(Canterlot) Fudge Frolic(Open)

[Inkwell]

[Accidental double post, please ignore or delete.]

[Duchess]

Polaris smiled at Rose Madder's interruption; it gave him something to do whilst Prince Blueblood marshalled his thoughts. “After the shock everypony had with the changelings, you mean?” He tapped his muzzle with one hoof. “Hmm. Comic opera would be best, naturally – HMS Pintafore, the Barber of Ponyville, The Chocolate Pony-” he smiled suddenly, fondly. “And, of course, that perennial favourite, The Grand Duke of Canter.”

It was perhaps somewhat risky, mentioning that particular piece in the presence of Prince Blueblood. The opera revolved around a not-so-subtle lampooning of one of his illustrious (and Polaris used the word in its loosest sense) ancestors, which essentially guaranteed that Blueblood would hate it on principle, even if he'd never seen a production. Even worse, the character of the Grand Duke was an almost-perfect likeness of the current Duke of Canter, and, indeed, many modern productions of the show outright based their costumes and pony casting on Blueblood's mannerisms and dress style. 'Really, though,' Polaris reassured himself 'The Royal Opera Company would manage to do things with a bit of style, especially if they knew Prince Blueblood was watching.' The duke was, however, not altogether au courant with the vagaries of contrary opera singers and theatrical directors; he didn't even entertain the thought that they might play up the resemblance out of sheer spite.

With a brief shake of his head, he resumed his conversation with Rose Madder. “It's been far too long since the opera was simply a beautiful amusement, in one's humble opinion.” He tapped a hoof thoughtfully, considering his next words. “Now, obviously, a full season of just light opera would stretch even the Royal Opera Company beyond endurance, so we should have some heavier works to really give the cast something to sink its collective teeth into after the jolly first half of the season – Die Zauberbock, perhaps, or maybe Sangerkrieg auf Ponyburg, with some of the really dramatic stuff from bel canto opera thrown in for good measure – L'incoronazione della Principessa, and perhaps even the new Madame Fluttershy, which I hear has been going down a storm in Itaily.” He paused, and regarded Rose Madder in a new light.

“From your question, may I take it that you attend the opera also, at least on occasion? The nobility, his highness and I both know intimately, and so we understand what pieces appeal to our circles, but I must confess to a rather limited knowledge of what would go down well once one gets beyond the Court – what would draw you into the Royal Opera House, Rose Madder?”

((OOC: The operas listed are, in order: HMS Pinafore, The Barber of Seville, The Chocolate Soldier, The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein, The Magic Flute [Die Zauberflote], Tannhauser [Tannhauser und der Sangerkrieg auf Wartburg; Tannhauser and the Singers' War at Wartburg], The Coronation of Poppaea [L'incoronazione di Poppaea], and of course Madame Butterfly.))

[Stainless Steel Fox]

(OOC: I'm waiting for a response from Lux. After all, Blueblood did just upbraid her for not following protocol.)

[Lux]

(OOC: Sorry, but I was awaiting other ponies, but i can jump in!)

Sweet noticed that rose had chosen a piece of udge, but from the looks of her face, it wasn't one she was expecting.

"Ooo... you must have got the lemon one. That was one I was kind of testing out, just to see if lemon and chocolate would go together. Maybe I need to rethink that combination."

Prince Bluebblood was certainly a strange pony. The other royal ponies present were kind and easy to talk to while he looked like he was perpetually sucking on lemons. There was a certin "better than thou" attitude to him. Living in Canterlot, Sweet knew that there were ponies like this. She wasn't ever agry at them, just upset that they couldn't see what other ponies had to offer. But there was one thing that sweet had that could mke the most sour of ponies happy. It was charm.

"Oh my apologies your highness. I don't get too many royal ponies such as yourself here. I guess today is my lucky day. Now, if you are not a fudge type, I have lots of other candies that you might be interested in. So tell me, your highness, what is your favorite candy?"

[DudeManGuy]

The day hadn't proven particularly eventful. Another long shift of crafting, socketing pistons and levers into grooves and pockets. Whirley Gig wipes a bead of sweat from her brow as she places her latest product down on the work bench. Long had she waited for the day that her father would allow her to work on one of his high profile projects, but today was not that day. No, the bronze pony sits alone creating a bicycle with shock absorption, ergo the pistons. It was a strangely relaxing task, at least once committed to muscle memory. Hang frame, attach wheels and handles, wire brakes, adjust pressure, grease the axles, etc, etc. It all began to feel like a blur, putting one aside and starting on another... A rather uneventful day indeed.

That is until it was break time. Working for her parents allowed Whirley plenty of break time. Most days she would generally sit in her room and draw plans for more ambitious projects. The stack was huge, a graveyard of abandoned designs either too hard to make, or just plain ridiculous in concept. But today was not that day either, for in fact it was time to go grocery shopping. That was one of Whirley's other duties, for her parents were always too busy. Her brothers would do it, but last time they spent all of the money on pumpkins and launched them down the mountainside. She was the only one left to do it.

And so the metallic colored filly strolls into the city, carrying on either side of her a saddlebag in which to store food. Golden lenses catch and reflect the sun, possibly blinding others who pass, but the goggles did their job. Whirley continues on down the stone road, unaffected by the bright sun, and comes across a sign that would catch the sight of any pony passing. Well, any pony with an empty stomach and the bits to feed an entire family for a week. A two for one sale on fudge. This is the only appropriate use of the grocery money.

Opening the doors to the sweets shop, Whirley notices a few ponies already within the space. She of course did not wish to be of any bother to any of them, especially considering the social standing of a few patrons in particular, Whirley simply stands at the wall and watches, hoping for the opportunity to acquire some fudge when it it all died down. 'I think that's princess Cadence...' she thinks to herself, trying to recall what the royals all looked like. She hadn't seen much of them, seeing as how she lived outside of the city. 'And that must be... Blue Blood? I believe that's right...' She begins having second thoughts about staying. To mingle with royalty was daunting, especially for such an insignificant pony without even a name for herself. 'I think maybe I'll come back later today... Or maybe tomorrow...' Silent hooves slide secretively seeking a smooth escape, but the so sought after exit lies too far away. Whirley inches towards the door, little by little, trying not to be seen.

[Solaria]

Cadence watched idly as a few new ponies trotted in, most likely seeking the same thing she had: the fudge sale. As Rose had begun speaking with Polaris again, the mare found herself watching the arrivals curiously. The stallion was smartly dressed, and the filly seemed slightly confused, if not nervous. Before she could even say anything, however, the gentlecolt introduced himself as Dr. Spin Tale and admitted that he had attempted to attend the CRPR Open House, a comment that brightened Cadence's neutral expression considerably.

"Really?" she said with enthusiasm. "It turned out much better than I had hoped, actually. We had a few... hiccups... but overall the get-together ended pretty smoothly."

She had either forgotten that her cousin was nearly right at her side, or more likely didn't mind that he was hearing her talk in the "common tongue." It was something she'd had to practice since fillyhood, speaking properly, but she enjoyed the ease that everypony else spoke with, how full of emotion the words were. Also, it was a little harder to get ponies to understand you when using the Royal Canterlot Voice.

"I actually might have one of those pamphlets with me still," the princess added, rummaging around in her saddlebag and tugging various odds and ends around the sack to try and find it. "It has most of the information I discussed, just with less presentation and snacks."

A small wrapped chocolate? No. Monogrammed hoofkerchief? Not quite. Cadence sifted through several more documents and odd objects, the most interesting being a spare tarnished hoofguard from Celestia knows when, before she found the pamphlet neatly folded and buried in the farthest corner of her bag. She kept a wing slightly extended over the contents this entire time, her rose muzzle darkening to crimson as she noticed just how many things she'd accumulated in her saddlebag. Where had all this come from? Not that it really mattered. She turned and hoofed it to Dr. Tale.

"Here you go!" she said brightly. "Did you have any particular questions for the CRPR? We're always open to feedback, and I'd love to know what you think or what we could do better." Her eyes fell again on the young filly edging toward the doorway. "Is that your friend back there?" the royal mare added with a warm smile.

[Bellosh]

Dr. Spin Tale was glad that his meeting with Princess Mi Amore Cadenza was going smoothly so far. As the princess talked about the outcome of the CRPR Open House, the curator gave another quick look at the slender blue gentlecolt he still didn't recognize. Of course, there was always a good chance that the unknown unicorn would be receptive to Dr. Tale's pitch to visit his museum (and leave behind a generous donation)... at least more so than the infamous Prince Blueblood, at any rate. Maybe Princess Cadenza could introduce the doctor to the unicorn noble?

It didn't take long for Cadenza to rummage through her saddlebag and produce a CRPR pamphlet, which Spin Tale took in his hoof. The princess then spoke again; "Here you go! Did you have any particular questions for the CRPR? We're always open to feedback, and I'd love to know what you think or what we could do better."

Dr. Tale reasoned that now was as good a time as ever to ask about the noble. "Actually Princess Cadenza," the earth pony began, twisting his head towards the regal blue-coated unicorn; "I was wondering who the gentlecolt over..."

Apparently, something else caught Cadenza's attention as she suddenly smiled and inquired; "Is that your friend back there?" Confused, Spin Tale turned behind him to gaze upon a bronze earth pony filly, who by the look of things, seemed rather intimidated seeing all the commotion in the fudge shop. Judging by the goggles she wore, she must have had a physically-demanding occupation too.

Trying to contain his bemusement for the sake of maintaining politeness, Spin Tale replied to the princess's question; "I've never seen her before, to be honest. Canterlot is such a large place as it is". However, Dr. Tale now started to feel some pity for the apparently shy filly; socializing had always come relatively easy for the doctor, being a natural storyteller and all. It was always a shame then to Dr. Tale when a pony chose to distance themselves from others (never mind how he'd been recently distancing himself from many of his own friends, but that was a completely different issue). Unsure of what to do next, Dr. Tale asked the princess; "Well ma'am, I suppose it wouldn't hurt for us to greet her... right?" At the very least, this filly could be a potential visitor to the museum too.....

[Stainless Steel Fox]

Blueblood considered Duke Polaris's words. It was possible, barely possible that he might have a point about foodstuffs not travelling well, despite the fact that Blueblood had his goods delivered by personal courier. He did have a point that it was up to nobles such as himself to provide their invaluable insights and refined tastebuds to assisting lesser ponies to improve. His mood was improved by the aclarity with which the shop-pony accepted correction, and her willingness to accomodate him. He decided to be magnanimous.

"I suppose I shouldn't have expected you to be versed in the customary usages. As you said, you shop is not commonly visited by poni3es of such high station. I am rather partial to candied rose and violet petals, but I believe I will try some of your fudge. As the Duke said, we noble ponies have a duty to share our refined taste and wisdom with lesser ponies. So, as I believe the common parlance goes, 'Hit me with your best shot.'"

(OOC: I don't see Blueblood as a big opera-goer. He may be a patron of the Royal Canterlot Opera, purely for the cachet, but he takes no real interest in it. However, he would have to know enough to fake it as part of his socialising. Besides, most of the Dukes of Canter have been highly capable and effective individuals. The present incarnation is the way he is for a reason, as told in his back story.)

He turned to Polaris. "You may be right, after the Changeling invasion, a season of lighter works might be best."

He winced at the mention of the 'Duke of Canter.' He'dnever been to see a production, but he knew the basic story. "I don't think that is really appropriate. The play undermines the dignity of the nobility generally, and my family in particular. However, if you wish me yto endore some other suggestions, I will be only too happy to do so."

Meanwhile another pony was decending from on high, literally. A grey and white dappled unicorn in flying goggles and a harness was dropping towards the shop. The contraption the harness was attached to endured she wasn't dropping too fast. The rear part, sticking out from over her rump was a fan tail made of orange dyed canvas and thin metal spars. On top of the saddle was a small steam engine of intricate contruction, with metal segmented pipes leading to a pair of orange dyed canvas bat-wings, all intrcate brass joints, spars and pistons. control lines hooked to cuffs on all four legs, and control levers sat on a yoke around her neck, easily controlled with a tap from the side of her muzzle.

She pressed one, as she landed and the fan-tail folded together and retracted into the main body of the device. The wings folding tight against her saddle, and the multiple exhaust tubes poking up from the device vented steam away from her body. She trotted into the sweet shop who's bright banner had caught her eye and said, "A fudge sale? What have you got?"

[DudeManGuy]

'Ok, if they come talk to me, I just need to be myself... For hoofs sake why did they have to look over here?' Whirley thinks to herself. The one thing that she wanted to do in the presence of higher ups was keep a low profile. She'd seen her father dealing with his contractors, some of which had royal ties, and none of that appealed to her in the least bit. Either way, he hooves froze and her journey towards her salvation had ended. 'If I leave now I'll only look rude... Ok Whirley, you can salvage this. Apologize for interrupting, offer to buy them fudge, and leave. No reason for this to get awkard.' Her thought process only made her more nervous however.

Millions of things raced through her head at the moment. Every possibility, every tactic to get out quietly, but the fudge. Oh the fudge that still sat on her mind. That was, after all, why she was here. It was risky, sure, but maybe it was worth it. Then Whirley realized, she had never actually gotten fudge here. Who knows if it's any good? In the end, she had still been seen, by Princess Mi Amore Cadenza no less, and it was too late to leave.

And then things just get worse. Whirley overhears the last bit of the two ponies conversation. "Well ma'am, I suppose it wouldn't hurt for us to greet her... right?" This can't be happening. 'He would stop his conversation with the princess to say hello to me? Oh no, what do I do? I didn't think they'd actually want to talk to me...' Whirley notices her goggles fogging up and removes them, revealing her bright yellow eyes, and also produces a cloth from her saddle bag. Using said cloth, her goggles are cleaned, but all the while she stared blankly at the princess and the doctor. The problem is, now her eyes were visible, and glazed over in a state of anxiety.

[Lux]

"Candied rose and violet petals," Sweet said taking stock of what the Duke said. She questioned the whole "high pony, lesser pony quip the Prince made. Maybe it was some strange royal speak, although Princess Cadence and Duke Polaris didn't speak like he did.

"You know, your highness, that sounds like a great idea! I'm always open to new fudge and candy options. How about I make some of that as I do have some leftover chocolate fudge I can mix those in. In the meantime your highness, I do have many other fudge oprtions that are listed here," she sadi pointing to the list of fudge types.

While the Prince was deciding, Sweet quickly ducked into the kitchen and activated the giant mixer. Then she threw in some chocolate fudge she made and added the rose petals and violets. Mr. Cocoa had a small stash of those for what he called "refined tastes" and told Sweet not to use them too often. But this was a prince at the store and if he wanted rosses and violets, byy Celestia he would get them!

Sweet saw a timid lookinng pony who walked in wearing goggles.

"Hi there! I'm Sweet Surprise, and welcome to Mr. Cocoa's Candy Confections. Are you here for the fudge sale? I can give you a free sample!"

Another pony a unicorn that kind of looked like a matallic bird flew in as well.

"Oh hi! You're here for the fudge too? Do you have a flavor you want to try?"

[Solaria]

Cadence blushed slightly when she was told that Dr. Tale had no idea who the filly was. They had walked in at almost the exact same time, and like always she'd made the mistake of assuming things. She had to get better about that. Maybe then she wouldn't get reminded of the habit so often back at the castle.

"I'm sorry Dr. Tale," she said quickly. "I just always think that ponies who come into places like this, looking like they're together, always know one another. This shop has that feel of a special place that not too many know about unless they've already been before, if you know what I mean... Although I suppose the big SALE sign does help it stand out a bit today."

Turning her attention to the filly, the empathic alicorn caught a glimpse of the apprehension in her eyes and turned on one of her warmest smiles. She was always meeting such nervous colts and fillies these days!

"I would love to introduce you to Duke Polaris as soon as he's done entertaining my cousin's attention," Cadence said quietly to the curator stallion. "I apologize for my split attentions, just a perk of royalty you know," she added with a tiny grin before looking at Whirley. "Did you come to get some fudge too?" she asked, bringing her order down with a soft glimmer of magic. "You can try some of my daisy fudge if you'd like, it's wonderful! If not, I'm sure Sweet would love to help you after her new guest there."

The princess had noticed the most recent arrival and her very interesting contraption, but to try and speak with more than just the two ponies she was already engaged with might be seen as rude, regardless of royal duties or station.

[Bellosh]

Princess Cadenza’s mention of the sale reminded Spin Tale of his original mission; to buy discounted fudge for himself! After all, it would be rude of him to enter the shop only to chat it up with royals without actually buying or tasting anything. The curator perked up as the princess finally mentioned who the unknown gentlecolt was; Polaris, Duke of Manehatten. Polaris was one of the less famous members of the royal court, but Dr. Tale read enough newspapers to know that the duke served as a diplomat for the Royal Court.

Once Princess Cadenza apologized for having her attention divided, Spin Tale saw his chance to temporarily depart from the conversation and get some fudge. “I also apologize for my split attentions, ma’am,” Dr. Tale smirked; “But that on-sale fudge you reminded me of looks rather tasty. I oughta’ get some while I still can before the line gets too big.” Giving a nod of courtesy to both the princess and the shy filly, Dr. Tale left the two to their own devices while he waited by the front counter, standing behind a new arrival who wore some sort of crazy flying machine. Since Duke Polaris was still in a conversation with Prince Blueblood, eating a large fudge scoop or two would be more than a suitable way to pass the time…

[DudeManGuy]

The proprietor of the shop speaking to you, certainly an understandable turn of events. After all, standing inside their store indicates that you wish to do business. Now a princess, that's another thing. As soon as Princess Cadenza speaks the first word to her, Whirley remembers her goggles and replaces them over her eyes quickly. But now a new dilemma, there were two ponies talking to her, and she was really only used to one at a time, if any at all. She also makes a mental note that her brothers, being twins, don't count on that front.

Keeping her tone as level as possible, she gives a professional and modest smile to the owner of the store. "I am in fact here for the fudge sale. I saw your sign and thought it would be a shame to pass it by... ahem..." ​Well that's embarrassing, Whirley seems to have found it necessary to attempt a high society sort of dialect and accent. Her cheeks redden slightly as she continues. "Is it at all possible that you might stock something reed flavored? It's an odd taste so I understand if you don't have it... Er, well I mean dandelion is fine..."

Turning her attention to the princess, Whirley does the best curtsy she could think of at the moment, bowing her head respectfully. "Good afternoon, or evening, I'm not entirely sure on the specifics madam but if you will permit I could take off my goggles again to clearly discern the state of the sky... With your permission of course." She keeps a modest composure, standing tall while avoiding her normal slouch, neck straight and eyes forward. Well eyes forward until they begin to hurt from not blinking and she looks off to the side. And that's when she completely abandons all attempts to look respectful. How had she not noticed it before? The glory, the magnificence, the smooth curves and angles. It was like something out of a robots most wonderful day dreams.

"Excuse my asking your highness, but who is that Mare wearing that exquisite contraption? For Celestia's sake I must know her!" she begins, but then realizes her own nerves creeping back up on her. Not to mention she just made it painfully obvious that she has literally no manners. Whirley's face turns a bright copper tone as she reverts her gaze back to the princess. ​"Er, yes, dandelions... Hehehe..."

[Stainless Steel Fox]

Wingnut grinned. "I can speak for myself. Wingnut, aeronatiical inventress and engineer at your service. And my contraption is the Wingnut Otnithoptivator Mark 23. I see from your cutie mark that you're in the engineering business as well."

[Lux]

With Prince Blueblood's fudge being mixed and Duke Polaris and Princess Cadence occupied with takling to other ponies, Sweet was able to attend to the three new ponies who entered her shop. She started with a pony that was wearing goggles that approached her counter and asked for something reed tasting. Sweet wondered if that meant grass reeds.

"Um... well I do have a fudge with hay if that's what you're looking for. Otherwise I think I have a dandelion one too."

Next came a pony in a strange winged contraption with a very technical sounding name.

"Hi there. Welcome to Mr. Cocoas's Candy Confections. I'm Sweet Surpries. Do you have a favorite fudge flavor you fancy?"

There was a third pony who was interested in fudge who stood behing the inventor pony.

"Hi, do you have a flavor in mind?"

[DudeManGuy]

There we go. The final nail in the coffin. Whirley Gig's heart stops for a moment at the magnificent audio gold that was the name of this fantastic contraption. It was almost as if she had stumbled upon the holy grail, and it was strapped to the back of a unicorn.

"I... Oh my..." she barely manages to say. It takes a second to adjust for sure, but eventually her hooves stop shaking and she can think again, at least to a degree. "My name is Gig... Er, Whirley Gig that is. And yes I am an engineer," she explains, tracing her eyes around every inch of the flying contraption. "I take it that you built this magnificent... Er, this apparatus?"

[Stainless Steel Fox]

(OOC: I know I'm breaking strict order, but that doesn't seem to be a problem oin this thread, and my posts shouldn't interfere with any of the other sub-plots. If anyone has a complaint, I'll delete it of course.)

Wingnut gave the shop-mare a pleasant smile. "I'm Wingnut, both in name, and in interests, and I could do with either mint choc chip or coffee if you have it. About 3 pounds, maybe four, two of each."

She then turned back to Whirley-gig. "Sorry, I wasn't ignoring you, just getting things organised. Yes, it's all my own work. It only puts out the equivalent of about 3.5 wingpower, so I'm not going to be racing Wonderbolts any time soon, but it flies, and I can hover and back-wing, unlike my earlier models which were closer to gliders. It runs off a thaumic boiler rather than coal, as I'm sure you've already figured out, but I've managed to get the power requirements down to the point where it can run of a storage crystal. I used to have to run a thaumic tap cable from my horn, but with a little more refinement, that means any-pony can use it whether they're unicorn or earth-pony!"

[Bellosh]

While Spin Tale was waiting in line, he had a look at all the flavors available. Of course, he tried to find grape-flavored fudge but it didn’t seem like the shop made any today. *sigh* Typical. Well… perhaps the cherry fudge would do the trick (assuming the red-colored dessert actually had a cherry flavor, but nine times out of ten, it usually did). Frozen cherry drinks were right up there along with his beloved grape juice as far as favorite drinks were concerned, so perhaps cherry fudge would be just as sweet tasting? Soon enough, Dr. Tale was at the counter getting asked for his order.

“Hello; I’ll be having two cherry fudges today, please.”

[Solaria]

After realizing that the shop was getting rather crowded, Cadence gathered her fudge close and checked the time. She'd already been here much longer than she'd thought! At this rate she wouldn't be able to get to the few things she'd set out to do today, but if she hurried she still might make it. Trotting up to the front counter, she left a generous pile of bits and made her way toward the door.

"Sweet Surprise, thanks again for the hospitality and the fudge! It's delicious. Polaris, always a pleasure. Everypony else, thank you for the company as well. Prince Blueblood..." She paused for a moment, thinking. "Stay glorious. Have a wonderful day all!" she finished before flitting out the door, her bright tail whipping out of sight around a shop corner.

(Aaaand I'm going to exit there, thanks!)

[Lux]

With all the customers, Sweet Surprise was having trouble keeping track. It was certainly a busy day for the shop! Luckily some of the ponies were in conversations with each other, so the actual line was managable.

"Ok, two pounds of Coffee and two of Mint Chocolate Chip. I'll get this for you right away."

She grabbed two pounds each of the flavored fudge and placed it in boxes bebore seting it on the counter.

"There you go! Can I get you anything else?"

While she waited for the pony to reply, Sweet noticed other pony in line was interested in cherry fudge, which Sweet made note of.

"Ok, let me get the two cherry ones just for you," she said as she found the tray with those fudge squares on them.

After delivering the fudge to him, Sweet saw that the Princess had dropped her bits on the counter, a very large amount of bits. Sweet was trying to contain not squealing like a schoolfilly when she saw them as she placed them safe in the safe.

"Bye Princess Cadence. Thank you for stopping by! I hope to see you again some time."

[Duchess]

((OOC: I wasn't meaning to suggest all of Blueblood's ancestors were less-than-noble, just that they had the occasional black sheep, like everyone else . ))

Polaris tapped a hoof in absent thought. “I'm sure the dignity of the nobility can withstand a merry comedy or two, highness – especially if it's done by the Royal Opera Company; they have the knack for injecting a bit of style into their productions, don't you agree? I bow to your wisdom in this matter, though. The writer did use a variation on one of your titles, after all.” Polaris let it go easily enough; the schedule was decided on votes for each individual piece, and he was confident he could persuade enough of the other patrons and directors round to his point of view that Blueblood's objection to The Grand Duke of Canter wouldn't matter too much.

Then again, Polaris' main point was to secure laughter at the opera, not to score points off Prince Blueblood, so perhaps it would be best to simply let the Grand Duke be another provincial run. If he ever got absolutely desperate to see it, well, Manehattan's Opera House would surely oblige. Besides, if the Prince felt he'd been wronged, he could make life difficult for the easygoing duke in a variety of petty little ways. No, best to avoid that, on reflection.

“May I suggest-” 'No, not The Royal Cadet, Polaris, have some tact,' “-The Sorcerer as a replacement, highness? I have a more exhaustive list back at Hoofburgh House, of course, if you'd like me to have it sent to you - but I've given you the titles of my proposed main productions, at least.” He waved an airy hoof. “Now, I really mustn't take up more of your valuable time, especially with all these new ponies here. It's been a pleasure, Prince Blueblood. If you're ever near Manehattan, do feel free to pop into Fetlock Hall for a few days. The country might do you some good, you never know.” That was a fairly safe bet in any case; Blueblood hardly ever left Canterlot, and it was highly probable he'd never actually left the bounds of the royal duchy his life. If (by some miracle) the Prince actually pitched up without warning at the gates of Fetlock Hall, Polaris could rely on his mother, the redoubtable Dowager Duchess, to entertain the Prince appropriately.

The duke stifled a rebellious smile; even though she was still as sharp as a tack and in rude good health, his mother was old enough that she could speak her mind and be given some leeway 'on account of her age', something that she took full advantage of when she felt the situation warranted it. Not that Blueblood had been that bad – certainly not as dreadful as some of his friends had made out. A little stuffy, perhaps – but then, that was what happened when you were surrounded by the Royal Court every day and was therefore excusable. It happened to him, too – when the time came to rusticate back to Fetlock Hall for a while it took some little while to unwind and loosen the tight saddle of custom and rule that Canterlot invisibly laced around ponies of a certain class and position.

His ears pricked up at the mention of his name – Princess Cadance, making her way towards the door, fudge parcels neatly secreted away in her saddlebags. “Farewell for now, Cadance! Do enjoy your treats!” He didn't need to see the alicorn's face to know she was smiling as she left. It was taking quite a bit of control to stop himself from laughing at 'stay glorious', especially since Blueblood would doubtless preen. With some justification, admittedly – the Prince really was a fine figure of a pony and could cut quite a dash when he wanted to.

[Inkwell]

When Polaris rattled off all of the various operas that he recommended for the new rotation at the house, Rose tried to remember how many of them she recognized. She had seen exactly one, maybe two, of them, The HMS Pintafore and the Chocolate Pony, but the rest of those names still felt familiar to her, and it took a second to determine why. Her cousin Staccato had sent her a letter thick enough to rival a pamphlet the week before when she had idly asked about what sort of influences he was planning on using for his next project. That letter delivered more of an answer than she had ever wanted to hear, with what felt like hundreds of operas, plays, musicals and albums and a brief synopsis arranged on a list, in an order that made no sense to Rose and told her that he had clearly added each individual entry the instant it popped into his mind. In response, she jested that it would have cost him less postage if he had, in fact, written down his life's story instead.

She was sure he had named all of the operas Polaris had advocated, but she couldn't remember what in Equestria they were all about, especially the ones with titles in foreign languages. For a few minutes she racked her brain and munched on fudge samples, trying to remember. But when she noticed Princess Cadence taking her leave, she felt she had to say something. "Guhboy, yuh huhness!" She hadn't realized that her mouth was full until it was too late. Wonderful. The last thing she needed was Blueblood getting on her case about that. With a gulp and a sheepish expression, she said, "Ahem, pardon me."

Turning back to Polaris, she realized she had misunderstood his question. He wasn't putting her on the spot and asking her if she approved of his choices, but just asking a generality, and she was perfectly capable of answering that. "Oh, I adore the HMS Pintafore, and Chocolate Pony wasn't bad either. I've been meaning to see the Barber of Ponyville for the longest time, and I'd just looove to check out The Duke of Canter." She couldn't help but smirk after saying that. She'd barely even heard of the opera before Staccato sent his letter, but if it made Blueblood uncomfortable, she just knew she'd have a field day with it. Then she remembered that Polaris had just agreed to Blueblood's wishes on the matter, causing her smile to fade. She'd have to catch another showing of it, then.

"As for me personally, well, I love a good farce and a good melodrama. If I can get swept up in a good performance, I'm generally pretty happy. Then again, I wouldn't really consider my tastes representative of average ponies, and I've barely scratched the surface of opera works. I spend a lot more time with novels." She tapped a hoof, wondering what she was forgetting. "Oh! But my cousin Staccato knows more about musical things than anypony. Once you get him started, he will never. Stop." She waved her hoof for emphasis. "And you didn't hear it from me, but he's writing his own opera. Or maybe it's a Trotway musical, or one of each. Now that's dedication."

With a giggle, she finished her speech and felt herself flush with excitement. She hadn't meant to give her cousin such a hard sell, but from what he'd written of his work it actually sounded interesting, practically a breath of fresh air compared to her usual conception of opera. If the Duke turned out not to be a fan of her taste in books, then at least she could give somepony else worthwhile his attention.

[Bellosh]

In hardly any time at all, Dr. Spin Tale got his cherry fudge and trotted off to the side of the shop to nibble at it (but not before thanking the mare at the counter). The fudge definitely met the curator’s standards; it may not have been the best in the world, but it tasted good regardless. However, Princess Cadenza used this moment to take her leave; Dr. Tale was disappointed that she couldn’t stay any longer, but he didn’t show it as he gave her a courteous farewell nod. Come to think of it… shouldn’t he be on his way, too? The Canterlot Army Historical Society wasn’t going to run itself, after all.

However, the museum could also use a high-profile patron or two to help fund the Society. If the gods smiled upon Spin Tale, Duke Polaris’s current conversation will finish up by the time Dr. Tale finished his two scoops of cherry fudge. If not… tomorrow would always be another day. There was no chance the curator would bother with Blueblood though, given his snobbish reputation.

[Stainless Steel Fox]

Wingnut hardly noticed her order being fulfilled as she explained her Ornithoptervator to the bedazzled Whirley Gig. Suddenly she realised the fudge was there, and gave a surprised double take. "Oh, thanks!"

She pulled enough bits to cover the cost from a pouch on her harnes and dropped them on the counter, then packed the fudge away in another pocket. She turned back to Whirley Gig. "Tellyou what, when you've gotten what your getting, why don't we gooutside and I''ll give you a demonstration?"

Blueblood was a bit annoyed that his order hadn't come, after all he thought he'd been pretty clear that she should bring whatever she felt was her finest fudge for him to sample. But then he saw that she'd gone into the back to make up a special order. That was more like it. In the mean time he had other things to think about.

As Princess Cadence exited, he replied to her parting comment with a polite bow, not just a duck of the head, but a proper bend of the knees too. "As always, your highness. It is part of our royal duty to inspire ponies with our presence. It was, as usual, a pleasure."

In response to Polaris giving in on the matter of the Duke of Canter, he repled, "I'm glad you see it my way, Duke Polaris. One can not be too careful, after all."

'The Sorcerer' was a far less provocative choice, and other than making sure that the Duke of Canter wasn't on the list, Blueblood had no real desire to go through the paperwork. "No, I'm sure I can rely on your judgement as to a suitable roster for the upcoming season."

In response to Polaris's farewell he responded, "To be sure, I have a very busy schedule myself, not counting that letter I have to write. Do you think the shop-keeper has gotten stuck in her own confections?"

He gave a small smirk at his own display of wit, though most outside obswrvers would have thought it only half as clever. "I shall be sure to visit if I'm ever around Manehatten..." as if he'd vist that great dirty smelly place full of uncouth ponies who couldn't even speak the Princess's Equestrian properly. "... and of course, you're always welcome at Buckinghay Palace or White Horn Estate."

The former was the rarely used proper name for what was more commonly known as the Royal Palace, and the latter was his mother's family estate, named for her founding ancestor. Another reason he was unlikely to take up Polaris's kind offer, if Fetloch hall was anything like that, such a distressingly bucoilic place would drive him to distraction. A socially aware noble should always aspire to be in the cebntre of things. A small part of him rebelled, the part that thought it would be fun to explore a new place, but he'd long ago learned to keep it firmly under control.