After the hug and when Crimson Stripes had calmed down. Rarity began to give her some advice about how to manage her new look.
“Make sure you apply proper shampoo and conditioners for your mane and tail. Just any won't do, dear. Almost everypony have a different kind of mane quality and it should be treated with care, to not lose its luster. Also remember to brush them every morning and night. Knots and split ends are your worst enemy.”
The blue unicorn made a mental note to at least remember to brush her mane and tail regularly. She owed Rarity that much to be sure.
She returned the dress to Rarity and thanked her for the opportunity to try it out. It was more of a going-out-dress and Crimson thought it would be a shame if it got ripped or dirtied.
Crimson Stripes reluctantly grasped for the accessories as well, when Rarity stopped her.
“Keep them dear, they suit you very well, even without the dress. The dress is yours as well if you would like to have it.”
“But the fabric and the hard work you put down in making them must surely cost you tons of money? Not to mention the expensive gems.”
Rarity chuckled. “Do the outfit and the accessories make you happy, dear?”
Happiness couldn't possibly describe what the blue unicorn thought. “Yes, they do. I didn't think I would at first, but after thinking about it, they really do. I really like them.” Crimson's voice betrayed that she didn't only mean the dress and accessories.
“That is all I needed to hear, Crimson. They are yours to keep. I'll store the dress here as a display.You're welcome to come and get it whenever you have settled in properly.”
“That's very kind of you Rarity, thank you aga..*gargle*..”
Crimson placed a hoof to her stomach and turned red with embarrassment. “Excuse me.” Having ignored eating anything since her awakening it was no surprise she started feeling hungry. "My stomach and I are in a disagreement. I admit I am pretty famished."
Rarity and Fluttershy couldn't help themselves and started to giggle at their friend's predicament.
“Ah, idea.” Rarity brightened up. “There is this lovely new restaurant in town, specialising in cuisine from Trotterdam. We simply have to go there, it'll be my treat of course.”
Crimson were too hungry to object to Rarity's offer and the three ponies soon left the boutique and headed out. The sky was clear of any clouds, and the sun warmed the three ponies, as they ventured outside. Perfect for dining out.
o.O.o
As they were passing houses and ponies alike, Crimson went into deep thoughts again, rather than taking in the sights. She wondered about the weird voices that whispered to her earlier. Were they perhaps something that related to her past? Trying to feel them she concentrated inwards, but to no avail. Whatever had spoken to her a while ago, either remained silent by choice or inability.
Her stomach decided to cut her off from any thoughts. Food had apparently higher priority to her body than her mind had about imaginative demons. Well let's just enjoy the moment for now then. I'll get back to talking to myself out loud when no one can hear.. At least being able to take it in strides didn't make her crazy, right?
After a swift walk they arrived at the restaurant. Lovely fragrances poured out from the luxurious-looking white eatery. You could compare Crimson's mouth to a waterfall when she smelled them in the air, teasing her.
An earth pony waiter dressed in black and white stood at the entrance, ready to guide the new guests into the restaurant.
“Good day madames, welcome to restaurant Zilveren Lepel , table for three?”
Rarity turned towards the waiter. “Yes please. The weather is lovely today so we'd like to dine outside, if you would be so kind as to show us to a table with a view.”
“Very well, follow me madames.” He guided them to a white round table, with a parasol, that also had a view towards a lively park, where little foals and fillies were playing by a big fountain.
“Are you sure about this Rarity? I mean the restaurant looks quite exclusive. Can you really afford to pay for us all?"
“Oh this is nothing, dear. Don't worry about it.”
“If you say so.” Crimson sighed and promised herself that she would repay the two ponies someday.
The waiter gave them their menus and, as they sat down, asked what drinks they would like to start with. Rarity and Crimson both went for mineral water, while Fluttershy decided to pick orange juice. While they were thinking about what they would order, the waiter excused himself and tended to another couple of guests in the meantime.
Crimson looked the menu over, glad that she could read it. The restaurant had provided translation for the dishes they served. She was however unfamiliar with the courses. They didn't sound like anything she had ever eaten before. Seeing as ponies were obviously herbivores, it didn't come as a surprise when she found no dishes with meat in them. Hopefully all inhabitants are herbivores here. Not standing at the top of the food chain makes me uncomfortable. She could probably ask Fluttershy about this later.
Glancing over the menu again, the cyan blue unicorn noticed a dish that didn't seem too expensive. Not wanting to take advantage of Rarity's generosity, she decided to order just that. The dish itself, she read, contained of boiled potatoes and green apples, with some kind of syrup. Maybe the dish would be too sweet for her palate, but the alternatives didn't look any more attractive.
The waiter returned to them shortly after have helped the other guests settle down at a table, a little further away from their own. He took their order and after about a twenty minute long wait he brought with him their lunch.
Rarity and Fluttershy had both ordered a dish that seemed to made of mashed potatoes, toppled with curry and pineapple.
Crimson Stripes contemplated whether that would have been a better choice, since she were now fumbling with the utensils given to her. Hooves certainly weren't build for these kind of actions, how ever did the locals manage?
Eyeing Rarity, she saw the white unicorn levitate her utensils to scoop up the mashed potatoes and into her awaiting mouth. A flash of jealousy came over Crimson and she swore she would find someone who could teach her those fancy tricks. Hadn't Fluttershy said something about a pony she knew, that was talented in magic? Fluttershy didn't seem to have a problem using her utensils either, practice makes perfect apparently. After much effort she finally managed to guide the fork to her mouth, without making a fool of herself. She discovered, to her delight, that the dish was quite delectable, and not too sweet after all.
They made some small talk at the table and Rarity mentioned that their other friends would probable like to meet the new pony that had come to town. Crimson agreed, anything that could help her in her ordeal would be greatly appreciated.
“They would just adore you, darling. Our sextet just love making new friends, and I am sure you would fit right in.”
Fluttershy nodded in agreement. “They are all very nice, so don't worry. I believe they would like you as well.”
“I would love to meet your friends. I just hope I am not seen as a thir..err..seventh wheel.”
Rarity chuckled. “Nonsense dear. As soon as you make their acquaintances, you will see how silly you were to be concerned.”
When they finished their meal, Rarity turned to the cyan pony. “Hope you made some room for dessert, darling. We still have so much to talk about.”
Crimson cringed a little at his, feeling like a leech. Was there no stop to Rarity's generosity, or maybe she just liked others to think of her as generous? Either way it made her slightly uncomfortable.
The white unicorn noticed her friends concern and chuckled. “Oh come now, dear. This is no problem at all. I might not look like it, but I do have money to splurge with once in a while.”
Crimson hadn't thought of Rarity as poor, quite the contrary, her dressmaking had to be quite a lucrative business, since they were of so high quality. She had a hunch that Rarity designed outfits for royalties and celebrities as well.
They browsed their menus again and decided to all go for some baked apples, toppled with raisins. With the dessert they were also served tea, that had a fragrance of different kinds of herbs.
Before partaking in their desserts, the three ponies were interrupted by loud crying. Turning towards the park they saw a young brown earth pony filly standing at the base of a tree, staring upwards in dismay.
“My balloon.” She whimpered as tears were welling up in her eyes.
Crimson turned her gaze towards the top of the tree. Sure enough, a red balloon had managed to entangle itself in the highest branches.
Poor child. Maybe we could help. She turned to her friends to suggest the idea.
In the corner of her eye she spotted something multicoloured fly by in high speed. Crimson returned her gaze to the park. There a cyan blue pony, with a rainbow coloured mane and tail, had already taken down the red balloon from the tree.
“Thank you, Rainbow Dash.” The little filly were happy again, now that she had her balloon.
The pony named Rainbow Dash smiled. “Any time kid. You can always depend on me to help anypony in trouble. Just be careful so that you don't lose it again, okay?”
“You bet, Rainbow!” The filly trotted happily away with her red balloon in her mouth.
Crimson Stripes took a moment to think, as she continued to watch the scene. The name felt familiar. Wasn't she..
“Ah, lovely. There's our circle's ruffian. Might as well make you two acquainted.” Rarity exclaimed. She only sounded like she was half-joking. “Rainbow Dash! Over here dear.”
Rainbow turned to face the familiar voice she heard. She smiled and waved to the friends before flying towards them, where they were eating.
“Hi guys. What's up? Saved any grub for me?” She took a chair from an empty table and sat down, next to Fluttershy.
Rarity sighed. “Rainbow Dash, a lady does not eat from another pony's plate at a restaurant. Other ponies might take you for being a beggar."
“Bah, beggar shmeggar. Everypony around here knows who I am.” She courageously nibbled an apple from the white unicorn's plate as to prove that she didn't care.
“Oh, I'll gladly share some of my dessert with you, if you are hungry, Dash.” Fluttershy gently pushed a baked apple towards Rainbow with her hoof.
“See, Rarity? Fluttershy don't mind. Thanks a bunch. Fluttershy.” She dig in on that apple as well, letting out a small burp as she finished it.
“Rainbow! Control yourself. That is utterly disgusting.” Rarity said with disdain in her voice. She turned to Crimson. “See what I meant, dear? Be so kind and don't take after her behaviour.”
Crimson Stripes rolled her eyes at the suggestion. It's not like she was a kid that need to be reminded about simple table manners.
“Hey, that's unfair...wait a minute here,” Rainbow turned to the cyan coloured unicorn. She inspected her thoroughly before speaking, “I am pretty sure I haven't seen you around Ponyville before. Are you new?”
Crimson eyed the cyan pegasus back before responding politely. “That is correct. The name's Crimson Stripes. A pleasure making your acquaintance, miss Rainbow Dash.”
For a few seconds Rainbow remained silent. Then without a warning she burst out laughing, almost falling out of her chair in the process.
Crimson stared blankly at the now laughing blue pegasus. Had her introduction really been that funny? Neither Rarity or Fluttershy had laughed at her when she introduced herself to them, what made this pegasus so different?
This pony kind of annoys me, and it isn't just her laughing that disturbs me. Something about her general behaviour strike me as...familiar. She pondered in her head.
“Ignore her. Is she worth becoming friends with when she laughs at you like that?” The meddlesome voices had returned. Crimson wasn't entirely convinced if they were just a figure of her imagination, or perhaps something that really spoke to her, nevertheless it made her think.
Too flat out ignore her would be rude, not to say counterproductive of what I am trying to achieve. I am not going to judge her based on a first impression, even if she is doing a pretty lousy job at being friendly, if you could even call her that. She did help that filly earlier though, so I guess I'll just wait and see for now.
Rainbow Dash had finally begun settling down from her outburst. “That was so funny. She kind of reminds me of the way those prissy canterlot ponies talk when we were at Grand Galloping Gala. She might even rival you, Rar.”
Rarity was not amused however. Fearing the lecture, Rainbow covered her ears jokingly.
“Rainbow. This unicorn is new here in Ponyville. You should treat her with respect. You are making a fool out of yourself as well.” Rarity turned towards the other guests, apologizing for her friend's embarrassing behaviour.
“Oh relax Rarity. Anyway, sorry for laughing at ya, missy. The name's Rainbow Dash, Ponyville's top flier and aspirant to the Wonderbolts.”
“I do have to apologize for Dash, she can be such a brute sometimes.”
“Hey unfair. I'm not a brute. I just enjoy a good laugh now and then!”
Rarity gave her a look that meant that she should quiet down, before they were all asked to leave the restaurant. Rainbow muttered a little before complying and sat down on her chair.
The white unicorn spoke again. “Crimson dear, this is Rainbow. One of our circle of friends. She is rough around the edges, but you won't find a more loyal pony. She is always willing to help others in need.”
Crimson nodded towards Rainbow. “Let's try again then. I am Crimson Stripes. Unfortunately I haven't got a title to boast with, since I kind of "woke up" just today.”
Rainbow got a quizzical look on her face. “What do you mean with “woke up just today”? That sounds a little weird to me.”
Crimson began explaining her awakening in the Everfree Forest, with no memories of her past, and no knowledge about Equestria. She told Rainbow about her fortunate meeting with Fluttershy and Rarity, and how grateful she was for their help, some parts she purposely left out though, not wishing to share her emotional moments.
“Wow, that's quite something.” Rainbow Dash had enjoyed the interesting beginning of Crimson's story. Not taking any particular interest in the makeover part. “It takes some serious guts to be napping the Everfree Forest like that. You may be quite cool after all. Not as cool as yours truly of course, but perhaps, twenty percent as cool.”
Gee, thank you, Dash.
Did she think things always revolved around her? Crimson couldn't really tell if you she liked she cyan pegasus. Still Rarity and Fluttershy considered her a friend, so Crimson decided to let Rainbow's attitude slide for now.
The three ponies finished up their desserts. Dash had eyed the last apple at Crimson's plate as well. The unicorn gave it up a little reluctantly, and pushed it to the blue pegasus.
“Thanks a bunch, Crimmy!” She said as she proceeded to pretty much swallow the apple whole.
Great, a weird nickname already. What a great trade for a tasty apple. Crimson Stripes sighed.
Their stay at the Restaurant was cut short, as Fluttershy and Rarity said that they had to leave. Fluttershy needed to return to her cottage, to tend to some of her patients, while Rarity had to take care of her afternoon clients and orders.
Fluttershy asked Dash if, she was free, she could perhaps be Crimson's guide in Ponyville. It could be a chance for Crimson to further get acquainted with the pegasus. If Rarity had doubts about them going together, she didn't reveal it.
Rainbow promised that she would show the newcomer the ropes around town. Crimson cringed a little at this, but remained silent. She understood that her new friends couldn't cancel their previous arrangements just for her.
“Sorry that we have to leave you like this dear, we have obligations after all. Don't worry though, you are always welcome at my boutique if you are feeling lonely. I still have a lot of dresses I would like for you to try out, and we must simply visit the Ponyville Spa someday together.” Rarity said with a smile. She clearly had a lot in mind for the unicorn.
“Um, Crimson? If you need a place to sleep for the night...” Fluttershy's cheek turned red, but she continued. “Then you are welcome to stay at my cottage, if you want to, if not, then that's okay as well. Oh and I'll introduce you to Angel next time you visit. He's my little bunny friend and he would probably like to meet you as well.” She beamed at the notion of introducing Crimson to more of her animal friends.
Crimson Stripes was deeply touched by their friendly concern and the three ponies embraced in a hug before parting ways. They waved goodbye and Rarity and Fluttershy left the cyan unicorn with Rainbow Dash, hoping they would become great friends as well.
I'll make sure to visit them later. For now though let's get exploring this town and perhaps find some clues about my origin. She frowned a little when she remembered whom her guide was.
Rainbow turned to Crimson, with a glint in her eyes. “Well, well newcomer. It seems like it's just you and me for the time being. Guess I'll have to show you how things work around here. First let me tell you more about myself, though.”
The blue pegasus cleared her throat and began to tell Crimson about her bravados. “As a filly I was already awesome. At flight camp I already made a name of myself, as a junior speedster...”
Crimson sighed and rolled her eyes at the blue pegasus, when she wasn't looking. Oh joy. Hopefully we won't get in any significant trouble. She sure likes the sound of her own voice, better give her the time of the day, I guess. What other choice did she have?
Crimson thought that all though she didn't have any prior memories to this day, it would certainly be one that she would never forget.