Right Where She's Supposed to Be

Zephyr inhaled a deep, long breath through her nostrils. "Aaaah. The aroma around here is magnificent!" She thought out lout as a smile caressed her cheeks. Indeed, the air itself was rich with fine perfumes, delicious treats, and to the more trained nose, fine fabrics as well.

Her orchid eyes were wide, their pupils dilated to their fullest to try and absorb all the sights around her, which seemed impossible. There was just too much going on in the populated street to take note of everything. From unicorns sipping from levitated tea cups, to ponies browsing the windows of various high-end shops, and even fellow Pegasus soaring soundlessly above, acting as watchers for the public's safety, not a single inch of space was unoccupied.

While many could succumb to an overload of the senses, Zephyr felt right at home. She was a Pegasus of privilege, her parents both owning a fortune and more than willing to share it with her. And as such, it wasn't rare for her mother dearest to bring her to the heart of Canterlot on a shopping expedition. The trips were so frequent, that many of the shop owners grinned ear-to-ear with the promise of making some serious bits upon merely seeing her. She smiled back at them politely, as not to be disrespectful, but she had no plans to shop all too much this morning.

In fact, Zephyr was here but for one thing: a dress. Her family in Cloudsdale were getting prepared to host another one of their annual celebrations, and she had been invited. Since it had been ages since she last attended, Zephyr felt it would be appropriate to dawn a new gown upon her visit. As of yet, she hadn't found just the right store. But she was determined, thus pursed her blue lips together, and trotted on along.

Brawny goes to the Canterlot Market for the first time.... ever actually. Looking around he notices how different it is to Ponyville. A lot more high class than what he was used to. He generally stuck out, being the only pony with long messy hair and a guitar on his back

He had some spare cash he was looking to spend, and wanted to check out what was for sale. Probably three times his budget anyhow. He looks into a random window and bumps into the blue pegasu

"My bad." He said. "I'm still figuring my way around this place."

Zephyr paused before a quaint little tea shop, which had several tables stationed outside and comfortable chairs for ponies to settle their rumps in. She stared through the window at the simple yet elegant decor, past the colts and mares that waited on line at the counter, and to the menu beyond. While her eyesight wasn't as adept as an eagle's, she was able to make out a good amount of the selection. Most of the choices contained shots of espresso, different imported coffees, and even some odd-named iced drinks. While some sounded appealing (especially those that had chocolate involved), it wasn't enough to get her through the doors. Now, had the shop any herbal tea, they would have had a very welcome customer.

Before she could turn to stroll off, though, she was bumped into and sent stammering a few steps. Cheeks flushing pink, the Pegasus turned to the culprit, causing the color to deepen. "Oh! Goodness, I am so sorry!" She believed the mishap to be partially her fault- she was just standing in the middle of the street, after all. Her head tilted to one side at his short and quick apology, brain attempting to process his manner of speech. It definitely wasn't Canterlot brand- it was far too unsophisticated.


Now that she really had a good look-over at the colt, he really seemed..out of place. So it was no wonder he seemed utterly lost. Despite such, he did have a rather fetching appearance. That wild, untamed mane..the bright, warming hue of his pelt. Nearly her entire face reddened at her own thoughts. Fearful of embarrassing herself further, Zephyr cleared her throat, head, and calmed herself to reduce the blood flow to her cheeks. "All is fine, my good sir. Perhaps I could help you? I'm very familiar with this area, and I'd be more than happy to help."

Brawny was a little more confused, because he normally doesn't hear people talk elegantly, but he was in Canterlot. He also noticed that she thought the same with him. "I'm just looking around, checking out the city, maybe buy something a little more, luxurious." Probably the only classy word you'll hear from him all day

Quote :

"I'm just looking around, checking out the city, maybe buy something a little more, luxurious."

"Oh." Well, that was quite vague. "Well, alright then." She twitched her wings, feeling rather awkward. This colt was definitely different than the types she was used to. His laid back attitude, while unusual for the uptight types that resided in Canterlot, was actually welcoming. She, herself had wished many times to see such behavior mimicked in her own family. Or at least their guests. Still, he left her rather speechless- for one, there wasn't much to follow up on. Secondly, she was still a bit smitten.

Zephyr should have probably went on her way at that point, but something about the colt kept her in place. She wanted to know more about him. Why..was beyond her. "Well, allow me to be the first to welcome you to Canterlot." It might not have been her homeland, but it was almost a second home. Er, third, perhaps- she did spend more of her time in Ponyville.

"Oh, I didn't quite catch your name. Or give you mine at that, I apologize." Zephyr, feeling foolish, cleared her throat and extended a hoof to him. "I am Zephyr Botanica." Surely, this aloof Earth Pony had no idea what her name stood for. A couple of Unicorns sitting behind her, however, gasped at the mentioning of it. She ignored them, though, focused on the stranger colt.

Brawny extends his hoof and shakes Zephyr, never hearing that word in his entire life, but looks like it's nothing new to him. "Name's Brawny Hooves." He notices how different the names are, as if they weren't differentiated already

"Thanks for greeting me. I would've thought the other ponies here would chase me out of the town. Why were those unicorns gasping back there?" Brawny gets a little stuck between interested and worried, hoping it didn't mean anything bad, like Murder of New Colts

Needless to say, she was taken back by his hoof-shake. In the higher society, the colts typically brought the mare's hoof to their lips for a gentle, but quick kiss. It was a show of endearment, respect and honor. So, while he shook hers, there was quite the odd expression on her face- one of confusion, humor, and discomfort. When it was released, the Pegasus examined it, as if it had become detached to her leg, or she had never truly seen it before. Realizing how odd it must have looked (and inappropriate), she quickly settled it down beside her other.

"Ah. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Hooves." Zephyr bowed shallowly, but enough to show the proper amount of respect. She straightened, hearing whispers behind her back, ones that were too soft to fully decipher. Clearly, the Unicorns were gossiping it up. And she didn't appreciate it one bit. But rather than to turn around and scold the spies, she kept her head held high, hooves firmly planted, and flipped her beautiful mane in defiance.

Quote :

"Thanks for greeting me. I would've thought the other ponies here would chase me out of the town. Why were those unicorns gasping back there?"

The Pegasus nearly lost her composure by snorting. Thank goodness she didn't. In all honesty, she was rather surprised herself that the other ponies handn't had someone- preferably one of the Canterlot guards- escort him out of town yet. Then again, besides his aloofness, he really wasn't bothering anyone. So far as she knew anyways.

Now, as for an explanation for the gasps.."Oh, no reason. I've come here quite often, so my name is a.. little bit known around here." She coughed into a hoof, hating not giving him the complete truth. At least it was partially factual. "Nothing to worry about. Now, what sort of luxurious items are you looking for? I'm sure you'll find your fill here in Canterlot. But narrowing it down will definitely help your search."

Brawny sees the awkwardness of the conversation, with how she responded to the hoofshake and the unicorns allegedly gossiping, but tried to answer her question. "Just really anything interesting, and affordable. Preferably something in the way of fashion. Maybe.... a nice suit. I know it seems very basic compared to ponies like you, but I know a few ponies who would kill to get something nice to wear"

His wardrobe mainly consisted of concert shirts, as he doesn't go to many big events that would require classy attire, but looking good is always nice. Going back to the awkwardness earlier: "I feel like I'm making this a little weird." He looks over at the unicorns. "Bet they didn't even think somepony like me even existed."

Quote :

"Just really anything interesting, and affordable. Preferably something in the way of fashion. Maybe.... a nice suit. I know it seems very basic compared to ponies like you, but I know a few ponies who would kill to get something nice to wear"

Zephyr was starting to grow flustered. Not only did the blathering of the Unicorn put her in a foul mood and ruffle her feathers the wrong way, but clearly, Mr. Hooves was picking up on it as well. Her temper was beginning to get the best of her, as indicated through her clomping a hoof against the cobblestone street repeatedly. It was very tempting to turn around and tell the mares off, but she was a lady, her name was too well-known, and her reputation on the line. She needed to keep her cool.

"A suit? Why, that sounds delightful." The Pegasus spoke with complete sincerity. Her eyes rolled up towards the crystal blue sky, disappeared into the fluffed clouds that lingered above as she thought about all the stores they could visit. He could go to, that is. She had no right to assume he'd have her tag along; they barely knew one another. Plus, she really didn't want to get in his way.

Quote :

I feel like I'm making this a little weird."

"Don't be absurd. You're just fine, darling. Don't you worry one bit."

Quote :

"Bet they didn't even think somepony like me even existed."

"Unfortunately, a lot of ponies here are blind to what else exists in this world. And in time, that makes them ignorant, negligent- I truly do pity them." Zephyr raised her voice just enough to make it crystal clear to the Unicorns that she didn't approve of their behavior. She didn't need to look back to know they caught the hint- their mutters silences almost instantly. "I, on the other hand, have come to appreciate and love all sorts of ponies." She looked him dead in the eye stating such.

"Now then, onto business. Would you like me to tell you of a few choice shops? Or..show you, perhaps?"

Brawny feels that she is getting rather frustrated, but he was a little surprised it was directed towards the Unicorns who lived in this town. But, he likes looking for silver linings and feels glad it's not directed at him. Like Zephyr said, onto business.

"I think it would be better if you showed me around. I am still figuring this place out." Brawny really feels like changing the subject, preferably off the gossiping Unicorns, and maybe get to a good shop fast

Quote :

"I think it would be better if you showed me around. I am still figuring this place out."

Brightened, and somewhat relieved, Zephyr gave a confirmation nod and extended a wing. She was about to stretch it out and onto the colt in a friendly manner, but thought twice about it, and quickly retracted the appendage. In that one brief moment, countless thoughts had raced through her mind simultaneously. For one, she didn't need to give the unicorns anything else to gossip on. Secondly, he might have been offended, or 'weirded out' by the gesture, and she didn't want him to become any more uncomfortable than he clearly was. Third, her cheeks had already been flashing red enough.

"Wonderful!" She exclaimed, bouncing back to her cheerful self. "Then come right this way. And if you see anything else you'd like to look at, please, don't hesitate to say so. It's a bright, beautiful day, and I have all the time in the world."

The Pegasus smiled sweetly before motioning for him to follow her. Her steps as she proceeded were slow, delicate, and proper. She kept her head held high, tail swaying gently, and the feathers of her wings neatly together. While other ponies strolled with their noses to the air, she kept hers level, choosing to show the others that she believed herself to be equal to everypony, rather than above due to her status. This very small, subtle gesture earned some inquisitive glances in her direction, and even more confusion, but she paid them no mind.

She led him to the right, down a narrower trail than they had originally met upon. Here, the shops were more congested, but no two stores dared bare the same style of clothing. Each and every one was unique, glamorous, and alluring. Zephyr found herself browsing many of the selections on her way further down, the gowns, dresses and accessories all made of the most expensive of fabrics, and it showed. Perhaps she'd visit one of the shops herself later, or speak with one of the designers. She'd rather get a custom-made dress than something that everypony had laid their eyes upon before anyways.

Hmm, this is a really odd day. First time in this fancy city, Brawny already meets a pegasus who seems interested in him while looking for something to wear. She seems a little uncomfortable, but Brawny has a well opened mind, and is rather interested in everything around him. Not like home as he prefers, but interesting nonetheless.

Maybe he should strike up a conversation? Although, that didn't go anywhere good so far. Eh, he was a risk taker.

"I'm surprised you haven't pointed out the guitar on my back."

Quote :

"I'm surprised you haven't pointed out the guitar on my back."

"I didn't do whaaa-"

Zephyr stopped dead in her tracks, confounded. Turning to face the colt, she looked him up and down once before leaning to the side to look past his flowing mane, and to the instrument upon his back. How in Equestria she never really noticed it before was beyond her- the guitar was a beautiful piece of craftsmanship, and took up the near entirety of his back. Her jaw agape, she subconsciously strolled around to his side, orchid-hued eyes never leaving the instrument.

"My word! Forgive me for not mentioning how stunning it is!" The Pegasus exclaimed, her hoofsteps stilling once more. Biting her lower lip, she thought for a moment, adding the guitar into the rest of Brawny's image. Combine that with his attitude, and everything clicked together. "Are you a- now, what do those ponies call it.." She tapped a hoof against her chin, reaching deep into her memory for the answer. "Oh! A Rock Pony? Rock Star? Good heavens I feel silly not knowing the term."

She blushed a bit to emphasize her embarrassment. "Or just an avid lover of music? Either way, I am impressed. One thing I'm sad to admit is, I never learned how to play an instrument. A shame, really, what with how much artistic talent is involved, and how easily music can make others express their true emotions."

"Huh, never noticed it? That's usually one of the first things ponies notice when they see me. But, it's alright. I'm sure you were paying attention to other things."

Brawny grins at how she reacts to him having a guitar, and how she's looking at it.... and him

"Now I really can tell we're far from similar. But unfortunately, I'm not all that famous. But, I'm sure I'll get somewhere sometime soon. Lots of S's in that sentence, right? You should consider getting into an instrument. Or at least singing. They're good ways to make a little money, it's fun, and if you crave attention, it'll help a lot."

Brawny hopes he can turn the attention off the guitar and looks over into a window of a classy looking shop. "That's looks like a nice place."