"Sometimes," Arcana responded. She just sat there for a while before relaxing again and taking another sip of her wine.
"Okay," Taffy said, slightly unsure. "Perhaps we should get ya a big coat ya could hide in, if the worst came to the worst." She suggested, trying to keep a serious face. Unfortunately, the image of Arcana in an enormous fur coat was too much to bear, and she couldn't keep a grin from creeping across her face.
Arcana's laughter caused Taffy to burst into laughter too, drawing some strange looks from other patrons.
Arcana's laughter died down and she kept smiling at Taffy. Minding the looks of the patrons, she blushed. "Sorry," she said. "If I embarrassed you."
"Aww, you could never embarrass me!" Taffy said, draping a leg over Arcana's shoulder and giving her a squeeze. "You're far too busy making me happy."
Arcana smiled and returned the hug. She took another sip from her wine, enjoying the changes as it has opened up fully.
Taffy relaxed against Arcana as she drank her drink and looked around the room; she noticed a small stage in the corner, and a list of scheduled performances on the wall next to it. "Hey, ya see that?" She asked, pointing it out, "Perhaps you should talk to the manager before we leave..."
"Unfortunately," Arcana thought for a moment, "I'm only able to schedule that as a stallion. It's because that's how my musical career is."
"Ah well, gives us an excuse t' come back here!" Taffy responded brightly. "Do you ever perform as a mare?" She asked, curious. "Uh, musically, Ah mean." She added, with a mischievous grin.
"Any particular reason why, if ya don't mind mah askin'?" Taffy pressed. "You sang beautifully in the park; couldn't ya perform under a pseudonym?"
"With that assurance, I wish I could." Arcana said as she took another sip of her wine. She thought about the best response to it. "The main reason I can't is that I'm under a contract."
"You're under a contract that prevents you from singing as a mare?" Taffy asked, frowning in confusion.
"Ah guess not," Taffy said to herself, watching Arcana walking to the bar. She sat back and finished her drink whilst Arcana was talking to the bartender. "Yes Ma'am, what can I do for you?" The bartender pony asked.
Arcana had a mischievous look on her face. "I'm wondering if I can use that stage there. I'm a pretty decent singer and I have a couple songs I want to sing." Arcana waited a bit before continuing, "They're folk songs so they could fit the feel of the bar."
The pony looked surprised. "As luck would have it, the act we had booked for tonight has just cancelled. Anything'll be better than silence." He paused. "Er, within reason at least. Could you give me a quick demonstration, just before it gets too busy in here? I won't be able to pay you, but if you're any good, I'll cover you and your friend's tab; would that be acceptable?"
Arcana smiled and giggled, "That would be acceptable. Normally I have a small tip jar for any bits that come my way." Arcana thought a bit and sang a small song. "I won't sing this but here is a small lullaby. Fate has been cruel and order unkind, how can I have sent you away..." She sang the somber song with the intent of making the bartenders eyes water.
"I- that was beautiful! You've got yourself a deal!" The bartender pony said, shaking Arcana's hoof vigorously. He wiped away a tear. "Just, please sing something a little more upbeat? I want ponies buying drinks to have a good time, not to drown their sorrows! Now, give me a few minutes to set up the stage." With that, he disappeared behind the bar.
