One, the twirl. Front hooves reaching the clouds and hind hooves moved in a circular pattern, making a beautiful spin, as the violet braided hair flowed magnificently. Two, a jump, gliding across the grass. Last, bring the back right hoof facing the sky and end with a bow. She imagined ponies clapping and applauding her performance.
Dancey heard the Hoorah! and Bravo! from the distance. Or at least her mind had thought that. "Imagination can be your friend or enemy," she whispered softly, quoting what her mother said. Though, it's hard when you can't see it with your own eyes. An artist can do it. A novelist can do it. A dancer can't, unfortunately.
"Darling, you are definitely going to get bug bites. And please do not mess up the lawn. Your father is going to be quite upset, and you know how strict he is about things," her mother's voice rang delicately but in a what might turn into a monstrous shriek within an instant. Dancey turned around and rolled her eyes. "Mother, I-" She paused, leaving a long sigh. Disrespect would be another long lecture from her mom, so best not to even try. It was very hard to understand Prim Rose. Looking boastful and a sophisticated pony on the outside, but quite kind on the inside. And that persuasive look, it was so perfect that it's sort of creepy.
"Why don't you go to the Canterlot castle and check on you dear dad? I heard he was helping out Princess Celestia! Ooh, and you know he's quite popular and well known so maybe you could snag some food from the royal kitchen. But ask in a proper manner and eat like a grown mare."
"Mom-"
Primrose glared at Dancey.
"Mother, I don't care about food or the Princess. I just want to be a good dancer!" She repeated again, sternly.
Primrose shook her head in disapproval. "How can I treat you to be a lady if you don't cooperate with me?"she groaned. She let out her yellow bun and pulled on Dance's mane. Tying her purple hair into a half finished braid, she said "And never keep your hair unattended while you're dancing! Arpeggio shouldn't have given you such a name. Maybe Color Swirl or Velvet Rose would have been a more suitable and proper name for you," she teased lightly.
Dance tried to hide the shade of annoyance and plastered a big grin on her face instead.
Primrose tugged on her daughter, trying to get her out of the house. The yellow one pouted. "Please?"
"Fine..." She couldn't deny that pouting face. Twas ever so persuasive.
She trotted her way out of the house and headed towards Canterlot castle.
While walking past Royal guards, she had the urge to do some movement to get them laughing, but that isn't what grown mares do. Yet, those heavily armed stallions don't ever seem to have a mind. Who stands in front of doors all day with a straight face?
Unfortunately, looking the other direction has a small consequence. Dancey bumped into a figure with a soft coat. I should've known i was bound to do something stupid...
"Sorry!" her voice and the other one said at the same time. With her Canterlot sense, this voice was obviously from a mare. Perhaps a shy one from her frail voice. But, there is some confidence in it, so she must be trying her best to show a bit of spirit. A newbie with a soft coat also? A pegasus indeed! And quite a rare one. Most, in Dance's opinion, don't have such kindness in their voice. More like, boastful...
"I'm really really really sorry! I didn't look where I was going! I-I-I-I'm super super sorry! Are you okay? Do you need a nurse?" she went on and on.
Dancey stood up and shook her head "I'm quite alright, no need for the worry. Are you new here?"
"Well k-k-k-kinda... I moved to Canterlot a few days ago s-s-so I don't really know how things work here... And it's also my first t-time in the royal Canterlot castle! It's so huge!"
"Yeah that'll get needing used to. My name's Dance Cloud by the way. Dancey's the nickname."
"I-I'm Sweet Sunrise! But you can call me Sweet for short!"
"Great to know! Well... um, sorry I bumped into you. I have to go now!" Dance replied quickly, trying to get out of such an awkward situation. She never was much of a social type. Even talking to her mom and dad was a bit of a challenge, especially since they are Canterlot ponies. All anyone talk about in this city is parties, galas, and royalty.
She trotted away, starting to sweat and feel like she made the wrong choice. Of course you did you fool! You don't leave newcomers without introducing yourself properly! Oh, what have I done? Turning around, hoping for another chance, she was caught by surprise. That pegasus was... following her?
"Sorry! I was just lost, um, yeah! So uh," she stuttered
"Oh, it's alright. You could come with me if you want, I just went to see my dad. But I doubt you're going to be interested," Dance rolled her eyes, "he's Princess Celestia's 'assistant'"
"So... he is one of the rich ponies..."
"Yeah, it's so weird having to be treated like a pop star just because your dad is close to the Princess."
"Wait, you actually don't enjoy the popularity?" the pegasus questioned, a bit shocked.
Dance paused for a second. There wasn't any good answer with that, mostly because she has a little part of her that loves being famous. Then again, it is really annoying and a big hassle. She didn't like lying to ponies, especially random strangers that she waltz right into.
"N-No of course! I hate it..." She said quickly, not thinking. Well, too late now. Changing back her answer would break what would be an opportunity for 'friendship', or as her mom says.
"Wow, really? But we are in Canterlot! I thought all ponies here are snobby!" Sweet replied, giving a sigh of relief.
Oh, honey they all are. And hell, there are gonna be times when you are too. Dance slightly smiled. Her mind wasn't really in the mood for friends. As long as she could pass her school year and be a professional dancer, nothing else mattered. Then again, the new mare would be a great use for support and bribes. Not that bribing her was really an option...
"Uh, hello? Earth to Dance? You there?" A hoof waved in front of the unicorn's face.
"Oh, right! Yeah! Most ponies are 'snobby' but i wouldn't really get into detail with that. Anyways, let's go meet my dad! He'l probably be really glad that he saw you! He's always wanted for me to have a friend,"
Yeah... a 'friend'.
"Dear, Having a friend was not really part of your career plan! You were supposed to succeed in your school and then become a dancer! And pegasus are supposed to be very unclean so you should have stayed away!" Arpeggio gasped reluctantly.
That answer was not so surprising but Sweet looked hurt in her eyes. She giggled lightly, trying to make it seem not as bad as an insult. "I'm happy to meet you too Mr. Arpeggio," she said, ignoring the rude comment.
Dance smirked. She pretended to roll her eyes . "Father, that is so impolite! I thought you said Canterlot ponies were the nicest race in Equestria!" she looked at the floor and made a small pout. "Is that an example of proper behavior father?" she was about to cry.
Sweet was very much confused as to what kind of act this was. She stared at Arpeggio and back at Dance, then to Arpeggio and Dance. What was going on? Finally looking back at Arpeggio, she realized his face was white within an instant and started sweating. He took out a handkerchief in his pocket of the suit he was wearing and wiped his forehead.
"D-d-darling... Of course we are trying to set an example for you! I w-was just trying to-"
"And you wouldn't like it if maybe, all your friends knew you were Abusing a poor innocent mare, now would you?
"Definitely Not my dear Cloud! If my reputation were to get ruined, I'd be kicked out of the Canterlot High Society Life! I'd be a monstorous beggar if this life was taken away with just one rumor!" He turned to Sweet and bowed to her, still shaking. "I apologize dearly Miss Sunrise! I was just a bit skeptical about you but all is well if my daughter trusts you!"
The door behind Dance Cloud opened. A young filly walked in with her huge glasses and brown bun. She had a fragile voice. "I-I'm sorry t-t-to interrupt! I h-h-heard i w-w-w-was going to be mentored here," The little one said.
"Of course, um... Miss Raven? I'm your mentor, call me Mr. Arpeggio. It's very alright that you interrupt because my daughter was actually about to leave right now," The stallion straightened up, glaring at Dance and Sweet. The two mares giggled lightly and trotted out of the room, leaving the filly with Arpeggio.
"So that's my dad! I guess you could say he is one of those snobby ponies too, but a really funny one!"
"Totally! Oh, and... what the heck was all that sad face stuff and pressuring your dad?"
"Oh. My dad always tries to give good 'examples of how to be a Canterlot Mare' . I normally remind him whenever he doesn't do what he says and it's sort of pressuring because I guess he just doesn't want me to be put in the wrong direction,"
"Your dad is so gullible, no offense! But its funny too!" Sweet laughed.
Dance smiled. She couldn't deny, it was very comedic when her father acts up. There was a tense feeling inside her. It was rather good, and a bit weird. Maybe she just wasn't thinking straight? No, it was very clear she knew what she was thinking. Sorta. Maybe a little insane but was mostly normal. Right?
"Hey, I need to go... My parents are waiting for me. Well, it was great meeting you Dancey! I hope we see each other again!" the yellow Pegasus spoke cheerfully.
"Nice meeting you too! Maybe we could meet up in the Canterlot Gardens?"
"Sure! But not right now. School is starting tomorrow and putting all my things away is gonna take a while," Sweet scratched her head and chuckled lightly.
"Of course! I have school as well so I might not be free, but I'll try to meet you this Wednesday," Dancey waved a goodbye.
There was a reply back with a merry smile and 'farewell', as the two mare parted ways. Dance still had that tense feeling. That tense, good, wonderful feeling. Was it really what she thought it was? It couldn't be, could it? That was a tense feeling could be...
Friendship?
That was definitely new...
