//------------------------------// // Chapter 7 - An Eye for Detail and A Very Revealing Party // Story: The Severed Dimension // by StarPrism //------------------------------// Chapter 7: An Eye for Detail and A Very Revealing Party Lorane & Daring Do I sat in the library, speechless at Regal’s never-revealed knowledge of the arcane arts. He was actually grinning as he talked, almost boastful when he brought up something that was beyond Twilight’s knowledge. It wasn’t like him at all. Twilight seemed to be enjoying the conversation as much as Regal, as she seemed very excited and eager to keep talking about energy flows. I had trouble following the conversation, I did know some of what they were talking about, but my education in the Royal Academy as far as magic went was dropped halfway through when Edel and I left the militia all those years ago. “Well if you’re correct, Regal, then pulling energy from chaotic energy and our natural energy at the same time would allow Scrying into Tartarus or any other location with high amounts of chaotic energy possible.” Twilight said, growing more and more thoughtful. “Now take that into consideration when you try your spell again. Tell me, how exactly did you sense the correct leyline to establish a link with Tartarus?” Regal asked. Twilight showed him the thick black book from earlier. I got up from where I was sitting, a couple of paces away from the two, and as I began to look for books about the arcane arts of Equestria, the door abruptly opened, and a white unicorn with a neat and styled indigo colored mane and tail came in. She had beautiful blue eyes, and to my surprise, was wearing makeup, something I didn’t think existed here in Equestria. “Twilight, dear, I would like that book I lent you about exotic fabric –” She stopped trotting and looked at me. “Why, hello darling. I don’t believe we’ve met. I am Rarity, I run Carousel Boutique. I must say we must do something about that thing that’s hanging off your back and flank.” “Oh, hello Rarity. I’m Lorane and, what are you talking about?” I asked. “Your cape dear; it’s worn out, and the colors are fading!” Rarity said. I looked around at my cape. It was indeed worn, some tears near the bottom and it’s once brilliant purple color was worn out by constant sunlight, and it was now faded. “Just wait okay?” She added as she trotted towards Twilight. “Twilight?” “Oh! Hello Rarity!” Twilight said, acknowledging the unicorn. Regal took this as a cue and began to read the black book. It was very much not like him at all to ignore a lady entering the room… “I came to pick up that book I lent you on –” “Exotic fabrics and designs right? Yes I needed it to identify a piece of fabric I found a few weeks ago, but it wasn’t in the book.” Twilight stated, as she trotted up the nearby stairs. A few seconds later she came back down the stairs with an elegant green book floating in front of her. I noticed the aura around it changed from purple to blue as the book moved from Twilight to Rarity. So unicorn magic is shown with a different color aura. I wonder if it has a significance with the colors like cutie marks have… Wait a second. I remembered. I forgot to look at my own cutie mark! My heart began to race faster out of excitement. I can’t believe I forgot to look! I wonder what it is. Making sure nopony was watching, I carefully lifted up my cape. I let out a ‘huh’ sound as I saw my flank was, well, blank. Why was it blank? I tried to remember what that pony from the forest said. Do Daring was her name? I didn’t remember as I couldn’t recall everything she was saying, I was worried about Edel as she was talking at the time. “Well keep looking darling, I’m going to take Lorane here to the Carousel Boutique to fix up her cape!” Rarity said as she beamed at the idea. “Oh you met Lorane. Sorry I forgot, Regal, this is my friend Rarity. Rarity this is Regal.” Twilight said. Regal looked up for a second before saying “Hello.” And looked back down and continued to read. Something was going on with him, did what Rainbow Dash say get to him that badly? “Regal huh? I’ll remember I’m sure.” Rarity turned to face me, and I smiled at her. She smiled back saying “Let’s go Lorane, we need to fix that cape of yours!” “Actually thank you for the offer but, I don’t have any money.” I said. She mentioned she ran the store, so this was probably just a business proposition for her. That thought was expelled when she replied. “Now who said anything about money? I’m offering to mend a piece of clothing for a new friend, free of charge.” She said. “What? Oh no I couldn’t. That would be taking advantage of a nice pony and –” “I insist dear! Besides I’m the one who asked to fix it. Let’s go.” Rarity shortly said as she opened the door. I got up and trotted alongside her. “Thank you for your generosity miss Rarity.” I said. “Miss? Where did the formalities come from? Call me Rarity! Now let’s see, it seems to be a deepened purple if I’m not mistaken, and oh! Those tears! How in Equestria did that happen? No matter, it doesn’t look too terribly bad. And your mane, we need to wash it!” Said Rarity and she continued to make more observations about my cape. The cape was special to me. I received it from my brother, Kevin. He was the only family I had left, aside from Edel. Kevin was part of the Royal Durandian Guard and was off on a reconnaissance mission when our home was raided. He was a strong man. Our task force managed to break out war prisoners from an enemy base, and to our surprise Kevin was one of them. He gave me the cape when we got back to the capital. We arrived at the boutique as I finished my remembrance. The Carousel Boutique was a large building; the overall structure resembled a giant, layered tent; the top was pointed with a blank red flag that flew in the wind, the second story resembled a merry-go-round with a single window, and the first story was the largest part with large windows showing off what looked like pony mannequins with dresses that looked beautiful for the most part, although a few of them did look tacky. Above the door was a wooden frame depicting a pony with a pink dress with a pole going through its back, and under the hooves read ‘Carousel Boutique’. A bell rang somewhere from within as Rarity opened the door. The inside was filled with pony mannequins and a miniature catwalk with mirrors around it and as well as everywhere else in the boutique. “Sorry if it’s a bit messy, I’ve been rather busy lately with my latest shipment, and looking after my little sister, who is off crusading with her friends.” Rarity said as we entered. “Crusading?” I said. “Yes. Well they call it crusading, they go on little adventures trying to earn their cutie marks and they call themselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders. It’s rather adorable.” Rarity answered. She looked up and gasped. I followed her gaze to see a fluffy white cat on top the stairs staring at us “Opalescence! Come to momma!” The cat strode down and merely sat in front of me, still staring at me, and then she hissed and went back upstairs. “Well that was strange. She usually isn’t good with strange ponies but just straight out hissing at somepony is out of her character. Well I’ll have a look at her later, as for you,” Rarity turned and looked at me “let’s start with that mane. Come on, upstairs. Go ahead and take off the cape and those gorgeous hoof bracelets.” I looked down. I had forgotten about the rings! Well they were rings before being transported to Equestria. I had gotten them from a gift from my teacher, Archmage Plathios, upon finally besting him in a casting duel. It was obvious he was holding back, but upon completing my training I was to be promoted from a novice mage, to an adept mage upon defeating him. He gave me the rings and he explained they are enchanted to fit the wearer in case of advanced shapeshifting. They are filled with mana, and he explained I was only to use the rings in an emergency if I ever found myself needing an extra reserve of mana. I only used one of the rings at one situation so far; to save Edel, Regal and I from an ancient demon called a Pyroite, and the ring allowed me to cast the most powerful ice spell I’ve ever seen, freezing the demon indefinitely. I removed the used one and to relief I saw it stayed the same size – as a hoof bracelet. I removed the other and I began to struggle to get the cape off. Rarity merely giggled and said “Why don’t you just take it off telekinetically?” I looked at her. “How do I do that?” I asked. I honestly didn’t know how Twilight did it earlier and forgot for a second that I was a unicorn. “Oh it’s easy, the simplest magic trick really, just focus on the object and move it using your concentration.” It sounded simple enough. I looked at it, and concentrated on my horn and at the tip of my cape. Suddenly the cape began to glow a scarlet color as it removed itself from my body. It felt natural, and I just let it fall to the ground. “I did it!” “Well done darling!” Rarity smiled and then looked puzzled and she looked at me. “Why, Lorane! You never earned your cutie mark?” “I guess not. I mean I don’t know is that a bad thing?” “Well it’s not good. It’s not bad either but it’s different that’s for sure. Usually ponies get it as fillies but you are almost a full grown mare.” It might be because we are from a different dimension… I looked at her “Well I guess I’ll need to find it when I have time!” “Yes, well if you will, let’s go upstairs. I’ll get a bath ready.” I looked up to see a lot of disappointed fans began to scatter. It was okay though, I’ve been signing since I picked up supplies. I was almost done shopping when somepony finally recognized me and from there I’ve been stuck at Sugarcube Corner signing books, magazines, and even pictures. I looked up at the strange pony I’ve been intrigued with. “Well let’s see here, I know you, Edel. Who are you three?” I asked. The cyan Pegasus with the multi-colored mane spoke up first taking my hoof and shaking firmly “I’m Rainbow Dash and I am a huge fan of your adventures! You know I thought this was all fiction until I read the author’s note that said ‘based on true events’ I was all like ‘ohmygosh’ and I’ve been waiting to meet you for, like, ever!” I withdrew my hoof. “Well Rainbow Dash it’s nice to meet you always great meeting a fan!” The orange earth pony approached me, also grasping my hoof and with tremendous strength shoot very hard “Howdy there miss Darin’. I’m Applejack and I must ask how y’all know Edel, I just met im’ today too and everypony seems to know im’!” Again I withdrew my hoof. “Nice to meet you miss Applejack. We can talk about that over lunch…” When the third one didn’t move forward I raised an eyebrow. “And you are?” “Oh um I’m nopony important…” she got looks from everypony and quickly said “I’m Fluttershy…” “Hello Fluttershy. Well everypony why don’t we eat here actually? I hear their muffins here are delicious. The cupcakes I love too.” I said. Suddenly I heard a voice to my right coming from further in the bakery. “Did somepony say cupcakes?!” I turned to see a pink earth pony with a frazzled pink mane and tail bouncing in place next to us. She had blue eyes and a very large smile on her face. I’ve seen this pony before on my few visits to Ponyville, she’s usually very loud. “Hi Fluttershy, AJ and Dashie! And hello new pony I haven’t met.” With that she stopped her bouncing and looked in complete shock at Edel before gasping very loudly and overdramatically. “Oh you! You must be that Edel pony right?” “Yes, that’s me.” Edel said, backing away slightly. “Oh that’s good! I’m Pinkie Pie and I want to be your new friend! I see you know Fluttershy, AJ and Dashie already, actually Dashie was the one who told me you were new in town yesterday, so I got this superawesomefantastic party together last night, to find out you were gone! I would’ve been sad, but all of my friends were there and we still had a good time! Dashie got all upset because she wanted to see the alicorn again but when he didn’t show she got really sad and then – ” “Pinkie! Just give us a seat okay?” Rainbow Dash interrupted. She looked at Rainbow Dash and winked before saying “Okie dokie loki. Right this way everypony!” she replied and took us to a table in the corner. She took our orders. I took a few mental notes how Edel interacted with other ponies including myself. Upon first meeting he is extremely distrusting and appears cynical at first, thinking ponies are acting only out of their own self-interests. Deciding to further my study on this odd pony I began the conversation. “So Edel what were you doing in that forest? You and that other mare, alone.” “Other mare? Well I didn’t think y’all had a marefriend already! What’s her name?” Applejack added in. “Lorane… wait what? No she’s a friend I care deeply for. She’d never like me that way anyway. She’s back in the library if you’re interested.” Edel said, and then quickly adding “And we weren’t alone. My friend Regal was there, he was just missing when the wolves started attacking.” “Wolves?” Fluttershy started. “Timberwolves miss Fluttershy. And if me and my pupil Strato Sky hadn’t intervened there is a good chance Edel and his marefriend wouldn’t have survived the night. Well actually morning.” I said. Fluttershy was looking very concerned. “Are you okay? Did they hurt you? Timberwolves can be nasty when they hunt. I can give you some tips on avoiding predators… that is if you want…” Fluttershy said. “It’s okay, really. And Daring, Lorane is not my marefriend.” Edel said. I caught his eyes shift to Applejack for a fraction of a second. “Okay then. Tell me your story.” I said. He reluctantly told me a story about the three of them being from another dimension and how they were trapped here by a terrible pony. Originally they were on a quest to collect these stones and this pony named ‘Gladius’ was powerful enough to send them here to Equestria from their dimension they called Durandel. After he finished everypony was in shock, except for Rainbow Dash who began to ask questions. “So wait, you were in Durandel? What about Xinon, and what about this King Joseph? And this Gate that you mentioned: isn’t it possible that the same thing exists here? And wouldn’t Twilight know something about it?” Rainbow Dash said. I was almost certain now that she was either a quick thinker or she was pondering these questions for a whole day. “Xinon? King Joseph? I never…” Edel trailed off and looked down. “Regal told you huh? How much did he tell you?” “Not too much more, but some stuff he left out, like you two. He implied you two found him here, two days ago.” “Just a minute, Edel. Rainbow, you seem a might upset. Why don’t you go talk to this Regal feller about this?” Applejack said. “That jerk? No thanks. I’m content getting the answers from somehuman honest.” She cried, then covered her mouth with her hooves before flying outside an open window. “Here are your muffins and cupcakes!” Pinkie Pie bounced up to us, balancing a tray of baked goods on her head. She proceeded to pass them out and then sat next Edel “So where did Dashie go?” I noticed Edel edged away from her and was inspecting his muffin as if checking if it were poisoned or defiled. “She flew off, upset about something.” I said. “That was out of character for her, I mean, she IS your biggest fan after all miss Daring Do.” Fluttershy said quietly. “Um, maybe I should go check and see if she is okay. Thank you for the cupcake Pinkie.” She said after leaving two bits on the table and trotting out the door. “Well Edel, I reckon I am mighty interested in hearing more about your tale. Why did y’all leave Ponyville anyway?” Applejack said. “Isn’t it obvious miss Applejack? The scary pony he was talking about. He could come at any moment to finish them off, and I’m sure we would be defenseless against a monster like that. So they left to protect us. Right Edel?” Pinkie Pie said. “What? How did y’all know the story? Y’all were in the kitchen the whole…” Applejack trailed off… before muttering to herself “she’s just being Pinkie Pie, let it go girl.” “Interesting. Is Pinkie Pie right, Edel?” I said. He nodded in response. So he’s not a bad pony. That’s good. When he told me they needed to stay away from towns, he was fearful of this Gladius pony. Now for some reason they’re back in town… I felt like inquiring about that fact. “So why are you back in Ponyville?” He looked around, as if looking for somepony, then shrugged and replied with “Regal had a good point. So him and Lorane are trying to learn about some kind of teleporting spell or something from Twilight.” I looked around as well, nothing out of the ordinary, yet ponies were forming a line again for more signing. “Well it was pleasant having lunch with you interesting ponies. Twilight is the pony who runs the library correct?” I asked, trying to remember the names of vendors in Ponyville. “Yes, she is also one of my bestest friends! I can introduce you if you’d like!” Pinkie said. “No it’s quite alright that won’t be necessary. Edel I am interested in learning more about you and your comrades. I’ll see you later.” I said with a wink. I got up and headed back to my table to resume signing. After all, this will be an interesting adventure. After this, I’ll check on Strato and see if he’s interested in this next one. After some scrubbing and brushing, as well as adding a tie, my mane looked great! Seeing myself as a pony in a mirror… I looked rather cute! My mane was getting on my nerves since becoming a pony, it was annoyingly rubbing against the back of my neck tickling me slightly as I trotted, but now it was tied up so I didn’t feel it as often. Rarity was now examining my cape. It had the crest of the Royal Mages Academy on it which was simply an image of the start of a solar eclipse with stars completely visable. “Odd design. The thread is very strange; I don’t think I’ve seen this material before.” Rarity observed. “Oh that’s mageweave. It’s an enchanted fabric that must be enchanted. It’s made for blocking spells and it is light to help avoid heavy attacks.” I said. “Lorane what on earth are you talking about? You sound like you’ve been in a war or something.” Rarity said. Then taking her eyes off the cape, and looking at me she added “Were you?” “Well yes…” I started, and told her about Durandel and Xinon being at war. I left out the part about us being human, like Edel said. Even if Twilight already knew we aren’t ponies… “My word! Princess Celestia needs to know about this war! I know it’s some other land, but if you ran away to come here, it must be terrible! The princess can be of help I’m sure!” “Thank you for your concern but I don’t think even somepony like princess Celestia could help us.” I replied. “Well I am still going to say something. And about your cape, I don’t have this mageweave you were talking about but I do know of a similar fabric that I can obtain and repair it with that. So come back tomorrow dear, around this time. Where are you staying anyway?” Rarity asked. Edel hadn’t mentioned this, so I was unsure how to answer. “I don’t know yet, I need to ask my friends where we will be staying.” I answered. “I’d be more than happy to take you in here but my sister is staying here too and my guest bedroom is occupied. But do come by if you can’t find a place for the night, I can cook up a nice makeshift bed.” “Thank you for your kindness and generosity, Rarity. I guess I should get back to the library and check on Regal.” I said. As I lifted my cape with my telepathy, she grabbed it with her hooves. “Don’t you want me to fix it? If you can come by tomorrow at noon I will have it fixed by then.” Rarity said, and then adding as she looked at me “Well this cape is precious to you isn’t it?” I nodded. “Well then, when you come back, remember to bring the cape and I’ll fix it then!” “Thank you Rarity.” I said and trotted out the door as she said goodbye. Everypony is so nice! I can’t believe how peaceful it is here. I thought as I headed back to the library. I couldn’t get Regal’s new knowledge out of my head though. It kind of bugged me. I remember when Regal claimed he had feelings for me, he seemed so kind, gentle and especially naïve. He was a mage, yes, but his magical prowess was pathetic, and he could make a small fire if he was lucky. This talk of magical and chaotic Leylines, a subject I had little experience with, still he seemed out of his normal personality. Even when Rainbow Dash was talking to him, he seemed unmoved, and when Rarity greeted him earlier… Something is not right. I got back to the library to see Regal and Twilight still talking. As I entered Twilight turned to me. “Ah just the pony we need.” “Hey Twilight, hey Regal, so what’s the news?” I asked “Well after some practice scrying, we were able to successfully create a scrying window into Tartarus, if you’d look right here.” Twilight said, pointing to a large hole in the ground, emitting red light. I trotted up to it to see it was showing a cave and various creatures moving around, not noticing us at all. It was similar to a farsight spell I’ve heard about in Durandel but farsight only worked where the caster could see and no one else. “Amazing.” I said. “Now if we were to use this kind of method but with a teleportation spell instead of a scrying spell with these Leylines, it would be possible to create a one-way portal to travel, we would just have to tweak the Leylines and energy flows a bit, well assuming Regal’s theory is correct.” Twilight said. Regal walked up to me and added “It’s correct. Now I need to talk to someone about cosmic Leylines; that would be, sun and moon.” Regal said with a scary looking smile. “And then what?” I asked. “And then we would be able to use the scrying spell to see Durandel, and then teleport us back there. However we need a source of chaotic energy, cosmic energy, and some other energy with more potency and kick… then we can go home.” Regal replied, adding under his breath I couldn’t hear “among other things…” Twilight interrupted “Okay I know the place to try this. Sugarcube Corner!” She focused and her horn began to glow as the red scrying window turned a purple color, the same color as her aura. I looked in it to see what looked like a restaurant filled with ponies. Edel and two other ponies sat at a table with half-eaten muffins and cupcakes, and then I noticed the Pegasus that rescued us earlier! She was signing autographs? Yes she was on the other side of the room giving out signatures. The window began to shimmer until it looked like a small puddle of water, the room still visible, as Twilight’s aura disappeared but the window still gave off a purple light. “It’s done. Regal if you’re right, we can walk onto this and we will suddenly fall into that room.” “Fall is right, we’re looking from above right? So if we were to stand in this we would fall INTO that place?” I asked. “Yes, Lorane. You want to go first?” She asked, smiling. “Sure. I need to ask Edel something anyway.” I replied, as I walked towards it, Twilight began to look for Edel, and upon spotting him she acknowledged him. I placed a hoof on the window. As my hoof went through, it did feel like a very deep puddle of water, only when I withdrew my hoof it was not wet. Curious, I stuck my head in first, I was suddenly in the room and I could hear everypony talking, it was very loud. I withdrew my head, Twilight was beaming. “It works!” I said. “Of course it does.” Regal said in a bored tone. “Are you going to go?” Without hesitation, and bracing myself, I jumped in it, landing on the floor of the Sugarcube Corner. I looked directly up to see nothing but the ceiling, knowing Twilight and Regal could see me, I smiled, and trotted towards Edel and the two ponies. Upon arriving Edel noticed me and called out “Lorane! What are you doing here?” “Edel! We need to talk, Twilight and Regal are on to something big and –” I had to stop talking as a pink pony face and big blue eyes slowly moved into my field of vision. She simply stared at me for a few seconds before finally, and abruptly yelling to the whole room. “Everypony! This is Lorane! We are going to throw a welcome party at Twilights in 10 minutes! GO!!” and she darted out the door, along with several other ponies. “What? Who was that?” I asked. “Pinkie Pie.” Edel answered. “Don’t y’all worry about Pinkie. She’s got a good heart and I reckon she always throws parties for new ponies in Ponyville.” The orange pony next to him spoke up. “Lorane, this is Applejack.” Edel said. As he put a hoof on her neck, a spot that was apparently ticklish as she giggled, I felt my face get hot. “Hello Applejack. I’m Lorane.” I said. “Pleasure meetin’ y’all, Lorane. Now let’s humor Pinkie and go to the party. Meet both y’all over there okay?” Applejack replied, and trotted happily out the door, as I saw the orange-gold Pegasus begin to trot in our direction I spoke quickly to Edel. “Listen, something is up with Regal. I’m not sure what but he’s off. Way off. We need to find out what before we start messing with portals and gateways back to Durandel.” I said as quick as possible. “What? We have a way back?” Edel asked, looking very interested. “Talk later, that Pegasus is coming this way.” I replied. He looked to see her coming and smiled. “She’s okay. Daring! You remember Lorane!” Edel said as she smiled at me. “Hello Lorane, now we can properly be introduced. I am Daring Do, explorer, adventurer, tomb raider, ya-da ya-da. Tell me are you also from this Durandel place?” Daring Do asked. “You told her too huh?” I said, as Edel gave me a sheepish grin. “Yes, miss Do, we both are.” “Please call me Daring or Daring Do. Being called ‘miss Do’ creeps me out.” She said. I nodded in response. “Come on Lorane let’s get to the party. I keep hearing Pinkie Pie throws great parties, and we should be there since we disappeared last time!” Edel said, still beaming. “Edel get ahold of yourself! We don’t have time for any of this!” I said, disbelieving he’s completely loose right now, and now noticing the cupcakes “…how many of those have you eaten?” “I don’t know, three? Come on let’s go! It’ll be fun!” Edel said as he trotted outside. “He seems off. Both of my friends are changing…” I said out loud. “It’s probably for the better. You know, for a creature from another dimension you sure seem tense.” Daring Do said. I looked at her. How much did he say? “Daring Do, what did Edel tell you exactly?” “Well only that you’re from Durandel, a war-driven land, and that you’re all aliens.” Her eyes sparkled for a second. I gaped at her. “Oh lighten up. Come on, we can chat about that later. You’re all very nice ponies and I don’t mind a good party once in a blue moon.” She said. “Well, okay but after this party we need to all talk, everypony who knows of us.” I said. We proceeded to trot outside. After trotting about halfway to the library, Daring said she needed to go talk to somepony real quick and that she’d be at the party later, and flew off. I began to look down and think of home again, until hitting something very solid, with all of my weight. I fell down and looked up to see a large, red pony. No, I meant a large, red stallion. He looked at me with big green eyes. “I’m sorry, sir.” I said. Before I could react he held out a large hoof, and I grabbed it with my own without any hesitation. “No problem.” Said the stallion and began to trot in the direction of the library. “Wait!” I found myself saying. He stopped and looked at me. “What’s your name? We’re both going to the library right?” “Eeyup.” He simply said, then adding “I am Big Macintosh.” “Hello, Big Macintosh, I’m Lorane…” “Mighty nice to meet you, Lorane.” He said, and began to trot again. “Well it’s nice to meet somepony who isn’t crazy. I swear all the ponies in this town are crazy!” I said, a little more loudly than I realized. Big Macintosh merely stared forward and said “It’s not very nice or wise to judge an entire community based on interacting with only a few, and more than likely those few were in the minority when you call them the crazy ones. This community as I have personally discovered from living here all my life, are very accepting, loving, and the majority tolerates most behaviors including new ponies like you who are quick to judge them harshly by calling them crazy.” I was stunned, but still kept trotting. He’s right, Rarity, Twilight, Fluttershy, even Rainbow Dash were all very nice and concerned for us. I was merely letting jealousy, even if I wasn’t admitting it at the time, take over. “I… you’re right, Big Macintosh. I’m sorry I said that.” “You don’t have to apologize to me, nope.” He replied. I looked up at him, he was still facing straight. He had a very strong looking jaw. His mane was a nice caramel color, and the yoke he wore made him look rather intimidating. I found myself blushing slightly and after realizing I began to speed up. He’s a pony. A freaking horse what are you doing getting all mushy over a stallion! Besides Edel is… I lost my train of thought, and began to gallop. I opened the library door to find it crowded with ponies setting up collapsible tables, streamers and balloons. Pinkie Pie was firing a cannon, which was shooting out confetti and other party swag. I walked up to Twilight. “Where is Regal?” I asked. “He’s around; he wanted to find information about the solar bodies, which is upstairs.” “And what about Edel? Also you don’t mind them throwing this party at your, um, house?” “I don’t mind at all, I sleep upstairs and I enchanted that room to seal all sound outside. Besides the library is public property. Oh and I saw Edel talking with Applejack over there.” She pointed with her hoof to a corner of the room. Edel was indeed talking with Applejack, and she was giggling as he talked. I felt my face get hot again. “Well I need –” Loud music cut me off, I looked to see a pony with fancy looking glasses behind a table playing with large discs. The music was coming from the large black boxes from either side of the table. Ponies began to dance all around me, including Twilight. I looked around, but the lights were turned out as there were strange multi-colored lights everywhere I looked, blotching the room. I kept turning to find Rarity enter the party, as well as Fluttershy and an angry looking Rainbow Dash. Feeling relieved I made my way towards them, as Rainbow Dash flew off in the direction of Applejack and Edel, Fluttershy following her. “Hey Rarity!” I shouted trying to be heard over the music. “Lorane! Darling your mane looks amazing! You must tell me who fixed it for you!” Rarity said, and we shared a laugh. I really liked Rarity’s company, even though we just met earlier today. “It’s nice to see you again Rarity! I’m sorry if I appear annoyed.” I yelled. “You do. What’s the matter dear?” She asked loudly. “Well it’s Edel. He’s flirting with that pony over there named Applejack.” Rarity let out a giggle before replying “You’re jealous over Applejack? You have nothing to worry about; Applejack doesn’t seem the dating type I mean I’ve known her for a very long time. She’s never even looked at a stallion.” “I just…” I ended with a growl. “Why don’t you go drink some of that punch? It should take some of the edge off of your thoughts. I think I’ll have some too. Come on, dear.” Rarity said and began to trot towards Edel and the rest of them. I joined her, as we got to the punch table; she levitated a cup and poured some punch from another levitating ladle. I drank it, it was a sweet strawberry flavor but it burned slightly going down. It was very nice, so I made myself another cup as Rarity did so too. I saw Edel was also holding a cup as was Applejack. “…So it was then I realized the only way to escape was to use the currently invincible Regal as a shield against the demon’s fire!” Edel yelled, and the ponies around him began to laugh. I took a third cup of punch and downed it with one gulp. It was getting much easier now, and I approached a barrel with a spigot. Big Macintosh was behind it, and he casually poured me a mug. “Is this Apple Cider?” I asked when I smelled the familiar scent of the liquid. “Eeyup.” Is all he said. I drank the delicious drink, it also had a burning sensation going down. I found myself much surer of myself at this point. “Thanks, Big Macintosh.” I said, winking at him “You know you’re really cute.” I handed him the mug for another refill, and I trotted away, holding the mug and my cup of punch in the same telekinetic grip. “Dear you’re all over the place! How are you able to concentrate enough to hold your drinks?” Rarity asked as I made my way to Edel. “What are you talkin’ about Rarity? I’m what?” I asked. “You’re drunk.” She said plainly. It hit me. The feel good euphoria, the confidence, the brevity coming out… I was drunk. The drinks were all alcoholic. I’ve never drank alcohol in my life, and never planned to, but this feeling is incredible. “I am.” I got up to Edel. “Lorane! Where were you? I was just telling everypony here about our quest getting the Stone of Fire!” Edel said. “Hey.” I replied. I noticed my mug of cider was half way filled, so I emptied my punch into it, mixing the remaining cider with it and gulping it down in front of him. “Lorane? Are you drinking? Do you realize the drinks here are alcoholic?” “Shut up.” I said. “I need you to tell me you care for me. Do you care about me?” “What? Of course Lorane. What is this about?” Edel said. “You and her.” I pointed at Applejack. Applejack merely smiled. “I figured as much. Y’all got nothin’ to be scared about alright sugarcube?” She proceeded to drink her own mug of cider. “Good. I like you JappleAck.” I hiccupped a bit and giggled. “Edel, so you do care?” “Of course.” Edel said. In response I pushed all of my weight forward and locked my lips onto his. It felt right, and we made out for the first time in front of these nice ponies who were all giggling. Regal made his way towards us as we were holding the kiss. As we finally broke, I looked at Edel, as he had a hoof on my cheek, and Regal spoke “Are you both finished?” Rainbow Dash flew up to him. “You’ve got some nerve you know that?” “This is none of your business, pony. Edel, Lorane I need to speak with both of you privately.” Regal replied. “Oh I’ll make it my business, filly!” Dash yelled. “Rainbow –” Fluttershy started then stopped. “Shut up Fluttershy. This guy has been pissing me off since yesterday” “I’ll not be arguing with an animal.” Regal said. “Animal?! What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Dash cried. “Exactly what it means. You’re an animal, a beast of nature. I am a human, I will not stand for –” He was interrupted by two hooves hitting him in the face. Dash and I simultaneously hit him. He was quiet for a second, looking at Dash and then me, before turning and walking away. I looked at Rainbow Dash, who was on the verge of tears, and hugged her. “I’m sorry Dashie. I’m sorry.” I said. “It… it’s alright. I thought he was a gentlecolt but I was wrong.” Dash said, tears falling onto my back. “He is, but ever since he went missing in the woods, he hasn’t been himself at all. I hit him because that wasn’t him. The Regal I know would have never even thought about saying any of that stuff. The Regal I know would’ve never stopped apologizing when we met you in the forest this morning…” I said, tears leaving my eyes too, in worry about my friend, feeling sad wit Rainbow Dash, and feeling embarrassed about kissing Edel. “You and Edel are okay, good ponies.” She wept. “Wow what did I just miss?” a voice behind me came. I looked and saw Daring Do. “Daring! You made it!” I yelled, right before hitting the ground and everything going black. End of Chapter 7 *Hello! StarPrism here! I hope this chapter was okay and I hope this wasn't too much shipping... I promise more action in the future. Thank you for reading, I hope you continue to enjoy the story ^_^ Have a good one*