Preview for a new story! · 11:49am May 23rd, 2019
While I finish up on the next chapter of Principal Noses, here's a sneak peek of my newest story. Enjoy! 
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"Make way for the Princess!"
Princess Celestia nodded and waved to her little ponies as the Legionnaires cleared the path before her and her entourage in the marketplace. She quite thoroughly enjoyed mingling with the peasantry whenever she could, and every trip to the crowded maze of colorful stalls always yielded exotic treasures from equally exotic lands. Tantalizing smells on all sides tickled her nose and enticed her into pausing for a sample, shop owners called out, shrill and boisterous, about the superiority of their wares, and above it all, Celestia could hear the blessed sound of gold and silver passing hooves and being dropped into shallow pans to be weighed in the balance. It all combined in a wondrous melting pot of economic prosperity, and the Exchequer was going to very pleased when the taxes were paid on today’s proceeds.
Normally, Princess Celestia would meander at her leisure and buy a trinket here or a bauble there, but today she was on a mission. Her faithful chambermaid needed a beautiful yellow ruff, and Celestia also hoped that the silk caravans had arrived from their arduous journey across the Great Eastern Wastes. If they were, the shops would be bustling with new designs for her to admire, but if not, she could settle for some new ribbons and embroidery. It was second nature for her to find the best in any situation, after all.
To Celestia’s immense delight, she found the caravans had arrived and many shop owners now proudly displayed their newest and finest offerings from within glittering cavernous tents and large open stalls. There was only a brief interruption as the various ponies bowed for her arrival, but eager smiles beckoned to her as soon as the appropriate deference had been provided.
Then the real fun began. Celestia was a consummate negotiator, and if there was anything that could possibly challenge her love of fine fashion, it was purchasing said fashion at the price she imposed upon it. The back and forth was exhilarating and intoxicating, and her joy was expressed in her wide smile as several new designs came into the possession of the Crown. Of course, the merchants were delighted to hold Equestrian Bits in their hooves; Celestia's gold was known throughout the world as the purest that could be procured. One bit could be exchanged for several hundred comparable rupees in Minotauria, for one example, and Celestia liked to remind the merchants of this fact when they began to protest about her offers.
It was most curious, then, when she happened across a suave and swarthy Saddle Arabian who made no attempt to draw her in. He was seated comfortably within the shade of his tent, his forehooves steadily flowing in broad movements as he embroidered a silk kerchief with golden thread. His eyes did flit upwards when she stopped and gave him an incredulous stare, and a small smile tugged the corners of his mouth.
"Salam, Your Highness, and good morning," he offered as his eyes went back to his work.
"Good morning to you. I am afraid you have the advantage over me. You know my name, but I am unaware of yours."
“A resplendent Princess such as yourself should never have to soil her lips with something as profane as my name,” the nomad replied. “It is sufficient enough that the majestic and resplendent Princess of this unsurpassed and preeminent Kingdom has acknowledged my existence."
"Such flattering words," Celestia said with a wary smile. "I confess they have caught my curiosity. What could such an eloquent merchant have to sell, and is it worthy of a Princess?"
Hmm... Alright, I am intrigued.
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What's it called?
*hiissssssss*
That colt better back off, only one stallion can snooze up to celestia, and judging by the use of chambermaid and legionaries, he won't be around for another several centuries.
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Sadly, I cannot say. It'll ruin the surprise.
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Bean is somewhere else in the market picking up ingredients for dinner, isn't he?
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You have my attention.
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