The discussion with Curly went on for hours. Tempest was focused for at least half that time, discussing designs and sometimes debating, but slowly grew bored, and began deferring to Curly’s judgment on nearly everything.
Discord was even more bored, and had taken to pacing the room and then exploring the building, but there hadn’t been much to see, so now he was back and reading a book he had summoned. It was blatantly titled, “Solving Boredom” and he hummed curiously every so often as he turned pages.
“Any input?” Tempest asked Discord as Curly finished her plans for remodeling the church.
Discord lowered his book. “Hm? Oh, right, the church. I don’t care for churches so no comment from me on that one. Okay, maybe one comment. If you can build it out of something sturdier than mud bricks, do so. I’d recommend stone. Start a quarry and use stone for construction. You can also use stone for the road. There should be sandstone under us, which makes a decent building material.”
They both stared at him.
“Why do you know so much about building?” Tempest asked.
Discord tossed his book. “Are you kidding me? I’ve been around for thousands of years and am well-traveled! I’ve seen and done more than any pony alive, except perhaps Sunbutt and her sister. And as you know, I enjoy reading. I make it a habit to learn something new every day. So inevitably, I’m knowledgeable on a vast array of subjects.”
“Hm.” Tempest smiled. “I can appreciate that. I also like to learn things, even if I won’t ever use the knowledge.”
“No wonder you and Twilight get along so well.”
Tempest looked back at Curly. “What do you think, is quarrying possible?”
Curly scratched at her cheek fur. “We may need to get a permit from Mayor Verko, but yes, the storm creatures would be willing to do that. They’ll enjoy some steady work.”
“Ah yes, I was wanting to bring that up. You should meet with Verko so you can get officially involved with the town’s government.”
“I’ve spoken with him before, but yes, I do have more I need to discuss with him.” Curly wrote down some notes, then smiled at Discord. “Thank you for your suggestion. I was unsure about Tempest bringing a draconequus here, but you’ve been a big help.”
“Haha, you’re welcome.” He sat forward, paying more attention to the conversation now, as Curly started telling them about some of the conflicts between the storm creatures and the other Klugetown residents.
“Abyssinia isn’t as forgiving as Equestria,” Curly said. “It wasn’t so long ago that we were ripping through this place looking for that princess. We broke merchandise, we stole things, we even hurt people. They’re very sore about it, and distrustful of our motives for being back here. We have to show them that we truly want to be part of their town. That we’ve changed.”
Tempest nodded. “I understand. I say we show, not tell. Let’s work on the village. Show that we’re dedicated to having a nice community. We’ll encourage the storm creatures to be kind to each other and the residents of Klugetown. In time, they’ll accept us. Just like I’ve been accepted back in Equestria. Besides, once we get that quarry going it could boost the economy here, which is always good.”
Curly agreed, then said, “Of course, there’s already mining in the area, but if we go north, we could set up a quarry without risking digging right into a mine. We could have it along the road we’re building to Sunny Oasis.”
“Sunny Oasis?” Tempest asked.
“Yes, it’s another town far to the northeast, founded by my people. It’s not back in Equestria but it’s closer than here. It’s got a jungle to its north but the town itself is in the desert, in an oasis. Hence the name.”
“Oh.” Tempest nodded. “Twilight mentioned it to me. I’ll be going to help out there once everything is settled here.”
“They’ll appreciate the help. They have resources but much like here, they could use some friendship lessons. And morale.”
“Hah. I’ll do my best when I meet them, then. But yeah, building the quarry along the road sounds like a great idea.”
Curly wrote more notes. “Alright. Well, Tempest, I think that’s all I had for you. I know we’ve been here for a while and it’s getting late, so you should get some rest. Do you have a place to stay?”
“Capper is letting us stay with him,” Tempest replied.
“Dapperpaws? He’s a good man, he’s been very kind to us. Say hi to him for me.”
“Can do.”
“The lumber probably won’t arrive for a few days, but could you help us tomorrow with the houses anyway? The least we can do is start rebuilding them out of bricks, then we can add in the supports once they arrive.”
“Sure, sounds good.”
They got up, and Curly came around the table to shake Discord’s paw and Tempest’s hoof. Then she sent them away.
They met Grubber on the way out.
“Whew, that was a long meeting,” he said.
Tempest agreed and Discord groaned. “The longest!” Discord exclaimed. “I thought I was going to die from boredom! Oh sure, we’re going to do good work here, etcetera, but damn could we make the planning part more exciting?”
“Having spent years designing battle strategies and dealing with logistics… that’s impossible,” Tempest replied. “Trust me.”
“Oh yeah,” Grubber agreed. “I’ve helped her with that stuff, it’s dull as hell. But it’s necessary, you can’t just run headlong into things, that’s how you make mistakes.”
“Speak for yourself,” Discord said.
Tempest chuckled. “Oh, like you’ve never made mistakes.”
“I mean, I have, but I don’t like to tell people about them.”
Tempest rubbed his back. “Your secret’s safe with me.”
They said goodbye to Grubber and began the walk back to Capper’s house.
“Well, today was boring, but tomorrow should be more exciting,” Tempest said. She sighed. “Maybe Twilight should have sent someone else with me, I know this is all very uninteresting to you and hate to think you’ll be bored-”
“Oh, Tempest, don’t worry about it,” Discord replied. “So it’s not all exciting but I expected that. Honestly I’m just enjoying spending time with you.”
“Oh.” She smiled, looking up at him. “You like me that much, huh?”
“Of course. I value our friendship.”
“That’s very sweet of you.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever.”
Tempest chuckled. “I also won’t tell anyone about what a sweetheart you are. Though I’m pretty sure Fluttershy has already spread it around.”
“Ugh, she really isn’t shy about telling people how nice I am to her. Luckily, most ponies are still too skittish around me to see for themselves. Which is another reason I like you. You may have been nervous about me, but once I showed you I meant no harm, you trusted me. You sought out my company. I don’t meet many ponies who are brave enough to do that.”
“I was more curious about you than anything,” Tempest admitted. “Draconequus are rare and powerful, I wanted to get to know you. I’m glad you let me. And that you’ve taught me so much.”
“And there’s so much more I can teach you. Yes, my species is quite elusive. In fact…” Discord stroked his beard. “I don’t remember when I last saw another draconequus.”
“Do they all look like you?” Tempest asked.
“That’s racist.”
“No, I mean…” She laughed. “Do they all have like, the same kind of body parts? Or does it vary?”
“Ah, well… the features tend to vary, yes. Like some of us have horse tails instead of dragon tails. Or donkey tails, even. I’ve seen draconequus with no tails. Some don’t have wings, or they have bug wings. Limbs can be practically anything. From lion-like, dog-like, frog-like… honestly just choose ten random animals and mix them up and there’s probably a draconequus that looks like that. We’re weird.”
“Yeah, you sure are.” She thought about that. “So why are you so rare? Where does your species come from?”
“Far, far from Equestria, for sure. Across the sea.” Discord gestured vaguely. “We aren’t naturally social. I struggled to be friends with Fluttershy and the others at first. Draconequus are born already talented with magic and able to take care of ourselves. We’re pretty much abandoned by our mothers.”
Tempest frowned. “That’s so sad.”
“Well… it was long ago, but I honestly didn’t mind? Like I was glad to be able to do my own thing. That’s just how our minds work, we’re solitary. But thinking back, with all I’ve learned about friendship…” He sighed. “I wish I could see Eris again.”
“Eris?”
“My mother. She had named me Discord and said I would do incredible things. And then she let me loose and left. Ahh, I still remember that big fluffy mane around her neck.” He smiled. “I bet she’s still alive. I should look for her. But my species tends to travel the planet and avoid each other. If we do seek out a companion, it’s usually just because we want to mate. There aren’t really romantic attachments.”
“Oh.” Tempest walked quietly for a bit, then said, “So, have you ever gone out looking for a mate?”
“Nope. I haven’t wanted to. I was quite happy by myself. But now that I’ve learned to appreciate companionship, well… I’ll keep myself open to the idea of romance. I don’t know, though. Seems complicated.”
Tempest snorted. “Yeah, it does. Ponies can get obsessed over it. I just don’t care. If I do meet someone, fine, but I’m not gonna go searching for it. I have other things to worry about.”
“Exactly! There are bigger fish to fry!” Discord shook his head. “Honestly, it’s good for the world that draconequus are antisocial. If we were social and forming big societies together, making lots of little draconequus, we could easily conquer the planet! Hell, we could destroy the planet, and probably would purely for the fun of it! Us being solitary is harmony at work, even against us.”
“Hm. Well, I’m glad you decided to be different from the other draconequus, and make friends.”
“I am so much happier for it,” Discord admitted, resting a hand briefly on her back.
She moved to lean against him slightly as she walked, and after a moment, he returned his hand to her, and they were content to stay like that for the rest of the trip.
Conversation turned to their plans for tomorrow, but all too soon they were in sight of Capper’s windmill.
“I could have teleported us here,” Discord said.
“True, but I like walking,” Tempest replied. “Gives us more time to chat.” She raised her hoof to knock on the door.
“Good point.”
Capper let them in. “Good evening, nice to have you back.”
Tempest inhaled deeply. “Oh, wow. What is that?”
Discord sniffed too. “Mm, smells delicious!”
“I just finished dinner,” Capper replied. “Would you like some?”
Tempest hasn’t eaten since the train. She agreed, as did Discord.
“I made a fish fillet, cooked in tomato sauce and peppers, topped off with the best local spices! Along with some savory roasted potatoes.”
Tempest’s mouth watered. “And are you… sure there’s enough to go around?”
“I made enough for all three of us, I enjoy cooking for guests. You know, on the rare occasion I have them.” Capper led them to the kitchen area, and set out plates and silverware. “I’ve already eaten, but help yourselves, and we can chat about your day.”
Tempest and Discord grabbed their plates, and Capper watched with amusement as Tempest picked out a big chunk of fish.
“I thought ponies don’t eat meat,” he commented.
“We usually don’t, but I was a soldier, I learned to eat what’s available,” Tempest replied. “Besides… most meat actually tastes pretty good.” She scooped out some potatoes and went to sit down at Capper’s little dining room table.
Discord soon joined her, and Capper offered them drinks.
“I have water, sweet tea, lemonade…” He trailed off, then smiled and said, “Whiskey?”
Discord straightened. “A glass of whiskey, my fine sir!”
Capper started for the cabinets, then paused. “Straight?”
“Of course! That’s the best way to drink it!”
Tempest liked a good alcoholic beverage herself, but that made her shudder.
“You got it,” Capper said, pouring it. “But if you get drunk, it’s not my fault.”
“Hahaha, it’ll take more than that to get me drunk.”
“How about you, Tempest?” Capper asked. “I think I have ginger ale if you want to mix the whiskey with that. I also have blackberry wine.”
“Oh, I’ll have some wine,” she decided.
“Sounds good.” Capper poured her drink too, and brought the cups over.
Tempest finally took a bite of her fish. It was soft and mildly spicy, and she quickly cut out another piece. “Oh wow, this is really good.”
“Thank you! I’ve had to cook for myself for years, I’m glad it’s at least taught me something.”
Discord and Tempest both settled into their meals, while Capper sat and asked about what they did today. They told him between bites about meeting with Curly and reviewing all her plans for the village, and about Discord’s idea for getting them more resources.
“A quarry will certainly boost the economy,” Capper said. “The sandstone can be sold to architects and any gems you dig up will fetch a pretty price from jewelers, collectors, and tourists alike. What a wonderful idea.”
“Thanks,” Discord said through a mouthful of food.
Tempest took a sip of wine. It was sweet and tart, making her crave actual blackberries. She lowered it. “It will be quite the project to get started, but it will benefit everyone here in the long run.”
“Definitely. I might even take up work there. I’d rather do that than keep up my… questionable work for Verko.”
Tempest was curious, but something in his tone warned her not to ask. “Oh. Well, I’m sure they’d love to have you. Curly seems fond of you.”
“Oh, is she? Hm, well, I’d say I’m fond of her too.”
Discord downed his entire glass of whiskey, much to Capper’s shock. “Great dinner! My compliments to the chef.”
“Oh, uh… thank you.” Capper nodded to him. “You’re a strange one.”
“Thank you.”
“Yeah, he’s weird, but that’s Discord for you,” Tempest said.
“Would you like any more?” Capper asked.
“No, I’m quite alright for now.” Discord lounged back and started picking at his teeth.
Tempest swirled a piece of fish around in the sauce. “I’m still surprised Twilight sent me to do this. Sure I’ve worked with the storm creatures, I understand them, but I’ve also done a lot of terrible things. Yet she trusted me with such a huge job.”
“She must have seen greatness in you,” Capper replied. “And I see it too. You’re strong, and clever. You don’t let anyone push you around. You have what it takes, and you should be proud of that.”
“Oh, wow. Thank you.” She blushed and finished off her plate.
“But hey, enough about work. What else do you like to do?” Capper asked.
“Well, recently I’ve been taking magic lessons from Discord. He’s been showing me how to use chaos magic and it’s been a lot of fun.”
“Really? Sounds like a good time. Is it difficult?”
“Surprisingly, no. Well, some things are. But it seems to come naturally to me too. Discord’s a great teacher, even if he likes to throw things at me. I’ve always enjoyed using magic and was very good at it even from a young age. Then I got my horn broken off by an Ursa Minor, which made my magic unstable. It scared my friends when I blew things up or lit them on fire just from trying to pick them up, and they abandoned me.” After a moment, Tempest sighed. “Well… to be honest, I abandoned them. They were kids, of course they were scared. They stayed away so I wouldn’t hurt them. But I took it as a slight against me, and I ran away. I… slowly learned to use my horn again, to lift things without blowing them up, but ever since I’ve had a talent for explosions, fire, electricity, all kinds of dangerous magic. Magic that Discord here loves too.”
Discord smiled and waved.
Tempest continued, “Even with a broken horn, my magic was powerful. And when I met the Storm King, he offered to put my power to use, and in return, he’ll fix my horn, and I’ll become greater. I was lured in by that promise. But… he was just using me.” She sighed. “So many awful things, done just because I felt broken… but things are different now. I accepted what happened. I learned to open my heart to friendship again. And Discord, who doesn’t exactly have a pleasant past himself, showed me kindness and repaired my horn. Now my magic is stable again, but I still have that natural talent for chaos magic, so he’s been helping me learn more. It’s been a lot of fun.”
“Whew, that is quite the backstory,” Capper commented. “But I’m glad things are better for you now. And that you’ve found a friend in Discord. You may look strange together, but I think I understand much better now.”
Tempest finished her drink. “Heh, yeah. We have a lot in common. We also both like the same music!”
“And the same games,” Discord added.
“He’s getting me into Ogres & Oubliettes,” Tempest said.
“Ogres & Oubliettes,” Capper said blankly. They shrugged and chuckled, and his eyes lit up. “I’m a druid who specializes in animal communication and never goes anywhere without my trusted leopard!”
“You play?” Discord asked excitedly, already pulling out his character sheet. “Let me tell you about Captain Wuzz!”
“And let me tell you about Felijor the Swift!”
Tempest quickly realized she would have to put a stop to this, else she’ll be up all night. “Boys, I think we should go to bed. Discord, you know we have to be up early to go help the storm creatures.”
“Oh, right…” The sheet in Discord’s hand vanished. “We’ll have to discuss this some other time.”
“Sounds good to me,” Capper agreed.
They cleaned up the dining room and returned to the living area. Tempest stretched before hopping onto the bed, and Discord examined it. “This really is small. Oh well. Tempest, I may have to get all cuddly with you.”
“Heh. That’s fine.” She was used to his company, she wouldn’t mind him touching her.
“Alright.” He laid down too, his long body curling up under the covers, and despite agreeing to it, Tempest still gave a start when his scaly tail ended up draping over her legs. “Sorry.”
“It’s fine.” She yawned and rested her head on a pillow. It was warm and comfortable here, and Discord himself seemed to just radiate heat. She almost wanted to use him as her pillow instead.
Discord said to Capper, “Sure you’re fine sleeping on the floor?”
“Absolutely!” he called back.
“Okay, but let me at least give you this.” Discord snapped his fingers and a sleeping bag fell onto the floor, unrolling itself.
“Oh, for me?”
“Sure! You can have it, I can conjure up anything!”
“I appreciate it.” Capper grabbed a pillow and climbed into the sleeping bag. “Hey Tempest, can you make things out of thin air?”
“I’m still working on it,” she replied. “I can turn objects into other objects though, within reason. Discord said he’ll teach me manifestation too.”
“We’ll probably be able to move onto it soon, with how clever you are,” Discord said.
“Aw, quit being sappy.”
“No.” He actually nuzzled the back of her neck, which made her laugh.
“Well, goodnight y’all.” Capper clapped his hands and the lights turned off.
“Fancy,” Discord said.
“Goodnight,” Tempest said, closing her eyes. The other two said goodnight as well, and they all drifted off to sleep.