//------------------------------// // Speech Therapy // Story: Rise of the Elements Epidode 0: Silent over Time // by Dream Volt //------------------------------// I then realized I was staring at the cloaked mare. I really hadn't expected that voice to come from such a pony. She was huge, not quite as tall as the Princesses, but close, and more importantly she wasn't just tall either, but overall large. Though the cloak obscured her well, that much was clear. The odd thing is despite her obvious size and strength she stood like a civilian. She could just be really relaxed, but it seemed unlikely. I had my wing across the threshold of the door. "I'm going to have to ask you to leave." "But I'm supposed to be here. At least that's what the last guard said." "Wait, are you here for the speech coach position?" She sighed. "It said voice coach. Why do ponies have such trouble with this?" "I don't understand? Is there a difference?" "My talent is music. Voice coach is singing, speech coach is speaking." "Ah. I'm sorry to waste your time. I was not aware of the distinction and…." "Wait. I still need the bits." "But you just said." "Speech isn't that different from singing. I figured it kept happening so bloody often, I'd just give it a try." Then there was a big sigh. "Now it's practically my profession." "We are looking for the best. If you lack the credentials…" "There are none. There are some suggested credentials, but speech coach has far less regulation that a fully licensed speech therapist. It only took one class to get the certificate you need." "And that's nothing?" There was a pause. "Well, almost, but not quite I suppose. Look, whoever is having a problem I'm sure I can sort it." "It is her royal highness princess Luna. She and…" I sighed. "…her trusted pupil, are inside doing the interviews to see whom they like." "Oh, that's…" There was another pause. "The money would be great wouldn’t it, and the perks better?" "Yes." "I wouldn’t have to make public appearances, would I?" "Not as part of your job, however the princess is somewhat unpredictable and you may be required to come along to certain social functions." "Okay, sounds fine, lets give this a whirl." "Very well. Please take off your cloak and…" She took a few steps back, then tossed her head one way then another. I caught glimpses of her eyes shining under the hood, but for the most part it hid her face very well. I could just see a bit of her red muzzle but not at all clearly. She also had big black galoshes on her hooves. Then she sighed, and walked back up to the door. "I have to don't I? You sure I can't just leave it on until after the interview at least?" "I won't even let you in the room. Do you have something to hide?" She rolled her eyes. "That should be bloody obvious. Fine." She threw off her cloak and I just stared. I had seen Zebras before. An entire delegation once or twice actually. But this mare was not a zebra, or not exactly. She was mostly a dark brick red, the fur fading to pink as it reached her boots. Then she sighed and began taking those off one by one as well. By the time it reached her hooves her fur was pure white. Except for the black stripes of course. There even seemed to be some in her mane and tail, though other than a few small highlights of black both were a rich orange. Both her mane and tail were long and silky. Her mane reaching her knees being especially impressive in her case. I was amazed she had it all bound up under her cloak, and her tail was similarly long. She then let out a long sigh. "I know, I know. I'm a zony freak, but what can I do? So are you going to let me in or…" "Yes. You may pass." I then followed the zony into the room. This meant leaving the sleeping Dream Volt to guard the door, but most ponies didn't seem to notice he was sleeping while standing up and just thought he was doing a good job standing still. I was just so utterly curious. I still took up a position on the other side of the door. There is bending the rules, and then there is shirking your duties. Luna and Trixie sat behind the table with a third pony. I don't remember the name but the pink mare with her red hair in a bun was an expert of some kind from Celestia's personal staff. I wasn't entirely clear on her position, but if Luna hasn't kicked her out by now, she must be competent enough in some manner. The large mare walked up to the table with slow, halting steps. She gave a polite bow to Luna then waited. Then after a minute of silence she laughed. It was then I noticed her cutie mark. Black and white notes that spiraled out ward until forming a rough circle on the outer edge. "Oh rot it all I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Azalea Valley, but I prefer just Azy. As you can see my real talent is music, but sound is sound, so maybe I can help you. I, really don't know what else to say." "She's had very good results even if she's under trained." Said Celestia's expert. "Thou have heard of her?" The expert merely nodded. "Trixie is not sure. She can certainly catch the eye, but she wonders if she is too big. Also she is not sure about that accent." "I'm speaking proper Equestrian I'll have you know. You're the one speaking a warped version. Even if for some bloody reason the name suggests otherwise." "We apologize. We never thought that would get so out of hoof." Said Luna "What?" "Trixie believes the Princess is saying she is somehow responsible, however she feels that it would be a long story and while the intrigued and curious Trixie does what to hear the story she feels this might not be the right time." "It is a long story." Said Luna. "Let me guess. Your problem is just that olde equestrian speech?" Luna nodded. "Thou art correct. You are not truly equestrian at all, are though?" She nodded. "Yep. I mean it would be right daft of me to not respect you and your sister, but Queen Victory is where I lay my loyalty if I had to make a choice." Luna smiled. "We have always been friends with the donkey royalty of Braytin. Perfect. We shall see no more candidates, we have made our choice." "Really?" Azy asked "Oh yes. We are sure you will be what we need." "But Trixie wasn't finished." Of course so far I had no idea what Trixie was trying to determine. It certainly didn't seem to have anything to do with the job the ponies had actually been interviewing for. Most likely she had nothing to add, but didn't want to admit that, so just asked random questions. Though that last one sounded like she had some position in mind, but I had no idea what she could be thinking. I noticed Trixie was now standing next to the zony, looking her up and down. Then she sat down squinted, looking in my direction. "Trixie wishes to know…." "Wait, you're really talking in the third pony, aren't you?" "So what if Trixie is, what concern is of yours?" "I just think it's neat." Trixie smiled of course. "Yes, Trixie should have known the princess would already be way ahead of Trixie in most things. However there is one more thing Trixie must test." Then Trixie suddenly kissed Azy on the mouth. Her eyes went wide, but then relaxed, and she pulled in Trixie closer. I soon found myself looking away. After a while Trixie cleared her throat. "You all may look. Trixie is a very good kisser, but obviously this was just a test and she would never allow things to go too far here." "So thou art a, what is the term of choice now?" "Missy mare. Trixie is not. No, Trixe just cannot stand the idea of denying some pony that wishes to love the beautiful and desirable Trixie the opportunity." "That's sure a strange way of putting it. I mean I just say I'm flippy and be done with it." "Only you could say something so egotistical." I then immediately clamped both front hooves over my mouth. I nearly fell but caught myself with a few wing flaps. I can't believe I just said that out loud. I then got back on all four hooves and bowed down as low as I could facing in Luna's direction. "I’m so sorry your majesty. It will never happen again." "No, we think that would be a shame. In fact we are now absolutely certain you have much to say, where before we only suspected." I lifted my head up to see a smirk on Luna's face. She looked a great deal like her sister in that moment. Then it faded to a more relaxed smile, then became a huge mischievous grin. "In fact we have just had a very fun idea." She laughed. "We love that word. Such a short simple word, nothing like frivolity or enjoyment." "Your majesty?" Said the expert "Ah yes, my point. I order you to speak your mind as much as possible. My sister could not be expected to help, but you could have." "Everything? Your majesty…" "She giggled. "Obviously there are some thoughts best kept private, such as what was going though Tixie's head during that kiss, and I do not want you to abandon all decorum entirely, merely speak what you feel to be the truth." "Are you sure your majesty? A great deal of what I say will be insulting Trixie." "Trixie is beyond such concerns. The great and powerful Trixie is secure enough in her abilities that nothing you can say shall phase her." "I'm well aware you lack the ability to be phased by reality." Then I cringed. "Are you really sure about this your majesty." Luna nodded. "We are. Though insults are not what I seek, but advice." "I'll try your majesty." "Verily. Then we are off. Come now all." Then Luna walked out of the room without another word, and I wondered if I could do it. My name may not be for talking so seldom, but it's true that I am anything but talkative. But it's an order so I have to try.