//------------------------------//
// New in Town 
// Story: Prank War! 
// by Ashfur 
//------------------------------//

Many of the guards had to do double takes as a pony they had never seen before exited the guest wing of Canterlot castle.  He was a light brown earth pony stallion, with a slightly unkempt dark brown mane.  He strode with purpose, as though he was a powerful noble, each step judged carefully.  Strong and well built, he clearly took care of his body, having the stature that most stallions would envy him for.

One of the guardsmares approached him cautiously.  “Hello sir, may I help you?”

“It's quite alright, miss.  I know where I am going,” he replied.  His voice was masculine and deep, commanding respect from all who heard him.  Truly, a stallion among stallions.  “Thank you, though.  The work you all do for the good of Equestria deserves more appreciation than you get.”  With measured steps, he trotted out of the room towards the dining hall.

As soon as he was gone, all the guardsmares in the room swooned simultaneously.  “Oh, sweet Celestia above, who was THAT?”

“He was so attractive!”

“And respectful!”

“He carried himself like a prince!  I don't think I've ever met a stallion like him!  I can only wonder what went through his head when he saw us...”





The mystery stallion walked into the dining hall, and eyes turned to look at him from all over the room.  He slowly maneuvered over to a table, making sure to not bump into anypony.  He didn't even call for any of the maids to get him food.

“Sir, do you need anything?”  One of the maids asked as she walked over.

“As much as I would love some food, take your time.  I know you're busy, and I don't want to overwork you.”

“Oh, it's no problem, sir.  What can I get you?”

“Just some oatmeal, maybe an apple.  And some tea, too.  And please, call me Nick...el.  Nickel Ingot.  There's no need for formalities.”

“Oh!  O-of course, Nickel.  My apologies.”  She dashed off before Nickel could get a word in, leaving the stallion to his own devices.  It wasn't long before his meal was brought to him, and he ate his food with the slow, graceful movements much like his walking.  It was as though this pony was pure class incarnate, as his behavior, kind attitude, and respect towards the staff were right out of a storybook.

Suddenly, the exact opposite of the formal stallion strode through the doors.  “Good morning, peasants!  Where is my breakfast?”  Blueblood demanded, trotting over to the table Nickel was at and sat next to him.  “Just look at this terrible service, am I right?”  He asked Nickel.  “Nobility such as us shouldn't have to be kept waiting.  I'm surprised Auntie Celestia hasn't fired every last one of them.”

Nickel stared slack-jawed at Blueblood.  “You DO realize you came in unannounced, right?  Nopony could cook that fast, not even you.”

“Hmph!  You're just as annoying as that pesky ape that roams around this castle,” he replied.  “Fine, I'll make you a bet!  I'll go make my own breakfast, and if I can't have it done in the five minutes I expect my incompetent staff to have it done by, which I certainly will, I'll give you some of my stocks in a few wealthy businesses!”

“Hm… deal.”

Twenty minutes and a ruined kitchen later, Nickel was quite a bit richer.  He spent the next hour helping the staff clean the kitchen, something they appreciated.

As Nickel got up to leave, a pair of guards approached.  “Nickel Ingot, was it?  Princesses Celestia and Luna have requested a private audience with you.  Please come with us.”  As soon as the entourage left the room, a few visiting nobles began chattering amongst themselves again.

“He knows both princesses well enough for a private meeting, and he got Blueblood to humiliate himself?  Just who is he?”

“With a name like Nickel Ingot, I'd bet he runs a mining company.  I ought to offer him a share of my stock too, as a gesture of goodwill!”

“Perhaps we should show him around the city.  I could offer him dinner at my restaurant, it has a five-star rating!”

“Not if I invite him first!”

Meanwhile, Celestia and Luna watched as Nickel walked into their private meeting room.

“So, Nick, how has your morning as a pony been so far?”

“Pretty weird.  It all started after I left my room…”