Post by Fluttershy on Dec 16, 2011 0:44:04 GMT -5
(( This is the log of every session with Fluttershy and friends going to help Clara and the hurt Diamond Dog miners. There is a bit missing from the beginning of the first part - if anypony happens to have that part of the scene, it'd be appreciated if they could donate it! Thanks. ))
Twilight_Sparkle has arrived.
Spike has arrived.
Firefly remains standing a few meters in front of the Diamond Dog, between her and Bardigan.
Twilight_Sparkle gallops in, Spike on her back.
Clara listens carefully, cautiously, to the pink pegasus. She steps back once more. Then, she moves her head back and forth. "Will not be disarmed," she pronounces. "Keeping health means...keeping safe." She glances around nervously...and happens to see the Night Princess at the very moment she speaks up, which leads to her thrusting her weapon vaguely in the direction of said princess, though really only a tilt, and grabbing at her necklace hastily with her other forepaw. She looks back and forth in fear, apparently cornered.
Diamond_Dancer has arrived.
Fluttershy surveys the situation quickly, eyes darting back and forth. A diamond dog. Luna. Firefly looking ready to do...something drastic, and Bardigan maybe in need of protection. She dashes over and skids to a stop between Firefy and Clara, and bows low on her foreknees. "Wait! Everypony wait! I'm s-so sorry, Miss Diamond Dog..."
Luna bows her head - but not so far that her horn is pointed at anyone. "FIREFLY! TO THY MISTRESS! LET THE KIND BE KIND."
Firefly blinks. Fluttershy being....unshy? Brave even. She says to Fluttershy. "Please ask her to stop waving her axe around before there is a....misunderstanding." Then takes off vertically, rotating to swing around and take a post at Luna's right side, hovering.
Bardigan slowly lowers himself back down to the ground. "If we all know what this is about," he says quietly, "then perhaps we should be off."
Twilight_Sparkle gives Luna a plaintive look.
( The spooked Diamond Dog readjusts her stance, which is a little shaky with relatively thin hind legs (though they seem strong enough). She seems to calm slightly after hearing all this and swiveling her ears and head from pony to pony. She draws up her weapon to what she appears to consider its resting stance. "The letter, yes," she says to Bardigan. And once Firefly is in place, she hesitates. Is that... The canine squints. "Moonlord?" she asks, voice tremulous. She slowly lowers herself to one knee, ignoring Fluttershy, using her pickaxe for support. )
PUB >> The Mini Minion Firefly says, "Oooooohhh....you have a warshipper!"
Fluttershy glances sideways at Luna, keeping her head down. "Princess, please let me explain. I got a letter from the Diamond Dogs asking for my help, because a lot of them were injured in a mining accident. I've been preparing to go and meet them..."
Luna catches Twilight's look, her bluegreen eyes coldly meeting the little unicorn's. Her horn flashes, teleporting Twilight - and Spike, if he's in contact with her - up onto the roof of the cafe beside her. Then the Diamond Dog bows, and Luna answers it, "RISE, BURROW DOG. IF THOU ARE ON AN ERRAND OF MERCY, THOU ARE UNDER OUR PROTECTION AS MUCH AS ANY PONY." Then she lowers her voice to something merely audible, glancing between Firefly and Twilight on either side of her. "We will always let kindness go before us. Remember that, both of you. As I know that Celestia's wisdom is greater than mine, so I ask thee, my servant, to be ready to protect Fluttershy, but let the decisions of her kindness rule thine. Do thee understand?"
Firefly hovers lightly, "Yes my Princess." bowing her head and ears in respect. "Fluttershy has even asked that I go along and help. I am sure the Diamond Dogs will cause no trouble, knowing that the Moonlord's Squire is among the rescuers."
Bardigan remains slightly in the background of the rest of these high and mighty affairs, at the ready to start the journey.
Spike wobbles a little on Twilight's back, rather discombobulated by the sudden teleport. "Whoa. You gotta warn me when you're going to do that, Twilight."
Twilight_Sparkle steps forward. "Ahem. My name is Twilight Sparkle," she says, addressing this to the diamond dog. "I am Fluttershy's friend. And Rarity's. And I insist on being allowed to accompany any of my friends."
( The flash catches the dog's attention, drawing her grimacing face to it for a moment until she sees where the unicorn and...little other purple thing...have gone. She turns back to Luna with a controlled movement of the head, now on both knees. On command, the Diamond Dog slowly rises. "Moonlord, greatest of ponies," she rasps. "You are...worthy. I will serve who you deem. I am...on a...mercy mission, yes." What Luna says after that seems to confuse the visitor, but she doesn't seem expected to reply to it. She looks doubtfully at Twilight Sparkle. )
Diamond_Dancer enters the town market place, dragging her belongings with her through the dirt via her mouth. She's a poor, tired little pony, that's for sure and her back is sore from carrying that saddlebag most of the evening. Now she reveals she's a pair of furrowed wings by her side, and what looks like a cutie mark on her flank of a shooting star that shoots allll the way across her bright white tushie. "Nnnnghh...You...think... I'd be used to this thing...by...now..."She grumbles, pauses when she notes the numerous ponies all gathered about the market and freezes when she catches sight of Princess Luna- THE princess luna. "...Well that went faster than planned..."
Fluttershy nods, bowing a little lower when she catches sight of Clara's doubt. "All of my friends have incredible talents, and I'm sure they'd all be able to help your fellow Diamond Dogs as much as I can." She also turns her head just slightly toward Diamond Dancer as she makes the scene again, but doesn't interrupt.
Firefly leans closer to Luna and whispers something to her.
Twilight_Sparkle tilts her head, looking at Luna quizically.
Luna thunders, "WE ASK ONLY THAT NONE OF OUR PONIES BE THREATENED, BURROW DOG. BEYOND THAT, WE LEAVE THEE IN FLUTTERSHY'S CARE. WE GRANT HER OUR AUTHORITY IN DEALING WITH THIS MATTER, TRUSTING IN THE WISDOM OF A LOVING HEART. FOR NOW,WE ARE DONE WITH THIS MATTER. FEAR IS THE ENEMY OF KINDNESS." Turning around, she spreads her huge wings, and under their cover whispers, "We apologize for this mess, Twilight," to one side, and "We will seek her out. Urge her to rest until we do." With that she walks up the slope of the shop's roof towards the edge, preparing to take off.
Twilight_Sparkle scowls. "Now WAIT a minute, princess. Are you leaving me with a mess I'm going to find excessive?"
Firefly nods to Luna and banks off to glide around the market in a slow path, so as not to frighten Clara. She circles around to the far side and glides down to land beside Diamond Dancer. "Still wish to meet my Princess?" she asks with a grin.
EconomistBrony has arrived.
( At the Canterlot-style words from the Moonlord, the dog shuts her eyes momentarily and cringes, though she straightens straightaway. "Your grandness," she says, a hint of longing present. Her eyes shift between princess and magician briefly. "I would make any promise for the...the blessing of your moon. But I cannot..." She turns around, seeing all these faces and breathing shallowly. "I cannot promise they won't be threatened," she breathes. )
Twilight_Sparkle approaches the diamond dog, her eyes narrowed a bit.
Diamond_Dancer 's ears flicker and flutter in absolute alarm when she sees Luna preparing to leave for the evening! "N, no no! Wait wait wait!" She calls frantically trying to give chase. Of course- Of COURSE she's managed to end up with one of those saddle bag straps wrapped around her legs which sends her toppling to the ground- THUD. Not that she's going to give up that easily, of course. She kicks her flier legs as hard as she possibly can, and drags that heavy saddle bag along with her in a desperate feat of strength. "YES!" She cries the moment Firefly's question scrapes past her. She pauses a moment before her cheeks redden. "Can I get dignified first?" She asks, before sitting up and trying to pry the saddle bag from her lower left leg.
Firefly says, "Patience Diamond...she wishes you to rest. She will seek you out when the time is right."
Luna turns her head, looking back at Twilight and blinking. Under her breath, she answers, "Neigh, Twilight Sparkle. We are leaving Fluttershy with a terrified innocent. Please support her as we do Celestia. Magic should always serve kindness." And with that probably unsatisfying answer, she leaps up off of the edge of the roof into the sky, and teleports away in a flash of dark blue - pretending she never heard Clara's reply at all.
Bardigan steps up next to Fluttershy. "We are all willing to do our part," he says to the Diamond Dog. "And we are aware of the somewhat... tense relation between us and Diamond Dogs. But... we have resolved to do what we can regardless." He turns his gaze to Fluttershy, holding out a hoof, bidding her to stand back up. "If you're ready?"
Twilight_Sparkle watches the spot where Luna was, looking deeply uncertain.
Spike says, "D'you think we can trust her? I mean, they did kidnap Rarity, once."
Luna goes home.
Luna has left.
( As Luna vanishes and Twilight and Bardigan come to her side, and the Diamond Dog at least makes a promise not to cause any trouble, Fluttershy lets out a long, soft sight and raises her head. Anypony close enough, who really looked at her, would be able to see the sweat breaded on her brow, the slight shaking, and the tears in the corner of her eyes, which she quickly wipes away before Clara notices. )
Twilight_Sparkle says, "I don't particularly, no. I'm kind of still waiting to hear why we should!"
Firefly smiles to Diamond Dancer then walks up to Bardigan, Fluttershy and Clara. "Clara of the burrowing dogs, I am Firefly, eyes and ears of the Moonlord...I will be coming along to be sure no pony is threatened or harmed...do you udnerstand?"
Fluttershy takes Bardigan's hoof as she rises. "Y-yes, thank you."
Twilight_Sparkle says, "Wait a minute, Firefly. Wait a minute."
Twilight_Sparkle approaches clara. "I was there when your people captured my friend Rarity. Why should I think you are any trustworthy now than you were when you kidnapped my friend, and tried to enslave me and several other ponies in youe jewel mines?
Firefly looks to Twilight, then quietly steps aside and back, beside Fluttershy.
( Now Clara, the 'burrowing dog', turns from staring at the spot just now occupied by the princess to the ponies addressing her. She seems discombobulated but less frightened. "I understand," she says to Firefly. "Ears and eyes? Yes." She nods, flicking her own floppy ears. And then to Twilight Sparkle. "You serve her too. Good. If you have power, you are welcome." She hesitates when confronted about the kidnapping. "I...who is your friend? I don't...I don't know what you mean." She glances at Fluttershy but again averts her eyes. )
Diamond_Dancer 's mouth drops open quietly. "Eyes and ear- you?! YOU'RE THE EYES AND EARS OF LUNA?!" She bellows, before her ears flutter to either side of her head sadly. "I was so close. I, was, so, close!" She sobs- before she quickly composes herself, sits on her haunches and fishes out what looks like quite a thick book from her saddlebags, and right there in the middle of town square, she begins to dictate to herself. "Dear diary. Arrived in PonyVille. Met Firefly. Saw Princess Luna. Made a fool of myself. Cupcakes here are REALLY good tho. Gotta stop by Suga' Cube Corna' tomorrow. Oh yeah, didn't get to ask Luna bout dat ding I'm goin' for. Looks like dere's a subquest in town before I can get on with my main mission. Diamond dogs or somethin...I help with them, I get the princess' attention, I get my dream come true. Win win. Diamond Dancer over n' out. "She scribbles feverishly.
<OOC> Firefly laughs. "Yes, cupcakes are excellent here.
<OOC> Fluttershy 's eyes grow big and watery at the thought. "So sweet and tasty..."
PUB >> Everyone's second favorite princess knows she has a lovely and feminine muzzle, but EconomistBrony's obsession with seeing her eat bananas is starting to worry her.
Bardigan flicks his ears towards Diamond Dancer. "Miss?" he asks. "This is a mite bit more important than a... 'subquest' as you put it." He nods towards the confrontation. Running commentary is only amusing in so many situations!
PUB >> EconomistBrony says, "Concerned about potassium overdose, Ms. Luna?"
Pinkie_Pie 's head sloooooowly rises from a barrel next to Dancer, and she psssssts softly to her. "Did someone say cupcakes?"
PUB >> The Mini Minion Firefly says, "ROFLS"
Firefly decides if Fluttershy and the others needed help, they'd holler. And one less pony in the visitor's face would probably help ease their nerves anyways. She turns and walks over to Diamond Dancer, snickering a bit. "Yes. I am." flicking her wings, then folding them away. "I see you've met Pinkie." grinning to the barrel and its pink head while speaking to Diamond. "She runs Sugarcube corner, which is almost right behind you. Shall we get you something to eat, hmm?"
Fluttershy ums. Stepping forward, she bows her head briefly once again, and then raises it high to meet Clara's eyes - maintaining that eye contact is clearly a *huge* effort for her, though. "Um...m-my name is Fluttershy. What's yours?"
Diamond_Dancer nods her head. "Totally had some at Sugar Cub! They weren't so bad. Bit stale though. Gonna hafta get me some more when they open tomorrow. Gotta talk to whoever runs dat joint! Get a recipie! "She mumbles- answering Pinkie, but mooostly talking to herself. She does look up at Bardigan, however and rolls her eyes. "What, there are some dogs, there was a cave in, we move in, dig 'em out, everybody's happy! Cinchie!" She explains optimistically, stuffing her diary back into her back and moving to -THUD! "...Stiiiiiill attached to the saddle bags. Left my dignty in New Cloud City." She sighs, but perks her ears the the mention of food. "YES!"
( The Diamond Dog visitor takes a deep breath and sets her pickaxe back on her shoulder, apparently no longer needing it for now. She watches the interplay with the public diarist and the Ears and Eyes and the pink thing in a barrel. But now her whole attention turns to the gentle yellow pegasus. There's a scent of relief and a slight gasp from the dog's part. "Flutter-shy," she utters. "My name? Clara. Clara Barkon." Her ears swing forward and she extends a huge paw to the pegasus. "You are genius, yes? Best with animals, good for a cure?" )
PUB >> Everyone's second favorite princess is about to turn in, but is happy she demonstrated once more that the recipe for a disaster is Anything + One Cup Princess Luna.
PUB >> Everyone's second favorite princess says, "Goodnight, everypony!"
PUB >> EconomistBrony says, "Good night, Luna! And a very belated hello in return, Fluttershy!"
Fluttershy blushes. "O-oh, well, I wouldn't say I'm a *genius*, you know, I just really like..." She trails off as she remembers who she's speaking to, and looks up again. "I, um, yes, I can take care of animals. It's kind of my passion in life."
( "Cinchie. If only everything was so easy," Bardigan murmurs, turning back to the others. He's still not sure what exactly he will excel at on this particular mission, but he is still here, ever vigilant. )
Twilight_Sparkle says, "She is brilliant with animals. But that didn't stop your compatriots from abducting and harnessing her and several of the rest of us."
Firefly smiles to Diamond Dancer. "You didn't get a chance to tell me what you were hoping to find, before I was called away."
Bardigan clears his throat. "If I may... miss Sparkle... I'm fairly sure the act of coming here alone could be considered one of goodwill? She's just met the Princess Luna after all... I'm sure they are aware any hostility towards us won't go well for them."
Twilight_Sparkle looks to Bardigan. "I don't see any reason to assume that."
( At Twilight's rebuke, the Diamond Dog is pained and worried. "Abduct? Kidnap? Her?" She points a thumb at Fluttershy, looking confused. "When did it happen? Was it rogues? I didn't know, but..." Her voice scratches more than usual. "It happens." Now she looks back at Fluttershy apologetically. And nods hesitantly to Bardigan. "Not hostile. The hostile dogs are...we watch them, we warn if they come close. Plenty of guards. Six dogs hurt, two are dying." Diamond Dancer is so incomprehensible that she goes ignored entirely. )
Twilight_Sparkle nods slowly, but makes an effort to continue looking suspicious.
Diamond_Dancer Shakes her head. "Err...No...maybe we could talk in private. "She stammers. "I mean, hey, like I said, it's not excatly someding I talk about very often..."She explains. "Ya know...at a place where we can eat? I'm starved!"
Firefly nods. "Follow me...Sugarcube is a quiet place to eat. Pinkie always has the best treats ready, day or night."
Firefly trots off into Sugarcube Corner.
Firefly has left.
( "Eat? Sugarcube Corner is always open for hungry ponies!" she assures Dimaond Dancer. "It's just a ohp, skip and a jump this way! Here, here's a cupcake to fortify you and keep you from starving til we get there." She hands Dancer one of her tasty confections, a red velvet cupcake. )
Twilight_Sparkle turns back toward Spike. "I don't like this. I think we should follow them."
Spike nods. "Good idea. And if they're hurt, maybe we can help."
Clara looks hungrily at the cupcake transfer, but doesn't react further.
Twilight_Sparkle has left.
<OOC> EconomistBrony makes notes of the transfer for gift tax purposes.
Diamond_Dancer has left.
Twilight_Sparkle has arrived.
Fluttershy looks over her shoulder, getting a bit alarmed at Twilight's departure. She turns back to the Diamond Dog in front of her, trying to keep her bravest Flutterface on in spite of all the doubts that were just freshly raised. "Um...so, Miss Clara, when were you thinking of leaving for your home?"
Pinkie_Pie has left.
PUB >> Twilight_Sparkle gets momentarily confused!
Spike leans in to whisper to Twilight. "Do you think there'll be gemstones to snack on?"
PUB >> Fluttershy pats Twilight with a wing. "Maybe you should calm down with some tea and cupcakes." :>
PUB >> The Mini Minion Firefly says, "Happens to all of us. "
PUB >> Pinkie Pie says, "Didsomeonesaycupcakes?"
Clara responds cautiously. "When you have your kit, of course!" She warily looks to the purple unicorn. "Will you...be following?" she asks. And to Bardigan: "And you? Any pony party is a good party." Too bad Pinkie's not here to have heard her say that.
EconomistBrony goes home.
EconomistBrony has left.
( "Dying?" Bardigan whispers, worriedly rubbing one hoof with the other. "Yes. I will be accompanying this trip... 'twas my intention from the start. Couldn't abide myself if I let a pony go in there alone." )
Twilight_Sparkle says, "I would prefer to go with my friend, if you don't mind."
Fluttershy nods. "One moment. I'll go get it," she says, then dashes as fast as she can back to the square, then back to the market, carrying her basket of food and medicine in her mouth. She sets it down at Clara's feet and looks up once again. "Here, I've been getting everything ready."
Clara looks grateful to all the volunteers. She finds her bearing and stands strong, clicking the handle of the weapon-tool against a cobble. "Already? You took the letter to heart! Truly, you are a kind pony." She kneels to grovel for a moment, lowering her head.
Fluttershy takes a step back, looking startled. She stares for a second, then stammers, finally managing to spit out, "T-that's okay! You can stand up now. It's the least I can o."
<OOC> You say, "(do)"
Bardigan takes a deep breath, flapping his wings to stretch them. "She *is* the Element of Kindness," he says in a moment of fanponyish advertisement. "You will find it comes naturally to her."
( "Leeeast?" drawls the Diamond Dog, a slaver in her throat. "Then the most must be glorious! Natural kindness may be best kindness." The dog climbs to her feet again and picks up the basket. "We go now?" she asks, looking out of town. )
Fluttershy steps forward, looking back past her wings. "Is everypony ready?"
Bardigan nods. "Quite."
Spike says, "Hi ho Twilight, away!"
Twilight_Sparkle rears up! "Neigh!"
<OOC> Clara says, "So the quest begins!"
Twilight_Sparkle has arrived.
Spike has arrived.
Firefly remains standing a few meters in front of the Diamond Dog, between her and Bardigan.
Twilight_Sparkle gallops in, Spike on her back.
Clara listens carefully, cautiously, to the pink pegasus. She steps back once more. Then, she moves her head back and forth. "Will not be disarmed," she pronounces. "Keeping health means...keeping safe." She glances around nervously...and happens to see the Night Princess at the very moment she speaks up, which leads to her thrusting her weapon vaguely in the direction of said princess, though really only a tilt, and grabbing at her necklace hastily with her other forepaw. She looks back and forth in fear, apparently cornered.
Diamond_Dancer has arrived.
Fluttershy surveys the situation quickly, eyes darting back and forth. A diamond dog. Luna. Firefly looking ready to do...something drastic, and Bardigan maybe in need of protection. She dashes over and skids to a stop between Firefy and Clara, and bows low on her foreknees. "Wait! Everypony wait! I'm s-so sorry, Miss Diamond Dog..."
Luna bows her head - but not so far that her horn is pointed at anyone. "FIREFLY! TO THY MISTRESS! LET THE KIND BE KIND."
Firefly blinks. Fluttershy being....unshy? Brave even. She says to Fluttershy. "Please ask her to stop waving her axe around before there is a....misunderstanding." Then takes off vertically, rotating to swing around and take a post at Luna's right side, hovering.
Bardigan slowly lowers himself back down to the ground. "If we all know what this is about," he says quietly, "then perhaps we should be off."
Twilight_Sparkle gives Luna a plaintive look.
( The spooked Diamond Dog readjusts her stance, which is a little shaky with relatively thin hind legs (though they seem strong enough). She seems to calm slightly after hearing all this and swiveling her ears and head from pony to pony. She draws up her weapon to what she appears to consider its resting stance. "The letter, yes," she says to Bardigan. And once Firefly is in place, she hesitates. Is that... The canine squints. "Moonlord?" she asks, voice tremulous. She slowly lowers herself to one knee, ignoring Fluttershy, using her pickaxe for support. )
PUB >> The Mini Minion Firefly says, "Oooooohhh....you have a warshipper!"
Fluttershy glances sideways at Luna, keeping her head down. "Princess, please let me explain. I got a letter from the Diamond Dogs asking for my help, because a lot of them were injured in a mining accident. I've been preparing to go and meet them..."
Luna catches Twilight's look, her bluegreen eyes coldly meeting the little unicorn's. Her horn flashes, teleporting Twilight - and Spike, if he's in contact with her - up onto the roof of the cafe beside her. Then the Diamond Dog bows, and Luna answers it, "RISE, BURROW DOG. IF THOU ARE ON AN ERRAND OF MERCY, THOU ARE UNDER OUR PROTECTION AS MUCH AS ANY PONY." Then she lowers her voice to something merely audible, glancing between Firefly and Twilight on either side of her. "We will always let kindness go before us. Remember that, both of you. As I know that Celestia's wisdom is greater than mine, so I ask thee, my servant, to be ready to protect Fluttershy, but let the decisions of her kindness rule thine. Do thee understand?"
Firefly hovers lightly, "Yes my Princess." bowing her head and ears in respect. "Fluttershy has even asked that I go along and help. I am sure the Diamond Dogs will cause no trouble, knowing that the Moonlord's Squire is among the rescuers."
Bardigan remains slightly in the background of the rest of these high and mighty affairs, at the ready to start the journey.
Spike wobbles a little on Twilight's back, rather discombobulated by the sudden teleport. "Whoa. You gotta warn me when you're going to do that, Twilight."
Twilight_Sparkle steps forward. "Ahem. My name is Twilight Sparkle," she says, addressing this to the diamond dog. "I am Fluttershy's friend. And Rarity's. And I insist on being allowed to accompany any of my friends."
( The flash catches the dog's attention, drawing her grimacing face to it for a moment until she sees where the unicorn and...little other purple thing...have gone. She turns back to Luna with a controlled movement of the head, now on both knees. On command, the Diamond Dog slowly rises. "Moonlord, greatest of ponies," she rasps. "You are...worthy. I will serve who you deem. I am...on a...mercy mission, yes." What Luna says after that seems to confuse the visitor, but she doesn't seem expected to reply to it. She looks doubtfully at Twilight Sparkle. )
Diamond_Dancer enters the town market place, dragging her belongings with her through the dirt via her mouth. She's a poor, tired little pony, that's for sure and her back is sore from carrying that saddlebag most of the evening. Now she reveals she's a pair of furrowed wings by her side, and what looks like a cutie mark on her flank of a shooting star that shoots allll the way across her bright white tushie. "Nnnnghh...You...think... I'd be used to this thing...by...now..."She grumbles, pauses when she notes the numerous ponies all gathered about the market and freezes when she catches sight of Princess Luna- THE princess luna. "...Well that went faster than planned..."
Fluttershy nods, bowing a little lower when she catches sight of Clara's doubt. "All of my friends have incredible talents, and I'm sure they'd all be able to help your fellow Diamond Dogs as much as I can." She also turns her head just slightly toward Diamond Dancer as she makes the scene again, but doesn't interrupt.
Firefly leans closer to Luna and whispers something to her.
Twilight_Sparkle tilts her head, looking at Luna quizically.
Luna thunders, "WE ASK ONLY THAT NONE OF OUR PONIES BE THREATENED, BURROW DOG. BEYOND THAT, WE LEAVE THEE IN FLUTTERSHY'S CARE. WE GRANT HER OUR AUTHORITY IN DEALING WITH THIS MATTER, TRUSTING IN THE WISDOM OF A LOVING HEART. FOR NOW,WE ARE DONE WITH THIS MATTER. FEAR IS THE ENEMY OF KINDNESS." Turning around, she spreads her huge wings, and under their cover whispers, "We apologize for this mess, Twilight," to one side, and "We will seek her out. Urge her to rest until we do." With that she walks up the slope of the shop's roof towards the edge, preparing to take off.
Twilight_Sparkle scowls. "Now WAIT a minute, princess. Are you leaving me with a mess I'm going to find excessive?"
Firefly nods to Luna and banks off to glide around the market in a slow path, so as not to frighten Clara. She circles around to the far side and glides down to land beside Diamond Dancer. "Still wish to meet my Princess?" she asks with a grin.
EconomistBrony has arrived.
( At the Canterlot-style words from the Moonlord, the dog shuts her eyes momentarily and cringes, though she straightens straightaway. "Your grandness," she says, a hint of longing present. Her eyes shift between princess and magician briefly. "I would make any promise for the...the blessing of your moon. But I cannot..." She turns around, seeing all these faces and breathing shallowly. "I cannot promise they won't be threatened," she breathes. )
Twilight_Sparkle approaches the diamond dog, her eyes narrowed a bit.
Diamond_Dancer 's ears flicker and flutter in absolute alarm when she sees Luna preparing to leave for the evening! "N, no no! Wait wait wait!" She calls frantically trying to give chase. Of course- Of COURSE she's managed to end up with one of those saddle bag straps wrapped around her legs which sends her toppling to the ground- THUD. Not that she's going to give up that easily, of course. She kicks her flier legs as hard as she possibly can, and drags that heavy saddle bag along with her in a desperate feat of strength. "YES!" She cries the moment Firefly's question scrapes past her. She pauses a moment before her cheeks redden. "Can I get dignified first?" She asks, before sitting up and trying to pry the saddle bag from her lower left leg.
Firefly says, "Patience Diamond...she wishes you to rest. She will seek you out when the time is right."
Luna turns her head, looking back at Twilight and blinking. Under her breath, she answers, "Neigh, Twilight Sparkle. We are leaving Fluttershy with a terrified innocent. Please support her as we do Celestia. Magic should always serve kindness." And with that probably unsatisfying answer, she leaps up off of the edge of the roof into the sky, and teleports away in a flash of dark blue - pretending she never heard Clara's reply at all.
Bardigan steps up next to Fluttershy. "We are all willing to do our part," he says to the Diamond Dog. "And we are aware of the somewhat... tense relation between us and Diamond Dogs. But... we have resolved to do what we can regardless." He turns his gaze to Fluttershy, holding out a hoof, bidding her to stand back up. "If you're ready?"
Twilight_Sparkle watches the spot where Luna was, looking deeply uncertain.
Spike says, "D'you think we can trust her? I mean, they did kidnap Rarity, once."
Luna goes home.
Luna has left.
( As Luna vanishes and Twilight and Bardigan come to her side, and the Diamond Dog at least makes a promise not to cause any trouble, Fluttershy lets out a long, soft sight and raises her head. Anypony close enough, who really looked at her, would be able to see the sweat breaded on her brow, the slight shaking, and the tears in the corner of her eyes, which she quickly wipes away before Clara notices. )
Twilight_Sparkle says, "I don't particularly, no. I'm kind of still waiting to hear why we should!"
Firefly smiles to Diamond Dancer then walks up to Bardigan, Fluttershy and Clara. "Clara of the burrowing dogs, I am Firefly, eyes and ears of the Moonlord...I will be coming along to be sure no pony is threatened or harmed...do you udnerstand?"
Fluttershy takes Bardigan's hoof as she rises. "Y-yes, thank you."
Twilight_Sparkle says, "Wait a minute, Firefly. Wait a minute."
Twilight_Sparkle approaches clara. "I was there when your people captured my friend Rarity. Why should I think you are any trustworthy now than you were when you kidnapped my friend, and tried to enslave me and several other ponies in youe jewel mines?
Firefly looks to Twilight, then quietly steps aside and back, beside Fluttershy.
( Now Clara, the 'burrowing dog', turns from staring at the spot just now occupied by the princess to the ponies addressing her. She seems discombobulated but less frightened. "I understand," she says to Firefly. "Ears and eyes? Yes." She nods, flicking her own floppy ears. And then to Twilight Sparkle. "You serve her too. Good. If you have power, you are welcome." She hesitates when confronted about the kidnapping. "I...who is your friend? I don't...I don't know what you mean." She glances at Fluttershy but again averts her eyes. )
Diamond_Dancer 's mouth drops open quietly. "Eyes and ear- you?! YOU'RE THE EYES AND EARS OF LUNA?!" She bellows, before her ears flutter to either side of her head sadly. "I was so close. I, was, so, close!" She sobs- before she quickly composes herself, sits on her haunches and fishes out what looks like quite a thick book from her saddlebags, and right there in the middle of town square, she begins to dictate to herself. "Dear diary. Arrived in PonyVille. Met Firefly. Saw Princess Luna. Made a fool of myself. Cupcakes here are REALLY good tho. Gotta stop by Suga' Cube Corna' tomorrow. Oh yeah, didn't get to ask Luna bout dat ding I'm goin' for. Looks like dere's a subquest in town before I can get on with my main mission. Diamond dogs or somethin...I help with them, I get the princess' attention, I get my dream come true. Win win. Diamond Dancer over n' out. "She scribbles feverishly.
<OOC> Firefly laughs. "Yes, cupcakes are excellent here.
<OOC> Fluttershy 's eyes grow big and watery at the thought. "So sweet and tasty..."
PUB >> Everyone's second favorite princess knows she has a lovely and feminine muzzle, but EconomistBrony's obsession with seeing her eat bananas is starting to worry her.
Bardigan flicks his ears towards Diamond Dancer. "Miss?" he asks. "This is a mite bit more important than a... 'subquest' as you put it." He nods towards the confrontation. Running commentary is only amusing in so many situations!
PUB >> EconomistBrony says, "Concerned about potassium overdose, Ms. Luna?"
Pinkie_Pie 's head sloooooowly rises from a barrel next to Dancer, and she psssssts softly to her. "Did someone say cupcakes?"
PUB >> The Mini Minion Firefly says, "ROFLS"
Firefly decides if Fluttershy and the others needed help, they'd holler. And one less pony in the visitor's face would probably help ease their nerves anyways. She turns and walks over to Diamond Dancer, snickering a bit. "Yes. I am." flicking her wings, then folding them away. "I see you've met Pinkie." grinning to the barrel and its pink head while speaking to Diamond. "She runs Sugarcube corner, which is almost right behind you. Shall we get you something to eat, hmm?"
Fluttershy ums. Stepping forward, she bows her head briefly once again, and then raises it high to meet Clara's eyes - maintaining that eye contact is clearly a *huge* effort for her, though. "Um...m-my name is Fluttershy. What's yours?"
Diamond_Dancer nods her head. "Totally had some at Sugar Cub! They weren't so bad. Bit stale though. Gonna hafta get me some more when they open tomorrow. Gotta talk to whoever runs dat joint! Get a recipie! "She mumbles- answering Pinkie, but mooostly talking to herself. She does look up at Bardigan, however and rolls her eyes. "What, there are some dogs, there was a cave in, we move in, dig 'em out, everybody's happy! Cinchie!" She explains optimistically, stuffing her diary back into her back and moving to -THUD! "...Stiiiiiill attached to the saddle bags. Left my dignty in New Cloud City." She sighs, but perks her ears the the mention of food. "YES!"
( The Diamond Dog visitor takes a deep breath and sets her pickaxe back on her shoulder, apparently no longer needing it for now. She watches the interplay with the public diarist and the Ears and Eyes and the pink thing in a barrel. But now her whole attention turns to the gentle yellow pegasus. There's a scent of relief and a slight gasp from the dog's part. "Flutter-shy," she utters. "My name? Clara. Clara Barkon." Her ears swing forward and she extends a huge paw to the pegasus. "You are genius, yes? Best with animals, good for a cure?" )
PUB >> Everyone's second favorite princess is about to turn in, but is happy she demonstrated once more that the recipe for a disaster is Anything + One Cup Princess Luna.
PUB >> Everyone's second favorite princess says, "Goodnight, everypony!"
PUB >> EconomistBrony says, "Good night, Luna! And a very belated hello in return, Fluttershy!"
Fluttershy blushes. "O-oh, well, I wouldn't say I'm a *genius*, you know, I just really like..." She trails off as she remembers who she's speaking to, and looks up again. "I, um, yes, I can take care of animals. It's kind of my passion in life."
( "Cinchie. If only everything was so easy," Bardigan murmurs, turning back to the others. He's still not sure what exactly he will excel at on this particular mission, but he is still here, ever vigilant. )
Twilight_Sparkle says, "She is brilliant with animals. But that didn't stop your compatriots from abducting and harnessing her and several of the rest of us."
Firefly smiles to Diamond Dancer. "You didn't get a chance to tell me what you were hoping to find, before I was called away."
Bardigan clears his throat. "If I may... miss Sparkle... I'm fairly sure the act of coming here alone could be considered one of goodwill? She's just met the Princess Luna after all... I'm sure they are aware any hostility towards us won't go well for them."
Twilight_Sparkle looks to Bardigan. "I don't see any reason to assume that."
( At Twilight's rebuke, the Diamond Dog is pained and worried. "Abduct? Kidnap? Her?" She points a thumb at Fluttershy, looking confused. "When did it happen? Was it rogues? I didn't know, but..." Her voice scratches more than usual. "It happens." Now she looks back at Fluttershy apologetically. And nods hesitantly to Bardigan. "Not hostile. The hostile dogs are...we watch them, we warn if they come close. Plenty of guards. Six dogs hurt, two are dying." Diamond Dancer is so incomprehensible that she goes ignored entirely. )
Twilight_Sparkle nods slowly, but makes an effort to continue looking suspicious.
Diamond_Dancer Shakes her head. "Err...No...maybe we could talk in private. "She stammers. "I mean, hey, like I said, it's not excatly someding I talk about very often..."She explains. "Ya know...at a place where we can eat? I'm starved!"
Firefly nods. "Follow me...Sugarcube is a quiet place to eat. Pinkie always has the best treats ready, day or night."
Firefly trots off into Sugarcube Corner.
Firefly has left.
( "Eat? Sugarcube Corner is always open for hungry ponies!" she assures Dimaond Dancer. "It's just a ohp, skip and a jump this way! Here, here's a cupcake to fortify you and keep you from starving til we get there." She hands Dancer one of her tasty confections, a red velvet cupcake. )
Twilight_Sparkle turns back toward Spike. "I don't like this. I think we should follow them."
Spike nods. "Good idea. And if they're hurt, maybe we can help."
Clara looks hungrily at the cupcake transfer, but doesn't react further.
Twilight_Sparkle has left.
<OOC> EconomistBrony makes notes of the transfer for gift tax purposes.
Diamond_Dancer has left.
Twilight_Sparkle has arrived.
Fluttershy looks over her shoulder, getting a bit alarmed at Twilight's departure. She turns back to the Diamond Dog in front of her, trying to keep her bravest Flutterface on in spite of all the doubts that were just freshly raised. "Um...so, Miss Clara, when were you thinking of leaving for your home?"
Pinkie_Pie has left.
PUB >> Twilight_Sparkle gets momentarily confused!
Spike leans in to whisper to Twilight. "Do you think there'll be gemstones to snack on?"
PUB >> Fluttershy pats Twilight with a wing. "Maybe you should calm down with some tea and cupcakes." :>
PUB >> The Mini Minion Firefly says, "Happens to all of us. "
PUB >> Pinkie Pie says, "Didsomeonesaycupcakes?"
Clara responds cautiously. "When you have your kit, of course!" She warily looks to the purple unicorn. "Will you...be following?" she asks. And to Bardigan: "And you? Any pony party is a good party." Too bad Pinkie's not here to have heard her say that.
EconomistBrony goes home.
EconomistBrony has left.
( "Dying?" Bardigan whispers, worriedly rubbing one hoof with the other. "Yes. I will be accompanying this trip... 'twas my intention from the start. Couldn't abide myself if I let a pony go in there alone." )
Twilight_Sparkle says, "I would prefer to go with my friend, if you don't mind."
Fluttershy nods. "One moment. I'll go get it," she says, then dashes as fast as she can back to the square, then back to the market, carrying her basket of food and medicine in her mouth. She sets it down at Clara's feet and looks up once again. "Here, I've been getting everything ready."
Clara looks grateful to all the volunteers. She finds her bearing and stands strong, clicking the handle of the weapon-tool against a cobble. "Already? You took the letter to heart! Truly, you are a kind pony." She kneels to grovel for a moment, lowering her head.
Fluttershy takes a step back, looking startled. She stares for a second, then stammers, finally managing to spit out, "T-that's okay! You can stand up now. It's the least I can o."
<OOC> You say, "(do)"
Bardigan takes a deep breath, flapping his wings to stretch them. "She *is* the Element of Kindness," he says in a moment of fanponyish advertisement. "You will find it comes naturally to her."
( "Leeeast?" drawls the Diamond Dog, a slaver in her throat. "Then the most must be glorious! Natural kindness may be best kindness." The dog climbs to her feet again and picks up the basket. "We go now?" she asks, looking out of town. )
Fluttershy steps forward, looking back past her wings. "Is everypony ready?"
Bardigan nods. "Quite."
Spike says, "Hi ho Twilight, away!"
Twilight_Sparkle rears up! "Neigh!"
<OOC> Clara says, "So the quest begins!"