Scene #469: An evening in Everfree

Owner	Pose
Calumnia	It's a rather pleasant evening in Everfree, the sounds of pony life carrying through the air as the sun begins to set. Ponies already go about their business with little fluff at this hour. Though some linger after dark thanks to the strange lights on some of the more well travelled roads that keep things well lit even well into the night, the majority continue to retreat to the shelter of their family and homes by the time the moon rises. Such is the way of things, varrying little with the days. Progress on the palace continues, ponies barter goods and services, and houses rise from cloth to stick to stone in the slow measure of progress and settlement. Guards patrolling the streets and outer borders keep the little colts and fillies safe, while healers keep them healthy and merchants keep them fed. Even now on a corner just within earshot of the Sister's (and Calumnia's in turn) dwellings is a story-teller, spinning tales for young and old with an animated voice, to the delight of foals full of wonderment, and adults who delight in their foals while enjoying the escape of the tale. Listening to this cacophenous melody of civilization sits Calumnia. She sits settled in front of her tent on a dusty cushion nodding to ponies as they pass. Some even offer a hesitent nod in return.
Luna	Since the sun has not been lowered just yet, Luna is still in her own tent napping. She emerges finally, yawning heavily. She looks around, then clops over towawrd Calumnia. She yawns again, the plops down beside the proto-changeling. "...so tired." she murmurs, stretching out on her belly and stretching her wings before folding them back against her side. She looks over at Calumnia, resting her head on her outstretched forelegs. "How are you, Calumnia? It seems as though the ponies here have begun to accept you." she says, watching another pony pass.
Calumnia	"Are you alright, Luna?" Calumnia asks in concern, looking over at her friend. She slides off of the somewhat dusty cushion, offering it to the other mare as she sits on the ground beside it. "I don't know if I told you but I actually found work under one of the town's healers. At first she primarily just used me as a scare-cure for hiccups, but she's been showing me what's what more recently." In fact, there's been a record low of hiccups among adults among those ponies who live around Good Humour's home... and a positive outbreak amongst the foals, who visit in groups of two and three a day, each complaining of hiccups, then galloping away cackling like hyenas amidst playful screams of terror. Apparently they've made a game out of going to get scared by the town monster.
Luna	Luna nods at the question and smiles. "Just a bit tired. Nothing to worry about." she says before listening to the story about hiccups. She is unsure whether to laugh or be a bit concerned. She decides laughter is best, and giggles softly before smiling again. "Well, that is good. You must have skill as a healer." Luna says before accepting the cushion and resting the front of her body on it. She smirks lightly as she adds, "And, I have noticed many of the foals running around having fun pretending to be a love monster. They did not seem to be malicious about it."
Calumnia	The proto-changeling laughs in response gently. "Oh I know. They actually seem to enjoy being terrified. Such strange little ponies." She wears a smile on her face, much easier than just a month ago. "Their parents aren't any fonder of me but between you taking responsibility and guards just 'happening' to patrol nearby they seem at least ill-at-ease, which is the most I'm expecting really. Still, it's an interesting experience being able to go out and purchase a jug of cider with my own bits. Particularly without more than a number of odd looks." "Let's ee... Ah, I went to visit Archmagister Twilight Sparkle just yesterday."
Luna	Cal smiling like that makes Luna smile. All the tiredness in Equestria is worth a smile to her. And she is surprised by Cal enjoying something that Luna takes for granted. Being able to go out and about without being persecuted. She blinks when the Archmagister is mentioned, her ears perking. "Oh? And, what did you two talk about?" Luna asks, lifting her head in curiousity.
Calumnia	"Actually it was our first reading lesson." Calumnia responds, then pauses, and lets out a laugh that borders on a giggle. "She has a rather pleasant singing voice, actually." For a moment she trails off, then gives Luna another glance. "Are you sure it's just tired from waking up? I am grateful but I do still worry."
Luna	Luna seems surprised to hear that. "The archmagister sang for you? Given her attitude, I would not have expected that." she says before smiling again. "It may be from your feeding, but it is nothing I cannot handle." she responds, reaching with a forehoof to ruffle Cal's mane affectionately. "How did the lesson go?"
Calumnia	Calumnia shifts a bit under the ruffle but doesn't actually dsiengage from the affection. "Luna..." She mutters, rolling her cat-like eyes. "I'm still going to worry. I should start looking for other sources of love soon. Or at last ask Celestia maybe..." She shakes her head. "Something for later. Yes, Twilight sang for- and with- me. The lesson was certainly interesting! She sent a few very simple books with me to read between now and the next time she can manage to see me. I admit difficulty but... she's a surprisingly good teacher. I may attribute at least a portion of that to her singing."