//------------------------------// // Chapter XX - Priorities // Story: Collateral // by Ogopogo //------------------------------// I... I really didn’t know what to think anymore. Though, with what had happened, I think my (to put it bluntly) lack of concern might be excusable. Chrysalis being captured, let her being Cytri’s mother, let alone my teacher appearing, let alone finding out the changeling council was involved... Yeah, it was getting too much for me to take in. Admittedly, I won’t hesitate to say that I am in over my head. I suppose that is why I was heading to get a little council of sorts; I needed to make sense of what was going on. First and foremost, I hadn’t expected Chrysalis to be so level headed. It just threw me right off. I had expected a tyrant but we got someone who was not strictly evil, at least not in the purest sense of the word. I’m not quite sure how to describe it, but at face value, she just seemed really really cold. If there was any truth in what she or my teacher told me about the state of her hive, then I needed to find out. There was no way she wasn't evil unless there was something else. What more, they say children behave much like their parents do, and to some extent the reverse must be true. The only thing is, if Chrysalis is anything like Cytri, then I just don’t see how she could be an evil tyrant. Cytri is kind and shy, but willing to ask about what needs to be done. Her mother was supposed to be cruel, evil and entirely willing to do whatever she pleased. It just didn’t add up. On the other hoof, Mirra’s appearence was a surprise which hadn’t really surprised me. Yes, I know that sounds weird, but it was always her sort of style. Years ago, when she taught me magic, she always arrived as abruptly as she left. There was no sort of pattern to her schedule, and after a while, I had just learned to accept it. If Mirra had had an obligation to the changeling council for the past few years, it explained everything. Now, if only the same could be said about the other changelings, like Mrctic. Truth be told, however, I think I’ll let Celestia and Luna handle him and any others. I won’t even begin to pretend to understand the intricacies of the politics they demanded. Just calm down and think. To be brutally honest, I’m not sure I should even be worrying about any of those problems, let alone the changeling council. Over the past few days, everything I had done had taken me away from what I should have been doing: catching the hatted stallion. There would be no peace till that happened. Make no mistake, I don’t regret how I made use of my time, but I have to recognize there is a point where I just have to stop. I couldn’t solve every problem, no matter how much I wanted. I wasn’t so naive to think I no longer needed any help either. It was because of that I was heading to the dungeons. I think Ocean Wind and Starlight had stewed in a cell for long enough now for a crime they didn’t commit. The few guards stationed along the route gave me wary glances as I passed, but evidently trusted that I would behave myself. I suppose that in itself should have been a blessing, but honestly it was a bit of a hollow victory. There were so few of them that I doubt they could catch me if they tried. I just hope Celestia began recalling guards back to Canterlot soon; they sure as hell were needed here. The unicorn by the door eyed me warily as I drew near. “What do you want?” he asked. I cleared my throat; there was no point in sounding half-assed. “Can I speak with Ocean Wind and Starlight?” His eyes ran up and down me, searching for something amis. He found nothing. “Very well.” The door to the dungeon swung upon without a creak, and locked shut behind me. Anything to keep me contained I suppose. It still amazed me that the cells almost sparkled, despite how old they must be. The castle staff did a good job cleaning the places that really should be last on their list. Ahead, I could hear the sound of ponies talking, albeit it quietly. When I crept around the corner, I couldn’t help but smirk. Starlight and Ocean Wind sat on one of the plain beds, leaning against each other, out of their armour. Where was my bed when they captured me? I could hear they were talking, but I couldn’t make out anything more than murmurs. Surprisingly, they hadn’t noticed me. The way they sat, so close together made me realize that perhaps they were more into each other than I had thought. Either way, I couldn’t resist the temptation. “This is not what I had in mind when I was going to tell you to get a room,” I said dryly. To be frank, I don’t think their reaction could have been any better. Both of them whipped their heads towards me, as if I had just stung them or something. Blood rushed to their cheeks, lighting them up in a red glow. I guess it must have been her instincts, but Starlight went and shoved Ocean right off the bed. Realizing what she had done, she turned to look at him, only to slip off the bed herself. She landed on Ocean, her muzzle pressed against his. I couldn’t help it. I roared in laughter while they scrambled off each other. How could that have gone any better? “Amethyst, what do you want?” Starlight blurted, trying very hard not to look meet my eyes. I think her blush might be terminal. “Oh masters... I can’t breath!” I gasped, leaning back against the wall to steady myself. Both of them scowled, and huffed almost simultaneously. “What did you want?” she asked. I let myself enjoy their embarrassment for another few seconds before I sobered. “We need to talk,” I raised hoof before they could get in their objection. “I know you didn’t kill her. Everything was just far too perfect.” Relief washed across their faces, like a wave washing hoofprints from the sand. “I still don’t know how they even got our spears,” Ocean Wind said. “They’re locked up in the armoury at all times they are not in use.” “Did someone forget to lock the door behind them?” The obvious was always worth considering. He shook his head. “No. There are only a couple who have access to that, and I can’t see any of them doing that.” “Well what about–” Ocean sighed. “Amethyst, are you going to get around to telling us why you came here?” I blinked. Surely they couldn’t be serious. “I wanted to check in with you?” “And just how long have we been down here already?” He didn’t give me time to answer. “So what happened to bring you down here then?” “Hey, hold on a minute!” I exclaimed. “I came down here as soon as I could!” Starlight snorted. “Gee, how long have we been in here now? You could have at least checked in on us.” They were right. I shifted uncomfortably on the spot. “Something just sort of came up.” “And what would that be? To be fair, I’m pretty sure what I told them was the last thing they had expected. I told them everything. At the end of it all, they looked sort of defeated: outplayed if you would. I expect that was a feeling shared throughout the castle and guard. No one could have anticipated the true extent of the changeling council’s reach. If what they had claimed was true, there was a lot to worry about. “So where is Chrysalis now?” Ocean demanded, as he started to pace about the cell like an irritated lion. “Which cell is she in?” I winced. “Well, you see... It turns out that Chrysalis is Cytri’s mother. She is with the other changelings.” “What!” Starlight shouted. “You can’t be serious?” “I am not okay with this,” Ocean Wind growled. “She should be locked up tighter than the archives. For all we know she could be planning another attack.” “Now you’re being ridiculous,” I shot back. “How in the world could they even try to attack? They’re hurt, injured and banged up. Some of them can barely walk for masters’ sake.” Ocean Wind shook his head. “You weren’t there, Amethyst. She almost took out the entire guard by herself ahead of invasion, and she managed to take on Celestia in a contest of strength and win. The elements of harmony are not in Canterlot at the moment, and she knows to target Cadence or Shining Armour immediately. If she’s that free, I have no doubt that’s what she is planning.” I stamped my hoof. “Do you actually remember nothing of what I told you? Our magic doesn’t work like that; it is finite. Just because she had the power, doesn’t mean she still does. In fact, I’d bet she wouldn’t have let herself get captured if that was the case!” Ocean stopped pacing and ran a hoof over his face. “Sorry, Amethyst. It’s just... It’s just this whole thing isn’t sitting well with me.” “Same for me there,” Starlight added. “So was that all you came to tell us?” “No,” I admitted, “there is something else. I need your help.” Starlight tapped the bars to the cell. “Gee, I wonder how we are going to do that. “Well, I could always get you out of here.” I guess what I was implying was obvious, as they stared at me like I had grown a third head. “No way in hell is that happening, Amethyst,” Ocean declared. “What?” “I don’t care how much you think it’s a good idea, or do you need to tell you why?” “Oh, come on.” “You are not breaking us out of here. Were they really going to be this stubborn? “Or you could just wait in here for a few months till the they finally decide to look at your case. If you don’t get out now, you’re going to be in here for a long time.” “Amethyst, I don’t think you quite understand our situation. We are not guilty of anything yet, but we sure as tartarus will be if we do what you suggest. First off, the courts would see it as an admission of guilt, but furthermore, escaping carries its own sentence.” “So what happens instead?” I asked. “You just rot away here in the cell?” “We’re hardly ‘rotting’, but either way, we are pretty much stuck here,” Starlight admitted. “That’s complete bullshit! You’re going to just stay here while Canterlot burns around you?” Their silence was their answer. “And here I thought you would want to protect Canterlot, after all, isn’t that your job? Isn’t that what you want to do?” It was a low blow but I needed their help. Starlight’s brows furrowed, and she glared at me with a burning intensity. “I cannot believe you just said that!” she seethed. “Well it’s true, isn’t it?” I shot back. “We know there is a mole in the guard. We know someone out there is pulling the strings of the mob–” “And the proper thing would be to report it to the princesses,” Ocean Wind cut in. “But no! Instead, you insist on trying to be some puffed up vigilante.” I shook my head; if I had learned anything with the meeting from Chrysalis, it was that Celestia and Luna could not be trusted, not because of who they were, but because they were being watched. “If we go and tell them, we lose all chance we have at catching him or anyone else. Either that, or the changeling council will blame everypony for his actions and letting him roam free. I swear by the masters’ flame I’m telling you the truth. I need your help. Please!” They didn’t seem convinced. “This isn’t about my parents anymore; if we don’t stop him, he’ll burn Canterlot to the ground! Please, I need help you!” My pleas finally seemed to get to them; they finally understood, albeit slowly. Still, Ocean covered his eyes with a hoof and groaned. “Celestia’s mane, I cannot believe I am even considering this.” “That goes double for me,” Starlight muttered. They were silent for another moment. “Alright, Amethyst. We’ll go along with your plan. Just let me make one thing clear: if you even think of hanging out us to dry, I’m going to bring hell down upon your head. Understood?” His tone was cold and calculating. I was not about to abandon my friends. “Completely. Fact, if it comes down to it, I’ll take all the blame myself. He met my eyes in a stare, searching for truth in my words. I match his gaze with equal conviction. Eventually, he nodded. “I believe you.” The magic words. “So when are you planning to...” His mouth twisted as he struggled to get the words out, “break us out? Tonight?” I nodded. “I figure it’s a good a time as any, and the sooner the better. Few things I have to do first anyway. In the meanwhile...” I smile slyly. “Do enjoy yourself. Alone... In this room. Just the two–” The red glow of magic surrounding the back of my head, and pulled me forward sharply into the bars. I groaned, my hoof holding onto my nose. “Oh lighten up Starlight.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As it would turn out, there wasn’t actually anything for me to do. When I got back to my room, I found a note slipped under my door. In surprisingly elegant cursive, Cytri told me I wasn’t needed to help with funeral now that her mother was back, and apologized for any trouble she caused me. Somehow, I don’t think Celestia or Luna would be too thrilled with the prospect of Chrysalis using magic, so I doubt this was the end of it. It was a nice for Cytri to give me some notice too, although there was no reason she couldn’t have waited till I got back to my room. With so little for me to do, and Marmalade still out, I went and had a little nap. I had the feeling I wouldn’t get much time to sleep over the coming days, so I wanted to be ready. Besides, a nap was something I haven’t had in quite some time, unless I count all the times I was unconscious, and I’d rather not count those. The clock had read half past three when I went to sleep, and quarter to six when I woke. Even then, Marmalade still wasn’t back, so I set about paging through some of the new books Luna must have snuck on my shelf. They were definitely better than the first bunch, but then again, pretty much anything would be. Time passed slowly till a knock at the door interrupted my reading. Strolling over, I tugged it open, surprised to find Pastel pushing a cart. I stepped to the side, and she stepped in. “Hello, Amethyst,” she said. “I thought you might want something to eat.” She lifted the lid from a dish on the cart. The smell which came from the plate was intoxicating. At first glance, I didn’t know what the food was. Clearly, it was noodles with a mix of vegetable and spices, but I couldn’t tell exactly what the spices were. It looked like it was fettuccine noodles with a light pesto sauce. Next to that was bunch of sliced and roasted vegetables. Carrots, red pepper, onion, green beans and a few others were there, finished off with a red spice. I’m guessing chili powder and paprika or something. Pastel tittered, breaking me from my awe. “Close your mouth, dear, you are drooling.” “Sorry,” I instinctively blurted. “No need to apologize. I’ve learned the way to any stallion’s heart is through their stomach, after all.” She chuckled briefly. “Why, I believe I made supper the night my husband proposed to me.” “You made this?” “Heavens no! I wish I could cook like this. If you must know, I called in a little favour with the chef. I thought could use a nice little meal after what happened.” “You heard too, huh?” She sighed. “Just about everypony did.” She played with a lock of her hair. “If it’s alright, I rather not talk about that.” She fell quiet and I didn’t have anything to say. “Anyway, I have to get back to work. I still have a few more rooms to clean.” I hesitated, then called after her. “Thank you.” “For the meal? Oh, it was nothing.” I almost let her go, almost. “No, everything.... I mean, thank you for everything. You really didn’t have to do this for me.” The smile she gave from the doorway me was motherly. “You’re more than welcome.” I realized there was one more thing I wanted to ask. “Listen, I know you might not been keen on it, but could you have the kitchens make something nice for the other changelings? They’re having the funeral tonight.” She seemed surprised, but after a moment the smile returned. “Yes, I can do that for them.” Then she left. The moment she was gone, I scrambled over to the table. Holy crap, it smelt good and I would never forgive myself if I let it go cold. The first bite practically melted on my tongue and clouded my mouth with a stunning taste. The next few minutes could be described as me trying to strike a balance between shovelling the food down my throat and savouring each bite. In fact, I was enjoying myself so much I almost missed Marmalade coming in. Goodness, she looked happy. She had a slight spring in her step, and just a pleasant air about her. You didn’t need to be a changeling to understand how her day had gone. It was wonderful to see her smiling after everything that had happened. To my surprise, Cadence followed behind her, pausing just inside the door. “Afternoon went well?” I asked. “Sure did,” Marmalade answered. “Cadence and I wound up spending the afternoon talking, and we had a bit of an idea. I think you might like it.” “Oh?” “Maybe it’s time to go public and raise public awareness about changelings. Most ponies don’t know anything more besides the rumors and what the tabloid’s tell them. We could change that, and I know it would be the first step to fixing all the problems.” I shook my head. “Do you remember the last time I showed my face in Canterlot? “This would be different, Amethyst,” Cadence said. “It wouldn’t be just you and her trying to show you are just like they are. We would meet their fears head on and show them the truth. Furthermore, I will be placing my official support behind this effort. That is something I should have done a lot sooner.” That did change things. While guards might still be doubted as changelings, she wouldn’t. Come to think of it, Cadence would probably be the last pony they would accuse of being a changeling, especially with Chrysalis captured. After all, she and Shining Armour were the ones who ended the invasion where all else failed. “You may be right,” I admitted. “But I’m not sure I’ll have the time to help.” “Why’s that?” I hesitated; I didn’t really want to be the one explaining this. Well, maybe to Marmalade, but not to Cadence. “You might want to ask Shining Armour about it.” She raised an eyebrow. “You don’t know?” “No, it’s... Look, it would be a little easier for him to explain. Either him, Celestia or Luna.” She studied me for a moment, then shrugged. “Right, well anyway, we’re planning on holding our first public speech tomorrow. Interested?” “Maybe... I’m going to be up late tonight, and Cytri still might need my help with the funeral. I’ll see come tomorrow. Cadence’s smile grew melancholy “Ah, their funeral... I know it is a little much to ask, but would I be able to sit in? I’d understand completely if they didn’t want me there.” Yeah, I’m going to go out on a limb and say they would mind. “They want it to be private, so I don’t think they’ll want you there.” She nodded sympathetically. “Well, give them my condolences at the very least.” Note to self: don’t. I get the feeling the last thing Chrysalis wanted was Cadence’s sympathy. “Alright.” “Well we just stopped in to check up on you,” Marmalade said. She walked behind my chair and draped her legs over my shoulders. “We’re going to go practice for tomorrow right now. You going to be all right here?” “Yeah, I’ll be fine.” “Good, now give me a bite of that; it smells delicious.” Chuckling, I loaded up the fork and held it up to her to take a bit. She hummed appreciatively as she chewed on it. “Gahhh. I need to get me some of that.” She gave me a kiss on the cheek. “See you in a bit.” I hugged her forelegs to my chest. “Love you.” She returned the gesture. “Love you too.” Cadence had a tiny little smirk as she watched us, but I don’t really care what she thought of us to be honest though. Another moment, then Marmalade pulled away. “I’ll be back in a few hours if you are still here by then.” I nodded. Seconds later, the door to the room closed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was time. Thank goodness. Diddling away the past couple hours was one of the more boring experiences I could remember in the past few weeks, but that was all behind me. I peeked out my door into the dark hallway, glancing left and right before stepping out. I picked the first empty room I could find to go into. Concentrating on the shape of a unicorn of the Lunar Guard, purple flame swirled around me, then disappeared, leaving me in disguise. No one paid attention to the lone guard wandering the halls of the castle. I was practically invisible, though I didn’t come across any other guards who might recognize me. The plan for getting Ocean Wind and Starlight out was simple. Using my magic, I would simply change the cell bars to dust, or something close to it. Then I’d help Ocean Wind fly Starlight down to the ground and they would be home free. The only part of the plan I hadn’t pieced together was getting past the guard by the door, but I’m sure I could improvise. ... Make that getting past Shining Armour. He noticed me before I could leap back around the corner. “There you are,” he said, rising from his chair. “I was wondering when you were going to show up.” I managed to keep my face straight. “Sir?” He looked puzzled for a moment. “Oh, right. You were supposed to take over for Cherry, weren’t you?” Sure, let’s go with that. “Yes, sir.” “I took over so he could go home early, now, aren’t you going to ask me the challenge?” “Challenge, err... right.” Well, I’m screwed nine ways till Sunday. His face fell and he sighed. “Don’t tell me you’ve already forgot it. If it’s fine with you, I can just perform the scanning spell instead.” “Give me a moment,” I said, trying to hide the panic in my voice. What should I do, what should I do... When I saw the glint of his magic, I made my decision. I would like to take a moment to apologize to the chair Shining Armour had been using. Breaking it over his head was not a nice thing to do. What else had I been supposed to do? It’s not like I had any other options. Groaning, he tried to rise from the ground, a disoriented hint of magic beginning to form on his horn. I swung the chair again, shattering the remains over his head. Though his helmet might have been made of metal, I don’t think it had any real padding. He slumped to the ground: unconscious. Well, given that I had just attacked the captain of the guard, and given that there was supposed to be someone coming to take over for Shining, I wager I had about two minutes before everything went to hell... I glanced down at Shining Armour. Well, maybe it's a little late for that. Worse still, judging by the way Ocean Wind and Starlight were already peering out through the bars to their cell when I went in, I had been really really noisy. “What the hell was that?” Starlight hissed. “Are you trying to get yourself caught?” “Shut up.” I focused on the bars letting my magic wash over them. Nothing happened. “Let me guess, you can’t do it,” Ocean Wind said, falling back on his rump. “No. Something’s blocking me,” “Then hurry up and unblock it!” Starlight snapped. “Not helping,” I shot back. I didn’t have time to undo an enchantment let alone figure one out. I turned my focus onto the blocks the bars were secured with and instantly had more luck, only to have to dodge the bars as they fell. The noise they made was deafening. Starlight threw her hooves in the air. “I give up! Seriously, you’re a bloody changeling; you’re supposed to be good at being discrete!” I really wasn’t up to dealing with this shit.“Glad to disappoint you then. Now please shut up, and try using the air for something a little more useful.” Judging by the shouts that sounded as we ran away from the dungeon, the guards were hot on our trail. Ocean Wind was keeping pace like it was nothing with those wings of his. “So let me get this straight. You planned to get us out of the cell by attacking Captain Armour, then practically blowing up the cell–” “I didn’t,” I gasped between breaths. “Well, it’s not like an explosion would be any quieter.” Starlight guided us down a flight of stairs and took a right. She seemed like she had an idea where she was going, which was good, because I didn’t. I knew we needed to get somewhere with a window. A guard suddenly appeared in front of us, brandishing a spear. Without missing a beat, Ocean flew in, disarmed the guard and sent her tumbling the floor. “We’re running out of options,” Starlight called out. “Amethyst, plan?” “Quiet room, with window... Just tell me when,” I gasped between breaths. They were in way better shape than I was. “Right after this turn then.” I focused on my magic, drawing forth a strand. By the time we rounded the corner, another Amethyst, Ocean Wind and Starlight were running alongside us. We ducked inside the first room, but my concentration was still in the hall outside. It had to be given that the three illusions I was maintaining, by my memory and concentration alone, were all that was protecting us. Ocean Wind leaned up with an ear against the door as the ponies outside ran passed. “We’re good,” he said, dropping back down onto all fours. “We won’t have long till they wise up though.” “That’s fine,” I replied. “Doesn’t matter. We’ll be gone by then.” “And you plan that how?” I walked over to the window and unlatched it. “I’ll help you carry Starlight down to the ground, then we’ll find you some place for you to hole up in.” “So how do you know that they don’t know they were chasing illusions?” Starlight asked. “What if they go and check in your room right now and you aren’t there.” I hadn’t thought of that. “We’ll be quick. I left my window open to fly back in.” Ocean Wind shook his head. “Get back to your room now. If it is just gliding, I can manage carrying Starlight alone.” “You sure you can manage carrying her? She’s not light.” “Gee, I wonder what you could be insinuating right now?” Starlight quipped sarcastically, peering out the window at the ground below. “Yes, Amethyst, I can manage just fine. Now get back to your room before they check there.” I paused at the of the window and glanced back, but Starlight picked me up with her magic and threw me out. I probably deserved that. There were so many things I would have done differently tonight if I had my time back. First thing I’d do was figure out where my room was from the outside of the castle. Ocean Wind was right; I suck at making plans. There were only a couple guards out patrolling the grounds, so at least I didn’t have to worry about them. It felt nice to finally fly again without pain, even though my wings were sure to be sore tomorrow. Eventually, after nearly a minute, I found my room. The only problem was the window was locked. It didn’t make any sense! I know I had unlocked it, but when I tried pulling again, I could feel the lock resisting the movement. I cursed under my breath and tried one more time. Maybe the latch was sticky. My heart froze when the curtains were yanked open. That was it. They had me. The window swung open. “Amethyst?” Marmalade asked. My heart resumed beating. “You scared me half to death. What are you even doing out there?” I was breathing heavily from the flight as I stepped inside. “I’ll tell you in a minute, but have any guards come by?” “... No.” She examined me with skepticism. “Amethyst... What did you do?” “Look...” The lie died in my throat. “How was your day?” Marmalade rolled her eyes and gave an amused snort. “Quit changing the subject.” I was beat to a reply by pounding on the door. “This is the Royal Guard! Open up.” I cursed; I was still breathing heavily, I’m sure I had a few scorch marks from a couple of grazing spells and I was sweating. In short, I was fucked. I sat down on the end of the bed holding on head in my hooves, desperately trying to think of a way out of this. “Amethyst, are you alright?” She had finally truly noticing my disheveled appearance. “Unless you can make them go away, I’m screwed,” I admitted. Her head twisted around as the door rattled again. She glanced back at me, biting her lip. “I think know what to do. Could you tell me what happened later?” My gaze shot up to look her in the eyes. She was utterly sure of herself. “Yes, of cours–” “Just promise me you’ll tell the truth, alright?” I nodded. There was no time any more words before she tackled me onto my back, meeting my mouth with her own. Dimly, I was aware of the door bursting open, but my mind was on other matters. She didn’t even flinch at the noise either. Let me go on record by saying the kiss was nice. Really nice, in the sort of, please let this moment go on forever nice. Of course, the outpouring of love from her helped too. By the time her lips finally lifted from mine, I was out of breath in a whole different way. I lay there in bliss, removed from the world around me. Marmlade said something, but it just flew right over my head. The second time she spoke, I realized she was speaking to the guard. “Again, what the hell do you think you're doing?” Marmalade exclaimed, advancing on the stallion The stallion she was speaking to look taken aback. “We were just checking to make sure the changeling–” Marmalade stomped a hoof. “He has a name, and I suggest you use it,” Marmalade snapped. “Yes, well we were checking to make sure Amethyst was in his room.” “Oh, so he was the first one you suspect, even when you don’t have any proof! It’s no wonder he has such a low opinion of you. He has been here all night planning a surprise for me, one which you just so happened to ruin!” Damn, she was really taking a bite out of the guard. He appeared flustered. “My apologies, ma’am but–” “No, here is what you are going to do. You are going to leave this room and not come back. If you do find some actual evidence it was Amethyst, you’ll bring it to the Princesses. Understood?” She pushed the guard towards the door. “Ma’am, just hold on a moment. If you–” “I don’t care what you want to say,” she snapped. “But please, feel free to continue. I would be more than happy to report your behaviour. Get it?” “But–” “Good, now get out!” she gave him a shove into the hall and slammed the door behind her. My mouth flapped uselessly as she turned back towards me. “Where the hell did you learn that?” I could tell Marmalade had taken a little enjoyment from the whole thing. “Got used to drunk morons trying to make a pass on me. I just got good at putting ponies in their place.” She sat down as the base of the bed. “Now, what were you going to tell me?” Fair is fair; I had promised her after all. “Um, just one thing first.” “What is it?” “You think we could continue that surprise I had planned for you later?” Her face went blank till she remembered what I was getting at. The corner of her lips twitched. “Maybe.”