A Night to Remember (SteelEagle)

[Dashman562]

Boulder Dash swallowed the lump in his throat for what had to be the thousandth time as he walked through Ponyville to his destination, Carousel Boutique.  As he walked numerous Ponies stopped to stare at him as he walked, Stallions watched stunned and Mares swooned and drooled as the blonde maned, blue eyed Earth Pony walked dressed in a white Sports jacket,  sky blue colored shirt, a matching bolo tie, and his mane slicked back with pomade.  In his right hoof he carried a white rose Corset and though he had served proudly in the Merchant Navy against pirates and sea monsters, he had never felt more scared in his life.

 

"How'd I get into this?" he thought as he approached the Boutique, yet a flood of memories  hit him like a punch in the gut as he recalled the series of unfortunate events that led to this moment.  Being asked by Rarity to fix a leak in her Boutique,  being jumped by that demon cat of hers, spilling the glue, getting stuck to her flank of all things, hiding in the dragon costume as the crossed town, explaining everything to Twilight Sparkle and then learning all the glue need to come undone was a mix of hot water and yeast was a kicker he would never forget.

 

Yet his honor refused to let such a slight to go unfixed.  Thus he had offered to do whatever it took to make it up to her.  Naturally Rarity had requested a dinner at a fancy restaurant of her choosing, which he had agreed too naturally  even if it broke him for the month.  His Ma had been ecstatic of course, dressing him proper and making sure he was up on his manners.  Not many got to treat the Element of Generosity to a dinner and he had been put through quite the lessons to impress.

 

Approaching Rarity's door and still haunted by his last visit, he reached out and knocked on the door, swallowing his lump for the thousandth and one time.

[SteelEagle]

                                                   

Rarity was going to enjoy the night, that much she knew as a fact. Why wouldn't she? Due to an unfortunate mishap being rendered comical in hindsight thanks to the lack of any permanent harm to her form or ego, tonight was going to be a gentle night of friendly banter. It could have been much worse, a night riven with trauma and discussions of how to repair the majestic integrity of their social lives. Instead, Boulder Dash was going to take her out to an apology dinner, and she was ecstatic. A stallion who knew how to properly apology in this day and age? Perish the thought! Fine dining was superior to a thousand bouquet of flowers, not that she would deny that, either.

While tonight's dinner was not a sign of any great relationship, Rarity was never going to allow herself to put inferior effort into her appearance. She was dressed well, her form perfected, and her mane magnifique! Truth be told she'd likely have dressed this way anyway because there were few things she enjoyed more than trying on one of her newest night designs. She was going to make sure that she showed it off, too. A beautiful silk number in a land where silk was not very common was something sure to drive up her business thanks to her recent business contacts overseas. She was one of maybe five Equestrians in the entire nation who was allowed to import the material in large enough numbers to truly make it memorable. She was just now starting to work it en masse into her designs- it felt luxurious. Divine!

There was a knock at the door. Ahh, that must be Boulder! Honestly, what a well-bred stallion. Manners rarely found she would say quietly with shameful stereotyping, among the workers of town. Most would have apologized, purchased some flowers, perhaps gone an extra step. But a dinner, a fancy and expensive one at that? Time was valuable for Boulder like for all ponies of the land and labor. Taking time away from the land, or from family, or from whatever free time they had was a greater symbol than the actual act of dinner.

So she'd ensure that his time was well spent by being very pleasant company. She trotted to the door and opened it, her magic softening the edges as she stood in the frame.
“Ahh, Boulder Dash! How great to see you. And right on time!” She said happily, giving him a friendly hug as she telekentically lifted a designer saddlebag and placed it under her dress. “Your ensemble is rather...catching, yes. That's the word! Sky blue works wonders on your skin.”

[Dashman562]

If it weren't for his stockier frame, blue eyes, lack of freckles, and his 7 extra years; Boulder Dash could be mistaken for Big Macintosh due to the shade of bright red that creeped into his face as he saw Rarity dressed in her silk gown and her beautified face.  His mouth fell open in stupor as Rarity appeared as a Goddess of Beauty to him, she was a natural beauty to be sure, but now the unicorn standing before him was almost divine in her appearance. 

 

"Ah bah ah bah bah bah" he stammered and blurted out nonsense noises as he felt her hug him.  When she let him go to retrieve her saddle bag he finally was able to get more then two syllables out of his mouth as he looked at her, forced his blush down and said, "Beautiful!"

 

Clearing his throat and focusing he extended his hoof and offered Rarity the white rose Corset and said, "You look very beautiful dis evening Rarity Ma'am.  I got dis fer ya and hope you will enjoy yer self dis evening" he said in his pronounced country drawl.

 

Taking a deep breath and offering his hoof he bowed to Rarity almost like a Prince and said, "May I have the honor Ma'am?"

[SteelEagle]

                                                          

Rarity well knew the effect she could have on stallions, an effect plainly seen in Boulder Dash. It was the same effect she had on plenty of mares as well, and truth be told she rather enjoyed it. Few things were as self-affirming as the knowledge that many ponies could hardly handle themselves around you when you put your best hoof forward. There was nothing harmful about it as far as she was concerned. Be the center of another pony's world for a few seconds, certainly not an image or moment they'd regret. She was certain that Boulder Dash would agree, judging by his inability to speak like an adult for a moment and breathlessly calling her beautiful. Compliments, flattery as it were, never hurt!

She was certain he likely had the same effect to some degree. Ponies rather enjoyed a large hunk of a stallion, didn't they? His manners complimented his form too. Indeed, there were many ways to leave an impression and she was certain that he left his own trail of devastated mares behind him. Rarity herself would admit to admiring the physique. Of course, her tastes were wide-ranging. She was generous in many ways and with her attractions she was entirely open. He was a very fine specimen in the mould of Ponyville folk- large, firm, rough but not ungentle. In her younger years she found herself wanting the Prince Charming, the high-society type who would sweep her off of her hooves. She didn't suddenly dislike the concept, but she found the concept of a strong pony with less grandeur and more core-humility equally appealing nowadays.

"Why thank you darling," She said as she accepted his gift, giving the white rose a pleasant sniff. Smelled like a wonderful gesture, using her magic to fasten it correctly. "What a kind gesture. White roses are very in this season,” Rarity mewed while making sure it attached just well. She looked away just long enough for Boulder to assume the position. A true gentlecolt! She smiled genuinely. “Of course, good sir. We have a dinner to attend!”

[Dashman562]

Boulder nodded in agreement and gently took Rarity by the hoof and guided her out her door and walked with her into the cool summer evening.  Staying in trot with her as he walked he couldn't help but admire the scent of her lilac perfume which seemed to put him at ease.  Originally nervous, he worries faded as he took in the gentle evening glow of the setting sun and the rising moon.

 

"The Princesses should be swapping out sure enough.  As a sailor I always admired the calm nights, puts one at ease faster then a hot pepper through a sloth" he said as they walked.

 

As he did what ponies were still out and about watched the two walk through town together.  Some of the mares from earlier glared at Rarity in jealousy while a few looked excited running off in a quick prance.  Boulder Dash snorted a bit in annoyance at that, gossiping was a terrible habit and he knew exactly what he would read in the papers tomorrow. 

 

"Hero of Equestria,  Fashion Queen, and Element of Generosity spotted hot on the town with a mysterious new colt toy!  Who is the lucky Stallion to be?"

 

Shaking his head to get the image out Boulder was relieved when he spotted their destination coming up.  "The Red Sky" Restuarant was the hottest and most expensive eatery to open up in Ponyville recently.  An off shoot of a 5 star place in Canterlot, it brought the luxury and finesse of Canterlot to small towns like Ponyville, and was so named for the sheen of the sky when Princess Celestia's sun lowered to its final shade on the sky's horizon.

 

Boulder Dash knew it would be pricey, but worth it for Rarity as he opened the door for her so she could step through first as a proper gentle colt would.

[SteelEagle]

 

“Indeed. Of course I suspect that they're doing it with more generosity of spirit towards one another than before, thanks to Starlight. Even the best of us are prone to make mistakes,” she said with a titter. It was rather common for the girls to share the details on their exploits and adventures with one another and she'd admit to being a little less than overjoyed at hearing how the Princesses conducted themselves. She might not have ever been as reverent as Applejack was regarding the monarchs of Equestria but she shared the majority of her country's view of them as idealistic leaders and virtuous to a fault. This view was proven consistently to be somewhat naive as they had their own foibles that undermined their grandeur. Starlight's brief tale of their sisterly struggle was only slightly less disappointing as the resolution was fantastic.
 

She enjoyed the sweet breeze in the evening air as they sauntered down the middle of Ponyville. She knew that some would  speak about this night with gossip[ firmly entrenched on their tongues and she had little desire to prevent it. After all, she did enjoy the attention! It was also a better avenue for Boulder Dash and her to be spoken about than before. They had no idea this was an apology dinner for a much more embarrassing incident! Strike her down if that ever became common knowledge. No, this was better. At the very least this rumor mill involved her having a wonderful night out rather than having a hoof inelegantly glued to her...anyway. The night was lovely so far and she had no intention of ruining it with ill-fated memories. The red Sky was not very far away when she allowed herself to ignore the possibilities inherent tonight and enjoy her polite company.
 

Of course, this was a rather pale imitation of the Canterlot restaurant. Not that it was bad- indeed, ponies who didn't frequent high dining in Canterlot as often as religiously as Rarity would be fooled. The atmosphere and experience were all the same but the Canterlot location had several of the city's best chefs and the highest quality ingredients. The Ponyville location most certainly had talented chefs and excellent ingredients, but the difference could be tasted to a trained tongue and her tongue was certainly well trained. Still, that didn't change the meaning of coming here or how grateful she was. "Oh, an excellent choice. This will be a meal to remember!"

[Dashman562]

Boulder Dash nodded as Rarity walked through the door.  He knew she had expensive tastes and thus made sure to find the most expensive restaurant in town.  Yes it would break him for a few days, but he knew she was worth it and his Ma had insisted on it.  Following her into the restaurant he approached a fancy, pencil mustached pegasus in a waiter's uniform.  "Boulder Dash, party of two please?" he said to the waiter.

 

The pegasus looked up and gave Boulder Dash the once over.  Like a piece of produce on display at the market, Boulder Dash felt so out of place as the Stallion looked at him.  The waiter nodded as he looked at his book, nodding in approval before seeing Rarity next to him.  

 

"Ah Madameoselle Rarity!  Your truly grace us with your presence and that of your guest!  To have the most premiere Pony of culture and fashion grace us with her presence is a true honor" the waiter said as he grabbed two menus and bowed to Rarity.

 

Boulder Dash stood to the side feeling a bit out of place.  He wasn't used to these fancy dinners, a hayburger and a pint of ale was all he needed to call a meal.  But he knew how much this dinner meant to Rarity and thus tried not to do anything to embarrass her.

[SteelEagle]

 

It was clear that this place was not used to truly high clientele. Why would they be? The Princess of Friendship had simple tastes as did the rest of the Elements, and the rest of Ponyville was of rural character. Indeed, she was shocked this establishment even existed, let alone was surviving long enough to serve her! The waiter bowed and it made her feel great- unlike the rest of her friends, she certainly enjoyed the respect and awe she was held in by some members of the general public. "Oh, thank you, monsieur. Please though, make sure to extend the same respect to all who enter here- it is the generous thing to do, is it not?" She said with a pleasant smile. Indeed, she found many ponies liked these little drops of wisdom coming from one of the Element Bearers, even if it came second nature to her.

In a few moments they were led to their seats, a table with a view- well, as much a view as Ponyville could provide, but it worked all the same. She made herself comfortable and took in a deep breathe. Glasses of water were soon filled for them, and when the waitress arrived Rarity spoke up: "Oh, may we have your wine selection when you give us the menus? Thank you!" she purred. She wasn't a drinker by nature but a nice glass of wine to help fine food digest always made the evening warmer and more acceptably chic. "So tell me Boulder how has business been lately? I can't imagine a repairpony is ever strapped for work in a town like Ponyville!" She asked as she used her magic to take a drink of water, happy to relax in such a luxurious environment. Hopefully Boulder Dash would have a great time himself! 

[Dashman562]

"Oui oui Madameoselle Rarity, right ze way.  We only strive to please und generosity is a most important oui?  Zis way to our best table" the waiter said as he led the two across the restaurant towards their table.  Boulder Dash followed and noticed how the rest of the guests were dressed to impress and how the restaurant seemed to bring out the posh and proper in every pony.

 

He watched even as the waiter pulled out Rarity's chair for her either trying to impress her or working a good tip.  He then sat in the chair across from her and watched as the waiter lite the candles around them.  "Oui oui Madameoselle Wine list on the way.  Escusi moi!" the waiter said as he hurried off.

 

Glad to be rid of the snobbish plot kisser, Boulder Dash took a moment to admire Rarity under the candlelight.  As he did his nervousness and apprehension seemed to vanish as he smiled at her.  Taking a sip of cool water, he nodded to her as he said, "The repair work is something I do on the side fer my friends and neighbors.   The tomater ranch keeps me busy most of the time and Ma is slowing down keeping to house work.  Fortunately I can counts on my lil brother Rocky when I needs him to do his part....when he ain't sneaking off to Sweet Apple Acres to try and catch a glimpse of Applebloom dat is."

 

Chuckling a bit at his joke, Boulder Dash finally loosened up a bit and undid his napkin placing his silverware around the plate professionally.  As such neither he nor his guest noticed the pair of Unicorns watching them from the corner.  Of course no pony would recognize the rulers of the Crystal Empire thanks to the spell that Princess Cadance had placed on herself and her husband making them look like totally average unicorns.

 

Having visited Twilight and leaving Flurry Heart with her favorite Aunt for a rare romantic evening, the two royals had noticed Rarity and her rather imposing escort for the evening rather quickly.  "Is that Rarity I spy....with a handsome strapping stranger.  My my how interesting" Princess Cadance said with a sly grin.  "Now Cadance dear, let's not bother them.  I thought this evening was for us to enjoy discreetly?" Shining Armor asked as he munched on their appetizer.

 

Meanwhile as Boulder Dash made idle chat with Rarity, the waiter returned with the wine list as well as a pair of menus.  "Ze wine list as requested by Madameoselle and a pair of entree menus when you are ready" he said.  Boulder Dash nodded as he took a menu and motioned to the wine list.  "Your da expert on wine Rarity.  You pick whatever ya want" he said as he perused the menu to look at appetizers and salads.

[SteelEagle]

                                            



The server was certainly trying to earn himself a generous trip. That was already a guarantee- she was a very generous tipper by standard practice anyway. His over-saturated mannerisms very much told the story of a small town resident trying to effect a big city style, which was as charming as it was overbearing. Nonetheless she'd allow her criticisms to die in her throat before she spoke them. It was performance art, was it not? Whether it was going to result in an extended tip was something else entirely, however.

Onto a better subject, it was good to hear that his farm was operating well. Farms in this area were one and a dozen alike, but a tomato farm had to do well, right? Tomatoes are in just about anything. “Tell me, do you distribute to any stores or makers of fine condiments? I could imagine soooo many deals being made. Tomatoes are so versatile, after all,” she responded as some bread arrived, which she immediately broke in half and then started air-slicing hers. She continued to speak as she did so. “Oh, that Apple Bloom is certainly blossoming into a fine young mare! No wonder Rocky has eyes for her,” she said with a giggle.

A moment later, the wine menu appeared. She took it in her magic and started perusing it. Most of the wines were relatively tame by comparison to what you would find in Manehattan or Canterlot, but they disguised it well with fancy names and long taste descriptions. “Hmm....oooh, how about this one. 981 Neighdavi Valley Red? It sounds fantastic. I hope it maintains the same taste profile as the 976 I tasted before. A bottle, not glasses, dear,” she said as she levitated the wine menu back to the server. She then nodded to Boulder, who should have had time with the menu. “Boulder, you may start ordering food, if you wish.”

[Dashman562]

Boulder Dash having an idea as to what to order set his menu down as and unfolded his napkin placing it in his lap.  "Oh yes Ma'am. Tomaters have mo used den ya can shake a can at.  Salads, sauces, juices, garnishes, or jist a snack in da middle o de day, de dont ever let ya down.  Through hard work an dedication I don think dere be a bottle of ketchup too a jar of marina in dis town with Great Grandpa Beef Boulder's smiling bearded grin" he said proudly.

 

The ranch had greatly expanded since his return. A little over a year and a half ago and business was booming.  Entire cart loads of tomatoes, sauces, juices, and garnishes were traveling as far as the Crystal Empire now and the family name had spread that even Griffins, Dragons, and Hippogriffs had travelled to see the large ranch and tour its numerous fields.  Took a moment to reflect on this and buttered a slice of bread after Rarity had taken a slice, enjoying the texture as he did.

 

Meanwhile the waiter had gone and collected the wine bottle, making sure he had gotten the right bottle and was going back over to the table when he was spotted and waved down by a disguised Princess Cadance.  The waiter went over to her and nodded, "Oui Madame?" he asked.  Prince Shining Armor looked confused as Princess Cadance looked at the wine bottle and said, "I am sorry to disturb you sir but I couldn't help but wonder if I could see that vintage your carrying?  I'm a wine connoisseur you see"

 

The waiter nodded and handed the bottle to  Cadance.  Holding it as if reading the bottle, Cadance smiled as the tip of her horn touched the bottle.  It glowed for just a moment, and Cadance handed the bottle back to the waiter.  "A fine vintage, I'm sure the lovely couple over there will enjoy it" she said with a sly smile on her face.  The waiter nodded again and went back over to Rarity and Boulder Dash's table.  "What did you do?  You didn't put a love spell on it did you?" Shining Armor asked eyeing Cadance with suspicion.  

 

"Of course not dear, just a little love accelerant like the one I used on that bottle of champagne on our wedding night" Cadance said with a smile.  Shining Armor stared in shock looking over at Rarity and Boulder Dash, "Uh oh."

 

Boulder Dash had finished his bread slice just as the waiter returned and set two chilled glasses down.  He quickly went to work opening the bottle and poured wine into both Rarity and Boulder's glasses before setting the bottle down on the table.  "Has Mossiuer and Madameoselle pursued the menus?" he asked.

 

Boulder Dash nodded and said, "Could we please start with an order of the fried calamari suh?  Den for my entree I will have the eggplant parmesan."  As the waiter turned to Rarity Boulder Dash reached over and took his wine glass and sniffed the vintage she had selected.  Nodding approvingly he never noticed what looked like a small heart flash inside the wine bottle for just a moment.

[SteelEagle]

                                               


Farmers certainly had a healthy round of business, did they not? It was hard work and some of them feigned poverty but while their operations had upkeep to worry about, the consistent need for their products most assuredly guaranteed them a lucrative future as long as they were good at it. Like most other businesses she imagined the competition was fierce, but unlike the fashion industry, there were clear lines that could be drawn and fronts to be established in any conflict. The pony selling carrots wasn't a threat to Boulder Dash in any real sense- it was the pony moving into the tomato market that was the real problem.

Thankfully, most monopolies seemed to be regional. There weren't many other tomato farmers in the Heartlands. When you got closer to the Strand that no longer was the case but there were enough sales to go around for everypony. She had studied agriculture business with Applejack a few times- very interesting. Gave her a greater appreciation for the business acumen of her agriculturally inclined friends in Ponyville. “It is always good to see ponies who have the work ethic and drive to succeed managing to pull through rough times. Congratulations are in order, Mr. Dash,” she said with no small amount of pride in a fellow tradespony succeeding in their craft.

The wine soon made its appearance, as did the full menus. Rarity looked hers over carefully. “I'll have the mixed greens as a side- as for the entree, Piperade will suffice. Thank you,” she said as she levitated the menus over. It was a healthy meal to be sure but if you were going to patronize a location you may as well give it a sincere go. She tapped her glass to his and drank hers, eyes closed. After a sip, she laid hers down. “Ahh, how divine. Not the best, but it has a smooth...aftertaste, yes, thats it.”

[Dashman562]

Boulder Dash tapped his glass to hers and nodded happily to Rarity and took a sip of his wine.  He felt it go down his throat and swallowed it before setting his glass down.  It was a dry wine to be sure yet Boulder Dash could taste a hint of sweetness of some sort at the end.

 

An unusual mix to be sure but pleasant as he continued to make small chat with Rarity.  As they talked and continued to sip their wine he soon found a weird sensation coming over him.  It wasn't drunkenness but rather a slight dizziness followed by a burning sensation in his body.  Not painful but more of a yearning, and Boulder Dash found looking at Rarity eased any discomfort he felt, almost as if he was becoming more attracted by the moment.

 

"Miss. Rarity I hope you will not find me affront when I say you look ravishing dis evenin" he said no longer feeling nervous or apprehensive about anything.  As he thought on where his new confidence when the Calmari was placed on their table.  He nodded in thanks to the waiter before offering them to Rarity first.

 

"Dis here is very popular with de Hippogriffs.  De tend to prefer some spice in the marinara but I got da mild as it goes better with dis wine" he said as he took the lemon wedge and sprayed some juice on some Calimari.

[SteelEagle]

                                                      


Rarity was well-accustomed to the trappings of attraction, physical or otherwise. Indeed, especially as a younger mare, she had felt it like a lioness feels the warmth of her prey as she sunk her teeth into it. The rush of heat, the pounding of the heart, the way your tail seemed to echo the rhythm, she knew it well. She also knew how silly it was to allow it to control you. That had come to her with maturity and it came to her through no small effort. But as a hard-won lesson and as a meaningful development she held it close and did not allow it to sway her. Many ponies less familiar with themselves may have been befuddled by this wave that washed over her as she continued to drink her win, but not her. Never her.
 

She continued to drink, pouring more for the both of them as she wondered what was the cause of it. Was it the wine? A sense of relief? It wasn't simply that time of the year, was it? Alas, she was at a loss for the true cause. All she did have was the fact it was happening. She re-positioned herself in her seat as she spoke, and replied with a respectful laugh. "Oh, you're too kind. I feel like a mess. But the words are much appreciated. You look dashing this evening yourself," she offered politely. Indeed it was rather true. He had the cut of a well-built Ponyville stallion no doubt. If that was what she was looking for in a pony then she would find herself rather attracted to him! More so than she was currently, at least.
 

The food arrived. He had the calimari. Blaggh. She shared most Equestrian's distaste for meat and meat products, though she knew it was different from the others. Eating the flesh of another living creature seemed...barbaric to her. Luckily, she was mature enough to understand that her views were best kept to herself- and indeed, in other lands, it was the vegetarian dieters amongst them who looked askew! "Ahh. Well yes, I'd imagine the Hippogriffs like their food spicy. An underwater diet is notoriously less than enticing. Once freed from such bondage, I have no doubt that they'd seek ways to supplement their forlorn taste buds," she said as her mixed greens arrived.
She lightly poured some balasamic over it, mixed it using her magic, and then took some small bites. "Delicious, of course. Speaking of the hippogriffs, do you do any business with Mount Aris?"

[Dashman562]

Sharing a bottle of wine with the fashion Queen of Pinyville had never crossed his mind as a possibility but here Boulder Dash was enjoying such a moment.  The more he drank with her the more he found a deep sensation inside if him urging to come out.  Strange as he had always had a strong tolerance of alcohol and this feeling was less drunkenness then it was almost....love?  How?  He and Rarity had only met some time ago.  She was beautiful to be sure and he felt attracted to her, but it seemed to cause an almost yearning sense in him.

 

He pondered this as he munched on a few if the calamari noticing a unique look from Rarity.  He wanted to save room for his main course and only had a few before smiling at her, "Its a unique taste I admit, but as a sailor ya have to make do with what da sea gives you at times, especially on long journeys" he said as he wiped his mouth with a napkin.  

 

Smiling Boulder Dash leaned back in his chair and sighed happily as if recalling a good memory.  "I'm berry proud to say that one of my final journeys at sea as a Captain, were when my crew and Ah brought a fresh batch of fruits and vegetables out dar to Mt. Aris.  Ah swears Ah never did see such smiling faces at the welcome group as I had in past journies" he said.

 

He then smirked at Rarity and winked at her as he said, " Ah do declare hearing a certain tale of six special ponies whi gained the ability to breath under water and swim like fish while Ah was der.  Sound familiar?  If de put dat spell on me I might turn into a whale shark" 

 

He chuckled a bit at his joke as a plate of Egg plant parmesan was put in front of him.  Smoking, he took his napkin and placed it on his lap to avoid any mess and motioned to the sauce steaming  off the fried egg plant covered in mozerlla and parmesan cheese.   "Applejack was kind enough to bring her class to da ranch recently on a field trip.  Dat Hippogriff girl had more energy and more questions den a goose in a hen house....but da sweet heart was kind enough to recommend my produce for their next big celebration."

 

He cut off a piece of the egg plant and took a bite, savoring it before swallowing it happily.  Not the same as his Ma's but still good as he took another sip of wine again feeling that burning warm sensation when he admired Rarity, and soon felt it seem to rush near his lower body.

[SteelEagle]

                                               


Everypony's experience with Hippogriffs seemed to be rather similar. Ponies had the reputation of being almost too pleasant and forgiving at times but for her bits it was the Hippogriffs who had very adroitly claimed that title. You couldn't help but visit Mt. Aris and Sequestria and leave with a well-earned and easygoing smile weaved throughout your face. "Hippogriffs are indeed a very pleasant sort. You would think their isolation would have dulled it. If anything, it has done the exact opposite!" She said with a blush. Not due to what she had said, but anther surge of warmth. She repositioned herself and took a deep breathe. This was...unusual. Yes, very unusual.

She kept focus, and the smile stayed pat as he spoke of their little adventure in Sequestria. Indeed it had been quite a revelation, though it appeared the days of that being a unique experience were quickly dying off. "Well, we were in the right place at the right time. Nowadays anypony can go to Mt. Aris and participate in...what do they call...Sequestrian Tourism?" She pondered. It was quite true that many Equestrians were travelling there and partaking in the power of the Pearl of Transformation so as to experience a day in Seaquestria. How easily did Equestrians launch themselves at new experiences! It was quite wonderful, truth be told.

The subject naturally shifted to the recent trip that Applejack's trip had taken to his farm, and his interaction with Silverstream. She took the good cheer of her kind to the highest level possible, and it was all rather earnest to boot. She was a good student and a good creature. She had a bright future in whatever she decided to do. "Silverstream is a boundless ball of energy and optimism. She reminds me of Pinkie Pie in a lot of ways, except she can fly. Which makes her more mobile and therefore more of a pleasant hazard. Good to hear that you'll be expanding," She said, her smile twitching as another wave hit her. What the hay was happening?

The food came. The Piperade looked hot and inviting. Her horn glowed and the spoon moved, stirring the soup a little before grabbing a tiny amount, while at the same time moving her napkin into position. It was delicious. Well prepared. The seasoning didn't overwhelm the mixture of onions, tomato, and green peppers, and the onions added a tinge of bitterness that swirled nicely with the sweet sauce. Sadly, she couldn't really focus on the excellent meal she was having.
"Boulder...be honest with me. Do you feel...warm right now?"

[Dashman562]

Swallowing his latest bite of egg plant parmesan, Boulder Dash was a bit surprised by the question.  Truth be told this was not his first outing with a pony of the opposite sex, and bor like most sailors was he unfamiliar with a "roll in the hay" as it was called.  Yet the more he looked and admired Rarity the more he was sending something special about her, something he never sensed in another Mare before.

 

He pondered this as he tugged at his collar, sweating pouring from his brow as he looked at her lovely mane to her beautiful eyes to the purity of her coat.  It all caused a sensation that started in his stomach and shot through his loins like a rocket.  Gulping as he struggled to keep a certain part of his body under control, he nodded at Rarity as he spoke from the heart, something he rarely as he breathed deeply and wiped sweat from his brow with a handkerchief.

 

"Rarity ah will be perfectly honest when ah say dat you are something special.  I feel so relieved around ya, yet when I see you it gives me da vapors.  You are one of if NOT de most beautiful mares I have ever seen, and even now ah feel a burning in my stomach dat no mare has ever ignited but ya'll.  It feels like a fire, but one ah yearn fer and dont fear cause of yer smile" he said speaking from his heart.

 

He gulped down the last of his wine, and then gently reached over with his hoof and placed it on Rarity's.   Though his hoof was much larger  then her's he gently held it in his own and nodded to her as he said, "Ah hope ah have not overstepped ma bounds with ma honesty?"

[SteelEagle]

                                               

Rarity played with her tail. Well, not played, and hot with her hooves. It dated to and fro, starkly and out of her control. The heat grew throughout her body as he spoke, and her hind legs twisted into themselves as she tried her best to maintain her best demeanor. Indeed, she still ate daintily, though the panting of her nostrils disrupted her salad as she brought it closer. She could almost feel her bangs unravel slowly from her well-coiffed mane. It was everything she could do to not bite her lip and become a mess, let alone continue to present herself as she was now. Keep it together, Rarity. You are above...whataver this is!
 

Whatever was this, anyway? She was at first willing to indulge the conspiracy in her head that involved Boulder, but the more she thought about the events the less credence she was willing to give such thoughts. He too seemed to be suffering in his own, unique way. Was it the wine? It had to be. None of this had begun before the wine! And what a nice dinner they were to have. Boulder was making it up to her and it was such a gentlecolt thing to do. But whatever had happened to their wine had turned this occasion...crude, and rendered the whole evening a charade of what it should have been. What tragedy befall those with such kind hearts and open minds!

She was silent a few seconds longer as she composed herself, still daintily eating her mixed green salad. She so desperately wanted to enjoy his company, but not quite as desperately as the wine was making her.
“Boulder, you...” she shook her head, “you're a fine stallion. You very much are and if...I appreciate your very, very kind words. But I think we both know that something is wrong here, wrong with this wine maybe. And we should not...” she took a deep breath, “allow ourselves to be held, well, captive...by whatever it is...that is happening,” she took a deep breath and leaned in. “I would say we should leave, but truth be told, I'm in no shape to get up right now,” she said with an embarrassed blush. She looked around- so far, nopony seemed to notice anything too unusual with the pair. She could play this hand, yes.