//------------------------------// // Book of Surfeit, Canto 3 // Story: Fallen-Song // by Chicago Ted //------------------------------// It seem’d the further on they went, they fell In more with sand and dust – what else could dwell Amid such drought? Too true, they met those who Could stand the heat. They noted quite a smell They could not place, but they’d dismiss it too. Perhaps it was a part of here – who knew Its inner works? They would have to deduce Those for themselv’s. The princess also flew Quite a long way, and had not one excuse To keep on flying, not when she’d reduce Her capability right down to nought. Try as she might to keep up, ’tis no use, For her guide weigh’d too much for her. She ought To keep to th’ ground, as Providence had taught Her weaknesses. She shook her head, and went Along with him, to’ place that both them sought By sister’s order. Yet where they were sent Was still so far away – she wanted t’ vent, But knew much better. Last that she would want Would be to drive him off, or to torment Him with her grievances. This land would taunt Her with such promises that it would flaunt And take away without a second guess. And yet the baker would stay nonchalant; Perhaps he grew too us’d to torments, stress, And fortune ill from times before – unless He told her how he persever’d, he’d take His secret to the grave at life’s end. “Yes,” He said aloud, “I think we’ll sooner make It to the moutain-top, if we awake The spirits of this land, who might impart Assistance t’ us. We ask not for a lake Or e’en a lift straight up, but just the heart To make the journey safely there.” How smart, She thought, he was to ask so little for Provisioning. Perhaps if I depart This land, I’d learn to ask for little more Myself. But does he think his words could pour Across this land for it to hear him speak? “I have to ask,” she said – “are you well sure You can trust it to point us to the peak?” “Why should I not?” he shot back. “If you seek Its favors, then you’ll be blest with the best It can offer. This quest need not be bleak, You know!” She knew, but who knew how the rest O’ th’ walk would go? So far, she never guest She’d find so many others on their way, To distract them – O how she wanted t’ rest Without a soul to nag them on! This day Eternal beated down so hard, and they Were weary almost beyond words. But no, They would not stop so soon, not when their stay Here might be permanent. It went to show That, when their lives are on the line, they’d throw Their diff’rences behind them. “This I see,” Said Luna. “Now, how much more do we go?” Honeycomb shrugg’d, which made her think that he Might not be quite as bright as he could be. Regardless, he got her this far; she can’t Complain too much about these issues wee. The baker call’d out to the wind, “We shan’t Fail now, not when we’re ever closer. Grant Us strength to break through obstacles that stop Us otherwise.” It did not hear his rant, Apparently, for that one mountain top Did not move closer to them. They could hop Up just a hoof or two, but come back down Achieving nought at all. And worse, the drop Meant sinking more into the sand, to drown In something hot beneath their hoov’s. A frown Would furrow on her face, but she would dare To persevere, with her guide and her crown. So send them storms and creatures! They’d not care At all, when something so important there Would wait for them, and only them to come. And yet, as though it acted on a dare, A twister sprung from right behind. For some Odd reason, maybe none at all, too numb They prov’d to be, upon its dreadful sight, As though they cared not at all. How dumb! It did not matter anyway, for right Before it came to them, it would make flight Away from them. They did not notice this, Nor that they fled from this imagin’d plight. Forsooth, perhaps they would not be remiss T’ ignore them as they come, but just dismiss The lot as temporary folly. Thus, Their ignorance would bring them subtle bliss. No matter how this land could cause a fuss, They learn’d not to acknowledge those things – plus, They knew, eventually, it would provide Relief – whenever they would come. A muss She notic’d of her mane – and so she pried A bit of magic through the locks, and tried T’ untangle them, without too much success. She sigh’d, slid her hood back, and with her guide She kept a steady pace. Had she to guess, It was a natural effect, unless The cloak had done that messing to her mane. (It did look better that way, she’d confess.) As for Honeycomb, he had not that pain Himself – he must not care, or such he’d feign. Why stew over a minor detail, though? They’d bigger issues in their minds to strain! But still, they could not always worry so – How tiresome and how dull the trip would grow! The walk between where they were and where they Have ought to be had still so much to go. Deliverance atop the point, she’d pray, And that she and he were not here to stay. This heat was most unbearable, and sand Would itch them – did she see the mountain sway? Perhaps it was another trick o’ th’ land That plaid its dazzling sights upon her, and They were no closer to there than before. That seem’d more likely to her – nothing grand Had happen’d to them right then, that she swore T’ herself. But was that true? This sealess shore Held many revelations for the two. It would be most unwise for them t’ ignore These warning signs of danger – for these two Had seen the consequences of those few Disasters they had seen along so far – What others wait for them? O if they knew – But they’d discover soon enough the mar That rubb’d o’er them and others. From afar The effect was apparent not, but when They took a closer look, well – how bizarre! And still, the mountain sneer’d at them – but then They’d get to th’ top, regardless of how its ken Stretcht out. This challenge was not worthy of Their ridicule; they’d conquer so – amen! She lookt to the clear sky, and saw above A bird amid its flight – was it a dove? Perhaps it was, and it was gliding further out To where they could well see a sight they love. “Does water flow there too?” “I’d likely doubt Such fortune, but – ” she pointed with her snout – “It does mean, where we are, it can lead us To where we need to go. Its liquid route We follow in reverse, against it – plus, We are in danger nary longer. Thus, I make it our imperative to go Along its path. Our passage has no fuss!” The baker understood what that would show – “But still,” he askt, “what dangers must we know?” “Beyond those you found in Equestria hence, There’s nary in that way – you’ll see it flow Unbroken ’long the way; it’d not make sense For smoother flow if obstacles so dense Were plac’d amid the river.” “So I see,” Honeycomb said. “What’d be the consequence If we found something that must make us flee Fro th’ flow?” “We’ll fight it off,” she said with glee. “We’ve put too much into this journey now; We cannot let a simple thing stop. Me, I have my magic; it would not allow A single threat to pass us by.” “But how Would magic help us in this sand and heat?” “That’s also why we travel like the scow.” The baker nodded, and he dipt in sweet Water to cool himself. “O what a treat This is!” he said aloud. He took his cloak Off his back, and submerg’d until a sheet Of water flow’d above his head. “To soak Is plenty well for you and I,” she spoke, “But do not leave your cloak behind. This stream Will not forever last – this is no joke.” Honeycomb could not see what she would scheme, But took her words well anyway. He’d deem This sound advice – for who knows what they’d find Along the way? His theories grew extreme, But he’d dismiss them all the same. His mind Felt like ’twas scatter’d ’cross this land – behind, In front, and all around. The water’d chill His head, and focus him again in kind. “And should this stream dry up?” he askt. “What will We do about it? Eh?” “My magic skill Can hold our waters longer, but we’d ought To hasten our trip even more, until We’d reach our destination. Thus, we’ll trot Without a blockage.” Yet such things be wrought Sans warning by this land. How could I tell Before I would encounter them? she thought. She saw a gleam within the stream, which fell Her eyes upon a nearby hilltop. Well, Who was she to deny her own regard? She’d push against the flow to see who’d dwell Upon that hill; the baker saw it, hard Against the brightness of the sky, unmarr’d By sand or other landish elements. “O Princess Mine!” he call’d. “Have you a shard Of sense still to your name? Such an instance Of folly need not be attended. Once We stray fro’ th’ path, it just might disappear!” “I’ll know if such shall pass, if such absence Will impact us.” Then Luna stept sans fear Fro’ th’ water, kicking off loose drops to smear Along her fur. The baker trail’d behind Reluctantly, but not before he’d veer The banner in the water. “I would find Its liquid to be nice, if you don’t mind.” She nodded her head so. “I don’t see why You cannot do that, but do not be blind T’ your cloak.” “Of course,” he said. “I’d never try T’ abandon you for something like this.” Dry The banner would not be for quite a while, Or so he hop’d. The hilltop was nearby From where they were, a mere few yards – a pile Of harden’d sand – amid the stream, an isle So dry. And there, he could see something, bare I’ th’ elements of heat and sand. A smile – But why? It must be mis’rable o’er there! Then why such jollity? Why would he care About this? Then he lookt, and saw that she Bore on her face the same exact joy’s flair. “Why do we grin?” she askt. “I cannot see What humors us. Is it something to flee?” “I do not know, but we must caution so.” He tread so lightly, weary of the glee That plag’d them both. So far as they could know, No danger threaten’d them, not one that’d show So suddenly. The baker train’d his eyes Upon th’ horizon; Luna too, also Upon their own surroundings. She’d advise Him of the same, but she would be more wise Not to distract him from their current work. Would this be yet another trick, t’ disguise A thing more cruel than they could think to lurk? “At least there’s nary in the way of murk – We clearly can see where I saw that sight,” She said through her involuntary smirk. And when the glare of that dreadful sunlight Would clear away fro’ th’ hilltop, they saw quite A sight ridiculous. There sat a fool, One Luna never saw before at night. “She must be causing our amusement’s rule Upon our faces,” said he. Quite the tool Indeed, if jollity was her intent. “I never thought how humor could be cruel – ” “But here we are,” said Luna. “I’d repent Whatever you regret, for if you vent Your troubles to her, you might set her off.” “I see,” he said. “Unless we truly meant Offense, I reckon we’ll be fine.” A cough, As sand would go into his throat – a quaff Of water solv’d that problem. “Now then, how Do we approach the fool? I should not doff My soaking cloak or banner too right now.” “With me here,” said she, “I’m sure she’d allow Th’ attire.” She made the few steps left to see The pony. “We hail you, then – could you endow Us with your name?” To her surprise great, she Leapt to her hoov’s, as though were so free. “I’m Minute Mirth, and glad to see you two!” She said this with no small amount of glee. “I see one tawny, and another blue – You look like Princess Luna; how ’bout you?” Her voice spill’d like the nectar, sweet and fast, And they had trouble keeping up. “So few Had met me here, I thought myself acast Away in timeless loneliness. The past Seem’d less real to me with each passing day. But now I meet you two here – quite th’ contrast To th’ current circumstances. Sans delay, We’ll celebrate our newfound friendship!” “Nay,” Said Luna, “we are on important task. We haven’t got the time to stop and play, Regrettably.” The fool droopt down, to bask In renewed sadness. “But I have to ask – ” She perkt up in an instant – “can you tell About how you came to this place? Your mask Says quite a bit about you – where you dwell, And what you do, and all before you fell Into this desolation.” “Yes indeed, it should!” Her vigor inexhaustible, she’d spell An epic all her own. “And yet, I should Warn you – my story isn’t always good. I’d hate to disappoint – ” “We’ve heard the same From other beings in this land; we could Withstand a bit of sadness.” “If your aim,” Said Minute Mirth, “is sadness, as you claim, Then I would like to disappoint. I shy Away from misery; it brings me shame If I don’t spread my jollity.” “But why?” Askt Luna. “Why must you spread joy from nigh? Not ev’rything in life needs to be great.” To which the fool would instantly reply, “My tale discusses of my dismal fate From when I fail’d just once. I’d truly hate To see you frown; I’ve worked hard to show A smile upon your faces.” “That bears weight,” The baker said, “but I say, even so, You should tell anyway. You never know If joy could be born from discover’d grief.” The fool star’d at him – then she said, “Although You speak of such a truth, I must be brief: The tale I tell you is beyond belief.” “As were so many others – yet we pray: Could you, for only us, turn o’er new leaf And speak of sadness?” Came th’ reply then, “Nay, ’Tis most unbearable! You should away Before you tempt me down that path of glum. I say to you, there’s nought that I could say That grants you or me happiness.” “But come Now, there’s no reason for your speaking thrum. I’ll tell you what: if you indeed make us Frown at your words, you can cheer us up some With yet another tale.” The fool said, “Thus I will begin! I’ll tell you sadness, plus I would not go back on my word of joy. So gather ’round, with nary further fuss!” The two were seated, her beside th’ envoy. The fool began, “I hope I don’t annoy Again, but I will start off with the sad. And yet, all th’ same, I hope you will enjoy The words I speak to you.” We would be glad If you got on with it, she thought. We’ve had T’ traverse such territory difficult. Then Minute Mirth clear’d her throat. “So, nomad, You wish to know what I had done, consult With me about my life? Then such result Shall come to you. This tale starts long i’ th’ past, When I was born, t’ a clan that would exult Each little event. But this would not last For all my life – as long as my mind’s cast A shadow, I’ve not known a time in youth Where I knew endless pain. That time slipt fast Before I knew, and I’d soon learn the truth Once I learn’d to become an unknown sleuth: So few were ever happy, quite like me. I took it on myself to change, forsooth. At first, my strategy was t’ let them see The natural joys of the world. But we Had nary in that way, so I’d’ve t’ go So far beyond my home, from shining sea To still-wild forest, bringing what I’d know To spark that feeling coveted. That throe Was worth it in the end, for they would find Amusement in what little I could show. But I wisht to see e’en more, in my mind – My people was not nigh enough. My bind, However, was I could not eas’ly leave My ponies and my town I love behind – For if I did, they’d lose what I believe, But if I could – O what I could achieve! And so I settl’d – I would leave a note Before I’d set off in the later eve To rid the world of misery. I wrote It quickly, making sure that I would quote Another who had made the trip as well. I left it in the open, and I’d float Along Equestria ever since. To tell Of my success would not come now. I fell More times than I could care to count; Although I could not conjure up a spell Like th’ mages that would roam. On my account, One even bested me to a viscount. I did not mind at all – at least my tries Gave him some joy in life, as I recount. But that was just a highlight, I realize. As I would roam beneath the bluer skies, I would encounter much the same success Without intent – but still, that was my prize, And I’d accept it all the same – unless I would deserve it not at all, I guess. Regardless, there was jollity to spread Throughout the land – and then I found distress Within the heart of Everfree. My head Would search for answers, and my heart would dread And terrify that none could e’er be found. This filly lost her mother, nearly shed A tear – but I would not allow! I bound Her back to town, and ralli’d up a sound Search party, seeking out the one she lost. Alas, when we discover’d she had drown’d I’ th’ river, I was heartbroken. The cost Of time seem’d far too great for such star-crost Fate. I could never cheer her up again, And trust me when I say I did exhaust Each method in so doing – for the pain Of losing one she lov’d the most would drain Her of her vim. I gave up after some Time, and left her town, where she would remain. I’d focus more upon my craft – such glum Would not survive for long; this’d be the sum Of my skill. I vow’d to return one day And try again with newfound tricks for numb! And so I went about the land, to stay A few days’ time, and show to them my way Of jollity, which never fail’d to show A grin upon their visages. And they Would beg me to remain, but I said ‘No’ Each time – why should I stay in one spot? So They’d have to come to me? Nay, I would not Be bound to just a single place! I’d go To other ponies, much to see what wrought Their own depression too, what things they’ve fought To stay alive, and show them brighter time. In fifteen years of doing so, I’ve brought Such joys without a fail. I had a chime I knew would stick, and so into the rime I’d disappear again one day, and made My way to Everfree. In springtime’s prime, I would arrive, and found the town i’ th’ shade To be much chang’d. I found her, as a maid To greater wealth. And when I askt to see Her, they replied, ‘My dear, I am afraid She does not want to see you. You would flee Her at the slightest whim, upon a spree Across Equestria, when she needed most Of all your presence. You had left her – she Would not forget this, nor would she play host To other who might do the same.’ ‘Almost Everything I’ve tried,’ I had fir’d back, ‘Yet none would yield a smile – the innermost Expression of one’s joy.’ ‘Perhaps th’ attack Upon her soul had left her weak. Your knack Could not identify this, so you ran Away.’ But nay! I’d not accept this smack! But they were not quite done. ‘What was your plan, In any case? That you’d return fro’ th’ span Of all this land, to plan another try? Don’t be ridiculous!’ And they began To laugh, but that was one I would not pry From other ponies. I swore, by the sky Above, I’d try as they forbade me so. As night fell later, I would happen by A hole within their wall of stone. It’d go From out by th’ road, into their garden – though Past that was rather well-kept by their guard, But if I stuck to th’ shadows – who would know? I fit my head inside, and found it hard To get the rest of me through to the yard. But I kept trying, and I would succeed. I nearly cut myself upon a shard Of glass left on the ground where I had kneed. I lookt about for their guard – and indeed, He stood where he could see th’ entire place Without obstruction. He would not take heed Where I was, and I’d ascertain. The space ’Twixt him and I would vary by his pace, But I kept to the dark, and out of sight. I slipt right past the guard, and left no trace Of where I was before. And in that night He would n’ at all suspect that something might Be wrong. I quickly found her quarters, then I’d waited ’til your sister’s morning light Would shine and wake the household. I’ th’ den Where she slept each night, I awaited when She’d wake as well. And when she did, she found Me by her side, as was before i’ th’ fen. She seem’d most terrified, but made no sound, To my relief. With noöne else around, I introduc’d myself to her again. But to my great surprise, she would expound How I had penetrated where she lain For sleep. In hindsight, they’d to me explain That she’d not want to see me, and I saw The reason why. But it’d not be in vain, Or so I vow’d. She threaten’d t’ call the law Upon me, but I clamped shut her maw And begg’d her for forgiveness. Yet she’d give Me none, for that and other things. I’d thaw Her mood, but it would freeze. I could not live Without amends to be made, yet t’ forgive Was much beyond her. I left later, and I’d not return to her, for such motive Was absent from me. Thankfully, their band Of guards did not see me go ’cross their land And out the hole i’ th’ wall, with noöne t’ see. I would admit that nothing went as plann’d, But I’d surrender not. For now, I’d flee From her, and replan my approach. To me, It seem’d that something needed to be done To gain her trust again. What could it be? What have I done to her? Why would she shun? Did something happen after I had run? What else could it have been? No matter what, I’d find the reason, and make her see fun. I put upon a more confident strut To cover up what I had done there, but They discovered my ruse, and so I swiftly was captured, and then shut Away i’ th’ cell, where I would rot and grow Bor’d with my situation. I’d not go About the land again – I fell asleep One night, and woke up here. Would you two know What happen’d then?” She paus’d – but not a peep Erupted from the other two. “I’ll keep You waiting not at all – say what you think!” “What I think,” Luna said, “is nought to weep O’er pointless folly quite like you. The pink Skies of the morning last not long – they wink Out from sight just as soon as they arrive As nary more than just a moment’s blink. Of course, she needed help, and you would strive To give it to her, but she could not thrive From it alone. She had t’ move on, alone. You did the best thing for her, to deprive.” “But how could such thing be?” she askt. “I’ve known How weary sadness makes a pony, prone To feelings that would drive him mad. How must Old I accept that on my very own?” “’Tis simple,” said she. “You ought to put trust I’ th’ fact that ponies cannot really just Push past their sadness. Nothing you can do Can change this fact; ’tis as sure as the dust That does surround us even now.” “And too,” The baker added, “I’ve had just a few Tragedies in my time. And as each came, I sprung right back – and I know so can you.” But Minute Mirth just sigh’d. “I think it lame That I could never master my own aim. ’Tis as if you could never raise the moon!” “Some nights, I can’t,” said Luna. “All the same, My sister would take over for me. Soon The job’d be done, in any case; the tune O’ th’ heavens shall go uninterrupted, From noon to night, and once again to noon. If you cannot learn this, then we must rid Ourselv’s from this place. You cannot forbid The sadness for its sister – they exist Together in a balance. – If you’ve hid From solemness for all your life,” she hist, “Then it again comes, but you can’t resist Its much-enhanc’d effects. It has to come And go, and nought you can do can consist A treatment for the thing.” “Well, that was some Tale,” said Honeycomb. “What would be the sum Of it, in any case?” “I just can’t stand The awful feelings,” Minute Mirth said. “Glum And sullenness had plagu’d my life – now, sand Dominat’s ev’rything around me, and I cannot find a way back home. Pray tell, Do either you have something like that plann’d?” “I’m sorry,” Luna said, “we cannot dwell On such a task, if we are burden’d well; We also wander though this cursed place. I do know this – it cannot use a spell, Nor would I know as much.” “Then why keep pace If you have nowhere left to go, My Grace?” “Perhaps we’ll find an answer, in due time. Now come, Honeycomb – our time left shall race Away before our eyes!” The baker heard her rhyme, And got upon his hoov’s. And she said, “I’m Quite sorry I’d not lift your spirits high! I’ll try again, if you return fro’ th’ climb!” “How did she know our bearing?” “’Tis a lie,” She said, “as far as she can know. The sky And sun shall light our way up to the top; The stream will cool our hides whilst we shall try. We’ve nary more to need, so why we stop Again?” “Who knows? There could exist a drop That we’d not know before, or e’en a chart That’d point us up a shorter way, to lop Some time from our trip.” “There’s no need, apart From rest perhaps, to halt advancing. ’Tis an art Alone to climb a mountain to its peak. But do not yet surrender – bear your heart To th’ elements, and face them whilst we seek Our goal.” The waters parted in the creek To their stride, as they travel’d up its flow. And high above them, the mountain’s mystique Train’d focus on their vision. Who would know What wonders liv’d above, what hazards t’ show As well? They only need to climb to view Them for themselv’s. Perhaps the storms’d not blow Them off the path, but who could say for true? The sand staid calm along the banks – a clue Tranquility for them was here to stay, A fact so blatant, even Luna knew It to be right. But for how long would they Be safe? A number of things might delay E’en more than they could plan for on their trip. This land could try, she thought, but I say nay, It won’t succeed in stopping us – a grip Of iron she had upon her mind; she’d rip Their prize from out its grasp, if that need be. A splash came from a forceful step, to drip Its water off her naked hide – so free She felt, without the stifling cloth from knee To head along her form. And too, she saw The baker lik’d his soaking banner – he Would find it also cool; perhaps the raw Flow o’ water made a better sweat. In awe He found himself, apparently, at how He needn’t suffer in the heat, as was the law Of this land. They’d not run to trouble now, She hop’d. So far, this wasteland would endow Them with the chaos of a storm, or turn To wetter pastures, such as this. She’d vow Not t’ anger it, lest she and he would learn Its fuller wrath. She wonder’d if they’d burn In greater heat, or simply swept away Inside a sandstorm. How could this she earn? Regardless, she’d not addle her mind. They Would make it to the destination, way Up in the heights, come storm or sun or heat; No matter what came, they would never stray!