canterlot The Royal Equestrian Guards' Ball [signups in OOC]

[PyroBlaze]

“Probably hidden away till the fancy ponies are gone. It’ll be more fun without them, anyways.” Aegis winked, catching something from Reckless about the alcohol. He sipped his own cider, giving a satisfied sigh. Even without alcohol, cider usually tasted good. 

 

“Mmm, same. Confident mares are better.” He winked back at her, following her gaze to the musicians. “Bit more beat, huh? I feel you there. I can appreciate these guys are skilled, but it’s not my style. And of course I have. Or sung for it, at any rate. We mostly do rock, metal, stuff like that, but we can move into other genres if we find something good. Maybe some jazz, looking at what we got to work with here.” He nudged her back, looking over at her again. Things seemed to be going well so far, that was good. 

[Pretzelparty]

 

 

Flash's reminder about her costume from that nightmare was quite the blast from the past. She hadn't thought about that in so long, "I liked it too... but getting all that blue dye out of my coat was such a pain. It was worth it in the end, though." 

 

Soon, Presteza found herself the center of a few questions. Flash was right, The empress did travel with a sometimes ridiculous amount of security detail even in places that had no reason to harm her. It surprised this unicorn how close she'd managed to get and not be removed by some member of the watch.  It seemed that Suall was rather concerned about this as well. "Well..." She began with a bit a blush, "It's more like she popped in on me."  The painter idly itched her nose as she remembered the garden in which she'd first met Yu along with her procession. 

"I was doing some sketches in the gardens -I know it was a bad idea- and got very focused on the task... and the next moment I looked up I saw The Empress and her procession. I asked a couple nosy questions and... eventually the empress asked one back. I'd been asking if she'd like me to paint her or one of her servants and  eventually she said yes!" With a smile she thought back to the night, "We talked for a while, got to share stories... and by the end of the night. She offered me the chance to work in the palace."  She figured she'd give the broad strokes of the night. Yu had told Presteza many things and confided in her often... and she wasn't about to overshare sensitive feelings of such a good friend, especially in such an important position!

 

Fire's remark immediately brought another blush to the painter's face. Fire did have a bevvy of stories from their fillyhood they could share. Stories of sneaking out to go to shows, times when pressy brought her along to all the fun spots in town. Stories where the unicorn's magical malady caused them a bit of trouble that they'd have to deal with. That pretzel stand would never be the same...

 

Swift's next question about where the next trip would take her did make Presteza think. Where would she go now? there were a few places she'd had in mind. "Actually..." The mare took a quick sip of her water, " ... I'd been thinking about going on another trip to Whitescar for awhile but  I've heard  it can be a bit fierce this time of year. While I'm sure Flash here would be the best bodyguard I could ask for, I wouldn't wanna steal him from his duties for one of my whims."  smiled at flash and gently brushed up against him, "I'd heard that there are Wolves over there that live in moving snowstorms and are three times the size of those Arctic Worgs that lurk in the northern equestria's snowy landscapes. Thankfully the roads are safe because of those warrior guards that keep the trade routes safe: The Vakstyra."

 

 

Edited October 15, 2019 by Pretzelparty

[Bellosh]

 

“Huh,” Flash commented as Pretezas wrapped up her story about Empress... Yu, or so her name apparently was. “You’d think Yu’s handlers would have tried harder to chase you off. But I guess not even an Empress is immune to Pres’s charms, heh heh.” The stallion gave his date a playful wink.

As if on cue, Flash Sentry himself blushed in the face of the painter pony’s charm when she played up his skill as a protector. Personally, Flash knew better than to believe he could take on a party of Viking Caribou... even one alone would pose a highly challenging threat! Nonetheless, the Corporal had the good sense of projecting outer confidence by giving his companion a return nuzzle.

“Oh yes,” remarked the pegasus; “They’re the caribou clan that paint themselves blue. We’ve been seeing more of those guys around Canterlot recently, especially going in and out of the Clan Askr Ambassador’s residence. Wonder what’s up with that? So Pres, did you manage to make any caribou friends on your last voyage to Whitescar?”

[Ciraxis]

On 10/12/2019 at 11:22 PM, PrinceBlueblood said:

As the course of the conversation continued, Swift gave some more practical suggestions as to how the Crystal Couple could improve visitor figures to the Empire.  Shining's smile was admittedly rather rueful as he gave his reply.  "Those are... not cheap investments.  The treasury isn't quite so extensive as all that, and you have to factor in the security costs as well.  I don't want to put what amounts to an open portal to Tartarus on our borders if I can at all help it.  Outside investment could help, but they'd want proof of viability, which we could only get with increased tourism, which requires better transportation investment."  His smile was blown away by his sigh.  "Quite the catch-22.  The winter sports idea is a good one, though the weather is... not cooperative out in the north.  The storms come quick, and we just don't have the pegasi to manage them."

 

In response to noblepony suggestion, Captain Armor  pointed out a glaring issue that stood in the way of making the real. An obvious issue. Squall could only kick himself for not taking it into consideration. Of course Empire's coffers were empty. Between Crystal Faire attack, damages suffered after - thankfully temporary - breaking of the Crystal Heart and making Empire catch up with rest of the world, the bits were naturally sparse. And after double whammy like that, investors and insurance companies were wary to invest in the region....

 

"........." noblepony and Fire exchanged understanding glances, after which Swift sent his fiancee a nod. Unicorn closed his eyes, gave a big sigh and spoke.

"....I don't need a proof. How much? Two billion? Four?" he asked the Cadence - seeing that her husband got himself busy talking with one of his subordinates. "I won't take a 'no' for an answer you know. So decide on number, because I won't stop pestering you two until you do." Squall added.

 

On 10/13/2019 at 1:22 AM, SteelEagle said:

"Cap'n, good ta see ya. You too, Mr. Squall. Them wedding nuptials are comin' up soon, ain't they?" Applejack said as she trotted up to the pair. It was always good to see Fire Walker at these things. She was a pleasant sort through and through and good in a fight. Swift Squall was an intelligent and well-meaning doofus who stuck his intrigued snout into everything in sight. It almost always turned out well in the end, however. Nopony could doubt his abilities or intentions. They'd make a good married couple because Fire could rein in Squall and Squall could help Walker fulfill her ambitions. Then they could have foals and more little fellas and fillies for Zap to play around was always a good thing.

 

 

"Hello Miss Applejack. Not soon enough if I have to say. The closer it gets, the days seem to stretch more and more, yet there is still not enough time..." Swift said while fetching himself another bottle. Of juice that is. Although judging how similar it was to other bottles, one could think otherwise.

"....But I guess this is on us. This is our wedding, so we try to delegate as little as we can, even if doing that would be easier." he mused before taking the sip. "You and family are invited by the way. Even if we are yet to decide where we will host the event."

And speaking of Applejack's loved ones.....

 

On 10/14/2019 at 10:29 PM, RainbowFoxxy said:

"Hey there Fire, Squall!" She lowered her shade and smiled at the pair. As AJ mentioned marriage vows she chimed in. "Yeah! That's gonna be some party huh?" She wondered what the two were planning for that event. It was sure to be something extravagant!

 

"....Helloooo.....?" business-stallion greeted back, although with a confused tone and raised eyebrow. He couldn't speak for Moto, but he was sure that himself and Equestria's fastest pegasus were yet to met before today. Was Sparkle and Applejack talking about him that he seemed 'familiar' to her? Or was it that innate boldness that so many of Wonderbolt's shared.

 

Before he could get sure which it was, Miss Rainbow already wandered off after some whispering from a farm-mare. Oh well, there were no shortage of conversation partners anyway....

 

On 10/15/2019 at 5:07 PM, Pretzelparty said:

Soon, Presteza found herself the center of a few questions. Flash was right, The empress did travel with a sometimes ridiculous amount of security detail even in places that had no reason to harm her. It surprised this unicorn how close she'd managed to get and not be removed by some member of the watch.  It seemed that Squall was rather concerned about this as well. "Well..." She began with a bit a blush, "It's more like she popped in on me."  The painter idly itched her nose as she remembered the garden in which she'd first met Yu along with her procession. 

"I was doing some sketches in the gardens -I know it was a bad idea- and got very focused on the task... and the next moment I looked up I saw The Empress and her procession. I asked a couple nosy questions and... eventually the empress asked one back. I'd been asking if she'd like me to paint her or one of her servants and  eventually she said yes!" With a smile she thought back to the night, "We talked for a while, got to share stories... and by the end of the night. She offered me the chance to work in the palace."  She figured she'd give the broad strokes of the night. Yu had told Presteza many things and confided in her often... and she wasn't about to overshare sensitive feelings of such a good friend, especially in such an important position!

 

Squall listened attentively as Presteza recounted her first meeting with Long Guo Sovereign.

"......Hmmm...." he murmured while getting yet another taste of his juice.

"....I may have met Empress Yuè, but I know equines like her. One's that give themselves to their responsibilities and duties so completely, that little of them remains 'true'. And with Long Guo long list of inflexible traditions...." Swift paused for a moment, wondering how to best express the advice he was going to give.

"...If I have to guess, sitting on the Dragon Throne is....lonely. And she can't say it is, because her role demand to play role of somepony above those 'needs' or 'weaknesses'. A role played for over 2000 years, just by a different actors, with just the mask passed around." stallion paused again, allowing the artist to digest what he was saying.

"You may not be tied to her court anymore, and she may not ask for it, but be her friend Pretzy. Keep in touch, to get some of that heavy weight off her shoulders. Show her Sparkle as an example that things can be different, and...." another pause, but one needed for him to gather his thoughts....."...And if she tries to hide herself behind the excuse of customs, remind her that at genesis of each tradition was a rebel."

[Bellosh]

 

"....I don't need a proof. How much? Two billion? Four? I won't take a 'no' for an answer you know. So decide on number, because I won't stop pestering you two until you do."

 

Princess Cadence didn’t attend balls so she could be pestered about the minutiae of royal governance. Maybe that sort of thing was up Twilight Sparkle’s (and Shining Armor’s) alley, but not Cadence’s. Despite her husband’s attempts to explain things, Count Squall insisted on throwing his... money around. If only spending big could solve every political matter.....

“It’s not just about money,” Cadence shook her head as if greatly burdened; “For one thing, there’s no such thing in colonization as unoccupied land. A whole slew of tribes, clans, and various oases of civilization lie between the Crystal Empire and the Crismarine Sea. We’d have to convince them all to let us claim all necessary lands as part of our dominion, and not all of them are going to be friendly. And even if we could somehow acquire all that territory, the fact of the matter is that there’s simply not enough crystal ponies to resettle ANYWHERE in meaningful numbers.”

As for the trains, all Friendship Express routes are managed by the Equestria Railway Agency, so you’ll have to petition Princess Twilight about that. Once she officially ascends to the Throne, of course!”

Cadence could see Applejack and Rainbow Dash walking towards them, giving her an excuse to get out of this conversation topic. “Now if you’ll excuse us,” the Crystal Princess offered a polite smile; “I see some old friends of ours coming our way.” Cadence was dead-set to avoid politics for the rest of the evening, even if that meant giving Swift Squall a wide berth.....

 

"Yer Highnesses, a pleasure. How's lil' Flurry Heart doin'?"

 

“APPLEJACK!!!” The princess scooped up the Avatar of Honesty with a deceptively bone-crushing hug; a reminder that alicorns possessed the innate strength of earth ponies. After letting go of AJ, Cadence answered; “She’s doing great! Flurry has become quite the chatterbox since you’ve seen her last. My little baby’s growing up fast! So what’s Zap Apple been up to?”

 

"Say, Cady, didn't you once get that letter from a Long Guo guard?"

 

“The what now?” Cadence shook her head in momentary confusion, having paid only the barest attention to whatever topic Shiny and the gang were now going over as she finished up her main course; “O-oh yeah, I remember the letter you’re talking about, honey. What of it?”

[Blueblood]

Shining Armor nodded when Aqua mentioned family matters.  Usually, whenever he came down south, he would take some time to pay a family visit, though with Princess Twilight's Military Reform Conference coming up in a few weeks, he figured he'd take the opportunity then, and just leave this time to be him and Cadence.  One had to pay special attention to the primary relationships in one's life, after all!

 

Speaking of which... the mare's answers to why she was going stag sounded an awful lot like excuses to the Captain's mind.  Since Aqua had been assigned to him since before moving to the Crystal Empire, he knew some things about her family as well as herself.  Her dam and sire weren't the stereotypically obstinate sort; if she had actually found anypony, she could have convinced them to go along with it.  She may have had to leverage her connections to Shining and Cadence to do it, but they both would have been happy to, and she knew it.  "Well, that's a bit unfortunate.  I do like to see soldiers under my command form strong bonds; I find that it boosts their determination when they have somepony specific to defend."  Not to mention the fact that the offspring of guards generally became guards themselves; a large majority of the soldiers Shining had the highest opinion of came from military families.

 

"In any case, why don't you come and join us?  It'd be a bit dull to sit all by yourself at a table!  Please, I insist."  Shining wasn't giving an order... but his insistence was a bit more than a mere formality.

 

Escorting the mare back to Cadence's group, he answered his wife regarding the letter.  "Swift and Presteza had been talking about how remarkable it was for her to so easily befriend the Long Guo Empress; her bodyguards and Watchers are renown as some of the most zealous and elite of their kind.  I remember that we got a letter from one of them, about a forbidden crush, mixed with a whole mess of unrequited affections.  I wonder what became of all that..."

 

Applejack and Rainbow Dash, at least, had no problem of requiting each other's love.  Especially so, given the latter's plans.  He had to chuckle a bit as she brought out a flask of the good stuff, though he did raise an eyebrow at that.  Onlookers would have suspected a light jibe at her behavior, but it was really an inquiry regarding a secret plan known only to him, her, and Cady.  The Rainbow-maned one had something special planned for tonight, and he would help to make sure it came off well.

[tacobob]

 

 

 

Oh. dear. Fire did not even have to look directly at the beloved Princess of Love to know her perfect ears had drooped down in slight shame.

 

“But...”, The Pegasus pony could not bare the thought of Princess Cadence's day being ruined. "Things were rather exciting with the caribou and no creature actually...technically was hurt.." She smiled back at the Alicorn. There had been slight bruises. The officer usually fought using the dull side of her blade, and the weapon was meant to disarm, not harm. And once a foe was disarmed, it was generally an unwritten rule that an enemy is a friend you haven't made yet. Although the mighty creatures were still very deadly even without their weapons.

 

Thankfully Swift tried his best as well. But as much as she liked the Crystal Empire, it was not her idea of the perfect honeymoon destination. Hers involved an nice, sandy beach. A rum drink housed in a pineapple and nothing to do, but just to soak in Princess's Celestia's sun while slowly running her hooves in the sand. Maybe wear that one piece she had purchased last month. No adventures. No plans and no worries.

 

Fire Walker could not help but frown a little as Swift mentioned the single track that lead to the Empire. This was actually rather new. A sad, single little way to get to what had been the Crystal Empire. It was built in hopes that one day, the ancient empire would return after vanishing into thin, cold air. And it did, after a full thousand years. When she was younger, she would sometimes join a surveying crew that would slowly make its way up the tracks, making sure everything was still in place, and she would make sure no wild beasts would be able to harass the train workers. She later learned that an tribe of white coated griffons also watched for the 'return' from an ancient tower they all lived in.

 

And her beloved's heart was in the right place, but the outside was not the type one would go out and enjoy festive, winter activities, but was the type of weather you need to get out of now. Not later, but as soon as you stepped hoof into it as the weather, you were going to die if you lingered. Shining Armor was also very correct that they did not have an full weather team that could handle such a storm. Could any team contain such an beast?

 

"Good evening Lady Applejack....Rainbow Dash.", Princess Celestia really needed to knight Twilight's companions.  They were honest to goodness heroes, and a title always looked good on one's mailbox. The mare thought it rather funny that her work-friends all seemed to be having kids by the bushel. Foalshel?  While her friend-friends were avoiding kids altogether. She could only imagine how adorable Pressy's kid would be. Her entire family were a bunch of lookers, from her stately mother, to her rather pretty brother. Considering her friend Zelda the Griffon...She usually partnered up with ponies. Would she have an hippogriff? The officer had only seen a few of those before. There was an pretty pinkish one in Ponyville that attended the nearby school. An stocky brown and white on that she was pretty sure was Discord, and one she met at an woodcraft store not that long ago.  "Wedding is up....Still in the planning stages.."

[Dubstep]

Chuckling softly, Sparkles dabbed his mouth before responding to Heart Shield with a little nod. "Ahh yes, it's true that a lot of packs aren't the most sociable...But they're also not the most welcomed in pony lands. It's a cycle I suppose, I'm glad to have at least chipped away at that, even if just a little bit." they would say with no small measure of pride. It took some hard work and effort to establish themselves in Canterlot! Visiting Ponyville was easy, it was a very welcoming place and Canterlot was starting to take after it some, but there would always be some snubnoses out there, little one can do about that.
 

"My pack operates not terribly far from Solstice Heights, so when I decided to open up a jewelry store I figured Canterlot a perfect place. That being said it certainly was a bit of a challenge getting a paw in the door. But it was a challenge that proved well worth it I think." Sparkles' tail would wag softly behind him as he gave a glance in Licorice's direction with a loving smile. "Not trying to get too sappy, but with there being a certain guest here, love is in the air I suppose."

[RainbowFoxxy]

RECKLESS

Art by the awesome: GoldenDaze!

 

She raised her eyes brows as he gave her a nudge back. Another swivel of the hips as she listened to the stallion speak of music genres and his skills. Cool, he could play jazz. That was definitely of interest to her. 

 

"Smooth jazz?" She let the words roll from her lips, leaning in closer to him for just a moment before pulling back and taking another sip of the sweet stuff in her glass. Oh yeah, this really needed a kick or two. She would be on the hunt soon enough. "Yeah, I'm sure things will loosen up after a while... they always seem to at these sort of things." A small sigh. What to do in the mean time?

 

"So," She smiled an ever so coy smile and nodded towards the large dance floor in the center of the room. It was pretty much completely unoccupied though she had seen a couple ponies glance towards it. Somepony was going to have to break the ice sooner or later. Just needed to be a bit more coming from the players on stage...

 

As she watched a certain rainbow hued mare made her way to the side of the stage. She whispered a few words into the ear of the pony working as a stage hoof. After a few moments the stage hoof smiled and nodded vigorously. Well, if she could do it...

 

"I'll be right back," She winked at him and trotted over. After speaking with the stage hoof she trotted back.

 

"Well, you said confident mares are better so," She offered her hoof as the small band on stage put together something more lively. It wasn't rock or metal or anything like that but there was enough to work with to come up with a few moves. "Let's dance,"

 

As they made their way to the floor she whispered in his ear. "I'll even let you lead...for now." She chuckled lightly and stepped out onto the floor.

[SteelEagle]

                                                                               


For all of his eccentrics, Applejack knew that Swift Squall was a good stallion. Sometimes he wanted too badly to be too good and it was too much for ponies to take. It came across more cringey or vexing than charming. She knew in her heart of hearts though that there were few Equestrians as good and decent deep down than he, and with the drive and compassion to show it. Maybe that was why he was able to get one of Equestria's finest mares to put up with goofiness enough to marry him! He was a lucky fella. If Applejack wasn't as enamored with her prismatic pegasus marefriend as she was, she wouldn't say no to at least a dinner date with Captain Walker. One of Equestria's best mares and one of her top stallions? Talk about a match made to print! "You bet yer booties we'll be thar. Apple Bloom's wanted to attend another fancy wedding ever since these two tied up. Get yer plans squared away!" Applejack said with a hearty laugh as she rump-bumped RD upon her return. "Make sure she has a nice front row seat with a pretty dress to wear, no wedding is complete without it."

 

As she snickered to herself, she was overwhelmed by a pleasant princess presence. It was always good to talk to a momma who loved being a momma as much as Applejack loved being a momma. It was less exciting when the momma in question could crush you like a grape in her excitement. And then far less exciting when she practically did so! Applejack put on a brave face even as she felt the life being squeezed out of by an equally smiling mare. She was finally released and took a breath. As she regained herself she allowed herself to imagine an alicorn chatterbox foal and it was very scary because it was almost, almost as adorable as Zap Apple. Nothing would ever compete, but it was close. "Wowee, yer certan you ain't wrestlin' nopony on tha weekends? You've got one iron-hard hug thar, Princess!" She said as she cracked her back, eyes glistening with excitement. "Oh land's sake, he is so active now! This filly here's always flyin' about bein' all distractin; and such and Zap's always on tha move. Try trackin' down an overactive little pegasus colt as an Earth Pony- its like tryin' ta tie down a family of wild boars with a single strand of rope. Here, Ah have pictures!" Applejack said with feverish glee as she reached into her saddlebag and pulled out what, as it unfolded, could only be called an overstuffed photo album.

 

And then out came the pictures. Applejack had never been one for keeping photography nearby because of the expense but that side of her seemed to wander off after Zap Apple had been born. She had burned through a generation's worth of photography in a few short years. Pictures of him smiling, yawning, crawling, flying, eating, sleeping, taking a bath, running from Winona, hugging Winona, flying around while a diaper was falling off, being hugged, being snuggled, being mischievous, getting caught, crying, giggling, laughing, being tickled, playing around, horsing around, wigh his toys, with Applejack's old toys, playing with with family, running from family, being pure and innocent, being a little devil, falling down, having a booboo, crying crocodile tears, sleeping with Winona, playing dress up with his aunt and cousin, dancing to songs he didn't understand, trying to sing them, trying to buck apples, trying to help pull a cart,  trying to help bake a pie, helping by drawing pictures of the day's events, being propped up next to the sales stand, trying to eat the overwhelming amont of bits AJ was racking up because of him, confused with dozens of lipstick markings on him, jumping up and down in the mud, pouting when he wasn't allowed back inside until Apple Bloom cleaned his hooves up, and him proudly flying out of the family bathroom with toilet paper stuck to his hooves.

 

Each picture had a story and Applejack was more than happy and willing to share the stories with the Princess, and always seeking out stories of Flurry Heart in the only way two mothers could. 

[PyroBlaze]

Smooth jazz? Well, that was a bit of a surprise given what she had said before, he had assumed she would prefer swing. But oh well, to each their own. Aegis watched as Reckless headed off to talk to the stagehoof before coming back. A dance huh? Yeah, he'd be down for that. He smiled as he followed her down to the dance floor, nodding his head a bit to the more lively music.

 

"Well, how gracious of you." He joked, pulling her into a dance as they reached the dance floor. He mostly let the music lead him, actually, moving to the beat and letting the flow of the music carry him along the way. Still, he kept Reckless in mind, making sure to lead her through the music as well. He hummed to himself along the way, sounding almost like they were mumbled lyrics. It seemed he really was more of a singer than a dancer, but he knew how to let the music take the reigns, as it were. It was fun, actually, he did it a bit on stage, but maybe he should do it more often.

[Windwright]

 

Aquamarine saw the trap closing, and if she'd only been here as a guard or only been here as a guest she might've been able to politely decline, but who and what she was meant that she was obliged to accept her commander's invitation. Or obligated, she wasn't sure which. As she sat down, a waiter was only a few paces behind her with her food and place setting from the original table, apparently having been kept track of during her ramble. Once she was seated she quickly assessed the table and determined that she was only not out of her depth because, again, of her family history. And she couldn't exactly protest since nobody had pointed it out yet. 

 

Apparently the event coordinators had seen fit to seat all or most of the Heroes of Equestria at this table. Hooboy. "I can understand an appreciation for the determination that comes from having someone to defend. I've only been privileged enough to bear witness to such heroics, and only once or twice." the reluctant noble answered, not fully committing to the conversation yet. "It's truly a sight to behold, even when the defender is a civilian."

 

 

[Ciraxis]

Funny. Few years ago slight that Empire's Princess did to him would make him boil in anger in an instant. First her husband speaks about lack of funds, and then Cadence gives noblepony a cold shoulder when he offered to help in that regard?

 

Not that didn't angered him, Swift was quite peeved actually. But countless business meetings he had to suffer through since he returned from his staged 'demise' tough him bottle up his anger. Well, that and Fire's disproving looks. As such, he only turned away from the pretty pink princess, focusing on his juice instead.

 

Yes there were other difficulties if Crystal Empire was to acquire suitable port, but it was not his job doing that. That's was for it it's rulers to seek solution from this dilemma. He could only help by providing tools to assist with that. While Squall could understand Mi Amore desire to relax from strain of leadership, he couldn't help but question if her time wasn't spent similarly in Empire. Gushing over kids, exchanging marriage gossips and caring for her own child.

"....I can see why it had to be Twilight then....." he mused before taking another sip of his drink. After all Sparkle understood that you can't take vacation from the crown.

.

Perhaps he was too hard? After all, Cadence was Princess of Love, and Swift had yet to experience whats it was to be a parent. Judgung withiout taking that into consideration wasn't exactly fair.

He should be more optimistic and nice, like his Sweetheart was, trying to lift Princess spirits.

They all knew that what she said wasn't true. After all, they all been there at Crystal Heart, and Squall himself slew three viking in first few seconds of the battle - but it was intent that mattered. Which Squall approved by sending his mare a warm smile.

 

"Yeah...." Swift agreed when Fire said how their wedding preparations were going. "We really should sit down and deal with them. We can't really afford to wait till the last minute. We need to have to get all of this sorted. And then make backup preparations. And then backup backup preparations." swordpony explained.

"I take that bet Miss Applejack...." Swift answered with a friendly smirk and hoof pointing. "...although I doubt I will have an actual castle at our disposal....hmmm...but maybe in Trotscania.....I am yet to acquire a big estate in Itaily...." Swift mused.

 

All this talk, and the musical situation didn't improved in the slightest. Who could have guessed? But one had to give it to the Count Squallcoast, he waited patiently until the band on stage finished scrapping the fiddle and and left behind the curitains.

"....Well you know what they say. if you want something to be done right, you have to do that yourself." Swift said as he put his glass and juice bottle on the table. Just as Fire was opening her mouth to protest - no doubt worried that her coltfriend was about to do something stupid - he preventively silenced her with a smooch.

"Trust me. Just this once, alright Moto? We only live once. As you said, ponies came here to relax, and this stiffness in the air has to be axed." unicorn announced - after which, he picked up his suitcases and made his way through the crowd - straight towards the stage.

He quickly was barred entry by the security.

"I am sorry but this place is for performers only. if you not one of the...."

"My grandfather owns this hotel. And besides, performers aren't using it, don't they? Think about that as pro bono performance...." noblepony said with a shrug before jumping on stage.

As soon as he did that, his cases opened revealing....axes....well, two of them. Along with the keyboard and drums. All magically shrunk until now.

Before anypony could say anything, Squall has already grabbed the mic and addressed the - undoubtedly confused audience. Security ponies too were astonished, unsure if they should intervene or not. After all Celestia was known to pull pranks like that, even if she wasn't present. Latest Grand Galloping Galas came to mind. And if grandfather of this crazy stallion really was the owner......

 

"Fillies and gentlecolts. Once again thank you for your presence! For every one of you!"

Swift effortlessly slid into showpony persona. His gaze glided along gathered soldiers and their extras, as if he dared anypony to join him in what he was planning.

"Because of this year record attendance, here's special - out of schedule - performance...."

Count announced while taking all the instruments into his magical grasp.

"With the first song dedicated to YOU! Brave mares and stallions diligently serving Equestria year after year. I hope you will enjoy yourself!"

With that said, the instruments spoke instead, with first notes and words of familiar song heard from the speakers across the room.

 

 

[Bellosh]

 

"Wowee, yer certan you ain't wrestlin' nopony on tha weekends? You've got one iron-hard hug thar, Princess!"

 

“Teehee, sorry Applejack,” Cadence apologized with a blush on her face; “Sometimes I forget that we alicorns are stronger than we look.” If anyone doubted that claim, they should go watch Princess Celestia arm wrestle. She won every time without ever breaking a sweat, even against Equestria’s mightiest stallions.

The Princess of Love devoured every picture of Zap Apple in the photo album, along with every story the colt’s mother provided. Like AJ, Cadence kept a large photo album stuffed with snapshots of her own precious kid, although she lacked the foresight to bring that thing with her to the ball. No matter; the alicorn will remember to bring her Flurry heart album to the next social function she goes to!

Taking a sip of her glass of illicit apple cider, the alicorn observed; “Huh, there doesn’t seem to be many photos of Zap with his other momma. I’d have thought YOU of all ponies would love showboating in front of an audience, Rainbow Dash.” She gave the Wonderbolt a knowing wink.

 

"I remember that we got a letter from one of them, about a forbidden crush, mixed with a whole mess of unrequited affections.  I wonder what became of all that..."

 

Cadence understood what Shining Armor was talking about and nodded. “Oh yeaaah... I don’t think he sent a reply back..... but that reminds me, there was THIS newspaper article I meant to show you earlier today!” In the same manner that she magically materialized the travel pamphlets earlier, Cadence now produced for her husband a Canterlot Chronicle headline from the World News section: “LONG GUO’S IRON PONY GIVEN A HERO’S WELCOME”. The story came with a picture of an able-bodied longma stallion standing with pride by the side of Long Guo’s regal qilin empress.

“Apparently,” the alicorn explained; “That longma guy who won this year’s Iron Pony was actually a rising star within the Imperial Watch. And as his reward, the Empress of Long Guo appointed that stallion her new Captain of the Palace Guard!” Cadence mischievously leaned in close to Shiny and teased in a low voice; “That means he’s becoming your new opposite number, my love, so I’d watch out if I were you, heh heh.” Cady playfully leaned in close to Shiny with the intent-

 

"Fillies and gentlecolts. Once again thank you for your presence! For every one of you!"

 

Ohhhhh, for pony’s sake! What was WITH IT with stallions and their need to be obnoxious showoffs??? Cadence glowered; Swift Squall’s stage-stealing antics made the mare recall one particular day back in her adolescent years, when a gentlecolt admirer of hers kept on asking the princess to listen to a song he wrote in her honor. Cadence had a foalsitting engagement she needed to get to so she didn’t have the time (or the interest, frankly) to listen. But the colt persisted in his insistence, right up until he snuck into the home Cady was foalsitting in, and continued to be a nuisance.

Princess Cadence finally had to lay down the royal law and tell the trespassing colt to get out of her sight. The stalker did as he commanded... but not before leaving the filly (and the foal, let’s not forget) a long, profanity-ridden rant about how girls like Cady were shameless harlots who teased with the affections of guys who only wanted to show how NICE and ROMANTIC they were. Pffft, yeah right. All that jerks like him cared about were stroking their big egos and being the center of attention.

.....In a certain respect, one could say the same held true for philanthropists. Not that Princess Cadence thought philanthropy in of itself was a bad thing, not at all, but she also remembered a certain maxim she had been taught in her princess lessons: “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” Thus when somepony comes and offers you a stupendous pile of bits out of the proclaimed goodness of their hearts, you had to be mindful that the truth was anything but.

And this truth: in nearly 9 cases out of 10, a rich pony donating vast sums of money is only doing so to buy influence and access for the future, or the juicy tax-writeoff... or even a better noble title than they had before! Or maybe there isn’t an ulterior motive for the generosity; perhaps the charitable rich pony merely has the need to have their munificence proclaimed by the press, to have auditoriums and streets bearing their name, to have crystal statues erected in their honor.....

They only want to show how nice and generous they are.

Witnessing Swift Squall hijack the romantic ball so he could play his cheesy, dated rock song only made Cadence feel less guilty about rejecting his money. Come to think of it, everything about her prior conversation with the Count started rubbing her the wrong way. Like, did Squall not think Cadence hired smart and able bureaucrats precisely so they could advise her on important policy matters? Or was it that Squall thought his opinion was SO OBVIOUSLY IMPORTANT AND PROFOUND compared to everypony else’s that he needed to solicit them at every opportunity, and bah humbug those who failed to recognize his genius and intellect?

GRRRRRRR..... A glowering Cadence was getting herself worked-up over fuming about Swift Squall... and that wasn’t the reason she came to the Ball tonight. Attempting to calm herself down, the alicorn contented herself by merely showing her displeasure with a pout and a turning of her head in the opposite direction from the stage.

Think happy thoughts Cady... think happy thoughts.....

[Blueblood]

Guiding Aqua back to the table, Shining made sure that she wouldn't be left at the corner of the conversation.  After all, he wanted to at least get her engaged and social.  That would be the first step to, hopefully, a more integrated life as a soldier.  "Indeed, I've seen that too, and honestly I've been doing some serious thinking about how to better integrate civilian defense efforts with those of regular guards.  Not everypony is made for the military life, but everypony can fight for hearth and home, as it were.  Have you seen anything on your own patrols that would prove helpful?  We're lucky in regards to the Crystal Empire, in one respect, since old-style chivalry remains embedded in the local culture, so we have a higher baseline to work with."  And that wasn't just chit-chat, either, he was seriously working on a dossier to present to his sister, whenever the new Monarch of Equestria ever got around to holding that military reform summit she kept talking about...

 

Returning to the conversation at large, Cadence gave him an update on the Long Guo guard, complete with newspaper clipping.  The stallion's eyes and smile grew wider upon hearing and seeing the news.  "Oh, well now!  It's good to see I'm becoming a role model.  Best of luck to him..."  He leaned in to meet his wife's low tone, whispering, "It's too bad I already got the Best Empress..."  From there it would have transitioned naturally to a kiss, then a dance... but then Swift Squall happened.

 

Taken aback, Shining Armor just gawped at the stage for a second, before quickly looking to each side to see if security was going to do anything about it.  This was a room full of guards, for Celestia's sake!  Were they waiting for orders?  Should he give some?  He took a quick look around the hall to see how the guests would react.  The usual noble crowd had the predictable reaction of getting their cravats in a twist, but if the guards preferred this... well, the ball was for them.  If, on the other hand, they would prefer to blow of a little steam by escorting an interloper off the stage... well, he wouldn't object to that, either.

[RainbowFoxxy]

 

As the song came across the ball room in all it's ear shocking glory the cocky mare couldn't help but nod her head up and down a bit.

 

"Well," She rump bumped her mare in return. "At least he's um," She lowered her shades to get a closer look at the instruments as they were seized in Squall's might musical grasp. "passionate?"

 

RD giggled and took the flask from under the breast of her jacket. She took a swig and offered it to Applejack. After this she glanced towards the royal couple. It certainly looked like Cady could use a little loosening up. "Might as well get this party started huh?" She slid her glasses back over her eyes and grinned.  "Should we share with Cadance? She looks like she could use a sip." She upped the volume a little as a rather egregious guitar solo took over in earnest. 

 

For the moment this night had taken a bit of chaotic twist but RD was sure everything would work out just fine.

 

RECKLESS

Art by the awesome: GoldenDaze!

 

The mare was not shocked that the musician could dance. She felt good, letting him lead her about the floor. The way he went it was almost like floating, their steps coming naturally with the beat. Yep, he was a charmer. She'd let him charm her tonight, why not? He was a good guy and handsome. Not that she was looking for anything permanent but Aegis had something about him that made her think she might even want to see him again after tonight was over.

 

"Wow," She eyed him with a cocky grin. "Can't help yourself can you?" She'd heard him composing lyrics as they danced. It was nice so of course she'd give him a hard time about it. 

 

After a while longer the music changed to something...well something not great for dancing. She appreciated this Squall guy but it was time to exit the dance floor for the time being. Reckless made her way off the floor and back to the refreshments table. After a quick sip of cider she stepped close to her date. 

 

"We've gotta find the good stuff," She nodded towards the door Rainbow Dash had left through and re-entered from not that long ago. "I bet it's hidden in the kitchens. Want to check it out?" She stepped a little closer, giving his ear a soft nuzzle, before taking a step back and another sip of cider. 

 

[PyroBlaze]

Aegis chuckled as Reckless picked up on his little signing. He shrugged nonchalantly in response, simply continuing the dance while smirking at her. She really was a fun mare to spend time with, he’d really like to meet up with her again sometime. 
 

Unfortunately, the moment was not bound to last, and soon enough the music changed to an entirely different genre, and the two of them vacated the floor. When she indicated the door, he looked over at it, raising an eyebrow until he felt her nuzzle against his ear. He responded by looking over at her with a wink and a soft nudge from his wing. 
 

“Sure, let’s go see what they’ve got stashed back there.” He chuckled, draining the rest of his cup before setting off towards the kitchens with her. 

[RainbowFoxxy]

 

RD grinned at her beautiful mare and headed on back over to the royal couple with her flask stashed in her coat pocket. Once she was within range of them she took a moment to run a hoof through her forelocks and take a deep breath. There was a lot going on this evening and even more was in the works for her! She really needed to keep herself together and a little of the stiff cider never hurt!

 

"Hey there Candace!" She moved close to the Princess. She looked a bit stressed what with all the commotion going on. Perfect timing to offer some relaxing cider! "Was wondering if you'd like a sip?" She took the flask casually from her inside coat pocket and held it close in, offering the Princess a sip. It was strong, really strong. Not your normal hard cider. This stuff had been resting somewhere cool and dark for a long while.

 

RECKLESS

 

Good! He was up for a little adventure and Reckless would make sure to give it to him! The pegabat trotted off through the crowd, headed towards the swinging doors that lead to the kitchens and store area.

 

"Yeah, I'm sure they have the best stuff hidden back here somewhere..." She commented to herself and to Aegis. "All we gotta do is find the right door," She sucked in a breath and dodged into a side room as a kitchen worker came down the hallway. "Trick is to not get caught!" She whispered to the stallion as they waited for the pony to go on his merry way. 

 

Soon they were free to wander further into the store rooms, looking for the good stuff!

[SteelEagle]

                                                                                   


Swift Squall wasn't sure about whether or not they'd have a castle at their disposal but Applejack rejected the possibility of there not being one out of hoof. If somepony as rich as Swift didn't have a castle at his disposal for a wedding, somepony with nobility to boot, then nopony could have a castle. "Hehe. Well no matter where it is just get started on it. If Ah have ta hear Apple Bloom go on 'bout dream wedding scenarios for another week without her havin' somethin' to actually pin it ta, Ah'll marry y'all mahself. And Ah'm not even sure what Ah'd need ta do ta make it all legal like," she said with a laugh, though truth be told she wasn't so certain about why they were holding off. Just do it. Nothing was in their way, right? Eh, no matter. It'd happen when it happened. She wasn't somepony to hold off on the idea of a marriage in any circumstance but she reckoned thoughts on the matter were as extensive as the mares and stallions involved.

 

As Swift Squall vanished out of her sight, she re-centered on Cadance. She had enjoyed all of Applejack's stories and pictures but she did have a pretty valid observation. Rainbow didn't seem to catch it- her mind seemed to be wandering around and not at all focused- but Applejack certainly noticed it. She sighed, though she continued smiling. "Well..." she rubbed the back of her neck, "Rainbow's always real busy, and often times outta town. We make sure ta take pictures together as a family when we can, but fact is Ah'm around Zap Apple every day. Just a different bit of exposure, Ah reckon," she said with a shrug as went to ask a question. "Is Flurry Hear-" she began before the *singing* began. And Cadance's annoyed glare moving past her to the stage, where Swift Squall was doing his best to be...well, honestly, himself.

 

Unlike the others, Applejack liked it when Swift Squall got up on the stage and started singing. At least it was a song she knew, unlike all of the fancy schmancy malt that passed in such events. He wasn't the best and he really shouldn't have upstaged the professional musicians, but she'd be a liar if she said she was upset. She hummed along with the lyrics, leaning into Rainbow Dash and swaying with increasing energy as the chorus kicked in. "Ya got tha touch!" she sang out loud, though it was followed quickly by a heavy, leaned in kiss on her mare's cheek. She whispered huskily, "You got tha power," laughing at the sheer cheesiness of it all. "Yeah, you go an' leave me all by lonesome, gettin' that there alicorn Princess all liquored up," she said with faux concern as she allowed Dash to get along with her business of getting Cadance a bit loosened up, even in the presence of Swift Squall.

[Bellosh]

 

Welp... with Applejack showing approval for the change in music, Princess Cadence decided to wait out the squall by drinking the cider-full glass that Rainbow Dash offered. This was for the best, the alicorn reasoned; just chillax for a few minutes until the song ended, and then... it would be time to act, just as she promised. It’ll be a most welcome palate cleanser too!

Once the cheesy song concluded, the princess flew up a distance off the ground; not too high, but just high enough that it would catch everyone's eye. “May I have your attention please!?” Cadence proclaimed in a commanding voice that was deliberately lower in bombast than the Royal Canterlot Voice; “If everybody can gather here for just a few moments, there's an important announcement you all need to hear!”

It took about half a minute or so for the ball attendees to gather around in a circle. Shining Armor was among those up in front along with both Applejack and Rainbow Dash, who had supplied Cadence with cider only moments ago. Good, good... all the pieces were set.

The Crystal Princess set herself back on the ground. “Now then... I do believe Rainbow Dash here has some remarks she'd like to present....?”

[PyroBlaze]

Aegis chuckled as he followed her back there, hiding right along with her as they waited for the coast to be clear. His ears twitched, listening for any more hoofsteps nearby before emerging from the hiding spot.

 

"Well come on then, those drinks aren't going to find themselves, are they? Looking forward to getting something stronger in my system right now." He chuckled, trotting off to search the area for the drinks they suspected were hidden around here.

[RainbowFoxxy]

 

Rainbow felt her heart rate quicken as Cadence made her announcement and all the attendees began to circle around. She was ready for this but she wasn't all at the same time. She couldn't decide why something like this would become so difficult all of a sudden. It wouldn't change anything would it? Maybe that was what bothered her. She didn't want anything to change. She loved the relationship she shared with Applejack and she loved the son they were raising together. She loved how it was so dang difficult at times but also so dang sweet. She knew what she was about to do would only enhance their bond together, deepen their love. Rainbow shook it off, everything would be fine. No it wouldn't be fine, it would be awesome!

 

The pegasus cleared her throat and stepped in front of Applejack. "So uh," She glanced around at the small crowd and then focused on her mare. This was between them and nopony else. "AJ, you're the most beautiful pony I know inside and out. Your strong and resilient...enough so to put up with all of my horse apples. You're sensible and truthful. You're loving and a great mom to Zappers." The words were flowing easy now. "We've been through so much together and everything has made us stronger together. You're the only pony I could ever imagine sharing the rest of my life with so uh, I was wondering," 

 

She fumbled in her jacket pocket and brought out a box. After this she knelt down in front of her love and opened the container. Inside was a sparkling gold fetlock band. It was set with small green emeralds and had a diamond set in the center. The gem was highlighted to a light green by the emeralds around it. Nothing too obtrusive as she knew AJ wouldn't have wanted that but it was beautiful all the same. 

 

Rainbow took a small breath and looked up into her mare's patient eyes. "Applejack," She gave a small half smile and held up the band. "Will you marry me?"

[tacobob]

 

After a quick trip to the bathroom that felt like it lasted about three or four months, Fire Walker returned to the hall. “Crap...”, she shook off a piece of errant bathroom tissue from her back right hoof, before she made her grand re-entrance. The red mare caught some of what the farmer said and smiled. For a scrappy little tom-boy, Apple Bloom never failed to look amazing when she tossed on a dress. And there was the other day...She was so sure she saw what appeared to be an older version of Applejack’s sister running around and making all kinds of noise with the usual friends she normally ran around with, but they were older as well. Was it a fever dream? Or maybe more of Twilight’s errant magic. The magic that turned her into a Crystal Pony a few Hearth’s Warming Eves ago.And also a little filly what seemed like a lifetime ago.

 

“Eh.”, she shrugged her shoulders, “You know me...I love my crazy parties...With all dancing and music and the usual hootananny’ing. And then there’s just the relaxing one...When you have to be up the next morning to train a bunch of blue-heads and can't lead these training jobs with horrible memories of what you did the previous night still floating around in your head combined with a wicked hangover. Never a fun combination." What was going on with the suitcases? Where did he even get those, and he was now walking up on the stage. Um. Just as she was about to open her mouth, the unicorn had read her mind and knew what to do. She could only look further confused. Oh, dear. He was going to sing.

 

And it appeared Princess Cadence was slightly annoyed by her hubby-to-be's antics and yet, she was still utterly gorgeous even in full glower mode. She did not get those little wrinkles in her face like most ponies would get. She needed to find out to become an Alicorn. She could beat up a witch or finish a spell. Well, maybe not a spell. She could finish a potion as she took a potions class in high school. Mostly to be near her then colt-friend and to make sure that accursed pony-stealing Floozy Strumpet couldn't get her hooves all over him. Oh how she hated that scheming bitc......

 

Oh yes, Rainbow was right. He had his passion. She just wished he knew when to display it. Oh, how the other officers were going to use this for both their future enjoyment and possible blackmail materiel. And now the 'cool kids' were going to find some better beverages. And also...A ring? Oh, dear. There was going to be another wedding very soon. This caused the officer to grin from ear to ear.

[Blueblood]

As Cadence directed the attention of all surrounding to Rainbow Dash and Applejack, Shining Armor looked on like a proud uncle.  Of course, Rainbow had approached the two of them to help coordinate this moment, and naturally they both agreed!  At the root of everything that made Equestria great, strong bonds of family, friendship, and love were essential.  Balls like this had originally sprouted from ancient ceremonial dances, primarily from the unicorns, to foster this very thing.  There was something in the air, as the original purpose of gathering and dancing was fulfilled before his eyes, some calling of ancient magic he could feel through his bones, even dancing to the Rhythm of Squalls singing...

 

Or perhaps Shiny was just growing sentimental in fatherhood.  That was possible too.  "Another show well done, love."  He whispered to Princess Cadence.  Of course, Applejack hadn't yet said yes, but Shining Armor would eat his mess dress if something like this were refused by her!

[SteelEagle]

                                                                         


Applejack's heart raced and her pulse quickened as Rainbow spoke. It didn't take a genius to figure out what she was going to ask Applejack which was good 'cause Applejack was no genius. She wouldn't call herself a dummy by any stretch of the imagination but a life on the farm hadn't made her think very highly of her intellectual capabilities. Nor had it given her any real idea that she had a chance at anything more than what her heart would have been wanted anyway- a good partner to live her life alongside, grow the family, and enjoy the simple things in life. She liked the simple things. She was a simple pony. Didn't expect anything more. Didn't want anything more.

 

But life was anything but simple. She didn't just find herself with a nice farmer stallion who shared all her values and who slipped into her life like good work gloves. She didn't find somepony who looked at the world the same as she did. She had tried, mind you, but she never could see it through and neither could they. She had her fair share of coltfriends and, eventually, fillyfriends by the time Rainbow had moved on into Ponyville and it had been like fire and water for the longest time. They were both headstrong athletes, but that was about it. Applejack was about substance and consistency, trying to build a future. Rainbow Dash was razzle dazzle and aggressive improvement, fighting tooth and hoof to earn her future. They hadn't gotten along for a long while.

 

That had changed and the details of how they had become friends and then more was something better left to others with a penchant for the dramatic. But Rainbow was anything other than simple. She dreamed big. She swung and missed and then immediately went back up. She was volatile and uneven and everything that had been bad to Applejack when she was younger. But she was strong, driven, secretly rather intimate and vulnerable, loyal like little else, and challenging. Anything other than simple. Anything other than easy. But Applejack learned that she liked it a little rough and she liked it a little on the wild side, at least from time to time, and nopony could pierce her quite like that flighty mare from Cloudsdale.

 

Wasn't to say it was always easy. Part of having that difference in how they viewed certain subjects meant that sometimes important life decisions were looked at from entirely alien viewpoints. Family, values, when and how to take risks, how to respond to pressures that came with their lives- they had clashed again and again. On some things Applejack had just begun to accept that they would never truly agree. She was even open to the idea, as unlikely as it was, that she may not always have been the easiest mare to deal with on certain issues. She had once or twice questioned whether this was right for her. She had almost instantly found her answer though and as her mama used to say, 'mud can't stop the shine' and nopony had ever shined in Applejack's eyes quite like Rainbow Dash, mud and all.

 

Her tail bobbed up and down of its own accord gently as Rainbow spoke and she bit her lower lip, as if holding back something awful to say. Finally the question came and Rainbow, without hesitation but likely with butterflies circling her insides like beautiful vultures before a feast. Applejack waited for a second before responding, her eyes only slowly glistening with her lip still bit, trying to stop herself from yelling out. But after a moment of trying to compose herself she went ahh tartarus with it and pulled Rainbow Dash in for a misguided, messy kiss as she half-cried and half-said, "Yes!"