Dames of the Tea Table: Silver Sabbatical

by Kipakuta

Secret Meetings

A periwinkle pegasus watched with anticipation as the dark blue alicorn levitated a forkful of salad to her mouth. The alicorn chewed on the morsel, taking her time to experience the full range of texture and flavor available. She finally swallowed, then lowered the fork and clapped her hooves together. "Bravo my good stallion, thou hast managed to do the impossible. Thou hast taken the humble salad, a simple spread of prosaic plants..." She paused for a moment, to watch the pegasus beam with pride. Next to her, a lime-green unicorn silently counted down from three.

"...And removed any remaining trace of taste and appeal!" The alicorn added. "Thy lettuce wast as aged paper, thy love apples [1] yielded too quickly, and thine asparagus called to mind mine mane after a bath. Were thine vegetables lurking in the rear of the lardour for long?" The pegasus hung his head. "But wait. Mayhap we be too hasty" The alicorn began again, the pegasus raised his head a bit. "Thou wast not making a salad, but a vegetable marinade! Thine amphora [2] certainly overflows with vinegar and thou art overeager to share it." The pegasus slumped. "But take heart." The alicorn continued. "Thy croutons did put up a fair resistance. Indeed, we were in fear for the integrity of our teeth." She pushed the plate towards the pegasus. "If thou didst have a food related cutie mark, it surely must have disappeared in shame. Thou canst present this as an object d'art for the current age, and win first prize!" The stallion took the plate, and shuffled slowly out of the room. "We only chide so that thou would not become a prime suspect, should one of thine peers fall ill at a banquet!" The alicorn called out after him.

"That was the last one for today, Sister." A white alicorn stated, entering the room. "And a flower awaits you in your receiving room." She winked.

The dark blue alicorn tapped her chin in thought. "Could it be a gift from the one for whom I yearn?"

"Your Majesty, if I may." The green unicorn interjected. "I think what Princess Celestia means, is that Dame De Lis has arrived."

"Indeed." The white alicorn replied. She turned to leave. "I'll leave you to your little hen party."

The green unicorn spoke in a sotto voice. "She knows too much, shall I have her executed?"

The dark blue alicorn looked to the green unicorn in shock. "Dame Sherbert! As much as my sister may vex me, she is still my family! I shall not pass sentence upon her without a proper trial and just cause." Celestia and Lime Sherbert deadpanned. Luna was confused by their reaction, then recalled something after a moment of thought. "Oh, twas a jest. Thou wert reciting an oft used idea from those cloak and dagger novels."

"My Dear Sister." Celestia began. "I'm aware that you have been meeting with her, but not of what you discuss amongst yourselves." She held up a hoof. "For all I know, Miss De Lis could be your number one student, much like Twilight Sparkle is mine."

"And how is thine apprentice of late?" Luna asked, affecting a grin. "I have received word of her more recent antics in Ponyville."

"She does manage to keep things interesting." Celestia replied with a chuckle. "Ah, but the more we talk here, the longer Dear Fleur waits." With that, she departed.

Luna nodded, then stood. "Come my maid, let us feast, quaff and celebrate, but sans the pullets." She strode out the room and along the halls, with Lime Sherbert following.

"Your Majesty, that's not what 'hen party' means." Lime chuckled. "Your sister was referring to soirees where mares meet and gossip among themselves. So called because it sounds like hens cackling."

"Well met, dear Lime." Luna replied. "Perhaps we should leave our coop, and venture out for another eventide of revelry."

"Shall we three go clubbing again?" Lime inquired. "Or are you interested in another form of entertainment this time?"

Luna looked to her maid. "We ought wait until we have convened our order, 'afore we discuss our nocturnal plans."

"As you wish, your Majesty." Lime replied.

- - -

The pink maned white unicorn, already dressed in her hooded cloak, looked over as Luna and Lime entered the room. "Dame De Lis." Luna began, surprised at seeing her in the ceremonial robe. "We were not planning to convene another conclave until later this week."

Fleur De Lis bowed. "Apologies your Majesty, but I won't be available then." She fidgeted in place. "The sooner we get started, the sooner I can talk about it."

"I'll prepare the-OH!" Lime began as she walked towards the pantry, but stopped upon seeing three steaming hot cups of tea already on the table. "Many thanks, Dame De Lis. I'll just get my robe on then."

"Indeed." Luna added, retrieving two robes from the storage trunk, and floating one over to Lime. They donned the robes and raised their hoods. Luna cast a warding spell on the door, then all three bowed their heads and observed a moment of silence. Luna summoned up the light-hearted music they had used to open their last meeting, then recited her stanza. "I hath got mine aubergine, what need have I for more, for more, what need have I for more? For I gobble, gobble, gobble mine aubergine, what need have I for more?"

Lime began right after Luna ended. "I have got a zucchini, what need have I for more, for more, what need have I for more? For I gobble, gobble, gobble my zucchini, what need have I for more?"

Fleur took a deep breath then followed after Lime. "I have got a butternut what need have I for more for-"

Luna held up a hoof, stopping her. "Begin again."

After taking a moment to compose herself, Fleur began reciting at a slower pace ."I have got a butternut, what need have I for more, for more, what need have I for more? For I gobble, gobble, gobble my butternut, what need have I for more?"

All three lowered their hoods, levitated their cups and took a sip of tea in unison. Afterwards, Luna looked to Fleur. "Now that we have properly opened our meeting, Dame De Lis, you may state what causes you such agitation."

The white unicorn began. "Upper Crust confronted me this morning, and inquired as to what I was doing at a nightclub. It seems that somepony there recognized me, and word got back up to her."

Lime leaned over to Luna and grinned widely. "Shall I start issuing warrants, your Majesty?"

"Nay, my dear maid." Luna waved away the offer. "We shall not make a mockery of the Justice system by issuing warrants for every little annoyance and trifle, no matter how much we may want to. My Sister certainly would not want to spend days dismissing the many cases of inconsequence, just from me alone."

Lime looked to Fleur De Lis. "You should tell her 'Pics, or it didn't happen."

Luna quirked an eyebrow. "Pix? Pah! An infestation of pixies is not something that one would wish to invoke, Dame Lime. Though harmless, such creatures are as vexatious as Discord himself!"

Lime held up a hoof. "No your Majesty. Pics is short for pictures. What I meant was, if Upper Crust can't back up her claims with solid proof, then Dame De Lis was never at the club."

Luna rubbed her chin in thought. "We think we understand. The pony seen at the club was an imitator, and not the true Fleur De Lis."

Fleur nodded. "We'll blame it on changelings." She stated. "Still, I think I need a vacation. Just to get out of Canterlot for a few days."

Luna looked to Lime. "What sorts of things does a pony do during vacation?"

The green unicorn thought for a moment. "There's a lot of things to do depending on where you go. Some ponies like to visit places with different cultures, some go to museums or art galleries, some like going to casinos, some go on ocean cruises, theme parks. Every so often, there's a special convention around a specific theme, such as a t.v. show, movie, or radio fan group. Music concerts are another good one." Luna had conjured up a scroll and pen, and was writing down the suggestions.

"Some of the upper tier residents have their own ships." Fleur added. "They also like going to golf courses, wine and salt tours, and doing wilderness activities such as trekking, fishing, skiing, diving, mountaineering, and spelunking."

"That gives me an idea." Lime stated. "Your Majesty could open a golf shop for the Aristocracy."

"Dame Sherbert." Luna replied. "Why would I act as a merchant for the distribution of sporting goods? Especially to ponies with whom we already have little desire to interact?"

"Because." Lime replied, grinning widely. "Your Majesty could sell them clubs, balls, and lessons on how to use them." Fleur covered her mouth and giggled.

"Aye, aye! Dame Sauce hath reared her head once more. But I already tell ponies how they may wield their courgettes [3] and carrots" Luna emphasized her words with gestures. "To say naught of their greens and divots. We are all in fine form this day." She levitated the list. "Truly all these activities art more than ample for a fortnight of...fun."

"Going with you allows me to fulfill my duties while on vacation, so you and I may vacation as long as you wish." Lime stated. "Your sister can take over the raising and lowering of the moon, so that's not a pressing issue."

The alicorn looked to white unicorn. "Dame De Lis, dost thou have any pressing matters to attend to within the week?"

Fleur held up a hoof. "I have the time, but I'm not sure I have the money. A vacation requires careful planning and budgeting."

"Indeed and truly. Whilst I may access the treasury to provide ample funds for mine and my maids activities, doing so would bring me down to the level of the aristocracy that we detest so keenly. And I will not be accused of such hypocrisy!" She emphasized this last bit by slamming her hoof on the table.

Fleur flinched. "Agreed. We can remove golf, cruise ships, wilderness activities and private sailing from the list then." She took a sip of tea. "I would like to do a wine and salt tour. Maybe I'll find a bouquet or roast that I can share with my butternut's gardener."

Luna tapped her chin in thought. "How dost one 'do' a wine and salt tour?"

Fleur smiled. "Assuming that your Majesty is familiar with the particulars of brewing, fermenting and salt roasting. A wine and salt tour is when you go to a vineyard and/or a saldomo, and sample the different local varieties that they have to offer. Then you buy the ones you like."

"That doth seem delightful." Luna replied, using her magic to highlight the item on her list. "In this fashion may we experience the unique culinary skills of the ponies in our fair realm."

"And it's relatively inexpensive. The cost of the trip, plus the purchase of a ticket, and at least one product." Fleur added. "It's been at least a year since my last tour."

"Dame Lime, hast thou ever been on a wine and salt tour?" Luna asked her maid.

Lime shook her head. "Nay, your Majesty. I've always dismissed it as needless frivolity. My family is from a low terrace, our palace connections notwithstanding, as my mother likes to say. Best I've done was to actually test the difference between, say, a Zinfandel and a pinot grigio and so on. I was lucky I was at home. And using plastic cups. And that the trash was going out the next day. The Palace gets wines and salts from vineyards and saldomos throughout the region, so I've had little need to actually go to one. And the bits can be better spent on more important things. But if your Majesty is willing, I can join in."

"Tis settled then, we shall look for a destination that offers both spirits and spice." She used the pen to circle the item on her list. "And a historical tour should be added as well. I am not as thou, who hath been brought up in the wake of history. To learn of what hath transpired in mine absence wouldst allow me to relate better with my subjects." She circled this item as well.

"Your Majesty may want to hold off on conventions then. Many of them require familiarity with the subject matter, and follow a set schedule for appearances." Lime suggested. "Plus the price is cheaper if you purchase the ticket a month or two before the actual event."

Fleur rubbed her chin in thought. "Just with those three items alone, the list of available places becomes rather small. Historical tours and food sampling together can often be found at what we call 'Chateaus', or old homes."

"And what is a chateau?" Luna inquired. "Old home makes it seem as some abandoned hut or collapsed castle."

Lime slid her teacup aside. "A Chateau is kind of like a transition between the the old feudal system, and the modern business system. A Chateau uses the trade system. Buy raw materials, and use them to produce goods, which can be sold at a higher price. Chateaus are largely self-supporting, with central authority coming from the landowner who lives in the Palace. The palace in turn, is supported by the ponies who live and work on the grounds. They produce and sell food or goods, and pay only a small percentage to the landowner. They were prominent during the six and seven hundreds, but dwindled off during the eight hundreds."

"So their historical value is that they are the bridge between the old nobility and the business ponies of today." Fleur added.

"I have not seen any such thing amongst the city." Luna spoke, while sweeping a hoof to emphasize her words. "Where might we find these Chateaus."

"They aren't in the city, your Majesty." Lime replied. "You have to travel to them, they're kind of like farms. You can't just pick up a large plot of land and transport it to Canterlot. We can't anyways. Your Majesty might be able to."

"Nay Dear Lime, though it amuses me greatly to think upon raining soil upon the first and second terraces." Luna grinned. "The earth is put to better use growing crops than in sowing mischief." She looked to the list. "These are the things we have not yet discussed." Luna began reading off the remaining items. "Culture, Casino, Museum, Art gallery, Theme Park, Music Concert."

"Definitely not a theme park." Fleur shuddered. "If I was to be seen there, I'd just die of embarrassment."

"Curious, what is so shameful about such a place? A park with a theme sounds like a joyful novelty."

"Your Majesty." Lime interjected. "The themes that these parks base themselves around, aren't looked upon well by the Aristocracy. They mostly appeal to third and lower terrace residents. Often filled with fast rides, cheap food, and shrieking foals."

"Say no more." Luna waved her off. "For the Honor of Dame De Lis, we shall not go to such."

"Thank you, your Majesty." Fleur bowed.

"Your Majesty may want to cross Casinos off the list as well." Lime added. "Gambling is another pastime that could be costly."

"Aye, the rolling of dice, casting of lots, and flipping of coins. Know I well of Fortuna's siren song." She sighed wistfully.

"I've accompanied Fancypants when he's heard it." Fleur added. "Not that I played or anything. My own gambling happens in private parlours, over cards and coffee."

Luna leered. "Hast thy money been doubled, then?"

Fleur shook her head. "I've won some, lost some, but it's a fun diversion."

"We will put it aside, for further consideration." Luna proclaimed. "It will not be required of our excursion, but if we should find one nearby, t'would be a 'jackpot', as they say."

"Well put, your Majesty." Fleur giggled. "We can say the same for art galleries and museums."

Luna rubbed around the base of her horn. "I have been to some museums on the second terrace. They each have their own unique display pieces, correct?"

"Yes your Majesty." Lime stated, as she filled a teapot with water. "As a quick aside, what flavor does your Majesty prefer this time?"

"As ever, apple should form the base; beyond, I trust thy choices." Luna replied. She pushed her cup over to the green unicorn.

"Dame De Lis?"

"I'm partial to mint myself." The white unicorn added, offering her cup. Lime prepared the tea, then set it to boil. Fleur looked back to Luna. "Some of the nobles have their own private museums where they display artifacts that they have acquired from auctions."

"I wonder how much we could get for auctioning off Discord?" Lime smirked.

"I say nay nay, Dame Sherbert." Luna said while twirling a hoof. "My Sister doth much enjoy showing him as a trophy, and would not part with his iconic figure for all the bits in Equestria. Besides, exposing him to an already quarrelsome mob is the last thing I want. The opening bid would scarcely be uttered before He slip'd his stony prison once again."

"Good point, your Majesty." Lime replied. She set out a small tray shortbread cookies, then took one for herself. "Getting back to the issue. I think it would be interesting to visit a museum outside of the Capital."

"There are some in Manehattan." Fleur offered. "One in particular is the Neighponese museum, which has artifacts from the different dynasties that ruled over the region."

"Another to put aside for further research." Luna mused. "And art galleries would not be too different?" She wrote a query mark next to the two items, then took a few cookies. "As for culture. I would like to see how other societies have changed since my time before." Luna nibbled a cookie in thought.

Fleur took a cookie and nibbled it. "Most of the nobles stick with a small pool of cultures: Perch, Caballo, Cavallino, Reiten and Ippos. [4] Some include the Uma'-more commonly called 'Neighpon'-in this circle of High Culture. Below that, they have what is called Middle Culture. This includes Chapall, Loshadki, Almuhar and Ghora. [5] A few make visits to Griffon and Dragon lands."

Luna nodded. "I am familiar with many of those, and it bespeaks of the nobility's low character that they would keep their own incestuous traditions as the High Cultures." She chomped down a cookie. "Griffons, and Dragons be just as cultured as we Equestrians." She devoured the second cookie. "And this division into high, middle and low cultures dost bespeak of the old caste system that once separated unicorns, pegasi, and earthen."

Lime retrieved the pot, then poured the tea into each of their cups "Maybe we should set that aside as well. We have spent an hour in this discussion, and I'm sure your Majesty is eager to get out and experience the nightlife."

Luna chuckled. "I appreciate the thought, my maid, but this activity gladdens my heart. Even if nothing comes of it and we simply discard this plan." She raised her cup. "To good friends and boon companions."

"Agreed." Fleur and Lime raised their own cups and clinked them with Luna's.

Fleur cleared her throat. "As for the Low Cultures, and I use the term ironically." She paused, searching Luna for any sign of ire. "The 2nd terrace residents occasionally visit Buffalo, Hayan, Llampac, Zebrian and Gunagree cultures.[6]"

"Pah! Truly these ponies within sight of the castle have things backwards! They would say that up is down, light is dark, and that their own posterior emissions are fine perfume."

"And those are just the ones that the upper class deigns to visit." Fleur continued "There are a few Gallopean cultures that are looked down upon. Mainly the Roani. [7]"

"Diamond dogs also get treated roughly." Lime added. "If they get noticed at all."

"You've mentioned Constable Emerald Facet in a prior meeting." Fleur stated. "But other than that, I don't know much about Diamond Dogs."

"The diamond dogs are one of the races of great interest to unicorn scholars. A few apprentices have even decided to do their final theses on the race." Luna replied. "Hopefully this will increase our available knowledge. She took a sip of tea. "But that is not this. We shall give this item a priority." She circled the item on the list. "But which culture to experience?"

Fleur tapped a hoof on the table. "If your Majesty still intends to go to a Chateau, the majority of them are considered High Culture. Perch, Equestrian, Caballo and Cavalli. The Reiten have what are known as 'Beer Gardens', but beer is seen as a drink for stallions."

"Dame De Lis." Luna held up a hoof. "How soon didst thou wish to leave?"

"I had planned to leave early in to morning, but I hadn't decided on a destination."

"Would it be prudent to consult with my sister, do you think?"

Fleur smiled. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. Surely Princess Celestia would know of someplace that meets all these criteria."

Luna looked to Lime. "I have no objections, your Majesty." The green unicorn stated. "Once we have a destination, and I know how long we're staying, I can go home, pack, and return in about half an hour."

"Very well then." She lifted her hood to cover her head. "Let us adjourn this meeting with the proper rites." Fleur and Lime raised their hoods, then all three bowed their heads.

"Then up she rose and donn'd her clothes,/ And dupp'd the chamber-door;/ Let in the colt, that out a pure/ Never departed more." They spoke in unison.

- - -

Celestia levitated the scroll a few hooflengths [8] away from her face. She read the list, then looked to her sister, who sat before the throne. "So. You're going on a vacation?"

"Yes." Luna replied. "And these are the things of which we would care to partake."

"You're looking for a Chateau..."

"A place which would allow us to leave this gilded cage that surrounds our castle.

"...with a vinyard and saldomo..."

"We wish to partake of the different varieties of brew and brine."

"...and a sense of history..."

"It would allow me to learn more about what has transpired in mine absence."

"...and a casino..."

~ ~ ~

811: Canterlot Castle.

"Oui. Games of chance are one of our many interests. The LaRoulettes are, how do you say, given to entertaining guests." A burgundy unicorn with a black mane stated. She wore a long, cream-colored dress with billowed shoulders. The dress covered her rear legs with the hem resting on the floor. On her head was a broad brimmed straw hat with a blue ribbon around the base, tied into a dual bow with the ends trailing towards the rear. Draped along her back was a gold satin cape with a sequined pattern filling the border. "And I have found that guests are more cheerful when they're socializing over games and liquor." She added, twirling a hoof while bowing.

Celestia nodded. "I know your family's business well, Matron Merkanzia." she replied with a wink. She retrieved a map from a nearby table, and unrolled it. "So where did you want to stake your claim?"

Merkanzia examined the map. "I definitely need this delta." She tapped a space on the map. "But I also need access to the railway depot, so I can do trade with other ponies." She slid her hoof over to the point mentioned. "And the beach, so I can harvest salt."

Celestia used a quill to mark the indicated areas. "So that's one mile width of land, with access to the rail system. How far inland?"

"If I claim the river, that's gives me naming rights." Merkanzia mused. "And the mountain can be used for resources as well." She smiled. "Rivier Verte, and Herb Colline."

Celestia chuckled while outlining the plot. "Green River and Grass Hill. That has a certain je ne sai quoi." She grinned to Merkanzia. "And do you have enough employees to work the land?"

"If not, I can find more." Merkanzia replied. "And your Majesty knows that I can always find more. For the right price." She winked.

The white alicorn nodded. "I will get a deed prepared for you. Three square miles of land. For now though." She looked to one of her guards. "Please escort Matron LaRoulette to my receiving room." The guard saluted, then motioned for the unicorn to follow.

- - -

Merkanzia looked up as Celestia entered. "Forgive my tardiness, there were a few more cases to be handled." The Princess stated.

"It is not a problem, your Majesty." Merkanzia replied.

"Are you ready to fulfill your part of the bargain?"

The unicorn nodded. Celestia held her right hoof up. Merkanzia placed her left hoof to touch frogs with the princess. Together, they moved their hooves to cross themselves. " We close the door on each-other." They said together. Lowering their hooves, they touched the front edges together. "And lock it." They spoke while rotating their hooves together.

After Merkanzia left, Celestia called in her chancellor. "You wanted to see me your Majesty?" The unicorn bowed.

"Chancellor, make a record of this." The unicorn produced a scroll and quill. "Statute 811-490. Point 1: As of today's date and the current time, Chevaux L'honneur [9] is legally disbanded. Point 2: Any testimony or evidence of its continued existence is to be disregarded."

"The continued existence of what, your Majesty?" The unicorn replied, picking up on her meaning.

"Exactly." Celestia replied with a smug grin.

"Sister?"

~ ~ ~

"Sister?" A blue alicorn wavered into view. "Are you feeling unwell?"

Celestia shook her head. "Touts mes-I mean, apologies dear sister. We were...remembering."

"Celestia, are you crying?" Luna asked.

The sun princess touched a hoof to her cheek, and felt a slight dampness. "Was I?" She shook her head again.

"Your Majesty." Lime began. "If we have caused you any-" Celestia held up a hoof.

"I heard this from a traveler, who knows a storyteller, who swears that it's true. " Celestia began. "A short walk northwest of Ponyville, on the peak of the Herb Colline, along the banks of the Riviere Verte, and the shores of Rougeroche [10] , lies the Chateau De LaRoulette."

"And this Chateau, it offers all these items on my list?" Luna asked.

"It's often been praised for its particular brand of entertainment." Celestia replied. "Though I've never been there. The family is of Zaldi [11] stock."

"I've heard of them." Fleur stated. "One of the older cultures of Gallopea. The Etrotscans have mentioned them in their histories. The culture is centered around the eastern side of the Pyreneighs."

Luna tapped her chin. "I have visited those ponies in the before time. Tell me, do they still grow pepper plants?."

"Yes, but importing them costs a lot." Fleur answered. "The crops can be grown by others, but the flavor is not as intense as Zaldi-grown crops.

"How long may I take a leave of absence, Sister?" Luna asked.

"If you're asking me to take care of the moon for you, I'll do that." Celestia replied. "Take a few days off." She stood up. "As for money, try to be careful with your personal account. Even a thousand years of compounded interest can be lost in a single bad bet."

"Of course!" Luna exclaimed. "I shall only take a small measure. And we will be traveling incognito as well." She looked to her friends. "Fleur, Lime, when you have finished your preparations, please meet me at the train depot. We shall take the next night train to this Chateau."

- - -

Fleur had just entered the second terrace when she was confronted by a smiling vanilla-colored unicorn, with a white-streaked purple mane. "Good evening, Miss De Lis." The smugly grinning unicorn greeted. "Out for a stroll tonight?"

Fleur hesitated for a moment. "Evening, Upper Crust." She replied curtly.

"If you're looking for a night out on the town, I have a few suggestions." Upper Crust levitated a piece of paper over to Fleur.

Fleur took the paper with her magic and read it. "The Club and Cauldron, The Seapony's wharf, Spirits of Affinity? What is this?"

"Oh, just a list of all the entertainment venues below the third terrace." Upper Crust replied. "Just in case you wanted to go to a nightclub again."

"That would imply that I've been to one before." Fleur crumpled up the list, and tossed it aside.

"Oh come now, Fleur." Upper Crust strode over to Fleur. "How many unicorns are there in Canterlot, that have your colors and style?"

"Do you recall when the changelings invaded, U.C?" Fleur replied. "And I find it flattering that I make for a better disguise than you." She brushed aside part of her mane.

Upper Crust gritted her teeth at both the nickname and the jibe. "Don't think I'm letting this go." She turned to leave. "Jet Set and I look forward to seeing you and Fancy Pants at tomorrow night's banquet. And if you're unavailable, I know a pony who would be happy to fill in for you."

"You...you...Peacock!" Fleur called out after her. Upper Crust let out a guffaw as she trotted off. Fleur took a moment to compose herself, then headed home.

- - -

"Going somewhere, honey?" A white pegasus asked, watching as the green unicorn packed outfits into a suitcase.

"Oh hi Skies." Lime greeted the pegasus. "Her Majesty has decided to go on a vacation." She stated, setting a small pouch with personal supplies into the suitcase. "It should only be a few days."

"Good for her." Dark Skies cheered. "I know I'd go crazy if I had to stay cooped up in that castle day in and day out." He walked over and nuzzled his spouse. "So where are the two of you headed?"

Lime returned the nuzzle, then finished her packing. "It's a little place west of Ponyville, called The Chateau De LaRoulette."

"I know you and her Majesty will take good care of each-other." Dark Skies stated. "And I look forward to hearing all about it when you return."

Lime Sherbert closed her suitcase, and kissed Dark Skies on the snout. "Don't worry about us, Love." Skies returned the kiss, then waved as she headed out the door.

- - -

Celestia entered Luna's chambers, following the sound of clacking beads. "Do you need help packing?"

Luna looked up from her abacus. "I am ciphering the space necessary to contain my travel goods." She motioned to the open suitcase on the bed. Clothing and supplies formed a tall mound.

Celestia stifled a giggle with her hoof. "It looks like you're moving out. Do I vex you that much, Woona?"

Setting her abacus down, Luna looked over to the pile of clothing in the suitcase. "How now? Ahh, yes, my pet name. So undignified. But such art thus, made to be said in love as well as jest. Perhaps I overtax myself unduly." She levitated the pile out and set it on the bed. Celestia walked over and sorted through the clothes.

"Are you expecting the pegasi to prank you with a snow cloud?" She asked while holding up an insulated jacket.

"Your bolt strikes true. I shall leave the cold weather clothing at home then."

Celestia sorted the clothes into two neat stacks. One stack was set aside, while the other stack was placed next to the suitcase. "Out of this pile here." She indicated the stack next to the suitcase. "What do you want to take?"

Luna picked up and examined each item closely before making a decision. "I shall take this, this, this. leave that, take this..." She sorted through the stack, packing the clothes that she wanted to bring. Once Luna had finished, she looked down at the stack inside the suitcase. "Yes, that should suffice. Thank you, Sister." She placed her abacus on top of the clothes to be left behind, then closed the suitcase.

"One more thing before you go." Celestia began. Luna perked her ears. "I know you have feelings of anger over how your beloved was cast out by his mother, and that you will be staying a short distance from Sweet Apple Acres. But I ask you. Please do not confront Granny Smith about her decision."

"The time is long past; he has been exile of his blood for many a season. There be no need for any hot-blooded venting of spleen to the old harridan. But as you say, for your sake and on my honor, I shall maintain my silence on the matter." Luna replied. The two alicorns embraced.

- - -

Translations

1: Tomatoes
2: Vase for pouring liquid
3: Cucumbers
4: French, Spanish, Italian, German and Greek
5: Celtic, Slavic, Arabian, and East Indian
6: North, Central, and South American, African, and Australian
7: Romani
8: 1 hooflength=3 inches
9: Ponies of Honor
10: Red rock
11: Basque

Comments

[Gabriel LaVedier]

Most excellent! After all that cleaning and polishing it is up. Think you can link to the original Dames series in the description?

[Kipakuta]

582657

Added the Url in the description

[Weldbrony]

I dont know what this is but I like it.

[Hobbestc]

So...Luna and Big Mac? Interesting.

[Kipakuta]

583387

Nope, but I can see where you'd get that idea. You might want to read Gabriel's stories.
I recommend starting with http://www.fimfiction.net/story/5126/1/The-Unfavorite/The-Unfavorite

[Gabriel LaVedier]

583387

Hehe. Big Macintosh has not been exiled from the family. A certain charming, debonaire grifter, however...

[Chatoyance]

Superlative as always. Such a treat!

[Kagitaar]

A decent imitation, close to a cloned style but a touch off. Let's see where this goes shall we?

Issues: You have a ! in place of an I early in the story. You have corse when talking about Discord, I assume you meant corpse, but I don't think that's the proper word there. Never ever use a number when it's word is sufficiently small, 3 should be three or else it looks crappy. A footnote or two might not be needed, 4, 7, and 14 are all given enough context that further explanation shouldn't be needed. (On that note, Uma has me stumped.)

[Kipakuta]

585112

Fixed. And I can always use a good proofreader. You're hired.

[Kagitaar]

586068

Um, sure, okay.

Anyway, still want to know what Uma is, my best guess is China.

[Gabriel LaVedier]

585112

To rise in defense of Luna's speech (After all, i wrote it) "corse" is an archaic tem for "corpse."