"P-party!? I... I don't know..."
"PARTY does that mean free booze?"
"Um... yes?"
"How much free booze?"
"Where's the stew?"
"You do not have to worry Cherry; all of your good friends will be coming."
"Uh, maybe a barrel per pony?"
"B-booze... you mean like alcohol? Umm... d-do you have any mead? I like mead..."
"Only one? Ug... Oh well at least it's free"
"I would say four, in honor of our fine brewers." *whispers to Flux* "I will pay for the extra; I have been at the still with many herbs lately."
Flux whispers back to Stiletto: "It's not the price I'm worried about..."
"Aye flux, I'm bringing my crossbow with me"
Stiletto whispers again "I need two for myself just to get buzzed my kindest love."
Stiletto nods "We will have plenty of mead Cherry."
"Will there be any moonshine?"
"Um, alright Jaxler. I know how important your crossbow is to you."
"I think Sweet Nectar can make some from onions Jaxler."
"Do we have Beer too? Please tell me we have some of those beers too."
"S-Stiletto... Flux... th-thank you for inviting me... I don't get invited to parties... and we didn't really have big parties at home..." Kat stammered, "Parties are nice."
Stiletto starts to set up the Still and dance area "You are most welcome Cherry, have fun and enjoy yourself."
Cherry Pop looks around for anyone else she knows, but doesn't see anyone, so she steps a tiny bit closer to Kat. "Hi... how... how are you today?"
Kat beams Cherry pop a smile as she was looking for some more drinks "Pretty great! And you?"
"I'm alright. I'm... not really comfortable around so many people... but I'll be alright, I think. Wh... would you like to do something?"
"Sure! Anything on your mind?" Flux nervously sets up a music stand and places several sheets of music on it.
"Well... I don't really know... I've never danced before..."
"Oh? You’re missing out! Seriously, Flux's music's something anypony could dance to. Want me to help you out?"
"Uh... okay..." Cherry gulps as she follows Kat to the dance floor.
"Now we could wait for the music to start before starting to dance, wouldn't want to get ponies looking at us silly now would we?"
"That seems like a good idea, I guess. I've never really danced before..." Cherry seems to shrink again.
Flux sets up a 2nd music stand with accompanying music sheets.
Stiletto sets up a table with many mugs and several dozen barrels around it
Deciding not to waste a party like this just walking around, Midnight also heads up to the dance floor and waits for the music to start.
Falcata bursts in through the doors, flustered at being late and with the huge ornate bronze lyre crammed haphazardly into one saddlebag.
Flux runs a hoof over the case of the piccolo, still not quite believing it's actually his now. He starts a bit as Falcata bursts in.
"It's alright, I haven't danced much before neither. But just relax okay? No need to do anything flashy. Just enjoy yeah?" she said, trying to calm Cherry down and beaming her another smile.
Cherry Pop jumps at the noise, sliding a few millimeters closer to Kat. "O-okay... just enjoy myself..."
Stiletto waves at Falcata "Welcome to the party, food or a drink to get you started."
Midnight flinches from the pony bursting in. Clearly he's still not used to being with such a loud group.
Flux smiles and waves at Falcata, his nervousness about playing in front of so many temporarily forgotten.
"Thanks, Stil, but I'll pass," she saunters on by, making a beeline for the music stands.
Jaxler walks into the building and notices a pony whom he was unfamiliar with but decides to go over to the corner and starts draining the booze supply
"Um, hey Falcata. Is... Glaive coming?"
Stiletto looks at Jaxler and chuckles "Save a bit for latter Jaxler, you do not want to pass out before the music do you?"
"Um....maybe. I don't know. Um."
Jaxler heard the alicorn which ruined his decent mood. "Why the hell wouldn't I want to pass out as soon as possible?"
Flux mentally kicks himself for bring it up and tries to change the subject. "Uh... ready to, um, play?"
"The brewers spent a lot of time on those, you should enjoy the flavor Jaxler, and the pleasant feelings it brings." *Takes a mug of mead for herself.*
Falcata extricates the lyre awkwardly from inside her bag, lifting it into a somewhat playable position. "Ready if you are, I guess." she shrugs, trying to balance on two legs while holding the heavy instrument.
Jaxler started to drink again and said quietly to himself "I really don't need any advice".
Stiletto trots onto the dance floor and begins to dance a little jig with Midnight
Midnight smiles wide as he dances with the hostess.
Flux considers what to play next as the first song starts winding down, his apprehension fast fading as he sees the others so happy
Kat beams cheerfully as she sees Cherry starting to loosen up and swaying with the music. "There you go, a good start no?"
Falcata hesitates barely a second before transitioning into the next song: a quick and jolly reel, noticeably faster than the previous tune.
"Yeah... this isn't so bad."
Flux follows Falcata's lead, tapping a hoof in time as he enjoys the music.
Cherry Pop adjusts her small dance to the new tune
Midnight pauses for a few moments. Listening to the new beat before dancing along with it.
Stiletto nods at midnight "Hello, I am Stiletto TrustGood I do not believe we have met." dances with the beat of the new song
"I'm Midnight. Though many of my friends simply call me Blue, or Dusk. You can too if you'd like."
"I think Midnight is a fine name, you dance with great agility."
"Thank you. You're skilled as well."
Kat offers Cherry pop a hoof "how about some sky dancing? I’m sure you'd love it!"
"Sky... dancing? Uh... okay..." Cherry takes Kat's hoof.
Stiletto nods "I practice as much as I can, I love to dance."
"It really shows."
Stiletto looks at the refreshments table and then back to Midnight "I had a very good time dancing with you, I really need get to back to hosting though, come get some food or a drink when you can."
Kat noticed Cherry pop's lack of wings and Blushes embarrassingly, but tried to think up of a way to make it work, she ends up just hovering a feet or two above the ground and danced along with Cherry, helping her off of some of her weight so she'll get a feel of lightness "Not much of a sky dancing huh?"
Midnight adds a quick bow to his dance. "It's been a pleasure."
"N-not what you had in mind?" Cherry blushes herself, letting go of Kat and abashedly resuming her ground dance. "I'm sorry, Kat."
Glaive arrives at the scene. He was clearly uncomfortable, he didn't really want to be there. He'd had Flux released, but didn't really feel that anything about this was worth celebrating. Plus Stiletto was the hostess. Still Falcata was there and didn't want her to have to be here all alone. He looks around for Falcata, upon finding her he moves to her side.
Flux notices Glaive enter and signals to Falcata to take a short break after this song is over.
Falcata starts abruptly, almost dropping the lyre and nearly losing the tune entirely. She hadn't expected Glaive to come, much less him to sneak up on her like that.
"Sorry, Falcata, I didn't mean to sneak up on you." Glaive continues to feel out of place.
"Aw don't be sorry, you dance well!" she said, trying to cheer Cherry up.
Glyph finally arrives at the party, looking around at all the others who were already there.
Stiletto trots up to Glyph and gives him a nuzzle "How are you my young love?"
Cherry looks around a bit. "H-hey, its Glyph. Does he like to dance?"
Coming to the end of the song anyway, Falcata places the lyre gently on the ground before replying. "Relax, relax; I just wasn't...expecting you, that's all. I'm glad you came, though." She hops off the stool onto all fours again. "Drink?" she queries, indicating the refreshments table across the hall.
"Good enough... sorry for being late..."
And with no music to listen to, Midnight heads down for a drink and some food.
Flux waves at Glyph once the song is over, then relaxes on his stool for a bit, watching Falcata and Glaive.
Glaive thinks to himself. 'I guess I should try to enjoy myself.' "Yeah, a drink sounds nice." Glaive begins to walk over to the table.
Stiletto hands Glyph a drink "You are here, that is all that matters, I bet Cherry wants a dance."
"Glyph? Oh thanks for reminding me Cherry, I don't think I've danced with him yet"
Kat waves over for Glyph to grab his attention "Glyph! Come dance with us!"
Cherry Pop waves too, a bit more abashedly.
Falcata follows the bearded unicorn across, engulfing an unfortunate cupcake in one bite before eyeing up the selection of drinks.
Glyph smiles slightly. "Thanks." He trots over to Cherry and Kat. "Did you say dance? I... umm... I don't really dance..."
Midnight walks up to Falcata half shyly. "H-hey. You’re good with playing music, thanks."
"Neither does she! Right Cherry?"
"N-neither do I..." Cherry smiles bashfully. "B-but I'm dancing. If I can dance, you can..."
Glaive acquires two drinks, some hard apple cider for him, and Falcata's favorite drink for her. And moves to offer her drink.
Flux picks up the piccolo and starts to play a simple song for background.
Jaxler just finished his third barrel of booze and was fairly buzzed at this point. So, he made his way over to the refreshment table looking for some more booze.
"Y-you are?" Glyph scuffs the ground. "Well... I guess I could try...."
Stiletto hop skip glides over to Glaive and hands him a coffer wrapped in green cloth "Hello Glaive I am glad you came. I had this made for you."
"S-so... what happened to the music?"
A dark furred earth pony with red eyes wonders into the party. Still getting used to the new faces he, decides to walk around a little, and enjoy a few refreshments.
Glaive is utterly shocked and confused and more than a bit afraid that this is a horrible trap. "Wuh...Why would you get me a present?"
Jaxler noticed the alicorn had come near the refreshment table, so he just tried to keep his head down as started dragging two bottles off.
Flux continues to watch and play the simple melody, hoping things aren't about to get out of hoof.
Cherry Pop starts to dance again, gently trying to encourage Glyph to dance as well.
Glyph chews his lip a bit before joining Cherry in a dance, not really knowing what he was doing, but stumbling along okay...
Cherry smiles gently at her dancing partner. "You're doing well... at least I think so..."
Slightly worried about Stiletto and Glaive being in the same room as each other, let alone actually in a conversation, it takes Falcata a minute to reply, and when she does it's with no small amount of distraction. "Uh, thanks," she mumbles in reply, focusing more on what Stiletto had brought Glaive than anything else.
Kat was swaying along with the tune and started to dance a slow dance along with the two other ponies "See? You’re doing just fine"
"...If you say so."
Zearoth shyly wonders about the party. Wondering who he should introduce himself to.
Midnight gives a slight nod to himself as he picks up Falcata's uneasy attitude. He keeps enjoying the refreshments as he listens to the melody.
"I bought you a gift because I wanted you to know that I have no ill will towards you, and would very much prefer we be friends." hovers the present towards Glaive slowly "Go ahead and open it, I hope you will like it."
Zearoth decides that he should enjoy the party instead of just wondering around. So he does so in the best way and brings two barrels of booze over to Jaxler. "Thought if anythin' I should share a good drink."
Glaive ponders for a moment before saying, as calmly as he can muster "I can't accept this. Stiletto, I can't take your gift, and we can't be friends. I don't want to fight, just leave me alone. Please."
Rose quietly wanders into the party, looking wide eyed at all the adults. He mother wasn't here yet, but Miss Kat and Mister Glyph were even if they were busy dancing right now.
Jaxler looked up at the pony who had just walked over to him. He really didn't know the pony. "Sure drinking is always more enjoyable with company. So, what’s your name?"
Zearoth takes a bit of a breath. Seeming a little outside of his comfort zone. "I'm... Zearoth. Here." He nudges one of the barrels over to Jaxler before sitting back."Don't know what it is yet. But if you're drinking it, then I'll drink it."
Flux shakes his head sadly when he sees Glaive refuse Stiletto's gift.
Deciding not to get more then buzzed at the moment. Midnight wanders around a bit to see what else there is to do. He pauses for a moment as he sees the foal running about. He heads up to her with a kind smile. "Hey, what are you doing running around here?"
Stiletto takes a step back "If that is your choice there is not much I can do."
Glaive turns away from Stiletto, trying not to think about her or her gift, and goes back to Falcata.
Falcata coughs awkwardly, very much confused by what had just transpired. "Uh. So."
Jaxler looked up at the pony who had just walked over to him. He really didn't know the guy. "It’s really strong moonshine."
Flux blows a little harder into the piccolo than normal, trying to get Falcata's attention while continuing the music.
Glaive not actually wanting to talk about Stiletto, or Flux, or any of that. Instead offer's Falcata the drink he poured for her, and asks. "So, sorry I was late. You been having a good time? I saw you on stage. Everypony really seems to enjoy your music."
Zearoth looks at the barrel before having a few sips of moonshine, coughing a little from it. "You weren't kidding." He says before taking a few more sips. Handling it much better this time. “I’ll have to get used to this stuff."
Stiletto trots back to the refreshments table and places the gift on the ground and takes up a tray of candied yams to give to all the guests.
Kukri wanders cautiously into the party. Going to large gathering of ponies was certainly not an event that filled her much with much joy, but she figured that it was probably the quickest and easiest way to get acquainted with some ponies that she didn’t know, perhaps someone would be of some interest.
Falcata accepts the drink, glancing across to Flux at the piccolo's unexpectedly loud squeal. She raises an eyebrow at him, wondering what he was trying to communicate, before shrugging at him and returning her attention to Glaive. "Nice enough time, I only ran through a couple of tunes before you got here. Haven't really spoken to anypony yet; turned up a bit late and went straight into playing."
"Yeah, it's pretty strong stuff, but meh, it's really the only stuff I can drink."
Flux tries to gesture to the dance floor when Falcata looks to him.
"Really? Can't handle anything else? Food wise I mean. If you drink this then alcohol wouldn't be an issue."
Stiletto walks up to too her squad mate Kukri and offers her the tray "Hello Kukri, I am very glad you could make it out here tonight."
"That's good." Glaive was unsure what to say or do, he had always felt uncomfortable around large groups like this. He'd much rather be at home, or sitting alone on the wall or with just a few close friends, and he wasn't very good at small talk. He hoped Falcata would know what to do.
"U-umm..." Rose shies away from the new pony for a moment. "M-miss Stiletto said everypony was invited... right?"
Realizing what Flux meant, Falcata pokes Glaive gently in the ribs. "Hey. Know what else is good? Dancing! If your leg's up to it, that is. I promise we'll take it slow?" She puts on her best pleading face, hoping to get the somewhat reticent unicorn at least a little bit lively.
"She did. I just didn't expect a foal to come here by herself."
Jaxler laughed. "You'd be wrong about that"
Kat spotted little Rose, she trots over and cheerfully to greets her, seeing that she's with a stranger pony "Well hello there rose! Glad you could make it here!"
Oh great, the alicorn, and I was hoping to meet someone of interest, Kukri thought to herself. "Hello there, Stiletto" she replies softly, whilst taking one of the yams "I'm glad to have made it myself, this is a wonderful party!"
"I... I thought mom would be here... but since I'm here anyways, I was just looking for something to do. Oh! Hi Miss Kat!"
Zearoth peeks up out of the barrel at Jaxler's response. "Huh... At least I'll know what to bring whenever we drink together." He says before taking a few more sips.
Midnight listens quietly. Not wanting to interrupt their conversation.
"Uh, well, my leg… it isn't the break that's the problem, it’s that leg just can't move like it used to...I'm not sure if I can."
Stiletto smiles at Kukri "Be sure to enjoy yourself, and maybe you could save a dance for me." Winks and heads over to Zearoth and Jaxler
With Falcata not taking no for an answer, Glaive finds himself nudged closer to the dance floor by the insistent pegasus. "I'm sure you can, though. Come on!"
Zearoth peeks up from the barrel before turning his gaze to the large pony. He sits upright and uses his hoof to wipe his mouth clean. "H-hi... Thanks for letting me join the party, miss. It's better than training all day."
Flux smiles with relief when he sees Falcata leading Glaive to the dance floor as he finishes the current simple melody.
Jaxler noticed the alicorn was walking over. He chugged about half his barrel of booze hoping she would just go away "Ug... what do you want stiletto?"
Flux picks up a new song, lively and happy, a song that says all is right in the world. Falcata may find it oddly familiar.
"Oh I will!" Kurki responds with a beaming smile whilst watching Stiletto walk away. Oh I will, when Luna and Celestia themselves descend and give free back-rubs to everypony in this damned fort, she thought to herself.
Stiletto offers the tray of yams to Zearoth and then Jaxler "You are very welcome Sir Zearoth and I just wanted to offer you some treats to you both."
Kat beams Rose a smile, as well as Midnight "and Hello to you too! Rosey dear do you want anything to eat or drink?"
Midnight simply gives her a nod and returns the smile.
Jaxler just chugs the rest of his barrel and ignores the treats.
Glaive upon reaching the dance floor sighs, ‘If you’re going to do a thing, might as well do it right.' he turns quickly to Falcata and pulls her close with his magic, and then he then begins to lead her in a formal dance, the kind that the rich and upper class of the capital would do. Glaive thinks back to his foalhood lessons and for somepony who hadn't danced at all in years, and had one less good leg than then, did well. He only stumbled a few times, and not once did he fall to the ground. He silently thanked Halberd for the extra training in keeping his balance.
Rose nods. "I'd love something, but... what is there? Mom wouldn't want me having some of these drinks."
Zearoth smiles and takes a yam from the tray. “Thank you, Stiletto. I love yams."
"I think there is plenty to eat. Miss Stiletto is passing out yams."
"I think there's plenty of cupcakes around as well"
A minute or two into the song, the tempo suddenly shifts to a far more somber tempo, the melody that seemed so happy and lively now sounding of grief and loss.
Zearoth takes a bite of the yam and closes his eyes. Blotting out the sad music.
Having recognized the first song at once and finding herself led into a rather gentlecoltly sort of dance, Falcata beams with joy. She spreads her wings like a contented peacock showing its plumage, letting Glaive and his magic do all the technical dancey bits for her.
"Cupcakes!" Rose bounces a bit, looking around for them. "I love cupcakes!"
Stiletto magically pulls another barrel of cave onion moon shine and places it next to the two "It is a party, enjoy yourself as much as you can, there is plenty for all." torts over to Rose, Midnight and Kat while swaying softly to the music
After a brief battle with a candied yam, Kukri returned her attention to the party at hand, she took note a few pony’s that she was aware of, most notably was the forgetful drunk doing what he does best, drinking. With some mental effort, Kurki decides to set out to find somepony new to talk to and trotted off deeper into the party as the music changed.
Zearoth gives a nod to Stiletto in response then starts drinking again.
"Oh, hello miss Stiletto. Nice to talk to you some more."
As the song changes tempo Glaive adjusts his dance accordingly, he slows his movements and looks Falcata in the eyes. "I hope I'm doing okay," he says, "I haven't danced like this since the Grand Galloping Gala, of 245, and I had another working limb then."
Stiletto offers Rose the tray "Hello rose, and greetings again Midnight." then she nuzzles Kat "My Love, how are you?'
As the song changes, Falcata shoots Flux a confused glance. Was this still the song she'd seen him scribbling down months ago, or a whole new one? And why had he changed to such a sad sort of melody, anyway? Returning Glaive's gaze, she smiles softly at him. "You're doing great," she reassures him, still letting him lead the dance. "You really know how to sweep a lady off her hooves, don't you? Literally!" she laughs, referring to the aura of his magic steering her around.
Kat beams a smile for Stiletto and nuzzles back at her "I'm having a good time, and you?"
Rose carefully takes one of the yams from the tray. "Thank you Miss Stiletto." She noms a bit of it, while staring up at Stiletto, still amazed at how big she was.
Midnight takes one of the yams for himself and takes a bite off of it with a hum. "These are good."
Jaxler thought to himself for a second. "Ya know what, I really don't even know your name."
As the song continues, a strong and steady harmony slowly comes in to join the sorrowful melody, slowly returning it to happy and hopeful. The melody is strengthened by the harmony, and the harmony seems uplifted by the melody. The song draws to a close, letting the two parts slowly fade, together.
Glaive chuckles. "Yes, well father said that a good soldier should have many skills on and off the battlefield, and that that included dancing."
Flux relaxes on his stool, wondering if anypony grasped the symbolism of the song, let alone the two ponies he was hoping to have dance to it.
Stiletto kisses Kat gently "I am very happy to see all my loves here this night, and all these wonderful guests." she pats Rose on the head lightly "You are Lady Virtue's cute little flügellos are you not? Eat up and enjoy yourselves."
"Hmm? Oh. I'm Zearoth. I... thought I had told you already. What's your name? If I may ask."
Midnight blushes a little as he watches the two ponies be cute.
Rose giggles. "Flügellos, that's a funny sounding word... thank you for letting me come too!"
"My name is Jaxler Blackflutes, I'm second in command of the guard and glad to make your acquaintance"
Kukri trots slowly through the crowd, figuring it wasn't going to be long before she ran out of ponies, she turned to the nearest group and decided to great them with a hearty hello, "Hello!"
Kurki said heartily to Kat and rose.
Kat couldn't help but to beam her smile even wider from the filly's giggle, then noticed Kukri greeting her "Hi there!" she greets back cheerfully, waving a hoof. Something in her guts turned.
"Likewise. But it's good I met you. I was thinking of joining the guard. Put my aim up against more then hay and cloth."
Flux carefully places the piccolo back in its case, needing a break to get some refreshments and perhaps build up some courage...
Midnight smiles at the new pony. He still keeps his silence as to not interrupt anything.
"I'd be glad to see you join the guard, but I need to ask you something first"
The sheer cheer in Kat's response was overwhelmingly sickening to Kurki, perhaps it reminded a little too much of what she was trying to be, perhaps she just felt overwhelming sickened by most new ponies she met, perhaps her stomach didn’t agree with candied yams. Regardless, some kind of effort needed to be made before she gave up on her "This is a love
"This is a lovely party, isn't it?" she managed with a smile*
Flux walks to the refreshment table and grabs and apple and a glass of cider and finds a seat somewhere out of the way to do a bit of pony watching as he eats.
Meanwhile Indigo was watching the dining hall from the roof of the dormitory with silent rage. This proves that assault and wounding of a guard and a citizen of Dawnpick has no consequences as long as the culprit is one of Stiletto's goons.
And for doing what? For telling the truth? (Well, technically the correct term for her is slut and not whore, but that's irrelevant). Stiletto intimidated Glaive into doping all charges and somehow bewitched Virtue to not listen to reason. She is having her underlings corrupt the foals. On the surface it looks innocent enough, but this Glyph knows devilpony. She somehow manages to turn my friends and allies into traitors. She was behind Sekshi's incident, I'm sure of it. It was awfully convenient for them to meet at the corridor. And of course she is using Kat against me. But it gets worse, I seem to be the only one seeing what's happening in Dawnpick. Nopony will stand by me.
She lulled the others with her gifts. She even has the audacity to organize a party to celebrate her victory, and nopony seems to have a problem with that. Can't they see she is mocking us and our laws? She won this battle, but hasn't broken me. I must remain unwavering. For now I need to hit something before I explode.
Indigo runs down the hatch, and into the stone stockpile. For the next several hours he piles up rocks and hits them with telekinesis. After that, he goes to his room, tired but still angry. I must forge my anger into a weapon, and trust nopony.
He finally lulls himself to sleep, but feels horribly the following day.
"What do you need to know?"
"Yes, it is indeed quite lovely." she replied back, less energetic than when she greets her. She could feel like her guts trying to tell her something... But what?
"Um, Miss Kat, is something wrong?"
"I need to know whether or not you’re willing to die in the place of any and every pony in the fort."
Falcata smiles warmly at Glaive's words. "If he taught you to dance like this, then he taught you well. Color me impressed." Now that the music has stopped, though, she leads Glaive back to the refreshments table, already on the prowl for unsuspecting delicious treats.
"In all honesty I'm already dead." Zearoth takes a sip of the moonshine. “I’ve no care for myself when compared to even the worst of the fort. I will fight and die for every single pony here if I had the choice. Oh of course! I love fighting and dying for ponies!"
Jaxler laughed "You answered correctly. Heh, you kinda remind me of somepony I know"
"Uh... nothing's wrong." she replied to Midnight 'Not yet anyway…'
Glaive follows Falcata back the refreshment table, and helps himself to some snacks. "You kept up very well, Falcata, if you want I can teach you the proper steps sometime. You might need to know them someday."
Stiletto looks at Rose and smiles "It is the word the Deutschmeiner used to describe your kind Rose. I bet Glyph could teach you more languages if you wanted to learn."
"I'll hope it's somepony you like."
"Or, alternatively, I could just let you do all the work all the time, hmm?" she giggles, ending another cupcake's existence in one fell swoop. "Itsh not like danshe steps will ever shave my life or anything," she mumbles through a mouthful of muffin.
"Oh! Like when Glyph calls Friesden malyutka? That's cool... wonder if he will, I like how they sound." Rose smiles, continuing to nom on her yam.
Midnight sits as he listens to the conversation. Seeming content, even without joining in.
"I really don't know the pony anymore. Last I checked the pony became a drunken mess and fled to some outpost off in the countryside. But still, you remind me of the guy before he became a mess."
Said Jaxler "which is a good thing"
"Sorry to hear he went down that road. I'll make sure I don't follow his hoof prints. “He says as he finishes the first barrel, and starts on the second. “Being a guard means I'll need to stay well for every pony and not just myself."
Glaive laughs. "No I guess they won't." Glaive smiles to himself, thinking back to the last time he danced like this, and how much better it was with Falcata, then with her. Glaive continues to make small talk with Falcata.
"I'm happy that you don't plan on ending up like that guy."
Zearoth tosses the last of his yam in the air and catches it in his mouth, eating it happily. “Maybe if I meet him I'll be able to get him on his hooves again. I have a knack for helping others."
Kukri stares briefly at Kat, the sick feeling didn’t seem to be going away, and her drop in tone was certainly of note. Kurki may not like this Kat, but she certainly was the most interesting pony that she had met so far, and she intended to delve a little deeper. "...So" Kurki begins with an inquisitive tone, "What do you make of all this?"
Jaxler shrugged "Some ponies in this world are beyond help"
"That is very nice thing to say Rose, have as many treats as you like, but do not give yourself a tummy ache." Stiletto headed back to the refreshments table to get another tray, this one had syrup smoked carp squares on it
Kat didn't back away from Kukri's stare and instead stares right back, but shifted slightly when Kukri dropped the stare and to ask her "Well what do you mean? If you mean the party, I’ll say it's okay. Have music, have free food and drinks, have ponies, meeting new ponies... It's nice if that's what you want to hear." she replied
Flux finishes his apple and cider and tries to work up the courage to talk to Falcata and Glaive, being only partially successful.
Rose looks at the two ponies, cocking her head at their conversation. "Umm... miss Kat? I'm going to follow Miss Stiletto for a while okay?"
Flux nervously walks up to the two, hoping he isn't interrupting anything.
Kat nodded and Flash Rose a smile before watching her trots away with Stiletto
Glaive noticed Flux approach but seeing as how he hasn't said anything yet, tries to ignore him.
Glyph leads Cherry to the side, and chats with her a bit after the song ends, then wanders over to Kat. "Hello love, and you too Kukri"
Falcata turns to help the floundering orange pony. "Hi, Flux, nice song! One of your own?" She smiles encouragingly.
"I've never thought anypony to be beyond help. But I've been wrong before..."
Flux smiles in relief when Falcata addresses him.
Kat beams Glyph a smile "Hello, Ahh, Kukri, the Mare that's in the same squad as Stiletto right?" she asked, then followed by a "No wonder...” that's a little quieter.
"Um, yes. Did you two, um, enjoy it?"
With no music to dance too, Midnight goes back to the refreshments and getting more to drink. Kukri smiled "Oh yes it sure is a lovely party," She scans the room "A lovely party indeed" She turned back to Kat and gave a reassuring smile "But I'm talking mo...” She paused as Glyph walked over and introduced himself. "Hello there" she replied, disappointed that he had interrupted the conversation just as things were getting interesting."
"Well, I tried to help this pony and so have others and I can promise you that this pony is indeed beyond help"
"Yes", Kukri smiled back at Kat, "No wonder indeed." her reassuring soft smile stayed strong
"I'll only hope things only get better for him then."
"Loved it. You're really an artist, you know. You create music just as spectacularly as you play it. That's rare talent."
Kat looks around slightly, before moving in closer to Kukri into whispering range "Yes, no wonder why you smell like a murderer." she whispered to her, having a knowing grin on her face.
Stiletto trots up to Glaive, Falcata and Flux, offering the tray to them "Eat up and enjoy." she then nuzzles Flux
Glyph nods at Kukri, getting the same twisting feeling from her that he had been for a while. "I'm sorry I haven't been at training lately, I got some time off while the stables get set up."
"Meh, things probably won’t get better for Miter... Why are we talking about something so depressing? I mean we are at a party, right?"
Flux blushes as Falcata compliments him, and gladly nuzzles Stiletto to try to rebuild his courage a bit. "Um... what did you think of it, Glaive?"
Midnight peaks over at the large pony from time to time. Smiling as she gets cute with another one.
"Of course. Let's enjoy our drinks, and new friendships." Zearoth says with a smile, tipping his barrel to clunk it into Jaxler’s somewhat like for a toast.
"Yeah" with that Jaxler took a swig of booze and smiled.
"Your music was very good Flux. You are a true artist. I haven't heard anything that nice since I heard the Coupledye Orchestra play." Glaive tried to avoid making eye contact with Stiletto, trying to pretend that she wasn't here.
Flux takes a breath to steel his nerves, then continues on.
Zearoth joins in and swigs from his own barrel. Enjoying the company and seeming happy to finally be out of his shell.
"I, um, wrote it for, uh, Falcata... and, um, you too, Glaive..."
Stiletto wraps a wing around Flux as she hovers the tray to Falcata "My Kindest lover is a stallion of many talents."
Glaive looks confused, "What do you mean?"
Kukri leaned in towards Kat "I'm hurt, Kat, I'd rather not be personally associated with Mrs. Sluthooves over there" Kukri leans back a bit, but remains in whispering range "I'm no murderer either, I'm just..." She pauses "...New"
Falcata raises an eyebrow quizzically. "For us? Um...why?"
Glaive*looking at Flux, not Stiletto
Midnight's smile grows. He looks at his drink before taking another gulp from it.
Falcata also relieves Stiletto's tray of some of its contents, guzzling them down rapidly.
Jaxler took another swig "So what brought you to Dawnpick?"
Kat raises an eyebrow from Kukri's words "New? You’re around as new as me Kukri. Unless… that's not what you meant?"
Flux takes a treat and a drink before he explains.
"Um, Falcata told me her... past. That's what, uh, most of the song was. Her happiness, then... tragic loss."
Flux fidgets a bit.
"And, um, the end was... the two of you..."
"Well. When you've been wondering the wilds for an age a fort seems like a haven. So I came here in hopes of safety as well as purpose. Seems like I've found both, finally."
Friesden, having managed to elude Glyph, waits in hiding for her father to arrive.
"What are you whispering about?" Glyph asks quietly leaning closer to Kat and Kukri.
"That's interesting, I'm glad to know that you’re happy."
Kukri gives a little giggle and leans up from Kat, "Oh, nothing"
"Thanks. I just hope everyone welcomes me here. If anything I'll know I can just enjoy a drink with you."
Kat leans into Glyph and pushes him and her just slightly away from Kukri for a whispering "she smells like a murderer, Glyph. Can't you feel it?"
"I'm always glad to have a new drinking buddy"
Touched by Flux's explanation, Falcata gives him a small smile. "I see. That's...certainly something. I'm honored you, uh, decided to compose about Glaive and I, of all ponies."
Cherry Pop is presumably still dancing, although she's starting to feel the effort. "Uh... I think I'm going to get a drink..." she says to no-one in particular before heading to the drink table for whatever happens to be left.
"I... yeah I could..." He looks back over at her. "I wasn't sure though... think she goes... hunting too?" Glyph chuckles darkly. "Nice to see another if she does..."
Kat grins and giggles from that and gives Glyph a nuzzle "Maybe...” she whispered back before leaning back up, beaming Kukri another smile
"Although you seem to be able to drink me under the stables easily..." Says a somewhat tipsy Zearoth as he nudges the barrel away. “I’ll keep talking. Though I'm done drinking for the evening."
Cherry Pop finally gets a hold of what's actually happening before taking her mead and giving it a few gulps.
Glaive is still not sure what Flux's motivation is. "I see, well the song was very nice Flux, thank you. But why write about us?"
Glyph smiles at Kukri as well, glancing back at Kat. "Does she know about me? I am sorry for interrupting your discussion."
"I, um... compose about all my friends..."
Seeing the new pony come by for a drink. Midnight decides to walk up to Cherry and introduce himself. "Hello, miss."
Stiletto gives Flux a nice wing cuddle and a kiss, then picks up barrel of mead as she heads to see If Cherry is alright
"I don't know, why don't you ask her hmm?" she said and nudges Glyph a little at his side
Cherry Pop looks at the pony a bit nervously. "H-hi... might I ask who you are?"
Kukri gives a smile back, it certainly wasn't genuine, she hadn't done that in a while, but she did feel something, entertained. Perhaps this carnival of weirdo’s could provide something for her to do after-all.
"Meh, suit yourself" Jaxler takes another swig
"I'm Midnight." He replies with a smile and a bow.
"Yes... lets." Glyph walks back over to Kukri, leaning in and whispering. "Well, that explains my odd feeling about you... so, what do you know about me?"
"Hello, Midnight. I'm Cherry Pop. It's nice to meet you." Cherry bows herself, a bit bashfully.
"The pleasure's mine, Miss Cherry Pop."
"You can c-call me Cherry... if you like..." Cherry seems to still be a bit nervous.
"Oh, okay, Cherry. Blue, or Dusk seems to be popular nicks for me." Kukri sweet smile remained, "Absolutely nothing". That wasn't entirely true, she knew that he clearly had some sort of companionship with Kat, friends, lovers, drinking buddies, she didn’t know, she also knew that he intruded her interesting conversation.
"I... I like Midnight... it's a pr-... nice name... if you don't mind, of course..."
Stiletto offers Cherry and Midnight the tray of smoked carp "A little something to go with your drinks?"
"I'll be back shortly. I'm going to see what there is to eat. Would you like me to bring you anything, Jaxler?"
"Oh, hi Stiletto. I'm really enjoying the party..." Cherry tries a bit of the smoked carp. "This is really good... the mead's good too."
"Oh, thank you, Stiletto. And you too, Cherry. Your name is lovely as well. And of course I don't mind."
Glyph smiles darkly again for a moment. "Oh really, I'm surprised. I would think you could guess if I could. Wouldn't have come out and said you smelled like a murderer though, glad that Kat did."
"Get me some carp meat"
Stiletto smiles at the two of them "Are you enjoying your selves?"
Kukri’s smile faded slightly, "And as I told Kat, I shall tell you, I'm no murderer" she said quite firmly, but with no harshness in her voice. "I'm in the militia to protect, not to kill" Kukri wasn't a fan of his accusations, nor was she a fan of his grin.
Zearoth wonders around the table a little. Though soon notices that Stiletto has a tray of carp in... magic... And so walks over. “Excuse me, Miss Stiletto. Mind if I take a couple pieces of carp?"
Kat giggles at Kukri's answer. "You can say that Kukri, we all can. But I’m sure you'd be lying to yourself if you didn't at least 'liked' when you gets your chance at the killing part of protecting.." she said, cheerfully mixed with a little bit of dark.
"I am, Stiletto. Sh-should I call you Misses Stiletto?" Cherry looks like she's a little embarrassed at her bad manners.
"Yeah, maybe my grasp of midpony isn't as good as I'd thought, but I can tell a Krovʹ tantsor... or at least you seem like one." His voice mirrors Kats, his usual demeanor having a small amount of darkness mix in.
"I am enjoying myself, of course. You are a great hostess."
"Why thank you very much the both of you. It is very kind of you to say that."
Fantastic, Kukri thought to herself, bloody Sadists. "I'm not so sure I would be" she responded flatly "Not everypony has your interests" Whilst it was true there was a plethora of ponies that kukri wouldn't mind "gone", killing things wasn't exactly what made her day, the Militia had actually been quite dull for her, despite having a few kills under her belt.
Kat simply shrugs at that "never said you are. Just smells like one. Maybe you don't have the interest in taking lives, but something else possibly? You surely doesn't... seems... like any other normal ponies around here that's for sure."
"Cherry, you may call me Stiletto, though my family name is TrustGood."
"Thank you, Stiletto." Cherry takes another sip of mead and piece of carp.
Glyph shrugs, "True, just an odd feeling, but now you have me curious. You're different from the others... and that makes you /very/ interesting."
Midnight keeps eating happily. Enjoying the bit of small talk he got.
Zearoth soon returns to Jaxler with a couple small trays of smoked carp. He hands him one before sitting down and eating.
Jaxler noticed that Zearoth had come over with a tray of carp. "Looks like ya got the food"
"Well. I wouldn't say I would get food and go against it. I hope you like it in this preparation."
Kukri gives another reassuring soft smile "Feelings and smells aren't facts, remember that"
Kukri lets out a soft adorable little giggle "Well I hope you both enjoy the rest of the party, I better go see what else is going on around here!" she trots away, back into the crowd
"So, what food did you like the most so far? Or have you just eat the carp?"
Jaxler took a bite of carp. "Damn, this is pretty good."
Friesden continues waiting in hiding around the door. Her dad would be sure to come in soon.
"Very. I'll have to find out who made this to thank him."
"Want to hear something funny?"
"Why not? Tell me."
Kat watches Kukri leave, as her eyes trails along, she spots a colorful zony hiding just under the table. She nudges Glyph softly "Look who's at the party too."
"Malyutka? Of course she's here, I brought her... I was hoping she would have been playing with somepony though, not hiding..."
"Just the carp, so far. I honestly usually do not eat meat, but it is a celebration..." Cherry takes another drink of mead.
"According to Domidian legend the carp used to be the greatest of monsters. It apparently could take down a grown elephant, that is of course till they challenged the gods."
"Ah, well I really liked the yams. If there's any left you should get one."
"Wow... And yet we're here, eating freshly smoked carp. Should we consider it a gift from the gods?" Zearoth lets out a short laugh.
"I'll see if I can find some, thank you." Cherry nods before walking off to find the yams.
"Pfffft, if there are any gods"
Midnight takes another sip of mead. Humming the tune of the last song to himself as he does.
Kat frowns slightly "poor filly.."
"Well if there weren't then we wouldn't be eating carp, now would we?" He says as he adds onto his joke.
"Yeah, and I 'spose Grapple would be out of a job
Glaive thought about what Flux said. "I see." He would have thought negatively of Flux if he said he'd wrote it just for Falcata, but the fact that he wrote him and her together into the song relieved him of his primary fear. But the action still confused him. "I, uh, thank you for it then
Flux." Perhaps Flux wasn't so bad, he'd just fallen in with a bad crowd..
Cherry Pop notices a small foal standing by the doorway as she wanders around, looking for the yams. She goes up to her. "Hey there, little one. Are you waiting for someone?"
"Uh-huh! I'm waiting for dad!"
Midnight keeps track of the group's movements. Seeing where he could blend, dissapear. or just hide and mess around with unobservant ponies. Something he had enjoyed since he was a foal. He quickly spots a simple hiding spot being used by another foal. And watches as Cherry pop talks to her.
Flux nods and gives a small smile in relief.
"Aww. Well..." Cherry looks up, looking outside the door. "Would you like to hang out with me while you wait? I won't let you miss him, and we can have a lot more fun doing stuff than waiting."
"Nah, I'm happy to wait!"
"So Zearoth, how are you with a crossbow?"
"Oh, well, would you like someone to talk to at least? Maybe a little food or drink?"
"I'm not hungry!"
"I trust my life in my aim. I've actually trained myself to use two at once. Takes a little longer to reload but it's still faster then just firing one."
Friesden's stomach rumbles. It's about as loud as a forgotten beast's roar.
"Um, well... I'll uh, let you and Falcata do... whatever it is you two are gonna do?"
Unsure of what to do now, Kukri walks towards Cherry and watches her talk to the foal from a slight distance
Midnight decides to be nice and starts to hunt for yams while Cherry's busy.
Flux makes a thoroughly graceless exit from the two ponies.
"Don't be silly. I'll grab you something to eat." Cherry walks off, soon returning with a few of the yams she was looking for. "Found these. Here, have one."
Kat notices something very, Very wrong.. she's still sober. "Glyph dear, I think we're still sober. Maybe we should go grab ourselves some drinks and bite hmm?"
"No, I'm not hungry."
Midnight scoffs his hoof. Having almost made it half way with a tray of yams. He goes to the drinking table and eats a few of them. Using a decided path to practically disappear, and reappear at the table.
"Please eat. It makes me feel bad to watch you go hungry." Cherry gives a sad smile, trying to convince Friesden to eat.
"I just want to see dad again. I'm not hungry."
"Aww. Would you like something to drink?" Cherry this time offers a fresh mug of mead.
"Hmmm, that's interesting." Jaxler waves around his decrepit wooden crossbow "I'm glad that this time we're getting a recruit who actually knows how to use a weapon"
"Dad says I'm too young for alcohol."
"I'm sure it'll save some time on my training.”
Kukri finally interested enough by the foals last statement regarding his father, trots over to
"Where is the foals dad anyway?"
"This isn't that strong. If it was, I wouldn't be drinking it." Cherry takes a gulp of her own mead.
"But dad says no alcohol for me. I'm too young."
Cherry Pop turns to Kukri. "Oh... hi. I don't know."
"Hmm. I was drinking when I was your age. As long as you don't drink too much, you'll be fine."
"Nuh-uh. Dad says no drinking for me. I'm too young."
Without much anything else to do. Midnight starts weaving and blending into the crowd. Moving about stealthily and reappearing at different parts of the crowd. If only to get some practice in.
"You really trust your dad, huh. Did he leave you here while he took care of something outside?"
"Yeah, It should."
"No. Dad forgot me. Almost-dad and scary lady and miss buffalo don't want me talking to him."
Stiletto returns the tray to the refreshments table and gets a tray of blood orange puddings
"He... forgot you? What do you mean?" Cherry looks a little confused and worried.
Zearoth finishes up his tray of carp."I'm also pretty strong and fast already. I'd even say I was ready if I didn't know it to be so bold."
"I don't know. He just forgot me."
Midnight walks up to the tray of Blood pudding. "Ooo, May I have one, Miss Stiletto?"
Flux looks around the party, wondering if he should try to introduce himself to anypony else today, or simply stop putting off what he's been putting off.
"Lets’ go find him, then. I don't know if he's coming here, so we might as well go to him, right?" Cherry offers her back for Friesden to climb onto.
Glyph walks over to Cherry and Friesden. "You alright Little Friesdizzy? Good to see you talking to new ponies."
"Dad says not to go with strange ponies."
"Hi almost-dad."
"When is dad coming?"
Kat finally noticing Jaxler talking with another pony, and seeing Glyph going over to take care of Friesden, she decide that, if she's going to have a drink, Jaxler would be the drinking buddy any pony could ask for. Going over to take some drinks of her own and approaches the two, giving a Jaxler a quick relaxed salute with one of her wings instead of hooves
"Mind if I drink with you lot Jaxler?"
"I'm not that strange, am I?" Cherry looks herself over. "Oh, you mean you don't know me. I'm Cherry Pop."
"I'm Friesden. Dad calls me Dizzy."
"Not at all Kat, Zearoth was just telling me about his combat skill and how he wanted to join the guard."
"That's sweet." Cherry holds out her hoof to Friesden.
Glyph winces at Friesden's words. "U-umm... I don't think he's coming Malyutka..."
Zearoth gives Kat a nod.
"No, miss buffalo said he was coming."
"Miss... Stiletto isn't a buffalo silly." He smiles and pokes Friesden's side. "But I don't remember her saying that, when did you talk to her?"
Flux approaches Kukri, deciding he'd rather face a new pony than one he knows right now.
Kukri gradually losing interest in the foal, Kukri turns back around, scanning around the party for another pony she could talk to, the evening hadn't been a complete waste, but it certainly hadn’t been the best either.
"I heard her say she invited him. And she is a buffalo."
"People don't always take their invitations, though."
"Oh? Another one? An Extra bolt would come in handy." She said as she plops down close to them, setting down her drinks "I'm Kat by the way, nice to meet you." she said with a smile, offering a hoof at Zearoth
"Why wouldn't they?"
"Sometimes they're busy."
"Dad couldn't be that busy."
Stiletto gingerly floats a blood pudding to Midnight "There you are, eat well." trots over to the large gathering of ponies
"Maybe we can see him instead if he is busy, though?"
Zearoth uses the magnetic hoof powers to shake Kat's hoof."Nice to meet you as well, Kat. I'll try and serve the guard well."
"Um, h-hello. Uh... enjoying the party?"
Midnight digs in happily.
"If you want, I can help you find him."
Kukri much to Kukri's delight, a willing pony was trotting up to her. She put on a smile "Hey there"
"No. We shouldn't bother him. If he's busy he's busy." He gives Cherry a look.
"Awww..."
"Maybe we can wait till he's not busy then see him?"
Kat nods at Zearoth's words "oh I’m sure you'll serve the guard well. As long as you actually work."
Cherry Pop goes closer on Reflex. "Is there something I should know?" she whispers.
"Well I've never been shy of work. I'll keep going until I give out if I have to."
Glyph leans closer, whispering back, "Her... father... had some kind of mental break. He doesn't even remember her being his daughter, and he threw her out... I've been taking care of her for a while now."
"Wait...what? Is that even possible? I've never heard of something like that happening before..."
"Almost-dad? Can we?"
"Sure am!" she lies, "And yourself? You enjoying the party?"
Jaxler took a swig of booze and said "so Kat how have things been?"
Midnight can pick up on a negative atmosphere as he watches the two ponies talk about the foal. He lowers his ears, wondering how many ponies are still enjoying the party.
"Umm... I think we should just leave him alone... maybe your mother will come though."
Glyph whispers back to Cherry. "It's either that, or he's simply a monster. I prefer to leave Friesden's mother with some hope..."
"I'd like to talk to him... a father should take care of his child." Cherry snorts in disgust.
Flux looks nervous, but gives a small smile.
Kat took a swig from her own drinks, deciding that she's not going to leave the party sober "Things been pretty well actually, especially now I can get back to do some more patrol duties now that Flux's out of the jail. I'm not going to be finding you drunk under a tree the next time it's our turn to patrol together.. Right?" she asked uncertainly.
"Um, yes. I... didn't really expect to, but it, uh, keeps getting better."
Flux facehooves at his rudeness.
"Aww....Please? I want to see him."
"Um, sorry, I didn't introduce myself. Um... I'm Flux."
Midnight soon finishes his pudding. Seeming to enjoy it much less than before.
Glyph shuffles his hooves. "I... I just don't think it would be a good idea..."
"Flux, eh?" after a brief moment of ignorance she was struck with realization "Oh, aren't you the one this party is for?"
"But..."
Flux shifts his hooves awkwardly."Um, yes, I suppose..."
"Oh...Okay..."
Midnight shakes his head. 'This is a party, I can't let a couple ponies bring me down.' he thinks to himself. He decides to walk around and find more ponies to talk too. Quickly remembering the foal following the massive mare hosting this party.
Glyph sighs and pulls Friesden into a hug. "I'm sorry Malyutka... but can you try to just enjoy the party?"
Kukri was taken aback by Flux's shyness, she was almost certain this pony was just locked up for breaking someponys leg, she really should have learnt about this party a bit more before deciding to join
In a soft tone, Kukri asks "Well, happy with your new found freedom?"
Friesden sniffles. "If I...If I have to..."
"Hey little one, are you enjoying the party?" He asks as he walks up to little Rose.
Flux seriously considers the question before answering. "Um..."
"Well Kat, that depends on when I had my last keg of booze"
"Aww, I can help you feel better, Friesden. If you'd like to hang out with me, of course."
"...I'm not sure..."
Rose looks up at Midnight and smiles. "Uh huh, Miss Stiletto throws a really good party!"
Kukri is genuinely puzzled by his answer
"You'd rather be back in the cell?"
"Dad says not to go with ponies he doesn't know."
"But I know your daddy." Cherry lies. "Isn't that right, Glyph?"
"Yes, she does. Did you get anything else to eat? The pudding's really good.”
Flux glances to where Glaive and Falcata are, still feeling guilty about breaking his leg.
"Does she, almost-dad?"
Flux then looks to Stiletto, Kat, Glyph and Friesden.
"...Not really."
Glaive winces in pain for moment from putting too much weight on his leg, coincidentally just as Flux looks at him.
"What if I go with you" Glyph rubs Friesden's back. "He'd be fine with that right? Besides, Cherry is a good pony. Dunno if she knows your.... father though." He leans over to Cherry whispering to her again. "I try not to lie to her about anything... I have to keep her trust."
"Makes sense."
"Um...I think that would be okay..."
Kukri watches as flux glances around before giving his answer, noticing Glaive wincing at his leg
The contrast between the two was amusing, this shy little pony broke HIS leg? Kukri almost wanted to laugh
Rose looks around, "Pudding? I haven't had any of that at all! Bet it's really good."
Midnight smiles. He grabs one and motions Rose to follow him to a table.
"Sometimes Jaxler, I just think you should have booze with you all the time.. Oh wait, you already do."
Kukri beckons towards Glaive, "So he's the one that you...? " She trails off, figuring that outright stating what he did probably wasn't going to help him open up a bit.
"Um... yes..."
Rose follows Midnight, glad that she had decided to come, even without her mother.
Zearoth chuckles a little at Kat's joke.
"I've already told you that I need my booze. If I could go without it I would but I can't. So, please stop getting mad at me for being an alcoholic."
"Go on, eat up." Midnight says with a smile as he grabs himself more to drink.
Rose pulls the pudding over to her and begins to nom on it, continuing to look at Midnight.
"Mister Midnight, when did you get here? I don't remember you being in the fort before...'
Kukri smiles brightly at Flux "Well, he's not at your throat, that's a plus!"
"I'm not mad at you Jaxler, in fact, I think I got used to it. But really, I really do think you should keep some drinks with you at all time, because honestly? You being slightly drunk all the time is actually more likable than being VERY drunk at some times and being sober at some other times."
"It's hard for people to see me, actually. But I haven't been here long."
"I, um, suppose. He did ask for me to be let out of jail early..."
"I'm sorry Kat but if I need to get smashed for the alcohol to have the desired effect, staying buzzed all the time won't work."
"Well, alright. I guess now that we're getting another Guard you sleeping off on sometimes wouldn't be as much of a problem as before."
"I guess I'm proving useful already..."
"That he did! How many other pony's would let you out of jail after you broke their leg?" she paused, realizing that was missing quite a big piece of the puzzle "...Why...why did you break his leg?"
Rose noms a bit more pudding. "Well... do you have any friends here?"
Flux winces a bit at the question, but answers it anyway.
"Um, not really, no."
"He, um... insulted Stiletto after I... told him not to."
"Oh..." Rose looks down... then back up, smiling big. "Well then I'll just have to be your friend! Even though you’re an adult... mom won't mind... right?"
"Did I hear you say you wanted pudding Rose?"
"Well, I don't know if she would or would not mind. But I'd love to be your friend, Miss Rose."
Kukri was disappointed, she could probably get behind some pony insulting Stiletto. Still, this shy little psychopath seemed to be alright despite his choice of mare for valiant deference, she could respect him a little for standing up for himself.
Rose giggles. "I got some from Midnight, but thank you Miss Stiletto."
"It's very good, Stiletto. Thank you."
Kukri gives a reassuring warm smile "Well, there's not much pointing in worrying about it now, he seems to have forgiven you." I know I wouldn't
"Can I ask you to stop bringing that up. The new recruit just met me and I'd prefer if I left a good impression.
Flux sighs.
"I don't know..."
"You welcome my cherished guests, I really just want all the ponies here to be happy." her tone indicating that she actually meant all of Dawnpick
"Don't worry, sir. I don't look down on anything like that. You're fun to be around and know what's what. That's good enough for me to be impressed."
"You are a very nice mare, Miss Stiletto. I'm honored to have met someone so kind."
"The feeling's mutual Zearoth, but there's no need to call me sir. I'd prefer if we stayed informal"
"You don't know what?" Kukri responses inquisitively
"Alright. I'll leave the formalities for the others."
"Good impressions can only go so far Jaxler. I remembered how our first impression went. And how it turned out"
"If he's... actually forgiven me."
Flux mutters to himself: "I haven't forgiven me..."
Rose walks over and gives Stiletto a little hug. "Well I'm happy."
Midnight smiles wide at the sight. "You seem to get a lot of affection, Miss Stiletto. Seems like a lot of ponies have noticed your work."
"Kat, I already hate Grapple, Alicorns, and taxes and if you don't shut up I'm gonna end up adding you to that list."
Stiletto slowly and with great caution lifts Rose to her chest and returns the hug "I am glad that so many have, all the ponies here are good ponies Midnight."
"Then I should really like it here."
Kat rises an eyebrow "wait, you're saying you haven't already added me to your list-o-hate? Wow Jaxler. I-, well. I haven't even considered of you not hating me already. I'm not even joking here, that's nice of you. Thanks I guess."
Virtue approaches the dining hall, tired and hungry after another day of shuffling papers and making sure that everything important was up to stock. She pauses as she draws close, noting the above average level of activity and noise
Zearoth sits quietly. Trying not to listen to too much of their conversation.
Friesden hears the noise of an approaching pony, and her face lights up. "That must be dad!"
Virtue opens the door carefully and peeks in. "Hello, everypony," she says as she notices the large mass of ponies.
Zearoth waves to the new pony.
Kat tore her attention from Jaxler to Virtue, giving her a wave and beam her one of her bestest smiles "Baroness!"
Friesden"...oh."
"Wait, you thought I hated you? Why would I hate somepony I was supposed to protect?"
Midnight smiles and waves at the new pony
"Baroness? So that's who runs this fort. I was wondering when I would finally meet her."
Rose peeks out from Stiletto's hooves, and waves. "Hi mom!"
"Hello, there. I don't think I've met you."
Virtue steps inside. "My, looks like everypony is here right now." She carefully wades past a few ponies to move inside before noticing her daughter and several other ponies waving at her.
Glyph hugs Friesden. "It's okay malyutka..."
Stiletto takes a mug from her saddle bag and fills it from the barrel she has nearby then walks to Lady Virtue "Hello Lady Virtue. Would you like a drink, or some food?"
"Well of course I thought you hated me. With all my whining and bitching about your drinking and how we get into fights so often and how I tried to get you off from your second-in-command with Partisan, you were there too. Yeah, all of those. I thought you'd already hate me for them. Seriously though, if I were in your place, I'd hate the hell out of me."
"Oh, there you are Rose, I was wondering where you'd gotten off to." She dithers for a moment at the sudden attention. "Oh, um..."
Midnight grabs another pudding for himself as the hostess goes to great the pony.
"That's it?"
Friesden 's stomach rumbles again
"You want some food now Friesden?"
"I suppose..."
"Unless I can think up some other reasons, yeah, that's it."
"Here." Cherry hands Glyph the yam. "She won't take it from me."
"Sometimes there isn't anything you can do to make someone hate you."
"And sometimes, there isn't anything you can do to make someone stop hating you. That includes saving your life."
"Ya know, I have a damn good reason for hating alicorns"
Virtue accepts Stiletto's offer with a smile. "Thank you, Stiletto. What's the occasion?" she asks, marveling at the congregation.
"Yeah, and I have a very damn good reason for hating males. All of em."
"But I didn't anyway.. But whatever, I don't want to start it with you. Since I’m still not in your list-o-hate, I prefer NOT to be on that book-o-hate of yours."
Stiletto extends the foreleg Rose is held in so she can get to her mother "Flux is free, and we are a happy family again, not every pony forgives me yet but I am a scary pony."
Midnight decides to walk up to the group and great the new pony. "Hello, I'm Midnight." He says as he takes a bow.
"You're not scary Miss Stiletto," Rose says, reaching out to hug her mom. "You're pretty!"
Virtue takes Rose and gives her a small nuzzle. "A scary pony? What do you mean?"
Virtue looks over to the new arrival with a bit of surprise. "Oh! Hello, I don't think we've met?"
"We haven't, Miss. I'm glad to see you made it to this well thrown party."
"Fine Kat... pardon me but why do we always have to be at each other’s throats?"
Cherry Pop walks up to Virtue too, a little embarrassed and disappointed that she was passed up. "Uh... hello... I'm Cherry... Cherry Pop... I'm sorry if I'm being a bother..."
Stiletto blushes at little Rose's comment, but this is very hard to tell with her coat "I am so big, I can get angry sometimes and then there are those that are intimidated by my lifestyle Lady Virtue"
"That's a shame. You're a wonderful pony, Stiletto."
Kukri sighs, this was probably one of the main reasons she kept to herself for so long, all this pointless messy fuss about this and that that. "You don't know if he's actually forgiven you? Tell me then," she nods in Glaive's direction "why is he attending a party thrown in your honor because you got out early for the crime you committed against him..."
"Because we usually think differently, and what we do makes the other finds offensive or something? And it's just kind of something that's been going on as always?"
Even if he let you out for some other reason, why the hell would he show up here?"
"Yes, it is a nice party... glad to meet you, Mr...?"
"Midnight. Blue, or Dusk if you would rather."
"Okay Kat, I have one more question. Do you hate me?"
"Glad to meet you Mr. Midnight." She makes a small gesture to herself. "I'm Virtue Cookales. How did you get here, and how long have you been?" She splits her attention to the red pony who just approached her and gives her a warm smile. "Hello Cherry Pop, don't think we've had much chance to speak before. You're not a bother, how have things been?"
Flux shuffles his hooves and looks down.
"Because Falcata came?"
"Oh, you know me..." Cherry blushes. "I'm okay... I've been taking good care of the crops..."
"Falcata?..."
"His, um... fillyfriend."
Flux waves a hoof at the two.
Kat tilts her head slightly at Jaxler's question "Only if you hate me really. But if you just dislike me then I'll just dislike you back. After all, you're my squadmate, I'll tell you now that I'd trust my back on you without fearing that you'd shoot me in the back or something. Would you trust your back on me as well?"
"I got here through simple migration. I haven't been here long."
Virtue smiles again. "Yes, Harvest Moon tells me about you sometimes. I'm glad to hear you're doing well, and taking such good care of things."
Stiletto offers the tray of puddings to all present "Yes she has, best harvest of sky blubs I have ever seen to date."
Zearoth eyes the pudding and snatches some. Eating it happily as he lets the others talk.
Virtue looks back to Midnight. "Oh, I wasn't aware we'd had any more migrants show up. Has anypony shown you around?" She accepts the bowl of pudding from Stiletto's tray and offers her a word of thanks.
"Can I have some more pudding mom?" Rose says, still smiling.
"What, his fillyfreind convinced him to both let you out and come to this party, despite want he wanted?" There's a brief pause as Kukri contemplates this herself "Why would she do that?"
"Of course, honey," she says, handing a bowl to her.
"Not really, no. I've managed to find a few important areas by myself however."
"Well at least make one of us... Anyway yes I would trust my back on you, but don't trust me to have your back. As long as
I'm second in command I'll be taking both your front and your back"
"Um, she's my friend?":
"Oh, okay then. We should talk a bit when things settle down so I can help you get acclimated."
Kat raises her eyebrow slightly, surprisingly enough, there's a little blush on her, she'd pass it as a little drunk blush anyway as she giggles "Oh Jaxler, are you hitting on me or something? Caught me off-guard.”
Zearoth can't help but let out a laugh."Pahahahaahaha! Oh! No my pudding!" He says as he looks at the almost dropped bowl."
Rose smiles, nomming a bit of pudding. "Thanks mom! This is really good."
"You didn’t steal his cupcakes here, you broke his leg, does Falcata really control him that much?" noticing that Flux is still pretty nervous and shy, she flashes him another smile.
Flux looks at Falcata and Glaive again. Flux relaxes a bit, smiling and shaking his head.
Virtue nods at Rose and takes a bite of her own. "Yes, it is quite good, did Skillet prepare it, or somepony else?"
"I wasn't hitting on you, what I meant to say was that, I'm second in command so it's my job to defend anypony below me with my life so that they don't haft to."
"No, she doesn't. I... guess I'm just worrying over nothing, aren't I?"
"Ah, well don't be too ready to die and lose your position there Jaxler. You've got ponies like me doing that for ya." She said and gives him a smile as she takes another swig "Heh, and I wouldn't really mind if you were hitting on me anyway."
"I think my kindest love could use a little bit of support. Please excuse me all my guests."
Midnight turns down the helping of pudding. Already feeling full from all he's eaten.
Zearoth steadies his pudding and starts eating again."That was close... I can barely even protect my own pudding it seems."
"Exactly, you've been let out of jail early and thrown your own bloody party for it, do you really want to waste it moping in the corner worrying about what someone /might/ still think?"
Jaxler shrugged "Sorry, I know a handsome stallion like myself is quite a catch but I'm not looking for love"
Kukri catches herself stepping out of character a bit too much for her own liking, she gives a polite little cough and attempts to settle herself down a bit
Kat giggles from what Jaxler said and took another swig. "Good one." she comments before turning her attention to Zearoth "say, Tell us more about yourself."
Flux considers what Kukri was saying, though his mind also applies it to something else he needed to do tonight. "Um, I guess not. Thanks, Kukri. I... guess I tend to over-think things sometimes."
"Hmm... Not too much to tell. I've mostly been running around the land. Living off of it and such. That's how I learned to shoot so well." Zearoth takes a bite of his pudding. "And taught me how to move around the ground. Which should help me in being a guard."
Stiletto trots up to Flux and nods to Kukri "Enjoying yourself my kindest love, can I get you a drink?"
"Oh, so the hostess is in love with the guest of honor?"
Flux smiles warmly at Stiletto. "Um, yes I am. And I, uh, would like a drink, actually. Thank you for the , um, party, my Beautiful One."
Stiletto nuzzles Flux and kisses him "You are very welcome my kindest love"
"They're cute too..."
Stiletto looks to the sky as grabs a barrel of sunshine for Flux "Oh my, we have been here for hours, it is almost the middle of the night."2
"Just travelling around do you? That’s nice. I traveled as well."
"Have you? Been anywhere in particular?"
Rose giggles. "They do look cute..."
"Well, Around. Traveled across the ocean from the far east. Biggest adventure I’ve ever had."
"Yes, they are..."
"You were cute too, walking up and hugging her like that." Midnight says as he smiles at Rose.
"Ohhh... What's out there? I've rarely seen the water."
Rose smiles, walking over and hugging Midnight too.
"Thanks Mister Midnight."
Midnight smiles wide and hugs Rose back. "Awww, you're a really nice friend, Miss Rose. Flux finally notices the late hour when Stiletto points it out. Flux looks around for Kat, but sees she's busy talking with somepony, and it'd be rude to just leave Stiletto and Kukri.
"I, um, guess time flies when you're having fun?"
Midnight
"At the ocean? Water. Lots of lots of lots of water. So much water. SO much. Or are you talking about where I came from that have the ocean between here and there?"
Kukri considered that for a moment, she had actually enjoyed herself to a degree, "That it does, perhaps I'd better be heading home"
"Vast oceans..." Zearoth seems more interested in the subject than your average pony."You can tell me about your home if you'd like. It's nice being able to talk to someone again."
"Heh, tell me about it. The first few months I got here, I couldn't take to anypony at all... Just... doesn't understand what they're saying you know what I mean?"*Couldn't talk to
“Um, do you have an early shift tomorrow?"
"I just haven't been around anyone for a long time. Even after I got here it took me a little to decide to finally say something."
She didn’t, but Flux had conveniently given her the perfect excuse to leave early "Yeah, I'd better get some rest in" Kukri stretches out before turning back round to flux and giving him one last smile "Thanks for the party"
Stiletto brings Flux the barrel of sunshine "That it does my kind one." Kisses him again "Though everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves at least a bit. I think we have a day off tomorrow."
Flux lovingly kisses Stiletto back, glad to have here there to boost his confidence.
"Well, nice to see you starting to talk to other ponies then. Always good to make new friends."
"Did you hear that mom? I have a friend!" Rose hugs Midnight tighter
"That's great, honey!" She gives the two a smile.
"Just took an amazing party thrown by... A rather awesome pony. I don't think I've ever seen any like her. But go on and tell me a little about your home if you want. I'd hate to take over your conversation."
Midnight just keeps smiling as he holds the hug. "Does she have many friends? Or am I really the first?"
Stiletto pulls a mug from the table, dips it into the barrel and hands the full mug to Flux. "Your favorite drink I f I remember?" Smiles
"Oh it's alright.. Any about my home? Well... I can say that it's as horrible as it is nice really. Memories, Great and bad. It follows me. But Dawnpick is my home now. And I don't regret one bit about it."
Flux smiles and lifts a hoof to gently caress Stiletto's muzzle "Second favorite, I much prefer to drink of your lips."
"Something we have in common. I just hope no one minds me calling this place my home. Even if I have yet to make a house for myself."
"You don't have to. You get yourself a free apartment room."
Stiletto lets Flux have one drink before scooping him up in her forelegs "We will have as much time for that as we want my kindest love." and she whispers "The second we get home."
"Oh? I wish I had known that. Though it'll take me some time to adjust from sleeping in trees..."
"She has a few friends around the town, and two brothers besides." She looks about. "Speaking of which, I hope they're with their father or close by..."
Flux hugs Stiletto for a bit, drawing strength from her love, then tries to get down.
"I dunno, I came here cause I thought you'd be here."
Stiletto gently puts Flux back on his hooves "I think it is time to retire for the night, unless you have another song to sing?"
Midnight "I wouldn't know what they look like. So I can't help either. Guess I'll stick here with this cuddly little foal."
Friesden has fallen asleep.
"Um, not quite. I... need to talk to somepony..."
Flux looks to Kat.
"Sleeping in trees isn’t bad, especially if you got some clouds to make bed for yourself there."
"Alright, it was nice meeting you. I think I'll go look for my husband and sons." She looks down to Rose and adds, "Take care, I'll be back for you in a little while, okay?"
Zearoth "Sadly I can't really make use of the clouds. Being an Earth pony and all. I've just done it for so long that I'm used to laying in bark and branches. Oh. There's a pony looking at you now. He may want to speak."
Kat perk her ears up "oh?" then looks around to see which pony that's been looking at her, then spotted Flux, she gives him a wave and beaming him a smile
Glyph: "Bye mom" Rose waves at her mother. "Don't worry, I'll stay with mister Midnight or Miss Stiletto."
Flux swallows nervously and approaches Kat.
Zearoth finishes his pudding.
Midnight sits down as he hugs Rose tighter
"Um, h-hey Kat. Uh... enjoying the... party?"
Glyph smiles at the sleeping Friesdizzy, giving her a gentle nuzzle.
Friesden wakes at the nuzzle, sleepily asking "Is it time to get up, dad?"
"Not yet little one, sorry for waking you. Just sleep as long as you like..."
Friesden "Mkay..."
Rose snuggles into Midnights chest as he hugs her
Rose snuggles into midnights chest as he hugs her
Midnight smiles as he sees this. "Guess you're comfy?"
Glyph "Uh huh, you're a good huger Midnight..."
Friesden goes back to sleep after a bit.
Midnight lets out a short chuckle. "So are you."
Kat beams a smile at Flux, seeing him approaches her. "Mmhmm! so far so much. You played well Flux!"
Flux blushes at her compliment.
"Um, thanks, Kat. You're, um, a good dancer. I enjoyed playing."
Flux gets an idea.
Kat giggles at Flux's blush and beams even happier from his compliment "aw, thanks Flux."
"Um, Kat? I, uh, actually have one more song I'd like to play tonight. If you'd... care to hear it?"
"I really like hugs..."
Rose says
“I do too, Miss Rose."
"Of course Flux, it's your song after all." She said, smiling warmly at Flux as he walks to the case with the piccolo in it and pulls it out.
"Um, actually... it's yours..."
Flux begins to play a waltz, one seemingly very regimented and ordered, no room for a single miss-step.
Kat was somewhat surprised when Flux said that it was hers.. Her ears perk up as she takes in the tune of his piccolo... closing her eyes and smiling as she enjoys in the music.
As the music continues, there are occasional bouts of more free music, for the kind of dance that flows from the heart than a stilted waltz, but the waltz returns each time. Eventually though, the free spirit of the dancing song breaks free, the song becoming a joyous tribute to the free soul and the expression thereof.
Zearoth smiles, seeming to enjoy the song as well.
Stiletto listens to the song and dances to the tune.
Zearoth looks over to Stiletto."Even for such a strong build, she's a graceful dancer..."
Kat couldn't help but find herself turning and dancing to the song, so free, so flowing, so cheerful. It truly did touched her, and she loved it, and she's not afraid to show it.
"Hey, wanna dance with me?"
"Dance? "I've never danced before..."
"Just follow my steps. Come on." Midnight says as he motions for Rose to follow him to the dance floor.
Rose follows along, keeping close to Midnight.
Midnight starts a simple dance that should be easy to learn.
Rose attempts to follow the steps, stumbling a little every once and a while
Midnight "that's it, you're getting good at this." Midnight says reassuringly as he keeps dancing.
Flux finishes the song, having watched Kat dance to it fills him with confidence and love. He sets aside the piccolo and approaches her.
Zearoth stands up and puts the empty pudding bowl away. He walks over to Stiletto, still smiling a little."Sorry if.. I'm bothering you. But I just wanted to say that you're an amazing dancer."
Kat smiles and sighed happily beaming ever so happily at Flux "That was.. Very wonderful Flux.. Will you explain it's meanings to me please? I really liked it."
Stiletto smiles at Zearoth and bows her head "Thank you very much Mister Zearoth."
Zearoth "No. Thanks for this wonderful party. And.. You can just call me Zearoth, if you wish."
Stiletto "I surely will then Zearoth, you are truly welcome, it was good of you to come."
Flux smiles at Kat, emboldened by how much she enjoyed it.
"Well... I couldn't distance myself forever. I've even found a few friends for myself."
"Like I said: it's your song. "Your life, overcoming a society too rigid to hope to contain you, finding your way here to Dawnpick. To all of us."
Flux leans closer to Kat.
Kat beams even brighter. "It’s so... wonderful Flux... like you."
Flux "You are so bold, Kat. I... I love you."
Rose stops dancing and sits down. "Umm... did I do good?"
"You were wonderful, miss Rose. Thank you for dancing with me."
"It was fun!"
Kat froze for a small moment, just a few seconds, her eyes went slowly wider, her blush slowly surfacing on her face as what Flux said slowly sinks in. "you… what?"
"Yeah, A lot of fun. Want to get anything else to eat?"
Zearoth looks back and smirks. Seeming to have overheard."Looks like I'm not the only one who's gained a friend..."
Flux's resolve wavers, but he refuses to try to pretend he said something else."I love you, Kat. I... um, love you."
"All the ponies here are good ponies, the sisters have truly blessed the colony of Dawnpick."
"I'm glad. I think I'll really like it here. But... I should probably take my leave. It's getting a little late for me. Thank you again for inviting me to such an amazing party, Miss Stiletto."
Kat slowly beams up even brighter, smiling and, probably just the lighting, but she seems just a tad less grey.. She leans in closer and bumped noses with Flux before whispering "I love you too Flux..."
"Ummm... maybe? What's left?"
"You may also call me Stiletto, or Lieutenant TrustGood if you wish to be formal."
"I'm sure there's plenty. And I don't think you finished your pudding."
Flux releases a breath he wasn't even aware he was holding, then carefully and lovingly kisses Kat.
"I'll remember that, Stiletto. Have a good evening." He says, taking a bow and starting to walk off.
Kat closes her eyes slowly when she feels Flux giving her a kiss, her blush slowly grows, but she didn't pull back, oh no she didn't. She kissed him back... and she liked it.
Stiletto waves good bye to Zearoth Stiletto trots over to Kat and Flux "So this is what you where talking about my kindest love, the bond between us grows stronger."
Kat eeps in surprise from hearing Stiletto so close like that, making her recoil back from the kiss and blinks a few times, her burning blush returning
"I didn't?"
"You kinda hugged me instead."
Flux pulls back slightly as well, blushing furiously as Stiletto talks.
Stiletto takes Kat and Flux into her forelegs, pulling the three of them together "I love you both so very much. It makes me happy to see you together."
"OH! Well... I should eat that then!"
Kat smiles at Stiletto's hugging them like that, she returns the hug and nuzzles onto her lightly. "Mm.. you do?"
Rose watches the three, sitting by his new daughter. He smiles softly, happy that Kat had found more love... but also slightly sad, more others meant less time for him.
Flux blushes and says nothing, instead smiling and looking at each of his loves and hoping he can simply keep up.
"Okay, let’s go get it then." Midnight says as he heads back to the drink table. His own half eaten pudding still there
Stiletto nuzzles them both and whispers "So where do we all sleep tonight?" Stiletto looks over at Glyph holding Friesdizzy. She gently levitates the two of them over to her* "A strong bond of love, between us all."
Glyph snuggles close to them all, still with his small smile.
Kat beams up happily when two more ponies joins their hugs, so she proceed to nuzzles exactly everypony she can within her deadly nuzzling range of nuzzles. Friesden included
Friesden was asleep, but gets woken up by Kat.
Flux smiles and enjoys the group hug.
"The biggest bed is at my apartment."
Glyph brushes Friesden's mane.
For all curious ponies. Zearoth has just plopped down on his bed, struggling to get comfy."Mphm... Trees are better..."
"It time to wake up now?" she asks sleepily.
Glyph "I thought you would enjoy the hugs."*Stiletto folds her wings over the whole group of them*