The sprawling, mountainside city of Canterlot was divided into distinct sections called 'terraces', so named because the further from the castle one went, the lower down the mountain they were. Terraces were connected by a system of ramps both to keep the districts level, and to provide a smooth ride for the internal public transportation system. This led to one of the more amusing nicknames for the city, 'Celestia's Stairway'.
The sole train station, accessible from the middle terraces, served as the depot for both passengers and freight. The central location also allowed highest and lowest terraces to access it without exhausting themselves or walking through each-others districts, though the first and second Terrace residents had often lobbied for a station at each end of the city. This proposal was repeatedly rejected for the same three reasons. Firstly, the distance between the stations was shorter than the minimum necessary stopping distance. Secondly, the locations were unfair to those who depended most on the railroad, the middle district businesses. The third reason was the proposed location of the upper train depot would have been right by Celestia's Zen room, and the Sun Princess didn't enjoy the thought of having her meditation interrupted by a train whistle. However, none of this was the concern of the pale pink, blue maned unicorn who paced along the platform. She paused every so often, looking towards the entrance of the lobby in anticipation.
"We're leaving In one minute, Ma'am." A conductor pony called out from one of the cars.
Fleur suddenly dashed onto the platform from the lobby. She skidded to a halt, taking a moment to catch her breath. "I'm here!" She burst out. "Lime's getting, the tickets."
"Splendid." The pink unicorn replied. "And not a moment too soon." Fleur passed her luggage to the conductor. By the time he returned, Lime had arrived. The conductor retrieved her luggage as well, then helped the trio to board.
Once they were settled in and the train was underway, Lime handed out the tickets. "I thought it best if we used aliases."
"So mine obscuration be Cynthia LaSombra? [1] " The pink unicorn mused, looking over her ticket. "A Caballo noblewoman."
Fleur giggled. "That's better than mine." She stated. "I'm Bouton Rose." She tried stifling her laughter with a hoof. "Rosebud. I was named after a sled."
"Wait till you hear mine." The green unicorn smirked.
"And by what moniker will my faithful assistant be known?" Cynthia asked.
"Lemon Meringue." She replied. 'Bouton' burst into laughter, and Cynthia chuckled. "What, too obvious?"
"Nay my maid. Tis most amusing." Cynthia replied. She leaned against the back of her bench. "Lady La Sombra, her assistant Lemon Meringue, and our companion Bouton Rose."
"Multinational Mares of Mystery." 'Lemon' added. All three giggled.
- - -
Half an hour later, they disembarked at the Ponyville station. A cobblestone road lead west from the station, to a small building set within a wall built from stones. The building was lit by firefly lanterns, and had a gate in the center that swung inward. A small group of ponies wearing black vests over white shirts staffed a counter on one side. A long bench spanned the wall opposite, providing a place to rest for a moment or two. In front of the bench was a stone firepit that had a few fresh logs inside. One of the ponies at the counter-a purple pegasus with a magenta and pink mane-greeted the trio. "What brings you three out here tonight?"
The green unicorn trotted over, and presented a scroll. "My lady is looking for a place that offers these amenities, and we had heard about your fine establishment."
The pegasus unrolled the scroll and looked it over. "Mmm hmm. mmm hmm. We got all that." She rolled up the scroll. "But we don't get many guests as fancy as you three."
"Pray tell," the pale pink unicorn began. "What sort of guests visit this Chateau."
The pegasus grinned. "We get ponies traveling in from the cities and towns allover Equestria. Some of them come up on business trips or vacations. There are servants who come down from Canterlot while their lords or ladies are doing whatever it is they do up there." She leaned closer. "And occasionally, we get Children of Luna who need a place to crash."
"How now?!" The pink unicorn sputtered.
"I've never heard that term before." The green unicorn spoke. "Could you explain it?"
"Oh sure." The pegasus held up a hoof. "It's a term of endearment used to refer to free spirited ponies: Roani, Bohaymians, Flowerfoals, the occasional Haybo..."
"Oh my, sounds fascinating." The white unicorn replied.
"It works out good for us too. They swap stories about their travels, and we stay informed about the news of the land." She rolled up the scroll and hoofed it back. "It's a long walk up to the main mansion, so lemme call you a ride."
"Thank you, miss..."
"Starsong." The pegasus stated. She trotted past the gate over to the other end of the building, and began tapping out something on a large xylophone-like device. The sounds of her hooftaps on wood seemed to be magnified by the building's structure. After several seconds, she paused and listened. From somewhere in the distance, was another series of wooden tapping sounds. When they stopped, Starsong tapped the highest note three times, then turned and trotted back over to the trio. "Your ride will be here in less than a minute."
The pink unicorn nodded. "Thy contrivance be a fascinating variation of dit-dat device. I can see how a multi tone scale can be used to deliver messages quicker. And the short reverberation time of wood doth help to speed up communication."
Starsong beamed. "Yeah. The Txalaparta. The Zaldi have used it for centuries for both music and messaging."
"We did want to learn about the culture." The green unicorn smirked.
"Indeed." The pink unicorn replied. She looked to the pegasus. "Art thou Zaldi thyself?"
"Nope. My mom's parents were hired on as salt-sifters. My dad came in from Cloudsdale. But I grew up with the Patron's daughter."
The sound of wheels rolling over gravel attracted the trio's attention, and they saw a carriage stop at the other end of the building. Sitting on a perch at the front of the carriage was a lace pink unicorn wearing a red dress that covered her hindlegs and tail. Her yellow, orange and magenta mane was tied back with a red ribbon and gracing her horn was a silver ring with purple, rose and white quartz gems. Next to her sat a large Diamond Dog with a reddish grey pelt. He wore a black bowler hat and a large, buttoned up coat that covered most of his form. The unicorn stepped down from the front of the carriage, trotted over and unlatched the gate. "Kaixo eta ongietorria. [2]" She greeted. "I am Concierge Toola Roola." She held out a hoof in a gesture of greeting. "How shall I call you?"
The green unicorn walked over and shook hooves with Toola. "A pleasure to meet you Miss Roola." She began. "I am Li-Lemon Meringue, retainer to Lady Cynthia LaSombra." She pointed to the pink unicorn.
"And I am Bouton Rose." The white unicorn added.
"They're looking for the full package, Toola." Starsong chimed in. "The tours, the casino, and a few nights."
Toola clapped her hooves together. "Wonderful! I shall make the arrangements tonight." She led the trio to the carriage, while Starsong and the Diamond Dog gathered their luggage. The two began placing suitcases onto a platform at the rear of the carriage.
"Miss Roola." Bouton began. "We'd like to know about the pony that owns this land." She climbed into the seat just behind the front of the carriage. Lemon followed and sat next to her.
"My father?" Toola replied. "He carries on the family business: entertaining guests, supervising the farms, managing trade, and other necessary things. And when he steps down, it will become my responsibility."
"So you're the Patron's daughter that Starsong mentioned?" Lemon asked, as Cynthia boarded.
"Oui." Toola replied. "Starsong's one of my best friends. We've been together since foalhood."
"You're good to go." Starsong stated, returning to her counter. The Diamond Dog climbed back up into the front seat without a word.
"Thank you, Stars." Toola replied. She climbed up into the front seat next to the Diamond Dog, then placed a hoof on a wooden staff protruding from a slot in the arm rest. Mounted on the end of the staff was a short broad metallic triangular faceplate. Toola activated her magic, then channeled the orange glow through the panel into the staff and the carriage began rolling forward.
"How is't thou hast a Diamond Dog in thy employ?" Cynthia asked, leaning back in the seat across from Lemon and Bouton.
"He was found poaching from the family mine. When he was caught, my father made him work off the debt." Toola smiled. "And my father can always find work for others."
"It doth sound as though thou hast much work to be done here." Cynthia replied.
"While we are willing to help ponies who need a place to stay, or a warm meal, my father asks that ponies put in their fair share of work. Even I help out where it's needed." She stated this as a point of pride.
"So how would you describe your father?" Lemon asked.
"Oh look, we're here already." Toola interrupted. The carriage had parked in front of the porch of a large, four story high building. "Jasper." She addressed the diamond dog. "Please help the ladies with their luggage, while I make arrangements with the staff." She pulled the staff from the slot, then slipped it into a holster under the back of her dress before walking inside.
The diamond dog helped the trio get out of the carriage, then retrieved their suitcases. The group entered into a large lobby. The hardwood floor was covered with plush rugs, which helped to muffle the sound of their steps. Several padded chairs and benches were placed throughout the room, arranged in small groups around tables, or in front of the fireplace set in one of the outer walls. A pony dressed in a red vest rushed past them and out the door, while Jasper led the group to the large desk near one of the inner walls. Toola was chatting with one of the ponies behind the check-in desk, who was writing on a notepad. "...and after that, we can give them a tour of the river." Jasper cleared his throat, catching the unicorns attention. Toola turned to the group. "I reserved a suite for Lady LaSombra on the third floor. It's 311." She passed two keys to Lemon. "And yours is 312." She handed a third key to Bouton.
"Thank you, Miss Toola." Lemon replied.
"This way." The diamond dog stated. He led them over to a spiraling ramp within one of the outer alcoves. The broad diameter of the ramp allowed them to walk at an easy pace as they ascended, while a banister along the edge opposite the wall prevented ponies from potentially plummeting.
"How do you count the days at this inn?" Lemon asked. "I'm not sure what time we have to be out by, since this seems to be a private hotel."
"Ask the staff ponies, they know." Jasper replied.
"What about meals?" Lemon continued.
"The Patron has an outside building. It serves food from his homeland." Jasper stated.
"You don't seem to be much of a talker." Bouton observed.
"Not much reason to talk." He shrugged. "Only responsible for Toola."
"So you're like her butler?" Lemon mused.
"What is 'butler?'" The diamond dog replied. "I only do what she asks. And protect her."
"How long have you been working for her?"
Jasper thought for a moment. "For her, a few years. For her benefit, since she was a tiny foal."
"So you're like her...dogservant."
The diamond dog smiled. "Yes, dogservant. But after having known Toola and her family, I am happy to serve."
When they arrived at the third floor, he lead the trio down a hall, then stopped in front of a large wooden door, where the hallway turned a corner. "We are here, three eleven." He stepped to one side, set down the luggage, and held out one of his large hands, with the palm facing up. Lemon unlocked the door, then led Cynthia inside. Bouton looked around, then spotted the doors for 312 a few paces further down the corridor. Bouton and Lemon tipped him, then retrieved their cases.
- - -
After they got settled in, Bouton knocked on Cynthia and Lemon's door. The green unicorn allowed her inside. "I think." She began. "That we can drop our aliases inside our rooms."
"Not a bad idea Fleur" Lime replied. "I do like the secret identity stuff, but I also like the idea of being able to talk freely with the two of you. Well, as much as protocol allows, your Majesty."
Cynthia smiled, laying on a large padded blue couch. "Of course, though I do not wish to chance being seen out of my glamour."
"Certainly not, your Majesty." Lime grinned. She looked to Fleur, then back to Luna. "I don't know about the two of you, but I could stand to eat something. Let's check out that outdoor restaurant."
Resuming their aliases again, the trio left the room and headed down to the first floor. They passed by a few other guests and some of the staff, who where heading to other places in the Chateau. "Certainly seems to be a lively place." Bouton commented.
"Perhaps we should get a map or something." Lemon suggested. They arrived at the ground floor and Lemon trotted over to the check-in desk. "Pardon me." The clerk pony looked up from his work.
"Yes, is there a situation with your rooms?" he asked.
Lemon shook her head. "No our rooms are fine, but we're new here. I was wondering if-" She was interrupted as the clerk retrieved a few flyers and brochures from a cabinet.
"You need to know the way around?" He asked. "Here's a map, a list of guest services, a copy of our code of conduct, and how to file a complaint." He slid the info over to Lemon. "Enjoy your stay at the Chateau De LaRoulette." He added with a smile.
"Oh thank you, that's...very helpful." Lemon replied. "Oh, before I forget, what's your checkout time?"
"We count the days starting two hours after noon. [3] It gives guests plenty of time to rest after a night of partying."
"Thank you, I'll keep that in mind." Lemon replied. She rejoined the others, and together they sat on some of the chairs and sorted through the information. "Looks like we have access to most of the first and second floors, but only half of the third." Lemon pointed out several greyed-out areas on the map. "And the 4th floor is off limits to guests."
"To be fair, this is still someponies home." Bouton commented. "I doubt you'd want your guests poking into your private areas." A moment later, she blushed and giggled. "I didn't mean it like that."
Lemon playfully swatted Bouton with a brochure. "Hey now, Dame Sauce does not want competition."
Cynthia smiled. "A draught of competitiveness can be a good thing." She stated, before glancing to the map. "So we're here." She touched a space on the map that corresponded with the lobby. "The hotel portion doth occupy the east wing. This hallway over here connects the hotel lobby with the main foyer of the mansion. The casino takes up most of the space here, excepting this small section here, which looks like some kind of kitchen. Interesting design. It beeth as if they built that section in anticipation of guests."
Lemon and Bouton leaned over. "Oh yeah." Lemon said. "There appears to be a bar next to the kitchen, supposedly so guests can get a drink while they're gambling."
"How are you three?" They heard a pony ask. Looking up, they saw Toola nearby smiling at them. "I was just about to head up to your rooms when I saw you over here."
"We're in the mood for some food." Lemon stated. "What's good tonight?"
Toola laughed. "Come, I'll get you taken care of." She led them outside, then along the cobblestone path to a large wooden building. "This is our Sagardoteki. It's much like the ones in the Euzalde [4]."
"What are the hours of operation?" Bouton asked.
"Because of the Casino, this place is always open with a rotating staff." Toola replied, leading them inside. "Much of the food is grown right on the grounds so it's fresh and low priced." Inside were several square wooden tables, surrounded by benches. "I realize that it's not as fancy as a Canterlot restaurant, but you came here for the culture. Correct?" She lead them to one of the empty tables.
"We traveled here to get away from Canterlot." Cynthia replied. "We would rather not eat at someplace that is too similar."
Toola placed a hoof to her chest. "But of course. Here, you are my guests, and I will treat you as I would any other guest. Where you come from is not my concern." She took three sheets of paper from her saddlepack, and placed one in front of each of them. "These are your itineraries for the week "
"Thank you Miss Toola. We shall look forward to our tours." Cynthia stated. As soon as Toola left, a pony wearing a blue vest, came over with a tray. She passed out a glass of water and a menu to each of the trio, before heading off again.
Lemon levitated a menu and read it. "So what's everypony in the mood for? It looks like they have Zaldi, Percher, and Caballo cuisine."
"I'll go for a watercress and mint sandwich." Bouton said.
"This may seem strange to you, dear Lemon." Cynthia began. "But I would much prefer a salad."
The green unicorn winked. "You're a braver pony than I am, My Lady."
- - -
"And that's how he obtained the title 'The Bearded'." Cynthia finished explaining. Bouton was pounding a hoof on the table while cackling, and Lemon was struggling to breathe after laughing so hard. Diners at the other tables, and waiters that happened to have overheard, were chuckling as well.
"A very entertaining story, Lady LaSombra." The server pony stated, as she came over with a bill. "It seems there's more to this 'Starswirl' pony than most ponies realize." He passed the bill to Cynthia.
"Tis a shame really, that history is reduced only to the events that have a strong impact on the nation." She levitated the paper and read it.
"My-my lady" Lemon wheezed, having calmed down some. "Allow me to handle this." The aura around the bill changed from dark blue to citrus green, and it floated over to Lemon. She gave a quick glance to the bottom, then counted out the appropriate number of bits. "Here you go." She hoofed the money to the server pony, along with the bill. "And here's for your tip." She added a few more bits to the amount. The server pony sorted the money, pocketed her tip, then took the rest to the cashier. Lemon, Cynthia, and Bouton took their itineraries, and left the restaurant.
"I am not certain if we may keep to this schedule." Cynthia said. "Perhaps I should have our hostess redo these." They walked up the pathway back to the mansion.
"My lady, allow me to handle this as well." Lemon volunteered. "After all, my duties include handling your aff-arraingements." She caught herself.
Inside the lobby, Cynthia and Bouton found some empty chairs in front of the fireplace, while Lemon walked over to the check-in desk."Good evening, Ma'am. one of the clerk ponies greeted her. "How may I be of assistance?"
Lemon passed the itineraries over to him. "I was wondering, who do I speak to to get these redone?"
The pony took the papers, and placed them aside. "I could change them for you, is there something wrong with the current schedule?"
"My lady is more of a night pony." Lemon stated. "She sleeps during the day. So from two hours after sunrise, till two hours before sunset, we won't be available."
The clerk thought for a moment. "A couple of the tours work best during the day. Tell you what. I'll talk to one of the Concierges, and see if we can reschedule some of these for tomorrow night. Your new schedules should be delivered around dawn."
"Thank you." Lemon said before leaving. She rejoined the others. "We'll get new schedules in the morning."
"So tonight we have nothing planned?" Bouton asked.
Cynthia levitated the map from her saddlebag. "If the two of thee have nothing on your agenda, I would care to visit the casino."
"That, or wait for Toola to make an appearance." Lemon smirked.
"As the Lords daughter, I'm sure she is rather busy with many guests." Cynthia stated. "And besides, I rather enjoy taking the initiative." She stood up then headed for the Casino. Lemon and Bouton followed.
- - -
The carpet had a motif of red, green and black circles of various sizes, nestled within, and overlapping each-other. Placed over this like a series of pathways, were long narrow rugs of yellow-dyed sailcloth. Ponies were gathering around the differently-shaped tables with green felt tops, that were spread throughout the room. The high ceiling was studded with small spherical gems that shone with a soft yellow light. The hum of conversation blended with the sounds of a theatrical performance on a stage at the other side of the room, and was punctuated by the sound of a dealer making a call, cards being shuffled, dice rolling along felt-covered wood, or a ball clattering around a spinning wheel. Occasionally somepony would laugh, cheer or groan in reaction to various events.
The smell of peppers being roasted caught their attention, and they followed it to a bar staffed by two ponies. One of them was pouring wine into short goblets while another was grilling bell pepper halves stuffed with cheese, dill, and garlic. The bartender pony took the finished peppers, pinned them each to a small slice of flatbread with a toothpick, then placed the whole thing on top of the filled goblets, then the grillpony would prepare a new batch of peppers with the stock being replenished by kitchen staff. Guests would occasional come over, and either present a scroll, or a couple of chips or bits, before taking one of these topped goblets. Whenever a scroll was presented, the bartender would mark off a picture of one of these goblets.
When the bartender had a free moment, Lemon addressed him. "Pardon me, my good stallion, but where might we find those scrolls that ponies use for free drinks?"
The bartender pointed to a counter near where they had entered. "Over there's where you get your chips and stuff."
They made their way to the counter, where a few ponies wearing green vests, were busy sorting chips or exchanging them for bits. A sign above the counter showed how much each chip was worth. Another sign listed prices for petite and grande tickets, along with an explanation of what each ticket was good for. Also listed were lounge passes that were good for a year, but were rather expensive.
"Interesting. I've never seen anything for tickets before." Lemon mused.
One of the chip counters looked over. "Yeah, it's a specialty that the LaRoulettes developed about seventy years ago."
"T'would be most delightful to hear the story behind them." Cynthia stated. "History is one of my many passions."
The pony walked over to them, and presented a copy of each ticket. "In the 930s, there was a big convention of casino owners. That was the convention where they standardized the chips, to stop cross-trading."
"Cross-trading?" Cynthia asked.
"Yeah, prior to that convention, casinos had different denominations for different colors. Some customers noticed that a low value chip in one casino would have a higher value in another casino. And vice-verse, so they took low value chips from one casino, and traded them in at a casino where the same color had a high value. That was one of the many problems we had during the big rush of the 920s. So during the convention, the owners worked out a standard denomination for each chip. For example. This white chip." He held one up. "You walk into any licensed casino in Equestria, doesn't matter if it's in Canterlot or Neighjing, it's still worth one bit."
Lemon nodded. "That makes a certain kind of sense." She tapped the tickets. "But what about these?"
"Oh yes." The clerk replied. "Another thing that they found during the convention, was that the most profitable games all across the board, were the same four: Blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps. Most casinos wanted to get more profit from their other games. The LaRoulettes though, decided to make use of this." He pointed out four symbols on each ticket: A pair of dice, a set of five cards, a pair of cards showing an ace and a court card, and a stylized roulette wheel. "How it works is that you play one round, then you get those pictures checked off." He pointed to other symbols. "The petite ticket also allows you to get two free drinks, and twenty bits worth of chips to play with. Once it's all filled out, you can bring it to the Sagardoteki and exchange it for a free meal."
"Sounds like a good way to recoup your losses." Bouton mused. "So even a pony that spends themselves into poverty won't spend the night hungry."
"Now you're getting it." The cashier replied with a smile. "The grande ticket has all that, but you get sixty bits worth of chips, the free meal, a round in Baccarat, a round in Keno, and a round in any two games of your choice." He indicated the symbols of a bowl, a nine of spades, a 5X5 grid, and two symbols that resembled a jesters hat. "As well as one time access to the private lounge." He tapped a symbol of a velvet rope between two posts. "And this can be turned in for a free night at the hotel."
"So fill out the tickets and get a prize." Lemon remarked. "Sounds like a good way to make ponies happy, give them a reason to keep participating even when they're losing."
"Is there a time limit to fill out the tickets?" Cynthia asked.
"Nope. you can save it as long as you want. Maybe you want to play a little bit tonight, and finish it tomorrow."
"In that case, three Grande tickets, please." Lemon replied, opening her bitbag to count out the money for them. The cashier took their money, handed them each a rolled scroll, then counted out three stacks containing eight chips, half blue and half red.
"Thank you, and Zorte On!" The cashier stated.
"Pardon?" Bouton and Lemon gave him confused looks.
"It is Zaldi for 'Bon Chance'."Cynthia replied with a chuckle.
- - -
Two and a half hours later, the trio had checked off all their game and drink stamps. While they had won a couple of times, Cynthia had gotten overconfident with her bets, and had to return to the chip counter to restock her supply. The actual games themselves were easy to pick up, but without having years of experience that certain other ponies had, the trio focused on enjoying the social aspect of gambling, rather than the strategic.
They had discussed gossip and news of events occurring abroad and in Canterlot. Cynthia offered a few of the more amusing stories about her suitors, but told them in the third pony tense. Bouton shared stories about her 'friend' Fleur, while Lemon kept to general events that didn't concern the Princesses or Castle business.
Occasionally they met Toola and Jasper during their casino crawl. The friendly unicorn would add in her own opinion on a subject, or provide suggestions for the next game to play. While she did answer any questions that were asked, some of her responses concerning her family seemed sparse on any actual information. The Diamond Dog remained taciturn. The general consensus among the staff seemed to be that The LaRoulette family was a pleasure to work for, and Toola's demeanor seemed to back that assertion.
They stopped at the bar for a third drink and snack combo, choosing to pay with chips. "This may be the wine talking." Bouton began. "But I've had more fun tonight than I did at the last Grand Galloping Gala." She bit into the stuffed pepper, savoring the taste.
"Since we've done everything else" Lemon chimed in. "Why don't we check out the lounge?"
The lounge was a large second story platform located at the rear of the casino. The ramp that led up to it was guarded by two earth ponies who checked tickets and passes, or accepted bits for a one time visit. The trio presented their tickets, and had the lounge icon checked off. Several large, low set octagonal tables were spaced out on the platform, with each table surrounded by eight upholstered benches. Most of the tables were already occupied by other ponies.
A large, dark blue earth pony wearing a gold vest, approached the trio. "Would you mares like to visit the Patron?"
"The Patron? You mean Mr LaRoulette?" Lemon asked. "It sounds like quite an an honor."
"It is." The pony replied with a smile. "You've arrived in time for a very special celebration. Patron LaRoulette is offering his services for the next three days, in honor of his daughter's good news."
"What kind of services would he have to offer?" Bouton asked. "Everything so far has been delightful. What else is there?"
The pony stepped closer. "Patron LaRoulette believes in helping out the community from time to time. Maybe you need a loan for something, maybe you need a favor that nopony else can do for you. Whatever your business, the Patron is granting an open invitation to all lounge guests."
"Then we go to this Patron LaRoulette." Cynthia stated. "Even if we have naught to ask, his generous hospitality must not be declined." The pony led them to a table near the back of the lounge. two of the seats at this table were already occupied, leaving six seats empty. In the middle of the table, was a large bowl of candied nuts.
One of the seats was occupied by a medium green unicorn, with a short cropped red and black mane. He wore a white shirt, dark gold vest, and a top hat with a roulette wheel motif on the brim. Strapped to his back was a redwood croupier stick with a gold cap on one end, and a gold, oval shaped faceplate, enameled with a roulette wheel pattern with a green center, on the other. Draped across his back was a bright yellow satin cape decorated with sequins. His cutiemark was a white oval inside a square of lighter green color than the rest of his pelt.
A second unicorn rested half on him, half on the floor behind his seat, in a pose that reminded Bouton of how she rested on Fancypants whenever they went out together. This unicorn was a carnation color, with an orange and yellow mane, and a green and blue tail. She wore a light purple dress with flared sleeves, a skirt that covered her hindquarters, a purple scarf tied around her head and a matching ribbon tied around the base of her tail.
The seat to their left was occupied by a mulberry colored earth pony with a two-tone pink mane and tail. She wore a white business suit with a red shirt underneath, and a white fedora with a red feather. On her left foreleg was a silver band with a row of inset gems: rose quartz, ruby, topaz, citrine, amethyst, sapphire, and fluorite. Her cutie mark was three smiling flowers.
"Bonjour Mademoiselles. Having a lot of action this evening?" The green unicorn greeted them.
"Mr LaRoulette, I presume." Lemon greeting him, as she, Cynthia, and Bouton took their seats. He held up a hoof.
"Please, my proper title is Patron. Patronus, if you want to get really fancy." He grinned. "Or is it Patriarch? Or maybe I'm the Count of Monte Carlo." he snickered. The earth pony rolled her eyes.
"Please forgive my husband." The unicorn mare added. "He enjoys his little jokes."
"Aurelina, I'm just having a little fun with our guests." The green unicorn said as he patted one of his wife's hooves. He looked back to Cynthia and her group.
"Um, Yes. Patron LaRoulette." Lemon stated. "We've had quite a bit of fun here tonight. And might I add that your daughter is a wonderful host."
"Ahhhh, dear sweet Toola." The Patron sighed. "She may be a mare, but she'll always be our little filly." Aurelina nodded.
"Don't forget that someday she'll be Matron." The earth pony added.
"Yes, We've heard that she's next in line to inherit the estate." Lemon added.
"Not just this estate." The Patron held out a hoof. "Since we're the senior family of the Clan, Toola will be in charge of many families in Equestria and abroad." He looked over at the earth pony. "Thank you, Cheerilee."
"Cheerilee?" Cynthia perked her ears. "Might thou be a schoolteacher from Ponyville?"
Cheerilee glanced over. "Ye-es." She replied hesitantly. "But how did you find out about that?"
"It must have come up in conversation." Cynthia lied. "There was much gossip among the guests of the casino." Cheerilee nodded, seeming satisfied with the answer.
"So how much have you played tonight?" The Patron asked. "Hopefully you haven't lost too badly."
"Patron LaRoulette." Cynthia began, helping herself to some of the nuts. "I must tell you, that our evening has been simply awful." Bouton and Lemon facehoofed, while Cheerilee and Aurelina looked shocked.
The Casino-colored unicorn twirled his hoof. "Please elaborate."
Cynthia noticed her friend's reactions, and took a sip of wine, giving herself a moment to find the right words. "Tis my first night visiting a casino and I did find myself unprepared for the evening." She took another sip, then a bite of her snack before continuing. "These games have I never played before. I can see how ponies would ever wish to return. Thy servants have been most friendly, especially thy daughter. This wine and these sweetmeats blend well together." She gestured a bit. "And having the opportunity to meet our host is a delight in itself."
The Patron thought for a moment. "As an old wise pony once said. "Forgive the accidental insults, and accept the genuine compliments.""
Cynthia smiled nervously. "Tis a good way to avoid unnecessary conflict." She rubbed her front hooves together. "We were told thou wert offering services, in response to a celebration of some sort."
The Patron slid his staff from its holder, then tapped the oval plate on the table. A faint, dark green shimmer formed into a dome around them, then faded from sight, as did the sound from the environment. "You may now talk freely here. Nothing said here goes further than this table. As an old wise pony once said, "A secret known to three parties, is soon found running allover the place." Now, as for what kind of services I can offer, I fancy myself a problem solver. Another pony brings a problem to me, I'll solve it using the resources at my disposal."
"Just a hypothetical." Bouton began. "Let's say there's a pony who's spreading rumors about me, and I want them to stop."
"Give us their name, description and address, and we'll give them a 'friendly' visit." The Patron replied, using his hooves to make air quotes for the word friendly. "They should keep quiet after that."
Lemon leaned over to Cynthia. "Maybe you could inquire about him." She whispered.
"Sure, talk amongst yourselves." The Patron said nonchalantly. He took a sip of his own drink, a dark, viscous coffeelike beverage.
"Patron LaRoulette." Cynthia pointed to him. "I've been told that your Chateau welcomes all classes of ponies. And thy wife, Aurelina, be clearly Roani, which doth indicate that Toola be'eth as well."
"Correct, Madam." The Patron replied. "Matron Aurelina LaRoulette." He slid a foreleg to rest on the unicorn mare's neck, then they nuzzled. Bouton sighed wistfully.
"At the risk of sounding rude." Cheerilee began. "We are all adults here, so indirect inferences are not necessary."
"Yes, lay your cards on the table, and show me what kind of ponies you are." The Patron turned back to them and challenged, clapping his hooves once.
"Fair cop." Cynthia began. "I wish to know if thou hast seen a certain stallion." The patron tapped one of his ears, and Cynthia picked up on the hint. She got up, walked around to him, then whispered into his ear. ("An earth pony, caramel coat, slicked back black mane, his cutiemark be an apple with a piece missing and the inside a sickly green color.") When she finished, she returned to her seat.
"I have seen this stallion. He is much like a brother to me. Around here he is known as 'Udan Ibai.'"
"Summer river?" Cynthia asked.
The Patron waved his staff for emphasis. "And much like a river, he follows his own course. He comes and goes as he likes. And a river in summertime is especially lively."
"Aye!" Cynthia grinned. "That doth mock his spirit."
"This appears to be a matter that is close to your heart." Aurelina replied. "As is hers." She pointed to Bouton. "You see the closeness that I and my husband have, and you desire this closeness from another. That much is clear to me.
Bouton blushed. "Er, yes." She stammered. "But I doubt even your husband can make this pony show his love for me."
"I can rescue a loved one from an over-domineering family, or from a dragon prison. I can find the one rare herb that will cure your loved ones mysterious illness and have it delivered. I can even officiate a wedding, and have it legally recognized. But I cannot force another pony to love you." The Patron removed his hat and placed it on the table. "And as history will show, many attempts at a love potion, or love spell, have serious drawbacks."
Bouton nodded. "Then, I have nothing to ask of you Patron."
Aurelina trotted over to the seat on her husbands right, and settled on it. Her horn glowed orange for a moment, then a deck of cards appeared on the table in front of her. "I am what others would call, a 'card carrying Roani.'" She shuffled the deck, then spread the cards face up before the other three unicorns. "Take one card to represent yourself."
Cynthia took The Moon, a card that depicted her as Princess Luna, emerging from a pool of water, and gazing up at the moon. To her left was a howling timber-wolf, and to her right was a ghostlike bat.
Bouton took the Servant of Cups. The card depicted a golden-yellow pegasus dressed in a fancy sky-blue ballgown. She was sipping from a small clay bowl held in the hooves of a brown earth pony wearing a green tunic.
Lemon took the Servant of Scrolls. This card depicted a young, light orange unicorn and an aged silver unicorn, trading rolled scrolls.
Afterwards, she shuffled the deck again, then spread the cards face down. "One card to represent your problem."
They did so, and Aurelina shuffled a third time. This time, she dealt them each a card. "And one card to represent the solution."
Cynthia turned her cards over, revealing the Sun, and the Lady of Scrolls. The first card depicted Princess Celestia standing proudly below her sun, which took up the upper third of the card. Kneeling before her, was a green earth pony, a sky blue pegasus, and a hot pink unicorn.
The Lady of Scrolls depicted a red unicorn mare dressed in a white gown with a yellow cape, and a gray metallic looking tiara. She sat at the top of a stairway, and showed an unrolled scroll to a group of ponies on the steps. "Ah. This is a very important matter?" Aurelina began. "Two major arcana, and a court card." She looked to Cynthia. "You and your family's reputation and possessions are affected, correct?"
Cynthia nodded. "My reputation would be affected yes, but I did not anticipate that it would extend to my family, or my lands."
Aurelina patted Cynthia's hoof. "Sometimes we don't see the forest for the trees. We get caught up in our own little worries that we don't see how others are affected."
"Does this mean I must yield his heart?" Cynthia asked.
"That is your decision to make." Aurelina replied. "But I can advise you on how to make it." She tapped the sun card. "I see that your public persona is at the front of your concerns. How others see you?" Another nod from Cynthia. "And this is in conflict with your heart." She indicated the Moon card. "What you want, and what others expect of you, are as different as night and day?"
Cynthia closed her eyes. "Would that I could but give up my duties to have my heart's desire."
Lemon moved to comfort her, but Aurelina held up a hoof. "Stay yourself, friend. She will call upon you when she needs you."
Cynthia picked up a nearby napkin, and wiped her eyes. "Forgive me, I do not normally allow myself to feel such emotion in public."
"There is no need for guilt." Aurelina replied, circling around behind Cynthia. "You are a pony, not a statue. And as a pony, it is your right to feel these things. Joy, sorrow, laughter, anger, wonder, fear, fulfillment, desire."
"Thy words ring truer than thou knowest, fair Aurelina." Cynthia turned to face Aurelina. "And though others may shun thee, and call thee unkind names, know that your Phuri Dae would be proud to number thee as one of her children." She smiled.
Aurelina bowed. "Madam, I only show the way, it is up to the individual to follow their own path."
Cynthia picked up the Lady of Scrolls with an aura of indigo magic. "Indeed. I had thought the problem had no easy answer, but all I required were words of wisdom from a more experienced pony." She picked up the other two cards, then placed all three on top of the deck. "Many thanks Patron and Matron LaRoulette."
The Patron waved a hoof idly. "If helping you would help my brother, consider this a double favor."
"Um, how are you related?" Lemon asked. "My lady and I know that he's neither unicorn, nor Zaldi."
"Brothers by oath." The Patron replied. "Not all relationships have to do with bloodlines and genetics."
"So the two of thee have sworn to be as such." Cynthia mused.
"I've seen many such things borne out of friendship." Cheerilee added. "Even the story of Hearths Warming Eve, shows that Clover the Clever, Private Pansy and Smart Cookie went from being strangers to each-other, to becoming like siblings."
"Of course." Bouton commented. "Friendship is indeed a strong bond. And it can easily transition into family." She turned over her cards. The first card was The Fool. It depicted an earth pony standing at the edge of a cliff, poised as if to take the last step. Her gaze was focused on a distant point in the sky, and she had a grin on her face. The other card was titled 'Majesty.' It showed Celestia standing on a castle balcony, overlooking a plain of trees, a river, and small huts. On the railing next to her, was a tiny statue of Discord, laying on its side. He was using the boastful pose that he had prior to his first release. "Whoa. Same as you Cynthia." Bouton stated. "Two major arcana and one court card."
Aurelina trotted over to Bouton and peered over her shoulder. "Ah, but you started as the court card." She smiled to the other unicorn. "Which means you feel overwhelmed by this heavy matter?"
Bouton gasped. "Overwhelmed? The whole reason I came here was to give myself some time-off from thinking about it!"
Aurelina patted Boutons' shoulder. "So it's threatening to consume you." She picked up the Fool card. "Walking on a cliff? Or walking on edge around the one you love. What choice is the right one?"
Bouton put a hoof to her throat. "I feel like I'm drowning. I just want to know where I stand with him."
Aurelina put down the Fool, and picked up the Majesty card. "Then this is what you need."
Bouton looked at the card. "What, I should go to Princess Celestia?"
Aurelina shook her head. "No, you should be like Princess Celestia."
"I don't follow."
Aurelina twirled the card. "The very second she and Luna sealed Discord in stone, they owned Equestria. Then, now and forever until the end of days. There is nothing that will drive a wedge between the Princesses and the nation." She exclaimed. "The Princesses know this, the ponies know this."
"So I should take ownership of the one I love?" Bouton asked incredulously. "Isn't that slavery?"
"There is a difference between owning, and enslaving." Aurelina replied. She circled around to the other side. "Instead of focusing on whether he feels for you the same way you feel for him, ask yourself, what could put a wedge between the two of you?"
Bouton took a sip of wine, then looked into the goblet. "You're right." She looked back to Aurelina. "I need to take command of what is mine." She set her goblet down. "Whether it's in a battle or in the bedroom, I need passion and determination. I see that now."
"Bravo Dear Bouton." Cynthia cheered. She, Lemon, Cheerilee, and the Patron clapped their hooves together.
"I think we just had a major breakthrough." The Patron stated. Bouton smiled and blushed. "And when you start a family with this stallion, you have a family motto that you can pass on. 'Passio et Determinatio.'"
Bouton slid her cards over to the deck. "Thank you all. I feel much better now." She looked to Aurelina. "Would it be improper to hug you?" The pink unicorn raised a foreleg to accept one. Bouton embraced Aurelina, and gave her a little squeeze.
Afterwards, Aurelina trotted over to Lemon. "You still have the option of backing out. I'd understand if you'd want to keep your concerns private."
Lemon turned her cards over. "All in." She stated. "I want to see just how good you are."
Aurelina leaned over and examined Lemon's cards closely. "Page, Six, and Ace of scrolls. Minor arcana, and all one suit." She turned to Lemon. "You've had a victory, a triumph. And now you're wondering where do you go from there?"
Lemon thought for a moment. "Maybe my life has gotten in a bit of a rut."
Aurelina nodded. "Resting on your laurels, so to speak." She picked up the Six of scrolls, which showed a unicorn putting a seal on a rolled scroll. Next to her, were five other scrolls, already sealed. A sun with rays extending from it was set low in the sky, indicating dawn. "But six means that there is still work to be done." She smiled to Lemon. "Is there something keeping you from moving forward in life?"
Lemon thought for a moment. "I'm happy with my job and my husband, so I don't think that's the problem."
"What about your foals?" Aurelina asked. She noticed Lemon wince slightly. "Ahhh, so that's it."
She picked up the Ace of scrolls, which showed an unrolled blank scroll. "The start of a new endeavor. A future not yet written."
Lemon sighed. "Apologies, Matron, but I'd rather not discuss it." Aurelina nodded, then picked up the cards.
"Then I declare this reading to be finished." She said, before packing the cards together, and teleporting the deck back to its proper place. She resumed her seat behind the Patron.
"Do you wish to make any other requests of me?" The Patron inquired. "So far, all we've done is given advice."
Lemon took a few candied nuts. "You and your wife have been gracious hosts, and we appreciate your offer." She chewed a nut, then swallowed. "And while we have shown you what kind of ponies we are, I am wary about making a request of a pony who seems very much like a djinn."
The Patron chuckled. "I have been called many things." He twirled his staff with magic, and gestured. "In Zebrica, they call me. 'Furaha Mjinga' [5], in Neighpon, 'Rakkīmanēhoīru [6]', In Reiten, 'Der Kaufmann von Lächeln' [7], and I can't tell you what they call me in in the dragonlands because I've never been there!" he boasted, stepping onto the table. He picked up his top-hat, and put it on. "But here. in Equestria. I am. Gilbert LaRoulette." He removed his hat again and held it to his chest, while bowing before Lemon.
Cynthia giggled. "Art thou always so colourful, Patron Gilbert?"
Gilbert donned his hat again, then returned to his seat. "A friend of mine once asked me. He said 'Gilbert, no disrespect, but what is it about you unicorns that makes you so prone to such over the top behavior?'" He tapped his horn. "Near as I can figure, it's because these things are channeling magic so close to our brains."
"Perhaps somepony should look into that." Lemon mused. "The effects of magic flowing around the unicorn brain."
"It could be a revolution in science!" Gilbert added gesturing dramatically. "Thaumaneurology, How a lifetime of using magic drives unicorns crazy."
"Such a revelation doth not bode well for the Alicorn sisters." Cynthia began. "If unicorns go mad during their mayfly lives, imagine the dryness of the brain of a millienias old pony."
"I love the Princesses. I really do." Gilbert said. "Though I've never met them personally, I've heard many tales about them."
"Quite." Cheerilee added. "I have seen Princess Celestia a few times, and Princess Luna has visited Ponyville for Nightmare Night."
"So what hast thou heard, Patron Gilbert?" Cynthia addressed the green stallion.
"Apparently, our poor Phuri Dae has had to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune." Gilbert swept his staff about. "The rogues of butter biscuit lane have come a courting, hoping that one of them will be her special somepony."
"As thou art close to Canterlot, word surely must hath reached thee early." Cynthia replied. "But what be this butter biscuit lane?"
Gilbert looked to Cheerilee. "Cheerilee, Darling, My little teacher. Would you do me a big favor?"
Cheerilee blushed, covering her face with her hat. "Please Patron, not that old joke again."
"I thought you enjoyed bringing smiles to the faces of ponies while educating them." Gilbert teased.
Cheerilee sighed. "Fine, I'll get the food." She left the table, and returned a minute later, with a plate holding a hot biscuit, a small knife, and a square of butter. She set the plate in front of Gilbert, then returned to her seat. "I guess there's no stopping this once somepony asks."
Gilbert cut the biscuit in half. "Butter biscuit lane, is our name for Upper Canterlot." He levitated the butter onto one half of the biscuit, then placed the other half over it. "For two reasons. One, that's where we get our best gossip. And two. Give me the name of a noble."
Cynthia thought for moment, then responded. "Margravine Feuerbloom of Bavaria."
"Fillies and Gentlecolts." He held the biscuit sideways and curled the two halves to form a gap in the middle. "The Margravine Feuerbloom of Bavaria has just come back from a night of fun." Melted butter dribbled from the gap and splattered on the plate below.
"Aye, Aye." Cynthia smirked, picking up on the meaning. "Now we see what kind of stallion our host really is." Lemon and Bouton blushed, covering their mouths with a hoof to hide their giggling. "It seems as though I'm not the only pony that thinks such of the nobility."
"As an old wise pony once said." The Patron added. "Where the mind goes, the body will follow."
"Who are these old wise ponies you refer to?" Bouton asked.
"I do not know." The Patron replied. "But they are old, and they are wise." He, Aurelina, and Cheerilee chuckled. Bouton and Lemon joined in.
"A wonderful bit of inside humor." Cynthia said with a smile. "May I borrow that one for mine own use?"
"Consider it as compensation for your evening being so awful." The Patron replied with a smirk. He set the biscuit aside and pointed his staff to Lemon. "Now we come to you."
She held up a hoof. "Patron, I have no need of your services. I prefer to keep my current problems private."
Gilbert twirled his cane. "Maybe not tonight, or tomorrow, but someday." He began. "And may that day never come, you might find yourself in need of assistance." He reached into a saddlebag hidden under his cape, then pulled out a red and black casino chip, with a clip backing. "If and when that day arrives, you put this on and go about Canterlot." He levitated it over to Lemon. "Any of my associates who see it, will know that you are asking for my help."
Lemon accepted the clip. "So it's like a favor that I can call upon later." She turned it over in her hooves. "And what if I never need it?"
"You can pass it on to anypony that you know." Gilbert replied. "I have friends in many Equestrian cities: Canterlot, Manehattan, Las Pegasus, Neigh Orleans, Vienneigh, Neigh Delhi, and Neighjing to name a few." He grinned. "I also have friends among the zebras and gryphons."
"Just how far doth thine influence reach, Patron?" Cynthia inquired.
"I have relatives scattered about Equestria, and my family's been making connections with others for a few centuries."
"I'm sure we'll get more detail from the history tour." Bouton interrupted. "But for now, I should be getting to sleep." She covered her mouth as she yawned.
Gilbert tapped his cane on the table again, and a shimmer passed through the air around the table. "Then I declare this meeting to be closed." Lemon, Bouton, and Cynthia thanked them and left as another pony came over to the table.
- - -
Back in her suite, the pink unicorn dropped her disguise and stretched her wings. She sprawled out on the princess-sized bed, while Lime settled on the smaller pull-out bed. Fleur rested on a couple of cushions that she had taken from the couch. All three of them were wearing sleeping gowns.
"Dame Fleur." Luna began. "Now that thou hast received an answer to thy problems, we hope that thou are not planning on leaving the Dames of the Tea Table."
Fleur shook her head. "Your Majesty, I would never leave you just because you weren't able to help me." She held a hoof to her chest. "You're a genuine friend, and I wouldn't dream of giving you up. Your Majesty needs friends as well. Besides, just because I have an answer, doesn't mean that the problem's over. I still have to go home and work on it."
Luna nodded. "Tis a trifle eerie how accurate Matron Aurelina wast in her readings."
"Your Majesty." Lime chimed in. "It's mostly reading a pony's body language, and seeing their reaction to certain prompts. I don't think she is really psychic."
Luna looked to her maid. "While she could not have seen through our disguise, I might have given myself away in my reactions." She created an illusion of the cards that she had for the reading. "But the cards I drew were The Moon and The Sun. Though I drew the Sun sight unseen, it was as though Fate conspired against my deception."
"Your Majesty is reading too much into this." Lime stated. "Take for example my reading. I kept as quiet as I could. She followed a logical progression to get me to open up: Grow up, get married, have kids, grow old, get grand-kids, and so on." She rested her head on the pillow. "And when it looked like I was going to leave without our host doing anything for me he decided to give me a rain-check on the favor, so I wouldn't go away empty hooved and make it look like he couldn't help me. He probably has a whole bag full of those tokens."
"Dame Lime, must thou be so scornful?" Luna chastised. "Our host be an actor, an entertainer."
"I'm sorry your Majesty." Lime looked contrite. "It's probably the wine and the tiredness that makes me cranky." She sighed.
Fleur stood up, and returned the cushions to the couch. "Please excuse me Princess. The hour is late, and I want to be rested for the morning's events."
"Sleep well Dame Fleur." Luna waved.
Fleur bowed. "Good Morrow Your Highness, Dame Lime." Lime waved, then Fleur returned to her own room.
"So what are you going to do for the rest of the night?" Lime asked Luna.
The blue alicorn skimmed through the map. "There be a library on the second floor that is open to guests."
"Gonna pull a Twilight Sparkle then?" Lime smiled.
Luna thought for a moment, then chuckled. "Yes, I am going to 'pull a Twilight Sparkle.'"
***
1: Of the darkness
2: Hello and Welcome
3: Two o'clock
4: Basque homeland
5: Laughing fool
6: Lucky money wheel
7: The Merchant of smiles