7/27/16; New Friend

[Mal]

Princess Luna fixed one problem and encountered another in the past couple of weeks, and this newest problem distressed her to say the least. She'd since calmed, but there was still a great amount of disappointment in her scribe. Luna had yet to deal with her properly, so she tended to other things. Paperwork, keeping Equestria running.. making sure everything was going according to how it was supposed to while Celestia was still unconscious with the healers. It was tiring work. Ruling the kingdom for one day was enough for her, but this was awful; in Luna's opinion at least. Knowing how to better handle herself, compared to the last time, she was.. dealing. Currently she was residing near the throne room, giving herself a breather.

Discord Draconequus yawned as he seemed to not help, in the least. While he looked relaxed the spirit was tense, and somewhat gloomy. Celestia's condition distressed him and put him into a fit. A gloomy, dull pink cloud hung over his head, the drama queen professing, for the umpteenth time, how it wasn't 'fair'. Likely, again, complaining about the fact he did not get to keep Equestria in perpetual chaos. They deserved such, he claimed, for creating such a situation! He was merely moping though. He was spooled on the ground like unwoven yarn. Marwari had accepted Mirage's invite into the castle. The young, bat pony, was from overseas. After the disaster in Saddle Arabia she was expecting a place like Equestria to be peaceful, calm. Little did she know that she was in for a surprise! It seemed even Equestria had its problems. "Oh I cannot wait, Mira." She tittered being able to call him familiarly. She had never been inside any palace! Ever!

Mirage Moon enjoyed his time at the cafe where he ran into Mari...the lighter colored bat mare....suppose that happened cvause of warmer climates...he should probably write that down in the notes he keeps about every new creature he meets. The young unicorn had invited the young bat pony to the castle to meet with his friend, but he should probably check in with his mentor...he just had a strange feeling...he didn't know what it was, but he could feel thaqt his mentor was...well...stressed...even more so than usual. It was strange, but perhaps...it might not be the best of times to talk about his problems....to her...he sighed and hung his head. Everythign Mari said was like a faint whisper in the back of his mind...he shook his head and turned back to her as they walked down the street towards the palace gates, "Oh yes...it is a beautiful castle...I normally don't stay too long inside though...I dislike stuffy things like inside...I prefer outside..."
Mirage Moon looked back up the road as they reached the gates and passed a couple of night guards, before he used his magic on the door to push it open and entering the castle...door...normally he would just teleport passed the door...he wasn't much for using them really...unless they warded it...he tried one door before in the castle and it was specially warded...dear Luna did that ever hurt...something he would not try again any time...well...soon...he has been trying to sneak into the room, but that is for another time...for now...he was going to show around his new friend...was it alright for him to call her that...? They only been together for a couple of days...what makes a friend a friend...anyways...? He wondered and shook his head as he led her on going down towards the throne room...it was always his first stop...

Princess Luna was nearby, rather than within the throne room. Just the sight of it made her feel tired- oh, no, that was just from getting up early to raise the sun, which was a task in itself. If Luna didn't know better, she would have asked 'How can Celestia even do this?' Her sister was connected to the sun, and stronger than her in that respect. Luna was smoothing down her mane to keep it tidy, Discord's complaints mostly falling on deaf ears. Her hoof did trail down to run over the draconequus's mane, though, to soothe him. When the tall double doors at the entrance to the foyer opened up, Luna straightened to see who it was. Mirage, with a thestral mare! "My student." Luna greeted, getting to her hooves to stop the unicorn at the throne room doors. "How have you been? You have made a friend, I see!"

Discord Draconequus grumped but relaxed a bit when pet. He was quite worried and was in a fractured mood. Bits of chaos would rumble the night sky with sparks and shooting stars in his fits. He eyed the dark mare and folded his ears back. Parting his jaws he would attempt to drool on her hoof, until it was drawn away by the opening doors. Pushing up the spirit would follow in a lazy hover. The bat looked to Mira and frowned. "I can understand. The outdoors can be quite lovely..." But she could not help but have a quiet selfishness to want to taste luxury. Being forced to live apart from structured society was difficult. What were the different homes, and shops like? Were they all brilliantly unique and bright such as this? "Hoo~?" While Discord was usually full of -- sass.. His heart wasn't into it today. Marwari gasped softly before stepping back and lowering her head. "Good evening." A pleasant mare with a gentle voice. She would stand and smile warmly.

Mirage Moon sighs slightly and grins, "...I suppose it does have it...um...glamour?" He said, before eyes widening as he looked up to see his mentor...just in the hall way...and...he stopped. He gave a slight salute with his right fore leg and inclined his head, "...Oh um. Greetings, my mentor...how are you this evening?" He asked, before blushing as his ears tinged with pink when she mentioned his...friend...? Mirage smiled warmly in return and started to stammer a bit, "...oh um right...um...this is Mari...Mari...um Princess Luna...my mentor...and..." He stopped as he now noticed the moping bundle of chaos, "...Oh and Discord...is something wrong...?" He asked as his horn sparked with a crimson spark momentarily...as he sensed something off, but he shook his head to ignore the words in his head...after all they usually betrayed him.

Princess Luna considered how she could update Mirage on the goings on in the castle, and she wasn't entirely sure how she could with a stranger present. There was no need to panic any of the citizens, nor worry them. "I am.. fine for the most part. Recent events have left me troubled, and perhaps worried. I might tell more of it later.. I would not wish to darken your time with your friend." Luna replied, hoping to answer for Discord too, and stood quietly as Mirage introduced her to Mari. "A pleasure to meet you, Mari." The moonbringer had no idea if Mari was foreign, or native, but she did have a different look to her from most natives, Luna noted.

Discord Draconequus hasn't said anything -- or snarked... odd. It took him a moment to even register Mirage said anything to him. The spirit landed beside Luna in a sitting position, ears folded back, that tiny little pink cloud over his head. Marwari was not sure how to address -- the monster in the back. The creature looked a hodgepodge of all sorts of creatures, many of which she has never really seen. She would remain polite though. "It is a pleasure, to think those in the palace are so kind." The very fact she did not wish to dampen the mood with politics! Saddle Arabia was rife with politics it was sickening at times. "It is so wonderful, this experience -- has been so pleasant. Mira-- Mira has been so polite and helpful. You ponies are wonderful." She had almost spoke his whole name. Discord flexed his shoulders. "Charmed..." He glanced to Mira. "I ate something rotten." He finally answered. Honestly the whole affair did make him feel ill.

Mirage Moon nods as he listened to his mentor. He under stood as he glanced at Mari and then back to his mentor giving her a slight nod, "I see...yes perhaps later than. I understand." He then noticed Discord's reaction and sighed...something was off, but perhaps he would find out this later...maybe after he seen Bygone and showed Mari around a little bit...He suddenly felt red again; burning up...he was helpful? He was just doing a polite thing...he didn't need thanked or acknowledged for it, but why...did what she say make him feel good...? He was never really acknowledged of things before, but he guessed it was nice, "...I was only helping out a foreigner...it was nothing...special...just you were looking like you needed help and you were cut-...um you ..." Damn it those bat ears and the eyes...and...why why...do they do that to him...? He froze up and finally cleared his throat, "...I was just glad I could help is all..."

Princess Luna half uncurled a wing towards Discord when she felt his presence beside her, her gaze remaining on the pair of ponies before her. Mari was given a serene smile, despite her own inner worries, and took note of what Mirage was stammering. A foreigner indeed. It was good Luna listened to her instinct not to speak of Celestia's current wellbeing; Mari was probably harmless, but Luna was a cautious alicorn. The moonbringer chucked softly and dipped her head to them. "It was quite kind of you to help out somepony new to Equestria, Mirage." It showed a good first impression. "I am glad, too, that you have been enjoying yourself and I hope you find Canterlot to your liking."

Discord Draconequus settled down beside Luna and did his best to remain calm and not gloomy, but he did notice the bat's star. He hadn't much experience with bat ponies outside the guard, of whom he tormented in his alter ego. "Where are you from? That's a funny accent." Ah ah Discord, rude. Marwari stepped back, those predatory teeth, while no different from hers -- were bit larger. She smiled and bowed her head. "Oh this place is wonderful. I am much enjoying it. ..Mira has been a good encouragement for me." She blessed. "I have never seen a kingdom like this." She swore. "It is full of.... different ponies." Saddle Arabia was so restrictive. It was nice to see.

Mirage Moon huffed slightly and turned his head away from Mari as she just seemed to cause him to turn all sorts of shades of pink and red...he wasn't sure he should...like it or not...it made him feel weird and hot and many other things...why was she constantly...thanking him? He quivered not used to that either...he was just doing what he was taught...no...what he thought was right, wasn't he? He shouldn't be thanked or praised just for that. The black stallion sighed and turned towards Discord; shooting a glare in his direction...rude comment...for some reason seemed to get to him...when it normally didn't so why was he so flustered about it this time It was weird...maybe...he was sick? He is feeling a little light headed after all so that would explain a few things, but with...Mari and Discord there...he couldn't bring himself to talk to Luna about his dreams either, perhaps it would be best when they got alone time to talk about what had been happening and about his dreams.
Mirage Moon turned once again to his mentor and smiled politely, "...yes I think...we have much to talk about...well since you probably have been quite busy with the affairs of late...and among other things...I ran into Mari here after one of my midnight training sessions...I was off to get some tea, but then ran into her along the way...we had a nice chat...and well she was looking for a place to stay so I advised her to the hotels...and such..." He explained, before turning back to Mari, "I do hope the hotel is to your liking? Do you have any idea how long you are going to stay?" He asked.

Princess Luna moved her wing to curl it around Discord, as though to calm him. He was as worried as she, and she'd taken note of his lack of.. enthusiasm or care in his usual jesting. "Indeed. Equestria a diverse land of different ponies and non-ponies alike." It was what made them strong, to be able to work together despite their differences, and those differences kept things from.. stagnating, in a sense. If everypony was the same, then what good would come of it? Luna's eyes strayed to Mirage, to who she listened to next. "Ahh, I see. Yes, we will have much to talk about later. I take it you are showing Mari around Canterlot to see the sights?" It was difficult to keep up the casual talk around Mari, but Luna was a princess so she could handle it; she wasn't so sure about how Discord might be feeling, however.

Discord Draconequus was verily distressed. He , of course, took note of Luna's wing reached out to him. he had, subconsciously, settled close to it, as much as a noddle could. His remark was a bit -- dry, not as high spirited as it was meant to be, or should have been. He did not think many could understand the irritation he suffered, but the lunar mare's consoling actions showed him enough. He looked over to Luna and stared for several seconds before whispering something in Olde Equestrian, lips snaking back. Mari folded her ears back and looked to Mira. "You are correct. I have gained good advice, but staying in such a place long term is difficult. I was with hope Mira show me places that may be in need of workers. My country is not as stable as it appeared, not compared to here it seems~!" She praised, little knowing one of the diarch's were down for the count.

Mirage Moon nods to his mentor, "...yes we do...and yes I have been...I...well not really sure...just feel like helping it's not a big deal or anything really." He said and turned his head to Discord tilting it...he is not his normal...insulting Mira self...he must be really down if he couldn't even make a remark of his size since he always seemed to do...just slip it in, but...he barely talked...poor fella. The stallion was tempted to go over and hug him, but...it was not um...propper? Last time he hugged Luna he was scolded, but then again...he couldn't help his self at that time she was uber cute and small and adorable and cuddly...and if he knew that Princess celestia was down he would of simply mentioned did anypony wave cake infront of her muzzle yet? That would wake her up in a heart beat...she loved her cake after all.

Princess Luna thought on something after Mari's response. Canterlot could be considered to be rather expensive because of the many wealthy ponies that lived here, and the highclass businesses. A hotel had to put a strain on anypony else's wallet.. Luna glanced towards Discord curiously, checking to see how well he might be doing. Not well at all. Once they were alone she might try to offer more comfort than the embrace of her wing. He needed it more than she. "Helping is very much a big deal, it shows kindness and generosity." Important, those! And for good reason too. "How long might you be staying in Canterlot, Mari?" Luna wasn't sure about letting somepony stay in the castle.. but hopefully with a new captain of the night guard things would be much more stable. She wanted to offer, as much. Mirage would have his friend close by!

Discord Draconequus wanted to roll his eyes. How well that works sometimes. He resisted though, smiling softly as his ears folded back, but when he smiled it looked more like a scowling grimace. He could not help it. He was rather ... down. He felt like punching a wall! Or at least pausing half way through one and scaring the hell out of staff. Buwahhaha. Mari.. scooted closer to Mirage, feeling a little uneasy with a rather large predator in the room (seeing as she was a rather small predator). "Well," Mari began. "I may be in Equestria on a fixed basis. It seems there is turmoil in my country. A few of us leaving, some staying since it had only been the capitol assaulted. But bat ponies did not get the dull end of that blade edge." She sadly noted. Discord seemed to glance off in thought. "Mira~ are you saying you haven't even offered her... your room?" He put his paw to his muzzle , tittering. Well look there was some teasing there! But it was halfhearted,. He had thought of something.
Discord Draconequus looked to Lina as if he would tell her later. Mari leaned close to Mirage, ears folding back. "Um...is this normal? I fear as if I am not impressive in my first meeting." A polite little mare after all!

Mirage Moon felt his face burn again, but why? Oh wait...she was awfully close...when did that happen...oh...well shit...he was sweating now wasn't he this is not...wait what.. Discord...? He shot a glare at him, "...wh-what? My room...? Then where would I stay...?" He asked with a huff and then he turned to his mentor, "...ah yes...I um...well...mmm..." His train of thought interrupted once more as she brushed against him...too close...dear Luna too close...he flushed deeply and looked down as he looked for the words with in him to answer her, "...y-yes it um normal...for um...him at least...well...it usually worst..." He whispered to her with a stutter and a nervous chuckle. He then tilted his head after shaking it trying to get his strange feelings under control, "Oh so how is finding a job coming along?"

Princess Luna almost felt, with the way Mirage was becoming so flustered, that they ought to leave the two ponies alone. She opened her mouth to say what she thought Discord was suggesting, that Mirage and his new friend could share a bed, and thought better of it. It'd just make the situation worse for her student. Instead, she tittered softly. The mention of an assaulted capital made her grow serious again, as she recalled what Tia told her. "Saddle Arabia?" Luna asked, and cast a curious glance towards Discord when she saw him looking at her. "I have heard of what has befallen it and I am gravely sorry it happened." It.. might be why Mari was here. "I wish to extend an offer to stay in a guest room here at the castle if the hotel is proving too difficult, until you can get on your hooves." There, she'd finally said it. Mirage could still see Mari and not be kicked out of his own bed.

Discord Draconequus was slightly disappointed when Luna choose the safe route. And here he was -- hopeful, that she had learned. He turned his face to Luna giving her that look, one of disappointment! He shook his head, tsk'ing softly. While he did find some minor amusement it did not take long for that feeling to return, striking him with lament. He turned away his head and snorted, like a foal not getting his way. And he should, for he wasn't. He sighed and pushed to stand. Brushing himself under Luna's wing, like a cat marking its favorite char, he moved to climb onto the throne and noodled himself across it. As for Mari she laughed softly. "I am grateful. This is wonderful. I do not think I would have survived much longer without any bits to spend!" She giggled and looked to Mira. "Is this alright with you?" The princess was offering, but she did not want to put either of them on the spot.

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Mirage Moon looked down with a sigh...what was he going to do...this feeling why...and why was she still so close...? He quivered slightly and extended his right fore leg to Mari, before patting her head absentmindedly and rubbing his forehoof through her hair atop her head. He then noticed what he was doing and pulled back with a start as the redness returned and he looked down, "...oh sorry didn't...realize...wait...what...um no no...it's um fine with me...if that what mentor Luna wants..." He mumbled slightly still trying to sort out his thoughts, before he glanced up to Discord and tilted his head, "...Does Discord need me to bake him...a cake again...?" He offered, before listening to the two night ponies as they conversed with each other about Mari's homeland.

[Mal]

Princess Luna wished she could enjoy seeing her student with his friend, and one he appeared to be close enough with to touch physically with such.. tenderness. A brief smile did cross the deity's face when he flustered and she chose to turn away at that moment to stride into the throne room after she felt Discord leave her side with that close brush. She'd let him have the throne to enjoy, if that might help lift his spirits.

"It is not what I want, but rather what I offer. I am fine with Mari's choice, even if she should decide not to take it." Luna corrected gently, glancing back at the dark, dual colored unicorn. Her teal gaze shifted to the thestral and she nodded, her gentle smile still in place. "Please, stay as long as you need to. I may have to let the night guard know you are staying here, too, so they do not grow too antsy with a new face around."

With the new Night Guard Captain, however, she was sure the night guard will be much better disciplined and do their job of watching the castle, like they were supposed to. It was something she could also feel better about, other than Mirage finding a friend. Luna made to join Discord up on the throne, offering him some comfort with her presence.

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Marwari was not troubled by the touch, but she was not expecting it. At first she was startled, inching back and her wings nearly unfurling, but after a moment or two she looked up at the hoof with now pet the top of her curls. An eye pinched closed as she felt herself pout a little. She was always seen as a bit weak and vulnerable, but it was understandable. Bat ponies were often viewed as frail to convenience a pony's hate. Other times there were seen as vicious, to feed the fears perpetuated by her government. Maybe this would teach them that judging a pony by its tribe was something that only led to trouble. Such actions against the sultan had led many other mistreated tribes into standing up. But she was not sure if this had come in time... She smiled softly at the offer. Something was wrong between these two. She was not sure. Perhaps the troubles of leaders? Did that make this misshapen noodle a leader? Perhaps an advisor? He seemed to have the parts of many beings, so perhaps knew many things... She could not step into any sort of judgement without knowing the full scope of the situation at hoof.

"It is well Mira." It was a bit troubling to call a young stallion by such a nickname! It seemed a bit too intimate to her, but this was a different country. "Your offer Princess, is warm and inviting. I can see why our ambassadors had naught but warm things to say of you." Her accent crawled a bit into her muzzle there, but she otherwise spoke lovely Equestrian.

Discord looked up to Mirage. His ears pricked up at the offer. He seemed to sit himself up a bit more properly before snorting. "Actually... could you? A rather large one perhaps. Vanilla, double tier." That seemed oddly specific. But Discord had his reasons. Maybe... when Celestia was well again he could give her the cake when she woke up as a means of apology, bribery more over. He was trying. He was a ne'er-do-well for a good number of centuries...

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The black unicorn moved onwards, but not at first as his eyes caught the slits of his new...um friend...she was a friend, yes? He still wasn't too sure about what a friend was or did or how they are to act or make the other feel...did friends make friends burn up? Was it some type of spell? A spell yes, perhaps she was some kind of...um what was that called...? An evil enchantress!?! Ye4s that's it, but...no...no no no...she didn't look evil. He thought all this as he walked with her to meet up with his mentor and Discord who slumped in the throne like he owned it. Mira eyes were kept low as he continued to think about the things...she was um...well...she smelled good...he thought as he inched closer as he came to a stop by her and found himself sniffing oddly her mane.

He realized this and jumped back with a start as he pinned his back against the nearest wow, "...s-sorry...I didn't mean to it just um...well...you um...smell good..." Oh, dear he said it and now his heart kept beating fast and pounding against his chest almost visible he thought from the rate it beat. Mira managed to calm down a little bit as he placed his fore hooves back apon the floor of the throne room as he cleared his throat; redness still quite visible as he turned his head from the others and his tail hung low between his legs. He was pouting yes, but not in a way he would show everyone...how did he keep messing up...? This was weird...and...oh he should reply to Discord about the cake...yes that might be a good idea he seems sad, perhaps baking him a cake could cheer him up! Mira looked back up to Discord and smiled lightly; legs still trembling as he spoke a bit shaky at first, but it leveled out as he went on.


"O-oh...yes...a-a cake like that...would be no problem for me. When would you want it by? I can make it when ever. Oh would you like anything special perhaps on it? Maybe an engraving or something hopeful or best wishes or a design...?" He asked the draconeequs, before nodding to his mento, "Oh...so do this mean...? She is staying...? " He asked a bit worringly...why? He did not know if it had a reason, but part of him wish she would stay...he didn't know why, but he was drawn to her scent...erm to her...that what he meant...after all just randomly sniffing ponies are rude and all...please say that his body would never do that again...he couldn't control it...just so over powering...

[Mal]

Princess Luna glanced up from where she'd been gazing down at Discord's head to watch the other ponies follow them into the throne room. Her attention was settled on Mari first, that small smile of hers widening at the gratitude in the thestral's voice. It also pleased her to know that the ambassadors thought the same. She could only hope the issue with Saddle Arabia could be fixed, before they had another war between kingdoms over the actions of a few, unaffiliated ponies.

Her teal gaze shifted towards Mirage when she noticed him doing something.. unusual, like idly sniffing Mari's mane. She'd overheard Discord accept Mirage's offer over the cake, and left him to it. If Mirage really would bake a cake for Discord, Luna felt it'd make their bond a little stronger, and perhaps cheer the draconequus up too. There wasn't much Luna could think of to give Discord to lift him out of such low spirits, personally; she'd never been very good at that. Her sister would have to heal and rise on her own for that to happen.

As for her student, there appeared to be something else she'd have to give him a talk about. He didn't seem to understand his own reactions to Mari, or her closeness. Seeing as the pony lived his entire life out in the Everfree, without parents to properly raise him, it was something that'd have to be discussed.. no matter how awkward the subject.

"Indeed she is. She will be given a guest bedroom to stay in for as long as she requires it, until she is able to stand on her own hooves. I am sure you will like having another friend in the castle, no?"

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Marwari felt a strange accepting the boarding so easily, but she was desperate. It was strange that members of the noble caste would look to the peasantry with anything but hate and disdain. The bat pony knew what genuine kindness looked like and the gentle nature of this princess r a ng true. She was not on Saddle Arabia anymore. But she was still somewhat uneasy. She has been hurt before. Something tickled at her neck, causing her to shiver, her thin fur bristling slightly at the fission.

"Ah!" She chirped, tightening her wings against her body in an uneasy reaponse. "...thank you. You have a pleasing scent as well, but please do ask if you wish to inspect my fragrance see Mira. I was startled." She could have lashed out as well, unexpectedly.

Discord was a noodle and, by such a standard, he was usually quite a wiggly one, but this day he was just a lump of pasta boiling over in day old water. If anything he was great at moping. His wars pricked we. Mira agreed to the task and spat out a trail of questions. The spirit flashed out and reappeared floating over Luna, spooking Mari. The bat mare sitters back and beside Mira as Discord moved to redsta paw and claw on the alicorn's shoulder.

"White frosting, pink trimming with a vanilla pudding creme." That was oddly specific. Had he been thinking about this for a while?

Of course... since she was hurt. He kept to Luna's sidd, but he was sure he was being a wet blanket on the matters at paw.

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Mirage nodded as he looked to Discord with a light timid smile, "Oh I can do that easily...I can probably bake it tonight if I am free for you...if you would like?" At the time he didn't really have any plans that night anyway. All he was currently doing was showing Mari around the castle and apparently now she would be boarding there with them? This caused him to flush a bit and fidgeted around did not help matters when Mari suddenly brushed close against him and he felt his whole fur turn scarlet red as he suddenly froze for the time being.

He suddenly broke the awkward silence he held when Luna addressed him about having a friend in the castle. He turned his head to her and tilted it, "Oh yes...a friend...would be nice...maybe Bygone and Mari and I can hang out and um...do friend things...?" He suggested, but honestly...what were friend things? He didn't really know sure he hung with Bygone occasionally, but...they didn't really do anything that different from the others he hung with...did they...?

Mira smiled and turned to Mari, "Oh, I will...I am sorry it is such a lovely fragrance...I didn't even realize...until well I am sorry...ne-never mind..." He blushed and looked down; right fore hoof brushing against his left hind foreleg awkwardly...oh dear Luna...he hoped this would not get him lectured later...especially by his mentor...those get awkward...and...especially this time...he just couldn't think of it not now.

[Mal]

Her knowing smile spread a little further across her lips, and Luna fought the urge to give voice to her amusement. It was strange seeing somepony as indifferent and focused as Mirage be so flustered. Talking about cake with Discord seemed to calm him down, somewhat, however. The topic on her mind was an important thing to speak to him about, something she filed away in her mind to do so once she'd informed Mirage of Celestia's injury, and hoped that when she did, Mirage wouldn't look upon Azure too unkindly.

She hoped that nopony would look upon her unkindly. Her scribe saw enough unkindness.

"Friend things," Luna repeated in a warm, amused tone. "Yes, such as exploring Canterlot, playing games, sharing thy interests." She supplied, catching that uncertain, questioning tone in Mirage's voice. It would do him some good to learn more about friendship, although it wasn't a part of his studies like it'd been Twilight Sparkle's. Hers were a special case.

Princess Luna caught the signature white flash of Discord's disappearance, and shortly felt his grip on her shoulders. It didn't startle her, not like it might have once. Her mind mulled over his choice of cake, and she questioned it briefly. She could even go so far as to wonder if it wasn't for him at all, but it didn't matter much save to Discord.

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Marwari was amazed at how calm Mirage was when facing the ferocious looking predatoe. She may have been a pony of the desert, but she has scampered back fast enough to bring shame to her father. Marwari was, afterall, from a tribe who participated in war and actively hunted food. She was a predator, but hardly more than a morsel for the beast before her. Yet here they stood, speaking of cake! It was fascinating, this country. She was a bit envious of the talent, but a glance to Mirage's cutie mark assured her cake was not his forte.

Discord pondered on a due date for the cake. This was something he could not venture a guess at. There were yards upon yards of string world's that bound to Celestia at this time. There was no telling what... when... his ears pinned back, his paw's digits gripping at his chin beard.

"Tonight, if you can~." Well he asked for it, why wouldn't Mira be able to? Well... glancing to the little bat and listening to his fetishist display themselves... who was the spirit to intervene? He liked kicking horns, Mira sniffed ponies. Go figure.

Marwari looked to Mira, her forward facing ears twitching. "Friend things?" She asked, pushing her hoof to her muzzle to stifle a giggle. "I have never done friend things. There was hardly leisure time back home for me tI do such things." She gently returned.

Sharing interests? Marwari had one she could thing of, but it seemed a little extreme for the peace loving ponies of Equestria. "Certainly!" She chimed, ready to try these friend things! "Oh, but what of your cake request?" She did not want to interfere with that!

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Friendship games and things! Well...what did friends do together...they um did things the other found...um interesting, right? He sighed and then caught sight of his mentor's grin...he shook his head and straightened up to act cool. Nope this is not happening...cool head...and cool thoughts...why was he so hot anyways...wait was that sweat on his brow? Oh dear...nope nope nope! Keep calm and collective like always! Silly adorable...bat pony...not...going to sway him! Mirage shuddered and tilted his head towards Discord.

His ears folded slightly, "Oh...tonight...yes if that what you wish I can get it done..." His talent might not be to be a baker, but he was good at it...every pony needed a side hobby after all and his was baking....kind of a secret...he tried to keep only within a small circle...those being mostly those who stay in the castle...oh and Fluttershy...since he did help her bake stuff one time before...Mirage ears perked back up again and turned to Mari, "...oh...um..." He pondered...perhaps...um...maybe, "...um would ya like to help...with the cake that is...?" He asked with a little smile.

He wasn't good with this friend thing, but maybe...um spending time with others would do him well...? Maybe he could catch some ponymon on the app while he hangs out...he did find this device to play around on...by Bygone's room so he just borrowed it and would return it later...yes later...

[Mal]

After her offer was made to Mari, Luna didn't have anymore to do, or say, but sit there regally on the throne with Discord behind her. The thoughts of the current company were still on cake, and trying to figure out what it was friends did together. Luna had made an attempt to supply some help in that department, but it'd be up to them to figure it out. How much they had in common, what they liked to do together, fun places to go, learning about each other, so on and so forth. There was both a lot to friendship, and very little.

Luna made notes to let the guard know they'll be having a new guest in the castle, free to come and go where guests should, and what to talk about to Mirage later. It wasn't one subject, but two. Princess Celestia's injury at Azure's hooves, and perhaps a hope to explain it. Should other ponies catch wind, they'd surely call for worse punishments than a few days in the dungeon, and those types of ponies would be happy to tell anypony else the overembellished details to make her poor scribe look awful. It was something Luna couldn't have happening.

Her thoughts were set aside to focus on the pair below as Mirage asked Mari if she might like to help with the cake. That was certainly a start. Baking together, or learning to, was one such way to forging a friendship. Her smile, having faded while she mulled over her thoughts, returned. Luna turned her head to nuzzle at the soft manticore's paw of Discords, offering him some comfort while the attention wasn't so much on her.

[Deleted]

Marwari had blinked at Mirage's offer. Her mind wandered, thinking of her home. She was not sure wheb, or if, she could ever go back. With things as they were -- sometimes it was better to walk away and lost a foght, than fight a war you cannot win. She has not yet accepted her fate, and her hardships were only beginning. Her gaze turned to Mirage, a smile turning up on her face. As she did so two little fangs pressed against her lower lips.

"I have never baked a cake before, I will be underneath your care." She spoke with her shake accept. She wold face Mira, ready to follow him.

Discord exhaled, mismatched eyes turned down to Luna. He lowered his head to bump against hers. While the action was invasive it was done with a quality of tenderness rarely displayed by the spirit. He missed her terribly. Celestia was hurt because of him, yet he was not punished.

He did his best to smile, snark and cause teouble. But it just did not feel the same as it had. Maybe he really was growing out of chaos and becoming inert. What if his shrinking was only a precursor of what was to come...?

[Deleted]

Mira let his muzzle curl into a small grin as he nodded, "...well...every pony has to start some where...I didn't just learn over night...took me awhile my self...I kept setting things on fire...when I first started." He let out a nervous chuckle. Soon after it he turned back to his mentor and the shrinking draconequus as he gave a salute by bringing his right fore leg up to his chest and then bowing his head.

He looked back up and smiled, "Alright...I shall be in the kitchens if needed...the cake shall be done by morning even if I have to work all night on it with Mari...it shall be done!" He exclaimed excitedly and turned away. He stopped and turned his head back to Luna, "...I suppose...my princess that we can talk..perhaps before you goto bed? I'll take care of Mari and show her to her quarters when the cake his finished...and maybe then we may talk." He said as he turned back and motioned for the bat pony to follow.

They disappeared shortly larter down the hall out of the throne room as they headed towards the kitchen and left the two in the throne room alone as they went to make the cake.

[Mal]

It couldn't be helped, seeing the way Mirage and Mari interacted, to think they were rather.. cute together. In this thought, Luna didn't intend it to mean in the ways of courting, but friendship. Courting was certainly possible if they meshed well enough as friends, and took a deeper liking of one another, but that would take much time. And they would need plenty of time to figure themselves out, let alone friendship.

"Indeed." Luna agreed with Mirage, with some amusement. Cooking tended to be a bit difficult. Baking, too, but ponies learned to get better. "Do not overwork yourself, my student." She advised him, if only teasingly, and dipped her head towards Mirage. "Yes, you will know where to find me so we might have our talk without troubling our newest guest. I am glad you will be showing her your hospitality this night."

Luna lifted her head at Discord's touch to brush her head against his while the pair made to leave the throne room. She made no move to stop them, and let them go to have their fun with baking a cake together. She and Discord were finally left alone. The moonbringer would wait until Mirage and Mari left before she bothered to speak up towards Discord.

"Are you well? You have been unusually quiet. I know you fret over Tia's state, but I assure you she is doing quite fine now. Stable and healed. Her body merely rests now." Luna tried to comfort him.