Elderflower

There were many ponies coming and going that evening, but it was a combination of the dim lighting and subdued palette of the bar’s interior and patrons that immediately drew Riff’s eyes away from her company and towards a hip looking gal entering the scene. She carried with her an air of reservation, as though she wanted to keep to herself, but something told Riff that there was something more to the unicorn with the electric blue mane that she couldn’t quite put her hoof on. Either way, it was of no concern to her – she was surrounded by friendly folk who were making for great conversation! [colour=#4b0082]<"Heh, I'm not sure about all that" Harmony said with a smile. "I just play because I love playing. But hey! I wouldn't mind travelin' around with a talented mare like yourself! And if we happen to get famous along the way, well I won't mind.">[/colour] The coffee-hued mare let out a wide, vicious grin at her new companion, hitting her hoof on the table with delight. There was enough force to jostle the glasses about, but fortunately they remained upright. [colour=#daa520]“Ya mean that?” she asked, wide-eyed and ecstatic, like a foal just seeing her first snowfall, “Travelin' and singing is how I live my life, and I’ve met great folks along the way, but never anypony who wanted t'in on my journey! I’d be honoured, Dissy!”[/colour] The crazy talent, the friendliness, and the way she talked about jazz and the way she let the music guide her…Dissy just continued to become more and more of a fascination to Riff Run. She grew more and more certain with each moment that the two would become fast friends in no time. [colour=#006400]<"Ah, but, I am not from Mane'attan, but Canterlot. I zimply travel, wherever zee wind blows... I s'ink zat is 'ow zat idiom goes,oui?...It is true what zay say, zat we Fancy ponies 'ave an eye for beauty.”>[/colour] Coming down off her high burst of energy at Dissy’s mention of partnering up, Riff flashed yet another beaming smile at Timbre. If she kept this up, she could probably add traveling strong man to her CV – using her smiling muscles alone to lift massive barbells! Though truth be told, it’s a rare thing indeed to see Riff without a big, generous smile. [colour=#daa520]“It seems like we driftin’ jazz ponies have all been drawn t’Manehattan tonight,”[/colour] she said, winking at Oil, [colour=#daa520]“plus one mustache model. What a lucky turn of events!”[/colour] To Timbre’s final comment the jazz singer offered only another mischievous wink before turning back to Oil. [colour=#000080]<"Well, I'm glad you see something more in me than a business stiff and while I do appreciate the compliments towards my mustache, I'm afraid that isn't my particular talent, but trust me I do have one, it’s just along some very different lines haha.">[/colour] [colour=#daa520]“Huh. Well, I don’t know this mysterious talent o’ yours so I’m stickin’ with th’mustache,”[/colour] Riff replied with an arched brow and a lopsided smirk, [colour=#daa520]“The Mysterious Mustachioed Oil Wells!”[/colour] [colour=#006400]<"Magnifique! Absolument magnifique! Madamme Riff, zat was quite incredible. Per'aps, before zee night is s'rough, you would 'onour me with a duet?”>[/colour] [colour=#4b0082]<"Hey, that mare over there is eyeing the stage. If she's lookin' for a show, I think skipping the duet and doing a trio would blow their socks off. Whaddya say you two? If you're done flirting I think we can blow the roof offa this joint. It'll make a heck of a crazy jam session, that's for sure!">[/colour] Riff Run was in the middle of taking a theatrical bow when Timbre spoke his proposal, but before she could straighten herself up and respond Dissy had beat her to it. [colour=#daa520]“A trio? A…crazy jam session?”[/colour] the mare pondered, tapping her jaw with her hoof while she made a show of being truly unsure of what her answer would be (a horrible failure of a show, mind, as her eyes were sparkling madly with delight). Before finishing her thought, though, Riff merely let out a loud laugh and bolted for the stage, jumping the stairs and sliding towards the mic under the hot orange and yellow lights. She had her head down as she glided across the stage, and the moment she was in position she tossed her head up so her glossy black mane could bounce away from her eyes. With arched brows and a devilish grin, she gave the audience a wink. [colour=#daa520]“Hello again jazz cats,”[/colour] she purred, tapping out a rhythm with her hoof, [colour=#daa520]“Prepare yourselves for a triple threat.”[/colour]

This sounds awesome! I look forward to it. Guest 1: Princess Luna Guest 2: Riff Run Guest 2: Sugar Star

Okay, to update you all: I haven't stopped working the past two days, and it's quite possible that crunch week may be like this...every day. I can't make any promises about posting until I clear a few more projects out of the way, and even then I'm going to be helping my roommate put together her final independent work for her fourth year exhibition and I have no idea when that's going to be finished. I'm really sorry about this.

I'm not forgetting, I meant to do this earlier but I need to give the heads up that my posting is going to be really sporadic and unpredictable for the next week and a half as all of my final projects for the semester are due this week and next. It's going to be hectic, and I apologize. I'm going to try to finish a reply today in between sewing, shooting, and building - please bear with me!

Yup! I wasn't enjoying it. Even if it was a fast read, I didn't like what was happening and knew it didn't redeem itself at the end so I just didn't feel motivated enough to continue. That doesn't mean it's really horrendous or anything, just that it really bored me.

Don't think I agree with the art vs. text argument here, since in my opinion the story isn't the property of the text. A quality comic doesn't have the art enhance the text or vice versa, but instead utilizes the marriage of the two elements to create a good story. Image and text can stand alone to tell a story (see: books and artworks such as Hogarth's A Rake's Progress), but comics and graphic novels happen when the two meet. Watchmen is my favourite example for this because the villainous mastermind behind all of the major events in that story (won't name him because of spoilers) was revealed to us from the beginning and repeated through the story using colour alone. Indexes, icons, symbols, and colour theory are used in conjunction with the text and the result is...fantastic. A classic! Ultimately, the story is the most important factor but it's never carried solely by the text or the art. At least, not in something that I would deem a quality read. Annnnnnd here ends that little rant. Edit: Oopsy poopsy, I misinterpreted what Swirly was saying and thought he was treating art as an accessory to the storytelling, but that was just me jumping the gun. My opinion still holds, though, and it's part of the reason why I couldn't enjoy this comic! Sorry, friend D:

I completely agree - I think I was just under halfway through when I stopped reading. I had a few issues with this, but the biggest one was the jarring storytelling. I don't feel as though the writing captured the personalities of any of the established characters very well and sometimes the pacing/transition between panels felt really off the mark. I would give this a huge, resounding "meh" out of 5 (since I didn't actually finish reading it and can't give it a proper score).

[colour=#4b0082]<"I'm Harmonic Dissonance. My mentor called me "Dissy" because of my, as you say, wild style. Others call me some variation of my first name. I'm not too picky about names though so long as I can tell you're talkin' to me.">[/colour] [colour=#DAA520]“Dissy, huh?”[/colour] Riff asked with a lopsided smile, [colour=#DAA520]“Doesn’t sound half bad – Dissy and Birdy, jazz mares extraordinaire!”[/colour] As she said it, the jazzy mare struck a tacky pose, flicking her voluminous mane with her hoof before bursting into a small peal of laughter. [colour=#daa520]“We’d be stars!”[/colour] She decided she quite liked this Harmonic Dissonance character. Not only was she into jazz – she lived and breathed it. That alone was enough to make Riff endeared towards her, but the sense of friendliness and ease about her cemented the opinion. There was no kind of pony more likely to gain Riff Run’s respect than a friendly pony; adding music into the mix was a recipe for instantaneous friendship! [colour=#006400]<"Merci, been a while since I 'ave preformed for a crowd. 'a! Usually, I'm zee one who buys zee beautiful mares drinks.">[/colour] [colour=#DAA520]“Well, for a stallion who claims to be out of practice, ya definitely made that baby o’ yours purr, and ya’ve got a great voice to boot! Between you and Dissy here, I’m starting to think I’ve got Manehattan all wrong. I thought this city was full of nothing but boring ol’ stiffs hooked on purely technical tunes!”[/colour] The mare finally took her shot of whiskey and smacked her lips, offering a mischievous wink to the green pony, [colour=#daa520]“And it seems your eyes are in the same working order your voice is in, if ya can recognize a great looker such as myself!”[/colour] Riff couldn’t help but laugh at herself for that last comment. She wasn’t a self-absorbed or boastful pony at all, but got a real kick out of playing the part of one – unfortunately she could never pull off that act with a straight face. Whether or not the others caught onto the joke mattered little to her; she had been traveling and living alone for so long that despite the numerous folk she met along the way she had become quite used to living in her own little world. Either way, Timbre was making as good an impression as Dissy had, and there weren’t many words to describe the vocalist’s feelings at having met up with three friendly ponies in one evening, especially two fellow jazzy folks such as herself. It’s exactly the reason she decided to take up traveling – to experience all of the flavours the world has to offer in terms of ponies and places! <[colour=#000080]"So, looks like we have ourselves quite the grouping tonight, three jazz ponies and a grumpy old stallion. It seems we have quite the talented lot here, almost makes me envious that I didn't stick to an instrument, I know a little here and there, but nothing quite like you all.”[/colour] [colour=#006400]“You 'ave a talent, je suis sure.">[/colour] [colour=#daa520]“Grumpy, huh?”[/colour] Riff asked the grey stallion with a lopsided grin, charisma seeming to ooze out of every pore on her body, [colour=#daa520]“Y’know, ya may look like a bit of a stiff at first glance, but I had the feeling there’s more to ya! If ya can laugh at yourself, then you’re alright in my books! And this dapper gentlecolt here’s got it right, ya definitely have a talent. And I bet I know what it is.”[/colour] Her expression turning sly, Riff leaned in closer to Oil Wells. She made a big show of trying to be secretive, but when she spoke it was loudly enough for the other to hear, [colour=#daa520]“Your talent, good sir Oily, has to be that healthy and full mustache o’ yours! I swear ya could be a mustache model!”[/colour] Yep, it was official. Manehattan was filled to the brim with good ponies that Riff Run wanted to get to know better. Even though he wasn’t a jazz musician such as the others, Oil Wells was the kind of character that Riff Run always aimed to make friends out of. As she said, being able to laugh at oneself is an important quality! To her, it meant that a pony didn’t take themselves too seriously, or lord themselves above others. She was certainly glad she had approached him! <[colour=#006400]"I believe I may 'ave missed your performance. You are...a singer?">[/colour] [colour=#daa520]“Oh, sir Timbre!”[/colour] Riff exclaimed, [colour=#daa520]“You have guessed correctly!”[/colour] In an instant, Riff went from a playful attitude to right in the zone, raising a hoof to signal for stillness. She drew a breath, eyes closed, and attempted to grab a moment of zen before snapping her eyes open with her lopsided grin, her brow arched as though she was saying to Timbre that she wasn’t just going to answer him…she was going to prove it. And that’s exactly what she made to do! Loosened up by her previous performance, the good atmosphere and company (and the drink still warm in her belly), Riff began to sing. She took a page from Timbre’s book and played it out scat style, starting slow at first to really put emphasis on the rich, low tones of her voice. She always tried to envision a cascade of melted chocolate when she sang like this – her home was her greatest inspiration at times, and the chocolate that came out of Corralwood Corral was as rich and sweet as she wanted her voice to sound when she sang. It wasn’t long before she began picking up the pace, however. She wanted to prove herself to be a singer to the green stallion, but she didn’t want to run on too long – if she spent too much time singing solo like this, after all, she wouldn’t get to talk to her new friends! So she cut herself off after a minute and beamed, clearly enjoying herself immensely. [colour=#daa520]“So, d’ya believe me to be a singer now?”[/colour]

[colour=#800000]"I was just making the point that with an appropriate amount of investment, EVERYTHING can be improved upon!"[/colour]​ El prickled. Visibly. And she made no effort to calm herself this time. Whether it was the loud voice, the comments on her looks, the unwanted physical contact, or the suggestion that she needed to improve her situation that ticked her off, she wasn’t particularly sure. The only thing she was certain of was the fact that she was miffed. Whatever this character seemed to think he understood about her business, she wasn’t sure, but she was very suspicious of the fact that he was totally clueless. After all, if he knew anything about her or her teahouse, he wouldn’t be disrupting the atmosphere with such a loud and garish display. Apparently, Blue shared in his owner’s distaste, for as soon as the stallion placed a hoof on El’s shoulders the fairy wren chirped angrily and flung himself from his perch on her horn, flitting around the loud stallion’s head and giving him a piece of his avian mind before darting up to one of the eaves and settling there, still puffed up and bothered. That was her window of opportunity; while Blue kicked up his raucous display El slipped away from the stallion, shrugging her shoulders as she did so. The mare wasn’t particularly fond of contact unless it was appropriate or done by invitation. It seemed as though Peace Keeper would be the first to speak after the dapper pony, for which she was grateful. She needed a moment to gather her thoughts lest she run the risk of saying something hot tempered or rude. [colour=#0000ff]"After all, just because you can change something, doesn't mean you should."[/colour] ​ [colour=#ffa07a]“I am inclined to agree with Peace Keeper,” [/colour]El said finally, closing her eyes as she did so to keep a better grip on the fragile sense of calm she had, [colour=#ffa07a]“I did not design my shop in order to find riches or success by the definition that you seem to be implying. I’m not sure if your business sense quite…fits this dynamic. The Elder Tree Teahouse is a haven of relaxation for all citizens of Canterlot and any visitors who are passing through. What is of upmost importance to me is that my clients feel at ease and discover a sense of peace when they come here. It should be and must remain a place of healing, not a means to profit.”[/colour] Elderflower nailed the intrusive stallion with a levelling gaze, then, a look that bore a strong sense of warning. [colour=#ffa07a]“I will listen to what you have to say. To do otherwise would be rude of me,”[/colour] she continued, her eyes still boring into the business pony, [colour=#ffa07a]“But please keep in mind what I have just said."[/colour] The tea-loving unicorn may have the appearance of a wispy, wishy-washy character, but she made it clear that she’s far from a pushover. She knows to put her hoof down when the moment calls for it.

I have a folder of Miyazaki watercolours and gouaches that I've been cycling through as wallpapers! I love his movies too much.

Riff took a long, slow pull at her whiskey while the grey pony spoke, feeling the warmth of the drink spread from her mouth down to her belly. She had her eyes closed while she drank, tapping her hoof on the table as she played out a little rhythm. This was the life! [colour=#000080] "Um...good show tonight, as far as me being distracted, well, I guess you could say so. I've been a bit off lately. My mind has just been...somewhere else as of late."[/colour] ​[colour=#daa520]“Hey, thanks!” [/colour]the coffee-coloured mare replied with a vicious grin, [colour=#daa520]“I don’t know what’s eatin’ ya, but I can guarantee that if you loosen up a little and take in the atmosphere there’s no way you can stay in a funk. Y’look like ya have a steel rod instead of a spine!”[/colour] Her statement may have given the impression of being a little abrasive, but the gal immediately followed it with a soft little laugh, lightly punching the stallion’s shoulder in a show of good humour. She was going to continue talking to the stallion, but when she opened her mouth to speak another pony was making her way up to the stage. Wide-eyed and interested, Riff immediately zoned her attention on the purple mare as she swung the cover off of a lovely piano with her teeth, the fabric rustling and almost purring as she did so. That piano wanted to be played, the coffee-coloured mare was sure of it. As soon as the pianist mare started playing, Riff knew she had swing, and as her little show went on the vocalist could feel energy crackling throughout her. Eyes glued to the stage, she tapped along a rhythm with her hoof, completely pulled away from the conversation she had started. But she couldn’t help herself! What musicality, what wild creativity! It was completely fresh, but at the same time there was a heavy note of familiarity Riff couldn’t quite place. It called up nostalgic memories as she watched the stage –memories of her first time hearing jazz floating through the hot streets of Corralwood Corral, and her first time stepping into the dim and comfortable lighting of a cozy bar. She couldn’t help it – that first jazz pianist she had met was so strong in her thoughts that she could almost see her sitting at the bar, a grin on her face. When the purple pianist took her leave from the stage, Riff couldn’t help but feel slightly disappointed. She was just about to excuse herself from Oil Wells to go and meet the other jazz pony, but as soon as she turned to leave she was face to face with her! [colour=#4b0082] "Thanks for the inspiration. Your voice was something else. Perhaps we can play together sometime."[/colour] ​[colour=#daa520]“That means a lot coming from such a mad talent! You’re a total wildfire on the piano, and I'd love to jam with ya!”[/colour] Riff extended her hoof, eyes shining with wide smile on her face. [colour=#daa520]“The name’s Riff Run,”[/colour] she said, [colour=#daa520]“Though friends call me Birdy. It’s always good to meet another musician, especially one who knows a thing or two about jazz with a play style like yours!”[/colour] While they were speaking, another pony took the stage – this time a green stallion on the Contrabass, with mad scat skills. It seemed as though all of Equestria’s great talents were taking the stage in Manehattan tonight! Perhaps Riff was letting her fillyhood experiences dictate her impression of the place a little too harshly…obviously there was a lot happening in Manehattan! When the stallion removed himself from the stage as well, the coffee coloured mare swore that she recognized his face, but she couldn’t quite place the name to him. [colour=#006400]" 'aving a good evenin?" [/colour] ​[colour=#daa520]“A brilliant one! How could it be anything but wonderful with this much mad talent around?”[/colour] Looking around at the small collection of jazz ponies (and Oil Wells), Riff offered up a lazy smile and tapped on the table with her black hoof. She caught the eyes of the barkeep and nodded at him, to which he offered up a knowing grin. Another round of drinks was on its way! [colour=#daa520]“Okay, folks. A round on me! This is going to be a wonderful evening.”[/colour]

My desk is always a clutter of recent photo projects, jewelry, makeup, moisturizers, camera stuff, hair stuff, and there are also two sketchbooks tucked away in there at all times.

[colour=#daa520] "Well..I'm just saying...ponies all over Equestria need to taste these drinks. And mail delivery...is right up my alley."[/colour] ​ El took a moment to skim her eyes over the mailpony. He seemed…rather determined. The unicorn furrowed her brow once more and then took a deep breath, opening her mouth to speak. Just before she could get her first word out, however, she clamp her jaw shut again, closing her eyes. She was about to slam down Care’s proposal – she simply could not imagine expanding her business for deliveries. But that would be terribly rude of her, and perhaps she was jumping the gun… [colour=#ffa07a]“I’ll consider it, Care, but I can’t make any promises right now. I really am very sorry.”[/colour] [colour=#800000]"There is more that this place could benefit from than just a mail delivery service..." [/colour]​ The mare hardly had time to breathe again before another voice perked up, and this one brought El to rapt attention. She turned in spot quickly, pale golden eyes sweeping over the shabbily dapper stallion. She felt her personality prickling, and quickly. Normally, she was an exceedingly pleasant and relaxed individual. But she was stubborn, and sure of herself and her business; comments on how difficult it must be for her, and all of these suggestions for improvement were started to rub on her nerves a little. It was sincere when she said she appreciated the suggestions, and she also appreciates the concern of the others, however there is only so much that El can hear before her metaphoric feathers ruffle. But apparently it wasn’t just her feathers that were ruffled. Almost immediately after the corner-lurking pony spoke, Blue darted out of her mane to flit around before perching on El’s horn. His feathers were, quite literally, ruffled and puffed out. [colour=#000080]"Well surely you're not going to leave it at that sir. Do elaborate, please!" [/colour]​ Taking another deep breath, the wispy mare made herself calm down and attempted to be less prickly. She didn’t wish to come across as hostile or rude at all. [colour=#ffa07a]“I’m sorry,”[/colour] she apologized for her stiff demeanour (though she wasn’t entirely sure her apology was as obvious to the others as it was for her), [colour=#ffa07a]“But yes, as Copper said…please do elaborate.”[/colour]

Riff Run found herself in the streets of Manehattan yet again, the tense atmosphere of busy business ponies settling over her like a shadow of the past. She had come to visit her parents and found her stay cut off rather short; the couple had a business meeting in Canterlot the next morning and had to take off before they had a chance to really speak to their daughter. Well, then…what to do? Outside of her parents’ large house, the mare found herself tapping her black hoof on the pavement, unconsciously hitting out a rhythm as she tried to think. There wasn’t much in Manehattan she could claim to truly love, being so full of the upper-crust folks she simply didn’t jive with. But hey, when in Rome… Although, no. Not when in Rome! She wasn’t in Rome, and in any case she wasn’t likely to throw on a massive, feathered hat and prance around to some tight little waltz. The coffee-coloured gal let out a little sigh. Perhaps she was a little too judgmental of Manehattan, considering her own tense past here. With a fresh sense of determination, she finally started trotting off. There was one stallion here she knew decently well, the son of one of her father’s business partners. He was a trumpet player who liked to hit up the local scene from time to time, though she doubted he was interested in jazz. If she could find this character, though, perhaps she could convince him to let her hog the stage for a bit? The idea made a wide smile flash across the jazz singin’ Birdy’s lips, and she immediately set off with determination. She didn’t remember the name of the club the stallion told her about so many moons ago, but she remembered where he said it was. It was only one brisk walk until Riff arrived there, all smiles, and walked up to the barkeep. She bought herself a shot of whiskey and took in the scenery – it wasn’t a bad spot! And she her trumpet-playing pal was up on stage as she suspected, though she was surprised to find that his band was, indeed, playing jazz! Well…it was something like jazz. A little too tame and a little too rigid for her tastes, but she could see where they were aiming. Riff barely had time to finish her drink before the band took their break, however, and she immediately jumped on her old “friend.” Grinning madly, she sweeted his ears with the loveliest conversational voice she could make, telling him about her oh-so-many experiences with on-the-fly live performances. She was a drifting jazz singer, after all – she was a master of “on the fly.” It didn’t take much to have the band convinced – one little nudge towards the trumpet player and she knew he’d pick up for her with his band. Technically, he only heard her sing a few times before, but he trusted her talent and attitude enough to know she wasn't going to make a fool of anypony. When the band took the stage again, Riff hopped right on up with them. [colour=#daa520]“Well, well, well, you fine folks,”[/colour] she purred as she stepped into the soft, warm stage lights, [colour=#daa520]“Have we got a treat for you. These stiff old fools have been boring you long enough. It’s time to give you all a real taste of jazz – consider it Birdy’s treat.”[/colour] The mare was grinning ear to ear, looking quite mischievous as the band readied their instruments. She picked out a random stallion in the audience and offered him a little wink, and then the music kicked in – perhaps it was the wrong stallion, though, for this one seem awfully distracted and disinterested in the happenings on stage. They played it safe at first, the band, playing classic tunes from big names like Fillie Holiday and Flicka Fitzgerald. Their timidity didn’t suit the glossy-haired mare, though. As soon as she started her second song, she started pushing. She’d run off, improving her vocals – a slur of words and sounds with a wild edge brought to life with her deep, rich tones. And every time she pushed, she felt the band loosening up. So she kept pushing, letting her heavy-lidded eyes slide shut and the familiar ecstasy rush through her. This is what she lives for! It was clear to the audience that this gal had not a single care aside from her music – she was off in her own little world, a world filled with the smell of salt air, chocolate, and coffee and the sound of the ocean waves. Singing jazz always brought her heart back home to Corralwood Corral. She wasn’t sure exactly how long they ran on for, but eventually she could hear a few of the instrument lagging a little and felt herself surfacing from her world of music. She took a bow and hopped off stage to buy a round of whiskey for herself and the boys, looking around until her eyes zoned in on the slate-grey character looking out of place at the cozy bar. She had noticed him when she made her little introduction because he was the only one in the joint who looked like he was in a whole other plane of thinking (and maybe even existence!). Grinning, she ordered an extra shot and had it delivered, along with hers, over to the mustachioed stallion’s table. [colour=#daa520]“Thanks for the show, boys,”[/colour] she called out to the band as she bee-lined towards the grey character. As she approached the stranger, she couldn’t help but reassume the mischievous little smirk she was wearing before. [colour=#daa520]“Well, hey there grumpy!”[/colour] she sang out, her voice a little huskier than usual after all that singing, [colour=#daa520]“I noticed you looked terribly distracted so I got us a round. The name’s Riff Run, but friends call me Birdy.”[/colour] And just like that, one of the bartenders sauntered on in carrying a tray with the two shots of whiskey. It was a nicer brand, rich gold in colour with a smooth taste. A fine product worth the extra expense (though it wasn’t the most expensive brand in the club.”

[colour=#daa520]"Miss Elder have you ever considered delivery?"[/colour]​ That question made El’s thoughts stop in their tracks. Delivery? It seemed a bizarre concept to her, something that had never crossed her mind. [colour=#ffa07a]“No, actually,”[/colour] she said rather thoughtfully, a knot forming in her brow as she considered the suggestion, [colour=#ffa07a]“I have not. I don’t think delivery is suited to this business. Here, I sell atmosphere as much as I sell tea and sweets - it would feel...wrong to offer up any of my drinks or treats on their own. And besides, I am much too busy to take on the additional work of preparing deliveries. I’m sorry if that’s frank, though. I do appreciate your enthusiasm and suggestions!”[/colour] She finished speaking with her usual bright smile, nodding as she did in order to emphasize her sincerity. [colour=#0000cd]"Although, I don't really know what I want to do. I know I want to help ponies relax, but there are so many different ways to do it, that it's hard to pick just one."[/colour] ​ [colour=#ffa07a]“That is an admirable goal, Peace Keeper,”[/colour] she said after the blue stallion, warmth seeping into her smile, [colour=#ffa07a]“Even though I am driven to work with tea, it’s the desire to help others find a sense of tranquility that influenced the design and creation of this teahouse. Tea, gardens, comforting sweets – all of these things help heal and soothe, especially in a quiet and comfortable environment. I always do my best to help others feel at ease by the time they leave my teahouse.”[/colour] Peace Keeper was a very kind individual, someone who always gave her the impression of great generosity and warmth. El admired his goals and determination! [colour=#000080] "Oh, I'm Copper. Copper Mechgear. So tell me Miss Elderflower, doesn't it get a tad difficult running this wonderful little shop of yours with nopony else working here?"[/colour] ​ [colour=#ffa07a]“Copper!”[/colour] El repeated, then added with a laugh: [colour=#ffa07a]“It’s lovely to officially meet you!”[/colour] The mare had to take a moment to continue speaking. It would be a lie if she said she wasn't taken aback at all – sure, she had heard many comments before on how busy she must be from her regular customers, but never had anypony been so…forward about how she coped with her work. Worrying her bottom lip a little with her teeth as she considered the question, El watched as a young unicorn couple trailed out from the garden to exit the shop, offering up a friendly wave as they went. The mare was certain that the few other stragglers still taking their time and relaxing back there would be leaving soon enough as well, leaving the shop still and quiet once more. Although she had the creeping suspicion that the crowd gathered in the front of her shop now was just getting cozy, meaning she’d have to put off her clean-up a bit. That was fine, though – she would much rather invite them to stay into the evening than break up a good atmosphere. Just thinking about it brought her natural smile right back, and she knew she had the answer. [colour=#ffa07a]“Difficult? I guess I get a little tired from time to time, but what’s a little bit of sleepiness compared to a life this happy? I’m a very lucky pony, after all. I’m not just living out my dream – I’m sharing it with others and bringing them happiness as well. What more could a mare ask for?”[/colour] Her answer was perfectly genuine – tired or not, no life outside of her work or not, how could she complain? Such a fortunate life shouldn't bear any complaints! Just to make sure, once she had her say the unicorn let her gaze flicker back towards the silent, dapper stallion. He was still keeping to himself, though he had put down his book. She attempted to catch his eye and offer him a little nod, just to let him know she wasn't forgetting him.

[colour=#daa520]"Must be hard to run this place."[/colour]​ Blue had nestled so deeply into the unicorn’s mane by now that just the powdery-blue tuft of his crown was peeking out from beneath the soft body of pink and cream hair. He had, however, begun to chirp lazy little tunes. With a small sigh and a roll of her golden eyes (which were completely facetious in manner, as she did both with a wide smile), El turned back towards the mailpony to answer him. [colour=#ffa07a]“There are good days and bad days,”[/colour] she replied honestly, her smile shrinking ever-so-slightly,[colour=#ffa07a] “But it’s all worth it – I love what I do and I would have things no other way. I sacrifice most of my free time, but the teahouse is never open on Sunday so I have plenty of time to relax then!”[/colour] Of course she conveniently left out the small detail that she spent a great deal of time on Sundays weeding her garden and preparing dough for her sweets. That way, if she ever felt too tired or simply didn’t have time during the evenings to prepare her baking for the next morning, there were always alternatives. She was surprised, actually, that Blue wasn’t nipping at her for the little white lie. In his own way, he could be just as big a nag as her parents when it came to the topic of her work – he supported her mother and father 100% in the idea that she needed to hire some help. [colour=#000080]“So nopony else works here then, miss Elderflower? Bar your charming little helper there, of course,”[/colour]​ [colour=#ffa07a]“You’re correct- oh! Oh how rude of me!”[/colour] Elderflower turned completely to face the stallion with the overalls and approached him, looking perhaps a little more flustered than necessary. The sudden movement rattled Blue a little and caused him to let out an annoyed little chirp, but the mare hardly noticed. [colour=#ffa07a]“I don’t even know your name, sir! I should have asked, I am very sorry!”[/colour] [colour=#282828]"[/colour][colour=#0000CD]How's everpony doing today?"​[/colour] Before El could receive an answer, though, she was interrupted by the arrival of yet another stallion. This face, at least, she recognized. Peace Keeper was fairly new to Canterlot and she was getting used to seeing him show up for a pot of tea every day – he was late today, however! [colour=#ffa07a]“Well hello, Peace Keeper,”[/colour] she called over to him, finally regaining her composure and falling back into her typical, soft-spoken manner, [colour=#ffa07a]“I was wondering if you would be visiting again today! I’ll be with you momentarily.”[/colour] Normally El hated to keep a customer waiting, but she couldn’t just walk away after asking somepony for their name! It seemed she needn’t worry too much, however, as the very friendly Care Package was quick to strike up a conversation with the blue stallion. A rather embarrassing conversation for her to overhear, actually – praising something so simple as a glass of water! It brought a faint blush to the mare’s cheeks. She brought her attention back to the pony before her, then, and smiled brightly – hoping to really play it cool. [colour=#ffa07a]“Sorry about that, where were we?”[/colour] As she waited for a response, she darted her eyes over quickly to the dapper character in the corner. He had taken out a book and was keeping to himself, still. The unicorn had the impression that there was more to this character than the reclusive personality he was currently exuding, and each movement he made caused her to grow more curious, but she wasn’t one to force an issue. Patience was a character quality one needed when working with gardens and tea, so she had plenty to spare! She’d learn what extravagant pony was all about sooner or later.

You're more than welcome to join! Actually I'm going to use this as a heads up for folks: I chose to start the thread towards the end of a business day because any other point would be too busy for interaction. Nobody's characters will be getting the boot, though. El will invite everybody to stay and hang around while for a while after she closes up! c: Just in case you were wondering!

Ohhh, these are awesome! Thanks so much!

I love Twilight and all, but when it comes to princesses my favourite is Sailor Moon- I mean, uh, Cadence.

Your art is so cute! Would you mind drawing my OC Elderflower, please? Here's a reference picture!: Here's her app, too, just in case: http://www.canterlot...erflower-ready/