After the stallion fell backwards, Floret realized her mistake. She remembered reading something about a unicorn that was a part of their team that had been badly burned. She was going to apologize and introduce herself and Aster, but it seemed like this stallion liked to talk. A bit too much. She couldn't help but having him remind her of a certain changeling at times. Considering her mood right now, that was not a good thing. As he droned on and on, her irritation only built, and she was about to smack him again just to get him to shut up, until he got uncomfortably close to her, placing his face mere inches away from hers, only caused her to flinch a little simply because she was not expecting it. The following speech he gave about death, and that she or Aster one might not be coming back from this, seemed to have a somewhat calming effect on her.

He was right. There was no way to deny that. One of them could very well not come back from this venture, as much as it pained her to admit. That scared her. She could very well die and then Aster would most likely starve to death. From what she had seen when Aster first stumbled into her shop, that wasn't going to be a pretty way to go. She couldn't deny any of this, and it scared her. But, there was one thing that scared her more. That was loosing Aster because she was too scared to go on this exploration. Aster would be absolutely miserable if she didn't go. While she was sure that Aster would be happy enough, that would hurt her just as much knowing that Aster would do something for her, and that she wouldn't because she was a little scared.

[b]"You're right."[/b] She finally said after he had stopped his little rant.[b]"It will be dangerous. I'm not a pony who likes too much excitement. Heck, I never even usually leave my flower shop unless I have too. I'd be happier there, among the flowers I grew."[/b] Her voice had taken a serious tone, and she was looking at Flicker right in the eyes, obviously not bothered by his condition in the least. [b]"But I have a better reason to go on this exploration than you could ever possibly come up with."[/b] By now, she had shoved her face against his so that it was so close they were almost touching. [b]"Somepony would be miserable if I didn't let her go. And for reasons I'm not telling, she can't go without me. So, if you and your ugly mug doesn't like me being here, then tough. I'm going and that's that. If you think I won't be of use to you, then think about this: How many ponies do you think would have the nerve to march into Canterlot Castle and demand, not ask, [I]demand[/i] something from Princess Celestia herself? Not many I'm sure. I may not be the best candidate for this mission, in fact, I know I'm not. I'm just a pony that studies botany as a hobby. But let me tell you, I will not crack under pressure, and I will do everything I can for everypony here, unlike a certain leather-face stallion who's immature enough to do something incredibly stupid as you did. If anyone is going to do something stupid in enemy territory, its not going to be me."[/b] When she was done, she didn't remove her face from Flicker's, she stood there glaring at him.

[b]"So, if you don't think I'm up for this and can't pull my own weight, then go home and cry to your mother about it, because I'm staying and that's that."[/b]
---
Aster, for the most part was silent during Florets rant. She knew better than to get in Floret's way right now. She'd knew from experience that that was a bad idea. Instead, she approached the Zebra that had decided to show up during this time.

[b]"Hiya!"[/b] She said to the Zebra with a friendly smile and wave, hoping that at least she might ease some of the tension that Floret and Flicker were causing. [b]Yep, that's us, the Explorers. I'm Aster! Unicorn mage at your service! and you're a Zebra!"[/b] She excitedly stated. This was her first time meeting one, after all. [b]"Eee, this is so exciting. This first time I've met a Zebra![/b] She cast a nervous glance over to Flicker and Floret again. She'd back Floret up if she needed too, but she really hoped the whole thing blew over without much more incident. [b]Umm...never mind those two. Ignore them and they'll go away. Probably."[/b] She didn't seem so sure of that fact from the glances she kept giving them. [b]"So whats your name?"[/b]