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.