[Grand Ball Room] Lady in Waiting

[Mojo]

Starflower

Mojo

Entering the Grand Ball Room were a pair of mismatched ponies, a tall periwinkle unicorn mare in a long flowing light green dress and a shorter Paint stallion who wore no special garments.

"Chill out, Star," Mojo urged. "Ya look as knackered as a tired frog waitin' for a fly ta land nearby. What's the story?"

"Well Mojo," Starflower explained, "I came to the Gala tonight searching for a griffon I had met here at the last Gala. He was very charming, dashing, and he and I truly connected. I hope he's returned so he and I could recapture that magic once again."

"Well, good luck with that, love. As for me, I'm gonna be scopin' out the babes! Normally, I don't fancy formal gatherings like this, but tonight, I'm feeling groovy! Might even find the love of me life here!"

"You are delusional, but good luck all the same," Starflower said as she patiently waited near the door.

[Indie]

A white stallion with crimson and burgundy mane trotted gingerly into the main ball room. Looking around to gauge the commotion, he spotted a tall unicorn standing by the door to his side who had just been abandoned by what appeared to be her accompaniment. Surely it wasn't an indefinite separation, seeing how dashing she looked. Having no company himself, he had the urge to make an acquaintance.

A quick stroll quickly led him to earshot of the young mare. "Good evening ma'am," He spoke as clearly as he could, "My name's Indie Tune. Are you enjoying the party?"

[Mojo]

Starflower turned at the sound of Indie Tune's voice. As she saw him, the periwinkle unicorn mare's face brightened.

"My name is Starflower and I've just arrived here. I'm a nurse who has a clinic back home. Is this your first Gala?"

As she spoke, Starflower observed Mojo over at the dance floor trying to ask mare after mare to dance, and getting turned down every time. The Paint stallion's classic 'pick up lines' seem to be failing him. Starflower pretended not to notice, since all of her attention was now on the dashing stallion in front of her.

[Indie]

Indie noticed the glances Starflower was giving the paint pony that had left her company moments ago, but just smiled and let the conversation flow.

"Oh, a nurse? How very impressive!," He remarked, "It is indeed, ma'am. I used to live in Canterlot when i was younger but by the time I was old enough to attend, I had already moved to Manehattan. I only came this week to attend the gala and visit my family."

Upon further inspection Indie discovered the plight of the young unicorn's friend. With the stallion chattering with every mare he came across, surely he wasn't this mare's escort.

"I must admit, i find it odd that you've come without a date. Surely anypony would be lucky to have you at his side," He remarked with a curious grin.

[Mojo]

"Why thank you!" Starflower neighed with a smile. "I can see you arrived alone yourself. So you have family in Canterlot? How wonderful! I know this may seem forward but, would you care to dance, sir?"

Starflower looked deeply into Indie's eyes. The older unicorn mare suddenly felt giddy inside, a feeling she hadn't felt in a long time. Could this handsome stallion be somepony she could get to know better? Perhaps the night would answer this question.

[Indie]

Indie almost chuckled at the thought of himself dancing. Although he often danced at home, where nopony was watching, the thought of dancing at a social gathering nearly unnerved him. However, he couldn't bear the idea of denying this lovely mare a dance at the grand galloping gala. He could probably pull off a little two step to pass the time.

Indie had been meeting eyes with Starflower the entire time they had been talking, but something new had sparkled in her eye just now. Indie knew it was interest, so the next part was easy. His smile widened.

"I'd have it no other way," He chimed, extending his foreleg into the air as to make way towards the dance floor. His stepped accompanied hers as they began their trot

[Mojo]

As the music played on, Starflower danced on with Indie.

"You really are quite a good dancer, Indie," the unicorn mare said softly, smiling wide as the two continued dancing together. "You say you moved to Manehattan, I've never been there. What's in like in the big city?"

Starflower was beginning to relax. She had forgotten all about where Mojo was and was all focused on Indie. The periwinkle mare had a feeling this would be a night she'd never forget.

[Indie]

By now Indie was flowing with the motions. The rhythms swayed as the melodies waxed and waned, and Indie only had to follow their lead. This left plenty of space in his mind for his ever curious partner.

"Thank you," He grinned at the question,"It's a bit like swimming really." Indie Took a moment to let Starflower's curiosity gather. "You can wear yourself out trying to swim one direction, to where you think you want to be, all the while fighting the tides; Or you can float back and relax, and let the natural current take you to a better place."

Indie hadn't meant for it to sound so poetic. He only meant to put it in perspective.

"I must say i don't really find the city appealing though. I actually live a ways outside the city limits,so i can be away from the bothersome lights and sounds," He claimed, never missing a beat or a step. "I enjoy my peace, and the grace of the country, though I fear mother nature must be helplessly jealous of your grace," Indie leaned in close for the last bit, in a near whisper. Almost as if he were telling her a secret among friends.

[Mojo]

"I certainly know what you mean, Indie," Starflower said as she continued to dance. "I was once offered nursing jobs in both Canterlot and Manehattan working at the large hospitals in each city, but I turned them down. I'm really not into nursing for the money, all I want to do is help all of ponykind that I can. I too enjoy peace and country life. Sometimes things get a little hectic when I'm out with my traveling companions, but overall, I try to live a quiet, simple life."

The periwinkle unicorn mare smiled at her dance partner.

"Would I be too forward if I asked what line of work you're in, Indie?"

[Indie]

Indie listened in attention to the mare explain her interests, and found himself in awe with each passing word. So quickly, however the conversation turned toward him again.

"I'm a musician and craftsman by trade. Though when that doesn't make ends meet I've been praised for my ability to help on seaweeding boats and on the farms near Manehattan."

Indie thought a moment before asking, "You say you travel, but is there a place you call home?"

(sorry for the late post, havent had much time for the last coupledays)

[Mojo]

"Actually, Hoofington is my home," Starflower said as she continued to dance with Indie. "It's where I founded a clinic many years ago. That clinic is still running smoothly to this day. I have a small house there. So you are a musician? What instruments do you play? That's one regret I have in life, I've never learned how to play music of any kind."

[Indie]

"Yes ma'am. I'm fairly skilled with just about anything with strings, and a few woodwind instruments. I also play percussion. My specialty is singing and guitars, though." Indie explained,trying not to sound like he was boasting. "Perhaps one day i can teach you," he suggested.

[Mojo]

"That would be quite lovely, thank you Indie!" Starflower said excitedly. At the moment, the lanky periwinkle unicorn mare realized that she was starting a wonderful relationship with this stallion she had just met. Often, Starflower was cautious when it comes to dating and relationships, but this time, it all just felt right. The music, the atmosphere, the dancing just seemed to be so magical and inviting. Then, the music stopped as the band decided to take a break.

"You dance divinely, Indie. Shall we go to the snack table for some refreshments?"

[Indie]

Indie Smiled widely in agreement with the mare's first exclamation. Shortly after the band quietened, Indie was unconsciously nodding in agreement and lead the way towards the dining area of the ballroom. Glancing back occasionally, Starflower was just behind him as they made their way through the crowds.

It was very apparent to Indie. He could see the way she walked, and the twinkle in her eyes. Her obvious attraction was a little stronger than he had intended for it to be, and the thought made him nervous. He knew so little about her. He quickly pushed the thought aside as they approached the snack table.

"What would you like, my lady?" Indie asked with a joking smile and bright eyes. The young stallion gestured forward his hoof as though to display the smorgasbord ahead. "I would recommend trying the sea weed salad. It's a personal favorite of mine." Indie winked as he finished his sentence, still with a sly grin set on his face.

[Mojo]

"They have seaweed salad?" Starflower asked, "I LOVE seaweed salad! So nutritious and delicious too!"

Spotting it on the table, the lanky unicorn mare levitated a bowl and tongs to scoop up some of the salad, place it in the bowl and then float it over to herself.

"Would you like for me to get you some also? No trouble at all!"

Starflower was enjoying being with Indie and hoping this night would be the beginning of something special for her.