The Blood Moon Ball
The days flew by quickly, and before anypony knew it, the day of the ball had finally arrived. The morning on that day showed promising prospects for things to come, with its cheery blue sky and crisp, calming breeze that lightly blew through the trees and grass. Fluttershy sat by her window sill, watching as the song birds dove and swooped through the air, chirping a merry song to greet those who were awake during this pleasant morning. However, even though it was a lovely scene that normally brightened Fluttershy's mood and look forward to her day, this morning's scenery did very little to improve the feelings she was experiencing now, in regards to tonight's ball.
Knock! Knock!
"Come in!" called Fluttershy, her attention being pulled away from the window.
The door opened and Twilight entered the bedroom. "Morning, Fluttershy." she said.
"Morning, Twilight. Did you sleep well?"
Twilight shrugged her shoulders. "Kinda, I was so excited about tonight that I didn't get a lot of sleep, so instead I gathered all of my research materials and organized them for the trip. What about you?"
"I had a bit of trouble as well." Fluttershy admitted. "I was so anxious that I kept waking up at odd hours."
Twilight chuckled to herself lightly, "Guess we both had sleeping trouble last night, hopefully we'll be able to catch a little nap on the carriage ride over to the ball."
"Yes...hopefully..." Fluttershy said a little unsure.
"Is, everything okay, Fluttershy?"
"Hmm? Yes, I'm fine, like I said before, I'm just a bit anxious. That's all, nothing you need to worry about."
Twilight arched an eyebrow, but replied skeptically, "Okay, if you're that sure." And with that, she headed out of the room, saying, "I'll go see how breakfast is coming along and if Alistair needs any help loading the carriage."
Fluttershy gave a small wave in Twilight's direction. As soon as she was out of sight, Fluttershy heaved a sigh. "Oh, who am I kidding?" she mumbled to herself. "A pony like me doesn't belong at an event like a ball, I'll just end up making a complete fool of myself."
At first, Fluttershy had been looking forward to the idea of going to the ball with her father and friends, but then those happy feelings quickly gave way to doubts and worries. What if she did something that embarrassed her father? What if everypony started to stare and judge her? What if she made a mess of everything and ruined the ball for everypony else? She squeezed her eyes tightly, cringing at the horrible thoughts. "Maybe it's not too late to ask papa if I can stay home instead, like always."
"And what fun would that be?"
Fluttershy's eyes widened in surprise, as she looked over to find Discord standing right behind her. "O-oh! Discord, um...how long have you been standing there?"
"Oh, long enough." he answered vaguely. "Now then, what's all this talk about missing the ball?"
Fluttershy looked down at her hooves and pawed at the floor. "I...It's just that...sigh! I don't know, I don't think that the ball is the place for me. I mean, it's going to be so big and lavish, with so many ponies, all of whom are probably refined and elegant."
"So?" questioned Discord. "If you ask me, you shouldn't be comparing yourself to all those high-class snobs. You are probably much lovelier and elegant than the lot of them."
Fluttershy rubbed her arm in embarrassment, a little touched by his words. "Maybe, but still, all the guests there will Pure Bloods, and I'm just hybrid, what if they--"
Discord cut her off by placing a finger on her lips and saying, "Now that's enough, Fluttershy. You are a wonderful pony, hyrbid or not, and if those other ponies can't appreciate that, then they're not worth your time. Besides, with me there, you won't have to worry about what other ponies will think, seeing as how they'll be too busy staring at me to notice you."
She looked up into Discord's face, and she could tell that what he was saying was genuine. A gracious smile appeared on her face. "Thank you Discord, that makes me feel a little better."
Discord beamed. "Well I'm glad to be of service to you, my dear." He did a little bow in her direction, making her giggle. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a few things I need to look into. Tata!" In the next instant, Discord disappeared completely.
A few of Fluttershy's worries still lingered with her, but luckily, Discord's words had managed to relax her nerves, and made her once again willing to attend the ball. "Discord," she said to herself happily. "What would I do without you?"
That evening...
Fluttershy stood in front of her full-length mirror, examining her reflection to see that everything was in place. The white dress her father had gotten her was mage of white silk and lace, with an embroidery pattern of roses, carnations, and lilies. Her mane was done up in a loose bun, with some strands of hair trailing behind. She couldn't help but smile, looking at herself in such a beautiful gown made her feel confident and beautiful.
"Now for the final touch." she said. She reached over to a nearby table, and placed into her hair, an array of beautiful white flowers. They were absolutely perfect, and seemed to tie the outfit together nicely. "There, perfect!" With her dressing complete, Fluttershy headed over to Twilight's guest room and rapped upon the door lightly.
"Um, Twilight, may I come in please?" she asked politely.
"Yes, hold on a moment!" called Twilight from the other side. After a moment or so, the door knob turned under the influence of Twilight's magic, and opened right up to Fluttershy. She stepped inside, and caught sight of Twilight in her own charming gown. It had a black, high lace collar, short frilled sleeves, and was colored a deep indigo like her mane. Twilight twirled around for Fluttershy to get a full view of her dress. "What do you think? Is it good, or do you think it's too much?"
Fluttershy shook her head. "No, not at all, it looks lovely on you."
"Thanks, you look pretty nice too!"
"The carriage should be all ready to leave, so we should probably get going."
"I'm all set." Twilight levitated a bulging bag that contained her research materials and slung the strap over her head. "Let's go."
Twilight and Fluttershy trotted side by side, talking to one another as they stepped out of the villa, outside, standing in front of the carriage was Discord and Alistair, both dressed in sharp tuxedos. Alistair gave a narrowed glance at Discord, noticing the way he was staring at his daughter, and cleared his throat roughly to call back his attention.
"Are you ladies all set?" he asked.
Both nodded and said yes. In a true gentlecolt fashion, Alistair opened the carriage door for them and helped the mares enter the carriage. Discord frowned and folded his arms, mumbling, "Show off."
With everypony piled into the carriage, they headed off for their destination.
The location of the Blood Moon Ball changes annually, based upon who is hosting the event, and what sort of places were available for the vampires' use. This year, the ball was held outside in a wide open clearing, with the blood-red-colored moon hanging directly above them, and casting its light upon it. Twilight took in everything she saw with great interest, writing down as much as she could as she entered the clearing. A small orchestra was set up on the far side of the clearing, playing lulling and elegant serenades, and on the other far side, there were some long tables with refreshments set up for some of the guests to enjoy after a break from their dancing.
"Goodness!' commented Fluttershy as she gazed at the table and its spread. At the center part of the table, there was an assortment of glasses filled with apple cider, and a mountainous display of ripe apples. Her eyes widened as she stared at them."Those are the biggest, reddest apples I've ever seen!"
Alistair chuckled, "I made sure inform this year's host of your special needs, and had him bring some things for you to enjoy."
"Thank you, papa." she replied, wrapping him in a small, grateful hug.
Discord rolled his eyes, and glanced over at Twilight, who was busying herself with her note-taking. 'Well, that takes care of her.' he thought. 'Now to take care of Alistair...'
Just as Discord was about to snap his talons, one of the Pure Bloods, Selene, went up to Alistair and said, "Oh, Alistair, you've made it! Would you please honor me with a dance?"
Immediately, a bunch of other mares crowded around him, each volleying for the chance to dance with him. "Alright now, one at a time." Alistair said calmly, trying to establish order. "I promise, you'll each get the chance to dance with me." He looked over to his daughter and asked, "You don't mind, do you Fluttershy?"
Fluttershy looked up from an apple she was drinking from and shook her head politely. "Not at all, you go ahead and have fun, papa."
Alistair gave a nod in her direction, and went off with the mares, trying to select one of them for the first dance. Discord stood there and blinked. "Huh, well that was lucky." He teleported over to where Fluttershy was and straightened the tie of his tux. "Um, Fluttershy?" he asked.
"Yes, Discord?"
"Would you, like to dance, with me?"
Fluttershy instantly smiled at him. "Of course."
Flapping her wings gently, Fluttershy flew up to meet Discord's eye level, and the two of them took hold of one another and began to dance. It was Fluttershy's first time dancing with another, and it felt wonderful to her. Their bodies were at the mercy to the sway of the music, as they spun and dipped and glided with one another with the other dancers. To the other guests, they were quite an odd pair, but even they had to admit, they did look sweet together under the red moonlight.
From the shadows of the trees, with his eyes locked on the delicate Pegasus, Drake entered the clearing. He was decked out in a crimson tuxedo, which complemented nicely with his mane and pale complexion.
"This is it." he said to himself. "It's now or never."
Discord and Fluttershy ran through three more dances together, until Discord told her he needed to stop for a moment and grab something from the carriage that he left behind. Fluttershy obliged, and watched him disappear. She gently rested a hoof upon her throat, thinking about returning to the table for another drink, when suddenly Drake appeared before.
"Excuse me, miss, but would you do me the honor of gracing me with a dance?" he asked. Fluttershy blinked in surprise. She hesitated with her answer, when he added, "Of course, if you'd rather not, I completely understand."
"No, it's not that." said Fluttershy. "I...I suppose one little dance couldn't hurt."
Drake smiled kindly to her. "Thank you, dear lady." he said with a bow. He took Fluttershy hoof, and placed his own around her waist, as the two began to dance a waltz. At first, Fluttershy stumbled a bit, accidentally stepping on the colt's hooves. But he didn't seem to mind as he whispered, "Try to relax, and follow my lead."
Fluttershy took his advice, and gradually began to get better. "Thank you, sir." she said politely.
Drake chuckled. "No thanks are necessary. I take it this is your first time?"
"Doing a waltz or being at a ball?"
"Hmm...both."
"Then yes, it is my first time." she admitted shyly. "Is it that easy to tell?"
"Yes, but to be fair, not everypony's first ball always turns out perfectly." Fluttershy smiled a little, feeling oddly comforted by his words. His eyes flicked to the flowers in her mane, making him remark, "Casablancas, how nice."
Fluttershy blinked in confusion. "Casablancas?"
"Your flowers, that's what their called. In English, their name means 'White House'. They're very elegant flowers, almost like lilies."
"Well, I didn't know they were called that." Fluttershy said blushing. "I saw a picture of my mother with a bouquet of them, and asked my father if I could have some. He never mentioned what their name was."
Drake chuckled. "Well, whether you knew their name or not doesn't change the fact that they suit you quite well."
Fluttershy looked at the mysterious colt with curiosity. Other than her father and Discord, no colt or stallion had ever been so...so sweet! And even though she was sure he was a stranger, Fluttershy could swear that there was something vaguely familiar about his presence, and the way he was treating her, it reminded her a bit of how her father would compliment and dote on her.
Drake averted his gaze from Fluttershy, as he asked her shyly, "Can...I ask you something?"
"What is it?" asked Fluttershy, wondering what it was that he wanted.
"Are...are you happy? With your life and the ponies around you, I mean."
Fluttershy gave him a befuddled look. "Um, yes. I mean, I love papa, and I enjoy my friends' company, but, why do you ask?"
"No reason." he answered simply. "I just...was curious, that's all."
"Well, alright." though Fluttershy was still puzzled by this colt. Who was he? ANd why was he asking her these questions and being so nice?
The song came to an end. Drake took Fluttershy's hoof and lightly kissed it, before pulling away, and giving his last farewell. "Thank you again for the dance. I hope you have a pleasant night, Fluttershy."
It was at that moment that Fluttershy realized that she never told the colt her name. "Hey, wait!" she called out. But before she could question him, Drake had already disappeared into the crowd and was gone. Fluttershy just stood there staring at where she had last caught a glimpse of the colt, and wondered just who he was. She placed a hoof over her chest. She couldn't quite explain it, but when she was dancing with the stallion, she felt...complete, and now, she felt as though a piece of her were gone.
"I haven't kept you waiting too long, I hope." said Discord as he reappeared by Fluttershy.
"N-no, not long at all." she said. "Did you find what you left behind?"
Discord nodded. "Yes, everything's taken care of. Now, we can pick up right where we left off."
What Fluttershy didn't know, was that Discord had lied. While they were dancing, Discord got the impression that there was somepony watching them from the shadows of the forest, and decided to quickly investigate to make sure that there was nothing there that could trouble them. Thankfully, he couldn't find a thing, and shrugged off the feeling as a case of nerves. With that behind him, he was more than happy to resume his dance with Fluttershy.
Skulking around in the bushes, just a few feet away from the clearing, Spike the dragon popped his head out and breathed a sigh of relief. "Phew! That was close! I thought we would've been caught for sure."
The blue colt popped his head out too. "You're telling me! I was worried that that Draconequus would've spotted us."
"Alright then, with that aside, let's get ready to put our plan into action. And remember." warned Spike. "We need to get this over with quickly before the master gets back to his room, and we need to be absolutely careful that nopony catches us. Got it?"
"Got it."
"Good, then let's go."
And the two of them carefully inched closer to the clearing, keeping their eyes on Fluttershy and her movements.