A Stalliongrad Affair! Festivities in the Hoar Witch Estates - The Grand Hall

[Elderflower]

The Grand Hall is the centre of the party, lavishly lit with floating candles and balls of magical light that occasionally take the shapes of stars, flowers, and other whimsical delights. Barrels of whiskey and bottles of wine are piled high, with friendly and sharply-dress Stalliongrad ponies serving it freely to those who ask. There are also long tables piled high with every kind of food one could imagine, with smaller tables and cushions nearby for guests to take their plates to and enjoy their meals.

There is a stage in the back of the hall with a large dance floor before it, as well as lounging areas full of cushions and chairs and roaring fireplaces. Throughout the night, music of many different genres will be performed by as many different musicians, and guests are free to dance next to the stage or relax nearby.

The greatest sight to behold within the Grand Hall, though, is the pool. A large, above-ground pool carved from stone takes up a large portion of the very centre of the Hall, between the food tables and the rest areas. Mostly reserved for attending sea ponies, this pool is also open to those who simply wish for a swim!

 

----

 

The long-awaited night had finally arrived! For months, Frostlace had been planning for an extravagant party the likes of which her family home had never seen: a celebration of and for all. Here she was, lounging on a cushion before a veritable tower made of bottles of her family’s prized ice wines, sipping an aged spirit that was almost sickly-sweet and warmed her belly. A small bite of sharp cheese complimented it perfectly. She seemed like the calm centre in the eye of the storm. All around her, the staff of the Estates and those who had been hired on for the party were scurrying about to make sure every little thing was perfect for the guests.

Any moment now, the doors to the Grand Hall would open and her guests would begin to arrive. Whatever nervousness may have plagued her during preparations had been chased away by the thrill of a grand affair; nothing calmed Grafinya Frostlace like a good party. Faces new and old, strange and familiar, and more would all be gracing her home tonight. She had requested no RSVPs, simply extended an invitation to any and all. She may well be entertaining royalty tonight,or perhaps just a few friendly faces from her favourite pubs(which meant all the pubs). It mattered not. No matter who passed through those doors, she would be sharing a night to remember with them!

The curvaceous mare adjusted her gown and hair to make sure she was a proper vision to the first guests to enter the Grand Hall. It was a stunning number: The bodice was pure white silk with a trailing skirt made of sheer white fabric. Hoof-sewn lace snowflakes dotted the skirt near the hem, mimicking the magical frost that dotted her mane, which she was wearing down tonight. The skirt was her favourite part of the gown: it was breathtakingly stunning. And sheer. Meaning her lovely assets were fully visible, as well as her freshly-tattooed hind leg. The Grafinya was eager to show her lovely new look to the world, and even more eager to shock the more...stiff, snooty party-goers tonight with a live inking of her second tattoo!

Soon, any moment now, the party would begin… Frostlace took another sip of wine, another nibble of cheese, and waited with a warm smile on her face.

[Zeig]

 

Well.

 

If there had been any question as to whether or not the Equestria populace could rival the festivities of Neighponese culture, they had been surely put to rest in a single night.

 

After all, there was a reason why the Shogun of Neighpon was attending a party that basically amounted to a free-for-all of all walks of life to meet, greet, and otherwise let loose. Not a political meeting, not an appearance meant to strengthen his influence and image, not even a gratuitous flaunting of Neighpon's wealth and status - no. His presence at these festivities were completely and utterly selfish in nature, with no hidden meanings or secondary agendas on his plate. Ryuichi was, quite literally, here to simply be here.

 

And see what all the fuss was about, really.

 

Because after his Shogunate had gotten wind of this grandiose party that was drawing in ponies from literally every corner of the globe, well...heads had quickly bunched together, attempting to discern some underlying meaning to the event. None had been discovered, but when the whispers of Equestrian princesses attending this event had surfaced, tongues had quite quickly started to wag. Some more intel from the Karasu, and few well placed informants feeding them information, and the attending guest list had been more than enough to raise eyebrows. 

 

And more than enough to make up his own mind...not that the Imperial Vanguard hadn't had something to say to that. Ryuichi supposed he could count himself lucky that he had been able to get this far, and cast a wry grin over his shoulder towards the black-suited ponies that followed close - but not stiflingly close - behind himself and Ishi. They would carry out their sworn oaths to their dying breaths if it came down to it, but they, at least, understood subtly.  

 

["Can you believe all this fuss over a successful harvest?"] the Ryuma said aside to Ishi, as the small retinue strolled through the main gates of the manor, ["I feel as if cherry blossoms will start raining upon my head!"] Though the words themselves might have been considered insulting, Ryuichi's tone was highly appreciative as they made their way through the entranceway, taking in the sights before them. If there was one thing he knew about Equestrian citizens, it was that the ponies of this land knew how to enjoy and take pleasure in life, no matter how big or small the success. It was an admirable quality, and one he could hardly fault the country for.

 

Nor could he fault the hostess, who stood out against the backdrop in a rather obvious fashion as she stood nearby the entranceway to the Grand Hall. An almost blindingly white mare dressed in silk that could give shimmersilk some competition, the hostess - her name was Grayfina Frostlace, he recalled - was partaking of some beverage as she presumably waited to greet the up and coming guests, and Ryuichi was somewhat pleased to note that he and Ishi seemed a bit early to the party.

 

Good. No sense in waiting for a 'fashionably late' entrance that could draw unnecessary attention. He was here to partake of the festivities, not to stand out.

 

"A thousand blessings for your most successful harvest," the Shogun intoned as they entered, immediately stepping forward to offer an upturned hoof towards their hostess, "and a thousand more on this most extravagant of parties." A kiss would be placed on the mare's hoof if she so deigned to offer it to him in turn, but Ryuichi did not stop the flow of conversation, already anticipating more guests piling in behind them. "My name is Rakuen Ryuichi, Grayfina Frostlace," Ryuichi introduced, "and my brother and I are honored by your gracious invitation." He would leave Ishi to make his own introductions, as was only polite, and Ryuichi kept his back straight and eyes trained on their hostess' features.

 

Except for a quick dip downwards at the spiraling tattoo that was proudly displayed along her left hind leg.

 

Which, of course, immediately reminded him of Hibana's own tattoo, spiraled along her right hind leg.

 

That in turn, caused him to imagine what his Shogunate would say if he returned to Neighpon with a tattoo of his own, and the thought was almost enough to force Ryuichi's polite smile into a full blown smirk.

 

Almost.

 

[PrinceoftheNight]

After a long journey from Canterlot, the three first guests, or at least one of the first ones to arrive if they were not, were non other than the royal sisters, Princess Luna and Princess Celestia.

 

The two sister got the invitation, or rather learned that they were also invited, some time after the invitation arrived. Usually, invitations took some time to be reviewed and approved to be sent over to the princesses for them to view them personally. Many times, almost all invitationes were rejected and only a few selected ones were sent to them. These were usually big events and political meetings between kingdoms. Yet the invitation sent to them one day was rather... interesting. 

It was too formal to be a random invitation to a random event somepony wanted, yet it was not too odd or formal to be diplomatic. It seemed a formal event. And it was passed to them! This invitation inrigued the both princesses, who decided to go to it and see the place with their own eyes. The two had gone to almost all places around equestria, from the big cities to the small towns, at least once, yet they didn't recalled anything about the place the party was going to be held in. That just made it even more intriguing for the two.

 

After a rather long trek from Canterlot, the two alicorns finally arrived to this place. 
Princess Celestia was waring a long dress that covered all of her rainbow colored tail. The Inner part of it was mostly purple, and as it went down her tail, it became orange until it finally became red, making it look like the night sky during dawn, it seemed like the sun was about to come out it. At the edges were some red fethers, seemingly from a phoenix, attached to it. On her chest, she was wearing some golden regalia with the same fethers around it as decoration. Quite a stunning dress. (Like this)
On the other hoof, her sister was wearing a much simpler yet not less elegant dress. Hers was all black, somewhat transparent on the back, making it able to barely see her flanks and backlegs, although at a close distance it could be seen. which was decorated with silver dots that made it look like the night sky during the darkest hour of all. On her front part, her usual regalia was decorated with some silver accessories that made it outstand more. (ditto)

 

Finally, behind them, was the last guest, if you want it to call it like that. Darkness Knight was a grey pegasus with a dark mane and tail. He had on a not as stuninng, but still elegant nevertheless, light armor. He was the guard assigned with the task of escorting and accompaning the princesses during this festivity. It was not the first time he was assigned to this job, as the last time he had to do it was during the last Grand Galopping Gala, where he was Princess Luna's escort, and 2° dance partner actually, during that night. It was a night he would never forget. And here he was again. Maybe he would get lucky and get another chance to dance with her if the opportunity arrived. He was looking forward to it. But enough of that.
The armor he was wearing was light purple with several dark colored ornaments on it. It simply shouted at somepony's face he was a night guard, which was true. Aside of that, he had at his side a rather ornamented sword in case of an emergency came. He hoped he that never came, but he had it just in case. The hilt was golden, or seemed like it, and had several jewels on it. It seemed like it was mainly for ornament and as an accessory, but in reality it was an fully functional longsword.

 

 As soon as the three ponies walked in, they realized they were not the first ones to arrive after all, as two more ponies where there before. Not that the princesses minded though. They would at least be able to greet this new ponies they had never had the pleasure to meet. The guard didn't shared the feeling. He was there to do his job, and if he could enjoy the party some, but he was a night guard. He had to follow what his job dictated after all. 

 

The princessess allowed the first guests to introduce themselves before they stepped forward. 

"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Frostlace, I assume." Celestia said with a smile to their hostess. "I am Princess Celestia. We thank you for your invitation." She added with a bright, warm smile to her, before turning to the other two guests to properly introduce herself to them. 

Luna gave a small nod and a slight bow to her hostess as soon as Celestia had finished. "A pleasure. I am Princess Luna." She said with a smaller, yet still friendly smile before turning to the other two. "May I ask for your names?" She asked both the two other guests.

Behind them, Darkness simply made a bow to them, gesturing them a greeting, but not speaking, for now. 

[PyroBlaze]

Ishi was looking forward to this party very much. It would be good to get a taste of Equestrian parties. He had decided to go not long after word had arrived about this party, his brother coming along was just another plus to this plan. The kirin was wearing a kimono with a simple cloud pattern on it, his golem following along beside him. 

 

"Come now, lots of cultures celebrate a good harvest, is this really such a surprise?" He asked, chuckling a bit as he looked over at Ryuichi. Ishi was impressed by this manor, actually. And the lady of the manor certainly lived up to it as well. He smiled at her warmly as Ryuichi spoke, waiting until he finished before bowing to the mare. 

 

"Greetings, Lady Frostlace, I am Ishi Masayoshi. I must say, you are a lovely mare, with a lovely home to boot! I hope you don't mind me bringing my golem, but I don't like leaving him alone for long periods." Ishi smiled at their hostess before three new arrivals caught his attention. He blinked in surprise, caught off guard. 

 

"<Ichi, am I seeing things, or are those the Equestrian princesses?>" He whispered to his brother in Neighponese, regaining enough composure to give the alicorns a friendly smile. 

 

"I am Ishi Masayoshi, Ōmetsuke of Neighpon and brother to the Shogun. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintances, both of you." He said, giving both a bow. "I suppose that would make me Neighpon's prince. I have never met an alicorn before, is your magic different from a unicorn's?"

[Elderflower]

As her first guests stepped into the hall, Frostlace rested her cup and plate of cheese on the nearest table with a touch of blue and gold magic. It looked as though she would begin her night in the company of two rather handsome stallions the likes of which she hadn’t seen before. Wings, scales, horns...it seemed these two had traveled rather far to attend her celebration, and that knowledge was quite humbling. Especially when she could just hear the words they exchanged regarding the event she had put together. How wonderful it felt to impress!

The unicorn’s warm smile transformed into her trademark grin, and she held out her hoof to be kissed by Ryuichi, catching his gaze through flirtatious, lidded eyes, “Zacharovannyye,” she purred in her native tongue, “Charmed, though...” A thought dawned on her. Rakuen Ryuichi. That name was ringing a distant bell in her memory...Rakuen- the shogun! And his brother, too!

“Forgiving me my rudeness,” the mare apologized in her thick Stalliongrad accent, dipping into a feminine bow, “I am honoured to playing hostess to the Shogun of Neighpon.” After she spoke, Frostlace offered a knowing wink to Ryuichi. After all, if the Shogun wished to be attending this party formally, he perhaps would have led his introduction with his rank. There would be no worries of this mare walking on eggshells around him or his brother. She noticed, quite briefly, the Shogun’s gaze flicker down upon her tattooed leg. Good to know...

Ishi finally had his chance to speak, then, and what a delight! He certainly was quite the charmer. The pale mare let out a lilting chuckle and touched a hoof dressed in pretty crystal slippers lightly upon Ishi’s chest, flashing him a devilish and inviting grin. “Such charming,” she said softly, “You will make me blush if not being careful. And of course,” her gaze trailed towards the golem, “As invitations say, all are welcome in my home.”

Just as she placed her hoof upon the floor once more, her next guests swept onto the scene in...breathtaking splendor. The lascivious mare was wide-eyed as the Princesses of Sun and Moon approached, wearing two unbearably stunning gowns. The possibility of royalty attending a party hosted by a Stalliongrad Grafinya had certainly crossed the mare’s mind, but...to have so many important guests approach her at once was almost shocking. Except very few things shocked Frostlace, as she had led a very rich life so far.

“Prekrasnyye printsessy,” she addressed the two, bowing lightly once more, then smiling at the guard standing quietly behind them, “and blagoobraznyy guard. I am honoured to meeting you all. I am hoping you all feel warm and welcome tonight in moy dom, my home.”

Grafinya Frostlace addressed all of her guests as she finished speaking, gesturing towards the food and festivities spread across the whole of the Grand Hall. “Now,” Frostlace’s horn lit up with her pale blue and gold magic, and just like that bottles of wine, wine glasses, and empty whiskey glasses floated towards her and her guests, “Who is wanting a taste of the Hoar Witch Estates finest?”

[Blueblood]

Is there any situation sadder for a pony than one in which parties were merely another form of work?  The answer, of course, was yes, but to have festivity dimmed by routine was nonetheless a true wound to the soul, one which Prince Blueblood had internalized growing up.  The whole social calendar was stuffed with soirees, garden parties, balls, and galas that had all seemed to blend in and counteract each other's effects.  It was only recently, with all the chaos and invasions over the past few years, that the Prince had been awakened to see these events for the precious and wonderful things they were, outposts of a civilization poised against the abyss.

 

That was only the first reason why he had eagerly accepted the invitation to the Hoar Witch estates; the second was that he and Frostlace were friends, having bonded over the caribou raid on the Crystal Empire, which inspired him to found IMAGINE, an organization dedicated to alleviating poverty and strife throughout the world, in an attempt to promote peace.  The Grafinya was a co-founder, a firm believer in the cause herself.  Blueblood was sure she would appreciate an update on their efforts... along with his personal life.  It had really been too long since they had last spoken.

 

 

The unicorn stallion entered the Grand Hall with the easy grace of one who felt himself among equals.  No matter the high concentration of royalty; he wore that atmosphere as naturally as his burgundy-velvet suit, a rich color only highlighted by the stray flakes of snow scattered upon it.  They flash-melted in the wave of warmth and hospitality that washed over him as he entered behind his Royal Aunties, accompanied by his own Honor Guard.  *I really ought to give them some time tonight to talk shop and gossip with their counterparts, here.*  No reason to have them be constantly on duty when everypony else was here to party, right?

 

He waited for the others to make introductions before stepping forward himself.  "Hello again, Lady Frostlace.  It has been too long."   He too bowed over her hoof and kissed it; egalitarian as she was in principle, he knew she liked the attention.  "I will say I had been looking forward to enjoying both your harvest and your hospitality; how have you been doing?  I'm afraid I've had so many things on my plate that I've quite lost touch."  That was something of an understatement; he hardly knew where to begin in telling her all the new developments in his life.

 

But, there were other matters he had to take care of, as well as other ponies (and non-ponies!) to greet.  Accepting the glass with his usual grace, he turned to Ryuchi in turn and bowed.  "Honored Shogun, it is good to see you at last.  I heard you had visited my home city; I am sorry I was not in town to give proper hospitality.  Although, I'm not sure I could outdo this."  He waved a hoof at the decked-out hall with a chuckle.  He nodded to Ishi as well, though that one was currently busy talking with his Aunts.  "What do you want to bet that he'll be dancing with Princess Celestia before the night is out?"

[RexDraco]

The questionable judgement one must have to haphazardly send open invitations was always a charming bonus, had Discord any say in it. Loopholes begetting his appearance to places often restricted led the misguided to typically rethink their choices. While there were exceptions like Celestia who seemed to get a good guffaw from a rowdy hootenanny, there were those like Applejack who sometimes overthought an event that needed just a few simple streamers. Let us not misspeak of Pinkie Pie who knew the harm that could come without enough streamers. A pony may thing you -- unenthusiastic about the part! Heavens forbid

1If one ever gave the spirit of chaos an excuse to dress up, it was something that ended up an event in and of itself. He had to enter a soiree wearing the gaudiest most ill-advised outfit to date because -- well he wasn't as hip with the times as he liked to think. He had so much mental static that sometiems it was hard to tell if the ponies were still hoofing about in afros or have long since ditched the maracas. Well all was a grab and go for the chimeric party goer. 

 

Nevertheless... Discord had gotten an invite and for one who rarely got mail, or rarely got his mail, it was a surprise to see the mailpony at his door and weighed down by the more voracious inhabitants from around the bottomless pit. He was getting better at dodging them -- kudos to him. Upon reading it he would learn the lcoation and that this party wasn't going to be just a bunch of brats' and 'kraut.

 

If one wasn't speaking fancy, they weren't speaking Discord's language. His love of dressing up and adding to the theatrics of his entrance are what made him uniquely Discord. Being that he was no noblepony nor did he have any sense for fashion, according to Rarity: he would often fall to more popular outfits that ponies often failed to file under references got. Today would be no different as he would stride into the front entrance of the Grand Hall! Beneath the black kaftan jacket the spirit wore fine linen kosovorotka as red as those crimson pupils of his. Atop his head was a black kartuz hat, a fine red rose just off center with his crooked horns curling back. Black valenki boots for his wriggling toes which were both odd and even! The knit scarf around his long neck only added to the silliness of his attire which could be wholly offensive were one to really pay heed to the chaotic noodle.

 

Upon his grand entrance the spirited chaos maker floated in, only for soon a menagerie of ponies to come into view. Half he knew, half he didn't. That only doubled the fun! While there were those who had their expectations, the other half had no idea and it would be quite discourteous to ruin a draconequui's fun! With a poof and sparkle of snow the spirit appeared between the princesses and princes, of the kingdoms far and near, his forearms coming to attempt and make a rest of Blueblood's crown! He grinned, a pompous pickle and noodle extraordinaire! This time he did not bring spaghetti for the party, but he did have something more fanciful to offer the mistress of the estate! His ears folded back at the sight of sisters, their dresses rather -- ah. He put his claw to his muzzle and coughed into it, despite whether or not Blueblood allowed his continued weight to rest against his head or had allowed it at all to begin with! His eyes would drift toward Luna's dress, particularly. 

 

Well.

 

He arched a brow, the denizens of the tight-lipped Neighpon nation were also present. Brightly colored and brightly bright as usual! He glanced down to Blueblood. "You know I feel as if you're underdressed. Perhaps we should dye your mane a fine blue to match your eyes." He wiggled his brow suggestively before pushing to stand. His paw was held out, a box appearing atop the perch of lion fingers! He looked to the rather appealing mare of the house. the ryu-kin had turned his eyes to something on her figure and the nosy spirit could not help but follow. Ishi had gone about to smooze with the princesses, who were no easy task to flatter. He's tried. Got a blush once or thrice! But his eyes ... they would follow and follow down the mare's leg.

 

As he did his body curled over trying to get a better look trying not to be inconspicuous but his chaotic nature disallowed such wellness in his behavior! How trite! He had curled over so much his head leaned over Rakuen's to try and match his height only for Discord to forget that he was top heavy thanks to the box. And with that realization he lost control of his control of gravity's failure to control him. A battle of control, lost by the spirit and he came tumbling down over the Neighponese Emperor with a flash of feathers, fur and scale.

 

The box escaped his grasp and tumbled down, from it rolling a fine fruit log! They were traditional gifts to give for spring cleaning! After all heading from season to season you had to get rid of all the fruit that coalesced into something strangely hard and sticky in the back of your pantry. Who knows when ponies started giving fruit cakes for the holidays, but Discord, for one, thought it a fine tradition to uphold! 

[Zeig]

 

Well, there went that.

 

Ryuichi had briefly - very, very briefly - entertained the notion of disguising himself somehow, perhaps using the Equestrian-ized version of his name rather than the Neighponese. He was, after all, here more for his own business than any sort of political showing for his country, and it would have been rather interesting to go about the party not as the Shogun of Neighpon, but as the simple Ryuma Rakuen Ryuichi.

 

The idea had burnt out as quickly as it had come to him, however, far before he had ever set hoof onto Equestrian soil. Hiding his identity, however much masked in half-truths and convenience, had seemed a betrayal of who he was and what the Shogun stood for. And he would have undoubtedly made himself out to be a fool if he had run into any one who recognized his face alongside his title. Not to mention, going in disguise would have forced Ishi to do the same, and considering the reputation the Office of the Ōmetsuke already had, Ryuichi had no doubt that the media would have gone wild with the story of the Ōmetsuke himself going under cover and preying on innocent Equestrians in order to unearth all their secrets and bring them to Neighpon for treachery.

 

...However that would have worked out. Most papers hardly cared for the logistics, so long as the story itself was good.

 

As was the potential care here, and Ryuichi carefully held in a grimace at the sudden switch of their hostess - a reflex that was almost immediately rescinded as the white mare winked at him. "Please, no formalities tonight," the Shogun requested graciously, and a bit loudly, for nearby ponies to hear, "my brother and I are only here to celebrate your rampant success alongside yourself." The words were rather formal, but Ryuichi allowed himself a sly smile to accompany Frostlace's own wink, a silent agreement over words unspoken, before turning his attention upon the new arrivals.

 

And made a mental note to increase the bonuses of the Shogunate at the end of this year.

 

"The brother," Ryuichi introduced, with a wry tip of his head towards Ishi, followed by dips towards the others "Rakuen Ryuichi. A pleasure and an honor, Princesses." The Alicorns in front of him were the very reason the Shogun was here in the first place, and Ryuichi gratefully accepted the proffered glass from Frostlace even as he continued studying the two powerful ponies at his side. A third pony, a dark grey Pegasus, was standing silent guard behind the two - who, in turn, made way for yet a fourth, a Unicorn with an unblemished coat to almost match the dazzling white of the hostess.

 

It was the fourth that began speaking directly to him outside of an introduction, and Ryuichi hesitated only a moment, before his mind caught up to him. Given his obvious association with the two Equestrian Princesses, his status of being born and raised in Canterlot, and his overall bearing, Ryuichi could make an adequate guess as to who this was.

 

Thank the ancestors for the Karasu and his office. 

 

"Grafinya Frostlace holds no regard for modest celebrations, that is certain," Ryuichi chuckled, eyes crinkling upwards at the corners a bit, "though I'm sure your efforts would have been just as grand, Prince Blueblood. Canterlot has been nothing but accommodating." A brief pause as something indecipherable flashed across the Ryuma's face, before it was gone again in the next instant, replaced by mirth at the Unicorn's mentioning of Ishi dancing with Princess Celestia before the night was through. His little brother certainly was a charmer, and Ryuichi had absolutely no intention on walking away from this encounter lighter in pocket for it as he took a moment to fondly grin at his otherwise occupied brother.

 

Though, before the Ryuma could voice these thoughts out loud, he became aware of a rather...looming, sensation, behind his back. It seemed to almost come out of nowhere, focused as he was on thoughts of his brother, and the years of training his reflexes and awareness seemed to do little good, giving Ryuichi only enough time to whirl back around towards Prince Blueblood - only to find himself face to face with a mass of fur and feathers and scales and oh look he was on the floor.

 

The immediate sound of the two guard members rushing forward with all the passion of a thousand burning suns was loud enough to cut through the ringing in his ears, and Ryuichi found enough thought to throw up a hoof and stall the bull-rushing bodyguards, even as he gasped for breath underneath the body on top of his own. What appeared to be a...very furry Serpent dragon was laying on top of him, and Ryuichi managed to pull himself out from underneath the mass just enough to get a view of what sort of Long had come, quite literally, crashing down on the Shogun of Neighpon -

 

Which, in turn, allowed him to realize it wasn't a Long.

 

Or maybe he was, no one could really know. The chaotic spirit of Discord, long studied and discussed amongst magitechnicians in Neighpon due to the strange powers he yielded, was just as easily identified...well, now that he could focus on something other than spitting fur from his mouth. It was any wonder his guards had even listened to his command to stop, given the perpetrator and their rather...unfortunate, positioning. It almost felt straight from a manga, the often used trope of the main character and love interest running into, and subsequently, falling on top of one another to share a moment of startled and surprised passion.

 

...Almost.

 

"I - see we're not the only ones excited about this party," the Shogun grunted, attempting to pull himself further out from under the serpentine-shaped creature, and only succeeding in freeing one of his wings. "Though, I was led to believe that the unsteady walking and subsequent collisions wouldn't start until after a more significant taste testing." Another attempt, before Ryuichi gave up, consigned to simply raise a wry eyebrow and equally wry grin up at the creature still laying on top of his body. "Perhaps an introduction is in order, if we are to be so acquainted? Rakuen Ryuichi. It is a - grunt - pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sir Discord."  

 

 

[moonshineTheleocat]

The Prince’s Honor Guard is a mountainous mare by the name of Star Crusader. And her look most certainly justifies her moniker. Many times has she been described by her colt friend as some sort of Amazonian goddess, she stands significantly taller than many stallions, and at least twice as broad across. She’d put meaning behind the oxymoron “short as an alicorn.”

And for a pegasus, she was equipped with proportionally sized wings, nearing the wingspan of a griffon’s if not larger. And with each step she took, though she wasn’t stomping about, there was an audible thud followed by a soft tremor in the ground that could be felt by those near her. It would definitely be fair to say that a large girl like her must not fly around as gracefully as any other Pegasus. But instead must beat the very air into submission to carry her.

And with each step she took, the muscles in her body could be seen as softly defined forms under her coat that rippled like tiny waves on a lake’s bank.

 

Then finally, to bring it all together… was the dress. It was not frilly, or overloaded with any fru-fru styled material that was quite popular among the mares of Equestria. No… such things would only make a mare like her look silly. What she wore was definitely more… Spartan.

 

Well Grecian was the proper term. It was quite literally a dress that was designed from a large bolt of cloth that might have been large enough to be a bed sheet once. Whoever designed it, had designed it with the mare’s body in mind. It was cleverly showing off and accenting her strength and ridges among the curves rather than attempting to hide them. And one more unique feature about this cream colored dress, was that the right foreleg was actually covered by a sleeve. Tight around the upper leg before flaring out as it neared her hoof’s ankle.

 

She remained quiet while her significant other ‘broke the ice’ as they called it. And instead… couldn’t seem to break away from her duties. Her aloof, but stoic and very alert gaze slowly drifted around the room. Analyzing everything, and seeing everything.

She catalogued what she found. The number of scuff marks that were on the tile, including the freshly created ones as ponies walked in. The number of strands of fur that hung from each pony’s body and tracking where those that fell off went off to subconsciously. Stains that may be on a pony’s teeth. Weapons, chairs. Everything. If she could count the very molecules in the air… she would. It’d be just one more item in how seriously she takes her job.

 

But when all was said and done… she seemed to come back to reality. Her eyes twitched as if she noticed everyone in the room as not just possible suspects, but ponies…. And whatever discord is called.

Discord… was a creature she’d definitely be keeping a careful eye on. Reformed or not, he still kept to his habit of causing trouble where it wasn’t needed. And if Crusader has to, she will see if her muscles are strong enough to punch through whatever reality discord escaped to-to give chase!

But… it was time to let her mind wonder to a more important person in this hall. It wasn’t the princesses… as this was not their gathering. But the hostess. Crusader… definitely recalled something about what her brother had said about her. She was one of the ponies that were on the crystal tower when it was raided. A brave mare at that. She could definitely respect that. But… she was also very similar in personality as their mother… Star Breezer.

 

If that meant her insane tolerance for toxic beverages, or her very passionate nature about allowing no creature, dragon, pony, griffon, or what have you escaping without a brazen flirt…. She did not know.

Regardless.. it’d be unkind for her to not speak with the hostess. At least she thought it was. And so she approached Frostlace when there was an appropriate opening and gave a respectful bow. “Hello Lady Frostlace. I am Star Crusader, my brother has told me a bit about you. You might remember him under the name of Java from the Crystal Tower?”

 

[PrinceoftheNight]

"A pleasure~" Celestia said with a small smile to the first two ponies she has spoken with. The Shogun and his brother. This would be a rather interesting night. The two princesses didn't quite expected this kind of guests would come to the party. She then gave a small smile and a slight bow to the Ryuichi. "A pleasure as well~ I hope we can have the chance to tallk and know more about each other, for political reasons obviously~" She added with a small, playful smile to both and a small wink. She sometimes liked to tease stallions for fun, since she knew many would obviously want to have a chance to be with her. She didn't hoped this was one of those cases, as she truly wanted to know more about them and the place they came from. She knew several small details she had read from several reports and books about that place, but she was far from an expert, or even someone that knew, about it. And her sister was the same.

She then noticed that Ishi had asked her a question regarding the diference between alicorn and unicorn magic. A common question that almost anyone would ask. "Well, they are different in several ways, but at the base they are really the same. We, alicorns, can make the same spells but with a greater strenght and effect than a unicorn could. Besides, the range of spells we can cast if far superior a normal unicorn could." She explained, trying to summarise it without going into details. "It would take a while to explain in more detail the differences, but this is the biggest one of all."  she ended with a soft grin in her face.

 

 

Beside her sister, Luna was also gretting the first two other guests of this party until she noticed that behind them had walked in non other than Blueblood. Luna hadn't seen him in a while now, and it was always nice to see a familiar face in this kind of events, although her main focus was to meet the other guests she had never seen before. "Ah, Blueblood. A pleasure to see you again." She said with a small, friendly smile as she aproched him once he was done with the first introductions, noticing also Ryuichi was also heading to talk to him once he was done talking to the princess. She gave him a small smile as well before turning back to the stallion she was talking to first,

Behind Luna, Darkness had turned and moved to her side, still staying silent although he made a bow to both Blueblood and his guard as a greeting. It seemed he didnt wanted to move too far away from Luna. Although he was supposed to protect both princesses, his priority was Luna, the reasons being: one, he was a night guard, two... well, that one was personal.

 

"I am glad you had decided to come, although I wished you could had told us so we all could have come together. We didn't knew you were coming, although I can tell you could say the same about us." Luna said to Blueblood after a few moments, noticing but not minding that her guard was by her side. She noticed he was silent since the moment they arrived, but she knew he had his reasons. He was never a pony of parties and events of this style. Besides, he wanted to do his job of being their escort for the two. 

Finally, there was Blueblood's honor guard. A mare that, kinda like Darkness, was not wearing something you would call a dress as many other mares, just as Luna and Celestia themselves, but something more simple yet still elegant and fitting for her. At least, Luna thought so. The dress she had reminded Luna of Darkness though. He was not fond of fancy accessories as many others. His suit of light formal armor had almost no accesories or so other than the usual ones guards had to have with them so others would know they were still on duty during the event. 

Darkness also noticed her but didn't reacted... at all. Talking about highs, Darkness was rather close in hight to Luna. He was just several centimeters below her, he being a rather big stallion. He would also be rather close in hight to Star Crusader, although he still being slightly shorter. 

The princesses, and Darkness, thought those were all the guests untill... Discord. The one non of them expected, or did, since it was Discord. Neither of the three expected him to come, or that he was invited, or that he even recived an invitation! It was surprising nevertheless. 
For now, the princesses decided to finish the greeting with the ponies they were currently talking to before gretting Discord.

Darkness, in the other hoof, decided to greet him properly, finally talking since he arrived. "Hmmm... I didn't knew you would come..." He said as he looked up to him once Discord was done... doing whatever he was doing. "Is good to see you again."

 

Finally, the two princesses grabed with their magic the wine glasses for them to drink some, Darkness refusing but thanking that he was offered one. He was in service, so he shoudn't drink. Perhaps if Luna allowed him to...

[PyroBlaze]

Well well, somepony sure liked to tease. Ishi smiled warmly at Frostlace's response, giving a small wink as she rested a hoof on his chest. He took the offered glass, taking a sip as she removed the hoof. 

 

"That is good to know, madam Frostlace, I am sure your party will prove to be as wonderful as its hostess." He said, adding another wink before turning to the princesses as they responded to his earlier words. He returned Celestia's smile, an interested look appearing as the alicorn spoke of how their magic was more powerful and more varied than a unicorn's. It was interesting, really. 

 

"Well, you are equally beautiful and powerful, it seems. Equestria is certainly lucky to have such lovely rulers as you two." Ishi smiled warmly at them, bowing a bit. He would have continued, but it was then that some strange creature decided to show up and quite literally fall on Ryuichi. 

 

"Sir Discord? Could you get off my brother, please? I don't think Ichi appreciates being used as a cushion. I don't think Sandy likes it much either, looking at her." The qilin hummed slightly as he looked at the two males. True to form, the yellow pegasus was looking very conflicted between following her shogun's request to stay back and ignoring it to help him up. Eventually, she began moving forward again, reaching out a hoof to help pull Ryuichi out. 

[Elderflower]

It seemed as though things were progressing much faster than the lady of the house could have anticipated! A flirtatious wink from Ishi earned him one of Frostlace’s more lascivious grins, but was quickly followed by the entry of an old friend upon the scene. Prince Blueblood, looking very much as she remembered (with perhaps a more relaxed air) swept into the scene. As any Stalliongrad pony would upon seeing an old friend, Frostlace grabbed the Prince in a tight hug and whirled him around, revealing that Stallian mare strength!

“Blueblood,” she laughed, her voice rich with cheer, “Lyubimyy! How wonderful to be seeing you!”

Delicately, she placed him back down and fixed her dress, waiting until the Shogun had spoken before she excitedly added, “Too long, yes! It is seeming life has gotten best of both of us, da? Izvineniya, Ryuichi, apologies. I am very excited for old friendships!”

Before she completely forgot and dropped everything, however, the vivacious mare completed her spell and poured a drink for all who had accepted her offer, before taking another long pull of her ice wine from earlier. At that point, another mare - and quite a large one at that - had joined the commotion.

The Hoar Witch almost whistled at her. Almost. Star Crusdader, hm? Her style was a little severe, but it suited her so perfectly that the hostess had to take a moment to get her thoughts in order before she spoke. Such a striking mare.

“I am charming to meet you, Star Crusader,” she answered in her imperfect Equestrian, “I do yes, remember your brat, your brother. And am now seeing who looker in family is, da?”

More laughter, an alluring fluttering of eyelashes towards the striking mare, and then-

Well, it seemed there were guests heaped up on the floor! And one was...the Lord of Chaos? She had been so distracted by Star Crusader that she had managed to miss the entrance of an entity of pure, chaotic energy! My oh my, how typical of her. Still, she was very excited by this development! Frostlace had heard many a tale of the draconequus, but had never seen him in pony before!

“Oh my, my, allowing my help, Ryuichi, Severnoye siyaniye,” she cooed, reaching into the chaotic pile of limbs and grabbing hold of a large lion’s paw to pull Discord loose and away from entanglement. Then, she assisted the Shogun to his hooves before putting into practice her real assistance. Before the Lord of Chaos could bounce right back to bothering her unprepared guests, she would buy them time! The comely mare took hold of the discombobulated beasty’s paw and brought it to her lips to play upon it the softest kiss imaginable. Light and lingering.

“You do many honours by dis Stalliongrad mare, sir Discord,” she intoned in her lyrical accent, peering up at the chaotic, noodly figure through lidded eyes, “For Lord of Chaos to appear eta noch...it feels like party is already success! And now...I can pour drink for you?”

The most artful flirtations were those born from a seed of truth. Though she might be buying time for her guests to brace themselves for the whims of a spirit of pure chaos, she was also, really and truly, honoured by the presence of Discord. If an affair such as this was enough to garner the interest of a creature who lived for wild and unruly fun...Frostlace would be making Stalliongrad history tonight! And she simply must show her gratitude as best she knew how!

[RexDraco]

Discord had found himself in a confounding state of unrest. Normally chaos was quite an ally, but given that sometiems he was unable to control his own sense of reason the draconequus would occasionally submit to stages of happenstance where he was a victim of his own intentions. Sometimes he seemed to act on purpose to denounce himself before others and provide a state of being that was a pretense so he was disregarded by the mass suspicion often held for one unable to breed sense into a situation. In other instances the state of entropy on his own reality were fault of his own ego. Laborious as it was the chaotic lord's mandates hardly deposed him from these occasionally tumultuous states of being. It went without saying that sometimes he was a fool to his own pratfall on occasion, quite rare as he would declare, never admitting that he was otherwise unresolved in the understanding of the silliness which attended having gravity hold you up.

 

"Ooh, a tasting? I do like to sample treats of all sorts." Not that -- it was that sort of tasting, nor was there any knowledge if such a creature could fall victim to the more mortal inconsistencies of difficulty crossing hooves after a few too many introductions to the bottom of a glass. "I'd not mind a sip of whatever she is having either." As the frosty furred mare seemed to be up and at it with the pouring.

 

His eyes caught the grace of the sisters as he lay toppled on the shogun. It wasn't a presentable way to greet the young emperor, but it was Discord's way. Disregarding titles, formalities and other nonsensical idealisms that placed authority on undeserved pedestals was his way. Anarchy was the nature of a beast who enjoyed precarious fun that rode on the coattails of the establishment. He looked to Darkness, who seemed quite strange looking from his upside down positioning.

 

"You seem familiar...." He waggled his claw digit, ever the irritation. "Tia~ Lulu~!" He bayed un-aristocratically. "What charming gowns." He chuckled, wiggling a brow, brushing it down with his paw. Ishi had also made word of his less than acrobatic attempt to peer the loose sleeve of fabric upon the heiress, his curiosity immediately turning into chaos, despite his best -- marginal... he tried.... well he didn't turn anypony into a farm animal yet. "Despite what you may think I don't make it a point to hug strangers." 

 

Seeing as the spirit needn't some loose canard being spread about the young Neighponese Emperor and himself he did well to adjust his body, loosing those robust coils so that he was once again on the up and up. Adjusting his lapel the spirit tapped his hat, sending it away to allow his mane to get a bit of a brush over. Discord dusted off dusted off his jacket and reformed his hat, adjusting it accordingly. He looked quite like a Stalliongrad noble. Given that Discord disliked the icy chill of winter, he made sure his tail was properly covered nogging to hoofings in what he could wear. Always a sharp dresser for parties there were times that stolen references from events ponies were either too young to remember or, in the princesses case, too old to remember, would present themselves for unappeasable judgement. 

 

As he untangled, and narrowly dodging an angry guard charging him like a salmon up a waterfall thanks to Ryuichi's quick thinking, he would find his attentions detracted by somepony taking his paw. The snide grin he had poised at the struggling guard was to be expected as he seemed to regard Darkness with an equal amount of scorn and sass. It as just fun seeing them ruffle, unable to act upon their instinct, having to think and work all their own out of a problem. That was chaos for you, but this was confusing for him. It was an unusual that somepony would up and touch him. While he took great glee in invading the space of ponies -- when they turned the tables on him he found it difficult to respond. When he did it they were uncomfortable. When they did it -- he had already lost advantage.

 

After all he was Discord.

 

He was to be feared!

 

Not touched.

 

Feeling the mare's lips on the back of his paw he felt roles reversed as his feathers puffed beneath his outfit, claw instinctively coming to his chest to brush them down, only to find the cloth inhibiting the action, putting his mind on a momentary pause. His misshapen eyes darted around looking for a break in the moment so he could claw his way back from the uncharacteristic mental abyss. In the same as she touched his paw, the softness of the finely hooficured limb was revealed. The fur was soft, clean smelling while the pads beneath were like velvet mounds of clouds that squished against the hoof. Amazing was the texture and even more so the size when compared to a hoof. His ears folded back, body straight, tail stiff. He was an exquisite creature when not flying off the handle with his seemingly erratic gestures and spoiling challenges of superiority.

 

The mare was quite -- forward. The spirit felt his ego stroked as the mare praised his arrival, a being who was used to his mere presence sending eyes rolling to the back of ponies heads. To be so openly welcomed spun the spirits mind and increased that mischievous grin that was already causing his cheeks to pinch from the incredible luck to find somepony appreciative of his natural talents of chaos. Turning his head up the smug chimeric god nodded. It wasn't often that he was accepted into parties and even less that a pony approached him with such open praise of his clearly superior ability to party hardy. 

 

"Well to be under the welcoming grace of such a fine maiden I could almost find myself nearly content to say this is a grand soiree, but I have yet to experience everything your hospitality has to offer." He reached his paw out to grab her extended hoof lightly, lowering his head to press his muzzle to her cheek three times before leaning back to stand. "If I'm really impressed... you'll find more than wine flowing." He held out his claw, offering her a three purple flowers. "Please, do me the pleasure of making sure this lovely party is unforgettable..." He spoke gently, a spark of playfulness in his eyes.

 

Oh yes, an open invitation to stir chaos, accepted by the host? 

 

Perfect.

[Bellosh]

 

What would a social function be without the presence of the esteemed archaeologist Dr. Merlot? A ghastly social function, that's what... unless plebeians were invited. Then not even Merlot's charms could elevate a soirée to greatness. Yet when Equestrian royalty saw fit to attend free-for-all gatherings, the nobility and gentry followed in their hoofsteps, and poor Merlot could not bear to be behind on high society trends!

 

The suave gentlecolt was no stranger to the likes of Grafinya Frostlace of Stalliongrad. Her will was indomitable, and highly unresponsive to Merlot's magnetism. It seemed she liked doing things her way; by being the mare on top. All in all, Frostlace was too much trouble to bother trying to woo. That was no issue for Merlot; there were still plenty of fashionable fish in the sea.

 

Never mind how more high-end fish resisted being attracted to Merlot's lures with each passing year. Maybe it was time to call the casanova scene quits and settle for marrying into Crystal Snowflake's wealth, but the smug stallion had always been loathe to admit defeat. Somewhere out there was one last romantic conquest to be had... probably not tonight, though.

 

Or maybe ever.

 

As the Hoar Witch Harvest Festivities were open to everypony, Merlot didn't bother dressing in a special black tie outfit. His usual white suit and fedora sufficed; much more fashionable than whatever the lower-class rabble. No matter his recent failures in romantic pursuits, the good doctor was a handsome stallion at the prime of his life; a stallion of (moderate) wealth and impeccable taste. At the very least, Merlot was very capable of mingling with the ponies who mattered.

"Good evening madam," Merlot cordially greeted the Stallian hostess, giving Frostlace the customary tip of his hat. "Congratulations on the exceptional harvest this year."

[Blueblood]

Old friends new international contacts; just another day in Prince Blueblood’s life.  But tonight, he could honestly say that he wouldn’t have it any other way.  Smiling at Auntie Luna’s greeting real quick before she went to mingle with the others, he replied quickly, “Didn’t I tell you she was an old friend?  Well, fairly new I guess; it’s been awhile since you and I were really… anywhere together.”  He felt a slight pang of guilt with that; he’d known Auntie Celestia his whole life, naturally, but having a new family member so abruptly introduced into his life… he hadn’t handled it well, he felt.  Granted, at that point of his life, he was frankly not so good a pony as he was now.

 

Frostlace had been witness to that change as well, which was perhaps why she was so enthusiastic about greeting him.  He was taken off-guard by the sudden sheer physicality of her affection, but on reflection, as he caught his breath, it shouldn’t have surprised him in the least.  “Never change, grafinya.”  He laughed, accepting the glass.  “I’m glad you appreciate Star’s looks, I am astonished at how so few seem to have done so before now.”  Chucking again, he continued.  “In case you hadn’t guessed from that, she’s my marefriend in addition to my chief honor guard.”

 

From old friends, he turned to, hopefully, a new one.  The Prince couldn’t be said to have particularly noticed the flash of inscrutability across the shogun’s features; perhaps it was silence out of politeness.  “Well, if you ever wish to avail yourself of my hospitality, you have but to ask.  The same invitation is extended to your brother as well.”  He nodded towards Ishi, but found further conversation interrupted by…

 

Discord.  Of course.

 

Blueblood delicately tried to step back from the tangle, hiding behind his glass as he sampled the riches of Frostlace’s harvest.  *A floral, honeyed sweetness, concentrated almost to pungency, and yet skating gracefully across the tongue, strength disguised in elegance and vivacity, like a skilled player of ice hockey.*  Truly excellent.

 

He opened his eyes to see the hostess extending her customary flirtations to the Spirit of Chaos.  He seemed to respond in kind, offering… Oh, dear.  He hoped Frostlace wouldn’t accept, but knowing her sense of fun, probably would.  She was like Auntie Celestia in that, never one to turn down opportunities to needle the snobbish and prideful.

 

Speaking of which…

“Hello, Merlot.”  Blueblood’s tone was mellowed by the excellent vintage, but the Archaeologist frankly rubbed him the wrong way.  He wasn’t sure why; maybe the class antipathy to any upstart seeking to break into the nobility by hook or by crook?  The way he fancied himself as Casanova too didn’t help; really, he had probably already passed the age in which such a posture was really dignified.  Ah, well, the door was open to all and sundry, after all.  Anything Merlot got up to was not Prince Blueblood’s problem.

[Zeig]

 

It was rather bad form, not to pay attention when one of the leaders of an entire nation and her close nephew were speaking to him. Ryuichi could only hope his ancestors would forgive that transgression in this instance, however.

 

Because, you know. Spirit of Chaos using him as a personal lounge cushion, and all.

It was the eventual combined efforts of both the spirit slithering himself off - and looking no worse for wear for the collision, though whether that was due to some quick and imperceptible magic, or simply by nature of the spirit's innate ability to bend reality, Ryuichi couldn't tell - and the hostess plus Sandā yanking him out and back onto his hooves, the former with a breed of strength he'd be more indifferent to in a rugged farms' stallion. The Shogun nodded his thanks to both of them - or would have, if the two of them had suddenly not been entangled in what looked like a game of charmed flirtation, set to the death. 

 

As it was, Ryuichi cast his glance back towards his brother, one eyebrow wryly raised upwards on his head. 

 

Perhaps he should have studied more extensively before his dalliance into Equestrian society. 

 

Which is when Ryuichi noticed that the Grand Ballroom was beginning to get rather crowded. Not terribly surprising, considering the location of the hostess for the entire evening. Still, with everyone acting as if Discord's shenanigans were simply an exasperated daily facet of Equestrian life, the young Shogun was feeling...decidedly unbalanced. After all, it wasn't every day he ended up sprawled upon his back in an undignified position, and in the company of some of the most influential ponies in the world, to boot. The fall he could deal with, the subsequent humiliation? None to be had where no mocking occurred.

 

But the indifference, the disregard? How was he to act now, after?

 

...A moment to cool his head. That was all he needed.

 

"I think I shall," the Ryuma spoke up, with a vague gesture of one hood towards what was presumably the entrance to the courtyard, "once or twice. I would be remiss not to experience this lovely estate in its entirety." Ryuichi reached out to clasp one hoof to Ishi's shoulder, paused to extend nods of farewell towards the general group, and he was free to begin making his way out of the ballroom, heading in the - general - direction of the courtyard. As expected, Sandā and Koyo were following at a safe distance, intent on maintaining their duty, and Ryuichi spared a glance over his shoulder to throw the yellow Pegasus a quick wink, barely perceptible in the dim lighting of the looming pillars.

 

He hadn't said he wanted company, after all.

 

A brief shadow, and Ryuichi had slipped out of the hallway, a small chamber serving his escape route. He trusted Sandā would make excuses and keep Koyo busy - at least before she broke down and came to fetch him once again, and Ryuichi let out a brief sigh, before continuing on his way, the polite smile that had been glued to his face steadily dropping the further he moved away.

 

A moment.

 

Just a moment to collect himself, and he would be Shogun once again.

 

[[ Exit ]]

[Elderflower]

Frostlace laughed warmly, softly at Blueblood’s request that she never change. Frostlace? Change? What an outlandish idea!

“No fearing, my drug,” she cooed, “Mare like me? Much too stubborn for changing.” She then took a moment to step back and peer at Star Crusader and Blueblood together, and beamed at the two of them so foolishly one might mistake her for a swooning filly. What a striking pair! A perfect match. “Star Crusader truly is most prekrasnyy,” she agreed, nodding at the Prince, “But both together much better. I am most happiness for you!”

It seemed as though Discord was growing inspired by the hostess’ more or less open invitation for a bit of lighthearted chaos. Good! Feathers would be ruffled, laughs would be had - it was something she was quite excited about. However, there were lines in the sand. Lines that, if crossed, would send any wise pony (or draconequus) running scared from her. With a dangerous smirk, the curvaceous mare accepted the three purple flowers, wrapping them in her blue-gold magic and floating them over to tuck into her mane. As they drifted towards her, she looked at them almost expectantly, hoping this would be a first taste of delightful mischief. Although she wouldn’t be terribly upset if they weren’t, as she was quite aware of how pretty they made her look as well.

Stepping towards him, she boldly rose to stand on her hind legs so she could reach his face with her forehooves and pull it close to hers. In a manner that might seem flirtatious to those nearby, she pressed her lips close to one of his large ears and whispered softly, “Have your fun, moy pitomets. But if guests are hurt or shed tears because of you,” she leaned back a little, enough to peer at him with blue-gold eyes full of dangerous fire, “And you learn why soft, Equestrian stallions fear Stalliongrad mares.”

Even the spirit of chaos would do well to heed such a warning. Frostlace would not tolerate Discord hurting her guests or their feelings, and she would protect them fiercely if he dared cross a line.

She stepped away from him then, long enough to purr a polite farewell to the shogun and just in time for the next guest to arrive. And what a guest indeed. Frostlace quirked a brow at the arrival of Merlot, in truth a little surprised that he would attend her little soirée. Still, the Grafinya was hardly one to be rude.

“Merlot,” she said politely, offering him a curtsy, “Spasibo.”

The mare’s gaze darted from Discord and back to Merlot...perhaps she could draw inspiration from such a wild spirit! Messing with Merlot could be fun...and was sorely tempting. Even for such an...aged stallion, he behaved as any gold-digging young mare might when in the presence of well-regarded mares. It was equal parts greasy, sad, and exasperating...but it could, perhaps, lead to some fun!

Batting her lashes prettily, Frostlace approached the older stallion and took his chin in her hoof gently, regarding him with what could only be interpreted as admiration.

“You are more handsome now than I remember, moy sladkiy,” she purred in her thick accent, tracing his face and then his neck with that same hoof, “Such delightful surprises you have."

[PyroBlaze]

Ishi gave a smile to his brother, nodding to let him know he could go ahead. "<Have fun, bro, it's a party after all.>" He said quietly before watching his brother walk off. He knew being Shogun put a bit of a damper on all that, but he wanted his brother to have a good time regardless. 

 

With him gone, Ishi was left with one guard, and he turned back to the group at large. There was a new stallion on the scene, one who was apparently well known, though that wasn't always a good thing. The kirin took a sip from his drink, smiling at the taste for a moment before turning to look at Frostlace. 

 

"Well, your choice in wine is certainly wonderful, a taste as sweet and yet diverse as this is fit for a king. Truly, as smart and cultured as you are beautiful, Grafinya." He said, giving her a smirk and a slight wink. Shibō, meanwhile, was simply watching the other guests nearby, especially Merlot. 

[PrinceoftheNight]

(Sorry for delay and not a big post, exams and brain is spent thanks to them)

 

Well, just what they needed. Discord was now with them. Is not that the princesses minded his presense, in fact, at least they knew where he was at that moment. No, the problem was that he was here, at the party. He perhaps was not one of the best guests to invite to this kind of events. Although Celestia did quite found amusing the things Discord did, specualy after one of the previous Galas in Canterlot.

 

"Discord..." Both Luna and Tia said to Discord in a rather... surprised, if you wanted to say it bluntly. "I didn't knew you would come." Celestia soon said after a moment. "You didn't told us." She added with a small shrug as she looked at him, noticing Darkness but saying nothing. This was not the time for asking.

"Figured that you wouldn't quite remember me." Darkness said with a small shrug to Discord. "Anyways, I hope you enjoy the event." he finall said before giving a step back and going back to Luna's side.

 

(also, sorry for short post, was waiting for somethingelse)