You open your mouth, then close it again. You spend several long moments thinking about the question.
Finally, you hang your head and tell the brownies, “I really wish I could say that I’ll keep your secret. But brownies... boggies... brothy-mowds—” a few more quiet chuckles cause you to flush, “Erm, brownie gatherings... how can I keep all of that secret from everypony I know? I... I think eventually I’ll slip up, even if I try my best.” You flinch in expectation. “If you have to lock me up forever, I... I guess I’m ready.”
There is silence. Then as one, all the brownies at the convocation burst out laughing. Wiping away a mirthful tear, Glomgrime exclaims, “Lock you up? Oh, that’s rich! What sort of tales has Danneltuft been telling you?”
Calming down a bit, he continues, “No, no. We appreciate your honesty, it is a rare quality among your kind these days. With your consent, we will work a bit of magic, then. It will wipe from your mind the memory of this night. It is not a magic we use lightly; we will do nothing without your agreement. Now tell me, will you consent to let us work this sorcery on you?”
You nod your head. “I’ll be sad not to remember any of this... but I guess if that’s the only price I have to pay for helping Applebloom, then I should count myself lucky.”
Glomgrime smiles. “You have a deep and generous heart. Although you will not remember this night, you will always have the goodwill of the brownies. Goodnight, Carrot Top.”
You feel a sudden wave of exhaustion. You slump to the soft ground, and are unconscious in moments.
*****
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