It was a lovely lunch. The green curry had just the right amount of spice to it and the mango yogurt drink was equally as flavorful. Party Favor hadn’t thought once about that unicorn as he wandered down Canterlot’s main thoroughfare. He smiled and occasionally greeted the passersby that he recognized. He continued his stroll a warm summer breeze wafted across his mane, lightly tossing it about as his mind wandered back to when he first opened his party shop.
Three months back he'd searched high and low for a place to set up such a business. Our Town was quaint and most of his friends lived there. However, he’d always wanted to throw bigger parties than what the town's population would allow. When he came to Canterlot and saw the small vacant shop with its dusty windows and racks along with its surprisingly inexpensive rent he recognized its potential.
Over the course of those months he’d moved in and advertised. It wasn’t long before he was planning all sorts of parties for all sorts of ponies. Party Favor knew that if business kept up that he would have to folks to mind the store when he needed to step out. Unfortunately, he hadn’t had the time to do a proper interview of new employees. “Maybe next week,” he said to himself as he considered where he’d put the ‘help wanted’ sign.
Party Favor was lost in thought as he rounded the corner to his shop. When he did his heart skipped a beat as he saw two of Canterlot’s finest standing in front of it. Their steely gray armor and stern demeanor were evident from where he stood. Party Favor gulped and his pace quickened as his mind began to race as to why they could be waiting. He soon broke into a gallop as numerous scenarios ran through his head, most of which either involved a break in or Starlight Glimmer going rogue. “Hey I own this place,” huffed Party Favor, “What’s going on?”
“You’re the owner of Party’s Favorite...”
“Yes! I’m Party Favor,” he interrupted, “Was there a break in? Is everything alright?”
“Do you know a pony named Whey Stead,” asked the tall guard on the left, “Skinny teal unicorn with a dirty green mane.”
“I don’t know her but that sounds like the pony that was in my shop today.”
“May we come in,” asked the shorter heavier guard next to him.
“Of course,” responded Party Favor, “How is she? Is she doing okay now? She passed out in my store and I had to call for help.”
“She’s fine," replied the tall guard, "Very talkative.”
Party Favor nodded and let the guards in. He watched as the pair looked about the shop including his office. The then conferred with one another in hushed tones before the heavier one asked, “Which of those binders had the Princess Party listed?”
Party Favor blinked, “Well the one on the desk. Why?”
The heavy guard flipped through the binder quickly and found the page. He read it quickly and looked at Party Favor, “So which princess is supposed to show up at this party?”
Party Favor’s eyes became saucers as his mouth dropped. “It’s just the theme,” he replied meekly.
“There’s no disclaimer on here. That's a real problem,” responded the guard, “That’s a second degree PF.”
“A what?”
“Also,” continued the guard, “Where are your licenses?”
“Licenses? For what?”
“To party,” continued the heavy guard in a monotone voice, “Or rather to plan parties. That shiny spot on the wall is where you’re supposed to display it along with a business license. The lack of those are first degree PFs right there.”
“What’s a PF,” asked Party Favor as he shot glances between the two guards, “Why do I need a license to plan a party or even a… what did you call it… business license?”
“It’s a party foul Favor. In Canterlot, by law, you need a license to plan parties along with your business license. Both licenses need to be displayed in that square behind your desk.”
“Well no one told me that,” replied Party Favor abruptly, "I've been here three months and never heard anything about that!"
"Oh come on," said the heavy guard mockingly.
“Yeah, where’ve you been,” replied the taller guard as he approached Party Favor, “Some isolated collectivist compound?”
“Well yes but I…”
“Regardless you’re going to need to come with us to sort this out,” replied the heavier guard as he nodded to the taller guard to get closer to Party Favor, “You’re probably looking at some time.”
“But!”
“Hopefully the Jester’s Court isn’t too backed up and the judge can see you before the day is done.”
“Time? Are you serious?”
“Very.”
What if he can’t,” asked Party Favor as the guards cuffed him.
“Well then you’ll spend the night in Party Jail.”
“That’s a real thing,” shouted in shock Party Favor.
“Very real,” replied the tall guard, “And let me tell you, it’s not as fun as it sounds.”