MudBug

Sweet swirling grass knots...maybe this was not the best idea...

Entering the ballroom for a chance to escape the majority of pony company in the hopes not to embarass herself and keep her mudlust at a calm level, she was confronted by a wave of ponies instead. Some dancing to a soft melody that wafted over the huge, glamorous room like a hanging mist. Some mingling in their best finery, looking like pictures out of a fairy tale. And genuinely, a lot of social things going on and a lot of tittering toffs going on like they always did.

It made the mud pony feel very vulnerable.

But, as much as she wanted to run, her mother's words continued to resound within her head.

Have fun! Make friends and break some hearts, sweety!

Break some hearts? She still had no idea what her mother meant by that, but, it soon calmed her down and she tried to make her way around the dance floor to someplace near the ornate windows where she atleast wouldn't be seen. Though, in this pristine white gown, it was hard not to be seen, every tiny gem that was sewn at the hems glinted and sparkled with every fraction of light that hit them and she continued to try and remain silent...and out of the way.

However with no way AROUND the dance floor with that many ponies, she decided to try walking across it...hastily. With a deep breath she daintly stepped on the floor like one might step on glass, getting her footing before she continued on her way. The other side of the room wasn't THAT far away, she just needed to get over there and she'd be home free!

Ignore most of the comic, the dress at the end is what MudBug is wearing.

He was coming over.

Oh haystacks he was coming over!

Shaking where she half stood, half sat, but kept her rump away from the ground so not to muck up her dress, she watched him and continued to fretfully force her smile to her features as she watched him through her mask. Calm yourself, Muddy, caaaaalm yourself, he was just being nice and he seemed genuinely concerned about your wellbeing.

It will be okay...

When he came a good hoof's away from her, she took one small step back out of pure nervousness...even more so when he mentioned he was from Ponyville after the little situation with his vest pocket. He wasn't too badly set up himself...but that pocket mishap kind of ruined the whole thing.

But he was from PONYVILLE?

Oh horseapples, what if he knew her?

What if he'd been a CLIENT of hers or something!

Her breathing had become frantic yet again and what was supposed to be a reply to his name ended up as a sort of forced breath of air that squeaked on leaving before she cleared her throat. Calm. Caaaaaaaaaalm. You just needed to find a way out of this place, maybe you could hide in the castle or something for an hour or two and then go home! Yeah! That's it!

Clearing her throat she smiled feebley to Klondike.

"Uhhh...uhhm..." Go on, politely excuse yourself. Say you're meeting a friend or SOMETHING! "I got to...uhm...use the little filly's room! Heh!...Bye!"

Not as smooth as she'd have liked but she soon turned on her hooves and made way past a few ponies into the castle, she'd hide in the ballroom or something. Yeah. That's it! A good hour sitting in the ballroom, maybe a drink and then she'd vamoose!

[MudBug Out]

I could totally bring in RD. ;P

Breath. Breath, MudBug.

There were other ponies around you, but they barely knew you.

It's okay. Relax. And breath.

Are you okay miss?

Was that adressed to her...?

She froze up and gulped, straightening up her mask before she turned her head slightly and blinked at Klondike...it looked like he was adressing her. He must've been adressing her. Darnit. Squeaking under her breath she forced a smile to her maw and turned fully, trying to convey a sense of calm that was far from where she was and also trying to keep her mothers immaculate white, oh heavens why WHITE, dress in order.

"Oh yes! I'm completely fine! Nooooo problem here, sir!"

Lieing through her teeth she continued to try and force her confidence somewhat, by ignoring looking at the towering castle.

Come on now! You'd been in there before with Astron...and now....now was no different! Slowly gulping she looked back to the other and chuckled nervously.

"Really! Don't worry yourself!"

Greeting every pony that passed, the Princess had to offer a bright smile towards Knightly as her hoof was taken and she shook it in return with a soft bow of her head and then gently placed it back down upon the floor. Everything looked like it was going smoothly and to be visited by two old companions, the ageless mare felt this would be a very entertaining night to say the least.

"Thank you, Sir Knightly, I hope you'll enjoy yourself aswell."

And once that was done, she continued her duties as a greeter and a host.

Some part of her wished that Luna was here by her side, but the other part knew her younger sister was still recovering from what had happened...and may still be tentative on the subject of meeting their...well...subjects.

Brushing away any forlorn look she may have held on her features, she looked over Skye as he approached and soon found herself smiling yet again. The sorrows of the past washed away in a sweeping blow as she dipped her head to the peryton.

"Skye, my dear friend, I'm glad to see you could come and with such finery, not trying to to catch some poor lady's heart unawares I hope?" A light teasing, but it was friendly in her mannerisms before she looked out over the Gala. It was overdone, but the ponies of Canterlot liked that and in a way, she did aswell.

"Not too overdone for anypony to complain thankfully."

This was starting to almost get a little overwhelming, she had never expected a gala so bustling and it warmed the ancient mare's heart greatly, especially to see some of her subjects so concerned for the filly that had bumped into the griffin and she smiled softly towards the unicorn's words.

"I'm very glad you're enjoying yourself, my dear, I hope the night brings you many surprises."

No mishief, her mind scolded, no mischief. Glancing over the ponies and the suave griffin attending to the unicorn, she heard a familiar voice and couldn't help but shoot a soft smile towards Sir Knightly. She knew practically everyone that had been in her service for the past thousand years.

A blessing and a curse in itself.

But she offered the pegasi a gentle nod whilst she attended to her other guests, shaking their hooves and bowing her head when neccesary as her soft, ethereal hair licked the air gently. There was some very well dressed ponies at the Gala this year.

Lovely garments. Hair pieces. The creativity of her subjects made her swell with pride.

Maybe it wouldn't be as boring as most of the other years.

Catching the light from Skye's pelt as he entered the main hall, she had to restrain herself from waving too enthusiasticly, but she did permit herself a very bright smile. He'd gotten the ticket. She was all too pleased now.

The Princess was a little surprised by her first greeting, watching the griffin steep to a gentlemanly bow she nodded her head in a polite manner as a smile gently graced her features, hooves resting softly on the carpet beneath them as she weighed them out comfortably. Something nagged in the back of her head as she watched the griffin but she didn't allow it to stop her polite demeanor.

"The pleasure of being a host is all mine, I must say it's a pleasent surprise seeing a griffin of such finery as yourself attending the Gala, I do hope you'll enjoy yourself."

Whoever he was, small bells were ringing in her head, a little sign that prodded and tugged the thread of familiarity in her mind and she was about to ask his name before another of her guests bumped into him. Blinking softly at the commotion she hid a brighter smile behind a soft and understanding one at the unicorn filly.

"Are you alright, young miss?" The unicorn may not have been young, but then compared to Celestia, everyone was young.

Watching the pair continue their conversation about stars and suddenly find that bump in the road that was her taunting, she couldn't help but let out a loud burst of snickering that she had to hold her belly for to contain it from going onto full blown laughter. She didn't want to come off as too much of a jerk for a little bit of fun.

Especially not since Bolt was one of her pals.

Rolling rightside up she couldn't help but grin at the pink pegasi with a great ammount of playfulness.

"Ah y'get used to it, y'just gotta have a strong stomache!"

And once again, they were back to their star talk. Jeez, these two were deep into their astrology...or....or was it astronomy? Whatever! Staronomy was interesting but not really entertaining.

But watching Carrot literally ask Bolt out, now THAT was interesting!

Blinking faintly she looked between the two and couldn't help but feel her mouth crinkle into a deeply amused smile, don't laugh. Don't laugh. And she was proud of herself, she didn't end up laughing, but she did end up giving a soft and good natured snicker.

"Hope y'get your mail sorted out, Carrot...and hope you both enjoy your date, huh?"

She was terrible. But that said. She flapped her wings and took off a good ten feet in the air, hovering over the two for a moment with a small smile.

"But I better get to those clouds hanging over Whitetail, the factory's been bustin' my chops about getting the quota done today. I'll make sure to keep the skies clear over that carrot farm of yours tonight, eh, Coltsanova?"

And with a wink and a flick of her frame, the living bullet soon took off through the sky.

Why.

Why had she given in?

Why hadn't she just said -no-!?

MudBug was the last person you'd expect to see at the Gala, given her occupation and terminal fear of all things pertaining to cleanliness. And darn it how she revelled in her happy filth.

However tonight it seemed she had temporarily given up her contented muddiness for a more glamorous look, ears folded against her head as she currently stood at the furthest part of the courtyard in an attempt to remain invisible and psyche herself up mentally for the oncoming challenge.

She felt so unnatural right now. So out of place.

Granted her mother's dress was lovely and what they'd done with it, atleast it fit her! Looking over the soft white feather design and the small gems stitched into the fabric that glinted softly in the light, the mud pony couldn't help but groan slightly. She wanted mud! She wanted to squelch her hooves in some lovely, moist, rich, earth smelling, cooling MUD!

But tonight, she'd have to wait.

Mask donned and promise made to her mother, she was going to weather this challenge until it drove her INSANE.

I can do this, it's just a party. I can do this. Just imagine your mud puddle back home and this will go by MUCH faster.

And soon after that though process she continued trying to use her breathing method to calm herself down.

Another year.

Another Grand Galloping Gala.

Another boring year. She'd promised herself to atleast try to behave herself and not act too elated if any....'problems' should arise. The princess remembered the complaints from the last one and couldn't help but find the faintest smile tickle at the corners of her mouth before she delicately shook it from her head and made her way down the long hall that lead to the main hall of her home.

Some part of her hoped that her sister would join in the little soiree the castle was hosting and found herself longing for the company. Unsure if her student and her friends would be joining this time.

Not that she could blame them. But it would have been nice to see them all.

Hearing the steward on the other side of the door, who she swore knew when she was coming as a pegasi knew when it was time for the bird's to fly south, announced her arrival, the princess couldn't help but smile to herself and make her way through the doors as the fanfare of trumpets riled up in a loud welcoming melody.

Looking over the ponies in the main hall, the princess rose a delicate hoof to wave to all of them.

"My loyal and beloved subjects, I am overjoyed to see you all here at this year's Grand Galloping Gala and hope that each and every one of you enjoy your stay."

That said and a few small rounds of applauds later, she took her place at the head of the stairwell as per usual to greet the guests as they came in. Looked like a lot this year. Oh boy.

Arching a brow at Pinkie Pie, the pegasi had to quietly think for a moment or two as she contemplated the pink filly's words before she shrugged in faint agreement. Alright then. That seemed logical. But that was more...a talent right? Oh well. Not worth really getting into at the moment and she popped a few joints of hers as she floated in the spot for a moment or two and quietly watched the ponies infront of her.

Most of this conversation went over her head as none of it really portioned itself to her, but she watched Strawberry and her pink, energetic friend converse before a smirk tugged the corner of her mouth.

"Pinkie is the party QUEEN around here!" The sky blue filly commented with a cocksure grin of hers.

"If she throws you a party, you KNOW it's gonna be good!"

Then Cat interjected with more art. Art was not a good thing for her-!

Blinking as she heard she was the topic of most of the tiny pegasi's art, Dash had to just stare for a moment before smiling somewhat nervously for a moment or two. Heh. This felt a bit odd. Sure she was getting attention but this felt a little...offcenter...she liked getting attention for her speed and agility. Her rainbow's she felt were an awesome side effect to that.

Rubbing at the back of her head, she smiled.

"Uhh...thanks! So! Where do you guys wanna see first?"

Keeping an especially close eye on her sister as they wandered the dark hallways, Celestia couldn't help but feel a small chill work its way up and down her spine at the recurring memory of childhood fears that slowly pinched and scratched at the back of her brain. There were reasons she didn't like coming down here. And though she couldn't place it right now, that strong sense of self preservation beckoned, no, pleaded her to turn back...but she was curious. And always had been curious.

She had to be strong too. She could see the wobble in her sister's step and encouragingly nosed the blue filly's cheek with a soft, reassuring smile, hair fluttering against the dusty walls surrounding them as they delved deeper and deeper still.

What was the brown pony's motivation? Had she just allowed some...mad creature into her home?

Would she regret her actions? That doubt settled evenly in her chest before she blinked and spluttered at a stray cobweb that landed on her face. Shaking herself free of it before either of the guard's could worry themself silly over the small thing.

Then came the thud up ahead, arching a brow she made her further into the inky blackness and found the brown colt soon enough. Horn illuminating the way as she found him and watched him spin slightly...he must've ran straight into the opposing wall.

"Are you alright....?"

Watching her sister from the furthest of her peripheral vision, the word 'alone' struck a chord that made the older mare freeze up briefly. Book caught in mid air, it fell a good foot before her magic startfired once more and caught it before it smacked into the floor as she gave a soft and feeble sound.

Alone.

Her sister had been alone, completely, the isolation of so many years was a hard thing to weather...but...to be surrounded by ponies and slowly watch them wither and die. It made the mare resent her choices long ago.

Sighing through her nostrils she turned and offered a soft smile towards her younger sister.

"No, Luna, I have all the time in the world for you right now...." Placing the book down on the table she offered a firmer founded smile. "...Besides, I love spending time with my sister."

Interesting, lively little pony, vast interests, quirky. I think this character is very adorable and personally I cannot wait to see her in action.

Approved.

Watching Tobias land she let out a wincing hiss and an 'oooo' as she moved over. Quickly glancing over him. Nothing hurt? Alright. Than again, he looked pretty sturdy and she was sure he could handle a fall from that height...any higher though and he'd probably would've bust something quite seriously.

Shaking her head and flipping some of her multicolored mane out of the way of her eyes, circled the other before noticing the downer look on his face and tried to offer a somewhat encouraging smile.

"Aw jeez..." She muttered faintly under her breath before moving to place a hoof gently on Tobi's shoulder in an attempt to buck up his spirit.

"Well, y'did better than most would with a busted up wing."

Smiling somewhat admirably at her little sister she was nuzzled before looking over the younger filly, ears flicking as she listened to the dark sky blue filly's plight as the stunning old mare herself patiently and respectfully remained quiet.

She didn't want to interupt anything Luna would want to get out and she was sure there was a lot the pony wanted to get out. But once she was done, the other took delicate steps forward and nodded.

"I know it's hard...but..we learnt to read and such together when we were younger...and you will again..." Trying to offer a soft, reassuring smile as she turned, hair softly wisping around her with every movement, before her horn started to glow and two small books floated from the higher shelf.

"But in this case it's just a fact of perking up your memories."

I'd like to see you do something creative with this because I know you're very capable! Add some quirks and some aspects of her personality. <3

As the stallion, now known to her as Silver Anvil declined her payment, the mare looked a little concerned before a soft smile lilted over her face and she even began to blush just a bit. It was so nice when someone offered her some help and today she really could've used it.

Ruffling a little foal as it passed by her, she offered another soft smile to the stallion and placed her purse back on the side.

"I'm Tea Cozy, it's lovely to meet you, Anvil." She said in a soft voice before she glanced at the little foals, it was getting a little too hectic.

Raising a hoof as a gesture for the other to 'wait', the pale pegasi moved to pick up a small bell in her mouth and shook it, the soft ringing soon caught the tiny bundle's attentions and they blinked at their swollen den mother and her guest expectantly.

Settling the bell down she smiled to them all.

"Children, this is Mr Anvil, he's going to help me take care of you all, so let's all get ready for snack time and show him what sweet little angels you all are."

The toddlers giggled and soon got ready around a small circular table, putting on a tiny set of bibs as they waited patiently for their snacks. Tea Cozy smiled and gestured for the stallion to follow her into the kitchen.

"We need to get their little milk carts and cookies ready, could you help me?"

Watching as Tobias began to fly, Rainbow Dash could only watch the other give it his all in some attempt to reach a certain height and she did have to give him some credit for trying. He actually looked like he could be a good flier, good form, good posture, legs tucked in the right place, all the checklist looked fine inside her mind until...he started to plummet from the ten foot drop.

Eyes widening she watched as he began to fall she called out to him in some attempt to help, she didn't wanna get crushed from the fall of trying to catch him. A wrong fall and he'd bust up something.

"Spread out your legs! Y'need to cushion your fall by spreading out the weight!"

Lovely! Approved. ^^

Oh my, I LOVE your style.

Especially your closet monster, that fat tail is just so Bluthian! <3

Oooo I simply adore this character! Both in design and lovely background!

Could we see a little of her temperment? Is she calm? Is she a hothead? I'd love to know.

Starlight was beggining to feel all the more confident with the mare by his side, smiling happily as he trudged himself along with his hooves seeing as the confidence in his wings wasn't the most outstanding at the moment. But he could see his future bright and clear.

A proud pegasus, with large wings and one of the best flyers in Equestria!

He knew that if he worked toward it, he'd be good enough to fly up and up and up and count the stars and everything and then he'd be able to make his mommy and daddy so proud of him!

He stopped when Fluttershy mentioned the hill and looked over it, bracing his hooves either side of his scooter as he walked with it. Hoof by hoof. Edging slowly over and over the main bit of the hill.

"L-Look Fluttershy! I'm doing it! I-"

One of his hooves slipped up and even down the small hill he began to roll down it faster than he expected, flopping onto his back upon the scooter as it rolled to a stop and he just blinked up at the sky. A little bermused at what happened. Flopping his head back he smiled rather impishly. That...was more embarassing than he'd wanted it to be.

Watching Malediction closely for a moment, Champ almost felt insulted by a challenge from a mare, especially one as strange as her and at first he dismissed the thought and placed his things down. Especially his precious bundle.

But his ego was such a great one even at this age and the name, chump, it just fed the fires in his belly and he peered at the unicorn. Patting his posessions gently, almost protectively, before he rounded himself and scraped his hoof against the floor like a bull about to charge. He was strong. He could PROVE he was strong enough.

Pawing at the floor he charged as best as his legs could take him at the unicorn, even as Tenderbloom entered the room and tried to leap at Malediction with a small growl.