The Tumbling Waters of Deceit [Fleur / Mirage]

[Fleur de Lis]

It had been the oddest train ride of her life. Not that there were loud and aggravating ponies on board, nor that the ambiance was odd. In fact, it had been quite a wonderful ride; those riding the train with her had been rather quiet since most of them were lost in thoughts en route to meet with their special somepony. Furthermore, she had been a small distance away from them; she was alone in a first-class cabin. What actually had made the ride odd was that the other passengers had almost all been batponies. What was even more unsettling was that it had also proven to be the shortest train ride she had ever taken. When she had learned that she had to take the train in order to reach her date’s destination, she had expected having to wait for at least an hour. It had taken ten minutes.

Fleur looked around once again. Surely I must be looking like a tourist, Fleur thought a bit bitterly. And just where in Equestria am I, exactly? Deciding that she was not going to get answers to her many questions, she decided to have a look around the embarking station. In so doing, she had to skirt a small puddle of water that had formed by the constant dripping from above. Fleur took a deep, relaxing breath. Even the air was not as she was used to. She began questioning why civilized people such as the batponies would still live in caves to this day. Part of her already knew why.

She stopped by a sign that she believed she should have spotted much earlier. Now she knew where she was, although she had never been here even though it was indeed relatively close to Canterlot. ‘‘Welcome to Canterlot’s Bat Colony.’’, Fleur whispered as she read the sign. Who would have thought that a place as wonderful-sounding as Tumbling Foam Spa could be found inside a cave, of all places.

Fleur could not help but glance around once again, and she smiled softly. While the general atmosphere of the cave was not exactly to her liking, she could not deny that the view inside was extraordinary. A hundred feet away from the station inside the cave seemed to be a crystal-laden hall that appeared to be the main entrance to reach deeper inside the mountain.

Seeing that nopony had come to greet her, Fleur assumed that her date for the day was to be in the following train… Assuming they were still coming, of course. Or perhaps they had taken the skies and were coming on their own? It seemed rather likely to Fleur, given the pony’s name. Desert Wind. If she was to guess using only what she had at hoof, which was the pony’s name, Fleur thought that her date could very well be a Pegasus; most likely one from further South. The thought didn’t amuse her the least. If there is an accent I simply cannot endure, it is a thick Appleloosian one. Yet, something was gnawing on Fleur’s mind. For more than a week, as soon as she had read her future suitor’s name, she had felt as if she should have known who the pony was. It felt as if she had heard of that pony somewhere. No matter how hard she tried, she simply could not tell why she felt like she should have had; she knew nopony who would have such a name in Canterlot.

In the distance, she heard the distinctive sound of an approaching train. Knowing that she still had a bit more than a minute, Fleur took her pocket mirror out from her royal-purple-leather fashionable saddlebag, and used her magic to brush her mane in case the small journey tampered with it. She also was pleased to see that her makeup was still perfect; she would not have forgiven herself had she not looked her best for a date… Or for anything, for that matter.

As the train came to a stop, Fleur adopted a more regal posture, and smiled softly, yet confidently.

And just how am I going to enjoy my visit to a spa with an apple farmer pony from a desolate place?

[Mirage Oasis]

Mirage Oasis, Desert Wind. Being a changeling certainly had its perks, they didn't exactly make up for being the most hated species in Equestria but they did occasionally give a bit of fun. After all, even a mare who is in prison can smile every once in a while! A date was hardly a unique thing for a changeling but a Hearts and Hooves date was something Mirage had always loved to experience. Romance was at an all time high, unfortunately so was suspicion for dropping affection. She considered the day an investment for future meals. Hopefully her date would consider future encounters as well. Mirage was familiar with the mare's name. Fleur de Lis rivaled the real Desert Wind in terms of beauty and probably rivaled her in grace as well. Mirage had been to several soirees made by the high society ponies of Canterlot, but she had never met Fleur eye to eye, until now. The train she was one had her making her way to the date of her dreams. Mirage had had her eye on Fleur for a while. It might not be proper for a changeling but Mira was absolutely enamoured with mares of poise and grace...that is why she was disguised as one. Her light pink fur was a far cry from the batponies around her. She stuck out like a sore thumb. She appreciated that though. It made her feel special, noticed, and important. She stepped off the train, amazed by the crystal sights...so this was one of those batcaves that changelings looked upon with hunger and greed. Mirage could feel the bonds of the area without much trouble at all. It was beautiful, both the crystal and the love saturated air. She looked around for a moment before her eyes caught on a certain mare, one she recognized. Fleur. It seemed like they must have simply been put on different cars, only to meet here. She walked over to the mare with a soft smile. "well...if I am not mistaken you are the mare I've been set up to meet, unless you happen to just be visiting. My name is Desert Wind, of Saddle Arabia." she said, her eyes blinking slowly. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

[Fleur de Lis]

Seeing the train doors slide open only made Fleur dread even more the possibility of being paired with some uncultured pony from some dusty place. Given the last two times she had participated in the annual blind date event, she did not believe that good fortune will grace her this time with someone of noble standing. Well, she thought, at the very least they had not been the lowest of the low. She was quite pleased with how the first date with the crystal pony maid had went, and was also thankful that last year's weather pony had not embarrassed her.

Fleur steeled herself a little as batponies began stepping out of the train. If anything, she thought, I can always take a train by myself and head back to Canterlot if I am paired with some... Her thought trailed off as she spotted a graceful, elegant light pink mare step off the train. The way she looked about the cave, it was obvious she was also unfamiliar with the place. Could it be..., Fleur wondered. Then, the mare looked at her, smiled and approached. Fleur's own smile quickly became genuine. My~, she thought, it would appear I was entirely wrong. The way the mare looked, it was obvious that she was not from Equestria; the horse-like look was simply too exotic. Yet, there was still something that gnawed on Fleur's mind. Desert Wind... why was it screaming in her mind that she ought to have known who she was?

''My name is Desert Wind, of Saddle Arabia.''

Now it finally dawned on her who the mare was. Saddle Arabia. Of course, Fleur thought bitterly, I should be ashamed of myself for not remembering her; this is unbecoming of me.

Still, Fleur kept her smile and slightly bowed her head. ''The pleasure is all mine, Mademoiselle Wind. You are not mistaken; I am indeed Fleur de Lis, of Canterlot. I must say that it is quite the honor to be paired with Saddle Arabia's ambassadress; the odds are proving to be too kind with me. I have been hearing about you over the last few months here and there, yet allow me to say that some of what I have heard was somewhat inaccurate; I say that they have failed to convey how ravishing you are, my dear. Although I do suppose that they have tried. Truly a pleasant surprise, nonetheless.''

Hmm, Fleur thought, perhaps I am being too flattering here; I would not wish to appear as if I am some fawning mare. It simply would not do.

She then looked towards the crystal-laden hall. ''I have to admit that I was not expecting such a sight; I had not thought our day together was to be in such a unique place.''

A drop coming from the cave's roof splashed between them, which made Fleur glance up, not wishing to have her makeup marred with in front of the ambassador right now. ''Oh, pardonnez-moi, I ought not keep us here for too long. I am certain being deeper within the mountain shall be more hospitable.'' With that, Fleur turned towards the hall, and smiled softly at Desert Wind. ''Shall we, Lady Wind?''

[Mirage Oasis]

A very light blush rose to Desert Wind's cheeks at Fleur's rather intense praise. She wasn't used to such straightforward admiration so getting suchh from such a mare, a mare her eye had been on for a long time, was quite a shock. Her smile grew almost giddy for a moment but it quickly returned to the reserved smile one would expect of an elite. She didn't want to seem too emotional after all, or not seem like she had proper training for one of upper class, especially since she had MORE training. Still, she had been complimented by Fleur de Lis! "My, my Fleur, I had no idea you were quite so...expressive." she said, her voice was filled with a rather pleased but also knowing tone. She was filled with confidence now that Fleur had expressed herself so plainly, it wasn't normal of one like her, so Mira supposed that she REALLY must be glad to have such a date. She supposed this gave her a good bit of leeway and also a good chance at continuing the relationship...if she chose to do so. She decided that she had better give Fleur a bit in return for such a display "I must say I am rather pleased as well. A date with one of the most well recognized mares in Equestria is not something I hesitate at the sight of." she said. She was sweet, but reserved not betraying how she truly adored the mare in front of her. Yes, I wouldn't have expected a place like this either, but Equestria seems to be absolutely filled with beautiful sights." she said, looking at fleur as she did so, but then looking to the caves. Her entendre was rather obvious, but hopefully not too blunt for the mare to take kindly. Desert took a small step back from the drop of water, wanting to be hit by whatever would come next. She quickly nodded to Fleur. "I think that it is time for us to begin anyways." she happily commented before striding towards the cave, hopefully alongside her date. "I believe our first stop is the massage table, unless you would rather have a different first stop?"

[Fleur de Lis]

Fleur was not quite pleased with herself as her date commented on her expressive moment. A faux-pas right at the beginning was not something she usually avoided like the plague, yet the pleasant surprised brought by the unexpected 'quality' of this year's date had simply made her forget herself momentarily. She was glad the mare had not insisted or asked for any explanation; she instead seemed rather pleased. Fortunately.

She could not help but straighten her posture slightly as her date expressed her satisfaction at being paired with a well recognized mare. Fleur was glad for the compliment, as she did put a lot of effort at improving her status. It told her that what she has done is bearing fruit, and that she should not slow down her ardor. Knowing that the ambassadress was pleased with being paired with someone like her was always good to know. The thought made her idly wonder what it would be like if she were on a date and she was not the other pony's type.

For the mare's sake, she did not roll her eyes or laughed at the 'subtle' compliment. If anything, Fleur was somewhat surprised that the ambassadress had resorted to something so... cliché. Still, even if it was probably the hundredth time she had heard it, it still made her smile. Fleur made a mental note to be on the lookout for possible future compliments such as this one.

As she walked within the hall, she was forced to agree with her date; the sights were truly fascinating. While it was rather dark, the crystals within the hall were breathtaking. In the distance, a constant dull roar was heard. The way it echoed within the hall, it was not quite the most reassuring sound in the world. Not wishing for a moment to appear craven, Fleur continued walking beside her date. ''It is indeed our first destination. I do hope you hold a certain appreciation towards such an activity; not everypony are quite comfortable under a masseuse's experimented hooves. As for visiting somewhere else first, I must say that I have never been to this place; I would not know exactly what else there is to visit. I would not be surprised if there was to be a place that would deserve a little detour. Although, I would not wish to be late for our rendez-vous. Surely afterwards we could venture around, if you do so desire.''

After a short while, they finally reached the end of the hall. Before them, they could see a vast, dimly-lit cave chamber. Fleur could see the source of the sound now; a waterfall was flowing through the cave itself. The sound was not quite deafening, yet she wondered how the batponies were able to endure such a loud noise daily. Perhaps they were actually living in further chambers within the cave. Looking around, Fleur could see a building with a sign atop the waterfall: Tumbling Foam Spa.

''My... had I known such a place existed in such a close proximity to Canterlot earlier~.'' Fleur smiled softly at her date, and indicated the small rocky path leading up towards the Spa. ''It would appear our destination shall necessitate a small exercise. If the establishment is as surprising as this very cave, it shall be more than worth the small inconvenience, wouldn't you agree, Lady Wind?''

[Mirage Oasis]

My, my, it seemed like Fleur's little slip up had her vocabulary sounding more regal than ever. Mira couldn't help but give a small smile at how 'official' all Fleur's words felt. While Mira really did appreciate the high class lifestyle of Canterlot she couldn't help but hope the date would go well enough that Fleur would, eventually, consider speaking in a more relaxed manner...however unlikely that hope may be. She supposed there were certain disadvantages that came with the disguise of an ambassador. This would be one of them. Ponies who cared about status would spend their every moment tiptoeing through what they probably saw as an absolute labyrinth of social cues. "Massages it is." Desert Wind said happily, "I must admit that I'm not excessively familiar with massages. It must have been years since my last one...at least." she thought for a moment, "I'm sure I'll be alright though, I could definitely use a massage." she said, offhandedly. She had so much work to do as an ambasadoress...well, hypothetically. Mirage didn't really have that problem, though constantly being disguised wasn't something that inspired a relaxed and healthy mind set. She would enjoy this as both Mirage AND Desert Wind. The waterfall wasn't something Mira had ever seen the likes of, not at such a close range at least. Canterlot had a some waterfalls near and around it, but Mira was never sure what was natural and what had been made by the ponies. This one...she was pretty sure was a real. The sound was rather relaxing to Mira. Her ears raised and pointed forward as she gave a relaxed sigh. "Definitely a trip worth taking. It would be a shame to turn back now." she giggled then trotted forward, taking the lead with grace. "Hope you don't mind a little impatience on my part. I'm starting to get excited." she said giddily.

[Fleur de Lis]

Years? An ambassadress in Canterlot who has not treated herself to the expertise of the most talented beauticians and masseuse of the city's spas? A mare of her dignity who has not been to a den of relaxation in ages? Now that was certainly a concerning thought. That the mare had refused to succumb to the occasional respite did tell Fleur something about her. Either she was not a mare who often indulges the more pleasurable activities, perhaps for stoic purposes, or maybe even because she had simply too much to do as ambassadress for such activities. There were probably other sound reasons, yet for now, knowing why was of little importance. If anything, it would make the day perhaps more memorable for the dignitary.

When the mare took the lead, Fleur was slightly surprised by her eagerness and her good mood; she had not expected her to giggle. Not wishing to be lagging behind her date, Fleur followed after her. ''Oh, but I do not mind at all, my dear. If anything, I am eager to see the establishment for myself as well.'' She wasn't about to say that she was excited by it though. She preferred keeping herself from imagining the place, or get carried away by the possibilities; it would only make her set her expectations higher than they ought to be.

Once at the door, Fleur stepped a little to the side and lit her horn and opened the door for the mare. ''After you, Lady Wind~''

Waiting for the mare to enter, Fleur was able to peer inside from her location. While she was not able to see the whole room, she could see that the lighting was peculiar. Gems were emitting a dim light inside. Yet, thanks for the walk inside the cave, Fleur's vision had time to adapt. Inside the room, Fleur was able to see some elegant dark-fushia-cushioned white waiting chairs, a few ornate mirrors, and on the far end, a counter. From where she stood, Fleur could not see if someone was attending it. Still, from what she was seeing, Fleur was deeply impressed. She had not expected Batponies to have such a taste for luxury as well.

[Mirage Oasis]

Lady Wind certainly had a nice ring to it. Mira never got tired of hearing it. One might never want to meet their heroes but Mirage was having one great time impersonating her hero. But she had to admit that she miiight have been getting a bit too into this experience. She needed to be a bit more reserved from now in, if only to make sure that her illusion stayed believable. Of course Mira's aspirations were a bit higher than that. She was earnestly looking for a second date and even more earnestly looking for a meal...in the future at least. If she wanted that she couldn't simply go through the motions of the date. She had to show she enjoyed it, but not too much. But Mira had never thought that this would be easy. She was more than willing to test all of her experience on this mare. This was what she had been aiming for. Before too much longer she would have a solidified life of luxury and with any luck she would have some admirers before too long and a steady source of food along with them!...but that plan would be helped tremendously by being marefriends with the most beautiful and one one of the most popular mares in Canterlot, if not all of Equestria. The Spa was just was classy as she expected two mares of such caliber to be sent to. The furniture was beautiful and spotless and even the secretary seemed well situated...but that might have just been because Batponies had a cute air to them. ______ "Hello, Fleur de Lis and Desert Wind I presume, just as radiant as I was told." the mare stepped out from the desk. "Right on time, we're all ready to start your massage ladies." her voice was cheery and light, "If you two would follow me we could get started in a moment." ______________________ Desert Wind gave Fleur De Lis a small smile. "I believe we're ready, right Fleur?"

[Fleur de Lis]

Fleur was not too impressed by the lack of formality when being addressed to with only her name. Even more so from the ambassadress. Was she already comfortable enough with her to address her by first name only? And even more so when in front of a complete stranger? Well, Fleur thought, not that it matters a whole lot here: they have already been informed that this was to be a date. Surely this won't be noticed. Yet, it was still bothering her. Perhaps Lady Wind had meant nothing by it. It was said that this is a common occurrence outside of Canterlot, after all.

Fleur still smiled; it would appear whoever had organized the date, they could not have helped mentioning their beauty to the batpony, who in turn now concurred. Who would anypony ever tire of such compliments? Fleur idly wondered if the ambassadress felt the same.

She nodded her head. ''That I believe we are indeed ready.''

As they followed the mare, they entered a rather spacious dimly-lit room. She could see a few massage tables, with curtains that can be pulled around to provide some intimacy for each of them. Yet, there was something quite odd. She could hear a soft, constant sound. Heading for the tables, she then saw the floor was inconsistent. In some places, in lines running through the entire room and about a foot wide, were glass panels. Seeing the batpony walking on them, Fleur supposed they were intended for that purpose. Glancing down, she saw movement. Thin streams were running underneath. Fleur stopped a moment to observe, her curiosity piqued. ''While I have been to hot springs spas before, I must admit I have never visited one established atop actual streams leading directly to a waterfall. I wonder if any of the services are going to involve the current.'' Hopefully, she thought, the current is not going to be too powerful. Trying to hold a conversation while having water splashing in your mouth does not exactly sound that much appealing.

Not wishing to stall for too long, Fleur joined the batpony to the massage tables, and climbed on one while trying to keep a dignified allure as she does so. Still, she knew full well that there were some actions that you could simply not appear that graceful while doing them. Climbing on a massage table was on the verge of being one of them. Yet resting on one while looking at somepony else was quite another thing~ As the batpony excused herself and went to get the masseuses, Fleur shifted on the table as to subtly replicate one of her most appreciated relaxed poses. What would would staying flat on the belly give if there was no need to right now?

Fleur then looked at her date. ''I do have to admit, I am quite impressed with our destination. I have heard that some applicants were to be sent somewhere that was not exactly to their liking, or that pushed them out of their confort zone. If it were to be attributed randomly, then I do wonder if there were some that were just as fortunate. Unlikely. Although I do wonder; is a day of relaxation such as this one, not necessarily at a spa, of course, as you mentioned earlier, a rarity for you, Lady Wind? With how little I have heard of you, I must assume you ought to be quite the busy mare. Perhaps certain grand projects concerning our two nations are being discussed?''

While she was not entirely expecting a clear answer, Fleur did wish to learn more about the mare's position.