I'll Have Buttermilk And Sugar With That, Please [Dead]

[ScratchThat]

Working in a busy hair salon in the capital city of Equestria, Canterlot, really does take a lot out of a mare. But if you owned the place, it took everything! Literally! That was why Sharaletta Novella had decided early on when creating her business that if she ever felt tired or over-worked, she'd know to take the day off, and would. After all, taking time out for yourself is important, no? If you don't, how else are you supposed to greet all of your customers with a smile and a welcome? 

Because she'd felt particularly exhausted that day, herself, she'd decided to only venture into the main streets of Canterlot at around mid-morning, and even then, she wasn't about to head to her shop. No, today she was visiting a new café that she'd had her eye on for the past few weeks. I mean, what better thing to wake her up than a cup of coffee? 

Besides, it was a modest looking place, being quite small and not in the least fancy compared to other cafés in the surrounding area. Abnormalities always did seem to appeal to Shar, so she'd decided soon after sighting it that she'd be visiting it soon. And now was her chance. Looking about, she made a sharp left, before halting at the beginning of the street, flickering her gaze across the various shop signs in an effort to locate the place. 

Strange, she thought to herself. I was sure it was on this road. About to turn around and continue her search elsewhere, she caught a glimpse of a sign. On the said sign was an image of a coffee mug, which appeared to be hoof-painted! Eyes widening at the sight of it, she mentally cheered as she scooched through the crowds, dodging various tourists and the like whilst making her way towards the café. 

Once she arrived, she hastily gazed up at the sign, reading the name aloud. "Choco Coffee Cup." She said rather bluntly, blinking her eyelids a little in surprise. Well, she supposed it was a... interesting thing to say? Nonetheless, she didn't let the odd name put her off. If anything, it intrigued her more. 

Grasping the opportunity to meet new ponies, she rubbed her hooves on the rug - many shops in Canterlot were doing this now; comes with living in a fancy area - before pushing open the door gently, stepping inside. Much to her surprise, it was actually busy, as she was greeted by the general murmur that you hear when lots of ponies are speaking all at once. That buzzing - heck, almost humming - sound, she supposed. Smiling pleasantly around her, she seated herself at a table next to the window overlooking the street. Once sat, she looked over the counter to the various blackboards hanging up, advertising what the drinks were that they served. She wasn't particularly hungry, but she couldn't help but glance down at the irresistibly inviting looking cupcakes and muffins, along with an assortment of other delicious looking pastries. 

It seemed she was going to take her time with choosing. 

[Dgcakes]

Taking the time to actually get used to Canterlot and try and find places she was comfortable with in the area, was a major effort Buttermilk was taking right now. She'd been scared of the place initially - so far from home, so different culturally, and just so much more fancy than she was used to, it'd taken a little bit of floundering about and feeling overwhelmed before she decided that the best idea was just putting her chin up and taking whatever opportunity she could to immerse herself in the arts and culture of the place she'd found. It was the capital, right? So there had to be a good amount of things to think about and do that could inspire her!

For now, the blotchy-furred pony had found a much less posh looking Cafe to explore. It definitely helped in the transition that this place was much more 'normal' seeming - or at least earthy and casual - compared to the more high-end locations in the area. Buttermilk all but flounced inside, her curled mane bouncing a little behind her before flopping into her eyes. It was getting a little too long, and a little too frizzy, but she was too lazy to cut it just yet. So instead the filly used her horn magic to push her bangs back and away so she could read the signboards. When it promptly fell right back into her face, she sort of just blew at it with frustration. Pbbbtl!

The chubby young mare was more than eager to sample some of those muffins and cupcakes - they even had chocolate chip muffins! Her favorite! - but she wasn't exactly a coffee drinker, so instead opted for tea. Tea went well with cupcakes right? Or was that just cakes...those were little cakes so obviously they should substitute perfectly! This dilemma was easy for Milky to solve mentally, dealing with food combinations at least a normal part of life, however finding a table looked like it was going to prove a lot more..daunting. Still, she lifted the tray and mug with the soft orange magic from her horn and carried it into the crowded area till she spotted what looked like an open table by the window. Aha! Victory! Truly she'd be able to curl up in this comfortable spot now!

It wasn't really till after she'd gotten there and sat down that Buttermilk realized her mistake - some other pony must've been blocking her view previously, since how HAD she missed that dramatically braided mare sitting on the other side of the table? Woops!

"Oh hey I am SO sorry, I didn't realize you were already sitting here. I can find another table if you like? Silly filly, huh?" Buttermilk sort of half asked, half rambled at Shar. She turned away to adjust her skirts a little with the seat - never could be too careful when wearing a skirt right? - then turned back...only to realize her bangs were in her face again, and try to blow them out of the way again.

[ScratchThat]

Sharaletta's eyes were still scanning over the various sweet treats that the café was offering, and she glanced down at her waist quickly, an almost panicked look on her face. Since when had she cared so much about her figure? Maybe it was because in the year she'd become quite a popular and well known stylist, but she didn't usually let others views about what one should look like affect the way she treated herself. Huffing, she suddenly realised that she was delving much too far into this issue, and promptly came to the conclusion that a blueberry muffin wouldn't be life threatening.

And boy, neither would that coffee. The mare inhaled the strong scent that was wafting out of a latte that'd just been prepared, and she subsequently licked her lips, ready to go and claim one of these drinks herself. By now, Shar was pretty much staring down that coffee mug in a dreamy sort of way, when suddenly...

Somepony blocked her view. Yes, they literally just trotted into the café and stopped in their tracks, which just so happened to be right in front of her. Raising a brow at her bad luck, she shook her head, causing her mane to whir about in the sudden motion. I shouldn't just be staring, she said mentally. I've got to go get something before the queue gets any longer. Standing up and trotting over to the back of the queue, the stallion behind the counter was a quick server, and in no time she was stood before him, slightly flushed due to the heat. He smiled at her and she ordered her latte along with a blueberry muffin. Soon enough he had it on the counter before her, and she placed the required number of bits on the counter - seemed this place wasn't too pricy, either - before then shuffling back over to her table.

Seating herself once more, she sipped her latte, and grimaced when the liquid scolded her tongue. Best to wait a while to give it a chance to cool down, so she gazed out the window, completely zoning out and getting lost in her own thoughts. During this wait, however, a mare came and sat down across from her. Sharaletta didn't actually notice until the mare spoke.

Blinking, her head whirled round, causing her braids to splay out at the sides in a frenzy. She had to grab the pieces of hair and smooth them back into place. When her eyes fell upon the mare sitting across from her, she gaped a little, appearing as though she were in a trance. First things first, this mare's mane was absolutely gorgeous. The golden, honey locks accompanied her white fur almost perfectly, and the cream splodges on her coat were a perfect way of blending between the two colours, which otherwise would've been quite contrasting. Downright staring now, she grunted, plummeting out of her thoughts as she realised how rude she was being; not responding when she was being addressed! "Uh, hello," she replied warmly, her slight rasp clearly showing. "You don't have to leave if you don't want to." She chuckled lightly at the other mare's joke, before adding, "I could always use the company, after all." At home when she felt lonely, she always had Raffa, of course, but unless she was in her shop surrounded by customers, she always had this empty feeling inside. Shar hadn't really made any proper friends since her shop opened, so maybe now was finally the right time to try?

Deciding to try and engage in some small talk, she smoothed out her mane once more and began, "I just want to say that I absolutely adore your mane style." The mare's cheeks flushed a little. "The frizzyness is very eye catching!" She exclaimed, glancing up once more at the mare's curls. Heck, they were almost ringlets!

[Dgcakes]

The other mare's whipping head caused a few of those braids to nearly flick Buttermilk in the nose, which she was quite glad they didn't. It would serve her quite right for just invading someone's personal space, but on the other hand, it looked like this pony was...interested in staring at her? Well, Milky had to admit, she was kind of a different sort of pony than the others in the area. For one thing, she wasn't all long and lean legs like many of the other residents, but more of a short and round and chubby sort of pony. If it weren't for her obvious horn, most might think she was an earth pony with her build and fur texture, at least that had been a common mistake people had made for many years. But maybe that wasn't anything to do with this pony's train of thought? The other mare's heavily braided and intricately cared for mane and her stare at Buttermilk's...maybe she was offended?

The filly was broken from her thoughts by Shar's comments, and she couldn't help giggling at them. Ok that was DEFINITELY not where she'd expected this conversation to go in the slightest! This other mare was coming across as much friendly now, at the very least. Buttermlik squinched up her nose to try and stop giggling, but she couldn't keep a small grin off her features.

"Well thank you, though it's not much of a style and more just how it grows. The hotter or longer it gets, the frizzier it gets. It's absolutely-" Milky paused to sort of bat some of her bangs out of her face again, "un-mane-ageable most days. But it's mine and I love it." Yes that had been a terrible pun. And no she didn't feel bad for it AT ALL.

[ScratchThat]

A smile too broke out across Shar's lips at the sight of the laughing mare. No doubt about it, she was adorable, and her good sense of humour almost made Sharaletta warm up to this stranger further. Chuckling along with Buttermilk some, she calmed herself by taking another sip of her latte, which wasn't nearly as hot by now. The taste of the drink instantly soothed her, and she leaned back in her seat a little, but still appeared to be listening to what the other mare was saying. In fact, it appeared she was holding onto every word, as she nodded her head in acknowledgement now and again.

Opening her mouth to reply, she began, "It's no proble--" but was cut off as Buttermilk continued on. Raising her brow some at the silly little pun, she giggled, her voice suddenly turning quite high-pitched. Heck, almost childish! "You should love it!" Shar mused, nodding her head. "It's wonderful to see so many natural hairstyles around. It's quite a rare sight to see in Canterlot, indeed." To further this judgement, she gestured to the table next to them, where one mare's mane was styled to look like a swan. Yes, a swan. It was stunning, but it was also hilarious. "Although," Shar clicked her tongue, "I guess I'm not really one to talk." As she said this, she glanced up at her own mane, running a hoof through a braid.

She continued doing this for quite some time, her thoughts taking over. That was quite contradictory of myself, she thought. After all, I sometimes style ponies manes into such an adventurous look. 

As she thought, she completely fazed out into her own little world again, before shaking her head quickly and snapping out of her thoughts as she realised she was being totally rude. "Oh, I'm sorry," she apologised, dipping her head a little to accompany this. "I haven't even introduced myself! My name's Sharaletta Novella, but Shar's alright, if you'd like." She smiled warmly, before giving Buttermilk a once-over. "What about you?" She then asked, turning away for a moment as she reached down and took her blueberry muffin. Taking a bite, she glanced back up now and again expectantly.

[Dgcakes]

Having her attention drawn to the massive swan-mane, Buttermilk couldn't help wondering how one would even keep up with such a style. It would probably cost a lot, not to mention being completely impractical for things like doorways or any kind of activity. But then...this was Canterlot - the main activity was seeing and being seen. So looking one's 'best' regardless of extravagance, was practically a sport. Milky was pretty positive she couldn't deal with that, ever.

"Oh honestly I intend to get it cut at some point, it's too much trouble to keep out of my eyes, and I like how it curls up when it's shorter..." she trailed off mildly on noticing Shar had zoned out for a moment. Buttermilk took advantage of this time to have some of her chocolate chip muffin - it still smelled so gooooood!

Buttermilk blinked with wide-eyes at being addressed again. Oops! Should have been quicker with her eating. She gulped a bit and had to hold down a small cough as she finished her bite of muffin a bit too fast. Well that was a silly idea! The filly quickly grabbed a small sip of her cocoa to clear her throat before finally answering.

"Ah, Buttermilk. I'm Buttermilk. Sorry, totally spaced. I'm from Fillydelphia, I've just come out to check out the area." she hadn't been asked about where she was from, but the young mare volunteered it anyway. Best to make it clear why she was just all over and unfamiliar. "I was living with my parents for some time, but they recently went back to their jobs and moved away, so I sort of am looking for a job and a new place to settle down. Not quite sure about Canterlot yet, but I'm looking where I can."

[ScratchThat]

Returning to the present, she hastily swallowed a piece of muffin, leaning forward once more and resting her hooves on the polished wooden table. Polished. Well, is was still Canterlot, after all. The mare frowned a little upon hearing that her hair was soon going to be cut, but it seemed in that instant she remembered what her profession was, and she giggled quietly to herself. How silly! "Well, if you do need somepony with the correct experience to cut your mane, I'll more than happily oblige." She chimed, before going on to explain, "I'm a hair stylist here in Canterlot. Don't let that intimidate you or anything, though. My prices are affordable." Her brow twitched a little as a thought crossed her mind. Would she perhaps issue a discount to those who were friends? Hmm, it was a possibility. Although Sharaletta had just said that her prices are affordable, it was still Canterlot, and she needed enough to pay the rent, even though she lived in the suburbs.

Realising that she was zoning out again, she noticed that Buttermilk too was doing the same thing. Or at least, she was stuffing her face with chocolate chip muffin. Chuckling lightly, she almost agreed with the mare's actions. Not a bad idea, I have to say, Shar thought, mimicking Buttermilk and taking a rather large bite out of her muffin, before then washing it down with some of that latte. Mm. Not a bad combination. She'd have to remember that!

When Buttermilk finally spoke, Shar had just finished swallowing some coffee. Not bad timing, either! "No worries, I always get lost in my thoughts, too." Tilting her head to one side, she pricked her ears, thinking a moment. "I try and listen, but pauses in conversations really do allow my mind to come up with the craziest things." She mused, before shrugging. Didn't want to talk over her new acquaintance, did she?

It came as no surprise to Shar that Buttermilk wasn't from around the area, although even Shar herself had to ask herself what'd led her to believe this. Perhaps it was the fact that Buttermilk didn't seem at all snobbish like most in Canterlot? Perhaps it was that she lacked the aura of sophistication, instead opting for a more casual approach? "I see," Shar commented, nodding her head. "Well, I hope you enjoy your time here in Canterlot. Perhaps you'll stay long enough for me to cut your mane?" Grinning at that, she added, "But, you will visit again, right? Maybe you'd even find that you like the place enough to live here? I mean, Canterlot's quite an intimidating place at first, but once you've been here for while you get used to it." She supposed she was biased, however, as she'd lived here her whole life. "One thing, though. If you do decide to make Canterlot your home, try to not let the lifestyle turn you into a..." She paused. "Well," she pointed at swan-maned-mare, "one of them." Afterwards, she quickly rested her hoof back on the table. Luckily this time she hadn't got caught pointing.

During this time, she took another sip from her mug, which was now half empty. Whilst drinking, another thought crossed her mind. "Would you be interested in somepony just showing you around a little?" She asked, her brow raising. "After all, I'm off work today, and the winding streets can get really confusing, even if you have a map!" She explained. "And I'm talking from personal experience here. It was hard enough locating this place." Leaning back once again, she gave the other mare a chance to respond. Part of her was expecting Buttermilk to turn down the offer, as she'd only just met Shar, or maybe other reasons would contribute, but part of her was really, really hoping she'd say yes. Even Sharaletta couldn't work out exactly why.

[Dgcakes]

The cream-dappled pony blinked up from her cocoa at Sharaletta. Proper experi-OH! She was a mane stylist...that made way too much sense, honestly. Looking at Shar's elegantly detailed and arranged mane, it certainly was likely that she did a lot of work on it and had professional experience. Though, her assurances that she was affordable and not to be afraid made her laugh a bit.

"It's ok, I didn't really think most mane-stylists here would really charge too much for something as simple as a small trim, but I've more just been lazy and not really found a stylist just willing to do that and not try to give me some fancy...yeah." she motioned at the swan-maned pony again with a small giggle. "I don't wanna walk in just wanting my mane shorter and easier to manage, and walk out with it in a beehive with tassles hanging from it. I love looking at things like that, but it doesn't suit me."

Buttermilk had to wonder a bit at how Sharaletta seemed to be mimicking her actions like it was a great idea and at all intentional, and not just her trying not to choke. Hopefully the coffee and muffin mix was good to her? Well...then again, ponies dipped cookies in milk sometimes too right? It could be ok if the tastes mixed well for the pony in question. She smiled warmly at the offer to be shown around and such. 

"Thank you. I'm pretty sure that Canterlot is not quite my speed right now, so I don't think I'll be staying to live here. But I definitely will come back and visit, I'm sure! That will be after I'm more settled and making a proper living though, I think. I'm going to leave Canterlot soon and head to Ponyville to see if that's any more suitable for me. However, if you're still up for it when I return, I'd love for you to show me around, that'd be really neat!"

[ScratchThat]

Sharaletta nodded, a knowing look in her eyes as Buttermilk explained how some stylists clearly didn't understand what a simple trim was. Although she'd never have a first hand experience with this - usually opting for just trimming her own mane when the time came - she knew other ponies who had. One of her fillyhood friends who had settled for a quieter life in Ponyville had visited Canterlot about five weeks ago. She'd been attempting to locate Shar's shop, but had been dragged into another by her friend, who was looking to get a fancy mane style done for a party she was hosting that night. Long story short, both mares had come out with huge, ridiculously over done manes. When they had run into Shar, it was enough to make her chuckle. Heck, the mare was even chuckling a little just at the memory! "Well, no worries," she responded calmly, spreading her hooves out in front of her and once more gazing up at Buttermilk's locks. "I do understand what somepony means when they say a simple trim." If her new acquaintance wasn't going to stay in Canterlot for much longer, perhaps getting her mane cut today was the best option?

After listening for another few minutes, she was surprised to hear that her assumptions had been correct! "I see, so you're not staying tonight?" She asked, although she was mostly just summarising this for herself rather than actually wanting an answer, as she then opened her mouth to continue. "In that case, I could always cut your mane today?" The mare raised a brow, shrugging.

Then another nice idea came to mind, and she glanced down at her mug of coffee and muffin, along with Buttermilk's. They shouldn't be too much longer in here, should they? With that said, she didn't want to rush her friend. "If you do have a little more time," she began, "we could always visit this open park on the way back to my store. It's directly on route." Pausing for a moment, her blue eyes travelled out the window as she thought. "It has a small stream running through it, and it's filled with loads of lovely plants. We could quickly cut directly through it. We wouldn't even have to stay there or sit down or anything." One would notice that Shar rather liked the place, and this was true. She'd visited it often as a filly, as it was basically a whole chunk of nature in the middle of a city. Raffa absolutely loved it, as he could mingle with all the other birds whilst she had a picnic or something. It was definitely a nice alternative - especially after a hard day's work - to visit the park rather than walking to the edge of Canterlot and visiting the forest.

[Dgcakes]

The cream-splotched filly was not entirely positive how she felt about this train of the conversation. On the one hoof, Shar was extremely nice and had been one of the easiest to get along with ponies she'd run into in Canterlot. On the other hoof, Buttermilk wasn't exactly sure she should be just making friends with every random pony she ran into in her travels and going wherever they suggested. And this walk through the park sounded mildly...naturey. It also sounded extremely pretty, but she was still a bit unsure of the prospect. Not wanting to be rude was also important - Shar was offering to cut her mane for her, and one did not want to upset someone who was due to have a pair of scissors so close to your mane and horn. Buttermilk wasn't particularly picky with her mane, so long as she could see, but she bet an experienced stylist who was angry could make her question that. Though, Shar really didn't seem like the vindictive type so that was a mostly silly thought.

Milky bit her lip and knit her brows as she pondered, sort of just poking at her muffin a bit before taking another bite while she thought. Given how easily Shar could get lost in thought - how easily she herself could - it was likely less rude to just be quiet and think it over for a second rather than just umming and erring at her nervously. Anyway, it wasn't as if she didn't have to keep her thoughts on timing and things while she was in Canterlot. She did intend to take the next leg of her trip the next evening or morning anyway so really...

After a few moments, and sipping at her cocoa, Buttermilk brightened properly and nodded.

"Sure, a trip through the park sounds fine, it shouldn't keep me too long and it's on the way. I warn you, I'm a total wuss about too much naturey stuff sometimes. Silly, I know."

[ScratchThat]

The silence didn't bother Sharaletta in the slightest, as she was well aware that it was a big step to just randomly go to someplace with a pony you'd only just met. Anypony who'd just willingly jump into these sorts of things probably wounded up getting into trouble somehow. However, the earth pony still had a polite smile on her lips, and bowed her head a little, trying to look as non-threatening as she could. Whatever the reason, Shar just felt like being out and about today, and the café was starting to get a little stuffy.

Trying to distract herself from the growing heat, she took another sip of her coffee, only to realise that this simply made matters worse. Sighing, she opted to finishing off her muffin quietly. After she wiped the crumbs from her mouth, she decided to break the silence. Being an honest mare, she didn't want to put any extra pressure on Buttermilk, so simply stated the obvious. "It's alright if you don't want to co--" However, before she could finish her last word, Milky had already started talking again.

It was good news, and the mare beamed once again. "No worries! It isn't the most naturey place ever - being surrounded by buildings and all - but it is a nice little break from all the winding streets in Canterlot." The mare mused, humming a little to herself as mental images of the place flashed through her mind. Shar was quite a naturey pony herself, but she honestly didn't think it was something off putting if you weren't. A forest, sure, but a public park? Giggling lightly to herself, she shook her head. No, it'd be fine.
.
Picking up her coffee again and this time finishing it, she placed the mug back on the wooden table before glancing over at Buttermilk. "Well, I'm finished, but it's no rush. Take your time. We'll go when you're ready." Shar sat back in her seat once more, the soft cushioned chair plush against her fur.

[Dgcakes]

"Huh? What? OH. Yes, no, we're okay, we can go now. I was going to put this away to finish later anyway." Milky babbled, half knocking over her cocoa as she moved to wrap up the last bit - wasn't even half really - of muffin she had, before moving to take the last sip of her beverage quickly. She'd been going through her food pretty fast anyway so it wasn't as if she couldn't just finish up and be ready to go. Milky stood and shook herself off a little, putting the muffin piece, wrapped in a napkin, into a pocket on her outfit.  "Alright, I think I'm as ready as I'm getting? Should we go then?"


Buttermilk stretched her legs some soon as they were out of the cafe. That place had definitely been cramped, to say the least. It had been getting a little stuffy, so she didn't blame Shar at all for wanting to get out of it, and the weather was warming up a good deal. Maybe the park would be cooler - a nice breeze would be wonderful about now. Really, what all did she have to be afraid of from just a little public park? Of all the silly things this filly could get worked up about, THAT? Honestly, sometimes the young mare just couldn't believe herself. 

"So how long have you lived in Canterlot, Shar?" she blurted out, some half-formed attempt at continuing the conversation, but having no idea where to actually go with it. Had she already asked this? Or been told it? It was so hard to remember sometimes, she'd been way more focused on her food and then talk of manes, ideas of where to stay and whether she really wanted to try Ponyville next in her search for work. There were plenty of places in Equestria she could go, so many things she could do...so it was a sort of overwhelming task to pick just one...

[ScratchThat]

Sharaletta blinked her eyelids in surprise at the mare's willingness to go so soon. Didn't she want to finish off her drink first, at the very least? Muffins could be carried around quite easily, but a drink couldn't, especially because it was in one of the café's mugs. Shaking her mane out a little, she decided not to question the slightly odd behaviour, not wanting to seem rude or imposing. After all, it had been Shar who'd been eager to leave in the first place, so Buttermilk was probably just being polite. That thought lifted some of the guilt that she'd previously felt off her shoulders, and a small smile played on her lips.

Getting up slowly, she too began stretching her legs a little, attempting to get a steady blood flow back. The public park wasn't too far away from the café, but the streets usually got fairly congested at this time of day, so she knew that quite a lot of walking was in store. "If you're ready," Shar replied, nodding her head a little. For whatever reason, she felt as though she was being overly polite, so instead decided to be a little more casual. "It's not that far away, but the streets look pretty..." She glanced over her shoulder out the window, biting her lip. "...well, I guess it's just a busy day." It was quite clear by now that Shar was implying that they hurry off before a cart broke down or something.

Pushing her chair back under the table and crossing the café towards the door, she propped it open for Buttermilk, before perking her ears when her acquaintance began talking once more. "I've lived in Canterlot my whole life." The mare responded, before flicking her ears a little in thought. "Although, I have a number of places that I'd be interested in visiting." Pondering over this a little longer, she finally asked, "What's Fillydelphia like? I think I was interested in checking that place out at some point." Sharaletta was now trotting down the street at a steady pace, not wanting to hold them both up. After all, she was rather keen on getting to the park before she lost the will to.

Seeing as she'd been turned around whilst talking to Buttermilk, when she looked forwards once again, she found that she'd almost bumped into another mare, and dipped her head in apology. Yeesh. To get passed this crowd, they were gonna have to push some ponies outta the way! It was ridiculous how many people just stood in the middle of the road, honestly.