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The server from earlier had wandered back over with a drink for Lími, but the joy from a surprising yet most welcomed reunion was still carrying the young Qilin high into the clouds, leaving most everything around her as a sort of silvery-tinged fog, like a fine Mist breath. Because Lími was here, she could show off her dear Reindeer who dedicated poems to her and pledged to his Ancestors over matters of honor and debt and was a true gentlepony the likes from a textbook tale and perhaps she might even convince him to recite their poem for some of the party-goers and make all the mares swoon with envy over the Reindeer standing at her side. 

 

...Was she getting a bit too excited? Judging from the periodic squeezing her hoof was doing of Lími's foreleg without any conscious thought of her own - almost as if her body was intent on reassuring itself of the Reindeer's corporeal presence - perhaps she was. 

 

But this was the Grand Galloping Gala, and who honestly cared? Not the server, and a pink tinge of pleasure swept over Mei's face as she fairly beamed at the mare's words, tossing her head a bit amidst their chiming bells. "Perhaps we shall," she conceded as the other female hoofed over a drink for the Reindeer, "I've suddenly found my appetite!" Said appetite was probably due to the excitement and pleasure she was currently experiencing, but, well. 

 

That was her own business, it was.

 

Luckily for her, Sunrise took no offense to her abrupt abandonment, and even made a comment that had the Qilin flushing a bit more brightly, but looking nonetheless pleased. "Please," Mei said modestly, ducking her head for a moment at the subtle compliment paid to her own being - though, the second quickly gave way to something more conspiratorial as the Qilin suddenly perked up, leaning in towards Sunrise slightly. "You should find yourself a nice Reindeer, like LÍmi here!" she advised, gesturing towards the young bull in question by tilting her head slightly, enough to briefly rest it on the Reindeer's shoulder, "a gentle young bull whose actions are portrayed through words rather than the sword." 

 

Mei clicked her tongue lightly, a hint of vexation entering her voice as she spoke. "So many young studs swinging their weapons 'round and bellowing at the top of their lungs to try and prove something," she lamented, shaking her head slightly. "So barbaric. Not like LÍmi, though," the Qilin gushed suddenly, squeezing the Reindeer's hoof again, "one can only imagine how princely his Reindeer kin are. Did I say? He wrote me a poem." 

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As Valen left to get her wine and refreshments for several others, Rarity turned back to the inventor. She could appreciate the pony's enthusiasm though she couldn't feign too much interest in what she was talking about. Still, she would remain as polite as possible.

 

"I don't imagine we would have that much use for such armaments in Ponyville, fairly peaceful locale that it is..." Rarity said, but then thinking about it a bit more she shook her head. With the looming threat of the Everfree Forest and after the battles with Tirek and the bugbear, could she really say that their quaint hamlet was really so peaceful. "On second thought, perhaps I might mention it to Twilight..."

 

She turned from the mare to look around the ballroom and sighed at all the happy couples she found. The more she looked, the more resolute she became to find someone to dance with before the night was through. For now though, she'd just find some more ponies to mingle with. She noticed at least one familiar face nearby--a friend and occasional customer of hers--and again found herself glancing at the pretty quilin that Bluebelle had pointed out to her, but before she chose to approach either she was nearly knocked over by somepony else literally bumping into her.

 

It was a mare by the name of Harmonic Dissonance. She was a musician who Rarity had found deeply charming. Not too long ago, her and Rarity had been through a rather harrowing ordeal together onboard an airship. Rarity was so surprised and pleased to see her that she didn't mind the sudden impact.

 

"Ah, Miss Dissonance," Rarity said with a smile, nodding at the mare, who looked stunning in her black dress. "You look wondeful, darling. I see you took my advice on your mane."

 

She nodded in approval of the wild do which suited the pony so well. "I hope you've been well since... that airship mess before..."

 

It was then that another pony present for the same mess happened to show himself. He was an exceedingly beautiful stallion called Silverheart, and like Harmonic, Rarity had found him quite charming when she met him on the airship.  He had then been working as a model for Rarity's friend and recently hired sales associate for Rarity For You Coco Pommel, but his actual job was as a guard. He was also the brother of Presteza, a dear friend of Rarity's.

 

"Oh my, Silver darling! How wonderful it is to see you again," she said with a smile. She then gave a laugh to both of her friends. "With the three of us reunited, we better hope those awful pirates aren't next to show their faces!"

 

"That tuxedo suits you very well," she said, nodding as she examined the garment. Part of her didn't wonder if Silver, with his rather effeminate appearance wouldn't actually look better in a dress. "Is that Miss Pommel's handiwork?"

 

It was then that Valen returned with Rarity's wine which she took gladly. She glanced at it as Valen went into his description, becoming increasingly unsure as he went on. "R-really...?" she said. "The princess would truly offer something so grand for refreshments? Well, I suppose it is the Gala..." She gave an awkward laugh. "I suppose I shouldn't let it go to waste!"

 

She took a long sip and was immediately impressed with the flavor and fragrance. "Oh, my. It's incredible," she said. "You chose well for me, Valen."

 

As her explained about the enchantments, Rarity nodded. "Oh, I see. That looks as if it would be quite useful for you. What are these side effects?" she asked, somewhat concerned.

 

"It looks great," she added about the uniform. "I dare say you put all the other fillies working as maids here to shame."

 

At Valen's final question she laughed. "Well, I meant it as a joke, darling... but that said, I suppose I could see about hiring you on as a seamstress in training. I can talk to Miss Pommel about it next time I'm in Manehattan."

 

She looked back to Harmonic and Silver then, feeling introductions were probably in order. "Silver, Miss Dissonance, this lovely maid is a dear friend of mine, Valen...cia," she said with some pride. "She'll be happy to get you anything you might need."

 

She took another sip of her beverage and gave a nod. "I would reccomend this wine. It's truly divine."

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Minerva was not the most social griffon in the world. At least not in this kind of place. She was much more at home at a bar in a seedy back alley where if someone looked at her funny she could knock their lights out without a second thought. But here she could probably get tossed out if she even said the wrong thing! And as much as she'd rather be tossed out, she'd never hear the end of it from Tarisio. She was accustomed to robbing nobles, not rubbing elbows with them. Loathe though she was to admit it, it wasn't nearly as bad as she was expecting...not yet anyway. "Oh yeah. She's be uh...splendid? Ah I'm no good at high society...Yeah she's been great. I'd have been a lot more comfortable if the boss hadn't decided to wander off to flirt or who knows what else." the griffoness sighed as she crossed her forelegs across her chest again. "Can't even properly keep him from sticking his beak into things he shouldn't here. Bah he can handle himself for tonight. How about you lot, how are you all doin huh?" There was just no sense in trying to keep holding herself to the same level as the rich and famous, it just wasn't her...She wasn't sure if it was making her more comfortable or less, however.


---


It certainly was a shame to see the maid leave, but watching her go was most assuredly a treat. While the pleasant little helper was off and about taking care of the guests and getting refreshments, Tarisio took the time to scan the crowd. Of course the first thing he spotted was that Minerva had drawn the attention of a couple more mares. Something Tarisio was certainly used to himself and so found himself chuckling at her 'predicament'. The second thing that caught his eye was a beautiful mare not too far off with a lovely purple mane and an immaculate white pelt. Her name was on the tip of his tongue, though he couldn't place it. Perhaps later he would introduce himself! It had been far too long since he got to partake in such a get together without it being cut short by spear happy guards or jilted lovers or their exes.


Once the little maid had returned with his libation, Tarisio was surprised by her question. It was harmless enough, with a smile he took the glass and a soft sip. "Mmm, grazie mia cara, it's delicious. But I do believe that you may have the name of the ship confused." the griffon gave a little wink to the maid, she didn't seem the type to run and tell the guards, if anything she seemed like she was a fan! "It was the Zephyr's Kiss. But alas I am no artist, no not in a traditional sense at least. Just a humble ship's captain taking a short shore leave to enjoy the works of art that the Gala has to offer. Come te~" Tarisio dipped his head in thanks once more before taking another slow drink of his wine. Yes, the night was going wonderfully.

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Ice Storm gave a small smile to Bluebelle as she spoke about the events after the Faire and that she had indeed recovered. It was good to hear, and while Ice knew that she now had mostly a different body, considering the change in gender, she wasn't sure if any damage from the faire would have remained. However the mare seemed to be quite happy and in one piece, so that was always a plus. When she said that she was working with IMAGINE and that their work in Whitescar had been slow, she nodded. "I actually just got out of Whitescare myself. I was up there helping fend of the Ragebou and keeping the normal bou safe while the cure was found and administered. Took a few hits and a few scrapes, but nothing near as bad as the injury and fatigue I had from the Faire. I didn't even have to spend any time in the infirmary. I still remember being stuck in the Crystal Empire Medical center almost completely bedridden because moving hurt so much when I first woke up. I'm getting more used to using my magic as a source of combat so it's not draining me as quickly as it was before," she replied giving a brief recollection of the mission that she was on.

 

She paused for a bit as Bluebelle turned to Minerva and asked if she had been a good hostess for her tonight, the small compliment making Ice blush a bit. Of course she did have at least some experience being the hostess of a Gala, but she was more just trying to make the griffon feel comfortable and welcomed, and when she heard the griffon respond, trying to stay fancy at first but then going into a tongue that more suited her. Saying that she never was good at being fancy or high-class things. She also couldn't help but giggle when she heard her complain about her boss roaming around and flirting with everypony else. "Well, there are a lot of pretty ponies in the room, so you can't really blame a griffon for doing just that. Besides a few compliments here and there never really hurt anypony, and I'm sure he'll be back over here dancing with you in no time!" she smiled as she heard Minerva ask how they were this evening as Blueblood extended her greeting to Fire Heart and spoke of also being here with a date of her own tonight.

 

"Well, I must say that any day I'm alive is a good day, so that's a start. Aside from that I've been pretty well, and have been looking forward to this night for a while. Any night that gives me an excuse to dance with the most wonderful mare in the world," she spoke while draping her leg around Fire's neck, "is a perfect night for me. Although I really don't need an excuse to dance with her, the live band helps with that," she finished with a smile. As she did, she spotted another familiar face in the crowd. Rarity was here! Oh sweet Luna, she hadn't seen Rarity in forever! She had been so busy with her missions and her tasks in Canterlot that she hadn't been able to go back to see her favorite fashion designer. Hopefully she would love the dress whenever she finally made her way around to see her. After a few rounds of dancing she made a note of everypony she wanted to talk to tonight, but there was so many in one spot and the Gala wasn't going to last forever! That said, she saw what appeared to be some of the musicians arriving, so hopefully that meant that the music was going to start soon. She was also really looking forward to dancing with her marefriend, even though she herself was bad as said dancing.

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After talking with her sister and several guards a few days before the event, she was finally able to make up her mind and attend to this event for once, and she knew she made the right decision in doing it. She knew this was going to be a night to remember, but hopped nothing bad happened like the last times this events happened. From what she heard, there 'incidents' that even though made it hard to actually enjoy it, they ended up being solved thankfully. Sadly for her, she had arrived... fashionably late.

 

Being late for an event was not something that a Princess should do. That evening, she woke up and after realizing the hour it was, and that the event had already started, she hurried to take a bath and get her dress ready for tonight. She had overslept! That was simply... how would she say it... Outrageous! Yet it didn't took long for her to be ready. It was not that she had tried to put her dress on many times to make sure she was ready for when the time came... not at all. What was more time consuming was making sure her mane was ready. It took almost half an hour for it to be ready and once she gave the final details to it, she left her room.

 

As she left her room, she was escorted by one of her night guards, a grey pegasus with a long black mane. The guard did his best on focusing on taking her to the lower level where the Gala was held and not distract himself with the beautiful dress the night princess had on, which was really hard for him no to look at it, or her... or both.

 

Not so long after, they arrived to the main lobby, and what would be her first stop? Non other than the Ballroom.
So this was this famous Grand Galloping Gala up close. All the light, the ponies dancing or talking with each other, and all those really beautiful dresses and suits they were wearing. Princess Luna started to wonder why she never decided to attend these events before, she would had loved to do it! Yet she had always something to do since they were held at night. Go out and see the dreams of the ponies, help her night guards, deal with wild creatures, but tonight it was different.

The night guard gave a little bow to the princess and walked away to a side of the room to assume his position as guard for that night. He was tasked to make sure the Princess was fine this night, yet didn't wanted to interrupt any pony or her socializing with any of them, she he simply stepped aside.

 

As Luna started to walk around the room, she noticed several ponies turning towards her to see it, since it was really odd to see her in here, yet she felt welcome between them, and it didn't took long for her to see familiar faces. She managed to see non other than the element of Generosity, Rarity, and Bluebelle. Luna wondered why she never decided to ask for her to turn back to being a stallion, but it was not for her to decide or judge her actions, as she assumed it was for a reason. She also managed to see a rather colorful array of new faces of ponies, and non ponies, that seemed really friendly and having fun as well.

 

"Good evening everypony." Princess Luna said with a small smile as she walked where Bluebelle and several other ponies were talking. She gave a small smile to all of them. "I hope you all are enjoying your time here." She added with a really warm smile to the small group.

 

 

 

(Sorry if I just started posting till now, took me a while to decide >.<

Also, this is Luna's dress.
http://i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/facebook/000/358/755/a4a.png)

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It was the ringing of soft bells — Mei’s bells — that snapped Lími back to reality. There was the maid again, this time with a cider glass waiting for him. Errr... had the caribou been heading to see his mother just now? He couldn’t quite recall properly. “Ummm, uhhhhhh-” Lími fumbled with his words as he half-dazedly took the offered drink into his free hoof. “I- I am grateful for your uhhh, hospitality. W-well met.”

 

While Lími took a sip of cider, the other pony in their midst described the connection between he and Mei in terms that induced furious blushing. Did... love exist between the caribou and the qilin? ...How was love supposed to feel like, anyway? It was on the longship voyage between Askr and Canterlot that Lími came to grips with the fact that yes, he — Lími of Clan Askr — was infatuated with Lián Mei of Garden Gait. The fact that the dragon mare was so nostalgically imprinted in his memories was proof enough of this.

 

The only question was... did Mei feel the same way?

 

“Oh uhhh,” the flustered young bull nervously chuckled towards the giggling unicorn; “Well, then I uhhh, hope that Fate... rewards you with a..." he raised his cider glass like if he was offering a toast; “A cherished mate o-of your own.” Cue another drink of cider.

 

The awkwardness was only just beginning for Lími. At first, it perplexed the floofy bull when Mei called him a reindeer. Didn’t she know that Lími was a-? Wait... of course! Lími told Mei when they first met that he was a reindeer, hoping that she’d react more positively to that than if she learned that he was actually a Viking Caribou.

 

The tortured bull cursed under his breath; .....Odýr.


Well... so much for Lími’s appetite for the next couple hours. Trying to keep the illusion that everything was fine by showing an overly manufactured smile, he turned his head to get a better view of his clingy partner. “Well M-Mei, what say we ummm, take the maid’s advice and uh, feast on a hearty meal? ...Just you and I?” Hopefully, that would buy Lími time to reveal his real heritage on his own terms. If Lián Mei was to remain a permanent fixture in the kind-hearted caribou’s life, then the qilin mare need to know the truth. She deserved that much.....

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Even as she spoke, Bluebelle tried to maintain herself on high social alert.  She wasn't about to let herself ignore newcomers again; if she fell behind now, she might never get herself ahead!  *No wonder mother was always so uptight at these functions.  One doesn't wish to be rude, but there is a limit to physical poosibilities!*  But, Blue was royalty.  And if she wanted to prove herself worthy of sharing the title of 'Princess' with the other four holders, she couldn't falter now.  Maintaining her facade of utter effortlessness, she beamed at the latest guest.

 

"Why, Lieutenant Silver!  Always a pleasure to meet with you and your family."  Indeed, Presteza was here, though currently with the Long Guo delegation.  And the Duchess would hardly miss such an event; at least, Bluebelle could hardly remember a time when Silver Belle had passed up a chance to dance with her husband here.  His question about the 'little trip' she had taken recently caused her to pause, as the royal was well-traveled enough to have taken several trips that could have referred to.  Judging from the delicacy of his question, though, she could wager a guess...

"Oh... that.  As you can see, I didn't exactly get what I had set out for.  That turned out for the best, however, once I realized what I wanted."  She had, in a panic over her change being irreversible eventually, dragged Star Crusader and another strong mare named Rubble Rose along on a journey into the deep forest, in search of a tribe of all stallions, known to have found the secrets of gender transformation, at least from mare to stallion.  As it turned out, however, they're magic didn't exactly play nice with her pre-existing condition.  "Actually, Rubble and Star got a taste of what I had been going through."  She lowered her voice so that only the lieutenant could hear easily, "Star didn't care for it, but Rubble... now carries a similar condition to my own.  Though, her transformation trigger is a little different."  She giggled, though it was more an occasion for sympathy than for laughter.  Changing at a sneeze, really; at least Blueblood and Bluebelle could control when they had coffee and tea.

 

As the guard stallion left, the Princess returned to her interlocuters.  "I am glad to hear that you are doing well here; I'm doing quite grandly myself... and your boss wouldn't happen to be that male captain I just took my leave of?"  She tossed her head back with a grin.  "We cannot accuse him of being remiss in flattery or flirtation, nor blame him for such."

 

Further talk was interrupted by yet another newcomer, but a rather special one this time.  "Auntie Luna!  Goodness, I have to say this is a surprise."  Indeed, the alicorn of the night was a rare sight at such Galas, but Bluebelle couldn't help but feel slightly pleased that she had come on the one that took most care to represent her side of the dual monarchy.  "Have you come to only mingle, or will your grace your subjects with a dance?"  Celestia used to do so, until the demand got too big... and too political.  She reportedly missed it, though...

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Sunrise smiled, giving a light giggle at Mei's words about finding a reindeer of her own. Wait... Reindeer? The mare paused, looking at Limi for a moment. Now, she didn't exactly know what the difference was, having no real experience with reindeers as far as she knew, but Limi looked like a caribou to her. 

 

"I... Thank you both." She finished, seeing no point in bringing it up. Either she was mistaken and Limi really was a reindeer, or, and this appeared to be more likely based on his expression, he was going to tell her the truth anyways.

 

"I suppose I shall leave you two alone. Have a wonderful evening, it was a pleasure talking to you both." She added after Limi brought up the idea of the two eating alone. The designer smiled warmly at the two, giving a little bit of time for goodbyes before walking off to mingle with another guest. Who to go to though? Everyone appeared to be in their own groups already, Bluebelle's group even had Princess Luna!

 

After a few moments of indecision, she sighed and began walking over to Bluebelle's group. Her smile was back by the time she reached them, and she gave a small bow to Luna. 

 

"Greetings Princess, and greetings to you all. I trust the evening is treating you well?" She greeted, smiling warmly at them. "I am Sunrise Skies, and I am sorry if I am interrupting anything."

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Rainbow Dash wasn't one to miss a party.  Not even the Gala, dull as it could be.  And especially not this year, her first year of being a proper, full ranking member of the Wonderbolts!  It was her duty to go to the gala so her fans could see her.

 

She had no doubt that Rarity would be all too glad to make her a new gown.  She was using her closet more these days - it was where she stored all her uniforms, after all - she was really, honestly shocked to discover how MANY gowns she already had!  It would be ridiculous to ask for a new one - most of them she'd worn only once!

 

She could have pulled out the rainbow armor - that was tres' cool, as Rarity might say.  Except she would't, because she hated it for some reason.  Still, Dash hoped for the day she might wear it for something awesome, so she kept it tucked away.  Several dresses came out, were tossed onto her bed.  No, no, no, no... nothing that ... was *just* right.  Not that she was doing that whole stupid airheaded filly thing of going through her entire closet right before a date.  Because it was going to be a date... but she just hadn't really thought about these in so long that she had to see what was there!

 

No.  No.  TARTARUS no.  Wait!  He hadn't seen this one yet!  And if she combined this over-layer with this dress ... it'd almost be like a new outfit!  A big grin spread over her face.  His eyes would pop out!

 

---

 

Unfortunately, she hadn't been able to actually enter the Gala with her date.  She'd had her responsibilities to arrive with the rest of the Wonderbolts - do the show, then show up to be seen briefly with some of the lucky dignitaries and, more importantly, with the winners of the Wonderbolt fan-art contest.  And now, finally, she was free to go meet up with him!

 

She stepped in and looked around, her wings giving a brief flutter to lift her above the crowd a moment.  Nope, he wasn't here just yet.  She'd recognize that bright red mane anywhere.  But in her fluttering, she did notice a familiar face!  She floated idly across the room to land next to Rarity.  As expected, her friend was super-busy, but she struck a pose and waited for a moment in the conversation, waiting for the look on Rarity's face when she could see that Dash had taken care of her *own* new outfit for the Gala!

 

She was wearing a black dress, sleek and shiny up front, with a flaring skirt out over her tail and withers.  Over the black dress was the transparent rainbow fabric that Rarity had made from some weird flower she'd gone adventuring to find ... WITHOUT Dash!  She was almost hurt.  The transparent fabric shimmered in the light, shifting through many different colors depending on which angle you looked at it.  Originally, Rarity had designed it to be worn over a white dress at that dull fashion show which had fortunately gotten invaded by pirates, showing off the rainbow sheen - but worn over the black dress instead, it gave the impression of being a stunning northern lights display!  And to set it off - a simple silver ring around her temples.  She would NOT call it a tiara.  Diadem, that was the term!  Yeah, she could call it that!  Just some twisting wire in a neat little design and a single tiny sapphire set over her forehead.

 

Spoiler

two_small_galadriel_diadems_by_celefinde

 

 

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Tankena was thrilled with Rarity's reply, that she would mention the green Earth mare's inventions to Princess Twilight Sparkle.  The Stalliongranian mare neighed with delight, rearing up on her hind legs and shouting out, waving her front hooves wildly in the air.

 

"Thank you, Comrade Rarity!  Dat is more than I even hoped for!  I cannot wait to return home and tell family the good news!  Until we meet again, comrades, I bid all of you farewell!"

 

Tankena galloped through the crowd, passing swiftly by party guests, wait staff and palace guards until she was rushing across the castle grounds and within minutes, was out of sight completely!

 

 

(Exit Tankena)

 

Spoiler

This has been fun, but to be perfectly honest, I can't think of anything else to do with Tankena at this point.  Anyway, thanks for all the good times!

 

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It was a great deal of fun to have your suspicions confirmed, even if he thought the pirate should keep the inferences a bit on the down-low when he was in the same room as multiple Royalty, including an Alicorn who could probably banish him to Tartarus with just a thought. But the secret, as well understood as it was by the two who shared it, wouldn't be let out. He was behaving himself at the Gala and there was no doubt that if a little maid could suss out who he was, so had the Guards to some degree and probably the ones in charge of them for the evening. If he was here and walking around, it was because he was allowed. Valen wasn't about to rock the boat on such matters. "Oh, my apologies. I'll make an effort to get the name of that most infamous vessel right next time," he said with an element of sass, finding the whole thing endearing. Silly pirates.

 

Silly Rarity. Like the Princesses would necessarily offer it- instead, like other great things, you wouldn't find it on a menu or being bantered about as possibilities. He had to have the name and had to know where to find it. Which he did, as he helped everypony set up. Nonetheless, he was ever pleased that she found it as amazing as he thought it would be. "I'm very glad you enjoy it, Miss Rarity. You might want to pair it with the daisy-spinach grilled wrap, if only to balance out the fruity and devastatingly wonderful taste of the drink with the long-lasting grilled deliciousness of the wrap. Not the most 'high society' of suggestions, but if it goes well together, it goes well together," he said confidently as he listened to what else she had to say.

 

"Well, use of any enchantment that impacts the body or mind can, as we all know, leave permanent effects. Unicorns have additional protections against it, but others do not. Luckily, safe use disallows the worst excesses of the impacts, if any at all, so it isn't a true cause for concern. Her Highness and myself have been very careful in how we've applied it, and when we've removed it to allow it to not leave too much of an impression," he stated, tail swishing excitedly, "I would love to work in your shop, Miss Rarity. I do well when I make pieces for myself, but I really do think I could cut it on the larger scene. Failing that, I am most certain to be a beneficial model for the designs!" he said hopefully. He was the best pony for the job, bestest ever, of that no doubt could be had.

 

Soon though there were more arrivals, friends of Miss Rarity it seemed. The first was a Miss Dissonance, who seemed to resonate obtusely with her surroundings. She wouldn't be the first with that sort of square in round whole flair about her however, especially after the previous few years saw the barriers of entry get torn down and replaced with much friendlier facades. This mare was an expert on the grand piano- her ambiance had made the whole room's mood light and inviting and as other musicians started their work, she got the benefit of some rest. Good for her! Artistry demanded rest after all. Burning out creatively and emotionally was a real threat for those who put themselves out on the line. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss Dissonance. Your work on the piano was marvelous this evening. Is there anything I may get for you?"

 

Of course he didn't want to get them the same thing as Miss Rarity because as the cost of orders ran into the thousands of bits he was sure somepony would take him aside and have quite the talking to. Hopefully Mister Silver wouldn't ask for it. He was a feminine stallion, in that they could share some similarities. It was hard to see him as a guard because he didn't seem to have that same gleam in his eye that ruled other REA members, but that was fine. He was a pleasant spoken stallion and another good friend of Miss Rarity, so he was more than happy to serve those who served. All REA guests had a special notation on their attendance, which is the only way he would have known! "A pleasure to meet you, Mister Silver. Is there anything I could do to make your stay as delightful as possible?" He asked, wondering who else might show up to this wonderful gathering.

 

It would stand to reason that it would be a Wonderbolt next. They had done their show to the delight of all and then met with fans and dignitaries. Now it was time for them to filter out into the Gala proper where the celebrities were sure to be swamped with admiration. Rainbow Dash would most certainly approve. She was a glory-seeking flight junkie and the Wonderbolts fit her like a glove. She was one of Applejack's best friends and a truly wonderful pony to know, even with her edges and problems. You needed a loyal friend? Get Rainbow Dash. Need help in a jam? Rainbow Dash could help. Need somepony to arrive on time, every time? Well, Applejack existed for a reason. "Miss Dash, how wonderful it is to see you! Your show was mesmerizing and dazzling, as usual. Is there anything I could get for you?" He asked, somewhat certain she wouldn't recognize him. The dancing was about to start- who would get here before it started?

 

He needn't wait for long and the answer was stupendous. The Princess of the Night herself made her entrance and instantly she became the center of attention. And for good cause- the Princess of the Night was a relative rarity to such social events because her schedule often made this the earliest part of her 'morning' and thus when she needed sleep the most. This made her appearance ever so unique and certain to cause quite the stir. "Your Majesty," Valen ran up to her and bowed, "it is an honor to see you. Is there anything I may get for you or do for you, Your Majesty?"

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"Fancy red suit? 'bout yay tall? Silver-tongued Itailian accent?" Minerva said, waving a claw at about Tarisio's height with a roll of her eyes. "Yep that's him alright. Don't get me wrong, it's nice. I don't have to keep an eye out to keep him from chasing every tail in sight. But he dragged me along to this and just, ugh. No. No, no, no. The last thing I want is to dance with him. Do you know what kind of impression that could put off? Someone might think we're together!" the griffon had a full body shudder and swiftly shook her head. Sure there were far worse out there, but when someone's been your boss for that long?


Either way, Tarisio managed to handle himself just fine, but whenever he stuck his neck out too far it was Minerva who ended up having to pull him back before the proverbial axe swung. At least he wasn't stupid. He knew as well as she did that he couldn't pull anything too drastic tonight. Too many guards, too many royals. And speak of the devil and they shall appear. Minerva wasn't usually surprised by much, but the arrival of Princess Luna did give the griffon a moment of pause. "Uhh. Yeah. Having a fine time, sure. Thanks uh...your highness." there was that awkward 'Get me out of here' feeling again. Great.


---


Meanwhile Tarisio was still quite amused by the charming little maid as she passed by during her work. The captain had made no real attempts to hide who he was, nor did he particularly attempt to announce it directly. He knew full well that any guard or royal could potentially know exactly who he was. The fact he still stood there without shackles around his legs was a testament to that fact that either A: they were trusting him to not stir up trouble or B: they were to afraid to stir up trouble themselves. Possibly both. The griffon knew the risks of being here, and while the majority...well a lot...of troubles he caused had been in Aquellia, if the REA so chose to do something about his presence, a hasty retreat would be in order. "Oh I am most certain that their captain would forgive you. After all, it's not as though Equestria sees sky pirates every day, no?" Tarisio took another drink of his wine and sighed happily. It was a shame he couldn't attend things like this more often. Without the yoke of his family and the obnoxious politics that seemed to permeate everything in nobility, parties such as this were much more enjoyable!

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In truth, Mei...did, feel a little bad at essentially running Sunrise off, given her obvious preference to converse and catch up with the Reindeer at her side.

 

The fiery-colored Unicorn was just as obviously keen of mind, however, and had clearly waved them off with the intention of allowing them to do just that, saving Mei an awkward excusal of herself and her companion. The Qilin hoped she would meet Sunrise later on in the Gala, immense though it was, after the initial excitement finally wore off...but honestly, at the moment, Mei couldn't help but beam up at Lími, smile widening at his suggestion to follow the server's advice. 

 

Apparently he was thinking much the same as her, and for that, she could find no fault.

 

Mei waved a cheerful farewell to Sunrise even as she began tugging Lími across the ball room floor, heedless of the various ponies milling around the area. There was a bit of a fuss being raised at one end of the room, the sound a crowd might make if some one famous suddenly came waltzing indoors, but the Qilin was too caught up in her own thoughts. She hardly paid attention to the route she was tugging the young Reindeer along - something about food tables, yes? - and Mei was fairly pleased with her dedication as she made it to the first sighting of a food-laden table before whirling towards Lími, expression bright.

 

"Where have you been," she accosted the Reindeer, her tone of voice less accusatory and simply wondering as she imagined what sort of amazing sights Lími must have seen after leaving Garden Gait, "it's been ages. What new wondrous spires have you visited? Forests? Lakes? What of your poetry," Mei suddenly demanded, a particular gleam entering her eyes, "your words, have you written since? Perhaps more poems inspired by...certain sights?" 

 

 

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Being lost in thought apparently had it's advantages it seemed. Literally bumping into an acquaintance... no more than that... a comrade in arms, dare she say... a friend? Really they only met once, but she supposed fending off a group of sky pirates brought them all closer together. Before Rarity could even reply, it would seem serendipity would lead to a further reunion of those that survived that harrowing experience. The young model, whom apparently was also in the REA, Silver showed up. He called her "Miss Harmony" rather formal, a bit too formal, but she supposed it made sense given the circumstances. Dissy searched her mind for the full name of the stallion.... She knew it was Silver something... Heart was it? It seemed right so she went with it. "Hey there Silverheart. Please, though I'm working there ain't no need to call me Miss anything." Dissy said with a wink. "Feel free to call me somethin' a bit more familiar." She said with a smile before proceeding to answer the stallion's question "As for how I've been, what can I say? I live to work, and love every second. It's a real gift to be able to get up and be excited to go to your job. I've been traveling around even more lately, though with relations improving so rapidly with other countries I'm hoping I can do a tour outside of Equestria... ya know? I'm sure you've been around being in the REA and all." Dissy smiled coyly. 

And there was Rarity still being very proper. By this point Dissy had given up trying to get her to call her somethin different than "Miss Dissonance," but that's just her personality Dissy figured. Instantly Rarity complemented her mane, which, as she said she did take Rarity's advice on. The praise caused Dissy to blush a bit. "Thank you Rarity. You are looking rather spiffy youself." Dissy replied with a bit of a smile. "I feel more comfortable like this anyway... Speaking of comfort I was actually thinking about you when I bumped into you. I was wondering if you would be able to help me find something swanky that isn't... well tripping hazard." She said with a bit of a giggle.

And then the harrowing experience of the airship was brought up. And why wouldn't it? Three of the people involved were together again. This was surely more than a coincidence. It took Dissy to believe it, but traveling with her mentor showed her that there was such thing as fate or serendipity. This was possibly both. To Rarity's words Dissy could only respond in the affirmative. "And how" she exclaimed vigerously. "Those two bit hoods won't know what hit em again. We'll give em another rout and they'll probably end up dustin out for the last time." Dissy said with a triumphant smile. Honestly she wasn't sure she did that much... She really only helped stir some trouble. She wasn't a gifted fighter but her long reach did help, but where she really made a difference was helping plan. 

Rarity went on to introduce her to the maid on duty, a mare named Valencia. Though Dissy was curious as to why there was a slight pause in Rarity's voice between "Valen" and "Cia" but she chalked it up to intonation for the tone of pride in her voice and didn't think much of it. Almost immediately she complimented Dissy on her piano playing. Dissy smiled at this... Up to this point she'd just been playing sheet music as a part of the act... "You ain't seen nothin' yet. Wait until my solo act, it'll knock your shoes off."  Dissy said with a knowing wink. The musicians were given carte blanche for what to play during their solo. The other musicians seemed to be favoring waltzes and the like, which were probably more suited for this sort of event, but Dissy still found them dreadfully boring, and she was sure that no one, not even the high hats present, would begrudge some high energy but good music. Maybe it would even get some of the wallflowers up and onto the dance floor. If it got a good beat, ponies will dance. She almost immediately followed up with a request for an order. Dissy didn't want to give her a hard task so she went with one of the easier stays of what she orders... a brown plaid... "I'd like a brown plaid if ya got it." Dissy stopped and looked around and then turned a slight shade of red. Not talking like a high hat made her forget she was at one of the ritziest parties around and not everyone understood slang terms found in the jazz community. "By that I mean some Fet Loch whiskey, neat. If ya got it." She said with a smile. 

At that point she noticed two new comers that were easily recognizable... One was Rainbow Dash, one of the Wonderbolt fliers, and the other was Princess Luna. Normally it wouldn't be easy picking out a wonderbolt out of uniform, but there was no mistaking that mane. Dissy didn't want to approach them just because they were famous, she knew how that felt, especially when you just want to enjoy yourself. Though she was acquainted with her... She was Rarity's model on the airship and one of the more active combatants against the sky pirates...So she'd probably at least get the chance to speak with Dash... Though she waited cooly for her to come by herself, which was almost certain as she and Rarity seemed close. As for the princess... at the very least she'd like to thank the princess for affording her the opportunity to come to the Gala in the first place... She might not see Celestia that night but thanking one of the sisters was better than thanking none in person.

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"S-something more familiar?" The stallion was a bit taken off guard (no pun intended) by Dissonant Harmony's offer. After her saying there was no need to continue using the title of 'miss' it'd be rude to keep using it. The wink only turned the nervous stallion's cheeks scarlet as he tried to think of a more proper term to address her by. Thankfully her response to his own line of questioning managed to bring him out of his internal debate so he could respond to something else. "I See... I have been travelign around a bit more with some of the increased tensions going on. Some of the places they have been deploying me have been interesting. Some outposts and embassies in Saddle Arabia, and one... not so great one in Whitescar where I wound up catching a cold and despite my best efforts it spread to one of the ponies under my command." The stallion laughed with a nervous straightening of his bowtie.

 

The grey coated stallion smiled at Rarity's words, it was good to see her show some levity after that troubled look she had before. So far the worries about her were looking to be unfounded. "I'd be fine with just a normal reunion with just us three... Well, There were five of us then but I've no idea where Ms Dash is and Miss Pommel decided she wanted to stay back and told me I should enjoy myself." The events of the attack on the fashion show were truly something to behold when you were there. Silverheart's contributions were... mostly in trying to draw attention and some clever use of his own magic to make defeating the Clockwork Corsair easier. Whatever he though he'd contributed though he couldn't help but feel it would have worked out maybe even better if he hadn't intervened. With two of the chosen elements of harmony present he was rather sure, one way or another things would have worked out. 
 

Silver's ears perked up and he smiled brightly at Rarity's correct assumption, "Indeed it is! She's been working very hard lately... I was hoping I coudl convince her to come out and enjoy the Gala this year but she said she had a dress she really wanted to complete... I suppose there are just some creative whims that cannot be ignored. You think I would have gotten that into my skull after living with sister as long as I had." The Trottingham stallion gently knocked a hoof to the side of his head and sighed, "Too bloody thick, I am." he chided, a bit of the cockney escaping his tones.

 

When the prince Mentioned Rubble being exposed to some mysterious stallion based magic... then again the mare he knew was likely the type to take it all in stride and keep on walking like nothing happened. He hadn't been as close to his cousin as his sister was.. but from how she talked about her such magic would be more like an inconvenience to a mare with the constitution and other similarities of and with a Bulldozer. "Is it anything I should keep watch for to save her embarrassment?" Asked the stallion in a hushed tone.

 

He looked over the Star crusader, "I'm glad to see you again, Miss Crusader. Congratulations on your position as honor guard! I had been hoping to get the chance to tell you in person."

 

The stallion blushed, seemingly on reflex at the maid. Perhaps it was all his exposure to maids at the manner but somehow maid outfits managed to make him a bit, nervous. Maybe it was the lovely style of the clothing... or maybe it was how on more than one night on leave with some other officers they managed to get drunk and Silver somehow repeatedly fell for some rigged wager where he -always- seemed to wind up wearing a frilly prench maid outfit similar to the one Valencia was wearing at this moment. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Valencia." 

 

Mentally shooing away that pink tinge on his cheeks, Silver cleared his throat. "Well..." he began, "Might I ask what you would Reccommend, Miss Valencia?" Silver was drawing a bit of a blank now as to what potables were available.

 

Silver's ear's perked up a bit as he heard the utterance of the word 'aunty' from Princess Bluebelle. As soon as he caught sight of the billowing mane like the night sky, the stallion spoke up in a more serious and professional voice, His hoof raised up in a salute!  "First Lieutenant Silverheart of the Royal Guard reporting, Your highness! The Gala is going on with... a hitch... and... I'm s'posed to be off duty right now." With each passing with after 'hitch' was increasingly softening as a blush spread over his cheeks. "Um... Good evening, Your highness. Are you enjoying the night's festivities?"

 

The next mare to approach brought a momentary gilmmer to the stallion's eyes! "Oh my goodness...! -The- sunrise skies?" Silverheart couldn't help but gush a moment, "I used to look at your work in some of the fashion magazines I read. One of your scarves actually inspired me to get into knitting... I mean for it's still just a hobby of course but I can't tell you how much it calmed my nerves during the tougher days in the academy when I enrolled. It's wonderful to meet you." Silver bowed politely to unicorn entering the scene. He'd already gushed a bit over Rarity during the events of the pirate attack on the fashion show... and now he was getting into it all over again with this meeting. May Tia help him if some other Big named fashionista entered his life.

 

As soon as Silver lifted up his head, the stallion's jaw dropped open for a moment. He couldn't help but notice the posing wonderbolt in the air.... for some reason not saying anything, "Hello, Miss Dash!" The stallion spoke up in a cheerful tone! "You look Radiant tonight, How have you been since we saw you last... we actually talking about that little 'scuffle' you, Miss Rarity, Miss Pommel, Miss Harmony, and I got involved in."

 

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The Grand Galloping Gala, not something you would usually find a farmer from Ponyville attending as this was considered one of the most prestigious, and thus difficult to get into, events in all of Equestria.  Carrot Fields had attended twice before.  The first time, he had won a contest sponsored by the Wonderbolts - and it was there he'd gotten the first of the many Wonderbolt signatures on his special goggles, which were hanging proudly in his workshop.  The following year, he'd been invited as the plus-one of not one, but two separate mares!  Both Rainbow Dash and Applejack had invited him.  This year, at least, he'd only been invited by one of them - that had gotten a bit awkward. 

 

He'd gotten a new formal outfit for the occasion - his old one being several years old, having been chosen out before he was even in the REA, for crying out loud!  This new one had the same formal kilt in the clan's tartan of green with thin lines of orange, with a formal black sporran.  It was paired up with a fancier white dress shirt with a collar, like they wore in Manehattan, and a black jacket that was a nice mix between Manehattan's suits and the formal jacket that the Fet Loch nobles would wear on special occasions.  The only part he wasn't sure about was the puffy sort of tie - they called it a 'cravat' - at his throat, a splash of green in the black.

 

As he walked into the grand ballroom, what impressed him most wasn't the grand spectacle of the room itself, nor the elaborate decorations making it shine all the more, but how diverse its denizens were.  His old sire joked about how back when he was a guard for the gala, it was seen as 'diverse' if they bothered to invite anypony from Fet Loch, and it was true that back in the old days it was really a Canterlot elite event, but how it was an international one.  Griffins, Yaks, Caribou, even more exotic species from lands he knew little about, it felt like the whole of the world was represented in this one room.  It was quite exciting and a little overwhelming.

 

But all of that was a mere unimportant background detail that escaped his mind completely when he saw her...  The reason he was here, his date, Rainbow Dash.  Sure, they had been on dates before, but the two of them always treated them so informally.  "Just hanging out" as Dash would put it.  They'd danced together at the ball before, but it hadn't exactly been a date.  At least, he didn't think it had been.  Here, he was definitely was a date.  he was pretty sure.  And there she was dressed in a stunning display of shimmering colors against a dark dress like the night sky; she  might not care about dresses but she always looked so good in them.  

 

Carrot gave himself a quick once over.  Nothing was out of place.  Dash wasn't alone, so he had to be careful with his first impressions - she could be a bit sensitive about her image.  The ruddy maned stallion trotted up to where she was with a huge grin that he couldn't hide, first impression, first impression, go!  "Heya hot-er Dashie, er Dash, ye really look absolutely stunnin' in 'at gown!"

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Rarity nodded to Valen as she spoke. Honestly, it kind of surprised her to hear that the young pony would mind very much for the changes brought upon by the enchantments to become permanent. She wasn't very sure when it came to Valen, but so often had he been in female dress or form in Rarity's presence that she had long doubted her had any attachment left to being a colt.

 

As he went on about the job, Rarity smiled. She honestly hadn't intended her comment as anything more than a joke, but truth be told, he really could be of use to her as an employee. Rarity For You was easily her busiest boutique, as would be expected of a shop in the biggest of Equestria's cities. She nodded again. "We could definitely use you, dear. I wouldn't run afoul of the Princess for taking her maid away, though would I?" she asked, glancing over at Bluebelle.

 

"Whatever the case, that spinach wrap you mentioned sounds divine. I'd love to try one," she said.

 

She turned her attention then back to her two friends she had met on the airship. She nodded at Harmonic. Thinking of her when they bumped into each other, huh? If Rarity didn't know better, she'd have thought the other mare was trying to flirt with her with that kind of line. Her face blushed slightly with the knowledge that, in mulling over her earlier thoughts about her lack of date, it just might work tonight.

 

"Thank you, darling," Rarity said taking a breath. She then examined the dress again. "It looks good on you, but I suppose it is a tad long. I'd be quite glad to alter it for you or show you to something which allows more freedom if ever you stop by my shop."

 

She looked then to Silver and and giggled. "I suppose Coco would be swamped these days. Not only does she have her own fashion interests, but also the work I give for her at Rarity For You. And then there's everything the dear does for the Midsummer Theater Revival on top of it all. It's a wonder she finds all the time," Rarity sighed. 

 

"Is your sister here? I do hope she's been well. I've seen her far less than I'd like since all that time we spent together in those ghastly swamps," she shivered at the thought.

 

It was then that Rarity's eyes traced up to a most majestic site. The answer of who the next pony who had been on that airship who might appear had just been answered and luckily it was no kind of pirate. No, it was none other than Rainbow Dash and the sight of her made the unicorn's heart skip. A desire flared in her to avert her eyes and hide the blush on her face but she could not look away. The pegasus was simply captivating. 

 

Rarity had expected she might see Rainbow at the Gala. They were all attending of course. It wasn't suspposed to be like this, however. Rainbow had fiercely protested being made a new gown this year. She was to attend the gala as a Wonderbolt and had left Ponyville in her uniform. When Rarity had last seen her, during her performance at the start of the gala, she had still been in her uniform. 

 

That begged the question, where did the exquisite gown she was wearing now even come from? It took several moments for Rarity to discover the secre. The outfit her friend wore was in fact one cobbled together from various other outfits Rarity had made. 

 

Now, this should have lead to disaster. Rainbow was the mare who had once brazenly told a reporter that her extent of fashion knowledge was the ability to deduce what was and wasn't clothes. Somehow, however, her choices created a picture that was positively sublime. It helped that the covering garment she wore over her black gown was one of the pieces Rarity had made with the dye she had created from the mist prism flowers, the very same elusive treasures which had compelled her and Silverheart's sister deep into the Soggalong Swamp together, despite the danger to their lives. The tiara Rainbow had chosen, however, just completed the picute of loveliness. It was perfect.

 

And Rarity was captivated. Anyone who might glance at her face could tell it too. She approached her friend with some hesitation and a lot of awkwarness.

 

"Rainbow darling, I didn't expect to see you here in the ballroom," she said somewhat shyly. "I-I thought you had said you were just attending as a Wonderbolt this year and didn't need a dress?"

 

She looked away for an awkward moment and then back at the mare. "It looks lovely by the way. That combination... I wish I could take credit for the idea of pairing the misr prism fabric with black. The effect it breathtaking."

 

She gulped. "Speaking of which, I saw your show earlier. What you and the others do up there, it never stops being incredible to behold..."

 

Rarity could feel her heart continue to beat excitedly as she spoke. She thought about her lack of a date again, about the things she had thought earlier in the night. Seeing Rainbow there, could she really deny it to herself what she wanted. Perhaps Rainbow would think her weird for inquiring (or perhaps it was what she wanted all along), but Rarity took another step toward her friend, prepared to ask her for a dance.

 

Just as she was about to, however, another pony stepped in front of her.She stared in awkward frustration for a moment. Then she realized she knew this pony. He was a stallion called Carrot Fields. Rarity didn't know him too well, but he seemed like a nice fellow. He was friends with Rainbow and Applejack and on occasion he had joined Rarity and her friends for games and the like.

 

"Doesn't she?" she said at Carrot's offhand comment to Rainbow. The sudden intrusion had her reflect on what she had been about to do, leading her to feel some embarassment for it. She started talking to the stallion some more, just to give her some more time to sort out her silly impulses. "It's a pleasure to see yet another familiar face, Carrot dear. I didn't know you were attending the gala this year. Have you been before? I'm always so intrigued when I see you in your traditional Fet Loch attire. It's so very unique."

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Rainbow Dash was preening under Rarity's attention, very pleased that Rarity was obviously in awe of Dash's ... whatever it was you used to pick out the right dress.  The look on her face was everything Dash had been hoping for!  Yes, yes, tell me more!  A brief look of annoyance and frustration crossed over Dash's face as a voice intruded on the ego-stroking.  Not when I'm being told how awesome I am!  Wait, that's Carrot!

 

By the time she'd turned around to greet Carrot, her smile was back in place.  Especially since he was also complimenting her.  She could get used to that.

 

She shook her head at the young maid, hardly noticing her.  "I'm good, thanks," and grinned to Carrot and Rarity.  "You don't look half bad yourself, Carrot!  I like that puffy thing at your throat.  And Rarity, well, thanks, but of course you shine out over everypony here!  But I guess you must be a good teacher if even somepony like ME is starting to pick up on how this fancy-shmancy stuff works!"

 

She ran her hoof lightly down the front of the dress, pleased at the reaction it seemed to have on her two good friends.  Rarity, of course, appreciated the aesthetics, but Carrot was so wonderfully flustered and twitterpated, it was adorable.  Still, she wasn't one to go on and on about clothes!  even if it did make their eyes half pop out.

 

"Nice to see you again, Silver!  I'm doin' pretty awesome!  Full-fledged Wonderbolt now, not that I like to brag or anything."  Well, she wasn't the element of honesty... "I saw Dissy around this party someplace, too.  It's quite a crowd!  Shoulda seen it from above when I was doing the opening ceremony.  All those faces, turned up to see me- er, us.  The Wonderbolts.  But yeah, Rares, Carrot was here last year!  You danced with him, even!  You know, right after you danced with me.  Maybe we could dance again this year, y'know.  If you two wanted.  Or something.  I don't care.  We don't have to.  But we could."

 

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Swift still sitting on the sidelines, observing course of events before him. It was...kind of refreshing to see things from the outside.

"No....still can't understand it." he muttered to Fire "This dedication to fashion I mean. Is this exclusively a mare thing? I don't try to generalize, I just can't fathom this fascination with clothing beyond utility or ones special talent. Yes I know how to dress myself according to occasion but....well I simply cannot understand." he added before clarifying.

"Don't get me wrong Moto, my lack of understanding doesn't mean I condemn it, opposite in fact. Miss Rarity here for example?" noblepony pointed out at white fashion-mare "Think about it what benefits she brings. And I don't mean the product. I mean employment. Started as private boutique owner, now steadily developing her own fashion house. Do you know ho many work places it creates? A lot, and this isn't basic goods, like pastries or vegetables. It's ponies like her that really bring this country it's GPD, and the reason we wealthiest nation in the world: in comparison to it's landmass that is. And notice, she did all of that with not that impressive capital as well, which makes her accomplishment even more impressive.

Swift paused and stroke his chin.

"Can't help but wonder what course she will take? Products for everyone? Or maybe making her clothing a luxury good?" unicorn pondered.

"Do I bore you Moto? Sorry if I do. When you have three successful businessponies in you family tree, you're bound to inherit something. Even through I wasn't all that interested in making business myself until recently. That said I had know-how from the very beginning I guess." swordpony rubbed his temple with a hoof.

"Maybe it's attitude that makes the difference? For me those companies are means to an end - making better Fillydelphia. For Miss Rarity it's....fulfillment in itself I guess? Genetic and financial privilege can take you only so far before you crack. And I didn't made things easier for myself trying to go for a hat-trick, results being.....well you could hear and witness results first hoof - jerk-ass extraordinaire. I should take things more slowly I guess. Finish one, then start another. Then again if I had to say who has the toughest job here, it would be her." Squall said to his sweetheart while pointing at Luna.

"If creating and running the company is tap dancing, wearing full plate armor three times too heavy while spewing poetry, then running government is the same, with addition of juggling flaming torches in your one hoof, fending off the lions with the chair held in you other one, while also also jumping the jump rope. And playing pick-up sticks with your magic." he explained using creative imaginary.

"Now take into account that her sister did this solo for a millennium. Thank Harmony that there are now three others who can take a shift for her. Well, I guess it wasn't as complicated when they started - you know - after knocking Discord from his perch. It surely got more complicated with years, until it reached levels of this unimaginable rubbish we have now."

noblepony said with a sarcastic smile.

"But back to this businesses thing. This year's Gala is quite special for money pursuers. Do you know why Moto?"

However before Squall could get an answer from a crimson mare, the pair was approached by Blue's amazonian marefriend. Unicorn was a bit surprised and taken off-guard by Star's direct question. The pegasus size may had something to do with it.

"Blllll..wh-wha?! Errr I mean....sorry. Lost in thought for a moment. Two years, it would be just a bit over two years now." swordpony answered while reaching towards his sweetheart hoof. Two years huh? Only now he realized that they were together for that long. The thought put a warm, fuzzy feeling in Swift's chest, that soon spread to his face as well.

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For the second time this evening, Mei asserted herself by dragging Lími towards another destination; the food tables. From a ways off, the caribou saw how each of these tables had a salad tray laid out on it. Plates and silverware were also provided.

 

With the threat of Mei being corrected on Lími’s species having subsided, that gave the young bull a somewhat clearer head to work with. For instance, he finally noticed the dragon mare sporting a slender outfit with flower designs. Oh, did Lími crave to have a better view of that dress!

 

No further evidence was needed that it had been too long since their last parting when Mei suddenly turned around, bombarding Lími with questions before they’d even reached their table. The caribou awkwardly chuckled; he needed more time to figure out how to talk to the qilin about his journeys, for they weren’t all sunshine and rainbows. “Heh heh, all in good time,” Lími managed to tease, hoping that’d be enough to sate the other’s curiosity before they sat down.

 

Compelled by a newfound sparkle in Mei’s entrancing eyes, the Bull of Askr delicately took hold of Mei’s outstretched leg (still firmly gripping Lími) with his free foreleg. “There... there are times though,” Lími managed to choke out, his eyes never faltering as they shined down upon Mei’s pools of pink; “When we forget that the most beautiful sights are, umm-” As the caribou’s free hoof unconsciously rubbed the qilin’s leg, he leaned in closer... an action which might have actually been labeled conspiratorial had the antlered furball not look so ludicrously bashful in the process.


“Well... that those very sights a-are... are right in front of us.....”

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Bluebelle laughed at Silverheart's question.  "Oh, I don't know if you could embarrass the mare if you tried.  Really, I'm not sure there's much you can help with, besides helping to calm down anypony that got freaked out.  Which, I am sure, was included in your training!"

 

Hm, Auntie Luna seemed a little over-awed... perhaps a little over-whelmed, as well?  Bluebelle wasn't sure how well she typically handled large social events like this, but at least she had gotten past the point of using the Royal Canterlot Voice indoors.  Dear Faust that would be a trial; they'd have to replace the windows.  Again.

 

In any case, the younger Princess thought that perhaps, just perhaps, the alicorn might be safely left to her own devices.  Giving one last warm smile, she said, "do hope that you dance.  We should have style enough to suit everypony.  And every griffon, caribou, and whatnot.  I took care to make suitable additions to the setlist!"

 

Family duties taken care of, Blue turned to the next newcomer.  "Ah, no, I shouldn't say so, Miss Skies.  The entire point of the pre-dance period is to mingle, after all!"  Giving off another one of her golden-bell giggles, she surveyed the room again, spying both an arrival, and a departure.

 

The arrival was one of Princess Twilight's Council members, Rainbow Dash, was it?  She was looking surprisingly... feminine, tonight.  Quite elegantly so, in fact.  Not aware of the circumstance behind her cobbling together the outfit, Bluebelle was quick to assign it to Rarity's handiwork.  Speaking of Rarity, she and Rainbow were conversing, and if Blue wasn't mistaken, the fashionista was enamored with her own work.  Or perhaps... *Ah, now was that what all that talk of the knight type was about?  Hmm...*  If so, it seemed that Rarity had moved slightly too late, as the pegasus already had a date.  Tough luck, but Bluebelle doubted that Rarity would find herself without a dance partner for the whole night.  Unless she went chasing the unattainable again...

 

The departure was of Tankena, who seemed to have come in just to do a little business.  Well, fair enough.  The caribou and Qilin couple had left the dance floor as well, but just to take a seat to eat, and undoubtedly to catch up with each other.

Hm, let's see... the next thing she would have to do is check and see how Valencia was holding up, touch base with the musician, and then re-attach with her date for the first dance.  Bowing to Icy, Fire Heart, and Minerva, she politely took her leave.  "I have to check up on a few things before the dance begins.  I hope you have an excellent evening."

 

Gliding over with soundless steps, she came up to her maid with a look of friendly concern.  "Are you holding up well, Valencia?  You've been on your hooves practically all day." 

Soon after, she looked up to see Dissonant Harmony chatting with the others.  "Oh, Miss Dissonance!"  The Princess called out.  "I'm sorry for not greeting you when you came in.  You're first on the set, but I don't want to rush you too much.  I just wanted to let you know that the backup musicians are ready, and waiting on your signal."

 

Now that she was back among the fashionista's group, she nodded to Rarity.  "Hello again.  And hello to you too, Lady Rainbow and Mister...?"

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Princess Luna smiled when she heard Bluebelle speak to her. She was happy to be there, yet suddenly a lot of ponies turned towards her direction, obviously to her. She was gathering attention, perhaps too much more than she wanted to have at the moment. Her ears perked a bit when she heard Bluebelle ask if she was planning on dancing with anypony during the evening. She remembered hearing her sister say that she used to do it time ago, but she eventually dropped it because of the high demand it generated for it. She couldn't blame her sister though. It mush had been overwhelming!

 

She looked back for a bit to the other ponies in the room, and doubted she would do what her older sister did. "No, I am afra-" She started to say, only to be interrupted by several ponies that arrived to greet her. Although she minded that much being interrupted, it felt a bit too much when even more ponies started to arrive as well. She did what was the right thing to do and decided to greet them back, feeling a bit overwhelmed yet nevertheless happy that her subjects had decided to come and welcome her to this event she never could attend before.

 

On 7/13/2016 at 1:08 AM, PyroBlaze said:

"Greetings Princess, and greetings to you all. I trust the evening is treating you well?" She greeted, smiling warmly at them. "I am Sunrise Skies, and I am sorry if I am interrupting anything."

 

On 7/13/2016 at 0:13 PM, SteelEagle said:

"Your Majesty," Valen ran up to her and bowed, "it is an honor to see you. Is there anything I may get for you or do for you, Your Majesty?"

 

Princess Luna turned to the first two ponies to arrive. The first one seemed calm yet really happy to see her. And who could blame her? Luna was also happy to be there as well. The second one seemed rather eager too see her, since she even ran up to her.
"I greet you both~" Luna soon said to them with a small smile and a slight nod with her head, a warm and friendly grin on her face as she talked to them. She then first turned to Sunrise. "Not at all, Miss Skies. And yes, I am having a good time even though I just arrived" She said with a small smile to her before turning to Valen "No, but thank you for asking, Lady..." She replied to her with a small grin, waiting for her name.

 

The Night princess waited for the filly to say her name until he heard yet another pony.

 

On 7/13/2016 at 7:15 PM, Pretzelpony said:

Silver's ear's perked up a bit as he heard the utterance of the word 'aunty' from Princess Bluebelle. As soon as he caught sight of the billowing mane like the night sky, the stallion spoke up in a more serious and professional voice, His hoof raised up in a salute!  "First Lieutenant Silverheart of the Royal Guard reporting, Your highness! The Gala is going on with... a hitch... and... I'm s'posed to be off duty right now." With each passing with after 'hitch' was increasingly softening as a blush spread over his cheeks. "Um... Good evening, Your highness. Are you enjoying the night's festivities?"

 

Luna looked at the stallion for a moment after he had made his little... show. The night princess couldn't help it but let out a small yet rather cute and charming giggle out at his silliness. "Is alright, Lieutenant." Luna soon said to him. "Even though I just arrived, I am indeed enjoying it, thank you." She said with a small grin in her face. That blush in his face and how he then spoke made her chuckle a bit more soon enough.

 

On 7/13/2016 at 0:45 PM, Dubstep said:

Minerva wasn't usually surprised by much, but the arrival of Princess Luna did give the griffon a moment of pause. "Uhh. Yeah. Having a fine time, sure. Thanks uh...your highness." there was that awkward 'Get me out of here' feeling again. Great.

 

She finally heard somepony else, a griffon to be more precise, yet she let out a rather awkward aura for a moment, like if she didn't wanted to be near the princess, that or she was just starting to imagine things. "I am happy to hear that." She said with a small friendly smile before she finally turned back to Bluebelle.

 

20 hours ago, PrinceBlueblood said:

In any case, the younger Princess thought that perhaps, just perhaps, the alicorn might be safely left to her own devices.  Giving one last warm smile, she said, "do hope that you dance.  We should have style enough to suit everypony.  And every griffon, caribou, and whatnot.  I took care to make suitable additions to the setlist!"

 

"I will think about it, thank you." Luna then said to her after attending to the ponies that wanted to greet her after her arrival. A really small grin in her face. Although she didn't wanted to do it that much for what she had heard from her sister, if she had to do it... she would have no other option than to do it, and Bluebelle had a point. They had to suit everypony this night, or as much as they could. With that, Luna saw her leave soon enough to greet other party members.

 

As Luna did so, she couldn't help it but see a new yet familiar face in the area. Non other than the element of loyalty, Rainbow Dash. She smiled a bit and wanted to go and greet her, yet there were several ponies with her she had to talk with first. She didn't wanted to be discourteous with them and leave them even though they took their time to go and greet he to the event.

 

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Sunrise gave a nod to both Bluebelle and Luna's responses, glad she hadn't come in the middle of anything important, like something about the government. Then again, they likely wouldn't talk of such things in the middle of the ballroom during the Gala. 

 

"I am glad to hear it, Princess. And thank you both." She said to them, smiling. Her smile faltered a bit when Bluebelle did not seem to recognize her, but she let it go easily. They hadn't seen each other in quite some time, and their only meeting, as far as she remembered, was at the Crystal Faire. That was a bit much to hope for, she supposed, that Bluebelle would remember her. 

 

In any case, the next pony to speak to her caught her a bit off-guard. He was a fan? Well, that was unexpected... Although no less welcome, of course. After a moment, the designer gave a light giggle, covering her mouth with her hoof slightly until she finished and began speaking. 

 

"Thank you, it is nice to know my designs were good enough to inspire you, even if it is just a hobby." Sunrise said, returning the bow with a warm smile. "I am glad to have helped you through your training, Sir Silverheart. Was there anything you wished to converse about?" She asked, excusing herself from the group of largely unfamiliar ponies to join her fan and his group.

 

"Greetings to you all." She said, nodding to each in turn. She recognized Rarity and Rainbow Dash, at least, though the later was just through the Wonderbolts mostly. She wasn't sure what all the bearers turned council members looked like...

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Carrot Fields was about to reply to Dash when Rarity interjected in agreement with his praising of his date's stunning gown, no surprise there, she was a fashion designer after all, and probably the one who made the dress in the first place. Still, he was sure that helped make Dash feel a little more comfortable, as brazen as the rainbow maned pegasus was, she still seemed a bit flustered about stuff like this, even if she looked great in them.

 

He was a little disappointed Rarity didn't remember him from the last gala, as they danced together, but he didn't want to make the moment more awkward by pointing it for her, besides Dash was more than willing to do that for him.  Actually he had a great time last year, getting to dance with three different beautiful mares from Ponyville.  Sure that wasn't some great achievement, but given how incredibly shy he has been most of his life when it came to the mares, that night would always be special to him.   

 

At least the white unicorn liked his outfit - Carrot was rather uncomfortable in it.  He didn't care much for formal wear.  The kilt was fine, but he much preferred a simple white collared shirt or nothing, but there was no way that would have been acceptable here.  And he didn't want to embarrass Dash.  "Thanks, thes is pretty standard wear fur special occasions back haem, but th' jaekit an' sark Ah mean, kilts ur far mair common. I guess Ah dornt wear mine much coz Ah feel Ah woods stand out tay much back in Ponyville. Yoo ponies dornt usually wear clothes."

 

"As fur th' 'puffy throat thing' Dash, it's a cravat, somethin' stallions back haem only wear fur very fancy events loch thes. Between ye an' me, eh'd raither hae worn somethin' far mair casual, but th' guards woods hae ne'er lit me in if Ah showed up in jist a kilt! Ain tonight's special. I hud tae look mah best, especially given hoo utterly stunnin' ye look tonecht an' aw."

 

He knew she would be shy about that last line and likely play it off.  Dash was very open and proud about almost everything - except romantic affection.  Then she was as shy as a young school filly and he found it adorable.  So it was no surprise that she played the idea of dancing off as something that was no big deal, even though he knew that she really wanted to.  She just couldn't show that she really wanted to, silly Dash, her shyness in this regard only made her even more adorable.

 

"But aye, I'd love tae dance wi' the two of ye, wot stallion in his right mind wouldnae?"

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iqY7dA5.png

 

 

Well.

 

If he was going to say things like that...

 

Mei was vaguely aware that her face had once again regained a tinge of pink, though it had been a long while since any one had made her face flush out of embarrassment. Truth be told, she was...well, used to receiving such compliments, especially from Equestrian citizens who marveled at the tufts on her legs, or long fluffy tail, or the colors of her mane as they spiraled down her neck. There was, in truth, probably some mix of strange and unique being applied to those compliments of beauty, as it was all too easy to attribute attractiveness to something different and wholly unique that had no other standard to be compared to.

 

...Though, she was rather good looking to the common populace, if she did say so herself.

 

But for some reason, hearing the same compliment come from Lími of all ponies felt...well. There was a reason the flush on her face refused to dissipate, even if Mei...wasn't, quite sure what that reason was. Perhaps it was simply the long absence of the strange yet compelling friend she'd made in Garden Gait, that his first private words to her had been in response to her beauty. Maybe it was the words themselves? No simple, 'you look very beautiful tonight,' from him, no indeed - even his casual conversation rang of the poetic spirit she knew was swimming around underneath fur and floof. 

 

So shy, her Reindeer - so bashful, and yet utterly determined to speak his mind.

 

So adorable!

 

"Oh please, LÍmi," the vivid blue Qilin chided, as if she wasn't internally preening from his words - along with some external preening, too. "I'm sure you've seen sights to rival even the most, extraordinary ones right here." Mei couldn't help but use her free hoof to brush it along her mane, both to give her something to do and check for any loose strands that had fallen into disarray. Not likely, her bun was more secure than the private wings of the palace, but it never hurt to double check. "Though, I suppose...some these sights in front of you are rather spectacular." 

 

Which, actually, reminded Mei of her silken dress, and she suddenly pulled back from the Reindeer to leap out of her seat in anticipation.

 

"Do you like it?" the Qilin inquired, performing a little twirl to show off the dress in its entirety as her smile grew even wider. "It was hoof-made by my mother. The finest silk available! Not as fine as shimmersilk, of course," she added, brushing off imaginary fluffs of lint from her short sleeves, "but still very fine." Mei spun around again, eager to get Lími's compliment on her gown - though, her own mentioning of shimmersilk abruptly reminded the Qilin of her friend, who was somewhere in this Gala and whom she had yet to find! Lími had completely eclipsed thoughts of marching straight to the newly crowned Empress - the Empress, by the love of the ancestors! - and his brother, and Mei suffered a brief pang of guilt. 

 

...Ah! Perhaps she could convince the Reindeer to accompany her to search them out! Her foalhood friends would surely appreciate the lyrical words of a gentle Reindeer poet! 

 

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