Post by Derpy on Apr 26, 2015 2:44:17 GMT -5
This is the kickoff of a major MUCK-wide plot in which players are invited to create their own scenes! See the MUCKwide RP board for details.
Derpy is playing Applejack in this scene.
Ponyville Square(#138RA)
$===============$ 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.
$====================================================$
Fluttershy has arrived.
Applejack walks slowly through the familiar square, taking it in as if it were for the first time. She's been in Canterlot so much recently, it's like Ponyville's a foreign town right now. And although they're staying mostly out of sight, the team of guards is there, watching, just in case. She's got her tiara on too, which doesn't help matters. "Well, Flutters. Y'all about ready to do this?"
Sugar_Rush has arrived.
"Um." You always know just what to say, Fluttershy. "I don't know. I mean...something about this seems kind of...off?" She turns her speech over in her hooves. Well, it's really more of an informational pamphlet.
Diamond_Dancer has arrived.
Applejack gives a little sigh. A half-shipment sigh. "Well, what are we supposed to do?" she asks her friend for the second time. "Just tell Luna, no, sweetheart, you've gotta get your patootie back here and keep churning up them nightmares? I figure everypony's entitled to a vacation now and then, after all." She looks less than certain herself, though. As if some chill or something just took it upon itself to drop in on the area.
"Well..." Fluttershy's eyes follow Applejack away. "If you say so. I mean, I guess we kind of do have the...um, authority? To deal with this...oh, that's a scary thought." She whispers that last part.
Applejack speaks in a hush. "You sayin' what I think you're sayin'?" She sits down near where the statue of Twilight used to be. "You want to try taking on nightmare makin' yourself? Because I don't know what's scarier, the thought of makin' nightmares for other ponies, or the thought of -you- doin' it."
There was a long silence. "...o-okay, good point." Fluttershy finally follows after Applejack. With her whole body this time, not just her eyes.
"Right then." Applejack adjusts her tiara and stands up tall. She takes out the dark indigo megaphone Luna left with her and announces loudly:
Derpy shouts "Applejack's voice carries through all of Ponyville, amplified magically. "Hear ye, hear ye! Citizens of Ponyville, this is your stand-in princess Aplpejack speakin'! Princess Fluttershy and I have an announcement for y'all, so if'n you've got a titch to spare, please assemble in the town square."" (Public-shout)
13 folks heard that.
Fluttershy shouts "...titch?" (Public-shout)
Sugar_Rush lands in the square. "Someone call for a town meeting?"
StarryBlade has arrived.
Scarlet has arrived.
Dynamite_Rave has arrived.
Applejack is standing beside the spot where Twilight's statue used to stand, wearing her royal tiara and holding an indigo megaphone. A bag sits beside her, and a team of guards stand some distance away. The stand-in princess of the night looks nervous.
<OOC> Lightless absorbs Rave's soul with a straw.
<OOC> Dynamite_Rave has no soul, got married and popped out kids. BTW. Mimic and I are expecting a girl IRL. We found out today.
<OOC> Scarlet says, "Yay!"
<OOC> Sugar_Rush says, "Congrats!"
<OOC> Lightless did not know that after marrying, the soul died. Is of the old school thought of marriage = happiness.
<OOC> You say, "Many congratulations, Rave! I just know she's gonna grow up with plenty of love."
Autumn_Luck has arrived.
Dusk has arrived.
StarryBlade perches in a tree
Fluttershy isn't holding her megaphone up. It's low enough that Angel manages to sneak up and blow a big raspberry into it.
You whisper, "If you've got time to answer in between poses and protein--what form do you suppose Mare Crisium would physically take? I reckon I'd be releasing it somehow." to Fluttershy.
Sugar_Rush waits to see why this gathering was called...
Diamond_Dancer Also waits. o.o
Applejack looks sharply at the tiny little raspberry that comes out the rear end of the megaphone. She looks down and sees the bunny there, and gives him a ripe scowl. Then she softens her expression and looks around at the ponies coming hither from yon. Tries to look regal, stand tall. Feels very small compared to Luna or Celestia, or even Twilight Sparkle.
Diamond_Dancer Quietly trots over, positioning herself next to Applejack, the way she does when she stands next to Luna. Tiny chest held out and proud, she perks her ears, waiting to hear what this announcement might be...
Dusk steps outside from the Magic Research Center when ponies start gathering in the area. He looks around seeing AJ and Fluttershy and others and curious what may be up. He looks around seeing who else might be showing up.
StarryBlade remains perched in a tree in the shadows, looks like a grumpy owl
Fluttershy is already taller than Applejack. She's sorry about that. "Um...h-hello, everypony." Beat. "Thank you all for coming. We have a..." Fluttershy sucks in a breath and smiles. "Very special announcement for you today!" Angel blows another raspberry.
Diamond_Dancer perks both her ears curiously, looking up at Applejack, and then over to Fluttershy. "You'se two is gittin' married?!"
Scarlet says "Congratulations!"
Fluttershy says "W-what?!"
Sugar_Rush blinks? "Um...really? No, what did you really want to tell us?"
Applejack smiles a little proud smile when Diamond Dancer comes up to stand at attention. The guards move a little closer, but AJ exchanges a smart look with them. She smiles for a second at Fluttershy. "Right," she says then to the crowd through her megaphone. She then decides it's plenty loud and sets it down, talking in her big outside voice. "I know your time's valuable, so I'll try not to take up too much of it. Here's the gist. You all probably know that our reigning princesses, Celestia and Luna, are on break. They've gone off somewhere far away and they're livin' it up. Now, at first, they expected they might be gone a fortnight, maybe two. But, well.. we've been keeping in touch through my dreams at night, and it turns out... they're having too fine a time to stop now. I guess when you get to be a few thousand years old, you take mighty long vacations to clear your soul." She clears her throat. "So. They're gonna be a while yet. All I know about what they're doing is it involves pizza. Far from me to question. But just a few days ago, my little sister had a bunch of bad dreams she spun up on her own accord, and they hurt her plenty. It's only thanks to Luna she got straightened out by morning--otherwise I might've had a day's chore in givin' her comfort. I talked it over with Luna, and the upshot is... she's tired of making nightmares for folks. She wants to just stick to the nice part of the job--helping suffering ponies get over their fears. And frankly, with her communin' with Celestia, and sellin' pizza, and all... she doesn't feel like she has time for nightmares anymore."
Eris has arrived.
Eris is standing just to the side of the two rent-a-Princesses (that's the correct term, right?) wearing her sash of office and looking as official as possible. Which is mostly "facade of calm" mixed with a heaping portion of "incredibly nervous". The mayoral staff had sort of put her here, and she's questioning why she went along with it.
Dusk hmmms and listens to the announcement along with all of the others. He looks around seeing a good bit of confusion on many of the other ponies' faces as well. He hmmmms.. "Princess Luna is responsible for all the nightmares that ponies have?" he asks to AJ or really anypony in an official position. Or griffin, if they have an answer.
Fluttershy is radiating the same kind of quiet tranquility that Celestia does now. It must be something about how she carries herself. In this instance, however, it's all flowing totally outward, which might explain the plastered-on smile and darting eyes.
Diamond_Dancer stands there quietly, ears pekered, nose all scrunched up in confusion. "Wait, what? they're not coming back? Pizza?! What kind of Pizza?! How come the princesses of the world are makin Pizza?! Are you'se gonna be Princess Luna forevah now?!"
Sugar_Rush looks very confused. "Making nightmares?" He of course has heard about the Princess of the Night having power over dreams, but this is still a bit outside his experience.
Forge has arrived.
Eris glances at Fluttershy. Oh, hey, she knows that look! She's feeling that right now, too! c,c And all this talk about Princesses making nightmares has her confused. Pony pseudomythology is strange. Everygriffon knows Hypnos is the god of dreams.
PUB >> The bad Twin, Forgery says, "Heya everypony."
Dusk is rather sure ponies have dreams and nightmares on their own. But with Acting-Princess AJ's statement, he does want some clarification. Most adults likely aren't even aware of Princess Luna having anything to do with dreams, with her having been banished for the last 1000 years while they grew up. But there have been more recent events and word getting around now, even if not as much direct experience. As Dusk figures it, from his own assumptions, is that Luna would step in and guide a dream or nightmare where she is needed most, but leave many others to their own thoughts. Much as in stepping in RL. Ponies have to be able to solve most of their own problems. The same in dreams.
Applejack looks a little peckered for a moment at all this wondering and panic, but she exchanges a look with Fluttershy and immediately gets a beatificity bonus. A little calmer, she steps forward. Dusk is addressed first. "Now hold on. No, Princess Luna doesn't make most of our nightmares. Most nightmares--and the good dreams too, for that matter--we make ourselves. Always have. But one of Luna's duties is to keep tabs on how that's all going. Some folks, especially foals, well, they have trouble with their own secret minds at night, sometimes, and they need a helping hoof and a kind word now and then. But in more subtle ways, Luna influences all our dreams. I didn't realize it myself until she told me so, a few weeks ago." She takes a deep breath. "Apparently, the occasional nightmare is good for you. Who knew?" She glances at Eris, smiling to see her there and unaware of her metaphysical reservations. And as for Diamond's worries--"Now don't you worry. I can't say how long it'll take for our rulers to do whatever it is to their... well, their spirits, I guess--that they need to do. But I do know that everypony is entitled to a vacation now and then. It could be years. I hope not, I sincerely do. It could just as well be over next week. But I can assure you that Luna and Celestia are coming back eventually. As for why pizzas? I couldn't say. My cutie mark is apples. Find yourself someone with a pizza on their haunches and ask them, is my advice." She then bends to pluck something out of the bag she brought--something small and apparently precious.
<OOC> Fluttershy gets a +17 bonus to her Celestia score because she's been rehearsing for this for literally her entire life.
StarryBlade continues to watch from the tree, isn't confused.
Sugar_Rush stands there, still looking confused and a bit out of his depth...
Hollyhock has arrived.
Scarlet says "That was a fun announcement. What are we going to do next? We could have a dance!"
"Oh, that's not a bad idea," answers Fluttershy.
Dusk considers AJ's response to his concerns and he nods agreeably in her direction. "Ahh thank you, Princess Applejack." He gives a small bow. "The clarification is appreciated. No offense was intended." He starts noticing a few others like Rush around, and even Starry secretly up in her tree. She's always a pretty sneaky one, along with Mr. Snuffles.
Diamond_Dancer Gives a little whimper, ears folding down sadly. "So...So I won't git ta see Princess Luna again...?"
Applejack has set a bowl on the stone foundation where the statue used to stand. It'd be gray if it did't look so white. Moonstone, probably. "All right, Fluttershy. You got the jug of moonshine? Go ahead and pour it in." Applejack then addresses the vocal ponies again. "Quite all right, Dusk. Honestly, I'm not the best at public speaking--so if I forget to say something obvious I really ought to say, it's good to have folks to point it out. And Diamond, sweetie, I'm sure she'll be back before too long. No, Scarlet, we're not having a dan--" But Fluttershy speaks up, and Applejack looks over. "Huh. Well. Ah suppose we could have a dance," she says doubtfully. "Ah mean, I was thinking we'd just make this announcement and let you all get back to your workday, but maybe we should have some sort of... acknowledgement." She looks to Fluttershy, wondering if the pegasus has anything to add. "Anyway." Standing on her rear legs, she holds up a little shimmering ball, blue and purple and gold, with something within. "This here is Luna's stopgap. She didn't want us to go without her guidance while she's away, so she figured she'd put in a little effort and create... something... that could create the healthy kind of nightmares without her havin' to do it. Apparently Celestia wanted to help, so this here is made from her own dreams, which are pure, and good. They call it, Mare Crisium. Couldn't tell you why."
Sugar_Rush continues to looks confused. He decides to just nod a bit.
Forge stands in the back of the crowd, watching the goings on silently, but attentively.
Fluttershy fluttershrugs. "I-I really don't know, either." Angel hops up on top of her head. "But, um...okay. Here goes!" Out comes the cork, tip goes the jug, and forth pours a little stream of shimmering liquid, which smells...pleasantly familiar, even if you can't quite put your hoof on it. "This is actually going better than I expected. Don't you agree, Angel?"
Dusk watches closely, quite fascinated with the materials being used. Something unique created by the Princesses together is certainly something to be curious about entirely on its own. But appears we are going to learn of some functionality to it as well. And it's rather pretty too. Oooo.
Forge looks completely mystified as to what this is even all about, he had just been walking down to the market to buy some produce, and got caught up in the spectacle.
Applejack holds up the dark orb to the afternoon light, and it swirls and darkens to the dhade of Luna's mane. As for the moonshine, it's silvery and sparkling, heavy in the bowl of moonstone on the statue's foundation. Applejack says a few words as if reciting. "Mare Crisium, we welcome you into the world of the wakeful. We inviote you into our ears and eyes, and into our secret places, knowing you for a friend. We ask you to guide us in our slumber in the place of our beloved princess, that we may become more whole and hale ponies by the morning's light." Solemnly, then, she drops the orb into the bowl of liquid. Immediately it susserates--not noisomely, but loudly enough that even those in the back can hear it. A plume of silver-gray steam rises quickly, causing Applejack to leap back and draw a sudden breath. She shakes her head a little as she inhales some of the stuff--it's bracing and strange! It dissipates quickly, though, spreading through the air and illuminating the thermal currents.
Sugar_Rush has disconnected.
Fluttershy smiles, pouring the dreamwater with a little more...uh, presence, than she usually would. This involves closing her eyes. "Wake up, Night Child. We're sure you'll do a wonderful job." When there's no more to pour, she takes a little breath and blinks. Fluttershy looks more awake than she has all day.
Forge takes a slow step back from the event, his eyes following the smoke and a suspicious look crossing his face, "This is giving bad dreams yes? I am wanting no part of it..."
Dusk's curiosity does turn to a bit more of a concern as this process continues. This looks to be some sort of powerful material and he too keeps near to the MRC as he watches. He's pretty cautious about such unusual magics, and is careful to keep clear of it. "Yes, what is this to do, Your Highness?"
Diamond_Dancer stands on her hind hooves, lifting up to peer curiously into the fountain. "Yeah, yeah! Whats dis supposta do? Is it magic?! Are you'se makin' another moonbow?"
Eris sort of cowers, watching, being frightfully close to the Princessi.
Applejack does seem to share the concerns of the assemblage, to a fair degree. She adjusts her tiara and tries to hide it, though. "Now, I know this is a little scary," she admits. "In fact, I told Luna maybe we'd better do it quietly, without any fuss or pompousness. But then we decided it'd be less fair to release it without tellin' anypony, even if it is supposed to be unnoticeable." She smiles tightly to Diamond Dancer. "Maybe you'll dream of a moonbow tonight, kiddo. But no, this here is just a... creation meant to do Luna's job." Louder, now, she repeats that: "This Crisium creation, it's not gonna do any more or less than what Luna herself did, night after night, for the last few years without most ponies even noticin'. You probably won't notice anything different at all. It's meant to guide you and teach you in your dreams, make you into better ponies, and it's going to spread across all Equestria." Already the steam is harder to see, and is spreading toward the horizon. "But just in case there are problems, we want you to let us know. Ain't that right, Fluttershy?" She gestures over to the griffon chancellor. "If me and Fluttershy aren't available, you can just tell Eris here, in case anything about your dreams seems out of the ordinary."
"That's right," says Fluttershy, and there's barely any shakiness to her voice. "We'll do whatever we can to make sure everypony gets a good night's sleep." One more raspberry for the road from Angel.
Eris straightens up and looks as Chancelly as possible. She waves a little and smiles. "I'm, uh... always here, for everypony."
Forge seems to gain a bit of confidence from the words of both the substitute princesses, The stallion steps forward again and sniffs at the lingering smoke, "Hah, then is nothing for worry. I never have bad dreams, this will be nothing." The Ponyville blacksmith nods decisively.
Dusk nods at the reassuring words of the acting princesses. But for whatever reason he doesn't actually feel reassured. He thinks ponies should be left to their own dreams and helped only where needed. But he's not going to publicly argue with neither the acting nor the actual princesses. He has a feeling this is going to cause more of a disruption than planned. A magic can not replace the skilled touch of a pony.
Or a griffon.
<OOC> EconomistBrony chuckles.
Or a marmoset! (yay)
<OOC> EconomistBrony wonders who -that- was. He eyes @po.
<OOC> Eris holds up a banner that reads "Griffon Rights Movement"
<OOC> Dusk chuckles too.
<OOC> Dusk says, "And Left Movements too."
<OOC> Derpy was going to say!
<OOC> You say, "If only move right? Very dizzy lifetime."
<OOC> Dusk laughs. :-)
<OOC> Forge says, "Da, only good griffon is right taloned griffon in public office."
Applejack seems moderately pleased with how that went. "Well!" She inhales in satisfaction, and shudders a little more with the scent or the feel of the invasive miasma... which, thankfully, is thinning. "If there's no more questions, ah suppose we can have a dance now." Doubtfully, she looks to Fluttershy. "If you think that's a good idea? Honestly, the day's not over yet, and I feel like most of these folks would probably just as rather get back to work." She shrugs to Scarlet. "But there's nothin' wrong with dancing, I'll admit!"
Nimble_Hooves has arrived.
Hmmm...Fluttershy smiles. "Why don't we just let them have fun, Applejack? I-if that's what they feel like, I mean." Somewhere, a beat begins to rev up, behind a soft piano tune...
Diamond_Dancer Peers curiously into the water, watching it swirl around after Fluttershy just pours in the moonshine. "HMmm...Are you'se guys sure about dis? What if it goes rogue?"
<OOC> Fluttershy says, "It seemed like a good idea at the time..."
<OOC> You say, "And they're meant to teach you and patch up the cracks in your soul."
<OOC> Fluttershy says, "I mean, anypony could have done it.."
<OOC> You say, "We were jus' followin' orders."
<OOC> Fluttershy says, "I think everypony should just take a breath and calm down."
<OOC> EconomistBrony says, "Celestia's so gonna leave your pizza in the oven too long."
<OOC> Fluttershy says, "And don't go to sleep."
<OOC> Fluttershy smiles.
<OOC> Dusk personally doesn't think Luna gives ponies nightmares. Not even the ones she shows up in. But for the sake of this RP we can say so. :-)
Forge nods at Diamond Dancer's concern, "Da, is no such thing as good nightmare. Is like changeling, always evil, never anything good come of it being around."
Dusk nods with Diamond and Forage and a quite a good number of other ponies in the crowd that seem to have their own concerns about this too. But then most ponies are frightened by solitary zebra, or a few too many little bunnies.
Applejack speaks in a hush to Diamond Dancer, squatting down. "If it goes rogue, we'll just have to deal with it. And you'll be there to help, won't you? Ah know Luna considers you her shinin' knight, doesn't she? Well, with her out on vacation, I expect I can count on you to right any wrongs that might develop. Now am ah wrong?"
<OOC> Dusk says, "Just get in all those ponies' heads and fix up those nightmares, Diamond. :-)"
<OOC> Eris has learned one thing so far during her stay in Ponytown. When ponies gather for a seemingly innocent announcement, something bad almost always swiftly follows. Ponies should stop gathering.
<OOC> Derpy grins. Are metagaming the MUCK!
<OOC> Dusk says, "Quite true, Eris. Though it wouldn't stop the bad from happening. :-)"
<OOC> Fluttershy says, "o.o"
<OOC> EconomistBrony notes the seemingly innocent announcements have only resulted in fried griffon dinners a few times. o.o;
<OOC> Diamond_Dancer says, "Dat sounds like ovahtime..."
<OOC> Dusk says, "EFG?"
<OOC> Derpy can assure all players present that absolutely no consequences of whatever sort are going to follow from this scene we just had here.
<OOC> Derpy licks her lips and checks her notes.
<OOC> You say, "Oh wait."
<OOC> You say, "Was wrong! Actually now is nightmare insanity."
<OOC> Forge inserts in Derpy's notes (all ponies except Forge.)
<OOC> Eris D: nightmare insanity?!
<OOC> Eris says, "Can Luna (and associated magics) even screw with griffons? o,o"
<OOC> Derpy will give details in shortly time! On MUCK and on forum.
<OOC> You say, "And that is for you to decide, Eris! But answer is yes."
<OOC> Dusk says, "Great decision, Eris. :-)"
<OOC> Eris blinks. I didn't decide? Or... oh, Derpy decided for me. I guess I am affected by it, then.
<OOC> You say, "All player can decide how extent of affects!"
<OOC> Fluttershy says, "Griffons: Do they even lift?"
<OOC> Derpy not lift.
Eris sits down, looks confused, nervous, but is ready to help the fine ponies of Ponyville! Ready, set... who needs help? No one? Good.
StarryBlade has disconnected.
<OOC> Dusk says, "We scared Starry unconscious."
<OOC> EconomistBrony says, "Sounds legit."
Forge steps over to lighty pat the tiny chancellor on the back and whisper, "Is not to be worrying. I am just blacksmith, but I will help you to help the other ponies, if I can."
Dusk hmmmms and nods as he watches the ponies, while eating some delicious triple stack cake. He did say there would be cake. Mmmm chocolate.
Dusk hooves out slices to the other ponies around. Seems to have plenty to go around.
EconomistBrony is not sure why he's in Ponyville, but he is. And continues sipping some tea. He does see Forge comforting Eri,s however, and trots over to pat the tiny chancellor on the back as well. "I am just the finance minister, but I am also happy to help assist you in whatever way I can. When I'm not needed in Canterlot."
Eris looks at Forge, then smiles. "Hey, thanks!" she says to the big earth pony. And then thanks the strange paperpusher that comes over to comfort her, as well. See, Eris, everything will be okay. There won't be any nightmare epidemic or anything silly like that, that only happens in stories.
Diamond_Dancer Sniffs curiously at the water, staring at her reflection. She can't smell anything anyway, sadly, but she does sniff. SNRK. "..." If dis results in a monstah, do I gotsa fight it?"
<OOC> Fluttershy says, "o/~ Dreams are in bloom"
<OOC> Derpy sings, "An endless hotel, a dancing broom!"
Applejack sits next to Diamond Dancer, staring into what remains of the silvery moonshine. "Honestly? I don't know," she confesses. "Ah'm not sure how a soul'd go about fightin' a nightmare, aside from just... doin' whatever the dream calls for, and that might be for the best. I expect Princess Luna probably knows what she's doing, and she sent this to me, but in case it goes wrong? We'll let her know about it, and if that don't get her to end her vacation, I don't know what will." She looks over toward Eris, who seems scared. "Flutters, could you go an' check on the Chancellor? I think she might be a little jittery."
Haunting_Melody has arrived.
Diamond_Dancer Shakes her head quietly. "I don't like fightin' monstahs. "The girl laments softly. She's fought far more than any girl her age should have to. "I haven't seen da Night crew lately...wif Luna missin' we're kinda scattered...
"Well then, I suggest you don't worry about it," says Applejack. "Uhm... but you do have a place to stay, don't you? You live with Bardigan in the woods, if I remember correctly. If you want to keep me company in the palace, I wouldn't turn y'all away. Bardi could come too."
Scarlet has disconnected.
Dusk is over by the MRC enjoying some quadruple layer chocolate cake and enjoying some tea while he watches the ponies talking about the released magical nightmare mist.
=====
After this point, it kind of trails off, but I've included the rest anyway!
=====
Forge blinks after a moment and then turns to both the current Princesses. "Majesty...er...highness? W-What is proper term? I have request..."
Haunting_Melody makes her way towards the square curiously wondering what was up, she was heading that way to go see if Dusk was around about the other problems, when she notices a bit of a crowd, but also spots Dusk and heads that way.
Dusk ohs and notices Haunting coming over his way and give a little smile. "Greetings, Miss Melody. What brings you out this way?" He offers her one of the chocolate chip muffins he has.
Applejack turns to the blacksmith. She nods seriously. "Forge, right? You can call us 'Your highnesses' if'n you want, but 'ma'am' or just Applejack is fine by me. What can I do ya for?"
Forge smiles and offers a bow as he steps a bit closer to both the replacement Princesses, "I am having serious trouble, Not enough to do legal action.../yet/. I am hard working pony, from before rising of sun until long after going down. I shape metal, was good work, and I enjoyed it. But now is a mare, she keeps coming around, not buying anything, just bothering me, all day, everyday. I have tried to be nice. But I have question, if she becomes bigger nuisance. Can i call guards and have her banned from shop?'
Eris has disconnected.
Applejack looks over to see if FLuttershy is paying attention. This is more of Celestia's thing than Luna's, so... but then again, Fluttershy might not have the eggs to do the tough thing if it's called for. (Or would she have too many eggs? Applejack always thought pastries were tougher without.) "Well, seeing as it's your shop, I reckon you can ban her on your own, first. Have you tried, or does she barge in anyways?"
Hollyhock has left.
Forge listens to the advice, he nods and scowls, "Thank you, I will trying that if she makes more trouble. I do not want to be mean, but I will do it if I have too. she is athlete she says, but she is still smaller then I am. and I can throw her out if I have too. I just needed to know if I had the right."
Haunting_Melody glances over towards Dusk, "Just wondering if there wa any news on thngs, and whts up here tonight?" she asks curiously looking around the square.
"Well of course you've got the right," says Applejack. "Takes a right foolish mare to give a blacksmith trouble in his own forge. Don't she know the kind of tools you work with? But anyhow, if you do ban her, and she -still- won't leave, send word to the mayor and she'll send someone to take care of it. If I'm in town, my guards can handle it, too. Anything else?"
Forge shakes his head, smiling once again, "Nothing else, thank you. She knows my tools, and she still does not care, she is very cocky, and when first came in was strutting around shop with wings open and swaggering everywhere. Annoyed me, but I am easy going pony, and ignored her. I will send for help if she does not stay out after I toss her out on her ear."
Applejack nods soberly. She looks toward Fluttershy for confirmation, but it looks like Flutters is busy talking some vim into Eris. So the stand-in princess of the night just claps Forge lightly on the back. "Thanks for your work, and I hope she leaves you alone."
Dusk listens to what's going on in the Square still too, most ponies taking their snacks and starting to wander back to whatever they were up to. Seems even the Princesses are down to misc business for the day. He nods to Haunting, "Seems our Acting Princesses were here to release some sort of nightmare spirit across Equestria on behalf of Princess Luna and Princess Celestia. And now ponies are wandering off. Anything bring you by today?"
Forge smiles and bows to Fluttershy, "No highness. nothing important, I am really liking your mane by the way."
Haunting_Melody hmmmms a bit, "Just wondering if you had heard anything more about Red velvets condition?" she asks curiously, "Or the other talk." she adds while glancing towards the others trying to keep
Diamond_Dancer has disconnected.
Dusk bows and smiles to Princess Fluttershy as she sunnily returns once again. "Greetings, Your Highness." He shakes his head to Haunting though, "Nothing new so far about Lady Velvet. But we are still working on it. Perhaps Princess Fluttershy has come across something so far."
"Oh! Well, thank you. I, um, I guess they use a higher grade of shampoo in the palace...?" Fluttershy has to admit, privately, that she's been enjoying living it up. "Red? No, I'm afraid I haven't heard anything lately..."
Haunting_Melody hmmmms, "You should go talk to the giant version of her outside of Canterlot at her lounge, it will tell yu the full story." she says not knowing how much Fluttershy knows about the events yet.
Dusk smiles and nods, "Thank you, Princess Fluttershy, for keeping an eye out. Yes, Miss Melody has found some information out. That Lady Velvet has been split up into multiple parts, and each one perhaps appearing as a whole pony. And one by the name Sanguine at Lady Velvet's establishment."
Fluttershy ...
Fluttershy turns to Melody. "W...w-wait, what?"
Fluttershy glances between Melody, Dusk, and Forge.
Haunting_Melody hmmmms, "You will need to speak with her, something...took Red apart..and put her in various places, were going to have to go find them and bring her back.." she says.
Dusk nods to Haunting and to Fluttershy. "I don't quite understand how this happened either, or even just what it is that has happened to Lady Velvet. But this is what Miss Melody here says she has learned.
Derpy is playing Applejack in this scene.
Ponyville Square(#138RA)
$===============$ 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.
$====================================================$
Fluttershy has arrived.
Applejack walks slowly through the familiar square, taking it in as if it were for the first time. She's been in Canterlot so much recently, it's like Ponyville's a foreign town right now. And although they're staying mostly out of sight, the team of guards is there, watching, just in case. She's got her tiara on too, which doesn't help matters. "Well, Flutters. Y'all about ready to do this?"
Sugar_Rush has arrived.
"Um." You always know just what to say, Fluttershy. "I don't know. I mean...something about this seems kind of...off?" She turns her speech over in her hooves. Well, it's really more of an informational pamphlet.
Diamond_Dancer has arrived.
Applejack gives a little sigh. A half-shipment sigh. "Well, what are we supposed to do?" she asks her friend for the second time. "Just tell Luna, no, sweetheart, you've gotta get your patootie back here and keep churning up them nightmares? I figure everypony's entitled to a vacation now and then, after all." She looks less than certain herself, though. As if some chill or something just took it upon itself to drop in on the area.
"Well..." Fluttershy's eyes follow Applejack away. "If you say so. I mean, I guess we kind of do have the...um, authority? To deal with this...oh, that's a scary thought." She whispers that last part.
Applejack speaks in a hush. "You sayin' what I think you're sayin'?" She sits down near where the statue of Twilight used to be. "You want to try taking on nightmare makin' yourself? Because I don't know what's scarier, the thought of makin' nightmares for other ponies, or the thought of -you- doin' it."
There was a long silence. "...o-okay, good point." Fluttershy finally follows after Applejack. With her whole body this time, not just her eyes.
"Right then." Applejack adjusts her tiara and stands up tall. She takes out the dark indigo megaphone Luna left with her and announces loudly:
Derpy shouts "Applejack's voice carries through all of Ponyville, amplified magically. "Hear ye, hear ye! Citizens of Ponyville, this is your stand-in princess Aplpejack speakin'! Princess Fluttershy and I have an announcement for y'all, so if'n you've got a titch to spare, please assemble in the town square."" (Public-shout)
13 folks heard that.
Fluttershy shouts "...titch?" (Public-shout)
Sugar_Rush lands in the square. "Someone call for a town meeting?"
StarryBlade has arrived.
Scarlet has arrived.
Dynamite_Rave has arrived.
Applejack is standing beside the spot where Twilight's statue used to stand, wearing her royal tiara and holding an indigo megaphone. A bag sits beside her, and a team of guards stand some distance away. The stand-in princess of the night looks nervous.
<OOC> Lightless absorbs Rave's soul with a straw.
<OOC> Dynamite_Rave has no soul, got married and popped out kids. BTW. Mimic and I are expecting a girl IRL. We found out today.
<OOC> Scarlet says, "Yay!"
<OOC> Sugar_Rush says, "Congrats!"
<OOC> Lightless did not know that after marrying, the soul died. Is of the old school thought of marriage = happiness.
<OOC> You say, "Many congratulations, Rave! I just know she's gonna grow up with plenty of love."
Autumn_Luck has arrived.
Dusk has arrived.
StarryBlade perches in a tree
Fluttershy isn't holding her megaphone up. It's low enough that Angel manages to sneak up and blow a big raspberry into it.
You whisper, "If you've got time to answer in between poses and protein--what form do you suppose Mare Crisium would physically take? I reckon I'd be releasing it somehow." to Fluttershy.
Sugar_Rush waits to see why this gathering was called...
Diamond_Dancer Also waits. o.o
Applejack looks sharply at the tiny little raspberry that comes out the rear end of the megaphone. She looks down and sees the bunny there, and gives him a ripe scowl. Then she softens her expression and looks around at the ponies coming hither from yon. Tries to look regal, stand tall. Feels very small compared to Luna or Celestia, or even Twilight Sparkle.
Diamond_Dancer Quietly trots over, positioning herself next to Applejack, the way she does when she stands next to Luna. Tiny chest held out and proud, she perks her ears, waiting to hear what this announcement might be...
Dusk steps outside from the Magic Research Center when ponies start gathering in the area. He looks around seeing AJ and Fluttershy and others and curious what may be up. He looks around seeing who else might be showing up.
StarryBlade remains perched in a tree in the shadows, looks like a grumpy owl
Fluttershy is already taller than Applejack. She's sorry about that. "Um...h-hello, everypony." Beat. "Thank you all for coming. We have a..." Fluttershy sucks in a breath and smiles. "Very special announcement for you today!" Angel blows another raspberry.
Diamond_Dancer perks both her ears curiously, looking up at Applejack, and then over to Fluttershy. "You'se two is gittin' married?!"
Scarlet says "Congratulations!"
Fluttershy says "W-what?!"
Sugar_Rush blinks? "Um...really? No, what did you really want to tell us?"
Applejack smiles a little proud smile when Diamond Dancer comes up to stand at attention. The guards move a little closer, but AJ exchanges a smart look with them. She smiles for a second at Fluttershy. "Right," she says then to the crowd through her megaphone. She then decides it's plenty loud and sets it down, talking in her big outside voice. "I know your time's valuable, so I'll try not to take up too much of it. Here's the gist. You all probably know that our reigning princesses, Celestia and Luna, are on break. They've gone off somewhere far away and they're livin' it up. Now, at first, they expected they might be gone a fortnight, maybe two. But, well.. we've been keeping in touch through my dreams at night, and it turns out... they're having too fine a time to stop now. I guess when you get to be a few thousand years old, you take mighty long vacations to clear your soul." She clears her throat. "So. They're gonna be a while yet. All I know about what they're doing is it involves pizza. Far from me to question. But just a few days ago, my little sister had a bunch of bad dreams she spun up on her own accord, and they hurt her plenty. It's only thanks to Luna she got straightened out by morning--otherwise I might've had a day's chore in givin' her comfort. I talked it over with Luna, and the upshot is... she's tired of making nightmares for folks. She wants to just stick to the nice part of the job--helping suffering ponies get over their fears. And frankly, with her communin' with Celestia, and sellin' pizza, and all... she doesn't feel like she has time for nightmares anymore."
Eris has arrived.
Eris is standing just to the side of the two rent-a-Princesses (that's the correct term, right?) wearing her sash of office and looking as official as possible. Which is mostly "facade of calm" mixed with a heaping portion of "incredibly nervous". The mayoral staff had sort of put her here, and she's questioning why she went along with it.
Dusk hmmms and listens to the announcement along with all of the others. He looks around seeing a good bit of confusion on many of the other ponies' faces as well. He hmmmms.. "Princess Luna is responsible for all the nightmares that ponies have?" he asks to AJ or really anypony in an official position. Or griffin, if they have an answer.
Fluttershy is radiating the same kind of quiet tranquility that Celestia does now. It must be something about how she carries herself. In this instance, however, it's all flowing totally outward, which might explain the plastered-on smile and darting eyes.
Diamond_Dancer stands there quietly, ears pekered, nose all scrunched up in confusion. "Wait, what? they're not coming back? Pizza?! What kind of Pizza?! How come the princesses of the world are makin Pizza?! Are you'se gonna be Princess Luna forevah now?!"
Sugar_Rush looks very confused. "Making nightmares?" He of course has heard about the Princess of the Night having power over dreams, but this is still a bit outside his experience.
Forge has arrived.
Eris glances at Fluttershy. Oh, hey, she knows that look! She's feeling that right now, too! c,c And all this talk about Princesses making nightmares has her confused. Pony pseudomythology is strange. Everygriffon knows Hypnos is the god of dreams.
PUB >> The bad Twin, Forgery says, "Heya everypony."
Dusk is rather sure ponies have dreams and nightmares on their own. But with Acting-Princess AJ's statement, he does want some clarification. Most adults likely aren't even aware of Princess Luna having anything to do with dreams, with her having been banished for the last 1000 years while they grew up. But there have been more recent events and word getting around now, even if not as much direct experience. As Dusk figures it, from his own assumptions, is that Luna would step in and guide a dream or nightmare where she is needed most, but leave many others to their own thoughts. Much as in stepping in RL. Ponies have to be able to solve most of their own problems. The same in dreams.
Applejack looks a little peckered for a moment at all this wondering and panic, but she exchanges a look with Fluttershy and immediately gets a beatificity bonus. A little calmer, she steps forward. Dusk is addressed first. "Now hold on. No, Princess Luna doesn't make most of our nightmares. Most nightmares--and the good dreams too, for that matter--we make ourselves. Always have. But one of Luna's duties is to keep tabs on how that's all going. Some folks, especially foals, well, they have trouble with their own secret minds at night, sometimes, and they need a helping hoof and a kind word now and then. But in more subtle ways, Luna influences all our dreams. I didn't realize it myself until she told me so, a few weeks ago." She takes a deep breath. "Apparently, the occasional nightmare is good for you. Who knew?" She glances at Eris, smiling to see her there and unaware of her metaphysical reservations. And as for Diamond's worries--"Now don't you worry. I can't say how long it'll take for our rulers to do whatever it is to their... well, their spirits, I guess--that they need to do. But I do know that everypony is entitled to a vacation now and then. It could be years. I hope not, I sincerely do. It could just as well be over next week. But I can assure you that Luna and Celestia are coming back eventually. As for why pizzas? I couldn't say. My cutie mark is apples. Find yourself someone with a pizza on their haunches and ask them, is my advice." She then bends to pluck something out of the bag she brought--something small and apparently precious.
<OOC> Fluttershy gets a +17 bonus to her Celestia score because she's been rehearsing for this for literally her entire life.
StarryBlade continues to watch from the tree, isn't confused.
Sugar_Rush stands there, still looking confused and a bit out of his depth...
Hollyhock has arrived.
Scarlet says "That was a fun announcement. What are we going to do next? We could have a dance!"
"Oh, that's not a bad idea," answers Fluttershy.
Dusk considers AJ's response to his concerns and he nods agreeably in her direction. "Ahh thank you, Princess Applejack." He gives a small bow. "The clarification is appreciated. No offense was intended." He starts noticing a few others like Rush around, and even Starry secretly up in her tree. She's always a pretty sneaky one, along with Mr. Snuffles.
Diamond_Dancer Gives a little whimper, ears folding down sadly. "So...So I won't git ta see Princess Luna again...?"
Applejack has set a bowl on the stone foundation where the statue used to stand. It'd be gray if it did't look so white. Moonstone, probably. "All right, Fluttershy. You got the jug of moonshine? Go ahead and pour it in." Applejack then addresses the vocal ponies again. "Quite all right, Dusk. Honestly, I'm not the best at public speaking--so if I forget to say something obvious I really ought to say, it's good to have folks to point it out. And Diamond, sweetie, I'm sure she'll be back before too long. No, Scarlet, we're not having a dan--" But Fluttershy speaks up, and Applejack looks over. "Huh. Well. Ah suppose we could have a dance," she says doubtfully. "Ah mean, I was thinking we'd just make this announcement and let you all get back to your workday, but maybe we should have some sort of... acknowledgement." She looks to Fluttershy, wondering if the pegasus has anything to add. "Anyway." Standing on her rear legs, she holds up a little shimmering ball, blue and purple and gold, with something within. "This here is Luna's stopgap. She didn't want us to go without her guidance while she's away, so she figured she'd put in a little effort and create... something... that could create the healthy kind of nightmares without her havin' to do it. Apparently Celestia wanted to help, so this here is made from her own dreams, which are pure, and good. They call it, Mare Crisium. Couldn't tell you why."
Sugar_Rush continues to looks confused. He decides to just nod a bit.
Forge stands in the back of the crowd, watching the goings on silently, but attentively.
Fluttershy fluttershrugs. "I-I really don't know, either." Angel hops up on top of her head. "But, um...okay. Here goes!" Out comes the cork, tip goes the jug, and forth pours a little stream of shimmering liquid, which smells...pleasantly familiar, even if you can't quite put your hoof on it. "This is actually going better than I expected. Don't you agree, Angel?"
Dusk watches closely, quite fascinated with the materials being used. Something unique created by the Princesses together is certainly something to be curious about entirely on its own. But appears we are going to learn of some functionality to it as well. And it's rather pretty too. Oooo.
Forge looks completely mystified as to what this is even all about, he had just been walking down to the market to buy some produce, and got caught up in the spectacle.
Applejack holds up the dark orb to the afternoon light, and it swirls and darkens to the dhade of Luna's mane. As for the moonshine, it's silvery and sparkling, heavy in the bowl of moonstone on the statue's foundation. Applejack says a few words as if reciting. "Mare Crisium, we welcome you into the world of the wakeful. We inviote you into our ears and eyes, and into our secret places, knowing you for a friend. We ask you to guide us in our slumber in the place of our beloved princess, that we may become more whole and hale ponies by the morning's light." Solemnly, then, she drops the orb into the bowl of liquid. Immediately it susserates--not noisomely, but loudly enough that even those in the back can hear it. A plume of silver-gray steam rises quickly, causing Applejack to leap back and draw a sudden breath. She shakes her head a little as she inhales some of the stuff--it's bracing and strange! It dissipates quickly, though, spreading through the air and illuminating the thermal currents.
Sugar_Rush has disconnected.
Fluttershy smiles, pouring the dreamwater with a little more...uh, presence, than she usually would. This involves closing her eyes. "Wake up, Night Child. We're sure you'll do a wonderful job." When there's no more to pour, she takes a little breath and blinks. Fluttershy looks more awake than she has all day.
Forge takes a slow step back from the event, his eyes following the smoke and a suspicious look crossing his face, "This is giving bad dreams yes? I am wanting no part of it..."
Dusk's curiosity does turn to a bit more of a concern as this process continues. This looks to be some sort of powerful material and he too keeps near to the MRC as he watches. He's pretty cautious about such unusual magics, and is careful to keep clear of it. "Yes, what is this to do, Your Highness?"
Diamond_Dancer stands on her hind hooves, lifting up to peer curiously into the fountain. "Yeah, yeah! Whats dis supposta do? Is it magic?! Are you'se makin' another moonbow?"
Eris sort of cowers, watching, being frightfully close to the Princessi.
Applejack does seem to share the concerns of the assemblage, to a fair degree. She adjusts her tiara and tries to hide it, though. "Now, I know this is a little scary," she admits. "In fact, I told Luna maybe we'd better do it quietly, without any fuss or pompousness. But then we decided it'd be less fair to release it without tellin' anypony, even if it is supposed to be unnoticeable." She smiles tightly to Diamond Dancer. "Maybe you'll dream of a moonbow tonight, kiddo. But no, this here is just a... creation meant to do Luna's job." Louder, now, she repeats that: "This Crisium creation, it's not gonna do any more or less than what Luna herself did, night after night, for the last few years without most ponies even noticin'. You probably won't notice anything different at all. It's meant to guide you and teach you in your dreams, make you into better ponies, and it's going to spread across all Equestria." Already the steam is harder to see, and is spreading toward the horizon. "But just in case there are problems, we want you to let us know. Ain't that right, Fluttershy?" She gestures over to the griffon chancellor. "If me and Fluttershy aren't available, you can just tell Eris here, in case anything about your dreams seems out of the ordinary."
"That's right," says Fluttershy, and there's barely any shakiness to her voice. "We'll do whatever we can to make sure everypony gets a good night's sleep." One more raspberry for the road from Angel.
Eris straightens up and looks as Chancelly as possible. She waves a little and smiles. "I'm, uh... always here, for everypony."
Forge seems to gain a bit of confidence from the words of both the substitute princesses, The stallion steps forward again and sniffs at the lingering smoke, "Hah, then is nothing for worry. I never have bad dreams, this will be nothing." The Ponyville blacksmith nods decisively.
Dusk nods at the reassuring words of the acting princesses. But for whatever reason he doesn't actually feel reassured. He thinks ponies should be left to their own dreams and helped only where needed. But he's not going to publicly argue with neither the acting nor the actual princesses. He has a feeling this is going to cause more of a disruption than planned. A magic can not replace the skilled touch of a pony.
Or a griffon.
<OOC> EconomistBrony chuckles.
Or a marmoset! (yay)
<OOC> EconomistBrony wonders who -that- was. He eyes @po.
<OOC> Eris holds up a banner that reads "Griffon Rights Movement"
<OOC> Dusk chuckles too.
<OOC> Dusk says, "And Left Movements too."
<OOC> Derpy was going to say!
<OOC> You say, "If only move right? Very dizzy lifetime."
<OOC> Dusk laughs. :-)
<OOC> Forge says, "Da, only good griffon is right taloned griffon in public office."
Applejack seems moderately pleased with how that went. "Well!" She inhales in satisfaction, and shudders a little more with the scent or the feel of the invasive miasma... which, thankfully, is thinning. "If there's no more questions, ah suppose we can have a dance now." Doubtfully, she looks to Fluttershy. "If you think that's a good idea? Honestly, the day's not over yet, and I feel like most of these folks would probably just as rather get back to work." She shrugs to Scarlet. "But there's nothin' wrong with dancing, I'll admit!"
Nimble_Hooves has arrived.
Hmmm...Fluttershy smiles. "Why don't we just let them have fun, Applejack? I-if that's what they feel like, I mean." Somewhere, a beat begins to rev up, behind a soft piano tune...
Diamond_Dancer Peers curiously into the water, watching it swirl around after Fluttershy just pours in the moonshine. "HMmm...Are you'se guys sure about dis? What if it goes rogue?"
<OOC> Fluttershy says, "It seemed like a good idea at the time..."
<OOC> You say, "And they're meant to teach you and patch up the cracks in your soul."
<OOC> Fluttershy says, "I mean, anypony could have done it.."
<OOC> You say, "We were jus' followin' orders."
<OOC> Fluttershy says, "I think everypony should just take a breath and calm down."
<OOC> EconomistBrony says, "Celestia's so gonna leave your pizza in the oven too long."
<OOC> Fluttershy says, "And don't go to sleep."
<OOC> Fluttershy smiles.
<OOC> Dusk personally doesn't think Luna gives ponies nightmares. Not even the ones she shows up in. But for the sake of this RP we can say so. :-)
Forge nods at Diamond Dancer's concern, "Da, is no such thing as good nightmare. Is like changeling, always evil, never anything good come of it being around."
Dusk nods with Diamond and Forage and a quite a good number of other ponies in the crowd that seem to have their own concerns about this too. But then most ponies are frightened by solitary zebra, or a few too many little bunnies.
Applejack speaks in a hush to Diamond Dancer, squatting down. "If it goes rogue, we'll just have to deal with it. And you'll be there to help, won't you? Ah know Luna considers you her shinin' knight, doesn't she? Well, with her out on vacation, I expect I can count on you to right any wrongs that might develop. Now am ah wrong?"
<OOC> Dusk says, "Just get in all those ponies' heads and fix up those nightmares, Diamond. :-)"
<OOC> Eris has learned one thing so far during her stay in Ponytown. When ponies gather for a seemingly innocent announcement, something bad almost always swiftly follows. Ponies should stop gathering.
<OOC> Derpy grins. Are metagaming the MUCK!
<OOC> Dusk says, "Quite true, Eris. Though it wouldn't stop the bad from happening. :-)"
<OOC> Fluttershy says, "o.o"
<OOC> EconomistBrony notes the seemingly innocent announcements have only resulted in fried griffon dinners a few times. o.o;
<OOC> Diamond_Dancer says, "Dat sounds like ovahtime..."
<OOC> Dusk says, "EFG?"
<OOC> Derpy can assure all players present that absolutely no consequences of whatever sort are going to follow from this scene we just had here.
<OOC> Derpy licks her lips and checks her notes.
<OOC> You say, "Oh wait."
<OOC> You say, "Was wrong! Actually now is nightmare insanity."
<OOC> Forge inserts in Derpy's notes (all ponies except Forge.)
<OOC> Eris D: nightmare insanity?!
<OOC> Eris says, "Can Luna (and associated magics) even screw with griffons? o,o"
<OOC> Derpy will give details in shortly time! On MUCK and on forum.
<OOC> You say, "And that is for you to decide, Eris! But answer is yes."
<OOC> Dusk says, "Great decision, Eris. :-)"
<OOC> Eris blinks. I didn't decide? Or... oh, Derpy decided for me. I guess I am affected by it, then.
<OOC> You say, "All player can decide how extent of affects!"
<OOC> Fluttershy says, "Griffons: Do they even lift?"
<OOC> Derpy not lift.
Eris sits down, looks confused, nervous, but is ready to help the fine ponies of Ponyville! Ready, set... who needs help? No one? Good.
StarryBlade has disconnected.
<OOC> Dusk says, "We scared Starry unconscious."
<OOC> EconomistBrony says, "Sounds legit."
Forge steps over to lighty pat the tiny chancellor on the back and whisper, "Is not to be worrying. I am just blacksmith, but I will help you to help the other ponies, if I can."
Dusk hmmmms and nods as he watches the ponies, while eating some delicious triple stack cake. He did say there would be cake. Mmmm chocolate.
Dusk hooves out slices to the other ponies around. Seems to have plenty to go around.
EconomistBrony is not sure why he's in Ponyville, but he is. And continues sipping some tea. He does see Forge comforting Eri,s however, and trots over to pat the tiny chancellor on the back as well. "I am just the finance minister, but I am also happy to help assist you in whatever way I can. When I'm not needed in Canterlot."
Eris looks at Forge, then smiles. "Hey, thanks!" she says to the big earth pony. And then thanks the strange paperpusher that comes over to comfort her, as well. See, Eris, everything will be okay. There won't be any nightmare epidemic or anything silly like that, that only happens in stories.
Diamond_Dancer Sniffs curiously at the water, staring at her reflection. She can't smell anything anyway, sadly, but she does sniff. SNRK. "..." If dis results in a monstah, do I gotsa fight it?"
<OOC> Fluttershy says, "o/~ Dreams are in bloom"
<OOC> Derpy sings, "An endless hotel, a dancing broom!"
Applejack sits next to Diamond Dancer, staring into what remains of the silvery moonshine. "Honestly? I don't know," she confesses. "Ah'm not sure how a soul'd go about fightin' a nightmare, aside from just... doin' whatever the dream calls for, and that might be for the best. I expect Princess Luna probably knows what she's doing, and she sent this to me, but in case it goes wrong? We'll let her know about it, and if that don't get her to end her vacation, I don't know what will." She looks over toward Eris, who seems scared. "Flutters, could you go an' check on the Chancellor? I think she might be a little jittery."
Haunting_Melody has arrived.
Diamond_Dancer Shakes her head quietly. "I don't like fightin' monstahs. "The girl laments softly. She's fought far more than any girl her age should have to. "I haven't seen da Night crew lately...wif Luna missin' we're kinda scattered...
"Well then, I suggest you don't worry about it," says Applejack. "Uhm... but you do have a place to stay, don't you? You live with Bardigan in the woods, if I remember correctly. If you want to keep me company in the palace, I wouldn't turn y'all away. Bardi could come too."
Scarlet has disconnected.
Dusk is over by the MRC enjoying some quadruple layer chocolate cake and enjoying some tea while he watches the ponies talking about the released magical nightmare mist.
=====
After this point, it kind of trails off, but I've included the rest anyway!
=====
Forge blinks after a moment and then turns to both the current Princesses. "Majesty...er...highness? W-What is proper term? I have request..."
Haunting_Melody makes her way towards the square curiously wondering what was up, she was heading that way to go see if Dusk was around about the other problems, when she notices a bit of a crowd, but also spots Dusk and heads that way.
Dusk ohs and notices Haunting coming over his way and give a little smile. "Greetings, Miss Melody. What brings you out this way?" He offers her one of the chocolate chip muffins he has.
Applejack turns to the blacksmith. She nods seriously. "Forge, right? You can call us 'Your highnesses' if'n you want, but 'ma'am' or just Applejack is fine by me. What can I do ya for?"
Forge smiles and offers a bow as he steps a bit closer to both the replacement Princesses, "I am having serious trouble, Not enough to do legal action.../yet/. I am hard working pony, from before rising of sun until long after going down. I shape metal, was good work, and I enjoyed it. But now is a mare, she keeps coming around, not buying anything, just bothering me, all day, everyday. I have tried to be nice. But I have question, if she becomes bigger nuisance. Can i call guards and have her banned from shop?'
Eris has disconnected.
Applejack looks over to see if FLuttershy is paying attention. This is more of Celestia's thing than Luna's, so... but then again, Fluttershy might not have the eggs to do the tough thing if it's called for. (Or would she have too many eggs? Applejack always thought pastries were tougher without.) "Well, seeing as it's your shop, I reckon you can ban her on your own, first. Have you tried, or does she barge in anyways?"
Hollyhock has left.
Forge listens to the advice, he nods and scowls, "Thank you, I will trying that if she makes more trouble. I do not want to be mean, but I will do it if I have too. she is athlete she says, but she is still smaller then I am. and I can throw her out if I have too. I just needed to know if I had the right."
Haunting_Melody glances over towards Dusk, "Just wondering if there wa any news on thngs, and whts up here tonight?" she asks curiously looking around the square.
"Well of course you've got the right," says Applejack. "Takes a right foolish mare to give a blacksmith trouble in his own forge. Don't she know the kind of tools you work with? But anyhow, if you do ban her, and she -still- won't leave, send word to the mayor and she'll send someone to take care of it. If I'm in town, my guards can handle it, too. Anything else?"
Forge shakes his head, smiling once again, "Nothing else, thank you. She knows my tools, and she still does not care, she is very cocky, and when first came in was strutting around shop with wings open and swaggering everywhere. Annoyed me, but I am easy going pony, and ignored her. I will send for help if she does not stay out after I toss her out on her ear."
Applejack nods soberly. She looks toward Fluttershy for confirmation, but it looks like Flutters is busy talking some vim into Eris. So the stand-in princess of the night just claps Forge lightly on the back. "Thanks for your work, and I hope she leaves you alone."
Dusk listens to what's going on in the Square still too, most ponies taking their snacks and starting to wander back to whatever they were up to. Seems even the Princesses are down to misc business for the day. He nods to Haunting, "Seems our Acting Princesses were here to release some sort of nightmare spirit across Equestria on behalf of Princess Luna and Princess Celestia. And now ponies are wandering off. Anything bring you by today?"
Forge smiles and bows to Fluttershy, "No highness. nothing important, I am really liking your mane by the way."
Haunting_Melody hmmmms a bit, "Just wondering if you had heard anything more about Red velvets condition?" she asks curiously, "Or the other talk." she adds while glancing towards the others trying to keep
Diamond_Dancer has disconnected.
Dusk bows and smiles to Princess Fluttershy as she sunnily returns once again. "Greetings, Your Highness." He shakes his head to Haunting though, "Nothing new so far about Lady Velvet. But we are still working on it. Perhaps Princess Fluttershy has come across something so far."
"Oh! Well, thank you. I, um, I guess they use a higher grade of shampoo in the palace...?" Fluttershy has to admit, privately, that she's been enjoying living it up. "Red? No, I'm afraid I haven't heard anything lately..."
Haunting_Melody hmmmms, "You should go talk to the giant version of her outside of Canterlot at her lounge, it will tell yu the full story." she says not knowing how much Fluttershy knows about the events yet.
Dusk smiles and nods, "Thank you, Princess Fluttershy, for keeping an eye out. Yes, Miss Melody has found some information out. That Lady Velvet has been split up into multiple parts, and each one perhaps appearing as a whole pony. And one by the name Sanguine at Lady Velvet's establishment."
Fluttershy ...
Fluttershy turns to Melody. "W...w-wait, what?"
Fluttershy glances between Melody, Dusk, and Forge.
Haunting_Melody hmmmms, "You will need to speak with her, something...took Red apart..and put her in various places, were going to have to go find them and bring her back.." she says.
Dusk nods to Haunting and to Fluttershy. "I don't quite understand how this happened either, or even just what it is that has happened to Lady Velvet. But this is what Miss Melody here says she has learned.