Sandpoint, 2 of Rova (Presumably 25 of October 1000 SR), Afternoon
I have to give it to Pinkie: that seaweed soup really is good. Of course, it's nowhere near rubies or sapphires, but as far as pony-friendly chow goes it wasn't bad. Then again, it may be because it was the first meal Twilight and I had today.
The moment Twilight started to study that book from a mysterious 'friend' I should've known it would end up something like this. Having me write down each and every observation she made while experimenting with the magic spells she found in it, it was only natural that she would lose track of time. And ignore her bodily needs. And mine. Boy am I hungry.
That wasn't all though, if it was only about me noting down each and every little thing she said I would be able, with some difficulty of course, to persuade her to at least eat something. But no, Twilight had to need my help with most of the spells she was trying out, especially my knowledge of digit-related nomenclature, and I, like the stupid lizard that I am had to feel my ego being stroked. I mean come on: I was actually helping Twi understand (or at least utilize) magic, not merely being a guinea pig like most of the time. I felt actually useful for once. Not that it made my belly feel any more full.
And so we stayed in our room, cooped in our small lodgings and experimenting with the arcane, completely forgetting about the outside world. It was… actually fun I have to admit. I'm even starting to see why Twilight enjoys learning magic so much. The exhilarating feeling of manipulating the very fabric of reality by exerting small amounts of your own will outside of your body is something one can get addicted to. Not that I would know unfortunately, every time I tried to copy Twilight I couldn't produce the effects she could. It was almost as if we used two completely separate sources of power to produce any magical phenomena at all, which begged the question why I even had any magic in the first place. But that could wait until I ate. And besides, as long as Twilight was having fun I wasn't going to complain.
I'm not really sure how long it would take us to realize we needed food if it wasn't for Rainbow Dash. Sometime after Twilight and I started to work on yet another spell she found her way to our door and barged right in with no respect for any form of decorum. Next thing she knew, Rainbow knocked over a levitating glass of water, spilling its content all over herself. The look on her face was priceless.
After a few moments of chuckling on my part, Twilight hurriedly apologizing, and Rainbow's remark about hanging a 'do not disturb –magic at work' sign on the doorknob next time, RD herded us out of the room and down to the inn proper. Before either of us had a chance to take a better look around, Dash led us towards a fairly large round table, Rarity and Pinkie Pie already seated at it.
I could tell right away that Rarity didn't sleep so good last night. I don't want to brag, but after spending so much time around her I could notice things like that. Even with a liberal application of makeup she couldn't completely hide the bags under her eyes, and her hair, usually perfectly styled had a bit less curl to it. This of course led me to wonder what could've possibly happened to rob Rarity of her sleep. Was she worrying about the others? Maybe nightmares? Or is it just that the inn's standards weren't up to par to her own? I'll probably never know.
Pinkie on the other hoof looked as fresh as a daisy. The moment she saw us she waved energetically and greeted us with her usual cheer, as if yesterday never happened. But as I watched her rock on her chair and hum a happy tune I couldn't help but feel that something was not right. I… I don't even know what it was about, but something was telling me that there was something… off about the way she smiled, but for the love of me I couldn't tell what it was.
Shaking off the strange feeling I took a seat beside Rarity and finally looked around the inn. The ground floor was quite spacious yet packed, littered with tables similar to our own, if not smaller. Already there was a significant number of patrons enjoying the services provided by Ameiko, be it food, drinks, or generally enjoying the opportunity to hang out and chatting with friends. The clatter of cutlery and the multitude of voices filled the room with a comfortable din, banishing the memories of yesterday's incident. The people here acted as if nothing had happened, as if the goblin attack was nothing more than a distant memory, but if it was a show of human endurance in the face of tragedy or simply the magic of alcoholic beverages I couldn't tell.
Banishing the thoughts of therapeutic properties of booze I continued my inspection of the inn. Quickly I noticed the bar, a few locals sitting at it and drinking from large, metal mugs served out by a woman I didn't recognize, probably the bartender. Not too far from them there was a notice board, nailed to a wall, with several pieces of parchment attached. For a moment I wondered what that was about, but I let it drop soon after, figuring it was just a pricelist or something like that. On the other side of the room was a set of stairs down which we came not too long ago. Aside from that there wasn't really anything really of notice, aside from a few decorative accents here and there. I think I heard Twilight saying that they reminded her vaguely of the Neighpon culture, whatever that is.
My thoughts were interrupted by Rainbow, who, with a wide grin on her face and a mug full with a foaming, amber-colored drink asked what we wanted to eat. After exchanging a glance with Twi, and trying to silence the rumbling of our guts we just ordered whatever, as long as it was edible. Nodding, Dash went up to the bar, and after a few moments came back in the company of a… I guess female halfling, she was about as tall as me and had no boots, her feet covered in thick hair. Well, whatever she was, she worked as a barmaid and brought the two of us a bowl of the green, mushy kelp soup each, plus one for Pinkie, who I'm pretty sure was at her fourth helping already.
And that's how I got here. Sitting contently beside my lady and having a warm bowl of soup before me, I was about as close to heaven as I could without wings. That is I would be if not for one teensy little detail. Using the clamor in the room as cover and the fact she wasn't here as far as she could tell, Twilight decided to finally privy Rainbow and the rest to her controversial decision of keeping Trixie around. It went about as good as I expected it to.
"Tell me you're joking." Rainbow was the fastest to voice her displeasure. She looked at Twilight in a pleading manner, as if Twi's decision could change the fabric of the universe. "Please tell me this is a joke."
"I'm afraid not Rainbow Dash." Twilight answered apologetically. "Magic is a fickle thing, even the slightest change in its structure can lead to unforeseen consequences." Rainbow quickly switched her gaze to Rarity, as if seeking confirmation, eliciting a sigh of defeat from our fashionista.
"I may not be as well versed as Twilight in this manner, but I fear she's right dear. Magic, especially unicorn magic, follows its own rules. If one variable is changed, the whole spell may at best not work, and at worse have a really destructive effect." Hearing that Rainbow slumped down.
"Great, just great." She mumbled dejected, taking a swig from her mug and staring blankly in front of her. "Not only are we stuck here, but we have to put up with that no good con artist just because her presence is the only thing that can bring us home."
"Sorry Rainbow, but I really don't have any influence on the matter." Twi replied, placing a hand on her shoulder. Rainbow glanced back at her and gave her a weak smile in return.
"Hey, I'm not blaming you Twilight. You're not the one writing rules or anything. It's just that I have a really low tolerance for ponies like Trixie." Aaaand another swig from the mug. I idly wondered what was it that she was drinking, but not enough to prevent me from flapping my gums.
"That's strange coming from you Rainbow, you two kinda act similar in a lot of ways…" I… momentarily trailed off noticing the look RD was giving me. I just had to put my foot in my mouth, didn't I?
"Spike. I'll pretend you didn't say that if you promise never to compare me to the likes of her, got it?"
"Yes ma'am." I nodded vigorously, shying away from the glare I was receiving from our resident speedster. Unforeseen by me though I found an unexpected yet not unwelcome ally in the form of none other than Rarity herself.
"Now Rainbow, that's no way to treat Spiky." Did… Did she just gave me a pet name? Oh yeah baby, I'm officially in the zone! "He just made an observation that I believe does hold some truth to it." Dash looked as if she was stabbed in the back.
"You too, Rarity?"
"Oh, don't give me that Rainbow Dash, I don't mean it as an insult." Rarity interrupted, discretely rolling her eyes. "What I mean, and I am most certain Spiky does too, is that both you and Trixie" she almost spat the name as if it left a bad taste in her mouth "tend to boast a lot. Of course, unlike her, you can, most of the time, put your words into action. Still, you cannot possibly deny that the similarity is there."
"Oh yeah?! Well… I… I at least don't claim to be able to fight off an Ursa Major!" Rainbow replied hotly, as if she didn't hear what Rarity just said, or heard only what she wanted to. This of course prompted Rarity to look at her in an unamused fashion.
"If you were listening to me Rainbow Dash you would have known that I never claimed you did in the first place. In fact, I'm sure I stated quite the opposite."
"Well… good! Because I'm nothing like Trixie!" By this point I looked at Twilight for help. Sighing, Twi shook her head slightly and was about to step into the fray and try to calm the two mares down when another voice entered the budding argument.
"I actually like Trixie." Arguments ceased at that small declaration, all eyes falling on the source of those words. As to be expected, it was none other than Pinkie Pie, still happily wolfing down her soup.
"No offense Pinkie" Rainbow started, looking at the pink party pony weirdly "but you like everypony, no matter who they are or how they behave."
"Hey, that's not true!" Pinkie protested. "There are ponies that I don't particularly like!" RD raised an eyebrow at that in challenge.
"Really now? Then name at least one pony that you don't like." Immediately Pinkie adopted a thoughtful pose, rubbing her chin and furrowing her brows in an exaggerated manner, like all things Pinkie.
"Hmm… Hmm… Hmm… Give me a sec, that's a tricky one." I think I speak for everypony when I say that it took a lot out of us not to facehoof at that (or is it facepalm?) Rainbow was about to declare her victory when Pinkie suddenly brightened up and bounced in her chair, smiling that too-wide-for-comfort grin of hers. "Oh, I know, I know! Black Snooty, Black Snooty!"
"What?" Was all RD managed to force herself to say, trying to wrap her head around Pinkie's answer.
"Somepony's missing out on her dark chocolate fix~♪" Pinkie sang, bursting out in giggles. After a second however she calmed down and explained… as if she was explaining something obvious to a foal that is. "You asked me to name at least one pony I didn't particularly like, remember Dashie?" Nod, because Rainbow wasn't in any state to answer verbally right now. "So I did! I don't particularly like Black Snooty."
"Em…" I don't blame Rainbow for looking at Twilight for help, I was about as lost here as she was. Twilight however, in some incredible twist of fate (or somehow having tapped into the same madness that plagued Pinkie's mind) was able to come up with a somewhat reasonable answer.
"I think Pinkie's talking about Nightmare Moon."
"Wait… how in the world does Black Snooty translate into Nightmare Moon?" Rarity once again braved the endless abyss of Pinkie's logic and dared to ask. All she got in terms of answer was a non-committable murmur that vaguely sounded like 'I dunno'.
All in all however, that little bit of Pinkie Pie-ness managed to cool some heads before it could turn into yet another argument. Come to think of it, it was starting to become a recurring theme the last couple of days. No matter how small or insignificant the issue was, everypony seemed way too willing to let any discussion turn into an argument. It was as if the girls somehow became more irritable, which left me wondering one thing. Why?
I glanced at Rainbow Dash and then at Rarity, the two mares finally overcoming the confusion brought by Pinkie's randomness and actually apologizing to one another. Both looked sheepish about what almost transpired and seemed to want to put it behind them as soon as possible. That was another thing that made all this more confusing. The ease with which we could fall to anger was not in any form proportional to how quick and easy it was to snap out of it. Short bursts of pointless irritation just didn't make any sense. And why did Pinkie seem immune to whatever was happening? Okay, scratch that last one; common rules never applied to Pinkie Pie, so why should they start now?
Taking another spoonful of soup I let myself ponder this riddle. The more I thought of this however the more widespread the problem seemed to become. It wasn't only how easy it was for the girls to start fighting with one another, I quickly realized that they we all became more prone to conducting violence. Rainbow for instance always was a hothead, and wasn't one to shy away from getting her hooves dirty, but she never lashed out on verbal assaults only. You'd need to actually threaten her or her friends for that. Yet the moment she found out Trixie was here as well, she didn't waste a second and pounced on her, even though it was obvious she was as much a victim as we were. Something was terribly wrong here.
"Something the matter Spiky?" I was brought back out of my musings by the angelic voice of Rarity. Looking up from my bowl I noticed that not only she but all the girls were looking at me.
"Everything's fine." I replied, confused by the sudden attention. "Why do you ask?"
"You've been playing with your soup for the past five minutes." Rainbow stated simply.
"If you don't want it I'll eat it!" Pinkie offered, eying my food hungrily. Having no doubt she actually would I hurriedly took another spoonful in an attempt to show her that it wouldn't be necessary.
"It's nothing, really." I assured after swallowing. Seeing the unconvinced look Twilight was giving me however made me sigh, realizing there was no backing out of this. "Haven't you noticed something strange going on with us? I mean aside from the obvious?"
It took me some time to explain everything to the girls, and by the time I finished a sizable chunk of the Rusty Dragon's patrons left, replaced by new ones coming fresh from the rainy streets of Sandpoint. It wouldn't take so long if I wasn't interrupted every five minutes by either Twilight or Pinkie, but that's neither here nor there. The point is I shared my observations with the girls to varying yet foreseeable reactions on their parts.
Twilight seemed to be the most interested in this, asking additional questions all the time and nodding or murmuring in appropriate places. Rarity too seemed to be interested, but stayed mostly silent, as if mulling over all the information in her head. Rainbow didn't seem particularly concerned, aside from a few places where she wasn't exactly ecstatic that I used her as an example, but that changed when I mentioned Fluttershy's rage-induced blood lust as yet another example. And Pinkie… well, I'm not sure what she thought of all this. She listened, yes, and asked questions, some of them even relevant, but as far as I know she didn't care much aside from letting out a small cheer at me mentioning she was probably immune to whatever was causing this.
There was one thing I did withhold from the girls though, and that was my own bloody rage. They really didn't need to know what I did. Hey, I didn't want to remember it. I still feel filthy and wrong when I remember what I did to that goblin. Ripping out its throat, growing and then retracting claws; each time I thought about it I felt sick to the stomach and a shiver ran down my spine. The girls, especially Twilight and Rarity didn't have to know about that, though the latter probably saw a little bit of it herself. After all, she looked apologetically at me when she mentioned it and I quickly had to covered it up with a half-truth. Thank goodness they didn't drag the issue.
"Ya know Spike, when you put it that way it really does seem like we have an anger problem or something." Rainbow commented just after I finished my long-winded explanation. "It's kinda creepy when you think about it."
"Yeah, I noticed. That's why I even bothered mentioning it." I replied, my eyes focusing on Twilight's pensive face. "Any idea what's going on Twi?"
"No, unfortunately not." She muttered, shaking her head. "It all just doesn't add up. Information just contradict one another; I can't come up with a feasible theory as to why it's even happening."
"But surely you must have some idea as to what could possibly be happening, darling. Even half an idea is better than none." Rarity reasoned, and Rainbow and I nodded, backing her up.
"Well okay girls, just don't take what I say as hard facts. It's all guesswork at this point." Twilight warned, and after a moment to gather her thoughts she started.
"From what I understand it all started the night we ended up here. The biggest fight you had back then was between you, Rarity, and Applejack, is that correct?"
"Unfortunately yes." Rarity nodded solemnly. "If I knew what would have happened later that day I wouldn't let out even a peep about that tick."
"So we can assume that this started early during our presence here." Twi concluded. "That could possibly mean that this problem is genetic-based. In theory, we can't be completely sure if humans and other humanoid species aren't prone to random bouts of anger. As such, it could be possible that we just react accordingly to the brain chemistry of our new forms."
"True, but why does Pinkie seem to be immune to those changes?" I asked, immediately poking at the hole in the theory. Most would assume it rude, but I knew better; Twilight wanted me to point out where she erred so that she could later improve. We done that since I was old enough to help her in her studies.
"That's a valid question Spike: why does Pinkie Pie seem to be immune to those changes?" See? What did I tell ya? "This is the point where this theory falls apart. While it's possible that Pinkie found herself transformed into the one species that isn't susceptible to anger like the rest, that on itself would be a precedent where the humanoid species are concerned."
"What can I say, I'm just that special." Pinkie smiled at that, taking this for a good sign.
"Maybe, or maybe it is we that are quote unquote 'special'." Twilight replied without missing a beat, just as if she expected Pinkie to say that. "Bouts of aggression don't seem to be a naturally occurring event in human society, at least from what we've seen of it until now. That also doesn't seem to fit the psychological profile of a sociable omnivore.
"Drawing comparisons from the studies of griffon culture written by professor Careful Inquiry and cross-referencing it with the treaty on chimeras by professor Daredevil I can estimate that intelligent creatures with a carnivorous or omnivorous diet generally fit into two categories: solitary ambush-predators, or predators with pack mentality. Griffons fit into the latter group, having a strong pack, or rather family mentality, with a drive to provide for every member of the 'pack', and with strongly developed social skills. We, as ponies, may not see those social skills that often, but it's a deeply rooted instinct amongst the griffins, manifesting mainly when they are amongst their own species. That's one of the main reasons why griffons were able to establish their own nation: they know how to work together and how to interact with one another on a daily basis. And I believe that humans and humanoids, as omnivores themselves, fit into the latter group as well.
"Now, knowing that cooperation is the key to forming any sort of higher civilization, behavioral patterns of both humans and griffons need to promote such actions. As I already stated, griffons are sociable omnivores. Although most ponies associate their race with aggressive behavior, most of it is highly ritualized and more often than not has nothing to do with actual aggression. They don't, for example, fly into a berserker frenzy over an insult, though that may vary from individual to individual, and depends on the race of the one insulting them. As such, in the event that humans are similar to griffons in this regard I would have serious doubts over whether or not they are highly irritable and prone to bouts of aggression, as well as…"
"Twilight?" I reached over the table and poked her hoof hand with my spoon to get her attention.
"What is it Spike?"
"I don't think the girls are following you." To punctuate that I pointed at Rainbow, who looked like if her brain froze, and then to Pinkie, who was happily humming a tune and completely ignored what was going on around her. Seeing this Twilight couldn't help but let out a defeated groan and ask in a deadpan:
"Okay, from what point did you girls stop following my explanation?"
"I lost you at 'psychological profile of a sociable omnivore'." Rainbow admitted straightforward, not even bothering to act sheepish. That of course earned yet another groan from Twi.
"You want the abridged version? Humans and humanoids are like griffins, and they're not as easily irritable as we ended up being."
"Oh. Then why didn't you say so?"
"I just did… You know what? I'm starting to see what Spike means by us getting irritated really easily." Twilight replied, the effort she put into maintaining calm visible to the naked eye. Fortunately her words were enough to tip off Rarity about her mental state. Initialing damage control, she redirected Twilight's train of thoughts to something else.
"Twilight, darling, if I recall, you mentioned something about us being the ones different. Could you perhaps explain what you had in mind?" I was really grateful that Rarity came up with that ploy. Twilight immediately brightened up at hearing that question, her earlier ire at Rainbow all but forgotten, only feeding into the theory of something being not right.
"Certainly. You see, if my earlier assumption on humans being like griffons is correct, then that would leave us as the odd ones." Twi started to explain. She took care however not go fully into lecture mode this time and at least try to keep it brief. "That would mean that we were in some way manipulated during our transformation, possibly by the mysterious entity that abducted us. Taking into account that the culprit was able to transform us in the first place, it is possible that he/she manipulated with our brain chemistry as well."
"I see." Rarity nodded, getting at least the gist of what Twi just said. She furrowed her brow however when she realized something. "Not to appear as a naysayer darling, but that theory is once again thwarted by Pinkie's apparent immunity to those supposed changes."
"I realize that Rarity. It makes even less sense than my first one." Twilight agreed readily, probably noticing that herself. "As much as it may sound weird, Pinkie is our standard when it comes to normal behavioral patterns in this situation."
"You're right, it does sound weird." Pinkie interjected, looking thoughtful. "I don't recall the last time someone used me as a standard for something."
"Gee, I wonder why?" I jokingly replied, earning a chuckle from Pinkie.
"So… what? We're the odd bunch and humans are peaceful, or do we have a problem with controlling their nature?" At this point Rainbow seemed more bored by this whole discussion than anything. "And does it even matter that much?"
"Looking back at what poor Fluttershy did –yes, this does matter." Rarity rebutted, giving me a sideways glance. She probably knows more than she lets on… great. "What if we get into an argument with somepony that we shouldn't? Or what if at some point one of us 'snaps' for want of better word and lashes out at the other? This may prove to be a ticking time bomb."
"A time bomb that we're unable to diffuse." I added, bringing attention to me. "Think about it: if this is something that whoever brought us here did to us, or something natural to what we're now, than what hope do we have to fight it? I don't remember anypony ever winning against genetics."
"There is one other option." Twilight chose this moment to interject, effectively stealing the limelight, not that I minded of course. "Out of all the theories so far this is probably the most farfetched, but it would explain most of everything perfectly."
"Okay then, let's hear it."
"What if this is the work of some kind of magic?" Really? I mean really? Did Twilight just pull out the old 'magic' card on us?
"No offense Twilight, but that really does sound farfetched." See? Even Rarity agrees with me! What gives Twi?
"You're right Rarity, and it probably is. But it's the only explanation that fits everything perfectly." Twilight defended weakly, probably not buying it herself. "With a little bit of mental exercise I could even believe that Pinkie is immune to whatever magical force affects us. She does break some commonly accepted rules of nature, what's there to say that she can't break more here? But you're right, that's just a silly notion I came up with on the fly. It's probably something different and obvious, something that we just don't see right now."
With that being said, Twilight fell silent, her brows knitted in thought. Figuring she was going to stay that way for awhile the girls let her to it and struck up a conversation of their own, trying to ignore the issue of anger management and focus on something else. As for me, I was starting to feel like mentioning this was a mistake on my part. I brought moods down, I put even more on our collective plate… It's like no matter what I do it just backfires at me in some way.
Trying to take my mind off my self-induced guilt trip I took a look around the inn again. Only now did it occur to me that we were discussing important matters of social, mental, and scientific importance in what was basically a bar. Chuckling slightly at the amusing thought I almost missed a new guest entering, but the moment I saw who it was I immediately stopped laughing.
I quickly recognized the drenched, chainmail-wearing figure as one of the guards, namely one of the guys that helped in repelling the goblin fire wagon yesterday. I couldn't quite place his name at the moment; it was neither guard Titus, nor that grump Ernie, but the dark complexion, dark hair, and unmistakable burnt orange cape was familiar enough. Wondering what one of the town guards was looking for in the Rusty Dragon I paid close attention to him.
Our nameless friend passed through the throng of patrons with the practiced ease of a regular. Making his way towards the bar, he quickly got there and asked the bartender something I couldn't make out through the din. The woman at the bar nodded to whatever he said and went back to what I assume is the kitchen. Moments later she came back, accompanied by Ameiko herself, wearing a set of simple clothes and an apron.
Ameiko and the guard quickly struck up a conversation, and judging by how the two acted towards one another it seemed they knew each other rather well. After a minute or so the guard produced a piece of parchment and passed it to the bar owner, letting her read its contents. Finishing whatever was written on it she looked at the armored man and simply nodded, passing it back to him and pointing at the board next to the bar, immediately making me realize that it actually was a notice board and not as I suspected a price list. Quickly pinning his parchment, the guard went back to chatting with the apron-clad woman on whatever it was they were chatting about.
I was about to turn my attention from the duo when I noticed something I thought strange. Ameiko and our still unnamed guard seemed to be discussing something, the two of them nodding from time to time, until our host arched an eyebrow at him. Saying something that I still couldn't hear from my position she started to scan the room as if searching for someone. But the moment her eyes fell on our table, her face lit up and she inclined her head in our direction. The guard followed her eyes and momentarily noticed us. Nodding in what I assume was thanks to Ameiko, he then made his way towards our table, his intentions about to be revealed.
"Good afternoon ladies, little master." The moment he came close enough to talk comfortably he greeted us politely. "Mind if I join you for a moment?"
"Nah, go ahead." Rainbow replied shrugging, making place for him. The guard pulled up a vacant chair and sat between her and Twilight, glancing at us all, an easy smile on his face. "So, what's up?" RD tried to break the ice.
"Nothing much, just had to run an errand before my shift's over." The man replied simply, leaning in his chair and stretching a bit. "After yesterday's goblin raid Belor has us working overtime to keep everything safe. With Sorrento and Esper dead, and a few others out of commission for the time being, we're a few hands short."
"Oh, um… I'm sorry to hear that, Mister…?" Rarity politely tried to inquire for his name and at the same time fight off the weird feeling that crept up her spike after the mention of the deaths sustained by the guard force. The guard seemed to quickly catch on.
"Ferizzo, Asper Ferizzo. And there's no need to feel sorry; our job has this type of thing written in its description." His reply was smooth, though I couldn't help but notice a bit of regret in his voice. He quickly brightened up however as he continued, a smile finding its way onto his face. "Besides, you helped us minimize casualties by quite a bit. In fact, if it wasn't for you, we may have never been able to stand against that fire-spewing hell engine!"
Guard Ferizzo seemed to be sincere, if a bit overenthusiastic. The last part he said quite loudly, enough for the people sitting at a nearby table to take notice. Looking at us, they started to whisper amongst themselves, most probably talking about us. I could already feel my ears burning.
"Glad that we could be of help!" I was brought back to the conversation by Pinkie's exclamation, her wide smile directed at Asper. She was eagerly shaking hands with the guard, who seemed a bit perplexed by her sudden outburst, but nonetheless went with it.
"Pinkie's right, that's the least we could do." Twilight nodded after a moment of consideration. "We just did what we thought was right."
"Believe me, that was still more than what most would do in your position." Asper replied solemnly, but smiled soon after. "Still –I wanted to thank you for your help. I'm sure Belor and the guys will want to too, but since I'm already here…"
He trailed off, waving in the direction of the bar. After a few seconds the barmaid from before came weaving through the throng of patrons, waiting for the man to place an order (and if I'm not mistaken stealing glances at me).
"Five mugs of Ameiko's best cider for the brave ladies and their companion!" Asper ordered jubilantly, immediately bringing a grin that could rival one of Pinkie's on RD's face.
"On it." The barmaid quickly went to fulfill the order. The moment she left however Rainbow nearly tackled the guard from joy.
"Dude! You have no idea how cool of you is to do that!" I have the weird impression that Rainbow Dash likes cider. Just a thought.
"It's no problem, really." Asper assured, laughing. "Besides, it's just some cider, it's not as if I'm about to go broke just by buying you guys a round of drinks." He added, seeing that Twilight was about to protest. His demeanor however changed as if by the touch of a magic wand and he looked at us with curiosity. "By the way –is the pink haired half-elf lady a friend of yours?"
"Yeah, that's Fluttershy." I said slowly, eying the guy. "Is there something wrong with her?"
"No, of course not. I just remembered seeing her with you." He replied, waving his hand dismissively. "She was quite a bit of help in the cathedral, going around and helping the guys. I even saw her cast a few healing spells on some of the more severely wounded. She seemed to be quite a sweet soul…"
"Yes, Fluttershy is one of the sweetest and kindest po… ekhm… half-elves I had the good fortune to meet." Rarity nodded, almost slipping up back there. Asper didn't seem to notice though, so she continued, letting out a silent sigh. "Seriously though Mister Ferizzo: was there any reason for you to mention our dear friend?"
"Actually yes." The guard finally admitted, leaning again and swinging in his chair carelessly. "Before I went out with Belor's notices she approached me, asking if I could perchance pass a message to you guys."
"Wait… Fluttershy asked you that?" Twilight looked surprised at that, scanning the guard's face in search of deceit. After all, that definitely did not sound like something Fluttershy would do.
Asper seemed to notice Twi's suspicions and sat straighter. "I wouldn't exactly call it 'asking me'. With the amount of avoiding the topic and insistence of not wanting to be a bother I almost had to force it out of her… not that I did!" He added, noticing the immediately hostile looks he received from all of us.
"So, care to tell us what Fluttershy wanted?" Rainbow asked, her tone of voice carrying an unspoken threat. When confronted by four glaring mares and one dragon, even an armor-clad soldier such as Asper Ferizzo had to feel uneasy. Swallowing hard, he managed to respond:
"Miss Fluttershy wanted me to tell you that you needn't worry about someone called 'Apple Jack', that she was feeling better and that she recently woke up. She also said that she should be 'discharged', whatever that means, later today, and asked if it wouldn't be too much of a problem if you could come and see her in the cathedral. That's honestly all she told me!"
Rainbow studied the man's face for a moment longer, as if trying her hoof hand in intimidation. From the corner of my eye I could see Pinkie Pie wipe a fake tear from her eye, mouthing 'they grow up so fast', but she didn't have the chance to finish before RD nodded slowly at the guard. "Yeah, that does sound like something 'Shy would say." Asper let out a breath he didn't know he was holding at that, and visibly relaxed.
Just then the barmaid from before came back, balancing five large mugs of foaming cider on her plate. After placing them on our table she quickly retreated to wherever she was hiding most of the time, our recently relaxed guard quickly following in her footsteps.
"Well, it's time for me! I still have to hang those notices in a few places." He stated hurriedly, standing from her chair so quickly it tumbled to the floor. It was obvious he didn't want to stay in Rainbow's presence longer than he absolutely had to. "I'll be going now, okay? A-and thanks again for your help with the goblins! We'd been roasted if not for you!" He added the last bit as he was making his way through to the door, loud enough for everyone in the inn to hear. Again, murmurs arose and more than a few eyes turned in our direction, but the instigator of all this was already closing the door behind him, leaving us to our own devices.
"Don't you think you went just a little bit overboard Rainbow Dash?" Rarity asked soon after our associate left, giving a sideways glance to the mare in question. Rainbow just scoffed at the notion.
"He had it coming. I always react like that when Flutters is in question. I don't take kindly to ponies bullying her." Rainbow replied, glaring at the door guard Asper disappeared behind. Sighing irritably, she took a sip of her drink. The moment she swallowed however her eyes shot open and she let out a low whistle. "Whoa! This stuff's good."
"Not as good as Sweet Apple Cider, but it's a close second." Pinkie added, sounding like a connoisseur. The image was marred by the foam mustache on her lips. Wanting to be the judge of that myself I was about to take a sip when suddenly the mug of cider was ripped out of my claws hands by none other than Twilight. I was about to complain, but whatever arguments I formed died in my throat when I noticed the look on Twi's face.
"Spike, this is hard cider. I won't be letting you drink alcoholic beverages. You're still a baby dragon." Her tone of voice left no room for complaint, but that didn't prevent me from trying, even if only by a barely audible murmur on my part.
"I'm not that young. I'm fourteen." Unfortunately for me, Twilight's new form came with an acute sense of hearing.
"Don't you give me that, Spike! You know full well that you're still a growing dragon. Alcohol could seriously stunt your growth." Yeah right. Like I grew more than two inches in the last ten years. *sigh* Guess I'll just have to give in to Twilight's better judgment. After all, she's the lead specialist when it comes to dragon physiology and how our growth processes work.
No, I'm not bitter. What gave you that idea?
Deep down however, and as much as I loath to admit it, I knew Twilight was right. She was trying to look after me like a big sister should after all. Add to that her own rather unpleasant experiences with alcohol and you had the perfect explanation as to why she acted as she did. Heck, I still remember the last time she got completely smashed, and boy, was that a thing to behold! Who would've thought that Twilight was such a lightweight. It took a simple cup of spiked punch (pun intended) during Shining's eighteenth birthday party for the bookish, timid recluse that was Twilight to change into a complete party animal. I still don't have a clue where she knew half the bawdy songs she sung that day from. Nor how she climbed onto the roof of Princess Celestia's tower for that matter.
So there we were, Twilight and I, the only two without a mug of cider before us, watching as our three friends were downing their own. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie I could even understand: both seemed to love the stuff, having their own mugs already empty and beginning the ones the two of us left untouched. Rarity however was a surprise. I would've thought she would consider it uncouth to drink something like cider of all things, but I was sorely mistaken. She still tried to look as dignified as she possibly could during the whole ordeal, but she couldn't hide the fact she really enjoyed her drink. Heh… the more you know…
I didn't particularly fancy watching as the girls were filling their systems with booze, nor was I in the mood to. So, to take my mind off of the injustice of once again being refused the chance to participate in the group's activities I decided to occupy myself with something. Remembering guard Asper brought some sort of notice here and my realization about the notice board itself, I decided to check it out. Trying not to draw any attention to me, I jumped off my stool and made my way towards the notice board.
Maneuvering through the throng of patrons was surprisingly easy I noticed. Where at first I thought I would have problems weaving between guests a few times larger than I was, I found that most of the time they let me pass without me having to do as much as ask them to. For a second there I thought that I was getting some sort of special treatment, you know, after guard Asper brought it to light we helped quite a bit in defending the town, but that couldn't possibly be it. Either way I quickly got to the notice board, and after hopping on a nearby stool I started to check what was on it.
Help needed in mapping Devil's Platter. Will pay adventuring group 250 sails per square mile of mapped terrain. For details ask for Veznutt Parooh at The Way North.
A work offer? In an inn? That's an interesting custom if ever I saw one. Okay, what else is there?
Killed a goblin? Make sure to take it's ears! I pay for every undamaged pair. Half price if you only have one. Ask at the Goblin Squash Stables for details.
Daviren Hosk
Okay… because that's not creepy at all. Next!
Trade caravan looking for guards willing to travel to Korvosa. Will pay standard wage of 100 sails per month plus any additional income in form of bandit loot. For details ask Sandru Vhiski.
Wait, did that offer mention looting bandits? As in kill those guys and take their stuff? That's some strange morality right there, though the irony isn't lost on me.
Let it be known that a price of 1,000 sails has been placed on the head of the monster stalking the Farmlands known as the Sandpoint Devil. Proof of the fiend's demise should be brought to the Turandarok Academy for Ilsoari Gandethus to determine its authenticity. The reward shall be paid from the Sandpoint Monster Fund by mayor Kendra Deverin.
So… monster problems. At least that's kinda like back home. But where's the one hung by that Asper fellow? It has to be here somewhere… oh, there it is. Ekhm…
Following the tragic events of the goblin raid on first of Rova the Sandpoint Guard Service seeks able bodied, law abiding men and women capable of holding their own in a fight to fill the ranks of the Guard. We offer a steady wage of 17 sails a week as well as provide any and all new recruits with a set of chainmail armor and basic weapons. We also offer professional training and free meals at the Rusty Dragon Inn for the first month of service. People interested in joining should talk to Sheriff Belor Hemlock at the local garrison.
So that's what all this was about. The local guard force was looking for new recruits to fill in the gap created by the goblins. It made sense at least; I mean if what guard Asper was saying was true and they worked overtime already to fill in for the dead and wounded then they really needed to fill up their ranks as quickly as possible. Either way, I wish them the best of luck. With what I saw yesterday, they really needed a good guard force in place.
Just as I finished reading the notice and jumped back on the floor did I hear Twilight calling my name. Quickly making my way back to our table, I sat in my chair and looked quizzically at Twi, waiting for her to fill me in on what she needed.
"Okay, now that you're here we can finally get going." To my confusion Twilight stood from her chair the moment her eyes fell on me, the girls doing the same.
"Wait, what's going on?" I asked, looking lost.
"We're off to see Fluttershy and Applejack, duh!" Rainbow replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "If she's going to be discharged today then we might as well accompany her on the way out."
"Besides, the poor dear deserves to have all her friends with her, especially after that horrid explosion she survived." Rarity added, a slightly ashamed expression on her otherwise gorgeous face. That was about all the explanation I needed; not a second later I was already on my feet following them towards the exit.
Rainbow Dash was about to turn the doorknob and lead us towards the cathedral when Pinkie stopped abruptly, causing Twilight to almost tumble as she tripped on her. Recovering her footing, she looked at Pinkie, confused as to what she was up to. After all, she just stood there, as if paralyzed, her eyes focused on Rainbow. Seeing her piercing blue eyes fixed on her, RD let her hoof hand fall to her side slowly, barely brushing against the knob. That was enough for Pinkie however.
"You must gather your party before venturing forth." She said it with so much conviction that it almost made us physically stumble. The way Pinkie was looking at Dash, no cheerful grin and no barely masked laughter, made us realize, that however weird her 'demand' sounded, she was being completely serious. Finally, after a good moment of just looking at Pinkie with varying levels of confusion painted on our faces did I gather the courage to venture down the path of enlightenment.
"What are you talking about?" The art of eloquence is not lost on me, that much is certain.
Either way, Pinkie turned to face me, her expression still one of utter seriousness. "I said that we need to get everypony before we go." Was all I got as a response, as if I should know what she was talking about by now.
”Pinkie… we're all here." Rainbow deadpanned. "Unless you're suggesting we take that pain in the flank Trixie with us I don't see anypony…" She trailed off seeing Pinkie nod eagerly at that. After about a second or so she groaned loudly. "Did you drink too much cider Pinks? You can't be serious about that!"
"I am." Pinkie shrugged, a grin reappearing on her face. "Oh come now Dashie, don't you think it would be super rude to leave her behind like that? I mean she's all alone, and the only ponies she knows are us. Show her a little good will, will ya?"
"The only thing she needs showing is the back of my hoof." Dash grumbled, and would probably found some sort of retort if it wasn't for the timely intervention of Twilight.
"Pinkie's right… kinda." The moment Twi said that Rainbow looked at her wide eyed. "As much as she may get on our nerves, she's still a pony like us. She's stuck here as much as we are and as long as we are, and it may be a good idea to try and at least normalize our relations as much as possible. Or if nothing else we can keep an eye on her, in case she decides to skip town and make going back to Equestria even harder." After her lengthy explanation, lined with a surprising amount of goodwill, Rainbow seemed to be momentarily conflicted. On one hoof Twi's reasoning was sound, and it played well on Dash's sense of loyalty, on the other it did make a good argument in regards of better being safe than sorry. Finally she groaned in defeat and started in the direction of the stairs, grumbling under her breath.
"Let's get this over with." She muttered darkly while scaling the stairs, the girls and I following her in case Trixie made problems. Once on the corridor Rainbow wasted no time and approached the magician's door (incidentally it was opposite the room Twilight and I shared), and without much preamble she threw it open, stepping inside.
Not even half a second later she jumped back with a start, a pale-blue ray shooting right above her head and hitting the wall behind her, where it left a barely visible layer of frost.
Something tells me Twilight wasn't the only one with a midnight visitor.