//------------------------------// // A Tale of Two Parties // Story: The Thief, The Wizard, and The Element of Kindness // by TheGradualGhost //------------------------------// “This is the job we’ve been waiting for!” an elf excitedly whispered while being careful to keep his volume below the noise of the inn. “After this we’ll own this city!” His companion, an attractive female elf, sitting across the table appeared anxious. “But,” she began, “he is dangerous. What if you are discovered?” “I’ll handle it,” a wicked grin flashed across his face as he emptied his wineglass. His outward confidence did nothing to satiate his companion’s worry. “Run the plan by me again,” she evenly stated. He sighed and called for another bottle of wine from the barmaid. He then settled in to talk over every detail of his perfectly formulated plan. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Bullshit,” John had had enough. Listening to the draconequus, as Discord called himself, explain the magic of friendship had struck a nerve in the thief enough to distract him from the pain that walking was putting him through. “Oh come now,” Discord patronized the thief, “it’s just a form of magic that you haven’t encountered yet. When you meet my friends you’ll see what I’m talking about.” A glance ahead confirmed that there would be time to talk about this as the entrance to town could not be seen yet. “You claim to make a believer of me,” John’s smirk returned in full force, “but I claim that you will fail.” “Well aren't we full of ourselves,” Discord returned the smirk with a grin of his own. “As it stands I have nothing to prove to you so why would you challenge me in this way? Could it be that you are afraid of what it would mean if I am right?” “That story is ridiculous,” John now wore a neutral expression. “The elements of harmony sound like something a child made up to entertain other children and you mentioned that they are the most powerful form of magic in all of Equestria, but what do they do? You claimed to have faced them and lost, what did they do to you?” “I became a stone statue,” Discord lamented. “Oh how the birds have missed their perch.” “A statue,” John repeated and poked Discord with an outstretched hoof. “You don’t look very statuesque to me.” “I got better,” Discord snarked, “but that doesn't change the fact that you are attempting to discredit my tale.” “I make my living on discovering the truth,” all playfulness gone from John’s voice. “My experiences tell me that a single fact hidden away in even the most outlandish of legends can kill us all.” “It is no mere legend and I believe that you will discover that for yourself,” Discord sighed. “As dreary of a conversationalist as you are at least you’re more adaptable than your companion.” He gestured to the minotaur following behind the duo. He had been silent for the entire trip to town most likely mulling over the revelations he had received at the cabin. “He’ll liven up if we can find a problem he can solve with an axe to the face,” John shrugged. “How brutish of him,” Discord flatly stated. “Remind me to never steal his cookies.” “Speaking of companions,” John began, “why did Fluttershy have to go ahead?” “She may have felt the need to help with arranging the festivities,” despite the grand flourish Discord gave he appeared bored. “You mentioned unicorns?” John changed the subject. “Are they the only ones capable of magic?” “Yes and no,” Discord began, “all ponies have magic in them but the unicorns are the only race capable of controlling it.” He paused and noticed the curious expression on John’s face and decided to continue. “Pegasus’ wings are much too small to maintain flight for a creature of that size so their innate magic adds to their abilities. Earth ponies tend to have an affinity to the ground beneath their hooves; I would suspect this is why Applejack always seems to know when somepony has found their way onto her family’s property.” “Anything else you may have noticed?” John posed the question. “Well,” Discord brought his claw to his chin in thought, “many ponies of all races have shown the ability to hold and manipulate objects with their hooves. I would assume that is some form of innate magic that would require some concentration and training though.” “Object manipulation using magic localized to hooves?” John was lost in thought. “Now that is interesting.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “I won’t worry about you getting inside,” the beautiful elf conceded, “however, you still haven’t told me how you plan on getting out if you are discovered.” “He’ll never suspect anything is wrong until long after I've hit the border,” he explained. “You always have a backup plan,” she reasoned. “We always have a backup plan.” “If getting in works I’ll have access to his workshop,” the elf began calmly, “there should be enough there to cause some chaos and escape through the tunnels; then it’s just a matter of staying out of sight until I cross the border.” “Alright,” she looked uneasy, “but what about your employer? What if he decides he no longer wants you around?” “When we meet I’ll set up the meeting room like I always do,” he reasoned, “if he doesn't want to meet under my terms then I’ll take my business elsewhere.” “Who is going to watch your back?” her unease was slowly escaping her features. “I think John has earned his shot,” he answered. She gave an approving nod but appeared lost in thought. “One last question,” she hesitated. “What does he need you for?” “I haven’t told you yet?” the elf appeared surprised. “Our employer has a rival and I’m to ensure that he loses his portal research.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Dammit!” John exclaimed. He had discovered that lifting objects was an easy feat but his tools fell to the ground with a clatter when he attempted any sort of motion required of them. “I did tell you it would require training,” Discord laughed over John’s shoulder. “Not helping,” John snapped. His frustration was visible to the entire party, he even managed to get Hammer’s attention with his deft hooves, but he knew that he would have to calm down before he could make any progress. “Regardless you may just want to gather your tools,” Discord gave a flourish, “we have arrived. Welcome to Ponyville.” Ahead loomed a town square bordered by several small shops and market stalls while ponies cantered back and forth talking amongst themselves and greeting friends and acquaintances. “Ponyville?” Hammer asked. “This world is inhabited by talking ponies and you question their naming habits?” John countered and went back to collecting his belongings. “Say what you want John,” Hammer began, “but at least orcs name settlements in ways that make sense.” “You grew up in a town called Orctown,” John deadpanned, “and orcs were a minority there. You are a half-orc so this whole orc pride stuff you throw around is a little misplaced and nonsensical.” “Makes more sense than Ponyville,” Hammer countered while being satisfied in his logical fallacy. Discord and John merely looked at each other and continued walking while the minotaur followed behind. The trio passed by the stalls and shops, one of which seemed to only sell quills and sofas, while making their way to their destination. Before them loomed a somewhat larger shop with a design and paint scheme similar to a cake of some kind and a sign displaying the establishment’s name to passersby. “Sugarcube Corner?” John read quizzically. “Some sort of sweet shop I suppose.” He led the way inside only to be assaulted by a blast of confetti and streamers. The source of his discomfort was apparently a pink pony operating a canon while five other ponies stood behind her. “Welcome to Ponyville!” the six multicolored ponies shouted. The voices brought John’s mind back into focus and Hammer replaced his axe into its holster. Their eyes scanned the room and recognized the two familiar faces, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie who was operating the canon, in company with the other four. A white unicorn with a purple mane and tail was staring at John’s armor while an orange pony with a blonde mane and tail and wearing a Stetson raised her eyebrow at the unicorn’s disapproving glare. Hovering in the air was a cyan pegasus with a rainbow colored mane and tail. Lastly, standing front and center was a purple pony who was gifted with both a horn and wings with a darker purple mane and tail that had a single stripe of pink running through it. Behind the ponies was a fully decorated bakery complete with streamers and balloons as well as a table stocked with sweets and a punchbowl. “Well,” John recovered, “I can honestly say that I didn't expect this. I think I'll just help myself to some punch.” He walked toward the snack table while the ponies tried to make the guests feel welcome. Hammer and Discord went to a booth to have their own discussion and Fluttershy trotted off to join them. “Name’s Applejack,” the pony wearing the Stetson introduced herself, “an’ if’n ya find the punch to yer likin’ ya’ll should come ‘round the farm as we’re gearin’ up fer cider season an’ this year’s lookin’ tah be a record breaker.” Her accent was unusual but John found it easy to follow. “Thanks for the offer,” John responded noncommittally, "but I'd like to sort my own problems out first." Applejack thought this over. "Seems fair," Applejack began, "but know the offer's still on the table." She walked over to join the cyan pegasus in conversation. John continued toward his prize until he heard a sound behind him like someone clearing her throat. Turning around he came face to face with the white unicorn. “Darling,” the white unicorn interjected, “what in Equestria is that material?” “Leather,” John responded with a sigh. “But why would you wear something so dull?” she responded. “Why do you offer fashion advice before offering your name?” John countered and continued toward the snack table. “Of course,” the unicorn was taken aback, “my name is Rarity and I own Carousel Boutique. It’s just that I could make something more, how should I say it, appropriate to wear around the cows.” “To be honest,” John began, “I am hoping that I won’t be here long enough to worry about offending any cows. I might take you up on your offer if I have to think long-term though.” “That sounds fair,” Rarity said. “However, I insist that you come to the boutique so I can get your measurements.” “I hope you realize that I have no means of paying for any clothes,” John responded and attempted to grab the ladle sitting in the punchbowl. “Of course you don’t,” Rarity began, “you only just arrived in town. You are someone who is in need of assistance and I will offer what I can. I will expect nothing from you but your gratitude.” “Well that’s generous of you,” John said. “How about this, if you’re not sick of me by the end of the day then I’ll stop by the boutique tomorrow.” Rarity thought that over and nodded. John continued pouring his punch. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “What if something happens?” the beauty whispered. Her companion studied her face and thought carefully of his answer. “The guild will cover your expenses,” he claimed. “You will never pay dues.” “Who is to be in charge?” she breathed. “With my last breath,” he began, “I will ensure that John escapes. He knows the entire operation. He will be the guild master. I know you trust me Vixen.” “I trust you Nightseer,” with that her expression drifted from worry to content and the two enjoyed the rest of their evening. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “All I’m saying,” the cyan pegasus continued her one-sided conversation, “is that you look like a character out of a Daring Doo book.” “And all I am saying,” John countered, “is that I don’t know who or what that is and unless you have the book in your possession I don’t care.” “Twilight has the entire series in her castle,” she returned. The pegasus had previously introduced herself as Rainbow Dash but she was beginning to wear John’s patience out. Seeing an opportunity he turned to the remaining party guest. “And you must be Twilight,” John said. “I've heard that you are good with magic.” “That’s correct,” the purple pony affirmed. “So do you know anything about interdimensional portals,” John asked hopefully. “I can’t say that I do,” Twilight responded, “but there is a shipment of spellbooks that Princess Celestia wants me to go through. It’s possible that somepony started on portal research.” “That sounds fair,” John began, “but do you think you would be capable of conducting the research yourself if you had to?” “I don’t see any reason why not,” Twilight began. “It definitely sounds like something worth looking into. But I can’t let it distract me from my other duties so it would take time.” A purple light then fell over the punch ladle and it poured some punch into a glass. The purple light moved to the filled glass and levitated in front of Twilight. “Not exactly the best scenario,” John claimed, “but I’ll take it. So may I call for a toast?” The seven ponies followed by the minotaur and Discord all raised their glasses. “To new friends and new discoveries,” John proclaimed and the nine individuals drained their glasses. “Whoa,” Twilight started, “Pinkie did you add something new to this punch? It tastes strong.” "Nope," Pinkie responded. She then began stuffing cupcakes in her mouth to mask the taste of the punch. “Sorry that was me,” John stated. “But now I trust that you’ll give this portal research your best effort.” “What does that have to do with spiking the punch?” Twilight reasoned. "I didn't spike the punch," John began, "I poisoned it." A gasp rose among the partygoers accompanied by the shattering of a single glass. "It will cause a very painful death in a rather short timeframe," John continued. The faces of those in attendance wore various emotions but most settled on shock and anger while Pinkie looked confused and Fluttershy appeared sad. Twilight let out a single breath with an outstretched hoof and steadied her gaze. "Why would you poison the ponies who are offering to help you?" she asked. “Because,” John let a grin overcome his face, “when you figure out the portals I’ll give you the antidote. You might want to get started.”