Malicious Mailmares

[Gerrard]

The marvelous moon meandered across the magnificent sky of the municipality of Trottingham on an otherwise melancholy night. The quaint city was well into the night when a shadowy figure rushed into town with a surprisingly quiet canter. The figure belonged to a unicorn made with a body as dark as the night. Her form was cloaked in utilitarian garb that hid all details of her form aside from a few scant pieces of information on her face.

Her piercing crimson eyes scanned over the dark city streets, searching for places unknown. Faint traces of her scarlet mane came into view as she panned her head across the deserted roads of the sleeping town. After a few moments of searching, she had found her destination, the mare trotting towards the end of her journey, the mare's face as stoic as when she first set hoof in the city.

The mare's long black horn shimmered a dark red as she grasped the knocker on a seemingly ordinary door. It belonged to a Mr. Saddlesore, or at least that was what her client had told her. Even though it was late, this was something she had to do. With one swift movement, the mare knocked on the door with the rigid metal apparatus, filling the home with loud reverberations as she tried to elicit the attention of the resident.

[Mojo]

Hearing the knocking at his door, the light blue Earth stallion could be heard rummaging around inside his modest little house. Saddlesore wasn't expecting any visitors, he rarely got any visitors because of his legendary grumpiness and overall grouchy demeanor. He did have a FEW friends who would drop by from time to time such as Mr. Waddle or Pigpen, but in general, most ponies in Trotingham just left him alone. Lights could now be seen shining through the windows as the blue stallion proceeded down the stairs towards the front door. He was in a foul mood (what else is new?) when he finally swung the front door wide open.

[colour=#0000FF]"Yeah, whatcha want?" [/colour]Saddlesore grunted until he got a good look at the tall unicorn mare standing in front of him. His eyes grew wide as saucers when he looked up at her lovely face! There was something about those crimson red eyes that instantly melted his nasty attitude away. Instantly, a wide grin came upon his face as he spoke in a more polite tone.

[colour=#0000FF]"Er, I meant to say, how can I be of service to you?" [/colour]the now joyful looking Saddlesore asked.

[Gerrard]

Asteria blinked ever so faintly as the grumpy stallion growled at her. The demeanour of the unicorn remained completely static, either because she expected a grumpy response or was just a composed person. The courier felt that the response was warranted and opted to hear him out without interruption.

Crimson orbs stared back at him while the stranger watched him pull an about face with his attitude. She silently contemplated why he might have changed, the made suspecting that he was either scared or infatuated. While it seemed likely that it was the latter, she was modest enough to entertain other options.

"My deepest apologies for interrupting you at such a late hour. I am Asteria Stillheart and your parcel was lost by your delivery pegasus. I was hired to retrieve it and deliver the object to you as fast as possible. Are you Sir Soresaddle? You match the description and address given to me," she politely remarked in a vaguely alluring Canterlot tone as the tall made performed a subservient bow before him.

Her long black horn glowed red as the shimmering sound of her magic filled the air outside his humble home. A small bulge appeared beneath her form fitted cloak, and just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished as she pulled a well wrapped package from a concealed location on her body. The unicorn held the object firmly in her magic aura before politely presenting it to him.

[Mojo]

[colour=#0000FF]"My package was lost in the mail? Bunch of lousy.." [/colour]Saddlesore started to complain, as if by reflex action, until he looked up and got another good look at Asteria. Once again, his gruff demeanor changed and a grin appeared on his face as he spoke in softer tone. [colour=#0000FF]"Why yes, Miss Stillheart, I am Sir Saddlesore. Thank you SO much for delivering my lost package, won't you come in? You're probably tired after your long journey, could I fix you some tea?"[/colour]

The blue stallion couldn't help but smile! Asteria's beauty made him forget all about his negative view of the Equestria Postal Service, for the moment.

[Gerrard]

The cloaked courier blinked as he grumbled to himself about the notoriously unreliable postal service. She decided that he deserved a more appropriate explanation, the unicorn shifting her tall form ever so faintly as she gathered her thoughts. "Your mail was delivered to a dragon by accident. He was sleeping and fortunately did not disturb your package. The carier spoke of a daring delivery to a dragon, and with a bit of research, it was determined that they had delivered your parcel to the wrong person,"she explained partially before being asked inside by the stallion. For one reason or another, the strange made avoided speaking the common word of pony and seemed to speak broadly in specific circumstances.

She paused for just a moment when asked, weighing the costs and benefits of accepting his offer. Asteria had no obligations for the rest of the week and had time to spare. While there was a chance that this could be an elaborate ploy to trap her, it seemed very unlikely, not to mention rude to deny his hospitality. "I will accept your terms for company. My journey has only been approximately 50 miles and I am only suffering from a minute case of dehydration. I can accept your request for tea as well, although I would prefer water, unless it would be too much of a bother. It would be a cheaper alternative for you, while being a healthier alternative for me," Asteria commented, in the same tone as before, her seeming strangely static, just like her stoic expression. She seemed to be the agreeable type, feeling the need to justify even the faintest signs of dissent.

After giving him her two cents, the seemingly aloof mare lowered her head in a subservient manner again. "Regardless, I will accept your terms and enter your residence. Your hospitality be be duly noted, thank you," she explained in her usual polite, if not submissive manner as she waited for him to show her around. While he did invite her in, she didn't want to aimlessly roam about his home and accidentally trespass into his personal areas.

[Mojo]

Saddlesore listened intently to Asteria's explanation.

[colour=#0000ff]"A dragon?" [/colour]the blue stallion neighed in astonishment. [colour=#0000ff]"The Mail Service delivered MY package to a DRAGON? How preposterous!"[/colour]

Pretty face or no, Saddlesore was now starting to revert back to his grumpy, grouchy form, especially when the tall mare when the mare began lecturing him on the value of water. Still, Saddlesore regained his composure as he led her inside.

[colour=#0000ff]"I am curious, Miss Stillheart, you say you traveled 50 miles just to deliver my package? I must say, I do admire your efforts. Water? Of course ma'am, I will gladly fetch you some water. Please have a seat in my living room and make yourself comfortable."[/colour]

[Gerrard]

His amazement was quickly followed by a sense of anger that was quickly washed away with a sense of cheer. His emotions were very strange by normal standards, but that thought did not cross her mind. Accepting something as weird without explanation was like disrespecting the thought process of the eccentric stallion. She decided that it was probably best to explain herself in an attempt to temper his feelings.

"I am a contractor, hired by the postal service to retrieve your package when their employees cited unsafe working conditions for the package retrieval, she explained to him while he was probably getting water.

The mare decided to check if her actions were the source of his actions by becoming compliant. When asked to relax and get comfortable, she silently agreed to do so, not wanting to alienate him further. Her long black horn glowed red while her magic aura enveloped her cloak. The sound of buttons popping and fasteners loosening filled the air as she freed herself from her heavy cloak. Her saddle bags quickly followed and in what seemed like seconds, she had shed her restrictive equipment and revealed her true form.

Her tall body seemed to operate like an optimized machine, long lean muscle muscles fitted tightly be weather her black coat, that was accented with her cutie mark, a discreet silver package Her scarlet mane was shortly cut in a utilitarian manner that couldn't hide the seemingly perpetual expression of indifference on her stoic face. Even an untrained eye would be able to tell that she was a trained runner of some sort.

Asteria took a comfortable seat on his couch, the courier carefully folding her long legs as she settled down. With one swift swipe of her magic, she pulled a ledger out of her bags and sat it down on the table for him to sign when he returned. It chronicled the details of her delivery, from the ditsy pegasus, to the 'scary' dragon. It even had the official seal of Trottingham stamped on it for extra credibility.

Edited March 28, 2013 by Gerrard

[Mojo]

While Asteria was getting more comfortable, Saddlesore was busy pouring her a glass of water and then bringing it into her. But when he walked in and saw Asteria minus her saddlebags and cloak, his eyes grew as big as saucers. He never imagined that her tall, lovely form was so exquisite! She was the most beautiful mare he'd ever seen in his life! As his mouth gaped open, he dropped the tray that was in his mouth holding her glass of water. Standing there for a moment, all he could do was nervous stutter for a while before shaking his head and coming back to his senses.

[colour=#0000ff]"Oh horsefeathers! I spilled your drink, I'll get you another one, be right back! Don't go away!" [/colour]the excited stallion neighed as he galloped back to the kitchen and returned moments later with a new glass of water on the tray he brought in and sat on the table beside her. [colour=#0000ff]"So, you're NOT with the Postal Service, my apologies. I am upset with them, not with you, so can I get you anything else Miss Beautiful... er... I mean, Miss Stillheart?"[/colour]

[Gerrard]

Asteria watched patiently as he returned, the stallion unable to control his mouth for reasons unknown to her. She wondered if her newly revealed form had frightened or surprised him. The mare watched him critically as he stammered nervously and apologized. She blinked her crimson eyes, her orbs vanishing behind her dark eyelids as she formulated a comment.

"You do not need to apologize, I am not offended. Regardless, I appreciate your sentiment," she explained patiently as he fled to get more water. She cocked her head to the side, ever so faintly as she tried to understand his seemingly irrational behavior. She returned her head to it's normal position when he returned and spoke to her about her work.

"Yes, you are correct about me not working directly for the postal service. I operate a private company that specializes in the discreet delivery and retrieval of sensitive and important documents," she explained in her in usual professional and rigid manner.

When the nervous stallion called her beautiful by accident, Asteria blinked, the only physical tell her controlled form ever seemed to have, while she thought over how to address his awkward confession of admiration. The mare was self trained to react quickly to a wide array of situations, and while she never prepared for one like this, Asteria decided to nod while accepting his compliment. "Thank you Sir Saddlesore, I am glad that my personal appearance is satisfactory for you. I believe that your form is satisfactory as well," the athletic mare awkwardly replied on her usual confident manner as her crimson eyes examined him. It was a bit unclear what her exact thoughts were behind her stoic visage, but then again, that was probably the point of her serious demeanor.

"I have no immediate pressing needs sir. Thank you for the attention though I appreciate your efforts," she politely added, deciding to address her own needs last. One thing about the made was peculiar though, for the entire duration of his accidental outburst, Asteria never blushed a single time. Was her coat simply too dark to see the blush through? Was she simply a robot that felt no emotions? Or was she just really good at hiding any potential shyness?

[Mojo]

[colour=#0000FF]"I hope you like your water," [/colour]Saddlesore said as he cautiously took a seat in a chair in front of the sofa his houseguest currently sat on. The blue stallion was trying very hard not to embarrass himself or Asteria, but having little experience in matters of friendship or even, for that matter, courtship, he did his best to keep things professional.

[colour=#0000FF]"You say I need to sign something? I will be happy to do that. And I will certainly put in a good word to your superiors about the great service you've provided for me today."[/colour]

Saddlesore was completely enthralled by this beautiful unicorn mare, but he had to watch his manners and behave civilly. One bad move or word spoken could cause her to leave, and he really didn't want that to happen.

[Gerrard]

The long black horn atop her head glowed red yet again as she deftly gripped her cup. The mare gave the water only the faintest of visual observations, not wanting to offend him before she politely took a sip of the cold liquid. It tasted within the normal parameters of water and she decided there was nothing negative to comment about the water. "Thank you Sir Saddlesore, the water is everything I could have predicted. It is satisfactory for the sating of my thirst," she responded politely in her usual manner, the black pony still using a peculiar set of words to speak. After speaking, she opted to finish the drink, the mare believing that placing down a cup that still had water in it could be interpreted as a disapproval of his water. A few seconds later, she had placed the empty drink on the table and returned her fiery eyes to her gracious host.

Asteria slid the ledger over to Saddlesore, neatly placing it in front of him with her magic. "Yes, could you do me the favour of signing for the item. I need evidence of your retrieval of the item before I can officially give it to you. The good word will be welcomed, I hope to provide additional contracting work for the postal service in the future," she explained, patiently, doing her best to seem gracious. For Asteria, dealing with others was always delicate business where she tried her best to avoid stepping on anyone's feet.

She felt that his hospitality and accommodating attitude needed some sort of mention, the mare blinking as she thought over the best way to order her words. Making an open ended comment seemed like the best idea to her, increasing the likelihood that he would be receptive to her offer. "Sir Saddlesore, is there any way I can help repay your generosity? I am open to a wide array of options to accommodate your selfless actions," she added stoically for him with a completely straight face while her athletic body rested comfortably on the couch for him.

[Mojo]

[colour=#0000FF]"Sign? For what item?" [/colour]Saddlesore asked with a dopey grin on his face before he shook his head to get back to his senses. [colour=#0000FF]"Oh yes, of course! Sign for the package, how silly of me to forget like that!"[/colour]

The nervous stallion reached with his mouth for a pen to quickly sign the form Asteria was requesting.

[colour=#0000FF]"There. all done!" [/colour]he announced before trying to think of something else to say.

[colour=#0000FF]"Lovely day we had today, very pretty night too... " [/colour]Saddlesore's social awkwardness was showing again. Rarely did he have the pleasure of having visitors let alone a gourgeous mare who wasn't repulsed by his normally negative personality. [colour=#0000ff]"Oh, your question, Miss Stillheart. There's no need to repay me, just your presence here is reward enough for me..."[/colour]

[Gerrard]

When asked what item he needed to sign for, Asteria paused, thinking over her introduction of the item. She thought the presentation was clear, but mulled over possible ways to improve the visible delivery of said item. She could have described what she was actually delivering, but that idea was relegated to the back of her mind when she determined that it would be unprofessional to look at her clients item without asking them, something she clearly could not do until reaching them of course. His quick change of approach signaled to her that he was probably not paying proper attention, the mare thinking of better ways to gain his attention before he simply decided to sign the ledger.

Her keen eyes watched him sign with his mouth, a technique that was always hard for her in practice, the mare not usually having the time to work on her non magic manipulation of items. Upon Saddlesore finishing his signature, the black mare carefully scooped up the parchment and secured it in one of her saddlebags. "Thank you, I appreciate your kindness Sir Saddlesore," she commented, her words quickly being followed up by mention of weather. Asteria wasn't the type to usually mention weather, and figured that an observation that went contrary to his own was likely to create conflict. Her black eyelids hid her fiery orbs as she thought over a response that would be both truthful and informative. "There was a minimal amount of humidity in the air and the cloud cover was generally sparse today," Asteria added, the odd courier not understanding the point of weather discussion as she basically put forth evidence to attempt to support his statement instead of taking it as a queue for discussion.

Saddlesore would quickly go on to mention that he didn't need payment for his generosity, and the odd unicorn paused, thinking over the most efficient way to reply to his statement. While his kindness deserved some sort of payment, demanding to pay one would have been rude and only served to anger him further. After going over his words closely, she determined that he wanted payment in the form of her presence. If he wanted her to stay in his house as compensation, she would be willing to do so, the mare knowing that unpaid debts were usually subject to interest. The only question left for her, was one about the duration of this 'payment.' She had no current obligations and could spare a few hours, or days even, but she had never dealt with such abstract exchanges of currency before and was not sure of the going rates. The current value of her time was low because she had nothing pressing to deal with, but she wasn't sure of what amount of time currency he wanted. Did he know the value of her time, the possible exchange rates that were never static? She would have to ask him, but to ask him how much of a price he was to put on her would have been rude, the odd unicorn not sure of how to approach the situation.

She decided to go with the least confrontational route, the stoic mare simply deciding to wait until he asked her to leave. Remembering to uphold his request to stay comfortable, Asteria shifted about on his couch to gain a more comfortable position, her long lean muscles moving like a well oiled machine while her scarlet mane and tail faintly shifted from her awkward movements.

[Mojo]

[colour=#0000FF]"My it seems to be getting, warm, in here," [/colour]Saddlesore commented upon watching Asteria maneuvering on the couch. The blue Earth stallion quickly opened a window to let the breeze in. He was enjoying Asteria being in his house very much. Although he did notice her taking some of the things he said too literal, that didn't seem to matter at the moment. Saddlesore was so entranced by the lanky beautiful mare that he loved every word she uttered. Even if she told him to 'go to blazes', he'd probably still have the same goofy grin on his face while nodding his head in agreement. He wanted her to stay, he'd love to take her out on the town, but inner fears seized him, not wanting to face possible rejection, as had happened so many other times in his life.

For now, he decided to 'play it cool,' and stick to small talk and hospitality.

[colour=#0000FF]"Would you like some more water Miss Stillheart?"[/colour]

[Gerrard]

The temperature seemed constant in the room to her, the odd mare finding his statement odd. Perhaps there was a change in temperature and she couldn't perceive it, the mare always keeping open the possibility that she was the odd one. Her previous experiences with him did seem to indicate that he tended towards outlandish and highly unlikely comments, Asteria keeping open the myriad of possibilities that could explain their odd conundrum. Regardless of what she thought though, a cool breeze blew into his home, the colder air improving her condition as it normalized her temperature. "Your efforts have normalized my body temperature adequately, thank you for your thoughtfulness," she complimented politely, the mare not understanding that he was simply being hot and bothered.

He asked her again if she wanted water, the mare deciding to agree to take water, both because she wanted some, and because he seemed interested in giving it to her. "I would appreciate additional water, assuming of course it is not bothersome to you," she replied, lightly shaking her scarlet tail as she looked across to him with her aloof crimson eyes. "Are you sure this is the only way I can repay your hospitality? Perhaps there is a way to concentrate my payment plan to you? If there is not, I will settle for spending time in your presence," Asteria added, showing no real preference on her still stoic expression.

[Mojo]

Saddlesore didn't care how Asteria spoke or acted, he was just excited that she was in the same room with him! The blue stallion didn't want to do anything that could scare her off, so he quickly fetched his visitor another glass of water and sat it down in front of her. He tried very hard not to stare at her gourgeous form, but found that task very difficult as the unicorn mare kept changing positions on the sofa. He worked up the courage to try again to start a conversation with her.

[colour=#0000FF]"Miss Stillheart, would you mind telling me a little more about yourself? I would like to get to know you better."[/colour]

[Gerrard]

Asteria patiently watched him leave and retrieve another glass of water for her. "Thank you again Sir Saddlesore," she replied, nodding for him as she grasped the drink in her crimson magic. She took a few careful drink, making sure to not make a mess with her drink, the Canterlot mare drinking very formally. The unicorn's black ears perked up very slightly when he asked about her personal life, the strange mare not the type to idly speak about herself. This didn't mean that she never did, especially when prompted to, the courier not the type to disappoint others. With a quick flick of her magic, Asteria carefully placed her drink on the table, returning her attention to the blue stallion as she thought over the most appropriate response to his request.

"I can tell you about myself, on the condition that you respect my desire for anonymity. Simply do not disclose my personal details to another person and I will agree to divulge a portion of my personal information. My name is Asteria Stillheart, and I am from Canterlot. I am the daughter of Stern Gavel, and Elegant Star, a judge and actress from Canterlot. I work as a courier, delivering and retrieving items in secret for my clients, an additional focus being placed on serving needy dragons and griffons. I appreciate truthful and honorable people, and I like reading about new things on my travels," she explained calmly, the odd mare revealing a bit about herself while not really giving any revealing information about herself. She seemed to follow directions, almost too well, Asteria needing more direction to squeeze out substantive replies.

[Mojo]

[colour=#0000FF]"Don't worry, Miss Stillheart," [/colour]Saddlesore said with a wide grin before she started to talk about herself, [colour=#0000FF]"I won't tell anypony what you tell me here."[/colour]

Saddlesore listened with great interest. The blue Eath Pony hung on her every word. Now he was ever more fascinated by this mysterious package courier. Something strange was happening to Saddlesore. His normally grumpy and pessimistic attitude seemed to have vanished completely!

[colour=#0000FF][colour=#0000FF]"Helping needy griffons and dragons is a very noble cause. That speaks very well of you. What particular types of books do you like to read, Miss Sweetheart... ER... I mean, sweetie,,,, NO! I mean, Miss Stillheart?"[/colour][/colour]

Now Saddlesore was so embarrassed, his face blushed beet red under his blue facial fur.[colour=#0000FF] [/colour]

[Gerrard]

"Thank you for your promise Sir Saddlesore, it means a lot to me that you would promise to respect my confidentiality," she replied, bowing her head subserviently before him, her well groomed scarlet mane sweeping around her face before returning to its normal position. "Yes, the deals are mutually beneficial, I provide them my services when other carriers may not, and in exchange, I am payed a gratuity for the danger involved," she added, explaining that her motives were not completely altruistic, at least at first. When asked about her books, the mare paused, blinking again as she thought over the proper way to summarize her reading.

"I read for self-improvement. I read about the cultures and social protocols of the different species of Equestria and beyond. I also read about general information and seek to become more familiar with a wider array of sources of knowledge that were not covered at my university," she explained, the mare seeming to not notice the slip of the tongue as he accidentally complimented her again. Unfortunately for Saddlesore, she simply liked to handle issues in small sections and only delayed remarking on his outburst. "Sir Saddlesore, my name is Asteria Stillheart. Perhaps I have failed in properly introducing myself. Or is my presence influencing your thinking process? I apologize if I am making you act in a manner that you are not comfortable with. Is there a way for me to help remedy your current condition?" she asked calmly, the mare standing up, her tall form briefly on display as she lifted a leg to his forehead to check his temperature. "Your head is unusually red, yet you don't seem to be ill. Perhaps you need a more qualified individual to diagnose your ailment?" she suggested in her usual serious manner, the black beauty apparently oblivious to just how infatuated he was with her.

[Mojo]

Stillheart's words only increased Saddlesore's embarrassment. He really, really, really liked this black unicorn mare, but he was so socially awkward that he was having problems expressing this to her. After standing there for what seemed like an eternity, the blue stallion swallowed hard and decided to take a big risk.

[colour=#0000FF]"Miss Stillheart, I realize that we've just met, but I must say you are the most charming, fascinating, intelligent and attractive mare I've ever had the pleasure to meet. Would you do me the honor of being my guest for a late supper tonight? I know a little restaurant nearby that serves THE best grassloaf and hay fries."[/colour]

[Gerrard]

Asteria lowered her lean leg just in time to for the stallion to ask her out on a date. She listened intently to him as he finally worked up the courage to express himself to her. Her fiery eyes studied his every movement as he professed his love for her, the unicorn finally deciding that he simply appreciated his presence, and was not fearful of her in any real way. The courier had no obligations for the night and had agreed to be in his company for an undisclosed period of time. She simply needed to articulate the terms of her response, the mare blinking as she thought of how to reply.

"I will agree to be your guest, but I must inform you that I do not carry formal wear while I am working unless it is a unique situation. Would my presence be detrimental without proper apparel? And thank you for the flattering words, I always welcome the opinions of others in regards to my appearance, thoughts and other idiosyncrasies. Do you wish to negotiate a payment agreement for the meal? Will a fifty percent share for each of us be satisfactory, or do you have other plans sir?" she explained patiently, deciding for one reason or another to not fret over the caloric values of the meal he was offering. She either was hungry, or was going to work off the calories later, the exact reason not clearly defined as she stood beside him.

[Mojo]

Saddlesore listened intently to every word the beautiful unicorn mare spoke. Though her words were complex and seen a bit 'over his head' to understand, he didn't care! The blue stallion became more and more enthralled with her with every proceeding word. He didn't care if Miss Stillheart would grab his shopping list and cold read it outloud, he LOVED the way she spoke to him!

[colour=#0000FF]"It's ok, Miss Stillheart," [/colour]Saddlesore explained, [colour=#0000FF]"it's not a formal restaurant so we both can come as we are! And you are MY guest, I will, cover all the expenses! It would be my pleasure, my HONOR to be your dining companion tonight!"[/colour]

Instantly, Saddlesore did something here that he NEVER EVER would do for anypony else outside of royalty: he BOWED himself to the black furred mare as a show of respect and reverence.

[Gerrard]

The black mare listened intently, nodding in understanding as he explained that it was his honor to have her around. There must have been some sort of other benefit to having her around that she could not quantify, the odd mare not sure of how to handle the odd situation. "Thank you sir, I appreciate the offer of an all expenses covered dinner. I will accept your terms and accompany you to dinner," she replied simply in her usual unchanging voice as she walked up beside the stallion. Her tall, graceful form contrasted well with his own, the mare seeming to show no visible pride in her form as she patiently waited for his direction.

"You may lead the way Sir Saddlesore, I am ready and able to follow your direction," she commented into his ear, the mare lowering her head slightly to speak to him. She paused when he bowed before her, the mare not often receiving such displays from others. Asteria returned the bow to the stallion and carefully trotted around his body and stood firmly at his side, the unflinching mare clearly ready to follow him.

[Mojo]

Saddlesore was delighted! This would be his first dinner date since... well... he couldn't remember that far back. Sure, this taller black furred unicorn mare was strange, but that didn't matter to him.

[colour=#0000FF]"Yes, YES! Please come with me!" [/colour]a giddy Saddlesore neighed as he walked with her over to the restaurant. As they entered, they noticed it was half full so the two was quickly able to find a table. All eyes were now on the 'couple' as those in the dining room who knew Saddlesore were completely stunned that he actually was dining with a beautiful lady companion. Even the pony waiter who walked up to their table was in a state of shock.

[colour=#006400]"Monseir?" [/colour]the French accented waiter pony asked. [colour=#006400]"You are NOT dining alone tonight?"[/colour]

[colour=#0000FF]"Nope! This is Asteria Stillheart, and we'd like to see some menus, please."[/colour]

[colour=#006400]"Please? Monseir? You said PLEASE and are pleasant sounding? Are you, how they say, ill?"[/colour]

[colour=#0000FF]"Never felt better in my life, now the menus, if you don't mind."[/colour]

[colour=#006400]"Oui oui monseir!" [/colour]the green unicorn waiter neighed, floating two large paper menus over to their table.

[colour=#0000FF]"Thank you," [/colour]Saddlesore said as he turned towards Asteria. [colour=#0000FF]"Order anything you like from the menu, Miss Stillheart, it's on me!"[/colour]

Now all of the restaurant patrons were staring at them. Some were shaking their ears, unable to believe that Saddlesore was actually acting, polite! After hearing the blue stallion once more, even the waiter was overwhelmed, hearing the words THANK YOU from the gruff Earth Pony was one of the last things on earth he'd ever thought he'd witness.

[Gerrard]

Asteria silently followed alongside her stallion friend, the odd mare scanning the city with her crimson eyes. She was very familiar with the layout for most towns in Equestria, the courier delivering items to every corner of the region. When they reached their destination though, her eyes did a more thorough examination of the establishment, the odd mare seemingly unfamiliar with the insides of the building. She clearly wasn't the type to eat out much, but she decided it was in her best interest to appease her former client.

When the waiter gave the pair a shocked expression, she could only speculate as to why, at least until he clarified a moment later. When introduced, the unicorn mare performed a subservient bow for the waiter, lowering her tall form carefully for him. "It is an honor to meet you sir," she replied in her usual formal, but completely static voice.

The eyes of the other patrons were locked on Asteria and her new friend, the made not entirely sure as to why. She thought that was unlikely that his rude mannerisms were so widely known. While this was the actual reason, Asteria also kept in mind that one or both of them may have violated an accepted norm of society without being aware of it.

Regardless, she did not have enough information to go off of and make a blind guess. She simply decided to accept his direction and look over the menu.

"It's on me?" she commented in a confused voice as she lightly cocked her head to the side. "Are you asking me to order food in an attempt to remove it from you? I believe I need further clarification for your comment," she replied in her standard voice. It was unclear if she was joking, the made seeming unable to understand the common figure of speech.