A Chance Encounter
With the coach stallion away with her father, Fluttershy, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash had to walk all the way into town. Along the way, the girls got to know one another better.
"And so, when I found out my brother was asking Rainbow Dash to be my liaison, I was shocked to say the least." said Twilight.
"And I was shocked that I'd be looking out for this egghead here." said Rainbow Dash jokingly.
"You two must've been friends for a long time." said Fluttershy.
"Not really, I met Twi here a year ago, and we just sorta ended up running into each other a lot."
"I didn't think Rainbow and I would ever become friends. But it just sorta...happened."
"What about you Flutters?" asked Rainbow Dash. "What are your friends like?" Fluttershy blushed at being called Flutters and answered timidly, "I don't really have any friends."
"You sure? You've gotta have at least one friend." said Rainbow.
"Well, there is the owner of the Golden Apple, Applejack. We talk to each other, and she tells me about how her family is doing."
"Sounds like a friend to me." said Twilight. Was she? It surprised Fluttershy, she'd never realized Applejack was a friend, she always thought that they were just two nice ponies have little conversations. And now, with these two ponies, it looked like she now had three friends. The thought of it made her fell...warm inside. At long last, the girls had reached the village.
"Welcome to Wisteria." said Fluttershy. Rainbow and Twilight took in the sights and greeted all the townsponies who passed them by. Fluttershy made sure to stay close to them, feeling a bit overwhelmed by how crowded the streets seemed, and not being used to interacting with so many ponies. Fluttershy pointed out the various buildings, like the village dress shoppe, the book store (which made Twilight practically squee), the flower stands, the doctor's office, and of course, The Golden Apple (which actually got Rainbow to squee at the prospect of having fresh cider to drink). Fluttershy opened the door for them, and trotted in once they were inside.
"Hey, Fluttershy. Back so soon?" said Applejack. "And I see you brought a couple of strangers with you."
"This is Twilight and Rainbow Dash, they got caught in last night's storm and ended up on my doorstep."
"Tell me about it. That was one heck of a storm last night. Heard it even knocked down a few trees too."
"No pony got hurt did they?"
"No, luckily they didn't hit anypony, though they did end up blocking a few of the roads, so it'll be a while before we get anymore traveler into these parts." This worried Fluttershy very much. Would it delay her father? No. It would take more than a few trees to block his path, still, she couldn't help but worry, like any daughter would for her father's well being.
"So, what brings you by here with these two?" asked Applejack. Fluttershy looked up, pulling from out of her worrying thoughts.
"Huh? Oh, right. Rainbow Dash here wanted some cider and I thought she might enjoy yours." Applejack smiled proudly.
"Alrighty then, one mug of cider coming up." Applejack pulled out a mug and trotted over to a large barrel, where she turned the nob and let the cider pour in. Fluttershy almost licked her lips at seeing the sweet, golden liquid, wanting a taste for herself. But she scolded herself to show some self control. Applejack set the mug of cider down on the counter. Rainbow Dash quickly sat on the stool and drank it all down.
"That's some good cider." she said. Applejack laughed a little and turned to Fluttershy and Twilight.
"How about you two? Care for mug as well?" asked Applejack. Fluttershy nodded eagerly, while Twilight just shrugged and went along with it. They sat themselves next to Rainbow Dash as they waited for their own mugs. The second Fluttershy got her hooves on her mug, she gulped it down. She smiled at how delicious it was, but quickly covered her mouth in embarrassment. Why had she done something so stupid? She should've been more lady like, or at least taken a few sips.
"I'm sorry." said Fluttershy. "I just. got really thirsty on the walk into town."
"You don't need to be sorry about nothing Fluttershy. I get all sorts of customers who just drink my cider in one big swallow. Guess that just goes to show you how much they like it."
"I'd say love it, is a better way to describe it." said Rainbow Dash.
"This is some good cider." said Twilight, taking more sips from her mug. "Sweet, with a bit of tartness to it."
"I don't really do anything special, just some well pressed cider from farm grown apples. Nothing more and nothing less."
"However you call it, it will always be delicious." said Fluttershy. "Now, how much do I pay you?" Applejack held up a hoof as Fluttershy was about to pull out money from her purse.
"Consider it on the house Fluttershy." she said.
"Your sure?"
"Yeah, I'm sure. And you two." she said to Twilight and Rainbow Dash.
"If you two are staying with Fluttershy, take real good care of her, you hear? I don't wanna end up hearing that you two have been causing her trouble."
"Applejack, please. You're embarrassing me." said Fluttershy with a mix of embarrassment and teasing.
"You don't need to worry about Fluttershy, or us." said Twilight.
"Yeah, we'll keep her good company." said Rainbow Dash. Applejack had a way of looking at a pony and telling whether or not they were telling the truth, and from the look of these two, they seemed to be honest enough. She gave an approving nod and said, "In that case, I hope the three of you have a good day. Take care of yourselves."
"Thanks Applejack."
"Bye."
"See ya."
And so, the girls left the tavern, and headed into the streets. Little did they know that they were being closely watched by a pair of yellow and red eyes.
"Snake Oil! Come on up folks, and by our high quality snake oil!"
"You'll never find an oil quite like this."
The girls rolled their eyes as they passed a stand where two shady twins, the Flim Flam Brothers, were selling all sorts of questionable goods. The girls joked over how silly it'd be to by snake oil, when Fluttershy accidentally bumped into somepony. It was a unicorn stallion with a black mane, grayish taupe coat, and cinnamon-golden eyes.
"Oh, my. I'm so sorry." said Fluttershy. "Are you alright?" The unicorn smiled and gave a nod.
"Of course, dear lady." he said. "In truth, the fault is all mine. I should've paid better attention of where I was going. Though, I don't know how I could've missed seeing such a lovely mare such as yourself." A blush bloomed across Fluttershy's face, as pale pink as her mane. She'd been flattered by her father before, but that was more of playful teasing. This was the first time somepony else called her lovely. The unicorn looked at her intently, like he was trying to figure out whether or not he'd seen Fluttershy somewhere before. Which was entirely possible. She rode in the carriage and did shopping a few times in Wisteria, so maybe they met on a passing glance and never even noticed.
"I wonder, you wouldn't happen to be Fluttershy would you? Alistair's daughter?" he asked.
"Yes..." said Fluttershy, a bit confused as to how he knew about her or her father.
"Thought so! You're just as your father described my dear." Fluttershy craned her neck to look at Twilight and Rainbow Dash, who were equally just as puzzled as her.
"I should probably introduce myself." said the unicorn. "My name in Tony Stanza, your father invited me to his house for dinner tonight to discuss a business deal. And by a stroke of luck or fate I end up having the pleasure of meeting his daughter." Fluttershy blinked, still having more questions than answers.
"Papa didn't mention anything about a dinner guest tonight." she said.
"That's understandable. This is confidential business, and I'm very private when it comes to these sorts of transactions."
"Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you Mr Stanza, but I'm afraid papa is away on other business and it'll be a while before he gets back." Tony Stanza frowned, looking very disappointed.
"Oh dear, this is quite a problem. I'd been so looking forward to tonight's dinner, and I haven't made any other plans. I might as well scrounge something up from the inn and wait until Alistair gets back." Fluttershy felt sorry for the poor fellow. It seemed unlike her father to cancel a dinner without giving notice. But, on the other hoof, he'd been dreadfully busy, and whenever he got busy he had a habit of being forgetful. There was one thing to do to sort this out.
"Mr Stanza, why don't you have dinner tonight at my villa?" asked Fluttershy.
"Fluttershy..." began Twilight, but Fluttershy went on with offering Tony Stanza an invite to dinner.
"I'm sure my father will be happy to know when he gets back, that his guest received the hospitality he was promised." Tony Stanza broke into a wide grin.
"Splendid!" he said. "How does 8 o'clock sound?"
"That'll be perfect."
"Then I'll see you dear ladies at eight. Good day to you all." Fluttershy waved good bye as Tony Stanza disappeared into the crowd. When she faced Twilight and Rainbow Dash, they gave her dumbfounded looks.
"What?" asked Fluttershy.
"Why did you just invite that, that stranger over to your home for dinner?" asked Rainbow.
"Well, it seemed rude to turn him away when papa promised him dinner."
"But what if he was lying?" asked Twilight. "What makes you think you can trust him? He could be trying to rob or hurt you. Or worse!" Fluttershy cast her eyes downward, her ears flattening against her head.
"He seems like such a gentlecolt. Surely he can't be all bad, there must be some good in him."
""Maybe." said Rainbow. "But what if he does something to try and hurt you?" Fluttershy didn't really worry much about getting hurt. One reason was because, since she was a vampire (albeit a hybrid vampire), she could survive through a lot of injuries that would kill most ponies, and had fast acting regenerative powers. The other reason was that she'd had her father to help protect her. It was because of this potent combination that Fluttershy had no concern over getting hurt. And she never did. Still, she needed to say something to ease the girls' minds.
"I don't need to worry about that." she said. "I've got you girls to help me just in case." Rainbow puffed up her chest and Twilight smiled.
"Sure Fluttershy, we'll make sure that Tony Stanza character doesn't try anything on our watch." said Twilight.
"Now with that out of the way, would you girls like to help me shop for dinner?" asked Fluttershy.
"Why not?"
"I'm up for it."
"Great." Fluttershy smiled to herself. It seemed that ever since that storm and her father left, she'd been meeting all sorts of new ponies and she felt like, her wish had been granted. She was staring to fit in with normal ponies. "Why don't we have a dish with lots of tomatoes? I know a great recipe for sauce."
"Sounds good to me."
"Hey it looks like they're having a sale!"
"Hold up, wait for me!"
Fluttershy worked away in the kitchen, making sure that dinner for her guests would be perfect. She'd set a large pot of tomato sauce onto the stove, having it on low heat so it would remain nice and warm for when the noodles were done. She'd also baked some loaves of garlic bread for an appetizer (despite common belief, vampires aren't affected by garlic, though it can at times agitate their over sensitive sense of smell). Twilight and Rainbow Dash had offered to help her but Fluttershy had smiled politely at them and said, "You two are my guests, and as a good hostess, it's my job to make sure you're all given my hospitality." Still, the girls wanted to help her in some way with dinner. So Fluttershy let them set up the tablecloth. After which, they waited for Tony Stanza to arrive.
"What's taking him so long?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"It's only a minute after eight Rainbow." said Twilight.
"Ugh! But I'm starving. How much longer are we going to have to wait?" There was a knock.
"I'll get it!" called Fluttershy from the kitchen. She was still wearing her apron as she went to let the pony in.
"Ah, good evening Miss Fluttershy." Tony Stanza said with a bow, his voice gentle and smooth. From behind his back, he pulled out a bouquet of primroses. Fluttershy gasped at how pretty and how sweet they smelled.
"I thought these would be a nice centerpiece for our dinner." he said. Fluttershy accepted the primroses and took a sniff from them.
"Thank you very much Mr Stanza, I'll put these in a vase and get dinner out on the table." she said. Twilight and Rainbow Dash trotted up to Fluttershy's side, their gaze locked on Tony Stanza. "Girls, could you please show Mr Stanza the dining room?"
"Sure Fluttershy." said Twilight. "Right this way Mr Stanza." Tony Stanza stepped into the threshold, led by Twilight and Rainbow, into the quaint dining room. The fine oaken table was covered with a crisp tablecloth, four plates a sets of silverware were set out, waiting to be filled with food. Fluttershy placed the primroses into a porcelain vase with two curved handles onto the center of the table, then ducked back into the kitchen to get the food. The warm and seasoned smells of dinner wafted in, making everypony's hungry bellies growl. Fluttershy returned with her hooves carrying a large bowl of spaghetti, a plate of garlic bread, and a smaller bowl of salad. Fluttershy went around, filling everypony's plates with a little bit of everything and setting the rest of the food on the table for anypony who wanted seconds.
"Alright! Let's dig in!" said Rainbow Dash, ready to eat up her meal. But she was promptly stopped by Fluttershy.
"Wait, we haven't said grace yet. Papa and I always say grace before every dinner." she said. Fluttershy put her hooves together and quietly gave her thanks.
"I give thanks to the hard working ponies who grew and tended to the food used to prepare this lovely meal. May they continue to bring ponies together with their good work." With grace said, the ponies dug into dinner. Rainbow Dash slurped up the spaghetti, Twilight nibbled on the salad, and Tony Stanza bit into the garlic bread. All could agree that Fluttershy was an excellent cook.
"It seems you've outdone yourself my dear." said Tony Stanza. "I hope I haven't caused any inconvenience for you." Fluttershy shook her head.
"You haven't done anything of the sort. In fact, this is the first time I've had anypony sit down with me for dinner." she said. Twilight narrowed her eyes on Tony Stanza, still a bit cautious of the unicorn, she decided to tactfully find more information about him.
"What kind of business do you do exactly?" asked Twilight.
"Oh, I dabble here and there. Sort of a, 'jack of all trades' you could say." said Tony Stanza, his voice calm, with an easy going tone to it. "I would tell you about the profitable business venture I plan to make with Alistair, but I wouldn't want to divulge in any...private matters. Alistair and I both care to be discreet, something of which, I'm sure you all understand." The girls all muttered in agreement. Rainbow Dash then took control of the conversation.
"How long are you planning on staying?" she asked.
"Well, I was planning on just staying for a couple of day, I just got in yesterday you see. But since Alistair isn't here, I may need to wait until he returns." he said.
"Can you really wait that long?" asked Fluttershy. "It could take a days, maybe weeks, won't somepony miss you?"
"No need to be concerned with me dear Fluttershy, though it is touching." Fluttershy hid half of her face behind her mane, finding herself a little bit embarrassed. The rest of dinner went without a hitch. Tony Stanza gave his thanks for the meal and was about to head out.
"Tonight's dinner was magnificent, thank you Fluttershy, for your generous hospitality." he said. Fluttershy smiled politely, to show her appreciation for his complements. "I might not have been able to meet up with Alistair, but I'm glad to have met his daughter instead. We must do this again sometime. That is, if you wouldn't mind."
"I would be honored Mr Stanza."
"Please," Tony Stanza got a little close to Fluttershy, she found her heart beat quicken a little. Few ponies, especially stallions, ever got close to her. She felt her face grow a little warm. "Call me Tony."
"O-okay...Tony." she stammered. Tony chuckled a little, he turned his back and gave a charming smile as went out the door.
"Good bye Fluttershy." The last thing she saw as the door closed was his eyes. She could've sworn that, for a split second, they'd become cold and calculating instead of gentle. Perhaps it was just a trick of the light. 'If papa could see me now, what would he say?' and then she thought, 'He might be proud to see what a proper mare I'm becoming, taking care of these nice ponies in need. Just like mama.'