Very good as usual, Ponydora. You're easily one of my favorite writers in this fandom and Sweet and Elite opened many doors for fanon and if there's somebody I would like to see exploiting that, oh yeah, that would be you. Can't wait for more!

Woah, intriguing and fabulously written

TRAAAACKIIIING!!!!

Interesting, interesting. Changing the names of characters might proof distracting/confusing (emphasis on might), but that remains to be seen. As of now, it's quite engaging.

Love it! Simply wonderful, and very steampunky. Fancypants seems to have the optimistic attitude of the future that was common in British gentlemen around the 1890s. Favourited and tracked!

I laughed out loud at some parts. This is going to be fun.

>>111226111226

Thank you very much! This is definitely meant to play off the steampunk elements of the show. I hope you enjoy!

I love this, so much. The dynamic between the two is truly something special.

Certainly interesting and entertaining. A good enough start to induce intrigue, but not enough to spoil what the entire story will be about... Excellent! I guess I'll simply have to keep reading, then, before I say more!

~ Moonstone, Minstrel of Equestria

An old fashioned grand adventure story!

I can hardly wait to see what happens next.

Once this gets a bit longer, I fully expect it will be on my favorites list.

Five stars, no question.  I doubt that Jules Verne himself could have done better.

... XD I lawled so hard when Rares figured out that she, too, was but a pawn... XD That was rich!

~ Moonstone, Minstrel of Equestria

Okay.

Now I can't help but imagine Blueblood flailing his hooves about as he is assaulted by Rarity screaming "Help! I need an adult!"

I love the range of characters we have here. All are pretty distinctive. I look forward to see the dynamics between them unfold.

>>137448137448

Over the next two chapters the story will really kick into gear, so expect a lot of dynamics: relationship dynamics, aerodynamics, thermodynamics ...

Thanks for the positive feedback!

this sounds so farfetched, i'll have to read it later.

i'll just add it to my tracking so i don't forget it.

Beautifully handled, especially the wonderfully period technology—for the most part square in the 1860s–1880s time-period hinted at in Ms. Faust’s comments on her world-building. The only quibble I have is that railroads actually are very old; the first examples were in ancient Greece, and they were revived in the Middle Ages. Before steam locomotives came in, at just the time suggested by the narrative (the 1820s in real history), trains were drawn by teams of horses.

Fancypants, you clever, sneaky bugger you. I approve his skill at playing the socio-political field

1) “To the facility, Coltsworth!” Blueblood called out as his driver worked to start up the noisy steam engine. (when did Blueblood swap places with Fancypants? )

An excellent read, tracking to see what comes next!

This continues marvelous! Once again there’s only a small quibble—camels, like equines, don’t have pelts of fur; they have coats or hides of hair.

Sorry, only Discord is allowed to call ponies mon capitan.

Wonderful peace of literature! I'll be tracking this one for sure. I love that he named his ship what is basically a French swear word.

>>139429139429

Good catch! Fixed.

>>139515139515

But they look so furry! Fixed!

Blueblood being the great grand whatever son ot the original Princess Platinum, therefore technically prince of the unicorns and not

of Equestria...

You're channeling my headcanon. Get out of my head! GAH!

An interesting read, can't wait to see what all the guests are like as well as what's going on with Blueblood.

This is gonna be good

I love how well-structured this is, plus that it's about Rarity! Everything just clicks into place; I really like how everything's set in the world the MLP team came up with (AU and war-torn settings aren't my cup of tea, sorry).

Keep up the good work!

It's very well written, but if this story goes the way I suspect it will, my opinion will sour quickly.  I take it this is a Blueblood/Rarity ship?  One where Rarity finds the beauty under the beast?  The problem I have with stories like this is it assumes there's a nice person underneath the abusive asshole facade, when in reality, abusive assholes are almost always just abusive assholes.  What I'm saying is it's a bad thing to romanticize.  

Still, you're a very good writer, Ponydora, and I will keep reading in the hope that I'll be surprised.

>>140973140973 All I can ask is for you to hang in there and not assume that I'm going with the obvious cliche. Twists and turns are my master plan.

Why does everyone assume blueblood's a sexual/physical abuser? Not you I meant someone else's comment.The idea of racing alone along with all rarity said have likely taken a toll on his mind. His cutie mark is a compass rose so directing,planing, and,navigating his ship should be simple but with his mind consumed with negative thoughts and fear hes over-stressed.Adding to those suspicious griffins as likely a deadly bunch of cheats,I'd be freaking to,if I was in his position.

As for the story its definitely different then other ship fics since blueblood seems to be a better actor then most make him. It'd be an interesting twist if he wound up with one of the zebras in the end but that's just a random thought of mine,if this is one of those stories where the main shipping is implied but doesn't really happen.

As a fan of Duke/Prince Blueblood and not so huge fan of rarity I'm definitely interested in seeing how this ends.

It look like all is not well in Blueblood's castle.

What could be keeping him awake? Last minute tuning of his airship? Trouble with the folks? Only time will tell.

Great story, looking forward to more.

Allons-y.

Nice start . The introduction of Blueblood was interesting and original because he maintains his difficult personality while gaining a new talent that he didnt have in canon. I this story now.

BEST MOMENT: Rarity dominatrix!

Poor Blueblood, he didn't stand a chance.

>>142219142219

That just might be the best way to deal with him anyhow. He's a pushover.

you know.. this is the first fan-fiction I've ever read and i'm loving it :D

awesome work!!

Don't worry, Ponydora, your writing is great enough to the point where I probably would read it even it followed through with my prediction, but I'm glad you're taking cliches into account.

>>142065142065

Abuse doesn't have to be sexual or physical.  Repeated insults counts, too.  Rarity kissing Blueblood was an example of physical abuse.

You write both Blueblood and Rarity so well.

>>144851144851

Thank you very much. We know a LOT about Rarity and her motivations, so she's pretty easy to write. She's ambitious, smart, coquettish, at turns generous and at turns acquisitive, loving, curious, deceitful, well-mannered, extremely talented, vain, tasteful, romantic, practical, streetwise, brave, athletic, self-centered, and usually unapologetic. She's by far the most well-developed of the characters on the show, thanks to being lucky enough to get the best episodes. All we know about Blueblood is that he's a massively entitled overgrown child, but we don't know why. Still, one of the directors approved using him in "Sweet and Elite," so there must be more to him than we saw in "Best Night Ever."  I have to explain what and why, without giving him a hidden "heart of gold," or making him a one dimensional jerk either. It's a challenge, but I'm really liking where this is headed. You'll have to bear with a bit of a flood of characters in the next few chapters, but it's necessary to set up the overarching plot. As long as it's good writing, hopefully we can get through it together. This is a swashbuckling adventure/drama/romance, so a bit of exposition at the beginning will soon give way to the good stuff.  

please hurry up and write the next chaptor

Just goes to show to never judge a fic by its title...

Thanks for the update!

>>147191147191

Yes, I should have added a disclaimer: This story does not actually feature any actual alicorns in any significant way, just an airship named after one. This story is about airship racing, love/hate relationships, and convoluted conspiracies. Thanks for reading!

I'm beginning to pick up the scent of Obadiah Staine in that cologne Fancypants wears.

This is a wonderful take on the life if Blueblood and family.

This is getting ever more interesting. Family secrets, politics and intrigue and all before the main course.

Wow, now that's Blueblood I like and love. Not ideal, not perfect and with some very real flaws, but so is Rarity, bitchy and egoistical as well.  Good take with Prince's history, his dislike for Rarity's play (she really made Platinum look bad) and I applause you for making Blueblood genius engineer - authours often take easy route and make him jerk without any talents.

Awesome work. Please, write more Blueblood!

Ha! Loved it. Nice little bit about Blueblood at the end there.

Also, I'm wondering if the whole thing with RD and her family will amount to anything. I mean, it seems more like an entirely different plot point, or at least something that deserves an entirely separate POV within the story.

It's weird, I had almost exactly the same kind of headcanon backstory for RD; she's the daughter of a wealthy property and construction magnate.

Ha ha, Blueblood's sisters are named after the noble metals

>>147558147558

It was mostly background on the trouble in the north (mentioned by FP earlier), but it will amount to something, I'm not planning on any POVs other than our heroine.

>>147605147605

Females are named after noble metals, and the males are named after the brightest stars. Succession of the name Blueblood goes to the oldest child immediately upon the bearer's death.

I'm enjoying this so far, excellent work on making Blueblood a more complex character than the show did.

This is absolutely terrific! A new episode and an update to my favourite story!

I can't one-hundred-percent resolve your Blueblood-as-Howard-Hughes approach with the character canon, but I like the angle so much I don't even care.  Nice work!  I'm very interested to see where you're headed with this.  And your supporting cast is delightful, by the by.

>>149401149401

Thank you for the kind words. I know what you mean with respect to Blueblood. There's not really much of a hint in Best Night Ever that he might have a lot going on upstairs. I don't have much an excuse, except that I'm at least trying to preserve as much of the petty, bratty, spoiled personality as I can, while giving him an interesting life of his own and more of a raison d'etre. I hope you keep reading; it's going to be a bumpy ride!

I'll admit, when Rarity went about the party I couldn't help but think "Oy, she's drinking again- that won't end well."

I was reading with greater and greater fervour, that when I reached the end of the text, I was shocked that I had read 6000 words so quickly!  I must truly enjoy reading this.  I love the weaving of multiple plotlines, and the world and history building, and even while adding to Blueblood's personality you still keep him in character, so it works well.

I'm proud to have provided artwork for this wonderful fic and look forward to reading more.

This story presented some nice new twists:

(a) BlueBlood is presented as a more complex character. Not to mention he has other more useful talents such as navigation and airship engineering. The further exploration of his family line is also a nice bonus.

(b) Rainbow Dash's past history was another nice twist. The situation between the ponies and griffins at Stratusburg/Snowmane parallels America's past conflicts between America's expansion Westwards and the Native American tribes (the season 1 episode, "Over a Barrel" also covered the same thing). In a way, this story could partly explain why Rainbow Dash developed such strong loyalty to her friends (thus her representing the Element of Loyalty) and why she so quickly sympathized with the buffaloes in "Over a Barrel". The situation reminded her too much like in Stratusburg/Snowmane.

I like. As much as I enjoy Blueblood being an ass, and magnificent job with that, but part of me also wants to see redemption.  I also like the depth of the characters, keep up the good work. A track, and I'll watch you.

Thumbs up.

This took an interesting turn. I really find the politics of everyone interesting and well written, this fic is becoming more than I thought it would be.

A murder mystery?!  Wasn't expecting that.

So many suspects and the night's still young, indeed it's going to be a long night.

An excellent chapter, the political stuff on the side is very well written, I hope you keep that thread going through the whole story

Incidentally, this chapter brings up something I've often wondered about, when Rarity is honored as an Element Bearer.  Many, many fanfics have the Mane Six being recognized as Element Bearers by the various ponies they meet.  Yet, it never ever happens in the TV show.

I mean, consider...  We saw how Fluttershy became famous for being a fashion model, of all things, and how poorly she handled that.  Yet, defeating Nightmare Moon never even comes up.

In Boast Busters, Spike is arguing with Snips and Snails, and it seems like he could have settled things easily by simply saying, "Twilight vanquished Nightmare Moon!  Even an ursa is no big deal compared to that!"  But he didn't mention it.

And in Sweet and Elite, of course, Rarity's role as an element bearer was never mentioned.  Everyone seemed astonished that she was a guest at Canterlot Castle, even though it makes perfect sense to we-the-viewers who know about her role in past crises.

To me the answer is obvious:  It's a secret.

The Elements of Harmony are a strategic weapon of immense power.  You keep them locked up in a vault and you keep the launch codes -- I mean, the bearers -- a state secret.  Because if their identities were known, they'd be obvious targets.  Not only would they be targets to enemies of the state, but the fame would risk disrupting their lives and damaging their friendship.

And yet, I think of all the many fics I've read, I've only seen one (and I don't remember which one it was, sorry) that explicitly stated that their identities are secret.  There seems to be some kind of strange disconnect.

>>158456158456

Well, it can't be that much of a secret given the party at the end of Elements of Harmony and the awards ceremony at the end of Return of Harmony, Part 2. I just think many ponies (especially in Canterlot) don't give much thought or credit to such things (kind of how well-to-do hobbits spurn travel and adventure). And since Princess Celestia keeps the Elements when they are not needed, it isn't as if ponies could always be bothering the Mane 6 to use their "powers."

>>158443158443

Don't worry about that, there will be plenty of political stuff on the side (and at the forefront) throughout.

>>158491158491

Awards Ceremony?  Gaaah....  Once again I'm betrayed by my swiss cheese memory.  I'll have go to back and review that.  

Brilliant chapter. I loved Prince Khufu and his backstory.

A surprising amount of the writing I see here on fimfiction is publishing-grade, and this is a perfect example. New and unique characters, excellent development of canon characters, complex story lines, and well executed dialogue. I personally am a sub-par writer, but I can certainly recognize excellence; and here it is!

I'm also a big fan of steampunk (though this is technically closer to clockpunk I'd say); so I'm doubly interested in seeing where you take the airship technology. And while I hate to see conflict in my favourite peaceful world of Equestria, I'm rather interested to see how (if) you weaponize your scizo-tech!

>>158804158804

I had to look up the word "clockpunk." Interesting! Thank you for reading and enjoying!

>>158652158652

Thank you! And thank you again for the wonderful illustration. It's been a source of inspiration.

*chuckles*  By the end of Chapter 2 I began to strongly suspect something wicked was in the works.  And now, the evidence is beyond all doubt!  A cruel conspiracy is being brought to bear!  The mind behind it revels in the sort of madness that has brought our world to the brink many times.  

If I am correct, we are all in for a terrifying rollercoaster of a ride!  As one who is a great fan of the mysteries of Agatha Christie, prepare yourselves and your little grey cells!  

I fear much for the safety of certain ponies, who are directly in the way of this evil plan.  For it to succeed, they must meet the fate of the poor griffin leader.  There shall assuredly be attempts upon their lives in short order!  But I shall not give their names lest I give too much of what I suspect away.  Think for yourselves, analyze the facts and compile your list of suspects.  Look from beginning to end for the clues that will reveal the truth and remember that in any mystery, all are guilty until proven innocent!  

Interesting.

>>159511159511 this has gotten interesting...

Every chapter builds on the last and adds something new to the table.

Pony Politics are best politics.

Keep up the good work.

Good God I am in love with this story! Your dialogue is superb and so is your pacing. Imagery is fantastic as well. The steampunk influences are great extra flavour. I love it!

>>160444160444

Thank you for this review and your wonderful email summarizing your suspicions and theories! You are obviously reading quite closely and you've engaged in some brilliant deductive work! Given the information I have provided so far, I dare say you couldn't have done much better with your guesses and suppositions. That said, as the story continues you will find that your ultimate conclusions may have been slightly off. Don't forget that one of the oldest literary devices in the mystery/adventure/intrigue genre is the red herring!

>>161489161489

I love that you love it! I'm working hard on this for folks like you. I hope I don't disappoint.

Hmmm... Keep up the good work.

Once again keep up the good work.

>>161684161684  Indeed, I'm leaving that possibility open!  There are several other suspects who could also be manipulating things.  There are exactly 3 more pieces of information I need before I can be 100% who the mastermind really is.  The seating arrangement plays an important role as well.  Clearly, it was deliberate, arranged to maximize tensions. AH!  I see!  There is something additional I can glean from this!  The doldrums at the table are as vital as the typhoons!  Yes indeed!  Mon dieu, but I have been blind!  The little grey cells still have some tasks at hoof!

Interesting.

Whoa, this is one compelling story! The characterization of Rarity and Fancy Pants feels spot-on, and the 1910s/20s-esque feel of the technology is an excellent touch. I'm gonna have to track this one...

Wow, this is getting just awesome. I love the detail you put into your descriptions - the clock tower bit being my personal favorite example from this chapter. This whole story has the feel of Tintin in many regards, a great swashbuckling adventure, especially with such a diverse cast. Also, I love your explanation for Prince Blueblood's title - granted, it's at odds with what Rarity said in that one episode about him being Celestia's nephew, but that could be explained away as a rumor or misconception that Blueblood himself may have helped perpetuate.

I sincerely apologise for the delay between the reading of these chapters. What makes it even more unforgivable is just how much I am loving this story. But I digress!

This story is shaping up to be quite awesome, haha. Your plot is rich and engaging with a cast of characters all written superbly. What's more is your ability to make me believe the scenes you are painting in front of us. I was captivated by the description of the factory where they were improving the Fancy Free. It was really, really cool for the want of a better term.

I can't wait to read what's coming next, even if I do smell a whiff of something sinister on the horizon. But that's foreshadowing for you! Keep up the amazing work!

>>172308172308

I'm so glad you're enjoying the story! I'm having a blast writing it, so that means we're all having a good time. You are definitely correct to expect sinister happenings around the corner.

Cannot wait for what comes next! An excellent chapter friend

Allons-y!

HOW DOTH WE LIKE THIS? VERY MUCH! LET THE FUN BEGIN AT ONCE! :LUNACANTERLOTVOICE:

It's taken 36,000 words, but we're finally about to get to the main part of the story (the part that's actually in the description). Thanks for following along so far, readers. I have one favor to ask, if anyone is so inclined: I'd like to get my star-rating on Equestria Daily over 4.5, so if anyone cares to head over and rate this story 5 stars, I would be very grateful!    Cheers!

NOW, IT GETS SERIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>>173940173940  We may have only just now gotten to the main part of the story, but that doesn't mean it hasn't been an entertaining ride already! Really looking forward to seeing where this goes!

And just 5-star rated you over on Equestria Daily. Frankly, I'm shocked you're getting a 4.4 over there right now, this story is worthy of higher than that!

>>175392175392

RarityxBlueblood (or at least the appearance of RarityxBlueblood) is bound to attract a few 1 star bombs from folks who hate that pairing and don't care to look past the title and cover image. <shrug>. Thanks!  

Terrific chapter! Now I'm going to be all antsy for the next until it updates.

Wahahaha! I put it up to 4.5. Now for someone to take it to the next level.

>>177463177463 Thank you! I greatly appreciate it! I'll keep doing my best to write a good story for you and all my readers.

Oh this is just great!

And now the plot starts to thicken ever so slightly! I am so excited! The dash (pardon the pun) of Rainbow Dash's past was awesome and so was the extension of Blueblood's development at the end of the chapter. All very exciting.

...Even if hearing the names of some of Blueblood's family made me want to go play Mass Effect :D Haha

Keep up the amazing work!

I had already 5 star'd it, but it looks right now to be at least at 4.5.

Loving the direction of this, looking forward to the race proper!

Lol, Luna.

It's a long chapter, but the next few will be briefer and more to the point (I hope). There's a little homage in there to a short story by Pen Stroke Pony (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/09/story-drop-of-moonshine.html) that I adore. A little action, a little intrigue, and a little drinking. That sums up another chapter in The Flight of the Alicorn.

Another very good chapter! The way in which you more fully develop the world of Equestria from what has been shown in the TV programme is particularly enjoyable. I also commend you on your character development, not only do you create exciting new characters (my favourite still being the camel king from a few chapters back), I also really enjoy the way in which you develop existing characters without deviating too much from what has already been established. With the continuing development of the intrigue between Fancy Pants and Blueblood, it is very safe to assume I eagerly await the next chapter.

Democracy? How cute. Let the ponies go ahead and play their little games with the government; Celestia doesn't mind at all, because she knows she'll be back at the top within fifty years. Being Supreme Prime Minister isn't that much different from being a Princess, really.

Hah! I thought I recognized that as Luna's Moonshine.

Great update as always. I was wondering when Rares would be able to have a word with Dash, makes a lot of sense that Fluttershy and her would visit when the race went over Ponyville.

Overall, wow. This is an excellent story with intense detail and scope. As for individual chapters, my words are meaningless. Just keep writing and I'll keep reading intently.