1 · 2:29pm Jul 17th, 2019
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Time Enough For Love will begin tomorrow morning, July 18! Until then, I'll be posting little teasers once per day.
One of the most exciting things about expanding TEFL out from its original short-story size to a full-on novella is that this is no longer just the bare-bones story of Clover and Celestia. It was always an adventure romance by the nature of the ship, but now it's a full-fledged adventure as well. As Clover moves through the world — and through the ages — we'll get to see him casually conquer challenges that would make lesser heroes tremble!
For example: Watch him ace a royal job interview!
Sterling waved a hoof. "His situation is … unique. He may be excused his ignorance this once. What does he desire of Equestria?"
Clover remained kneeling, inwardly wincing. "He offers his humble services to the Throne," he said, falling back on mimicking her speech to hedge against further insult, "as Magister emeritus and magical researcher."
He didn't dare to hope — even when Sterling shifted on the throne again, an intrigued spark in her eyes. Regardless of the Court's changes, there was no way that begging for a job would go over well after walking in and insulting the room.
Judging by the renewed whispers from the gallery, the nobles didn't seem to think so, either. But the queen flicked a hoof toward the gallery, which immediately brought them to dead silence. Sterling considered for quite some time.
"He has the discourteous habit of addressing the Throne in third person," she finally said, and Clover winced again as his faint stirrings of hope were immediately quashed. "He also seems unaware of the magnitude of the advancements in magical theory since his previous tenure, and of modern Equestria's lack of hostile foreign powers, which render useless his storied expertise in combat thaumaturgy. Regardless, We recognize the deeds which earned him his epithet; his record of service to Our mother; and his favor with one of Equestria's most honored heroines. It is an offer not without merit. So We wish him great success in his ventures, and We vow to call upon him in the event of a windigo invasion."
Watch him outwit a scammer in a Qilinese market!
"That sounds like quite a deal," Clover said — then, on a whim, "Alright."
Clover unwound the scarf from his neck, hoofed it over, then put the gem in his saddlebag — checking carefully to make certain nothing was missing, and that he re-latched it securely. "Thank you," he told the goblin, who gave him a bow with an odd little flourish at the end. Then he stood there, watching the goblin stroll away around a corner.
He counted to five. Then he lit his horn and teleported into the nearby alleyway.
Clover appeared nearly on top of the well-dressed goblin, who yelped and sprang backward. An enormous gemstone in a familiar-looking gold setting was in one of his hands — with a golden cord attached to the clasp, the end of which was looped between two of his thin fingers.
"I must admit, I have no idea how you managed to get that back," Clover said. "I wasn't even certain what the scam was until now. But I can recognize a scam when I see one."
Shuffling and murmuring behind Clover caught his ear. He risked a glance over his shoulder. Over a dozen of the other goblins were advancing from the mouth of the alley, reaching into their cloaks or behind their backs for various small blades and clubs.
A menacing smile curled onto the well-dressed goblin's face. He chuckled, low and quiet, and casually flicked his wrist — catching a small, jeweled dagger that shot out from his sleeve.
"Pony is clever," the goblin said. "Maybe he is clever enough to give us his bags and walk away with his life. Or maybe he will be so clever that qilin never find his body."
And watch him make friends with Celestia's family!
"Nay," Luna continued, "his words were a warning for exactly this moment, to ward off disaster before it was too late." Her horn glowed for a moment, and she stepped forward — her form shimmering oddly before snapping back into focus. "Clover the Clever, when I shared his prophecy with you, I believed you would have the wit to handle it with greater care. Had I suspected then that you would aim the blade of my warning at Celestia's heart, I would have ended you on the spot."
She locked eyes with Clover, her own devoid of emotion. A chill ran down his spine.
Clover tried not to squirm under her unflinching gaze. "What do you want me to do, then?"
"You will walk away. Give me the amulet and leave my dearest sister. Find another mare to fall deeply, irresponsibly in love with, and spend the rest of your days with. And, when that ends in sorrow, the prophecy of your failure will speak of the power you gave up for her."
… Well, the story's over 50,000 words long, so presumably he manages to survive his successes somehow. 
We'll start finding out in 24 hours! Tune in around 8 am Pacific (1500 UTC) for Chapter 1, and every day for new content!
Ahh, the okapi... such fun characters.
Don't think I missed the okapi hype behind that Les Mis reference.
Also, goblin markets. Always fun. I'm imagining this charming fellow as the ringleader until and unless informed otherwise.
Aaaaaargh! I want to read this now, but I'm forcing myself to wait until it's out. But then... Binge, baby, binge!
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It'll be more fun to read it now! You'll get to comment chapter by chapter!
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Seriously how does Magic have a card for everything? And how do you know them all?
There's even an okapi card! (Although WOTC seems to be under the impression that okapi are giant-horned, beak-muzzled antelopes, which is about as wrong as you can get while using the name.)
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You weaken my resolve!!!
it's almost here!
and unlike a movie trailer, you haven't even spoiled the best parts!
Oh, well:
Since I'm heading down to San Diego tomorrow morning for two days at Comic Con, I guess I'll hafta do some binge-reading on the weekend.
That Looking-Forward-To-It Mike Guy
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Allow me to weaken it further!
1) If you pick Songs of the Sisters up at Bronycon, intending to wait until the story is complete then binge it all at once, you'll have to either cut 50 kwords worth of reading time out of your convention schedule, or else have to delay gratification until after the con.
2) If you're waiting for Songs of the Sisters so that you get the joy of reading a new story when you pick the physical book up, you'll STILL get that if you read TEFL now! Devil May Care, the sequel to Administrative Angel, will be a book exclusive until September!
3) No dodging spoilers!
4) Your early views and upvotes add heat, keeping the story in the Featurebox so even more readers get to appreciate it!
Ok I'm hype!
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Hnnn...
Oogh.
Okay.
Trotcon also begins tomorrow morning, so some of us may be slightly delayed. But still eager nonetheless.
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"booksclusive"