//------------------------------// // Preparation // Story: Knights of Harmony - Redux // by Obsidian Chitin //------------------------------// The moon continued to rise. Starlight Glimmer checked the copper timepiece she had brought with her. It was now 11:32 Luna's Time. She looked out of the train car window as the stallion sitting next to her made conversation with the mare across the aisle. She opened up her map once again to confirm what she knew. The small town of Crescent sat to the southeast of the Everfree Forest, right on the border of The Kingdom of the Moon. The Everfree was not under the jurisdiction of either Kingdom, though hiding out inside the forest is ill-advised given the hazardous wildlife that thrived in that chaotic mess. Starlight closed her map. The ponies she would be bringing with her would have to be rather dedicated if they wanted to make it through. This brought her thoughts to how she would go about this. If she just announced her intentions, ponies would line up to take advantage of the opportunity. They might lie or exaggerate to get what they want. The method she decided to go with was fairly straightforward, a way to gain information without being suspicious. It was time to take a census of Crescent. Starlight checked her pocket watch once more. It was 11:40 LT. The train would arrive at its destination soon. - - - Starlight enveloped the handle to her luggage in a magic aura. She pulled her single bag with her out of the train and onto the platform. The high moon illuminated the small town before her. A pang of hunger struck. First things first, she needed to eat some lunch. She looked around the town as she walked. Small buildings no higher than two stories, simple gaslights lining the roads rather than the magic-based ones she was used to. Starlight knew that she was being sent to this town because of its proximity to the Everfree; Whoever she decided was good enough to be brought along should be fully aware of the dangers involved. She briefly remembered what she read about in one of the letters to Luna from Celestia (getting her hooves on those was not easy), that Celestia had done something similar, going so far as to hold the Summer Sun Celebration in such a tiny village. Perhaps they thought that small-town folk generally had personalities and virtues of the type they're looking for? Starlight had no problem with small towns, of course, but she wasn't sure they were that much worse than the big city. Sure, crime was often worse in cities, but progressive thinking was also that much better. It's simply a matter of extremes. As Starlight noticed a small restaurant she could eat at, she filed that line of thought for later. Something to eat would do her much good right now. She walked past a few buildings before spotting a combination bar and restaurant. Figuring she might get a lead on a few potential candidates, she stepped inside. It was a lot cleaner than she expected. Six ponies and a griffon sat in booths. The griffon seemed to be talking to a crystal pony, which Starlight found curious. There were not many of those around; The only one she remembered was one who worked on temporal magic back in Midnight. Starlight noticed that another pony, one with a red coat and a fiery orange mane, was looking a bit plastered. Starlight gave a small grin and trotted over, luggage bag in tow. "You're new around here, I see." He said, golden yellow eyes focusing intensely on Starlight's. His wings ruffled a little. "Yes. I just moved to this little town, and it seems like a really nice place!" Starlight said innocently, her eyes sparkling with false wonder. "A town's only good as its ponies, ya know." The stallion said. "Name's Burning Fury." "Hello there, Fury." Starlight said, her smile widening slightly. This was going to be easier than she thought! "So, Fury... Tell me about the ponies of this town..." - - - The first stop on her journey was the Stay A While Inn. She had to put away her luggage and find a way to create the census forms, as well as find a place to stay until her task was complete. No doubt that this town would likely become her permanent residence once she found the ponies for the Elements; After all, if her unofficial research was correct, the interpersonal bond between her and her new friends would power the magical artifacts. Once the week was done, whoever bore the element of Generosity would no doubt give her shelter until Luna gave her something more permanent. Starlight allowed herself a small smile The inn was quite small. The main building was two stories and there were four small shacks, two on each side. The two on the left were colored yellow and green, on the right blue and red, and the main building white, all with black roofs. The paint on the wood had faded over the years, though the sign looked new. Starlight took a moment to bend a crick out of her neck, earning a satisfying pop. She then entered the main building. The bell chimed as she entered. To the right and behind a counter, was a light blue pegasus with a combed back blonde mane. Her ears perked up and a wide smile grew on her muzzle. "Oh hello!" She said warmly. "Welcome to the Stay A While Inn! My name is Snow Day, how may I help you?" Starlight noticed the mare's cutie mark: A snowflake half-buried in snow. She then looked the mare in her ice-blue eyes. "Hello! I would like to rent a room for a week in this delightful little town!" Snow Day smiled as well. "Of course! 15 Bits per night." Starlight nodded, and unzipped a pouch on her luggage bag and pulled out three light blue colored coins, each worth 5 Bits. She placed them on the counter, and Snow Day placed the bits into the register. She fluttered her wings as she reached under the desk and pulled out a blue key, placing it on the desk. Starlight nodded and took the key in her magic. "Have a wonderful day." She said. "You as well!" Snow Day replied. Starlight left the main building and trotted to the blue shack. If all the ponies in this town were as nice as Snow Day... Starlight hummed thoughtfully. She could see why Luna brought her to this town; Small population, sense of community, all around friendliness. She would have a lot of ponies who could conceivably fit the bill. But, it was a double-edged sword. With so many ponies who could potentially fill the position, picking one for each category was going to take a lot more time. At the very least, this meant that she could be sure that she was getting the absolutely best possible candidates. - - - Starlight's horn lit with turquoise magic, and her letter was lit with similar flames and sent through the closed window into the night sky. Hopefully the census forms would be sent shortly, but even them Starlight would likely need to wait several hours. Until then, perhaps she could go talk to these ponies beforehoof, and establish a friendly presence. With all her books neatly arranged on the bookshelf the room provided, though there were several placed on top due to lack of room, Starlight could take some time to relax. With a smile on her face and determination in her soul, she set off to make some friends.