Ponyville Square
$===============$ PONYVILLE SQUARE $===============$
At the heart of Ponyville stands a proud and massive pavillion known as Town Hall. Around it lies the town square, a well-kept ring decorated with tall banners and the occasional picturesque bush. A fountain sits before the entrance to the hall with a joyous, reared-up earth pony statue as its ornament. Various municipal officials have pitched colorful, conical tents in the square from which they run their operations. The town square is lined along one side by a stream crossed by a broad stone bridge, while on its other sides it's surrounded by a combination of commercial establishments and some of the oldest houses in Ponyville. The mood here is generally cheerful but officious.
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<OOC> Nettleglum puts the summoning candles away.
PUB >> Princess #2 says, "HEAR YE, HEAR YE, CAN'ST THOU HEAR US? We are about to begin the Solstice Boon ceremony in Ponyville, for any pony in need of asking for something disastrously stupid from a princess!"
Luna raises the moon. Tonight, the silver circle is full, even though it was the barest crescent last night. It looms huge, larger than usual as well, with the black sillhouette of a princess rearing and wings spread. Luna's voice booms over Ponyville, shaking the trees. "REJOICE, SUBJECTS OF THE MONARCHY, FOR TONIGHT THOU ARE BLESSED BY THE YEAR'S LONGEST NIGHT. IN KEEPING WITH MODERN TRADITIONS, WE SHALL TAKE AUDIENCE IN PONYVILLE, THAT OUR SUBJECTS MAY ASK FOR GIFTS AND BECOME CLOSER WITH THEIR PRINCESS AT HER BEAUTIFUL SOLSTICE." (Public-pose)
Scarlet trots up to Luna with an autograph book in her muzzle and eyes that resemble half moons. ^_^ How appropriate, those eyes!
Luna flutters down from the moon, wings spread, as silently and majestically as an owl. Her hooves extend to land on the statue in the middle of the Square, but before they touch the statue disappears in a flash of deep blue, replaced by Rarity's most comfortable and luxurious fainting couch. Settling down onto it, she folds all four legs underneath herself and gives Ponyville the impassive stare of her almond-shaped, blue-green royal eyes.
The long, dark teatime of Solstice is upon Ponyville, the sun long set and the shortest day of the year at an end. Tonight, the powers of the night are at their strongest, and like she does every year upon this eve, Nettleglum has prepared for the throng of ponies who will doubtless want to ask boons of the Princess. Perhaps 'throng' is too strong a word. Gaggle? Herd? ...Proletariat? An intricate maze-work of velvet ropes and stanchions subdivides Ponyville square, with a sign every few feet proclaiming the event. [THIRTY-FIVE FEET UNTIL LUNA: No flash photography, please.] [TWENTY FEET TO LUNA: Please carry all foals.] [TEN FEET TO LUNA: Please extinguish all butane torches.] There's also a Fast Pass line for ponies who thought ahead.
Scarlet runs into line, pushing ponies if she has to. "Quick! Bardigan! Carry me to the princess so nopony gets ahead of me in line."
StarryBlade peeks around a corner, looks at the line, tries to hide away.
Haunting_Melody comes to the square having heard from others that something would be up, and was rather curious about what it was all about, and gets into the lineup along with the others, though a tad unsure what it's about, her mane taking on a orange colour as a couple of butterflies hang around her head while she looks ahead.
Luna leans forward on Rarity's exquisite velvet cushions, and raps a hoof on the former statue's pedestal. Instead of the soft knock it deserves, her silver shoes ring like a bell all over the Square. That is followed by the rushing wind of the Royal Canterlot Voice. "COME FORTH, FIRST SUPPLICANT, AND MAKE THY REQUEST OF THE PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT!"
Nettleglum oozles and woozles up behind the ersatz throne of Luna, with a clipboard, trailing a parchment that wraps around her neck several times before trailing off into the darkness. She's got the names of everypony on it. Everypony. She's ready to check them off as needed-- you may that that phrase as literally as you like where Nettie is concerned.
<OOC> Applejack lights up! "Hay, Nettie!" Hipbumps Nettleglum and immediately regrets it as the resulting string of sticky ichor doesn't snap until she has edged at least four feet away again.
Scarlet trots up to the front of the line, with a great big smile around her autograph book. ^_^
StarryBlade scoots towards the Princess very very quick and in a skittish manner, settling behind Scarlet it seemed.
Pinkie_Pie trots over and poke poke pokes Applejack. "I heard Luna was soliciting!"
Nettleglum checks Miss Scarlet on her list. /Scarlet: LIVING/. Well, fair enough. She makes a small mark next to it as the mare approaches her majesty.
Applejack has arrived, but unusual for the garrulous farmer, is actually staying a bit away from the crowd. She stands by a barrel at the edge of the crowd and regards Luna thoughtfully, chewing on a stalk of haygrass.
Pinkie_Pie is of course right by AJ before she's even there. /pinkie
Luna props her elbow on the padded rise of Rarity's fainting couch, draped loosely along it, and peers down at the little earth pony. "Yes? What is thy request? What boon dost thou desire of thy princess on the longest night?"
Scarlet says "Hay sugar! I mean... great and powerful princess sugar your highness!
Do I only get one?"
Applejack says "GWAH! Consarnit, Pinkie!" She continues in more hushed tones, "Yeah, Ah know. Missed this last year, but... Ah dunno. Somethin' 'bout this seems... not quite right."
Rescue_Sunstreak pads in, having heard somthing is going down out in the square. Suprised to see all the people, the big firepony smiles softly. Backing the smaller rescue wagon into a spot betwene two buildings and setting the brakes. He looks around wondering what is going on....before he spots luna, THAT makes the big firepony do some kind of ritual iwth his hoof and mutter a soft prayer.
Pinkie_Pie squints at Luna. "Hmmm... you're right! That color couch totally clashes with Ponyville."
Applejack says "Heh. Not what Ah mean. Why don't y'all ask fer somethin', might jog mah mind a mite."
Pinkie_Pie beams. "Yay, wishes! But what do I want? Hmm... I'll think while I'm in line."
Haunting_Melody looks around as she finds herself letting others go ahead of her for the moment, unsure if she should be in line as she's not even sure what it's about, but at the same time, thinks she should be in line in case it's something she wants so ends up getting in line near the end again and staying there.
"O=oh, no, Pinkie. That's Solsticing." Here comes Fluttershy, trotting over the ground, her scarf and tail leaving neat little trails in the snow behind her.
Pinkie_Pie trots in behind Haunting (can she call you Haunting?)
Rescue_Sunstreak tilts his head, but its a line, to talk to princess Luna! the large firepony walks over and gets in line. Darn it why didn't he wear his dress blues and not his harness.
Pinkie_Pie says "Right, soliciting! The Luna Soliciting. It's everyones' favorite night of the year!"
Fluttershy smiles and rolls her eyes.
Luna booms, "HAY SUGAR! SO BE IT!" She sits up straight on the sofa, head looming up over Scarlet. Luna's long, sharp princess horn burns a searing blue, which unleashes like a lightning bolt into the earth pony supplicant... to no effect. No super obvious effect. Blue arcs crawl over her and disappear, and probably nobody but Scarlet will immediately notice the glaze-covered grassy seedlings now growing up wherever she sets her hooves. Settling back down, Luna waves her hoof. "Next."
Pinkie_Pie pats Fluttershy. "You'll understand when you're older."
"...I'm a year older than you."
Rarity Wishes she didn't have to replace her ****ing sofa every year. Thats what the Raripone wants.
Scarlet climbs up onto the couch next to Luna, and takes a selfie of herself and the most iron hoofed of co-rulers. She giggles and pulls out the polaroid, giving it some shakes back and forth while responding in her endearing manehattan accent. "Thanks, sugar!"
Pinkie_Pie hoofbumps Fluttershy happily. She always catches her cues.
Scarlet says "Am I supposed to eat it?"
Fluttershy goes, (bump)
StarryBlade peers up at Luna, scooting forward when she can, "Miss lady Princess? Can I have a new satchel please? Or a book on how to be a guard for the Princesses? I'd really like to be a useful guard and protect the Princesses one day when I am older."
Nettleglum shambles forwards just enough to beckon to the next pony in line, with the sort of a gesture one seldom sees outside of an abattoir. You. You're next.
Applejack looks at the lineup of ponies getting ready to ask for Luna to do them a favor, then blinks. With a funny little smile, she goes to the end of the line. Whether it was actually *necessary* for her path to pass right next to Rarity and include flankbumping the fashionista is a matter for debate.
Rainbow_Dash hovers along the edge of the crowd, observing the steadily lengthening line-up. "This is gonna be a big show!" she declares, hovering over to sit near her friends. Yet, there is apprehension about her, hesitation, as she glances more than once at the back of the line.
Pinkie_Pie starts drawing a helpful diagram of who's in line. Let's see, there's a smiley face, a rainbow, then a balloon.
Calbee comes out to the Square looking around curiously as he could hear all the noise of others gathering and is curious about what exactly is happening and moves over as he spots Rescue, "Hey whats up?" he asks.
Bardigan trots into the square, looking quite festive indeed. A Santa Hooves cap for himself (and Diamond) a long trailing green scarf, and a few jingly bell-spur attachments jangling and clinging on his hooves for effect. Like every year, he makes a beeline for the line to meet jolly St. Luna and takes his place in line. The spurs go jingle jangle jingle every time he shifts his weight. Every single time.
Haunting_Melody follows the line as she's slowly moved forward the number of butterflies around her head begin to grow more and more, as her mane and tail take on a small shade of green stripes.
Scarlet waves down at Bardigan from the spot she stole next to the princess.
Diamond_Dancer has been laying in the castle infirmy for the last night or two. The little filly doesn't look particularily good. Her normally vibrant silver coat is remarkably pale, and feathers flutter free from her wings- backened and sickly looking. She's hot to the touch with fever, and has no business being out of bed. So of course, the thoughtless comment "I wish I knew what Bardigan was up to." Whisks her away, via star generated worm hole portal and dumps her unceramoniously on the ground next to the big brother pony. "...I hate dis ding." Diamond mumbles into the ground. After a lengthy few moments, Diamond shuffles to her hooves and peers quietly at Nettleglum. Then takes a quiet step backwards and places Bardigan inbetween them. "...Hey Bardigan. Please don't let Nettleglum drag me off. Cause she dinkin' about it." Diamond grumbles. She narrows her eyes at Nettleglum and makes an "I'm-watching-you" motion with her hoof.
Fluttershy gently slips into line. She has a big stuffed and quilted saddlebag on her flank, too!
Rarity looks over at Pinkie's note card. Smiley Face, rainbow, Balloon, heart, squiggly line, and what appears to be dinosaur. "Makes sense to me."
Pinkie_Pie ees, it's so adorable!
Rescue_Sunstreak does offer Calbee a nod, his deep tone rolls out of his throat "The princess Luna is granting one boon to each pony" he glances over then spots RD and Rarity, offering each of them his trademarked soft smile. The big horse notes Diamond and nods, then spots Nettleglum, ok she creeps him right the heck out but, it wouldn't do for the captain of the Ponyville Firestaion 1 to show that, so he nods ot her too.
Luna looks dour and stoic as she's photographed, but waits until it's finished before blue light picks Scarlet up, carries her waaaaaaay out to the edge of the Square, and puts her down again. Luna's wing sweeps the sugar-frosted grain starting to grow out of the cushions away, and regards StarryBlade curiously. "We do not guarantee the future, but this we can do." She tips her head forward, and with a much gentler flash of blue light, a set of grey and blue Night Court shaded armor materializes on Starry. It's actually thin, light, and made of plastic, but it is extremely shiny and has saddlebags built in on the side. Into one of those drops a big, fat book entitled 'The Fabulous Adventures Of BUCK HOOFINGTON, Defender Of The Crown.'
Nettleglum waves cheerily back at Miss Diamond. It's true, the members of Luna's court are always foremost in Nettie's thoughts.
Scarlet squeals and flails around! "HAY!" She scowls when she's dismissed by her majesty. >:I
Pinkie_Pie consults her list. Next should be... Haunting?
Bardigan gently chides his little sister. "Diamond, don't talk badly about Nettleglum dragging ponies off. It's happened to me once or twice, and all that happened was I ended up in a cozy coffin. Ignoring the skeleton, it wasn't that bad."
Nettleglum bets Bardigan still thinks fondly of that skeleton, too. ._.
Haunting_Melody has made her way and still as lost to what exactly she's in the lineup for as the looks at the princess with a rather large gulp and turns even more light green in the mane and tail all the orange gone as she squeaks, "Ummm....hello." she says, her face getting covered by butterflies as she looks towards the princess.
Calbee nods his head to Rescue, "Ahhh, are you going to go up? I would...but not sure what I would ask for, maybe something to help me do my duties here to my best?" He asks, though would that be cheating depending on what he got, as he sits there tapping his beak in thought.
Nettleglum helpfully-- in a manner of speaking-- lurches forward with all the grace of a seasick manatee and looms over Miss Haunting. "Please don't be shy, dear. Her majesty is here to listen to the petitions of any of her subjects."
StarryBlade blinks and squeaks happily, "Oh thank you Miss Lady Princess, Thank you very very much!" She bows politely and scampers off eager to inspect her present and to remember to write a thank you letter to the Princess as she was obviously the best Princess ever.
Luna extends her wing, making a little beckoning motion at Haunting Melody. "Come forth, filly. This is the night when our power is at its greatest. Ask thy princess for a gift, and do not tarry. She would grant thee all night to decide, but the ponies behind thee might not be so patient."
Rescue_Sunstreak ponders and flicks a ear "I am" he nods to his sidekick. "I, have somthing I want more than...anything I have ever wished in life"
Diamond_Dancer Shakes her head nervously, before glancing at Bardigan. With that, Diamond makes her way towards the area where Luna is sitting, and dutifully sits next to her, and Nettleglum. "I am poyfectly fine and healthy." She says before coughing so hard a few feathers pop out. "..."
Rarity peers quietly at Pinkie. "What do you plan to ask for, darling? Additional baking supplies?
Nettleglum acknowledges the Night's Errant with a jerky spasm of the head, neck, three jangling, rattling vertebrae, and a portion of the upper shoulder that usually doesn't move in that direction. "How splendid to see you, dear."
Pinkie_Pie rubs her hooves together gleefully. "Ohhh, just you wait. I have a PLAN."
Fluttershy ums. "S-so do I. Hello, Rarity."
Haunting_Melody is nervous as she thinks slowly shooing the butterflies away as best as she can while thinking for a moment and gives her head a nod, "My apologies your highness...just a bit new here, and still learning about this place." she says as she thinks, "Can you give or grant me soemthing to help me understand my magick more? I create...illusions through my voice..but don't always have control." she says motioning to the swarm of buterflies around her head as one of them alights upon Luna's nose, though there is no feel to it as she blushes slightly, too many to even have a attempt at a tiny bit of control.
Pinkie_Pie ooohs, getting some butterflies in her mane.
Rarity's ears fold back. "A plan?" She asks, tailoring her gaze towards Fluttershy. "Are you both in on this 'plan' of Pinkie's? Does this plan involve confetti in my mane?
Pinkie_Pie looks innocent.
Rarity narrows her eyes at Pinkie and takes a step back.
Pinkie_Pie o/~
Rescue_Sunstreak does lean over to Calbee, and says in a soft tone "just remember probie, Ut Alii Vivant, keep that in mind with your boon" he smiles a bit and leans back up again.
Hollyhock skulks in from the direction of the market, following the other ponies who have come ot see the princess on this night. Reaching the edge of the little crowd she stops, and pushes her hat back on her head, lifting onto the tips of her hooves to try and get a peek of things over the heads of the other ponies, trying to gratify her curiousity while trying to look cool and aloof.
Fluttershy grins. "Look! It's the butterflies I was telling you about."
Pinkie_Pie nodnods!
Rarity ooos quietly.
Nettleglum generally looks cool. Or perhaps, 'congealed' is a better choice.
Pinkie_Pie leaaaans into the frame next to Fluttershy, and whispers, "DID we have a plan? I don't remember a plan."
Luna tilts her head to one side, and goes, "Hmmmm. We could give thee more power for a time, or alter thy voice and thus the manifestations of it, but neither is truly what thou desire. We cannot give thee skill without either great time, or unfortunate side effects. Study the songbirds, filly, and practice, but until then perhaps this shall help." Her horn waves, pointing at Melody, waving blue lights up and down her, until they all draw together to form a tiny blue metal lamp with a crystal flower inside it. It floats over to the base of Haunting's tail, and fastens on with a little hook like a hair tie near the tip. Immediately, the fluttering of the illusionary butterflies drifts back, until they're hovering around the lantern instead. Smiling warmly, Luna explains, "Now, at least thou may see thy way to thy tutors."
Rarity says "I wonder if I could replicate that with my magic? Oh, maybe I could get her to help make butterfly print magic!" She squeaks- watching Pinkie's head disappear off to the right and reappear on the left next to Fluttershy. "...I've been working to hard."
Pinkie_Pie claps happily. "Hooray! That's perfect!"
Nettleglum crosses Miss Haunting off her list, double-checking a date next to her name. Hmm. That's decently far off. She gestures for the next pony in line, her taxidermy tone reassuring. "Approach her highness..."
Pinkie_Pie squeals! "That's me! I'm the approachener! My turn!" She trots up the stairs gleefully, bowling right over Nettie. "Huzzah! Hiya, Princess Moonbutt!"
Diamond_Dancer edges ever so slightly away from Nettleglum. Cough. "I'M JUST FINE!" She squeaks, covers her muzzle with both hooves and *Squeegrins*
Pinkie_Pie suddenly cocks an ear, trots back, and starts pushing on AJ's butt. "I wish AJ was next in line instead of me!" she says cheerfully.
Haunting_Melody nods her head at this looking at it with a smile, "Thanks, and I have been working on it, it is good when I can control...when singing, but a nuisance other times." she says as she gives a deep bowl and turns to go, "Thank you princess." she says and spots Fluttershy nearby and heads over towards her and the others, "hey." she says waving the flower with a bit of a grin.
Nettleglum is delighted to hear of Miss Diamond's continued health. ._.
Applejack is shoved forward suddenly! "Whut? Whoa! HAY! Pinkie! What're y'all- Consarnit!" And suddenly she is in front of the Princess, and staring up at Her Highness of the Night. AJ swallows.
Pinkie_Pie prods AJ's plot a few more times curiously. Wow, that's toned.
Luna watches Pinkie's bouncing and rampaging and squeaking, and declares, "GRANTED!" With a *POOF*, Pinkie Pie is out on the edge of the crowd and Applejack is standing in front of the pedestal, Rarity's fainting couch, and the princess reclining upon it. Also, both of them have traded manestyles. She gives AJ the little beckon with her wing. "Speak, Element of Honesty. What can we grant thee, who with thy friends have given us so much?"
Diamond_Dancer glares ever so quietly at Applejack.
Pinkie_Pie is suddenly poking an entirely different pony in the butt. "Oops! Pardon! This one's much softer."
Rarity Squeaks. "Darling, we're in public!"
Calbee nods his head and hmmms, "Are you going to get something?" he asks Rescue hmmming, "I could ask for control of my landing issues, but thats something I be better doing on my own." he says, part of him thinking he's good as he is, but also would hate to ruin a oportunity like this.
Hollyhock gets about five feet of air as Pinkie pops into existance behind her, and she feels that hoof proding at her rump, "Hijole!" She hangs there in the air, wings working furiously as she turns and glares at the pink one. =.=
Applejack shuffles a little, then takes a deep breath and looks up at Luna. "Last year, yer Highness, Ah missed this. Was gonna ask fer somethin' y'all might not have approved of, if'n th' BARREL was any indication. Lotta stuff happened since then, includin' with us, so this year Ah came t'ask kinda th' opposite." AJ clears her throat. "We only done our duty, Princess. Same as y'all. So AH reckon th' best thing ya could do is take a rest. Ah want y'all ta take a vacation some time this year, ferget fer a little while alla th' worries that come with rulin' a buncha folk."
Pinkie_Pie beams! This is a wonderful wish.
Luna smiles back at Applejack. It's warm and affectionate at first, but slowly it changes, pulling up more tightly into something decidedly impish and not regal at all. Her voice remains perfectly smooth and dignified. "Thy boon is granted. When we find a good time, and it shall come ere the next solstice, we shall send thee the crown and moon raising instructions. NEXT!" A flash of her horn, and Applejack is teleported next to Pinkie Pie.
In regards to Miss Applejack's suggestion, Nettie produces some brochures: Camp Tartarus (Summer Fun Program!), the Great Grey-Green Greasy Grimpen Mire (Come for the bog! Stay for the lampreys!), and Castle Noponyleaves (Where we put the final word in long-term residence!) She leaves these for her majesty to browse.
Applejack says, "Wh... wait, WHAT!?" - but she says it to a random colt, since she is now suddenly some distance away and facing ninety degress away from the Night Court!
Pinkie_Pie rolls on her back chortling at AJ!
Rarity crosses her arms. "Well don't think I'll be lending YOU my sofa!"
Pinkie_Pie says "Aw, man, I'd pay to see AJ sprawled on your sofa."
Haunting_Melody looks around as Applejack appears near her and blinks, "Wait what?" she asks her curiously, having seen Pinkie's vanishing she was sort of half expecting another one as she wonders whats up and trying to spot Fluttershy.
Fluttershy is in line, just behind PInkie Pie.
The random colt, aka Prince Blueblood, laughs at Applejack uproariously.
"HA ha!"
Snapdragon weaves her way through the crowd, humming a little tune to herself as she trips along, hooves clicking on the cobbles as she goes. Stopping ever now and again to get her bearings, before finally realizing she's been going in circles. She stops and tugs on a random pony's tail before asking, "Excuse me, but where's the line for presents?"
Applejack facehoofs and says, "Oh, ponyfeathers! Ah better go tell mah family. SEEYA!" and canters off. She is quickly out of sight, but isn't so far that the gathered ponies can't hear her suddenly yell, "HAY! WHAT HAPPENED TO MAH MANE!?"
Pinkie_Pie strokes her ponytail appreciatively. Pity she didn't get the hat.
Rarity Takes Applejack's hat off, and places it atop Pinkie's Head. "Perfect!"
Pinkie_Pie beams. "Yee haw! Ahm a cowgirl!"
Pinkie_Pie says "Ah looooooove muuuuuuud!"
Nettleglum looses several brittle inches of tail to Miss Snapdragon's tug, and turns with a sickening and boneless lurch. "Miss Snapdragon, dear. Your enthusiasm does you credit, but please, the end of the line for her majesty's boons is past the souvenir popcicle cart."
Rescue_Sunstreak glances up, and realises he is facing Luna herself! The firepony aproaches and lowers his head "Sain...er, Princess Luna, it is an honor" he looks around then back to the princess. The big firepony leans in, and says in a very quiet tone says somthing in private to the princess....
"Oh my." Fluttershy watches Pinkie cavort. It's so distracting she forgets to move forward in line!
Diamond_Dancer leans back next to Luna, casually observing the next in line. Cut her some slack, the filly is sick. She's still there, though, being all royal, and whatever, and smiles a little bit when Rescue makes his way up. She also sticks her tongue out a lil bit and giggle-coughs. "Toldja I woyked fer her." -Well it's what she would say if she didn't know any better. Instead she's silent, ears perked, wondering what his wish will be.
Rescue_Sunstreak whispers, ""I ask one thing, but I do not know if you can" he glances back at calbee and back to Luna "c...can you take the memories of the screams away., I can do the rest myself just...I don't want to hear them anymore when I close my eyes""
Snapdragon's pupils shrink to pinpricks as that length of tail comes off in her mouth. There's a flurry of spitting and 'blech!' type sounds before she wipes her tongue on her hooves. Then she looks up at Nettie, blinking slowly, trying to smile but it comes out all wrong, "Oh, uh, t-thank you, Miss Nettie." She looks back along the line, repeating, "Souvenier cart.
Rescue_Sunstreak does glance down at diamond as he draws his head back again, and smiles at her softly, he does have a soft spot for the rough little filly.
Rarity Grins softly at Pinkie pie. "You look lovely, darling! Quite the farm gal." "She chuckles.
Berry_Punch, who has been here the whole time, clips up and takes a gander at Snapdragon's souvenir cart. "Hey! Whatcha got?" She shakes it a little on general principles, in case something does something noteworthy to draw her attention.
Nettleglum knows Miss Pie. She'll play connect the freckles any minute now.
Pinkie_Pie starts to draw lines between her freckles.
Nettleglum has done that before, but the angles were all wrong and /things happened./
Seems like the angles are wrong whenever the stars are right, reflects Berry Punch.
Haunting_Melody looks around as he finds himself moving closer to the front of the line, and spotting Diamond and gives her a wave though remains quiet.
Luna blinks at Rescue curiously. As she does, a peppermint falls out of the sky and bounces off Snapdragon's horn. Then a couple of candy corn kernels land in her mane. Then a foil-wrapped chocolate kiss flicks off of her ear. Luna is too busy giving Rescue a very serious frown. "If we must." A flick of her horn, and a tiny ebony-and-silver box appears floating next to her head. Her horn lights up, glowing bright and brighter with magic, and lines of blue arc out of it to Rescue's head. A sound like tearing paper peels up strips of black from inside him, which spiral one by one into the box. During all of this, Snapdragon's candy problem rapidly gets worse. Pixie Stix, creme eggs, bubblegum, the filly is ground zero of a candy drizzle, then shower, then downpour. When the last black shadow is caught in Luna's box, she snaps it closed and floats it over to Rescue. "Here, for when thou desire them back. Understand that they have left... holes. There is *nothing* to replace them. That is the price for a magical solution to this problem, but perhaps by the time that seems worse than thou wert, thou shall be ready to take these... possessions back."
Sugar_Rush trots into the square, pulling his gem-covered candy cart. He pulls it in close to the crowd, applies the brakes, and removes his harness. He starts opening the various compartments, and sweet smells fill the air...
Rainbow_Dash just watches the hinjinks, chuckling as Pinkie and AJ have their respective turns. Still, she fidgets uneasily where she is, gazing at the back of the line once again...
Rescue_Sunstreak looks in awe at the princess, then lowers his head "I..." he has no words, as a rare thing happens, a tear wells up in his left eye and runs down his face, he takes the box before he makes a fool of himself before Luna, the patron saint of firepony, "t..thank you" and heads away fast before more tears show up.
"Well, why the hay not?" Rainbow exclaims suddenly, and with a zip and a whoosh she's right there at the back of the line.
<OOC> Luna says, "Good luck with amnesia, petit mals, and whatever else you can think of to RP memories ripped out of your head, Rescue!"
<OOC> Rescue_Sunstreak says, "*chuckles* I suspect the firepony is going to find his wish, was in fact a curse"
<OOC> Luna is the Princess of Faustian Bargains.
Berry_Punch, next to Snapdragon's cart, finds herself buried in a colorful slide of secondhoof candy. A few seconds pass before a front leg powers through, tumbling it aside, followed by the tip of her face, sniffing around. "Is that Sugar Rush's cart I smell? WOO-HOO, candy!!"
Nettleglum does not call 'next', like a triage nurse, but the pony about to approach has the uncanny sensation that the bell just tolled for thee.
Bardigan helpfully pushes Fluttershy forward, leaving a tiny canyon of parted snow behind her.
Nettleglum stares, blank and glassy and unblinking, at her dear neighbor Fluttershy. She does so hope they're still on for a snow day next week. Nettie already has the icicles sharpened.
Snapdragon settles herself in at the back of the line and stands there looking very serious. She tries to ignore the sounds behind her - the sounds that Berry Punch is making, but soon enough she turns and looks over her shoulder, frowning. But whem she sees at all that candy she opens her eyes bit - big as dinner plates and stares - no, no she gapes, "W-what? Where'd you get that." Even in her distraction she's careful not to lose her place in line, but she gets as close as she dares to the mare.
<OOC> Luna says, "Um... there seems to be some confusion. The candy is raining *on you*, Snapdragon."
(oof.) That's the sound Fluttershy makes when you shove her. She stumbles up, eyes darting every which way, and then takes a deep breath. "Hello, Luna. Hello--" She clears her throat. "Excuse me. Hello, Nettleglum. Hello, Diamond. I, um, I just...oh, sorry." She gets a little closer to Luna, leaning in so that she can be heard. "I-I just wanted to say thank you for letting the kids come by and see the palace. They all really had a great time, a-and, well, we made you this." The quilted saddlebag is opened and Fluttershy holds up a little knit scarf with a plush bat brooch attached, as well as a 3x5" drawing of what is probably a bunch of colts and fillies with Luna, a mashed-up purple sparkle force, and a pony exploding like crystal. It's actually not bad, considering it's feather-painted. Fluttershy only flinches slightly as a peanut butter cup wangs off her face.
<OOC> Luna says, "Berry Punch is just close enough for flash flood issues."
<OOC> Luna says, "You, Snapdragon, are now the center of a very localized candy monsoon."
Rarity slides up behind Fluttershy, positive Bardigan would let a lovely lady like herself have his spot in line. She has nothing she wants too badly anyway, just a slip of paper which she wishes to pass to Luna. It's a bill, for the new fainting couch she's ordered. From Africa. Covered in diamonds and gold and jewels.
Luna's dour expression widens into a warm smile again at Fluttershy's little speech. The scarf floats up and wraps around the princess's neck, and fastens with the bat brooch. Luna regards the picture affectionately for several seconds, and then hovers it back to Nettleglum. "Place this upon our mantlepiece, Steward. And for thee, Element of Kindness." With her mouth, Luna pulls a little book out from under her wing, and offers it to Fluttershy. It's a tiny thing, like a phrasebook, with 'How To Speak' on the cover, but below that there's a little dial. Luna flicks it with a feather, and 'Diamond Dog', 'Aardvark', 'Grimdark', and 'Seapony' flash past before it settles on 'Fire Sprite'.
Nettleglum safely swallows the picture. It goes down her throat as a large squarish lump. It will be on Luna's mantle at the Castle of the Moon, undamaged, by tomorrow. We will not discuss what happens to it in the meanwhile.
Fluttershy raises a hoof and tilts back, letting out a tiny little squeal as her eyes fall on the book. "Oh! T-thank you so much." Her eyes immediately begin panning back and forth over the page, but before she gets too lost, she manages to tear them away and glance up with a smile. "I hope it'll be all right if the Scouts drop by again, um, once in a while."
Snapdragon squeaks, her eyes opening even bigger as she stares at the sky, and catches a bag of circus peanuts between her eyes - wax lips, jordan almonds, juujuubees all rain down around her. She begins to flail a little, looking this way in that in panic as she realizes that it's NOT Berry Punch throwing candy at her. Slowly the treats start to pile up around her - up past her fetlocks, "W-What - what's happening?!"
Luna pats Fluttershy's head with her wing. "Of course. If our court does not exist for foals, then what purpose doth it have?" Looking past her, Luna asks, "Who is next, please? COME FORTH."
Jingle jangle jangle cling-a-ling ding ding. That's the sound that heralds Bardigan taking his turn. He peers up at Luna, the ball of fluff on the end of his cap partially obscuring one eye. He blows it away with a 'foof' of breath. "Your highness."
Haunting_Melody smiles as she heades over to check what Fluttershy got and smiles, "Hey what you get?" she asks, it looked like a book but she couldn't be sure, she smiles as she flicks her tail a bit enjoying her boon.
Luna raises her eyebrows at Bardigan, her exact expression vague except for that note of surprise and curiosity. "Well, ne'er did any pony accuse thee of lacking gall, gumption, brass, or daring. Have thou a request, Playwright, or shall we give thee what we think thou deserve?"
Hollyhock, having found that standing outside the crowd won't keep folks from pestering her, perches on a gable instead, squinting towards Bardigan as he finds the front of the line.
Fluttershy moves aside, dipping her head just so. She grins. Ponies around here might catch an (eee).
Nettleglum checks all these off on her list. Bardigan: gall, brass, gumption. Still needs grit and quiddity. ._.
Rescue_Sunstreak glances at Calbee, looking al ittle dazed and lost. "I...I need to go sleep, I think." he nods to the rescue wagon parked between two stalls "bring the rescue squad back with you, I am...I don't think I am safe to pull right now" staring at the box he tucks it into his bag with great care, then wanders past Rainbow, and the others he knows only barely nodding to them, his eyes glassed over. The big firepony lost in deep thoughts, as if trying to..discover what was taken from him.
Bardigan inclines his head gently. "I would have you cure my sister of her sickness. Not delay it. Not mitigate it. Not push it aside. Gone. I want the secret of how to make her well again." He takes a deep breath. "If there is a price... well, it will just have to be paid."
Snapdragon wallows in the candy. It's up to her hocks by now, a tight little mound of sweet stuff: Candy canes, bridge mix, humbugs, licorice, hot tamales, "Haaaaalp!"
That's one of the first things Dinky hears when she arrives. Just the playwright's voice muffled through the crowd. But it's enough to set the scene for her. Dinky doesn't bother with lines--she worms her way between legs and cartwheels and goes to stand by Bardigan, her face not hard but very taut.
Luna just keeps staring at Bardigan. After several seconds, she answers, "That is not thine to ask for, but so be it. Take this knowledge as a gift for her: The haunting was no cure, only a delay. When she is tired of treatments and delays, we have a cure. We can turn her into an earth pony, permanently. Until she chooses that cure, we shall try less drastic treatments." A bit of a smirk pulls up her mouth on one side suddenly, and she adds, "And for thy caring, we *shall* give thee a present of thy own. It shall arrive tonight. NEXT!"
Luna pages, "Luna's gift for Bardigan is dreams. Until the equinox and Luna's power wanes, Bardigan's dreams will be vivid and coherent stories of him committing brave acts of daring do, rescuing princesses, fighting dragons, swinging on ropes, being a pirate who's totally a good guy, that sort of thing."
Hollyhock hears those words 'turn into an earth pony' and goes very still. She stares hoard at Luna, her eyes narrowing to thoughtful slits. She doesn't seem to hear anything else that Luna says.
Sugar_Rush blinks at the candy storm. He sighs and looks at his cart. "I guess maybe I should just pack up..."
Pinkie_Pie zoooooops over to Sugar's cart. "Ooooh, candy!"
Haunting_Melody listens to this blinking a few times at the mention of someone becoming a earth pony and looks around for who that might be.
"What?" calls Berry to Rush, scrambling free of the sugar sea. "But you just got here!" She hurries over to his cart. "How much for a bag of sour cherry chews? I *love* those things!"
Snapdragon might be up to her barrel in andes mints and rootbeer barrels, but somehow she senses that someone has cut in front of her line. A wail of protest goes up from somewhere near the back of the line.
Rainbow_Dash hears Bardigan's wish with a heavy heart. Diamond has always been at the back of her mind ever since that awkward day one winter, but hearing Bardigan's most heartfelt wish makes something stir inside of her. And then Luna offers her solution, and she gawps a little. "Wait...she can do that?" she utters in disbelief, but very soon it's the next pony's turn.
Diamond_Dancer's ears fold down nervously. Asking a pegasus to give up her wings? Permenantly? An earth pony. No more clouds. No more soaring. No more sky? Is that a 'cure'? "Dat price is too high. "She says quietly. Cough. "...I'd...I'd haff to dink about it. "She stammers nervously. It is a massive price to pay changing what she is to save who she is. Or changing who she is to save what she is. "Dats it..."
Bardigan bows his head once more and vacates the space before the Princess.
Rarity is in line, and she simply hands Luna the bill for her newly ordered couch.
Calbee nods his head and blinks a few times as he spots Rescue head away, and wondering if his boon should be to ask what was granted, but will figure it out later, though his head tufts perk up at the request from Bardigan and stands up a bit more and glancing towards Luna and Diamond and then Bardigan as he can guess who that is for, and suddenly thinks he would like that himself. He sighs looking down as he doesn't realize that he's now infront of Luna, his hear sinking abit, and wondering what he should do, the one thing he would want is what Bardigan would have asked for.
Sugar_Rush nods to the pink pony, "Hi, Pinkie." He then turns to Berry, "Hello, there. It is on the house, tonight. In honor of our Princess of the Night." He hoofs a small paper sack to Berry.
Luna looks over the bill, and nods with a pleasant smile. Floating it back to Nettleglum, she instructs, "Buy her two." That leaves her looking down at the silent Calbee. "And thou, gri- thou art not our subject, griffon, and not entitled to a boon. However, it *is* a night of generosity, and we shall try to overlook that. Ask swiftly. What desire thou?"
Dinky hears too. She stamps over to Diamond, ignoring Luna and nearly stepping on Calbee's tail. She certainly isn't bothered by interrupting him. "That's -it?-" she snaps. "Become an earth pony? She can -do- that? No more Icarus Disease, and she knew how to cure it, and didn't even -tell- you until now?" Slowly, Dinky turns her face from Diamond Dancer to Princess Luna, with only a tiny glance at the griffon. "We need to talk," she says softly.
Calbee closes his eyes as he looks towards Diamond, and then Luna as he takes a big gulp feeling himself flush hot but speaks his mind, "Is there...anyway the curse could be put back on Diamond?" he asks, he knows that turning her into a earth pony cure her, but he couldn't imagine what it be like for him to lose his wings, but he wants her to survive, he's only known her a bit, but the courage, and spark he saw in her when he talked meant alot to him.
Nettleglum makes a note. Two couches will be arrive for Miss Rarity in the coming days. Elegantly trimmed in gemstones and appointed with the finest manacles and capstan axles for tightening them. Enjoy.
Luna does not look pleased by this question. Or maybe she just doesn't like griffons. Her answer isn't angry, but it is grimly solemn. "No. The curse was almost like her disease, rotting her from the inside but leaving her unable to feel it. We shall discuss, with Star Seeker, alternatives that are less extreme and may extend the day when she seeks more desperate cures." Blue light washes over Calbee, encasing her, lifting her up and floating her out of the line to set her down in the crowd.
Snapdragon pulls the scarf she has saddle bags out of those saddle bags to make room, and starts stuffing candy back into those saddle bags, even as more falls down upon her, and when those are filled she starts filling the other most convienient place for candy to be stored, stuffing malt balls and gobstoppers into her mouth, "MmMMmMmffff!"
Calbee frowns as he nods his head and sighs and turns to leave, though is finding himself already moving as he wasn't sure what else he might want other then that anyway, his own thoughts and ideas for what he might want seem small and gives a nod to Luna, "Thanks anyway." he says sighing.
Diamond_Dancer watches Calbee shoot away in that bright blue light, and jumps down to take a spot behind Rainbowdash. She gives a hacking off, and several of her feathers spill out but she waggles a hoof high over her head. "Don't worry, it'll be quick!" She squeaks.
Dinky is still standing there in front of whatever line remains. Diamond and Luna seem to be ignoring her, which just makes her ears flatten. "Discuss? Yeah, you'd better. And I want to be there." She's got more to say, but Rainbow Dash overshadows her pretty literally, distracting the filly. "Hey!"
Snapdragon wails out from her place by the consessions stand, spewing sugary slobber and half disolved jaw breakers, "My kingdom for a gunny sack!"
Berry_Punch says "You have a kingdom??"
<OOC> Luna says, "The candy kingdom, apparently!"
<OOC> Calbee grins, "Ask Luna for a infinite bag of holding.
<OOC> Luna says, "It's going to be awhile, Snapdragon. You're getting all the leftover candy she and Celestia haven't eaten from this year's Nightmare Night tributes."
<OOC> Luna says, "Rooms full of it."
<OOC> Nettleglum did inform her majesty of your request, Miss Snapdragon.
<OOC> Snapdragon says, "O-oh ._."
Fluttershy stands toward the back, near the concession cart, because it has a little umbrella slot she's using to protect herself from falling sweets. She pages through her book, eyes wide as a full moon.
<OOC> Snapdragon says, "T-thank you, Miss Nettie ._."
<OOC> Luna says, "But not a single butterscotch."
<OOC> Snapdragon likes those best :C
Rainbow_Dash glances at Dinky, wonering what she was doing budging in line, but she's not in the mood to speculate. She steps forward and balks, suddenly realizing that she doesn't know quite what to say. "Uh...um..." she utters. "I mean..." Without further thought, she quickly snaps her hooves together at attention and gives Luna a solemn, deliberate military salute. "Your Majesty," she addresses her commander-in-chief, "the only thing I want this year is..." Her hoof comes down and she sighs. "I know what kind of dangers you fight, Princess, and what other ponies fight, too, way out where most of us don't see. But...I know about those ponies, and I just...I just everypony to know about them too, about all the ponies who make sacrifices every day, even when nopony is looking. And...that's all." She stiffens a little, and breathes through pursed lips.
Nettleglum does not make sacrifices all day when nopony is looking. That only happens on certain nights of the year. ._.
Calbee frowns as he stays to the side still unsure what to make of the situation as he watches the going on as his tail flicks limply behind him and head tufts back against his skull. Hearing the words from Diamond he nods though thinks he will talk with her later.
Snapdragon tries to extract herself from the pile, but can only founder there, sending little candy avalanches down the slopes of the mound, giving an inarticulate gurgling cry as the pile reaches her withers, her mouth too full of gummy bears to say anything coherent.
Berry_Punch is helping herself to Sugar Rush's cherry sours. She grabs a bag from his supply and dashes over to Snapdragon. "Too much of a good thing, huh?"
Hollyhock wants to shake a hoof at Berry, but at most she can only dislodge a few tootsie rolls.
Luna pulls her head back, and tilts it to the side, giving Rainbow a long, puzzled, but not disapproving frown. Finally she straightens up, and answers, "We shall require some thought on how to grant that request. At least a tiny start can be made tonight, we suppose." She rolls up off the sofa, kicking it backwards off the pedestal like it was just a cushion she'd been sitting on. Her horn burns with blue light, and that same blue shines around Diamond Dancer, lifting the little filly up off the ground and over to float in front of Princess Luna. Then... it's Royal Canterlot Voice Time. "BEHOLD THE STAR SEEKER, THE DIAMOND DANCER, THE NIGHT'S ERRANT. PONIES OF PONYVILLE, THIS TINY FILLY, HARDLY MORE THAN A FOAL, FACES DANGERS THOU CANNOT IMAGINE ON A NIGHTLY BASIS IN OUR SERVICE. SUCH IS HER WILL, AS INDESTRUCTIBLY HARD AS HER SKIN. KNOW HER, AND KNOW THAT WE HOLD HER IN HONOR ABOVE THE STARS." The necklace with its little glowing wishing star snaps off Diamond Dancer's neck as Luna continues in a merely loud tone, "But her life's flame is not so unyielding. It flickers down to a spark, too weak to power a shooting star. She has put desperate hope in black magic for some time now, but it kept her alive by replacing the fading embers of her life with shards of shadow. It is her right to choose her treatment, and we wished that to be between ourself and her alone, but alas..." Luna's mouth quirks into a dark smile, "...she has too many friends, who love her too dearly. So for now, Star Seeker, accept this, the last and greatest boon we provide, and for which we shall require the full power of the Solstice." Luna rears up on her hind hooves, and her eyes burn into white beacons, yet are still drowned out by the blue flame of her horn gathering power.
Dinky backs off fast. But not too far. Now this is more like it, she thinks as she watches, standing not far from Bardigan.
Nettleglum shambles around the square and props up anypony who was bowled over by the Royal Canterlot volume. Not always vertically, though. Some ponies are at rather precarious angles.
Diamond_Dancer steps forward, sickly little filly, pale and losing feathers, smiles up at the princess. "I wanted to say dank you'se for my life, Princess. I came here to dank you'se for da stars, and after dat, I ended up woykin' for you'se, and den I met Bardigan, and Red Velvet, and I got to be da Night's Errant, and I got a star and...I couldn't be happiyah. So. Dank you'se!" She squeaks warmly. "Dank you'se for-...Dis is different. "She squeaks nervously, trying to take a step back but finding herself heft into the air. Oookay, this is definitely not in the list of things she expected tonight. On the other hoof, she was kind of expecting not to see the next sunrise, so really this is progress.
Rainbow_Dash stares as Luna begins her weirding ways, summoning forth cosmic powers beyond her understanding. She gaes in wonder, but also fright, the memory of her ancestors beseeching the elements for palliation, for calm, represented anew within her troubled soul. Only the deafening loudness of Luna's voice keeps her from drifting away, as in were, on a dark fancy.
Hollyhock lays herself flat on the rooftop she's perched on, laying behind the peak of the roof, holding onto her hat with a hoof, eyes squinted as she tries to watch what's going on.
Anytime you feel like a relaxing... long nap, Miss Dancer, Nettie's more than happy to help. She'll be the last one to let you down. ._.
Calbee watches Luna curiously wondering what she is about to do looking at his wings and contemplating things best left not contemplated, especially as he looks at his probie badge on his harnass showing his dedication to the town and training to help others.
Snapdragon thinks she hears Luna speaking, but mostly she hears the crinkling of candy wrapers o.o
Sugar_Rush blinks at Luna's impressive display of power. He isn't sure what to make of what is going on, just hopes it is all for the good...
Haunting_Melody watches what Luna is doing from her place having been quiet the last while listening to the going ons around her.
Berry_Punch starts packing up candy into Rush's bag, shoveling it away from the trapped mares.
Pinkie_Pie starts packing candy into her mouth. She's helping!
Luna turns Diamond Dancer in midair, until her left flank is brought before the princess's gaze. The wishing star and its gold pendant tail float over to press over the identical cutie mark. Luna leans forward, and touches her horn to the star. The brilliant light show of her eyes and flaring horn dim immediately, the blue energy swirling along her horn into Diamond Dancer. One by one, two by two, then ten by ten, the stars in the sky go dark, and the moon peels back from full to crescent sliver. Abruptly, Luna's eyes and horn go dark, and Diamond is floated down to the pedestal, set upon her own hooves. Panting heavily, Luna gives Diamond an exasperated stare. "It HAD to be a star. Thou could not have had diamonds as thy cutie mark or some such." Lifting her head, she gives her mane a shake to send it all nebulous again. It's back to announcements. "There. We have replaced thy curse with something more wholesome. The clock still ticks, Night's Errant. Thy star falls towards the Earth. But if thou do not allow us a more certain cure before doom strikes, we believe thou would rather become a star than a nightmare." Luna takes one more very deep breath, letting it out in a gust that folls all around the Square. "The Solstice Boons are complete. This one must stand for all others." And with that, and a flash of blue, she disappears.
Berry_Punch takes a moment to hoofbump Pinkie.
Nettleglum could bring Chas and he and Pinkie could have a candy eating contest...
<OOC> Luna says, "The candy is not going to stop falling until the palace storerooms are empty, though. Have a nice night, Snapdragon."
<OOC> Luna says, "And possibly tomorrow."
Snapdragon protsts the theft of her candy! There's muffled sounds coming from inside the mountain!
Snapdragon hopes someone tells her aunt - and Miss Cherilee what's become of her o.o
Nettleglum lurches up behind the empty couch and announces, flatly, "On behalf of her majesty, we thank you for attending the night of the Solstice. Please gather all hats, coats, and sunglasses and proceed to the nearest exit, and enjoy your stay here in Ponyville." She stands there, stiffly waving like a windblown scarecrow.
Rainbow_Dash looks onward, feeing utterly small. How could ponies like her even matter before such great power? In the darkest corners of her mind she begins to realize why they were afraid of Luna a thousand years ago, and why, despite her best intentions, she's a little afraid of her now.
One little pony looks up from her book long enough to applaud. (yay)
Dinky hurries forward to stand by Diamond Dancer. "What does she mean? What did she do? How do you feel?" she hisses.
Nettleglum lurches into the shadows and vanishes.
Hollyhock pulls herself to her hooves, and tugs the front of her hat down lower over her face. She's not entirely sure what to make of what just happened, and she stands there on the roof for a long time staring at the place that Luna had been standing, and Diamond Dancer. She chews her bottom lip, thinking, then hops off the roof to glide back to the street.
Calbee looks around towards Diamond as he watches the end of the night and scuffs the ground a bit trying to figure out what Luna just did.
Diamond_Dancer just stares stright ahead, eyes glowing faintly, her star pendant no longer glowing. "I feel uh...I feel...Mmmm." She mumbles, lifting a hoof and lowering it down to cant on the ground. She sneezes, sniffles, and rubs her nose. "Stable." She mumbles.
Dinky plunks her hoof on Diamond's shoulder. "You feel that? Do you feel things again?"
Diamond_Dancer looks down at her hooves and then back at Dinky. "I...um...I don't know. "She Says curiously. "I have no idea...Hit me in da face!" She says suddenly
Fluttershy flips through the pages. Maybe there's a section on how to speak Diamond Dancer...
Dinky frowns. "I just tapped you on the shoulder. You ought to feel that." She backs up a little, as if to strike Diamond, but she doesn't. Dinky isn't a fighter. She's more of a fight loser.
Calbee moves over towards where Diamond is and frowns, "How you feel?" He asks her curiously wondering what it was that just happened now that he's gotten over the shock a bit.
Diamond_Dancer looks at herself, and then up towards the stars, then back down at her dull necklace. "...Huh. I don't know..."She trails off, biting at her lower lip. "I can't feel anyding, but...I feel different. "She mumbles thoughtfully, if not obviously confused.
Dinky rushes forward and piles into Diamond, not striking or tackling her but... pushing her, like Dinky is a pestle and Diamond's the mortar. Her eyes close, and her tail rises soulfully, and it seems like this is almost like a hug for little Dinky.
Calbee hmmms, "maybe it's something that you will just have to figure out in time." he says curiously.
Snapdragon has hollowed out a little cavern inside the mountain. She'll begin tunneling towards the surface tomorrow. She begins keeping expedition notes: Day one - candy candy every where. High hopes for reaching the surface tomorrow. Hope to be able to smooth things over with Auntie Rosehips. She's so inflexible about these things, ever since the accident.
Diamond_Dancer gasps when Dinky hugs her, the pony freezing at the contact- before turning it into her own hug. Oh, yeah, she definitely owes Dinky. The filly's hug and hold before Diamond pulls away and takes a deep breath. "...I dink...I'm gonna be okay."
Dinky didn't mean to hug Diamond. She only put her front legs out to keep from losing her balance... she thinks. But--"Wait. You mean you felt that?"
Do I only get one?"
