//------------------------------// // Vignette Sixteen - Three's A Crowd // Story: Quiververse Bonus Reel // by EchoWing //------------------------------// “I’m sorry that things aren’t quite going the way you’d hoped, Twilight.” Twilight couldn’t help but think that things weren’t going exactly the way that she’d hoped, but she did her best to put as positive a spin on it as she could. “Well, one thing that I’ve had to accept is that things don’t always go according to plan.” She smiled and continued, “Besides, you were still able to come, and that’s the important thing.” Cadance gave her sister-in-law a proud smile as they continued on their way through town. A small part of her was glad that the citizens of Ponyville were giving the two their space, as the last thing she wanted right now was to be mobbed by an adoring public. A part of her supposed that it was due to their familiarity with Twilight, as the mare had been a fixture in Ponyville for over a year now. Though another part of her suspected another reason might be involved. “Still, no offense to Shining Armor, but I think he might be getting just a touch overprotective.” Following them at a respectful distance were two familiar Guardsponies, kitted out in full armor. It was a testament to both their discipline and their good humor that neither reacted to Cadance’s statement, though it helped that neither took it personally. “Don’t get me wrong, I can understand his concern and appreciate the escort, but I was hoping for this to be just the two of us as much as you were.” The elder of the two mares managed an encouraging smile as she decided, “But we’ll make the most of it.” “Definitely.” Twilight then turned nervous as she moved the subject elsewhere. “Speaking of concerns, has there been any news regarding my research project?” Cadance shook her head. “I’m afraid not. If there’s anything in the wilds surrounding the Crystal Empire related to the Chest, then we haven’t been able to find it so far. The only thing that we have found that suggests any sort of link with the Chest or the Tree is the Crystal Heart, but that’s to be expected.” “Empathic gemstone and all that.” Twilight frowned and quietly hoped that her other leads would produce better results. “Well, please keep in touch with me about it.” “Of course.” Cadance then grinned and turned back to the subject at hoof. “For now, though, we get to enjoy a little quality time to ourselves.” The pair reached the Ponyville Fairgrounds to find themselves surrounded by curious visitors occupied by booths and exhibits all around them. The Star Swirl the Bearded Traveling Museum had arrived in town, and Twilight was herself appropriately dressed for the occasion in her costume from the previous Nightmare Night. And much like a foal on Nightmare Night or any geek engaging in cosplay, she had no embarrassment about her state of dress. Though the rare pony present not being similarly-dressed would discourage such things. “A whole day to celebrate Star Swirl the Bearded and his accomplishments. What could be better?” “Absolutely nothing.” Cadance then noticed one stallion in particular, and she idly wondered aloud, “Is that who I think it is?” Twilight’s eyes lit up as she called out and waved. “Quiver!” The stallion in question turned to them in surprise and approached with a delighted smile. “Twilight! Great costume!” He chuckled and admitted, “I’m afraid I didn’t have appropriate dress for anything like this.” “Well no one’s going to think less of you for not coming in costume.” Twilight then made some quick introductions. “Quiver, this is my sister-in-law, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” “Just ‘Cadance’ is fine. And you must be Quiver Quill. Twilight’s mentioned you in her letters.” The stallion chuckled nervously. “I’m flattered. Didn’t think I’d be worth mentioning.” “All of my friends are worth a mention. At minimum.” Twilight then gestured with a hoof. “Speaking of, our escorts for the day. Lieutenant Flash Sentry and Sergeant Topaz of the Crystal Guard.” Both stallions nodded politely, and Quiver responded in turn before the mare continued, “Enjoying the exhibition?” “Yeah. I’m just lucky it was here on one of my days off.” Quiver laughed. “It’s funny. Up until last year, the only ponies who knew anything about Star Swirl were historians, archaeologists, hobbyists and conspiracy nuts. Now, he’s practically everywhere.” “Well, a certain young mare managing to complete one of his unfinished spells and then locating one of his lost archives does raise a certain amount of public awareness.” Twilight blushed at Cadance’s comment before her in-law continued, “Anyway, you enjoy yourself.” “Of course. You do the same.” Quiver then parted ways from the two princesses, and Cadance noted, “I like him. He reminds me of your brother.” Twilight grinned. “Oh, something tells me that he and Shining Armor would get on like a house on fire.” “Something for another day, I guess.” The two then reached one of the exhibits, and discussion turned elsewhere. “Is that the candlestick Star Swirl used to light the way when he was exploring the caverns of Maretania?” Twilight, Cadance and their escort would get precious little time to enjoy themselves before a certain draconequus came along to disrupt their plans, while many ponies present at the exhibition would find themselves dealing with some headaches from same. Quiver in particular wouldn’t be forgetting it anytime soon.