//------------------------------// // Passing Time // Story: Acceptance // by Riddle-Me-Think //------------------------------// I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic The calming aroma of a specialized tea blend drifted through the air as a cup was held aloft by blue magic, being sipped on daintily by Rarity. Before her was Twilight, calm and collected while reading a scroll and having the same blend of tea. Moving about the same room was Pinkie Pie, going from one spot to another as she continued her search. Putting the cup on its saucer, Rarity asked, “How have you been dear, since our last get together at Sugar Cube Corner, things have been…hectic as of late.” Looking up from her read, Twilight gave a small smile admitting, “Things have been a little crazy with the whole changeling thing, hasn’t it?” At Rarity’s nod, she continued, “I suppose I have been fine, even with having a pony that can take your shape…” Rarity watched the bookworm glare at Masquerades work place in the library with some level of irritation. She could not hold back the slight smile of amusement at Twilights words. Apparently that stallion was now using his newly reviled self to annoy and tease the lavender unicorn in new ways. “He is quiet the scoundrel, is he not?” She voiced while taking another sip, while the mare before her gave an large sigh of, “If only you knew the full extent of it.” Popping next to the unicorn was a pink flash saying, “Do you think Masquerade would like going on pranks with me and Dashy?” Quickly pouring herself a cup of tea and taking easy sips to savor it. Giving the earth mare a wary look with Rarity, Twilight said, “I don’t think he would be into that sort of thing Pinkie Pie.” But really thought, I don’t need to give him any more reason to act out of line as it is! The very idea of Masquerades acting skills and shape shifting, mixed with Pinkie Pie’s unpredictable planning… No, I’m not going following that line of thought. Taking another calming sip of her tea she asked Pinkie, “Do you happen to know how Applejack‘s been since…you know?” While the revealing of the two Gem sisters had gone slightly rocky at first, things seemed to have smoothed out some. That was until the apple farmer said she would have to tell her kin. The fear Twilight saw on their faces actually made her feel somewhat guilty for telling Applejack. Turned out that their older brother agreed with Masquerade and told them to tell the Apple Clan at some point anyways, they were only scared of how they might act. She has yet to hear how it played through since five days ago, but she was sure Masquerade, Applejack or the sisters would tell her. That was to say if Pinkie Pie didn’t know anything. “Nope, haven‘t heard a thing. Ebony and Ivory haven’t had time to visit me much.” And took a bit from the mysteriously appeared cupcake in her hoof, “I think they‘re helping the rest of the Gems get ready to move and getting a few of their things.” She said with a slightly thoughtful expression. Turning back to the scroll before her, Twilight began to read over it carefully while Pinkie asked, “What‘cha reading anyway Twinkles?” Twilight noted to herself at that moment to find a way to get back at Mask, as both Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash have taken up calling her that. With the slightest twitch at the nickname she told, “Just some notes on what I know or have been told about changelings.” Peeking up to see both mares interested she let slip, “Like how they have a love for fruit because its usually sweet, or why heirs are so rare.” This was a fact Twilight had asked Masquerade directly one day as it had bugged her. Turns out that three heirs is the limit because it stresses a females body for every successful birth and can shorten their lifespan by sapping too much emotion from their bodies. By Twilights count, their could only be about fifteen heirs per generation if no twins are born. Then comes the point that some heirs could be stillborn's from lack of proper nourishment or from the mothers body being too stressed and dying with the foal, or in this case nymph. Twilight gave a slight shudder at some of the things she had found out, like how she asked about other emotions he hadn’t motioned like fear, greed or jealousy. Those he seemed to reluctantly tell in little detail, stating it was something he didn’t like to talk about in changeling society due to there…effects on the mind. Some of the effects he told disturbed her, like what would happen if a changeling took too much hate. “I will admit that some things I have been told are not…savory to say the least.” She told, hoping to skip the subject, “But in any case, Masquerade has been more than willing to tell me much about his kind.” The fashion pony nodded to that with some interest, but remembered the shudder Twilight gave when she drifted into thought. She decided a change in subject was in order and mentioned, “Have there been any new books lately?” And called her magic to pull out a book from her saddle bag, “I must admit, those two Gem sisters know a good romance novel when they see one.” “I especially enjoyed some of the details on the dresses they described. I can not tell you how many ideas have been dawning in my mind!” Twilight smiled at her friends enthusiasm, thankful for the change in subject. “Well, thanks for seein‘ us us off an‘ what not.” Chance smiled, heaving another folded tent into a wagon that was being packed. Dropping it in an empty space and fixing it he went on, “We‘ll be sure t‘ send letters now an‘ then.” Turning around to both Ebony and Ivory, he smirked, “And be sure t‘ keep out of any of tha‘ mischief of yours.” With innocent smiles they asked, “Mischief, Gem scout Chance?” Looking to their left where Big Mac was helping both Mettle and Applejack load another wagon, they looked back saying, “We are to remind you, that we are well behaved mares.” “Uh-huh, tell tha‘ to my stolen rock collection tha‘ was replaced with rock candy.” The scout rolled his eyes, tying down the tent roll securely while the twins giggled out, “You keep saying it was us, but you have no proof of it.” Huffing to himself and thinking, annoyin' twins, Chance took a glance at the two Apple Clan ponies and asked, “Now yer sure you‘ll be alrigh‘ with ‘em?” Rolling their own eyes at him they said, “Yes, we will be fine.” And looked over to the Apples themselves, “It took some time, but we were able to get Apple Clan member Applejack to understand better.” Glancing off to the side stood both their brother Sham and their cousin Masquerade, discussing something that they couldn’t hear, “We have our cousin to thank for that some, as he laid the ground work for Twilight Sparkle to help us talk to Applejack better.” Chance stopped his work to look over to the two heirs that seemed deep in discussion and shook his head, “I can‘t say I‘d agree with that, bu‘ I‘ll take your word for it.” Feeling two sets of eyes on him, he looked down to find both sisters giving him a curious look as he explained, “No offense t‘ yer cousin none, bu‘ I still don’t trust them sneaky infiltrators much.” The sisters gave each other a look in understanding while Chance got back to packing. Infiltrators, as honored as the title is given for a changeling, were rarely trusted by others, with family or close friends being the only ones to truly trust them. They weren’t seen as reasonable as the scholarly masters of the Tome, and didn’t not play by rules of honor that the warrior like masters of the Sword. Looking back to Masquerade, they could only wonder what it was like to be in his position as of now. Being an Infiltrator was perhaps the most dangerous skill set a changeling could have. Even if it worked true and natural for them, the risks involved were never something to look up to, as only a select few are willing to trust what can be seen as a unknown. What was it like to not have your clan or family back you up? Do you think he is truly alright with all that has happened in such a short amount of time? Ivory asked her sister in thought while the bid goodbye to the scout that was now wandering off to see if the skies would stay clear. I can not say sister, but one thing is for sure, he will need us to lean on. Ebony told while they made their way over to Applejack, taking a small break to talk to Mettle. And if he refuses? Ebony could not hold back the pain she felt at Ivory’s thought, but it was a good point. Masquerade would not do anything to burden them, and would most likely hide that fact from them and play it off as something else. Thinking for a few moments she thought, then we would need to implore another’s aide, one that I more than sure would work. At first Ivory wasn’t sure what her sister was getting to, but with a quick look into her sisters mind, she could not hold back the grin that grew in size. Yes, that would help. If he will not confine in us on his troubles, then we shall force his hoof with that. With the other two heirs, Masquerade gave a slight shiver as he felt a very short burst of excitement and maybe something along the lines of mischief pass by. Looking back at the twins that had passed by, he could only shrug thinking, Mares. They were up to something, but what they were up to was up in the air. After all, he could only read emotion, not minds. But with that line of thought, he could only mentally shake his head. Not sure if I would even want to know what those two think. Turning all attention back to Sham and clearing his mind of those absent thoughts, he said, “Also, the next time you pass Hallow Shades, be sure to pass this to a band called Kick Up.” And with a flick of his head, the right side of his saddle bag opened up and out drifted a letter. Catching and looking at the letter Sham read, “To Bard of the Kick Up‘s.” Looking up he asked, “Isn’t Bard the ‘once in every six generations, a moron first heir is born’ to the Lue Clan?” “He‘s not a moron, just lax and slightly inattentive.” Masquerade clarified with his equally lazy cousin. He was sure if the two spent enough time near the other, they would realize they are both lazy and more or less rude as the other. Only, one was almost hippy like in nature and talks without thinking, while the other just does not care what you think of what he says. “What ever you say, two-face.” Sham blew off, “Was there anything else you needed before we all left?” Taking a moment to think the black Unicorn said, “Yes, is their anything else I might need to know about the Twins?” Sham took that moment to look passed Masquerade to find both sisters giggling on either side of Big Mac, who seemed slightly lost to what to do, and an annoyed Applejack trying to pry them off her brother. Focusing back to Masquerade he said, “Not at all, after all I don’t keep secrets from family.” The second heir only gave a blank look stating, “It‘s not what you keep secret Sham, but what you don't say.” And looked behind himself to see the apple farmer pry Ivory off, just in time for Ebony to latch back onto Big Mac’s left. Rising a bow he asked with a tinge of concern, “When’s their next cycle?” Giving off a yawn and a slight stretch he told, “Not any time soon.” And began to walk away. Masquerade didn’t seem to like his answer and walked right with him asking, “And how soon, or late, is that?” Sham didn’t seem to give an answer, looking rather lost in thought as his eyes seemed to stare on as if in a day dream. So help me Sham, if I don’t know both your sisters cycles, I may have an angry farmer on my hide. And if I survive the encounter, I will strangle you! Granted there was nothing bad about cycles, but they were the changeling equivalent to a mare’s time in heat. Masquerade didn’t want to go through the trouble of explaining female changeling cycles, but if it was anytime soon, then Ancestors of Anarchy help him. He also didn't want to be around the whole cuddling phase of it, the last time it happened, he was stuck sitting in one spot for half a day. All the while, the two sisters cooed over him like two mother hens. Not fun. “Masquerade, do you honestly think I would be so irresponsible to not tell you when such a cycle would start?” Sham questioned in a non-caring manner. “No, you wouldn’t.” Masquerade admitted, “But that doesn’t stop you from using my position of taking responsibility of them to your advantage.” It was small, but the Infiltrator felt the slightest twinge of concern flow from Sham. With narrowed eyes he said, “There‘s more to them staying here than you let on, isn’t there?” Sham only gave, “Ask me no questions, and I will tell no lies.” Picking up his pace yelling out, “I want all able bodies to start getting ready, we‘re pulling out in ten!” Turning his head he called, “Mettle, I want your guard at the ready in standard formation, and if you see Chance, get him to fly over while we move!” Masquerade gave a slight grunt of irritation at his cousin brushing him off like that with that old changeling saying. If the cycle for both sisters was going to happen soon, then he best prepare for it. Turning around and forming a new game plan for latter that day, he gave off a sigh thinking, better have Twilight know, if I’m not around when it happens, then she would be the next best to know. It was going to be a long talk when he got back to the library. Looking up to the sky he could not help but think of that saying once more, ask me no questions. And I will tell no lies, were the ending thoughts to Twilights mind as she continued to review the scroll she had written on changelings. There were gaps in information that she had not either asked, or wasn’t completely told. Apparently, changelings loved to keep secrets, and will do what they can to keep it hidden. She was at least grateful that Masquerade had the decency to tell her what was secret at times, or later tell her why he was being vague on other things. But the fact still remained, he was hiding things from her. After having days of calming down and being able to talk to her friends some, she had come to realize that some things he mentioned didn’t always make sense, or didn’t give her the right idea of why something occurred. Like the story he told of how the blood feud between the Malek Clan and Veron Clan begun. Looking back at it, she can distinctly remember him say he couldn’t tell her what happened, yet he latter told her a story of it. Is it possible he told a fake story? It was possible, but the idea was brushed away, as he told this while acting like a pony. Maybe he told me what happened, but remained vague as to how it happened? This made the most sense to her. Telling her what happened in it’s most basic way, but not give her the more detailed information that would… Thinking for a moment, she realized she had no reason to not have that information. It was possible it could leave a stain on the clan, but from the sounds of it, that’s already happened. So why hide it still? Looking to a box full of scrolls and letters, Twilight could not hold the strange feeling of anxiety flow over her as she looked at the box. Inside it, she knew, was that same letter Masquerade gave her to possibly send her teacher and ruler Celestia. Ever since she was given it, it had been nagging away at her mind none stop. She had said she wouldn’t tell her, not yet, but this was a big secret to keep from her mentor. Is this even the right way to do it? Twilight had asked herself more than once. Her friends thought it would be better to let the solar monarchy know what was happening, but she still wasn’t sure the history behind changelings and her. The very brief argument, despite how short it was, between the changelings had sent her into wondering what they could have done to worry so much on being known. Something had happened, and she wanted to get to the bottom of it. There was a chance she didn’t need to do anything from the sound of it, Masquerade wanted her to know as much as possible without revealing anything too big. The library door suddenly slammed open and made her jump and lose her train of thought, as one young dragon covered in a number of paint colors walked in. Watching the rainbow colored dragon make his way passed her, Spike simply stated, “Cutie Mark Crusaders: house painters.” She made no comment, and was merely happy the paint was dry and didn’t track. Then again, it was going to take Spike the rest of the day to wash it off. With a sigh, she got up and called, “Hold on Spike, let me help with that.” Rolling up her scroll and tucking it away in a chest for later use. Two rose colored eyes scanned the skies from their perch for anything of interest. So far nothing worth noting has passed said eyes as the clear blue sky left nothing to sight. With some level of boredom, Rainbow Dash just laid in her cloud and stared up into the sky with lazy eyes. She had finished her tasks, and done some flight practice, but besides that, she was board. Ponyville was an awesome town to her, and it would remain her home away from home for as long as she lived, but sometimes the place was just to peaceful and still. Something that got her irritated with her rather fast track life style. But I gotta admit, it’s a great place to take a nap anytime I want! She smirked while placing her hooves behind her head and relaxed further into the soft cloud. Her ear twitched with the sound of hooves clopping on the ground below and garnering her attention. With just a peek of one eye over her cloud, she could spot a black dot moving its way down the dirt road going to Ponyville. Opening both eyes to get a good look with her pegasus eyes, she could fully now tell it was that one guy, Mask-something-or-other, She told herself. The same guy she had to pick a bone with but never got the chance when he bolted on them. With narrowed eyes, she watch the changeling in unicorn form make his way towards the town on his own and head lowered as if in thought and saddlebag swaying about with lack of things. Despite what Twilight had told her, she wasn’t sure what to make of the guy. Somepony that can take the shape of anypony at any given time didn’t sit right with her. Setting herself upright and flaring her wings open, Rainbow Dash took wing and flew herself right over him to keep an eye on the stallion for now. If anything, it would help to alleviate her boredom of the day. The speedster watched carefully as Mask made his way into town and politely nod to anypony that greeted him. From there he walked through the town. He would pass stands, houses and at one point, Rarity’s boutique and a few other places. He made a point to avoid Sugar Cube Corner every time he approached the area, as if afraid of the area. The very thought that he was afraid of one of Ponyvilles most friendliest and lovable inhabitants made her want to gab her sides in painful laughter. Apparently, the same love and excitement Pinkie Pie gives to ponies all around her was the precise reason he was scared. Those two twins, that she admitted were cool in there own right despite hiding in sheep’s clothing, had said something about emotional overload or something. They said it was like if a pony was getting way too much of one food, or just over eating. This made the rainbow mane Pegasus wonder what emotions taste like to changelings for a moment. During this thought, she almost lost him as he turned a corner into an ally way. Quick to follow, she sped after him to get in sight of where he was going. This was foiled as the stallion had all but diapered from her sight. Looking about the area, Rainbow Dash searched all over before finally giving up and landing on another cloud that hung in the air. “What‘s got you all worked up Dash?” Turning her head up to a familiar face she said, “Hey Thunderlane, I was just trying to fallow this pony that my friend knows. Completely lost track of him.” She could hear Thunderlane snicker at her and say to himself, “And she says she‘s the fastest.” “Oh, so you want me to prove that to you again, do ya?” She challenged a surprised pegasus who shook his head with stutters of no’s. “I thought not.” She nodded to herself, “Catch you later.” And without any other words, took off. After she left a good distance away, he flapped his wings and glided down to the ground into an ally way. With a quick flash of green fire, Masquerade stood in the stallions stead. Lighting his horn, he pulled some cardboard boxes aside and lifted his saddle bag with a small smirk. Nice try Dash, but I’m not that easy to track. Quickly reminding himself that he had more research to do, he set off for the rest of his walk. Coming out of the alleyway, he spotted one of the towns park like areas and decided to do a little pony watching.