Title:           Goldilocks: A Tatzlpony Tale (Part 6)
Author:          AngryWino
Pastebin link:   http://pastebin.com/xDrJNVBg
First Edit:      Saturday 16th of January 2016 11:33:13 PM CDT
Last Edit:       Last edit on: Monday 15th of February 2016 03:58:43 PM CDT

>Okay, maybe the direct approach wasn't the best idea you've had.
>But it does allow you to make some observations.
>For one thing, almost all of these ponies are smaller than Goldilocks.
>You see only one pony her size, a big red one pulling a cartload of hay by himself.
>Different frame though - he was built for power, whereas Goldilocks was built for agility.
>Goldilocks keeps very close to you, clearly conscious of all the curious stares the pair of you are attracting.
>You wish you could tell what she's thinking, but you thought it best that she keep her tentacles hidden for the time being.
>A juvenile pony waves to you from in front of her house, but her mother pulls her inside and pointedly slams the door.
>Most of them just seem curious.
>Time for an experiment.
>You pick out an approaching mulberry-colored pony with light pink hair.
"Good morning,"
>She seems startled to be addressed in her own language by such an odd-looking creature, but a smile quickly graces her features, and she stops.
>"Good morning! I don't think I've ever seen you around, before."
"We've only just arrived. Um, we're looking for Princess Twilight Sparkle?"
>Something like a relieved laugh escapes her.
>"Well, I ought to have guessed from looking at the two of you! Big tree-shaped castle at the center of town, you can't miss it!"
"Ah, well, thank you very much."
>"I'm Cheerilee, the schoolmaster. It's nice to meet you, mister..."
>She pokes a fore-hoof towards you.
"Anonymous."
>You reach out and shake her hoof.
>She seems interested by your hand.
"And this is Goldilocks."
>Goldilocks smiles, extends a tentacle and shakes her hoof as well.
>You facepalm.
>Cheerilee seems a bit creeped out, but her friendly smile only falters for a second.
>"Er, have a nice day."
 
>As you go your separate ways, you lean down to whisper in Goldilocks' ear.
"That's why I told you to keep those out of sight."
>She nods, looking faintly embarrassed.
>As you continue, it's apparent that some sort of ice has been broken.
>You're still drawing stares, and even a small gang of curious juveniles.
>But you hear more cheerful greetings from passing ponies.
>"Good morning!"
>"Hey, how are you doing?"
>"Welcome to Ponyville!"
>You politely return each greeting in kind.
>This sure is a friendly place.
>You notice they all have different brands, but you file away that thought for later.
>Then you reach the town square.
>It's set up as an open-air market.
>Festive banners and decorations are on all the buildings.
>Everywhere you look you see shops and stalls, and you hear the cheerful hubbub of friendly commerce.
>Across the square is the castle.
>A whistle escapes your lips.
/That is impressive./
>Oddly, you notice there are no gates or guards in evidence.
>Just the front doors, which are open.
>You take a deep breath and prepare yourself.
>You've never met royalty before.
>Walking up the steps to the doors, you cautiously peer inside.
>It's a big hall, with some sculptures and pictures on display.
>Several ponies are milling about.
>A nearby placard tells you this is 'The Art Of Friendship'.
>According to the sign, it's an art contest for school children, to be judged by the Princess herself.
>The winning pieces will be permanently displayed in the castle.
>A few ponies turn to look in your direction, and conversation in the hall begins to die out.
>A clear voice near the back of the hall says, "They're all so good, it's going to be hard to choose. Er, would you excuse me for a minute please?"
>A slightly taller, purple pony with wings and a horn turns away from the pony she had been speaking to and trots in your direction.
>Applebloom's memories, which you got from Goldilocks, inform you that this is the pony you seek.
 
>Entering the hall with Goldilocks at your side, you bow courteously and take a knee.
>The Princess stops, regarding you curiously, as conversation in the hall falls silent.
>All eyes are on you.
>And your nerves begin to kick in.
"Your highness, please forgive us for the intrusion."
>She shows a bit of surprise.
"We are travelers from... distant lands, and we have come a very long way."
>The princess starts to smile.
"I am Anonymous, and I have the great honor to present myself, and my companion, Goldilocks, to the esteemed court of Princess Twilight Sparkle..."
>You trail off as the Princess begins to giggle.
>She takes a breath. "Ah, sorry about that, your accent is very good, but such stilted phrases!"
>She smiles sincerely and it lights up the room.
>She acknowledges your bow with a short bob of her head.
>"Please, rise," she says kindly, "I'm really not that kind of princess."
>You and Goldilocks trade looks, then you get back to your feet.
>"Pleased to meet you, Anonymous and Goldilocks, and welcome to Ponyville.  I think perhaps you two had better come with me."
>She turns and walks down the hall as conversation resumes, now with undertones of excitement and curiosity.
>As you follow, the double doors at the end of the hall swing open at the Princess's approach.
>As you and Goldilocks pass through them, they swing closed again.
>Funny, you didn't see anyone pushing them.
>Just a faint purple glow.
>"Spike! Could you make some tea and bring it to the Map Room?"
>"Sure thing, Twilight!" a childish voice answers from somewhere in the depths of the castle.
>"Three cups, please. Four, if you want some too."
>Another pair of double doors swings open at her approach, and you follow her into a large room that makes you stop in amazement.
>There is a broad, wooden chandelier, hung with ornaments, that looks like the root system of an ancient tree.
>It's suspended above a large round table with six seats arranged around it.
>The table is covered with what looks like a relief map.
 
>"Now, I apologize in advance for this, but I can't contain it any longer."
>She takes a deep breath and rushes up to you with an expression of delighted curiosity.
>"Omigosh, I have never seen anything like the pair of you before! Where did you come from? What are you?"
>Both you and Goldilocks take a step back, surprised.
>"What brings you to Ponyville? I mean, I was expecting something,"
>She dashes over to the map table and indicates a glowing purple star hovering over part of the map that looks like the castle you're inside now.
>"But I had no idea what! This is so exciting! I have so many questions!"
>She stops suddenly and stares at you with a huge grin on her face.
>She's actually kind of cute, in a nerdy pony sort of way.
"Well, I'm human,"
>You put a hand on Goldilocks' head, and she looks up at you.
"But to be honest, neither of us know what she is. She didn't even have a name until I gave her one."
>Goldilocks wags her tail and leans up against your leg.
"Also to be honest, I don't know how exactly I got here, or where 'here' is. I'm pretty sure this isn't the world I grew up on."
>Twilight turns her scrutiny on Goldilocks.
>"Well, from general appearance, I'd say she was a pony, except for the ears and the tail."
>She peers into Goldilocks' eyes.
>"Can you speak? Does she speak?"
"Well, sort of. There is one other difference you should know about."
>"Oh?"
>You give Goldilocks a reassuring pat on the head.
>"Show her."
>Goldilocks opens her mouth , and extends her three tentacles a short way.
>Twilight yelps in alarm and jumps up onto the table.
"It's okay, she's friendly.
>Twilight's fear quickly subsides, replaced again by her intense curiosity.
>"I've never seen anything like it."
>Tentatively, she reaches out a hoof.
>Goldilocks gently curls a tentacle around it.
>"Well, actually I have. But it was a lot bigger, and it tried to eat me."
"Goldilocks here prefers fruits and nuts."
>You see the look of relief on Twilight's face.
 
>As Twilight peers carefully at her, Goldilocks uncurls from the Princess's hoof and reaches for her face.
>Instinctively, Twilight flinches. Goldilocks stops.
"It's okay, she communicates by thought, but she has to be in contact to do it."
>Twilight swallows and nods, accepting your explanation.
>Goldilocks' tentacle moves in and gently probes at Twilight's face.
>Twilight keeps commendably still, all things considered.
>Finally, Goldilocks settle on a spot just below Twilight's ear, and you see her eyes widen.
>Yep, you remember how startling that first rush of emotion can be when she makes contact.
>"Well, it's nice to meet you properly as well, Goldilocks."
>There's a pause.
>"You've really been alone all this time?"
>Another pause.
>It's so weird getting only one side of the conversation.
>"I'd say you were lucky to have a friend like Anon, then."
>Goldilocks looks at you and smiles.
>"Well of course, if there's anything I can do to help you, I will."
>Goldilocks detaches and walks over to you, reaching for your face.
**Well, she's nice!
>She puts her tentacles away.
>A childish voice at the door pipes up "Tea's up! WHOA!"
>The surprises just keep coming.
>A small purple - dragon? - has entered, bearing a tea tray, complete with sugar, cream, four cups, and a small plate of cookies.
>He immediately finds himself the subject of Goldilocks' curious scrutiny.
>"It's alright, Spike. This is Goldilocks, and that's Anonymous. They're our guests."
>"Oh, is that all?" He set's the tray on the table, Goldilocks following him the whole way, sniffing curiously.
>You hope that's all she does.
>"This is my assistant Spike. He's a dragon."
>Spike appears disquieted by Goldilocks’ attentions, as he pours the tea into the cups.
>"Twilight likes her tea with cream and sugar. Anyone else want cream or sugar?"
>You wonder if Goldilocks has ever had tea before, but you know she has a healthy sweet tooth.
"Cream and sugar for her, and I’ll take mine straight, thanks."
>They are so friendly here.
 
>You reach into your satchel and pull out one of the music boxes.
"If I may, I'd like to offer you a token of our appreciation."
>"Oh, don't worry. I'm pretty sure you're here for a reason...."
"Well, it's just how I was brought up... so, here."
>"Oh, er, thank you," she replies graciously.
>You feel an odd tingle in your fingers as a purple aura develops around the music box and it lifts from your hands.
>There is a similar aura around Twilight's horn.
/Wat.../
/Is this magic? Telekinesis?/
>Twilight carefully removes the cloth wrapped around the music box, and gasps when she catches sight of the ornate mechanism.
>"Oh, my!"
>The key winds, and the music box begins to play, finally drawing Goldilocks' attention away from Spike.
>"It's exquisite! Oh, it's too extravagant, I couldn't possibly..."
"Please, accept it with our compliments."
>You have a few more, and if you can return to the caravan later...
>Twilight seems flustered.
>"Well, thank you very much!"
>She closes the music box and sets it on the table. She picks up her tea and takes a drink.
>"In return, please allow me to offer you my hospitality."
>You almost choke on your tea.
"I beg your pardon?"
>"It's the least I can do. Neither of you has a place to stay here, right?"
"Well... no."
>You have to admit, it's a detail you hadn't considered.
>"It's settled, then. You can stay here as my guests for as long as you need. Believe me, I have plenty of room."
"Well, what can I say? Thank you very much, Princess Twilight Sparkle!"
>"It's just Twilight." She finishes her tea.
>"Um, I have an art show to judge, so if you'd like to make yourselves comfortable, we'll resume this conversation later, okay?"
>You can think of nothing better, so you nod.
>"Spike, could you please show them the guest rooms in the tower?"
>"I'm on it!"
>"To be continued!" Twilight says with a smile, and walks out.
>"This will be fun! We don't have guests staying with us too often. Right this way!"
 
>"I guess she chose the tower because she wants you to have the nice view."
>You and Goldilocks follow the small purple dragon up the winding stone steps.
>"They're also the warmest rooms in the spring, so you ought to be comfortable."
>Your own curiosity gets the better of you.
"How long have you known the Princess?"
>"All of my life! Ever since she became a student of Princess Celestia."
"There's more than one princess?"
>"There are four princesses in Equestria!"
>"Princess Celestia is the Monarch of the Sun and the Daytime, and her sister Princess Luna is the Regent of the Moon and the Night."
>"Princess Cadence is the Sovereign of the Crystal Empire, and Twilight Sparkle is the Princess of Friendship."
/Princess of Friendship?/
/What a fatuous title.../
>Though it does kinda explain why everyone here is so friendly, despite your obviously alien appearance.
>But all of this dovetails with that knowledge Goldilocks shared with you, so you guess that Applebloom was a diligent student.
>That surely is a useful talent Goldilocks has.
>"Well, here we are!"
>Spike opens a wooden door and ushers you into a largish room.
>Thankfully, the doors in this castle are high - you haven't had to stoop once.
>The room has high ceilings and is well-lit from a large window with lacy curtains, which Spike opens to let in more light.
>The furniture is comfortable-looking without being extravagant, with a wardrobe, a chair, a desk, and a very large bed.
>You can think of nothing more inviting than that bed; you're so tired of sleeping on the ground or rough wooden floors.
>"The next room is much the same, but has a balcony overlooking the mountains."
>"You can decide for yourselves who gets which room."
>"Oh, you don't mind sharing a bath, do you?”
>Spike opens a slightly smaller door, through which you can see a large tub presided over by a broad shower head.
>A real bath sounds like a great idea as well.
 
>Suddenly you can think of nothing better in the whole world than having a nice relaxing bath, and then crawling between the sheets and sleeping for maybe three days straight.
"Spike, you are awesome. You have totally just made my day, little dude."
>"Heh, you're welcome! Don't hesitate to call if there's anything else you -"
>"Yoo-hoo, Spikey-wikey!" a cultured feminine voice calls up the stairs.
>The little dragon immediately flushes.
>"Yes, Rarity?" he calls down the stairs.
>"Twilight told me about your guests, and I'd just love to meet them, if they've got time."
>Spike turns to you, almost apologetically.
>"That's Rarity, a friend of the Princess's. You uh, don't mind, do you?"
>Sigh. Bed will have to wait.
"Of course not. Lead on, dude."
>Spike smiles and heads back down the stairs.
"What a hectic social schedule we now lead,"
>You can tell from Goldilocks' face that she's laughing, but she does so on the inside only.
/So we're back to being quiet again. Hmm./
>You set down the satchel inside the room and, with another sigh, descend the steps.
>You can already hear this Rarity person talking to Spike.
>"Well, when Twilight told me she had such unusual guests with such courtly manners, I just knew I had to wha--ha-HAA!"
>The white pony talking to Spike is clearly startled by your appearance.
>"Oh, I do beg your pardon, you must be Twilight's guests?"
"We are. I'm Anonymous, and this is Goldilocks.
>"Well, not to be critical, but what happened to you? You both look as though you've been sleeping outdoors for a month!"
"Funny you should mention that, because for the past month..."
>She suddenly blushes.
>"Oh forgive me, I didn't mean to be indelicate. Obviously, I've no idea what you've been through, but this just won't do!"
>As she speaks, she circles around you, inspecting you both from all sides.
>"Idea-a-a-a! I shall take you both with me to the spa!"
 
>You and Goldilocks trade looks.
>Okay, so you probably both do look a bit rough.
"That's awfully kind of you, but I.."
>"Tut-tut, I insist! It's my treat, and I won't take no for an answer!"
>You turn to Goldilocks, who hesitates, then nods. You turn back to the white pony.
"Thank you very much, we'll be happy to come with you to the spa."
>"Wonderful! We'll get you all cleaned up for the party! You're going to love it!"
/Party?/
>"Well, let's go! No time like the present!"
>With that she turns and trots out.
>Spike gives you a shrug. "Enjoy the spa!"
"Thanks..."
>You hear voices in the hall.
>"Twilight, I'm taking your guests to the spa. We'll be back in two hours!"
>"Sounds good!"
>You feel Goldilocks' tentacle at your temple.
**What's a spa?
>Bed will have to wait even longer.
 
>From the way Rarity is greeted by the spa staff, you gather she's a regular customer.
>"Aloe, Lotus, these are my guests, Anonymous and Goldilocks, and as you can see they could both use the full treatment."
>"But of course, Rarity. I'll check and see if we have a robe that will fit Anonymous."
>"Marvelous. Now, both of you into the changing rooms, and Anonymous, you will remove every stitch of clothing you have on, and that's not negotiable."
"What? Why?"
>"Because they desperately need cleaning, darling. Now, hurry up!"
>The blue one, Lotus, takes a hold of your hand and leads you to a small cubicle, and shuts the curtain.
>"Now you heard the lady. Everything off; we will bring you a robe."
"Do I have a choice?"
>"Don't be silly," she says, and walks away.
/So, I do or I don't?/
"Any chance of a shave?"
>The robe they bring you is made for minotaurs, so they tell you.
>It's a bit big on you, but not unreasonably so.
>It fits well enough to do the job it was designed to do.
>They took your suit though, and you hear Rarity from somewhere in the spa.
>"Be a dear and take these to be cleaned. Or, if necessary, burned."
/What am I getting myself into./
 
>Shower.
>Sauna.
>Herbal bath.
>Manicure and pedicure.
>Massage table.
>They insist you remove the robe for the massage, but politely turn their backs while you do so, lie down, and cover yourself.
>You see Goldilocks at the massage tables, she seems to be enjoying herself immensely.
/Oh wow, who knew a hoof massage felt so good?/
>You don't know what you expected, precisely, but their hooves turn out to be soft and pliable, almost the perfect appendage for a massage.
>You turn your head and see Goldilocks looking at you from the other table.
/Dem eyes.../
>You've seen that look once before.
>In a fragrant grove of fruit trees near a river.
>She's clearly enjoying her massage, but that look is just for you, and you alone.
>You swallow, realizing that you may be in for it when you get back to your rooms.
>A seaweed wrap and a warm mineral mud bath.
>Another shower.
>And they brought in a barber to give you a shave and a haircut to your exact specifications.
>Finally you are left in a curtained room with comfy chairs and a large mirror.
>You realize that his is the first chance you've had to check your reflection since you came to this strange world, so you go and look.
>It's as though you've regenerated.
>Living rough on forage for a month has stripped you of some excess weight, and gained you some visible muscle tone.
>You feel your face in disbelief.
"Cheekbones! I have cheekbones!"
>You have to admit, you generally feel a lot better now than you used to.
>There is a knock.
>"Yoo-hoo, are you decent?"
"More than decent, I look good!"
>Rarity lets herself in.
>"Don't milk it, darling. Oh, just look at you!  I knew the spa would be just the thing! And I think you had better prepare yourself for the Transformation!"
>The way she pronounces it, with a capital 'T', gets your attention.
"Er, transformation?"
>Rarity goes to a curtain and draws it aside with a flourish.
>"Ta-da-a-a!"
 
>You are Anonymous; accidental inter-dimensional traveler, Jack-of-All-Trades, stranger in a strange land, and master of your own destiny.
>And you are dumbstruck.
>The dingy gray coat you remember is now many shades brighter, almost silvery.
>The spun gold of her mane practically shines.
>The red crest and tuft on her tail are brighter and more vivid.
>And, as if it were possible, her ears are even fluffier.
>Goldilocks is trying to look demure, but she stands and wags her tail happily when she sees you.
>You are too overwhelmed to do much more than stare, hardly believing this is the same creature you've been traveling with for the past month.
>Goldilocks just walks up to you and puts her head on your chest, listening to your heart.
>She even smells amazing.
>"Isn't it amazing? Oh, your clothes are still being cleaned, Anonymous, but Lotus and Aloe say you're welcome to borrow the robe if you wish."
>This takes a little time to filter into your consciousness.
"Hang on, what?"
>"Shall we go?"
"Wait, you don't seriously expect me to go back to the castle in just a bathrobe, do you?"
>"Oh, don't be such a prude. It is a nice robe, after all. I don't mean to cast aspersions on whatever culture you grew up in, darling, but you may have noticed that clothes are considered ornaments here, not necessities."
>True, you had noticed that most of the ponies in the town weren't wearing anything.
"What about in the winter-time?"
>"Luckily for you, it’s high Spring.  Allons-y!"
>With that, she sweeps out of the room.
>You feel more than slightly self-conscious in your robe now.
>You feel Goldilocks' tentacle at your temple.
**You clean up pretty well! What do you think of me?
"I'll be honest. You could have knocked me over with a feather when Rarity opened that curtain."
>You sense confusion.
**Why would I do something like that?
"It's an expression. It means - I think you're beautiful."
>Her link practically vibrates with pleasure, happiness, and so many colors.
 
>Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
>Sure enough, the inhabitants of the town take no more notice of you wearing a bathrobe than they did of you wearing a suit.
>And Princess Twilight's only comment when you return to the castle is, "Oh, new outfit, Anonymous?"
"Something like that. Just getting settled in. Only, Rarity said something about a party?"
>"Ah, that. There's to be a welcoming party tonight for you and your companion."
"Is that really necessary?"
>The princess sighs.
>"I'm afraid it is, otherwise Pinkie Pie would never forgive me."
"Okay, what's a Pinkie Pie?"
>"Brace yourself," Spike chimes in, "You're about to find out."
>"HI THERE!!!!"
>A pink pony with a bouffant mane, blue eyes, and a huge smile pops up mere inches from your face, accompanied by a shower of streamers and confetti, causing you to jump backwards in surprise.
"GAAH!"
>Goldilocks leaps between you and the bubbly pink pony in something like a fighting crouch and hisses.
>The bubbly pink pony takes no notice.
>"You must be Anonymous and Goldilocks! I'm Pinkie Pie, and I'm throwing your welcome party, because nothing makes new friends feel more welcome than a party!"
>You relax a bit and put a hand on Goldilocks' head to calm her.
"Thanks, I guess. Do you always pop up like that?"
>"Sure!"
>She suddenly drops out of sight, and just as suddenly pops up up beside you, wrapping her forehooves around your arm.
>"Because surprises are fun! And I want all of my friends to have fun!" She snuggles your arm.
/This pony has no concept of personal space./
>"When my friends have fun, I have fun!"
>Goldilocks is momentarily disoriented by Pinkie's disappearance, but she practically bristles when she sees her holding on to you like that.
>A tentacle shoots out of her mouth and wraps around your other arm, then pulls you out of the pink pony's grasp.
>Goldilocks wraps her forehooves around your arm possessively, glaring at Pinkie Pie.
 
>Pinkie Pie is not fazed at all.
>"Oooh, that's a neat trick! I can do that too!  Watch!"
>She sticks out an impossibly long pink tongue which wraps around the arm she'd been holding, and pulls you back over into her grasp.
>"Thee?"
/Wat?????/
>Goldilocks is surprised.
>You're starting to feel like the rope in a tug-of-war.
"Um..."
>Goldie's other two tentacles stream out and wrap around your waist, then pull you back over to her so roughly that Pinkie Pie loses her balance and falls over.
>Amazingly, she is still not fazed by this. She turns your arm loose and regards Goldilocks with respect.
>"Hmm, three-against-one, eh? Looks like you win this round then, Goldie!"
>She pops up off the floor and pats Goldie's head in congratulations.
>"Well-played! Welp, see you at the party!" And with that she bounces away, humming a merry tune.
**What was that?
>You shrug.
"What makes you think I know?"
>You shake your head as Goldie withdraws her tentacles.
/Jealous much?/
 
>"So how was the spa?" Spike asks you.
"Pretty relaxing, actually. Are all of Princess Twilight's friends like that?"
>"You'll meet them at the party, which starts in a couple of hours, after the art show wraps up. So you might want to get ready."
"Time out, I still have nothing to wear but this robe."
>Spike gives you a reassuring pat on the knee.
>Because that's about as far as he reaches.
>"I told you to let me know if you need anything, right? I'll check the cleaners and see if they can speed it up some."
"Spike, you're a pal!"
>So, super-friendly, helpful inhabitants, check.
>Lodging, and presumably meals provided, check.
>And apparently, a party to be thrown in your honor tonight.
>Check.
>So what's the catch?
>Not that you aren't grateful, but, just, why?
>Your musings are interrupted by a pressure at your temple.
>Accompanied by a thrill of excitement.
**This is great!  I've gone from being alone to having lots of friends!
>Goldilocks' tail encircles your waist, drawing you closer to her.
**But you'll always be my best friend, Anon!
>Her playful, trusting and affectionate nature makes it very hard to be cynical.
>You over-think things, she just takes them as they come.
>You reach out and give her a friendly scratch between the ears, noticing how soft and silky her mane feels now.
>She closes her eyes and leans into your legs, purring softly.
/You know what?/
/Just for tonight, at least, I'll turn off the survival instincts and enjoy myself./
>It's easy to tell yourself that.
>But there are questions still wandering around your mind that refuse to be silenced.
 
/That little dragon dude is a miracle worker in my book!/
>Spike had just knocked on the door to your room, and dropped off a bundle wrapped in brown paper and tied with string.
>You had opened it to find your suit neatly folded within.
>Everything has been cleaned and pressed.
>They've even made repairs to the split seams, frayed cuffs, and other indignities your clothing had suffered over the course of your journey.
>They had somehow removed a stubborn stain from your tie that you hadn't even acquired in this world.
>Your shoes had even been cleaned and polished.
>It looks as close to new as is possible, you suppose.
>Eager to get back to your old self, you shuck the slightly outsize robe and begin to dress.
>Goldilocks becomes restive as you're putting on the finishing touches.
>She had seemed tired, but she didn't want to be far from you, so you had let her nap in your room.
>She had fallen asleep with her head on your chest, listening to your heart.
>She had slept so deeply that she didn't even stir when you carefully got up to answer Spike's knock at the door.
>Now she rolls onto her hooves and stretches, yawning that cavernous yawn of hers.
>She scans the room, finally settling on you.
>You straighten your tie and hold out your arms.
"How do I look?"
>She cocks her head to one side, eyes fixed on you.
>In one fluid motion she hops down from the bed towards you, then rears up on her hind legs, resting her fore-hooves on your shoulders, and kisses you.
/Well, that wasn't the reaction I expected, but I'll take it./
>You give her sides an affectionate rub as she pokes her tongue into your mouth.
>After a moment, she breaks the kiss and smiles, looking into your eyes, then plants a couple of affectionate pecks on your nose.
>Her tentacle presses gently against your face.
**You look like the day I first met you, only better!
>You scratch the top of her head, and she coos softly.
"You feel ready to go down to the party?"
**Yep! You?"
"Looking good, and feeling fine!"
 
PREVIOUS:  http://pastebin.com/0WEHakUY
NEXT PART:  http://pastebin.com/P5gNAzTe