"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.