gathering her equipment, not letting anything disturb the order of things as they were before she arrived. Such precision! It was obvious that she didn't want to intrude on Rarity's time any more than she had, though the unicorn didn't mind terribly. It had lifted her mood a little bit to help out someone in a fashion emergency.

"It is a lifestyle choice, Loose Leaf," she nodded, "And, let me assure you, it is a lot of work, but the results are well worth it, in my opinion. Besides, if I wish to sell beautiful things, I must -live- beauty!"

As the mare went on about not having the bits to buy anything, Rarity's eyes lit up a bit. If she gave Loose Leaf a gift, it would simply make her day! She had plenty of dresses of course, and she has been giving quite a few away, but it made her feel wonderful inside. Besides, free advertising! If all of Ponyville was wearing her fashions, people from all around would flock to her humble Boutique to get their own unique and exclusive outfit!

"Well, would you like one?" Rarity beamed, "I am currently displaying a wonderful pegasus line, and I'm sure there would be one that would fit your unique style! Go on, take a look through the showroom and select one!"

Loose Leaf's eye's lit up. She loved free things almost as much as she loved getting paid (there was still the satisfaction of buying something elegant on your own purse that appealed greatly to her). "Really? Are you sure? I mean everything here looks so..."

Lovely?
Authentic?
GLAMOROUS?

"Expensive," was the word that passed her lips. Although it was probably not the adjective the fashionista wanted to hear, it was the truth and unfortunately, Loose Leaf's major concern. The mare eyed the glimmering crystals on each dress. Her stomach flopped uncomfortably at their numbers, each most likely with a corresponding "0" on the price tag. Goodness, even the price tags were fancy!

"Are you sure you're sure?" she asked again, cringing at the money Rarity was practically handing over to her. Loose Leaf had to admit that the unicorn's kindness was a little overwhelming. Not that it was a bad thing, oh no. Just that it was an unfamiliar thing. Even as the guilty weight hung on her, the tantalizing curves of the clothing were... well, tantalizing. "I mean, they're all just so beautiful. I would hate to take one if you weren't 100% certain you were okay with it."

Even as Loose Leaf said this, her body moved instinctively towards a patch of warm colored dresses. Such shades always had looked best on her. Carefully, she lifted the hem of a dress that was dyed with gentle swirls of color like a sunset. Once she started, she couldn't stop. Her eyes were bouncing from skirt hem to neckline, every color in the shop bursting forth more lovely then the next. The frills were dainty, but screamed too dressy. Gemstones lining the hems added a regal touch, but intimidated her.

Each and every outfit was so desirable, but Loose Leaf didn't know where to even start. The choices made her head spin. Such an ailment was common whenever she attempted shopping. Budget made every choice that much more important, and even though her dress would be free, the fact it was a gift meant there would be no going back. No returns. No regrets.

For the second time that day, Rarity was washed in the satisfaction of seeing someone overjoyed at her own generosity. It almost made her giggle, despite herself, as the mare in front of her continued to question her decision, eyes wide with wonder as she looked over the various selections available. Was this pushing the limit of her generosity, giving away two fabulous dresses to newcomers? Well, not in the wake of the massive sum of bits the Princess had rewarded her for her work! That small fortune could easily pay her back for the materials and time spent on the dresses. Even if she didn't come into so much money of late, the rich reward of the joy of giving was enough to assure herself in her decision!

"I am completely, positively, and most definitely sure of my decision, Loose Leaf," Rarity exclaimed, "Everyone should own something beautiful, I think. Not that you don't... But, regardless! While fabulosity can have an expensive price tag, I do my part to spread it, especially if it makes them as happy as you seem to be, my dear!"

Rarity followed the pegasus over to her display area, beaming as she looked over every dress and ensemble with an appreciative eye. Every dress had a story closely associated with their creation. Some were the result of bursts of inspiration, like a brilliant morning sunrise or flower petals riding a breeze. Others personified emotions... love, jealousy, excitement, passion! And, of course, others were based off of specific ponies she had met, even if they were not aware of it.

"Ooh, warm colors would go so well with your mane!" Rarity gushed, "You -do- have an eye for color."

"I'm an artist, I have to have an eye for color," Loose Leaf giggled, snort not included this time around. It was much more whimsical in light of the complement. Her eye moved over a slim, satin dress. Loose Leaf was immediately drawn to it. Unlike many of the other dresses, it had no gems of any sort on it. Still, it was elegant, with delicate floral designs sewn into the collar of the top. Loose Leaf couldn't help but gush.

"This dress is beautiful. I love how you made the skirt a bright rouge. It stands out so nicely with the lighter beurre and rose you used on the rest of the dress," the mare started. She held the skirt out tenderly, looking back at the two colors that made the top, the rose back dipping to make room for wings. The more Loose Leaf looked at it, the more in love she fell. The terrible part of her wanted to pair it with some of her clunky boots, or a pegasus jacket. If the fashion choice came to that, she wouldn't let Rarity see. She had a feeling the fashionista would not appreciate such a unique spin on the outfit. Without her own unique additions, the dress would serve double for any fancier outing or for the rare day she felt like being pretty.

"Could I... could I have this one? Please? I mean, if you don't have other plans for it. It's just so... so perfect! I'll even pay you back, promise! I just can't believe you're letting me have one for free. I mean FREE! You know what? No. No, I won't take it for free, I REFUSE!" Loose Leaf took the hoofs of the mannequin in hers. "A dress this nice, this perfect just can't be. Look at the superb collection of colors, only a three shade pallet that both complements well and makes each color pop. And the way the skirt hangs over the flank just so and accentuates a pony's plush rump!"

Loose Leaf was far too gone into her world to consider if she was treading into "bad-touch" territory with the mannequin. Before she could be possibly stopped, her affections turned on Rarity.

"I know! I have just the way to pay! Art must create more art! Each piece is capable of infinite inspiration, and that is just what this dress has done! Together, we will birth a love child between your brain and mine." Loose Leaf took Rarity's perfectly polished hoofs into her own less-maintained ones and look deep into the unicorn's eyes, into her SOUL. "Rarity, I Loose Leaf shall paint you as payment for this dress and a symbol of blossoming artistic stuff. Just picture it now, you sporting yourself on an elegant spread, perhaps a single piece of your choosing to accentuate your glorious bareness. So natural and elegant. What do you say? Would you except my gift? Puuuleeeeeeeeeeease?"

The mare flashed the biggest grin she could muster, and her eyes grew big in an attempt to share her glorious vision with Rarity.

Rarity's eyes lit up as Loose Leaf was drawn to the lovely satin creation she had up for display. It truly was a wonder, though the fashionista had a heated internal debate on whether to add some gems to the hem of the skirt of between the wings, but had ultimately decided against it. The colors were the real attraction, and a glittery jewel would take a way from that.

"Doesn't it, though?" Rarity said, glad to be speaking to another artist, "My inspiration was a brilliantly warm field of summer flowers! It just embodies nature, and life, and warmth! Elegant, yet daring, wouldn't you say? Magnifique!"

As the pegasus gushed at her work, she couldn't help but a take a few steps back, letting the mare have her space with the... mannequin. It had been quite a while since somepony had gushed about her work to this extent, and in such detail! Not even Princess Luna was this excited with her unique commission. Rarity's wide blue eyes followed her, raising an eyebrow slightly.

"I do insist, especially since you are so enraptured in-" Rarity began, but her assurance was quickly interrupted by Loose Leaf's sudden turn, holding her hooves and staring deep into her aqua pools. Now both eyebrows were raised in gentle surprise as her personal space was invaded, her pupils almost seeming to quiver gently as she took in the pegasus' suggestion. It was almost like dealing with Pinkie Pie!... With less... singing. However, her suggestion did intrigue her, even if calling it a 'love child birthed by their brains' was bordering on... weird. Even if she didn't say it, to keep up modesty, a part of Rarity always wanted to be immortalized an art. Well, her soul was certainly immortalized already, what with her personal and unique designs, but this could be a chance to have her outer beauty expressed as well!

"I... Well, I..." she stammered for a moment, staring into that huge smile, "I accept your gift!... If you are absolutely sure you'd like to do it."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:21, Mon 30 July 2012.

"Yes. Yes I would," Loose Leaf stated firmly. "Now that we have established that this little artistic collaboration is going to come to fruition, I must insist that you choose the time that we start our masterpiece. As my muse of the moment, you are granted the luxury of deciding when you wish to be engraved in history. Mostly because I am never doing anything and can pretty much swing whenever."

For Rarity's sake, she finally let go of her hoofs. She turned away and started to browse the collection of trinkets in the store with her pierced brow cocked. "Now it's simply a matter of what should be the complementary piece. I'm sort of wanting to go for a sultry pin-up. Something classy yet sensual with a subtle undertone of devious ambition. All of it wrapped up and served hot in sophistication. You know, that thing you're like, really good at doing. The whole... uhm... fancy, elegant way you do everything. But more femme fetal," the mare mumbled, deep in thought. A sly smile crossed her features. "Mmmm, yes, that would do nicely. Though we must be subtle with the sensuality of the piece, else we mar ourselves as too lofty of devils, heh heh."

"Yes, I think I've got it. I think I will leave the garnishing touch to you. Add a bit of a personal touch to the piece, something that you feel will complement you, but I do request that it doesn't distract the adds to your look. I want it to pull the viewer into you, not distract them or clutter your image. In addition, I want you to come to me with no make up on. I want to make sure that what I paint your face compliments the tone for the rest of the painting." Loose Leaf scanned her eye over Rarity's frame, already starting to contemplate the color scheme. Perhaps a blue, no violet! But that would be too close to her hair. Unless she darkened it. Hmm, no. Maybe if she could mix in some red into all the shades, that would add a vibrant gloss, but might take away from Rarity's own cool pallet. The choices to make were ones she felt she may have to contemplate for a bit, or perhaps simply wait to see what fits when the posing began. She always was slightly a bit more impromptu, working in bursts of inspiration. She carved images and beyond into the world in fits of passion that both soothed and invigorated her. Perhaps this was one of those times. No.

She knew it was.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:20, Wed 01 Aug 2012.

"Yes, the time! Of course, well... I do have a few orders to fill within the week, but I should be able to make some time in my schedule for this sort of thing!" Rarity smiled, trotting off to the side to consider her schedule for a moment, "If I get some work done this evening, well, a good amount of it... I should have some time... say... tomorrow afternoon?"

The unicorn considered what complementary piece would be the best for the proposed piece of art. Perhaps a scarf, something soft in a a cool color that was easy on the eyes. Ooh, or her glasses!... Especially if they were going for a... sultry... pin-up? She turned, tilting her head slightly as Loose Leaf went on about her sophisticated way of doing everything. A blush crept onto her cheek as she considered that some mare had thought that highly of her beauty that she would be suited for such a thing. It was a huge boost to her already inflated ego.

"N-no make-up...?" Rarity stammered out, suddenly going rather pale. No make-up meant no stunning eyeshadow to accentuate her lovely eyelashes. No false eyelashes to be accentuated by her stunning eyeshadow! Worse yet, Loose Leaf would learn one of her most carefully guarded secrets that only her closest friends and a few assorted chefs knew.

"Well, if that's what you want to do! You are the artist... I am but a humble muse!" Rarity said.

"Well I'm glad you're thinking like that. A lot of ponies get all self cautious when it comes to being models, but I know you'll be peachy-keen. Look at you all brimming with confidence, you'll be fiiiiiiine. I just know it," Loose Leaf said, heading for the door. "Anyways, it's getting late and I should probably get out of your mane if you're going to finish all your work and actually grace me with your presence tomorrow. Should I meet you here? Or perhaps my place? You're choice, though most of my supplies are at my home. The address is on my card. The one I gave you, remember? Oh wow, I should probably clean the place then... huh. Oh well, I'll hopefully get to that tonight. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanyways."

Loose Leaf shot Rarity a smile. "I can't wait to see you tomorrow Rarity. I just know you'll love the piece. No doubt in my mind. I have a muse after all."

--> From: Ponyville Town Square

Shaking herself dry on the doorstep, Shai Ni waits until she is positive she will not track anything inside before opening the door and tentatively stepping inside, then spotting the fabulous Rarity with what looks to be a client.  Ever the considerate pony, Shai steps to the side and politely waits for the two to be done talking before announcing her presence.  In all honesty, she will be fine simply resting away from the coming rain, and Rarity's boutique is certainly a wonderful place to rest.

"Me? Self-conscious?" Rarity asked, waving the possibility away with her hoof, "Oh, don't be ridiculous! While I'm usually dressing models rather than being one, I am not in the least afraid to 'strut my stuff,' as it were. Oh, and your place? Of course! I wouldn't want you to drag all of your supplies all the way down to my Boutique."

She walked over with Loose Leaf to the door before taking a small glance out the window. A small sigh escaped her lips as she watched the drops of rain lightly pitter-patter against the glass. Dark clouds and raindrops always made her feel a little dour, and she absolutely hated ruining her mane, or an outfit...

Outfit! In all of the excitement over the commission, the pegasus had almost forgotten her gift!

"Ooh! One moment! Don't leave yet," Rarity exclaimed before dashing back to the showroom. With a delicate magical display, she lifted the ensemble off of the mannequin and began to delicately prepare it for it's journey, folding ever so gently, wrapping it up in plastic to avoid the potential rain damage, and finally presenting it in a Carousel Boutique bag which was decorated with Rarity's cutie mark. Upon making her way back, she presented her new friend with the bag.

"Couldn't forget this, now could we?" Rarity smiled, "Yes, see you tomorrow! Be careful of the rain!"

Looking to the side, she had noticed Shai idling near the entrance. Rarity smiled a bit, recognizing the acupuncurist. She had passed her quite a few times on the way to the Spa, but had never taken her services. While accupuncture was supposed to be terribly relaxing, the thought of needles piercing through her coat had made her a little squeamish. Sewing needles were one thing, but any other kind...

"Welcome to the Carousel Boutique!" Rarity beamed, "You came just in time! I was just about to close up for the evening. Dreadful weather we're having, just dreadful."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 22:21, Fri 03 Aug 2012.

When she is approached by Rarity, Shai Ni smiles in her usual gentle manner and nods.  "Yes, it is.  I was hoping you could help me with something, Miss Rarity,"  Honest and straightforward, as usual, the tiny acupuncturist blushes faintly and asks, "I am going on a 'date' soon, and my reference materials have told me that a mare must wear something special for such an occasion.  All I have to wear, however, are my dresses from home.  I... know little of Equestrian fashion, so I would like help from the expert."

Her choice of words may not be intentional, but the insinuation is still there.  She is not calling Rarity an expert, she is calling her the expert.  Also, upon closer inspection, it appears that Shai's spell to keep out the water didn't quite work flawlessly, as her mane and tail are still a bit damp.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:20, Fri 03 Aug 2012.

Loose Leaf took her bag with a big grin. "Right, almost forgot. Thanks. See you tomorrow Rarity," she said heading out the door. Noticing the new pony, she slipped her a business card. With a commercial grin and wink, Loose Leaf went outside to race the rain and soon-to-be-melting make-up home.

<--- Exit to Residential District: Loose Leaf's Home
This message was last edited by the player at 00:26, Sat 04 Aug 2012.

"Ooooh~! A date!" Rarity beamed, walking towards the small mare to give her a looking over, "Romance does seem to be in the air lately. I can find no better excuse to pretty up one's self than to impress a handsome colt. You have come to the right place, my dear. Do step inside! I'm sure we'll find something that will have your colt's jaw dropping."

Her mind was already reeling with ideas as she led the gentle unicorn to her showroom where she had just been with Loose Leaf. Though her current line was specifically focused on pegasi, she did have a few dresses which had been modified to suit the other two types of ponies. What Shai undoubtedly needed was something relatively simple, casual, that hinted at more. A soft appearance coupled with the temptation of depth, of beauty.

"Ah-haaah~!" Rarity exclaimed, "This one! You must wear this one on your date, Shai! You must!~"

In front of them both was a rather simple ensemble, but it fit what Rarity had in mind exactly! It was a black dress, held in the front by a delicate little collar with a small violet gem in the center. It hugged the midsection in a rather appealing way before flaring out in the back into a short skirt, just covering the flank. However, under the skirt was a billow of soft frills in a light violet shade that matched the gem in front.

Slightly unsure as to why Rarity assumes she is going on a date with a colt, Shai Ni quietly replies, "He is actually a stallion," but otherwise allows herself to be led around by the fashionista.  When she is shown the dress with the short skirt, Shai blushes a bit.  Somehow, wearing that dress seemed to be more, ah, racy than going without anything at all, and even before she puts it on to try, the small mare has a feeling she will definitely be filling somepony's fantasies if she wears the dress.  Still, the colors will definitely compliment her coat, and it does look rather nice...

Shai Ni walks up to Rarity and looks up at the dress with a faint tinge of red on her cheeks as she asks, "Do... do you think Mister Big Macintosh will like it?"

Rarity smiled a little as she mentioned Big Macintosh. The stallion of everypony's dreams, it seemed. Well, at least the ones in Ponyville, that is. Though she had heard a few things about her former classmate Cheerilee and the rugged stallion of few words, they must have just been a fling, or rumors, or something to that effect.

"I'm sure he will love it!" Rarity smiled, "This is casual, lovely, and yet has that underlying tone of 'Let's Have Fun!' with a touch of class. Not too mention how well that gem will bring out your eyes, my dear. Any Stallion worth his salt would be rather impressed, I would think."

Looking a bit bashful, Shai Ni hooves at the floor with a tiny smile at the appraisal given by Rarity.  She is quite sure the fashionista knows what she is talking about, but there is still something Shai wishes to do before deciding on the dress.

"May I... try it on?"

"Of course!" Rarity nodded, using her magic to lift the mannequin into the air, careful not to let it slip, "We will have to get it fitted a bit to account for your smaller frame, but it should be no trouble whatsoever! You'll fall in love with it once you try it on, I promise."

Leading her over to the center display with the three mirrors, the fashionista got everything prepared, bringing over the necessary supplies with a burst of magic. She had a lovely little collection of pins with cute ends stuck into a pincushion for hemming and making adjustments. Once prepared, she tapped the stage lightly with her hoof.

"If you will step right on up here, please, I'll get to work!"

With a tiny smile, Shai Ni steps out of her slippers and walks up onto the stage where Rarity is suggesting she stand, using her magic to unlace the rather complex bindings for her current dress, which, looking at it, seems deceptively simple at first.  Straightening out the dress with her magic, Shai Ni carefully lays it down smoothly on the ground so it will not crease before taking a deep breath, holding it, letting it out, and no longer blushing.  With a calm, serene expression, she turns to Rarity, her Cutie Mark visible for all to see, and says, "I am ready, Miss Rarity."

"Let's get started!" Rarity beamed, circling the stage a few times to get a good look at Shai, noting her unique cutie mark.

The fashionista wasted no time in getting straight to work. Through a careful series of instructions along the lines of "Lift your hoof, darling" and "Turn towards me a bit," she was able to get the deceptively simple dress onto the tiny acupuncturist. Though it fit well enough, her small frame made it a bit loose around the midsection which simply wouldn't do! Climbing onto the stage, Rarity started to make a few adjustments, pulling, hemming, sewing, puzzling over every last little detail, all the while using her magic to adjust the other unicorn's mane, taking out the little doo-dads, brushing it, and putting it back the way it was.

"That should just about... Ooh! Ought to polish that jewel... Ah-hah!... Do it!" Rarity smiled, walking off the stage with her measuring tape dangled around her neck and her glasses gently resting on her nose, "Take a look, darling! I personally think you pull off that look fabulously."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:06, Thu 09 Aug 2012.

The entire time, Shai Ni wordlessly follows Rarity's requests, lifting her hoof, setting it down, turning this way and that, lifting her chin, lowering her flank, lowering her chin, lifting her flank, and doing a myriad of poses that if she was around certain stallions would have had her blushing deeply.  Since she is alone with Rarity and is simply getting fitted into a dress to try it on, however, there is nothing embarrassing the petite unicorn at all.

When Rarity is finally done, she turns to look at herself in the mirrors and her eyes widen in awe.  She had no idea she could look like that!  And now she is, and she hasn't even done anything to her mane or tail yet.  For several seconds, Rarity gets the praise anyone doing any sort of makeover wishes for the most - speechlessness due to awe - before Shai Ni finally begins to get her mouth moving to speak.

"Jīngrén... amazing.  Miss Rarity, this is simply amazing!"

Rarity tittered a bit with excitement as she watched Shai's silent admiration of her work. Even if this was the third makeover she had done today, which was a personal record, the joy of seeing a costumer completely satisfied with her work never dulled and was always pleasing. Hard work did pay off, after-all!

"Isn't it, though? Oh, look at you!" Rarity beamed, getting back on the stage for a moment with a brush to smooth out her mane and tail, "Almost as if you were made for Equestrian fashion, and I do assure you that this is only the finest this side of Canterlot. Big Macintosh will be absolutely beside himself when he sees you. Oooh!~ You're going to have a marvelous time."

After finishing her brushing, she stepped off the stage to get one more look at her latest make-over project. It was a stunning ensemble, and the way it matched beautifully with Shai's own color palette made the unity absolute perfection.

"You simply -must- wear this one your date, Shai." 

Shai Ni is one of those ponies who doesn't really need makeup to look pretty.  Sure, a bit of blush, eye shadow, eye liner, and lip gloss can help accentuate her natural features, but she doesn't need it (much like Fluttershy that way).  However, she has seen herself dressed in Chineighs finery before, complete with makeup, and she never looked this good.  In fact, Shai Ni is questioning her preference for stallions as she looks at her reflection.

...

Nope.  Still all about the stallions.

As Rarity fixes her mane and tail, Shai continues to stare at her reflection in curious awe.

"Miss Rarity... you have such amazing skill and taste," she says as she turns in place one way, then the other, getting a feel for the dress and seeing how it looks at other angles.  "To remain in Ponyville when you could easily influence the fashion of a metropolis - perhaps even the world - you must truly love the town."

With a very pleasing smile, Shai turns to look directly at Rarity and says, "I will definitely write home about you and your dresses!  My family will feel much happiness when they see how I look."  For something somepony should be terribly excited about, Shai Ni seems rather calm.

"I do notice there is an unfortunate lack of undyed, untreated silk in your shop, however.  Would you like me to request a bolt or two when I write home?"

Well... she had tact for most of the conversation.

"Don't I though? You'd think my cutie mark would be a lovely dress of something, but diamonds are my true passion! Makes for a much better addition to the flank though, wouldn't you say?" Rarity grinned, making one final adjustment to her mane, taking a stray little hair out of place before a blush crept over her cheeks, "The world? Oh, no, no, no... Surely I'm not -that- much of a visionary...! I do have a soft spot for Ponyville, I must admit, though I've always dreamed of living and working in Canterlot! But, alas, I stay close to my roots, for... inspirational purposes, of course. Besides, moving away would take me away from all of my friends..."

She looked over Shai, noting her abnormally calm demeanor with a slightly raised eyebrow, not high enough to appear rude. Was everypony in Chineigh this... calm? It must be a wonderfully peaceful country in that case... No one bouncing about like Pinkie Pie to disturb the peace.

"Ooh, silk you say?" Rarity said, then widened her eyes, "IDEA~! I will gift you that dress, my dear, if you request me some of your gorgeous silk and promise me that we will have lunch so I can hear all about how your date went!"

It was amazing what a difference a single strand of hair makes.  Shai Ni suddenly went from mostly cute to slightly sultry with that single change from Rarity, and she feels... good.  With the practiced ease of a mare who is not afraid to flirt a bit to get her way, Shai takes a pose that pushes her flank out just so as she looks into the mirror with half-closed eyes, pushing the sexy level even higher.  She then takes a slightly different pose while biting her bottom lip, turning the sexy back into cute.  For a pony who has never had time for romance, she is certainly well practiced.  Then again, studying for the possibility will do that.  With a very pleased smile, the Chineighs unicorn turns to Rarity and replies, "It shall be so.  I will write home tomorrow with the request, and then we shall have lunch after the 'date.'"

When she says the word 'date', Shai Ni's excitement begins to show through her normally calm self and she begins to prance with her forelegs, her grin getting bigger.

<-- Entering from Books and Branches Library

The trek to Rarity's boutique from the library wasn't a long one, though it gave the three Ponies a chance to make small-talk on the way.  Twilight was still rather surprised over Widget's behavior... he got all flustered around her, but went about chatting up celebrities and royalty like it was nothing at all.  Part of her was deeply flattered on the case and she couldn't help but remain close at his side the whole trip.  When they reached the boutique, Twilight stopped outside and knocked on the door sharply, though she was quick to magic away the splotch of mud she'd left on Rarity's door -- the fashionista would throw a fit if she saw it.

"Rarity~!  Are you home?" she called through the door, not quite realizing that since Luna was staying there she could just amble on inside.  Politeness was a first reflex.

Rarity couldn't help but watch Shai pose, tilting her head as the mare showed off. She did certainly know how to move, perhaps even rivaling Rarity's own flirtatious movements when she wanted some attention. It was something to admire, especially her smooth transition from sultry to adorable. As a part of her occupation, the fashionista was always appreciative of the beauty of other mares, but could it be a little bit more than that? She shook the thought from her head for the moment.

"Wonderful, darling!" Rarity smiled, noting her excited little prance, "Is there anything else I can do for- Ah! That would be the door. Do excuse me a moment."

Leaving her most recent satisfied costumer for a moment, Rarity held her head up high and gracefully trotted over to the door. A small peek through the window revealed Twilight, Widget, and the Princess! Using her magic, she opened the door to her Boutique.

"Why, Twilight! Widget! What a surprise to see you both. And, Princess! Always a pleasure. Please, do come in, but wipe your hooves off first, if you wouldn't mind," Rarity said, moving back into her shop a bit, "I was just finishing up with a costumer. You know Shai? She looks just lovely in this ensemble I selected for her."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:13, Tue 14 Aug 2012.

The Princess grinned as Rarity welcomed them. Following the others inside, Luna produced the Amethyst gems Spike had provided. "I've got these for you, Miss Rarity. Your friend Spike gave them to me for you - I wasn't sure where to begin looking." she said. "Will these do?"

Shai Ni is about to respond when the others make their entrance.  Of course, she recognizes Twilight Sparkle's voice, and turns with a smile to show off her new look, hoping to get yet another opinion (that will, of course, be "you look amazing", since it's a Rarity Dress and such, and in Shai's mind at the moment, there can be no wrong with a Rarity Dress).  She gets half-way turned when Rarity begins to speak, and upon hearing that Widget is also present, she feels that seeing a stallion's reaction will be even better!

She turns and starts to pose when she realizes that there was another pony present - and greeted by Rarity.

...

Princess Luna.

...

Oh, how quickly one can bow.  In fact, the bow was so sudden, there is a distinct thunk on the stage, and a quick glance shows why.  Shai's horn appears to have... embedded itself into the stage.  And poor Shai Ni recovers from her reflexes (by remembering the words from Princess Celestia that the princesses are ponies, too, and that Shai does not have to bow in their presence) just in time to discover, in front of everyone, that something is wrong.

She suddenly makes a rather... silly display of herself as her flank wiggles about in the air and her hooves slide a bit in place as she tries to do something.  Then her faint voice calls out in embarrassment.

"I'm... stuck..."

<<< FROM: Books and Branches Library

Widget, of course, had no idea how flattered Twilight was that he wasn't flustered by the company of royalty. He was perfectly confident in his abilities to socialize, even if he preferred to be alone than to mingle most of the time, and he had grown up in Canterlot, the son of a famous inventor and a royal guard. High society was not exactly foreign to him, and though it had been several years, he didn't let it intimidate him. It was Twilight who had inspired worry in him -- he cared much more about what she thought of him than what any royal or high society pony did.

"Good evening, Rarity," said Widget in a friendly tone as he obligingly wiped his hooves on the mat and stepped inside after making sure they were clean. He had actually never been to the boutique before. He sufficed his wardrobe with simple and practical vests, and he knew enough to know that 'simple' and 'practical' were practically curse words here.

He looked around thoughtfully for a moment until a loud thunk caught his attention, and he turned to the stage where Shai Ni was standing slumped over, her hair and the dress bunched at her shoulders, and her horn stuck in the ground...

"Oh, my," said Widget in half alarm and half amusement, moving quickly inside to help her. "Don't struggle, you might wedge it in further. We'll get you out of there quick as a flash," he said in as soothing a tone as he could, doing a rather admirable job of hiding his amusement. He looked up at Twilight and at first did nothing. He likely could use magic to morph or cut the wood and free Shai from the floor, but he doubted he could do it as quickly and cleanly and without so many splinters as she could.

"Oh, these will work just perfectly," Rarity smiled, looking over the batch of amethysts that the Princess brought out, "And you said Spike got these? What a talented little dragon my Spikey-Wikey is! Now, did he say whether he found them, or grew them~ MY STAGE!"

Hearing the loud thunk, Rarity instantly turned her head from the collection of gems to her stage at the center of her Boutique where Shai was modeling the dress. What was she doing? The little acupuncturist certainly wasn't clumsy, so why was she slumped forward with her horn imbedded into the wood of the stage?! A dramatic gasp followed by a hasty gallop brought her over to the scene.

"What have you done, Shai? This is~!... Aah! Twilight! Get her out of my stage!" Rarity shrieked, hopping up once before pointing a hoof to where Shai was stuck, "Getheroutgetheroutgetherout! And don't wrinkle the dress! And don't cause anymore damage than what has already been done! Oh, Celestia! My precious stage..."

Luna had been about to answer Rarity even as the fancy mare cut herself short. Luna's gaze joined Rarity's along to Shai Ni, as she'd bent over and stuck her horn into the wood. The princess raised a hoof awkwardly to her lips, glancing at Rarity, with a guilty feeling.  Her horn illuminated gently, and enveloped the acupuncturist gently.

She carefully pulled her up into the air a few inches, and set to righting her position, before putting her down away from the chipping in the floor. "Please... you need not scrape so...  vigorously..." she said, awkwardly... Looking to Rarity, she would follow he rup to the stage to investigate the damage.

Twilight raised a hoof to her mouth at the sight of Shai Ni stuck like that, not sure of what to make of it.  Part of her wanted to laugh because of how ridiculous the acupuncturist looked in such a state, but that part was very promptly dogpiled, bound, and gagged by the more reasonable parts of Twilight's mind.  Luna handled getting Shai Ni unstuck, so the Unicorn focused more on getting Rarity to stop freaking out.

"Rarity, relax... it's just a little damage."  Twilight assured the flustered fashionista with a gentle pat on the shoulder.  Her horn lit with a pale purple glow that shone down on the hole Shai Ni had punched into the stage's boarding.  The wood shimmered and flowed together like liquid, instantly sealing up the damage to leave it good as new.  "There, see?  Nothing a Quick-Fix Spell can't take care of."

Of course, there was the more pressing matter of Shai Ni herself.  Twilight eased over and gave the other Unicorn a soft look.  "You okay Shai?"  she asked.  Knocking one's horn into things stung pretty badly, after all... like hitting your funny bone on a table edge.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:48, Wed 15 Aug 2012.

Despite the pain of her horn getting stuck, then unstuck, Shai's priorities were in a much different subject.  Namely, the damage she had just caused to Rarity's property, and the fact that she had just wiggled her rump in the air in front of so many ponies.  Upon getting to stand up again, she blushes, uses her magic to straighten out the dress once again, and quickly turns to Rarity with an embarrassed, shameful, and guilty expression.

"Duìbùqǐ!" she exclaims, before realizing that nobody will have a clue what she is saying and repeating it in Equestrian.  "Sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry!"

Widget was rather shocked at Rarity's reaction to what had happened, though the surprised expression quickly became a rather dark glower in her direction. The Element of Generosity, it seemed, could most certainly be heinously cruel when something she cared about was on the line and never mind another pony's feelings about it... Couldn't she see how embarrassed poor Shai was at what had happened? And all Rarity could do was point at her and wail that her stage would be damaged or dress would be wrinkled??

Until now, Widget had liked all of Twilight's friends. But this little sliver of Rarity's personality had left quite the bad taste in his mouth already. One thing was certain, he wouldn't be getting his suit from her...

He snorted sharply and turned his attention back to Shai, his expression softening as he smiled comfortingly at her. "It's alright, Shai Ni, don't be upset," he soothed. "It was just an accident. They happen. No big deal at all. Look, the stage isn't even scuffed. You aren't hurt, are you?"

Rarity watched quietly after her little episode as Luna lifted Shai from the hole in her stage. Now that the mare was safely out of the stage, the fashionista could see that the damage was rather minimal. Nothing but a little hole in the wood, easily fixed as Twilight had so carefully reminded her as she put her magic to work in fixing it. She paused and looked down to her hooves in a moment of shame. She had a rather large reputation for making mountains out of mole-hills, despite how unladylike that could be at a given moment. Including this one.

However, the dirty look and the snort she received from Widget was also completely uncalled for! Well, perhaps it made sense given her rather selfish reaction, but, still! A gentleman would hold a neutral expression and confront her at a later point, not glare and snort sharply in her direction. And Twilight was dating this person?

"Yes, well... It was just an accident, Shai, and I forgive you," Rarity told her, looking rather humble with her head inclined slightly, "And I'd like to apologize for my outburst. It was very unladylike of me, and I should have checked to see if you were alright first before fussing over some silly old things."

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.

Sweetie Belle soon finished tidying up and came from the bathroom looking a far cry better than she'd been moments prior.  With her coat dried and back in order, she cantered idly along into the kitchen to sit at the table and wait for dinner to be made.  Normally she'd be excited to help, but she had a bit on her mind just then.

"Well, there's these two at school: Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.  They're the richest fillies in town and they pick on everyone else in class all the time." she began.  That would come as no surprise though -- Rarity and the others would have heard about those two troublemakers from the Crusaders before.  "The thing is, Diamond Tiara wasn't in school today, so Silver Spoon kinda acted weird.  She wasn't really all that mean to anypony, and she even wanted to hang out with the rest of us while we... played... after school."

Sweetie Belle had been around both of the bullies together and independently long enough to know that it wasn't just Diamond Tiara's absence that could change her companion's behavior.  Silver Spoon had a nasty streak of her own.  "She was actually sorta nice, kinda.  I mean, she was still snooty and a little rude, but she was also kinda helpful too.  Plus it turns out she's pretty smart." she continued, trying to make sense of things by talking them out.  "Do bullies ever just... y'know... stop being bullies?  Like, do they get lonesome?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:58, Fri 24 Aug 2012.

Rarity listened carefully to her sister's story as she finished preparing the salad with a few gentle tosses of the bowl. She had heard many stories before about Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, and she knew them both to some degree, having made the former a dress for her Cute-ceañera quite a while back. While she was rather ashamed of it, Diamond Tiara reminded her a lot of herself at that age. Condescending. Rude. Obsessed with looks. Hungry for attention. The mere thought caused the mare to gently sigh as she put the big salad bowl down. Using her magic, she served two portions and brought it over to the table, taking a seat across from her sister.

"Of course bullies get lonesome, Sweetie," Rarity assured her, giving her a sincere look, "Why do you think they become bullies in the first place, hm? They get lonely, and insecure, so they take it out on every other pony in order to make them feel better. But, they don't have to be bullies forever! Especially if someone is kind to them. Why, they can change right around, and become your best friends!"

As dinner was served up, Sweetie Belle made another attempt at magic.  Her little horn glowed a pale blue as she focused hard on her fork, trying her best to float it up and spear a wedge of tomato.  The most she got was making the utensil shudder and just begin to lift up off the surface of the table a bit before she exhausted her small reservoir of energy and had to stop.  How did grown ups make that look so easy?!

"You really think we could be friends?" she asked incredulously.  The little filly herself wasn't against the notion at all... but how would Applebloom and Scootaloo handle such a thought?  They seemed pretty comfortable being at odds with Ponies like Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.  Still... she had been pretty nice all that afternoon.  She hadn't even called them Blank Flanks much.  From Rarity's view of things, Sweetie Belle pitched into deep thought with her chin in her hooves while she distractedly nibbled at her dinner in spite of how hungry she'd claimed to have been.

Beginning of Day 8!

Rarity's bed had felt rather hard that morning. Rather than the snuggly mattress, blankets and pillows that usually surrounded her resting form, there was only a flat surface and an incredibly stiff and unusually shaped pillow that wasn't comfortable in the least. As she blinked her eyes open, the situation suddenly became very apparent. She was slumped up against the sewing machine.

Groggily, she yawned and pushed herself away from her workstation to get a good look in the mirror. Rarity cringed as she looked at the state of her mane and face, groaning as she put her hoof over her visage to hide her features. Her mane was almost literally everywhere, slumped out of shape and frayed in various places. Her eyes, normally radiant and beaming, were droopy and plagued with deep lines underneath.

"Girl, we've got work to do..." Rarity sighed softly to herself, trotting over to her powder room, "Pass me the paint and glue..."

She caught herself a quick shower, humming a little song. Though the last evening was filled with working, she had gotten almost all of her orders done! Luna's outfits were ready, including the one made especially for Celestia, and her design work for Twilight and Widget's outfits were completed and ready to be made real. Though she looked awful at the moment, a song was just the thing to push her through her morning routine.

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
Perfect isn't easy, but... it's... me!
When one knows the world is watching,
One does what one must.
Some minor adjustments, darling.
Fix this atrocity, for fabulosity.
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

Feeling much more fresh from her shower, she began to use her magic to bring over a variety of make-up and her mane-dryer to get to work. In no time at all, her lines were hidden, her eyes adorned with eyelashes, long and fluttery with that beautiful blue eyeshadow. Her mane was dried and done up in just the right way with her veritable arsenal of beautification tools at her disposal. Strolling out into her room proper, she continued singing.

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
Each little step or pose,
Poise, grace, and beauty shows.
Uh!
Sometimes it's too much for even me!
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

Going over to her closet and drawers, she began to look for something to accent her features this morning. A scarf perhaps? Though it wasn't cold, it was always a fashionable accessory. Perhaps a necklace? A giant hat with a feather?

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
But when all the world says yes,
Then who am I to say no?
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

Finally, she selected a beautiful purple scarf and wrapped it around her neck before posing dramatically in front of her window.

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
Don't ask a filly to dress like a lily.
No, girl, you need a pro!
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

Pushing the window open, she almost expected a flock of birds to attend to her, whistling along with her tune, dressing her up, fawning over her beauty. Instead, she was welcomed to the quiet morning air and a bit of wind, making her shiver slightly as she shut the window with a bit of a pout.

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
Not a mark or a goof,
Take a peek at that hoof!
La..La..Laaa!
Perfection becomes me, nest ce pau?
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

Making her way to the mirror, she posed a few times, examining herself from every possible angle to make sure everything was just right.

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
Unrivaled! Unruffled!
I'm beauty unleashed!
Jaws drop. Hearts stop.
Such class and humility,
Just like nobility!
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

Continuing on a series of notes, she made her way down the stairs with a bounce in her step. She wasn't going to let something as minor as falling asleep by the sewing machine... again... put a damper on her day! Today, she would finally get a chance to get out of the Boutique, to relax, to enjoy herself!

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
Though I covet the upper class,
This town's the right place for me!
You pretty colts all over the city,
I have your hearts, and you have my pity.
Pretty is nice, but still, it's just pretty!
Perfect, my dear...
Is me!
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

She ended her song in her showroom, her last note ringing out for a good minute before she ended it with a dramatic pose, only to find that no one was watching. Confused by her ability to again make a song appear from nowhere, Rarity shrugged and went to the kitchen to make herself a little something.

Enter from Ponyville Residential District - Honey Sweets' Home

Honey took good time going to the Carousel Boutique enjoying the weather and taking good time saying hay to some of the ponies that he had met during his short time in Ponyville.

Opening the door, making the bell ring, Honey entered the showroom slowly. "Hello?" Honey called out to make sure that if there was somepony they would know there actually was somepony at the door. in the mean time Honey started looking around on all the colorfull fabric and all the beautifull clothes that was all over the showroom.

From Town Square --->

"It's Fancee. Means 'let's go'," the Doctor explained, entering the merry-go-round shaped store accompanied by the fanfare of the little bell and by Gusty. "Here we are! List item number two," he said, taking in the dressmaker's shop.

From Town Square --->

Gusty couldn't help but laugh a little at his comments. "Oh goodness! These are fancier clothes than I expected! They're so pretty."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:04, Fri 07 Sept 2012.

Her cupboards and refrigerator were almost bare, much to Rarity's dismay. Usually she had plenty of food stored up, especially for long work weeks like the ones she had been going through. However, while watching Sweetie Belle and having the Princess as company, they had been going through food faster than the fashionista had realized. At least this had given her an excuse to leave the Boutique... Shopping!

"I'll just need to grab a saddlebag," Rarity mused to herself as she made her way back through the showroom, "Perhaps the leather one with all the diamonds? Oooh...! Oh."

Looking at the amount of costumers she already had in the shop this morning, Rarity blinked a few times before breaking into a welcoming smile. No need to be rude, even if she was looking forward to being out of the shop for a while.

"Welcome to the Carousel Boutique!" she said, nodding to Honey, Gusty, and the Doctor, "Where everything is chic, unique, and magnifique! How can I bring some fabulosity into your lives today?"

[From Sweet Apple Acres]

Silva was astounded to see the place.  She had heard tales of it, but they were always such rumor that nopony ever really believed it was in Ponyville.  However, one eye falling on the designs as they stepped inside was enough to make her gasp loudly.  She had to stop a moment to still her beating heart and to resist the urge to cry out like a little fledgeling.  This was the Rarity's shop.  Not many ponies got to just come in here and talk to her, let alone order from her, and she was probably one of the first griffons to even see it!

"Ohmigoshohmigoshohmigosh!" she did her best to gush quietly so it wouldn't disturb the mistress of this fine establishment and her customers.  She managed to distract herself by holding the door for Applejack, though.  It'd be a bit of a wait to see Rarity, she had a feeling, even as the inner fan-filly in her came to the surface...