Canterlot [Army Ball - ARMY ONLY] The Dance Floor

[Dio]

The structured festivities have come to an end with thunderous applause for the guests of honor. As the ovation subsides, the master of ceremonies once again comes to the microphone.

“Fillies and gentlecolts! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed our little show and the food and drink so magnanimously provided by the Equestrian Services Organization. But since many of you are already in the Army, I’m sure you’re sick of pageantry and formalities, so let’s cut to the chase. Let’s dance!”

Ironwing whirled around, counting off beats for the band to start

. The dance floor is open, the music is in full swing, and everypony looks to be in the mood for a good time.

Your move.

[Elderflower]

It’s finally here! The very night she had been waiting for since the rumours had started drifting around the barracks. The Royal Equestrian Ball had started this very night, and Sugar Star was positively thrilled. The moment the rumours had started she had begun to plan. Everything from her hairstyle, to hair accessories, jewelry, dress, shoes, shawl (to beat the chill to and from the event), makeup, perfume, hairspray, and the shade of her shimmer dust for the night had been decided months ago. Walking through the foyer had been a mystical experience. Ponies dressed in their finest milled about, chatting and flirting and acting coy in the ethereal glow of magical lamps. It took every ounce of self-restraint the golden pegasus had not to join in, and it took an extremely special bit of self-restraint to zip past the photo station with Princess Luna. That would make quite a memory! Sugar Star, however, had a goal for tonight, and that was to enjoy the dance floor as much as she could – and to find a handsome stallion to share that with!

Dressed in layers of golden silks and sheer fabrics accented with shimmering sheer pinks and pale golds, Star looked like a warm and gentle sunset. Her mane, instead of being in the usual high ponytail, hung low and soft, pulled into a considerably more flattering low ponytail that curled gently on the ends. Her tail also hung in simple, loose curls. She wore shoes made of pink gold embedded with pearls, a necklace of pink pearl ropes with an amber briolette drop, and her ears were adorned with elaborate pink gold cuffs. Her eyeshadow was a blend of shimmering golds and pinks, and of course the glittery dust that coated her chest, wings, mane, and tail was a soft gold to match! She looked stunning if she did say so herself. The neckline of her gown for the evening even had a small area highlighted with dark gold embroidery that accented the place where she had put her pips! Dolled up or not, she planned on proudly sporting her Specialist rank in the Royal Equestrian Army. Even though it wasn’t as impressive as some of the decorated Enlists and Officers that were sure to be found here, she was proud to be a part of the REA, no matter how small her part might seem to others.

Sugar Star trotted eagerly through the crowd, the music wafting from the dance floor with every step she took. It was so hard no to just jump up and fly there, but then her ensemble would be ruined and it would be too obvious how excited she was for this! Bad enough she was already blushing with excitement! That was easy enough to play off, though – if anypony else in the REA started poking fun at her, she’d just say her mother had bullied her into this frou frou get-up and what self-respecting mare could say no to her dear mother? She knew enough mama’s colts among her fellow enlists that that excuse might just work. And of course she’s blushing! Dressed up so fancily, who wouldn’t be embarrassed? Okay – she was ready. She was totally 100% ready for everything!

As she trotted into the grand room where the dance was to be held, giddiness threatened to completely overtake the golden-hued mare. Sugar Star held her wings up high, barely containing her glee as she flashed her pearly whites. She was finally here! Eeee! Now all she needed was the final piece to her puzzle: a handsome stallion to whirl her about the dance floor and satisfy her filly-ish fondness for sparkling romance!

[RarityDash]

[colour=#333366]"So this is how you REA types throw a party, huh?"[/colour][colour=#000000] said a blue and tan zebra mare dressed in a stylish suit, as she looked around the lavish ballroom prepared for the REA Ball. [/colour][colour=#333366]"Not quite as bad as I woulda guessed."[/colour]

[colour=#000000]She was Verity Essence, agent of REIN and she was there that day as a guest of an old friend and colleague, Lieutenant Steel Dagger of the REA Honor Guard. It wasn't a romantic thing; not at the moment. Verity had found through experience that Dagger wasn't exactly what would be called ideal for serious romance; he was, in a word, a scoundrel. Chasing mares was something of a hobby for the silver gray unicorn, as was being an incorrigible showoff. He was a good buddy somehow though; the perfect guy to drink with after coming back from a long, difficult mission. [/colour]

[colour=#000000]Tagging along with the pair was a third equine, Dagger's little sister Radiant, a private in the REA herself. Radiant was an interesting mare. A little inside her own head; not exactly a social animal. The fire-maned pegasus was stiff, awkward and all kinds of cute for it. Verity was kind of excited just to see how the poor filly handled herself in an environment like this. She was expecting to be amused.[/colour]

[colour=#000000]

[/colour][colour=#cc6600]"That is a snappy little tune, ain't it?" [/colour][colour=#000000]Dagger started giving a chuckle as he combed a hoof through his long, burnt orange mane. He was looking sharp in a designer suit and vest. [/colour][colour=#cc6600]"Just makes you want to dance, right Radiant?"[/colour]

​
[colour=#000000]

Radiant looked downward, feeling completely exposed and uncomfortable in the frilly white dress her mother had picked out for her. She gave a nervous laugh and shook her head. [/colour][colour=#ff0000]"D-don't be silly, brother! I'm just here because mother and father made such a fuss about me attending for once now that I'm officially in the service. Dancing... it's not... it's not necessary."[/colour]

​
[colour=#000000]

[/colour][colour=#cc6600]"'Not necessary', eh?"[/colour][colour=#000000] the older sibling started with a teasing laugh. [/colour][colour=#cc6600]"I believe that's Radiant-speak for either 'no one's gonna ask me' or 'I don't know how'."[/colour][colour=#000000] The stallion gave a cocky grin as he came to a pause. [/colour][colour=#cc6600]"Though I'd place a pretty solid bet on it being both in this case."[/colour]

​
[colour=#000000]

[/colour][colour=#ff0000]"B-brother--! That's not..."[/colour][colour=#000000] Radiant started, her usually white face as red as her mane. She ultimately trailed off, hanging her head. Like most things her brother teased her about, he was more or less right.[/colour]

​
[colour=#000000]Verity gave a hearty laugh. [/colour][colour=#333366]"You two never change," [/colour][colour=#000000]she said, shaking her long striped mane about. Her eyes went to the younger sibling and she smiled. [/colour][colour=#333366]"Don't worry your cute little head, little sister. I'll be happy to snatch up your first dance this evening and show you some moves."[/colour]

[colour=#000000]

[/colour][colour=#ff0000]"B-but... dancing with another mare... that's not quite as..."[/colour][colour=#000000] Radiant fumblingly started, the words again not coming all out.[/colour]

​
[colour=#000000]

[/colour][colour=#cc6600]"Aww, but my sweet Verity! I thought I would be the one to first whisk you off your hooves tonight!"[/colour][colour=#000000] Dagger started with cocky flamboyance and a dumb grin.[/colour]

​
[colour=#333366]"You wish, Dagger! There's been enough song and dance between us to last a life time, I'm afraid,"[/colour][colour=#000000] Verity said, sticking out her tongue childishly. Giving a shrug and a cocky expression she then added, [/colour][colour=#333366]"Besides, someone's gonna have to stick with little miss natural wallflower here while you engaged in your usual routine for this kinda thing."[/colour]

[colour=#000000]

[/colour][colour=#ff0000]"M-miss Verity...!"[/colour][colour=#000000] Radiant started, feeling particularly childish. Now both of them were teasing her.[/colour]

​
[colour=#000000]

[/colour][colour=#cc6600]"'Usual routine'? Whatever do you mean, my love?" [/colour][colour=#000000]Dagger questioned, feigning innocence.[/colour]

​
[colour=#333366]"Okay, Lieutenant Steel. Try and convince me you aren't going to make a game of this and try and dance with every single attractive mare you see tonight,[/colour][colour=#000000]" Verity said pointedly.[/colour]

[colour=#000000]

[/colour][colour=#cc6600]"With my wit and charm, I'm sure I could, Agent Essence, but telling lies is both unnecessary to the situation and unbecoming for a honorable officer such as myself,"[/colour][colour=#000000] the stallion replied with more cocksure smarminess than needed.[/colour]

​
[colour=#000000]

[/colour][colour=#ff0000]"Honestly brother, it's your licentious behavior which is unbecoming for an officer. A soldier should always show discipline and restraint,"[/colour][colour=#000000] the younger sibling scolded, her vulnerability taking away some of the emphasis the line might have normally come with.[/colour]

​
[colour=#333366]"You tell him, kid! This hound needs to be kept on a leash,"[/colour][colour=#000000] Verity started, smacking Radiant on the back.[/colour]

[colour=#000000]

[/colour][colour=#cc6600]"You both should lighten up and have a little fun. Ain't that the point of this kinda thing anyway?" [/colour][colour=#000000]Dagger retorted with an amused smug, before something... or rather somepony--caught his eye. [/colour][colour=#cc6600]"Speaking of 'fun', I might have just spied a little..."[/colour][colour=#000000] Dagger's eyes had found a stunning golden mare with a yellow and cream mane, dressed in gold and pink. [/colour]

​
[colour=#333366]"Yeah, yeah. You go try and work that magic of yours, soldier,"[/colour][colour=#000000] Verity said with a hard chuckle. [/colour][colour=#333366]"Just remember that these are army girls, so they might be more immune to your schtick than the average mare."[/colour]

[colour=#000000]

[/colour][colour=#cc6600]"You underestimate my abilities, sweet Verity. You'll see though. Army or not, the ladies love me,"[/colour][colour=#000000] the unicorn simply replied as he sauntered off toward the mare who had caught his eye.[/colour]

​
[colour=#333366]"Honestly, Radiant... that brother of yours is an idiot..."[/colour][colour=#000000] Verity said, shaking her eyes. Radiant just gave a long sigh and a subtle nod[/colour].

​

Dagger ran a hoof again through his long and wavy orange mane. Confident he was looking his very best, he stepped right up to the gold mare and gave a small bow.

[colour=#cc6600]"Excuse me, miss. I happened to notice your exceptional beauty from across the hall and couldn't resist getting myself a little closer look,"[/colour] [colour=#000000]he said, smiling.[/colour] [colour=#cc6600]"It would be my greatest pleasure if you would give me your name and perhaps a dance,"[/colour] [colour=#000000]he added, looking the mare in the eyes.[/colour]

​

[Elderflower]

From the moment she had stepped into the dance hall, Sugar Star had her eyes peeled. There were handsome stallions everywhere she looked! But which one would she choose? Or better yet, would one of them approach her? The very thought made her absolutely giddy and it took a whole lot of effort to keep her expression casual. As she swept her gaze about the room, she caught sight of a very handsome unicorn stallion. What fun it would be to dance with him! How thrilling and heartpounding and utterly dazzling it would be to be twirled about the room by such a looker! Star found herself at a loss – should she approach him? Or was he involved with one of the mares in his company? Despite her filly-ish interests in romance, dedicating her life to the REA had left Sugar Star with very little experience in this game. She started to run over dialogues in her head, thinking of the smoothest way to approach the stallion and ask him for a dance if he was available, when she noticed that he was no longer with the two mares.

[colour=#ff6666]'Drat! I lost him!'[/colour] she thought to herself, her face just about ready to fall. But then, just like that, he was right in front of her! Whoa!

[colour=#ff8c00]"Excuse me, miss. I happened to notice your exceptional beauty from across the hall and couldn't resist getting myself a little closer look," he said, smiling. "It would be my greatest pleasure if you would give me your name and perhaps a dance," he added, looking the mare in the eyes.[/colour]

​

A deadly blow right off the bat! Not only was his flattery very charming and smooth, but he was sharply dressed and mannerly to boot! Call her old fashioned, but Sugar Star had a tendency to think less of a stallion if he didn’t ask for her name before asking something of her. Whoever this unicorn might be, he was certainly making an excellent first impression. Her casual and collected façade faltered a little as the grey stallion's blue eyes held her own rosy gaze captive. The corner of her lips twitched upwards in a smile. Now this is what she wanted from the Royal Equestrian Army Ball!

Her grin growing a little wider, the golden pegasus nodded towards the stallion. Outwardly, with her sassy expression and her wings held high, she made quite a feisty image. Inwardly, though she was feeling feisty and energetic, there was also a very loud monologue of '[colour=#ff6666]Eee! He’s handsome and asking me to dance and this night is already more fun than I ever could have dreamed!'[/colour]

[colour=#ff6666]“Specialist Sugar Star,”[/colour] she replied with a smoky voice, eyes glittering, [colour=#ff6666]“And I would be honoured.”[/colour]

Even though she wanted to be swept off her hooves tonight, old habits died hard. Instead of waiting for the stallion to guide her to the dance floor, Sugar Star took the lead and made a few graceful steps to the edge of the crowd before turning around, still grinning.

[colour=#ff6666]“And you are?”[/colour]

[RarityDash]

[colour=#FF6666]“Specialist Sugar Star... a[/colour][colour=#FF6666]nd I would be honoured. And you are?”[/colour]

[colour=#000000]Dagger smirked as he stared over the pretty pegasus. She seemed far from immune from his time tested charms. So much for Verity's assessment that REA girls wouldn't be as susceptible to his wiles. If this mare was any indicator, REA mares very well might have had even easier shells to crack than was average. As cute as this one was, Dagger wondered if he hadn't just struck gold. He had attested to Verity that he'd entertain many mares that night, but perhaps it'd be most rewarding to stick to this one as long as he could.[/colour]

[colour=#cc6600]"Ah, such a fitting name it is..."[/colour] [colour=#000000]Dagger said as he stepped out to meet the mare, taking her hoof to place a kiss at it.[/colour][colour=#cc6600] "What could be better for a lady with beauty as radiant as the stars above and a voice as sweet as sugar."[/colour]

[colour=#cc6600]"As for myself,"[/colour] [colour=#000000]he added stepping back and nodding to her.[/colour] [colour=#cc6600]"It's Dagger. First Lieutenant Steel Dagger of the Honor Guard, at your service!"[/colour] [colour=#000000]he introduced himself with a smile.[/colour]

[colour=#cc6600]"But enough about me. Why don't we start that dance?"[/colour] [colour=#000000]he started before leading the mare the rest of the way out onto the dance floor and taking her by the hooves. He began to guide her along to the music, showing off his rather skillful hoofwork.[/colour]

​

[Elderflower]

[colour=#ff8c00]"Ah, such a fitting name it is... What could be better for a lady with beauty as radiant as the stars above and a voice as sweet as sugar."[/colour]

​

Sugar Star was speechless. This unicorn really knew what to say to charm a gal! She couldn’t help smiling sheepishly while he spoke - even though she always longed to hear something like this, she was half convinced that it only existed in the girl comic books she read! The giddy pegasus could swear that fragrant winds carrying rose petals were swirling around him while he smiled. She had no idea how she was supposed to respond to this, so instead she just did her best to try not to blush too much. It was a somewhat successful effort.

[colour=#ff8c00]"It's Dagger. First Lieutenant Steel Dagger of the Honor Guard, at your service!"[/colour]

​

First Lieutenant? Sugar couldn’t help herself – no matter how dolled up or how giddy or how absolutely enchanted she was, there was simply no way years of training could slip away for an evening. Almost as though she had turned into a different pony at the flip of a switch, her stance shifted from casual (if a bit excited) to totally rigid and alert. She sharply brought one of her shoed hooves to her forehead and saluted, her expression flat and stern. [colour=#ff3366]“Sir!”[/colour]

And of course, immediately after she did that, her cheeks really started to burn a lovely shade of scarlet. Sugar Star was absolutely horrified. How foolish did that look? Sure, she might be an enlist, but it must have looked incredibly silly for one dressed as she was to just turn so…stony. But wasn't that the appropriate reponse? He was her superior. He was her superior! was it even okay for her to be like this with a First Lieutenant? But then again, if it were wrong, he himself would know that and stop things immediately. She put down her hoof, smiling awkwardly, and bit her lip.

[colour=#ff8c00]"But enough about me. Why don't we start that dance?"[/colour]

​

[colour=#ff3366]“Y-yes! Let’s dance!”[/colour] she replied, trying to collect herself once more. At least on the dance floor she knew she could win back her cool – and make a good impression! Even though she had abandoned the world of dance years ago to chase her passion for flight and athletics, Sugar Star hadn’t lost her love of dancing and kept herself in very good practice. She was quite surprised, though, when Steel Dagger also proved to be a talented dancer. Her heart was pounding so hard she could swear it was about to burst right out of her chest! There she was, dressed up, lovely, just the perfectly attractive level of shy (or so she told herself), and totally delicate in her hoofwork as she was glided about the room by him. The perfectly handsome and charming unicorn stallion who was not only her superior but also an incredible dancer. It was like straight out of one of her comics! She couldn’t help herself this time – she was beaming brightly, and twirling about with a First Lieutenant in the ethereal glow of the magical lighting.

Soon enough though, that smile slipped into a little smirk. She had let her tickle-me-pink gaze flicker about the room and saw a hoofful of ponies looking their way. Maybe, just maybe, they’d be able to put off a show! Sugar Star looked up into Dagger’s eyes, her own twinkling with a feisty spark and a dare.

[colour=#ff3366]“Shall we step things up?” [/colour]she asked, leading him into a move that any practiced dancer would recognize - one that lead into a lift.

[QuickLime]

The Former Guard had always loved these things, and even though he was retired he still attended them! So in strutted the male like he owned the place and what did his steely blue eyes lay upon but a BEAUTIFUL Mare with a coat like the sunshine and eyes like the sunset! Such an exquisite form of grace and beauty! He couldn't resist strutting right on up to her, a grin on that rather handsome (albeit cocky) face of his as he approached his target closer, closer..!

And drat she was dancing...he huffed a little bit and shrugged, her loss not his! And with a flick of his head moved to send a bit of his mane out of his face, deciding to instead check out the refreshment table, perhaps there was a mare or stallion over there that would love to indulge themselves in the fabulousness that was the company of Reaver Keeneye!

[RarityDash]

[colour=#FF3366]“Sir!”[/colour]

Dagger chuckled at the mare's salute. He supposed this was where the part about them being soldiers came into play and made it a little more interesting. Maybe him being a venerable officer while she was merely enlisted gave him an unfair advantage here. Either way, seeing her go all serious was kind of cute in a way. it strongly recalled to him Radiant in her more flakey moments. This mare likely wasn't such a hopeless case as Dagger's darling sister, but all the same, the moment of awkwardness sharpened his smirk and made him all the more eager to get the dance started. This one just seemed so vulnerable and ready to melt in his embrace.

​

[colour=#FF3366]“Y-yes! Let’s dance!”[/colour]

The unicorn smiled at the nervous reply. He had really gotten under this one's skin with alarming ease. He almost felt bad for her. Making mares swoon was an art, and at it there were doubtless few her were as accomplished as he was, but even still, this was almost too easy. It was kind of alarming that this Specialist in the Guard was so thoroughly unguarded.

Alas, now was the time to see how well she danced. Of course Dagger had a lot of practice at dancing. Much as skill at hiding one's presence was an asset to his work gathering intel in his order of the Honor Guard, skill at the dance was an asset to his other notable pursuits. He'd go so far as to say he knew how to shuffle his hooves like a pro. But what about Specialist Sugar Star here? Would she be able to keep up, or would she find herself slowing down to keep pace with her?

To his utter surprise, it proved to be the former. No, not only did she keep up, she flat knew how to move. He performed all his moves with all the usual style and swagger, gliding across the dance floor with the mare, and not once did she mislay her hooves. It was honestly kind of shocking; as nervous and love-struck as this mare was despite being a soldier, he had started associating her with Radiant... but that was a mare utterly lacking in grace. This mare on the other hand moved so well, that Dagger found himself again noticing just how lovely she was. He had offered dances to lots of mares in his time, but there weren't many mares he could recall who could match him so well.

​

[colour=#FF3366]“Shall we step things up?”[/colour]

At these words, Dagger actually felt a little concern. It was entirely possible this mare not only matched him for dancing ability, but actually exceeded him at it. That had never happened before. He really wouldn't even know how to react to being the one having to keep up. His smile became wider and his eyes sharpened. He followed the mares moments and when was the appropriated time lifted her high with his forehooves. He spun about with her then and then twirled her loose before gliding along with her some more.

[colour=#cc6600]"You're really something, you know that, Specialist,"[/colour] Dagger said in a playful voice as the music started to settle for a moment. [colour=#cc6600]"Where'd you learn to move like that? I don't recall it being a part of basic training,"[/colour]

​

[colour=#333366]"Oh wow, look at them go,"[/colour] Verity Essence spoke with a grin, her eyes following the form of her friend Steel Dagger. Trying to get Radiant to dance had proven to so far be a fairly lose cause, so now the two were mostly just keeping each other companying and keeping an eye on the scoundrel they both knew so well.

[colour=#ff0000]"I'm surprised she can keep up with my brother so well,"[/colour] Radiant observed giving a sigh.

​

[colour=#333366]"Keep up? Pretty sure she's actually the better dancer,"[/colour] Verity said with a laugh. [colour=#333366]"Speaking of which, you sure you don't want a little more practice dancing yourself?"[/colour]

[colour=#ff0000]"No thank you. Watching them, I realize how beyond me all of this truly is. My hooves just aren't made for that kind of movement,"[/colour] the younger mare said, shaking her head rigorously.

​

[colour=#333366]"No one is going to necessarily expect you dance like that, you know?"[/colour] Verity said through a long sigh. [colour=#333366]"But suit yourself... for now."[/colour]

[colour=#ff0000]"F-for now?"[/colour] Radiant stammered.

​

[colour=#333366]"Well, as cute as you look in that dress, it's really only a matter of time before someone comes to ask you for a dance,"[/colour] the zebra replied with a laugh.

[colour=#b22222]"T-that's not--!" [/colour]Radiant started, blushing at the thought.

​

[colour=#333366]"Yeah, yeah,"[/colour] Verity said, shaking her head. [colour=#333366]"Anyway, think I'm gonna scope out the refreshment table real quick like. Want anything?"[/colour]

[colour=#ff0000]"N-no... not yet," [/colour]the pegasus mare replied.

​

[colour=#333366]"'kay. Be back in a sec then!"[/colour] Verity spoke before striding over to the table.

As she served herself some punch, she found herself next to a gray-coated stallion with a black mane. He had a smug expression not unlike Dagger's but wasn't so bad to look at... even if he likely was older than he appeared to be. For some reason as she stood there at the table, Verity felt compelled to talk to him.

[colour=#333366]"This is quite the party, ain't it?"[/colour] she asked in a casual voice.

​

[Elderflower]

Sugar Star was on cloud nine. Not only was she dancing with a very handsome First Lieutenant, she was dancing with a very handsome First Lieutenant who really knew how to move! She wondered just how many boxes could be checked in her bucket list of adorable romantic encounters after this ball. Hopefully, it would be quite a lot!

When she was lifted into the air, the specialist felt a familiar rush that wasn’t entirely unlike flying. Lifts and throws in dancing were utterly liberating. Even for a mare with wings, the act of dance itself carried with it a freedom that couldn’t be captured in the skies – it had its own flavour. The athleticism and creativity behind dance had a unique personality, one that always flooded the excitable mare with yet more adrenaline.

She wasn’t about to allow this rush to distract her from her fancy moves, however. As soon as she reached the peak of the lift, Sugar Star spread her wings wide and flashed a feisty pose, holding it until she reached the floor once more. As Dagger guided her forward on the dance floor she had to wonder which of them was the better dancer, and despite her very bubbly and fillyish personality, Sugar was beginning to forget how swept up she was in the romance of the situation. Instead, the arrogance and love of competition that came from her athletic side was beginning to take over, and her attitude was shifting gears from bubbly and shy and just a little awkward to confident and prideful. While she often blamed her love of hopeless romantic comics and stories for her “romance heroine” attitude, the truth was much simpler than that. Sugar Star had a great deal of athletic experience and no experience with romance, and even though she thought of herself as something of an expert on these loveydovey situations because of her vast library of love stories, the truth was just the opposite of that. There was only so much one could learn from books! So, naturally, her confidence shone in the areas where her real expertise could be found.

[colour=#ff8c00]"You're really something, you know that, Specialist. Where'd you learn to move like that? I don't recall it being a part of basic training,"[/colour]

[colour=#ff0033]“You’re not half bad either, First Lieutenant,” [/colour]Sugar replied, quick as a whip this time with a devilish grin to boot, [colour=#ff0033]“But a mare has her secrets. Wherever you learned to dance, though, I hope for your sake you never slept through any lessons, because we’re going to step it up again.”[/colour]

The specialist was true to her word. As soon as she was done speaking, the golden-hued mare stole the lead from Dagger and picked up the pace once more, this time really showing off just how fancy her hoofwork was. This was it – the final round! Would Steel be able to snatch back the lead from her? Or would she come out on top?

The winged mare’s smirk grew wider as the two whirled about the dance floor, drawing the eyes of other ponies to their little spectacle. Despite how brazen her pride had made her, however, nothing could quell the giddy inner monologue that was telling her [colour=#ff0033]‘This will make the best. Diary entry. Ever! Eeeee!’[/colour]

[Bellosh]

Despite his name, Pvt. Flash Sentry was by no means early to the REA Ball. To be frank, he didn’t expect he’d be able to come to the dance tonight at all. The light orange pegasus was still relatively new as a member of the royal guard, and it went without saying that some soldiers had to remain on station throughout Equestria should any emergency arise. Yet for some reason, his commanding officer saw fit to accept Pvt. Sentry’s special request for leave so he could attend the Royal Equestrian Army Ball.

As it turned out though, Flash Sentry lacked an adequate outfit for the grand event. The only suitable dress uniform he owned was the outfit he wore when graduating from Basic Training, and the stallion didn’t want to look like a recruit! Armor would be too cumbersome, and a basic tuxedo like the one Flash wore back during school functions would be tacky when everypony in attendance was part of the military. It came down to the wire, but the guard succeeded in purchasing a service dress just in time. Consisting of a standard-issue dark green jacket with a matching peaked cap and a tie, it suitably moonlighted as formal attire for enlisted serviceponies like the private.

Upon entering the ballroom used for the dance, it finally occurred to Pvt. Sentry why his request was accepted; he didn’t recognize anypony else from his unit. It must have been because most of his mates didn’t want to travel all the way down from their assigned posts in the Crystal Empire to attend the REA Ball. Not letting the lack of buddies deter him however, the orange pegasus figured he could start out by engaging in light conversation... maybe with that lone red-haired pegasus mare off over to the side. Trotting over to her side, Flash opted to start with a smile and a very basic ice-warmer; [colour=#ff8c00]“I take it big band isn’t your thing, Miss?”[/colour]

[RarityDash]

Radiant Steel gave a sigh as she stood awkwardly off to the side. Her brother was off dancing with a pretty mare while Verity somehow succeeded at mingling effortlessly any crowd. As she stood there alone, waiting for the latter to return from retrieving her refreshments, she stared blankly ahead and just felt strangely out of place. Verity was right about her, she had really let herself become a wallflower. She supposed it wasn't so unusual. She had it bad with getting locked up in her head. She was naturally awkward and really had very little idea what to do at all in these kinds of situations. She was prone to scorn her brother, but in truth she had always been envious of how easy he made everything. It was disconcerting. It made Radiant wonder if she shouldn't just slip back home while no one was paying attention to her. She might, were it not at that moment that she was approached.

​

[colour=#FF8C00]“I take it big band isn’t your thing, Miss?”[/colour]

A stallion's voice called her out of her stupor. She turned her head slowly to see him standing there. He was a pegasus with an orange coat and blue mane. He was dressed in the standard-issue green service jacket and looked to be about Radiant's age. He was kind of handsome too. Radiant stiffened up as she wondered just what he wanted with a mare like her.

[colour=#ff0000]"I... well... er..." [/colour]she said giving an awkward laugh. [colour=#ff0000]"I don't actually know very much when it comes to music, but it's not that I dislike the sound..."[/colour]

[colour=#ff0000]"i mean... I, well... it's just all of this. I don't know what I'm rightly even doing here. I see it and I don't know if it entirely suits me..."[/colour] she admitted fumblingly. Almost immediately she wished she could take it back. Why in the world was she revealing her ridiculous insecurities to this handsome stranger? He'd surely think her some kind of basket case.

​

[Bellosh]

In the event that Pvt. Flash Sentry had been deaf, the mare’s general look of uneasiness would have told him everything about how uncomfortable she was here at the ball. Flash thought it was a shame really; why show up here only to awkwardly drift away from all the excitement? If the light orange pegasus had to guess, one of the mare’s other buddies nagged her into attending, which Pvt. Sentry was used to seeing at the school dances he used to attend. And just like back then with other awkward mares, the stallion found it his duty to break this red-maned pegasus out of her shell at least for tonight.

[colour=#ff8c00]“I understand,”[/colour] Flash assured the mare, providing her a warm smile; [colour=#ff8c00]“This is hard to believe, but I don’t know a single pony in this ballroom. I’m the only one from my unit who showed up, which is kinda a bummer if you ask me.”[/colour] Hoping that his would make the mare feel like she wasn’t the only lone-wolf pony around, it then occurred to the guard that he needed to introduce himself. [colour=#ff8c00]“By the way, my name’s Flash Sentry,”[/colour] he provided, offering a hoof to shake as part of usual greeting formalities; [colour=#ff8c00]“Who might you be?”[/colour]

[RarityDash]

[colour=#FF8C00]“I understand. [/colour][colour=#FF8C00]This is hard to believe, but I don’t know a single pony in this ballroom. I’m the only one from my unit who showed up, which is kinda a bummer if you ask me.”[/colour]

There was something quite soothing in the other soldier's smile and the words he spoke to her. Radiant smiled a weak smile back and nodded faintly. It wasn't what she had expected at all, but it seemed this gentlecolt seemed somewhat out of place at the ball as well, if for slightly different reasons. Either way, it was good to just have someone to talk to.

[colour=#ff0000]"i-is that so...?"[/colour] Radiant started, somewhat nervous at first. [colour=#ff0000]"I'm pretty sure everypony I've ever met is lurking about here... which is really probably at the heart of why it's so unsettling."[/colour]

[colour=#ff0000]"What unit are you a part of that virtually nopony would chose to attend an event like this?"[/colour] she asked, curious about this stallion.

​

[colour=#FF8C00]“By the way, my name’s Flash Sentry. [/colour][colour=#FF8C00]Who might you be?”[/colour]

[colour=#ff0000]"Private First Class Radiant Steel, at your service, sir!"[/colour] Radiant started instinctually, with a rigid salute. She gave a small laugh and a blush as she relaxed. [colour=#ff0000]"I mean... uh... it's a pleasure to meet you,"[/colour] she said, extending a hoof to shake.

​

[Bellosh]

If Flash Sentry suffered from a deficit of ponies he was acquainted with, then the exact opposite problem afflicted the young mare before him. Pvt. Sentry subconsciously chuckled as he came to that realization, but he quickly stopped it before it could be perceived as mocking behavior. Once the stallion quieted down, the other pegasus asked him about his unit. “My unit’s stationed in the Crystal Empire,” the grinning Flash answered; “We act as auxiliaries for the local Imperial Guards. It’s a pretty place up north… but, very far away from here. Very long train ride…”

After emphasizing the point further with a forced laugh, Flash asked for the mare’s name and got a proper military greeting in response from PFC Radiant Steel. Realizing how silly she looked doing so, Radiant loosened up and laugh, prompting the lower-ranked Pvt. Sentry to laugh in turn. In fact, the private now thought his mare conversationalist looked cute now that she was more relaxed. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too Radiant,” said the orange pegasus as he shook his companion’s hoof gently but firmly; “Sounds like you’ve been in the service for a little while now. You’ve been enjoying your station assignments so far?” Talking about their shared line of work: guaranteed icebreaker.....

[RarityDash]

“My unit’s stationed in the Crystal Empire, We act as auxiliaries for the local Imperial Guards. It’s a pretty place up north… but, very far away from here. Very long train ride…”

Radiant was quite surprised with the response. "The Crystal Empire?" she started with wide eyes. "With the Imperial Guard up there, I had no idea we had soldiers stationed there."

She gave an enthusiastic nod. "I've heard all about it though, and back when the coronation of that new princess happened, I actually saw a few crystal ponies in the city! Their coats--it's like nothing I've ever seen before! I know they're ponies just as we are, but that beautiful luster makes them seem otherworldly. Their empire, it must be just incredible," she said as she imagined a crystalline paradise. "What did you do to get stationed at such a fantastical place as that?"

​

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too Radiant. Sounds like you’ve been in the service for a little while now. You’ve been enjoying your station assignments so far?”

Radiant shook her head and sighed. "Actually, I've only been in the service for just under a year... though with my father, it might as well have been all my life..." she said, looking downward slightly.

"As for my assignments... well... it's difficult to say, really. I joined the REA to see far off places and do amazing things... And yet, for a year now mostly I've been stuck in this city, stationed as a castle guard post, working a dead hour shift where the entire city is asleep," Radiant earnestly spoke, her voice kind of heavy.

"I'm filled with nothing but pride for the REA and what we represent, but everything has moved so slow! I only made Private First Class a few weeks ago and my assignment hasn't changed. It just leaves me so frustrated some times that I start to act aggressively without thinking, which just leads to trouble from the higher ups..."

Radiant stiffened up then and shook her head vigorously. "I'm sorry!" she asserted. "You can't possibly be interested in hearing some stranger ramble about her troubles. i don't know what's wrong with me some times!" she added, slapping her hoof to her head.

​

[Bellosh]

A smile escaped Flash Sentry’s lips as Radiant Steel expressed her fascination with the Crystal Empire. In a way, it made the private grateful to have been blessed with the opportunity to take in the bedazzling sights there, even if he had guard duties to perform. When prompted to, Flash explained how he got stationed; “Well, they actually needed extra guards for a royal summit at the Crystal Palace, so my unit got sent up there to provide additional security. We were supposed to head back to Canterlot when the summit ended, but the Imperial Guard requested that some of us army ponies stay behind. However, we’ll probably be shipping back in a month, so it looks like I’ll have to enjoy the Crystal Empire while I still can.”

By the sound of it, Radiant’s father may have also been in the REA; either that, or he believed in imposing military-style values on his daughter. Additionally, the mare appeared to be chafe from the dull nature of her current assignment, and she complained for quite some time about it. But Flash didn’t mind at all; like the proper gentlecolt he was, the orange pegasus frequently nodded in understanding throughout PFC. Steel’s ramblings. When the mare finally finished, Pvt. Sentry warmly chimed in; “You know, my duties up in the Empire actually haven’t been all that much more exciting than yours. It gets dull and repetitive at times, I admit… but in a way, I supposed I’m also grateful that my time in the service has been mostly peaceful so far.”

Hidden behind a somewhat faked smile was the fact that Flash’s words were merely an assuring half-truth. Even the stallion had to admit that he had no opportunity yet to save somepony from harm, prove his worth to his squad in a meaningful capacity, or even so much as rescue a cat from a tree. Like many who join the Royal Equestrian Army, Flash Sentry liked to believe he was serving a higher purpose greater than himself… and so far, he hasn’t felt like he’s done anything of note other than proclaiming the arrival of guests at the aforementioned royal summit. But Flash was anything but a griper, so he chose to kept his misgivings to himself.

However, Pvt. Sentry did see one way to cheer up his new companion. Stretching out his hoof again, the young stallion brightly grinned as he asked of Radiant; “I hope you don’t mind the change in subject, but would you like to share a dance with me?” Dancing may not be the form of adventure and excitement the mare craved, but Flash thought it was worth the attempt to give Radiant a fun time. Plus at any rate, the private found himself intrigued by the servicemare, and would employ any excuse to know her better.....

[RarityDash]

“Well, they actually needed extra guards for a royal summit at the Crystal Palace, so my unit got sent up there to provide additional security. We were supposed to head back to Canterlot when the summit ended, but the Imperial Guard requested that some of us army ponies stay behind. However, we’ll probably be shipping back in a month, so it looks like I’ll have to enjoy the Crystal Empire while I still can.”

Radiant supposed this all made a lot of sense. The Crystal Empire was in a major period of rebuilding. Of course they would be in need of assistance. Still, it sounded like a more fanciful and important duty than being tethered to some dead shift at the castle. She had to envy this other soldier, participating in something real while she stood in place under her father's ever watchful eyes.

​

“You know, my duties up in the Empire actually haven’t been all that much more exciting than yours. It gets dull and repetitive at times, I admit… but in a way, I supposed I’m also grateful that my time in the service has been mostly peaceful so far.”

Radiant gave a weak smile. She supposed he did have a point. Wasn't it better when things were still? She had still been finishing her training when the Changeling invasion occurred, but she could still recall the intensity that had saturated Canterlot then. Equestria was better off when things like that didn't happen. Things were more right when Radiant was made to stand still. She could rationalize this internally, but all the same she couldn't deny that at least part of her resented the stillness of peace.

"That's right... isn't it...? When it's dull and repetitive for us, that means all is at peace," Radiant muttered, looking downward. "I can be really stupid, can't I? I spend all that time jumping at shadows and hoping I get my chance to shine without even thinking what that might mean for everypony else, when... if real danger struck, I don't even know for sure how I'd handle it."

​

“I hope you don’t mind the change in subject, but would you like to share a dance with me?”

This took Radiant rather off guard. She wasn't even sure what the other pony was asking at first. It took several moments before the situation sunk into her completely. She remembered where she was, she remembered what she was wearing, she remembered that she was a mare and this was a stallion. Once all of that was remembered, her face turned near as red as her mane. She averted her eyes quickly, only for them to land upon her brother, still gliding across the dance floor expertly with that pretty mare.

"Uh... wha... er... I mean... well... I-I... suppo... I mean, I guess I co-- Er, no... I can, I mean... well..." Radiant mumbled quietly, not sure what she was even doing. Her eyes continued to follow her brother's movements. She ultimately hung her head in defeat. This just wasn't something she was prepared for. "What I mean to say is that I don't imagine that is feasible. I have never danced before in my life," she said stiffly.

​

[Bellosh]

"That's right... isn't it...? When it's dull and repetitive for us, that means all is at peace.I can be really stupid, can't I? I spend all that time jumping at shadows and hoping I get my chance to shine without even thinking what that might mean for everypony else, when... if real danger struck, I don't even know for sure how I'd handle it."

It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out Radiant Steel’s anxieties over her abilities as a guard; anxieties Flash Sentry himself also shared. The stallion didn’t know if he had a honest way of chasing away her fears; he may not have been in Canterlot at the time of the Changeling Invasion, but boy did his unit get an earful from stuffy old Col. Pummel about how abysmal the REA’s performance had been protecting the Royal Wedding. That Equestria couldn’t afford another incident caused by incompetent soldiers who failed to detect threats in time, timely implement defensive strategies, and fight back against hostiles. According to rumors passed down by the enlisted ponies, Pummel never felt his serviceponies good enough to meet even minimum standards, and frankly it made Pvt. Sentry feel less worthy as a guard.

But the light orange pegasus felt he couldn’t leave Radiant hanging without some comforting words, even if they’d ultimately seem hollow. “If I know something about comradeship Radiant,” he warmly and seemingly-confidently offered to his companion; “It’s that ponies in times of need will always do their best not to let their friends down… to let their team down. As long as you feel that deep down in your heart, you’ll, heh heh, simply be too busy to worry about how to face real danger.”

"Uh... wha... er... I mean... well... I-I... suppo... I mean, I guess I co-- Er, no... I can, I mean... well... What I mean to say is that I don't imagine that is feasible. I have never danced before in my life."

When awkward silence first descended after Flash’s request for a dance, the young stallion feared the worst; that Radiant would outright turn him down despite how time they’ve spent talking so far. It would have been a great shame for Pvt. Sentry if the white pegasus declined his further attempts to give her a fun time. When Radiant finally spoke up, things suddenly became very clear to Flash; the girl was petrified from lacking any dancing experience!

Time to swoop in to the rescue! “I’ll be glad to show you how to dance,” a smiling Flash offered, his hoof remaining outstretched as his eyes betrayed his hope that PFC. Steel would acquiesce; “Don’t worry Radiant, I won’t mind if you mess up. And they’re playing a slower tune too, so that’ll make things easier. Trust me... you’ll have fun.” Flash’s shining blue eyes pierced further into Radiant’s, ever so hoping she’d accept the offer.....

[RarityDash]

“If I know something about comradeship Radiant, It’s that ponies in times of need will always do their best not to let their friends down… to let their team down. As long as you feel that deep down in your heart, you’ll, heh heh, simply be too busy to worry about how to face real danger.”

Radiant nodded along as Flash spoke. It was a powerful sentiment, though not one Radiant could say she had much personal experience with. She had never had an abundance of friends or ponies she could rely on. She was now a part of the REA, but she still often wondered if she truly belonged. She did her best to, put everything she had into the job, but the number of friends she had earned through it all she could probably count on four hooves. All the same, she wanted to believe Flash for how he said it all. Deep down, regardless of anything else, all of ponykind was a team, after all, and as a part of the REA she was sworn to protect them. It was about duty at the core, wasn't it? If danger arose, her determination to do well by everypony else, by the Equestria she had pledged her life to serve, would carry her. Or, at the very least, convincing herself it would lifted some of the weight.

​

“I’ll be glad to show you how to dance, Don’t worry Radiant, I won’t mind if you mess up. And they’re playing a slower tune too, so that’ll make things easier. Trust me... you’ll have fun.”

Radiant looked at the stallion cautiously, not sure how to approach this. She hadn't expected him to persist and even offer to show her how to dance. She gave a nervous laugh, lost as to what to say. Ultimately, the look in his eyes made her helpless and she reached out for his extended hoof, all the while looking down and blushing.

"A-are you sure?" she started weakly. "I've truly never done this before," she reiterated self-consciously, looking around the dance floor. "I'm sure to just make the both of us look silly."

​

[Bellosh]

A mental cheer rang out in Flash Sentry’s mind when Radiant reached for his hoof, glad to know he managed to get this far. Of course, Flash more than anypony knew of the truth that there were plenty of mares in the sea, and that rejection was an inevitable reality of social functions like dances. Even so, a part of the stallion wouldn’t have been able to bear seeing an apparently deserving mare such as Radiant Steel reject his offer of giving her a good time on the dance floor. It also wasn’t lost on Flash that this would be his first time at winning over a mare since he entered boot camp; it obviously wouldn’t do for any stallion to get back into the game on the wrong hoof.

"A-are you sure?" I've truly never done this before. I'm sure to just make the both of us look silly."

Radiant still sounded extremely unsure about dancing, but Flash would not be deterred. “Well then,” he confidently quipped as he gently gripped his partner’s hoof; “We’ll just have to look silly out there.” Long ago, Flash’s mother instructed her precious colt the first time he went to a fall formal that above all else, he should never be afraid of embarrassment if it meant making a lady happy. If making a filly he liked happy meant copying her absurd dancing style, then by Celestia, Flash better do that same dance with his partner! “Alright Radiant, follow me...” the stallion then instructed as he started making his way over to the dance floor, intending on taking his prospective dancing partner along.....

[RarityDash]

“Well then, We’ll just have to look silly out there. Alright Radiant, follow me...”

As Flash took her hoof, Radiant went increasingly red. She didn't know how to deal with these kinds of things. They just didn't happen to her. Her mind felt as if increasingly vacant and she just stumbled ahead after Flash, not entirely sure what she was doing. She supposed it would be okay. She couldn't understand why Flash would be willing to thrust himself into something so embarrassing for her sake, but if he truly was she supposed she was grateful. If it was both of them, she could perhaps force herself to be comfortable with it. Maybe... just maybe, it might even be fun.

"O-okay..." she replied sheepishly as she followed after him until they were both in the middle of the dance floor.

She stood there awkwardly a moment and then searched around the room with her eyes before giving a nervous laugh. "N-now what do we do...?"

​

[Bellosh]

And now, Flash Sentry’s impromptu dance lesson out in the middle of the dance floor could begun. For starters, he’d have to introduce Radiant Steel to proper dancing posture. “First you want to hold this here with your right hoof,” the stallion instructed as he temporarily let go of Radiant, presenting his left hoof for his partner to grab; “And then you’ll wrap your left foreleg around my neck, like so.”

Flash Sentry then used his other free foreleg and wrapped it around Radiant’s neck, making sure his hind legs didn’t give out. The stallion remained in this pose for several seconds longer than planned, rather enjoying the thrill of teaching a cute and admirable mare how to dance. Soon enough though, he let go and calmly said; “Now you give it a try.....”

[RarityDash]

“First you want to hold this here with your right hoof, And then you’ll wrap your left foreleg around my neck, like so. Now you give it a try.....”

Radiant shook nervously as she looked at the stallion. It sounded simple enough when he explained it, but at the same time everything about it was incredibly embarrassing. Could she actually do something like this? Something about it just terrified her to the point where she could hardly even think. At this point, however, wouldn't it be even more awkward to run away? Probably. Besides, Flash was different. He was nice. She was sure she could trust him. Reluctantly she moved toward him.

"Like this?" she asked in a shy, feminine voice as she brought her trembling hooves up into the indicated positions, mimicking what he had just done. Being so close to another pony was surely enough staggeringly embarrassing. All the same, something about it was quite exciting.

​

[Bellosh]

"Like this?"

Shivers ran down Flash Sentry’s side as Radiant Steel’s jittery hooves rested on the stallion’s neck and hoof. Having a mare latch onto him for a dance was a sensation that never got old for Flash. With Radiant’s cute face only several inches away from his now, Pvt. Sentry anticipation for guiding her through what would come shortly skyrocketed.

Nodding, Flash then told his partner with a reassuring smile what to do next; “Okay, now look at one of the couples to the side of us for a couple moments. Note closely how their hooves step together from side to side, and how it’s the stallion who leads his partner. When you feel ready, we’ll start doing the same thing. Make sure you follow my lead.....”

[RarityDash]

“Okay, now look at one of the couples to the side of us for a couple moments. Note closely how their hooves step together from side to side, and how it’s the stallion who leads his partner. When you feel ready, we’ll start doing the same thing. Make sure you follow my lead.....”

Radiant nodded and looked to her right. She found a nice looking couple dancing gently together, moving in time with each other. it seemed easy enough. Then she looked up slightly and noticed in the background her brother still doing fancy twirls and steps with that pretty mare from before. That looked decidedly less easy. She grimaced slightly and gave a small shiver before looking back toward Flash. She was sure he didn't expect that kind of thing. All the same, the awkwardness wouldn't go away entirely. Part of Radiant compelled her to run far, far away in the opposite direction to hide somewhere. Ultimately, she didn't have the nerve. Instead she just drifted toward the stallion, intent to get this over as quick as she could.

"O-okay... if we just keep it simple, I guess it shouldn't be too bad..." she said feebly as she prepared for the dance to start. "Let's try it..." she added, face entirely red, as she waited to follow the stallion's lead.

​