Sweet and Elite: An Evening of Fancy (RP, NOT a Jump-In)

[The Wandering Magus]

Upon seeing the selection of teas, Earl almost drooled.

My. This is an incredible assortment! I pride myself on my botanical knowledge, but I don't even know some of these!

He headed for the Neighpon gate to have a better look at some of the plants, waving for Teacup to follow him.

All these smells are so wonderful! I wonder why he even pays me to get him tea, if he has these plants growing in his backyard!

The maid held back a knowing giggle, covering her mouth slightly and turning it into a delicate little cough.  "Begging your pardon, milord.  The Master often purchases many items from private suppliers to get a personal familial touch to the tea presented," she smiled.  "Master says the personal quality can be tasted just as much as any exotic tea's unique aroma, and that it is a quality that cannot be duplicated even by internationally renowned professionals.  Master places great importance in supporting local businesses as well."

[GalvinRoe]

"Zebracai, those are some long-gone days. I remember soaring through the great heights of the sky like it was yesterday. And Captain Blackhoof standing over us, it must been the first time he'd laughed in years. Do you remember how painful those scars looked when they stretched across his face. " Strokes played across his face, as though the scars in question where there, only invisible to all eyes. "He was such a free man, though his free looting would surely have brought the aero-force up upon him, soon enough. But, Bithryaki was set free and 'free' is the proper term for it, the crimes going on around those parts could hardly be ignored. "

Strokes looked at his hoof, "Oh the power a single ant can have, eh Fancy? Topple empires if it pushes on the right rock. Sets a mountain off hinge and collapses down upon a city below. He sighed, taking a deep drink of the glass and reaching out to find the teapot. "The stories we've made, eh Pants? Of course we can't claim the full breadth of that explosion, but we can claim to have helped detonate it, and like the ant, pushed a rock that turned a country to rebellion. So much violence and suffering . . . but it must be worth it, else we are creatures of suffering and want nothing more than the struggle. "

Feeling slightly rejuvenated he looked to Fancy, "Well, my friend. I'm feeling better and I'm sure I've stolen you away from your guests long enough. Shall we proceed to the ball-room." Then his face light up with a devilish grin. "I think I still have my costume here, from our last meeting and, if anything, I've lost weight. I think a return is due for that outfit, make a scandal as it were." And he looked beyond the walls, as if he could see it, that perfect kimono outfitted with those outrageous wings. Yes, that would be perfect.

[The Wandering Magus]

Fancy laughed heartily, the first real laugh he'd had since coming back from the Journeys.  "Yes, Strokes, we still have it.  Oh what fun this shall be!  I feel young again, almost.  I wonder what the others will recall about our previous adventures?  I'm sure I've forgotten half of the good parts already.  Ah, Strokes.  It has been too long."

He smiled warmly at his old friend as he climbed out of the bath, drying himself with magic and taking the new tuxedo from the previous maid.  "Thank you, Silverware.  You recall that costume Strokes here had last time he called?"

"Of course, Master," she curtsied, kimono already in her magic as she hung it neatly on a rack for the earth pony artist to put on at his leisure, as was his custom.  Servants of the House had long ago learned that the novelist absolutely despised having others try to dress him, or call him "Master" anything.

Fancy grinned.  "Now, Strokes, try not to go running about trailing soapsuds all over the Manor like that one time when we were colts.  Takes forever to get out of the carpet," he joked.

[Dark Hooves]

Zira plucks up the courage to go mingle with the crowd and gets out of the corner of the room.

//My apologies Magus, I have been very busy.

[The Wandering Magus]

((...you realize that Strokes and Fancy are in a completely separate chamber, private quarters beneath the manor, away from the other guests.))

[bauccgia0]

Earl smiled at Teacup's laugh. It was sort of like a bell.

Really? He never told me that. Although I suppose it makes sense. Ah, speaking of...

Earl pulled out  a miniature quill and a little piece of paper , which he hastily scribbled the name and address of his shop on. After putting the quill back into a leather sleeve in his vest, he held out the paper for Teacup to take.

Whenever you get time off, come visit. It's not too far from the manor, so...

Here he trailed off, smiling at Teacup warmly.

[The Wandering Magus]

Earl smiled at Teacup's laugh. It was sort of like a bell.

Really? He never told me that. Although I suppose it makes sense. Ah, speaking of...

Earl pulled out  a miniature quill and a little piece of paper , which he hastily scribbled the name and address of his shop on. After putting the quill back into a leather sleeve in his vest, he held out the paper for Teacup to take.

Whenever you get time off, come visit. It's not too far from the manor, so...

Here he trailed off, smiling at Teacup warmly.

The maid covered her mouth to hide a surprised expression, then felt the tips of her ears reddening as she curtsied and took the paper.  "M-many thanks, milord.  T-this servant will most certainly visit, when the Master allows.  It is... an honor and a privilege... Master Grey."

[bauccgia0]

Earl, still smiling, simply said, "Please, call me Earl. All my friends do."

[GalvinRoe]

- Green Strokes -
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

"Ahh, I remember that well! One of the only times I was able to get the maids to laugh at me, even if they did so behind closed doors. Strokes winked at Silverware, before flinching as he began to pull himself out of the water. "Alright, that hit the spot! I think I'm QUITE ready to socialize now, only took an hour or so sitting in these magical mineral baths of yours, but I'm beginning to feel . . . feisty. " His impish grin was back, and already the lines seemed to be a little less prominent. "An old friend, a party of aristocrats; normal folk and even an author or two? Oh, yes Pants yes, I think you'll regret having invited me by the end of the evening." He gave his old friend a gentle nudge on the shoulder before falling into a fit of guffaws. Even Strokes raucous laughter sounded fae-like and musical in it's own way, however and by the end his tears were streaming with Joyous tears.

"The past years have been hard, Pants. Almost too hard, I'm . . . quite happy to be here. Now, let's go make our entrance proper and we can chat more within and after the party, yes?" He clapped his hoof over Pant's hooves and nodded happily, before going to get dressed.

- Bright Mane -
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The effect Fancy had on Strokes, was so very visceral. The two old friends seemed able to relax so much more than with anyone else, at least, this was true for Strokes. His muscles unknotting and his smile, although always charming, seemed more free and natural now. In truth Mane was a little jealous, in all her time with Strokes she couldn't pull him from a bad mood or convince him that he needn't worry about something. And she expected, in part, it was due to her apprenticeship with him. Could she convince him that she'd grown so much as to actually be able to accomplish such things? She felt she needed to before she left him, and she HAD to leave. It was just the way of life.

She let out a small sigh, her eyes falling to the floor. He was the father that she never really had in Canterlot. The father and mother she'd left because they couldn't give her the attention she needed to grow up. And she wanted to make him proud, really proud. He'd complimented and been ecstatic about many of her pieces and he always gave her the attention a pupil and daughter needed . . . but he couldn't understand she was more than pupil now, could he? At least he acknowledged that she had grown up and quite a bit, and it wasn't like he ever treated her as a child really, he always expected high things of her . . .

A smile came to her face as she saw their hooves passing by, and Strokes' own stopping to look at her. So she raised her head. "Go on. I'll be down soon, after I rouse Right-Hoof." She indicated the snoring Right-hoof and smiled wryly. "You two enjoy your selves."

[The Wandering Magus]

Earl, still smiling, simply said, "Please, call me Earl. All my friends do."

Maid Teacup blushed, then curtsied.  "m-many thanks, Master Earl."

She quickly looked down, heart racing from having actually used a guest's first name.

*****

Lord Fancy buttoned up his tuxedo and made a flourish with his forelegs.  "Ah, just like old times.  With you next to me, ANYTHING can be comfortable to walk around in."

He smiled at his old friend.  "And I'm glad to have you here, Strokes.  Of course we may chat later.  Now!  On with the show!"

The aristocrat gave the mare a smile and a small bow as he passed.  "Take care of yourself, and him, Bright Mane."

*****

The orchestra struck up a rousing, grandiose tune as the Master of the House of Fancy, Lord Fancy Pants the Fifth, and the Guest of Honor, the renowned (and infamous) Sir Green Strokes, appeared at the top of the sparkling ebony staircase.  The former was dressed in an elegant blue tuxedo, starched shirt and exquisite gold monocle, hair neatly combed and gelled with expensive and exotic materials, his fetlocks shorn and his hooves polished to a reflective sheen.  The artist, for his part, wore a gaudy kimono and butterfly-wings, quite gaudy and fitting for his eccentric personality, yet also fitting in surprisingly well with the overall scheme of things.  Delicate Neighponese silk embroidered with fine gold thread, wild mane, clean coat smelling of the perfumed bath-salts of Fancy Manor, he looked every bit the friend of the illustrious aristocrat that everypony should know.

A dark grey-coated butler came before them, standing just below on the staircase as he called out to the guests: "Fillies and Gentlecolts, Milords, Miladies, the Master of the House of Fancy, Keeper of the Triple Crown, Knighted Guard of the Royal Sisters, Lord Fancy Pants the Fifth!  The Guest of Honor, Sir Green Strokes![/grey]"

[bauccgia0]

As the music struck up inside, Earl's ears perked up. He let go of the leaf he was examining.

Ah! That'd be our benefactors, then. Would you like to join me inside? I find it rude to shirk the host, and besides, I'm rather hungry.

Earl's stomach growled, as if to confirm what he had just stated.

[Ryo_D_Disk]

Ryo a fair distance away from the mansion sitting by the lake heard the fading sound of fanfare coming from the main house as he smiled
[Color=teal]"Sounds like the festivities are finally starting and I would expect no less a fancy entrance from those two, shall we go join them"[/color]
Hm why not the walk over should stall us enough time to let the hmm how to put it adoring fans to one side
Remember to play nice were here as guests for once, besides this might be a good time to suggest some... subjects for my little experiment next month" [/teal]

Ryo stood up from where he had sat and began to slowly walk back to the house not in any real hurry because he never wanted to seem like one of the adoring fans that had been invited or found there way in to simply greet fancy and Strokes

[GalvinRoe]

- Green Strokes -
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A sarcastic grin flitted across Strokes face, the instant he was announced, still despite his usual nonchalant self, he couldn't help but take in their contrasting and still complementary apparel and beauty. The two older stallions, both a symbol of graceful aging, in their own respect. Strokes with his scars and wild hair, and Fancy with his perfect complexion and greying, distinguished mane. It brought to though why his own hair had yet to turn to grey, though that was pony physiology for you, magic and unpredictability in every ounce.

A soft grin, slowly became the sensual and sarcastic grin, meeting all the ponies beneath him with that former love of life and struggle. "Oh, yes, tonight is going to be some kind of fun. Pants ol' boy." He whispered to that friend of his and took the first step down, the opalescent wings fluttering slightly and sending the small-green stallion into silent hysterics. "Let's see how many understand my statement this time." This one more to himself than to his old friend, but for his benefit as much as self-contemplation.

"Hello, old friends. It has been too long." And the sheer pompousness I displayed to them as I flew my hooves forwards into the air, letting the beautifully crafted garment catch the light. With only just enough time to wipe my eyes as gravity took hold again, for tears had returned. It was good to be back in Equestria, REALLY back. Those visits before were nothing, nothing but minor visits to assist a person here or further a cause there. Now, now he was home again, actually had a home for the first time in twenty years. That was . . . enough adventuring for anyone but even as he thought so, he knew such things would never leave his blood, never could. But pushed such thoughts away for later, so he might enjoy the moment, now.

Slightly croaking, he continued, "I-I'm back. " And that grin turned into a blazing smile of endless joy.

[The Wandering Magus]

As the music struck up inside, Earl's ears perked up. He let go of the leaf he was examining.

Ah! That'd be our benefactors, then. Would you like to join me inside? I find it rude to shirk the host, and besides, I'm rather hungry.

Earl's stomach growled, as if to confirm what he had just stated.

The maid, still blushing, curtsied deeply.  "Certainly, milord."

-----

As Masters Disk and Grey arrived following the fanfare and regular greetings, they found Lord Fancy and the eccentric author both milling about with the guests, most of whom had little problem with Sir Strokes's style of dress and manner of speech.  Of course there were one or two detractors, but that hardly accounted for the whole, and in any case the mischievous stallion had quite a bit of fun bucking the system, as it were.

Lord Fancy, for his part, eventually found himself having greeted most everypony present, and mainly being quite available for discussion as he availed himself of the hors d'oeuvre table.

[bauccgia0]

Earl sauntered up to the hors d'oeuvre table with his best saunter. It wasn't great, but it was alright. He started to survey the snacks. He didn't want to deny the hunger in his belly, but at the same time was trying to be polite. He turned to Teacup.

Would you like something?

[GalvinRoe]

Several of the nearby aristocrats were already muttering about Stroke's dress and political views. "You can see his wear marks him as a political radical. Look how different and un-orthodox it is. No-wonder the Green Revolutionists fell, such eccentric beliefs could never be held, hoof to heart, across Equestria, never." The very loud, very brash younger courtier, a dieing breed now, gestured with his wine and arched eyebrows to his friends.

This brought an equally loud, if slightly more subtle response. But it still struck as any hammer. "I'm sorry to hear that some do not believe the equality of all ponies is possible or even favorable. But, my friends. I say we've taken a great many steps in the right direction. I've left, with my views, because I was no longer welcome. Individualistic ponies that thought for themselves, and complete control over one's life isn't possible for Equestria yet, but maybe some-day, maybe one-day. " He nodded sadly at the aristocrat, "I hope when the possibility for that day comes, one will not feel tethered to traditionalism, simply because they are unable to foresee the future."

Stroke's sad smile was given to each pony in turn. "I hope all of us might become better friends, it has been a long time since I've spoken with each of you, if I ever have and I'd like to hear each one of your opinions privately, and out of public ear." Despite the wishes he knew such things could never be, there were too many people and opinions were held more secret than a vault now-a-days. So he smiled up and Fancy, waiting for his friend to move through, or call the guests to join him.

[The Wandering Magus]

Most of the other guests rolled their eyes at the drunk young colt, and his fellows quickly pulled him back when he began feebly trying to lunge at the eccentric artist for his retort, shushing him and reminding him very earnestly exactly WHO's estate he was currently in and who's friend and guest of honor he was insulting.

Lord Fancy merely raised an eyebrow, then took a small biscuit with some fine cheese with his magic, examining the artfully sculpted delicacy before taking a gentlecoltly bite and savoring the taste.  He turned and gave a tired smile at Strokes as the knighted veteran approached, leaning slightly against one of the grand marble pillars in the room.

"Quite interesting acquaintances you've invited, Strokes.  I should have expected that you would purposely bring in somepony who strongly disagreed with your views, you quite enjoyed doing that back during the Green Rallies."

-----

Earl sauntered up to the hors d'oeuvre table with his best saunter. It wasn't great, but it was alright. He started to survey the snacks. He didn't want to deny the hunger in his belly, but at the same time was trying to be polite. He turned to Teacup.

Would you like something?

The maid bit her lip, glancing over at her Master just a few hoofsteps away, then lowered her gaze to the floor as she curtsied meekly.  "It... would be improper for this servant to partake of the food meant for the guests, milord.  She thanks milord for his generous offer."

[bauccgia0]

Earl looked at her with a mildly confused look. He looked at the appetizers again.

Are you sure? Well, all right.

He reached for a small apple tart and popped it into his mouth. His eyes lit up, and turned to Teacup.

This is delicious! Tell me, can you introduce me to the chef?

[Chirp]

"Green Strokes!" A voice called out from afar, still very clear despite the chattering between the eccentric artist and whoever called him. It sounded both malicious and seducing, though not quite as seducing as a siren, more like a shady stallion in a dark alley, calling out to a pretty mare passing by.
The voice certainly gave the right image of whom it belonged to. A dark, sinister-looking pony approached the eccentric artist with large steps, thumping on the brilliant floor underneath, dropping the dirt that managed to still stick to his hooves after his visit outside. He left behind a trail of soil, but seemed to care little for the maids' work, or the other guests for that matter. Like his voice, Chirp himself carried over through the crowd with ease, towering over most of the others, and brushing them aside like branches in a dense forest. Silent protest followed him as he made his way to Green Strokes, but all were too terrified to take action.

"It's been quite a while, hasn't it? That strange voyage we made certainly still sits clear in my memory, and what was the deal with you and the Princesses? Whatever it was, it was a great opportunity for me, we made some hefty profits, and managed to sneak in some precious goods during the commotion." He told gleefully, then glanced over at the other ponies around him. "The orphans will be delighted." He quickly added, knowing very well he sounded anything but convincing, but shrugged it off, and banished the rest of them from his mind.
"I would love to stay and chat, but I didn't really come for you, I'm afraid. I've visited her, now I'd like to see how much I've improved in the use of swords." He said, and leaned over towards Lord Fancy Pants the Fifth. "What say thee, old stallion? Doth thou accept mine challenge?" He said, trying to hold back a chuckle.

[The Wandering Magus]

Lord Fancy raised his eyebrows, then chuckled tiredly.  "I have grown old over the years, Master Chirp, and you have grown stronger, or my eyes deceive me.  I would hardly be the challenge I was that fateful day so many years ago!  But if you insist upon testing your skills on an old stallion like myself, I would simply ask that the challenge be limited to swordplay within a fixed area, no property damage, win at first blood from the chest or yield?  I would rather not break bones or have any bones broken at my age."

He chuckled, which turned into a slight cough.  The Princess Conspiracies had not been kind to his body, especially during his flight from the Black Guard through the sewers of lower Manehattan with a bounty exceeding the income of nations on his head.