Blood Red Roses

by totallynotabrony

First published

Roseluck is bitten by a wolf under the light of a full moon. That isn't something you can just tell your friends. Fortunately, she has a diary.

Roseluck is bitten by a wolf under the light of a full moon. That isn't something you can just tell your friends. Fortunately, she has a diary.





Conceptualization with Admiral Biscuit
Editing by a drunken writer

April 21

View Online

7:59 am
Daisy and Lily are the best! I love this new journal. The cover's so thick and solid and the paper's nice. Granted, they were the ones who used a lot of the paper in the old one, but I can’t blame them for that. Carrying a notebook everywhere turned out to be pretty useful, even to other ponies.

doz red rose-Rarity
1 packet sunflower seeds-Arbor
bunch daffodil-Draft Ale
bunch daffodil-Craft Ale
1 white rose-Lamplight
5 assorted bunch-Pinkie Pie
3 marigold starters-Carrot Top

9:16 am
Thursdays are always so slow!





9:38 am
Rarity was the first customer. Finally! I wonder what she wants the roses for. Usually, somepony else is the one giving her those.

1:25 pm
We had a new customer. He's cute. I’ve never seen him before, so Pinkie will probably come by to get flowers for a party before closing time.

1:46 pm
Called it.

2:02 pm
The mayor’s aide stopped by with an order. Dignitaries are visiting next week. Reminder: 1 bunch each of everything. One of us will probably have to go arrange it.

3:00 pm
Daisy and Lily sold more today, but that’s fine, they earned it ha ha.

5:10 pm
Refrigerator empty! :O

5:35 pm
Crisis averted. Thank you, Hardware and Groceries for late hours.

7:00
Daisy’s going on a date! Tried to surprise Lily and I so we wouldn’t make a big deal. Oh sister, don’t you know we always make a big deal about everything? He seems like a nice guy. They make a cute couple.




Sorry, Roseluck, I guess we're breaking in this journal already. I tore off the rest of this page to write something down. The date went really well!

April 22

View Online

7:55 am
Friday! I don't know why I'm so excited for the weekend to almost be here since we run our own business and set our own hours.

10 spears aloe-Lotus
bunch daisies-Junebug
1 sprig Queen Anne's Lace-Lyra
2 doz pink carnation-Tenderheart
half doz hyacinth-Torch Song
potted poinsettia-Filthy Mr. Rich
1 daffodil-Fluttershy
bunch daffodil-Draft Ale
bunch daffodil-Craft Ale
assorted bulbs-Globe
doz ginger-Sugar Belle
1 pack salted sunflower seeds-Applejack
4 yellow tulip-Comet Tail
1 bushel rose petals-Carrot Cake

8:20 am
Looks like Lotus is restocking the spa. I was waiting for this, I had a joke all saved up, but then Lotus comes to buy the aloe, not her sister. Oh well.

9:23 am
There was some sort of small explosion from the direction of the castle. Whatever it was, I’m sure Princess Twilight has it under control.

10:03 am
Tenderheart came by to update the arrangements for the hospital. She’s new at it, and tried to pay us. Lily thinks we should have let her and then donated it back. It would have been funny, I guess.

1:20 pm
The flower stand has a loose board. Reminder: stop by Hardware and Groceries to get some nails.

2:30 pm
That was a lot of rose petals. I wonder what the Cakes are getting up to tonight? Ha ha. Reminder: go by Sugarcube Corner in the morning for some of their rosehip tea.

4:30 pm
Oh, right, I should go get some nails.

4:45 pm
Nails obtained.

4:50 pm
Forgot hammer.

5:30 pm
Fortunately back in time for dinner. Tonight, Lily has a date! She played Daisy’s tactic against her, a last minute surprise announcement. Daisy was making dinner for three. More for the two of us, looks like.

6:30 pm
More for the two of us was a terrible idea. Ugh, so full.

7:00 pm
I should go for a walk. Maybe it’ll help. Nice moon tonight.

8:45
I heard another boom from the direction of the castle. Against my better judgement, I headed over there. Princess Twilight is doing something with science. She explained it, but it’s way too much to write here or even remember. I pointed out how late it was getting and that I should be going home.

9:02 pm
Does anypony

9:03 pm
Something weird is going on here.

April 23

View Online

Okay, maybe I was being a little overdramatic last night. But as I was bleeding on my journal and stumbling away, at the time it seemed really important that everypony know what happened to me if I died.
I’m glad this journal’s so heavy. A solid whack to the head got the wolf to go away. My watch got broken in the scuffle, though.
This morning, it seems like I’m still alive. Good to know :p By the time I got home last night, Daisy was asleep and Lily wasn’t home yet, so I bandaged my leg and went to bed.

9:00 ish?
I just remembered the note about Sugarcube Corner. Saturday morning tea time! Me time!

9:30 ish?
Pinkie complemented me on my scarf. I tied it on to hide the bandage, and I think it works pretty well. Maybe a bit asymmetric, but you can't go wrong with a dash of color. And Pinkie made a huge deal about how adorable I look. I'm patting myself on the back for getting a table outside. Pinkie can't hang around forever. I just want to soak up the sunshine and drink this tea.

I love this tea!

10:00
I really need to get a new watch. I'm telling time by the town hall bell.

10:05 ish?
Lamplight just went into Sugarcube Corner. I must have missed his party yesterday. Oh well, Pinkie's usually pretty good about staggering them so that everypony can go to most of them.

I cannot believe what he just said to me! "You look really hot with that bandage." What kind of stallion says that to a mare? I think if I hadn't glared at him, he would have joined me at my table with his tea. Worse, I don't think he said it because he doesn't know how to talk to mares. That smile...he knew what he was saying. Jerk.
I wanted to get up and buy a cookie anyway. When I came back outside to my tea, he was gone.

10:30
Back home. Something's been bothering me. How did Lamplight know I had a bandage? I checked the scarf but it's still hiding it. Daisy and Lily haven't said anything as we get ready for lunch.

10:45
Ugh, maybe no lunch for me. Suddenly not in the mood.

12:00
I can't remember being so sick. It's at the point that I think if I threw up I would feel better. Where did this come from?

April 24

View Online

Did I really just sleep all day and all night? What is wrong with me? Actually, it seems like I'm better now. Good. After missing Saturday night, I wouldn't want to miss Sunday morning.

Daisy and Lily brought me breakfast in bed. That's so sweet of them. I guess I kind of worried them with getting sick so suddenly. Sure hope they don't catch it. I wouldn't wish that on anypony.

Breakfast went down like I was pouring it in. I guess being sick for the last eighteen hours or so will do that to you. I don't remember ever being this hungry before.

9:30 am
I got out of bed, but I'm still hungry. Daisy and Lily are off on their own errands now. Hayburger isn't open yet. I don't feel like eating my own humdrum cooking. Sugarcube Corner again? Like I even need to answer that.

9:45 am
Sugarcube Corner is closed. Weird. There was a sign on the door that said they were out of baking supplies. How does that even happen to a bakery?

10:00 am
Not what I originally wanted to do, but the easiest, cheapest way to get food in Ponyville is go buy some apples. The market's not open, so I walked all the way out to Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack sold me a bushel. I figure Daisy and Lily will like some.

12:00
I don't feel full, but apples are starting to lose their appeal. Probably because I've eaten too many.

2:10 pm
Daisy and Lily are back. They've been with their coltfriends. I can tell by the smell. Is that weird? Probably. I didn't tell them that.

5:30 pm
Why is spinach suddenly so good? Have I got an iron deficiency? Maybe I'm still a little sick. Sitting around the house, I feel twitchy. I don't think Daisy and Lily have noticed.

9:00 pm
Bedtime. Work tomorrow.


Why can't I sleep?

April 25

View Online

7:30 am It looks like my leg is well enough to go without the bandage and not draw too much attention.

doz red rose-Rarity
potted peace lily-Angel Butter
bunch daffodil-Draft Ale
bunch daffodil-Craft Ale
1 white rose-Lamplight

8:45 ish?
Rarity's here early. I wonder what she needs more roses for. Is that my business? I mean, I guess it is part of my literal business, buying and selling things, but I'm not sure if I should wonder what she's doing with them.


10:30 ish?
Lunch can't come fast enough. I should really stop snacking. Can't help it! The flowers smell so good. I would think they would get boring after a while being that we're out here selling them every day, but I guess I'm appreciating them in a new light or something.

10:40 ish?
The mayor's aide stopped by to get the flowers they ordered last week. They want them to be delivered in time for lunch. Gee, thanks for the short notice.

12:00 ish?
Finally finished with the arrangement. Got paid.

I'm terrible at self portraits, but I do like money.

12:10 ish?
Speaking of, apparently sales were good while I was gone.

12:45 ish?
I heard another boom from the direction of the castle. It was nice of Princess Twilight to give whatever it is a rest for the weekend.

2:00 ish?
The afternoon will probably be quiet, so Daisy and Lily are going shopping. It's okay, that gives me an excuse to take off work sometime.

2:05 ish?
Lamplight came by, just after the girls left. Figures. He asked me how I was feeling, if anything was different. I told him no to get him to go away. He bought one white rose again and gave me a smile as he left. Creep.

3:00 ish?
Closed up the flower stand for the day. Couple things to take care of. 1. Library for light reading. Don't have anything lined up tonight. 2. New watch. Seriously. Not knowing the time is killing me.

4:00 ish?
I almost jumped out of my skin when I heard one of those explosions from inside the building! It's too bad the old library burned down, but I guess the castle is nice. Kind of noisy, though.

4:30 pm
Cool new watch. I love it!

April 26

View Online

4:13 am
Well, it's pretty clear that I stayed up too late reading. Princess Twilight sure has a bigger collection of romance than I expected.

7:30 am
Three hours of sleep. Huh. I don't feel that tired. Just hungry.

mixed seeds-Clown Shoes
bunch daffodil-Draft Ale
bunch daffodil-Craft Ale
3 sprigs patchouli-Tree Hugger
1 simple bouquet-Big McIntosh
1 white rose-Lamplight
baby's breath arrangement-Starlight Glimmer
4 yellow tulips-Matilda

9:45 am
Fluttershy brought a friend of hers by. She was...suspiciously chill. She bought patchouli, but she smelled like quite a bit more than that. I could barely smell Fluttershy over it. And Fluttershy is worth smelling, believe me.
So this is what I'm doing now? Describing ponies' smells? Even I weird myself out sometimes.

1:13 pm
Lamplight came by again, only this time Daisy and Lily were here. And he was perfectly normal about it. Charming, even. Well, except for the part about bringing a gift basket for me because I "helped him out the other day." When he was gone I tried to share it or even straight up give it to Daisy and Lily. They said I should have it because of how hungry I've been. They giggled a lot. I think they think Lamplight has a crush on me.

4:30 pm
I resisted, but what the heck, free snacks. Yes, I know dinner is soon.

7:24 pm
I went through the library books faster than expected (Gee, I wonder why?) Based on the boom I just heard, I think Princess Twilight's still up for the night.

8:14 pm
Coming home from the castle, I heard a wolf howl. I howled back. I guess it was sort of a "if you're the one who bit me, then I'm still here, motherbucker" kind of message. Not that it was the weirdest thing I did today.

April 27

View Online

8:02 am
I've had a weird headache ever since I woke up this morning. That's despite feeling tired and going to bed early last night. Well, what am I supposed to do? If I'm sleep deprived, it's because I didn't feel tired the other day. Something weird has definitely been going on with me.

bunch jasmine-Rarity
lapel rose-FilthyMr. Rich
bunch daffodil-Draft Ale
bunch daffodil-Craft Ale
assorted bulbs-Pennyfarthing
1 white rose-Lamplight
15 assorted tulips-Harmony Showers
bunch orchid-Blossomforth
1 bunch alpine lily-Skidaddle

8:45 am
Rarity bought something besides roses today. Come to think of it, not only has her needing a regular supply of flowers been unusual, but she's usually the first customer of the day. Since when has Rarity been such a morning pony? I remember back in school she could barely function during first period.

12:59 pm
Lamplight keeps coming by like clockwork. Hmm. Looking at previous pages, it's always right around 1 pm. I guess I should find ways to make myself scarce.
He's a real charmer when other ponies are around. I really hope Daisy and Lily don't set me up on a date with him. If I'm gone and he comes looking for me, would they do it? What should I do?

1:20 pm
Thinking about it, why is Lamplight even interested in me? So interested in me? Normally I would welcome the attention. Celestia knows it's hard to find a stallion. I just had to be heterosexual.

2:00 pm
Maybe I'm being too hard on him. I guess I haven't even really gotten the chance to talk to him. Maybe he doesn't even know what he's doing is weird.

2:45 pm
We sold our last alpine lilies. I should volunteer to get more.

6:20 pm
Is it weird that I went for a walk after dinner almost hoping to run into Lamplight?

April 28

View Online

7:52 am
There aren't any mountains in Ponyville. Alpine lilies don't grow here. They sell okay, though, so we keep gathering them. It's just a quick train ride to Canterlot. Good thing I'm doing this on Thursday so I don't miss anything. Thursdays are always so slow.

8:24 am
I forgot to bring a book.

9:15 am
I also forgot that Canterlot is built on a mountain. I mean, yeah, that's where I go to get alpine lilies, but it's not a place that you think of having a lot of steep slopes and slippery rocks. Outside the city itself, on the eastern slope, it's pretty wild.

10:30 am
I got all the lilies I needed, and in record time. It's actually kind of fun jumping from rock to rock. Earth pony for the win! Good to see all the extra calories I've been eating are going to good use.

10:55 am
Well, clearly since I'm in Canterlot and it's nearly lunchtime I have to go find a chic restaurant. Oh, whatever shall I do? ;)

11:02 am
An awesome day just turned weird. I followed my nose and it led me to a restaurant called le Grand. It was a griffon restaurant. They were eating meat. Yuck.

11:08 am
Donuts for lunch? I shouldn't.

11:30 am
I did.

12:48 pm
Back in Ponyville. It's almost 1:00. I think I'll wait a little while to stop by the stand.

1:30 pm
Sure enough, Daisy and Lily said Lamplight was asking about me.

4:30 pm
Daisy and Lily are giggling about something. I smell donuts.

5:30 pm
It was donuts. At least it was for dessert, not the whole meal.

6:45 pm
I think I'll go for a walk.

April 29

View Online

bunch jasmine-Rarity
5 white tulips-Ivory Gear
bunch daffodil-Draft Ale
bunch daffodil-Craft Ale
5 sprig mint-Sweetie Drops
bunch poppies-Hard Case
chrysanthemum-Dinky Do
bunch daisies-Junebug
4 yellow tulip-Comet Tail
doz blue bonnets-Haberdasher

8:20 am
While I was out last night, I should have stopped by the library to get more books. Hindsight, I guess. Nice night, though, even if I didn't get around to it. Sounded like Princess Twilight was working late again. Explosions seem almost normal now.

9:35 am
Sweetie's buying mint. I should stop by the candy shop later and see what she's making.

12:50 pm
Perfect time to go to the candy shop.

1:20 pm
I shouldn't have gone to the candy shop! When Lamplight came by looking for me, Daisy and Lily set me up on a date! How am I supposed to get out of this!?

Do I really want to?

2:30 pm
I guess one date won't hurt. At the very least, it'll give me an excuse to finally brush him off. Is it weird that my feelings are so mixed? At least they scheduled it for eight tonight, so I don't have to sit through a dinner meal.

6:30 pm
Stupid date. It's all I could think about all afternoon. I should have a shower and get ready.

8:40 pm
Okay, he's not as bad as I thought. In public, Lamplight actually seems pretty charming, but we'll have to see if his creepy factor has lightened up. He took me to the tavern, a nice public place to get a drink and talk. The daffodil brew is good.
I'm writing this as I wait for him to get back from the restroom. He asked me what I liked to do, and I said I liked to go for walks. He smiled and said, "Why don't we go for one, then?" I can't really say no, after literally just saying that's what I like. Ugh. Just one nighttime stroll.

April 30

View Online

This is crazy
I don't really remember last night. I'm so scared right now.
I'm fine. I seem to be fine.
Daisy and Lily can't know about this. What would they think?

Is this really real? It can't be. Can it?
The blood
I don't know what happened to Lamplight. I never thought I'd say this, but I really want to see him right now. He could be hurt.

I need to put my thoughts in order.
Yesterday, the last thing I wrote about was being at the pub. After that, Lamplight and I went for a walk. I was hoping maybe it would just be back to my house, but he steered us into the trees. I wasn't sure what to think. I think I said something about how we were off the beaten path. He said that it was that kind of night and smiled. Dear Celestia, what a creep. I should never have agreed to the date. He asked me if I had noticed changes. What changes? He seemed disappointed when I said I hadn't. He started getting closer. I backed up until I hit a tree. He told me I didn't need to be afraid. Stupid. How else was I supposed to feel? Even now, I was so scared. And worse, I can't remember what happened next. It's

It's like flashes. Just a little here and there. The trees, the ground. Blood. I don't know
The next thing I remembered I was on my way back home. It was dark, past midnight. I'm glad nopony saw me. When I got into the bathroom at home, I didn't even look at the mirror before getting into the shower. I'm so glad I didn't. Seeing the blood going down the drain was horrible enough.
No, what's horrible is that I don't think it was mine. I can't find any place on my body that's injured. Well, besides the scabs on the bite on my leg. I think they got scraped off somehow.

I'm just glad I had the presence of mind to clean the shower. I'm not telling Daisy and Lily about any of this.

12:30 pm
At lunch, Daisy and Lily asked me if I was sick. I said yes. I'll have to either figure out how to act like nothing is wrong or keep playing at ill.

May 1

View Online

Would anypony miss Lamplight? Did he have a family? Not that he's dead. He can't be dead.

I need a distraction. Sugarcube Corner and shopping? Yes please!

Say what you want about Pinkie Pie, she can sure put your mind somewhere else. She said they were having a special on donuts. Well, I certainly can't refuse that!

Not my best drawing, but I ate it before I could look at it too much ;)

I wonder what time it is? I forgot my watch today. Carousel Boutique is probably open now. Shopping therapy never sounded so good.

Rarity's place definitely smells like jasmine. After saying hello, she left me alone to look around. I can't help but follow my nose. If she bought such strong-smelling flowers, I don't know why they're not out front and center.

I think the jasmine's in the back room. Closest to the door is definitely where the smell is strongest. It seemed impolite to open the door. Well, that, and it was locked. There's a couple of smells coming from the back room. Weird.

I ended up with a new set of saddlebags. I'm not going to say they were cute but they totally are! Rarity thinks so too. She says I have an eye for it. She's probably just saying that to get me to come back and spend money. Does it count as being manipulated if I know I'm being manipulated? Don't care, there are lots more cute things she sells. Not that I can afford it, but I might have to make this a weekend thing.

5:30 pm
No, I didn't need to wear the saddlebags to dinner, but Daisy and Lily loved them. It helped me distract them from asking about the date, which they did anyway. I stayed vague. I think they think it was meh.

6:45 pm
I should go
Scratch that, I am not going for a walk tonight. Maybe not ever again.

7:00 pm
I feel like I should have told somepony official what happened. Although, I'm not sure who. Ponyville is too small for police. I don't know if we have an animal control officer. Fluttershy, maybe? What could she do? What could anypony do if something happened to Lamplight?
I'm sure I'll see him tomorrow. One pm.

May 2

View Online

8:00 am
Okay, deep breath and let's have a normal day.

bunch jasmine-Rarity
doz peonies-Pinwheel
bunch daffodil-Draft Ale
bunch daffodil-Craft Ale
one sparkler-Derpy
pound clover blossoms-Rolled Scroll
half doz tiger lily-Tiger Lily
potted hyacinth-Noteworthy


9:27 am
I was working on drawing circles, but Derpy thought it was her cutie mark. I hadn't realized she was looking at my journal. Granted, it's hard to tell where she's looking. Yeah, I know it's not nice to make fun of her. But you know what they say about dark humor. It's like food: some ponies don't get it.

10:05 am
I hope Rolled Scroll isn't planning to eat all that in one sitting.

11:35 am
OH MY CELESTIA (and Luna too!) I can't believe the order we've just gotten. I have no idea why a royal page came to Ponyville of all places to source flowers, but we're getting a contract for castle beautification! It's Thursday. I think the girls and I will have to agree to shut down the flower stand for that day and go to Canterlot together. No way could we agree on who got to go if it was only one of us.

1:00 pm
...?

2:20 pm
I've never heard two booms so close together. Princess Twilight must be stepping things up.


Hey Rose, I needed to borrow this paper. Hope you don't mind.

May 3

View Online

(May 2 continued)
Lily tore off the bottom of the last page. What if she'd looked back a page or two and seen what happened? I'm going to have to be careful to keep a very tight hold on this journal from now on.

4:30 pm
I decided I needed to go see Fluttershy. Somepony had to know about the wolves. I told her, but...it just felt weird. I couldn't bring myself to tell her the whole story. And she has to be the least judgmental pony in town.


(May 3)

7:30 am
I'm still worried about Lamplight. If he doesn't show up today, I'm going to tell somepony. I promise.

baby bamboo-Silver
bunch daffodil-Draft Ale
bunch daffodil-Craft Ale
one pink rose-Belle
hoof full of dandelions-"Cutie Mark Crusaders"
doz black dhalia-Noir
five daisy-Bulk Biceps
phlox-Weedpuller
marigold tray-Spike
wildflower seeds-Amber Glow (Why do we even stock these? They aren't wildflowers if somepony planted them!)

8:48 am
I don't know why three filles just came by to purchase dandelions. They could just pick them from somepony's lawn, which I pointed out. Never trust a group of giggling kids.

9:02 am
The Ale brothers are planning some kind of party for tomorrow night with discounts on drinks. I'm always down for half off brew. Does that make it light beer?
Wow, I sometimes impress myself with how unfunny I can be.

12:58 pm
Lamplight didn't come to the counter, he just stood across the plaza and stared. I have no idea why. Actually, I do. As soon as we made eye contact, he walked away. He wanted me to see him. I'm glad he's okay.

And hey, if he's leaving me alone, even better.

2:10 pm
Spike came by. He said something about snacks. That reminds me, I need to replace my library books. If I keep on this weird sleep schedule, I'm going to keep needing more.

6:40 pm
I think I'll go to the library a little early, before it gets dark.

8:00 pm
Well, there went that plan. I casually mentioned the wildflower seeds to Daisy and Lily. We had a conversation, and that turned to other inventory items and, well, now it's dark.

8:30 pm
Curse you Pinkie Pie and your late-night-cinnamon-roll-sale-for-no-particular-reason! Now I'm even later. Okay, I'll grant that it was a fantastic cinnamon roll.

8:45 pm
Finally made it to the library. They have new stock :D

10:00 pm
I just kind of figured they would kick me out when they closed. Princess Twilight apparently believes books are a 24-hour business.

11:15 pm
I really should get home. Maybe one more chapter.

May 4

View Online

12:02 am
Nice moon tonight. A minotaur once told me they call this kind a thumbnail, whatever that means.

12:11 am
DO NOT GO OUT AT NIGHT. Repeat after me, Roseluck: do not go out at night. Bad things always happen!
I should have known, walking alone back to my house. Lamplight was waiting. And super weird. "Do you know what you've done?" he asked. He went on about how he came here for a very specific purpose and how I'd ruined it. Whatever he thought I did, it must have been serious. He was practically ranting. I ran. Okay, not the greatest plan while loaded down with books, but he didn't chase me. I just can't deal with him anymore. What is this guy's problem?

7:35 am
Okay, after a few hours of sleep and some time to think about what happened at midnight, I've decided that I need to sit Lamplight down and demand some answers. In the daylight. I dare him to come and buy another flower.

bunch jasmine-Rarity
bunch daffodil-Draft Ale
bunch daffodil-Craft Ale
venus fly trap-Bugsy
bunch pansies-Fluttershy
dark side daisies-Skytrot

Noon
Since we're going to Canterlot on a special order tomorrow, we decided to take off at lunch. Plus, there's the party at the ale house tonight!

6:00 pm
Just as good as I hoped!

7:10 pm
Lamplight walked in. Daisy and Lilly noticed. They didn't say anything, but fine, girls, if you're going to give me that look, I'll go talk to him.

8:30 pm
Okay, back home now. Let me see if I remember everything that happened. The conversation with Lamplight started off bad and got worse. He suggested we take it outside. I'm glad Daisy and Lilly saw the look on my face and didn't think we were leaving together for another reason. Outside...things got weird.
It started off as more of the same: "Do you know what you've done?" So I asked him. "No, what did I do?" And he was all, "You haven't figured it out yet?" No! That's why I'm asking! I swear, this is going to put me off dating for months.
But then he said something really weird. He asked me if I remembered what night that was and grinned. Then he turned around and left.

Let's see, April 22. Friday? What's so special about it?
It was a full moon.
Really, Lamplight? Really?

May 5

View Online

6:45 am
I had a lot of time to think last night, but fortunately library books kept me mostly occupied. Daisy and Lilly should wake up soon.

8:00 am
And we're off! Apparently they're testing a new locomotive. It's shiny. That's about all I know. It seems to make way less smoke.

8:50 am
The train broke. No idea what went wrong. They're sending another engine from Canterlot to take us the rest of the way. It'll be at least an hour of sitting. Daisy and Lilly are going for a walk.

This is silly, but I've already decided nopony will ever read this but me.
I keep thinking about what Lamplight said. I mean, what are the odds of getting attacked by a wolf during a full moon? Granted, probably as good as any other day, but right after that weird things started happening. Well, not immediately. Looking back, it took me maybe thirteen or fourteen hours to get symptoms.
It...would explain the crazy changes that have been happening to my body lately. I'm always eating and not sleeping much. I'm still kind of hoping Lamplight just spiked my tea with some sort of crazy drug.
How bucking weird is it that I'm hoping I was drugged?
But what is Lamplight actually doing? How did he know about the bite on my leg? Does he think I was bitten by a werewolf?
No, that's silly. If he thinks I'm a werewolf, then why did he willingly walk into the forest with me on - April 29? But I don't remember what happened after that. Was it another wolf attack? Did he attack? Is he a werewolf? The werewolf? Am I? Did I attack him?
But wait, the 29th wasn't a full moon. Can werewolves change without a full moon? How should I know?

10:08 am
Finally moving again.

You know what? Lamplight's a creep. I'm not going to listen to anything he says. He's probably feeding me pucky just to mess with me.

12:12 pm
The arrangement looks awesome! Daybringer Tulips and Queen of the Night Tulips. Of course they're perfect. The Princesses loved them.

1:20 pm
Late lunch to celebrate. Got to get back to the train soon.

4:30 pm
There was a dead bird on my bedroom floor when we go home. I smelled it as soon as we walked in the front door. The poor thing must have come down the flue and couldn't get out again. I just wish it had died somewhere besides the direct sunlight of my bedroom. I took care of it. Yuck.

4:45 pm
I'm going to the library now.

Huh, apparently Princess Twilight had something to do with the new train that broke. Something about a new power source. She started talking unicorn stuff. Way over my head.

6:40 pm
All this time after dinner and nothing to do but read :D

May 6

View Online

7:50 am
Ah, Friday. A nice easy downhill coast.

12:45 pm
I saw Lamplight skulking around. He pretended he wasn't.

assorted bulbs-Happenstance
bunch daffodil-Draft Ale
bunch daffodil-Craft Ale
bunch dianthus to go-Wild Bill
bunch fuchsia-Hotshot
package ginger root-Ginger Snap (why do we carry this again? we aren't spice dealers, even if they blossom)
ten sprigs catnip-Dr. Cureall (why do we carry this? we aren't, um, kitty drug dealers)
doz bluebell-Lone Star
potted lily-Mr. Rich


12:48 pm
Did I misspell that? Ugh. Going to give myself a black eye, facehoofing so hard.

1:02 pm
In retrospect, we should keep stocking ginger root if Ginger Snap is going to bring us free samples.

2:20 pm
Applejack's dog came sniffing around. Not as friendly as I remember, but she let Daisy and Lily play with her.

4:00 pm
I think I'll make dinner tonight.

5:45 pm
Um...whoops.

May 7

View Online

8:00 am
Daisy and Lily are still sick this morning. I just don't know what went wrong. As near as I can figure, there must have been something wrong with the eggs in the fried rice.
Didn't do anything to me, though, and I ate more than both of them. I guess if there's one upside to whatever's going on with me, it's a cast iron stomach.
Oh right, something's going on with me. Good job, Rosie, you can only manage one day without thinking about it.
It would be nice to get out for the morning and take my mind off it, but I really should stay here at home while D+L are sick.

9:10 am
Okay, fine. If I don't have anything better to do, I'm going to shut myself in my room and get to the bottom of this.
So what do I know? Weird things started happening to my body the day after a wolf bit me. Lamplight is a creep, but may know something about it. What is it that Princess Twilight said to me once? "Correlation does not imply causation." Still, I don't have anything else.

This is silly. What are some other explanations? I mean, there has to be some reason why I'm always hungry and up all night, but I don' t know anything about medical conditions that could cause that. Maybe I should ask a doctor.
Well duh, why didn't I think of that before?

10:05 am
I checked with Daisy and Lilly. I said I was going to go see if there was some medicine that would help them. It's the truth.

11:30 am
I met with Doctor Stable. He gave me a checkup and did a blood test. He said he didn't see anything wrong, but it would take a few days for all the results to come back. He also gave me some stomach-settling powder.

12:10 pm
Daisy and Lilly didn't really want lunch, or at least not more of my cooking, but they said they felt a little better after taking the medicine.

3:45 pm
What happens if my test results come back positive? Or whatever the results are that show "not normal." There's no way they test for somepony being a werewolf.
But what would I do? I guess I could keep living this way, but given the choice I'd rather not. Is there a cure?
Would Lamplight know?

4:00 pm
This is silly. I shouldn't worry about something until I know for sure. I'm going to wait for the test results and not think about it in the meantime.

Wow, looking back over this page and previous pages, I'm almost bipolar. I should really make up my mind whether I'm a werewolf or not.
Fine, I'm not.

May 8

View Online

8:00 am
Ah, Sunday.
Daisy and Lilly seem to be feeling better.

9:00 am
Breakfast was good. They didn't let me near the stove. :P Whatever. I'm going shopping! I totally deserve this.

9:30 am
Rarity's place definitely has a smell about it. She didn't stop by on Friday to get more aromatics before the weekend, so maybe that's why I notice it more.

9:45 am
Rarity caught me looking at the door to the back room. Based on how she reacted, apparently my nose was right about where the smell was coming from. Being Rarity, she made a big deal out of it. She was so sorry and it was simply undignified of her. She didn't actually say what the smell was, but she gave me a discount, so I'm completely cool with that.
Okay, it was kind of an impulse buy. I don't even know why Rarity stocks Saddle Arabian-style bridles, but it looked fancy. I don't know when I'll ever have an occasion to wear this.

10:30 am
A quick stop at Sugarcube Corner turned into a regular stop. Gee, I wonder why?

11:30 am
Hope I didn't spoil my lunch. Oh right, black hole stomach.

3:03 pm
Feeling a little bored this afternoon. Books just aren't cutting it.

4:10 pm
I guess it's been a while since we've had a monster attack.
Be still thy tongue or you'll jinx it, Roseluck!

7:30 pm
Lily put on some music. I heard hooves tapping and came into the living room to see what was going on. They were dancing so I couldn't not join in. Heh. None of us can dance, but it was nice. Feels normal, just hanging out with my sisters.

May 9

View Online

bunch jasmine-Rarity
5 assorted bunch-Pinkie Pie
bunch daffodil-Draft Ale
bunch daffodil-Craft Ale
meadow sampler-Darren

8:10 am
Rarity was talking to Pinkie about a spa day. That sounds great. I should organize one for me and the girls. Who couldn't use a little R+R?

9:31 am
There's a strange rumble

9:40 am
Something stirred up the dire deer in the Everfree Forest and they stampeded into town. One of them knocked my journal out of my grasp and trampled it. He stopped to apologize, though. If he hadn't, I would have chased him down and, well..not really sure what I would have done.
Daisy and Lily hid behind the counter while this was going on. Now that I think about it, it would have been smart to join them like I usually do. Maybe I just didn't feel the horror like usual? Bigger problems on my mind, I guess.
Yeah, I was thinking about it again. Wondering what the deer were running from reminded me of it. I really don't want to be a werewolf. If I was, maybe they would run from me. Darren the deer seemed nice enough. But if a deer would run from a wolf, ponies would too. I wouldn't want everypony to think I'm some kind of monster.
But come on, I'm not. I'm totally the last one anypony would think was a werewolf. Which is a good thing. Because I'm not.

2:10 pm
Wow, not much business. I guess ponies are still putting things back together after the stampede. Maybe we'll get some new customers among the deer.

4:30 pm
I kind of want to know what the deer were so scared of. At the same time, I kind of don't want to go visit them in the forest, especially with something scary running around. I've already seen for myself that it isn't a good idea to go poking around the forest.

May 10

View Online

7:45 am
Maybe I should check the Foal Free Press. They usually cover big news items like a stampede of deer. Actually, I probably shouldn't go anywhere near them, with their record of sniffing out embarrassing things. Then again, at least then I would know what was going on with me.

sprig hydrangea-Shoe Polish
bunch daffodil-Draft Ale
bunch daffodil-Craft Ale
potted chrysanthemum-Sakura Sunshine
rose-Dr. Whooves
3 daisy-Cheerilee
morning glory-Mayor Mare
potted violet-Matilda

9:50 am
I don't think I've ever met Sakura Sunshine before. She sounds like she's not from around here. I'll plan on a Pinkie Party soon.

11:39 am
I hadn't realized it was almost noon until Cheerilee stopped by on her lunch break. I guess I've been distracted.

12:40 pm
Lily just had a great idea. We should get Hayburger for lunch instead of eating the defect flowers. I volunteered to go.

12:48 pm
I just saw Lamplight come out of the inn. I'm pretty sure he didn't see me, as I ducked for cover as soon as I spotted him. Is he staying in the inn? Has he been there for two weeks now? Maybe the clerk knows something.
No, asking around like that would make me the creep. Then again, I feel like I more than deserve some answers. I remember on our date, Lamplight had a set of keys with the number 7.

1:02 pm
I should write this down while I wait on the food, so it's fresh in my mind. Er, the details, not the hayburgers.
So I went into the inn and found Lamplight's room. I felt stupid at first, but to my surprise the door was unlocked. I knew I was in the right place when I found a candid photo of me on the desk. And if I thought he was creepy before!
There was a notebook that I looked in, but couldn't make heads or tails of. Some sort of weird shorthand. There was a backpack with some stuff in it. I think Lamplight must travel a lot, based on the kit. The major thing was a knife. If he travels a lot, I don't know why he needed something so shiny. I didn't touch it, which was probably a good thing because it looks like it would get smudged really easily. Kind of a strange shape.

1:10 pm
Okay, maybe three burgers were a bit much. At least they kept my mouth full so I could concentrate on something other than the breaking and entering I had just done. Well, maybe not breaking. And Lamplight is probably up to no good. But still.

4:30 pm
Library time!

5:00 pm
Princess Twilight literally has a book for everything.
Apparently knives shaped like the one I found at Lamplight's are for fighting. I mean, I guess you could use any knife to slice vegetables or something, but it's a little disturbing that it was meant for fighting. But if it was, why's it so shiny? He wouldn't have it for trimming candle wicks, would he?
I really should try extra hard to avoid Lamplight from now on.

7:00 pm
Back home before it got dark.

11:00 pm
I can't get the knife out of my head. Could it be silver? For werewolves? What is Lamplight doing in Ponyville?

May 11

View Online

I think I can say that yesterday was the weirdest Tuesday ever. What am I doing sneaking around? What if Lamplight had caught me?

bunch jasmine-Rarity
bunch daffodil-Draft Ale
bunch daffodil-Craft Ale
10 spears aloe-Aloe
mixed seeds-Clown Shoes
bunch orchid-Blossomforth
chrysanthemum-Dinky Do
doz peonies-Pinwheel
baby bamboo-Silver
doz pimpernel-Snoopie
3 buttercup-Harpsicord

9:00
Aloe came to buy aloe. Daisy, Lily, and I asked her about a spa date and she said we should come by this afternoon. Totally looking forward to this!

9:30
I feel like I should know what Clown Shoes does for a living. I see her around. I suppose she's a clown? Maybe she just doesn't wear her makeup to buy flowers.

1:40
I wonder where Snoopie got that hat. Did Cheerilee have one like it?

4:00
Yay, spa!

6:30
Okay, after spa and dinner now, I need to write down a few things I thought of while "relaxing" in the mud bath. After I settled in, my mind started to wander and not much relaxing was done.
First off, Lamplight. WHAT THE HECK No further details, just frustration.
Next, me. Something has definitely happened to me since he showed up. Not that I know anything about werewolves, but the more I think about it, that could be only one of several explanations. Lamplight could have done something to me. Maybe I'm just suddenly functioning on a higher level. Maybe that wolf attack subconsciously scared my body into activating self defense measures and senses I didn't know I had.

Surprise superpowers?

That's silly. Superheros don't work in real life. Though I'm sure Rarity does stock capes.

7:00
After getting home around dinner time, I only just now got to the mail. One from Doctor Stable saying my test results were in. Reminder: schedule a meeting with Doctor Stable.

May 12

View Online

sprig mimosa-Lyra
bunch daffodil-Draft Ale
bunch daffodil-Craft Ale
doz begonia-Noteworthy
half doz columbine-Torch Song
doz forget me not-Screw Loose

8:00
Looks like rain. I didn't think that was in the forecast?

9:30
I'm glad to see Screw Loose is out and about. She's not acting like a dog anymore. Still has the creepy smile, though.

9:45
The rain just started here, though it's been raining outside town for a little while now.

10:30
Got to dry land! A flash flood came through the market. We got most things rescued. In fact, I think the hardest hit item was this journal. It's squishing as I write, but not completely soaked. The back pages are a messy glob. Looks like I'll have to get a new one sooner rather than later :( Well, looks like that's it for the business today.

12:00
Daisy and Lilly are still pretty much beside themselves. I mean, a flood in the market isn't good, but it's not like we really lost very much. Half a day's flower sales? Thursdays are slow anyway. I'm glad I don't freak out like D+L. At least not anymore. Okay, to be fair, lately I've had bigger things to worry about.

1:30
Okay, I should save the shopping for the weekend, but Carousel Boutique is dry and a lot of the rest of the town is wet.

1:45
Again I smell the smelly smell that smells smelly. Rarity noticed.

I probably could have gotten away with another discount, but I got her talking. Apparently the back room with the smell is her cat's hangout. I offered to help and within a few minutes sniffed out a dead mouse beneath a wardrobe. Gross. But I guess it needed to be done. And Rarity was delighted. Well, delighted with me, not her cat. I got a free scarf!

7:00
If I was a werewolf, would it be that bad? I guess enhanced senses could come in handy. I could use my powers for good. And free stuff.

I forgot to schedule an appointment with Doctor Stable.

May 13

View Online

"If I was a werewolf" sounds like the worst thought experiment ever.

Okay, fine, let's have a thought experiment.

one white rose-Pipsqueak
doz yellow rose-Pond
bunch daffodil-Draft Ale
bunch daffodil-Craft Ale
doz magnolia-Dogtrack
potted geranium-Vinyl Scratch

If I was a werewolf:
um
Super Nose™
I have to turn into a wolf
I get to turn into a wolf?
Shedding on the furniture
Brushing teeth gets harder

7:55
Pipsqueak stopped by bright and early, before we were even officially open. He seemed a little out of sorts. Probably got his eye on some filly at school, haha.

10:00
Cousin Hanakotoba stopped by! Totally closing down the flower stand and having lunch with her - what the heck, it's Friday. Hana brought some camellia and snake gourd.

10:00
pm
I guess I started dropping am/pm. Doesn't matter much until you need it. Though, I guess it really doesn't matter much at all, which might be why I stopped writing it.
Of course we insisted Cousin Hana stay with us. She's in my room. I'm at the kitchen table because I didn't want to disturb her sleep with my not-sleep.

Okay, I might have a few more things for the "If I was a werewolf" list:
I might be hungry more
Is being so calm part of it? I mean, I've been a little antsy, but I've made up for it by being super chill during a couple of minor disasters in the last few weeks.
I might have a problem with silver. I mean, I haven't checked, I don't own anything silver, but is that a real werewolf thing? I've been putting it off, but I should convince myself to look at werewolf books in the library. Not this late at night, though.

Speaking of putting things off, I forgot to make an appointment again.

May 14

View Online

Cousin Hana sleeps like a log.

Snake gourd's kind of a weird plant, but the flowers are pretty. I kept it in my darkened bedroom so the bloom would unfurl.

It doesn't look anything like a snake, of course. That would be the gourd part.

8:30
A great breakfast with the girls. Hana told us about all the things she's doing overseas. I should take her shopping later.

11
We didn't get to Rarity's, other stuff was going on. I should take Hana to Sugarcube Corner later. Wait, right, lunch is coming up.

5
Daisy and Lilly have been hogging Hana all day. She must have noticed too, because when I mentioned the library she said the two of us should go. She wants to visit the famous Friendship Rainbow Castle/Library after dinner.

8
We got to talking after dinner and got to the library late. I can't look up werewolves with Hana here.

10
I definitely heard something/somepony following us on the way back, though I don't think Hana did. I did manage to conceal most of my efforts to get her away from the situation. Back at the house, I faked forgetting something. I'm going to Lamplight's room to tell him that this is completely unacceptable.

I got him! I arrived before he did and was standing there when he showed up. He looked surprised, which is what I was going for. I gave him a piece of my mind. Serves him right for following me - and more importantly, my family - around.

May 15

View Online

In retrospect, I should really be more concerned about Lamplight. We've already established he's a creep. I know he's got a weapon. And for some reason, he has a very unhealthy obsession with me.

If something were to happen
I should tell Daisy and Lilly at least, about Lamplight.
Or should I? That could lead to questions.

All the problems of a secret identity with none of the fun of being a superhero.

8:30
Cousin Hana's leaving today. We had a last breakfast together and she went on her way. Maybe I'll have to visit her.

Can I really make long term plans? I mean, what if

Here's a short term plan: I need a new journal. I have maybe a week worth of pages left in this one. The rest are ruined after that flood. Arg! And it iswas such a nice journal.

I bet Princess Twilight knows where to get the best journals. I wanted to go to the library anyway.

11
Princess Twilight's gone on some mission, but Spike gave me a few tips. His mouth was all burned and I asked him what happened. He didn't seem to be in too much pain, just soot on his lips. Poor guy. At least he's flameprooof. He said he'd mistaken some crystals for some other crystals. Princess Twilight has been working on a crystal-based magic thingamabob. Spike mentioned it was part of the mysterious train engine. The problem, he told me, was with stability. Yeah, I'll say, if they explode in your mouth.
I wonder if that's the reason for the booms we've been hearing around town?

Must be cool to be able to breathe fire. Not that I would use it much, but it would be a cool superpower. Then again, pretty much anything a dragon or even a unicorn can do is like a superpower to an earth pony. I am stronger than unicorns or pegasi, though. So, maybe superpowers aren't that big a deal or even really a thing at all.
If that's the case, should I think being a werewolf a big deal? Okay, it still is, because I know ponies would freak out, but the actual physical aspect might not be huge.
Then again, what do I know?

I looked around but couldn't find any werewolf books. It's a big library, but I like to think I know how the classification system works. There just didn't look like anything in the nonfiction section, and can I trust anything from the fiction section with real world problems?
I wonder if there's another, secret section.

Or maybe, werewolves just don't exist.

2
Good thing cupcakes exist.

May 16

View Online

Last night, I had a dream that I wasn't myself. I can barely remember it, but I think I was a wolf. I sort of have an image of looking down and seeing paws.
It wasn't really a bad dream. In fact I only thought it was weird when I woke up.
They say Princess Luna guards the dreams of ponies. Did Princess Luna see my dream? What would she think if she did? Suddenly I'm worried again. I like to think Princess Luna would be sympathetic, but what if she wasn't?
Good thing I don't sleep much anymore.

doz daisies-Sprinkles
bunch daffodil-Draft Ale
bunch daffodil-Craft Ale
morning glory starter-Sakura Sunshine
3 pink tulips-Redheart
assorted bulbs-Drifter
marigold tray-Carrot Top
half doz white orchid-Junebug
meadow sampler-Darren
1 petunia-Maxine

9
I saw Sakura Sunshine again today. Pinkie never found her and threw her a party, so maybe she's just visiting.
Or a ninja, ha.

I really hope Pinkie doesn't throw werewolf parties.

1
Lamplight came by and bought his single white rose, though not from me. He didn't even look at me. Good-but then what was he doing at the flower stand?
If he involves Daisy and Lily in this I'm going to

2
Darren the deer stopped by. We chatted for a little while. He told me about a meadow in the woods where a huge variety of flowers grow.

4
I keep thinking about that place Darren was talking about. He really played it up. If it's even half as good as he made it out to be, it would still be cute to see. It's still light out.

9
I don't even know where to start.
I went to the meadow. It really was beautiful. On the way back
I stayed for a few minutes, but wanted to get back before dark. On the way back, I found Junebug.
She looked like she'd forgotten how to stand. I went over, but then I saw the blood. She was stabbed.
I ran.

Oh Celestia, I never knew what blood smelled like before. I can't believe I didn't throw up.

Am I terrible? While I was running back, I couldn't stop thinking about me. Being exposed. It was all I could think of. There would be questions if I reported the body. But I eventually decided that I had a perfectly reasonable explanation for being in the woods, one that Daisy and Lily could back up. They'd been there when I was talking with Darren. So when I got back to town, I went straight to the castle.
I'm sorry, Princess Twilight. Nopony should have to deal with a murder, but I couldn't think of anypony else who would know what to do.
I don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight.
I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow.

May 17

View Online

There's no way we're opening the flower stand today. Daisy and Lily are quiet and keep looking at me, but not in a bad way. I love them for being here for me.

Princess Twilight came to the door. Of course we invited her in. She apparently had finished at the scene and wanted to ask us a few questions about Junebug. I'm glad I didn't have to get my journal to recall exactly what happened. I had everything about Junebug memorized anyway. She came to buy flowers in the afternoon. A few hours later, she was dead.

Princess Twilight asked to speak to me privately, so we went to my bedroom. She liked my snake gourd.

I asked her who she thought had murdered Junebug. She asked me why I thought it was a murder. Well, the stabbing, obviously.
She told me that the two of us, and a few of her guards, were the only ones who had seen the wound. She asked me to keep that information to myself until she had had more time to process the evidence. Certainly okay with me. No way did I want to talk about any part of it.

She asked me how I was holding up. I told her the truth, I wasn't good. I was scared. I felt like it was my fault. She said it wasn't, but I hadn't told her why I felt that way.

I thought about Lamplight and his knife. Maybe I should have told Princess Twilight. I mean, who else would have done it? Who else could have done it?

But
That would mean explaining how I know about his knife. Princess Twilight always asks lots of questions about even mundane things. She might eventually find out the rest.
And, as much as I hate to say it, quietly killing somepony and leaving them there without showing his face doesn't seem like Lamplight's style. He's a creep, most definitely, but I'm not 100% sure he's guilty of murder. 80-90% maybe, but not 100%. I need to think about this. I need more than one day to come up with a plan and a cover story for myself.

How did Junebug even get there? She could have been lured or carried into the woods, but that might have been awkward, plus the risk of her attacker being seen with her in broad daylight.
Could it have been some sort of magic attack or an ice knife Come on, Rose, no ice could have been sharp enough to leave a wound like that. Besides, you weren't there long enough for that much ice to have melted.
Wait, it couldn't have happened more than a few minutes behind me. I suppose Junebug could have been lying there before I came along, but I'm pretty sure I followed the same path both times. She had to have been nearly within sight of me.
And was it just a coincidence in location or did somepony want me to find her?
Unless she was trying to find me and somepony stopped her before she could? Did she know something? But then, how did she know where I was going?

This is too much. I need to go spend time with Daisy and Lily. I know that will calm me down.

I'm suddenly afraid of letting them out of my sight.

May 18

View Online

5 orchid-Blossomforth
bunch daffodil-Draft Ale
bunch daffodil-Craft Ale
bunch periwinkle-Rarity
package ginger root-Ginger Snap
button carnation-Filthy Rich
5 more orchid-Blossomforth
bunch lavender-Saffron

Wednesday

I feel like I want to go over to the tavern after work. I feel like it, but I don't think I will. Altering my mind doesn't seem like it could make things better, just weirder. Also, why would I want to be less than 100% right now? No way do I want to make myself more vulnerable.
Wow, Roseluck, already thinking about drinking and it's barely past eight.

Then again, I'm kind of on a downward slide. I honestly thought about not reporting a murder.
I did, though, of course. Regardless of what's going on with me, somepony being killed is still more important.
But I thought about hiding it.

But of course I can't seem to stay positive and I'm back to thinking about werewolves. As weird as it is to think about-as much as I shouldn't have to think it in the first place-I'm happy that the sight of blood still disgusts me. I don't crave meat. But is that because I'm a pony? Would that change if I changed?
I've seen what wolves can do. I don't want that to be me.

At the library, I looked up the moon cycle. The next full moon is on the 21st.

I need to get a new journal. I have about that many pages left.

May 19

View Online

Does this get better? Am I going to feel like this forever?
I can't imagine that. I guess it's good that I still have my optimism.

8 doz assorted-Junebug
bunch daffodil-Draft Ale
bunch daffodil-Craft Ale
doz peonies-Pinwheel
ten pink rose-Belle

We got the order to do flowers for Junebug's funeral. That'll be this afternoon. I don't know if I should can go.

What if Princess Twilight doesn't find the killer? Should I go ahead and tell her about Lamplight?
Would it look suspicious that I waited to tell her?

We're taking the afternoon off for the funeral flowers.

I saw Princess Twilight there. She doesn't look good. Sleep deprivation, I think.
What if she gets desperate and does something like cast a town-wide truth spell? What would I spill?

I excused myself from the funeral and nopony said anything. Small miracles. I thought about going to the library, but I don't know when Princess Twilight will be back and I don't want to draw her attention to me any more than I have to.

I can't just mope around home. Well, I could, but that wouldn't help me take my mind off things.

I went for a walk, in town. It's quiet. Everypony's probably at the funeral.

I don't like being alone.

Okay, yeah, that's my own choice. I might feel better with friends, even if I had to be with them at a funeral.

Hello bird, will you be my friend?

May 20

View Online

bunch lotus-Safflower
bunch daffodil-Draft Ale
bunch daffodil-Craft Ale
sunflower-Crystal Blue
bushel rose petals-Cup Cake
4 begonia-Deep Thoughts
spring sampler-Rainbow Dash

It's been all morning and I don't know what to write.
I feel-paralyzed? Maybe not the right word. I don't know what to do. I wish
I haven't been able to find any answers.

Maybe Lamplight could

If I would ever speak to Lamplight again, he would have to earn the privilege. And he still might be a murderer. I'm second-guessing my decision not to tell Princess Twilight about him.

It's like I feel that everything's out of control. Well, maybe not. I can control things in my life. I just don't know what's going to happen within the next day or two.
But if I just get through this, I can figure it out.

Well, at least I know what I'm doing tomorrow morning. Mrs. Cake came by. Reminder: go by Sugarcube Corner in the morning for some of their rosehip tea.

I noticed Rainbow Dash hanging around on a cloud most of the day. Just before closing, she came down wearing a pair of sunglasses and hurriedly bought some flowers. She asked if I could be discreet. Believe me, I know how. Still kind of funny thinking that Rainbow Dash of all ponies could be embarrassed about something. I did need a laugh.

This afternoon, I looked at some journals at the store. None of them are as nice as this one is, or rather, was before it got soaked. I have one good page left after this one.

Tomorrow is the full moon.

May 21

View Online

I lay in bed for a little while this morning. Saturday. Didn't have to get up. But I did. There's a few things I need to do.
I feel strangely...clear? I think maybe now that I've come to a few decisions, I'm feeling better.
Decisive. Focused.
Funny, it almost seems like I didn't used to know the meaning of those words.

I am so, so pleased to be at Sugarcube Corner for tea. I think this might just make my whole day. That's good. I have a few things I need to do.

I know I’m way overdue for an appointment with Doctor Stable to get those test results. I’ll consider it on Monday, though I'm thinking that they probably don't really matter.

Spike was right there when I came into the library, and I asked him for some of those magic crystals. I told him I had thought about a few potential uses for them. He didn't want to give them to me, but a little cajoling got him to change his mind. I said if Princess Twilight noticed them missing, he should send her to me.
Maybe I shouldn't be handling potentially dangerous items like this, but Spike’s the one who hands out magical exploding crystals to anypony who asks, so is this really my fault?

Speaking of Princess Twilight, she came in. I had the crystals already concealed in my saddlebags. Spike excused himself while the Princess asked me a few follow up questions about Junebug, nothing too deep.
It was getting towards afternoon, and I really needed to get going. I hated to lie to Princess Twilight, especially this lie, but I told her I had a date with Lamplight to get to. If something happens to me, he’ll be the first pony she seeks out.

I'm getting everything ready in my saddlebags for tonight.
That bridle I got from Rarity can be cinched down pretty tight, tight enough to hold a muzzle closed. Either mine or somepony else's.
Spike told me the crystals tend to explode if you jostle them enough. Could come in handy.

Tonight...
Junebug's murderer is still out there. A problem, yes. But tonight is about me.

I have lots of questions. But no matter what happens tonight, I think at least a few will be answered.

Sunset's coming. I felt calm this morning, but I'm getting antsy again. I need to get going to the woods.

Oh wait, one last thing. Reminder: get another journal.