open A Stone in Ripple's Heart (1x1 with Califorum)

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

Ripple would smile, slowly closing her eyes "Thank you Maud" is all she would say, all she could really say as she didn't want to say anything dumb or stupid while buzzed. The bartender would just smile.

"I think miss Twist has had enough, wouldn't you miss Pie? Think you could walk her to her room? Here's the key" he'd say, giving the key to her

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

"It's just up the stairs and third on the left" he'd say "The room number is on the key as well, so it'll be pretty hard to miss" he smiles at her "And don't worry about paying, I'll put it on her tab"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

The next morning, Ripple would groan softly as she woke up "Hnng, h-how much did I drink last night?" she'd ask herself, getting up to make some coffee. She would simply just act normal, 

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

Ripple would smile as she saw Maud wake up "Coffee? I made it just now, so it's fresh" she'd offer as she'd levitate a mug of fresh coffee to Maud with her magic "I probably won't be in the Isles for a lot longer, I usually come to supervise for a bit and then return home, my manager is quite good and we communicate via magic letter"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

Ripple would smile and nod, sipping on her coffee "Are..you okay Maud?" she would ask her, noticing that she had looked to the side, which seemed out of character for her "If there's something you want to tell me, you can"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

Ripple would smile and nod "I can understand that" she'd say "And I'd be more than happy for you to stay with me" she says, finishing her coffee and pouring herself another one "Today actually happens to be my last day here, then I take the boat back home"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

Ripple would smile "I like you too and I am sure Lilac will adore you as well" she would say, "You're more than welcome to visit me in the city. My place isn't so boring though, it's more on the outskirts, near the countryside"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

"It's also perfect for Lilac. Due to her disability, she is very sensory sensitive. Very sensitive to things like bright lights, loud sounds, being touched by strangers and large crowds" she'd say to her as she would sit next to Maud.

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

Ripple smiles at her and nods "Truth is, neither am I." she'd say to her "The country is much more quieter, less busy and the air is fresher" she'd smile a little more "I just need to prepare my Manager for this dig before I get ready to set off on the boat"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

Ripple would smile and nod "I am glad I have found someone else who feels the same way I do" she'd say to her, finishing her second coffee "Do you have much to pack?" she'd ask her "It shouldn't take too long for me to organize everything for my manager, But the boat doesn't leave until tonight"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

Ripple would smile "Excellent, we can probably pick up your bags on the way to the boa". She stands up and puts her mug in the sink "You can stay here if you'd like, while I'm out, or  we can meet up downstairs"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

"It's up to you, but like I said, I won't be too long with my manager" she'd say to her "So you may just want to stay here, in case that stallion from last night is back, though he may be different when sober" she mentions as she puts on her saddlebags.

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

Ripple would smile and nod, giving Maud a quick peck to the cheek before she made her way out to meet with her manager. It'd be about two hours until she would return, flopping on the bed with a sigh.

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

As Ripple would return into the room, she'd call out to alert Maud that she had returned and then noticed the bathroom light. She smiles to herself, while stretched out on the bed, waiting for Maud to finish in the tub.

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

Ripple would smile and nod, though her eyes betrayed just how tired she was, but there was a spark of something when Maud looked in them "I am, took a lot longer than I thought. lots more paperwork than usual"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

She would cuddle up to her "Mostly customs sort of things, clearances and the such" she'd sigh softly "It was tedious" she'd say "and very, very tiring" she closes her eyes "I can't wait to get home and just,,,relax":

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

Ripple would nod, enjoying being cuddled by Maud "That is true Maud, though I do feel the most relaxed at home, where I can be sure Lilac is near" she'd say to her and close her eyes "What time is it?"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

She smiles and chuckles a little, holding Maud close "Well then we've got plenty of time, plenty of time for you to lay on me" she would say with a soft smile "Your fur and mane smell nice"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

"Mm I did wash before I left, it was a quick wash though" she'd say "Normally I don't bother too much when at digs as I'm always getting dirty" she chuckles and smiles at the subtle purring.

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

"I would say that you're as still as a rock. Very difficult to predict your mood or movements" she'd chuckle "but for your fur? It's very soft and I love it" she'd nuzzle her "And you're stillness, a nice reprieve from Lilac's usual hyper activeness"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

"You're likely right, she needs something she enjoys to focus her energy on" she would say "So hopefully with you teaching her geology, she can settle down a bit" she smiles some "So, I can be a bit oblivious, I take these actions as a..show of affection?"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

"Then I will happily tell you that the feeling is mutual" she'd say, kissing her muzzle with a smile "I really feel you and Lilac will get along well, oh and one thing, she's a pegasus like her father was" she'd say with a smile.

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

Ripple would smile and nod "Good, I wouldn't be surprised if Pinkie has mentioned your name to her though, so she may already know who you are" she smiles a bit more, "Time for a bit of rest before we go home"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

Ripple would smile and nod as she held close to Maud "Mm you're right, but lets set an alarm so we don't oversleep" she'd say, setting an alarm and then cuddling up as close as she can before she swiftly falls asleep.

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Califorum

A couple of hours later, the alarm would sound and wake them up. Ripple would smile and stretch a little "Mmm, that was just what I needed" she'd say with a smile. She sees Maud asleep and nuzzles her "Come on hon, we gotta get going"